Christians SPEAK UP! —Your Source for Christian Talk Radio

Susan Lyttek, an award winning writer, has always loved to write, but didn’t arrive at the profession in the typical manner. Graduating with a B.A. in International Economics and an M.A. in Management and Supervision, she plunged into government consulting. In this environment, she discovered a knack for writing tests, interviews and other measurements. Soon, that became the focus of her career—reigniting her love for the written word. She began to spend her nights freelancing with “fun” writing including short stories, poems, articles and cards. In 1995, she quit the 9-5 work world to stay home, write and raise her young son. Not long after, homeschooling intrigued her. Since preschool she homeschooled both sons and continued to freelance. She has also developed and taught writing classes to her local homeschool groups. Since their inception, she has been a writing coach for WriteAtHome.com.  Married to her childhood sweetheart, Gary, Mrs. Lyttek loves to share her commitment to homeschoolers and her fascination with the written word. Her newest book is evidence to this, Guzzy Goofball and the Homeschool Play from Outer Space.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! with author Nancy Parker Brummett. Nancy Parker Brummett first led a Bible study in an assisted living facility in 1999 and she and the Lord developed The Hope of Glory in the years that followed. She also journeyed with her mother and mother-in-law through their adventures in aging, and her academic interest in aging led her to receive a Professional Advancement Certificate in Gerontology. The author of four other books, she now focuses her writing and speaking ministries on her passion for older adults and those who care for them. Nancy and her husband, Jim, live in Colorado Springs, CO. They have four adult children, 12 grandchildren and two cats in their blended family. Her new book is called, The Hope of Glory: A Devotional Guide for Older Adults.

Nancy Parker Brummett first led a Bible study in an assisted living facility in 1999 and she and the Lord developed The Hope of Glory in the years that followed. She also journeyed with her mother and mother-in-law through their adventures in aging, and her academic interest in aging led her to receive a Professional Advancement Certificate in Gerontology. The author of four other books, she now focuses her writing and spepoemaking ministries on her passion for older adults and those who care for them. Nancy and her husband, Jim, live in Colorado Springs, CO. They have four adult children, 12 grandchildren and two cats in their blended family. Her new book is called, The Hope of Glory: A Devotional Guide for Older Adults. S.A.J. Lyttek, an award winning writer, has always loved to write, but didn’t arrive at the profession in the typical manner. Graduating with a B.A. in International Economics and an M.A. in Management and Supervision, she plunged into government consulting. In this environment, she discovered a knack for writing tests, interviews and other measurements. Soon, that became the focus of her career—reigniting her love for the written word. She began to spend her nights freelancing with “fun” writing including short stories, poems, articles and cards. In 1995, she quit the 9-5 work world to stay home, write and raise her young son. She has also developed and taught writing classes to her local homeschool groups. Since their inception, she has been a writing coach for WriteAtHome.com.  Married to her childhood sweetheart, Gary, Mrs. Lyttek loves to share her commitment to homeschoolers and her fascination with the written word. Her newest book is evidence to this, Guzzy Goofball and the Homeschool Play from Outer Space.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!as host Scott McCausey highlights an upcoming concert at Rock Lake Christian Assembly with pianist Nolan McCausey. Nolan is a Great Lakes Christian College student who is set to begin his junior year this fall. He’s shared his God given talents to electrify the keys for the last ten years in both churches as well as the band he’s been performing with from the inception of the group Resident Truth. Resident Truth is a Christ centered band playing a mix of classic southern rock and blues. Their music can be heard in coffee houses, churches and big outdoor venues such as Rock the Lake in Vestaburg Michigan.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!as host Scott McCausey is joined by  Recording Artist Julie Elias. Elias' career spanned various facets of the arts, from leading worship to musical theater, to fully embracing her call to become a recording artist. Though she's wholeheartedly committed to help listeners tap into their God-ordained purpose, she didn't arrive at her current calling overnight. In fact, her performance path looked completely different just two years ago when the Nevada native found herself in Hollywood pursuing work in film and television. A Christmas trip to her hometown in 2010 caused Elias to reexamine her career options. "It took a seemingly routine Christmas concert that year for me to realize what I've been called to do. As Elias gears up to make her mark on the modern day music scene with her engaging songwriting style and fresh pop/rock sound—influenced by Amy Grant, Natalie Merchant, Carrie Underwood, and Sheryl Crow, she's committed to spreading faith-affirming messages that are just as uplifting to believers as they are inspiring to seekers.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as host Scott McCausey is joined by Splat Experience Artist Marc Eckel in segment one, followed by Recording Artist Julie Elias in segment two. Marc Eckel was an illustrator for General Motors in the Detroit area in 2000 when he was asked to creative an image on an eight-foot canvas as a backdrop for special music at the Troy Baptist Church in Troy, Michigan. He was given three minutes to complete the task. With very limited time, he chose to bypass using paint brushes, using his bare hands to throw paint on the canvas. In 2002, after moving to northern Indiana, he was asked to think of something to add to the church Easter program at the First Baptist Church of Pierceton. A similar painting was created, which led to the start of Splat Experience, a Christian Performance Art Ministry, now a ministry division of Blue Spaghetti, LLC, a creative arts company. Marc's wife, Julie, is the ministry's business manager.

Marc Eckel was an illustrator for General Motors in the Detroit area in 2000 when he was asked to creative an image on an eight-foot canvas as a backdrop for special music at the Troy Baptist Church in Troy, Michigan. He was given three minutes to complete the task. With very limited time, he chose to bypass using paint brushes, using his bare hands to throw paint on the canvas. In 2002, after moving to northern Indiana, he was asked to think of something to add to the church Easter program at the First Baptist Church of Pierceton. A similar painting was created, which led to the start of Splat Experience, a Christian Performance Art Ministry, now a ministry division of Blue Spaghetti, LLC, a creative arts company. Marc's wife, Julie, is the ministry's business manager. Elias' career spanned various facets of the arts, from leading worship to musical theater, to fully embracing her call to become a recording artist. Though she's wholeheartedly committed to help listeners tap into their God-ordained purpose, she didn't arrive at her current calling overnight. In fact, her performance path looked completely different just two years ago when the Nevada native found herself in Hollywood pursuing work in film and television. A Christmas trip to her hometown in 2010 caused Elias to reexamine her career options. "It took a seemingly routine Christmas concert that year for me to realize what I've been called to do. As Elias gears up to make her mark on the modern day music scene with her engaging songwriting style and fresh pop/rock sound—influenced by Amy Grant, Natalie Merchant, Carrie Underwood, and Sheryl Crow, she's committed to spreading faith-affirming messages that are just as uplifting to believers as they are inspiring to seekers.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Platinum Book Award Winner Emerson Eggerichs drops by. His book Love and Respect shares insights from Scripture to strengthen the marriage relationship. Dr. Emerson Eggerichs is an internationally known public speaker on the topic of male-female relationships. Based on over three decades of counseling, as well as scientific and biblical research, Dr. Eggerichs and his wife Sarah developed the Love and Respect Conference which they present to live audiences around the country. This dynamic and life-changing conference is impacting the world, resulting in the healing and restoration of countless relationships. Dr. Eggerichs has authored several books, including the national bestseller Love & Respect, which has sold over 1.6 million copies. Emerson is the Founder and President of Love and Respect Ministries and Sarah serves as Vice President. Married since 1973, they live in Grand Rapids, MI and have three adult children. If you know someone who would be a great guest on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! contact Scott@christiandevotions.us.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Platinum Book Award Winner Emerson Eggerichs drops by. His book Love and Respect shares insights from Scripture to strengthen the marriage relationship. Dr. Emerson Eggerichs is an internationally known public speaker on the topic of male-female relationships. Based on over three decades of counseling, as well as scientific and biblical research, Dr. Eggerichs and his wife Sarah developed the Love and Respect Conference which they present to live audiences around the country. This dynamic and life-changing conference is impacting the world, resulting in the healing and restoration of countless relationships. Dr. Eggerichs has authored several books, including the national bestseller Love & Respect, which has sold over 1.6 million copies. Emerson is the Founder and President of Love and Respect Ministries and Sarah serves as Vice President. Married since 1973, they live in Grand Rapids, MI and have three adult children.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Debra Koontz Roberson joins host Scott McCausey to share about her testimonies and latest books. D. L. (Debra) Koontz was born in Pennsylvania, but she and her husband now split their time between mountainous West Virginia and their cattle ranch in coastal plains Georgia. Debra has a son and a step-daughter. She is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and ASJA (American Society of Journalists and Authors), and is a former journalist, business consultant, spokesperson, and college instructor. She has been writing since she penned an award-winning poem in fifth grade. Her latest book, Crossing Into the Mystic is published by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Find Debra at www.dlkoontz.com.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas author and editing guru Andrea Merrell joins Scott to share about her testimony and latest book, Murder of a Manuscript. Andrea Merrell is an author and freelance editor living in the beautiful upstate of South Carolina. She is Associate Editor for Christian Devotions Ministries and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Andrea has led workshops at the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference (KCWC), Writers Advance Boot Camp, and The CLASS Christian Writers Conference in New Mexico. Her work has been published online and in numerous anthologies. Andrea’s first book, Murder of a Manuscript: Writing and Editing Tips to Keep Your Book Out of the Editorial Graveyard is available on Amazon. Her next book, Praying for the Prodigal, will be released by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas in 2015. To learn more about her, visit www.andreamerrell.com or www.TheWriteEditing.blogspot.com (a new blog for writers in conjunction with writer and editor Alycia Morales, which launches Monday, April 28th.)

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as two Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas authors join Scott to share about their testimonies and latest books. Andrea Merrell is an author and freelance editor living in the beautiful upstate of South Carolina. She is Associate Editor for Christian Devotions Ministries and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Andrea has led workshops at the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference (KCWC), Writers Advance Boot Camp, and The CLASS Christian Writers Conference in New Mexico. Her work has been published online and in numerous anthologies. Andrea’s first book, Murder of a Manuscript: Writing and Editing Tips to Keep Your Book Out of the Editorial Graveyard is available on Amazon. Her next book, Praying for the Prodigal, will be released by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas in 2015. To learn more about her, visit www.andreamerrell.com or www.TheWriteEditing.blogspot.com (a new blog for writers in conjunction with writer and editor Alycia Morales, which launches Monday, April 28th.) D. L. (Debra) Koontz was born in Pennsylvania, but she and her husband now split their time between mountainous West Virginia and their cattle ranch in coastal plains Georgia. Debra has a son and a step-daughter. She is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and ASJA (American Society of Journalists and Authors), and is a former journalist, business consultant, spokesperson, and college instructor. She has been writing since she penned an award-winning poem in fifth grade. Her latest book, Crossing Into the Mystic is published by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Find Debra at www.dlkoontz.com.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as comedian and actor Brad Stine joins us again to share hilarious antidotes to everyday life. Brad Stine is the most media-covered Christian comedian in the country. He had an eight-page profile written about him and his comedy in the New Yorker Magazine where he was referred to as “God’s Comic.” Brad was a regular live social commentator on Fox & Friends every Monday morning for six months. He has been featured in the New York Times, Christian Science Monitor, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today. He has been featured on NBC Nightly News, HBO, Showtime, CNN, Glenn Beck, Hannity and Colmes, NPR’S Fresh Air, ABC Nightline, MTV, Christian Devotions Speak UP! and Comedy Central. He has had material published in Readers Digest and Focus on the Family magazine. He has five original DVDs featuring his comedy, and has written two books, Live from Middle America; Rants from a Red-State Comedian, published by Hudson Street Press, and Being a Christian without Being an Idiot. He has appeared in numerous films including: Poodle Springs on HBO, Welcome to Paradise, Sarah’s Choice, Christmas with a Capital C, and Covering Your Tracts. Brad tours nationally on a regular basis performing in clubs, churches, and fundraisers for crisis pregnancy centers, ministries, and conservative causes and candidates. He’s created Electronic Press Kits (EPKs) for churches, colleges, youth, and men. See more at: http://bradstine.com. Brad will be co-starring in the new movie Persecuted releasing July 18 in theatres. Scott will be asking questions about this new movie and the life of Brad Stine.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as comedian and actor Brad Stine joins us again to share hilarious antidotes to everyday life. Brad Stine is the most media-covered Christian comedian in the country. He had an eight-page profile written about him and his comedy in the New Yorker Magazine where he was referred to as “God’s Comic.” Brad was a regular live social commentator on Fox & Friends every Monday morning for six months. He has been featured in the New York Times, Christian Science Monitor, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today. He has been featured on NBC Nightly News, HBO, Showtime, CNN, Glenn Beck, Hannity and Colmes, NPR’S Fresh Air, ABC Nightline, MTV, Christian Devotions Speak UP! and Comedy Central. He has had material published in Readers Digest and Focus on the Family magazine. He has five original DVDs featuring his comedy, and has written two books, Live from Middle America; Rants from a Red-State Comedian, published by Hudson Street Press, and Being a Christian without Being an Idiot. He has appeared in numerous films including: Poodle Springs on HBO, Welcome to Paradise, Sarah’s Choice, Christmas with a Capital C, and Covering Your Tracts. Brad tours nationally on a regular basis performing in clubs, churches, and fundraisers for crisis pregnancy centers, ministries, and conservative causes and candidates. He’s created Electronic Press Kits (EPKs) for churches, colleges, youth, and men. See more at: http://bradstine.com. Brad will be co-starring in the new movie Persecuted releasing July 18 in theatres. Scott will be asking questions about this new movie and the life of Brad Stine.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Craig von Buseck joins to share his years of ministry with CBN as well as his new book, Nobody Knows. Dr. Craig von Buseck is a published author and a contributing writer for CBN.com and Cindy Jacobs’ Reformation Prayer Network. He is a regular guest on “Live the Promise” with Susie Larson on Faith Radio. He holds a Doctor of Ministry and an MA in Religious Journalism from Regent University. Craig’s new narrative biography from Baker Books is Nobody Knows: The Forgotten Story of One of the Most Influential Figures in American Music — the story of the great African-American composer, Harry T. Burleigh. Craig has extensive ministry and speaking experience. He travels often to speak at conferences, professional events, and writer events. For more than ten years he served on the Executive Board of the Internet Evangelism Network (IEN). Craig is a graduate of CLASS (Christian Leaders, Authors, and Speakers Services). He has been a keynote speaker at the CLASS Christian Writers Conference, the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, the Write-to-Publish Conference at Wheaton College, the Colorado Christian Writers Conference, the Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, the Florida Christian Writers Conference, and the Indy Christian Writers Conference. Craig and his wife, Robin, live in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Craig von Buseck joins to share his years of ministry with CBN as well as his new book, Nobody Knows. Dr. Craig von Buseck is a published author and a contributing writer for CBN.com and Cindy Jacobs’ Reformation Prayer Network. He is a regular guest on “Live the Promise” with Susie Larson on Faith Radio. He holds a Doctor of Ministry and an MA in Religious Journalism from Regent University. Craig’s new narrative biography from Baker Books is Nobody Knows: The Forgotten Story of One of the Most Influential Figures in American Music — the story of the great African-American composer, Harry T. Burleigh. Craig has extensive ministry and speaking experience. He travels often to speak at conferences, professional events, and writer events. For more than ten years he served on the Executive Board of the Internet Evangelism Network (IEN). Craig is a graduate of CLASS (Christian Leaders, Authors, and Speakers Services). He has been a keynote speaker at the CLASS Christian Writers Conference, the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, the Write-to-Publish Conference at Wheaton College, the Colorado Christian Writers Conference, the Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, the Florida Christian Writers Conference, and the Indy Christian Writers Conference. Craig and his wife, Robin, live in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as a regular contributor to Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse Junior joins to share many genres of writing excellence. Nancy I. Sanders grew up on a dairy farm in Everett, Pennsylvania, with five older sisters and one older brother. She spent her childhood days milking the cows, baling hay, and ice skating in the winter. She also spent many happy hours with her nose in a favorite book, whether perched high in an apple tree or floating on a raft in the middle of a pond. Today Nancy loves to write and is the author of over seventy-five books released by publishing houses both big and small. She’s a regular writer for Clubhouse Junior. One of her favorite things is to encourage other writers and help them learn practical strategies to build their own successful and satisfying career.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as a regular contributor to Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse Junior joins to share many genres of writing excellence. Nancy I. Sanders grew up on a dairy farm in Everett, Pennsylvania, with five older sisters and one older brother. She spent her childhood days milking the cows, baling hay, and ice skating in the winter. She also spent many happy hours with her nose in a favorite book, whether perched high in an apple tree or floating on a raft in the middle of a pond. Today Nancy loves to write and is the author of over seventy-five books released by publishing houses both big and small. She’s a regular writer for Clubhouse Junior. One of her favorite things is to encourage other writers and help them learn practical strategies to build their own successful and satisfying career.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Scott talks with country music journalist, Deborah Evans Price. Deborah Evans Price has covered country, gospel, and rock music for Billboard magazine since 1994. She also contributes regularly to AOL's The Boot, Country Weekly, Gospel Music Channel.com, CMA Close Up, FIRST, and other publications. A noted country and Christian music historian, she's authored The CMA Awards Vault and A History of the Country Music Association Awards published by Whitman Publishing, as well as a historical retrospective on Word Records—Word: Six Decades of Hits. She has interviewed countless artists, including Willie Nelson, Amy Grant, Third Day, Don Henley, Bon Jovi, Chris Rice, Charlie Daniels, Kirk Franklin, 3 Doors Down, Sarah Brightman, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Smokey Robinson, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Steven Curtis Chapman, Sandra Bullock, and Robert Duvall. A respected music industry analyst, Deborah has been interviewed by key media outlets including MSNBC, CNN, the Today Show, ABC's Prime Time Live, the Gospel Music Channel, Country Music Television, The Washington Post and the New York Times, among others. Deborah is on the Gospel Music Association's Board of Directors and is a 2002 graduate of Leadership Music. She resides on a hilltop south of Nashville with her husband, Gary, and son Trey.

Eric Thompson is a three-time presenter at SABR (Society for American Baseball Research) national conventions concerning baseball's first expansion between 1960 and 1962. A retired high school mathematics teacher and a life-long Cleveland Indians' fan, Thompson coached youth baseball and served as an assistant high school baseball coach for many years. Today Thompson plays softball in The Babes of 1916 senior league for players 65 and over. Eric lives in Solon, OH, with Colleen, his wife for 44 years. He has three grown children and four grandchildren. In Baseball's LOST Tradition: Two Eight-Team Leagues, Thompson took on the challenge of researching and reporting the history of baseball's first organized expansion and then switched gears to a unique mathematical application to the statistical side of the game, all in the interest of his favorite topic, baseball. This year's poster presentation at the SABR national convention will reflect an extension of the mathematical application between 1961 and 1976. On a different level, Thompson recently released the first two books in the Cooperstown Tales series: Book 1: A Providential Meeting and Book 2: A Trilogy. The series recounts the life in Cooperstown, NY, of two fictional characters, Vance Winkles and Connie Gillis, with a backdrop of factual (mostly baseball) history.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Scott talks with country music journalist, Deborah Evans Price. Deborah Evans Price has covered country, gospel, and rock music for Billboard magazine since 1994. She also contributes regularly to AOL's The Boot, Country Weekly, Gospel Music Channel.com, CMA Close Up, FIRST, and other publications. A noted country and Christian music historian, she's authored The CMA Awards Vault and A History of the Country Music Association Awards published by Whitman Publishing, as well as a historical retrospective on Word Records—Word: Six Decades of Hits. She has interviewed countless artists, including Willie Nelson, Amy Grant, Third Day, Don Henley, Bon Jovi, Chris Rice, Charlie Daniels, Kirk Franklin, 3 Doors Down, Sarah Brightman, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Smokey Robinson, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Steven Curtis Chapman, Sandra Bullock, and Robert Duvall. A respected music industry analyst, Deborah has been interviewed by key media outlets including MSNBC, CNN, the Today Show, ABC's Prime Time Live, the Gospel Music Channel, Country Music Television, The Washington Post and the New York Times, among others. Deborah is on the Gospel Music Association's Board of Directors and is a 2002 graduate of Leadership Music. She resides on a hilltop south of Nashville with her husband, Gary, and son Trey. If you know someone who would be a great guest on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! contact Scott@christiandevotions.us.

David has been working in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles for over fifteen years. Raised in a small farming town outside of Dodge City, Kansas, David grew up the son of a Mennonite preacher.        After high school, David attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago; however, he left Moody after one year and moved to Los Angeles. At the age of nineteen, without knowing anyone, and only six months after moving, David landed a recurring role on the hit CBS TV sitcom, Evening Shade for four years. He played the best friend of Burt Reynolds’s son, David, then went on to make guest appearances on such shows as: Coach, Saved by the Bell, Sisters, Melrose Place, Martial Law, and many others. Raised in the church, David was very familiar with Christian films, and had a passion to use his gifts and talents to make films that uplift and inspire the human spirit. In 1999, with that passion, David produced and starred in the feature-length film, The Moment After. The following year, he produced and starred in the groundbreaking film, Mercy Streets. David was nominated for a movie guide “best actor” award for his dual roles in the film. Early in 2006, David became a founding partner in the film distribution/production entity Pure Flix Entertainment. Today, Pure Flix maintains its position as the number one Christian studio, producing and distributing more films than any other studio. David produced and played a lead role in his latest movie, God’s not Dead. This airs the weekend after the movie releases into theatres and you can find a link at http://godsnotdeadthemovie.com.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Scott talks about the new movie God’s not Dead with producer and actor David White. David has been working in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles for over fifteen years. Raised in a small farming town outside of Dodge City, Kansas, David grew up the son of a Mennonite preacher.        After high school, David attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago; however, he left Moody after one year and moved to Los Angeles. At the age of nineteen, without knowing anyone, and only six months after moving, David landed a recurring role on the hit CBS TV sitcom, Evening Shade for four years. He played the best friend of Burt Reynolds’s son, David, then went on to make guest appearances on such shows as: Coach, Saved by the Bell, Sisters, Melrose Place, Martial Law, and many others. Raised in the church, David was very familiar with Christian films, and had a passion to use his gifts and talents to make films that uplift and inspire the human spirit. In 1999, with that passion, David produced and starred in the feature-length film, The Moment After. The following year, he produced and starred in the groundbreaking film, Mercy Streets. David was nominated for a movie guide “best actor” award for his dual roles in the film. Early in 2006, David became a founding partner in the film distribution/production entity Pure Flix Entertainment. Today, Pure Flix maintains its position as the number one Christian studio, producing and distributing more films than any other studio. David produced and played a lead role in his latest movie, God’s not Dead. This airs the weekend after the movie releases into theatres and you can find a link at http://godsnotdeadthemovie.com.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! to find out what taxidermy, sculpting of dinosaurs and music have in common with creation. Gifted by God in many ways, Buddy Davis is a speaker and singer/songwriter for AiG. He is an adventurer and paleo-artist, and he leads the very popular “Creation Adventure” children’s workshop at AiG conferences and at the Creation Museum. Buddy plays many acoustic instruments, and his music is enjoyed around the world. As a speaker for AiG, Buddy’s talks cover a wide range of topics. Whether geared for adults, children, or the whole family, Buddy’s messages are aimed at the lay audience. His easy-to-understand style makes him popular with listeners of all ages. As an author and illustrator of children’s and family books, Buddy is once again able to minister to a wide range of people. Fiction and non-fiction, print and audio, Buddy’s easy-to-read style is perfect for family read-aloud time and classroom use. As a songwriter, the sole purpose of Buddy’s music is to uphold the authority of God’s Word and draw people to a closer walk with Jesus Christ, our Creator and Savior. Hard-hitting songs like “Godly Men” and “I Believe” (written by Buddy) have ministered to many. Buddy plays a variety of folk-style instruments (e.g., guitar, mandolin, harmonica), and his down-home-America singing style is pleasing to all. He has recorded 12 CDs, and when he is at the museum, Buddy does a concert every day.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! to find out what taxidermy, sculpting of dinosaurs and music have in common with creation. Gifted by God in many ways, Buddy Davis is a speaker and singer/songwriter for AiG. He is an adventurer and paleo-artist, and he leads the very popular “Creation Adventure” children’s workshop at AiG conferences and at the Creation Museum. Buddy plays many acoustic instruments, and his music is enjoyed around the world. As a speaker for AiG, Buddy’s talks cover a wide range of topics. Whether geared for adults, children, or the whole family, Buddy’s messages are aimed at the lay audience. His easy-to-understand style makes him popular with listeners of all ages. As an author and illustrator of children’s and family books, Buddy is once again able to minister to a wide range of people. Fiction and non-fiction, print and audio, Buddy’s easy-to-read style is perfect for family read-aloud time and classroom use. As a songwriter, the sole purpose of Buddy’s music is to uphold the authority of God’s Word and draw people to a closer walk with Jesus Christ, our Creator and Savior. Hard-hitting songs like “Godly Men” and “I Believe” (written by Buddy) have ministered to many. Buddy plays a variety of folk-style instruments (e.g., guitar, mandolin, harmonica), and his down-home-America singing style is pleasing to all. He has recorded 12 CDs, and when he is at the museum, Buddy does a concert every day.

This is a rebroadcast of a previously recorded episode of Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” The First Responders in your community do just that. They sacrifice comfort and safety to protect the lives of others, always waiting, and always wondering when they will find themselves answering the next call. Pat’s book, Answering the Call is a collection of inspirational stories based on his experiences as a street paramedic in Durham, North Carolina. Each unique story is written as a devotional with an insightful application section that offers the reader a glimpse into God's Word. Use it for your daily devotions, as a guide for your small group study, or simply to share Pat’s experiences and better understand the lives of paramedics and other first responders. Pat is a writer, a photographer, a paramedic, a volunteer chaplain, and an instructor of Emergency Medical Science. His stories are true, based on real experiences from the streets of Durham, North Carolina where he served as a street paramedic for seventeen years.

This is a rebroadcast episode of Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! Join us this week as Zena Dell Lowe shares her faith and how it impacts her work in film. Zena is a screenwriter, producer, and filmmaker based in Bozeman, Montana, and one of the owners of the Mission Ranch and Mission Ranch Lodge. As an actress, Zena worked successfully in Hollywood for over thirteen years in theatre, independent films, and national commercials. In 2000, Zena transitioned to the writing and filmmaking side of the business when she attended the acclaimed Act One: Writing for Hollywood Program, which led to her first paid writing gig for the short film The Haunted Heart, for which she won a Silver and a Telly Award. Soon after, Zena was honored to become the Associate Director of Act One and began teaching at writers’ conferences around the country. In 2005, Zena moved back to Montana to help take over the family ranch after her mother’s untimely passing. Today, Zena helps run the family businesses, writes, produces, and directs full time. She also teaches classes on screenwriting and playwriting as an adjunct professor at Covenant College in Georgia, performs with the acclaimed Vigilante Theatre Company around Montana, and is the director of theatre arts at Journey Church in Bozeman.

Ron Benrey passed away on MAY 11, 2014. This broadcast is from a previously recorded episode of Christian Devotions Speak Up! Ron Benrey was perfectly content in middle age with being sort-of Jewish. He saw Christianity as a collection of nonsensical teachings that most believers don't understand and can't explain. But on one ordinary August afternoon, God "flipped his switch"- without an invitation and without any warning. Almost instantaneously, everything Ron had heard about Christianity made perfect sense. Seconds later he knew that he'd become a Christian. Ron's efforts to learn how to write mystery fiction played a central role in his unexpected conversion to Christianity. Ron imagined writing himself into a novel and abruptly understood that the Incarnation was possible and how God could be a Trinity. The Day God Flipped My Switch tells the fascinating story of Ron's remarkable change of mind and heart-and the novel teaching approach that God used to convey the truth of Christianity to him. Whether you're a fellow late bloomer or you became a Christian much younger in life, Ron shows you how to use the same ways of thinking to build your faith and grow your understanding of Christianity. Ron Benrey, author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Writing Christian Fiction, began his writing career as Electronics Editor of Popular Science Monthly. He is an experienced non-fiction writer who has written more than a thousand bylined magazine articles, eight published books, and scores of major speeches for the CEOs of Fortune-100 companies. Ron holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a master's degree in management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a juris doctor from the Duquesne University School of Law. He’s a member of the Bar of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Suzie Benforado was a missionary for over 25 years who spent most of her missionary time in Romania. This is a rebroadcast of an episode shortly before her passing. "Before starting in this new ministry, I could have never imagined myself involved with a church planting effort. But now, I bit down the road, it seems to me that everything that I've ever done in my Christian life and as a missionary was preparing me for this time and this place. This is such an amazing feeling... knowing I am here for such a time as this." Her journey has been marked by many amazing demonstrations of God's power-- healings, deliverances, and salvations.Join in and listen to how God is changing the world one soul at a time.

Esther has a strong passion for mental health. She manages events and workshops sharing her story to inspire and influence the upcoming generation. In a secular world where identity is based on societal standards, Esther reassures that everyone has a unique gift that shouldn’t be compromised despite the current circumstances. Using her life experiences, she shares stories of how her Faith strengthened the third year of university. She has had several interviews with different pod-casters including Premier Gospel Radio, The Authors Podcast, Keeping It Real Radio, and Power Xtra Radio. She has been invited to the Barclays Wealth Management to talk about the vision of Authentic Worth, as well as speaking at her previous University (of Kent) at the Kent Africa Summit in March 2019. She has two years of property management experience and is knowledgeable in fashion. Esther is looking to support new and aspiring authors in writing their first book, providing them a platform to share their story and turn it into purpose.

Joleen Steel is the curriculum specialist for Camping Stick Kids. She has a B.A. in elementary education. She taught public school for ten years before deciding to open her own music studio and homeschool her boys. Joleen is a pastor’s wife and grew up as a pastor’s kid. Her love for the good news of Jesus Christ flows out of her and into the Camping Stick Kids curriculum. Her easy style and creative approach to teaching will encourage your student to learn the Gospel story and be able to share the good news with their friends and family. Joleen would love to have you visit the camping stick kids website and blog at campingstickkids.org.

Del Duduit a life-long resident of the Southern Ohio area and an award-winning writer. As a sports writer, he won two Associated Press awards for columns. As a broadcaster and news director, he received an award from the Ohio News Network. In television, Del earned a sales award from The WB Network. For the past several years, he’s been a pharmaceutical sales professional.  Del’s dabbled in the freelance arena and has many articles published in Sports Spectrum — a quarterly magazine dedicated to highlighting Christian athletes. He’s interviewed Andy Pettitte of the New York Yankees and recently spent some time with Andy Dalton of the Cincinnati Bengals. Del is a contributing writer for OneChristianVoice.com, Sohiovoice.com, and also a guest blogger for Almost an Author, and have been published in The Sports Column as well as ToddStarnes.com and Clubhouse Magazine — a publication of Focus on the Family. In addition, Del writes for PM Magazine, a quarterly publication that highlights the positive aspects of Southern Ohio, where he lives with wife Angie. They have raised two godly men who are both preachers, and Angie sings and plays piano at Rubyville Community Church. Del’s new book Dugout Devotions releases in February, 2018. https://www.amazon.com/Dugout-Devotions-Inspirational-Stars-Faith/dp/156309133X

Del Duduit a life-long resident of the Southern Ohio area and an award-winning writer. As a sports writer, he won two Associated Press awards for columns. As a broadcaster and news director, he received an award from the Ohio News Network. In television, Del earned a sales award from The WB Network. For the past several years, he’s been a pharmaceutical sales professional.  Del’s dabbled in the freelance arena and has many articles published in Sports Spectrum — a quarterly magazine dedicated to highlighting Christian athletes. He’s interviewed Andy Pettitte of the New York Yankees and recently spent some time with Andy Dalton of the Cincinnati Bengals. Del is a contributing writer for OneChristianVoice.com, Sohiovoice.com, and also a guest blogger for Almost an Author, and have been published in The Sports Column as well as ToddStarnes.com and Clubhouse Magazine — a publication of Focus on the Family. In addition, Del writes for PM Magazine, a quarterly publication that highlights the positive aspects of Southern Ohio, where he lives with wife Angie. They have raised two godly men who are both preachers, and Angie sings and plays piano at Rubyville Community Church. Del’s new book Dugout Devotions releases in February, 2018. https://www.amazon.com/Dugout-Devotions-Inspirational-Stars-Faith/dp/156309133X

Zack Shelton and 64 to Grayson have scuffs on their boots from all up and down the east coast and nothing is looking to slow them down.  Voted one of the “Top 20 Most Prospective Groups” by Music Connection Magazine, Zack Shelton and 64 to Grayson’s unique blend of backwoods instruments, lyrical wit, and hardwood-pew values makes for an experience that will leave you with a smirk on your face and a tap in your toes. The band’s six-foot-three lead-singer, Zack Shelton, seen with acts such as Josh Turner, The Gaithers, and The Charlie Daniels Band is unmistakably no stranger to the stage. Being the son of Gospel musician Thomas Shelton, Zack gets his passion for music honest.  Teaming up with Zack to form 64 to Grayson is cohort Craig Cunningham. In January of 2018, Zack and 64tG released their newest album “Between the Pews” which marked their fourth full-length studio album.  The record's first two singles, “Mercy We Don’t Deserve” and “Jesus in That”, have captured the attention of listeners both new and old alike.  Geared toward an array of all ages and backgrounds, Zack Shelton and 64 to Grayson has lit a fire of a following that is burning brighter with each show.  “Whatever God is getting ready for us,” notes Zack, “we’ll be charging at it face first and full-throttle.” In September of 2018, Brody Allen was battling for his life and a small town banded together to give him one last Christmas celebration. The Lord welcomed him home late October. Now Brody's brother Andrew fights for his life following an accident. Zack has recorded a song in honor of #TeamBrody and hopes to raise money to help the Allen family in this time of need.

Long before his YouTube videos went viral, spawning an appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and a performance with the surviving members of Queen on “American Idol,” Marc Martel spent 13 years recording and touring the globe with Canadian rockers Downhere. Not only did the rock band visit all 50 American States, but also toured throughout Europe and even Northern Africa, collecting worldwide acclaim and four Juno Awards in their native land. Marc Martel has spent his career praising the Lord with his musical talent. From the famed group Downhere, to a solo musician and the Queen Extravaganza Tour lead singer, Marc's testimony shines clear. Enjoy this episode of music and insite into his life.

Eddie is Founder and CEO of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries. He is also an award-winning novelist of middle-grade fiction for boys. In 2016 LPC was named Publisher of the Year at the Greater Philadelphia Writers Conference. LPC Books launched its general book publishing division in 2007.  Cindy Sproles is an author and speaker. She is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries. She is a novelist and best-selling author. She is a speaker to women’s conferences addressing not only the heart of women, but also their biblical responsibilities to their families. She is a contributing author to CBN.com and is the Executive Editor for www.christiandevotions.us and the Managing Editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas’ imprints: SonRise Devotionals and Straight Street Books. Her book, New Sheets – Thirty Days to Refine You Into the Woman You Can Be is being used to help raise funds for Hope House, an abortion crisis center and her novel, Mercy’s Rain, is giving a voice to children who suffer sexual child abuse. Her latest award winning book is Liars Winter. She is the mother of four adult sons and  lives in the mountains of East Tennessee with her husband. Cindy can be contacted at www.cindysproles.com or by emailing cindyksproles@gmail.com.

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Firewall, the first book in her Houston: FBI series, was listed by Library Journal as one of the best Christian Fiction books of 2014. DiAnn  is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Mountainside Marketing Conference with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on: Facebook, Twitter, or any of the social media platforms listed at diannmills.com Grace Egert is an elementary school student in Friendswood, Texas. She loves to write short stories for her family and friends. Grace's hobbies are basketball, gymnastics, reading, making videos, and hanging out with her friends. Want to take her out to eat? Her fav food is Chinese, and she loves root beer. Grace is active in her church. She enjoys short-termed mission trips.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey tackles Krabbe Disease with NFL Hall of Famer Jim Kelly and his wife Jill. Two weeks after Jim Kelly retired from his Hall of Fame career with the Buffalo Bills, his son was born. He and his wife, Jill, were ecstatic. The protégé son had arrived full of life and promise. The Kelly family was growing and life seemed perfect. With their two-year-old daughter, Erin, shadowing their every move, Hunter adjusted to life…Kelly style. And while he initially appeared to be just a very fussy infant, Hunter was actually fighting for his life. The news of his fatal, genetic disease was shocking. It’s every parent’s deepest terror. Jim and Jill were told that Hunter would not live to see his second birthday. With no treatment, no cure, and ultimately no answers, desperation set in.  What do you do when your family’s world is turned upside down? What do you do when you don’t know what to do? How do you face the trauma and press on when all hope is gone?  The Kelly family turned to God. Following His lead, Jim and Jill have become authors and the founders of Hunter’s Hope. Find out more about their lives as they share this powerful testimony. You can also help discover more about Krabbe Disease by visiting http://www.huntershope.org.

Karl’s first book, An Eye for Glory: The Civil War Chronicles of a Citizen Soldier (Zondervan, 2011), received a number of accolades including PW’s “Top Inspirational Fiction Pick,” a Christy Award Finalist designation, and 4.7 out of five stars on Amazon. Karl grew up in the picturesque town of Woodbury, Connecticut. From youth Karl has been a serious student of the Civil War. His first book took ten years from conception to completion. Thousands of hours were spent researching every detail through copious reading, Internet research and personal visits to each battlefield. He was committed to making the novel as historically accurate and believable as possible. Karl lives in Naugatuck, Connecticut with his wife of thirty-three years, Jackie. Discover more of Karl's writing ministry at www.kbacon.com.

After years of working with broken people through different recovery venues such as divorce and various 12-step groups, Robin Gilbert Luftig founded Renew Ministries in 2009 with the purpose of sharing God’s plan for healing with spiritually- and emotionally-broken men and women. She has written From Pain to Peace: A Journey to Peace After Divorce and often speaks on what she discovered from her research. Robin communicates openly and practically with great energy, passion, humor, warmth, and grace. Because of her compassion for brokenhearted people, Robin counts serving all of God’s people as one of her greatest privileges in life. Robin is currently working on, God’s Best During Your Worst. This personal memoir tells of redemption and triumph over brokenness when she faced paralyzing fear and discovered there is no place so far from God that He cannot reach through and redeem a willing heart. Robin and Lew are the parents of five wonderful children. Discover more of Renew Ministries and Robin’s testimony at www.robinluftig.com.

Catherine Jacobs has lived in the SC Lowcountry for 25 years.  During that time she raised her family of four children and became heavily invested in her community church.  St. Paul’s, Summerville, eventually became both a place of worship and employment, as she served on the parish staff for 14 years as the full-time Director of Children and Family Ministry. As part of this team, Catherine transformed the children’s ministry into a center for training parents and grandparents who encourage their children to become life long followers of Jesus.  This passion for increasing the impact of a parent and grandparent’s impact on their child’s heart led to the creation of Pass the Legacy. Today, Catherine continues her service to the Kingdom and fellow grandparents and grown parents through the ministry of Pass the Legacy: www.passthelegacy.wordpress.com.

Del Duduit a life-long resident of the Southern Ohio area and an award-winning writer. As a sports writer, he won two Associated Press awards for columns. As a broadcaster and news director, he received an award from the Ohio News Network. In television, Del earned a sales award from The WB Network. For the past several years, he’s been a pharmaceutical sales professional.  Del’s dabbled in the freelance arena and has many articles published in Sports Spectrum — a quarterly magazine dedicated to highlighting Christian athletes. He’s interviewed Andy Pettitte of the New York Yankees and recently spent some time with Andy Dalton of the Cincinnati Bengals. Del is a contributing writer for OneChristianVoice.com, Sohiovoice.com, and also a guest blogger for Almost an Author, and have been published in The Sports Column as well as ToddStarnes.com and Clubhouse Magazine — a publication of Focus on the Family. In addition, Del writes for PM Magazine, a quarterly publication that highlights the positive aspects of Southern Ohio, where he lives with wife Angie. They have raised two godly men who are both preachers, and Angie sings and plays piano at Rubyville Community Church. Del’s new book Buckeye Believer, 40 Days of Devotions for the Ohio State Faithful releases in April, 2018.

The heartbeat of Life Action has always been their local church team ministry, because of the interaction and involvement with God’s people in a personal and protracted way. Not only are biblical truths preached, they are lived out in front of the body of Christ. It’s about putting new life into action! Life Action is burdened to challenge God’s people to quit “playing church.” They not only have a vision for revival, but a passion to see God use this ministry to bring revival to His church. Life Action Ministries has three Revival Teams that travel the country sharing this message of hope. Each team is comprised of two Revivalists and their families, as well as a worship team and youth team. Schuyler Baxter lives in southern IL and has traveled with Life Action for one year as an electric guitarist. He’s been familiar with the ministry for a long time. Over the last 7 years, four members of my family have traveled on road teams. Cameron McCausey calls Michigan home and has been touring with Red Team for three years. His time with the ministry has grown his faith, where he leads worship with a guitar in his hands. Josh Beam resides in Drummonds, TN and has played instruments all his life. He is the current drummer of Red Team and takes the reigns as worship leader next year.

Doug Smith is a grateful follower of Christ and an avid Bible student who is willing to follow the truth wherever it leads. He brings an insider’s perspective on the power of technology, informed by over two decades of web programming experience and a lifetime of Bible study. Doug writes and speaks on the desire-shaping influence of screens, Christian theology, and apologetics. He is blessed by his wife Lyneta, who is also an author and speaker and writes at ww.lynetasmith.com. Smith and his wife are empty nesters, and share four grown daughters and two grandsons. They were homeschoolers for many years. The Smiths currently live near Nashville, Tennessee after living most of their lives around the Pacific Northwest. Discover more about Doug at www.thatdougsmith.com.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott talks playoff baseball and Jesus with former Los Angeles Angels player Terry Evans. Terry Evans was born and raised in Dublin, GA, where he continued to live until he graduated from Trinity Christian School in 2000. He went on to attend Middle Georgia College for two years before being drafted and signing with the St. Louis Cardinals. After five minor league seasons, Terry made his first big league appearance in 2007 with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He played in parts of three Major League seasons with the Angels and eleven full seasons in the minor leagues with St. Louis, Anaheim, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Kansas City. Terry retired after the 2012 season with the Kansas City Royals organization and came on staff with UPI full time October 1st of 2012. Terry is the chaplain for the Atlanta Braves and currently resides on the north side of Atlanta, in Woodstock, where he leads Bible studies for current and former players around the Atlanta area. Terry also assists international trips to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico with the possibility of leading these trips in the near future. Terry is married to his wife, Tanner, and they have three sons: Asher, Jude, and Isaac.

Karen Nolan Bell, an award-winning writer of fiction and memoir, writes as Karen Lynn Nolan. Her debut novel, Above the Fog, releases in November 2018. Karen’s stories appear in the anthologies, Stupid Moments, Merry Christmas Moments, and soon-to-be-released Coola-nary Moments. Her other loves include music, theater, art, reading mysteries, and being pampered by her only son. She resides in Atlanta. Contact Karen at karennolanbell@gmail.com, on Twitter @KarenNolanBell, or www.diamondsinmycoalbucket.blogspot.com.

Andy Clapp is an author and a pastor who lives in North Carolina. His passion for Jesus has pushed him to strive to reach a lost world as a pastor and as an author. Whether it is speaking to a group of ten, delivering a message to over a hundred, or in those quiet moments while in his office writing, his goal is to lead others to Christ. Andy lives in his hometown with his wife, Crystal, and their two daughters, Cheyenne and Autumn. He is represented by Cyle Young, Hartline Literary Agency. To learn more, continue through the website: www.andyclapp.org.. Make sure you check out his blog and sign up for his newsletter.

Cheryl Crofoot Knapp is passionate about using her life experiences to encourage others. She is a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, speaker, author, blogger, and Mrs. Minnesota-America 1996.        Her book, Undefeated Innocence: How God Helped My Parents and Me Navigate the Alzheimer’s Journey, combines personal and humorous anecdotes with Biblical truths to share His hope and encouragement to caregivers, and includes factual information and research. Cheryl was a caregiver for her parents who both died of Alzheimer’s. She cried out to God, “Where are you in Alzheimer’s?” Undefeated Innocence is a study of the Beatitudes with the fruit of the Spirit, and includes lessons and tools she learned in caregiving.         Undefeated Innocence is a challenge to find God’s calling and to know that His grace is always sufficient. Cheryl believes that those who have been through much are called to give much. She encourages readers to find passionate patience, look for life’s collateral beauty, and recognize that it’s okay to store toothpaste in an underwear drawer.         She and her husband are members of First Baptist Church of Mountain Home (Arkansas). She participates in Walks to End Alzheimer’s and has served in Bible study, worship, evangelism, and prison ministries. She founded Regifted Grace Ministry and shares her contagious faith at conferences, retreats, banquets, and churches, as well as on television and radio.         Her husband Chuck is inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame and is highlighted as one of only a hundred radio jocks in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland.

A Speak UP Merry Christmas from the Christian Devotions Ministry Founders Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles. Eddie is Founder and CEO of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries. He is also an award-winning novelist of middle-grade fiction for boys. In 2016 LPC was named Publisher of the Year at the Greater Philadelphia Writers Conference. Cindy Sproles is an author and speaker. She is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries and the cowriter of the popular He Said, She Said Devotions written with her cofounder, Eddie Jones. She is a novelist and best-selling author. She is a speaker to women’s conferences addressing not only the heart of women, but also their biblical responsibilities to their families. As a teacher and speaker for Christian Writers Conferences, Cindy teaches writing skills and how to write placing God in the forefront.  She is a contributing author to CBN.com and is the Executive Editor for www.christiandevotions.us and the Managing Editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas’ imprints: SonRise Devotionals and Straight Street Books. Her book, New Sheets – Thirty Days to Refine You Into the Woman You Can Be is being used to help raise funds for Hope House, an abortion crisis center and her novel, Mercy’s Rain, is giving a voice to children who suffer sexual child abuse. Cindy is also the coauthor of He Said, She Said – A  Devotional Guide to Cultivating a Life of  Passion. She is the mother of four adult sons and  lives in the mountains of East Tennessee with her husband. Cindy can be contacted at www.cindysproles.com or by emailing cindyksproles@gmail.com.

Susan is a versatile writer, creating both fiction and non-fiction for adults and children. Her debut novel, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, released on March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day! Before Susan jumped into the fiction world, her first two books were nonfiction, co-authored with her husband, Dale. Countdown for Couples: Preparing for the Adventure of Marriage made the Tyndale best-seller list for several weeks, went international with an Indonesian version and a Spanish version, and has helped thousands of couples. Their second book, The ReMarriage Adventure: Preparing for a Life of Love and Happiness, has helped thousands of couples getting ready to blend their families. Susan is the Founding Editor of Thriving Family magazine and the former Editor/Editorial Director of 12 Focus on the Family publications including the Focus on the Family magazine and the Focus on Your Child newsletters. Susan is also the author of her first two indie-published picture books, Lexie’s Adventure in Kenya: Love is Patient and Princess Madison’s Rainbow Adventure. After many years writing non-fiction, Susan’s writing has taken a fresh new turn, impassioned by extensive research into her own family’s history. She is thoroughly enjoying her second life as a novelist. She loves the world of fiction and letting her imagination run wild to create inspiring stories. Susan is vice president of Christian Authors Network (CAN) and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), the Association of Women Speakers & Authors (AWSA), the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and Evangelical Press Association (EPA). Discover more about Susan and her books at www.susangmathis.com.

Bethany and her husband Joe both grew up in frugal families. Bethany grew up on garage sale clothes and never remembers her parents driving new cars. Ever. Being homeschooled, she was raised outside of mainstream culture. Because of personal connections and work ethic, neither she or Joe had a problem finding jobs; Bethany worked as a secretary and Joe worked in construction. Once married, Bethanay quit her job and become a full-time housewife. Joe recently took over the family business, so there was plenty of opportunity for Bethany to help in that area as well. She also pursued writing, hobby farming, gardening, selling things on Ebay and other projects. Bethany finds homemaking incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Why be frugal if you don't have to? When you lower your standard of living, it creates a cushion of extra money. Depending on your income, this can be a huge cushion. Everywhere you look, people are eating, wearing, and driving their money away. They are throwing away their influence and ability to make the world better. It’s often not intentional; it's just the way folks have been raised. Being frugal helps save for the future or help a friend in need. Discover more about Bethany and her books at www.therenaissancehousewife.com.

Selah Award winner, and Carol Awards finalist, Linda Wood Rondeau writes to demonstrate that our worst past, surrendered to God, becomes our best future. Her books are inspired by her many years as a social worker, why her voice hits home with complex characters who walk off the page, and why readers relate to her non-fiction as well. Humor, another guarantee in a Rondeau book, is also prevalent in her non-fiction. She is a frequent guest on blogs, online magazines, traditionally published periodicals and writes a recurring column for her hometown newspaper, Malone Telegram. The author is a breast cancer survivor and a recovering food addict. A Toastmaster graduate, she enjoys speaking to groups on her experiences as well as the writing life. The author loves to hear from readers. You may contact her through her website, www.lindarondeau.com, on Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Google Plus, Linked In, or via any of her publishers.

Katie Heid has spent the better part of her career talking. Whether it’s been as a women’s retreat speaker, member of her church’s speaking team, radio and television reporter, teacher, or a mom who has to repeat things one too many times, it’s clear she’s got the gift of gab. She also loves Jesus and people. Her lifelong journey with Jesus has shown her that since his greatest passion is loving people, that should be her passion too. Katie lives a chaotic life in Michigan with her husband and two sons. It’s a life she wouldn’t trade for the world. (Although, she would rent it out in exchange for a good nap.) Find her on her web site at www.uncomfortablegrace.com.

Michelle has been a sought after speaker for over 20 years. Her transparency and engaging style when speaking about real-life situations as a woman, wife and mom move her audience to both laughter and tears. Whether speaking about sex in marriage, what it looks like to respect your man, how to fight the blues, or the remarkable story of how her third son, Tanner, had half of his brain removed at the age of eight. Michelle will take your group on a transforming journey where each woman attending will come away refreshed, equipped and delighted she came to your event.

Cindy Sproles is an author and speaker. She is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries and the cowriter of the popular He Said, She Said Devotions written with her cofounder, Eddie Jones. She is a novelist and best-selling author. Cindy’s devotions and articles are published in Christian newspapers across the eastern seaboard, including having been used to represent legislature for protection of the elderly. She is a speaker to women’s conferences addressing not only the heart of women, but also their biblical responsibilities to their families. As a teacher and speaker for Christian Writers Conferences, Cindy teaches writing skills and how to write placing God in the forefront.  She is a contributing author to CBN.com and is the Executive Editor for www.christiandevotions.us and the Managing Editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas’ imprints: SonRise Devotionals and Straight Street Books. She is a certified life coach and mentor, an eldercare specialist and a special needs advocate. Her book, New Sheets – Thirty Days to Refine You Into the Woman You Can Be is being used to help raise funds for Hope House, an abortion crisis center and her novel, Mercy’s Rain, is giving a voice to children who suffer sexual child abuse. Cindy is also the coauthor of He Said, She Said – A  Devotional Guide to Cultivating a Life of  Passion. She is the mother of four adult sons and  lives in the mountains of East Tennessee with her husband. Cindy can be contacted at www.cindysproles.com or by emailing cindyksproles@gmail.com.

Carol McClain's always been a story teller. As a child, she composed plays and forced her friends to act. She'd help rally the neighborhood kids and together they'd re-enact their favorite TV shows. Sadly, when the boys played, she never got to be the heroine--just the damsel in distress. Since then she's discovered the benefits of needing rescue, and so it's a role she prefers. McClain lived most her her life in rural, upstate New York where taught high school English for more than thirty years. After years of teaching students how to write, she turned her attention to her own novels. She has three books. DWF: Divorced White Female and Waters of Separation both were Grace Award Finalists. Her latest release, The Poison We Drink was released in December 2016. She spends her time now writing, playing with her Springer spaniel and exploring the world with her husband. You can connect with her at www.carolmcclain.com or on facebook or twitter.

"Five years, two children later and a lot of life in between, I am putting my heart to paper and letting it peek into the open air once again. These years have been good and sweet and tragic and broken all at the same time. I lost one of my dearest friends and one of my greatest champions very suddenly and far too soon, my momma. The painful end to my label career gave my spirit much needed space to breathe and time to re-collect my heart and passions. The hiatus of one career marked the beginning of a new one in motherhood. So here it is, a reluctant attempt to find my voice in the calm rolling wake of life's hurricane...." - Lanaé? Lanaé's haunting, ethereal voice has been heard in multiple mediums: TV shows, film, and at Christmas time, her evergreen arrangement of "Carol of the Bells" is played on radio stations all over the country. Her moving, translucent lyrics layered over sounds that are interesting, yet accessible have landed her on stages all over the world from Denmark to the United States and many cities in between, playing festival stages in front of thousands all the way down to intimate songwriter nights. Her husband Josh has stood by her this whole time. He has been involved in the music industry himself for 15 years, holding various roles at record labels and artist management companies. However, it wasn't until Lanaé's most recent, self-titled, EP that the two of them had a chance to work together.  Lanaé's new song, "I Still Do" gives a glimpse into their relationship and why working together on this new EP is their best season together yet. Living in Tennessee with their two children, the two of them will be celebrating their 10-year wedding anniversary next year. Discover Lanae’s music: www.lanaemusic.com

Molly White is a former Texas State Representative in House District 55. Prior to running for office she was a pro-life, grassroots activist, public speaker and published author. From 2001 to present day Molly serves as the Texas Leader of Operation Outcry, a project of the Justice Foundation. She was the founder and director of Redeemed for Life Ministries and Women for Life International, a co-host on Faces of Abortion television show and the host of the Redeemed for Life radio talk show. Molly White has appeared on numerous national and international television shows, news stations, documentaries, press conferences. Her expertise on pro-life issues has resulted in invitations to speak at Christian, political, civic, and medical events all over the United States and seven different countries. She has led the largest pro-life delegations to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women conferences, and has attended the UN Conference on Population and the World Conference on Youth both in New York and Geneva, Switzerland. During these events Molly met with heads of nations, political leaders, Christian leaders, and hundreds of women leaders to talk about the importance of defending life, motherhood, marriage, and families. White’s most rewarding work is leading dozens of people to Christ and ministering to countless hurting men and women all around the world, including on the floor of the House of Representatives. Molly graduated from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor with a degree in psychology. She has been married to Ronald White for 27 years. Together they have 3 children and 4 beautiful, sweet, adorable, fun, smart, fantastic grandchildren.

While a large, floppy straw hat is her favorite, Ane Mulligan has worn many different ones: hairdresser, legislative affairs director (that's a fancy name for a lobbyist), drama director, playwright, humor columnist, and novelist. Her lifetime experience provides a plethora of fodder for her Southern-fried fiction (try saying that three times fast). Ane firmly believes coffee and chocolate are two of the four major food groups. Her passion when she isn't writing her Southern-fried Fiction, is Community Theatre. She's Creative Director of Players Guild@Sugar Hill, an avocational non-profit theatre group, where she and her husband act, direct, build sets, and are chief gofors.  Contributor to the award-winning literary site, Novel Rocket, Ane resides in Sugar Hill, GA, with her artist husband, her chef son, and a wooly mammoth.  If you'd like to see a map of Chapel Springs showing you where all the characters live, visit http://www.anemulligan.com

Jake McCandless is an author and former pastor who serves as the executive director and lead speaker for Prophecy Simplified. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Bible from Central Baptist College (2004) and an Advanced Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (2009). Much of his theological training has been in the field of eschatology. He has received numerous academic awards and recognitions in ministry, such as the Zondervan National Greek Award and the prestigious Yousef Costa Excellence in Preaching Award from Central Baptist College. He has spent the past eleven years as lead pastor of Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, AR, and just recently made the difficult decision to step away from the pastorate to lead Prophecy Simplified.  He spent seven years as a youth evangelist with Sold Out Ministries and has been involved on staff in churches since 1998. Jake is an award winning author. His book is titled Spiritual Prepper. He also writes for several publications such as the Baptist Press, Almost an Author, and Inspire a Fire. You can discover his ministry here: http://prophecysimplified.com. Jake is married to Amanda. She’s an elementary school teacher, but currently stays home with their two daughters, Andrea (2011) and Addison (2013). Jake enjoys time with family, ministry, hunting, fishing, coffee, writing, and college football.

Jo Ann Maxwell has had a successful career as a teacher and a senior level nonprofit executive. Since retiring, she has been assisting her aging parents. She is active as a volunteer at the Billy Graham Training Center in Asheville, NC. Jo Ann loves to read, play Mahjong, play brain games on her tablet and swim (which is her real love). She loves the Lord and is active in her church. Jo Ann tries each day to live out 2 Corinthians 3:3–”clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.” When Jo Ann Maxwell was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 60, signs along the way in her life became clear. Her faith, independence, and fearlessness in life were threatened. You are invited to share her struggles and find the hope she has. Fearless is how Jo Ann worked through various trials and tribulations to find the fearless spirit she thought she lost. She gives God all the glory for never giving up on her. Find her book at http://www.westbowpress.com/bookstore/bookdetail.aspx?bookid=SKU-001082593.

Tim Martin has been involved with baseball his entire life. His quest to make his dream come true started in 1984 with a free agent signing to the Pittsburgh Pirates. He played in the Gulf Coast League and the NewYork Penn League in his first two season of professional baseball before Tommy John surgery ended his playing days. After ten years separated from the game, he returned as a coach and a scout. His days coaching high school baseball for Minford High were fruitful, as he led the team to a 331-142 record. This earned him the Ohio District Coaches Hall of Fame award. Tim also continues to scout for Major League Baseball. Over the last twenty years, he’s been employed by the St. Louis Cardinals, Montreal Expos, Florida Marlins and now with the Boston Redsox.

Chad and Leslie are motivational teachers and speakers whose greatest passion is to see the Great Commission completed in their lifetime. As entrepreneurial, mission-focused leaders, teachers, and award-winning writers with extensive international experience, Leslie and Chad love theology made practical – where good thinking leads to active engagement in a broken world. In 2000 they co-founded 10/40 Connections which seeks to meet tangible needs through the Name of Christ. Since its founding, 10/40 has helped rescue and restore thousands of women from trafficking, fed and educated hundreds of at-risk children, planted numerous house churches among unreached people groups, installed dozens of water wells offering clean water to thousands, promoted teaching that advocates for the unborn and women, and more. They write curriculum that encourages the Church in the least-reached areas of the world, and they equip believers who want to engage in practical cross-cultural living. Chad and Leslie have lived in India, China, and the Middle East. Both graduated from Fuller Seminary with doctorates of Missiology in 2009. They now serve as Lausanne Catalysts for “Men and Women Partnering in the Gospel,” with the Lausanne Movement. Married for eighteen years, Chad and Leslie direct 10/40 Connections (www.1040connections.org) from Chattanooga, TN and travel internationally and domestically for 10/40 Connections. They have four children – Joeli, Joy (in heaven), Eden Samuel, and Phoebe (recently adopted from China). They are represented by Diana Flegal of Hartline Agency. Their manuscript Engaged in Love and War: Awakening Commitment and Courage is now available: https://www.amazon.com/Engaged-Love-War-Awakening-Commitment/dp/1541129512

Karla McKinney is married to Jeff and the mom of four daughters ages 22, 20, 16, and wait for it…an eight year old! She is a native of Atlanta, and graduated from Spelman College. She encourages women by sharing stories of homeschooling, surviving a rare life threatening illness, parenting girls at various places in their spiritual walk, and advocating for victims of CSA. Karla always shares God’s faithfulness as He leads her on the journey home.

Lori Stanley Roeleveld is a disturber of hobbits who enjoys making comfortable Christians late for dinner. She’s authored an inciteful blog since 2009; a pursuit that eventually resulted in two provocative non-fiction books, Running from a Crazy Man (and other adventures traveling with Jesus) and Jesus and the Beanstalk (Overcoming Your Giants and Living a Fruitful Life) as well as an unsettling novella, Red Pen Redemption. Lori’s blog has a modest but faithful daily readership and yet, in 2015 it was named one of the Top 100 Christian Blogs and a single post was viewed over 2 million times, another went viral on Facebook. Lori has published newspaper and magazine articles, poetry, and plays. Her novels, short stories, and Bible studies have won several awards. Besides degrees in Psychology and Biblical Studies, Lori earned her Masters in motherhood, homeschooling her two children through graduation. Now, she draws energy from helping writers find their voice and see God’s vision for their work. In her day job, Lori writes the stories of real families in crisis so others see their strengths and values, not just their problems. You’ll find Lori at her website www.loriroeleveld.com. If not, know she’s somewhere slaying dragons.

As a Southern humorist, Jane entertains using funny, original Southern stories, folksy wisdom and singing to help folks live more productive, stress-free lives. Jane believes in the extraordinary healing power of humor and story telling.  As a female author, Jane’s most recent accomplishment is being an Amazon “Best-Seller”  and award-winner  for her newest  book, Bury Me with My Pearls. Jane is a Certified Professional Speaking (CSP), professional singer, Female comedians, recording artist and published author. Jane’s award-winning singing and humor is featured on Sirius XM Radio and Pandora. She criss-crosses the country sharing her “down-home principles delivered with uptown humor”. Jane has also spoken in New Zealand and Germany and is fluent in four languages: English, Southern, Northern and Gullah (gul-la). Jane is active in her church and community and serves on as a Commissioner at Piedmont Technical College of South Carolina, Chair of the National Speakers Association Scholarship Committee and serves on the Foundation Board of the National Speakers Association. Jane’s proudest accomplishments are being a wife and mother. Jane and her family live on the family peach  farm in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

Urban music dance artist Rahn Anthoni crafts hot hip-hop with an R&B flow that hints at roots in gospel flavors. In fact, says Anthoni, “I come from a gospel music background.” His history with inspirational music has helped him develop a positive relationship with the world of song. Music brings him to a high plateau and sheds the day-to-day strife from his life.  Anthoni got his first T.V.break when he host Starpower on The BET Network!    Rahn Anthoni signed with Tate Music Group releasing his single, "Hold On" which gave a lot of his listeners the encouragement to Hold On to life. His listeners get a healthy dose of this musical breeze via Anthoni’s master craftsmanship. Anthoni has also been in movies and made a cameo appearence in Good Deed as Rashad. Having his own talk show, "The Rahn Anthoni Show" has reaches over 1 millions views on Eotm Tv. After loosing his special needs son to abuse allegedly by his son's teacher, Anthoni has become an advocate for special need kids. The Aaron Hatcher Awards, is given every year in honor of his late son Aaron Hatcher at the Eotm Awards in Los Angeles.  Anthoni suffered a heart attack and had open heart sugery after he lost his special need son. “Music makes me feel free from all my problems that I have each day,” he says, and he is glad to pass the feeling along to fans. “It gives me a getaway and expresses love to all my listeners – including myself.”

Amanda Hughes holds a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She serves as Outreach Director for Constituting America, and enjoys encouraging others through her writing on faith and freedom at http://www.amandahugheswriter.com. Hughes is the author of Who Wants to Be Free? Make Sure You Do! https://www.amazon.com/Who-Wants-Free-Amanda-Hughes/dp/151275532X/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_pdt_img_top?ie=UTF8

Dainel Gil is a professional ninja athlete and a two time national finalist on American Ninja Warrior. He was born and raised in Houston, Texas and is the second oldest in a family of five kids who were all home-schooled. Daniel grew up loving the outdoors, climbing trees and participating in team sports. In high school he began to focus his attention on passions such as singing, dancing, and the performing arts and started leading worship at Dwelling Place Church. After high school, he attended All Nations School of Ministry and obtained a degree in Applied Ministerial Studies. In 2013, he began working at Iron Sports Gym with Sam Sann, where he now directs the homeschool program and trains for American Ninja Warrior. His rookie campeign was Season 7 of American Ninja Warrior, where he made it to the National Finals in Las Vegas and selected to compete in the All-Stars Special, and was chosen to be a team captain on Season 1 of Team Ninja Warrior. This recognition and success has presented him with new opportunities to begin traveling and motivational speaking. In 2016, he competed on Season 8 of American Ninja Warrior and was one of only two competitors to beat Stage 2 in the National Finals. Today you’ll find Daniel traveling, speaking, and training for Season 9 of American Ninja Warrior.

Patty Luellen Nicholas has worked at the Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove for 12 years, but, she truly learned about grace when she lost both her husband, and her father, two days apart.  It was during this time that the words in 2 Corinthians 12:9-12 spoke volumes: 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” She has experienced God’s grace in so many ways through her grief journey and beyond.  Even though grief is a part of her testimony, it does not define her.  She loves to share with others through her speaking, and writing ministry, how in Christ we no longer have to be defined by the pain and ugly names we call ourselves.   In Christ we have a new identity, as children of the One True King.  Patty is a mother to two beautiful daughters, and “Nana” to a wonderful grandson.  She lives in the mountains of scenic North Carolina.

Linnette R. Mullin is an author of life-changing romance and a freelance writer. CrossRiver Media released her award-winning novel, Finding Beth, in 2013. Other writing credits include Charles Stanley’s In Touch magazine, 101 Facets of Faith, and Reach Out Columbia. She is a member of HACWN and ACFW, is working toward her Master’s degree in Christian Counseling. Her writing path has undergone very difficult family trials and her testimony encourages writers how God helps through all circumstances. Discover more about Linnette and her journey at www.linnettermullin.com.

Terri Kelly is the author of Mary Slessor: Missionary Mother. As a writer she has contributed to several books, including Divine Moments, Additional Christmas Moments, and Stupid Moments, Faith and Family and Spirit and Heart. Terri has published articles in Kids’ Ark Magazine, Clubhouse, WHOA Magazine, and numerous online publications. Her blog, terribkelly.com, addresses issues teachers deal with daily. She teaches at writing conferences and assists with the Asheville Christian Writers Conference in Asheville, North Carolina.

Elizabeth Whitley currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina where she works as a university admissions counselor by day and enjoys writing by night. She attends Thrive Church and serves as a life group administrator and leader. Elizabeth feels that being generous with her personal discoveries and insights makes any disappointments and uncertainties well worth the trouble! She is currently writing a book about embracing and celebrating her season of singleness, and she hopes to inspire other singles to do the same. Discover more at her web site www.elizabethwhitley.com.

Find your voice, live your story…is the foundation of Edie Melson’s message, no matter if she’s addressing parents, military families, readers of fiction or writers. As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. She’s penned numerous books, including While My Solderier Serves and Fighting Fear, Winning the War at Home. As a leading professional within the publishing industry, she travels to numerous conferences as a popular keynote, writing instructor and mentor. Her top-ranked blog for writers, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month, and she’s the Director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. In addition, as a respected expert in social media, Edie has the proven expertise to teach others how to plug in without sacrificing valuable writing time. Her bestselling eBook on this subject, has recently been updated, expanded and re-released as Connections: Social Media & NetworkingTechniques for Writers. She and her husband, Kirk, have been married 35 years and raised three sons. They live in the Upstate of South Caroline. Connect with her through her web site www.ediemelson.com.

Erin Whitmer is a writer, speaker and entrepreneur with an accessory obsession. She has an MFA from George Mason University in Fiction and her book, Fighting Back with Fat, was published in 2013. Her current project, Faithful, is about her resurrection of faith after tragedy tossed her into a foxhole. Discover more about Erin, her ministry and blog at www.erinwhitmer.com.

All his life Larry J. Leech II has loved to tell stories. First, to his family and now for lovers of the written word. A ghostwriter and novelist, Larry writes most days while sitting at his favorite table at what he calls his “branch office.” Larry’s writing journey began in the sports department of the Uniontown (Pa.) Herald-Standard at age 18. After twenty-three years of writing and editing at daily newspapers and a magazine, Larry, with more than two thousand articles published, switched his focus to editing and writing books in 2004. Since that time he has ghostwritten fifteen books and edited more than 200 manuscripts. He also teaches at numerous conferences nationwide and has become a much sought-after writing coach.

Kathy is the editor/compiler of the Fiction Lover's Devotional series (www.FictionDevo.com) and author of Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors (http://secretsofbestsellingauthors.com). She has also written numerous articles, short stories, devotionals, play scripts, and Sunday school curriculum. She has ghostwritten ten nonfiction books and a five-book novel series. She is also a full-time freelance editor, working with aspiring, new, and experienced authors as well as publishers. Kathy speaks at writers' conferences across the country and is the founder and coordinator of The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network (www.TheChristianPEN.com) and the Christian Editor Connection (www.ChristianEditor.com). For more about Kathy, visit www.KathyIde.com.

Mark Caviness grew up an urban cowboy. Being a southern young man in Texas, he grew up playing football, enjoying a couple beers with his buddies and two-stepping at Gilly’s. He married the woman of his dreams Angie in 1984 and shortly thereafter, their family grew with daughters Ashely and Brook. As life takes shape around young families where the man of the home doesn’t know who God is, trials often become insermountable. For Mark and Angie, divorce loomed, but the love of their baby girl saved the marriage. In March of 2000, the strength of these bonds were stretched to their limits, when Ashley died in a horrible train accident. As often happens in tragedy, Mark sought the only one who could fulfill an empty void in his life, Jesus Christ. Today Mark and Angie remain steadfast in the Lord. Mark also enjoys sharing his testimony and helps others face trials through gaming frienships on Clash of Clans in the clan he’s part of knows as the Clan for Jesus. For Mark and many others, gaming doesn’t have to be a waste of time, but a chance to connect with others and encourage others in the Lord.

Mark Caviness grew up an urban cowboy. Being a southern young man in Texas, he grew up playing football, enjoying a couple beers with his buddies and two-stepping at Gilly’s. He married the woman of his dreams Angie in 1984 and shortly thereafter, their family grew with daughters Ashely and Brook. As life takes shape around young families where the man of the home doesn’t know who God is, trials often become insermountable. For Mark and Angie, divorce loomed, but the love of their baby girl saved the marriage. In March of 2000, the strength of these bonds were stretched to their limits, when Ashley died in a horrible train accident. As often happens in tragedy, Mark sought the only one who could fulfill an empty void in his life, Jesus Christ. Today Mark and Angie remain steadfast in the Lord. Mark also enjoys sharing his testimony and helps others face trials through gaming frienships on Clash of Clans in the clan he’s part of knows as the Clan for Jesus. For Mark and many others, gaming doesn’t have to be a waste of time, but a chance to connect with others and encourage others in the Lord.

Michelle Medlock Adams is an award-winning journalist and best-selling author, earning top honors from the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Hoosier State Press Association. Author of over 70 books, Michelle’s latest release, Love & Care For The One and Only You (Worthy) was recently featured on the “Praise The Lord” program on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. Since graduating with a journalism degree from Indiana University, Michelle has written more than 1,000 articles for newspapers, magazines and websites; acted as a stringer for the Associated Press; written for a worldwide ministry; helped pen a New York Times Bestseller; served as a blogger for Guideposts for two years; and successfully run her own freelance writing business for 16 years. In January 2016, Michelle’s book When Chocolate Isn’t Enough: An Inspirational Survival Guide for Moms (Worthy Inspired) earned “The Gold” for best devotional in the 2016 Illumination Awards. In October 2014, her book Encouraging Words for Mothers (Barbour) won the Award of Excellence for Nonfiction Books from CLASS Christian Writers Conference Book Contest. oks for celebrities, politicians, and some of today’s most effective and popular ministers. Michelle is also a much sought after teacher at writers conferences and universities around the nation. In fact, she has served as an adjunct professor at Taylor University twice and the University of Wisconsin, teaching “Writing for Children.” Find her work at http://www.michellemedlockadams.com

Sherry Sharp and her family are strong supporters of Alzheimer’s disease research. Mrs. Sharp’s late husband, Richard L. Sharp, founded the car dealership chain CarMax and V-Ten Capital Partners, served as CEO of Circuit City electronics and was chairman of the board of Crocs shoes. He passed away from posterior cortical atrophy, a rare form of Alzheimer’s disease, at age 65. In her husband’s honor, Mrs. Sharp has joined the board of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund to further our mission of preventing, slowing or reversing Alzheimer’s disease. Sherry has devoted herself to improving the lives of others through education, children’s services, and medical research. In addition, she had devoted time to Christian Ministry and writing, including publishing Chicken Soup for the Soul, Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias Edition. Her story, Life Interrupted, was inspired by her experience as caregiver to her husband after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Mrs. Sharp lives in Richmond, Virginia.

Having traveled along a journey of healing and redemption, Sherry’s greatest joy is the LORD. She leads women’s Bible studies, speaks at Christian retreats, and co-chairs a community James 1:27 Team (support group for those of us who care for elderly parents). Her wildlife photography from the South Carolina Lowcountry is featured at women’s prayer and healing services. She and her husband are blessed with three sons, two daughter-in-laws, and an adorable granddaughter. Sherry’s first novel, The Christmas Bracelet, was published by WestBow Press. She also published an Easter drama, They Knew No Easter, by Lillenas. Grandparents play a unique and profoundly influential role in the lives of grandchildren—second only to parents—yet they are one of the most underserved groups in the church. Today’s grandparents don’t consider themselves to be “seniors” in the traditional sense. They are generally healthier and more vital than any other generation of grandparents in history. 21st Century grandparents are just as likely to be rocking to their favorite tunes as they are to be rocking in their favorite chairs.

LEA ANN GARFIAS believes there is enough coffee in the world to make even dreadful Thursdays tolerable. As a ministry leader and homeschool writer, she helps ordinary moms realize their extraordinary influence. When she's not homeschooling her four children, directing her church choir, or performing the violin, she's passed out asleep. You'll find evidence of her existence at lagarfias.com. In Rocking Ordinary, Lea Ann Garfias comes along-side you like a true friend and shows you how an ordinary life can be lived with extraordinary influence. A gifted teacher and storyteller, she meets you exactly where you are - in the everyday, messy, stressful, kids screaming, laundry piling, everyday life, and encourages you, loves you, and roots for you as you begin rocking your ordinary.

Mary Kaarto is a former journalist, an author, and a guest speaker. She is passionate about helping the elderly and the unemployed. A timely message of hope and encouragement, her book HELP for the LAID OFF and HOPE for the LAID OFF- Devotionals helps the reader to accept the unacceptable. This book shows how to find sanity in a jobless reality and how to make it your job to find a job. It will also show the reader how to avoid falling into the classic pity party after a layoff. Mary Kaarto covers subjects like money matters, fruitful blessings that can come from being laid off or even being fired, and encouragement for your future. She also teaches family members how to help their loved one who is laid off or fired, and concludes with a reality-based challenge, that if followed will be a blessing to the person who accepted the challenge and the loved one who is laid off or fired.

An encouraging word. A quiet compliment. A pat on the back. Tyrus Morgan believes these small gestures are important ripples in an ocean of eternal impact. We were created for more than just going through the motions, and for this Nashville-via-Kansas singer/songwriter and worship leader, it’s important to be reminded of that on a regular basis. “There are earthly, tangible things through the Body of Christ that show us something greater than ourselves, something to believe in,” says Tyrus, a sought-after songwriter who co-penned “The Same God,” the poignant power-ballad which scored GRAMMY®-nominated NewSong their most recent Christian radio hit. “Life is more than just a ‘go to work, pay the mortgage, go home, go to bed’ type of thing, and it’s our job to build each other up in good times and in bad.” As his family has grown, so also has Tyrus’ ministry around the country. Although he maintains a healthy calendar of concert dates each year, he’s able to prioritize time with his family and be actively involved with his home congregation. A worship leader at Wellspring Church in suburban Nashville, Tyrus is also part of an artist partnership program at Little Rock, Arkansas’ Fellowship Bible Church. The quarterly opportunity there is a mutually beneficial relationship: he gets to lead worship and share his heart, while in return they fill his cup with support, prayer and encouragement. Discover more about Tyrus at www.tyrusmorgan.com.

Kathy Collard Miller is a popular conference speaker and bestselling author. Her mixture of vulnerability, humor, and practical Bible teaching makes her highly effective in ministering to women. She is the author of forty-nine books and has appeared on the 700 Club and numerous radio and television programs. She has spoken in seven countries besides the United States. She lives in Southern California and has been married for 44 years to her high school sweetheart, Larry. They have two grown children and one grandchild.

Martin Wiles is an author, minister, English teacher, and freelance editor currently residing in Greenwood, South Carolina. He and his wife, Michelle, are founders and editors of Love Lines from God (www.lovelinesfromgod.com). Wiles has authored Grits & Grace & God, Morning By Morning, Morning Serenity, and Grace Greater Than Sin, Authentic Christianity, and is a contributing author in Penned from the Heart and Rise. He is a regular contributor to Christian Devotions—where he also serves as a Web/Editorial assistant—PCC Daily Devotions, and is a regular columnist for the Dorchester County Eagle Record. Wiles is also the editor of the “Tips for Healthy Living” page for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas.

Brooke Wayne has a desire to point parents to raise their children with a biblical worldview. Brook is a well-received author and conference speaker, as well as a full-time homeschooling mother. Together with her husband Israel Wayne they are raising their nine children and are founders of Family Renewal. Israel Wayne is an author and conference speaker who has a passion for defending the Christian faith and promoting a Biblical worldview. The author of Homeschooling from a Biblical Worldview, Full-Time Parenting: A Guide to Family-Based Discipleship, Questions God Asks and Questions Jesus Asks. Israel, and his wife Brook, are homeschooling their nine children in SW Michigan. Since 1995, Israel has traveled the nation speaking on family, homeschooling, revival, discipleship, and cultural issues. He is a frequent guest on national radio and television programs. Israel has been featured in national and international publications including TIME Magazine, The Arizona Republic, WORLD Magazine and the Wall Street Journal. Israel has been featured as the keynote speaker at numerous conferences, some with over 5,000 in attendance. Israel serves as the Director of Family Renewal, LLC and is the Site Editor for ChristianWorldview.net (a Christian apologetics site).

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall. DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association; International Thriller Writers, and the Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of Romance Writers of America. She is co-director of The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

Find your voice, live your story…is the foundation of Edie Melson’s message, no matter if she’s addressing parents, military families, readers of fiction or writers. As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. She’s penned numerous books, including While My Child is Away a book of prayers for when we’re apart. As a leading professional within the publishing industry, she travels to numerous conferences as a popular keynote, writing instructor and mentor. Her top-ranked blog for writers, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month, and she’s the Director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. In addition, as a respected expert in social media, Edie has the proven expertise to teach others how to plug in without sacrificing valuable writing time. Her bestselling eBook on this subject, has recently been updated, expanded and re-released as Connections: Social Media & NetworkingTechniques for Writers. She’s the Director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, the Social Media Director for Southern Writers Magazine, and the Social Media Mentor for My Book Therapy. She’s a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, regular columnist for Guideposts.org, Just18Summers.com, and PuttingOnTheNew.com. She and her husband, Kirk, have been married 35 years and raised three sons. They live in the Upstate of South Caroline. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

Mark wrote his first ten pages at the age of twelve, complete with diagrams of Indians, a stampede, and a prairie fire. More recently, he’s been writing historical fiction in an early medieval setting. He is the author of The Bonfires of Beltane, an epic novel of Christian historical fiction set in ancient, Celtic Ireland at the time of St. Patrick. He’s currently working on a sequel to that book and a fantasy novel. He is also the co-editor of Tales From Calvary. From the congregation of his former church, he gathered there testimonies, poetry, short fiction, and non-fiction. You will find there four of Mark’s short stories. He enjoys reading the classics, fantasy, and historical fiction. He is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and the Minnesota Christian Writer’s Guild. He is represented by the Leslie H. Stobbe Literary Agency. When he’s not working for his church, Mark will probably be at his desk writing. Or walking his dog, Chloe, a miniature Australian shepherd who requires three miles a day to keep from driving her master crazy.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as host Scott chats with conference director, writer and Worship Leader LaTan Murphy. La-Tan Murphy is founder of: Colors of His Love Women’s Conference since 2011. The heart of this ministry is to challenge women to reach every culture with the love of Christ. As an event speaker and vocalist, La-Tan finds encouraging others most important.  Drawing from a wealth of life experiences as a wife, mother, and grandmother, she uses real-life experiences as her greatest sources for speaking and writing inspiration. La-Tan is an award-winning article writer. She is a regularly featured columnist for the nationally recognized WHOA Women’s Magazine. La-Tan’s books have been featured in Southern Writers Magazine in the 2014 January Edition, and the October 2014 edition as MUST READS.  Her articles have been published on Girlfriends in God Devotional/Crosswalk.com, as well as Just 18 Summers and the American Daily Herald, Inspire a Fire. Her articles have been featured alongside Joyce Meyer, Lisa Osteen, Kim Alexis, Gretchen Carlson- Fox News and Megan Alexander – Inside Edition.  Her book entitled: God’s Provision in Tough Times was a finalist for the 2014 Selah Award.

Over the last 11 years, Deanna Steinle has worked to bridge the gap between Event Planning, Marketing and Public Relations. Having worked in Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, Conference Resorts, booking Talent for events and studying American Sign Language, Deanna took her passions and created Steinle Communications, LLC. Her focus is to assist in making your visions come to life by providing excellent resources, seamless execution and a place where no question is too small. Deanna was brought up living the “Chameleon Lifestyle”, where she made it her goal to be easily adaptable, regardless of the situation or industry. By exposing herself to several different industries and hobbies, she knew mentoring and providing services for others was her dream that has now come to fruition as Steinle Communications, LLC. Deanna has a specialized concentration on businesses, organizations and individuals that are seeking someone in Marketing and Public Relations who understands Deaf Culture and is proficient in American Sign Language. Deanna’s personable, reliable and passionate personality (P. R. P.) is the experience our customers receive that sets Steinle Communications above your expectations. Discover more about her at http://steinlecommunications.com.

Over the last 11 years, Deanna Steinle has worked to bridge the gap between Event Planning, Marketing and Public Relations. Having worked in Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, Conference Resorts, booking Talent for events and studying American Sign Language, Deanna took her passions and created Steinle Communications, LLC. Her focus is to assist in making your visions come to life by providing excellent resources, seamless execution and a place where no question is too small. Deanna was brought up living the “Chameleon Lifestyle”, where she made it her goal to be easily adaptable, regardless of the situation or industry. By exposing herself to several different industries and hobbies, she knew mentoring and providing services for others was her dream that has now come to fruition as Steinle Communications, LLC. Deanna has a specialized concentration on businesses, organizations and individuals that are seeking someone in Marketing and Public Relations who understands Deaf Culture and is proficient in American Sign Language. Deanna’s personable, reliable and passionate personality (P. R. P.) is the experience our customers receive that sets Steinle Communications above your expectations. Discover more about her at http://steinlecommunications.com.

Angelika “Angie” Martin came to a personal relationship with Jesus at age seventeen and began writing out of necessity while studying drama and theater at a Christian college. A scarcity of published faith-based material inspired her to write short stories, skits, and scripts, which led to directing. The writing continued as she found herself surrounded by children while working as a community youth director at a military base in Germany and serving in other positions—Sunday school teacher, vacation Bible school teacher, YMCA summer camp director, and private Christian school teacher. Drawn to the arts, Angie found writing allowed her to express herself creatively—whether a poem, song, skit, article, short story, devotion, lesson plan, or curriculum. Her most important life experience as mother and grandmother led to the challenge of finding a Christian alternative to the secular holiday sensation surrounding a magical Christmas elf. Her desire to see Operation Birthday Celebration in print also allowed her to try her hand at illustrating. Serving as the women’s ministry coordinator at Colonial Heights Christian Church—leading Bible studies and organizing women’s events—keeps Angie in touch with the pulse of Christian women and mothers.  As the center director for Hope House, a crisis pregnancy ministry in Kingsport, Tennessee, she is able to merge her vocation and passion: mentoring women and spurring them on to discover a higher calling by experiencing the power of God’s Word. Created in the image of the God, Angie believes we are all endowed with a sense of creativity.  The work of God’s people should always outshine that of the secular world.  Nothing excites her more than finding creative ways to share God's message!

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as host Scott McCausey talks about the church body with Pastor Rodney Coe. Pastor Rodney Coe is the Founder/Managing Editor of Liftupyourday.com. He served for thirteen years in the U.S. Navy. Rodney has a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing/English from Southern New Hampshire University and also has a Bachelor and Master of Theology as well as two Doctorate degrees. Rodney has a Fellow Award with the Stephen Olford Institute of Biblical Preaching. He has written over 200 articles. Pastor Rodney and his wife Brenda have four sons. His prayer is that he can encourage the Body of Christ. Discover more about him at www.liftupyourday.com. If you know someone who would be a great guest on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! contact Scott@christiandevotions.us.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as host Scott McCausey shares the rise and fall of Big Idea Productions with Phil Vischer. Author and filmmaker Phil Vischer has had a significant impact on American culture.  His groundbreaking children’s series, VeggieTales, has sold more than 65 million copies, been featured in major magazines and newspapers and even spoofed by Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons.  Phil created Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber as a 25 year-old Chicago-based computer animator, searching for ways to integrate his faith and his filmmaking.  With the help of his wife, Lisa, his college buddy Mike Nawrocki, two art school grads and his church’s music director, Kurt Heinecke, Phil landed VeggieTales videos in a third of all American households with young children. Since the bankruptcy of Big Idea Productions, Phil has produced What’s in the Bible? – a 13-part DVD series walking families all the way through from Genesis to Revelation, explaining the origins, meaning, and some of the “trickier bits” of the world’s most influential book.  Phil is also a frequent radio guest on Family Life Radio, Focus on the Family, Moody Radio and others. Phil’s story has also given him a speaking ministry, as he has crisscrossed the country speaking at conferences and colleges from coast to coast.  From Pepperdine to Baylor to Liberty (and back again for return visits to many), Phil’s humor and heart have proven extremely popular with the same college kids that laughed at Bob and Larry when they were small.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as host Scott McCausey brings in Mark Antonacci to discuss the evidence of Jesus Christ. Mark Antonacci is an attorney and author who has studied all aspects of the Shroud for the past thirty-four years. He wrote The Resurrection of the Shroud (New York: M. Evans and Co., 2000), the most comprehensive book ever written on the Shroud until his landmark book, Test the Shroud, was published in 2015. Mark gave the keynote address at the international conference held in Italy in conjunction with the Shroud’s exhibition in 2010 in which he proposed that a new series of sophisticated, minimally-invasive tests be performed on the Shroud at the atomic and molecular levels of this famous burial cloth. He has written the leading scientific hypothesis that not only explains the Shroud’s body images, but also its radiocarbon dating, its excellent condition, its pristine human blood marks, their still-red coloration, the possible outer side imaging, coin features and flower images, skeletal features, and all of its other unique features. Discover more about Mark and Test the Shroud at www.testtheshroudonline.com.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as host Scott McCausey brings in Dr. Charles Stanley. Dr. Charles F. Stanley, Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Atlanta and founder of In Touch Ministries, demonstrates a keen awareness of people's needs by providing practical biblical truths for everyday life. Modeling his ministry after the apostle Paul's message to the Ephesians, Dr. Stanley believes that: "Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus–the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love" (Acts 20:24 TLB). The goal of Dr. Charles Stanley is best represented by In Touch's mission statement: To lead people worldwide into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and to strengthen the local church. Dr. Stanley's heart's desire is to get the gospel to "as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, as clearly as possible, as irresistibly as possible, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to the glory of God." His book, Handle with Prayer, will be the focus of our interview. This is the second release of the book, which has already sold over a quarter million copies!