Haven Today Radio Interview

 

Just another Tuesday ’round The Schell Cafe. NOT.

I just finished taping a radio interview with Charles Morris at Haven Today. I was asked to share my personal journey through The Bible in 90 Days which led to a church-wide program at Covenant Presbyterian Church.

Because I’m always more interested in knowing what goes on behind-the-scenes I thought I’d share a glimpse into my morning. You know, the real story.

See how organized and uncharacteristically clean my desk looks? I thought it was important to have an uncluttered space for the interview. Yes, I realize it was a radio interview and no one could actually see my desk. Or the fact that I was in workout clothes with my funky old glasses on. I prepared a nice cup of hot tea to soothe my voice and make it all radio-y, and jotted a few notes to jog my memory in the event that I got stuck. For the record, these notes of important facts to remember included my name, the ages of the four Littles, and the name of my blog.

I was ready.

Until Adrian, the amazingly patient producer, called to get the microphone set up and walk me through the logistics of the interview. He sensed a draft in the room and asked if there was a smaller room, preferably with carpet and perhaps bookshelves, where I might relocate for the interview. Just like that, my clean, uncluttered, sweet and peaceful space got uprooted for Husband’s office. I laughed all the way upstairs, juggling the fancy microphone and recorder system. So it was in Husband’s domain that I taped my first national radio interview.

I forgot my tea, so I’m fairly certain my voice was not smooth and radio-y. In fact, I’m not sure of anything I actually said in our 30 minute conversation. I do remember thinking I was going to throw-up when Charles asked me if I would pray for the listeners. Me? Pray? On national radio? I’m a writer. I use the ‘delete’ and ‘backspace’ button more frequently than the alphabet keys. I love being able to re-write, re-do, and re-change-my-mind before I share.  There ain’t no ‘delete’ button for praying on national radio. So, I did what I always do when I realize I’m in over-my-head. I prayed and let the Lord carry me. And, because the Lord is gracious, He also removed most of my short-term memory of the interview (and my pride!) so I would not be able to sit and stew over what I said or what I wish I had said.

If you are curious to know what I said in my interview with Charles Morris, you’ll have to wait until January 2, 2012. As will I. In the meantime, check out the Haven Today website. I have enjoyed listening to many of the archived interviews of some of my favorite voices – Ann Voskamp, Max Lucado, and John Piper, just to name a few. You can also check to see when Haven Today airs in your local market. I’m truly encouraged and impressed with this amazing ministry.

Now you know it’s coming next…

My prayer and encouragement for you is to read God’s Word with The Bible in 90 Days. If you are in Austin, you can join The Bible in 90 Days at University Christian Church beginning January 8, 2012. Contact Alice and Paul Hansen at aliceandpaul@austin(dot)rr(dot)com or visit the University Christian Church website for more information. If you don’t live in the village, hook up on-line with my friend Amy Gross at Mom’s Toolbox to read through the Bible in 90 Days. Amy has some exciting new ways to read through the Bible in 2012 – you can participate on-line or even host your own small group. And, finally take some time to read about the amazing ministry Ted Cooper founded at the Bible in 90 Days website.

This is the time of year when we take time to reflect on our lives and even consider adjusting our priorities. I cannot think of a better way to begin the new year than to spend the first ninety days of 2012 engaged in God’s Word.

I’m pretty sure I did NOT say that on national radio. I think I said something more eloquent like, “just do it!”  Deep, huh?

Mark your calendars for January 2nd. I hope you’ll tune in to Haven Today to listen to my interview. More importantly, I hope you’ll prayerfully consider reading the Bible in the new year.

Love,