THIS WEEK:

Road Trip Tips
Posted: July 23, 2008 | 8:35 AM | Emily Ralph

Going on a road trip?  Thanks to Good Housekeeping for these 5 websites that will help the trip go smoother!

            www.momsminivan.com: Find more than 100 games and activity ideas, using basics like string, aluminum foil, and paper, to keep kids occupied.

www.roadsideamerica.com: One-stop shopping for offbeat attractions — the world’s largest ball of stamps! a history-of-cheese-making mural! — along your route.

www.roadtripamerica.com: Use the calculator to estimate your gas costs based on current prices and your car’s average fuel efficiency.

www.thebathroomdiaries.com: Locate safe, clean restrooms beyond the highway — at a local college, in a bookstore, etc.

www.weather.com: Plan your driving around what the weather has in store.

MSNBC's travel editor suggests creating a family contract to help avoid squabbles on the road.  Think about including these elements, have everyone sign it, then keep a copy on hand for reference:

·  Who will control the ‘cabin’ temperature?

·  What time will we be ready to hit the road each day and what time will we call it quits?

·  How many miles must we travel each day?

·  Will we take major highways or travel the side roads?

·  Will every passenger get a chance to choose a restaurant, or is it Denny’s and McDonald’s all the way?

·  What will the seating assignments be? If they change, what is the schedule?

·  Who gets to choose the music?

·  Who knows how to change a flat tire?

·  Will eating, smoking, singing, whistling, humming, gum chewing, nail clipping and other potentially distracting and irritating activities be allowed inside the car?

Giraffes!
Posted: July 14, 2008 | 8:35 AM | Dave Baker

The escape-artist giraffe in Amsterdam reminded us of our visit to feed the giraffes during our Kenya mission trip.  Here are a couple pictures of Emily's brother, Zach, visiting the same giraffe park during his visit to Kenya in May, me feeding the giraffes, and another tightly-guarded picture of Emily getting cozy with her new buddy.

On the Homefront
Posted: July 11, 2008 | 7:35 AM | Emily Ralph

Toni Gallucci, married to Sam (see below), visited with us this morning, sharing her perspective as the wife left home while her husband was on the road for business.  She also offers hope to women whose husbands are addicted to pornography. Check out their website to see Sam & Toni's video testimony.

Listen to Toni again:

    Toni Gallucci 1

    Toni Gallucci 2

    Toni Gallucci 3

Road Warrior
Posted: July 10, 2008 | 7:55 AM | Emily Ralph

Sam Gallucci and Steve Arterburn wrote Road Warrior: How to keep your faith, relationships, and integrity when away from home for people who travel a lot for business.  Sam's wife, Toni, will be on the program tomorrow to share about how this affected her and their family and to share where she found hope as she and her husband healed from the sin of pornography.  Check out their website to see Sam & Toni's video testimony and find other resources.

Listen to Sam again:

      Sam Gallucci 1

     Sam Gallucci 2

     Sam Gallucci 3

     Sam Gallucci 4

     Sam Gallucci 5

Update on Rush of Fools
Posted: July 10, 2008 | 6:00 AM | Emily Ralph

Below is a letter that Rush Of Fools posted online tonight to share the amazing news!

Many words would go into this letter, but we want to Thank Jesus for helping us recover our "stuff."  You have been so faithful to pray, and financially support us during the past 6 days as we have walked through a scary and uncertain situation with the theft of our trailer and gear.  We are so excited to report that at 1am on Tuesday morning, we received a call that our trailer and gear had been found by the Montgomery Police Department.  While this investigation is ongoing, we want to respect the job that the local police are currently doing to find the people responsible for this crime, we did want to pass along the news to you.  As of the writing of this blog, we have personally not seen the trailer yet (other than on the news - Thanks to our AMAZING friends at WSFA NBC Montgomery), nor any of our gear.  We are told that the police feel about 90% of the stuff is still inside the trailer.  

We do know, and have confirmed that it was the story that aired on WSFA that broke the case.  We are thankful to whoever made that call into the tip line.  Thank you for doing the brave thing. We hope we can repay you one day.

To the Montgomery Police Department and Sheriffs office, thank you for working so hard for the past 6 days to find our gear. We appreciate you not just treating this as another stolen property case, but going above and beyond.

To the folks at WSFA TV, thanks for taking a few minutes over the past few days to share our story with your viewers.  You made a huge difference.

And finally, to the many friends and fans who have been praying and sending in your support. We are so grateful to you. We will be using the funds to replace any gear that was stolen, and we will be back on tour starting Sunday!

Many verses in scripture talk about us relying on God for our needs.  Our story is a life story of asking Him to meet us where we are. And this case is no different.  Please don't view the TV coverage, national radio coverage, and web blogs to be about us. It's all about our Great God who loves and cares for us. This is just another one of His amazing life moments. To that we are humbled.

Rush Of Fools
Wes, Kevin, JD, Jamie, and Jacob

**Below is the actual news story that was featured last night on WSFA TV**

Montgomery, Al. (WSFA) -- Members of the Christian band "Rush of Fools" asked for prayer from fans after it was learned all their equipment was stolen last week.

Now, it looks as though their prayers have been answered.

After seeing coverage of the band's plight on WSFA 12 News Monday evening, someone called the Montgomery County Sheriff's office Secret Witness Line to say they knew where the shiney black cargo trailer was located.

Sure enough, Montgomery police spokesman Captain Huey Thornton says the trailer was right were it had been reported.

A search warrant was executed at the residence were the trailer was located and many items belonging to ROF were recovered.

Investigators later moved the trailer to a city lot off Ripley Street for processing.

Thornton says approximately 90% of the band's belongings were still inside.

Thornton says an investigation is ongoing and no suspects have been arrested at this time.

The cargo trailer will be returned to the band's Product Manager, Drew Aspinwall from whose home in the Woodmere Community it was taken last Thursday.

WSFA 12 News will have reaction from members of the band as soon as it becomes available.

GUESTS

When your teen is struggling--Mark Gregston
Posted: June 4, 2008 | 7:30 AM | Emily Ralph

Mark Gregston is author of When Your Teen is Struggling and host of the Word FM feature, Parenting Today's Teens.  For more information, check out his website or re-listen to today's interview.

Mark Gregston 1

Mark Gregston 2

Mark Gregston 3

Mark Gregston 4

Mark Gregston 5

Dangerous Surrender--Kay Warren
Posted: April 25, 2008 | 7:30 AM | Emily Ralph

Kay Warren wrote a book, Dangerous Surrender: What Happens When You Say "Yes" to God.  Check out her website or listen to her interview again:

     Kay Warren, segment 1
     Kay Warren, segment 2
     Kay Warren, segment 3

Rise Above Debt--Jeff Boulton
Posted: April 16, 2008 | 7:30 AM | Emily Ralph

Jeff Boulton from RiseAboveDebtRelief.com is our guest this morning, sharing the top reasons we get into credit card debt and ways to get back out.  For more info, check out his website!

Christians Going Green--Matthew & Emma Sleeth
Posted: April 10, 2008 | 7:30 AM | Emily Ralph

Dr. Matthew Sleeth and his 17-year-old daughter, Emma, Christian environmentalists and authors of the books "Serve God, Save the Planet" (Matthew Sleeth) and "It's Easy Being Green" (Emma Sleeth).

Listen to the interviews again:

Matthew Sleeth

Emma Sleeth

What're we in for this winter?--Ed Hanna
Posted: December 6, 2007 | 7:30 PM | Emily Ralph

Dave's so excited to have Ed Hanna, meteorologist at 69 News (in the Lehigh Valley), on our program this morning with his predictions for this winter's weather.  For more info on Ed, or to ask him a weather question, head to his website!

The Real You--Kevin Leman
Posted: October 17, 2007 | 6:00 AM | Emily Ralph

Dr. Kevin Leman, author of the book "The Real You," will be speaking at the Penn Foundation's Autumn Event on Tuesday, October 30, 8pm, at Calvary Church in Souderton.  For more information about the event or their work in the community, check out Penn Foundation's website (or buy tickets).

Help and Hope for Victims of Domestic Abuse--Sarah Kelly
Posted: September 19, 2007 | 6:00 AM | Emily Ralph

If you or someone you love is in an abusive relationship, please get help NOW!  The Family Renewal Shelter can help: 1-888-550-3915

Today's guests are Christian artist, Sarah Kelly, and Christian counselors Fred Jacoby and Don Adams. 

* To listen to Sarah's interview, click here. 
* To visit Sarah's myspace page, click here. 
* To contact Fred at Foundations Christian counseling, check out their website or call 877-414-HOPE.

We also referred to Leslie Vernick's new book, The Emotionally Destructive Relationship: Seeing It, Stopping It, Surviving It.  You can order it on her website or call 610-298-2842.

Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
Posted: August 2, 2007 | 11:27 AM | Emily Ralph

Men and women?  Love and respect?  Cracking the communication code?  Breaking the "Crazy Cycle"?  Find out more at http://www.loveandrespect.com/. 

Auntie Anne!
Posted: April 20, 2007 | 9:00 AM | Emily Ralph

We were excited to have Anne Beiler, better known as Auntie Anne -- founder of the famous pretzel chain -- in the studio today!  For info on purchasing Anne's book "Auntie Anne: My Story", e-mail shannong@thejoanngroup.com.  Click HERE for info on their current counseling center (info on the Gap Family Center, mentioned on the morning show, is "still under construction").

Oh Baby!--Phyllis Young
Posted: April 18, 2007 | 10:20 AM | Emily Ralph

Phyllis Young -- Coordinator of Birth and Family Education at Grand View Hospital http://www.gvh.org/pages/bfc/index.asp ; (215) 453-4594

For more info: http://www.childbirth.org or http://www.icea.org

Power in Wellness Coach-Terri Rutherford
Posted: April 4, 2007 | 8:50 AM | Dave Baker
 

Dave's wellness coach is Terri Rutherford

         "Power In Wellness" personal wellness coach

          PH: 888-232-4772

          rob.terri@verizon.net; Power In Wellness Info

Suffering for Christ--Tigist
Posted: March 30, 2007 | 5:53 AM | Emily Ralph

Today's guest is a friend of my family's from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Tigist.  She came to Christ out of an Ethiopian Orthodox upbringing and was persecuted for her faith.  She is currently in the states receiving treatments for the burn scars on her face.

Listen again to Tigist's testimony!
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

For more info on suffering Christians around the world, check out:

The Voice of the Martyrs

International Christian Concern

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Eli
Posted: February 13, 2007 | 7:57 AM | Emily Ralph

INFO

God as the center of your marriage
Posted: June 10, 2008 | 7:30 AM | Emily Ralph

Dave Harvey is a pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, PA, and author of When Sinners Say, "I Do".  He will be a speaker at the "Marriage and the Mercy of God" conference next January 15-17 in Hershey, PA--they are already accepting early registrations, so find out more info at mercy4marriage.org.  Re-listen to the interview:

Dave Harvey 1

Dave Harvey 2

Dave Harvey 3

Dave Harvey 4

And don't forget, if you are struggling in marriage, there is Christian counseling available in Brodheadsville, Nazareth, Palmerton, Hamlin, & Allentown at Foundations Christian Counseling (877-414-HOPE).

Help Rush of Fools
Posted: July 7, 2008 | 8:30 AM | Emily Ralph

Last week, this came from Rush of Fools:

We need your prayers! Early this morning, Rush of Fools' trailer was stolen out of our driveway in Alabama.  The band has lost everything they own including all merchandise, guitars, cases, amps....anything you would see them play with at a show is gone.  Insurance will cover some of the costs, but due to recent purchases and additions to the gear, the value lost is over $60,000.  This, as you know, is a major loss for a young band. We know that God has plans in the midst of this.  While we look for answers, please pray that our trailer and gear will be found quickly and unharmed.  We are all off on vacation this week, and Wes gets married on Saturday.  Not exactly the kind of stress you need before your wedding.

Our next set of concerts begin on July 14th, and our management company is working now to help find solutions so we can continue to play concerts and share our music with hurting people who need to hear it.

Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to those that love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."  This verse is where we all live and breathe. We trust God in all things, even when we don't have the answers to why someone would do this. It's our prayer that whoever took the gear and trailer would come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through our stuff.  Yes, literally, our “stuff” would be the catalyst to their introduction to Christ.

So, we need your immediate help in two ways.  First, if you can pray, please stop right now and ask God to intervene and find our trailer.  Second, if you are able to help financially, we would love that support.  You can mail checks to Rush of Fools, Inc at the address below.  All money received will go towards being able to replace our gear.
 
You not only are the best fans in the world, but you are our friends too. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for us, our band, and our families.

Rush Of Fools
PO Box 963
Nolensville, TN 37135

Rush Of Fools

Feeling stressed?
Posted: June 19, 2008 | 5:30 AM | Emily Ralph

Today I'm sharing some tips on controlling the stress levels in your life.  Some of these tips are just secular management techniques, others are Christ-based heart changes.  To read them in full, check out these files:

Stress Tips

Psalm 131

How to clean your home in 19 minutes
Posted: May 28, 2008 | 7:30 AM | Emily Ralph

(RealSimple.com) -- With these room-by-room checklists, you can maintain a sparkling house in just 19 minutes a day, giving you more time for family, friends and you.

Kitchen, 4 ½ minutes daily
Always start with the sink. "Keep it empty and shining," says Marla Cilley, author of Sink Reflections (Bantam, $15) and creator of www.FlyLady.net, a housekeeping Web site. A sparkling sink becomes your kitchen's benchmark for hygiene and tidiness, inspiring you to load the dishwasher immediately and keep counters, refrigerator doors, and the stovetop spick-and-span, too.

• Wipe down the sink after doing the dishes or loading the dishwasher (30 seconds).
• Wipe down the stove top (one minute).
• Wipe down the counters (one minute).
• Sweep, Swiffer, or vacuum the floor (two minutes).

Bathroom, 2 minutes daily
Make cleaning the basin as routine as washing your hands. But don't stop there. Get the most out of your premoistened wipe by using it to clean around the edges of the tub and then the toilet before tossing it.

• Wipe out the sink (30 seconds). Wipe the toilet seat and rim (15 seconds).
• Swoosh the toilet bowl with a brush (15 seconds).
• Wipe the mirror and faucet (15 seconds).
• Squeegee the shower door (30 seconds).
• Spray the entire shower and the curtain liner with shower mist after every use (15 seconds).

Bedroom, 6 ½ minutes daily
Make your bed right before or after your morning shower. A neat bed will inspire you to deal with other messes immediately. Although smoothing sheets and plumping pillows might not seen like a high priority as you're rushing to work, the payoff comes at the end of the day, when you slip back under the unruffled covers.

• Make the bed (two minutes).
• Fold or hang clothing and put away jewelry (four minutes).
• Straighten out the night-table surface (30 seconds).

Family room, living room, foyer, 6 minutes daily
Start with the sofa -- as long as it's in disarray, your living room will never look tidy. Once you've fluffed the pillows and folded the throws, you're halfway home. If you pop in a CD while you dust, you should be able cover the whole room by the end of the third track.

• Pick up crumbs and dust bunnies with a handheld vacuum (one minute).
• Fluff the cushions and fold throws after use (two minutes).
• Wipe tabletops and spot-clean cabinets when you see fingerprints (one minute).
• Straighten coffee-table books and magazines, throw out newspapers, put away CDs and videos (two minutes.)

May is Mental Health Month
Posted: May 27, 2008 | 7:30 AM | Emily Ralph

Dr. Richard DeVaul is a professor of psychiatry at Texas A & M and shared some insights into understanding and supporting those with mental illness.  Listen again:

Dr. DeVaul 1

Dr. DeVaul 2

Dr. DeVaul 3

Dr. DeVaul 4

Supporting Steven Curtis Chapman
Posted: May 22, 2008 | 5:30 AM | Emily Ralph

Yesterday afternoon, Steven and Mary Beth Chapman's 5-year-old daughter, Maria, was struck in their driveway by an SUV driven by their teenage son.  After the accident, Maria was rushed to the hospital where she later passed away.

Maria was one of three children Steven and Mary Beth adopted from China (the other two are Shaohannah and Stevey Joy).  They also have three biological children, Emily, Caleb, and Will Franklin.

It's hard to know how to help someone in a situation like this, but if your heart is going out to this family, please consider helping in one of the following ways:

PRAY:

• For their marriage, that Steven Curtis and Mary Beth would stay strong as they grieve together
• For peace and healing from the guilt, both for the brother who was driving the car as well as for other family members who may feel like they should have done something to prevent it (even if they couldn't)
• For the images in their minds to be erased (members of the family witnessed it)
• For comfort and wisdom in helping their other two young daughters understand and heal from this
• For their physical needs: that the entire family would get restful sleep, be able to eat, and that their bodies would fight off any illness

GIVE IN MARIA'S HONOR:

Steven and his wife run the non-profit organization, Shaohannah's Hope, which helps Christian families with resources for adopting.  To give in Maria's honor, click here.

CONSIDER ADOPTION:

Maria was adopted from China and given the chance to know Jesus through her time with the Chapman family.  What better way to honor her and his family than by bringing a child into your family through the miracle of adoption?  For more information, click here.

(Left to right Will Franklin, Maria, Steven, Shaoey, Mary Beth, Stevey Joy, Caleb and Emily)

Understanding your emotions
Posted: May 21, 2008 | 7:30 AM | Emily Ralph

Matthew Elliott, author of Feel: The Power of Listening to Your Heart, is with us this morning, helping us to understand why God gave us emotions--they are actually a tool for making good decisions and growing in our relationship with God and others!  Check out his website for more info!

Help victims of the Chinese Earthquake
Posted: May 16, 2008 | 8:30 AM | Emily Ralph

So you're hearing about the disaster in China--so many people killed or devastated by the recent earthquake.  Well, you can help!  Check out this adoption agency that is working to raise support for orphanages in China that were affected by the earthquake.  Or give them a call--talk to Karen at 888-886-8086.  Thanks for making a difference!

Backyard Wildlife
Posted: April 30, 2008 | 7:30 AM | Dave Baker

John Hadidian from the Humane Society shared some info on how to deal with wildlife in your backyard, especially during baby season.  For more info, check out his book, Wild Neighbors: The Humane Approach to Living with Wildlife.

Cultivating a Healthy Weight and Lifestyle
Posted: April 23, 2008 | 6:00 AM | Emily Ralph

We're so glad that you are looking for more information on cultivating a healthy weight and lifestyle!  We have some great guests on the show who want to help you--and we want to know if you've made a decision to try something new as a result of their visits.  Please send us an e-mail or give us a call (877-WORDFM1) with a sentence or two about the first step you've decided to take.  We're all in this together!  We'd love for our prayer warriors in our prayer center to pray for you as you pursue a healthy lifestyle--we'll forward your e-mail or you can submit your request to them directly.

Here is the info on the resources our guests mentioned:

Dr. Doug Pfeiffer (e-mail) from the Center for Nutrition and Wellness referred to several websites:

Raw milk: www.westonaprice.org

Glycemic Index: www.mendosa.com

Listen to his interview again:
   Dr. Pfeiffer, segment 1
   Dr. Pfeiffer, segment 2
   Dr. Pfeiffer, segment 3
   Dr. Pfeiffer, segment 4
   Dr. Pfeiffer, segment 5

Claire Landes (e-mail) works here at the station and shared her story of fighting a food addiction and compulsive overeating.  If you would like to learn more, she recommends the following resources:

12-Step Programs (such as Overeaters Anon. or Celebrate Recovery)

Books by Robert McGee
       Search for Significance
       Conquering Eating Disorders

First Place: The Bible's Way to Weight Loss 

Anatomy of a Food Addiction by Anne Katherine

Food Addiction: The Body Knows by Kay Shepherd

Listen to her interview again:
   Claire, segment 1
   Claire, segment 2
   Claire, segment 3
   Claire, segment 4
   Claire, segment 5

Fred Jacoby from Foundations Christian Counseling is available to talk with you if you need help overcoming the spiritual or emotional obstacles of obesity.  He's in the studio from 7-9am today (April 23) at 877-WORDFM1 or can be reached at his office at other times at 877-414-HOPE.  He recommends the book Love to Eat, Hate to Eat: Breaking the Bondage of Destructive Eating Habits by Elyse Fitzpatrick.

Lisa Petrizio is the Director of Sales and Weight Loss at Genesis Fitness Centres in Harleysville and Souderton.  She encouraged us to take "Small Steps" toward an active lifestyle, whether parking farther from the store, playing with our kids, or grabbing a friend and heading to the gym.

Listen to her interview again:
   Lisa, segment 1
   Lisa, segment 2
   Lisa, segment 3
   Lisa, segment 4
   Lisa, segment 5

Carry your cross
Posted: April 25, 2008 | 7:30 AM | Emily Ralph

Mike Malpass is carrying his cross from NE to NC--literally!  He'll be in Philly tomorrow (4/26). . . for more information, head to his website: forhisnamesake.com.

Organ Donation
Posted: February 12, 2008 | 6:00 AM | Emily Ralph

Gift of Life Website

Today's guest is Holly Post, one of our volunteers.  She is a heart-transplant survivor, cherishing every moment God has given her!

Think you might be pregnant?
Posted: January 22, 2008 | 6:00 AM | Emily Ralph

If you think you might be pregnant (or know you are) and don't know what to do or where to turn, we want to help!  Whether you need to find resources on how you can afford to give birth to or raise your baby, find a loving home for your unborn child, or even recover from past decisions, caring and experienced women are waiting for your call.  To find a center near you, check out these links:

Pregnancy Resource Center of the Poconos 

Chester County Women’s Services 

Morningstar Maternity Home (Lansdale) 

Care Net Pregnancy Centers of the Lehigh Valley

Crossroads Pregnancy Care (Quakertown)

PA Pregnancy Help Centers 

WV Pregnancy Help Centers

MD Pregnancy Help Centers 

National Lists of Pregnancy Centers 

Bethany Christian Services (adoption) 

COBYS Family Services (adoption and foster care) 

Foundations Christian Counseling
 

Candy Time!
Posted: December 18, 2007 | 6:00 AM | Emily Ralph

Debbie Lutz is with us this morning, teaching us how to make candy for the holidays.  Click here for pictures.  Here are some resources she brought along:

Supplies

Recipes

Peanut Butter Filling

1 cup peanut butter any style (not natural)

4 Tbsp. butter or margarine (soft)

2 cups powdered sugar

Mix peanut butter and butter together until well blended.  Add powdered sugar gradually.  Mix well by kneading with hands.  Store in air-tight container in refrigerator.

Coconut Mounds Filling

2 1/2 cups desiccated or macaroon* coconut

1 cup light corn syrup heated

Mix well, cover and let sit for 1 hour and use.  May be stored in refrigerator in air-tight container.

*Some locations where I've found the coconut are:  Chocolat