Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!

Brad Stine is on a mission—a mission to free us all from the chains of political correctness and prevent our eventual ‘wussification.’  From his Nashville stronghold, Stine is mounting his crusade against these hypocrisies, all of which are explored in his highly anticipated 4 album/DVD, aptly titled ‘WUSSIFICATION!’ “You know what offends me?....Offended people,” says Stine.  A staunch supporter of first amendment rights and foe of political correctness, Stine asserts that rights should be universally applied.  “In a country with guaranteed rights to freedom of religion, its citizens are constantly trying to make faith in public spheres illegal. I am offended by that contradiction and want to talk about it as a comic.”   The strength of his conviction about our freedoms can be found in many places on WUSSIFICATION—from “Merry Christmas Too!” (the right to celebrate religion), to “At Least We’re Not France!” (the responsibility to take action as a country), to “Spank” (the ability to discipline our children the way we see fit). Duck Dynasty star Tim Guraedy is best known to the show’s millions of hard-core fans as “Mountain Man,” the slow-talking air-conditioning repairman/radio host who is a neighbor to the Robertsons, the Louisiana family that made a fortune from its best-selling duck calls, around which the show is based. Mountain Man is the only semi-regular cast member who is not a Robertson family member or employee of Duck Commander.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! with a Christmas Rock and Roller, John Schlitt! John Schlitt began singing when he was just five years old, performing the leads in recitals and plays in his school. By the time he was thirteen, he was in the unforgettably titled band Vinegar Hills Hometown Band Something Different – being paid twenty-five bucks as lead singer. It soon became clear that a career in music was in John’s future. Fast forward six years … and John Schlitt officially joined Petra in 1986, bringing with him his amazing vocal range and abilities that made him a legend with Head East. While John is arguably one of the most powerful vocalists around, his mightiest cry is the cry of his heart. Whether onstage or up close and personal, John’s voice is one of a truly changed soul. And his music is and always will be a reflection of God’s love and redeeming power.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! with a Christmas Singer Jean Watson. A classically trained singer and violinist, Jean Watson delved into the Christian recording world as a singer/songwriter in 2003. Since that time, her voice and testimony of God's grace and healing have touched thousands of lives around the world. The power of Jean's message comes out of her unique ability to minister and perform with a balance of musical excellence and childlike transparency. God uses Jean to break barriers of the heart through her willingness to share the story of her own weakness and healing. Hearing Jean sing and speak brings an infusion of faith in the love and power of God. Her passion for God is absolutely contagious! A consummate singer, songwriter, arranger, and violinist, Jean insists on excellence in everything she does. She has recorded six albums to date including her latest CD, Christmas ... Not the Way It Seems, featuring Grammy nominated producer Billy Smiley and guitar virtuoso Phil Keaggy. 

A classically trained singer and violinist, Jean Watson delved into the Christian recording world as a singer/songwriter in 2003. Since that time, her voice and testimony of God's grace and healing have touched thousands of lives around the world. The power of Jean's message comes out of her unique ability to minister and perform with a balance of musical excellence and childlike transparency. God uses Jean to break barriers of the heart through her willingness to share the story of her own weakness and healing. Hearing Jean sing and speak brings an infusion of faith in the love and power of God. Her passion for God is absolutely contagious! A consummate singer, songwriter, arranger, and violinist, Jean insists on excellence in everything she does. She has recorded six albums to date including her latest CD, Christmas ... Not the Way It Seems, featuring Grammy nominated producer Billy Smiley and guitar virtuoso Phil Keaggy. John Schlitt began singing when he was just five years old, performing the leads in recitals and plays in his school. By the time he was thirteen, he was in the unforgettably titled band Vinegar Hills Hometown Band Something Different – being paid twenty-five bucks as lead singer. It soon became clear that a career in music was in John’s future. John Schlitt officially joined Petra in 1986, bringing with him his amazing vocal range and abilities that made him a legend with Head East. While John is arguably one of the most powerful vocalists around, his mightiest cry is the cry of his heart. Whether onstage or up close and personal, John’s voice is one of a truly changed soul. And his music is and always will be a reflection of God’s love and redeeming power.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! with Amy Sullivan. For the past two years, Amy L. Sullivan looked harder, loved stronger, and discovered more by fixing her gaze on something other than the person staring back at her in the mirror. Amy writes for oodles of print and online publications and loves speaking with groups of any size. Connect with her online at www.AmyLSullivan.com. A portion of the proceeds from her new book When More is Not Enough, will benefit Transformation Village, a new housing development for women, children, and families in crisis in Western North Carolina. http://www.amazon.com/When-More-Not-Enough-Giving/dp/1941103243.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! with an author doubleheader featuring Carol Stratton and Amy Sullivan. Carol Stratton has written for several publications, including InTouch magazine and Kyria. She is a contributing writer for Forsyth Woman magazine and has been published in two anthologies, Writing so Heaven Will be Different and Extraordinary Answers to Prayers. She speaks to women's groups such as MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), and at national writers’ conferences. She attended Capenwray Bible School in New Zealand. Carol and her husband live in North Carolina and have four children and two grandchildren. Her website, www.ChangingZipCodes.com, helps women who are relocating. Carol’s newest book is a contemporary Christian romance called Lake Surrender. You can find it through Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lake-Surrender-Carol-Grace-Stratton/dp/1941103227.

Carol Stratton has written for several publications, including InTouch magazine and Kyria. She is a contributing writer for Forsyth Woman magazine and has been published in two anthologies, Writing so Heaven Will be Different and Extraordinary Answers to Prayers. She speaks to women's groups such as MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), and at national writers’ conferences. She attended Capenwray Bible School in New Zealand. Carol and her husband live in North Carolina and have four children and two grandchildren. Her website, www.ChangingZipCodes.com, helps women who are relocating. Carol’s newest book is a contemporary Christian romance called Lake Surrender.  For the past two years, Amy L. Sullivan looked harder, loved stronger, and discovered more by fixing her gaze on something other than the person staring back at her in the mirror. Amy writes for oodles of print and online publications and loves speaking with groups of any size. Connect with her online at www.AmyLSullivan.com. A portion of the proceeds from her new book When More is Not Enough, will benefit Transformation Village, a new housing development for women, children, and families in crisis in Western North Carolina. 

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Rob Peabody joins to share his ministry called the Awaken Movement, as well as his new book, Citizen. Rob Peabody serves as the cofounder and director of Awaken, a non-profit charity that exists to resource the church for action. In 2011, Rob, along with his wife Medea and their two boys, left his position as lead campus pastor of a megachurch in Texas to pioneer and lead fresh expressions of church seeking to engage unreached twenties and thirties in northeast London. This work is commissioned by the International Mission Board of the SBC and in partnership with the Church of England. Rob currently serves as a missional consultant for multiple church networks in the UK, is a member of the Speaking Team at Spring Harvest, and is charged with casting vision and leading a new upcoming national UK eighteen to thirties conference—The Pursuit—taking place May 2015. Beyond speaking at conferences in the US and UK, Rob has also written a small group film series entitled Kingdom Rise, released March 2013. Discover his book and ministry here: http://www.awakenmovement.com.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Rob Peabody joins to share his ministry called the Awaken Movement, as well as his new book, Citizen. Rob Peabody serves as the cofounder and director of Awaken, a non-profit charity that exists to resource the church for action. In 2011, Rob, along with his wife Medea and their two boys, left his position as lead campus pastor of a megachurch in Texas to pioneer and lead fresh expressions of church seeking to engage unreached twenties and thirties in northeast London. This work is commissioned by the International Mission Board of the SBC and in partnership with the Church of England. Rob currently serves as a missional consultant for multiple church networks in the UK, is a member of the Speaking Team at Spring Harvest, and is charged with casting vision and leading a new upcoming national UK eighteen to thirties conference—The Pursuit—taking place May 2015. Beyond speaking at conferences in the US and UK, Rob has also written a small group film series entitled Kingdom Rise, released March 2013. Discover his book and ministry here: http://www.awakenmovement.com.

Mike Day served over twenty-one years on the SEAL Teams, leading his men into battle. On his final mission in Iraq, Mike's team stacked behind him as he led them into a twelve-by-twelve-foot room of a building suspected of housing a group of deadly Al Qaeda insurgents. Mike was shot twenty-seven times and suffered shrapnel wounds from a grenade that detonated within a few feet of where he was standing. Mike reflected on the incident some seven years later: “It was a miracle that I survived; it's still hard to believe!” He spent a year recovering from his wounds. “The military did an outstanding job of treating my physical wounds; however, the neurological and emotional wounds were more difficult to diagnose and treat.” Although Mike retired from the Navy in 2010, he continues to lead fellow warriors as a full-time case manager and care advocate. Mike inspires those who may be reluctant to seek assistance with PTSD and/or TBI, through his willingness to speak openly about how to effectively recognize and manage symptoms. He also works to provide his fellow wounded warriors with access to customized brain injury treatment programs that offer a non-pharmacological approach to treating TBI and other neurological issues. “While I am grateful for the VA, there are several organizations that are revolutionizing the treatment of brain injuries; one of them is the Carrick Brain Center.” Current estimates suggest that as many as 300,000 former and current service members have some degree of brain injury.  To help Mike raise funds for the care and treatment of wounded warriors and dependent children who have suffered severe brain injuries, check out this link: https://www.crowdrise.com/mikedaystrichallenge/fundraiser/mikeday.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey chats with Corwin Anthony. Corwin Anthony is the National Director for Pro Ministry for Athletes in Action (AIA) and has been serving as the Team Chaplain for the Miami Dolphins since 2000. He also oversees the chaplaincy program of over twenty-five professional sports organizations including seventeen NFL teams, NBA, and MLB. In his NFL career, Corwin played with the Rams, Jets, and Packers. After his retirement, he served in the Promise Keepers' Field Ministry Division for four years with the topic, "How to Share Your Faith with Anybody." Corwin is married to a former guest of our program, Kim Anthony. You can read more about his ministry at http://www.athletesinaction.org/blogs/corwin-anthony.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!when former UCLA standout football player and NFL retiree and Chaplain Corwin Anthony blesses the show. Corwin was a preseason, All Pac-10 tight end for UCLA in the late 1980's and graduated with an economics degree in 1991. He had a brief stint in the NFL with the LA Rams, NY Jets and Green Bay Packers.  In 1996 Corwin joined the staff of Promise Keepers in Denver, CO.  While there he served in the Field Ministry Division for 4 years, helping churches build and strengthen their men’s ministries.  In 2000 Corwin and his wife, Kim, joined the staff of Athletes in Action to serve as chaplain for the Miami Dolphins.  Six years ago, Corwin was invited to serve full time as the National Director of Pro Ministries for Athletes in Action.  He now oversees the AIA chaplaincy positions within the NFL and serves on the AIA executive leadership team.  He and his wife Kim currently reside in Centerville, OH with their two sons, Khari and Caleb.  

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when special guest Jonny Diaz drops by to talk about his new CD, Let It Fly. Jonny Diaz began his music career as worship leader for a youth group in Lakeland, FL. He released three independent projects before signing with INO Records in 2008. His label debut, “More Beautiful You” (2009), produced Diaz’s first hit single, the album’s title track, which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s AC Indicator chart and No. 2 on its Hot Christian Songs chart. The record’s momentum, combined with a self-titled follow-up album in 2011, paved the way for Diaz to perform alongside such notable Christian acts as Building 429, Matthew West, Steven Curtis Chapman, Mercy Me and Bebo Norman. Diaz signed with Centricity Music in October 2013 and released his first project with the label, Let It Fly, April 8, 2014. Let It Fly marks Diaz’s first collaboration with famed producers Jeff Pardo (Mandisa and Salvador) and Brent Milligan (Steven Curtis Chapman and David Crowder Band), showcasing an increased artistic confidence, as evidenced by new sounds and insights from the talented artist. Such growth is readily apparent to early critical consumers of Let It Fly, with CCM Magazine giving it a four-star review, calling the record “a work of art,” Hallels.com touting it as “a gripping affair,” and Soul-Audio.com exclaiming, “Diaz embarks on a path that sees him living out his gifts.”

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when special guest Jonny Diaz drops by to talk about his new CD, Let It Fly. Jonny Diaz began his music career as worship leader for a youth group in Lakeland, FL. He released three independent projects before signing with INO Records in 2008. His label debut, “More Beautiful You” (2009), produced Diaz’s first hit single, the album’s title track, which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s AC Indicator chart and No. 2 on its Hot Christian Songs chart. The record’s momentum, combined with a self-titled follow-up album in 2011, paved the way for Diaz to perform alongside such notable Christian acts as Building 429, Matthew West, Steven Curtis Chapman, Mercy Me and Bebo Norman. Diaz signed with Centricity Music in October 2013 and released his first project with the label, Let It Fly, April 8, 2014. Let It Fly marks Diaz’s first collaboration with famed producers Jeff Pardo (Mandisa and Salvador) and Brent Milligan (Steven Curtis Chapman and David Crowder Band), showcasing an increased artistic confidence, as evidenced by new sounds and insights from the talented artist. Such growth is readily apparent to early critical consumers of Let It Fly, with CCM Magazine giving it a four-star review, calling the record “a work of art,” Hallels.com touting it as “a gripping affair,” and Soul-Audio.com exclaiming, “Diaz embarks on a path that sees him living out his gifts.”

Susan Lyttek, an award winning writer, has always loved to write, but didn’t arrive at the profession in the typical manner. Graduating with a B.A. in International Economics and an M.A. in Management and Supervision, she plunged into government consulting. In this environment, she discovered a knack for writing tests, interviews and other measurements. Soon, that became the focus of her career—reigniting her love for the written word. She began to spend her nights freelancing with “fun” writing including short stories, poems, articles and cards. In 1995, she quit the 9-5 work world to stay home, write and raise her young son. Not long after, homeschooling intrigued her. Since preschool she homeschooled both sons and continued to freelance. She has also developed and taught writing classes to her local homeschool groups. Since their inception, she has been a writing coach for WriteAtHome.com.  Married to her childhood sweetheart, Gary, Mrs. Lyttek loves to share her commitment to homeschoolers and her fascination with the written word. Her newest book is evidence to this, Guzzy Goofball and the Homeschool Play from Outer Space.