Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott discovers what “spiritual stomp” music is all about with new Christian group, Stomptown Revival. Brandon Bee and Gabe Martinez met in 2004 during a record label retreat in Washington. Shortly thereafter, Brandon became an emergency fill-in for Gabe’s band Circleslide when the band’s guitarist injured his hand. Since that time, Brandon and Gabe kept in touch and gradually became aware of their mutual interest in certain obscure musical influences. Eventually, they started writing songs together, and the result was quite a bit different from their recent musical offerings. “We wrote two songs that sounded like Americana bluesy music,” says Bee. “We’re both managed by the same guy, and he showed up and wanted to hear the songs. I was playing a dobro, Gabe was playing harmonica and acoustic guitar. Our manager loved it and thought there was definitely something there! Hence, the birth of our new brand of music we refer to as spiritual stomp.” There’s something new about StompTown Revival, and much that might be unexpected for Christian music listeners. But there’s also something old about their sound that feels quite comfortable on a vinyl record player or your CD player. So while it’s certainly something different for Brandon Bee and Gabe Martinez, it’s somehow fitting to know that, like the songs themselves, the roots run very deep.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott discusses the importance of the Christian believer in the trenches of the public school arena with Veneal Williams and Dalene Parker. Veneal Williams has been writing and emailing devotions for over ten years to a group, The Salt Shakers, while working in an elementary school library. She is also a contributing writer to The Upper Room. Veneal attended the University of Florida and received a B.S. in Business Administration, majoring in marketing. Her devotions are based on the needs she sees in others and her day-by-day life experiences. Dalene Vickery Parker is first and foremost a teacher, but also a public speaker and writer who seeks to inspire others to share her enthusiastic passion for students. Her work has appeared in journals such as Home Life, Brio, and Focus on the Family. She currently lives with her family in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where she is completing her doctorate in education. If you know someone who would be a great guest on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! contact Scott@christiandevotions.us. 

Dianne Barker began writing as a college student, working afternoons at the Johnson City Press-Chronicle, simply following a desire God put in her heart. After graduating, she accepted a full-time position at the newspaper, living her journalism dream and earning much acclaim as a news and feature writer. Her weekly column, “Of Cabbages and Kings,” was widely read, and her story on the death of a local soldier in Vietnam won the prestigious Associated Press Managing Editor’s Award. An opportunity exceeding her dreams came when the newspaper assigned her to cover Billy Graham’s historic Knoxville crusade, which claimed national headlines when President Richard Nixon attended. She was chosen by the crusade’s executive committee to write a book commemorating the event, Billy Graham in Big Orange Country—her first book at age twenty-four. After leaving the newspaper to be a stay-at-home mom to their two awesome children (now grown), she co-authored several books, including Twice Pardoned with Harold Morris, which quickly rose to number one on the national Christian best-sellers list. Discover more about Dianne and her books at www.diannebarker.com.

Jenn Gotzon is a small-town girl who has big dreams of making a difference in people's lives as a rising Indie film star. She will star in nine feature films coming to theaters and DVD this year ranging from family-friendly films, faith-based movies, romantic-comedies, action thrillers, to historical human interest portrayals. Gotzon’s career break portraying President Nixon's daughter, Tricia Nixon, (cameo) in Ron Howard's Oscar nominee Frost/Nixon, launched her as an American leading lady starring in several movies (in theaters 2012 and 2013), shooting her to No. 2 on IMDB Starmeter. Gotzon strives to make a difference in people's lives through the roles she plays on and off screen through mentorship and educational programs via talent convention AMTC (Actors Models Talent for Christ), and motivational outreach high school program Inspiring Audiences. Last year she starred in five feature films: Romance-mystery-drama Doonby opposite The Dukes of Hazzard star John Schneider; political-thriller Dragon Day about a Chinese cyber-takeover of the U.S.; French and Indian War drama and true-story Alone Yet not Alone, in which she plays a historical British captive; musical with a twist of faith September Skies; and entertaining family drama, Gods Country, directed by her husband Chris Armstrong and set to be distributed by Sony. This year, Gotzon commenced principal photography on inspirational drama I Am…Gabriel, written and directed by Chuck Norris’s son Mike Norris (starring her Doonby co-star, John Schneider and Dean Cain); 1940’s old-Hollywood comedy The Screenwriters; crime suspense thriller Untouched as the district attorney; and The Divine Comedy triology as heroine Beatrice in Dante's Inferno Documented.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott talks publishing with the VP of Thomas Nelson Bible Division, Gary Davidson. Gary brings over twenty-two years of experience working in the Christian products industry. He has worked for Thomas Nelson for thirteen years, leading their Christian Retail Sales and Ministry/Church Development Groups. Gary has been married for the past thirty-two years to his wife Joni, and they have four wonderful children: Jason, Jeffrey, Laura, and Jonathan, who are all young adults.  Bible publishing is an interesting thing, especially when translations are always under the microscope. Listen to this and much more on Speak UP this week. If you know someone who would be a great guest on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! contact Scott@christiandevotions.us. 

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott interviews drummer Jeremy Thiessen and singer/pianist Jason Germain from Downhere, about following God in new directions. Downhere was formed by Marc Martel and Jason Germain who were roommates at Briercrest Bible College in Caronport, Saskatchewan. Martel and Germain added fellow Canadians Jeremy Thiessen and Tyson Manning, along with American Corey Doak in 1999.  The two co-writers and lead singers reflect the others’ commitment as well as the entire band's resolution to take Downhere to a higher level in especially challenging times. Clearly, they've been tempered by time, yet their resolution as believers, like their commitment to each other and to their mission, only endures and grows with time. And that sentiment is echoed by the band's drummer, Jeremy Thiessen. "It's been nearly nine years since Downhere was born back in Canada. The music industry has seen some pretty significant changes and challenges in that amount of time and so have we. But the one constant in our story is the sense of calling.” Interestingly enough, Downhere is making its final appearances. The band has decided God is leading them in different directions. Join us for a show discussing how God leads in new directions, even in the face of great success. Jeremy and Jason also share the importance of family time. You won’t want to miss this powerful show.

  First up is Crystal Bowman. Crystal loves writing books for kids. Her books come in all shapes and sizes and many of them have become best sellers. Whether her stories are written in playful rhythm and rhyme, or short sentences for beginning readers, she tries to make them so enjoyable that kids will want to read them over and over again.  James Bars is the author of How God Changes A Life, and several other books, most of which are co-authored with his son Blake. In his search for purpose, wisdom, and understanding, James has spent most of the last thirty-one years diligently studying God's Holy Scriptures, Christian Psychology, Creation Science, Human Behavior Science, Christian Life Coaching, Biblical Counseling, and Human Neural-Science. Janet Lynn Mitchell, author of Words Matter, has held staff positions with Youth for Christ and Forest Home Christian Conference Center, and has served as the director of a Christian preschool. Janet is a CLASS Speaker (Christian Leaders, Authors, and Speakers) and is a popular speaker for women's events, MOPS, family camps, and single-parent groups. Dr. Mary Manz Simon combines her training as an early childhood educator, insights as a corporate consultant, children's market analyst, and experiences as a mother and grandmother, to provide a wide range of services and presentations to audiences and companies. Her platform of practical advice within a developmental framework, appeals to educators and parents who want real-time solutions.  Mrs. Ruth J. Smith is co-founder and President of the Pilgrim Institute, author, and master teacher. Her most recent publications are a series of elementary history student texts and teacher guides entitled, The Mighty Works of God.

  Cecil Murphey calls himself a serious Christian. His faith is the core of his life. Although he writes on numerous topics, many of Cec’s own books focus on prayer and the Bible. He enjoys serving and supporting other Christians as they grow in their faith. Cec grew up with little religious education, and in his early twenties he faced what we sometimes call the existential questions: Who am I? What does life mean? Those questions led him to read a book he spotted in the window of a used bookstore in Waukegan, Illinois. That book, The Magnificent Obsession by Lloyd C. Douglas, centered on a doctor who gave himself unselfishly to others. Cec kept wondering what would motivate such a person. Douglas mentioned the New Testament as the doctor's inspiration. Still curious, Cec picked up a New Testament and started to read with the "begats" in Matthew, chapter 1. Months later he reached the middle of Romans. As Cec closed the Bible, he said aloud, "I believe this." God directed Cec into the pastorate and in 1971, popular writer, Charlie Shedd, came to Atlanta and taught a course on writing for publication. Charlie encouraged Cec to write. Cec sent out his first article in September, after eighteen typewriter revisions, and sold it to the first magazine to which he sent it. That was Cecil Murphey’s beginning. Cec remained a pastor for fourteen years, ten of them in Riverdale, Georgia, in a growing, exciting congregation. He could have stayed there the rest of his career, except those divine hands made Cec know it was time to move on. In 1983, Cec resigned to write full time. That's what he’s been doing ever since. 

  Critically acclaimed inspirational, R&B, and gospel vocalist BeBe Winans is best known as part of the celebrated Winans family. Similar to the Jackson family’s impact on pop music, and the Carter and Cash families’ history with country, the Winans family is truly gospel music royalty. Also an award-winning songwriter and producer, BeBe Winans has achieved notoriety both as part of the hit-making duo BeBe & CeCe Winans and as a solo artist. (Still, the long-awaited duet CD and first Bebe & CeCe album in fifteen years, is approaching Gold.) Winans takes his artistic gifts to the next level with an uplifting new collection of patriotic songs, AMERICA AMERICA, a celebration of the heritage and history that we all share. “The inspiration for AMERICA AMERICA is the time we are living in,” Winans explains. “Sometimes, we forget that we are all Americans. At sporting events, when the national anthem is sung, everyone stands—black, white, rich, poor—everyone.” The cherished Star Spangled Banner brings up poignant memories of his dear friend and frequent musical collaborator, the late Whitney Houston. She spoke with Winans about the revered anthem prior to performing a game-changing rendition of it before the 1991 Super Bowl XXV. He spoke with her again about the highly regarded hymn before recording his version for AMERICA AMERICA. (Winans also won a Grammy Award for co-producing the song Jesus Loves Me on Houston’s smash hit film soundtrack for The Bodyguard.) Join Scott as he talks to BeBe Winans about his new album, his new book, The Whitney I Knew, and much, much more. Discover more of his ministry at www.bebewinans.net. 

  Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey chats with the founder of popular women’s magazine Above Rubies, Nancy Campbell. In this race we run for Christ, it is said the most difficult aspect is passing the baton to the next runner. Nancy and her husband Colin were passed the baton long ago and strive to do that now both in their family and abroad. They are New Zealanders and lived there until 1982 when they moved to Australia. Colin pastored in New Zealand for many years and then pioneered and pastored a church on the Gold Coast of Australia. They lived there for nearly ten years and then came to America in 1991 to preach in Tennessee. The Campbells have raised six children who are all married and they currently have thirty-five grandchildren. They’ve also adopted three older teenagers (John, Psalmody and Mercy) from Liberia, West Africa. Only Mercy (their youngest daughter of twenty years) still lives at home. Nancy began publishing the magazine Above Rubies over thirty years ago. Her vision is for this tool to encourage women to serve through the high calling of motherhood. The magazine has strong roots and is distributed through donation only to over 100 countries around the world. Please visit www.aboverubies.org for more information. 

  Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey talks about the troubled youth in our country with author and founder of 252 Underground, Rob Cook. Rob Cook has been working with teens for over thirteen years – meeting them on the street, lending a hand, buying a lunch, sharing his life and his faith. "I just want to do for others what someone did for me when I was a teen," says Rob. In 2006, Rob rented a building at 3 West Main Street in Lansdale, PA to create a place where teens could come, be accepted, hang out, hear good music, play games, meet some role models, and hear a story that changed the lives of millions. There have been many challenges, but the changed lives have been worth it! Rob has been writing since he was about fifteen years old. He is well known for short stories that are thought provoking – teaching without preaching. He tackles real life topics that no one else wants to address. Rob's first published work, Regener8, is scheduled to be released in September of 2012 through Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Keep an eye out for Regener8. Check out Rob’s ministry at http://www.252underground.com/252/.

  Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey throws some virtual fastballs to the owners of the NY Yankees, Bill & Vicki Rose. Bill and Vicki just celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary and have found victory and healing in Christ for their marriage and its difficult issues. They have two adult children, Douglas and Courtney. Bill is a limited partner of the New York Yankees as well as the president and founder of DRM Sports Management, a company representing professional baseball players. Vicki has taught, facilitated, and led many Bible studies for women in her church, as well as acted as prayer coordinator for the women's ministry. She has taught and shared her testimony all across the U.S. as well as in Nicaragua, Poland, and Italy. Vicki has also been featured on several radio shows including a week-long series on Nancy Leigh DeMoss’s Revive our Hearts, and Famliy Life Today with Dennis Rainey and Bob Lepine. Currently, Vicki is working on a book titled, Why Bothered to Stay Married? and serves as a mentor to younger women. Vicki's heart and passion is for women to be content and victorious in their marriages through a deep and intimate personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

  Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey tackles Krabbe Disease with NFL Hall of Famer Jim Kelly and his wife Jill. Two weeks after Jim Kelly retired from his Hall of Fame career with the Buffalo Bills, his son was born. He and his wife, Jill, were ecstatic. The protégé son had arrived full of life and promise. The Kelly family was growing and life seemed perfect. With their two-year-old daughter, Erin, shadowing their every move, Hunter adjusted to life…Kelly style. And while he initially appeared to be just a very fussy infant, Hunter was actually fighting for his life. The news of his fatal, genetic disease was shocking. It’s every parent’s deepest terror. Jim and Jill were told that Hunter would not live to see his second birthday. With no treatment, no cure, and ultimately no answers, desperation set in.  What do you do when your family’s world is turned upside down? What do you do when you don’t know what to do? How do you face the trauma and press on when all hope is gone?  The Kelly family turned to God. Following His lead, Jim and Jill have become authors and the founders of Hunter’s Hope. Find out more about their lives as they share this powerful testimony. You can also help discover more about Krabbe Disease by visiting http://www.huntershope.org.

  Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Frank D. Murphy persevered through countless obstacles to live out his dream of playing professional football. His journey to the NFL began in high school where he won numerous awards as the senior running back and return specialist at West Nassau High School, including: All-American, All State, and Player of the Year. Murphy spent his first two years of college playing football for Itwamba Community College and Garden City Community College. Subsequently, he was named to the National Junior College Athletic Association All-American first team and National Player of the Year. Murphy then transferred to football powerhouse Kansas State University in 1998.  After a successful collegiate football career, Murphy was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2000. In the NFL, Murphy suited up as a running back, wide receiver, and return specialist for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, and Houston Texans. Murphy also played in the Canadian Football League for the Toronto Argonauts and in the United Football League for the Florida Tuskers. Murphy's successful professional football career equipped him to train celebrity athletes. Beyond the football field, Murphy has consistently engaged with the community and supported programs that educate and empower others to realize their dreams. Throughout his career, Murphy has held numerous football camps, workshops, and toy drives for at-risk youth. Murphy's focus on action oriented personal growth is reflected in his motto: “Believe It, Claim It, Work it Out!” Murphy plans to continue inspiring people of all ages to strive for the next level in achieving their full potential and living their dreams.

  Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey interviews two bloggers, Aimee Lynch & Dalyn Weller. Aimee Lynch is an eighteen-year-old author who is passionate about the ministry God has called her to. At her blog, www.allfilledup.wordpress.com, she uses her experience with divorce to help other teen girls work through the issues that come with fatherlessness and divorce. She is currently exploring publishing options for her first book – an interactive devotional which uses real-life stories and biblical encouragement to talk with girls about how God can fill their hearts with His fatherhood. Dalyn Weller carries a ton of titles through life. She’s the Dirt Road Diva, The Queen of Quite A lot, Wife, and Mom who lives on a small ranch (Milk 'n Honey Ranch) on a dirt road where the horses are keeping company with dairy goats, chickens, turkeys, a goose, honey bees, cats and dogs, kids, and the occasional un-invited coyote. The uniform is jeans, T-shirt, and flip flops; and if she means business it's muckboots and apron time! You can read her blog and discover more of her adventures at www.muckbootsnaprons.blogspot.com.