Give Me a Lion's Heart

Bob Rivers - a World Vision Champion

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:29:00 +0000

Bob Rivers is a Seattle institution. He's a one-of-a-kind radio host -- a talk show on a classic rock music station. He's also a one-of-a-kind World Vision champion.

Check out his trip to Senegal. You'll laugh. And you'll want to sponsor a child.

Rick and Bubba are the two Sexiest Philantropists Alive

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:43:00 +0000

I wonder what it's like in Heaven when children are sponsored. The Rick and Bubba army has sponsored 697 children...so far (as of 12:08am CT 10/16/09). Amazing!

If you didn't get a chance to listen, check out yesterday's broadcast:

Hour 1
Hour 2
Hour 3
Hour 4

Don't Discount Today

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:50:00 +0000

This quote has encouraged me so much, I have printed it out to place on my desk. What quotes have inspired you lately?

"If you are trusting in Jesus Christ this morning, the roots of your life were planted in the eternal counsels of God, and the branches of your life are growing into an absolutely sure and glorious future with God. There are no unimportant days in your life. You don't ever have to go to bed at night feeling that your life is going nowhere. You don't ever have to give in to the lie that you are not connected to an awesome purpose."

-John Piper

Winston Churchill

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 01:41:00 +0000

Courtesy of The Art of Manliness.

World Vision Sponsorship Packet - Unpacking

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:46:00 +0000

Allow me to unpack the World Vision sponsorship packet you will receive when you choose to rescue a child from poverty and injustice.

Sponsor a child.

The mailing envelope.

The backside of the mailing envelope.

The sponsorship packet.

Sponsor a child.

The back of the sponsorship packet

When you first open the sponsorship packet, you'll see the photo of your child and a DVD.

Sponsor a child.

This DVD gives you a look at sponsorship through a child's eyes and quickly answers your questions about how your sponsorship dollars are used.

Watch one of the short videos from the DVD here.

The three sections of the sponsorship packet—child information, sponsorship Q&A, and country information.

Here is information at your child, her village, her family, her chores, her favorite activities, here education, and the challenges that face her community.

The magnet snaps apart for two magnets — a magnet frame for a photograph and a magnet with the information phone number.

Sponsor a child.

You'll receive three photographs—a bookmark for your Bible or your current novel, a wallet photo, and a photo for the magnet frame.

Assemble the photograph and the magnet frame for an attractive prayer reminder for your refrigerator at home or your cubicle at work.

This pamphlet outlines the work of World Vision in your child's country.

To read a sample, click here.

Sponsor a child.

The Power of Fasting

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:51:00 +0000

Text copyright 2009 GRQ, Inc.

Before Jesus took his ministry public, he spent 40 days without food and drink. This elongated fast was a time of spiritual preparation for his three years of ministry, healing, teaching, and ultimately his sacrificial death on the cross.

Since Old Testament times, fasting has been a method chosen by God’s people to grow closer to God or to walk through a difficult spiritual season.

In this chapter, you’ll walk through the spiritual implications and practical considerations for fasting.

Note: Please consult with your medical professional before beginning a fast of any length. Children should not fast from food.

What Does Fasting Accomplish?
Fasting is a physical parable. When you grow hungry or thirsty for physical sustenance, your body is reminding your soul that you should hunger and thirst for spiritual food and water. Fasting is a method of focusing your attention on the God of the universe.

Why Should I Fast?
You should not fast for the sake of fasting. Fasting in the Bible is always in response to a specific issue, problem, or opportunity:

• Fast to overcome a recurring sin like gossip or laziness
• Fast on behalf of a friend facing severe illness
• Fast before beginning a new job
• Fast about an important decision like buying a house or choosing a spouse
• Fast for government leaders or military operations

How Long Should I Fast?
If you have never fasted before, abstain from food for only one meal. Over the next few years, increase the length and frequency of your fasting. Some fast once a year while others try to fast once a quarter. Only attempt a 40-day fast after building a routine of fasting in your life.

When Should I Start my Fast?
When starting with one meal, fast from lunch. If you are employed, reserve the time on your calendar. Sit in your car or drive to a nearby quiet spot for your prayer time. If you’re a stay-at-home mom, you might have to feed your children then involve them in a task or naptime before you can spend time in prayer. Every situation is different and requires creativity and planning. Think ahead about how you will fast, when you will fast, and where you will fast.

If you are fasting for a day or longer, begin your fast with dinner. Practically speaking, you will not grow as hungry in the evening and then can sleep through six or more hours of the worst hunger pangs. Starting with dinner gives you the best opportunity for a longer fast.

What Do I Do when I Fast?
During meal time
Fasting without prayer is just a diet. Instead of eating, take your Bible, a notebook, and a pen to a quiet spot—close your office or bedroom door, drive to a local park, or just sit in your car. Instead of eating food, feast on the Bible and prayer. Study passages related to the purpose of your fast.

The Rest of the Time
Go about life as normally as possible.

When You Feel Hungry
When you feel acute hunger and catch yourself reaching for money for the vending machine, you’ve just received a signal to pray again. Wherever you are, bow your head and pray for a few seconds, then go back to the task at hand.

How Do I Break My Fast?
In the same way that you should begin your fast with the evening meal, you should also break your fast with the evening meal. After going without food for a while, your body’s digestive system will kick in to high gear and you will feel very sleepy. Consume a small meal at dinner then relax before going to sleep.

As a rule of thumb, the longer you fast the softer your foods should be. If you have fasted for a week or longer, break your fast with clear broth and maybe a few crackers. The next morning, eat oatmeal or an egg. Avoid dairy products like milk on dry cereal or yogurt until the second day.

Jesus’s Instructions to Those Who Fast
When Jesus taught the disciples to pray, he shared with them the model prayer—The Lord’s Prayer—then gave instructions about fasting. He urged them to not fast publicly. Fasting isn’t a spiritual merit badge to be worn, it is a private communion with God. Maintain your normal hygiene and standards of dress. When others invite you to join them for a meal or trip to Starbucks, politely decline.

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
Acts 13:2–3 NIV

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
Isaiah 58:6 NIV

“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
Matthew 4:16–18 NKJV

Something to Ponder
Do I Have to Fast from Food?

No. Food is a constant in our lives. For some, coffee, soft drinks, television, video games, or internet may feel as required as breathing. These daily indulgences and distractions can be just as difficult to go without as food. If fasting from food is medically prohibited or seems too daunting, fast from something like television. Use the same principle: when you would normally watch TV, pray.

Points to Remember
• Do not strenuously exercise—such as train for a marathon—while fasting.
• Drink some clear broth or clear fruit juice during family meals. Use your fast as an opportunity to teach your children about this spiritual discipline.
• When the urge to chew distracts you from prayers or daily life, chew a piece of sugarless gum.
• Limit your water intake to 64 ounces a day so you don’t overwhelm your kidneys.

Digging Deeper
The Old Testament tells about the fasting journeys of several men and women. Look over these passages to learn more about fasting:
Moses: Exodus 34:27–28
The prophet, Samuel: 1 Samuel 7:5–6
King David: 2 Samuel 12:16
The prophet, Elijah: 1 Kings 19:2–8
Queen Esther: Esther 4:16
Nehemiah: Nehemiah 1:4

How Will You Celebrate Memorial Day?

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Sat, 23 May 2009 01:37:00 +0000

This weekend, we celebrate Memorial Day. Originally known as Decoration Day, the last Monday in May honors those men and women who died while serving in the military.

Some years, I have let this holiday pass without even a private observance. I don't want to do that this year. I hope you won't either. At the bottom of this post, I've listed a few ideas for making the most of Memorial Day for your family.

A friend sent these editorial cartoons to me. I love editorial cartoons because the artist communicates so much in a few square inches. I hope these inspire, convict, and bring a smile.

Easy Ideas for Celebrating Memorial Day with Your Family

Bow in prayer before your Memorial Day cookout and include thanks to God for those that gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Gather around the computer and watch a great YouTube video like this, this, and this:

Invite a relative or family friend who served in the military to share a story of a friend who died in the course of his or her duties. If you can't do this in person, call on the phone and gather around the speaker phone.
Participate in a flag retirement ceremony.
Ask your neighborhood property owners association to lower your neighborhood's flag to half-mast.
Watch the movie, Taking Chance. (Appropriate for children over age eight. Of course, use your discretion.)
Buy a book like The American Patriot's Almanac and read the story behind and the text of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.
Post an American flag on your blog.
Buy a simple, ready-made bouquet of flowers from a local grocery store and visit a local cemetery. Find a simple, white headstone of one who died in the military and decorate the grave in the great tradition of Decoration Day. It doesn't matter if you know the person's family or story.

Please use the comments below to tell me how your family honored our soldiers.

Total Axxess with Wally - Catching a World Vision

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Mon, 11 May 2009 19:21:00 +0000

I've been blown away by the amazing job Wally, the host of Total Axxess, does every night.

He's one of World Vision's biggest champions. Check out his videos.

Day One

Segment Two

Segment Three

Segment Four

Segment Five

Fast and Furious Used Car for Sale

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Sat, 09 May 2009 23:36:00 +0000

THIS CAR HAS BEEN SOLD.
THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST.

Pictures below description. Newly added (5/14/09) close-ups of fabric upholstery.

1997 Honda Prelude VTEC
2 door
5-speed transmission
khaki cloth interior
Eucalyptus Green exterior
Motorized sunroof
Power seat
AM/FM/CD
Cruise control
Clean title
Clean CarFax
147,000 miles
$5000 or best offer

Extras:
Owner's manual
Original valet key still in package

I'm the second owner. The first owner was an Air Force jet mechanic and kept the car in perfect order. I bought the car in December, but need to sell.

Contact Mark Whitlock
615-715-1105
wmarkwhitlock@comcast.net

The Noticer Project: The Five People Who've Had the Biggest Influence on My Life

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:46:00 +0000

In his new book, The Noticer, Andy Andrews pays tribute to a man* who impacted his life. Plus, he invites his readers to "notice" those that have changed their lives. It's my pleasure to introduce you to five of the many people have impacted my life.

William Bert Whitlock
Those who know me are not surprised to see my dad, Bill Whitlock, at the top of the list. My dad was my hero, my teacher, my personal coach, and the best mentor anybody could have. I never questioned his love for me. I could always trust him.

The most powerful lesson I learned from him about fatherhood, was "Let your son tag along behind the scenes of your life." James Dobson is fond of saying that life's lessons are caught and not taught. Dad gave me ample opportunities to catch his life. I'm grateful for all of the private moments that many many others never saw. Like kneeling with his players to say Lord's Prayer before basketball games. My dad never prayed aloud in our family or in meetings. He was shy that way. But I know he was a man of prayer because of many private moments. It didn't surprise me after my mom's successful cancer surgery, that dad bowed in silent prayer with me to give thanks for what the doctors—-and God--did on that day. I invite you to read about my dad by clicking here and here. It's just a son's perspective, but I'll do everything I can not to let his memory die.

I give tribute also to Keith Naylor. Keith was a local pastor at a small church in Clarkston, Georgia. He reached out to high school students in the area. He had played pro basketball but an injury sidelined him. He played with Athletes in Action for a while before getting more education and moving to Clarkston to help start the church. Keith spoke at our Fellowship of Christian Athletes Thanksgiving banquet about “what it is, what it was, and what it shall be.” For the first time in my life, I understood the gospel clearly and plainly. That night, I couldn’t sleep so I slipped out of my bed, knelt in the darkness, and prayed, “Whatever this thing called a Christian is, I want to be one.” Keith was also instrumental in my early Christian growth. I attended a small Bible study with him on Friday mornings at 6:00 a.m. My mom never understood what would get a teenage boy up and out of the house by 5:45 a.m. Keith, and his fellow pastors Bill Jones and Barry St. Clair, were at the right place at the right time. Tragedy struck our school when a track athlete with a rare heart condition died during a workout. Keith was there when our student body hurt and needed answers. God brought many fellow students to Christ during that season.

Donnie Bixler was my best friend in high school. Even though Donnie was two years older than me, we hit it off and connected on many fronts. We went to concerts together and listened to music. We were in Scouts together. More than anything else, Donnie was a voice of encouragement to me as a new Christian. He didn’t let me get away with much. He had the courage to call a spade a spade. He also let me see into his family. I’m an only child so the idea of brothers and sisters was alien to me. I saw the love and care that he had for his siblings and they had for him. When I found out the Donnie had a brain tumor, my heart sank. I couldn’t understand why God would want to take him away in such a painful way. He was such a faithful servant. He loved his wife. He loved his boys. His boys were very young when God took him home. I think of him often. I also pray for his wife and his sons.

Bob Lepine is a Reformation Man. I use that phrase in contrast to a renaissance man. If there are people who are “jacks of all trades but masters of none” then Bob is Aces all around. Elvis impersonator. Theology scholar. Standup comic. Music trivia savant. Mellifluous-throated radio man. Relationship master. Creative Merlin. When I went to work for Bob, I was a young 23-year-old. Bob was generous to let me pick his brain. To be honest, he probably spent way too much time letting me pick his brain, but I'm grateful for the wisdom that I gleaned from those hours together. I'm grateful for his belief in me. I'm grateful for the wisdom I continue to carry with me that I learned from him. Bob quotes Philippians 2:3-4 so often that I memorized it just being around him. “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Bob live lives his life this way I think that's why he has so many friends and is so influential on so many fronts.

Besides my father, the person who has had the biggest influence on my life is my wife, Kaye. She has seen my best and she has seen my worst. No matter what, she loves me and believes in me. Kaye has an uncanny ability to give others the benefit of the doubt. I'll feel cheated, angered, belittled, or wronged, and yet she will be able to give me perspective and ask questions that I haven't. That is a powerful gift. Kaye is a walking example of endurance. She deals with severe joint pain hour by hour. How she accomplishes everything she does every day boggles my mind. She overcomes for the sake of our children and me. I wish others could see all that she does in private to make our family work. Kaye is also responsible for my career success. Early in our marriage, I learned to love reading because of her influence. She's also taught me about what's important to a daughter. Her observations about her own dad and femininity in general have made me a better dad to our three girls. We will celebrate 19 years of wedded bliss on May 5. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with her.

I also keep a list of unofficial mentors. There are authors I’ll never meet and regular folks you’ll never meet. Like every award winner, making a list is always dangerous. There will be dozens left off, I'm sure.

Dennis Rainey
Paul McCusker
Gary Blunier
Tim Downs
Kurt Bruner
Dave Samuel
Greg Stutts
Jim Davis
Scott Rosenthal
Todd Murray
Robert Louis
Jerry Wunder
Allan Mesko
Bill Spurling
Mike Schatz
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Ray Blackston
Jonathan Clements
Scotty Smith
Tony Wood
Wayne Kinde
Mike Hyatt

I “notice” them as well and am grateful for their influence in my life. I challenge you to notice five people today. Link back to this blog or facebook page. Don’t forget to notice them at http://thenoticerproject.com.

The Noticer by Andy Andrews

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:44:00 +0000

A Review
The Noticer
Andy Andrews
Thomas Nelson Publishers
Releasing Tuesday, April 28, 2009, A.D.
Four lions out of five

In the Disney movie, The Lion King, Rafiki, the medicine monkey confronts the prince of the jungle, Simba. Simba has been living in the past and blaming himself for his father's death and his uncle's rise to corruption. They argue for a while then have this classic exchange:

Adult Simba: I know what I have to do. But going back will mean facing my past. I've been running from it for so long.
[Rafiki hits Simba on the head with his stick]
Adult Simba: Ow! Jeez, what was that for?
Rafiki: It doesn't matter. It's in the past.
[laughs]
Adult Simba: Yeah, but it still hurts.
Rafiki: Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it, or... learn from it.
[swings his stick at Simba again who ducks out of the way]

Rafiki gave Simba a lesson in ... perspective

Andy Andrews' new modern fable, The Noticer, is all about perspective.

Andy Andrews loves people. You can tell that in the way he blogs, in the way he greets audiences after live engagements, and in the way he describes people in his books. In The Traveler's Gift, Andrews describes famous characters from history with care and aplomb. While a fictional tale, we see Abraham Lincoln, Joshua Chamberlain, and Christopher Columbus in ways that cinema and history don't often show us. He brings that same care and love for people to his neighbors and friends on the Gulf Coast of Alabama.

As I read through The Noticer, I kept Google handy. Every time he introduced a new guest or a new place along Orange Beach, I Googled it. All of the places he mentions in the book are genuine. The proprietors of those places are living breathing humans. What a tribute to the place that has nurtured your soul. What a tribute to the people that you've woven your life together with.

As you read The Noticer, you've got to remember that it's a fable. You've got to remember that change does not happen instantaneously.

The Noticer begins with a painful glance into Andy's life. We meet Andy underneath the dock. He's in tears mourning the loss of his parents. That's when Jones shows up. Andrews credits Jones with introducing him to great biographies——and changing his perspective. The rest of the book travels with Jones as he helps others all over the Gulf Coast change their perspectives.

The cynic in me didn't like the rehash of Gary Chapman's Five Love Languages material. While I love the content and research behind the five love languages, I did not like Andrews recitation of it. I'm probably over-thinking this since there are thousands of people who will be exposed to this book that would never be exposed to Chapman's work. So, I will appreciate the homage.

Like most modern fables (like The One-Minute Manager), everything seems to happen too quickly and too perfectly. His characters don't resist change as much as those of us with flesh on.

Intrigue built as I continued to read. Jones is a curious man and I wanted to know more about him. Who is he going to talk to next? How is he going to confront them? As you read the book, don't speed read. Read as you would if you were enjoying an early summer day along the Gulf Coast. Don't miss yourself along the streets and sand.

I almost missed myself. But Jones showed up in my bedroom when I read chapter seven. He delivered a Rafiki-sized whack upside my head. Once I was "noticed", I was hooked.

As the book builds to the climax, I felt a part of the community. When everyone gathers at the diner, if you've been "noticed", you'll be there, too, wondering what is in Jones' suitcase.

Even the most causal readers will care about the end of the book and most readers, like me, will want to change perspective in their lives.

In my day to day life, I am tasked with writing persuasive copy. I realize that my job is about changing someone's perspective. I feel more equipped to do so after reading The Noticer. But the bigger benefit to my daily career has been the fact that I understand someone else's perspective a little better. Or at least I ask the question, "What is their perspective?"

The Noticer is a very quick read. I know that this book will sell very well. I believe that the social network strategy that Nelson has employed will be like kerosene onto an already well-built fire complete with kindling and well-seasoned fuel.

Have You Ever Heard this Story?

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:07:00 +0000

Blogger's Note: I am researching for a new project. I can't find a source for one of the best stories to open the work. I don't even know "the rest of the story." Have you heard a story like the one below? I cannot remember if this artist was a sculptor, a painter, a Renaissance man, or a composer. If so, could you leave a comment about WHO you think the artist was? If you know a source, would you please link me to it or give me a title and author? Thanks so much.

He was dead.

The odor emanating from his apartment alerted his neighbors. The man was a hermit and aloof, but he was also famous. Everyone in the city knew who he was. They knew his work. And they wanted to see more of it.

He was an artist who thrilled his audiences with every completed work. When they pried open the door to his home and found his body, they also found hundreds of unfinished pieces. Those who knew him and do his work, commented that there were many masterpieces awaiting his touch. But alas, he would never touch them again.

The Future of Radio

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:29:00 +0000

Blogger's Note: I love radio. I wanted to be a songwriter, but majored in journalism with a concentration in radio for a bunch of reasons. It didn't take long for me to fall in love. I discovered "Adventures in Odyssey" and "A Prairie Home Companion." I met Himam Brown, the man who coined the phrase, "The theatre of the mind".

Jeff Brown with WAY-FM posted a great blog post today. I invite you to respond on his site. He asked four questions about the future of radio. I put my responses on his blog and here.

As long as we drive our own cars, we will love radio. As soon as cars ride on rails like in I Robot, radio may fade.

How do you prefer to interact with radio? Phone? Text? Twitter? Not at all/Passive listener?
Radio needs to get ahead of the curve. With all the studies on distracted drivers and laws being passed, the NAB and NRB need to join together to create a new radio dashboard interface. More stations need to push song data to the screen of the radio. I'm not opposed to advertiser information there as well.

There should be a series of buttons on the radio interface (and maybe the steering wheel) that allow a listener to respond directly to the station. This would allow the station to take immediate polls or contests. Furthermore, if you heard an ad you liked and wanted more information for, push the "ad" button and an email will come to you. In a new technologies class in 1988, we discussed a car thermal printer that would print radio coupons. I think you could create the same thing with an email generated (or a text).

Does the idea of live, streaming video as it relates to radio intrigue you at all?

If I have a relationship with the on air talent, it might be fun to watch them. But businesses are placing bandwidth restrictions on office computers, etc.

Do you like the idea of being able to take your favorite radio show with you wherever you go to listen to whenever you want? Minus the music?
I subscribe to many podcasts of Christian talk ("FamilyLife Today", "In the Studio with Michael Card", and "Insight for Living"). I can't hear them when they air, so I listen on my schedule.

I believe this will grow as education increases.

Would you welcome the opportunity to interact with other like-minded listeners live and in real time while listening to your favorite show?

Isn't this already happening on Twitter for TV? Radio may never be in that space because of the role of the vehicle.

What I would really love to see is a renaissance of radio. We've got music and talk. In the Christian space, we have teaching. But what if somebody embraced "drama" again?

What if Brian Singer brought "Captain America" to radio instead of TV or the big screen? We might have a phenomenon on our hands and a return to radio.

What if we had a live stream on radio from an imbedded reporter in Iraq. The mic was always on (Truman Show), but he didn't always talk. We heard the shots fired, the grunts, the distant explosions, etc. I think we would be riveted.

What if an author serialized the reading of his new book BEFORE it was available in stores? John Grisham or Stephen King on air for 30 minutes every morning or during afternoon drive. They would read the first 1/3 of the book or so before release date. Book sales would skyrocket (and audio book sales would, too.)

What if "Nashville Star" gave up on trying to be American Idol Country and went to radio instead. It could become the new Grand Ole Opry with a live audience and lots of internet interactivity, but the performances were only available on radio (Citadel radio presents...)

Extreme Weather

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 22:47:00 +0000

Hail is falling now.

Here's what the sky looked like a few minutes ago.

How Far Do You Have to Go for Clean Water?

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 04:22:00 +0000

Thanks to Brady and Rose at Soft Rock 98.9 in Fresno, California.

Through their efforts, the lives of many children were changed forever.

Look Up

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:04:00 +0000

Blogger's Note: The other day, my daughter Elisa went out for a walk around the neighborhood. It was a breathtaking spring day when the air reminds you of winter but the trees are previewing spring. When she returned, she handed me the following observations. She had written them while she was out enjoying creation. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. I hope you are challenged by them as much as I am.

When you take leaps of faith, don't look down, look up. If you look down you'll fall, but if you look up you'll soar. Look up to the clouds, the sky, that expanse, which hugs us close like a warm blanket, but is far beyond our reach. Far beyond that expanse, though closer than the sky's blanket, is the One who can lift us up to heights we thought impossible.

If you look to Him, He'll eventually pull you so high, so close that you can see, touch, and smell Him. And in His presence you will find something more wonderful and rich than you ever hoped to achieve. For though you were worthless, He counts you as priceless. Though all have abandoned you, He will never leave your side. Though you were ugly and unable to be loved, in His eyes you are the most beautiful and the most deserving of His love. His love is the kind in which all things are possible, even those things from your wildest dreams that no one else dares to dream, but does anyway.

If you look to Him, you'll never fall, though you think you are. He's just lifting you higher while you're upside down.

Look up.

"I've Been Every Where, Man" (Kind of)

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 01:20:00 +0000

My friend Steve Laube posted this meme on Facebook.

My father had a dream to visit all 48 contiguous United States. He didn't make that goal, but we sure had a lot of fun trying. I've taken on this goal on as my own. This meme made me want to update my "Where I've Been" on Facebook.

Would love for you to participate, too.

Post on your own blog or Facebook page. Put the link in the comments.

Here are the instructions:

Copy this list into your Facebook note or blog.
Put a V by states you've visited
Put a L by states you've lived in

Alabama L
Alaska V
Arizona V
Arkansas L
California V
Colorado L
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida V
Georgia L
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois V
Indiana V
Iowa
Kansas V
Kentucky V
Louisiana V
Maine
Maryland V
Massachusetts V
Michigan V
Minnesota V
Mississippi V
Missouri V
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada V
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico V
New York V
North Carolina V
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma V
Oregon V
Pennsylvania V
Rhode Island
South Carolina V
South Dakota
Tennessee L
Texas V
Utah
Vermont
Virginia V
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin V
Wyoming

Radio Station Heroes

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:46:00 +0000

I'm so grateful for our radio station partners as they help us recruit sponsors for World Vision.

If you don't sponsor a child, would you consider it?

I'm a Very Strange Person (meme)

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 21:26:00 +0000

RULES:
1. Put your MP3 player, iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.
4. Tag at least 10 friends (make me #11 so I can see your results).
5. Everyone tagged has to do the same thing.
Cut and paste this entire document into a Note. Delete my answers and type in your own.

IF SOMEONE SAYS 'ARE YOU OKAY' YOU SAY?
Two Sets of Joneses (Big Tent Revival)

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Bye Bye (Phil Vassar)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Be Good to Yourself (Journey)

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Let's Make it Last (Brandon Heath)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Attempting the Impossible-Score (Facing the Giants Soundtrack)

WHAT'S YOUR MOTTO?
Down in the Lowlands (Russ Taff)

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
In Christ Alone (Natalie Grant) - Oh how I wish

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Free to Be Me (Francesca Battistelli)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Stand Up (Petra)

WHAT IS 2 + 2?
The Wheat (Lisa Gerrard - from The Gladiator Soundtrack)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
You Didn't Even Get Wet (James Newton Howard - from The Water Horse Soundtrack)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Let My Words Be Few (Phillips, Craig, and Dean) - yeah right!

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Can't Take the Pain (Third Day)

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Godpleaser (Petra)

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Guilt by Association (Steve Taylor)

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Touch of the Master's Hand (Wayne Watson)

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Murron's Burial (Braveheart Soundtrack)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
The Message (4HIM)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
O Sifuni Mungu (First Call)

WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?
Ann Recruits the Parishioners (from The Patriot Soundtrack)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
You Are (Sammy Ward) - don't know how this song got on my iPod. Freaky.

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Turn Your Heart Around (Bill Baumgart)

WMAG and the Flip Camera

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 20:39:00 +0000

Bill and Lora at WMAG in Greensboro, North Carolina launch their campaign on behalf of World Vision children dark and early Monday morning.

I was impressed. To keep in touch with his audience, Bill uses a Flip Camera to shoot short videos and post to his website.

He cut together this short one about the campaign. It didn't take him very long and he got the faces and voices in front of his audience. He also made his first ask on behalf of the children.

Thanks Bill. May you exceed your goals.

Embracing the Power of One

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:18:00 +0000

Blogger's Note: World Vision is launching a push, email newsletter for our radio station partners. Each month, I will contribute some observations about how to best communicate about World Vision and the children on air. Here's the first installment.

Jim Hutto was (and still is) my radio mentor. This 50-year broadcasting veteran taught me how to build my Rolodex, brand a station, and most importantly, how to connect with my audience. One morning after my shift, we met in his office. He told me to bring a photograph of my wife to work with me the next day. He said, “Tape it to your copy stand in front of your mic. When you open the mic, talk to her and her alone.”

This was my first lesson in the “power of one.”

You know as well as I do that radio is the most intimate of the communication media. Your listeners wake up with you, take showers with you, invite you to lunch, pull up a chair for you in their cubicles, and sit with you in traffic. You are their friend. You make the day shorter.

When you engage your listeners for World Vision, embrace “the power of one.” You're talking to just one person at a time—even if you have a weekly cume of three-million.

I've worded “the power of one” like this:

One person can change the world.
You are that one person.
One person can make one call or one click.
For one dollar per day, you can change the life of one child for a lifetime.
All it takes is one decision.

If you can harness “the power of one”, you’ll recruit thousands of sponsors for World Vision children.

World Vision: But What about the U.S.?

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 15:26:00 +0000

I love facebook. I've been able to connect with many old friends from high school. When I first started playing saxophone in the jazz band, I met fellow player Mark Wedge. He was a cool and funny young man. He loved to have fun, drove a great car, and made me laugh. He was a few years older than me and made teenageville look so cool.

Since Mark and I have re-connected on facebook, I've remembered something else I love about this guy: he makes me think.

As I reported on the great work of World Vision, Mark used facebook to ask one of the most probing questions—a question that should make all of us think.

Question: World Vision charity is noble. Why fund charity money outside this nation when we all can drive 30 minutes and find horrid poverty here at home? I challenge my own Priests on this issue; Missions sound exotic, but why not take the money and resources and drive into a housing project in Philly and do good works here is the US? So many here in this nation need the help too....

Here is my response:

Mark,

I hear your question often: why should I give to missions or look at ministry internationally when there are so many problems here in the U.S.?

It’s a valid question. I have three responses.

Response #1: What are YOU doing? If you’re not doing something, why not?
You say that you challenge your priests on this issue. Fantastic! What’s it like in Philly? What have you seen? What have you felt? What has God done?

I love this story about Philly. This is genuine, person-to-person ministry.

Response #2: World Vision has work in the U.S. They work with the poorest of the poor in places like Appalachia. While Child Sponsorship isn’t available in the U.S., you can contribute single donations—or your time and talents—to working in World Vision’s projects here at home.

Response #3: There are over 200 Scripture references about giving to the poor. Caring for those who need help is very close to the heart of God. In fact, when Jesus first began teaching, he stood up in the synagogue, opened the scrolls from Isaiah and proclaimed:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”
Luke 4:18

The poor are close to Jesus’s heart. World Vision seeks to be the hands and feet of Jesus and follow his example.

Mark, World Vision started because a nun challenged an American soldier, “What are you going to do?” His life answered the question. He refused to do nothing.

What about you? What are you going to do? Are you going to refuse to do nothing?

I can’t wait to hear your stories. I'd love to see ten of you share your stories by commenting on my blog or writing on my facebook profile.

One Word

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 03:26:00 +0000

My wife tagged me, so I feel obliged to answer.

Where is your cell phone? Bed

Your hair? Missing

Your father? Heaven

Your favorite thing? Peace

Your dream last night? Absent

Your favorite drink? Coca-Cola

Your dream/goal? Novelist

The room you are in? Bedroom

Your fear? Rejection

Where do you want to be in 6 years? Here

Muffins? Blueberry

One of your wish list items? Monitor

Where you grew up? Fatherhood

The last thing you did? email

What are you wearing? Eldredge

Your TV? HD

Your pets? Neglected

Your computer? Mac

Your life? fast-paced

Your mood? Expectant

Missing someone? Yes

Your car? Prelude

Favorite store? Apple

Your summer? Sticky

Your favorite color? Royalblue

When is the last time you laughed? @maurilio

Last time you cried? 2003

These require more than one word:
3 people who email me? Quant, Kaye, Spammers
3 of my favorite foods? Reese's, cheesecake, burgers
3 places I would rather be right now? Wife's arms, Dillard chalet, Dove awards
3 people I think will respond? Him, Her, Them

When the World has Fallen Out from under Me...

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:48:00 +0000

There's a song that's haunted my waking moments on more than one occasion. The ethereal female voice and simple low piano chords enchant me. But when I hear the song on the radio, road noise and the noise in my mind prevent me from hearing more than the essence of the song. While the essence has moved me many times, listening to the song today with the lyrics in front of me encourages and lifts me.

I encourage you to download the song here. Lyrics alone can never communicate the entire majesty of a song.

Her video is amazing. (See window at bottom of blog post)

Shadowfeet
Words and Music by Brooke Fraser
Protected by copyright. Copyright holder unknown

Walking, stumbling
On these shadowfeet
Toward home, a land that I've never seen

I am changing
Less and less asleep
Made of different stuff than when I began

And I have sensed it all along
Fast approaching is the day

[Chorus]
When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standin'
When the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees
When time and space are through
I'll be found in you

There's distraction
Buzzing in my head
Saying in the shadows it's easier to stay

But I've heard rumours
Of true reality
Whispers of a well-lit way

When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standin'
When the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees
When time and space are through
I'll be found in you

You make all things new
You make all things new
You make all things new
You make all things
You make all things

When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standin'
When the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees
When time and space are through
I'll be found in you

When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standin'
Every fear and accusation under my feet
When time and space are through
I'll be found in you
When time and space are through
I'll be found in you
When time and space are through
I'll be found in you

The 12 Movies of Christmas: #11 "Jack Frost"

noreply@blogger.com (W. Mark Whitlock) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:55:00 +0000

3.5 Lions out of 5
I recommend this film for ages 8 and up (4 and up if watching with a parent)
I believe both genders will enjoy this film

Michael Keaton plays a blues bandleader who loses his life on an icy road on his way home after a gig at Christmas. The following year, magic brings him back for a second chance as a husband and father. He transforms into a snowman in this modern and hip version of the “Frosty the Snowman” mini-legend.

I first saw pieces of “Jack Frost” on TBS and wrote the movie off as silly and insignificant. Call me a sucker for a father/son story. I finally watched the entire thing one Christmas Eve as I helped St. Nicholas prepare our home for the joys of Christmas morning. I suppose my lingering grief over the loss of my dad made me wish—like Charlie—for a few more days with my dad.

Jack’s widow, Gabby, and Charlie become a little hardened and distant after their tragedy. Director Troy Miller ("The Flight of the Conchords") adds the salt and pepper of real grief to the fantasy story. Amid special effects, physical comedy, and a few lame jokes, the audience feels genuine sorrow.

Pay Attention
Michael Keaton actually holds his own as a blues singer. Enjoy the two big numbers, “Frosty the Snowman” and “Have a Little Faith.” The soundtrack is only available from iTunes. The CD is discontinued. Amazon.com offers a few imports that include the entire song list.

Christmas
The “first holiday” following the death of a loved one is like walking down an icy road with a blindfold on—you have no idea when you’re going to slip and fall. There’s an empty place at the table. There’s a laugh missing from the get-together. There’s one less person in the group picture.

Do you know someone who has lost a close friend or loved one during the last few months? Lend your shoulder, your ear, and your handkerchief to them. (Well, maybe you can give the handkerchief.)

Widescreen Wisdom
“Jack Frost “ reminds us that everyone needs a second chance. Jonah got his after being inside a whale. Balaam got a second chance after a donkey jack-knifed after an angel sighting. Peter got a second chance after a bad night around a campfire. We are given our second chances, too.

Trivia
Bob Carlisle, the former lead singer of the Christian rock band The Allies, became famous for his song about a father and his daughter—“Butterfly Kisses”. As a follow-up, he recorded “A Father’s Love” about a father and his son. The song plays an important role in the movie and scored a minor hit for him. CCM mega group Jars of Clay also placed a track on the soundtrack.