Transparent Christian Magazine

So, what’s the latest with Transparent Christian Magazine? I am continually blown away by the doors that God is opening! When I started this “Christian Magazine”, I wanted a forum for writing that was truth filled—Stories and commentary that reflected Jesus in a real-world way.

My walk with God is about being open and authentic with people, loving people where they are at, and encouraging them with a loving heart. It’s about living a life that invites God in daily, and thanking him for the little things. Living a life of meaning, and helping others (serving). This doesn’t always mean that I need to be at 4 church services on the weekend…Sometimes it means mowing your neighbor’s front lawn, or listening to someone when they are hurting. Sometimes it means telling someone something they don’t want to hear. It may mean saying “no” to requests from your church so you can stay home with you family for a weekend. I’m doing my best to be obedient, and for the first time in my life I feel like I am making some progress in this effort! I still struggle with lots of things, but I’m working hard at just listening and obeying God’s leading. So, here are some of those doors that I’ve been walking through:

Recently I was contacted by Mission House Music to interview one of their artists. He’s an amazing singer/songwriter named Jim Murphy and was a fascinating guy to talk to. He had a great understanding of music history and we talked about many things including Elvis, Stax Records, and Motown. He also told me he was part owner of the label he was on. You can read that interview here.

Another “God Moment” happened recently while I was writing a story about an experience I had at the CIA Summit in Franklin a few weeks ago. It’s about the band Crutch Field, and how I witnessed a magical performance they had on the acoustic stage. I was thinking how blessed I was to be in that room, and as I was writing the story, I got a call from Sue Ross at Indieheaven. She is like a human router, and connects me with really interesting people from time to time. She said “Jason, I know a great band that you may want to talk with. They are interested in what you are doing and asked me to get y’all hooked up for an interview if you are willing.” I got a chill, smiled and said a little prayer of thanks. Be on the lookout for an upcoming interview with Crutch Field. (Also, I’m putting the finishing touches on an interview with the folks over at Indieheaven.)

A few months ago I was prompted to put together a fund raiser for a new charity, Faces of Hope and through the efforts of 4 bands, Latham’s Lighthouse Events Center and lots of volunteers we raised around $2000 for them. Based on the interest in local live music, I am in the process of putting together a house concert series this summer. Keep your eyes open for a June date, when you will be able to see David Teems and Brad Reynolds together again. (another DO NOT MISS Performance!)

Benita Teems (David’s wife) invited me down to the GMA’s a few weeks ago to go and talk with several artists that her company “McCain and Company” (PR Firm) works with. She said that they were going to be scheduling interviews and would Transparent Christian Magazine be interested in a press pass, and being a part of those interviews…I humbly thanked Benita (and God again) for the connections and scheduled a half day out of the office to go and meet several VERY cool folks.

That day, I spoke with Mitch McVicker, Paul Alan, Erin Schneider, John Schlitt (Petra) and John Morgan, a George Bush impersonator (and a dang good one). It was more fun than one person is supposed to have in a few hours, and I think you will really enjoy learning about the hearts behind some excellent performers. I wasn’t nervous at all until I met with John Morgan…Well, when was the last time you were face to face with the president!!!?? John has a great heart for God and was a riot to talk to. Scary how much he looks like W. There will be interviews coming from each one of those meetings.

Some crazy things have been happening with exposure too. My interview with Brad Reynolds made it to Top20Indie.com right alongside an article from the USA Today and CCM Magazine. I think God had a good laugh at that one…it was very humbling to be included in that group. Oh, and these artists have joined some other folks and recently put my magazine ‘widget’ on their blogs and ’spaces’. Feel free to add the widget if you are so inclined!

Chris Carder
Belinda Jane
Brad Reynolds
Crosschat

Lately, I have been feeling God is telling me to post more articles from women authors. I think the church overlooks or marginalizes how powerful and spiritually tuned in many women are, and I feel He is telling me to give them an outlet here. I’m in prayer about it now, and God has already opened some cool doors. Women, and men stay tuned for some spirit filled female commentary and stories!!

Oh, and one more thing I wanted to mention. I am SO excited that David Teems has agreed to start writing a ‘column’. He is a published author that has written several books and devotionals. David and I met a few months ago, and I feel like I’ve known him my whole life. Here is an excerpt from his latest book.

Isn’t God Cool? Mind blowing—-
Love you all!

Jason