Quirks, Bumps, and Bruises

Discover the compelling intersection of historical evidence and profound faith as Pastor Eric Simmons joins us once again to unravel the art of apologetic argumentation. We navigate beyond the surface level of belief systems, placing a spotlight on the resurrection—a cornerstone of Christian doctrine.Venture with us through a moving narrative that showcases the transformative power of the resurrection in personal faith journeys. Listen to the story of a touching encounter with an unwavering atheist whose continuous dialogue with believers hints at a heart opening to reconsider faith. These stories embody the harmonious blend of intellectual scrutiny and religious conviction, reinforcing the notion that belief is not just felt but also reasoned.We reflect on the tender and intricate process of guiding individuals towards faith, emphasizing  empathy and compassion in religious discourse. A dialogue with an atheist during a Sunday school session becomes a testament to the emotional and intellectual considerations that color one's path to belief. Through this journey, we emphasize that humility and repentance are not just virtues but the very essence of a vibrant spiritual life. Join us, Candi and Melody, as we unpack these profound topics, offering encouragement for those navigating the complex landscape of spiritual discovery.

Join us on a thought-provoking journey as we sit down with Eric Simmons, Associate Pastor of Disciple Making from First Baptist Church of Summerfield, to illuminate the often misunderstood practice of apologetics within the Christian faith. Apologetics is not about apologizing; it's about articulating a well-reasoned defense for our beliefs. Eric walks us through its biblical roots and its critical role in both evangelism and nurturing steadfast faith in the face of challenging ideologies. This conversation is an eye-opener for anyone seeking to bolster their understanding of Christianity and prepare the younger generation for the intellectual battles they may face, especially within academic environments.Listen in as we tackle the compelling topic of sharing your faith, a duty that, surprisingly, many Christians shy away from. We delve into the power of personal testimony, especially the transformative narrative of the resurrection, and the need to prioritize genuine relationships over debates when engaging with non-believers. Our chat also sheds light on how our daily choices and media consumption may either bolster or undermine our witness to the world. This segment is a heartfelt call to authenticity, urging believers to live out their faith in a way that naturally invites others to explore the hope we hold dear.Our final segment probes the delicate balance of humility and accountability within the church. The all-too-common facade of perfection can alienate, particularly the younger faithful, who crave authenticity and honest mentorship. We discuss the importance of fostering a church environment that champions loving correction over harsh judgment, and the role this plays in nurturing a sincere and resilient community of believers. Tune in for an enriching conversation that emphasizes the need for a faith community that practices what it preaches and faces its imperfections with grace and truth.

Every time we mean to lace up those sneakers for an early morning walk, the siren call of syrup-drenched pancakes seems to steer us off course. It's Melody and Candi here, bringing you another belly-laugh-packed session of Quirks, Bumps, and Bruises, where we navigate the choppy waters of weight loss with a fork in one hand and a dumbbell in the other. Today's episode is a testament to the best-laid plans of mice, men, and your two favorite radio hosts, who can't seem to resist the gravitational pull of a loaded breakfast sandwich.Join us as we chronicle our latest foray into the land of dieting promises, only to be hijacked by the sheer magnetism of office birthday celebrations and the undeniable allure of blueberry bread pudding (with icing, no less). We share the gritty details of our indulgent morning feasts, reflect on the peer-induced food choices, and even try to justify our actions under the guise of social obligation. If you've ever found yourself in a tug-of-war between fitness aspirations and the undeniable joy of comfort food, this episode will have you nodding along and chuckling at our all-too-familiar predicaments.

Unlock the hidden world of pastors' wives and their vital role in the church community as we celebrate their dedication during Pastors Wives Month. Cindy and Charlotte from Energize Ministries join us to share heartfelt stories and the raw truth about the lives of these incredible women. We peel back the layers of expectation and sacrifice that come with being married to a church leader, examining the biblical foundation of honoring these women and how the community can truly uphold them. Our conversation reveals the complexities of balancing personal careers with church duties and the need for grace and understanding for pastors' families.Feel the heartbeat of the church as we delve into the crucial issues of pastoral burnout and the rejuvenating power of sabbaticals. With thousands of pastors stepping away from the pulpit each year, we confront the stark reality of mental exhaustion and the impact it has on both clergy and their spouses. Cindy and Charlotte illuminate the philosophy of Energize Ministries, emphasizing that the well-being of church leaders is intrinsically linked to the health of their congregations. Listen to stories of resilience, the power of encouragement, and the transformative effect of supporting pastors' wives and families on the broader faith community.

Join Melody and Candi as they discuss Christian pick up lines for singles. Laugh alongside them as they let you know some of the most hilarious lines that are said in order to meet that special someone to marry.

Join us, Melody and Candi, as we take a stroll down memory lane, celebrating our shared love for Southern Gospel music. With 17 years of concerts, events, and countless memories, we reflect on the times we followed artists like Signature Sound and Michael English, and attended massive gatherings like the National Quartet Convention and Singing in the Sun. Listen in as we recount the hilarious moment we unwittingly found ourselves on the red carpet at Dollywood, decked out in our finest—save for the Crocs and sandals on our feet.In this heartfelt conversation, we also explore the unique atmosphere of Southern Gospel events and how they serve as the ultimate setting for people-watching, surpassing even the likes of Walmart for entertainment value. Plus, we touch on Aaron Wilburn's humorous take on Southern Gospel fandom in his book, "You Might Be a Southern Gospel Music Fan If." Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for a laugh, our anecdotes are sure to bring a smile to your face and maybe even a bit of nostalgia for the sights and sounds of Southern Gospel music.

Join us as we journey with Ray Flynn of Abraham Productions, where we explore the transformative power of faith through music. In this heartwarming chat, Ray shares his experience of hosting a worship event at Graceland, Elvis Presley's iconic home, and the extraordinary opportunity it presented to spread the gospel. Our conversation then takes a turn to Washington DC, where the 'Restoring the Foundations' concert is set to take place. Listen in as Ray recounts his serendipitous meeting with Steve Green, the president of Hobby Lobby, and the exciting prospects this holds for southern gospel music and the spiritual uplifting of the nation ahead of a pivotal presidential election.In the spirit of community and ministry, we express our profound appreciation for the support and encouragement that fuels our collective service to God. We acknowledge the tireless efforts of those in our ministry network, highlighting the importance of celebrating and praising the Source of our inspiration and dedication.

Are you more like free-spirited Mary or super-organized Martha? Well, buckle up as we unpack the charming idiosyncrasies that define us all, whether you're the type who plans out every dish for the week or someone who lets their cravings guide their next meal. Candi and I pull back the curtain on our contrasting lifestyles, inviting you to laugh along and find a little bit of yourself in the Marys and Marthas of today. From meticulously arranged closets to singing your favorite tune at the drop of a hat, we celebrate the diversity in our daily dance, proving that there's joy to be found in both the planned and the spontaneous moments of life.And for those of you dreading your next encounter with the washer and dryer, we're dishing out a generous helping of camaraderie and chuckles that might just make that laundry basket seem a little less daunting. Join us, and who knows, you might just walk away with a new perspective on life's never-ending chores.

Ever wonder how church attendance has shifted through generations, especially for millennials? On Quirks, Bumps and Bruises, we're joined by worship pastor Parker Webb from the band “Guilford,” who's not just strumming the guitar but tuning into the heartbeat of today's church culture. With Parker's unique insights and our own reflections on the role of church in our lives, we journey through the social and spiritual landscapes that have shaped our faith journeys.This episode is a vibrant discussion that might just resonate with your own experiences. Whether you're firmly planted in a pew every Sunday or you're navigating the busy crossroads of modern life, join Melody, Candi, and Parker for a conversation that's as enlightening as it is heartfelt. We're not claiming to have all the answers, but we promise you'll leave with new perspectives on the spiritual legacies we're creating in our families and our communities.

With Valentine's Day coming up, Melody and Candi talk with author Dr. Gary Chapman about his best-seller The 5 Love Languages, a title that has strengthened marriages and relationships worldwide. What is your love language? How about your significant other's?  Join the JoyRide and Doctor Chapman for an insightful conversation that could take your relationship to the next level, in this special episode of the Quirks, Bumps & Bruises podcast.

Our latest episode is a delightful journey through the curious minds of kids, as we share the chuckle-worthy and absolutely heart-melting musings of our youngest family members. From Candi’s son's earnest inquisition about the role of arithmetic in heaven to Melody's daughter's literal take on spiritual sightings, we're bringing you a collection of stories that epitomize the priceless innocence and simplicity of childhood. Our Joy FM family chimes in too, with a charming mix-up that'll have you reconsidering the meaning of "littering" through the eyes of a three-year-old.Get ready to be serenaded by the pure, uplifting tones of a 21-month-old's rendition of "Jesus Loves Me" as we close out this episode. It's a beautiful reminder of the unconditional love that Jesus has for us, and the way such simple songs can capture profound truths. Whether you need a pick-me-up or just a good laugh, this episode is a testament to the joys of parenting, grandparenting, and the unique wisdom we can all gain from seeing the world through a child's eyes. Join us as we celebrate these tales and sing along, embracing the awe-inspiring journey of faith and family life.

Join Melody and Candi as they explore the curious world of consumer fads and their influence on our choices, zooming in on the latest obsession with Stanley thermos cups. Listen in as they ponder the nostalgic charm of the original Stanley thermos and how its rebirth as a hip beverage container seems to captivate the younger crowd, convincing them to shell out more just for the brand. We also muse over the societal urge to keep up with the Joneses, reminiscing about past crazes like wallabies shoes and the once-coveted image of clutching a Starbucks cup or sporting a Bluetooth headset.

Discover the remarkable difference a simple change in your daily routine can make as Melody and Candi share their enthusiasm for Joy FM's 30-day challenge. This isn't just about music; it's about transforming your commute, your workday, and your life by immersing yourself in the uplifting sounds of Christian music. This episode is infused with personal testimonies and the infectious conviction that tuning into Joy FM could be the positive shift you've been seeking. 

Enjoy this throwback episode! It's Part 2 of the tables being turned on Melody and Candi as Wendy, (Joy FM's Listener Engagement Director). sits down and asks questions about what they would both be doing if they were not on air at Joy FM,  discuss their close relationship with each other, admit to their own personal "quirks," and they talk about the things that get them tickled while on air.  You laugh and cry as you get a more personal and up close look at who they really are as co-hosts and as friends.

Enjoy this throwback episode and Join Melody and Candi when the tables are turned on them both as Wendy, (Joy FM's Listener Engagement Director), sits down and interviews the JoyRide with some fun questions as well as some more serious questions about who they are and the journey that led them both to be on The Morning JoyRide each morning.

Join Melody and Candi as they sit down with good friend Jerry Grimes and discuss together the blessings that come into our life from being obedient to what God is calling us to do. Jerry shares an incredible story of love, trust, and complete faithfulness to what God asked of him and his wife, even when the path and journey before them had no absolutes.

Join Melody and Candi as they discuss the importance of being kind to those we come in contact with each and every day.  Candi's seven-year-old son, Hunter, recently displayed such a beautiful way to do that to someone he came in contact with and sets such a wonderful example for each of us.

Melody and Candy are joined by Parker Webb, for a lively and entertaining chat about the cost of the items mentioned in the well-known Christmas carol, "The 12 Days of Christmas." 

Join the Ladies Team of Joy FM in a round table discussion of "Which One Would You Choose?"  They each have to pick a favorite from a selection of possibilities and their answers will have you thinking, pondering, and of course, laughing!

Join Melody and Candi who honestly and transparently delve into the topic of how we as church members can make the church not about us but only about HIM. They will give you some tips on how, as a society that has become very self-absorbed, we can put aside the "me" mentality and focus entirely on the ONE we are there to worship.