Kids do the darndest things

This morning Mike shared about his little angels, Daniel and Sarah, and their Diet Coke adventure yesterday. They borrowed some of Mike's full cans of Diet Coke and had a shake and spray war in the driveway, covering them and the newly washed van in Diet Coke! We asked you about the craziest things your kids or you ever did as a kid and got some great responses including:

kids locking mom out of the house

kids telling family members that mom and dad weren't feeding them

a room covered in baby powder

diaper playdough (I think you know what I mean)

ex lax mistaken for hidden candy

several "hammer" experiences

hang glider made of slip and slide and PVC pipe

and unique Kleenex and wall papering items

Thanks again..brian

ps...me, I almost set my elementary school on fire, but that's a story for another day!

pictured: Mike's "little angels"

Casting Crowns/John Waller concert

I received this email on Facebook following the Casting Crowns/John Waller concert on Friday night and wanted to share it with you.

Last night ...Casting Crowns ....7th row !!!! Basically right next to the stage .... but, surprisingly, that didn't excite me as much as I thought it would. I could have been in the last row, squinting to see the members of the band, and still believe that I would have been just as happy. After all, it's not about the band. It's about the music. It's about their passion and their faith. It's about Jesus.And believe me, if that passion can come through a cd on my laptop, it can surely come through at a concert, no matter where you are sitting.

I'm sure I've posted this song before, but again, it came to me with such strength and conviction along with a flood of tears last night. I was hoping they would play it at the concert but I was doubtful because it is not on their latest cd. In a way, this song made the night for me. About halfway through the song, I felt a heavy weight in my chest subside. The second time they sang the verse about the thunder and God whispering "I'm with you", I heard a voice in my soul sing it also. Not from my mouth, though I was singing it loud, losing my voice and watching them, through my tears, perform it on stage. I heard the words from my soul....I'm not sure this is even possible but it's the only way I can possibly describe it. I heard HIM?

I will tell you personally that I am not the strongest Christian. I am a sinner, very far from a saint. I am not strong in witnessing to others, especially when I am surrounded by unbelievers. I fade in the background and try to avoid conversation.

I've been on a pretty intense journey lately, trying to really find myself and listen to what my heart and soul needs. I've been meditating, which has helped tremendously. I've had several people close to me tell me to put myself first, worry about ME and be more selfish. Recently, I have found strength and confidence relying on myself, trusting that if I go through the motions, living life day to day, something will click ... I will get some kind of answer.

I believe that I heard the answer last night. I can't fill this void inside me with anything but HIM. No earthly friendship or relationship can give me what I need. This void can only be filled by HIM.

So, this is my prayer. I pray that Jesus will reach out to me, accept me with all my faults and sins, forgive me, and help me to be closer to Him.

Here's the song.
Here are the words that run through my head and heart daily.


Praise You in This Storm
-Casting Crowns
I was sure by now
God, You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with You"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
CHORUS
I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with You"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
CHORUS
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
(repeat)
CHORUS
Though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

Blessings...brian

Project 52 Food Drive (3 can challenge)

We are collecting food tonight for Project 52 prior to the Casting Crowns/John Waller concert at Freedom Hall in Johnson City.

Yesterday Scott Kinney of Second Harvest issued a 3 can challenge! The challenge: If everyone coming tonight would bring at least 3 cans of food each, you could donate 10,000 pounds for Second Harvest!!! WOW, just 3 cans each could provide meals for about 7500 neighbors!

See ya tonight...brian

ps...Please keep the families of Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett in your prayers.

Radio Tradio

We played Radio Tradio this morning for 4 tix to see Casting Crown tomorrow night in Johnson City. What would you trade for the tickets. We had some great ideas:

Elvis memorabilia

Biscuits and gravy and volunteer service

Fishing pole and use of Rusty's husband...lol!

52 pounds of food for Project 52

$400 of art supplies for the charity of our choice

The winner was Brent Alvis of Alvis-Kirby Lumber who traded a $260 swing for the tickets. The part of the story that touched us was the reason Brent called. He has a loyal employee who lost her brother last week. He wanted the tickets for her because he knew Casting Crowns would minister to her and her family. Thanks Brent, we love the swing, but most of all we love your heart!

Blessings...brian

Keeping Your Marriage Strong

Thanks for all the calls and posts on Facebook about how to keep your marriage strong.

Some of the tips included:

Putting God first

Praying for the right mate

Making the word "love" an action word

Sense of humor

Writing love letter w/ a single rose

Having someone keep the kids and taking a weekend together.

Thanks again...brian

Genesis 2:24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Ultimate Fishing Trip/Father's Day

Congratulations to Bernadette Garrett, winner of the Ultimate Fishing Trip for her dad T.R. Johnson. Thanks to:

The Fly Shop of Tennessee

http://www.flyshopoftn.com/

Guide Randy Ratliff

http://www.askaboutflyfishing.com/speakers/randy_ratliff/randy_ratliff.cfm

and Walmart.

I also shared the "T's" of Father's Day from Dr Tim Clinton:

Time – Kids love time. There is no substitute for you.

Touch – Holding hands, brushing hair, wrestling to high fives. At least 100 loving touches a day.

Talk - Communication is more non-verbal than verbal. Be careful what you say! Learn to talk about and share what interests you both.

Tenderness – You know whether or not you are close to your child’s heart. Learn the way he or she gives and receives love and overdose them with yours! Every child deserves at least one person who is crazy about them.

Teaching – You are always teaching your kid something. Know it or not, you did it today! Don’t miss a moment to teach them important lessons you’ve learned.

Tenacity – Staying persistent can be tough. But your heart – your investment now – is what they have to bank on and draw from later in life. The truth is, they are gone way too soon.
Never quit.

Have a great Father's Day...brian

Lymphedema Awareness Day

Jennifer Hovatter an Patty Graybeal joined us to talk about Lymphedema Awareness Day in Tennessee. Jennifer lost her husband Thomas to this disease 2 years ago today. The Tennessee General Assembly has declared June 18 as Lymphedema Awareness Day in Tennessee.

Here's a link to the podcast of this morning's interview:

http://883wcqr.podomatic.com/

Blessings...brian

Eat Your Vegetables Day/Fresh Veggies Day

Today is a day to celebrate your fresh veggies, unless you are Mike Perry. I love fresh veggies; corn, squash, beets, lettuce, green beans...if it's a veggie...I love it! You shared some of your favorites today:

corn

potatoes

spinach

asparagus

Just to name a few and although I love it, you are not a fan of okra!

Have a healthy veggie day...brian

The Ultimate Fishing Trip

Listen through Thursday at 8:10 on Breakfast Radio and again at 5:10 w/Mike Riddles to register your dad for the "Ultimate Fishing Trip"! It's a great way to celebrate dads and Father's Day. Get more info at:

http://www.wcqr.org/pages/events/the-ultimate-fishing-trip.shtml

Happy fishing...brian

Flag Day

This Sunday is Flag Day. This morning we talked about the proper way to display your flag:

There is a right way and a wrong way to display the flag. The American flag should be held in the highest of regards. It represents our nation and the many people who gave their lives for our country and our flag. Here are the basics on displaying the American flag:

The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset.

In the morning, raise the flag briskly. At sunset, lower it slowly. Always, raise and lower it ceremoniously.

The flag should not be flown at night without a light on it.

The flag should not be flown in the rain or inclement weather.

After a tragedy or death, the flag is flown at half staff for 30 days. It's called "half staff" on land ,and "half mast" on a ship.

When flown vertically on a pole, the stars and blue field , or "union", is at the top and at the end of the pole (away from your house).

The American flag is always flown at the top of the pole. Your state flag and other flags fly below it.

The union is always on top. When displayed in print, the stars and blue field are always on the left.

Never let your flag touch the ground, never...period.

Fold your flag when storing. Don't just stuff it in a drawer or box.

When your flag is old and has seen better days, it is time to retire it. Old flags should be burned or buried. Please do not throw it in the trash.

Courtesy of : http://www.holidayinsights.com/

Blessings...brian

Digital TV Switch

About a year and a half since TV stations first started talking about it, the switch from analog to digital takes place tomorrow.

Josh Smith from WJHL 11 Connects joined us this morning to talk about the switch and the advantages of digital TV. Here's a link to our podcast:

http://883wcqr.podomatic.com/

Blessings...brian

National Iced Tea Day

Today is National Iced Tea Day and we asked you the best place to get tea in the Tri-Cities. You called and posted lots of great responses including:

Bojangles

Pals

McDonalds

La Carreta

Sonic

Ruby Tuesdays

Bluff City Diner

Poor Richards

Chef Pizza

Sammons

Cheddars

Java Rush

Pizza Inn

Thanks for all the calls and posts on Facebook

I'm ready for some tea...brian

Stellar Kart

Kathy Christan of the Fire Escape in Kingsport stopped by this morning to talk about an upcoming concert. Stellar Kart will be at the Fire Escape this Saturday night. For more info you can contact the Fire Escape at the number below. A few tickets are still available.

The Fire Escape
1433 East Center Street
Kingsport Tennessee 37664
423-723-7283

http://www.thefireescape.us/

Blessings...brian

Best Friend Day

Today is Best Friend Day

When : Always June 8th

Best Friend Day is a time to enjoy and appreciate your best friend. It's a day to honor and cherish the relationship.

If you're lucky, you have a best friend. If you are real lucky, you have a number of best friends. Best friends are very, very special people. You spend countless hours with your best friend going to events and activities, or just hanging out. You share secrets, hopes, dreams, aspirations, and disappointments with your best friend.

Some folks say you can only have one best friend. This author disagrees. You can have a couple at the same time, or several over time. Friends come and go for a variety of reasons. It's the result of many things, including moving, changing schools or jobs, and more. We hope that you are lucky enough to have a number of best friends over the years.

Celebrate Best Friend Day by:
Spending time with your best friend
Making efforts to find a best friend(if you don't currently have one)
Giving a small gift or card to your best friend
Calling an old best friend that you've lost touch with

info courtesy of: http://www.holidayinsights.com/

Blessings...brian (pictured my bff, Lorren)

National Doughnut Day 2009

This morning was AWESOME at Krispy Kreme in Kingsport! I enjoyed my first "Red Light Is On" Krispy Kreme doughnut....it was like butta!!! You stopped by and with your non-perishable food items and cash, we collected enough to provide about 175 meals through Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast TN! Thanks to Mike Rose and the crew at Krispy Kreme and thank YOU for your support.

Have a blessed weekend...brian

National Doughnut Day

This Friday is National Doughnut Day and we will be out and about! Join me at Krispy Kreme in Kingsport between 7am and 9am for a Project 52 Food Drive. You can also stop in for a free Krispy Kreme doughnut!!!

Some needed items for Project 52 include:

Cereal

Rice

Dried Beans

Canned Tuna Fish/Meat

Canned Soups

Spaghetti Sauce/Pasta/Noodles

Peanut Butter

Canned Tomatoes/Veggies/Fruit

Mac & Cheese

See ya Friday...brian

National Bubba Day

This morning I talked about National Bubba Day and even did some trivia. I did not make this day up, here's the info:

National Bubba Day

When : Always June 2and

National Bubba Day honors anyone named or called Bubba. To qualify to be honored today, your name can be formally, or informally "Bubba". You can even take on the name "Bubba" for just the day. That way everyone can celebrate this day.

There's a lot of ways to celebrate National Bubba Day. Acting like a "Bubba" is your starting point. Cards, parties and other celebrations are definitely in order. Gift giving is optional.

Did you Know? Bubba is the Yiddish word for grandmother

Famous Bubba: A character in the movie Forrest Gump made the name "Bubba" infamous.

from: http://www.holidayinsights.com/

Blessings...brian aka "bubba"

Day trip locations

This morning we asked you about some great one day trip locations. You called, posted on Facebook and tweeted on Twitter with some great ideas:

Linville Falls

Cades Cove outside of Pigeon Forge

Bays Mountain Park

Brevard NC (Land of the Waterfalls)

Mike's pool for a bbq (thanks Randy!)

Hot Springs NC

South Holston Lake

Roan Mountain

Natural Bridge VA

Splash Country @ Dollywood

Mt. Airy

Asheville

Jonesborough

Natural Tunnel

Creeper Trail (Damascus VA)

Blowing Rock

Crab Orchard Museum in Tazewell VA

anywhere in the Smoky Mts.

anyplace I can shop (Thanks Jessica)

Knoxville Zoo

Blue Ridge Parkway via Asheville

Thanks for all the great suggestions!

brian