Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey interviews a successful homeschool mom and author.

Like the Dr. Seuss character who rides through town adding more and more hats to his head, Lori Hatcher wears many hats. As seventeen-year homeschooling veteran, she educated two daughters, as she says, "from birth to college." Along the way she rediscovered her passion for writing that began in high school. As a melancholy teenager in Rhode Island, she would often sit on the rocky shores of Narragansett Bay and compose poetry.

She honed her craft alongside her daughters as they worked their way through their homeschool elementary, middle, and high school years, serving as the support group leader of the 120 member Forest Acres Christian Educators for ten years. During her tenure she wrote monthly columns of encouragement for her homeschooling colleagues. These devotions form the basis for her book, Joy in the Journey, Words of Encouragement for Homeschooling Moms available at Lulu.com.

Lori is a popular teacher and women's ministry leader. Encouraging and equipping, she challenges women to follow hard after God. With transparency and humor, Lori enjoys speaking at ladies' events and women's retreats. Lori relates well to women in all walks of life from her perspective as a devotional writer, healthcare professional, veteran homeschooling mother, and youth pastor's wife.

Also as a special treat, the INCH Homeschool group joins the show with the first interview of your favorite host, Scott McCausey. This 10-minute interview is sure to make you smile.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey talks with author and Boot Camp Graduate, Brenda Lancaster.

Brenda Lancaster is a wife, mother, grandmother, and beloved mentor intent on bringing hope, help and harmony to women’s hearts and homes. An acclaimed Bible teacher and the founder of Zookeepers Ministries (2002), Brenda is the author of Living in a Zoo? as well as a Bible study, A Portrait of Ruth (1999). She is currently working on a companion series of children’s books for Living in a Zoo? and a novel drawn from family experiences. A new arm of Zookeepers, entitled R.E.S.C.U.E., will begin soon. R.E.S.C.U.E. will reach out and minister to teenage girls struggling in the cultural quagmire of the 21st Century.

Brenda has been married to her high school sweetheart for over forty years. Her husband Tom, who serves as a deacon and works with the Upward Sports programs for their church, will be working alongside Brenda with R.E.S.C.U.E.T.O.O., a ministry to parents of wayward teens (a division of Zookeepers Ministries). They have three married sons and six grandchildren. Brenda says life never gets better than when she and Papa Tom head out to the beach with those six incredible kids and their Golden Retriever, Sandy. They make their home in Greensboro, NC.

Steven James has penned 30+ books spanning the genres of psychological thrillers, prayer collections, dramas, monologues, a nine-book series on creative storytelling, YA fantasy, and inspirational nonfiction. He has received wide critical acclaim for his work including four Storytelling World Honor awards, two Publishers Weekly starred reviews, and 2009 and 2011 Christy Awards for best suspense. His latest thriller, The Queen, is a finalist for four 2012 writing awards: a Retailers Choice Award, a Christy Award, an International Thriller Writers Award, and an ECPA Book Award.

Steven earned a Master’s Degree in Storytelling from ETSU in 1997 and is an active member of International Thriller Writers, the Authors Guild, Mystery Writers of America, and International Association of Crime Writers. He is a contributing editor to Writer's Digest and has taught writing and storytelling principles on three continents.

He lives in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with his wife and three daughters. When he's not writing or speaking, he's rock-climbing, playing disc golf, or (shh....) slipping away to a matinee. You can discover more about Steven at www.stevenjames.net.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey is joined by world-class drummer Gregg Bissonette.

Gregg Bissonette has become known as one of the most versatile drummers in the business. His broad experience ranges from big band, blues, and rock, to Latin, fusion, and much more. Gregg’s warm, easy-going down-to-earth manner is refreshing from one of the top drummers in the world.

Gregg’s big break came in the summer of 1985 when David Lee Roth left Van Halen and started his own band. Gregg landed the gig playing drums with Steve Vai on guitar, Billy Sheehan on bass, and Brett Tuggle on keys. The band recorded the albums Eat ‘Em & Smile and Skyscraper, both of which went multi-platinum. Gregg’s brother Matt joined the band for the Skyscraper tour and the next studio album, A Little Ain’t Enough. The videos for Yankee Rose, Goin’ Crazy, Just like Paradise, Stand Up, and That’s Life got plenty of airtime on MTV.

Gregg now plays drums with Ringo Starr for the Ringo Starr All-Star Band and tours the country. But his passion is serving our Lord Jesus in a big way. Discover more about Gregg, his family, and living a life for Christ this Tuesday on Speak UP!

Reality hit Jimmy Needham pretty hard as he started work on his fifth studio project Clear the Stage. This record threatened to be a disaster, even with iconic producer/songwriter Ed Cash stepping on board to lend his award-winning expertise behind the soundboard. Jimmy’s task at hand was overwhelming at best.

“I felt so inadequate going into the studio to make this album,” Jimmy reflects. “Not all of the songs were written yet, I was working with a new producer, and on top of all that, I had just become a father. Nothing has proven to demonstrate my inadequacy like fatherhood and leading a family. I remember praying, ‘If I ever needed grace, God, it’s now.’” Of course, this song along with a host of others, became the backbone of Clear the Stage. Learn more about Jimmy at www.jimmyneedham.com.

Also making a special appearance is Alana Lincoln. Alana, and her two friends Jodi and Morgan were raised in North Pole, Alaska. From the long dark winters, with temperatures reaching 60 below, to the beautiful (short) summers where the sun never sets, the girls had ample time to sing for God. Their goal was to do this in a big way and with their latest song/video release of Hallelujah they have done just that! The girls lead worship at their Christian School, in their churches, and on multiple mission trips. Their polished harmonies and blend are sure to hit a beautiful chord in your soul!  Check out their new song at http://www.godvine.com/Three-Girls-Sing-a-BEAUTIFUL-Version-of-Hallelujah-Wow-1426.htmland help push their views into the millions!

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey learns more about how we can live a life of hospitality with guest Roxanne Packham.

Born into a circle of highly creative designers and entrepreneurs, Roxanne considers her family a constant source of inspiration and encouragement. Her maternal grandfather, Allan Adler, "silversmith to the stars," was not only her dear, sweet grandfather of whom she was immensely fond, but her greatest inspiration when it came to design advice. Spending many nights at her grandparents’ home while attending both USC and FIDM, her grandfather’s design advice on numerous projects, which she completed at that time, proved life-changing.

Roxanne often found herself learning this legacy around the family table. All of these precious life lessons, encouragement, laughter, and fun were exchanged at the always beautifully set family table. Privileged? Yes, but not in the way you would automatically think. Roxanne feels this privilege was the gift of listening to these hard-working men, and women. You know the quote: “Behind every great man stands a great woman!” This is our heritage and where she gets her inspiration... wanting to set the stage for others to pass their heritage down through the generations. Her mission is to use design to help other families set the stage to instill their family legacies around the table, be it farmhouse, dining or picnic table...this is Roxanne's dream. Check out her web site at www.inspireddesignpublications.com.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey interviews award winning filmographer and co-founder of Christianmovie.com, Rich Christiano.

In 1977, twin brothers Dave and Rich Christiano left their hometown of Waterloo, New York and drove out to Hollywood, California with high hopes and big dreams. Rich had written a high school script called The Valedictorian and was hoping this would lead to a career in Hollywood. After negotiations with a few producers and one contract offer, Rich never signed and the movie was never produced. Then something happened that changed the whole direction of the Christiano Brothers lives. They found Christ.

At age twenty-eight, in the summer of 1985, Dave wrote, produced, and directed his first film called The Daylight Zone. It was a Christian version of the old TV series, The Twilight Zone. Rich co-financed the project. Filmed in south Texas, the movie was shot on 16mm film and released by Christiano Brothers Films in the spring of 1986. The brothers opened a small office and they were off and running.

Today they have produced, written, and filmed numerous films. Movies like Time Changer, Unidentified, and The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry are at the core of what www.christianmovies.com is all about. Discover the importance of Christian, family movies though the strong testimony of Rich Christiano.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey interviews renowned author, Janet Bly.

Janet Chester Blyreceived a B.S. degree in Literature & Languages and Fine Performing Arts from Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, Idaho. She speaks at women’s luncheons and retreats and does writers’ workshops. She is a member of Winchester Community Church where she serves as music director. She has authored eleven nonfiction and fiction books and co-authored twenty others, as well as contributed to five books. Janet’s hobbies include decorating her home in “country clutter,” reading almost all genres of fiction and mall walking. She lives in Winchester, Idaho–elevation 4,000 feet, population 300–situated on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation.

Last summer, her husband and our friend and writer for our ministry, Stephen Bly, went to be with the Lord. He left behind an unfinished Western manuscript. On Tuesday night, we will discuss how Janet and her children completed the book and finished Stephen’s legacy. You can discover more about Bly books by visiting www.blybooks.com.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey interviews international photojournalist Joshua MacLeod.

In September of 2004, Joshua sat at his father-in-law’s kitchen table (who was also the president of the company he worked for), and informed him that he was leaving his job as a successful courtroom presenter to start a non-profit organization named after a fruit…a watermelon to be specific. Joshua knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that he was supposed to quit his job and start a ministry, and he knew it would help Christians with creative media services. So he prayed for God to send three people who needed what he could offer…and He did.

In the last five years, Joshua has travelled to Kenya, Sudan (twice), Ethiopia, Uganda, Ghana, Malawi, South Africa, Chile, India, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Outer Mongolia, The Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Japan. Even though he had no clue how God could use a courtroom presentation specialist to serve the church at home and around the world, the Watermelon Ministry Team has been instrumental in helping over thirty-five ministries either get off the ground or expand their influence. Their goal is to equip thousands to reach millions. Visit their website at www.seedplanted.org.

Hope Flinchbaugh is a freelance writer and homeschooling mom from Pennsylvania. She authored Daughter of China, a novel based on true stories of religious persecution in China and women who face the one-child policy there. Daughter of Chin received a Catherine Marshall Christy Award of Excellence in 2003. Hope’s nonfiction book, Spiritually Parenting Your Preschooler, was released in August, 2003. She is a contributor to Soul Matters, a series released in bookstores and Sam’s Clubs in 2005. Across the China Sky was released in 2006.

Last year Hope acquired the History Making Publishing Company.Through her company, she is publishing a series of books that reveal today’s heroes, champions of the 21st century who dare us to dream and inspire us to act.  The first series of books will feature the stories of children from various parts of the world who’ve been rescued by a miracle only God could do. The first book in this series, Out of North Korea, a Korean Boy Tells His Rescue Story in Pictures, was released in August, 2011.

Hope also helped launch a weekly radio broadcast into China called Voice of Hope, which airs live every Friday evening in China at 8:30 PM and live in the USA at 7:30 AM every Friday morning. The broadcast is in both English and Chinese. You can check it out at www.blogtalkradio.com/voiceofhope.