SPIRIT 105.3 Moments

Andrea Wilson from the iBible, a visual and interactive Bible app, talks to Erica about the app's impact since its recent release. The app has been particularly transformative for youth engagement with the Bible. It's designed to cater to visual and oral learners, making it accessible to those who cannot read, and is available for free in 7,000 living languages!

Pastors Steve and Jen McConnell from Seattle Foursquare Church initiated the Aurora Prayer Shield to address sex trafficking and social issues in North Seattle through prayer and action. They lead their church, organize community events, and have watched hotels with illegal activities shut down and close. In faith, prayer and compassion, they are reaching out to this community to make change. This is their mission field, and they're watching God move mightily and make change. 

Aurora Prayer Shield Website: https://seattlefoursquare.org/aurora-prayer-shield

My friend Deb from King's School... She's an amazing woman. She just came back from Kenya with a group of fantastic King's students. This is not her first rodeo, but boy was it an adventure! Click PLAY to hear all about it!

Amanda Hostetler, a teacher at King Schools in Shoreline, is leading a team of 31 students to Uganda to serve in a village with about 350 children. They will be doing children’s ministry, widow and orphan outreach, and learning about life within the local community. This is a great faith stretcher for these kids! Click PLAY to find out how you can support these students!

Patrick Mayberry sits down with Erica, opening up on the love story with his wife, the inspiration behind his song "Lead on Good Shepherd," and accessing God's blessings through Jesus.

Erica and Pastor Ben Sterciuc are previewing 100 Days of Prayer for Seattle, which is all about transforming the city from the most unchurched to the most revived. Will you join us in praying for the city? Pray in your own way; during a lunch break, a weekly gathering, when you're on a walk... Prayer is powerful. Our God is big. And this is possible.

Click PLAY to learn more.

Carson Raz shares with Erica his epic quest to becoming an Eagle Scout. Initially attracted to camping, Carson gained leadership and communication skills through scouting. He completed all ranks to become an Eagle Scout, fulfilling a service project by rebuilding garden beds. Carson views Eagle Scout as beneficial for future job applications and cherishes the friendships formed in scouting.

Click to hear more.

Sherri Lynn is all set for SPIRIT 105.3's first women's event, Snacks and Good Company Live! She will be sharing stories with her trademark humor and joy-filling laugh. I'll be joining her along with our very own Sarah Taylor and Jenn Schultz (AllMomDoes).  We still have seats and would love to see you there! Register by texting LADIES to 89419.

Sherry is back with a recap! She and the team from Hope Church in Snohomish recently returned from their trip to Mexico, where they built a tiny house for a family. After construction, the new homeowner placed a cross at the top of the house! Praise the Lord!

Erica has brought Brooklyn back, a student at Edmonds Woodway High, to talk more about how she is actively sharing her faith in Christ at school, and her efforts to share Jesus with other kids who come to the Warriors for Christ Club. She hosts weekly pizza parties from donations that have been given, and she and others share their faith and pray. She is an incredible young woman and we're inspired by how she boldly walks through life in her faith.

Lisa Holt is basically running a detective agency for dogs! Her furry squad at Pads for Parkinson's identify the Parkinson's disease odor from samples, scoring treats for sniffing out the scent correctly. By catching the disease early, they're like lifesaving superheroes. Thank you Lisa for opening up this impactful world of work with us!

We invite you to unite with us in prayer today. On this National Day of Prayer, let's come together and raise our voices as one. Join our CEO, Jacinta Tegman, as she leads us in prayer. Share your own prayers in the comments section.

Erica chats with Rudy Kish from the Action Bible Project, originally created by David C. Cook 150 years ago for orphaned children. The Faith in Action edition engages children with images and stories, and is reaching over 40 million kids globally. Rudy shares how the Bible impacted his son, leading him to read, get baptized, and teach. Illustrated by Sergio Carillo, a former Marvel and DC Comics artist, the Action Bible aims to spread God's message through art.

Seph Schlueter sits down with Erica, sharing insight into his songwriting process, and how his songs are inspired by his life experiences, especially his encounters with the divine.

Sam shares a little story on little joys... It may have caused a woman to run away, but that's beside the point, lol.

Sherri and Sarah talk about being on a mission to sprinkle faith with a big dose of laughter and joy for Christian women at the upcoming Snacks & Good Company LIVE Women's Event. Sherri believes that laughter is a form of faith and isn't afraid to use humor to dive into those tricky church topics. Together, they share how God sees the beauty in imperfection, aiming to spread love and happiness among women through events that mix humor with heartfelt messages. Sherri's stand-up comedy routines even take on the topics of aging and physical hurdles with a hilarious twist! We hope you'll join us May 9th at Evergreen Church in Bothell! 

The event is powered by our friends at Vision House

Chris Brown from Elevation Worship spills the beans on tapping into sermons and biblical stories for musical inspo. He sings praises about the strength found in worship during rough patches, having faith in the grand plan, and discovering reasons to be grateful every day.

He grew up listening to SPIRIT 105.3 and now he tours with one of his favorite artists, playing keys for Michael W. Smith. If there was ever a reason to keep your kid in piano lessons... meet Aaron Smith!

Sherill is a soon-to-be adventurer heading off to Mexico on a mission trip! Hailing from Granite Falls, she's all geared up with the HOPE Church crew from Snohomish to rebuild a home for a family in need. With her Alaskan off-grid living skills and experience aiding low-income families, she's all set for this heartwarming journey. She's ready to pitch in, and can't wait to spread some love and hope!

Jill Servais, the awesome better half of Mariners skipper, Scott Servais, dives into her love for furry friends and the pet predicament in the USA with Erica. She's a champion of spaying/neutering and reducing the rates of euthanasia, a huge fan of fostering, and an even bigger supporter of All Paws on Deck! Click PLAY for all the details!

Erica dives into a heartwarming chat with Charlotte Thomas, the mastermind behind God's Grace Hot Meals. This beautiful journey started 15 years back with a random act of kindness on Thanksgiving, blossoming into a full-blown mission to support the homeless across Snohomish County and three cities in Grant County. From hot meals to warm clothes, tents, and even a listening ear, Charlotte's volunteer squads are spreading not just food but loads of love and hope. It's all about wrapping people in a cozy blanket of care and reminding them they're not walking this road alone.

Author Jenn Schultz sits down with Erica to discuss her personal journey of overcoming comparison and competition with other women. They talk about the importance of recognizing that women are not enemies but allies in God's Kingdom. Pro Tip:  Stay grounded in scripture and prayer to counteract feelings of jealousy and insecurity. 

Click PLAY for this empowering conversation.

Luke Smallbone talks with Erica about their upcoming movie based on his family's story, Unsung Hero. The film shares their family struggles and tragedies, with a message of family, faith, and forgiveness. Click PLAY to find out more.

It is 1953 Seattle, Washington. A man named Mike Martin is holding a letter in his hand from a local radio station. It says, “No. Canceled.” He can't continue the 15-minute radio program that he currently uses to reach troubled teens with the love of Jesus. He prays and God gives him the idea to start a Christian radio station.

Putting a radio station on the air is a tall order and Mike doesn't have the money needed for it. He doesn't know engineering or how to apply for a license, but Mike and his wife Vivian keep praying about it.

In November 1954, the station God gives Mike signs on the air. Today AM 630 KCIS is still going strong and is part of what's known today as CRISTA Ministries. And without KCIS, there would be no SPIRIT 105.3, the station you are listening to right now. Millions of people have heard the gospel on the radio over the years because of prayers offered in faith.

At CRISTA Ministries throughout 2024, we are celebrating 75 years of God's faithfulness, and we want to thank you for being part of our journey, and part of our family. You can learn more about CRISTA Ministries and hear more faith building stories from the past 75 years by texting the word FAITH to 8 9 4 1 9.

Sandi Harris is here with Erica to share about the epic EGGstravaganza bash at Northshore Christian Church! They're going all out with dino "meet-and-greets", egg hunts, a full-blown carnival, and tons more fun stuff. This shindig isn't just about good times; it's all about bringing the neighborhood together, spreading the message of Easter, and making sure everyone feels loved and accepted.

Click PLAY to listen in!

CROWDER IS IN THE HOUSE and spilling the beans on his tune "Grave Robber," a song sparked by the biblical tale of Lazarus, and a pumped-up anthem about conquering challenges. He gives a shoutout to his squad as he shares their role in his faith journey and day-to-day adventures. We are HUGE fans of David Crowder and his music! Packed full of redemption and grace. 

Click PLAY to listen in on their conversation!

Pastor Philip McCallum from Evergreen Church in Bothell, Washington, discusses his recent trips to Israel with Erica. He is part of a humanitarian tour called Philip's House, which aims to connect and relate to different cultures, beginning in Israel.

Vasiliy Stupin, a former refugee from the Soviet Union and a member of Good Works Washington, a Tacoma-based organization functioning as a thrift shop and food bank, is offering hope and assistance to refugees, and people are finding the love of Jesus and hope! He shares with Erica his personal link to the cause and its impact on refugees. With the aid of approximately 40 volunteers, Good Works Washington serves over 30,000 meals each month to those in need. 

Click PLAY to listen in on this impactful story.

Meet Brooklynn Steiner from Edmonds, a junior in high school and a Christ-follower making a difference all around her. She's a leader at Warriors for Christ Club and shining Jesus' love wherever she goes. We are so thankful for her!

Click PLAY to meet this sweet young woman and hear about the stories and lives she's encountered.

Church Awakening, a ministry started by Pastor Alec from Westgate Chapel in Edmonds, is hosting a conference this Thursday and Friday. The ministry, which began 20 years ago, focuses on prayer and revival, and now attracts around 700 pastors, intercessors, and church leaders from across the country. Pastor Alec explains that many pastors arrive at the conference feeling discouraged, particularly in the wake of Covid-19, but leave feeling emboldened in their faith and equipped with resources to bring back to their home churches. There is great loneliness within pastoral ministry that most of us don't even realize. He shares about the importance of support networks within congregations for pastors.

The Jeep community and the Mission 22 family are incredible. They came together to honor the life of Trooper Christopher Gadd, who was recently killed in the line of duty. Jennifer Derouen, a nurse and member of the Jeep community, shares with Erica about this honoring memorial run and all of the love that was poured out for Trooper Gadd and his family.

Additional info: Volunteers from National Veteran non-profit group, Mission 22, provide extensive, personalized support and resources to help Veterans and their families thrive.

Author Katelyn Caswell spills the beans about her delightful children's book "Unique Friends" with Erica. The book follows Ellie the elephant on a journey of self-acceptance and celebrating what makes her stand out. Through her tale, Caswell sprinkles lessons on love and grit for little readers.

Click PLAY for inspiration on following your dreams!

A busy mom left her wallet in a grocery store shopping cart. Much to her surprise, a good Samaritan and his son returned it to her front door.

Click PLAY for the full story.

Our story is your story. If you look back over your life, what are the moments where you have seen the faithfulness of God. Maybe not IN THE MOMENT, but years later? Maybe today you need a reminder that God is faithful, surprising, in the miracle business, and still answering prayers. As CRISTA Ministries celebrates 75-years, we are looking back on what God has done. We hope these stories remind you to be faithful in prayer, look to God for direction and expect miracles. Listen, be encouraged and let’s celebrate the God of hope together!

CeCe Winans is hanging out with Erica today! Join in on their conversation about her grandson Wyatt's prayerful nature, an upcoming women's conference, and her new song "That's My King" focusing on praising God.

Click PLAY to listen now!

Erica sat down with Daniel Frederick, the executive director of Coffee Oasis, about restoring community through compassionate youth programs and coffee businesses.

They are a non-profit organization based in Kitsap and Pierce County, dedicated to helping homeless and at-risk youth. They run the only underage youth shelters in the counties, providing a safe place for kids as young as 13 who don't have a home or family. The coffee shop proceeds go towards supporting their mission. Click PLAY for more!

Danny Gokey is like an espresso shot of encouragement! He's with us discussing his life, his new song, and a moment recently when he took a "leap of faith."

The Lord cares for you! ❤️ A few weeks ago, Makayla turned 18… and at the same time, her life turned upside down. Her battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma began and since then, Jesus has given Makayla a new lens on life. She’s seeing everything with new eyes and He’s showing this brave young woman that He sees her. Makayla’s mom Becky is a teacher at King’s Schools, our sister ministry. Our awesome team arranged for her daughter to meet a couple rockstars in Kent on Saturday. Makayla was overjoyed to hang out with Mac Powell and TobyMac backstage! A rockstar herself, she fit right in with her megawatt smile and bright outlook. Her mom got to come too! May this post remind you… God sees you in the midst of your battle!

You are Loved, Erica, on behalf of the entire SPIRIT 105.3 team

Jordan gives Erica a follow-up on his recent experience of having his car stolen. What we know: The Lord provides lessons in faith in all the things that we face, where we can cultivate and grow our trust in Him.

Click PLAY for the details!

We are so excited to announce our Love is on the Air! winner, Haley from Bremerton! She has won an overnight hotel stay at The Westin Seattle, dinner for 2, and a pair of tickets to the TobyMac concert!

Through all 13 deployments, Haley's husband has gone above and beyond to love his wife. Haley and Sam are celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary this Valentine's Day! Here is Haley gushing about her crush:

"In our line of work, marriage is hard work, AND BOY DOES MY MAN DO IT WELL!! When he is gone, he will arrange for flowers to be delivered on special occasions. He will pre buy gifts, wrap them and then hide them around the house. He will write letters and send them snail mail. He will send friends over with special treats for me. He will fly my mom over to me as a surprise. My husband is one in a million and my cup runneth over."

Congratulations Haley! Wishing you and Sam a very lovely Valentine's Day weekend - courtesy of our friends at The Westin Seattle!

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/seawi-the-westin-seattle/overview/

Once upon a flight, a zoo hero named Robin faced a serious dilemma when the egg incubator she was using to transport flamingo eggs from the Atlanta Zoo to the Woodland Park Zoo malfunctioned on an Alaska Airlines flight. With assistance from flight attendants and passengers, the eggs were kept warm using improvised methods.

Click PLAY for the fluffy outcome!

Until we've personally walked in the shoes of others do we fully understand what someone is going through. Brant shares the significance of personal experience in empathy, after hearing a story about Lindsay, an oncology nurse who was diagnosed with cancer. She apologized to her previous patients for not fully understanding their experience until personally living what they went through.

A powerful story, and a reminder for us to live, and lead, with empathy.

Christina King, a mother of twins and brain cancer survivor, shares her inspiring story with Erica today. Six years ago, she was diagnosed with brain cancer. During her recovery, she returned to baking, which led to the creation of Bonnie's Buns (named after her mother). Christina loves being able to do what she does, and sharing her baked goods and creating a sense of home and love for everyone who walks through her door brings her the greatest joy.

Brant recently did an experiment to overcome his social awkwardness. He donned a cool t-shirt with a nod to Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre," and strutted his stuff to the gym, hoping to encourage conversation. Sherri suggests the gym might not have been the best place for such an attempt.

What did Brant learn? Men don't want to talk about anything Victorian.

Today you're going to hear a story about a pair of gold shoes, but it's so much more than that. It's about a decision to give a gift that will keep on giving for a long time.

One Voice Worship is IN HOUSE! This wonderful local group of worship leaders brings the heart of their love of Jesus through their music. Worship is making much of Him, a lifestyle and a form of surrender to God. Listen in as they share their personal journeys to faith, with each having a unique story of coming to know Jesus.

We are huge fans of these guys! Click PLAY to sit in on their in-studio interview.

Special Guest: Malora Forrey CEO, Pregnancy Resource Clinic in Everett
Website: https://www.pregnancyresourceclinic.org/

The Pregnancy Resource Clinic in Everett has an amazing baby boutique, where patients can earn points by mastering the learning programs, and shop for adorable baby items. It doubles up as a hub for the community to bond together and receive support. And that's not all! The clinic also has weekly mom squads, birthing and parenting classes, and a program that dads can join in too. They happily accept donations, especially new or gently used goodies. Let's get those little ones snuggled up!

Settling in for a chat with Jeremy Camp is like sipping hot cocoa on a winter's day - warm and comforting. We talked about everything from the ups and downs of life, his battle with anxiety at one point, to his epic new song, "These Days," which came from wanting to flip the script on the phrase "these days" and focus on the idea that we're all in the right place at the right time. God's got a plan for each and every one of us, and it's up to us to walk into that purpose, right where we are.

Get ready for an inspiring story! Lauri McKinley from Aurora Community Church in Shoreline shares how the church noticed a need for shoes at their church Clothes Closet, open to kids who in kindergarten through 12th grade in the Shoreline area. They decided to collect as many shoes as possible and give them away. The result? A heartwarming success that showed a big ol' dose of God's love with the Church coming together, filling the gap where a need was, and showing the kids and their families, how much God loves them.

Erica chats it up with Lindsey Heaney from Tacoma Humane about their fifth annual "Poorly Drawn Pets" event, where people can submit a photo of their pet for a humorous drawing by volunteer artists, with a $30 donation. The drawings are posted on the event's Facebook page, and over 400 pictures have been submitted, raising more than $17,000 so far.

The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County Website:
https://www.thehumanesociety.org/get-involved/

The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/TacomaHumane

Join Pastor Jesse Bradley and Erica as they discuss the highly anticipated revival at Grace Community Church in Auburn. Pastor Bradley stresses the significance of repentance and seeking God's presence to experience true worship and encourages us to draw closer to God. We're praying that the revival will transcend church walls and reach the wider community.

For more information, text REVIVAL to 89419.

Tasha Layton is "in the house," talking about her new song, "Never," and how it's a reminder that she is never forsaken, and always safe in God's hands. Do you need that reminder today?

It was like a four-hour group hug for our heroes this Saturday! A winter clothing and food drive on behalf of veterans in need happened at the American Legion at 117 6th Ave. S. in Edmonds. YOU showed up with bags and boxes filled with love in the form of warm coats, blankets, groceries, and MORE. All the donations will bless the Hero's Cafe in Lynnwood. Erica popped by and got to meet so many amazing veterans, including Mark Bjorndal, who was on the morning show today. Hear from Mark now and Jessica with Project Serve too, who was there serving up delicious cocoas and coffees - made with freshly ground beans of course!

Hero's Cafe:
https://www.lynnwoodwa.gov/Community/Community-Engagement/Veterans-Services-Programs-New/Heros-Caf%C3%A9

Project Serve: https://www.instagram.com/projectserveoutreach/

It was like a four-hour group hug for our heroes this Saturday! A winter clothing and food drive on behalf of veterans in need happened at the American Legion at 117 6th Ave. S. in Edmonds. YOU showed up with bags and boxes filled with love in the form of warm coats, blankets, groceries, and MORE. All the donations will bless the Hero's Cafe in Lynnwood. Erica popped by and got to meet so many amazing veterans, including Mark Bjorndal, who was on the morning show today. Hear from Mark now and Jessica with Project Serve too, who was there serving up delicious cocoas and coffees - made with freshly ground beans of course!

Hero's Cafe:
https://www.lynnwoodwa.gov/Community/Community-Engagement/Veterans-Services-Programs-New/Heros-Caf%C3%A9

Project Serve: https://www.instagram.com/projectserveoutreach/

Get ready to stick your eyes on a masterpiece! Rudy Willingham whipped up a portrait of retired Coach Pete Carroll using $100 worth of chewing gum. Why gum? Because Coach Carroll had a habit of chomping gum during games, of course! This sweet masterpiece now resides on Seattle's famous gum wall, residing as an epic piece of gumtastic art. Stop by and check it out!

Voice Worship is a worship collective made up of mostly local worship pastors and leaders right here in the PNW, and I can't wait for you to meet our special guests Canaan Baca and Gospel Chidi. They are here to chat up their song “More Like Jesus” and they get such a good surprise!

Erica chatted this morning with Kellie Lewis, a superwoman from the Edmonds Food Bank. With the recent icy temps, the need for food assistance has skyrocketed. But, wait for it, Kellie shares a feel-good tale of a family that went above and beyond by gathering over 500 paper bags for the food bank to use! When serving 1000 families in one week, you go through bags fast, so this was a huge gift of time from Stephanie Westling, her kids Olivia and Winter, AND the community who donated the bags.

Rich Simms is living out LOUD for Jesus with REACH Ministry and Hope is Alive church in Pioneer Square in Seattle.

Reach Ministry Website: https://www.reachministry.org/

Sam Kelly talks about a book she loves called The Color of God. Born from an actual conversation between the author and her son, this amazingly illustrated picture book paints a beautiful picture of diversity by exploring the abundance of color in God's creation; showing that differences in our skin color was part of His perfect plan from the beginning of time.Listen to learn more about this book!

Erica sat down with Ben Malcolmson, who worked with Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll for 14 years. The words Ben uses to describe Pete come as no surprise: consistency, clarity of identity, positive influence, fun-loving nature, and competitive spirit. We love getting this window of insight into the man we have loved as our head coach all these years. We're going to miss him.

Let's talk about Gretchen Witt, the cookie queen who started Cookies for Kids Cancer to raise dough for pediatric cancer research. Her cookie crusade began when her dear son battled cancer, and now it's gone global. Locally, they've teamed up with Seattle Children's Hospital, one of their seven awesome partners.

Click PLAY for some sweet inspiration.

We're diving into a heart-to-heart chat with the talented songbird, Natalie Layne (Sarah Taylor does the ultimate audio-bomb)! They connect on happiness, honesty, faith, and of course, the musical journey that Natalie is on.

Click PLAY to listen!

Here's some wise advice from Chief Jay Wiseman at Snoqualmie Pass Fire and Rescue: if you're not up for a snowy drive, better stay put and wait for the weather to clear. But if you must hit the road, pack those essentials and stick to the speed limit.Click PLAY to hear more.

Meet Nathan Ray, the hero who coordinates the Marysville Cold Shelter, and keeps our unhoused friends warm and cozy during chilly times. But, it's not just about providing a roof and a warm bed. Volunteers often become like family to guests, creating a bond of understanding and empathy. That's why the shelter proudly recorded over 3000 volunteer hours last year!

To volunteer: email Nathan@lincNW.org

A huge shoutout to the Marysville Laundry Station too, for being the ultimate wingman and offering their machines for FREE to the Marysville Cold Shelter, so they can deep clean and sanitize everything for their guests!

Three WSDOT workers found a bag of wrapped gifts on Christmas Eve and took to Facebook to find the owner. Find out what happened and why Madi Hilliard from WSDOT called the experience like a "Hallmark movie."

Rich Simms is living out LOUD for Jesus with REACH Ministry and Hope is Alive church in Pioneer Square in Seattle.

“Night to Shine" is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs, ages 14 and older. Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation at Northshore Community Church.

Sign up to volunteer here.

Well, hello there and welcome aboard to Flight 2024.We’re prepared to take off into a brand new year, so once you’re settled, we’ll pull away from the gate.Please take a moment and make sure your attitude and blessings are secured and locked in an upright position. All self-destructive devices should be turned off at this time. All negativity, hurt and discouragement should be put away. Should we lose attitude under pressure during the flight, reach up and pull down a prayer. Prayers will be automatically activated by faith. Once your faith is activated, you can then assist other passengers. And just a reminder, there’s no baggage allowed on this flight. Should you require any assistance, please let your DJ know. Oh, looks like the captain has cleared us for liftoff. So sit back, relax, and lift your spirit.

Erika Bowie, from the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, joins Erica for all things reindeer! Get the update on Cupid, a baby reindeer who underwent a lifesaving surgery at Washington State University, and get the details on the build out of a Geodesic Projection Dome to simulate the Northern Lights and reindeer herds from around the world! The farm will be open through mid-February so stop by and enjoy, without all the crazy Christmas crowds!!

Pastor Ben Sterciuc, joins Erica to talk about his recent trip to Israel. He explained that he went to show solidarity with the people of Israel and to provide both spiritual and material support. His organization, Vital Solutions, provided food, water, clothing, and financial aid to displaced families. They also distributed Christmas gifts to Jewish and Arab children in the Nazareth area. Despite the difficult circumstances, Pastor Ben described the experience as incredibly meaningful and impactful. Click to listen to be inspired and hear his prayer for the people of Israel, particularly the hostages in Gaza, and for peace in the region.

Erica sits down with one of our very own here at SPIRIT 105.3 for a beautiful testimony of faith. Jordan recently had his car stolen, and despite that unfortunate event, Jordan maintains a positive outlook and calmness through his faith in God. He explains that the lesson is in not panicking but trusting in God's plan.Click PLAY for this faith boost!

Brant is here to introduce his Hanson's Holiday Helpline, a service to answer holiday-themed questions. Listener Noah risked it all and called in to ask when he should start listening to Christmas music. Brant's answer is not helpful. In fact, Sherri finds the holiday helpline to be more of a scolding service.

Brant calls it a tough love approach.

When someone asks you this, what are they really asking?

Do you have presents thought up, bought and wrapped? Is your baking done? Is your house clean and decorated? Have you been working out and eating only one or two cookies? Is your calendar squared away and do you feel confident to make conversation with people around a veggie tray?

The question flusters me every time, because no. None of that. Not even one. And the poor person who asked. They are just making conversation. So why do I freeze like a person who just got a failing grade on the Christmas Checklist report card?

Advent means "coming." Instead of looking at it like a deadline where so many things need to be done before I can get there, I want to look at it with anticipation and excitement. It's exactly because

I can't get everything done that He came.

Christmas Day is not a finish line. It's a celebration of the great relief that came to us in the form of a baby who would carry all the messed up, heavy, hurt, broken parts of us, who would bind them up with his sacrifice and love and who would transform them to glory with His resurrection.

Relief. Rest. Righteousness. Health. Balance. Acceptance. Grace. Joy. LOVE so big and unconditional that it died for you. And rose again.

All the things Jesus' birth means. Am I ready to celebrate that? Am I ready to accept the gift of this?

"Are you ready for Christmas?"

I'm so ready.

Erica chats with Ray to see how he is feeling after winning the SPIRIT 105.3 Secret Sound. There is a beautiful message here for each of us.

Congratulations Ray on winning the Secret Sound with the winning guess: "Opening a can of cranberries."

Click PLAY to listen to this wonderful man who
1) rescues puppies
2) has a twin brother who's a single dad (that's who he's gifting the extra $1,000 to!), and
3) thanks his wife and has a heart full of gratitude!

Ray, we are so happy for you!

*The Secret Sound will return on Monday, January 8th, with $1,050 already in the United Faith Mortgage piggy bank!

It's here! The director's cut of the secret sound clue has been revealed. Listen here and share with a friend to double your chances of getting through to guess and win!

Mostly we don't like to be disturbed, but sometimes being disturbed is a good thing. This is a prayer from Sir Francis Drake. He was an English sea captain who lived a long time ago.

He wrote this prayer:

“Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves,
when our dreams have come true because we have dreamed too little,
when we arrive safely because we sailed too close to the shore.Disturb us, Lord, when with the abundance of things we possess,
we have lost our thirst for the waters of life, having fallen in love with life,
we have ceased to dream of eternity, and in our efforts to build a new earth,
we have allowed our vision of the new heaven to dim.Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly, to venture on wider seas,
where storms will show your mastery, where losing sight of land, we shall find the stars.
We ask you to push back the horizon of our hopes, and to push us into the future in strength, courage, hope, and love.
This we ask in the name of our Captain, who is Jesus Christ. ”
― Sir Francis Drake

Snohomish County's First Responders from various agencies came together with local service members to spread holiday cheer at Arlington's Annual Holidays with Heroes Event.

Chief Jonathan Ventura from the Arlington Police Department is Erica's special guest and shares about this heartwarming experience!

The lights are on and beautiful, and the cocoa is hot and full of marshmallows. And this year you're going to want to bring your ice skates. Holiday Magic is in full swing at the Washington State Fairgrounds and Stacey from the Fair is hanging out with us.

Click PLAY to catch the magical Christmas happening in Puyallup this year.

Debbie Christian, the director of the Auburn Food Bank, received an unexpected donation of $800,000 from an anonymous donor! A blessing that knocked their socks right off.

Click PLAY for all the details.

The cast of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" from Taproot Theatre is here and discussing their roles and experiences in this wonderful show. Find out about the sensory-friendly performances, which are designed to be more comfortable for those with sensory sensitivities. Oh the memories, hope and love that "A Charlie Brown Christmas" production brings.

Join me in getting behind the scenes scoop from this wonderful cast of characters!

I heard about "The Chosen" for a long time before I ever watched an episode. And forgive the pun, because a bunch of the people Jesus chose to follow Him were fishermen, but I was HOOKED immediately! This show found a place in my heart, and I can honestly say that every time I watch it, I feel closer to Jesus. How can a TV show do this? Well, the writing is wonderful; so connective and innovative. And funny! You'll smile or weep, depending on the episode. You'll see yourself in one or many of the characters, promise. Director Dallas Jenkins and his team are breaking the mold of the constantly serious, contemplative Jesus and painting, I believe, a picture of what He was really like while He lived on earth. Our Lord got tired, His feet needed washing, He built a fire to stay warm. He's a smiling Jesus. His kindness and compassion and love absolutely all radiate from your smartphone or TV screen. And here is where I must give credit to the gifted actor, Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus. I'm amazed and delighted to tell you that he's with us on the show today.

Take a listen. Even if you don't believe in God, one of the things we talk about is how they receive letters from atheists who appreciate the show. Perhaps you'll watch the first episode (it's even on Netflix now) and see what everyone is talking about. And email me your thoughts - I'd love to hear from you - Mornings@SPIRIT1053.com.
And if you're a seeker, I want you to know... God believes in YOU!

You are Loved, Erica

Taproot Theater is offering sensory-friendly performances of A Charlie Brown Christmas this holiday season! The theater aims to make the experience pleasurable and fun for everyone by increasing lighting in the seating area, lowering the sound, selling fewer tickets to allow more space between patrons, and allowing attendees to bring fidget toys and electronic devices with headphones. The initiative is part of Taproot Theater's efforts to make the show accommodating, relaxing, and special for all.

Geneva’s path to homelessness and incarceration began at an early age. “I started smoking pot at 13,” she says. “When I was in my 20s, I started doing meth, and my husband was very abusive. He liked to hit on me all the time, and beat on me, and for my escape I used drugs.”

Geneva doesn’t allow her past to bring her down now. “There are so many things from my past that I would like to change, but I know God was there with me the whole time ... He carried me.”

Geneva loves her life now, and she loves giving back through her job at the Mission. “Since I’ve been through the program, I can relate really well to (women in the program), and I just love having a relationship with them … I’m actually relaxed when I talk to people about my story because my mess is a message.”

We are happy to announce our second Home for the Holidays Winner,
Mehgan!

After moving away from her home state of Connecticut in 2018, Mehgan is reuniting with her little sister, Kelly! Kelly is in the midst of a difficult divorce and has no family nearby, so we are especially excited to reunite this sister duo for the holidays.

Here is what Mehgan shared about her sister:
I moved away from my home state of CT, to CA in 2018...We are now in WA state. My brother moved to VA in 2019. Then my mom passed in 2021, leaving my little sister alone in CT, with no family. On top of that, after 12 years of marriage, she is going thru a devastating divorce, and has no children. She is completely alone and my heart breaks for her. I'd love for her to spend Christmas with me, my husband and our 2 young boys here in WA.

Congratulations Mehgan! Wishing you and your family a very special Christmas!

Click PLAY below to listen to the phone call between Sarah and Mehgan, letting her know that she won.