Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott interviews two authors.

Linda Gilden loves to share a great story and help you share your great stories. A frequent radio and television guest, Linda’s words of encouragement help you grasp the tools you need to make your writing and publishing dreams come true. A wife, mother of three, mother-in-law of two, and grandmother of four children and two dogs, Linda has many wonderful sources for writing and speaking material. Her greatest joy is spending time with her family. See more at: http://www.lindagilden.com/about/#sthash.zvTEZGek.dpuf.

Frances Gregory Pasch's devotions and poetry have been published hundreds of times over the past thirty years in different denominational Sunday school papers, magazines, and book compilations. Her book, Double Vision, Seeing God in Everyday Life Through Devotions and Poetry was released December 12, 2013 by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. It is a double eye-opener—two ways of looking at the same spiritual truth. Frances enjoys encouraging other writers, and she has been leading a women's Christian writers' group for the past twenty-two years. You can read some of her writing on her website: www.francesgregorypasch.com.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!when Scott interviews the band Resident Truth.

Resident Truth was formed in 2011 to present the hope that is found in Jesus Christ through their music. Their approach is to incorporate fresh, yet classic-original Christian music with a 1970s southern rock sound. The band members currently consist of: John Quigley, singer-songwriter-guitarist; Mike Robertson, bass guitarist: Jim Keating, keyboard/vocals; Nolan McCausey, keyboard/vocals; Ben Grulke, drums; and Sue Patrick, vocals. Their hope is to reach those outside mainstream Christian music with the goal of spreading the message of Christ's Love while still recognizing the frailty of the human condition.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott shares the testimonies of a minister, his daughters and their amazing talents..

Steve Dobyns started playing the guitar fifteen years ago. His daughters Anna and Rachel were young but quickly latched on to the love of music they gleaned from their dad. Not only have the girls learned to love music, they both excelled in the Michigan Home School Music Association. Today Rachel is primarily a flautist and pianist, while Sister Anna focuses on percussion. Together, they make a great trio that leads worship in churches, camps, and concerts. Steve is the minister at the McBride Church of Christ where he and his wife Amy bless the small town and the camp (Rock Lake Christian Assembly) they call home.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott shares a taped show from the Rock the Lake LIVE concert with two bands.

Steve Dobyns started playing the guitar fifteen years ago. His daughters were young and quickly latched on to the love of music they gleaned from their dad. Not only have the girls learned to love music, they both excelled in the Michigan Home School Music Association. Today Rachel is primarily a flautist and pianist, while Sister Anna focuses on percussion. Together, they make a great trio that leads worship in churches, camps, and concerts. Steve is the minister at the McBride Church of Christ where he and his wife Amy bless the small town and the camp (Rock Lake Christian Assembly) they call home.

Resident Truth was formed in 2011 to present the hope that is found in Jesus Christ through their music. Their approach is to incorporate fresh, yet classic-original Christian music with a 1970s southern rock sound. The band members currently consist of: John Quigley, singer-songwriter-guitarist; Mike Robertson, bass guitarist: Jim Keating, keyboard/vocals; Nolan McCausey, keyboard/vocals; Ben Grulke, drums; and Sue Patrick, vocals. Their hope is to reach those outside mainstream Christian music with the goal of spreading the message of Christ's Love while still recognizing the frailty of the human condition.

Susan Lawrence grew up on a small farm in the heart of Iowa. As a small child she learned to love country life, writing stories, and her Savior, Jesus Christ. A graduate of Kansas State Teacher’s College, she taught special needs children for thirty-three years before retiring to devote more time to writing, speaking, and storytelling.

Susan has published two family devotion books, contributed to three anthologies, and written many articles for various Christian publications. Atonement for Emily Adams (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas) is her first novel. Susan lives with her husband, Gary, the love of her life and her best friend of forty-four years. She is the mother of three and grandmother of seven beautiful and brilliant grandchildren. Contact Susan at: [email protected].

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Scott welcomes author Pam Thorson.

Pam Thorson is a licensed practical nurse, author, speaker, and full-time caregiver. She pioneered in the homeschooling movement from 1982-2006 and authored her first book, Song in the Night, in 2008. Her newest book, Out from the Shadows: 31 Devotions for the Weary Caregiver (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas), pulls back the veil on the unique joys and challenges of caregiving. Pam resides with her family in the Northwest. Visit her at http://www.pamthorson.com.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Scott welcomes Pam Thorson and Susan Lawrence.

Pam Thorson is a licensed practical nurse, author, speaker, and full-time caregiver. She pioneered in the homeschooling movement from 1982-2006 and authored her first book, Song in the Night, in 2008. Her newest book, Out from the Shadows: 31 Devotions for the Weary Caregiver (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas), pulls back the veil on the unique joys and challenges of caregiving. Pam resides with her family in the Northwest. Visit her at http://www.pamthorson.com.

Susan Lawrence grew up on a small farm in the heart of Iowa. As a small child she learned to love country life, writing stories, and her Savior, Jesus Christ. A graduate of Kansas State Teacher’s College, she taught special needs children for thirty-three years before retiring to devote more time to writing, speaking, and storytelling.

Susan has published two family devotion books, contributed to three anthologies, and written many articles for various Christian publications. Atonement for Emily Adams (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas) is her first novel. Susan lives with her husband, Gary, the love of her life and her best friend of forty-four years. She is the mother of three and grandmother of seven beautiful and brilliant grandchildren. Contact Susan at: [email protected].

Eva Kroon Pike was chosen. She was a dream before she was ever held. At the tender age of ten weeks, Eva was adopted into a loving family that had been waiting and praying for eight years. "These circumstances nurtured Eva into the singer/songwriter she is today with an extraordinary spirit, a compassion for people, a passion to share the gospel, a heart for God, and an awesome voice," as Dr. Jay Dennis, Pastor, Church at the Mall, Lakeland, Florida states. Her vocals are powerful, yet engaging, versatile and unwavering, melodic and soul wrenching. Diversity describes Eva's music style from contemporary to choral, traditional to country, and southern gospel. Eva's life growing up in Central Florida has been influenced by the multiplicity of people which has led to an ability to relate her passions and convictions with soul.

"Grace That Chose Me", the title song of Eva's 2010 album, describes the essence of who she is and an ultimate thank-you to her parents for choosing her to be a part of their family over twenty-eight years ago. She co-wrote this album together with Don Koch, songwriter and producer from Nashville who continues to play a significant part in her music. Eva's album was released to radio in January 2011. In November of 2012 Eva released her very own Christmas single to radio titled “Christmas Revolution.” She had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of two RV radio concert tours with Mark Harris of 4Him in October and December of 2012. Eva's newest album titled Love Is All About You was released to radio February 2013. "As much as my first album, Grace That Chose Me, impacted my life and those who heard the message through song, this new album has had so much more of an impact on my life in just the short time I've had the songs and allowed others to hear them." Eva is very excited about 2014 and what God has planned for her ministry.

Eva Kroon Pike was chosen. She was a dream before she was ever held. At the tender age of ten weeks, Eva was adopted into a loving family that had been waiting and praying for eight years. "These circumstances nurtured Eva into the singer/songwriter she is today with an extraordinary spirit, a compassion for people, a passion to share the gospel, a heart for God, and an awesome voice," as Dr. Jay Dennis, Pastor, Church at the Mall, Lakeland, Florida states. Her vocals are powerful, yet engaging, versatile and unwavering, melodic and soul wrenching. Diversity describes Eva's music style from contemporary to choral, traditional to country, and southern gospel. Eva's life growing up in Central Florida has been influenced by the multiplicity of people which has led to an ability to relate her passions and convictions with soul.

"Grace That Chose Me", the title song of Eva's 2010 album, describes the essence of who she is and an ultimate thank-you to her parents for choosing her to be a part of their family over twenty-eight years ago. She co-wrote this album together with Don Koch, songwriter and producer from Nashville who continues to play a significant part in her music. Eva's album was released to radio in January 2011. In November of 2012 Eva released her very own Christmas single to radio titled “Christmas Revolution.” Eva's newest album titled Love Is All About You was released to radio February 2013. "As much as my first album, Grace That Chose Me, impacted my life and those who heard the message through song, this new album has had so much more of an impact on my life in just the short time I've had the songs and allowed others to hear them." Eva is very excited about 2014 and what God has planned for her ministry.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Scott explores a place feared and abhorred by many believers—strip clubs. He dives into a unique ministry and a book that shares the love of Christ with folks who partake in a sinful venture.

Pastor Todd Stevens and his wife, Erin, both grew up in the Nashville area. They originally met during their years at Tennessee Technological University. They moved back to Nashville in March of 2000 after living in Greenville, South Carolina for six years. They now have three boys. As you can imagine, there is never a dull moment at their home.

How to Pick Up a Stripper and Other Acts Of Kindness spotlights the ministry at Todd Stevens’ church in Nashville, TN, Friendship Community Church, where he serves as the lead pastor. The congregation is known for bringing creative ways to show God’s love to the community, which can be as simple as buying lunch for the person in line behind you or even starting Nashville Strip Church. During a twenty-one-day fast, Erin prayed for God’s guidance and He told her, “feed the strippers.” She heeded the godly call and began serving food to strippers and other employees at a Nashville strip club. She didn’t take a Bible and she didn’t preach; she just showered the love of Jesus on everyone. Before long, questions were being asked about Erin’s faith that led to one of the strippers turning her life over to Christ, going to college, and pursuing a degree in law enforcement. This woman now helps Erin with the Nashville Strip Church ministry. Visit this unique ministry at www.stripchurch.com.