Sharathon 2008

I work for a local Christian radio station and we just finished up our 2008 Sharathon.  Every year we take just three days to raise $325,000 towards operating the ministry.  Many people, including myself, were wondering how the economy would affect giving this year.  All I will say is that God’s people responded in an amazing way!!  We raised $383,000 which was well over our goal!!  It’s awesome to know that we serve God rather then the economy.  I feel privileged to be apart of what God is doing in Christian radio.  

WBOC’s “Heart & Soul” stopped by and did a feature on Sharathon.  You can check it out here. You’ll have to scroll to find it under “Radio Station Runs on Faith.” Also, thanks to Mrs. Delaware who stopped by and helped to answer the phone for a few hours.

Top 10 Christian Songs I Hate To Love (Part 2)

Here are some more songs that we sing when know one is looking. Thanks for your feedback.

#5 – “Great Adventure” by Steven Curtis Chapman: I know, I know. Why would I pick on Steven? Well because any song that includes “saddling up our horses” will, by default, be included in this list. I have a thing against westernizing christian music i.e. “Satan Bite the Dust”.

#4 – “Shine” by Newsboys: It’s one thing when secular artists like REM write songs that are lyrically confusing but catchy. It’s another thing entirely when the Newsboys do it. With lines like “a vegetarian barbecue hamster” and “a schizophrenic turn in his crayons” it’s hard to wonder what that all has to do with “shining”. Add this to a long list of Christian songs that mentions Oprah as well. Shine…make em wonder what this song is about…

#3 – “Cartoon Song” by Chris Rice: I recently heard Chris Rice say that he didn’t want to ever play this song again.  Can anyone blame him?  What started out as a joke turned into an instant cult classic for home schoolers and preteens alike.

#2 – “Water-Colored Ponies” by Wayne Watson: For a third time in this list we have a song that mentions horses…huh??  All I’ll say is that if a song with ponies can make me cry…then it’s on the list

#1- TO BE CONTINUED – I need some time to think about this one.

Top 10 Christian Songs I Hate To Love

Well folks…it was only a matter of time before I went down this path. All of us have songs that we’d be embarrassed if anyone saw on our ipod, but we love em’ anyway.  Brace yourselves for a trip to the past. These are in no particular order. Disclaimer: This is not intended to be malicious.  Just good fun. 

#10 - “Satan Bite The Dust” by Carman:  Many Carman songs would qualify for this list, but just for the sake of it, here is my top pick. This is was one of my very first introductions to Christian music.  The video is a classic which puts Carman up against Satan in a bad version of Lonesome Dove. Despite it’s quirkiness, this song is catchy.  ”So spit in your eye you father of lies…Satan…bite the dust.”

#9 – “Beyond Belief” by Petra:  I don’t care what you say.  This song is beyond belief!!

#8 – “Heavenbound” by DC Talk:  This was another early song that would shape the very fibers of my being. DC Talk have undergone many changes (thank u) over the years.  KJ-52 and Grits should tip their hats to these three gentlemen.  I’m not sure what “cold rappin’ for the king with a sting in my voice” means, but I like it.  

#7 – “Big House” by Audio Adrenaline:  I first heard this song at a youth conference complete with hand motions and all.  Youth groups from east to west chanted this anthem as youth pastors and volunteers could only hope to contain it.  It’s a place where we can play football…

#6 – “Evolution…Redefined” by Geoff Moore & The Distance:  The beginning of this song is the most troubling aspect.  It starts with some mad scientist talking about evolution. Geoff leads us to think that he in fact BELIEVES in evolution, not so however.  ”I believe in evolution…changing of the heart, renewing of the mind.” Ahhh…he almost fooled us.

That’s all for now.  I’ll finish up the list sometime soon. Lend me some of your picks and I’ll use em.

Consistently Inconsistent

I’ve been running pretty consistently lately and have met most of my short term goals.  I must be honest… it feels pretty good to be consistent.  It seems for most of my life I have been quite the opposite.  I’ve been consistently inconsistent. Which is ok… I’m not freaking about it.  I’m not one to spend a whole lot of time reflecting on what I haven’t done.

With that being said, my desire is to really continue in God’s word… consistently.  I’ve been drawn to the study of God’s word like never before.  I’ve also taken to studying theological things in hopes of enhancing my biblical knowledge.  I have to be careful though, with knowledge comes the temptation to be pompous and self-righteous in pointing out the wrongs of everything around you.  It all comes with a balance.  

So that brings me to the question of “why do we struggle in God’s word?”  I would go as far as to say that most of our problems as Christians comes from the fact that we don’t spend time with God and His word. Oh we can spend time thinking about the “IDEA” of God and how we’re supposed to think and feel, but at the end of the day all of our surface knowledge of God will never be enough to sustain us in a deep meaningful relationship with our Lord.  Together let’s get consistent!!

Come One, Come All

My wife brought to my attention that using the name of “Seaford” may seem exclusive. Just wanted to let you know that we’d love for you to be apart of what we’re doing whether you live in Seaford or not. Seaford is simply a target area. I had to call this blog something so it just made sense. It gives us something to focus on. I have a personal interest in Seaford because it’s where I’m from. Of course, if you happen to live in Seaford then you’ll be one of God’s favorites…kidding…not really.

The Seaford Bible Group

Here’s a link to the site with information on our November and December meetings. Again, all are welcome to attend. It would be helpful if you would let us know your coming so we can plan accordingly. The site is www.seafordbible.blogspot.com. We also have a facebook group that you can join via that same site. Thanks.

And so it begins…

For the past few years I have been in serious thought concerning planting a church in the Seaford area. I have always had a heart for Seaford and ministry, so it was a natural fit.

So with that being said. Josh James (aka Buck Ricey) and I have finally decided after years of talking and meeting to begin with a simple bible study and some good fellowship with the hopes of seeing where it might lead. Some of you may remember the little bible studies we used to have at Meg & Leroy’s house. This will be similar and yet very different. This is not a “church”. Not that we don’t for see this becoming more. We just want to keep it relaxed and remain open to where the Lord leads. Obviously it would cool if the Lord blesses this and we can see a greater work achieved.

Josh and I have the support of our pastors and will not go blindly into this adventure. Josh will be doing the majority of the teaching and together we’ll do worship. I’m in the process of creating a host of informative channels (facebook, blogger, etc…) to keep people informed. Media will play a big part in what we’re doing.

We have four meetings scheduled for the first two Fridays in November and December. They will take place at my sister-in-laws house in Laurel. All are welcome. It starts at 7pm. I’ll post directions as it draws near. Looking forward to seeing you then. E-mail me at cfranklin@wolc.org with any questions.

Welcome

This blog is intended to keep people informed on a bible study in the Seaford, DE area. Our first meetings will be the first two Fridays in November & December. We will be walking through the book of Ruth as well as having a time of worship. It will start at 7pm. Directions to follows soon.

Seaford Pride

Last night I made a pilgrimage to Seaford to watch my alma mater play soccer against Indian River. Seaford lost 2-1 in overtime, but it was a great game. For as long as I can remember Seaford soccer has had a rivalry with I.R. My senior year we only lost three games and two of them were to I.R. So every year I try to make it to the game in hopes that in some sick way I will be avenged. I took my daughter along and told her old war stories of the glory days when I played and, God bless her, she tried to act interested. Nothing beats the smells and sounds of a night soccer game under the lights on a cold & still evening. The sting of the ball when it hits your inner thigh. Ah yes…Seaford pride never dies.