Author: Erick Neuman
Smith says, “The only time I ever saw him really get upset was when my songs didn’t go No. 1. He just couldn’t figure that out. I’m going, ‘Dad, all my songs can’t go No. 1.’ And he’d go, ‘Why not, son? You’re the best.'” Michael W. Smith’s musical achievements span five decades. From pop to contemporary Christian music, he’s garnered worldwide recognition. And perhaps his biggest fan was his late father, Paul Smith. “He’s the oldest guy dancing in the aisle and singing every word to all my songs. He knew every word to every song.” His new book,…
Monday, November 25th promised to be a fun evening for pastors Glen and Deborah Berteau. It was Deborah’s birthday and her prayer group had planned a party for her at church. She recalls, “I was happy my husband was with me. Lots of times he stays home because he’s very tired after preaching three times on the weekend. But that night he came with me because of my birthday party.” Deborah had no idea it could be the last birthday they’d ever spend together. They had arrived early and were waiting in the pastor’s lounge on the opposite side of…
“How could we have prepared for this?” Operation Blessing’s Disaster Relief team hears these words all too often after a disaster destroys a family home. Nobody knows when disaster will strike, so it’s important to be prepared with a disaster emergency kit. Does your family know what do to in case of disaster? How prepared are you? These fun questions are designed to spark a family conversation about your specific preparation plan. Here are some suggested talking points. When will you stay? When is it time to leave? Decide as a family when you will evacuate during a storm. Make sure…
Dear Dave, In light of recent events, do you have suggestions for things people should think about and prepare for if they get laid off from their jobs? – Sam Dear Sam, It’s no secret that things are shutting down all across the world. If your workplace has closed its doors and isn’t offering pay, then it’s time to regroup and get some things in order. The thought of being without a paycheck can be overwhelming, but a little thought and planning can help you get though times like these. Start living on a budget, if you aren’t doing so already.…
It has been sort of a strange ending for Mike Donehey and Tenth Avenue North. Set to disband after 20 years with a highly touted farewell tour in 2020, the celebrated quartet never got their chance. Cut short due to the global pandemic, Donehey and company were left sitting at home. For Donehey, he was wondering what his next move would be in Christian music. After much thought and prayer, he has decided to pursue a diversified path that includes music, writing, and even hosting a podcast (Chasing the Beauty). Donehey begins this new chapter with the release of not one, but two…
A North Carolina valedictorian boldly took the stage during his high school graduation and told attendees all about his faith after his school district had attempted to censor his remarks about God and Jesus Christ. Liberty Counsel, a non-profit legal, group released a redacted letter they sent to a high school student who was seeking legal advice after he submitted his speech to the school district. According to his attorneys, the valedictorian speech addressed the adversity he has faced in his life due to several medical conditions and how Jesus helped him to overcome those challenges. In part of his…
Sometimes all you need is a chance. Circumstances in life may sometimes prohibit you from fulfilling your potential but that hope for a better tomorrow always seems to persist. Legendary Texas high school football coach Rusty Russell knew this all too well. He shocked his family, friends, and colleagues during the Great Depression so he could teach and coach football at an orphanage. Taking a group of seemingly forgotten boys, many of whom didn’t even own a pair of shoes, to playing for the Texas state championship, Russell never forgot where he came from. For all of his success in…
Jeff Blackwell has been a beloved on-air talent for Catholic Community Radio in Baton Rouge for many years, but in 2020, Jeff was in a fight for his life. After going to dinner with his wife Diane, he became violently ill. “I knew I was sick,” Jeff says. “I had never felt that bad before in my life. I couldn’t hold anything down. I finally told my wife, ‘I’ve got to go to the ER. I can’t handle it.’” Jeff was then admitted to a local hospital. He was later transferred to ICU where his stomach issues persisted. “The…
For a man to have real children is easy enough. For children to have a real father is another matter entirely. Growing up fatherless left gaps in me. It does for everyone. Whether your dad was steeped in addiction, an absentee, or just ill-equipped, here are 5 key lessons I’ve acquired over the years. They are helping me to father like the father I never had. I’m praying they’ll help you too! 1. Be a courageous leader. I am the son of an absentee, alcoholic, abandoning man full of excuses. I tell my sons sometimes, “My first father was a drill instructor.”…
If you’re feeling panicked about money in these uncertain times, I want you to hear me on this: You are not alone. You will be okay. People all across the country are wanting to know how the COVID-19 virus will affect their finances. Here are some of the top questions I’m getting about how to handle money during this trying time. What should I do to protect myself and my family right now? Conserve your financial resources. This means cutting unnecessary spending, like cable television, eating out, and subscription memberships. Focus on taking care of the Four Walls. I’m talking about the…