STRIVE's latest album, FIRE, opens with an uptempo ditty about sharing the simplest, most beautiful things in life with others, rather than falling into the temptation to take such beauties for granted. With an infectious rhythm and memorable lyrics, SMALLEST THINGS -- receiving radio airplay in 55 countires -- will quickly get you up and moving to the beat.

We're on our way
we can help each other all the way

A catchy tune inspired by Africa's struggle with the effects of Imperialism. An enjoyable listen.

Just a little more time now
and all of heavens stars will align. ...
So many work their whole lives
for this one moment in time. ...

"Nothing is impossible if I hold onto hope, faith, love & patience." That's the theme behind STRIVE's tune, JUST A LITTLE MORE TIME NOW. We spend our lives waiting for our ship to come in, hoping for our big break. It's become, for some, what life is all about. And it can be so hard sometimes to wait that we see people every day turning to some kind of get rich quick scheme, whether it's the lottery, crime, or such silliness as American Idol. But with just a little hard work, determination, and patience, we can achieve our goals and see our dreams fulfilled. STRIVE has learned that personally as the band has toured extensively, both in the Midwest around their Chicago home base and internationally with extended tours in Brazil and Russia, long before recently being signed to their first record deal with GoDigital records. With music like that on the album FIRE, the band is sure to continue riding their hard won success.

Listen as the bells toll on.
Can you hear them sing their songs.
This dirge of sadness.
All the ones who passed before,
Gave it all to hear no more,
This dirge of sadness.

One of the most heated topics in the Presidential campaign this year is the involvement of American troops in Iraq. War happens. Throughout American history, war has reared it's ugly head from time to time, as if the very process of engaging in the act of trying to kill one another is inevitable. Whatever your view on war -- and more specifically the war in Iraq -- it is not a happy occasion worthy of celebration. People fight. People die. And they do it in hopes that more people will live -- and live a better life -- for their sacrifice. No matter what you think of war, "no argument erases the horror which leaves mothers, fathers, wives, husbands and children mourning for all that they have lost. Peace can only come if everyone lays their burdens of fear down to embrace love and forgiveness." BELLS TOLL is STRIVE's attempt to "ring out with this truth in an effort to hasten the day when it is our reality."

With a little time away from here
Can we find a way through the tears
To come back with some more love
Than we left with?
Life's too short to waste on love
that keeps a record of wrongs.

STRIVE's mission of putting out upbeat, positive, inspiring music is played out beautifully in this tune about a couple that, after some heated arguing and a time of unwanted separation, chose to look for a way to grow their love into something greater rather than to give up on it. The band describes the song as "a plea for everyone to guard their tongues and liberate their love for one another."

We've been waiting.
Turn the lights down low
It's time to let yourself go
I promise we'll take it nice and slow now
Let yourself be known
Share the secrets of your soul with me
Fire blazing from your skin
How overwhelming it is to love you.

Lead singer / songwriter Derick Thompson describes the title track as the most controversial song he's ever written, while at the same time the purest and most romantic love song he's ever written. "It's a celebration of the love, pleasure and intimacy a man and wife were created to share. Our culture paints great sex as happening with strangers, boyfriends & girlfriends. ... [C]ulture needs the opposite message which says great sex takes place in the context of a committed marriage. ... FIRE is meant to inspire young people to wait and first taste sex in marriage. FIRE is meant to remind married couples that sex keeps a marriage alive and strong. FIRE is meant to glorify the Creator who lovingly gave the human race such an intimate language of love."

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EARTH DAY TIPS, from scot longyear of eXchange

COMEDY MINUTE, from mike williams and christian comedy podcast

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Open Window, an album by Robert Rich courtesy of Magnatune * parting clouds * corners * insular * past glances * open window * parallel horizons * points between * punctuation

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