May 15, 2013 - Lecrae and the team at Reach Records (http://www.reachrecords.com) want the Class of 2013 to know how proud they are of your academic accomplishment and their spreading that message the best way they know how, through new music.  The song; entitled “Round of Applause” was released this morning by the label along with an official statement of congratulations from the Grammy recording artist. Those who know or have a graduate in their family are encouraged to visit an official site (http://roundofapplause.net/) where they can have this message sent to an email of their choosing. That message and the song, can be found below:

Proud of all the graduates out there. Never overlook the unique opportunity you have in education.
There are many paths you could have taken, obstacles to deter you, and things to distract you, but you beat the odds.
Education informs and helps elevate the paths we will take. I wrote a song reflecting on my journey rejecting the low expectations set for me by culture and media.  Know that I’m praying for all the grads out there to live for something bigger than yourself! Don’t waste your life.

Books

Christian Books has an impressive collection of amazing books for women of God who love to read and when it comes to Mother’s Day, they have you covered. Check out their site and they’ll show you gifts sure to spark her interest and imagination. They also feature a wide selection of ebooks and music. To get you started below you’ll find a few of our favorite reads.

If Jesus were to sit down with you right now and have a DTR (Define the Relationship) conversation, how would you respond? Are you truly his follower or just a fan-or perhaps someone who doesn’t even care about the difference? Not a Fan invites you to make Jesus not merely the object of your admiration, but the very center of your life. Through biblical teaching, anecdotes, and humor, Kyle Idleman explores what it means to truly be a follower of Christ. He also shares several powerful Not a Fan stories–testimonies from fellow followers who turned to Jesus. Don’t miss this wake up call to radical discipleship!

Special agent Marc Royce’s job in the State Department is routine—until two CIA operatives, a high-placed Iraqi civilian, and a humanitarian aid worker go missing in Iraq. As Marc engages in a covert operation, the underground dialogue between sworn enemies heats up. Will the ultimate Reconciler bring peace between ancient opponents and current foes? 384 pages, softcover from Bethany.

Formatted to suit a mom’s busy schedule, God’s Wisdom for a Mother’s Heart provides mothers at any stage of life with thoughtful, biblical encouragement for each and every day. This study is intended as a companion to the Mom’s Bible, but can be used with any Bible.

Music/Movies

For those moms that want an excuse to gather the family together, look no further than a few of our favorite selections of music and movies. A great film will enhance any evening while music just makes any drive with the loved ones more pleasant. Here are a few suggestions!

History Channel’s: The Bible Miniseries

From Executive Producers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett comes The Bible — an epic 10-part miniseries retelling stories from the Scriptures for a whole new generation. Breathtaking in scope and scale, The Bible features powerful performances, exotic locales and dazzling visual effects that breathe spectacular life into the dramatic tales of faith and courage from Genesis through Revelation. This historic television event is sure to entertain and inspire the whole family.

Please note: Some scenes that were shown when The Bible aired may not be included in this release. These missing scenes are an artistic choice, not a defect.

Andy Mineo – Heroes for Sale

United Tenors: Hammond | Hollister | Roberson | Wilson

Keep in mind giving music or a move as a gift is a bit tricky. If you give it as a gift make sure you either give a few (as these tend to be low in cost) or mix them with something else like some flowers, a teddy or a gift basket. Maybe something from our “Treats” suggestions below.

Treats

Fran’s Chocolates

An absolute favorite destination for my wife and I. I can’t recommend these sweet handmade treats enough. Sweet yet salty and their specials for Mother’s Day sets are fordable gifts anyone with a sweet tooth is sure to love! Our favorite? The Japanese box below, its one of he more expensive items they sell but its a gorgeous box and filled to the brim with assorted delights that even after empty my wife keeps to hold little items and anxiously wait until that next brown box delivery hits her doorstep.

Edible Arrangements

Mom not that into chocolate? Get her something that won’t send her straight to the dentist. Edible Arrangements have really become a household name because of their unique gift baskets that no one expects yet everyone will love. Plus they tell mom you were listening all those times she said to eat your fruits and veggies! Win, Win!

Mother’s Day Bouquet™ – Special Berry Trio features gourmet semisweet chocolate dipped strawberries, gourmet semisweet chocolate dipped strawberries decorated with white drizzle, and is filled pineapple hearts, fresh strawberries, cantaloupe, honeydew and grapes. It’s all artfully arranged in a NEW keepsake pitcher that mom can use long after the fruit is gone!

An artist works on a storyboard/concept art of the film Day of War.

Set up in phases, the crowd-funding campaign created by the studio is mean to help make this project a reality. With the first phase already exceeding its initial goal; the team has now moved on the the Production Design Phase and has a target of $250K to reach. With just 500 backers already behind the project, it has already reached just under $80K of that benchmark. Contributors will recieve special gifts as thanks for their taxable donations that range from digital comics to even an appearance in the film as an extra. For more informaiton visit: http://www.lionofwar.com.

DAY OF WAR is a live-action motion picture about King David and his band of elite warriors. As people have learned that we are making this movie, person after person has asked how they can get involved. Dozens has now turned into thousands and a movie is now a movement!

In response, we have decided to embrace the concept of “crowd funding” where lots of people from all over the world give small amounts to a project that they really believe in. The essence of crowd funding is at the core belief of this new creative economy — that the power of many small contributions is significant.

The funding process for a movie of this scale and scope can be long and challenging. Your immediate backing will fuel this process by:

1. Empowering us to keep making the film as the more traditional financial models fall into place
2. Helping to fast track the process by proving there is a growing audience that wants to see this movie made. Now.

We have the completed script, concept art, 3D previsualizations, storyboards, production breakdowns, shooting schedule and even our set locations selected. We are now moving into the next phase, the production design phase.

Global Virtual Studio (http://www.globalvirtualstudio.com) Utilizing cutting edge telepresence and transmedia technologies, the internationally networked GVS Community literally works around the world and around the clock to create original elements for Motion Pictures, eBooks, Video Gaming, Branding, Website Creation, and Digital Journalism.

December 8, 2012 (House of Boxing, San Diego, California) – Just following a incredible show in San Diego hosted by That Funktion, Eshon Burgundy stepped off stage and sat down with Praisable Press’s Tyger Burch to talk a little about the new album, meeting Je’kob Washinton for the first time and what it means to him to be back on stage after a year long absence. Here’s the long overdue interview… salute!

P2: You said it’s been a minute since you’ve been up on stage to perform some of your music, what was that like? How did it feel tonight?

Eshon: It felt good man, it was fun. I was happy to do it, I’ve haven’t been on stage for about a year so getting back on stage was like fresh air.

I’m in the studio a lot recording [from home] so I’m not really in front of the people, really interacting with the people like I would like so to get out and engage the people and perform and hear the people’s response to certain songs is like fresh air to man. I said it while I was up on stage but man I just feel good!

P2: So this won’t be the last time we see you up on stage doing this? We shouldn’t expect another hiatus?

Eshon: No, no, no. I’m trying to really make this a thing that I do often, I’m trying to do more shows.

I wasn’t really able to make a living through music so I kinda had to devote my time to making a living.

P2: What inspired you to kick this all off now? Was it just the right time, was God just telling you this was the time to move?

Eshon: Yeah, yeah. You see what happened, the reason I kinda fell back; was being able to provide for my family. That’s my number one priority so I wasn’t really able to make a living through music so I kinda had to devote my time to making a living.

I just so happened to start shooting music videos so I’ve been shooting a lot of music videos for artists including my own, but now I just dropped a new album [Blood Rushing to My Head} so its time to get back out in front of the faces of the people and do shows and all that. I'm happy to be at this place you know, I couldn't do it before but I'm grateful to be able to do it now.

P2: Is there any particular song that you can't wait to perform on stage? It seems that all your songs are designed to just roll right into testimony, but is there one you just feel called to do consistently or does that vary from stage to stage?

Eshon: Its song to song man, I like 'em all personally [laughs]. I really do, I don’t have songs that I don’t really care for. I try to make music that I like, you know what I’m sayin’? If I don’t like how a song is going I won’t even finish it.

Eshon: You know, internet man. Its great at connecting people and he was a fan of the music and he reached out. I had seen what he and his sister was doing (with Washington Projects) and I really enjoyed their music. I though his sound was quality. Its not amateur at all. So I recognized that man, I know good music when I hear it. I was a fan from afar and then he started doing solo stuff and he was real dope. So when he reached out to me it was only natural for us to do something.

He pretty much just said ‘I want to help you out’, and that was just a blessing so I sent him some records and he just jumped right on it. Yeah though this is the first time we met each other [laughs] and it was just real good to meet him.

P2: I know the word gets tossed around a lot but your very transparent and authentic up on stage. Tonight you even admitted to having forgotten your lines on occasion and you share a lot of your personal testimony. For people who aren’t used to that, for people who are not used to seeing artists get up on stage and just bare it all like that; is that something you had to work through or is that just naturally part of your personality?

Eshon: Yeah I guess I just appreciate people being real. I pride myself on being real. I would much rather be real with people as opposed to being fake or having some type of facade. That’s just feel that if I’m being honest you can’t hold anything against me.

P2: Tell us a little bit about the album [Blood Rushing to My Head, Somewhere in the Clouds Looking Down], what was the mindset behind the project?

Eshon: The album man, Blood Rushing to My Head Somewhere in the Clouds Looking Down….

P2: That’s a serious name by the way!

Eshon: Yeah, yeah [laughs]. I’m a lyricist man, I’m really about words. A lot of people shy away from that by trying to make things small and concise and they try to make it easy for people but I’m like, I’m going to give you lyrics, I’m going to give you words, I’m going to make you think. I just come from that era. The 90″s man, when it was about much more than just dancing and catchy hooks.

So [the album] is actually apart of a three part series, so it’ll be Blood Rushing to My Head parts one, two and three and they’re all going to have subtitles. So we have Somewhere in the Clouds Looking Down and the second one… the Lord just gave me that one last night while I was in bed sleep but I’m not going to say nothing about it yet. I’m going to hash it out and make sure I’m hearing it from God correctly before I put anything out there but I believe I just got the concept for the next one.

P2: How can people find out more about you?

Eshon: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram… if people want to see my life, and what I’m all about just look at my Instagram. [laughs] You’re going to see me, my family, the many place that I travel and what interests me, what I believe, you can see it all on Instagram. I would say Instagram over anything.

P2: Hey thank you so much for making the time.

Eshon: Thank you man. Salute!

That Funktion is a ministry of The Body Church created to encourage & exhort believers and evangelize the culture in a non-traditional church- like setting. If you would like to support, serve, or get involved with That Funktion please contact Jamar Phillips at japhillips77@yahoo.com or call (619) 786-0980.

The Body Church (http://www.thebodysd.com) is a San Diego church that launched on Sept 4th, 2011. By April 2012, the church quickly reached a high of over 110 people and has seen many introduced to Jesus Christ and many more fall deeper in love with Him.

Praisable Press (http://www.praisablepress.com) is a Christian community fed news resource where you can share stories and events to challenge, encourage and support men and women of Christian faith to use the talents God has given them for the glory of is kingdom.

The Godkins rock the stage of The Body Church for the Grand Opening

First lady Tara Schloss shares a bit of testimony at The Body Church

Adding to the powerful message was an amazing worship provided by worship band The Godkins who were later joined by hip hop recording artist Clister Smith. Pastor Vick described the event best, “Awe inspiring. The truth! Very Informative.” More photos can be found on the official Facebook page of Praisable Press.

The Body Church Pastor Victor “Naz-e” Schloss, addressed the packed house during the Grand Opening.

The Body Church (http://www.thebodysd.com) is a San Diego church that launched on Sept 4th, 2011. By April 2012, the church quickly reached a high of over 110 people and has seen many introduced to Jesus Christ and many more fall deeper in love with Him.

January 10, 2013 - If you visit the still under construction One Accord DJ Alliance website (http://www.oneaccorddjs.com) you’d be surprisingly greeting with an opportunity to participate in a rare display of skill. Several select members of the the group of Christ-centered turntablists have placed their talents to the task and given the listeners the power to select their favorites in a number of match ups. The friendly competition coincides with the release of the Master’s Mixx: Season One Mixtape and is currently in the first round. Those interested in hearing some of best in their craft go head-to-head and taking part in the selection of a winner can visit the official voting site here: http://dimedianet.com/OADA/2010/MastersMixx/season1-round1-peoples.html.

Psalms 114:1 “Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:”

The One Accord DJ Alliance is an alliance of ministry-minded deejays devoted to helping the spiritual and natural needs of each other, spinning music for the glory of God, promoting Christ centered and anointed artists, and sharpening each other’s skills and knowledge of our trade. We are committed to spinning music that will usher in the presence of God and cause change.

January 10, 2013 -  Back in December we told you about our good friend and brother in Christ Mike Mills of Snack Bar Sounds (http://www.snackbarsounds.com ) and how he and his wife Lora set up the Lora Mills Campaign through the popular crowd-funding site indiegogo (www.indiegogo.com) to raise funds needed for a life saving heart transplant. The fundraiser is now approaching its final month and more than ever the Mills family needs the support of the amazing Christian family to make this a leap of faith move to the next level. Mike admits, “I have not had as much time to share about Phase 2 of Lora’s fund as I did on Phase 1. Even with that said, I still believe we can reach our goal! With God by our side all things are possible. Please help in saving Lora’s life. We believe in you too.” So as a family we are going to rally around this amazing family of God and do it for them!

I still believe we can reach our goal! With God by our side all things are possible.

The campaign, which was created by the Mills family as a means to raise funds for producer Mike “Verse” Mills’ wife (who was born with a a congenital heart defect called Tricuspid Atresia) to have a heart transplant. She has had a total of 5 open-heart surgeries to date to keep her original heart operational to this point. The cardiologists at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida  informed the family that Lora will need a heart transplant within the next 3 to 4 years if the heart she has now lasts that long. Due to the exorbitant medical costs, the family went to the net to raise funds and after successfully meeting their first goal, will now roll into the second phase as stated on its official fundraising site:  http://www.indiegogo.com/loramillsheartphase2

You can also support the Mills by purchasing a special track created for the fundraiser by the Creature Clan’s D-MAUB, Eric Cross, Knine and Calandra Williams entitled “Change of Hear.” Proceeds from the One Route Entertainment release will go to the Lora Mills Heart Transplant Fund.

In the newest film from director Dallas Lammiman entitled Remember (www.TheRememberMovie.com), the year 2050 where mankind is recovering from an economic disaster and population implosion. They take memory blocking drugs to cope, trade freedom for security, and have given the state control of all children at birth.

Protagonist Captain Carl Onoway’s job is to protect children from adults who attempt to break free from society’s mold and reunite with their children. Following a traumatic incident Carl, receives a series of unusual messages that challenge him to remember his past, question his beliefs about families and lead him to play a double role that not even he himself suspects. The tale is a haunting view of the future that asks the question, “What is a man to do when he finds himself on the right side of the laws of man, but on the wrong side of the truth?” and it appears to have struck a major cord with viewers, judges and critics alike.

Praisable Press (http://www.praisablepress.com) is a Christian community fed news resource where you can share stories and events to challenge, encourage and support men and women of Christian faith to use the talents God has given them for the glory of is kingdom.

Praisable Press (http://www.praisablepress.com) is a Christian community fed news resource where you can share stories and events to challenge, encourage and support men and women of Christian faith to use the talents God has given them for the glory of is kingdom.