We Asked / You Answered

What did mom always say?

2012-05-08T00:00:00-06:00

As seen in the May edition of our monthly newsletter, Update. Click here to see a PDF version of Update.

So...what did your mom always say to you? Tell us below!

When did you meet Jesus?

2012-04-16T00:00:00-06:00

As seen in the April edition of our monthly newsletter, Update. Click here to see a PDF version of Update.

So...when did YOU meet Jesus? Respond below!

Who would you invite to Thanksgiving dinner?

2011-11-11T00:00:00-06:00

This Thanksgiving, if you could invite anyone from history (with the exception of Jesus) to come to dinner, simply for the purpose of saying thank you for their impact on your life . . . who would be eating turkey with your family this year??

A lot of names come to mind, but as a self professed "mama's boy" I have to pick my mother. My mom was delivered into the loving arms of Jesus thirty-three years ago. Before she left, she showed me the real love of God and although she suffered with arthritis, she loved to cook a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for our family. This year I would love to pass the pumpkin pie to a mom that has been healed of arthritis and can slice the turkey without an ounce of pain!
--Teri Billiter, WCHP radio

The first person who comes to mind is Rich Mullins. I'd ask him about his ministry to the Native American community, how evangelicals and Catholics can see eye-to-eye, and why he shied away from certain aspects of Christian culture. His songs are still so real and moving.
--Josh Shepherd, The Heritage Foundation

I would enjoy spending an evening with Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain). As an observer of the human condition and a gifted writer, he understood people, which is key to understanding life. I've gained something from everything I've read of his. I think the conversation could be wide-ranging, fun and informative.
--Cecil Van Houten, Family Life Network

If I could invite someone from history to Thanksgiving dinner to thank them for their impact on my life, it would be Isaac Watts. The theology and imagery of hymns he wrote help fill my mind with wonder about our great God. What an encourgaing meal it would be to have him lead us in giving thanks in song.

Was it for crimes that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!
--Bill Fickett, Grace to You

Submit your answer below, and don't forget to check out the November edition of our Update newsletter!

What do you love about Fall?

2011-10-17T00:00:00-06:00

What do you love about Fall? For the October edition of our Update newsletter, we asked broadcasting and ministry friends to share their favorites. Take a look and tell us what you love about Fall!

Fall will always be special as it was a Michigan Fall, some 33 years ago, that I took who is now my wife Vicky on a great afternoon date of photography, capturing all of the great Fall colors. Not long after that, I proposed. Now, there is a busy life with our kids, grandchildren, church life and our businesses but, not a Fall goes by where we don't spend a minute or two, recounting that great time we had.

--Jonathon Yinger, The Christian Broadcasting System

My favorite season! School in full swing, football games, teacher meetings, and helping with homework. Leaves turning from green to red, yellow, gold, and brown. I'm a hunter and, believe it or not, sitting in a tree for hours gives you time to ponder God's workmanship firsthand. It marks the end of summer fun but it ushers in cooler weather and as every day gets shorter it's a countdown to one of my favorite days--Christmas ... God's promise to mankind a Savior fulfilled. Plus turkey and pumpkin pie come along for the ride from Thanksgiving to Christmas and who doesn't enjoy that mixed in with a house full of people!

--Pat Rulon, Bott Radio Network

Orion and Cassiopeia shifting in the sky . . . The Hunter's Moon (did you know all full moons rise around the time of sunset?) . . . Harvest and Pilgrim hymns . . . Fresh, warm Pumpkin bread . . . Judy's lamb stew (too hardy a meal for summer) . . . My crape myrtles glowing all fiery and red, like something on Mount Horeb - All of these things, fresh reasons to bless the Name who, ever changeless, glories in the change of seasons.

--Joni Eareckson Tada, Joni and Friends

What I look forward to most is the new color palette that blends with the sunsets in the evenings. I know that soon I will not have to cut the grass anymore - yeah! Cooler days, the first frost when you step on the grass and it crunches under your feet, cool mornings when you can see your breath in the crisp air. There is a certain "newness" that comes with the fall--a new year in school for the kids, new faces, new friends. It reminds me of Genesis 3:8 ... "And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day..."--I get a real vision of what it was like for God to walk in the garden when fall arrives.

--Bryan Underwood, FamilyLife

What was your first job?

2011-09-19T00:00:00-06:00

Do you remember your very first job? For the September edition of our Update newsletter, we asked broadcasting and ministry friends to share their stories. Take a look and tell us your first (or most memorable) job!

Dogs Rule

2011-09-05T00:00:00-06:00

Do you have a canine for a best friend? In last month's edition of our Update newsletter, we asked broadcasting and ministry friends to share about their pups. Don't forget to tell us about your dog(s), too!

P.S. Jon Yinger sent along these photos of "Zeus, protector of the grandchildren"! :)

Hot diggity dog!

2011-07-07T00:00:00-06:00

Humphrey Bogart said, "A hot dog at the ball park is better than steak at the Ritz." I'm sorry but I can't agree with Bogart. Not until I've had the opportunity to eat a steak at the Ritz, that is.

In honor of National Hot Dog Month, the "home team" at Ambassador was asked for their pick of where to find the best hot dog. You'll find those answers in this month's Ambassador Update newsletter. And we want to hear from you, too! In your opinion, what's a "must" for the best hot dog eatin' in your part of town?

Here are responses from a few folks who were eager to share their favorite spots:

If you are in the central Texas area you will find great hotndog 'eatin' at The Lucky Dog. Great Chicago Style dogs. I will have to get with Collin Lambert when he is back in Austin from Moody in Chicago and see if the claim holds up!

Gene Bender (KLGO - Austin, TX)

Well let's see in Northern California, I would head East and end up at Portillo's Hot Dogs. Best Dogs on the Planet!

David Pierce (Chief Creative Officer, K-Love)

What Are You Handing Down?

2011-05-02T00:00:00-06:00

"I'm convinced that we have Mercy Ships today partially because of the prayers of my Norwegian great grandparents. Prayer has to be caught rather than taught -- as our children and grandchildren participate with us in prayer. It's my hope that that legacy will continue."

Don Stephens
Speaker for "The Mercy Minute"

"I pray they retain the capacity to be steadfast and faithful to their commitments. Something gained from my parents. And the ability to laugh...finding joy in the world around us! (Nehemiah 8:10)"

Brian Taylor
Salem Media of Colorado

"An attitude of gratitude. I tell them to count each blessing everyday, before lamenting anything."

Bill Reitler
Producer for Ambassador

"Take time to have some fun. Life is not always serious."

Tom Svoboda
Assistant Manager of Network Operations for Moody Radio

How do you rejuvenate?

2011-04-04T00:00:00-06:00

There's something proverbially refreshing about springtime. Other than spiritual intake, what is a surefire "rejuvenator" for you? Here's some inspiration from a few of our friends . . .

God's provision of things like the following are guaranteed rejuvenators for me:

A date with Carrie
A belly-laugh with Graham, Maggie, Benjamin and Emma
A dinner with all of the above asking them questions
A time of tug-of-war with Jeffrey the Lab Dog
A run or bike ride down a country road
A team project completed
A time helping a team member discover and use their strengths
A brand new idea
A creative moment or thought
A change in almost anything
A challenge
A task completed
A good book and time to read it
A good radio program (or podcast or audiobook)

Wes Ward
Director of Media for Revive Our Hearts

"Every spring, I buy my wife, Janet, daffodils. She enjoys them and we are reminded of when we first married and finding a great deal in a catalogue, I planted hundreds of daffodils so that we could enjoy the Lord's creation with the coming of spring. In those early springs of marriage and now when I look for a sale on the bright yellow flowers in California, I am reminded not just of my marriage, but my hero Winston Churchill. In the height of World War II, while driving through the English countryside to encourage the troops, he stopped and wept over the loss of life, while gazing over a host of golden daffodils. Known for his prodigious memory, he would quote aloud the famous poem by Wordsworth."

Charles Morris
Speaker for "HAVEN Today"

"I love to go for a walk before daybreak. Watching the sun come up is amazing! Another thing that I love is going on family vacations. California, New England and Disney World are some of our favorites."

John Gates
Music Director/On-Air Personality for Bridge FM

(John is also a member of the group "Glad" -- an Ambassador-wide favorite! First to agree, we'll send you one of the Glad CDs!)

So...how do you rejuvenate?

What is your favorite childhood storybook?

2011-03-14T00:00:00-06:00

This month marks the birthdate of Theodore Geisel . . . and the wisdom of Dr. Seuss got us thinking of our own favorite children's books. Here are a few votes. Post your favorite, too!

"My favorite book was Green Eggs and Ham. I loved the crazy places and ways Sam I am showed up and asked Would you? Could you?"

Bob West
Operations Director for Family Talk

"I'm one of those guys who doesn't remember a ton about my childhood. The earliest book I remember enjoying was the Curious George books, probably just because the monkey was cute. Maybe I wanted to be a safari guide or a zoo keeper at one point."

Luke Stephens
General Manager for WAY Radio

"In 1960, age 5 (had my 6th birthday in the hospital) I had Rheumatic Fever and was not expected to live. During my 3 month stay in the hospital Pinocchio was read to me many times and I was told that, like Pinocchio, I could grow up to be who my Creator envisioned me to be."

Steve Cross
Director of Marketing for NRB

"Loved Huck Finn. Have wanted to float the Mississippi on a raft ever since! Tried to take a trip down the Mississippi a couple summers ago. Found out they don't just let anybody rent a boat and go on it."

Jim Garlow
Speaker for "The Garlow Perspective"

"While my mom worked, my Grammie, who lived with us, often read to my sister and I the abridged story of Heidi, and I think it was my favorite, because she found something, yes someone, in her little attic alcove amongst the whispering pines and starry night."

Sharon Malone
Operations Manager at WSEW/WWPC

So . . . what was your favorite?