Snow Day

A view from the studio of the snow, catching the snow-covered roof at Nantahala Bank.



On snow days like February 1st, 2007, the kids get to stay home and play in the snow but the staff at WPFJ gets to work harder for you to make sure you have the information you need about the weather and school closings. Here Johnny Lee is enjoying the view from the studio roof while he cleans the snow and ice off of our satellite dishes.



WPFJ's Program Director taking a break from the phones to enjoy a little childhood fun in the snow. Around 3 to 4 inches of snow fell to start off the month of February.

Behind the Dial

Ever wondered who is behind the radio you listen to every day? The current staff at WPFJ are from left to right: Johnny Lee, Brenda Wooten, Rob Ricotta, and Susan Canida (front). We love what we do and are glad you are a part of our ministry.

Thoughts on Christmas Music

So, Thanksgiving turns a corner and Christmas erupts, or it even erupts before Thanksgiving has time to appear. So for the next 30 days or so, the American culture is in a frenzy that stretches us to the extreme with family, friends, parties, shopping, overeating, depression, happiness, cold weather, decorations, and memories. Whether it's a good thing or a bad thing for us, I will not comment on. I will comment on the uniqueness of the event, especially from the perspective of the believer. As Christians it is a holiday we celebrate the gift of Christ to all mankind. It is a holiday where we overflow with giving to others, both in love and gifts and service. People celebrate in many different ways, evoking many different emotions. But it stems from 2000 years ago--and has sustained itself through the ages. That alone is enough to make someone stop for a minute to ask "why."

I've listened to several different radio stations in my travels over the past few days, taken notes of what they are doing, and asking myself why they are doing what they do. I've seen billboards advertising 100% Christmas music starting before Thanksgiving. I've heard songs that are traditional, others that are upbeat and fun, and others that mix the traditional with the modern. Christian stations have the unique opportunity to proclaim their witness even louder this time of year. Musicians have the opportunity to bridge the gap between Christian and secular this time of year, when radio stations throw away barriers for the sake of Christmas. It really is a unique time for media.

For WPFJ, we choose Christmas music to play based on several criteria. Number one, the song must be consistent with our message that proclaims Christ and uplifts those that listen. We offer a unique blend of Christmas music that will always point the listener to Christ. Number two, the music will be of the highest quality available. God has gifted artists with talents to shine His light in the darkness--and we want to offer only the best.

So, in the next few weeks, you'll start to hear more Christmas music in the rotation, and we'll play it almost 100% in the days before. And when December 26th comes around, the message of Christmas won't stop. We will still offer the message of Christ in our music 24 hours a day. We hope you enjoy this season and catch a glimpse of what Christ truly meant when He came to earth 2000 years ago to change the course of history. Take some time to read in His Word to refresh yourself on His passion and calling for your life.

Merry Christmas.

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Thanksgiving...I'll Give Some Thanks.

Holidays get interesting in most of our lives--whether they are exciting and fun filled, or extra stressful and painful. Regardless, they bring a change of pace and a time where we look at the world a little differently. As Thanksgiving comes around, I find myself focusing on the things that I'm extra thankful for this year.

I'm thankful for the privilege of living in America where we can proclaim His glory openly. I'm thankful for being able to live in such a beautiful area. I'm thankful for those who work along side of me in a ministry to bring good news over the airwaves. I'm thankful for my family, those gone and those that remain. I'm thankful for my friends, both new and seasoned, for those that challenge me and those that encourage, those that make me laugh and make me cry. I'm thankful for my mentors, who live out wisdom in a daily example and show unconditional love and won't let me settle for less. I'm thankful for the students I work with who teach me more than I can teach them. I'm thankful for hope and joy and freedom that comes through Christ, that becomes more real every day. I'm thankful for the hard times and for the good times, for sunshine and rain, for music and silence. I'm thankful my God is as faithful as the sunrise.

This Thanksgiving, let those in your life know how you are thankful for them. Let them know they are loved. Above all, spend some time thanking God for what amazing blessings He has given you.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

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Clergy Appreciation

October is Clergy Appreciation Month. Pastors have a tough calling and need our encouragement and prayers. There's a good resource at ClergyAppreciation.org for ideas on what to do. I know we're planning something extremely special for one of our pastors, and we're super excited about it. Let your pastor and his wife know that they make a difference and you care about them.



Update 10.27.2006 I've seen first hand the important and impact of putting something together to appreciate your pastor. As with anyone, it's not so important for them to receive expensive gifts--it's more important for them to know 1) that you sincerely care about them and 2) that they make a difference. Our pastor appreciation project went beautifully well.

Plenty of Early Christmas Presents

Look at the lineup of new music coming out in the next week or two:

Mark Schultz-Broken & Beautiful
Chris Tomlin-See The Morning
By The Tree-World On Fire
Hillson-Celebrating Christmas
Phillips, Craig & Dean-Top of My Lungs
Big Daddy Weave-Every Time I Breathe
Israel & New Breed-A Timeless Christmas
Nate Sallie-Ruined For Ordinary
X 2007
WOW Hits 2007
Facing the Giants Soundtrack
Skillet-Comatose
Casting Crowns-Lifesong Live
"Best of" albums for Rich Mullins, 4Him, Twila Paris, and Michael W. Smith
PLUS 2 new Gaither Christmas Videos.


Now that's an exciting line-up.

And if for the unlikely reason you don't see anything there to fit your fancy, in the next month or two you'll see albums from the Newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Michael W. Smith, Avalon, Phil Keaggy, Lincoln Brewster, Grits, Kutlass, Switchfoot, Matt Redman, Passion, and Toby Mac.

Now that's enough to make your want to dance and get a second job. :-)

Macon County Fair

Added Oct. 1: Photo our our famous gazebo at the Macon County Fair.

September 13-17 boasts one of the biggest events of the year for Macon County residents: the annual Macon County Fair. It is one of the last purely agricultural fairs in North Carolina and draws thousands of people from all over. It's a great opportunity for education and fellowship and meeting up with people you haven't seen in a while. It's a unique aspect of culture in Macon County.

WPFJ is going to once again be a part of this big event by bringing you live broadcasts all week during the fair, keeping you informed about the events going on at the fair. It's an exciting thing to be a part of event that brings so many in our community together. We're proud to be a part. Stop by and see us in the gazebo if you're in town. Brenda will be signing autographs.