My Boy Barnabas

Son of Encouragement

Encouragement, from time to time I sure could use a dose or two of it. Well let me introduce you to the man in scripture known as the son of it! My boy, Barnabas.

Barnabas doesn’t get very much press in the New Testament. He shows up in only 33 verses, but in those few verses, you get a pretty good picture about who he was in the body of Christ, one who is selfless when faced with the Gospel.

So, what can we learn from this cousin of John Mark? He’s of the tribe of Levi, from the island of Cyprus, and at one point he sold one of his fields and gave the proceeds to the apostles.
He’s no poor schlub, but a pretty well off guy with a solid Jewish heritage. Yet, he heard the proclamation of the Gospel of the Crucified and Risen Christ, and understood the importance of proclaiming that Gospel to the ends of the earth.

He was sent by the Jerusalem church to Antioch to keep the fledgling church there humming along. Eventually, he set off with Paul on his first missionary journey as his right hand man.

His name, “Barnabas”, means “son of encouragement.” It’s a rather appropriate name for one who would serve not as a proclaimer, but as one who accompanied and encouraged one of the greatest proclaimers of all on his Gospel missions.

Thank God that not everyone He calls is a preacher! Every Barnabas that pops up in the church is indeed a treasure. As Paul said, the Body of Christ needs more than mouths. It needs the hands and arms and hearts of the Barnabases of the world, too.

If not for someone in my life like Barnabas, I know I would have given up on my dream long ago. Why? Because life is hard. It's easy to give up especially when it's God that has called you to do something. It's like even more things come to get in the way. We all could use a Barnabas or two and I'm sure we know someone we could be like Barnabas for. Think about that. God Bless.

Carlos

Pillars of the Church

Today we celebrate the feast of the martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul. I find it interesting that these two men share a feast day. Meanwhile, and this is no knock on him, St. Argymirus gets his own day, June 28th. Are you familiar with St. Argymirus? Me neither. But if you ask any Christian, chances are they can tell you quite a bit about Peter and Paul. These two men, pillars of our Church, share a day. I suppose that's because they both gave so much, yet so differently to the formation of Christianity. This goes to show that we're all in this together and we need to appreciate the different strengths and failings of one another.

I read this about P&P: Peter and Paul represent two strikingly different approaches to discipleship. Peter, our first pope had to learn slowly, make many mistakes along the way, but always experienced the compassionate forgiveness and encouragement of Jesus. Paul, on the other hand, came to the Faith immediately and never backed away from his zeal for Christ after that. Many of us can see both these great Apostles in ourselves. Like Peter, we sometimes fail yet persevere. Like Paul, we must always be on fire for the Lord, and proclaim Him to everyone and in every situation, no matter how difficult it can sometimes be to do so.

If you identify with Peter or Paul, or both, I encourage you to take sometime today to reflect on their journeys of faith and ask them to pray for you. Ask Peter to pray that your faith will increase or that you'll show more perseverance when tested. Ask Paul for help in witnessing to a friend or ask him to pray for a conversion in someone. They are so real in their sufferings, failings and trials, but more than anything, Peter and Paul loved Jesus. They would do anything in their power to get just one more person to know Him. If we can live each day like Peter and Paul then I think we'll be doing ok.

- Abby

OH! - and have you read about the testing on the bones of St. Paul? Off the AP Wire yesterday: "The first-ever scientific test on what are believed to be the remains of the Apostle Paul 'seems to confirm' that they do indeed belong to the Roman Catholic saint, Pope Benedict XVI said Sunday." Read the whole article here. This was released just after an article about scientists finding what they believe to be the oldest image of Paul. Pretty neat stuff!

He Knows Your Name

Your Name Is...?

I am not very good with remembering someones name. I can remember a face, that I won't forget, but a name, no way. It's not for lack of trying, I do, I really try and want to be that person who seems to know everyone and everyone's name. I feel horrible when I meet listeners for the second or third or tenth time and I still can not recall their names. I know that if I were on the other end, I would want to be remembered. Did I mention that I'm trying to get better at that. You have my sincere apologies if I have ever not remembered your name, please know that I am trying...

This morning, Abby and I did a story on what Dave Meurer wrote for christianitytoday.com. He told his story of not remembering his own wife's parents names! Ouch. But he ended it with a great thought on God and how He knows us by name.

I therefore take enormous comfort in a moving passage from the Bible where God declares to his people, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!" (Isaiah 43:1).

"I have called you by name."

He knows who I am. We are sometimes tempted to think of God as so lofty that he sees us as a mass of humanity, not as individuals. But here he is, calling us by name. Others may forget you, but the God of the universe knows your name. And he will never forgot.

After reading that thought, my entire outlook on my day changed. How great is it to know that the giant God of the universe who created all of mankind and all the heavens loves each and everyone of us as individuals, not as just a giant blob of His followers. The bible says, Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. That is how well our God knows us and loves us. Each.

Be blessed today,

Carlos

One Liners

If Only Rodney Dangerfield Had Done Christian One Liners...

While I was doing my prep for the show tonight I came across a website loaded with "one liners" those classic quick jokes that Rodney Dangerfield was famous for. After the first few jokes I caught my self ending each one with "no respect...I gets no respect". The funny thing is that a few weeks ago a bunch of us at the radio station had the discussion, who was/is "The Greatest Comedian of All Time". Rodney's name came up. So in honor of who once was a great comedian, here is the list of Christian "one liners" that I found. Some are funny, made me laugh, some are not meant to be funny just make you think, but few can touch the level of Dangerfield. Enjoy!

Christian One Liners

Don't let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case.

Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews.

Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisors.

It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.

The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.

When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.

People are funny; they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.

Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.

Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.

God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?

Some minds are like concrete thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.

I don't know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?!

A lot of church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises" are just sitting on the premises.

We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.

Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them.

Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.

Don't put a question mark where God put a period.

Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.

Forbidden fruits create many jams.

God grades on the cross, not the curve.

God loves everyone, but probably prefers"fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!"

If God is your Co-pilot - swap seats!

The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.

We don't change the message, the message changes us.

The best mathematical equation I have ever seen: 1 cross + 3 nails= 4 given.

Carlos

Missions Trip

Houston, We Are Go...

So a really neat thing happened to me a few weeks ago. I get to my office after the show and on my desk is a folder loaded with information about a mission trip headed to the Dominican Republic (from here on out simply called "The DR"). My first thought was that they wanted me to interview them about going to the DR and how they would be bringing down medical aid to that country. Attached to the folder I see a number, a name and a church: Jennifer Wright, 813--------, South Tampa Fellowship. Intrigued and thinking it might make a good interview I called the number hoping for voicemail, but Jennifer picked up, I didn't really know what to say so I just asked the dumb question, "So....why did I get this packet?" Jennifer goes on to tell me all about the trip and what they were going to be doing and how her team was praying one day for more men to go on this trip when my name came up. So she then threw this questions my way, "What do you think about going on a missions trip?"

STOP THE PRESSES! Me go to the DR with Doctors and Nurses who are treating people for God knows what, when I can barely handle needles and blood and other random bodily functions! No way, I don't do trips to the Caribbean unless they involve me sitting beach side in board shorts working on my tan lines. I know...a very sad first thought.

But the more I spoke with Jennifer the more I felt like I was meant to go on this trip. I kept thinking about the verse in Matthew, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Thankfully I'm not one to make rash decisions so I told Jennifer I would pray about it and see how I felt.

Now, two solid weeks later I have my answer....

I'm headed on my first real missions trip. I'm not really sure how I'm going to fund the trip, God is going to have to open up some doors for me, but I truly feel like God is calling me to go on this trip. I'm looking forward to some alone time with Him AND really putting my money where my mouth is for once.

It's really easy for me to sit in a comfy studio behind a mic and talk about what God is calling us to go and do and how we should strive to say yes to His calling in our life. But if God calls me and I say No, after I've been preaching about how you should say Yes, then I'm a hypocrite. And that's not me.

So please pray for me and the team I will be traveling with October 10 - 17 as we embark on a Medical Mission Trip to the DR. I will have more details coming as we prepare to go and a complete recap once I get back. Also, whatever calling it is that God lays upon your heart I pray that you would say Yes. Maybe it's not the missions field. Maybe it's something a whole lot easier or maybe a whole lot harder. Just know that if God brings you to it, He'll get you through it.

Carlos

Fatherly Advice

Thank You Dad

I've been truly blessed to have a great father. My dad and I are really nothing alike and yet whenever I have any questions or doubts or fears or whatever, the first person I think about going to is him. It's really weird too, for being his son I don't know how I ended up so polar opposite. I love sports, my dad not so much. He loves computers, the programming and technological side of it all, I love the video games you can play on them. I love to travel and be outside, he loves his house and the computer in his office. But through all of our differences in personality and life, he has found a way to reach me and help me become the man I am today. He has always been there for me and I pray he always will be. My mom gave me all the nurturing and comfort, but it was my dad who gave me my foundation and guidance.

Best advice he ever gave me, "When in doubt, don't". Simple, yet so profound. That one line has kept me out of so much trouble. My dad always told me to think before I acted, have a plan and a strategy for all I did in life and when I had any doubt or a feeling in my gut, to follow it. I always have and it's almost always been the right thing to do.

Many thanks to my dad for always being the one I can count on and for never letting our very different styles get in the way of a friendship I wouldn't trade for anything in the world.

Here is something that I was emailed Friday morning, a poem for fathers. I don't know who wrote it, but it was nice. Enjoy and have a blessed fathers day weekend.

A Father Is:

There in every memory

See his love and care

Strength and hands to count on

Freely he does share

Provider, toil so faithfully

To make our dreams come true

Give strong and tender discipline

Though it is hard to do

A Father is God's chosen one

To lead the family

And point it to

His will for life

Of love and harmony...

-Author Unknown

Carlos

I'm Not a Huge Fan of Sweating

On Friday I told Carlos that my big plans for the weekend were to sleep. This was true, but I also had plans for a small challenge for myself, a 5K, specifically the "Race for Red Cross" at Al Lopez Park. That distance is equal to about 3.1 miles, not a cross-country feat by any means, but I've never been a runner and honestly, I'm not one of those people who can say "I love running! It makes me feel alive!" I'm the person who says, "It makes my lungs hurt and my knees ache." Oh, and when I run, I sweat, which I'm not a huge fan of.

So why did I sign up? Well, I wanted to give myself a fitness goal and I figured signing up for a race would get me to train for said race. I was talking with a friend who said she runs one 5K a month. That way she always has one on the calendar. It keeps her on track. I'm totally stealing her idea.

So race #1 was this morning. I went by myself and out of the couple hundred people there, I didn't recognize a soul (but I did see a mini-van with a Spirit FM sticker!). My goal was to run the entire distance. I told myself the finishing time didn't matter. I could try to improve on it for my next race. I just wanted to keep running.

Even though a 5K is a novice runner's distance, I was still very intimidated. It was a pretty small group, so I was fearful of coming in dead last. There were a lot of different types of people there, but all I could see were the people who looked like runners. One woman had an iron-girl t-shirt on. Others had rock-hard abs. There were two ladies that couldn't have been under 60 and as they walked by me I thought to myself, "Those ladies are going to smoke me." I could just tell. One girl in particular that kept catching my eye was blond, with a great tan, pink shorts and really cool ear buds for her iPod. I'll call her "Miss Pink Shorts." She looked to be about 21. She arrived with a guy who looked about the same age. From a distance, I watched them do a little warm up together and as I stretched alone, I thought, "They look like they belonge out here." Miss Pink Shorts was going to be good. We all lined up and I headed for the back of the pack.

The horn blew and we started running. The first song on my iPod was The Benjamin Gate, "Lift Me Up," a great song for running. This is going to sound silly, but as the pack moved along the first few yards, I almost started crying. Partly because I was really proud of myself, but mostly it was because as I looked around I saw things differently and I noticed that I totally fit in. The man right in front of me was probably about 70. A girl who had a really cute hair band on was right next to me and running a pretty slow pace. I didn't feel so bad anymore.

There was a group of about 50 guys and girls doing some Army workouts before the race started. As we ran along the path they were at the sidelines cheering. To have a group of guys with high & tight haircuts sporting Army shirts clapping for you, that's a good feeling.

So, as A Flock of Seagulls said, "I Ran." I did a pretty good job too. I don't know my finishing time because what I saw on the clock at the finish line didn't match up to the timer on my iPod. I'll have to check the website that is going to post our times. I don't really care though, because I ran the whole way, all 3.1 miles (or 5 kilometers if you're anywhere other than the U.S.). I actually passed people during the run and afterwards a girl came up to me to ask me if I knew my time because she noticed that I was in front of her. I was in front of someone! I was actually in front of a lot of someones. When I finished the race I went towards the food and grabbed an apple and a little protein bar. I milled around a bit and then went back towards the finish line. I saw people still crossing. One of those people was Miss Pink Shorts. Hmm.

I really had a good time this morning. I am proud that I didn't listen to the voice inside of me that said, "It was only $20 to enter. Consider it a donation to the Red Cross and go back to sleep!" I'm even more proud that I learned a valuable lesson today. I've always known not to judge a book by it's cover. I shouldn't have made assumptions about the people I saw today. But I also came to realize we shouldn't put labels or limits on ourselves. We could be robbing ourselves of a good time, a valuable friendship, a life changing experience, or a new challenge. You'll never know what obstacles you can overcome if you don't try. If anyone knows of a good 5K in July (I like it where there are bagels at the end - or hot dogs!), let me know. I'm in!

-Abby

Together We Can Do More

Yesterday I attended an organizational meeting for Feed the Bay. I'm really excited for Spirit FM to be a part of this project again this year. Feed the Bay is an inter-denominational outreach project for churches in Hillsborough County designed to stock the shelves of area food banks. It all started at one church back in 2007 then expanded to include several churches in eastern Hillsborough and now, the goal is to involve the entire county.

The long and short of it is that on September 27th, each participating church will send their members out with a grocery list to local Publix and Sweetbay stores between 8am and 2pm. The stores provide trucks (pretty cool) which get loaded up and the food gets delivered to the banks on that same day. It's a huge undertaking, but great things come of it. Here are last year's stats: 22 churches were involved. About 20,000 people shopped. 823 people volunteered as sorters at the grocery stores or the 12 food banks. 270,000 pounds of food were donated.

Another really uniting part about Feed the Bay is that the participating churches can order t-shirts for their members to wear that day. Now imagine this: 20,000 shoppers all in Feed the Bay t's, all visiting Publix and Sweetbay stores in one concentrated area, all within a 6 hour period. Volunteers will be outside the stores in their shirts, loading up the trucks. It's even in the plans for the Publix employees to wear a Feed the Bay t-shirt that day as well. I don't know about you, but I imagine it will be quite a sight.

I encourage you, if you're in Hillsborough County, especially the eastern part, to ask your priest or pastor if your church is signed up for Feed the Bay. The deadline to sign up and be listed on the t-shirt as a participating church is August 1st. That's also the deadline to order the shirts for your congregation to wear while they shop, so it's time to get a move on! I want to see all denominations on that shirt: Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Episcopal... Along with feeding the hungry, Feed the Bay can make a huge impact by sending a message to non-believers that we as Christians are united and we have something that is worth being a part of. Get all the details and check to see if your church is signed up at http://www.feedthebay.org/.

- Abby

When nobody around you seems to measure up, it’s time to check your yardstick.

Ever have one of those "ah-ha" moments? I had one yesterday. I've been told that I can be very critical of people. I am quick to point out people's mistakes, whether big or small. It can be a mistake in grammar or just a general misspeak. Yesterday it really sunk in. I know I'm not the only one who does this. I found this written about people like me: Many people feel that they need to tell everyone about every little fault that they find in every situation. They feel that they're doing people favors by pointing out what they see as flaws and problems, even though they may not be in a position in which people expect them to find mistakes.

I don't know why I do it. I admit that sometimes I am compelled to do it. I need to do it. For instance, when I hear incorrect grammar, I justify the correction in my head by thinking that I'm making the person sound more educated or I'm helping maintain the correct form of the English language. But it's got to be deeper than that. Is it because I have insecurities and pointing out that I know something another person doesn't makes me feel smarter? I think that's it, but the reason doesn't matter. It has to stop.

That same article that I quoted above said this about the danger in pointing out people's mistakes: If I know that someone is going to find fault with everything that I do, I will not share with that person unless I'm truly seeking criticism. As fewer people are willing to share with us, we lose much of the richness that comes from and through that sharing, and we become more isolated, less integrated. The loss of the sharing of others is one of the greatest losses we can cause ourselves, and it may even reach a point at which people just don't want to be around us at all. Fault-finding and criticizing, no matter what our intentions, tend to drive wedges between us and other people.

Ouch. I don't want to be that person. When I had this realization yesterday, I immediately sent my husband a text message. I should've called, but I knew he was on a conference call at work and I wanted to say what was on my mind at that moment. I apologized for being too critical of him. I know I point out mistakes a lot, and as much as I don't want to hurt my co-workers and friends, I don't want to drive a wedge between him and me even more.

Mother Theresa said "If you judge people, you have no time to love them." I am such a loving person, so I'm angry that my criticism is creating a unintentional barrier to that love. I think this is going to take some serious prayer and tongue-biting. If you find that you're critical of others, I encourage you to take this challenge with me. Let's try to look at ourselves and see how we can become better, more Christ-like people. Let's pray for the grace to see others as children of God who can enrich our lives, not people whose mistakes we can fix.

Abby

Why Me?

God Doesn't Call The Equipped He Equips The Called

I've heard that line a dozen times. "God Doesn't Call The Equipped He Equips The Called". But it is so true. How often if life do we feel like we are not the right person for the job? I've felt that way before and more than once I've questioned why God uses me at all. I am a big screw up! We all are. The bible is very clear that none of us are perfect. Not me, not your pastor or priest, not even Mother Teresa. But that is what is so great about God. He doesn't care about what you have done or where you have been or anything about your past. Once you are forgiven all that old junk is forgotten. Forever.

Take Moses for instance, what a great story the bible tells us about a man who thought God was making a huge mistake in calling him to lead his people.

10 But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” 11 Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” 13 But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” 14 Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses and he said, “Is there not Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Behold, he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 15 You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth and will teach you both what to do. 16 He shall speak for you to the people, and he shall be your mouth, and you shall be as God to him. 17 And take in your hand this staff, with which you shall do the signs.”

First, I don't ever want to make God angry. (I see lightning bolts from the sky when I think of that) Second, Moses was a lot like me! God calls him and he says what? "God, I'm not eloquent and I'm a slow speaker" and then he asks God to send someone else. He is basically saying to God, "Are you crazy? Me? No Way! Send someone else!" But look at what God says, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? and then, “Is there not Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Behold, he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 15 You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth and will teach you both what to do."

Moses was the one God had chosen. Moses thought God was crazy but did what was commanded of him. God then gave to Moses everything he needed to be successful. He equipped the called. God still does this today. Take me for instance. As a young child I took speech classes to help my speech and my stuttering issue, God took care of that. As I got older, I had issues that I needed help with, again I cried out to God and he took care of that too. With the morning show, I was scared to death of what was going to happen, what it would be like alone on the air, could I really handle everything. God brought Abby into the picture and now things are going great. At every turn I was saying "Why me? Why now? Why this? Why? Why? Why?" but God just kept saying "Go, I got you".

He did. At every turn God has been there. I think about something Brother Ron once told me, "If God brings you to it, He'll take you through it". So true. If you feel like God is calling you to something, don't worry. He will equip you and guide you through whatever it is. And don't let whatever is in your past keep dragging you down, making you feel like you are never going to be good enough. You are. Just say yes to whatever God has for you. He will never let you down.

Carlos

Submission is Permission

By Troma...

Tomorrow morning we are going to be interviewing Gotee Records newest artist Troma. In preping for the interview I came across this blog from her myspace page I thought was pretty neat. Enjoy!

I AM AFRAID OF SUBMISSION...

I dislike the word SUBMIT. I don't like to be TOLD what to do. Even by GOD. Why is it that we SOMEHOW think we know MORE than GOD. The boundary lines and LAWS and RULES ARE enforced due to the cause and effect rules of LIFE. Someone else fell before you. This is why the RULES are there in the FIRST place. I am not into repeating someone else's mistakes however, I guess my lack of submission is me really saying I think i'll go try it my own way GOD. I can do this on my OWN. Do it my own way. As if i know the outcome... lol sounds foolish I know... it is. I believe in myself to a fault and I'd rather not TRUST another with my FUTURE.

Can you imagine if you attempted to do everything without instructions. I am sad to say I have lived most of my LIFE this way. I've mostly thought... I CAN do it myself since I was just learning to play with toys... if you didn't want to play my game... then i'd play alone. I had no problem walking across campus alone - I was confident to take over the hallway at 3yrs old "EXCUSE ME MOMMY" i'd say walking past her... lol... I wish I could've learned that lesson as a CHILD. It's kinda like GETTING chicken POX as an ADULT... the pox always hurt way more as an adult. Just like the lesson hurts more - because it's harder to break the HABITS you've done all your life. Although "I can do it on my own" is a great attribute for leaders it can also be a huge set back and fault.

A fault to say "if you DON'T follow directions, then you can lose everything you've built with one choice." Is it worth it? NO IT'S NOT.

GOD will get all the GLORY IN THE END. He can turn it all around. BUT YOU WILL LEARN A VERY HARD LESSON and I WON'T LIE, IT HURTS!!!!!!! If you knew the pain for some of your decisions and how it would affect people around you YEARS later... i'm sure many of you would've chose different... I would have.

God - I am so tired of doing it MY WAY. MY WAY is lazy. MY WAY are shortcuts. MY WAY I think is better... but it is NOT... it's HARDER... TOUGHER... LONGER. And it hurts. Help me to trust you LORD. Help me to FOLLOW your words as written rules that really protect me. If i can't submit to you, then how can I submit to anyone else?

YOU HAVE BEEN BREAKING THIS INSIDE OF ME. ALTHOUGH IT HURTS, I WELCOME and WANT to TRUST YOU. YOU ARE TRUSTWORTHY.

Thank you... I LOVE YOU and I NEED YOU... YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE I NEED.

I DONT USE THE WORD "NEED" OFTEN... BUT I DO NEED YOU.

SUBMISSION IS PERMISSION FOR PROTECTION.

by Troma!

Check out myspace.com/tromamusic for more info.

Carlos

My Hero

From last Friday...

I meant to write this blog last Friday but I was still feeling a bit under the weather and chose to spend my weekend sleeping on my couch and not in front of my computer writing. I did catch up on all of my DVR'd shows though, which was nice.

We talked last Friday about everyday people dressing up like "Superheroes" and trying to save the world one city at a time. Click Here for the full story from CNN.com. (It was a great read) Well during the bit we talked about whether of not you would want some random guy or gal in a crazy costume coming to your rescue and we also dolled out some superhero names for our staff. Now, I always want to hear what you have to say, by email or by phone even lately by twitter and facebook. That is one thing I really love about our morning show! Abby and I try to be as listener interactive as possible. Well, I got an email that caught me off guard. Here is a snippet:

"Carlos, during your discussion about heroes this morning you did a grave disservice to all those who listen to your radio program. You failed to mention the one can save every soul. Jesus Christ! How dare you on a Christian radio station forget to mention the one who saved you! Your misstep was foolish and unfortunate."

Again, during our talk we discussed the specific idea of random everyday people dressing up as Mr. Super Dude not who is the #1 hero of all time. But we can have that conversation now I guess and let this serve as my formal apology for my foolish misstep.

MY TOP 5 SUPERHERO LIST!

1. Jesus/God: The only one who can be in all places at all times and not only knows my past, but knows my future and if we would just accept him as our Lord and Savior he will save anyone from any place and at any point. Since he is all supreme, he reigns at #1.

2. Chuck Norris: Who but Chuck Norris would come in next! Chuck Norris doesn't sleep, he waits. There is no chin behind Chuck Norris’ beard. There is only another fist. Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door. When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris. Chuck Norris doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants. There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live. Need I go on...

3. Superman: Endowed with brazen strength, speed, and senses, not to mention flight, heat vision, and the ability to blow hurricane force winds and near-invulnerability, he moved to Metropolis and started calling himself Superman, where he fights for truth, justice and the American way!

4. Batman: Though he really doesn't have any Superpowers. He makes up for this with his intelligence and impressive acrobatic skills. He is always one step ahead of the villain he is fighting. Batman uses many gadgets (Too many to name all of them). Another famous part of Batman is his Batmobile! This armored vehicle gets him around town so he can fight villains. Just Cool.

5. Yoda: Again, sort of super. He is widely considered to be the greatest Jedi of all time and trained many Jedi. Yoda was also responsible for much of Luke Skywalker's training in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. Plus he lived to be 900 and can use the force to do just about anything.

So there you go, my official Top 5. Please note number one. He is the only one that actually exists and the only who can save the entire human race. God bless you.

Carlos

Born to Ride?

I'm gonna find out!

I have finally done it. I finally stepped out and made the decision to go after a little dream of mine. I am going to learn to ride a motorcycle! Now, I completely understand that most people are either on one side of this or the other. When it comes to bikes it's almost like Cat vs Dog people, you either like bikes or you really don't like them.

I made mention this morning that I have officially signed my self up for a learn to ride course and immediately reaction hit the phone lines. It was almost 50 / 50 with those for and against my learning to ride. I even had people tell me that I was being irresponsible for discussing that on the air. That my talking about learning to ride could get someone else killed if they then decide to learn to ride and an accident happens!

REALLY?!?

My outlook on the morning show is this. I am going to be as real a person on the air as I am off the air. Carlos isn't a radio character, it is who I am. Want to know where I stand on something, just ask me. So I do discuss where my crazy life leads me and what I've got going on. When I stumble I share how God rescues me and when I get it right, I'll tell you how God lead me. Am I going to talk about motorcycle riding all the time? No. But I will share what I learned and my experiences in the hopes that you will learn a thing or two. Are bikes safe? No, not really. But they can be used safely and you will never ever hear me discuss popping wheelies or speeding 125 mph down the highway. That would be irresponsible of me and I would never do it. If someone gets hurt on a bike because they learned to ride after hearing me talk about, is that my fault? No. Every person makes their own decision and I won't take responsibility for someones own actions.

So my thing about my learning to ride is this. If you really don't like the idea of motorcycles and think I am an idiot for learning to ride, GREAT! Trust me, I completely understand. I've seen the pictures and heard the stories, I get that the danger is all too real and something bad can happen, but I have already chosen this path. Instead, pray for me. Pray for protection and peace as I learn to ride and safety over my life. If you choose to learn to ride because of something you heard on the morning show, tell me. I'll give you all the information I have to get you riding as safe as possible and we can lift each other up in prayer prior to our next trip on two wheels.

Be blessed, stay safe whether on two or four wheels and if you ever feel a certain way good or bad, email me. I love a good discussion and always enjoy letting people know right where I stand.

Carlos