Yes when I went to record this Episode I found myself on a dead-end of the internet superhighway and to my surprised I learned just how deeply I depend on the ‘net to do the things I do. So tune in and listen to me fumble around wondering how I’m gonna get out of this hole.

p.s. my smart phone saves the day!!!

Playlist
Aaron Greer Band - I will Follow
Solemn Vow - Come out Come out Wherever you Are
Eowyn - Silent Scream
Fellow - Dont Ignore Me

Promo
The Geekspin

Twitter tweets
Derekcollins79
BradMcfadden

Live Call-in from DAVe the JadedVisalian all the way from California listen as we talk about food - jewelery - and Jam (more food)

Contact Information
You can leave me feedback in several forms, technically you could try homing pigeons or trained weasels but I think you will find these options much more to your liking. You can leave me comments here on the page (I love getting comments) or you can Email me at jtindiepodcast at gmail dot com, and remember if you send me email there is a chance that Alex V2.6 will read your email on the show, or finally and perhaps the most exciting you can leave me voice-mail feedback at 206-666-5453

Legal Notices
First off I want to thank all the bands for allowing me to play their music, I would also like to thank Ioda Promonet, Podsafe Music Network, and Magnatune For Providing Music. Intro music was “Conflagration” by Domased and you can find him on Magnatune. Jt’s Indie Christian Music Podcast is part of the Farpoint Media Family and is Released under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial, No Derivs 3.0 License 2009.

Yeah what can I say. I can’t count. I noticed when I looked at my ITunes Feed as the Episodes went from 66 to 68 without having the decency to go to 67. So Here is 67 and I hope it was worth the wait. I have some great news to announce in this Episode.

Before we get to the music I just have to tell you what has been going on here at jtindie.com. The first announcement is of course the Skillet Awake CD review and you can read and listen to the review on the site. We also have the Return of AlexV26 and the AutoMat Edition of the Show, bringing you the music to start your weekend. This week Alex brought you three songs from Building 429.

If you take the time to look around jtindie.com be sure to check out the Interview section you will find a new interview with Todd Agnew. I really enjoyed getting to do this interview as well as finding out the story behind Grace Like Rain. You read the Interview Here.

This Episode also announces the Beginning of the Activate Tour with Amy Courts and Mariah Secrest. Two great artists that actually met because of this podcast (the tour should be called the jtindie.com tour, but hey that’s just me). So lets get on with the Show Notes.

First Song
Amy Courts - Stand

Promo
The Jesus Geeks

First Impressions
I sat down with my friend Mike and before recording his epic review of Creation 09 I played him several of the the New Skillet songs from the Awake CD and got his first Impressions. The songs Mike Got to hear were Monster, Awake and alive, Sometimes, and Forgiven.

Promo
Podcasting for Water

As you all know by now I have taken on Podcasting for Water as part of the mission of Jtindie.com. In that vein I have decided to Sell OUT for water. You can find out more about what I am selling out just head on over to the sell out page.

Last song of the day
Mariah Secrest - Don’t Try to Tell Me

In the Studio
I got one new CD in the Studio over the last week. To Know you Love me From the Heart of Justin Unger. My good friends at Bookend Media were nice enough to send this to me and I look forward to hearing more of the CD as well as Playing it for you as well.

New Project
The ADD Devotional
I have always had a love hate relationship with devotionals. I know that when I force myself to take the time and do a daily devotional I am rewarded in the fact that I do end up closer to God than ever before. The Problem I have always had is that I never seem to be able to stick with a devotional for more than a week or two. so I have decided that the only solution for this is to try and write my own devotional, but since I am a podcaster this wont be your usual devotional, and since I know I suffer (well those around suffer I kind of enjoy it) a serious case of attention Deficit Disorder I have decided that the only way I would ever be able to do a devotional was if I could listen to it and if it was short.

and that is just what Im gonna try a three to five minute daily devotion. I was going to try and divide up the devotion into weeks and do 7 days on a topic but I have decided to start with a single topic and just work from there to see where the ADD leads me in my bible journey. I have no Idea how long it is going to take me to write and record 365 devotional. I even have a title The ADD Devotional and the starting point for this 365 day meander through the bible. Why forgiveness of course since lets face it, it is with forgiveness that we all start our walk with Christ.

My thanks to Brad Mcfadden of the 2 blind Squirrels for the Idea

Contact Information
You can leave me feedback in several forms, technically you could try homing pigeons or trained weasels but I think you will find these options much more to your liking. You can leave me comments here on the page (I love getting comments) or you can Email me at jtindiepodcast at gmail dot com, and remember if you send me email there is a chance that Alex V2.6 will read your email on the show, or finally and perhaps the most exciting you can leave me voice-mail feedback at 206-666-5453

Legal Notices
First off I want to thank all the bands for allowing me to play their music, I would also like to thank Ioda Promonet, Podsafe Music Network, and Magnatune For Providing Music. Intro music was “Conflagration” by Domased and you can find him on Magnatune. Jt’s Indie Christian Music Podcast is part of the Farpoint Media Family and is Released under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial, No Derivs 3.0 License 2009.

TUCSON, AZ (June 23rd, 2009)– Independent recording artists Mariah Secrest (Tucson, AZ) and Amy Courts (Nashville, TN) will be kicking off their West Coast ACTIVATE Tour on July 8, 2009, in Tucson, AZ at the Z Mansion (www.zmansion.com) at 7:00 p.m. Mountain Time.

The free event is open to the public and will include a toy/diaper drive to benefit local refugees through a partnership with Tucson Refugee Ministry and Lutheran Social Services, as well as a message in between concert sets from recent refugee arrivals about their experiences coming to the States and the particular needs of their community. A representative from Tucson Refugee Ministry will also be available to answer questions about refugee resettlement and volunteer opportunities.

The following morning, July 9th, Amy and Mariah will join Tucson Refugee Ministry and Lutheran Social Services at ten a.m. for a block party at Suncrest Apartments on Yavapai (currently being re-named Oasis Apartments). The tenants of Suncrest Apartments are primarily refugees who have recently been resettled in the states from Nepal, Iraq, and Somalia. At the block party, volunteers from the previous night’s concert will help distribute the toys from the toy drive and will help facilitate games, a jumping castle, and snow cones. All are welcome to attend.

For more information about the ACTIVATE Tour with Amy Courts and Mariah Secrest, visit their respective websites at www.amycourts.com and www.myspace.com/mariahsecrestmusic. Full EPK’s available upon request.

For more information about Tucson Refugee Ministry, visit their website at www.tucsonrefugeeministry.org.

It is just a fact, some days are just better than others. Today was one of the better days. Today I get to Sit down and Virtually Interview one of my favorite Artists. A while back I was lucky enough to make some connections at ardent records and they were nice enough to send me several CD’s two of which were Todd Agnew, “Grace like Rain” and “Better Questions”. At that time I had a passing knowledge of Todd’s work, after all, who hasn’t sung “Grace Like Rain” or “My Jesus” So when I got the chance to Interview Todd Agnew I was more than happy to do it. So I’ll Quit Stalling and get right to the Interview

[JT] - How would you describe your sound?
[TA] - I think it’s kind of a compilation. It’s usually hard to describe. I guess maybe a songwriter willing to try all genres, but still try to say something.

[JT] - Who are some of your musical influences?
[TA] - A little bit of everything. Definitely CCM and Christian Rock guys: Rich Mullins and Charlie Peacock being the foremost of those. Oh and definitely Michael W. Smith, growing up. Outside of that, songwriters, like David Wilcox. The old blues guys, Stevie Ray, Lightning Hopkins, Albert King, and the newer guys like Doyle Bramhall II. And then definitely some gospel, old r&b, older country, and of course, rock. I mean, don’t all of us wish we could be in Journey anyway.

[JT] - can you tell me a little about your (individual) musical upbringing?
[TA] - I wasn’t a normal kid cutting my teeth on pop radio. My earliest memories are of listening to classical music in the house and hanging out with my dad in the garage listening to NPR. So I grew up on all different kinds of music. Blues, folk, jazz. A little of everything.

[JT] - Could you tell me about your spiritual Upbringing?
[TA] - I’m one of those fortunate kids who grew up in a strong Christian home. I learned about God and the truths of the Bible at a very young age. That really laid a foundation for all that was to come.

[JT] - At your website, toddagnew.com, I can see you have a busy touring schedule, What is it you find the most rewarding about touring?
[TA] - I have always enjoyed the road. I think the main reason is that God’s heart is for people. He cares about them much more than the music. And so we have a powerful opportunity to be a part of His work among His children when we are out there. There is nothing like seeing God move in a life.

[JT] - What do you find the most challenging about touring?
[TA] - I never really thought touring was hard. But then I had a family. And now everything is different. It is definitely more difficult to leave those you love at home to go out and work. But that’s where God has us for right now.

[JT] - Do you consider what you are doing to be your ministry? What kinds of other things are you currently involved in?
[TA] - Our musical career is definitely part of the ministry in my life. My wife and I are part of a recovery ministry in our church. And I try to mentor other worship leaders and younger musicians along the way as well.

[JT] - You have a song titles “My Jesus” Could you tell me what was the inspiration for this Song?
[TA] - To be honest, one day I was standing on a walkway overlooking the lobby of a large, popular church and had the thought, “Is every single person in this church beautiful?” That led me to wondering what kind of people would be in the church Jesus desired. So I began to study the life and teachings of Christ very carefully, taking nothing for granted. I was slightly surprised at what I found. And I found that I wanted to be like Him, to be the church He wanted, more than I wanted to be “successful,” or popular. I wanted to continue to find out who He was, and how I could be like Him.

[JT] - Where do you find inspiration for you music?
[TA] - It definitely starts in the Bible. I don’t usually have a good quiet time and then write a song. God teaches me things and I walk them out for about a year before they start turning into music. I have time to take the intellectual concept and begin to walk it out in my life. I can talk about it with my group of friends. To dig deeper into this truth. And then eventually, sometimes, it turns into a song.

[JT] - On your Myspace Page I noticed one of the songs is Testify by Joy Whitlock. I got to interview her and Reviewed her CD God and A girl. I was just wondering what your Impression of her?
[TA] - I love Joy. She is so raw and honest about where she is and what God is doing in her life. And on top of that, she is a great writer with an amazing voice. She was going to a church where I was leading worship and we met. I heard her sing one day and was blown away. I have really enjoyed getting to know her and am still excited to see how God is going to use her, both inside this industry and outside.

[JT] - I have to ask this Question, You wrote “Grace Like Rain” What has to be one of the defining Worship songs of the generation. How did that come about.
[TA] - My friend Chris Collins was an intern at our church at the time. He didn’t grow up in church, so although he connected with the lyrics of some of the hymns I used from time to time, he never connected to the music. He came in the office one day saying, “Todd, I love the Amazing Grace song you played. I wrote some new music for it.” I responded, as most of us do, “Man, I’m not sure you can do that.” I mean, that song is foundational for a great part of the church. But as he played it for me, I realized there was something special about it. I wrote the chorus, and honestly, we forgot about it. But a few months later, we were doing a night of worship for our youth. I mentioned the song, and fortunately Chris remembered it. We used it that night and God really moved powerfully.

[JT] - I noticed that you had a Podcast and Video Podcast for awhile, what was that process like for you and why did you stop?
[TA] - The podcast process was pretty natural for me. I’m a teacher at heart so I enjoy sharing in different formats. I plan on picking it up again. I dropped it kind of accidentally. I moved to Texas and didn’t have easy access to the studio to record anymore. And I’ve been spending a lot of time learning to be a husband and a father. But I’m starting to figure out at least the schedule of doing this, and will probably buy a mic and start doing more podcast stuff with Garage band. Or maybe I should just finally hook up my ProTools stuff.

[JT] - Do you have any plans for A new CD?
[TA] - We are finishing mixing right now. It should come out in October. It’s called “Need.” You heard it first right here.

[JT] - Are there any artists, producers, etc. that you’d just love to work with?
[TA] - I love learning from people. I got the chance to meet one of my favorites this year, Charlie Peacock. I would love to work on a project with him sometime. Even in our short conversation, he really helped me see things in a different way.

[JT] - What music have you been listening to?
[TA] - I always listen to a lot of music. The new Kings of Leon CD is killer. Andrew Peterson is one of my favorite songwriters of this generation and he just released a live project called Appendix C. Unfortunately we’re so deep in the record right now that I’m not getting to listen to much else. And when I can, I don’t really want to.

[JT] - What advice would give to artists/bands that are just starting out?
[TA] - I usually tell people two things:
1) God is more concerned with your heart than your ability. I definitely think you need to practice. But if you are spending more time on your look, your show,or even your music, than you are on becoming more like Christ, I think you’re going to have a problem. On the other hand, if you become the person God wants you to be, I think God will take you where He want you.

2) If you want to play, if you want to minister, then get out there and do it. Too many people wait around for their “big break.” If God has called you to play for people, then go find people to play for. Don’t wait to be famous. Go play for a Sunday School class. Call up the little church down the road and play for their youth group. They may pay you in pizza, but you’re doing what you’re called to do.

[JT] - What do you guys do to relax TV, Games, xbox 360  Guitar Hero?
[TA] - On the road, we enjoy a lot of things. Mostly we probably just make up dumb games and enjoy those. Sometimes we actually get to play basketball or tennis or something. We do play 360 from time to time. I don’t know what about killing each other is so bonding for guys, but it is.

[JT] - Tell me about your new CD? what was the Inspiration behind it. and when can I get a copy to review?
[TA] - The new CD is called “Need.” We are just finishing mixing it right now. I’m actually sitting on the couch while we’re printing a mix of “Jesus the Hope of Glory.” We have been working on this record for over a year now, so the inspiration has come from many different places. But here at the end of it, I am recognizing that we believe we need so many things. But at the end, Christ is all we truly need.

As far as getting a copy, I’m sure Ardent will be glad to get you a copy as soon as it’s done.

[JT] - I also end each interview with some of the questions from James Lipton and the “Inside the Actors Studio so here they are as well.
* What is your favorite word?*
To use probably “stellar”. Out of everything, maybe “circumnavigate”. But you never get to use that.

*What sound or noise do you love?*
I love the sound of anyone singing their heart out. Even if it’s not very good.

*What sound or noise do you hate?*
As long as we’re talking about singing, I hate the sound of someone doing an over exaggerated country drawl. If you don’t really sound like that, don’t do it fraudulently. It’s painful to listen to.

*What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?*
Maybe a professional basketball player. Because I’m really terrible at basketball. So, I would get paid millions of dollars to sit on a bench. And I would have to go to practice so I would get in shape. But the season is so long. So maybe pro football. But then I would get hit. So maybe the kicker. The backup kicker.

*What profession would you not like to do? *
I don’t think I would like anything to do with how you look: modeling, fashion, hairdressing, makeup. I think we focus way too much on that already, and I prefer the simple. I don’t think I could handle being in the middle of it all the time. Or working at Bath and Body. That places smells so strong. Couldn’t take it.

Well that is for the Interview. You can be sure that you will be hearing more of Todd Agnew on the show and When Ardent Gets me a Copy of the New CD you can be doubly sure that I will get the Review to you just as soon as possible.

Artist:Skillet
Album Title: AWAKE
Genre: Rock
Website: www.skillet.com
Raiting: 4.75 Stars out of 5!!!!!

PlayList
1. Hero
2. Monster
3. Don’t Wake me
4. Awake and Alive
5. One Day to Late
6. It’s not me it’s you
7. Should’ve when you Could’ve
8. Forgiven
9. Sometimes
10. Never Surrender
11. Lucy

When I got the chance to feast my large floppy ears on a pre-release of AWAKE, Skillet’s first new album in over three years, I jumped at the chance. Well to be more precise I flying tackled that chance and held it to the ground screaming MINE! MINE! MINE! before quickly dragging it into a tree before the rest of the pack could descend and steal it from me.

Yeah well it might not be the Christian thing to do, but I got to say, that Three Years is a long time to go between albums. When I first heard that a New Album from Skillet was soon to be a reality I was both excited and just a bit concerned. If I have to wait that long for new music from a band, then that music had better be worth the wait. So you might be wondering if it was worth the wait….

The Cd opens with the Song “Hero” A song I got to hear when I saw them play live in Greensburg back in April. You can read my review of the concert over at jtindie.com. This first release is hook-heavy and already climbing Christian CHR (#15) and Rock radio (#6) charts. From the opening chord this song grabs you and doesn’t let go. It is not all that often that I find a song as powerful and visceral as this one. From the beginning to the end this song remains unabashed as it speaks to all of us.

I’m just a step away
I’m a just a breath away
Losin my faith today
Fallin off the edge today

These are the opening words of the song. The song continues to rock and challenge the listener until the end of the song.

I’m gonna fight for whats right
Today I’m speaking my mind
And if it kills me tonight
I will be ready to die

A Hero’s not afraid to give His life
A Hero’s gonna save me just in time

The Cd continues on for ten more songs, Each of skillet’s musical offerings stands on its own and the album as whole really speaks to just how much the band as a whole has matured since putting out Comatose. One of the things I was most pleased to find was that while all the songs sounded like Skillet, the songs themselves didn’t sound like each other. The album is a well balanced and extremely well produced collection of songs that mesh well with each other. I can only imagine what these songs will do the live experience of the concert. I was only a passing fan of Skillet before I saw them live.

It is evident that Skillet has changed the landscape of Christian music with their last CD and three year long tour. Awake has the potential to roll over everything like some kind of juggernaut. Awake will be part of the new standard that other CD’s will be measured against, and it is clear to me that Skillet has, once again raised the bar.

I am having trouble trying to find anything to complain about. Everything from Song order, the production quality of the CD to the striking CD cover art is well thought out and excuted. with 11 tracks and coming in at only 38 + minutes I suppose my only real complaint would be that after three years, I personally would of been pleased to see a double album or something closer to 60 minutes of music. however, I don’t know if 60 minutes of music as intense as this album is, would be possible and I wouldn’t want the songs that are on the album to be diluted by anything that wasn’t up to the quality of the rest of the music on the CD.

So in the end I have to ask myself the question, was this Cd worth the three year Gap. Well I have decided that while I don’t want to have to wait another three years I am very satisfied with AWAKE and have given it the highest score I have yet to offer to anyone with a 4 and 3/4 stars out of a possible 5 Making AWAKE as I have said the new standard by which everyone else must strive for. I am expecting that once this CD drops on August 25th The landscape of Christian Music will once again find itself forever changed.

As I did with Disciple Southern Hospitality I will give you all a blow by blow account of the CD so to speak.

Track 1 - Hero - 03:06
This is the song that everyone has already heard and is probably the most signature skillet song on the CD. Which is, no doubt, the reason that this song was released as the single. From the First Chord to the last this is 100% Comatose. I can even see where the smoke would shoot out from the stage.

Track 2 - Monster - 02:58
This track has a harder sound than what I am used to with skillet. The Idea behind the song is pretty clear. “I hate what I’ve become the nightmare’s just begun i must confess that i feel like a monster” All of us have a dark side that we need to saved from. While this song is harder than what many people would think of when they think Skillet, I find this song to be a breath fresh air and it keeps the CD from falling into the trap of the Signature Sound. When you listen to the Song you don’t doubt that you are listening to skillet and the same time you know you are hearing something new.

Track 3 - Don’t Wake me - 03:56
Here the CD makes a marked turn into the land of Power ballad. “Don’t Wake me cause i don’t want to leave this dream, don’t wake me cause I never seem to stay to asleep, I know when its you I’m dreaming of I don’t want to wake up.” The overtones of unrequited love are so strong as to remind me of the times I felt (and still feel this way). Sometime the only time you can be with the one you love is when you dream about them.

Track 4 - Awake and Alive - 03:31
Skillet returns with a song so strongly influenced by the comatose album (and after touring for three years who could not be influenced by Comatose) that each time I hear it I think I am listening to the wrong CD. The strings that begin the Song are so synonymous with Skillet that I have to imagine that any other band does this at their own peril. With lyrics like “I’m at war with the world cause I ain’t never gonna sell my soul. I already made up my mind no matter what I can’t be bought or sold!” the meaning behind this song is clear. Personally I can’t wait to see them perform this Live with thousands of people singing along. I’m Awake, I’m Alive, I know what I believe inside!

Track 5 - One Day to Late - 03:40
Once again the style of music changes here, and while this song stops short of the Ballad I got to say that this song really touches me. I find myself listening to the words and wondering along with John, am I making the world a better place? “Today I’m gonna try a little harder Gonna make every minute last longer. Gonna learn to forgive and forget cause we dont have long, gonna make the most of it. Today I’m gonna love my enemies. reach out to somebody who needs me make a change, make the world a better place cause tomorrow could be one day to late.” The song is clearly about making the most of each moment since tomorrow may be one day to late.

Track 6 - It’s not me it’s You - 03:25
From the beginning chords and thrashing guitar it is clear this is an angry song. “Let get the story straight, you are poison. you flooded through my veins you left me broken you tried to make me think that the blame was all on me. with the pain you put me through and now I know that its not me its you!” This song is clearly aimed at all the people who look down on others for all the various reasons. i.e. clothes, music, tattoos. instead of seeing what God sees, A child he loves. Even when people treat us bad, we can turn to Christ and find ourselves empowered by putting our hope in Him instead of letting someone who’s giving you a hard time wear you down.

Track 7 - Should’ve when you Could’ve - 03:32
This song has a real 80’s sound, and reminds of one of the typical break-up songs of that period.
The song is about a girl being caught red-handed. While the song has a light and almost airy feel the message behind the music is pretty rock solid. You have to do the right thing when you get the chance to do since if you don’t, you very well may not get a second chance later.

Track 8 - Forgiven - 03:39
This is clearly one of the most overtly Christian song on the CD. While it is almost a federal law that a Christian band has to have a song about forgiveness, Skillet takes the concept on from a different angle and talks about not just the idea of letting someone down and being forgiven but also about acting in the forgiveness and not beating yourself up over the times you have failed. in this I am reminded of Luther’s saying Sin boldly for Christ forgives bolder still.

Track 9 - Sometimes - 03:29
This is a song I am kind of unsure about. From the very beginning the song has a very dark sound. This song is clearly about the struggle we all have with the darker part of our lives, and we all know of times when that darker part has won out. “Sometimes I dont want to be better. Some times I can’t be put back together. sometimes I find it hard to believe there someone else who can be just as messed up as me.” I am reminded of what Paul wrote in romans.

Romans 7:14-20 (NIV)
We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

While the song is dark I find some peace in knowing that I am not the only one who feels this way.

Track 10 - Never Surrender - 03:31
from my research I found that the original inspiration for this song came from a conversation John Cooper had with someone who was battling an eating disorder. “Do you know what its like when you’re scared to see yourself.” is the first line of this melodic pop rock sounding song. The idea that you don’t like who you are is something I am all to familiar with. in the song you hear the cry “You make me feel better, Put me back together, I don’t want to feel like tomorrow I don’t want to live like this today” Just having someone there for you, whether that is God or family member or just someone to listen to you and share your pain, Someone that isn’t going to give up. This is a rocking song with a solid message.

Track 11 - Lucy - 03:38
At first listen I thought I knew just what this song was about. The idea of losing someone close to you. “Hey Lucy I remember you name, I left a dozen roses on your grave today, I’m in the grass on my knees wipe the leaves away. I just came to talk for a while got some things I need to say.” As I listened to the song, over and over again, I realized that there was much more to this song. The Idea that there is always a chance of a brand new start. This is easily the most melodic song on the CD and vaults over Ballad and lands clearly into the Cell phone/Zippo light burning in the dark style of song. I loved every second of it.

There has also been talk of a 12th song being added however there has been no confirmation of this at the time of publishing this. I would love to know what you think about the CD or at least “Hero” You can call in to 206-666 5453 or email me at jtindiepodcast@gmail.com

This review is part of the jtindie.com podcast and produced under a creative Commons 3.0 attribution non commercial no derivatives United states license

Today’s podcast is brought to you courtesy of Building 429. I hope you enjoy the Songs.

Erase
Overcome
Bring Me Back

Contact Information
You can leave me feedback in several forms, technically you could try homing pigeons or trained weasels but I think you will find these options much more to your liking. You can leave me comments here on the page (I love getting comments) or you can Email me at jtindiepodcast at gmail dot com, or finally and perhaps the most exciting you can leave me voice-mail feedback at 206-666-5453

Legal Notices
First off I want to thank all the bands for allowing me to play their music, I would also like to thank Ioda Promonet, Podsafe Music Network, and Magnatune For Providing Music. Intro music was “Stasis” by Etherfysh and you can find him on Magnatune. Jt’s Indie Christian Music Podcast is part of the Farpoint Media Family and is Released under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial, No Derivs 3.0 License 2009.

Spent the weekend in New Jersey at the Slovak Zion Snyod Assembly for the ELCA. When I got home I felt that I just had to talk about the whole Idea of Confession and Forgiveness. I will be posting an article as soon as I get it finished. I did talk about it in the show so you can listen to and enjoy it.

First Song
Anadara - Love is the Exception

Voice Mails
Jason from Western Pa calling from Creation Music Fest
DAVe from the Jen and Dave show serenades me about my Honesty Blog.

Promo
Podcasting for Water - The JesusGeek

JT is a SELL OUT

I am raising money for John Wilkersons Podcasting for water. For more information check out my Sell Out Page.

Forgiveness
I came face to face with forgiveness this weekend and walked away a changed man. I know I am forgiven and forgiveness is mine for the asking but to really and actually feel forgiven is something else entirely.

Promo
How to Grow your geek - Susie the southern geek helps you to raise a child in the proud Geek tradition.

Final Song of the Day
Laura Story - Make Something Beautiful

New Project
The ADD Devotional
I have always had a love hate relationship with devotionals. I know that when I force myself to take the time and do a daily devotional I am rewarded in the fact that I do end up closer to God than ever before. The Problem I have always had is that I never seem to be able to stick with a devotional for more than a week or two. so I have decided that the only solution for this is to try and write my own devotional, but since I am a podcaster this wont be your usual devotional, and since I know I suffer (well those around suffer I kind of enjoy it) a serious case of attention Deficit Disorder I have decided that the only way I would ever be able to do a devotional was if I could listen to it and if it was short.

and that is just what Im gonna try a three to five minute daily devotion. I was going to try and divide up the devotion into weeks and do 7 days on a topic but I have decided to start with a single topic and just work from there to see where the ADD leads me in my bible journey. I have no Idea how long it is going to take me to write and record 365 devotional. I even have a title The ADD Devotional and the starting point for this 365 day meander through the bible. Why forgiveness of course since lets face it, it is with forgiveness that we all start our walk with Christ.

My thanks to Brad Mcfadden of the 2 blind Squirrels for the Idea

Contact Information
You can leave me feedback in several forms, technically you could try homing pigeons or trained weasels but I think you will find these options much more to your liking. You can leave me comments here on the page (I love getting comments) or you can Email me at jtindiepodcast at gmail dot com, and remember if you send me email there is a chance that Alex V2.6 will read your email on the show, or finally and perhaps the most exciting you can leave me voice-mail feedback at 206-666-5453

Legal Notices
First off I want to thank all the bands for allowing me to play their music, I would also like to thank Ioda Promonet, Podsafe Music Network, and Magnatune For Providing Music. Intro music was “Conflagration” by Domased and you can find him on Magnatune. Jt’s Indie Christian Music Podcast is part of the Farpoint Media Family and is Released under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial, No Derivs 3.0 License 2009.

This is the Rough Draft of the Devotional I will be giving at our Synod Meeting this year. I was really surprised to be asked to do since I am the most non Lutheran person in the whole Synod.

We Share Jesus:

Open in Prayer.
God Remind us that we are supposed to be your Body.

Video: We are his Body

The Title of this Devotional is “We Share Jesus” and when the bishop asked me to do this I was wondering just what she was thinking. Of all the people here I am probably the least Lutheran person in here. When people ask me “What I am” I answer that I am a catha-bapta-metha-costa-lyn. However as I thought about it I began to understand since The ONE thing that we all have in common, The one thing that brings us all together, or should be the one thing that brings us all together is that we share Jesus. Or as I would of titled it “It’s all about Jesus… Dummy”

Ephesians 4: 1-8 (NIV)
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one spirit — Just as you were called to one hope when you were called — One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism; One God and Father of all and through all and in all.

But to each one of us grace had been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says:

“When he ascended on high, He led captives in his train and Gave gifts to men.”

The fact of the matter is that we are facing a lot of issues in the near future that have the potential to rip the Church Apart. People on both sides of the Debate are determined that if they don’t get what they want then there just gonna take their ball and go home. And I got to Confess to you I pretty much felt the same way. That was until I met Stephen, or I call him Mini-me. You see Stephen and I are polar opposites on Just about Everything. I am Big, Stephen is tiny, I am a carnivore, Stephen is a Vegetarian, Stephen in a Communist, I am a Capitalist. Stephen is Emotional (he wants to be a Pastor), I am analytical (I Design Machines), At first glance the only thing we have in common is we are both still alive.. We even have differing views on biblical matters,

we disagree on:
Communion,
End Times,
The Gifts of the Spirit
the Use of Liturgy

Pretty much the only thing we have in common is Christ And we have both found out that that is enough. Since then, Stephen has become one of my closest friends and before, during and after church you can’t find one of us without finding the other.

Why, Because we Share Jesus
Awhile back I was reading through my Bible, something I strongly suggest you all do, and I don’t mean the reading through the Bible you do when you’re trying to find that

“one verse that is gonna put those (insert the name of people who upset you) in their place once in for all!”

This is where that Hard Lesson to learn part starts, at least for me it does. This is the Type of Bible Study where you Read the Bible and instead of thinking “What does this verse have to do with (insert hot button topic that has you all riled up)” Instead You Read the Bible and Think “how does this Change ME.”

So I’m going to Read this next Verse and what I want you take just a moment and think about it. Then I am going to ask you all some questions.

1st Corinthians 2:1-2 (NIV)
When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

Here is Verse 2 in another translation

GOD’S WORD translation
While I was with you, I decided to deal with only one subject-Jesus Christ, who was crucified.

Questions

1.What do these Verses mean to me?
2.What would change in my life if I ‘Knew nothing but Christ and Him Crucified’

All of us here have things we agree on, I would bet I could sit down with each and every one of you and we would find things we had in common. At the same time I would bet that if I sat down with each of you, we would find things we disagreed on, and as long as we share Jesus, then there is Love. After all in John 13:34 Jesus COMMANDS us to Love one another just as he loved us, and if you’re wondering how He loved us (which is sort of like asking ‘who is my neighbor’) then I’ll direct you to Romans 5:8 You can look it up yourself.
Closing Prayer:
Father, as you brought all of us, your children here together. You have given us the purpose of Sharing Jesus with a World that doesn’t know him and we find ourselves unable to share your Son with each other let alone the Dying world. Le us hear your still small voice and leave here with a passion for the Lost and resolved to know only Jesus Christ and Him Crucified.

Amen

Skillet to Unveil “AWAKE” on August 25th

NASHVILLE, TN…6/22/09…On the heels of the most successful record of their career, Atlantic/Ardent/INO Records’ active rockers Skillet will end the nearly 3-year spanse between projects with “AWAKE,” available in stores and at all online retailers on August 25th.

Produced by Howard Benson, (Daughtry, My Chemical Romance, The All American Rejects,), the project is available now for pre-order via the band’s official website, http://skillet.com. A variety of packages are being offered, pairing the album with such bonuses as an exclusive Skillet t-shirt, an autographed VIP pass, and membership in Skillet’s official fan club. All pre-orders of “AWAKE” come with an immediate download of “Hero.”

Now, as they headline and are creating a big buzz at the summer Christian festivals with their ‘electric’ live show, Skillet prepares to unveil what lead-singer/bassist and primary songwriter John Cooper calls a “turning of a page” for the band. “This album is even more immediate than “Comatose,” but there’s also a noticeable maturity,” he says. “Some of the songs are complex, others are just really intense rockers and overall there’s a real sense that we’re opening a new chapter. There are definitely some classic rock elements on the record, some very melodic moments with orchestration and piano, along with a lot of today’s heavier rock influences as well. ”

The first example is the hook-heavy lead single “Hero,” already climbing Christian CHR (#15) and Rock radio (#6) charts.

Quote from Radio PD/Kai working on this

Other outpourings include the first Mainstream and Active Rock single “Monster,” the militant “It’s Not Me,” and the hopeful “Forgiven.” There are also a handful of gripping ballads and crossover songs like the loss-centered “Lucy,” the melodic “Don’t Wake Me” and “One Day Too Late.” “Never Surrender” came from a conversation with a fan about their eating disorder, and what is sure to become a live show favorite is the rocker “Awake & Alive.” To listen to a clip of “Hero,” go to http://www.inorecords.com/inoradioemail/090510/heroclip.mp3

“We’re living in hard times right now between the news that seems to get crazier every day and all the uncertainly throughout society in general,” says Cooper. “Sometimes it doesn’t seem like there’s hope, and sure you can choose to give up, but why not face it ‘Awake and Alive’? Life is full of challenges, and sometimes when you look deep into yourself, you can feel weighed down by sin and the ‘Monster’ that lives inside us all. But the more you realize your need for Christ, the less you focus on that, and on Him instead. Everything we sing about on this album is something someone can relate to, and if anything, the songs will let you know you’re not alone.”

That’s right everyone I am back home and have spent the last 20 hours doggy free. I have not been stared at, licked or pooped at in almost a day and I got to say it is a good feeling. So it is back to the show and I I have got quite a show planned for you. I have Voice mails, music, an Honesty Update, some Exciting music news and probably more talk that I care to imagine.

First Song
Alabaster Box with We will not be Silent

Video of Alabaster box - Fine

Promo
Podcasting for Water by The OJG

In the Studio
I got Two CDs in the Studio this week, both from my good friends at Wounded Records. Solemn Vow with American Dream and Neviah Nevi with their New CD Tales of Terror. Both are hardcore and I am torn over which one to Review. I may just have to review both.

New Project
The ADD Devotional
I have always had a love hate relationship with devotionals. I know that when I force myself to take the time and do a daily devotional I am rewarded in the fact that I do end up closer to God than ever before. The Problem I have always had is that I never seem to be able to stick with a devotional for more than a week or two. so I have decided that the only solution for this is to try and write my own devotional, but since I am a podcaster this wont be your usual devotional, and since I know I suffer (well those around suffer I kind of enjoy it) a serious case of attention Deficit Disorder I have decided that the only way I would ever be able to do a devotional was if I could listen to it and if it was short.

and that is just what Im gonna try a three to five minute daily devotion. I was going to try and divide up the devotion into weeks and do 7 days on a topic but I have decided to start with a single topic and just work from there to see where the ADD leads me in my bible journey. I have no Idea how long it is going to take me to write and record 365 devotional. I even have a title The ADD Devotional and the starting point for this 365 day meander through the bible. Why forgiveness of course since lets face it, it is with forgiveness that we all start our walk with Christ.

My thanks to Brad Mcfadden of the 2 blind Squirrels for the Idea

Promo
JC Hutchins Personal Effects Dark Arts

Last Song
Solemn Vow - Cheer up Charlie Give us a Smile

Contact Information
You can leave me feedback in several forms, technically you could try homing pigeons or trained weasels but I think you will find these options much more to your liking. You can leave me comments here on the page (I love getting comments) or you can Email me at jtindiepodcast at gmail dot com, and remember if you send me email there is a chance that Alex V2.6 will read your email on the show, or finally and perhaps the most exciting you can leave me voice-mail feedback at 206-666-5453

Legal Notices
First off I want to thank all the bands for allowing me to play their music, I would also like to thank Ioda Promonet, Podsafe Music Network, and Magnatune For Providing Music. Intro music was “Conflagration” by Domased and you can find him on Magnatune. Jt’s Indie Christian Music Podcast is part of the Farpoint Media Family and is Released under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial, No Derivs 3.0 License 2009.

Ok a really short show today. I recorded it on my little SanSADisk mp3 player so if you are wondering why it sounds like it was made with pure SUCK well now you know.

PlayList
Todd Agnew - Still Here Waiting
The Rose McCoy Band - The World has not Known you but I have Know You

Promo
J.C. Hutchins - Personal Effects Dark Arts

Email Me at jtindiepodcast at gmail dot com
Leave me Voice Mail at 206-666-5453

Later All

Honesty Day 8 Monday 6-15-09

Breakfast
Soft Pretzel
Lemonade

Lunch
General Tso Chicken
White Rice
Won Ton Soup
Chicken on stick

Dinner
BBQ Burgers

Snack
Klondike Bar

Exercise
Chasing the dog thru the neighborhood as he got out of the fence. Gonna have to fix that hole!

Honesty day 7 Sunday 6-14-09

breakfast
Sugar free jolt

Lunch
Imitation Crab
Salad

Dinner
Pork chops and Noodles

Snack
Klondike Bar

Exercise
Stationary Bike ride.

A little bit better today but still hoping to do better, spent some nice time outside with the dogs, letting them stay outside and play instead of just going out and coming back in.

Sorry for the delay everyone, this whole dog sitting thing is throwing a huge monkey wrench into my schedules. I am trying to get things back on-line.

Honesty day 6 6-13-09

Breakfast
Herseys bar

Lunch
Klondike bar

Dinner
Golden Corral

Snack
Banana wheel delight from Kings

Not a great day for the old JT.. and Im not making excuses I have a feeling that the weekends are going to be like that. I did get to go to church on saturday with Mike to a church that a friend of ours is a pastor at and it was great to be able to worship without having to stop every verse and change screens for everyone else.

Here is the project I have been thinking about working on for the past few months. I have been wanting to do a type of devotional as part of my podcast for a while now and have been working on several different Ideas.

The first Idea was to do a commentary type on the devotional “My utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers, and post a 3-5 min audio of what I thought about that days devotional.

My next idea and the one that is currently in the lead is to do a daily 3-5 min devotional of my own that would be 2 bible verses a day with each week devoted to a single theme. I would like to try and relate the themes so that each theme builds on the previous theme. I would need 365 of these and I have to admit that I find this whole thing kind of daunting but I also feel like this is one of the things I should be doing.

I have been looking at the themes and have listed the themes I have thought of below but I need 52 of them or close to that since some of these themes can support more than one week.

Themes
1. Grace
2. prayer
3. Fasting
4. Forgiveness
5. Love
6. Peace
7. joy
8. Longsuffering
9. Kindness
10. Goodness
11. Faith
12. Self Control
13. salvation
14. lords Prayer
15. Giving
16. Worship
17. Witnessing
18. Friendship
19. Discipleship
20. Truth
21. Pain
22. Grief
23. sorrow

I am really hoping all of you will give me your input and tell me what you think.