THE HOUSE PARTY

The Tooth Fairy calls in to The House Party!

2012-01-25T17:54:00.000-06:00

Andy had talked about his son losing his first tooth and getting some money from the tooth fairy, and in the process MAY have made it sound like he was the tooth fairy.

Well, the tooth fairy was listening and called into our show to set the record straight! And Andy gets to ask the burning question that we all want to know: What does she do with all those teeth?

Listen to the interview here!

What love means to a little child

2012-01-18T10:02:00.000-06:00

I got this email a few days ago, what a great reminder of what true love is all about:

What Love means to a 4-8 year old . . .
Slow down for three minutes to read this. It is so worth it. Touching words from the mouth of babes.
A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, 'What does love mean?'

The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined . See what you think.

'When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore.
So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love.'

Rebecca- age 8

'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.'

Billy - age 4

'Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.'

Karl - age 5

'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.'

Chrissy - age 6

'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.'

Terri - age 4

'Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.'

Danny - age 7

'Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss'

Emily - age 8

'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.'

Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)

'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,'

Nikka - age 6
(we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)

'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday'

Noelle - age 7

'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.'

Tommy - age 6

'During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling.

He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.'

Cindy - age 8

'My mommy loves me more than anybody
You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night'

Clare - age 6

'Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.'

Elaine-age 5

'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.'

Chris - age 7

'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day..'

Mary Ann - age 4

'I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.'

Lauren - age 4

'When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down 20 and little stars come out of you.' (what an image)

Karen - age 7

'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross.'

Mark - age 6

'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot.. People forget.'

Jessica - age 8

And the final one

The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.

Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.

When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said,

'Nothing, I just helped him cry'

Do two new years resolutions at once!

2012-01-03T08:31:00.000-06:00

So, I have been 3 for 3 so far in doing my resolution so far - getting up in the morning and running. I have an Android Phone, and I found that using two apps helped me run and read my bible at the same time!

For the running part: I use the Endomondo Sports Tracker PRO app, which uses GPS to track where I run and tells me my pace and my total workout time after every mile. You can download it for Android, iPhone, and Blackberry.

For the Bible part: I use Lifechurch.TV's most excellent "YouVersion" bible app, which has the option for you to listen to the audio bible of your reading plan. I am using it to go through Prof. Horner's Bible Reading System, which hits 10 Chapters in the Bible a day. You can download YouVersion for Android, iPhone, and Blackberry.

But if you need music while you work out, we've got you covered there too, because you can Download The House FM App for your Android, iPhone, or Blackberry!

Now, the only thing to do is to get out there and make 2012 the year that your life changes!

When should we give?

2011-12-28T09:43:00.001-06:00

I had helped give to a local family in need recently. I felt like God really wanted me to, so I pooled my resources, and got others that I knew to help out too. It was such a great feeling to do something not for yourself but for someone else.

Then the doubts start to file in.

Did they really need the things we give them?
Does that person at the corner of the stoplight really need our money to feed his family?
Does the salvation army really need my change to help others?
Does my church really need my tithe to keep the church heated in the winter?
Does The House FM really need my donation to stay on the air?

I think it is a natural reaction whenever we give our money away, to want to make sure that it only goes to who we want and is only used for what we designate, but honestly, I'm not sure that is what Jesus asks of us. In Luke 6:30, Jesus spells it out pretty plainly:

Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back.

Ok, so I'm supposed to give to *anyone* who asks? I'm pretty sure I would run out of money quickly! But Jesus talks about this a few verses later (like he was reading my mind and the mind of everyone else who was listening) in Luke 6:38

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.

JESUS said that! As much as I believe in him, why can't I believe in his promises in the bible? Why is it so hard for me to be the giver he wants, knowing that my gift will return in FULL and RUNNING OVER!

So my resolution for 2012 and beyond... Give to anyone who asks.

Who wants to take a step of faith with me?

Who wants to start believing Jesus at His word?

Give this Christmas Away - Day 11 - Invite someone to church!

2011-12-22T16:28:00.005-06:00

DAY 11 - Invite someone to church!

There are MANY wonderful things about Christmas. One of which is the strange way people who would normally never darken the door of a church, end up going! They may be reluctant, or under family pressure, but whatever the case - they go! Don't miss the chance to ask someone (especially people who want nothing to do with God) to come to church this weekend. Don't rule anyone out, just go for it! We've all been given the gift of God's unending love, we shouldn't keep it to ourselves. Share your faith and hope in Christ this weekend and in turn, give this Christmas away.

Give this Christmas Away - Day 10 - Collect a Cart!

2011-12-21T16:37:00.003-06:00

DAY 10 - Collect a Cart!

So this is the time for procrastinators to unite! All the "planners" had all their shopping done weeks ago. Now you and I have the task of getting out at odd times to any store that's open and doesn't have lines miles long and let's be honest, we're not looking forward to it. We're stressed and just want to get in and out as quick as possible! Even through this crazy time where you just want to jump in your car and get out of there - collect a cart! Take an extra moment to take your cart back to the store/collection spot. Hey, even grab someone else's on your way! When we do this, someone else doesn't have to...so that's a SUPER simple way to give this Christmas away!

Give this Christmas Away - Day 9 - Get to know your neighbor!

2011-12-20T16:48:00.004-06:00

DAY 9 - Get to know your neighbor!

When I pull into my driveway, I park and walk directly into my house. The next morning it's the same, only in reverse. Less eye contact with the neighbors, the better. Why do I do that? Honestly...I'm not really sure. Maybe you do the same thing. Maybe you feel you don't have the time or what's the point? Or maybe there's one you avoid for a reason. Whatever the case, these are people literally in our path, basically in our yards, every day. A chance to make an impact and be Jesus to someone is that close - right now. If you want to give this Christmas away, join me and go talk to a neighbor today...maybe even that one you've been avoiding.

Give this Christmas Away - Day 8 - Give something in secret!

2011-12-15T17:31:00.003-06:00

DAY 8 - Give something in secret!

Have you ever done Secret Santa with family or friends? My fam used to do the whole thing...draw names, get special presents then weeks later, the secret giver would give their gift. The best part of that? Doing something in secret. Everyone likes a good mystery, especially when it involves a person you love. Think of someone in your life that you can give a secret gift to today. It can be something from the store, something homemade, or even a good deed or chore, like doing the dishes! Do something- but don't let them find out who it was! Another super simple way to give this Christmas away!

Facebook, I can't quit you!

2011-12-15T11:40:00.000-06:00

Just for fun, I tried to go through the process of cancelling my facebook account. I got to the cancellation page and check out what facebook does:

It pulls a huge guilt trip on me! It's like that bad relationship you have, where you are with the person all the time and it takes a toll on everything else, then when you go to say it's over they tell you,

"but my friends will miss you! And I'll miss you! And if you think we spend too much time, know that you can control the number of texts you receive from me! And before you break up with me, please explain further why we can't be together anymore."

Yikes. I was just messing around about cancelling Facebook, but maybe it is time to quit cold turkey. And Facebook, just so you know, It's not me, it's you.

Give This Christmas Away - Day 7 - Pray for someone for 5 minutes!

2011-12-14T17:16:00.003-06:00

DAY 7 - Pray for someone for 5 minutes!

Have you ever sat yourself down and said, "Ok, I'm going to pray for an hour straight." Maybe you had a similar goal at some point, but for me at least, that never seems to last. Honestly, after failing at completing that goal each day, it makes me feel that I've failed, then I tend to avoid praying at all. Let's break it down together, mmkay? Think of someone in your life that needs prayer, set a timer, and pray for them for 5 whole minutes. Maybe even pray for someone that you can't stand to be around! You might be praying for them, but you'll be amazed at how God will change your heart in the process. This is an easy, free, heart-changing way to give this Christmas away!

Give This Christmas Away - Day 6 - Do something that's not your job!

2011-12-13T17:17:00.004-06:00

DAY 6 - Do something that's not your job!

Do you ever find yourself saying, "Well, that's not my job." Clearly there are things that really aren't our jobs, but does that give us a free & clear card not to do them? Probably not. I mean, Jesus washed his disciples feet. That was SO not His job! Though, it sure showed a lot of humility. It showed that He didn't think too highly of Himself. This Christmas, as we are trying to think less of ourselves and give this Christmas away, do something today that's not your job. At home, work, out-and-about, wherever...have the mindset that nothing is beneath you so you can do things that aren't your job.

Give This Christmas Away - Day 5 - Give a Meal!

2011-12-12T17:28:00.004-06:00

This Christmas season, we want to do what we've always talked about. The thing that's always in the back of our minds when we fight through the crowd for the last gadget or gizmo for ourselves, or when we walk by that kettle ringer, knowing we could spare some change but we don't. Or when we see that person on the street that looks like they could use some hope and we drive by and look the other way. This Christmas will be different. Because this Christmas, instead of taking as much as we can, we are going to Give this Christmas Away.

DAY 5 - Give a Meal!

We're all busy, I'll be the first to admit that. Oh, and did you notice it's Christmas time? Yeah...that brings even more chaos. Even through our crazy schedules though, we still find time to do the things we really want to (watch our fav shows, make a starbucks run, etc). If you really want to give this Christmas away, consider making time in your schedule to make a family a meal. I think buying it pre-made counts too :) It could be just as easy to set aside some food from a meal you make for your own family though. Think about someone who would really be blessed by not having to worry about making a meal or worrying about how to pay for it. Put on your awesome apron and give this Christmas away.

Give This Christmas Away - Day 4 - Donate That Box!

2011-12-09T16:59:00.000-06:00

This Christmas season, we want to do what we've always talked about. The thing that's always in the back of our minds when we fight through the crowd for the last gadget or gizmo for ourselves, or when we walk by that kettle ringer, knowing we could spare some change but we don't. Or when we see that person on the street that looks like they could use some hope and we drive by and look the other way. This Christmas will be different. Because this Christmas, instead of taking as much as we can, we are going to Give this Christmas Away.

DAY 4 - Donate That Box!

Over the weekend, we have an easy challenge for you to Give this Christmas Away: Donate a box of clothes and other items to your local thrift store or charity. They need donations all the time, and let's be honest, you probably have that box that you've been planning on donating half full anyway! The things that we may not find any use for could help someone in need more than we ever know. So get rid of the clutter in your house this weekend and Give this Christmas Away!

Give This Christmas Away - Day 3 - Social Network Encouragement

2011-12-07T17:11:00.002-06:00

You know that giddy feeling you get inside when you do your daily (or hourly) check on Facebook and see that red notification at the top of the page and it turns out to be something that makes your day. Someone posted on your wall. Unprovoked, no reason, just felt like telling you they were thinking about you or simply how wonderful you are. Why not make that happen for someone else? Possibly even offer to pray for them or give some encouragement? Today, pick someone in your friend list (or on Twitter, or wherever you socialize) and spread some love. Just another (easy!) way to think outside of ourselves and give this Christmas away.

One of the last David Crowder Band Concerts of all time...

2011-12-05T10:10:00.000-06:00

I got to see the David Crowder Band last night in Wichita, and to the surprise of Jenn and Janelle who went with me, I have never seen them live before. So it was exciting to finally sing along with their songs live, and to be part of the historic end of one of the greatest Christian Bands of all time!

In order to document the show for future generations, I brought my most high tech camera with SuperPixel(TM) technology. I believe you will agree that when you see these pictures, you will not only feel as if you were at the show with me, but that you could print them in poster quality and hang on your wall as a reminder for all time.


Notice the incredible detail, not usually visible to the human eye.

In order to give you a contrast of the dimmer, more mellow parts to the concert to the "rowdy" parts, here's one with the lights of the stage on:


You may not be used to this incredible detail of the "retina" camera display

Goodbye, David Crowder Band. You will be missed. And I hope we can look back at this blog post and remember the great times.

Give This Christmas Away - Day 2 - Drive Thru Difference

2011-12-02T15:51:00.000-06:00

This Christmas season, we want to do what we've always talked about. The thing that's always in the back of our minds when we fight through the crowd for the last gadget or gizmo for ourselves, or when we walk by that kettle ringer, knowing we could spare some change but we don't. Or when we see that person on the street that looks like they could use some hope and we drive by and look the other way. This Christmas will be different. Because this Christmas, instead of taking as much as we can, we are going to Give this Christmas Away.

DAY 2 - Drive Thru Difference

The Drive Thru Difference is such an easy way for us to get out of our comfort zones and help someone else out. Simply pay for someone's meal in the car behind you this weekend in the fast food drive thru. Or pay for someone's gas, or groceries, or just hand someone a $5 bill. Get creative!

Just the act of giving to a complete stranger when you could keep the money for yourself is such a liberating experience, it will not only make your day, but the stranger's day as well! If they ask why you decided to do it, (I always clam up at this part, but it is pretty simple) you can simply tell them it is because God loves them!

Give This Christmas Away - Day 1 - Help out your local Salvation Army

2011-12-01T17:25:00.001-06:00

Our Menu this year for our boxes is Turkey/ Ham, Mashed pot, Stuffing/ corn bread, Sweet pot., Corn, Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce, Pie Filling, Mac and Cheese, Cream of Mushroom Soup.
We are trying to make enough boxes for 200, we appreciate any help anyone can give and God bless. I can be contacted Rebecca Ware @ The Salvation Army 580-762-7501 or by Rebecca_Ware@uss.salvationarmy.org.

If you can give to this, awesome! If you don't live near Ponca City, be sure to contact your local Salvation Army and ask how you can help this Christmas season! If you are able to give your time, they are always looking for bell ringers. Find out more at http://ringbells.org/ !

If you help out and would like to share your story about how you are giving this Christmas away, email the house party at - Mail@Thehousefm.com

Treat Yourself 2011 - Cyber Monday Edition!

2011-11-28T10:35:00.000-06:00

You've been working all extended weekend on cooking for family, shopping for friends, and decorating for complete strangers that may happen to drive by your house in the next month. Here's your chance to "Treat Yourself" and pick up some cheap Christian CD's during this one day "Cyber Monday" sale!

Click on each album below to preview and buy your copy!

$5.00 Albums

Phil Wickham 33Miles Todd Agnew

"Songs For Christmas" "Believe" "Do You See What I See?"

$5.99 Albums

Laura Story The Afters

"Blessings" "Light Up The Sky"

$6.99 Albums

MercyMe Disciple

"The Generous Mr Lovewell" "Horseshoes & Handgrenades"

Phil Wickham Shane & Shane Sara Groves

"Response" "The One You Need" "Invisible Empires"

Interview with Dan Haseltine from Jars of Clay!

2011-11-03T17:22:00.000-05:00

Andy and Jenn got to talk to Dan Haseltine of Jars of Clay about their concert wardrobe, the new collaboration with Plumb, and how they crashed a website (apparently lots of people want free music from Jars!)

Listen to the interview here.

Go here to download their free sampler at noisetrade.com/JarsofClay

...and see them LIVE at Rock and Worship Roadshow on November 17th in OKC and November 18th in Wichita! Click here for more info.

Switchfoot - Dark Horses - LIVE on Conan O'Brien!

2011-10-26T09:13:00.000-05:00

Q: Do these guys rock?

A:

The one thing you MUST have as a parent

2011-10-19T10:24:00.000-05:00

is the ability to laugh at yourself and the situations that happen with your kids. I got this text from my wife earier today regarding our 4 year old son, Joash:

Sign of good parenting skills, I chased him around like this in our front yard for 15 minutes

Here was the picture that was attached to her text:

I can't wait to show this to his future Prom date.

Bought "toning shoes" From Reebok? You could be getting some money back!

2011-09-29T07:49:00.000-05:00

So, these "toning shoes" have been the fad the past few years, and I'll admit that even though I am a guy I thought about getting some. I figured if they did half of what they claimed, why not? Then I saw how expensive they were and decided against it.

But if you bought EasyTone shoes or other EasyTone clothing items in the last few years, you could be getting some money back based on a $25 Million dollar settlement with the FTC. Want (some) of your money back?

Click here to get your partial refund.

Interview with Brad from Rapture Ruckus!

2011-09-28T17:28:00.000-05:00

Andy and Jenn talked with Brad from Rapture Rukus about the rivalry between New Zealand and Australia, their new song "This Little Light", and the one "landmark" they show their friends when they visit America.

Listen to the interview with Brad from Rapture Ruckus here.

Rachael Lampa on The Sing Off!

2011-09-28T10:46:00.002-05:00

We talked to Rachael Lampa a few days ago about being on The Sing Off, of course she couldn't tell us how she did, but it looks like things are starting off well! Here's the first song from the Acapella group "The Collective" that got them into the next round:

Click here to watch the performance!

Interview with Dave from Press Play!

2011-09-27T17:26:00.000-05:00

Andy and Jenn talked with Dave from Press Play about the story of the band and their name, their new song "Three Little Words", and how CD release dates will always have a special place in their hearts.

Listen to the interview with Dave from Press Play here.

Interview with Rachael Lampa!

2011-09-23T17:35:00.000-05:00

Andy and Jenn had a chat with Rachael Lampa about being on the NBC show "The Sing Off" (which you can see her on Monday's show @ 7), What she did during her time away from making music, and what her new song "Remedy" means!

Listen to the interview with Rachael Lampa here!

You Can't Hide!

2011-09-08T14:31:00.000-05:00

So, there's this bus driver in China who ran a red light and was pulled over by the police. As the cops were trying to give him a ticket, he tried to hide under the bus. This is an actual picture of the event :

You Can Run But You Can't Hide...

According to the news report, "Police called out the fire brigade who started to tow away the bus - but the driver crawled along underneath the vehicle."

So, even when he was officially "caught", he kept trying to avoid the inevitable. How often do I do this in my life when faced with the consequences of something I have done? Why do I run away, or try to hide, or make excuses for what happens when the best thing to do is admit that I made a mistake and move on with my life?

It's gonna hurt, and there will probably be some sort of punishment. But it only gets worse and wears heavier on you the longer you try to hide.

House Party Podcast - September 1, 2011

2011-09-01T18:12:00.001-05:00

If you missed the show, here's what happened:

Andy's Idea From Vacation
End Times Watch
Abandon in Concert for FREE September 10th! AKA Andy's Birthday Party
Judge Jenn
Prayer Wall

Listen to it here! (Right click and select "save as" to download it)

House Party Podcast - August 31, 2011

2011-08-31T18:08:00.003-05:00

If you missed the show, here's what happened:

Pray for Tinker AFB
Interview with Wakeup Starlight
Surprise Me God
Abandon in Concert for FREE September 10th! AKA Andy's Birthday Party

Listen to it here! (Right click and select "save as" to download it)

Interview with Wakeup Starlight!

2011-08-31T17:52:00.001-05:00

Andy and Jenn talk to Caleb and Chris of Wakeup Starlight about the name of their band, the biggest difference between their homeland of Canada and the USA, the song "This Place is Empty", and they play "password" to get another song on the radio!

Listen to the interview with Wakeup Starlight here.

House Party Podcast - August 23, 2011

2011-08-23T18:15:00.001-05:00

If you missed the show, here's what happened:

Not look in the mirror for a year?
Andy's final College Tip!
Poetry Slam
Surprise Me God Story!

Listen to it here! (Right click and select "save as" to download it)

Andy's Guide To Surviving College #11 - Your Reputation Will Precede You, Even if it is Not Deserved

2011-08-23T12:06:00.002-05:00

(This is part 11 in a 11 part series of things that Andy learned in college - sometimes the hard way - so hopefully you don't have to)

I looked in the mirror and said out loud "What's wrong with me?" as I wondered why some people of the opposite gender often looked at me as if I had leprosy. The only thing that was missing from me being straight out of the bible was sitting on the ground yelling "unclean!"

This was after I asked a friend to go to this school event with me. She said yes, but then said "If you touch me, I'll kill you" (I think she was joking about the kill part... I think).

I didn't know why she felt like she had to say that. It's not like I had done anything to deserve it. I hadn't done anything wrong to any girl, honestly I hadn't really even dated any girl at college, but somehow I got a reputation for being a "ladies man" and that word had gotten around in some odd and horrible fashion to the point where someone felt like they had to say that to me before they hung out with me.

This was *before* Facebook was around, where I think it is even easier for people who don't know you to easily pass judgement on you just by looking at one of your status updates or one picture or one comment.

It's a great reminder to live your live "blameless" so that your reputation is not bad things, but of Jesus.

For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. ¹⁸ If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. - Romans 14:17,18

Even if people have heard bad things about you wrongly, if you are living your life the right way, you have nothing to be worried about.

House Party Podcast - August 22, 2011

2011-08-22T18:11:00.002-05:00

If you missed the show, here's what happened:

Bad situation turned good
Rockfest in Bartlesville, Sept 10th
Andy's Birthday
What did you learn in church?
Andy's Guide to Surviving College #10 - The "Bad" Roommate

Listen to it here! (Right click and select "save as" to download it)

Andy's Guide To Surviving College #10 - The "Bad" Roommate

2011-08-22T17:52:00.001-05:00

(This is part 10 in a 11 part series of things that Andy learned in college - sometimes the hard way - so hopefully you don't have to)

One of the last great mysteries in the world is those people that you will be thrown together with when you are in college. The good news is, for the most part, you will love your roommates. But know this: There will be one that DRIVES YOU NUTS.

Even if you know all of your roommates before hand, you probably have never lived with them. And they will be either too clean or too messy, too loud or too anti-social, their food will smell (or their clothes), they will mooch too much off of you, they will never go to sleep when you want to go to sleep, and they will generally do everything that you can't stand.

God will teach you patience if you are willing to learn in these situations, and there's not much advice I can give other than don't let your heart become hard towards them. I let that slip in with one of my roommates and it wasn't a good thing. Even when he was being nice, I would resent him because of my heart towards him.

Also, make sure that you are not the "Bad" roommate. Remember, your mom isn't around, so all those things she used to do for you are now in the realm of your responsibility. Make sure to wash the dishes, make your bed, and pick up after yourself and you'll be better than 75% of the roommates you will live with in college.

Andy's Guide To Surviving College - The Ebook!

2011-08-22T12:45:00.001-05:00

For the first and only time, you can now download all of Andy's tips to surviving college in one .pdf Ebook download, readable on your computer or anywhere else really!

It's free! download and share with your family and friends!

Download Andy's Guide to Surviving College - The Ebook, here.

House Party Podcast - August 19, 2011

2011-08-19T18:09:00.001-05:00

If you missed the show, here's what happened:

Kickoff to the Weekend!
Kids Grow up so Quickly
Feeding the 5,000
GIving up too easily?
Surprise Me God
Andy's Guide to Surviving College #9

Listen to it here! (Right click and select "save as" to download it)

Andy's Guide To Surviving College #9 - Everyone Looks Frumpy

2011-08-19T17:55:00.002-05:00

(This is part 9 in a 11 part series of things that Andy learned in college - sometimes the hard way - so hopefully you don't have to)

We've already covered why it's not that important to shower before you go to your classes in the morning (that is, if you would miss class instead, hygiene is more important), because here is one fundamental truth throughout your college years: Everyone Looks Frumpy.

As a matter of fact, there are people that will spend very good money to look as frumpy as possible. Paying extra for jeans that have more holes than swiss cheese, torn shirts, cut off sweatshirts etc etc.

A lot of it goes into the fact that college students don't have a lot of money in the first place, so for a lot of people there's no choice but to rock the thrift store finds.

There are some that do have money, but don't want to look like they do, so they will pay to look frumpy as well.

So, don't worry about spending a lot on your clothes, don't worry about getting all primped and primed for a 7 AM class, and don't be embarrassed about your junky car, because the only place that is more casual/frumpy than college is Wal-Mart.

House Party Podcast - August 18, 2011

2011-08-18T18:13:00.001-05:00

If you missed the show, here's what happened:

Interview with Sam from Mikeschair!
Which is older?
Surprise me God
See Abandon for free on Andy's Birthday?

Listen to it here! (Right click and select "save as" to download it)

Interview with Sam from Mikeschair!

2011-08-18T17:50:00.002-05:00

Andy and Jenn talked with Sam from Mikeschair about the story behind the song "Someone Worth Dying For," a story that he's heard from a listener that touched his life, and what the band does on release day of their CD.

Listen to the interview here

Sam From Mikeschair's Guide To Surviving College?

2011-08-18T17:28:00.000-05:00

Today, Andy and Jenn talked to Sam from the band Mikeschair. And since the band met in college, he had some sage advice about something he wished he did better while in School:

"Getting your work done sooner than later is probably a good idea"

Listen to his advice here

House Party Podcast - August 17, 2011

2011-08-17T18:11:00.001-05:00

If you missed the show, here's what happened:

Cantaloupe Festival?
A time when it was hard to tell the truth
Painfully obvious trivia
Surprise Me God
Andy's guide to surviving college

Listen to it here! (Right click and select "save as" to download it)

Andy's Guide To Surviving College #8 - Don't Put Your Faith Off Until Graduation

2011-08-17T17:53:00.001-05:00

(This is part 8 in a 11 part series of things that Andy learned in college - sometimes the hard way - so hopefully you don't have to)

As we have discussed previously, sleep is a precious commodity during your college career. So, what will probably happen to you when you first start out in school, is you will miss church on the first sunday. Then the next week, you won't find one that will fit you. Then the next week, you miss the shuttle to the church you think you might like but aren't really sure.

Just like other times in life, we fool ourselves so often by saying "I'll follow God later" We think that somehow, once we become less busy (we won't) or have less problems (we won't) or settle down and have a family (you might, but that only gives you less time and more problems), then we will finally crack open the ol' bible and give God the time He deserves.

It won't ever happen by accident, just like your homework won't happen by accident, your car won't fix itself by accident, or your smelly clothes won't clean themselves by accident.

It's something you have to do on purpose, with intention. And there's no better time to start now! Because you will never be in a better place to start having a relationship with Jesus then where you are RIGHT NOW!

Andy's Guide To Surviving College #7 - College is like High School.... On Steroids

2011-08-16T17:45:00.001-05:00

(This is part 7 in a 11 part series of things that Andy learned in college - sometimes the hard way - so hopefully you don't have to)

If you were like me and weren't very cool in High School, it was like the holy grail of the future. I looked at it longingly, knowing that someday my situation would change, that someday I would be in that wonderful thing called college! Where I, the ugly duckling, would be noticed for what I truly am: a beautiful swan.

To be sure, I had a GREAT time in college, and I made great friends, but college still has the same cliques that you find in high school or any other school.

There are still bullies, people that don't like you just because you are yourself, and others that you can't stand for one reason or another.

But here's the good news: because the College campus is usually much much larger than your High School, there are more people just like you! So for me, I was able to find a good group of people that was really weird, too, and we had lots of weird fun and didn't care what everyone else thought!

*Unicorn not to scale. Or expectations, sadly.

So if you have this idea that you are going to live on a rainbow and a unicorn will take you to your class every day, you'll be disappointed. But know that people are out there like you, find them, and you'll be fine!

Flaky

2011-08-16T16:12:00.004-05:00

I have no idea what this is and it has nothing whatsoever to do with this post. Looks like the character from an uplifting children's show about a porcupine with dandruff. It's just the first thing that popped up when I did a Google Image search for "Flaky". You're welcome.

Lately it seems I'm a flake-magnet.

I'm not referring to a scalp condition or even cereal here, though.

I'm talking about flaky people.

People who say one thing, then do another.

People who put on their "Jesus Pants" and go to church and then post pictures of the latest bar they visited on Facebook.

People who say they believe one thing, but obviously don't live it.

Yeah, I could choose not to look or just pray for them (and I do a lot of both) but it still bothers me.

It's especially frustrating to me in people that I see greatness. They have such potential but they are too engulfed in the things and trappings of this world to even look up.

Sadly, there isn't a special laser to zap out the flakes of this world.

I can focus on me though, and make sure I don't get flaky.

"Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." Matthew 5:37

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15

I know how hard it is to trust, let alone be around, a flaky person. Let's work on being as flake-less as possible, mmkay?

I'm going to go have some cereal now.

-Jenn

QUESTION:
Have you ever met a flaky person?

Andy's Guide To Surviving College #6 - When should my earliest class be?

2011-08-15T17:52:00.001-05:00

(This is part 6 in a 11 part series of things that Andy learned in college - sometimes the hard way - so hopefully you don't have to)

Most of our series so far has been about other parts of the College "experience" - but let's not forget, you're there to do some book-learnin' !

When you are selecting classes, you will probably try to pick a schedule where no classes start before 1 pm. Problem is, those classes usually fill up the fastest, and it never fails that THE ONE CLASS YOU HAVE TO TAKE IS ONLY OFFERED AT 6:40 AM AAAGGGHHH.

Here's the deal, no matter how late your first class is, it will still be TOO EARLY. You can squeeze the most sleep out of the night by following "Andy's Guide To Surviving College #1 " , but don't put off that early class, because you'll have to do it sometime, and you might as well do it now. You definitely won't want to do it any more at a later time.

This Sweaty Garage Episode 1 - Easy Mason Jar Storage!

2011-08-15T16:27:00.002-05:00

This is an easy project to make some cool looking storage for your wall! Here's the video:

The supplies you need to make this:

2x4 Piece of wood
Pipe Clamps
Canning Jars (I chose the wide mouth pint size)
Screws
Mounting supplies

The steps are pretty easy, too:

Cut the wood to the size you want
Drill / hammer a hole in the pipe clamp
screw pipe clamp to the 2x4
tighten pipe clamp
drop in canning jar

And you're done! This is how they are being used in my house:

Storage in the Bathroom

Storage above sewing machine

Here's where my wife found the original instructions: http://lovelylittledetails.com/2011/03/13/mason-jar-sunday-diy-mason-storage-from-liz-marie-3/

Andy's Guide To Surviving College #5 - Have a Meal Plan, even if you have a Meal Plan.

2011-08-12T06:46:00.002-05:00

(This is part 5 in a 11 part series of things that Andy learned in college - sometimes the hard way - so hopefully you don't have to)

Before I share the story that happened to me that inspired this post, please remember I was a 1) Freshman and 2) I am a guy. Really, most idiotic things can be explained with those two qualifiers.

One of the things I loved about college right away is having 3 great meals a day. I never had to cook! And that was a good thing, because at that point I really didn't know how to do much. But if you are like me and have a full meal plan to the Cafeteria, please remember this important thing:

There will be at least one point where you are very hungry, and the cafeteria won't be open, and you will have no choice but to raid your emergency supplies.

For me, it was at 3 AM. I woke up in a sweat and it felt like my stomach was attacking me. I stumbled into our mini-kitchen and opened up my section of the pantry. Here's what I found:

*Picture not to scale

That was it. So, like a bear putting its paw into a bees nest to eat the sweet nectar of their hard work, I jammed my hand into the peanut butter jar, then into the box of rice krispies. I proceeded to eat the cereal/peanut butter concoction off of my hand. Now, thankfully it was at 3 AM, so my roommates were all asleep. I'm pretty sure it looked like this:

Hobo Bear

I can't imagine what I would have had to resort to if I didn't have those two random items in my dorm. I may have resorted to eating couch cushions, like this woman:

She didn't have a meal plan

The important moral of this story? EVEN if you have a full "meal plan" in college, make sure to have a meal plan WHEN (you know it will happen) you are hungry and can't go to the cafeteria!

Andy's Guide To Surviving College #4 - Beware the Mario Kart Phone!

2011-08-11T17:20:00.001-05:00

(This is part 4 in a 11 part series of things that Andy learned in college - sometimes the hard way - so hopefully you don't have to)

In College, the classroom is not the only place that you are learning things. For a lot of people, this is the first time away from family, and the first time having to deal with personal finances. We will cover the ever-important college job in a later post, but how to spend the small amount of money you have?

I can't tell you exactly how to spend your money, but I can warn you about one thing that will drain your bank account more than anything. The social "Walmart" run. Someone will walk by your dorm room and ask if you want to do a Walmart run for supplies. It's ok to go, but if you don't need anything, I would suggest NOT EVEN BRINGING MONEY. Because, if you are there and EVERYBODY is buying things, of course you will find something that you all of a sudden HAVE to get.

For example, I was on a run with my friends to Walmart, and I didn't need anything, but I saw this one item like a beacon of light, something that I was almost blinded by its brilliance. It was this:

Even now, years after seeing it in the store, I am still drawn to it. (I mean, look at it! HE'S ON THE CART, WITH A BANANA, AND I CAN USE IT TO TALK TO PEOPLE!) So I put it in my cart, and as I was walking around with my friends some more, I realized that it was the perfect example of buying completely useless things in college. I mean, we had a phone in our dorm, but nobody used it! Why was I even drawn to it? Because I thought that other people (especially the people I was with) would think it was AWESOME!

So you have two choices:

1) Don't go on the "social Wal-mart runs"
2) Go on the "social Wal-mart runs" but don't bring your wallet.

or I guess you could go in having a list of essentials that you need to pick up, but you're only kidding yourself that you won't come out with a mario kart phone, or whatever that example of ridiculous spending would be in your case.

Andy's Guide To Surviving College #3 - Showing up is 88% of College

2011-08-10T17:07:00.002-05:00

(This is part 3 in a 11 part series of things that Andy learned in college - sometimes the hard way - so hopefully you don't have to)

Its lure was strong during my college years. Maybe it was the funny name, or the incredible orange chicken, but the chinese buffet near my college made me get a C in my Old Testament History class.

I had the best intentions! I would be on my way to class, when one of my friends would ask the innocent question "Chinese Buffet?" To which, I often said "yes." It was the only class I missed on a semi-regular basis, and it showed. I forgot to follow the number one rule of college. SHOW UP!

You can't pass if you aren't in class! (I didn't even mean to make that rhyme)

The other 12% of College? Doing the work! I never missed a homework assignment, and I didn't do the best on tests, but other than that class I missed all the time, I pulled B's or better. Even if it is late, you might lose some points but still, DO THE WORK!

These are both so common sense, but these two things that trip up college students academically are also some of the easiest thing to do.

Show up. Do the work. Don't fall into the temptation of the Chinese Buffet. And the rest will work itself out!

Andy's Guide To Surviving College #2 - Dating?

2011-08-09T17:13:00.001-05:00

(This is part 2 in a 11 part series of things that Andy learned in college - sometimes the hard way - so hopefully you don't have to)

The first few weeks of college as a freshman is like a whole new world, with new foods, new places and new things to learn.

But you won't be focused on any of that. You'll probably be noticing people of the opposite gender. Most freshman act like they are wearing a sign that says : "LOOK OUT WORLD, I'M SINGLE AND READY TO MINGLE!"

WELL, Hold on there for a moment cowboy!

The WORST thing you could do is start dating someone right away. Actually if you can avoid it, I would suggest holding off from dating your entire Freshman year!

You can have friends of the opposite gender, that's great! But what you will notice is two ~~days~~ minutes into orientation, couples will start forming. These couples will usually make it all the way through the first year of college. Fast forward to the next year, they come back as single people and not only do they not have each other for company but, THEY HAVE NO FRIENDS BECAUSE THEY WERE TOO BUSY BEING A COUPLE AND NOT HANGING OUT WITH ANYONE ELSE.

I'm sorry if it seems harsh, but this is the truth. Of course, there are exceptions, but know that friendships are forged quickly those first few weeks of college, and often times those are the friendships that you will treasure many years after you have graduated.

So can you date after your Freshman year? Absolutely! You'll still want to be careful of course, for many reasons (one of which we will explore later regarding your reputation).

But as your brain and your heart are still "gelling", stick to being friends. You'll have plenty of time to jump into the dating pool the other 3 years of college. And you'll be a lot less wrinkly than everyone else.

Andy's Guide To Surviving College #1 - Don't Shower (If you don't have time)

2011-08-08T17:26:00.002-05:00

(This is part 1 in a 11 part series of things that Andy learned in college - sometimes the hard way - so hopefully you don't have to)

The alarm goes off on your phone, you look at it realizing that you only got 3 hours of sleep, you have two choices. You can:

1) Get up right away
-OR-
2) Sleep in until 5 minutes before your class

I would always suggest option "2" for a few reasons. One of them we will get into later (everyone looks frumpy), but lack of sleep is one of the things that will DESTROY your routines in college. All-nighters are bad too, the next day you feel awful and for me, I found that I did worse on tests if I tried to stay up all night to cram.

Sleep is very important, and sleeping is more important than hygiene (at least first thing in the morning). BUT, and this is important to remember, that GOING to class is more important than sleeping. So wake up, go to class, then take a shower. If this has confused you, here's the order of importance of sleep, class, and showers:

CLASSES > SLEEP > SHOWER > XBOX (sorry guys)

Come back tomorrow, as I tackle the tricky world of dating! How long should a freshman wait to date? stay tuned for more!

The HEATWAVE Olympics!

2011-08-04T14:44:00.000-05:00

The temp was 110, so Andy and Jenn made the most of it by seeing what would melt the fastest, and if they could cook breakfast on the pavement:

Extreme Couponing?

2011-07-27T08:51:00.000-05:00

I love getting deals, and I have always wondered "how do they do that?" Getting hundreds of dollars worth of groceries for pennies on the dollar? It seems time-consuming, and if you watch the TV shows with people and their paper towels stored all over the house because they have so many, a little like a bad episode of "Hoarders."

CNNMONEY talked to 7 different extreme couponers about their strategies and what websites they check out. So if you have ever wanted to try some couponing and see if it could save you money, check out this article.

Word on Wednesday - Proverbs 31 Women

2011-07-20T07:33:00.000-05:00

This week's Word on Wednesday is for the ladies! Proverbs 31 ladies, that is. You can click to listen below:

Word on Wednesday - Proverbs 31

It all started in the back of a van on the way to church camp.

2011-07-01T07:46:00.001-05:00

This is cross-posted from GetAndyToSwazi.com, my blog about the journey to, at, and from Swaziland:

My friends and I decided to make a club that only the people of our choosing would be able to join. Someone thought it would be funny to make our own country, and the name “Swaziland” was suggested. The rest of the week at camp was filled with us as the leaders of our “country” coming up with laws and deciding who was worthy to be a part of our community.

Fast forward to 15 years later, and a country that I had thought I had “made up” in a church van is now a place I find myself being called to go to on a missions trip in October.

The kingdom of Swaziland is a small landlocked country in Southern Africa with a population of a little over one million people. It has been hit hard by HIV, and has the highest HIV prevalence in the world. One in four adults are living with AIDS. Orphans and vulnerable children account for an estimated 15 percent of the total population. Life expectancy is just 49 years - one of the lowest in the world.

In a place where there seems to be so much despair, it can seem very dark. Swaziland is at the moment before sunrise, where the light seems to be so far away that it may never come back again. Just like the sun breaking through that dark, hope is on the horizon. Children's Cup is on the ground and is helping meet the Swazi orphans’ basic needs. But food, shelter, medicine and education are not enough to heal their emotions. Most have been sexually abused, beaten and some have even been forced to murder and maim as child warriors. They need hope. Hope’s name is Jesus!

It can seem overwhelming and confusing what an American can do to help in a little over a week to change the lives of these children. Honestly, our goal is simple: love on them like they have never been loved on before. We are going to spend almost our entire time doing VBS activities, playing sports, and sharing our time with them. The rest of the time will be devoted to helping out the missionaries with any needs they may have.

God has been working on my heart to reach out to the Swazi people for over 15 years. I have finally answered the call to step out of my comfort zone and into a new country and culture.

If you feel God calling you to support me, will you do that today? Whether it is prayerfully or financially, I appreciate anything that you can do to help in this Great Commission.

Salakahle, (Stay well)

Andrew Youso

P.S. My total amount needed for this trip is $3000. With some incredibly generous gifts already in, I have $1665 left to go. I need $1065 of that by July 15th, so your immediate gifts would be greatly appreciated!

------ Want to help Get Andy To Swazi? Donate now:

Think your problems are bad?

2011-06-30T17:26:00.000-05:00

Here's a rap about "problems" we encounter every day, and how silly they seem sometimes.

I noticed that most of our problems come from all the "stuff" we have. And it's not that we have to feel bad about having it, but it is a good reminder that we are truly blessed... and we have the ability to bless others greatly as well! Never forget that :)

Secret Shopper Calls

2011-06-29T17:23:00.000-05:00

The Government has been planning on having "Secret Shoppers" call doctors offices to pose as patients and request appointments to see how difficult it is for people to get care when they need it. We were wondering how in the world they would do that without giving away the fact that it was from the government, so we filed a "Freedom of Information Act" request, and they sent us these phone recordings of the secret shoppers contacting one particular doctor's office.

Call 1: It sounds like this caller's "ailment" got the best of him
Call 2: Al Gore calls in about his "fever" - and some angry polar bears
Call 3: It looks like they recruited an old-timey gold prospector to call on this one
Call 4: She really doesn't want to give out her name

This Woman Really Loves Cats

2011-06-27T14:35:00.000-05:00

Probably a little more than you:

Apparently, Brent feels the same way about listeners to The House FM:

The Word On Wednesday: Joshua 24

2011-06-22T05:30:00.000-05:00

I LOVE the old testament, especially the stories about the wars and kings. It plays out like an epic movie in my mind. One part that I have always loved is Joshua's speech to rally the troops. It ends with a verse a lot of people know "As for me and my house, I will serve the Lord," but the verses leading up to that show the story of God's plan and providence in the lives of the Israelites.

Take a listen below, and as you listen, know that God has a plan for your life to keep you safe from your enemies and be there with you through everyday life as well!

Click to listen: The Word On Wednesday: Joshua 24

Public Service Announcement: A bad reason to call 911

2011-06-16T12:41:00.000-05:00

Here's a reminder - calling 911 for non emergency reasons is a misdemeanor, clogs up the line for someone with a real emergency, and could potentially be spread all over the internet for everyone to hear, like this woman:

Here's a transcript that I grabbed from Consumerist.com-

911: Metro area 911, what's your emergency?

WOMAN: Yeah I need to for to send to [address] this is Hong Kong Chinese restaurant to go. I ordered food, and they gonna give me the wrong food. I bring this inside, they gonna tell me nah ain't me they ain't gonna give my money they gonna have to give me my money uh uhhh I need somebody... [indecipherable]

[Address and contact info given]

911: Alright, I'll send someone to talk to you.

WOMAN: Y'all what, y'all need to stop talking like that because I don't like that [indecipherable] you don't talk like that in front of me because then I'm gonna get angry.

911: I'm going to send someone over there to talk to you.

WOMAN: Alright, thank you.

911: Alright, bye-bye.

WOMAN: Y'all make me angry...

Songs to dance to?

2011-06-16T10:13:00.001-05:00

I got an email yesterday from a listener about looking for Dance Music:

My granddaughter is on a dance team and the dance studio uses some vulgar songs from mainstream radio (even though they are based in a church). My daughter says the only Christian station they have in the HOUSTON area (if you can believe it) doesn't have a lot of the great stuff you guys play. So I was giving her some ideas for songs that the dance teams could use. (My daughter took issue with some of the costumes and music this year and there will be much more accountability next year. ----She's awesome!!!)

There are actually a few different Christian artists that have music that would be great for dance teams. As a matter of fact, here's a dance group that performed on "America's Got Talent" to a song by Group 1 Crew:

Some other Christian artists to check out for songs that might be good for Dance Teams are:

Beckah Shae
Krystal Meyers
Staci Orrico
Lecrae
Shonlock
Press Play
TobyMac

have any other suggestions? Let me know in the comments!

The Rock is Out!

2011-06-09T16:13:00.000-05:00

My Son, Joash put a rock in his ear a week ago. We don't know why and he hasn't really explained it. But after a week of unfortunate events, the rock is finally out, and here's the proof:

I hope this stops some other child from sticking something in their ear / nose / throat that doesn't belong there! I know my son has learned the hard way!

Monday Morning Laugh Break - Paranoid

2011-06-06T08:37:00.000-05:00

Here's something to help get you through today... and maybe make you a little paranoid next time you go to WalMart:

Well, it's not like I'm gonna throw a bible at them and run away!

2011-06-03T07:38:00.000-05:00

(This is cross-posted from my missions trip blog, GetAndyToSwazi.com)

First, a fundraising update: I was able to send my first $1200 payment in, and actually was able to send in $135 more than the minimum! Thanks for your help! There's still time to give!

But maybe you are a little confused about why you would want to send me to Swaziland.

I had a facebook friend question what good I would do by going to Swaziland, and I wanted to just reply "Well, it's not like I'm gonna throw a bible at them and run away!" I want to help, and in so many instances, helping meet others' basic needs and letting them know that we are doing it to show them Jesus' love is the most important thing. It's not that some guy from the USA is going to Swaziland to yell at them street preacher style from a milk crate saying "you need Jeeeeeasus"!

I'm not arrogant in thinking that I am supposed to just show up into these kids' lives and that will fix everything.

That I'm the cure.

Because I'm not.

But I know who is.

So, I'm going to love on those kids in Swaziland. I hope to play soccer or whatever else they play (I fully expect to lose on this as well). I hope to get messy and not worry about my clothes or my ego. I hope that I am ready for them to ultimately teach me.

I'm not going for a vacation.

I'm not going to put another stamp in my passport.

I'm going because I've been asked to go.

(Not just by other people, but by God.)

Next post, I will talk more about what we will be doing in Swaziland, and what Children's Cup (the organization we are partnering up with) does to meet the needs of Children in Swaziland. If you're ready to help, just click the "donate" button below.

------ Want to help Get Andy To Swazi? Donate now:

Meet the family that lives in a 320 Square Foot House:

2011-06-01T08:41:00.000-05:00

Check out this incredible video of a family that lives in a 320 Square foot home by choice. My favorite thing they say at the end is "I've stopped thinking about the things I don't have and now focus on the things I do have."

There's definitely something to be said about simplicity, isn't there?

Thunder Vs. Dallas Tragics GAME 4 Survival Guide:

2011-05-23T16:17:00.000-05:00


Another Goofy Picture of Dirk Nowitski

Ok, so game 3? Not so good. I take full responsibility. I didn't have a chance to watch it as I was working at a church fundraiser all night. It hurt to not see it, however.

I think I have just the thing to pump us up and have more participation in the game tonight. This would be good for someone in your family who doesn't really "get it" but will sit and watch with you anyway.

It's Thunder bingo! Simply mark off the square when the event occurs during the game. First person to get 5 across, diagonal, or vertically wins!

Download the Thunder Bingo Game Board Here

Thunder Vs. Dallas Tragics GAME 3! Survival Guide:

2011-05-20T18:02:00.000-05:00

First, another goofy picture of Dirk Nowitski to your left.

Secondly, here's Andy's Thunder song for you to listen and download:

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Check this out on Chirbit

LET'S DO THIS THUNDER UP! 8 PM ESPN SATURDAY NIGHT WOOOOOOOO!

Interview with The Newsboys!

2011-05-20T17:38:00.001-05:00

Andy and Jenn talk to Jodi from the Newsboys about hosting The Music Boat cruise and if they get to drive the ship, the story behind "Save Your Life", and what the secret is behind Michael Tait's rediculous amount of energy:

Listen to The Newsboys interview here

Your Thunder / Mavericks Playoff Survival Kit

2011-05-17T17:26:00.001-05:00

So, the Thunder are taking on the Mavericks starting tonight. Some things to help you prepare:

Laugh at how goofy Dirk Nowitski looks most of the time (see left)
Listen to the OKC Thunder Playoff Theme Song
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Refer to the Dallas Mavericks as the Dallas "Tragics" - It will strike fear in the hearts of our opponents and embolden the Thunder to victory!

THUNDER UP!

My Near Death Experience

2011-05-17T07:51:00.000-05:00

It all started out as a leisurely trip on a Sunday afternoon to Pawnee Bill's Ranch (pictured on left), and ended with a near-death experience shortly thereafter.

On our way back home, we were driving on a two-lane highway, I was eating (do we call it eating or drinking?) a Sonic orange slush, and I had looked down for a moment to make sure I wasn't going to spill orange on my awesome shirt, as I looked back on the road, I see a truck, in my lane, coming right at me at 65 MPH! In a split second, the truck swerves to my right into the right shoulder and passes me on the right, while the vehicle that they were trying to pass went on my left. My wife, who was trying to take a nap, sits up and says "We almost died there." I agreed, figuring any head on collision at 65 MPH with a big truck would probably not end in living.

A Reenactment of my near-death experience.

I made the comment that "God must not be finished with us yet."

Have you ever thought that when God saved you from a near-death experience? It really makes you think about who is in control of our lives.

Are our lives a series of random events, that sometimes work out in our way and sometimes do not?

OR is there a creator that has a plan for your life, a plan for you to do great things and guide your every step according to his perfect ways?

I was shown that personally on Sunday, as I am writing this on a Tuesday. Still alive and breathing, and continuing to follow the path that God has laid out for me.

Interview with Building 429!

2011-05-13T17:25:00.000-05:00

Andy and Jenn had a chat with Jesse about where they have been since their first big hit 7 years ago, their faith walk through that process, the meaning behind their new song "Listen to the Sound," and what it is like to listen to the finished product of their new CD.

Listen to the interview with Jesse from Building 429 here.

Interview with Anthem Lights!

2011-05-13T16:41:00.000-05:00

Andy and Jenn caught up with Anthem Lights about their band name, the story behind the song "Can't Shut Up," and where they will be buying their CD on release day

Listen to the interview here.

The Faith Project - Accident

2011-05-10T08:24:00.000-05:00

Scott sent us an E-Mail of a time he had to step out in faith, when there seemed like there was nothing left to hope in.

Scott writes:

As I sit in Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, TN, I'm surfing the net to research my sons condition and to try hard to re-establish my faith in The Lord.

3 yrs ago, on May 8th 2008, my now 20 yr old son Matthew was a passenger in a horrible motor vehicle accident while riding with a friend. At that moment in time, his life and ours was forever changed. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and had immediate brain surgery at The Med in Memphis after being air-lifted with not a single Dr knowing if he could even live through the surgery. His brain was damaged and bleeding internally requiring immediate removal of the entire right upper portion of his skull for emergency surgery to repair bleeds and allow his brain room to swell.The truck he was riding in was hit directly on my sons door by and 18-wheeler loaded with steel. My son took this impact on his head and right side of his body at 65MPH. He was ejected on a 4 lane highway and thrown probably 40 feet landing in the median between the 4 lanes of traffic. The Sherriff on the scene has been my friend for decades. On our 1 hour drive to the hospital - as our son was air-lifted, the Sherriff called me - I asked him how my son was - with pain in his voice he prepared me for the worst. He said it was really really bad and he had no clue if he would sustain the flight according to the attending medics. I felt as though someone ripped my heart from my body at that moment. I hung up the phone and spent the next 45 mins of the trip reassuring my wife and younger son that it was going to be ok.

At the hospital - they let us see our son as he was about to go to surgery - broken back, hip, ribs, bleeding profusely externally - liver, kidney, spleen lacerated and punctured lung. They gave us little hope and seeing him gave us even less.

I took my wife and younger son to a special waiting room for families who have someone about to endure a possible life ending surgery. We prayed and met with family and friends who were showing up as time went on. We waited for what seemed an eternity. The surgeon came in about 3 hours later and said it was remarkable how well he came through the surgery - miraculous - BUT it would be a while before we'd know if he'd make it. The next 3 wks were a roller coaster of near death experiences and limited visitation due to the worry of infection etc... I spent every minute I could with my son, my wife and in the Chapel at the hospital. I begged the Lord to please allow us more time with our son who had just turned 17. On one of the trips - I felt something......I felt an overwhelming belief that God was going to help Matthew pull through the injury, infections, pneumonia etc regardless of the Dr's constantly telling us it was not looking good. I was SO sure that my wife then became sure as well...As we got to week 3 they prepared us for a child who would likely wake up and not know any of us or even be able to lift a hand or finger, I knew better - God sent me a message in that Chapel that my son was going to be ok.

My son awoke - 3 weeks into a coma - looked at me with a tube running into a hole in his throat and made a motion like he was writing. They looked at him like, what is he doing, I said give him a pen/paper. He wrote down, "Let us go home"! I cant tell you how that felt - I'll never be able to explain it to anyone. God was there then entire journey!

It's been a journey for sure. My son walked out of the hospital using a walker, only because they made him to keep weight off of his hip, with the entire right upper side of his skull removed as well. 3 months later the bone was put back in - 5 months later his body rejected the bone and it was replaced with a polymer plate the size of mans right hand.

3 yrs later he has a seizure disorder and some muscle damage in his face but physically and mentally 100% for the most part. No one really knows why as he has very extensive brain damage. They dont know why he did not show signs of this brain damage but I do... God

Tonight I sit with my son in Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, TN - 3 yrs after the accident, doing a week long study to see of this damaged area of his brain should be removed to possibly stop his seizures which are the ONLY thing preventing him from going to college or tech school - basically keeping him from moving forward in life.

As this has stretched out, I have been mad at God because my son is stuck in a rut.. and as I type this I see how ignorant I am for being upset with God for God is the reason my son made all the miraculous changes that the Dr's could not explain and as I sit here I again feel God telling me it's ok...

I'm not sure where we go from here... I feel sure they will suggest removal of damaged brain to stop the seizures but as we continue down this path, I pray that God gives my son and my family the strength to continue to be strong in faith and to trust in him to be our guide down this unknowing path.

Not sure how/why I happened across your radio station on my laptop either - never heard of it until now but when I saw your headline, Stepping out on Faith, I was compelled to type this.

I want to thank all of you for sharing the word of God through scripture and music. I want to thank you as well for taking time to read this email. I would like to ask that you please send a prayer the direction of my son, Matthew Seager... He is a fantastic son and I'm so proud God presented him to us and has seen fit to keep him with us longer in spite of what all the Dr's said.

God Bless you all and thanks for what you do!

Scott Seager

You can't even imagine...no really, you can't.

2011-05-04T11:57:00.004-05:00

It's graduation season...kids growing up, starting a new chapter of their lives, making their parents cry as they walk across the stage, etc.

I remember when I was graduating, I had SO many dreams. Like, a lot. No, I didn't still want to be a ballerina and a doctor like when I was little, but still, I had some big hopes.

I don't know about you, but I still have some big dreams. Maybe like me, you've pressed them down deep, swept them under a rug because life is busy or the dream just seems impossible. Still, the dreams are still there.

I was reading in 1 Corinthians this week and I can't get this scripture out of my head:

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Cor. 2:9

So think about that dream you have...now imagine that coming true, and it being even greater! That blows my mind that even the greatest things I can imagine are nothing compared to what God wants to do in and through me!

The same is true for you, too. You're life doesn't have to stay the same. All the people you look up to, or even don't look up to, got where they are one step at a time. It didn't happen overnight. So, what can you do this week, or even today? What step of faith can you take to get one step closer to what God has planned for you?

-Jenn

Be sure to share what God is doing through you here.

Friday Flashback - Look What God Is Doing! by Scott Wesley Brown

2011-04-29T11:06:00.000-05:00

This week's Friday Flashback goes back to sometime in the 80's, and you really owe it to yourself to at least watch the very end where THE PROJECTOR CATCHES ON FIRE SPOILER ALERT!

Have a request for next week's Friday Flashback? Email Andy@thehousefm.com

Interview with Benni Cinkle - The "Girl in pink" from the Rebecca Black Friday Music Video!

2011-04-22T17:10:00.003-05:00

Benni Cinkle and Rebecca Black from the music video "Friday"

Andy and Jenn talked to Benni Cinkle, who was a normal 8th grader one day, and a viral internet video star the next. But it wasn't necessarily a compliment at first. There was a Facebook fan page of the "The girl in pink who danced awkwardly in Rebecca Black's Friday" - but Benni talks about how she took the criticism and turned it around to be a positive. We also talk about how teenagers can cope with cyberbullying and what parents can do to help.

Listen to the Interview with Benni Cinkle - The "Girl in pink" from the Rebecca Black Friday Music Video here.

Connect with Benni:
http://thatgirlinpink.com/
http://twitter.com/#!/benni_cinkle
facebook.com/bennetcinkle
youtube.com/imthatgirlinpink

And if you haven't seen the video yet, here it is:

Friday Flashback - He's Alive by Don Francisco

2011-04-22T10:26:00.002-05:00

Friday Flashback is an excuse to go back into the vault of Christian Music past and find the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The first Friday Flashback is definitely good, and perfect for Good Friday. There's something about hearing the lyrics "He's Alive" over and over again, to remind me and to make it real in my mind that Jesus did raise from the dead for our sins. He's alive!

Make a (delicious) Easter Memory by making Empty Tomb Cookies!

2011-04-21T08:30:00.000-05:00

I saw this recipe online, and what a cool way to talk about Easter with your children! I am definitely going to do this with my 4 year old.

I found this recipe at westerntractmission.com

To be made the evening before Easter. You need;

1 cup whole pecans
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vinegar
zipper baggie
3 egg whites
wooden spoon
Pinch salt
tape
Bible

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 300 F.
Place pecans in zipper baggie and beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. After Jesus was arrested He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
Smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon vinegar into mixing bowl. When Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into your hand. Taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. This represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.
So far the ingredients are not very appetizing.
Add 1 cup of sugar. The sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. The color white represents the purity in God's eyes, of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18, & John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. With a piece of tape seal the oven door. Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 28:65-66.
GO TO BED! You may feel safe to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and take a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow!
On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.

Interview with Dave from Sidewalk Prophets!

2011-04-15T16:45:00.007-05:00

Shaun and Jenn got to talk to Dave from Sidewalk Prophets today on The House Party! Listen to find out what sidewalks are called in other countries, what a "canjo" is and the story behind their new song "You Love Me Anyway" ... hint: it started with a goldfish.

Listen to the interview here

Link: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/770585/Sidewalk%20Prophets-Dave.mp3

Are You a Parody?

2011-04-12T09:58:00.000-05:00

So I have been following the Rebecca Black "Friday" song for a few weeks, I think it is fantastic. If you don't know what that is, here is the original song that rose to internet fame a few weeks ago:

over 95 MILLION people have watched this video. And now there are some "parodies", like the Christian version, "Sunday"

... Or my personal favorite, the "EPIC MULLET GUY" doing his version:

If you search "Rebecca black parody" on youtube you get 5,220 videos! All that would not exist if Rebecca didn't take a chance and make a song and video.

For the record, I think it's awesome that she CREATED something, when so many of us just tear down.

It made me think about my life. Am I a "parody" of someone else, somebody that I see that (I think) is cooler than me?

There are 5,220 parodies of Rebecca's song on YouTube. There is only 1 original.

Be the unique person that God has created you to be. You were created for this specific time to do things that only you can do!

Today, be the original, not the parody.

The House Party Podcast - April 4, 2011

2011-04-11T18:11:00.000-05:00

Today, Andy and Jenn talk about Facebook rules, play "House Party Poetry Slam" discuss the weekend storm, and find out how old Jenn was in 1999 (Hint: she had been born already)

Missed today's show? Download it here

Interview with Decyfer Down!

2011-04-08T17:31:00.000-05:00

Andy and Jenn talk with Josh from Decyfer Down about their tour, when we will hear new music from them, about their song "Fading," and what it is like to tour with Brian "Head" Welch.

Listen to the interview here.

What's your superpower?

2011-03-29T07:37:00.002-05:00

I saw a silly video online that reminded me of when I was in college. I had a thick beard, and when I wasn't paying attention in class, I would see how many pencils I could stick in it. I think I got up to 12, which is impressive, but not as impressive as this:

It's funny and a little weird all at the same time, but it makes me think about the unique things we all can do, and how God has given us a skill set that is unique and needed! Sure, you might not be able to put 2,747 toothpicks in your beard (or not have a beard at all, which makes me feel very sad for you), but you have things that God has given you that ONLY YOU CAN DO. The important thing now is to ask God what that thing is!

Do something about Bullying

2011-03-24T09:13:00.001-05:00

I don't know if you saw the video that was going around the internet last week (no, not this one) of a kid who was being bullied, and then bodyslammed the bully after he couldn't take it anymore. He shared his heartbreaking story on Austrailian Television last weekend:

As a kid, I was at the bottom of the school food chain as well, and I remember getting bullied a lot in junior high. There was this one kid that every day in Gym would punch me for no reason. After telling him to stop it and him not listening, I even took it up with the Vice Principal, whose advice to me was "punch him back"...

The worst thing is I had a friend in that class that was respected by the bully, and he never said anything to stop him. I know that bullying would stop in its tracks if when we see someone being hurt we would just take the time to say something and stand up for others. It's something that we all feel inside, but rarely does it ever come out.

So, next time you see someone being picked on, hurt, or teased, PLEASE speak up! If you can't intervene, get someone involved who can! Do something!

Doing something about it.

2011-03-23T09:58:00.000-05:00

We got this note from Matt, and I love the fact that he is not just following Christ, but DOING something about it:

Hi! My name is Matthew Arnold. I found your ipod app and have been listening a lot to the house fm in the past few weeks. I have parents who don't understand what it means to a be a christian (a relationship with God) even though they say the are. They say i act too churchy all the time. I am part of a youth group in Annapolis, Maryland and i have created a Podcast to explain how God is working in my life and I was wondering if you could pray for me and my parents as i try to help them gain a relationship with Christ. I was also wondering if you could mention the Podcast on air please. the link to it is http://ls-ka.podomatic.com/ Thank you so much.

I tried to stay away...

2011-03-14T07:56:00.000-05:00

From watching videos of the earthquake and tsunami that ravaged Japan. For me, it is "out of sight, out of mind" but I finally broke down and watched this video (it's worth watching all 6 minutes of it just to get an idea at how quickly this thing came). By the end if it, I had no choice but to help give to the efforts. Just to see entire buildings uprooted and sent downstream by the powerful current was something that I had never thought could happen.

Here's the shocking video: http://gizmodo.com/#!5781566/this-is-the-scariest-first+person-video-of-the-japan-tsunami-yet

I've donated to The Salvation Army by going to this page: https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/site/c.tvI3IeNUJsE/b.5760419/k.2CB3/Donate_Now/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=tvI3IeNUJsE&b=5760419&en=5oIzGIMjG4LIKSOmH3KFKPMxEoKRLXOxEdKFLRNAIkLRK1NIG

According to their website, "The Salvation Army has been at work in Japan since 1895, operating more than 80 centers there, including two hospitals and four children's homes. We have nearly 200 officers, 3,000 members and nearly 1,000 employees already at work in the country. We are a part of Japan's communities and dedicated to their recovery."

If You want to see some other organizations that are helping in Japan, go here: http://www.thehousefm.com/JapanRelief2011.aspx

You have a HUGE role to play!

2011-03-02T12:38:00.002-06:00

Yes, you!

We are in the middle of Pledge Drive at the station. It's the one time of the year that we come to you and say, "It's because of you that we are on the air, and it's your support that keeps us going strong. So, we need you to pray about this and talk with your family about supporting this ministry so we can keep going for another year." That's it. Without you, there is no us.

I would like to point out, though, that it's God working through you to make this happen. He has been so faithful! He's worked through His people the last 3 years that I've been here and all the way to the beginning 18 years ago, too. The Word says that He is the same yesterday, today and forever. So, if He's been faithful time and time again, I fully believe that He will be again this year.

He's awesome like that.

So, where do you fit into this ministry? Can you give $15 a month? That's .50 a day. Maybe you and your fam can spare a $1 a day to contribute $30 a month to support a station that reaches people all over the world. What does this ministry mean to you? Whatever God lays on your heart to give, I pray that you act on it.

I know God will help us reach the goal again this year. I just want to know...will you be a part of it?

Don't let this opportunity pass you by.

Watch out, you'll be making history and you'll be helping to reach the lost everyday. You in? Pledge Here.

Oh, and by the way, a pledge of any amount gets you into the Giant Giveaway. We're giving away giants. Naw...we actually have a prize after every song from 7a-6p!!

What do you do with this info? Pledge HERE, get in the Giant Giveaway Drawing, listen daily to hear your name, tell your friends.

Thanks for being awesome.

Oh yeah, you can watch daily 7a-6p.

-Jenn

What You Need To Know If You Are Going To Winter Jam:

2011-02-23T08:57:00.000-06:00

Whether you are a Winter Jam veteran, or this is your first time going, hopefully these tips and notes will help you out.

Who will be at Winter Jam?

Newsboys
David Crowder Band
Kutless
Francesca Battistelli
Red
Newsong
KJ-52
Speaker Tony Nolan
Sidewalk Prophets
Chris August
Chris Sligh

How much does Winter Jam cost, and where do I get tickets?

It is $10, and you can't buy tickets, you just put your money in a bucket as you go into the arena. Reminder - bring cash! And exact change helps too!

When and Where is Winter Jam?

Feb. 26 - OKC Arena (formally the Ford Center)

Feb. 27 - Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita

Doors open at 5 for both of these dates, but keep reading and I will explain why you should get there earlier.

What time should I get there?

Here's the deal: Winter Jam is hugely popular, and there is always the chance that they will hit capacity and have to turn everyone else away. This just happened last weekend in Kansas City, so I have no doubt that it will happen in OKC and Wichita. We would hate for you to take the time to try to come and not get in, so we recommend arriving early. How early?

Like I said before, doors open at 5 PM, if the crowd is really big, they usually open doors earlier than that. If you were to get there a few hours before doors open, you should be OK to get in and get a decent seat. We have NO idea what the turnout will be for these two dates but getting there early will be very important!

What About VIP Passes?

These are passes you can only buy on Winter Jam's website. They are $50, but give you these benefits:

Access to the VIP Platinum Entrance - NO WAITING IN LINE (VIP Doors Open: 3:30pm - 4:30pm)

Exclusive Access to the SEAT OF YOUR CHOICE
Official Winter Jam 2011 FREE TOUR T-SHIRT
Collectable Winter Jam 2011 VIP PLATINUM 3D PASS

OKC VIP passes have already sold out, but there are some still left for Wichita. Buy them here.

Will The House FM be there?

Photo Booth Example

Yes! Like you even have to ask :) - We will be rockin' the lines before Winter Jam with games and prizes, and once you get inside the arena, be sure to find our booth to spin the HUGE wheel of prizes for a chance to win an exclusive "Best of McCoy in the Morning" CD!

Also, The House FM FREE Photo booth will be there too, where you and your crazy friends / family members can get your picture taken for free, plus we post it on The House FM's Facebook Page after the show so you can tag it, share it with your friends, and download it as a keepsake!

If you have any more questions, feel free to call us (800-324-8488) and we can help you out! I hope you can come out to Winter Jam with your whole family / youth group / pack of ravenous wolves, because it is one of the best things to do all year!

The 134th 1/2 Annual House Party Awards!

2011-02-18T18:03:00.000-06:00

...The results are in, and based on your votes, here are the winners:

Goofiest Song: Gimme Dat Mountain Dew (KJ-52)
Most Encouraging Song: Lead Me (Sanctus Real)
Best Local Artist: Fight The Fade
Song That Makes You Want To Buy A Low Rider: Live Free (Lecrae)
Blow Out Your Eardrum Song: For Those Who Wait (Fireflight)
New Band Of The Year: Manic Drive
Worst Song Parody: Mother Nature (Brent McCoy)
Band Of The Year: Skillet
Song Of The Year: Dear X (Disciple)

Download and listen to the House Party Awards here!

My Bio (with a little help from Brent McCoy)

2011-02-15T08:43:00.000-06:00

My Headshot

I've been invited to Emcee The "Payne County Distinguished Young Women Pageant" and they wanted a 150 word Bio and Headshot. If you've never had to write a bio about yourself, it is a little difficult, but this is what I came up with:

Andrew Youso is an entertainer, vintage pinball collector, and Radio DJ. He can be heard weekdays from 3-6 PM on 89.7 The House FM, and mornings 6:30-10 AM on 88.7 My Praise FM. He is married with a 4 year old son, (who, at this point, he can still beat in video games) and a Basset Hound / Terrier mix dog who is named after a former president. He has also done radio stints in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Minneapolis, Minnesota where he got his B.S. in Radio Broadcasting and Bible (and got a wife). In his spare time, he helps out friends and family with fixing their computer problems by running their antivirus program correctly and plays basketball at the YMCA.

Brent, who is never afraid to one-up me in anything, suggested this "better" bio:

Andy Youso is a beast. No one knows exactly where he came from, but it's a safe bet that he's not from around here. Andy enjoys sweaters, the Internet, technology, and string cheese loose in bag. You'd be hard-pressed to find a man hairier than Youso. There's a good chance that Andy's dog is an alien. Andy is 1/4 robot. When he's bored, he often stares straight into the sun for hours on end.

Which one do you think I should use?

Interview with KJ-52!

2011-02-10T17:59:00.000-06:00

Andy and Jenn talk to KJ-52 about Winter Jam, Friday Freestyle, and how it felt to re-record "Jesus Freak"

Here's KJ-52's Winter Jam award nominations:

Craziest on Stage: Michael Tait
Sweatiest after the show: Red
Act that most impressed you: Sidewalk Prophets / Chris August
Biggest Goofball: KJ-52
Partner in Crime: George Moss

Listen to the interview here.

The Most Disturbing and Sobering Statistic you will ever hear about the Super Bowl:

2011-02-02T07:53:00.000-06:00

"The Super Bowl is one of the biggest human trafficking events in the United States" "Up to 10,000 adult and under age girls have come to previous Super Bowls." -Attorney General Greg Abbott

To hear more sobering statistics about the Child Sex Trade, check out this video with Tenth Avenue North and Natalie Grant:

Natalie Grant and Tenth Avenue North PSA for Traffick 911 from Nate Bernard on Vimeo.

Here are some common signs of domestic minor sex trafficking victims:

On its own, one of these signs might not indicate trafficking, but 2-3 together are a good indication. The average life expectancy for a child forced into sexual slavery is 7 years, so don't wait.

Scripted answers.
Inconsistencies in story.
Branding or tattoos, especially that reflect ownership or money.
Bruising, including handprints or thin marks like an extension cord or wire. Varied stages of healing with black, purple, blue, and or yellow shades.
Malnourished.
Coming on to several men.
Appears helpless, shamed, or nervous.
Inability or fear to make eye contact.
Dating much older, abusive, or controlling man.
Clothes that say "Daddy's Girl" or are inappropriate for the weather.
Not attending school or has numerous school absences.
Chronic runaway or homeless youth..

NOTE: Only trained professionals should approach a traffick victim. If you suspect a person is being trafficked, call 911 and the National Human Trafficking Hotline 888-373-7888.

What else can you do? Check out Traffick911.org to find out more.

Interview with Anthony from Red

2011-02-01T17:31:00.000-06:00

We caught up with Anthony from the band Red about their new album Until We Have Faces, and they are the first band to be able to participate in the Winter Jam Awards (Jammies)!

Craziest on Stage: Red
Most Sweaty After The Show: Newsboys
Act that most surprised / impressed you : Newsboys / Newsong
Biggest goofball: Russ Lee from Newsong
Biggest Partner in Crime: Kutless

Listen to the interview here

Want an easy breakfast to make this weekend?

2011-01-28T08:37:00.000-06:00

Make "campfire donuts" in the comfort of your own home! Seriouseats.com has the full instructions, but here's the rundown of what you do:

1) buy can of biscuit dough
2) open it
3) poke holes in the middle of biscuits
4) place them in frying pan of hot oil

And minutes later, you will have delicious home-made donuts without having to leave your house!

Find the full instructions here.

Winter Jam - Sneak Preview!

2011-01-24T08:37:00.000-06:00

KJ-52 is one of the many artists at Winter Jam this year, and he gives us a behind the scenes look at the festival, including where the Winter Jam artists go to church while on tour, a GIANT head, and Jesus freak:

Why it never hurts to ask...

2011-01-21T08:31:00.000-06:00

Here's a guy that decided to ask for a Million Dollars on Youtube:

~~And here is the last video he posted:~~ (Edit: there was a bleeped out swear word in the video, so I removed it.)

Here is an article talking about what happened next.

From The Article:

he says he has found a benefactor and has produced a notarized letter from that millionaire's lawyer.

Just because Rowin asked -- and for no particular reason.

Why does he want the money? "It would be awesome," said Rowin.

What will he do with the money? "I might go on a trip," he said.

Rowin said he received a phone call from the would-be philanthropist:

"Hi Craig, Benjamin, I was hoping to catch you in person," the caller said. "I want to talk about how to make you a millionaire."

Rowin has said he will reveal the man's last name when he collects the check at a Feb. 2 performance of the "Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre" in Manhattan.

It is a good reminder that it never hurts to ask... Because the worst thing that anyone can tell you is no!

Most underrated candy?

2011-01-13T17:30:00.000-06:00

Shaun had some Life Savers today & just could't get over how wonderful they were! We talked about this on the House Party today and got a ton of calls!

I like Tootsie Rolls...the original! but Shaun argues that vanilla tootsie rolls are waaaaaay better.

This is one of my favs...even though I can't ever pronounce it correctly :) We used to get them at every truck stop on road trips! CHICK-O STICKS!!

Never had this one but I've heard it's good.

I'd never even heard of Tangy Taffy!

and I always thought these were chalky...maybe that's just my opinion.

Oh, and Wax Bottles!! What was in those? Ignition fluid?

Circus peanuts? I always thought those were GROSS!

Rock Candy...I never tried one, in fear that I would cut my tongue.

How about Jolly Ranchers Sticks?

What are some of your favorite underrated candies?

-Jenn

Interview with TobyMac!

2011-01-06T17:12:00.000-06:00

Andy and Jenn talk to TobyMac about the nickname Hawk Nelson has for him, what TheBombMom.com is, his inspiration behind the song "Hold On", and about the song "Fight Another Day" and how Addison Road ended up recording that song.

Listen to TobyMac's interview here.

Rediscover You - Day 17 - Matthew 17

2010-12-29T17:44:00.000-06:00

Nothing is impossible

²⁰ He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Do you ever have those days when you just want to shut down? Life is too much. Everything is overwhelming. You just can't seem to do it all. I have. Actually, this week has been like that!

This scripture is so simple and yet the promise is true - if you have even a tiny amount of faith, you can move a mountain! That's ginormous! Don't give up today. We serve a big God & we can do big things through Him, even with only a tiny bit of faith. Nothing is impossible for you.

Rediscover You - Day 16 - Matthew 16

2010-12-28T17:04:00.000-06:00

^{Lose Your Life?}

²⁴ Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. ²⁵ For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. ²⁶ What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? ²⁷ For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.

Today's portion from Matthew was a great reminder even for me that a relationship with God is a daily thing. In today's culture we just want instant gratification; do things with a push of a button, etc...I'm surprised we can't buy things by just breathing.

This scripture is saying everyday you have to take up your cross and follow Him. And in kind of a backwards thinking, if you want your save your life, you'll lose it. I know...crazy! Get this, whoever loses their life for Him will find it! If somehow you get everything in the world yet lose your own soul...what's the point? What have you really gained?

Take this as a reminder to seek after God, everyday! It's a daily process!