Mornings

I Miss You!

2009-12-10T21:37:00.002-05:00

Dear Mornings listeners and viewers:

It sure has been nice to hear from so many of you on Facebook and through my email. Thank you for your prayers and concern.

Most of you know by now that the December shows are recent "best of's" originally airing from August-October, and that Larry and I are in "career transition."

While I'm not sure where we will land, I know God has a plan for all of us, and that many North Americans are going through trying times right now. I will be praying that you have a special Christmas with loved ones and that 2010 is a great year for you.

And if you listened to "Mornings" for any length of time, you know that I'm pretty excited about The University of Texas Longhorns being in the national championship. I made my husband promise that if we get jobs before the end of December, we'd go to Pasadena on January 7th!

Hook 'em horns and God bless you,

Lorri

Animal House

2009-11-23T04:25:00.003-05:00

We sure had fun recently when Singer Laura Bryna brought her birds and Tim Link, the Pet Communicator, joined us on set. What were those birds thinking? Tim said they sure love Laura!

Texas-OU game

2009-11-18T04:40:00.002-05:00

These are a month late, but I promised to put them up here! Enjoy!

Emile Jr

2009-11-12T13:37:00.002-05:00

Here is a picture of Emile Jr dressed as Paul "The Starchild" Stanley member of the band KISS

Pastor Brad Strand Visits Mornings!

2009-09-28T09:21:00.003-04:00

Texas Pastor Brad Strand, Larry and me!

We were honored to have Pastor Strand in our studio today. He spent 33 years and 30,000 hours developing The Strand Study Bible. It weighs nearly five pounds, has extensive maps, color-coding and mini-series to help people live their lives better. This would be a great addition to any library or a great gift for any student of the Bible. For more information, check out www.StrandStudyBible.com.

Seafood for Diabetes Patients & Others

2009-09-25T12:03:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Barbara Brown for letting us post this!

Among the delectable dishes included in THE DIABETES SEAFOOD COOKBOOK is:

Salmon with Black Bean Salsa - so beautiful you will want to make it all the time. The colors are exquisite and it takes very little time to prepare.

Serves 4 • Serving Size: 1/4 recipeSalmon2 tsp soy sauce1 Tbsp orange juice1 lb thick salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 4 piecesBlack Bean Salsa15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed1 soft mango, diced1/2 tsp ground cumin1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil1/2 cup chopped cilantro2 fresh limes, juiced2 Tbsp minced red onion1/8 tsp fine sea salt1/8 tsp freshly ground pepper

1. Mix soy sauce and orange juice in plastic bag. Add salmon and marinate for at least 20 minutes and up to 2 hours.

2. Mix black bean salsa ingredients together in large bowl. (Prepare salsa early in the day to allow flavors to blend.)

3. Preheat grill or grill pan. Add salmon and grill until nicely browned. 4. Place ∏ cup black bean salsa on plate and place salmon on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs (if desired).

EXCHANGES/CHOICES: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit, 4 lean meat, 1 fatCalories 295, Calories from Fat 110, Total Fat 12 G, Saturated Fat 2.1 G, Trans Fat 0 G,Cholesterol 75 MG, Sodium 360 MG, Total Carbohydrate 18 G, Dietary Fiber 4 G, Sugars 8 G, Protein 28 G

Young Talent

2009-09-23T12:58:00.003-04:00

A little girl from Georgia sang her way into our hearts this month.

We sure enjoyed Sylvia Lee Walker as an in-studio guest recently. She may be tiny, but she has a BIG voice. You can find out more about her at http://www.sylvialee.net/.

Free e-Book on Negotiations

2009-09-23T12:56:00.002-04:00

Linda Swindling is offering "Mornings" listeners and viewers her new e-Book, Negotiate Like a CEO.

To download the book or to read it online, go to www.JourneyOn.com/book.

Walter From Alabama Visits Mornings!

2009-09-14T09:38:00.002-04:00

It was a big pleasure to welcome Walter Sims to our studio this morning as a guest. Regular listeners will know Walter as the caller who says, "L and L!" We enjoyed hearing about Walter's work as an engineer, pastor and motivator.

Lieutenant Colonel Susan R. Davis

2009-09-09T13:29:00.002-04:00

This is the Women's Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.

Kent and I pinning the silver leaves on Sue, oops, Lieutenant Colonel Susan R. Davis!

This is Mitchell and Shelby placing the silver leaves on their mom's shirt.

Another shot of Mitchell and Shelby pinning the leaves on their mom.

Doc Rock

2009-08-17T13:15:00.003-04:00

Meet Doc Rock!

Doc Rock was in studio with us, sharing his music and his message on how to stay healthy.

To find out more about Doc Rock visit his website at:
healthrock.com

Pictures we promised to show you!

2009-07-30T13:29:00.003-04:00

Here are a couple of pictures we promised to put up on the blog.

This is Walter and his family.

And this is Larry's little Neice Sarah.

Carrabba's Recipes

2009-07-09T10:55:00.002-04:00

We had yummy food from Carrabba's yesterday, and Chef Brett shared the recipes!

BRUSCHETTE SICILIANI

4 each roma tomatoes, (washed and diced ½”)
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
12 each kalamata olives (halved lengthwise)
pinch fresh basil leaves, medium chop
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon dry oregano
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and cover. Allow the ingredients to rest for one
hour at room temperature

TO SERVE

10 slices Italian bread sliced 1 inch thick
1 cup Extra virgin olive oil
Ricotta Salata cheese
Pinch chopped parsley

Brush olive oil evenly over the sides of the sliced Italian bread. Be sure to cover the entire side of the bread. Place the bread on a hot grill and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Place the grilled bread around the edges of a round plate, leaving some space in the middle of the plate. Spoon the Siciliani sauce into the center of the plate and partially on to the bread. Top the siciliani with freshly grated ricotta salata cheese and chopped parsley.

TUSCAN TOMATO SALAD

1 cup Ripe beef steak tomatoes (1” dice)
pinch Kosher salt
pinch Black pepper
4 tablespoons Italian dressing
½ cup Arugula
pinch Chopped basil
10 pieces Toasted Italian bread (1” cubes)

1. Cut the Italian bread into cubes and toast lightly in an oven at 300 degrees for 5-10 minutes.

2. Place tomatoes in a mixing bowl and season with salt and pepper.

3. Add the arugula, basil, and Italian dressing and mix

4. Add the toasted bread and toss well. Be sure to coat the bread thoroughly. Serve immediately.

News and Talk

2009-06-26T10:25:00.003-04:00

It's tough being a talk show host and not being able to talk about some of the biggest stories of the year! We are "dark" this week due to an HD conversion in our studios, so we are missing talking with you about Governor Sanford, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson.

It reminds me of another time at FamilyNet when Scott JuVette and I were doing news back in Texas. It was during the Christmas break and everyone--I mean everyone--took off two weeks around the holidays of Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's. Then the tsunami hit Asia. And we had no way to update the evergreen newscasts we had produced for the vacation period. It was frustrating not to be able to provide the latest and most-up-to-date news for people who watched FamilyNet Television.

Although I don't anticipate these long breaks ever happening again... you never know. Despite the inability to talk, it sure has been nice to sleep a little later and jog in the cool of the morning. But that Atlanta traffic... now I know what everyone has been fussing about!

See you Monday in real life!

Little Rider

2009-06-26T10:21:00.003-04:00

Neon from Ohio sent us a cute photo of his daughter, Bethany. She looks ready to get on her own bike and go! We're not sure how old or how tall you have to be to join the Trinity CMC--maybe Bethany gets an honorary membership.

Programming Note

2009-06-19T11:04:00.001-04:00

For the week of June 22, we are not broadcasting live shows. Due to tech upgrades here at FamilyNet, we were asked to pre-record the programs. We combined "best of" segments with some new interviews, and hope you will like the results, even if you can't call in.

We will be in the office, planning new programs and getting caught up on all our stacks of books and papers! So email or call us if you want to talk.

We appreciate your patience and will be back live on the air June 29.

Twittering

2009-06-19T10:49:00.003-04:00

At our weekly chapel time at FamilyNet this week, we had a memorial service of sorts for a new employee who had already made a big difference. He died in a car accident, leaving his wife and young daughter. The memorial was a PowerPoint display of his "tweets." I had never met this man, but I felt like I knew him after reading the succession of his short messages. He loved God, he loved his wife, he was crazy about his little girl, and he ate ice cream to celebrate and when he was stressed.

I was so inspired by his tweets, that I resolved to encourage people with twittering, too. So if you want to follow me, please go to www.Twitter.com/LorriVAllen.

We have several FamilyNet regular guests who are twittering, too. Randy Singer is RandyDSinger, and Linda Swindling is LindaSwindling.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-19T10:46:00.001-04:00

Sunday is Father's Day, and we love our dads around here! It's one of the hardest jobs going, so we appreciate all you do to build your families. Have a wonderful day on Sunday... and everyday, knowing that you're making a difference. You might also want to check this link.

2009-06-04T12:00:00.002-04:00

Just a few images from my vacation to Jekyll Island.

Didn't really think people would be that interested in our trip but the turtle release was very cool and has gotten lot of positive feedback.

This is the Jekyll Island Club where we stayed. It is over 100 years old and was built as a private hunting resort for the likes of the Morgans, Pulitzers, Vanderbilts and other, turn-of-the-century moguls.

AND NOW - The turtle relase!

Indy 500

2009-05-21T10:34:00.003-04:00

Yes, one of our listeners got to drive in the Indy 500--well, sort of! Dennis got to take his Smart Car around the track yesterday. He said it was a lot of fun, and there were 120 "Smarties" from Canada and several states.

The black one on the left is Dennis's car. He says he gets about 42 miles to the gallon, and the cars can reach 100 mph--but they couldn't go that fast on the Indy track!

This little blue one is so cute! It has a face!

More Great Mexican Food

2009-05-01T10:15:00.003-04:00

Shrimp Quesadilla
*makes 6 appetizer size quesadillas, Courtesy of Rosa Mexicano http://www.rosamexicano.com/
• 3/4 lb raw, cleaned, shelled, shrimp, cut into 1/4 inch pieces
• ½ small white onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 serrano or guajillo chiles, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt
• 1½ cups finely shredded queso Chihuahua, Muenster, or cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)
• 6 Fresh Corn Tortillas or store bought 6-inch corn tortillas

Toss the shrimp, onion, garlic, and chiles together in a bowl until well mixed.

Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the shrimp mixture all at once, season with salt, and cook stirring and tossing, until the shrimp begins to brown. Pour the mixture into a bowl and taste, if salt is needed add as needed.

Spread ¼ cup of the cheese over half of each tortilla, leave a small border along the edge. Top with 2 heaping tablespoons of the shrimp mixture. Fold the empty side over the filling and press firmly to close.

Cook the quesadillas in batches on the griddle, turning once, until light golden brown and crisp, about three minutes per side. This can also be done in an oven at 350 degrees F. Serve immediately and top with Pico de Gallo or your favorite salsa.
++++++++++++++++

Pico de Gallo
Courtesy of Rosa Mexicano, http://www.rosamexicano.com/

*makes about 2 cups

2 ripe medium tomatoes (about 12 ounces)
¼ cup finely chopped white onion, or to taste
12 large fresh cilantro sprigs, thick stems removed, remaining stems removed, remaining stems and leaves finely chopped (about ¼ cup)
1 medium jalapeño or small Serrano, finely chopped (about 1½ tablespoons), or to taste
Juice of 1 lime, or to taste
1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)

Core the tomatoes and cut them in half. Gentle squeeze out most of the seeds, and cut the tomatoes into ¼-inch (no longer) dice. Toss the diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeno together in a mixing bowl. Add the salt and lime juice, then stir in oil, if using. Let sit for a few minutes. The salsa can be made and kept at room temperature for up to 4 hours – no longer – before serving. Stir and taste again before serving.

Cinco de Mayo Recipes

2009-05-01T10:08:00.003-04:00

Wow, did we have a fun Friday today with fabulous food from Rosa Mexicano. The guacamole with the mango and jicama was so tasty. As promised, here are the recipes so you can celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style!

Guacamole en Molcajete
Courtesy of Rosa Mexicano, http://www.rosamexicano.com/
Rosa’s New Mexican Table by Roberto Santibez

Makes 4 servings

For the chile paste:
1 tablespoon finely chopped white onion
1 firmly packed tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoons finely chopped jalapeňo, or more to taste
3 medium ripe but firm Hass avocados (about 8 ounces each)
3 tablespoons diced tomato
2 firmly packed tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon finely chopped white onion
Salt if necessary

Tortilla Chips
Fresh Corn Tortillas

Make the chili paste: Grind the onion, cilantro, jalapeňo, and salt together in a molcajete until all the ingredients are very finely ground. Alternatively, use a fork to mash all the ingredients to paste in a wide hardwood bowl.
Cut each avocado in half, working the knife blade around the pit. Twist the halves to separate them and flick out the pit with the tip of the knife. Fold a kitchen towel in quarters and hold it in the palm of your “non-knife” hand. Rest an avocado half cut side up in you palm and make 3 or 4 evenly spaced lengthwise cuts through the avocado flesh down to the skin, without cutting through it. Make 4 crosswise cuts in the same way. Scoop the diced avocado flesh into the molcajete. Repeat with the remaining avocado halves.
Gently fold the avocado into the paste, keeping the avocado in as large pieces as possible. Add the tomato, cilantro, and onion and fold in gently. Check and add salt if necessary. Serve immediately, right from the molcajete (or bowl), with the chops and tortillas.

Note: Jalapeňos can vary tremendously in hotness, so taste the guacamole just after folding in the avocado and add more if you like.

A Special Patriot

2009-04-30T11:44:00.005-04:00

On his ride in Florida, Duane met this woman, a 93 year old WWII veteran, who was a motorcycle courier. She earned a PhD after the war and taught at FSU and FAMU until retirement. She has more than 900,000 certified miles on BMW motorcyles. She has a side car on her bike and look who who rides in it!

Patriot Guards Ride

2009-04-30T11:34:00.006-04:00

Duane (on the left, above) from Georgia took a special ride on his bike this week. The rider next to him is his Sunday school friend, Tommy Brinkley. Hear about the trip from Duane:

"That was a fantastic ride from Marianna, Florida to Apalachicola, Florida. We rode through Altha, Blountstown, Wewahitchka, and Port St Joe. In each of these towns, schools had let students out, and they were on the sidewalks, as were business people, and people just wanting to see. They all had signs with praise to veterans. In Port St Joe, we rode by a nursing home and the residents were out on benches, in wheel chairs and some standing and waving as we rode by. Many people along the way were flying flags. Many had large pictures of soldiers who had served, and some had pictures of KIA and MIA soldiers. All that was a total surprise to all of us who rode. I let a few, well, lots of tears flow as we rode by."

Game Dinner

2009-04-08T12:37:00.007-04:00

The Pine Level Baptist Church recently held a game dinner. These are fun events where men invite their friends, cook and put on a big feed with dove, venison, etc. Duane, a Mornings listener and a deacon at the Georgia church, took these photos.

The speaker for the event was Kyle Woodfin. If you'd like to hold a he-man event like this, check out Kyle's website here.

Send Postcards to a Soldier

2009-03-19T11:49:00.005-04:00

Please make my friend Miguel's day and send him a postcard for his collection. Tell him you watch or listen to Mornings and heard about him!

He also likes football, so you could tell him your favorite college or pro team. Like me, he went to UT, so he loves the Longhorns and the Cowboys.

This is his fourth tour of duty in the Middle East, and he doesn't have a lot of family to speak of, so your postcard would touch him.

His address in Iraq (and it's just a regular stamp) is:

SSG RIVAS, Wolfgang A.
HHC, 204th BSB 2/4
Camp Basra
APO AE 09374

Thank you so much!

Final Four Contest on Mornings

2009-03-18T11:59:00.003-04:00

We love surprises and giving cool things away! So with the help of Randy Singer, we are holding a great contest for March Madness.

By Friday, March 20, 2009 at 5 pm eastern time/4 pm central, send us the following by email, which is Mornings (at sign) FamilyNet (dot) com:

1. The four teams you think will make it the finals. You get one point for each right choice.
2. The two teams you predict in the championship game. You get two points for the right picks.
3. The WINNER! You get four points for this one.

So, you could win ten points total. In the event of a tie, we do have two prizes: an autographed Collector's Edition of Randy Singer novels and an autographed Al Harrington basketball!

We are going to exclude FamilyNet/In Touch employees and their relatives from winning the contest. To the rest of you, get your entries in!

Pastor Neon's Visit

2009-03-13T12:44:00.008-04:00

Neon from Ohio touched us all when he told about the opportunity he had to see his daughter. He hadn't seen her in 22 years, since she was just a little girl.

Neon got to see his precious grandchildren for the first time, too. It sounds like the visit was special for everyone.

New Building in Cairo, Georgia

2009-03-06T12:56:00.003-05:00

You may remember back in the summer when we had Builders For Christ on the show. They had been working at Pine Level Baptist Church in south Georgia.

Well, all the construction and finish out is completed and PLBC held a special dedication on March 1!

Sirius 161 listener and FamilyNet TV viewer Duane sent photos of the beautiful new building, inside and out. The photo below on the left is Duane's Sunday school class. The middle photo is the original church, where Duane and his wife, Vonnie, made professions of faith!

I'm Just Not That Sweet On You

2009-03-06T12:38:00.002-05:00

Health Advice from King Hoover

By now you’ve easily been exposed to the High Fructose Corn Sweetener (HFCS) controversy. You know- those ads that talk about sharing a popsicle or what your children drink, and seem to clear up misconceptions about HFCS, but they reinforce some of the most dangerous falsehoods floated today. What is true is that HFCS does have the same calories as sugar, and it is from a natural source-corn--but what is far from true, in light of the most recent science, is far less light-hearted than the commercials themselves.

While table Sugar and HFCS are both sweet; this is where the similarity ends. Sugar or sucrose is quickly metabolized to glucose. Glucose can be used by every cell in the body, but Fructose must be metabolized in the liver which makes it a problem for many people. If you carry more than a few pounds of bodyfat, you could easily have a condition called Fatty Liver Syndrome, as serious as it sounds, it just means that your liver function is less efficient due to fat deposits in the liver- multiplying HFCS’ Dark side. If you drink much alcohol, even a mild case of Cirrhosis of the Liver also increases your risk from using HFCS, increased bodyfat, elevated cholesterol and blood sugar levels, diabetes, the list goes on.

The statement in each ad, that it’s ‘fine in moderation’ is completely untrue if you have either of these common conditions and because Adolescent Test Subjects were the most affected by this manufactured foodstuff’s negative effects, I question if it is even safe at all for children.
Sadly, children are the single demographic group whose food and drinks are heavily laden with HFCS and where advertising efforts are focused to boost sales. I used to think that the responsibility for the types and quality of food our children eat lay solely with their parents. While they do bear the Lion’s share of liability, I applaud recent moves to shame food companies that make Junk sound Wonderful.

So why am I on this Soapbox now? I am so glad you asked… In the last 30 years in my field, sometimes a study breaks that is so Powerful or Disturbing that I am moved as if by an Earthquake. The Journal of Experimental Medicine reported that “bad eating habits are capable of permanently altering DNA” effectively switching off genetic protections against Diabetes and Heart Disease. The researchers at the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute further stated that these gene alterations could last “months or years and may be passed down through bloodlines.” The biggest trigger in this gene mutating scenario was high levels of blood sugar. Just one sugar-binge was ‘remembered’ by the cells for up to 14 days, so with ‘friends’ like HFCS, who needs cigarettes?

So how do we get off the Good Ship Lollipop and back on the Love Boat? First, go through your pantry and throw away everything with HFCS on the label. If it’s not there to eat, it can’t hurt you. Second, try to work veggies into each meal. At breakfast, toss some broccoli, peppers, or tomatoes into your omelet, you’ll boost the nutrition and the fiber will slow the rise in blood sugar. Lastly, consume starchy foods or grains only after physical activity. After exercise, your muscles soak up sugar and carbs like sponges, this is when they’ll help, not hurt. I am all about Surprises, but when it comes to your health, some are not so Sweet.

Kelly's Getting Married!

2009-03-06T12:30:00.005-05:00

We love Kelly, one of our main makeup artists. She has been making Larry and me and our guests look better since the beginning of our TV days. We're so happy that she and Marty are tying the knot. They seem to be a great, joy-filled couple. They like animals, motorcycles, the beach and hanging out with their families.

The women here at FamilyNet had a lot of fun this week when Kelly let us (it took a lot of begging, believe me) throw her a bridal shower. We won't show you the gifts (they weren't THAT racy), but we will show you how cute Kelly looked with the delicious red velvet cupcakes that Lisa Ryan brought.

Best wishes, Kelly and Marty! We hope you have a Happy-Ever-After Marriage!

Super Bowl Photos

2009-02-11T11:53:00.007-05:00

We love our regular guest, Dr. Rick Winer. Larry and I get a kick out of the fact that he is a renowned psychiatrist, specializing in ADHD, depression and anxiety disorders, AND that he is an NFL statistician. Dr. Winer got to work the Super Bowl in Tampa and was kind enough to share a few photos.

You might recognize these men that Dr. Rick works with: Marv Albert, Jim Gray and Boomer Esiason. This photo was taken following the Westwood One broadcast of the game between the Cardinals and the Steelers.

This photo is in the booth, and if you look to the right, you will notice all the notes on index cards! Dr. Winer brought in some of the tools he uses during a game yesterday, and it's wild. The way he keeps some of these stats on the tip of his tongue amazes me!

Ezetimibe - Heart Health

2009-02-10T10:11:00.002-05:00

I heard the above --was it a supplement or drug?--was good for your heart. So I asked King about it. Here's great heart health info for you, from our fitness guru:

It is a tradename for simvistatin, all 'statin' drugs (and it is a drug rather than a supplement) are highly refined doses of fungal toxins that have the effect of suppressing cholesterol production in humans. The downside is that they also can cause muscle breakdown (myolosis) where the muscle tissue is catabolized into chemicals- especially skeletal muscle, sometimes heart muscle- this overwhelms the kidneys with ammonia and other muscle-breakdown byproducts. A simlar action, but without as great a risk of side effects, due to lower potency and the presence of supporting nutrients in the source product, is Red Yeast Rice (RYR). This is a source Monacolin K which inhibits production of HMG-Coenzyme A Reductase. (I know, a mouthful.)

A highly concentrated form of this nutrient from RYR is the drug Lovastatin or Mevacor (by Merck). The good news, or God-News where we work, is that several different natural substances have the effect of lowering cholesterol production a little. Put them all together and you get a substantial reduction.

Polycosanol- (but only the kind from sugarcane) A waxy sterol that is a large molecule with a similar density/shape to HDL cholesterol butnot the downside of BEING cholesterol. HDL sweeps out LDL, it is the accumulation of LDL (slowly eliminated) day-by-day that causes checked levels to show high. It's as if you never cleaned up after yourself at the house, and eventually you have trouble moving around the place, or your Arteries.

Betasitosterol (called Corowise in Centrum products) Works similarly to the polycosanol. Garlic- a more complex suppression of production triggers.

Water-soluable fibers- Pectin from fruits, oatfiber, etc... that are dissolved into the blood and bind to cholesterol like magnets.

Alton Brown's Valentine Day Recipes

2009-02-05T10:02:00.003-05:00

As promised, here are recommended recipes you can make for your Valentine from the host of Good Eats!

Lemon Drops

1-1/4 cups water, divided
8 envelopes gelatin
1-1/4 cups sugar, divided
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons grated lime zest
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt

Combine 1/2 cup of water, gelatin, lime juice and lemon juice in a 2-quart saucepan. Set aside.

Combine remaining 3/4 cup of water and 1 cup sugar in another 2-quart saucepan; place over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil, put on lid, and cook for 3 minutes. Remove lid, place candy thermometer on side of pan and cook until it reaches 300 degrees. Remove from heat, add to gelatin mixture, return pan to low heat and stir constantly in order to dissolve gelatin completely. Add lemon and lime zest and stir to combine. Pour mixture into an 8 x 8 pan and cool to room temperature. Do not refrigerate.

Combine the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and the salt in a bowl. Once cooled, cut into cubes and toss to coat in the mixture. Serve immediately or store in airtight container for up to 4 days. Stored lemon drops may need to be re-coated with sugar and salt mixture before serving.

Yield: 64 1-inch pieces
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Non-active time: 2-4 hours to allow setting

Tempting Salted Caramel Apple Rings

1 medium apple, Braeburn, Gala or Fuji
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
Pinch freshly ground black pepper

Slice the apple, across the equator, into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick rings. Remove the seeds. Combine the brown sugar, kosher salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture onto the rings. Using a torch, heat the sugar until it melts and caramelizes. Serve immediately.

Yield: 2 servings

Kosher Salt-Frosted Peanut Brittle

7-1/2 ounces roasted peanuts
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vegetable oil, plus additional for coating spatula
1 pound 6 ounces granulated sugar
12 ounces water
2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt

Combine the peanuts, cayenne pepper and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.

Line a half sheet pan with a silicone baking mat.

Place a 3-quart sauce pan inside a large cast iron skillet. Add the sugar and water to the sauce pan, and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until it comes to a boil. Stop stirring, cover and cook for 3 minutes. Uncover and cook until the sugar is a light amber color, approximately 35-40 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the peanut mixture. This will greatly reduce the temperature of the sugar, so work quickly. Once evenly mixed, pour the mixture onto the prepared half sheet pan. Using an oiled spatula, spread thin. You will have to work quickly when pouring out and spreading the mixture in the pan. Immediately sprinkle the candy with the kosher salt. Cool completely and then break into pieces. Store in an airtight container for up to 10 days.

Yield: 1 1/2 pounds
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 45 minutes

The New Car

2009-02-04T13:10:00.006-05:00

You may have heard the interview with Texas-based evangelist Ronnie Hill about his year-long promotion to get people to hear his story and register for a new car. He picked a name out of the hat on December 12, and it took several calls for Carol to believe that she really did win the new Chrysler she desperately needed.

On January 25, Ronnie preached at the church which sponsored the fair booth where Carol registered. Carol was on hand to get the keys.

Carol's husband sent an email to friends and family about the exciting experience, and Ronnie gave us permission to share it.

"The first picture shows Carol and Dr. Ronnie Hill in front of her new car and our 23-year old sedan 'Old Blue!' This is at the entrance of Cumming First Baptist Church. The second picture shows Dr. Hill giving the key to Carol for her new Chrysler 300 LX! The (next) picture shows Carol with the Sales manager and his wife who sold the car to Ronnie Hill Ministries. He had prayed on his way to work the month before to sell a car and 30 minutes after arriving at his
dealership, Dr. Hill calls from Texas saying he needed to buy a car!

God's hand was on this event from start to finish!

Please go to http://www.3minutestory.com/ and enter the 2009 program."

Congratulations, Carol!

Energy Drinks Exposed

2009-02-04T13:03:00.001-05:00

By King Hoover
Energy Drink and Caffeine Controversy

Well, if you're Russ Weiner, founder of ROCKSTAR energy drinks, you would say it takes being the son of two world-class herbalists who have written 20 books on health and nutrition. Let's look at the ingredients in ROCKSTAR and their functions.

Per serving (2 per can) ROCKSTAR offers:
L-Taurine- 946 milligrams- Helps stabilize the excitability of membranes which is very important in the control of epileptic seizures. Taurine and sulfur are considered to be factors necessary for the control of many biochemical changes that take place in the aging process; aids in the clearing of free radical wastes. Taurine also functions to fuel intense muscular contractions making it good for working or working out. Taurine is a non-essential sulfur-containing amino acid that functions with glycine and another amino acid as a neuroinhibitory transmitter. It also plays an important role in bile acid metabolism. Taurine is one of the most abundant bile acid where it helps to emulsify dietary fats in the intestine, promoting digestion.

Guarana- 200 milligrams- Brazilian herb with some stimulant properties, guarananine is related to caffeine’s class of chemicals. Guarana also has about 5.5% caffeine by weight.

Caffeine- 75 milligrams- Caffeine is really broken down into 3 distinct compounds in the body that contribute to its overall effect. They are 1st Paraxanthine (84%) increasing lipolysis (the emptying of fat cells so the fatty acids can be burned) and free fatty acid levels in the blood. 2nd Theobromine (12%) Dilates (opens) blood vessels allowing for the easier transport of more fatty acids and other nutrients to the brain and muscles (and makes you have to go to the bathroom). This is the principle stimulant chemical in chocolate. 3rd Theophylline (4%) Relaxes the smooth muscle of the bronchi in the lungs and separately is used to treat asthma. The therapeutic dose of this chemical is much higher than the levels attained by caffeine consumption. NOTE: this is the same effective chemical in the thigh-reducing crèmes so popular a few years ago.

Inositol- 25 milligrams- A lipotropic or fat transporting vitamin, helps reduce cholesterol levels, hardening of the arteries and prevent hair loss. This is a low dose though, recommendations are much higher for any real lipotropic effect.

L-Carnitine- 25 milligrams- The major function of carnitine is to act as a carrier of fatty acids into the mitochondria where they can be burned for fuel, which makes it important for fat loss.

Eleutherococcus Senticosus- 25 milligrams- This is the ‘formal name’ for Siberian Ginseng, its one of the lesser known but more common types you find in supplements today. The #1 thing to remember about ginsengs is that that their designation, or category, in the U.S. Pharmacopea is as an adaptogen. This is a very difficult category to get into because the compound has to have a protective effect against all 3 types of stresses: Chemical, Psychological (nervous system) and Physical. This is a pretty low dose and herb effectiveness is based on how much of the active-compounds are present, but here are some of the benefits of including this ginseng on your diet.

Specifically, Siberian ginseng may help to help prevent stress-related illnesses by managing our body’s responses to stress, relieve symptoms of chronic Fatigue syndrome and Fibromyalgia, increase mental alertness and accuracy and increase our resistance to respiratory tract infections.

Milk Thistle- 20 milligrams- This herb contains a collection of chemicals that have 2 main functions for the health of the liver and since the liver performs hundreds of vital processes every hour of the day, it’s a good idea to take care of it. 1st Protection of the liver cells from damaging chemicals in your diet, environmental toxins and free radical damage. . .2nd Enhancing the production by the liver cells of enzymes vital to the liver’s proper functioning, thus speeding recovery from an injury and even stimulating regeneration of new liver tissue.

Ginkgo- 15 milligrams- The Ginkgo tree is so unique, it has its own classification in flora. It has been used as food and medicine for 4,000 years and traditional Chinese herbalists still rely on it to treat asthma, bronchitis and brain disorders. Its primary uses are: Improves memory and other cognitive functions, enhances circulation to the brain, heart, limbs, ears and eyes, may help reduce cardiovascular risks, potent antioxidant effects, used in treating cerebral insufficiency, senile dementia, Alzheimer's disease.

Again, this is a small dose, but I have outlined some of the benefits of adding Ginkgo to your supplement program.

B-2 or Riboflavin- 200% of the USRDI- Like other B vitamins, it supports energy production by aiding in the metabolizing of fats, carbs and proteins, it is also required for red blood cell formation and respiration, antibody production, regulating growth hormone and thyroid production.

Vitamin C- 60 milligrams 100% of the USRDI-
B-5 or Pantothenic Acid- 50% of the USRDI- The B’s work together to break down carbs, fats and proteins, but B-5 has some interesting functions in helping to control acne, preventing arthritis conditions and reducing allergies.

Niacinamide- 50% of the USRDI- Similar role in energy metabolism as we’ve discussed, but is also helpful in living cell and DNA repair. Even a small deficiency slows metabolism, decreases cold-tolerance and is a potential contributing factor towards obesity.

B-6 – 50% of the USRDI- This vitamin is a component of a large number of enzymes, so much so that almost every body system relies on it for optimal function. It is beneficial for maintaining nerve health, minimizing the symptoms of PMS, promotes health kidney activity and lung function.

B-12 – 50% of the USRDI- B-12 is often called ‘the energy vitamin’, but few folks know why. Anemia is the lack of sufficient red blood cells and therefore, not enough oxygen being carried to all your systems- kinda like suffocating on the inside. Until 1948, pernicious anemia would very likely kill you, unless you choked down 2/3 of a pound of raw liver every day, now we can just take a small amount of the vitamin responsible.

Even a slight deficiency will have negative health effects, depression, forgetfulness, even incontinence can result. It is essential to every cell in your body since it must be on hand for DNA synthesis.

Artwork

2009-02-03T13:24:00.002-05:00

Val Lyles is an abstract artist and Interior Designer based in Atlanta. She shared some of her artwork with us Friday, and we loved hearing about how she creates it... and how a friend dared her to start painting.

To Old Friends

2009-02-03T13:11:00.004-05:00

Those of you with us Monday or this coming Friday had or will have the pleasure of hearing guest co-host Ray Metoyer. Ray is smart and a lot of fun. For those of you listening and not viewing, you may wonder what Ray looks like. Here is the photo where we talked about the "relic" of a video camera.

More recently, Ray worked for the Black Family Channel, based here in Atlanta. We didn't know until we were talking yesterday that both he and I were in Boston covering the 2004 Democratic National Convention. Although there were thousands of people, I am still surprised we didn't run into each other. He's tall!

Ray and I worked together about 14 years ago in Dallas, and it's always nice to work again with someone you respect, just as Larry and I have been able to do. I think that's what Heaven will be like--reuniting with people we haven't seen for years or decades and remembering all over again why you liked them in the first place.

I sure look forward to seeing Mornings listeners and viewers some day... If not in this world, then the next one for sure!

Update on Larry

2009-02-03T13:09:00.005-05:00

Thank you so much for your calls, emails, prayers and concerns about Larry. He sounds strong and optimistic on the phone. His surgery Thursday was long--five hours--but seemed to go well by all accounts. We hope to have him back on the air with us as soon as Monday!

Trip to Yuma

2009-02-03T13:04:00.002-05:00

So many of you sent terrific tips or called in to the show with ideas about visiting my in-laws, Nancy and Bobby, in Arizona. We had a great time, and the weather was ideal: blue skies and 74 degrees most days. Here is a photo of one of my husband's favorite places to visit in Yuma--Lutes Casino. It really used to be a casino a long time ago. Now it is an eclectic place to eat.

Little Sunups!!!!

2008-12-05T10:30:00.005-05:00

Duane's little chicks have hatched!!!

Here are a few pictures if the new baby Sunups.

We usually only get to hear from Duane, but here is a picture of his wife, Vonnie, with the baby chicks. Duane tells us she does most of the work at the Chicken Ranch!

Is it the Face of Jesus?

2008-12-05T09:41:00.005-05:00

In the small town of Kingsville, Texas... people are flocking to see an electric transformer on a utility pole. Not only is there a mysterious image that reminds some of what might be Jesus Christ, there is also a clear "25." Take a look at these photos and decide for yourself!

Andy Hines, with the electrical company AEP Texas, says it suspects "weathering sustained over a period of time" caused the image. The transformer has been installed since 1982.

Happy Birthday, Billy!

2008-11-10T10:36:00.002-05:00

We had a Mornings first on Billy Graham's 90th! Larry was in Charlotte, North Carolina to interview people associated with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. We celebrated for three hours--it was a lot of fun to hear about his life and legacy. Here's a photo of Larry working in the BGEA studio.

Carrie Stoelting meets Bob Dole

2008-10-29T14:46:00.003-04:00

Many of you might remember Carrie Stoelting, a guest we had on Mornings who sings with her sister Stacie. Well Carrie had the privilege of meeting Senator Bob Dole, here is what she had to say about it:

"Last week, I received a phone call from Senator Bob Dole's office. He was coming to Des Moines and wanted to meet with me! I was invited to be his guest at a special breakfast in Des Moines. You see, a few weeks ago I wrote a letter to Senator Dole requesting a meeting. (I have wanted to meet him since I was nine.) When he campaigned for president, I wrote a letter of admiration to him and I requested to have his autograph. To my surprise, when his wife came to Cherokee in 1995, she made a special presentation of a signed picture to me! I will never forget it! The experience was life-changing for me. Ever since, I have very much wanted to meet Bob Dole, too. Now, 13 years later, I met him at last. How I thank God for the opportunity! Stacie and I attended the breakfast and enjoyed visiting with Senator Grassley as well. He is a blessing and we appreciate him so much."

Here are some pictures of Senetor Dole and the Stoelting sisters....

Prayers for Karleigh Ann

2008-10-27T11:00:00.004-04:00

Dennis has asked for us to keep his Grandaughter in our prayers.

Here are a couple of pictures of little Karleigh Ann. Thank all of you for your prayers. She will need multiple surgeries as she gets older. Her heart is flipped backwards and she has some holes and veins that aren't positioned correctly. I was blessed to hear her cry and could hold her for the first time Saturday.

Dennis

Unity Ride, Neon with Alistair Begg

2008-10-07T13:34:00.002-04:00

Here is a picture of Pastor Neon and a few people who attended the Unity Ride.

The man to his right is Alistair Begg of Truth For Life

A Cool New Car

2008-10-07T13:01:00.002-04:00

Dennis from Indiana has the coolest new car! It is a Smart Car and quite a bit smaller than the truck Dennis drives as part of his job.

Here's what Dennis says, "It is gas only. Premium. 45 to 50 mpg. Our cars name is 'The Black Pearl.' Steve Martin drove one in the movie The Pink Panther."

For more info, see this website:
http://www.smartusa.com/

More photos

2008-10-07T12:56:00.002-04:00

It's been a while since "Lewis and Lewis" were here, but I think I forgot to post this photo! We really enjoyed this sweet couple.

And Emile sent a cute photo of his Canadian cowboy, Emile Jr.!

Emile's new found daughter Devyn

2008-09-23T13:18:00.005-04:00

Here are some pictures of Emile's new found daughter.
We give her an official welcome to the FamilyNet family!

We also included a familiar face in here, Emile's son Josh.

Pastor Neon's New Tattoo

2008-09-23T13:11:00.004-04:00

Here is a picture of Pastor Neon with is his new Trinity Riders tattoo.

.....and here he is with his family and his Pray Vote Pray tee shirt!

Comments from a Listener about Bristol Palin

2008-09-04T04:30:00.003-04:00

Listener Vince from NY has given us permission to publish the following message. Thanks, Vince!

It was upsetting to hear some of the comments about Bristol Palin this morning. Many of us are so quick to judge this young lady, but the Bible is very clear that it is not our place to judge anyone. Besides, judging doesn’t help anyone. It just fuels the fire of animosity and character assassination that we keep throwing at her.

This is one of the most blessed and joyous times of her life. Her family should be allowed to focus on the beauty of pregnancy and childbirth. She should be cherishing the new experiences of motherhood and filling her heart with the grace and love the Good Lord provides with His Miracle of life. But rather than showing her our love, support and happiness, we are disgracing her and forcing her to wear the scarlet letter of “teen parent.”

But not all teen parents are worthy of such disgrace. About 2000 years ago, an unwed, pregnant teenager had to survive in a society that wanted to stone her to death. Today she is revered as the mother of our Savior.

Twenty years ago, I was a teenager in high school. My future life looked fantastic through that windshield with nothing but blue skies ahead... I vividly remember calling my girlfriend on a pay phone by the cafeteria and finding out she was pregnant. In an instant, the priorities of my life changed. I could no longer see the blue skies ahead, even though they were still there. I was scared. I didn’t know what to do, and I didn’t know what society would do to me. But I was fortunate. My girlfriend and I accepted this responsibility with love. My mother was so encouraging and supportive. Some people accepted us; some did not. We stuck close to those who did. We got married and raised our family together. Here it is, 20 years later, and we just spent the morning getting our four kids off to school. We have one in college, one in high school, one in middle school and one in elementary school. And we have a morning schedule in chaos. ;)

Unfortunately, our society finds much more pleasure in ridiculing someone than encouraging her. Maybe we think we are lifting ourselves up when we push others down. But when we push people down, they will just move over to others who do lift them up. Some of those influences may be negative and provide false hope. Fortunately, we all have someone we can turn to and He will lift us up. Thank God that he sent His son not to judge us, but to save us. Pray that those who need encouragement turn to the Lord Jesus for the real hope of eternal love.

Movies for Guys

2008-08-28T12:57:00.002-04:00

This morning, Phil Boatwright, The Movie Reporter, promised to provide one of our listeners with some DVD choices for a wholesome, yet high-action, cinema outreach.

Here goes... thanks, Phil and readers, see more of Phil's reviews at Preview Online.

BULLITT (1968). Steve McQueen at his coolest and the greatest car chase ever filmed. (Caution: contains one obscenity, but I caught no misuse of God’s name. Also it has some violence, but nothing like today’s standards, or lack of.)

The Great Escape. This is a splendid wartime drama about men set to escape a Nazi POW camp. Based on a true story, with an involving script, cast and musical score. All-star cast includes Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, James Coburn, Richard Attenborough and James Garner. Interestingly, there is absolutely no cursing. The script is so well written, even the most hardened cynic won’t miss the objectionable words. This film is evidence that nearly every subject matter can be placed on screen without crudity or profanity. McQueen tries to escape via a motorcycle. Beware, it’s a long film.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Funny, thrilling, Sean Connery and Harrison Ford are terrific as squabbling father and son searching for the Holy Grail. PG (lots of violence, some sensuality, and one profanity, for which the culprit is immediately punished, sending out a very positive message that the misuse of God’s name is wrong).
Also contains some motorcycle action.

It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. A non-stop laugh-a-thon as a group of motorists learn of a fortune buried 200 miles away. Besides all the visual and verbal gags, and its constellation of comic greats, Mad World also contains some of the best car chases and stunts ever filmed. Funny, but long.

The Magnificent Seven. Made in 1960, in color, and starring Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Eli Wallach, Charles Bronson, James Coburn and Robert Vaughn. Derived from the Kuroswa “Eastern,” the story follows seven gunmen defending a poor Mexican village against bandits. Every part is perfectly cast and Elmer Bernstein’s score is fabulous. This new digital edition includes a documentary on the making of the film, with interviews by the producer and several of the actors.

The Party. Peter Sellers stars as a good-hearted bumbler who accidentally destroys a movie set, and then manages to do the same to a fancy party given by the film’s producer. There are a few risqué moments, but it is pretty tame by today’s standards. And extremely funny and good-natured. Sellers is terrific.

The Phantom. Billy Zane, Kristy Swanson, Treat Williams. Paramount . Kids Action Adventure. A well-made tongue-in-cheek salute to the Saturday serials of the ‘30s and ‘40s, based on the comic strip about a purple-costumed hero of the jungle fighting the forces of evil. Aided by his wolf, Devil, and his white horse, Hero, he seeks justice for the good guys and destruction for all evil doers. Lots of laughs for adults and much imagination-inciting adventure for the little ones. But beware, it's jam-packed with daring do and violence.

The Rocketeer. Bill Campbell and Jennifer Connelly star in this action/adventure about a rocketpack attached to any hearty young daredevil’s back will cause him to fly. It’s 1938 and, of course, the Nazis want such a device. Enter the Rocketeer, who must defend the American way of life by preventing the Germans from gaining possession of the rocket. Lost of fun. PG (4 or 5 expletives and comic-book action).

Run Silent, Run Deep. Burt Lancaster and Clark Gable star as officers at odds in this tense, well-made submarine drama. Lancaster and Gable – now we’re talking movie stars!

THE SEARCHERS. John Wayne stars in John Ford’s most complex and visually stunning western. Ethan Edwards searches for his niece after marauding Indians kidnap her.

A Shot In the Dark. Inspector Clouseau falls for a beautiful murder suspect in this hilarious follow-up to “The Pink Panther.” One of the best in the series. Caution: A Shot in the Dark has a few adult situations not suitable for children, but handled with enough discretion for adults.

STEEP. Interesting documentary about men – and women – who live for danger. Like surfers searching for the tallest wave, extreme mountain skiers attempt to conquer the highest and most inaccessible adversary. Containing terrific cinematography and moving stories of fallen comrades, the film expertly reveals the character of these sportsmen. Best moment: Three skiers are photographed from a helicopter while getting caught in an avalanche. Not only a thrilling, armrest-grabber of a moment, the aftermath also shows a camaraderie known only to those who risk their lives together. PG (Three or four minor expletives and one use of the s-word after surviving an avalanche; Lots of dangerous skiing in places not fit for man).

The Straight Story. Filmed along the 260-mile route that the actual Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth) traversed in 1994 from Laurens , Iowa to Mt. Zion , Wisconsin , The Straight Story chronicles Alvin ’s patient odyssey and those he meets along the way. Alvin encounters a number of strangers, from a teenage runaway to a fellow WWII veteran. By sharing his life’s earned wisdom with simple stories, Alvin has a profound impact on these people. It contains lessons about the importance of family and forgiveness. Rated G.

Support Your Local Sheriff. A very funny western send-up with drifter James Garner hired as town sheriff. Also stars Walter Brennan, Jack Elam and Bruce Dern. Rated G, it is the funniest western spoof I’ve seen.

Von Ryan’s Express. Frank Sinatra and Trevor Howard lead a daring escape from a prisoner-of-war camp in this first rate, action charged war drama.

United 93. This intense drama tells of the actions of 9/11/01 aboard the hijacked flight bound for Washington D. C. Told from the perspectives of the passengers, the flight crew and those monitoring the plane, the film shows how complete strangers united against a common enemy. Indeed, the film is a cautionary tale that states united we stand, divided we fall. It is rated R for intensity and for profanity - While I applaud this film for its potent message, beware that there are at least 14 profane uses of God’s name and His son. In frustration and fear, several characters uttered God’s name followed by a curse or used Jesus’ name as a mere expletive.

AMERICA ’S HEART AND SOUL (2004). Filmmaker Louis Schwartzberg packed up his camera and hit the road, with a goal of capturing both the unparalleled beauty of the U.S. and the incomparable spirit of its people. Here you have the chance to meet ordinary Americans with extraordinary stories. Schwartzberg’s gift is his ability to connect with people, honestly capturing their values, dreams, and passion. AMERICA ’S HEART AND SOUL is a celebration of a nation told through the voices of its people.

The Bear. Wow, what a great film experience. It follows an orphaned bear cub and his new protector, a huge Kodiak. There’s no Disney-styled narration or cutesy voice-overs. “The Bear” is simply a captivating, humorous look at the daily life of these two mammals. The film takes place in 1885 British Columbia , with stunning, often breathtaking photography, locations and some truly touching moments. Caution, there are a couple of frightening scenes. Hunters are after the Kodiak. Dogs and horses are wounded by the bear when he is cornered. But no animals were actually harmed during filming. I believe little ones can handle it if parents are there to reassure. Standout moment: an unprepared hunter comes face to face with his quarry. After some rather loud roaring, the huge mammal takes pity on the frightened hunter and walks away. Later, the bear is also spared. Rated PG.

Bill Cosby – Himself. Bill’s insights on marriage and children highlight this very funny stand-up (and sometimes sit down) routine. But perhaps the funniest bit is his take on a trip to the dentist. I rank this routine right up there with Abbott & Costello’s “Who’s On First.”

Dr. Strangelove. Very dark comedy about a military commander who goes, well, a little funny in the head, and launches a hydrogen bomb aimed at Russia . Stanley Kubrick’s brilliant satire pokes fun at politicians and the absurdity of war. Peter Sellers, George C. Scott head intrepid cast. (Caution: Adult subject matter).

The Great Raid. Director John Dahl recreates the gritty reality-based story of one of the most spectacular rescue missions ever to take place in American history: “the great raid on Cabanatuan,” the daring exploit that would liberate more than 500 U.S. prisoners of war on the Philippines in 1945. A gripping depiction of human resilience, the film vividly brings to life the personal courage and audacious heroism that allowed a small but stoic band of World War II soldiers to attempt the impossible in the hope of freeing their captured brothers. Caution: It’s rated R (3 profanities, 8 or so obscenities and a few minor expletives, but for a war film, the language is very mild; what’s more, there is a great deal of thoughtful dialogue and several moments that reveal men of faith and a reverence for God; the film receives its rating mainly for the graphic violence and themes including a narration at the top that details the abuse of victims including the fact that 15,000 people died during the Death March; that said, nothing is done exploitatively – this is not a Rambo movie, but a real moment in history; yes, some of it is difficult to watch, but so many gave up so much in order to end a cancer that threatened to destroy the soul of man. Their sacrifice should be depicted and therefore, remembered).

Letter from Jeff Rainey

2008-08-28T11:53:00.004-04:00

We wanted to take some time to show our support to Jeff Rainey in his training for his half marathon, read the letter below and show your support as well!!

Keep up the GREAT work Jeff!

Good Morning Lorri, Larry and all the crew:

As you suggested , I am sending you a link to the fundraising site for my half-marathon. The name of the camp is The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp http://www.holeinthewallgang.org/ and it is celebrating the 20 year anniversary and has expanded with 13 sister camps throughout the world. Everything the camps do is by donation and fundraising including the addition of buildings and other camps. No families of attending children pay even a penny for a child to go to camp (or themselves on the family weekends).

I am running for the fundraising side of the camp called Team Hole in the Wall (here's the link to my page: http://www.teamholeinthewall.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?pid=425&srcid=426&frsid=576 . I am running the Adirondack Marathon and Distance Festival and there is a link to that on my page as well as a couple of pictures of my son and me. There is also a spot to post messages on the page which inspire me to get out there when I don't really want to run.

Thank you all so much,
Jeff Rainey

Zach Donohue

2008-08-25T12:37:00.003-04:00

We wanted to give a quick shout-out to listener, Dee and her son Zach Donohue!

As some of you may recall Zach has been competing in various ice skating competitions!
Here are a few pictures of both Zack and his partner Piper Gilles.

Here is a little message from Dee......

"Thanks to all who keep them in prayer-we hope to visit an orphanage while in the Czech Republic (or at least a soup kitchen)-as doors open and God and time allow. I plan to come home with my suitcase empty as I will donate my clothes to the needy there.

Blessings and thanks for keeping the morning ride home enjoyable!"

Little Josh

2008-08-07T09:24:00.003-04:00

Since Josh has been so close to our listeners for the past two years, Emile from New Brunswick sent us an updated picture of our little Canadian friend!

And here is Josh's big brother Emile Jr.

Larry from Indiana

2008-07-29T14:27:00.003-04:00

It's such a pleasure to get to know our callers. Sometimes your tone of voice tells us a lot about the victories or trials you're experiencing. Other times, all we have to go on is your state and a few details about you. But with some of you more talkative folks, we learn a whole lot about you in just one call!

With Larry, we get to know him a little bit better with each call and with each email.
Larry seems like such an honest, nice fellow--I know I would like him if I met him in person. He has taken a sad turn of events in his life--a son's accident--and made it his mission to encourage Joey's caregiver and Joey, of course, too.

Yesterday, I promised to share his new blog with you because he addresses "Mornings" listeners!
http://larry-indiana.blogspot.com

And if you want to find out more about Joey, please visit www.supportjoe.com

Larry, our prayers are with you and Joey. God bless you both.

Builders For Christ

2008-07-29T10:36:00.002-04:00

We had Bobby Lunceford with Builders for Christ on our show today to talk about the way his organization helps churches. In addition, Pastor Jim Weaver and Deacon Duane Davis from Pine Level Baptist Church in Cairo, Georgia came up to Atlanta to explain how much Bobby had helped their church grow. Builders for Christ has all but finished a 15,000 square foot classroom and recreation addition for Pine Level.

Bobby and his wife are full-time, unpaid missionaries traveling around to do this work. They covet your prayers and will accept monetary donations. To help them help others, please send a check to:

NAMB (North American Mission Board)
PO Box 116543
Atlanta GA 30368-6543

Note on your check: Bobby and Becky Lunceford MSC 8977

Thank you!

Brina Our Young Superstar!

2008-07-29T10:16:00.006-04:00

We wanted to send a special shout out to former intern Brina who has been competing in the Miss Georgia Teen International Pageant. Brina was second runner up in the pageant and the Mornings crew is very proud of her! Here are some pictures of our young superstar!

Dennis from Indiana

2008-07-22T11:00:00.010-04:00

Here are some pictures of our long-time listener, Dennis! Doesn't he look great? He's been taking King's advice.

Dennis pulls a van trailer and a flatbed; he uses the flatbed to take picnic tables to state parks. The picnic tables are manufactured by offenders in state prisons.
Dennis gave us a great idea, "Let's have our truck driver audience send pictures of themselves with their rig." So if you have any pictures of yourself with your truck send them to mornings@familynet.com, and we will feature you on our blog!!!

Farewell Andy!!

2008-07-22T10:13:00.016-04:00

On Friday, July 18th, we said goodbye to one of our favorite Mornings crew members, Andy Sixsmith.

So in honor of his departure, and in celebration of our newest member Tom we threw a little party. Doughnuts and coffee!

And of course our celebration would not be complete without a few pictures of the stunning Mornings crew.

( Above: Lorri, Larry, and Andy)

We were able to get a few pictures of the whole Mornings crew together one last time before Andy left!

(From L-R: Tim, Josue, David, Lorri, Andy,

Chris, Larry, Patricia)

We were also able to take a few pictures of the Mornings crew behind the scenes. We thought we would introduce some of the people you don't see in from of camera often. So here is a look at the people who make up the Mornings family! Enjoy!

Now Introducing..... the Mornings Crew, behind the scenes!

Producer extraordinaire Chris Larson, He was having a rough day....

Graphics Genius David Hamilton

Josue Rodriguez also known as J-Rod

Tim Rhodes, also known as Dusty Rhodes

Graphics Mastermind, Patricia Gaddy

And last but certainly not least, the newest addition to the Mornings Family, the incredible Tom Williams!

Ugandan Children's Choir

2008-07-11T12:53:00.002-04:00

If you missed Thursday's show (July 10th), you missed something rare and special...the Ugandan
Children's Choir. Well, actually, only 5 members of the 26 who have travelled to Georgia for an extensive tour. Gilead Baptist Church, in Griffin, Georgia, has taken on the job of hosting and organizing the choir's tour. It's goal? To raise money for the Royal School and Orphanage, in Uganda...and its plans for a new building that would house 400 students. Many who toured come from humble beginnings but you'd never know it by their smiles. And they sang beautifully!
If you'd like to know more or want to contribute to this great cause, go to www.suubi.info to get the story. "Suubi" is a Lugandan word meaning 'hope' and the children certainly reflected it.
--Larry

Jim from Missouri's Daughter

2008-07-01T12:55:00.007-04:00

As promised we have the baby pictures that we showed during the 1st hour of TV.

This is Jim from Missouri and his daughter Esther

You saw them hatch... now see them play in the water! Kelly's ducks!

Dalph is the dog in the back ground.

Park Thompson's Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson visited the set recently. Mrs. Thompson was helping out a student named Stanley by taking pictures with "Flat Stanley" through out her trip.

Biker Ministry Pt. 2

2008-06-18T12:25:00.004-04:00

Here are a some pictures that Pastor Neon sent of his recent biker event!

Biker Ministry

2008-06-17T14:07:00.002-04:00

We have had a great response on the show to Biker Ministries. Apparently, a lot of you ride motorcycles! Today, Pastor Neon talked about the Harley event his chapter participated in Saturday. If you want to know more about starting or joining a chapter, please email Pastor Neon at trcmcneon@aol.com. If you want to know more about the ministry, click here.

We enjoy hearing about your ministries and your interests. If we have not talked about the way you minister to the lost, please let us know!

Memories

2008-06-05T11:35:00.003-04:00

We here at "Mornings" were sad to hear of the death of Dennis' father, Conrad. Our regular listeners and viewers have come to know Dennis' voice when he calls from Indiana. We'd followed his father, Conrad's, story. The accident, the burns, the loss of his legs and, ultimately, his journey home. Naturally, as Christians, we know there's reason to celebrate, too. But we certainly remember our friend, Dennis, as his family and pray for their emotional strength. If you watch or listen to the program tomorrow (June 6th), we'll giveaway a special FamilyNet DVD recalling the D-Day invasion. It's a poignant retelling of that history-altering event from survivors who, even after all these years, still feel personal loss as they relive those vivid, indellible, images. We'll give them out to callers as long as the supply lasts. And, in so doing, we pay tribute to a unique generation of Americans which, for a second time, rescued the world from a tyrant. Not many remain. Fewer every day. But the memory of D-Day and what it accomplished will last forever. Remember to thank every man and woman in uniform for their service on this D-Day anniversary.--Larry

2008-06-05T11:33:00.001-04:00

Sunshine All Dressed Up

2008-06-03T12:57:00.002-04:00

Shirley has shared more precious pictures of her dog, Sunshine. And taking a cue from Larry's suggestion that Sunshine really looks like Winston Churchill, Shirley found a cigar!

Prayer Answered

2008-05-27T13:32:00.002-04:00

I received this email from Phil Boatwright, our Christian Film Critic, last week. He gave me permission to share it with you. If you were listening to him a few weeks ago, you know that he'd had a car accident.

"The Lord took care of everything. It all fit together so easily. The car insurance company paid me more than I thought I’d get, my boss sent my check early so I could make up the remainder of my down payment, the financing went through with a breeze, the car was at a sales price, each of the places I went to were close to one another, and I was able to return the rental car directly across the street from the car dealership.

"Though most of you probably have more expensive cars, I’ve got On Star in mine! And it’s free for a year!! I swear, this thing does everything. If I can just get a girl, it’ll do the proposing. It really is amazing. It’s like out of Flash Gordon.

"When I prayed, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to get a new car. I just asked the Lord to provide a car that I felt safe in and that would be comfortable for the Old Ones. I care for my parents and have to take them everywhere now, so a four door was in order. Well, I got one. A new one.

"I’m telling you all this because even though life seems to be a series of trials, the Lord does intercede. And though we are attacked by the enemy, our Heavenly Father is ultimately in charge and won’t desert us. I’m assured that He is with us even in those times when He seems so still. I’m sure you’ve had spiritual moments when you just knew God was involved. That was my day, yesterday. It’s sometimes difficult to convince others that those moments are indeed governed by Heavenly leadership. But inside we know that it was Him.

"I am also convinced that your prayers were very much a part of this equation. I asked a few of you to pray for me and you did. The Lord heard those prayers. Some of you emailed me back, saying, “We got you covered.” I can’t tell you how much that meant to me. I turned around and prayed for you, that your prayers would be answered and that you would be blessed for doing it."

Phil, we are so happy for you. Thanks for sharing how the Lord worked in your life!

Coco is a Star

2008-05-27T12:35:00.005-04:00

Kelly, our makeup artist, is a woman of many talents. Not only has she raised her ducks from eggs, and not only does she make Larry and me look much better than we deserve to do each day, she is also a turtle rescuer!

Her turtle Coco is famous at the University of Georgia exotic animal school! About a year ago, Kelly took Coco in, and he had such dire viruses that the vet and vet students thought he had very little chance of making it. If you look closely in the first picture, you can see that Coco has a feeding tube and IV. Kelly was having to take him in to UGA almost every week to get checkups.

Now, a year later, Coco is thriving. Isn't it nice to know God watches over creatures big and small? It may not take an exotic animal clinic to make you feel better, but God knows just what you need.

Kelly says photos of Coco hang all over the walls at Georgia. He's famous for being a case study! And you thought he was just a turtle...

Best-Selling Religious Books

2008-05-13T12:13:00.000-04:00

A Century (or so) of Religious Best-Sellers* in the United States

Biblical and Inspirational Fiction

In His Steps by Charles Sheldon (1897)
The Shepherd of the Hills by Harold Bell Wright (1907)
The Calling of Dan Matthews by Harold Bell Wright (1909)
The Nazarene by Sholem Asch (1939)
The Robe Lloyd C. Douglas (1942)
The Silver Chalice by Thomas B. Costain (1948)
The Day Christ Died by Jim Bishop (1957)

Devotional and Inspirational Nonfiction

The Song of Our Syrian Guest by William Allen Knight (1903)
Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman (1925)
Peace with God by Billy Graham (1954)
The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson (1963)
Joni by Joni Earekson (1976)
The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth am I here for? by Rick Warren (2002)

Scripture Supplements (including Bible story books for children)

The Story of the Bible by Jesse Lyman Hurlbut (1904)
Egermeier's Bible Story Book by Elsie E. Egermeier (1922)
Halley's Bible Handbook by Henry H. Halley (1927)

Apocalyptic Literature

The Late Great Planet Earth by Hal Lindsey (1970)
Satan is Alive and Well on Planet Earth by Hal Lindsey (1972)
Angels: God's Secret Agents by Billy Graham (1975)
This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti (1986)
Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins (1995 - 2007)

Positive Thinking

The Magnificent Obsession by Lloyd Douglas (1929)
The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale (1952)
Prison to Praise by Merlin Carothers (1970)
Power in Praise by Merlin Carothers (1972)
The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life by Bruce Wilkinson (2000)

*sales equal to at least one percent of the U.S. population when the book was first published

John P. Ferré, University of Louisville

Taking King's Advice

2008-05-13T04:21:00.002-04:00

King Hoover, our Friday Fitness expert, has long advocated flax seed and fish oil capsules as a way to get healthy. One of our frequent callers, Dennis from Indiana, sent in a picture and testimony about the products King recommends. Dennis says they have made him feel better and lose weight!

Rusty the Rooster

2008-05-05T13:39:00.003-04:00

Duane is raising Sunup, our rooster mascot. But he also has a special rooster in his yard that he let me name! I took one look at this big fellow and decided he looks like a "Rusty." What do you think? Thanks for sharing your pictures, Duane!

Robert's Essay

2008-05-01T12:18:00.002-04:00

As a former porn addict, I know that looking at pornography is not exclusive to the people outside the Church. Furthermore, I don’t believe the Church addresses the problem of pornography often enough nor effectively enough when it does venture into this topic.

Even as I begin to write this paper, I am bothered by the images that haunt my memories. Those same images that I once thought exciting and innocent now repulse and mortify me. The thought of once having been part of that world still sickens me. This is why I have chosen this topic: not only to expose the very depraved nature of pornography, but also as a means of therapy for myself and for others who want to be freed from its’ stench and shackles.

Looking back, I am amazed at how easily I got involved in pornography. It started out innocently enough; sin usually does. I had been shown a Penthouse magazine by a next door neighbor who was a few years older than I, sixteen to be exact; I was twelve years old at the time. Of course the images excited me and the graphic sexual stories that appeared in the “Forum,” section were a bit strange to me at first, but as they were explained to me, became thrilling as well. From that point on I was on a quest to get more images of naked women and read more stories. My neighbor was usually accommodating. Often when he had a used magazine he would give it to me. It was pretty easy to get magazines from the stores as well, even at thirteen years old. I began to develop a fairly sizeable collection.

My desire for more hard-core sexual images began to increase. The soft-core stuff like Playboy was actually beginning to bore me. I soon discovered others, too many to mention.
As I got a bit older, I was able to begin dating. My lustful desires spread over into this area quickly. Just a little petting and kissing were not fulfilling my lustful desires. I needed what I had been seeing and reading. I lost my virginity at fifteen and the girl was only thirteen. We remained sexually active until her mom found out about us. Once we had been found out, we were forbidden to see each other and the sex with her stopped.

I was quite accomplished in sports, so naturally girls were attracted to me or rather to my status. I definitely used that to my advantage and I went through several girls throughout high school. Once I got what I wanted, they either continued putting out, or they were history. I used them and tossed them like fast food waste. After all, this is how I was being indoctrinated by the magazines that I had been reading nearly daily. I didn’t see a problem with it and the girls were mostly willing participants and the ones who weren’t; well they got shoved off pretty quickly.
After graduating high school I joined the Army and soon discovered XXX-rated videos. Wow! A new venue for my perversion: I knew about them, I just hadn’t viewed one until then. This only served to increase my appetite for sex. Once again, I blazed through many women, young, old, single, or married…
Somehow, through all of these willing participants, I managed to meet my wife-to-be. We got married within six months of meeting. However, I soon discovered that I wasn’t really in love; just in lust. I wasn’t sure I even knew what love was then. Our marriage lasted not even two years.

So once again, I was on a quest for sexual fulfillment from anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Eventually, I hit bottom. I didn’t care anymore. I was into really sick and perverted sex, drugs, and alcohol. I was literally digging my way into Hell as fast as I could and always looking for a bigger shovel. I had given up on living a happy and fulfilled life.

While in my hopelessness; God had found me and pulled me out of my pit of despair. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. I had kept in contact with my ex-wife this whole time and we somehow managed to reconcile and re-marry. I knew I needed to do my part and put away the porn, as well as begin going to church and learning about this Jesus that I had accepted.
It seemed that life had taken a really positive turn for me.
But still, in the back of my mind, there was all that porn that had been a part of me for so long. You can’t just erase those images from your brain: they are burned forever into your memory. My desire for them had not gone away either.
The Internet can be so wonderful, but if used to fulfill your sinful desires; can completely destroy your life as well.
I was still going to church and even began leading a men’s ministry. Nobody had a clue as to my secret sins. For all they knew, I had the perfect life. I knew that what I was doing was wrong, but I didn’t know where to turn for help, or if there even was help. Nobody in church spoke of such issues. Pornography was for those unsaved sinners outside the church. I wrestled with this for several more years, not knowing how I could defeat this cancer that was taking over my life yet again. I was completely powerless to the razor sharp talons of this addiction that was again tearing away at my very being. My sickness was leading onto paths that I never thought I would journey to.
Now that you’ve experienced some of my battles, I want you to understand that my fight was not unique. The cancer of pornography can infect anyone; young, old, male, and female. Nobody is exempt. It is an addiction that plagues every area of our social and private arenas.
Yes, it is an addiction. I had previously believed that addictions were only for smokers as well as drug and alcohol users. But as I researched the subject because I needed to understand what had happened to me, I found some very mind-blowing information.
Progression from soft-core to hard-core pornography got an enormous boost in 1970 when the First Presidential Commission on Pornography issued its report. The Commission concluded that porn was harmless and even had potential therapeutic values. These findings were based on judgment by a social science research group appointed by the presidential commission. This group said, in effect, “that sexually explicit materials were a good thing and should not be inhibited in any way.” Not only did they tell us that smut was not harmful; they “perceived it to be advantageous to society, reducing sexual tensions and promising to lower the incidences of rape, child molestations, and child abuse.”
Is pornography harmful? Do people who delve into it become addicts? Does it change men’s attitude about women and sex? What happens when normal, well-adjusted people are exposed to a steady diet of X-rated materials?
Dr. Jennings Bryant, holder of the Reagan Chair of Broadcasting and director of the Institute for Communication Research at the University of Alabama, conducted a study for the 1986 Attorney General's Commission on Pornography. 600 American males and females of junior high school age and above were interviewed about their "out in real life involvement with pornography.” He found that 91% of the males and 82% of the females admitted having been exposed to X-rated, hardcore pornography. Two-thirds of the males and 40% of the females reported wanting to try out some of the sexual behaviors they had witnessed. The rate of males and females that attend church was less than a 10% difference than the national average showing virtually no difference in attitude toward pornography or sexual behavior.
And among high school students, 31% of the males and 18% of the females admitted actually doing some of the sexual things they had seen in the pornography within a few days after exposure. This clearly suggests the modeling effect or imitative-learning effect, as well as "triggering effect," that even non-violent pornography can have on human sexual behavior in some individuals.
As Dr. Jennings Bryant comments, "If the values which permeate the content of most hard-core pornography are examined, what is found is an almost total suspension of the sorts of moral judgment that have been espoused in the value systems of most civilized cultures. Forget God, trust, family, commitment, love, and marriage. Here, in this world of ultimate physical hedonism, anything goes.

The most systematic research by social psychologists on forms of pornography has been undertaken by Dr. Dolf Zillmann at the Indiana University, along with his colleagues Dr. Bryant Jennings, and James Weaver at the University of Kentucky. Dr Zillmann created controlled conditions of exposure to pornography. Without going into all the conditions, in the interest of brevity, some of his findings included the following: 1. People who are bored with ordinary porn develop an appetite for stronger more bizarre versions. 2. Men who had been massively exposed to porn came to look at rape as reasonably trivial. 3. There is less interest in love and affection as a motivation for sex. 4. A greater tendency to fantasize about the use of force in a sexual relation. 5. Exposure to porn diminished satisfaction with the physical appearance of the respondent’s sexual partner. 6. It reduced the overall satisfaction with the respondent’s present intimate relationship. 7. It enhanced the importance of sex without emotional involvement.

Syndicated columnist Jack Anderson found that a three-month investigation of cable pornography left him stunned. He says that he found sex orgies that would make Caesar blush. Anderson points out that our children are getting their sex education from these perverted programs. Usually the children gather at the homes of friends when parents are not home to view such trash.
NBC News reported in the story “The Silent Shame” that there is a firm connection between pornography and sexual abuse of children and child pornography, and that the practice of abuse is passed on from one generation to the next.
The FBI estimates that in 1996, recreational killers murdered 5,000 people. Most of those killers, officials said, fed on pornography. Also, one in four girls who are currently twelve years of age will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime. Dr. Victor B. Cline, University of Utah psychologist says that due to the over exposure of sexual imagery, the rape rate has increased by over 700 times since 1933.
Here are some shocking facts about the amount of porn that is available on the marketplace. There are approximately 3500 retail outlets dedicated to pornography. In addition there are more than 21,000 “mom-and-pop” video stores with about 75% carrying pornographic videos. There are in excess of 1,100 videos produced monthly from the pornography film makers. In America alone, porn is a seven billion dollar a year industry. It is the fourth largest money making business in the world today. Reports show that 75 to 90 percent of all pornography that is bought in this country ends up in the hands of children.

Dr. Charles Stanley, former President of the Southern Baptist Convention stated:
“Pornography is not just a money making business. It is a very shrewd, effective way to destroy our country. History shows that nations given over to sensuality have been destroyed. Pornography, sensuality, lesbianism, and homosexuality divide the mind and dull the conscience of both men and women. As it is continually pushed on our children they will be completely and absolutely anesthetized right into oblivion.”
In a magazine survey posted in Christianity Today, January 2001, it was noted that as many as 37 percent of Pastors have a problem with Internet pornography. The study also found that 75 percent of churches provide their entire staff with unquestioned access to Internet pornography.
Does anyone preach against pornography? Bill Kelly, a retired FBI officer quoted recent reports from a trial judge who asked three questions of persons in a courtroom. First was, “Have you or anyone in your family been victims of sexual abuse?” Approximately ten percent of hands were raised. Second, “Have you ever read or even just looked through the pages of a pornographic magazine?” About forty percent of hands went up. The third question was, “Have you ever heard a sermon preached on pornography or obscenity?” Not a single hand was raised, thereby solidifying the claim that the church has been silent.

The damage that pornography has done to our world is absolutely devastating. Nations have gone to war with each other for causing less damage to their societies than what has been done through pornography. Men, women, and children are suffering. We can no longer sit idly by and allow this deadly cancer to continue to permeate throughout the world. It has managed to infiltrate every aspect of our lives, in every corner of the globe.
We the Church must stand up and act forcefully to combat this world plague. We cannot wait for somebody else to go to war for us. We must fight this battle with all the might of our heavenly father.
God had to nearly kill me!!! That’s no joke. As I progressed in my secret sin without any accountability, I found it easier and easier to move away from the church. Miss a week here, then a few more go by, and then next thing you know; not going at all. Now there wasn’t anyone to ask how I was doing or to pray with me; nobody to stop my self-destruction. It is true that I had turned my back on the church because I succumbed to porn for so long with nowhere to turn to: I just simply gave in to it. I was a false convert anyway.
But, God wasn’t finished with me yet.
All along the way, several years, my youngest daughter had continued going to church and had been doing intercessory prayer for me and the rest of the family who were no longer attending church either. God had heard her prayers and through events in my life; which I now recognize; He was trying to gain my attention and draw me back to Him. He had to nearly kill me before I got the message.
I was fishing one day on the Umpqua River in western Oregon for small mouth bass. The river was running a bit fast but I was an experienced boater and wasn’t too concerned. I knew there was one rapid that may cause me trouble, but before putting in the river that day, I stopped to look it over. While looking down into the water you get no depth perception so it looked fine to me. I knew the line to take and how to row through it. All began well and we were catching some pretty nice sized fish. Nearing the end of our trek was the rapid and it was approaching fast. As we entered the beginning of it; I realized too late that the water was bigger and faster than I had expected. Upon the first wake, the boat turned sideways on me and the oar jabbed me in the side and I lost that one. The other broke on a rock as we dropped into a boil. The boat hit a rock so hard that it threw both my buddy and I out of it and right into the class 4 rapid without a life jacket. Ya, I know, pretty dumb.
I was being tossed around as if I were in a washing machine. I didn’t know which way was up, down or sideways. I don’t know how long I was under water, but I know I had no air left in my lungs. I remember clearly thinking to myself that this is how I was going to die…today. I simply knew that I was a dead man and I just gave up trying to fight the current. Suddenly, I was able to pop out of the water and get a breath. I heard people on the banks screaming to get me some help. My buddy had already made it back to shore. I didn’t think that I had enough energy to swim to shore and miraculously the current drifted me that way. As I made shore I looked at the distance that I had been under water and it was about 100 yards long. It is only by the grace of God that I didn’t smash against the rocks or take in a lung full of water, because either would have been fatal.
That harrowing experience obviously scared me. But what really scared me even more was; as I thought about what had just happened and how I just escaped death: I didn’t have the assurance of my salvation. That really rocked my world! I might have died and gone to Hell. An eternity of pain and torment; an eternity without Jesus Christ! That was unthinkable.
That night after I had dropped of my buddy and gotten home I knew that I had to change my ways and I needed to get serious about serving Jesus Christ. It was time to die to myself and throw off the things that were keeping me from a right relationship with God. I had apologized to God and asked for His forgiveness and put my trust in Him as my Lord and Savior to save me. Over the next weeks, I learned how to rightly repent and turn from my sinful lifestyle.
I started going back to church and really diving into God’s written word. I also knew that I needed some accountability to someone so I wouldn’t fall or dive back into that sin again. I met with the Pastor of the church and set up weekly meetings with him to be discipled and for accountability. We were becoming good friends, and I was learning so much more how to be a real man, not a man of the world.

I also began to learn how to recognize the triggers that would cause my mind to begin thinking of porn and those things that would lead me into temptation. I was so frustrated by al the temptations. I kept beating myself up over them until a wise person explained to me that the temptations will likely never go away. Oh, come on! Never go away? Are you kidding me? Satan had me for so long in this area that he wasn’t likely to just give up on me so easily. Temptations aren’t the problem: it’s giving into the temptation that becomes a problem. So I learned not to allow the temptations to bring me down, but to rejoice in them, having been found worthy to be tempted by the enemy of my soul.
I was using a book called Every Man’s Battle, to help me get a handle on my addiction. This book was a great tool along with the workbook to help me recognize my sexual addiction as well as giving very helpful step toward combating it. I had been attending a Celebrate Recovery Group with a friend for a time, so I could so that I was not battling this addiction alone.
Through wise counsel and integrity; I set up some safe guards for myself. I no longer watch television by myself. There are too many images and sexual connotations that can cause me to begin to fantasize. So I just don’t turn on the TV when alone. I also do not use the computer when alone. I do use it in my office at church, but I have accountability software on it so no matter where I go on the internet, I know that someone will know here I’ve been.
I’m not going to tell you that I have not seen porn; it’s all around us. We almost can’t get away from it, but the difference is; I haven’t gone looking for it and when I do see it, I turn away or leave the area that it is in. I then immediately pray that God will protect my eyes and thoughts so I won’t get hung up on the filth that can invade my mind.
God is amazing. He has taken what was once a huge part of my life that was dirty and sinful and turned it around for His glory. I now meet and counsel with other men and teens who are struggling with this addiction. I am able to really get inside with them because I know where they are having been there myself for so long. I am very open with them and they all know my story before I begin counseling them so they understand that they are not alone in their fight.
I still have my accountability partner and I know that he, my wife, and my Pastor are praying for me and knowing that is wonderful.

Sunshine

2008-04-28T11:08:00.002-04:00

We all need a little Sunshine... and Shirley from Kansas shares her Sunshine with us in these precious photos. Shirley says, "She was named Sunshine because when we first adopted her, she was very tiny. My husband, Bill, would put her on his shoulder while he was driving. She would snuggle into his shoulder and fall asleep. Bill always looked so happy when he was holding her. So I started singing 'Sunshine on my shoulder makes me happy,' and the name Sunshine stuck. The funny part about it is she won't get up and come out of the bunk for very long unless the sun is up."

Generosity for our G.I.s

2008-04-22T10:57:00.002-04:00

Bernard "Bernie" Marcus made a name for himself in the business world when he co-founded the Home Depot Corporation. But he has done something truly magnanimous to help seriously wounded soldiers coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan. He started 'Project Share' to ensure that soliders, who have suffered spinal and TBI (traumatic brain injuries), will get world class rehabilitation at the Shepherd Center, in Atlanta. Project Share will underwrite the costs of care, transportation and housing for the soldiers approved for treatment and the family members who accompany them. Marcus calls it his way to say 'thank you' to these men and women for their heroic service to the nation. He also issued a challenge to other corporate CEOs and philanthropists to join Project Share. And you can help, too. If you'd like to donate, just go to the website, www.Shepherd.org, or call his number. (404) 603-4950. Marcus helps others because he feels compelled to use his wealth for good. Hopefully you will, too, out of compassion for those who have suffered so much wearing the uniform. "The deed is everything, the glory naught." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. And please pray for everyone in the military and their families on the homefront.
--Larry

This is your chance...

2008-04-17T12:54:00.002-04:00

Who isn't feeling the pinch of a tightening economy? Statistics say 2 million American families could lose their homes. Rent, gas, and food prices keep rising. So, many reach for credit cards to close the gap between what we earn and what we spend. Not a good idea. Best advice? Call or email us with your questions every Friday. This week, Parkey Thompson from MyFinancialFocus. net returns. Last week, Howard Dayton of Crown Financial Ministries gave us some expert financial advice. If you have a question or concern, remember to call during the 8:00 hour (Eastern time). It's sound, expert financial advice from a Biblical perspective. And, if you missed Monday's program, you missed some wonderful entertainment. Bradley Bean and Jackson Bailey, "Bean and Bailey" performed...singing funny, satirical songs. The McCarts followed them. Greta is a ventriloquist. Doug a comedian and magician. And even though anybody can throw a voice or work a magic trick ON RADIO, they did it all right on the television set in front of Lorri and me! And I never saw how Doug managed to make things disappear or saw Greta's lips move! And she never had a single voice lesson! Their real target audience? God. This is a vibrant, personal ministry for all four. That's what you can miss if you miss "Mornings". So, don't. And please tell your friends. --Larry

Dirt Cookies

2008-04-17T11:30:00.003-04:00

Please check out the ministry of Bright Hope International. Its aim is to serve the poorest of the poor, and right now, that means helping the people of Haiti who are so hungry, they're eating "cookies" made of dirt.

Bright Hope is selling edible cookies to fund healthy food for waiting families in Haiti. You can go to the website above to order a bag, or you can call 224-520-6100.

Let's feed the hungry!

Welcome home!

2008-04-07T10:13:00.003-04:00

We welcomed home my son-in-law from Iraq with a surprise breakfast Saturday morning at their home in Savannah. His parents flew in from New Mexico. I drove down and picked up my wife at the Savannah airport along the way. His grandmother-in-law came, too. And his best friend and his fiance. As I mentioned on the air, it was so wonderful just to see Hilary and Kyle doing all the normal 'couples' things...things the vast distance between them prevented them from enjoying. Going to church together. Walking hand-in-hand. Watching TV in each others arms. Enjoying the company of friends and family. I'm thankful for his safe return...especially as we see a spike in violence in Iraq. But I'm thankful for all the men and women in uniform who have returned. Putting aside politics, we are blessed with a expertly trained, professional, military that does its job exceptionally well. And there's nothing like a homecoming to make you realize that. As we pray for all those still serving around the country and the world, let's remember to say a brief thank you every time we see someone in uniform.

-- Larry

From Beauty Queen to Missionary

2008-04-04T12:56:00.002-04:00

We have had a few calls and emails asking for the contact information on Ericka Bennett. She was the young woman who had participated in beauty pageants most of her life and now is led to be an AIM missionary to children in third world countries.

The best way to find out more about Ericka and consider supporting here is to click here.

Questions to Ask

2008-04-04T12:50:00.003-04:00

Recently two guests challenged us with questions to ask ourselves. Randy Singer, our regular Wednesday commentator, encourages us to ask the following:

1. Do I obey even when I don't feel like it?
2. Do I put my reliance on anything other than Jesus?
3. Are there problems too big for Jesus Christ?
4. Am I willing to thank God for everything?

And Bill Drake uses these questions, inspired by martyrs:

1. Is what you're living for worth dying for?
2. Are you stealing from Jesus?
3. Is Christ getting what he paid for?

Todd's Challenge for Truck Drivers

2008-04-04T12:46:00.003-04:00

Todd from Minnesota recently challenged truck drivers to get a cross for their trucks at Transport for Christ sites. Todd sent some photos so we could see what the cross looked like--it's eye-catching. Todd, we like your dog, too.

Baby Ducks are Growing!

2008-03-31T12:34:00.002-04:00

Kelly's ducks sure are cute!

Here are the latest photos.

A Different Kind of Pledge

2008-03-28T13:48:00.003-04:00

You may recall when we featured Chris Coppernoll earlier this week. He told caller Kay to take every opportunity to write when she asked for advice about getting published. So, Kay took us up on our challenge to send something for the blog. Here is her special pledge:

THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
( a promise of loyalty to JESUS )

I pledge allegiance to JESUS the only begotten Son,
the only Way unto Almighty GOD the father of everyone.
Giving HIM honor, and glory for HE is the WORD,
Who came to shed His blood to become our deliverer.

I pledge my Fervent Allegiance In The Heart unto
Jehovah Eternal Son Universal Saviour who imparts,

He is the way the truth the life in HIM we stand with
Stubborn Tenacious Allegiance Never Doubting
His delivering hand.

One Father, One Son, One Holy Spirit, of the Trinity.
All in accord of the Master plan to give whosoever will believe,
life more abundant in true liberty.

Band of brothers

2008-03-26T11:16:00.002-04:00

After 15 months in Iraq, my son-in-law, Kyle, comes home tonight! Those of you who have listened and watched "Mornings" know that his return is an answer to prayer. And let me thank you for yours as well. The war touches some families so intensely. We now know it has cost four thousand families a loved one. So many more have come home wounded...in many cases their lives charged forever. And so my joy is tempered by that reality yet bolstered by the certainty of God's ultimate grace. Shakespeare remembered them so eloquently in "Henry V":
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he today that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother."
In the coming weeks, thousands of "Kyles" will come home and others will deploy to take their places. Let's all remember to pray for them, their mission, and the nation. When you see people in uniform on the street, take a moment to thank them for their service. According to an old saying, fathers pray for war in their time in order to spare their sons. I'll let Benjamin Franklin put the period and exclamation point on the subject. "There was never a good war, or a bad peace."
--Larry