Will and the Red Ball

Christianity in a Changing Culture is one of my favorite programs, but I am especially looking forward to today's broadcast. Why? Because both the author and the illustrator are very dear to me. For many months I had hoped that an interview could be scheduled, then when I finally heard that one was indeed scheduled, I had to wait to hear it. Ohhhhh... *sigh.* I needn't wait much longer, however, for the day is well and truly here, and the countdown has begun! The minutes are ticking by (second by second, of course), and the suspense I have been enduring has built up to its climax so that my nerves are tingling with excitement! While I anxiously wait for these last few minutes to pass, let me use this meantime to tell you a little bit about them, more of which can be found on their website willgopress.com.

Gloria is a very fun lady who loves her Lord and her family. She also loves kids and reading and writing. For quite awhile, she has been using Shutterfly to publish photo books for her family about her cats' fictional adventures. I've seen a few of them, and they're very amusing! Her Christmas letters to family, friends, & loved ones are much anticipated by all. Her blog, Ants in Pith Helmets, is full of quippy little accounts about the things that cross her path throughout each day. I am so glad she is now using her God-given talent for writing children's books in addition to these other writings. And guess what? Even adults love them!

Karne, Gloria's daughter and mother of Will, is very sweet and thoughtful. Her love for her Lord is sure and strong as she seeks to grow closer to Him. She and her husband have two children, toddler Will and baby Lilias, whom they love so very much. For as long as I can remember, she has been using her artistic talent to create watercolors of God's beautiful creation, as well as using it as a means to encourage others in their life's journey.

Let's not forget little Will, the main character of each book! From what I hear, he is a bundle of energy, who is growing up quickly. In my opinion, he's much too cute for his own good, and I'm hoping he and his family will come up here again sometime soon. Already he has these books tucked away in his memory and follows along quite well. (There's a video of Gloria reading to him on their website.)

Here's how Steve sums up the books on his blog:

Christianity in a Changing Culture: "Will and the Red Ball"

Book 1

Gloria Dunshee & Karne McGary
"Will and the Red Ball"
Will Go Press, 2010, 978-0-9828231-0-1, $11.95

"Will and the Magic Snowman"
Will Go Press, 2010, 978-0-9828231-1-8, $11.95

These are stories about Will's adventures in different places: New York City and St. Paul, Minnesota.

Gloria shares how and why she started writing children's books, and what she hopes these books for 3-8 year-olds will do to help children love reading, and to enhance closeness between children and parents.

[link to podcast]

Oh, and by the way, Steve has 4 sets of books 1-2 to give away today!

Let me also encourage you to tune in to Christianity in a Changing Culture often because you'll hear many more interesting interviews like this one, sometimes also with book giveaways such as today. Both new and experienced authors enjoy talking to Steve about their books, and many listeners such as myself enjoy hearing the author's perspective and what they hope the reader will take away from their writings.

Unshackled!

We're all shackled to something at some point in our lives.  Sometimes, it's a contract.  Other times, it's a position.  Or maybe it's an addiction.  Either way, there's something that has a locked in.  But there's something more that has us in its snares.  It's just 3 letters, but oh-so-encompassing!  Even from our birth we are entangled in sin.  Sin has us shackled, and there's nothing we can do to get out of its grip.  But Jesus has come to set us free.  He holds the key to unlock sin's irons, and He will release us if we will but trust in Him.

That's why I'm so excited to hear that Unshackled!, a radio drama production from Pacific Garden Mission about lives who have been set free of sin's fetters, is going to have recording sessions at the WCTS facilities this Thursday through Saturday.  Listeners are invited to attend the sessions as well as the Friday night celebration for all the years of broadcasting.  A call to the station is requested to reserve your seat.  Whether you are unable to be there or in attendance, your prayers are appreciated and desired.

"If the Son therefore shall make you free,

ye shall be free indeed."

~ John 8:36 ~

Of Song & Psalm

How delightful it was to discover Deo Cantamus' youtube channel, and even more so to see they had uploaded videos of How Sweet the Sound! Of course, my quest was for Psalm 149, and I was overjoyed to find it there - all 11 minutes of it!  I've already played it through several times, and I just have to share it with you....

How Sweet the Sound

Indeed, how very sweet the sound was tonight's performance by Deo Cantamus.... absolutely magnificent!  In fact, I'm not so sure there's an adjective that could describe just how beautiful the concert was.  Singing, instrumentals... and handbells!

The highlight of the night for me definitely was the world premiere performance of Psalm 149.  I've previously mentioned my interest being piqued, especially when I saw the text for the composition:

Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song,

and his praise in the congregation of saints.

Let Israel rejoice in him that made him:

let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.

Let them praise his name in the dance:

let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people:

he will beautify the meek with salvation.

Let the saints be joyful in glory:

let them sing aloud upon their beds.

Let the high praises of God be in their mouth,

and a twoedged sword in their hand;

To execute vengeance upon the heathen,

and punishments upon the people;

To bind their kings with chains,

and their nobles with fetters of iron;

To execute upon them the judgment written:

this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalm 149

Just how would the Mr. Joshua Bauder piece together the arrangement for a psalm of praise-turned-judgment?  The proper balance would be imperative.  I found myself wondering whether it would have an understated, simplistic melody, which would certainly be the easier method, or something more extravagant.  I had weeks to ponder this, and even so, there is no way I could possibly have come close to imagining something so beautiful or so reverent.  It was marvelous.  The chorale, a soloist, an organ, several stringed instruments, and handbells blended together in this truly special piece.  Sincere, lovely praise with a powerful climax, culminating with a strong refrain (for lack of the appropriate word) of "Praise ye the Lord" before quietly, peacefully fading away.

Another thing of note is that both Kimball and Steve were among the chorale members.  Steve even had a solo part in the song Amazing Grace.

There is no possible way to walk away feeling disappointed in my time there.  The fellowship afterward was also sweet, but there's nothing on earth that surpasses praising and worshipping the Saviour.

A Sound So Sweet

I am greatly anticipating the Deo Cantamus autumn performance at Fourth Baptist Church of Plymouth, Minnesota!  "How Sweet the Sound" is open to the public for its one-night presentation on October 23, 2010 at 7 pm!

Deo Cantamus isn't truly affiliated to WCTS.  However, you could say there is some connection... sort of.  In the past, both Kimball Cummings and Steve Davis have been in the chorale, and while I don't know for sure, I think they will be in this upcoming performance as well.  Also, it will be held at the same locale as the station studios since WCTS, Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Fourth Baptist Church & its Christian School are housed in the same building.

I had the privilege of interacting some with the Dr. Bauder, who is the president of Central Seminary, and his wife during the Sharathon.  In one of our conversations, Mrs. Bauder mentioned that their son has composed one of the numbers that will be performed!  My interest is piqued, and I'm looking forward to hearing it.

In years past, the musicale has been a wonderful experience, filled with songs of worship & praise to our Lord.  Each performance is unique, and I have high expectations for "How Sweet the Sound."  I'm sure it will not disappoint.

Praise ye the LORD.

Sing unto the LORD a new song,

and his praise in the congregation of saints.

~ Psalm 149:1 ~

Central Sunday

My pastor has some big plans for this month of October, with something special happening each Sunday.  The one I'm especially excited about occurs on October 24.  The day has been dubbed Central Sunday in honor of Central Baptist Theological Seminary, of which WCTS is a ministry.  Dr. Bauder, president of CBTS, and his wife will be joining us for each of our services.  Along with exhortation from the Word of God, there will be some time dedicated to the seminary and its plans for the future.  While I'm not sure how much the station will be mentioned, it's promising to be a good day.


We at Faith Baptist Church would love to have you join us for one or more of our services:
Sunday Morning Bible Study @ 9:30 A.M.
Sunday Morning Service @ 10:30 A.M.
Sunday Evening Service @ 6:00 P.M.