Why Jesus is better than Santa

Why Jesus is Better than Santa


Santa lives at the North Pole. JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited JESUS stands at your door
and knocks.. and then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa JESUS is as close as the
mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or
girl, What's your name?"
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He
knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even
knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry" JESUS says "Cast all your cares on
me for I care for you.

Santa's little helpers make toys JESUS makes new life, mends
wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree JESUS became our gift and
died on the tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison. We need to remember WHO
Christmas is all about.

We need to put Christ back into Christmas.

Jesus is still the reason for the season.

What's different about Smile Christmas music?

A lot of stations play Christmas music, but Smile FM's Christmas music is different. Don't you think?

Diceman's drum from Africa

Here is the drum that the Diceman likes to play along with the Smile
songs. This authentic African drum was hand-made by people in Kenya,
then given to the Diceman by his in-laws who are missionaries in
Kenya. Find out more about them at www.vfaministries.org Do you
think the Diceman would make a good little drummer boy? Or maybe an
old drummer boy?

Matthew West Christmas shopping with daughters

Hey, if you’ve taken your kids Christmas shopping, you know it isn’t always easy.  They get tired quickly. Here is a photo that Matthew West took with his two girls.  They didn’t seem to be having a whole lot of “Joy to the World” yesterday.

2 books the Diceman recommends

Looking for stocking stuffers?  Both of these books have helped the Diceman and his family.  Men Are Like Waffles: Women Are Like Spaghetti is a book that will help your marriage, and help you to each understand the opposite sex.  Daughters Gone Wild, Dads Gone Crazy is specifically for dads with teenage daughters.

tobymac gets his Christmas tree

Anybody else getting their tree this week? tobymac just got his,
along with his kids!

funniest church Baptisms

Here’s something to put a smile on your face today.  Watch this video compilation of some of the funniest church Baptisms ever!

http://www.godvine.com/Compilation-of-the-Best-Funny-Baptisms-2269.html

 

 

Diceman's cool shirt

The Diceman is feeling good today. He's wearing his super cool shirt. This is the shirt that was so cool that the lead singer of the band, Air Supply winked at the Diceman right in the middle of the show and mouthed the words "Nice Shirt!"

Phrases your kids hate

The Diceman found this list of the Top 10 Phrases your kids hate to
hear from you.
Possibly something to print out and put on your refrigerator as a
daily reminder?

1. Can't you do anything right?
2. Will you ever learn?
3. What is wrong with you?
4. You are lazy
5. You are so immature
6. Who do you think you are?
7. I've had it with you
8. Don't you ever listen?
9. You'll never amount to anything
10. I've told you once, I've told you a million times.

Volunteers needed -Hurricane Sandy

Samaritan’s Purse is already heading to the Northeast US to help with relief efforts from Hurricane Sandy.  Samaritan’s Purse is awesome.

They serve in areas of need like this!    Their President is Franklin Graham (son of Billy Graham)    They just put out the word that they need volunteers to come and help.  Here are the details.  http://spvolunteernetwork.org/projects/hurricane-sandy-response.aspx

 

 

Kevin James, a Christian?

According to this article, Actor Kevin James, (best known as the guy in the TV show “King of Queens” says “he wants to glorify God in everything he does.  http://thecatholicspirit.com/featured/comic-actor-kevin-james-wants-to-glorify-god-in-every-way

Thoughts?

Faron Dice

Share housework and you might divorce?

The Diceman was shocked to read this article, which says “couples who share the housework equally are actually more likely to divorce than those who don’t.  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/9572187/Couples-who-share-the-housework-are-more-likely-to-divorce-study-finds.html

 

Any thoughts?

Email diceman@smile.fm

 

 

Winning Wednesday

Smile FM has your last chance to score a pair of tickets to the Awaken Conference this Friday and Saturday at Mount Hope Church in Lansing.

It's for teen girls (Ages Jr High to College).  Features music from the Rhett Walker Band, Fireflight and Kutless.

Enter to Win!!!

Smile FM Treat Bags & Kids Cards

Deadline to request Kids Cards is Wednesday Night - Oct 24th!

Smile FM and Giggles would love to help you make this season extra positive for kids in your community.

For Churches and Community Events  - we have the Smile FM Kids Cards for Churches!   (we apologize we are all out of treat bags, but we're happy to send you plenty of Kids Cards to hand out!)


For individuals and families - we also have the Smile FM Kids Cards for you to hand out with your goodies

All free of charge while supplies last!  Request yours quickly so we can get them to you in time for your event.  Also be sure to list your event on our Family Fun Calendar and we'll help you get the word out!

Awesome prayer by a high school football team!

If you like high school football, you’ll enjoy this HS football team praying before their game.  This not a school from MI. 

http://www.godvine.com/The-Prayer-this-High-Schooler-Leads-his-Team-in-is-Awesome-2132.html

The Diceman baby pictures?

Rumor has it that The Diceman started DJ-ing at a very early age!

Cropping Daze B&B Retreat Giveaway

Adding some fun into Fun Drive is Cropping Daze Giveaway

One winner will enjoy a weekend of their choice at Cropping Daze in Chesaning.  A chance to make some new friends, enjoy getting pampered with home cooked meals and NO DISHES to wash! 

Great for crafty types into scrapbooking, crafting, card making, beading, quilting or any type of hobby.

Get registered today by making a pledge at Smile FM or calling 888.887.7139

Alternately, you may enter without making a donation online.  Prize winner will be announced on Friday, Oct 5th after 6 PM.  See General Contest Rules.

Worst church sign ever!

 

The Diceman's hip DJ studio

See the photo- tobyMac before school

We thought you might be able to relate to this photo today.  tobyMac posted this photo of his son before school this morning, with the caption “This is what I have to work with today…oh, and it’s picture day at school, too”   Can anyone relate?

Oh, and then an updated photo a few minutes later... it all worked out.

7 things non Christians say about Christians

Here is an article that the Diceman has been talking about on the radio today.
http://www.christianpost.com/news/seven-common-comments-non-christians-make-about-christians-81678

Host the Street Team @ your Fall event!

NOW is the time to share with Smile FM's Street Team your church or community organization's Fall harvest festival, trunk or treat and other great events!  Please visit our Community Events Calendar section of our website www.smile.fm/calendar and click on the "submit my event" button.  Our teams have already booked several events for this fall but would still like to come out to yours too!  Don't delay, fill out the form today!!!

This Saturday you can catch our team at the New Century Community Center's free Event Day from 10 am - 2 pm in Flint.  This event is to bring together Flint communities and to promote the programs the center offers for both youth and adult. Free hot dogs, chips, pops, and bounce houses as well as rummage sale tables and vendor tables are available.  Go to our Community Event Calendar for complete details.

A blog from the Diceman?

Thoughts from the Diceman.

So, I have never blogged before. This might be the craziest idea I
have ever tried, but I just celebrated my birthday a couple of days
ago, and I guess I am feeling really introspective (please note the
introspective photo pose), but here are goes. Thqanks in advance, for reading.

As I watched another birthday come and go, here are my REALLY
IMPORTANT BIG THINGS THAT I HAVE LEARNED IN MY 40s!

1. Size matters! No, it's not what you think. The idea here is you
have to keep your size down. I cannot allow myself to be
overweight. I must exercise. There is no excuse. Too many of my
friends my age, are already struggling with sleep issues, diabetes,
or worse. It has hit them in their 40s. Many times its related to
poor eating habits, and no exercise. I love the show "The Biggest
Loser." I have been 30-40 pounds overweight before. I will not
allow myself to go there again. I do not enjoy jogging, but I will not stop.

2. (This one is just for the guys) My wife will never believe that
she is the only woman in the world for me. Thus, I must tell her
this every day. I actually now and enjoying telling her every
day. When I was younger, I was irritated over this. I've learned in
my 40s that it's not going to change, yet this woman really loves me,
she just needs this from me... so why be-grudge her for it. (I hope
I don't sound like a marriage counselor, because I am far from
that. But I can tell you that our marriage has never been better
since I learned some little things like this.)

3. (This is another one for guys only) I need to be involved in a
group of guys. And for me, it needs to be an early morning get
together. Let's face it. We are all so busy, and there are so many
demands on our time as men. Our families need us, our jobs need
us... but we know in our heart-of-hearts that we also need to dig in
deeper with a small group. I have been involved in groups off and on
over the past 20 years. It has always been best for me, to get up an
hour earlier than usual and do a men's group in the early morning,
rather than at night or on the weekends.

4. Your kids will mainly remember just the good stuff about growing
up. This one I wouldn't have believed 10 years ago. Honestly, I
fought with both of my grown daughters all through their teenage
years. There were many times that they said "I hate you..." And
most of the issues were about me trying to control them into being
what I wanted them to be. I would have told you back then that it
was ir-repairable damage. The hurt was too deep. Guess what. They
don't remember. They don't hold things against me now. Our
relationship is getting awesome. They only seem to remember the good
times. WOW! Thank you God.

5. I seem to identify with Christians who struggle more than
Christians who "always have the victory." I grew up in a family who
believed that "you should always have the victory." I don't feel
like I do. Don't get me wrong. I am not taking a theological
position against "having the victory." I also don't believe my
parents were hypocritical about this. All I know is that I have
struggled alot in my Christian life, and still can't say that I "have
the victory." I have followed the up and down stories of people like
baseball player, Josh Hamilton, and Johnny Cash through the
years...These guys have struggled with addictions, and their
faith. They don't ever seem to get it completely right. I think I
identify with them. Maybe I'll feel like i have the victory when I
get in my 50s?

6. My kids know what I am thinking. This is a big one for me. I
realize now that they can tell if I am mad, or disappointed without
me saying a word. I can't hide anything from them. They can tell
if I get frustrated while driving. I think they can even tell if I
glance at something that I shouldn't. WOW. I must be the real thing, 24/7.

7. I don't want to live to be 100. I use to . Nah, that doesn't
appeal to me. Heaven is going to be better than this earth.

8. Everything I do matters. People I don't even know are watching
the way that I live my life. Two recent examples: I was getting a
loan on a new house recently, and my loan officer (whom I had never
met) asked me where I worked and what it was. When I told him it was
a Christian radio station, he immediately got up and shook my
hand. He said "as I'm looking over your financial records here, I
want to thank you for handling your finances like a Christian. I am
a Christian, too, and I see so many people's financial records, and
many say they are a Christian, but it sure doesn't appear that way by
their finances." Wow. I wasn't expecting that. 2nd example: When
we sold our house, my wife cleaned it top to bottom. She deep
cleaned. The new owners couldn't even believe it. They walked into
a home that was so clean, it was almost new. They have called us
several times since then, and finally, I just told them... "my wife
believed this was never our house, it was God's house for us to live
in, so as we left, we owed it to Him to leave it better than when we
moved in..." EVERYTHING I DO MATTERS.

That's about all I have learned in my 40s... what about you? What do
you think I am missing?

Thanks for reading,
The Diceman

What does it really mean to put God first?

In the day we live in, there are lots of things pulling for our attention.  God wants our attention, too.  This article made an impact on me today.  http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/practical-faith/what-does-it-mean-put-god-first-0

 

Posted by the Diceman

 

 

Catch up with the Smile Team this Labor Day Weekend

Looking to catch that last taste of summer?  Then spend the weekend, along with the Smile team at the Great Lakes State Fair Friday-Monday at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan.  After a three-year hiatus, the State Fair is returning to Michigan as the Great Lakes State Fair. Michigan’s first State Fair was held in 1849, making it one of the oldest state fairs in the country. The tradition now continues with a tremendous amount of support and outreach from the agriculture and business communities, as well as people from all across Michigan.

The family-focused event will be jam-packed with all the typical excitement of previous State Fairs, including animals, agriculture, Michigan-made products, food and beverages, entertainment, a midway and carnival rides. The Great Lakes State Fair has also partnered with the Shriners to hold The Detroit Shrine Circus under The Big Top during the fair, with tickets included in the all-inclusive admission price. For more information go to www.greatlakesstatefair.org

 

Francesca - 100 More Years Tour

Join Smile FM for an amazing night with Francesca Battistelli, Sidewalk Prophets and others for the 100 More Years Tour.

Thursday Night - October 18th
Great Lakes Christian College - Doty Center
Lansing, MI

Tickets on sale soon at www.smile.fm

On the Road this weekend

The Making a Difference Tour is in full swing so you have LOTS of events you can catch up with the Smile Crew this weekend.

Making a Difference Tour w/Rush of Fools TONIGHT 7 pm @ Bullock Creek High School
Join Jenn & Brian from the Smile FM Morning Espresso for a benefit concert featuring national recording artist, Rush of Fools. No tickets required but donations for the Humane Society of Midland County will be accepted. VIP tickets which include early entry to the show, a special meet n’ greet with Rush of Fools and Jenn & Brian, are available for an additional donation at www.smile.fm/madtour. This event is sponsored by Great Lakes Christian College.

Making a Difference Tour w/Rush of Fools Friday 7 pm @ Metro South Church 
Friday night's benefit will feature Little Dresses for Africa.

CRIM Festival of Races Saturday 7-10 am @ Downtown Flint
Catch the Smile team in front of the First Presbeyterian Church in Flint.  Jen & Brian will be broadcasting LIVE and cheering on all the runners.  We'll be giving away some cool Smile Swag with the prize wheel up and running.  Also be sure to catch the Smile mobiles as they assist the CRIM Crew out on the race course too!

Making a Difference Tour w/Rush of Fools Saturday 7 pm @ Lapeer East High School
Saturday night's benefit will feature Inspiring Hearts for Autisum

Lansing Bless Fest - Adado Riverfront Park Lansing Saturday Noon- 9 pm
The Smile Team will be there from 5-8:30 pm but the event is all day long.  The Lansing Bless Fest is a variety of Christian music festival that offers something for everyone.  With two stages of live performances, virtually all music styles represented, huge kids play area with games, entertainment, free food and drinks for all, free giveaways and free raffles.  This family festival is the perfect way to end the summer!

Pre-Game Show LIVE from  Dream Cones Ice Cream Shop in Lansing, MI (12-1pm)
Catch up with the Morning Espresso Team LIVE in Lansing.  Stop by for a cone and a chance to catch up with Jenn & Brian as they broadcast LIVE before the Lugnuts game.  Take a spin on the Prize Wheel for your chance at some FREE Smile Swag.

Making A Difference Tour w/Rush of Fools Sunday following the Lugnuts Game @ Cooley Law School Stadium
Sunday's benefit will feature Eagle Vision Ministries.  We estimate the concert to begin about 5 pm.  Concert goers will be allowed in the gates following the baseball game.

Smile FM Street Stops - 8/18

Hope for Western Wayne County at Harvest Bible Church
6240 N. Newburgh Rd. Westland, Mi 48185

Catch the Smile Team from 10 am - 3 pm along with 600 volunteers from Western Wayne County Michigan businesses,  churches and service organizations will: 

• Serve an estimated 4,000 guests FREE FOOD
•  Provide a FREE meal to all who enter
•  Distribute an estimated 30,000lbs of FREE  groceries
•  Provide FREE Health screenings, haircuts,  family photos, kid’s activities, back to  school supplies and much more
•  Provide FREE positive, family entertainment
• _______________________________________________ 

Rock for CHUM at The ROC 1706 W. Dansville Rd., Mason, MI 48854
Saturday August 18 from Noon - 4 pm
Christian Rock Concert and Family Fun Day A Celebration of Gods Blessings!  BANDS: Faith4, The Michael Maher Band, and White Stone Identity take the stage at 2:00 pm! Donations to benefit CHUM Therapeutic Riding
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Block Party at Silver Creek Church
Marquette Noon - 3 pm
Join us for a family fun packed day at our annual block party! Get to know Silver Creek Church and enjoy fellowship, games, bounce houses, food, and puppet shows. Back-to-school book bags with supplies and a youth clothing give-away provided this year.
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Next weekend - 8/25 - Looking forward to BlessFest!


 

See what the Diceman's son would not throw away!

The Diceman and his family moved across town this week to a new house, and they threw a lot of things away, but his son, Chase (who is almost 15 years old) would not agree to throw away this old stuff animal, ugly gorilla.  Evidently, he had a deep personal attachment to this!  

Catch the Smile Team

If you are at the Eastern Michigan State Fair in Imlay City on Friday night, check out the Smile FM bump n run car, along with driver, Mike McKee in the Autocross Bump n Run race.  Race begins at 7 pm in the main grandstand.  Come early and check out everything the fair has to offer the entire family.  For more details go to  http://www.easternmichiganfair.com/

Saturday, pack your hammer and join the Street Team as they visit Meridian Christian Church's "Help Build Hope" from 10 am - noon in the church parking lot. In partnership with CrossRoads Missions, Meridian Christian Church will construct and assemble the walls of an entire house, then on Sunday morning, after a dedication service, it will be disassembled and transported to a Habitat for Humanity site in the Okemos area, where construction will be completed.  Volunteers are still needed for this event too!  Go to http://www.meridianchristian.org/index.asp?level2_id=363 for further details.

Both Friday & Saturday, you can also catch the Smile Crew at the Unity Music Festival in Muskegun from 4 - 9 pm.  Take a spin at the Prize Wheel, charge up your mobile device for FREE with our Charging Station or just pick up some Smile Swag (with all proceeds going to Smile FM).  The Smile tent is located just off the main entry gate.  For more details go to www.unitymusicfestival.com

Smile FM Fireworks Festival Soundtrack

Smile FM had the opporunity to provide music for the Imlay City Fireworks Festival Fireworks.

Here's a list of the songs used:

• MercyMe:  I Can Only Imagine (wsg London Symphony Orchestra)
• Aaron Shust:  We Are Free
• Mark Shultz:  Coming Home (instrumental)
• Matt Maher:  Woke Up in  America
• Chris Tomlin:  Amazing Grace (my chains are gone)
• Casting Crowns:  Courageous
• The Afters:  Light Up the Sky
• Natalie Grant:  Star Spangled Banner - Finale
• MercyMe:  Bring the Rain (instrumental)

We hope you enjoyed the fireworks and soundtrack!

Best bulletin insert ever!

Do you agree that this is the best church bulletin insert ever?

The was published by Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Community! (In Florida)
Feel free to print out!

We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced,
filthy rich, dirt poor. We extend a special welcome to those who are
crying new-borns, skinny as a rail or could afford to lose a few pounds.

We welcome you if you can sing like Andrea Bocelli or like our pastor
who can't carry a note in a bucket. You're welcome here if you're "just
browsing," just woke up or just got out of jail.

We extend a special welcome to those who are over 60 but not grown up
yet, and to teenagers who are growing up too fast. We welcome soccer
moms, NASCAR dads, starving artists, tree-huggers, latte-sippers,
vegetarians, junk-food eaters. We welcome those who are in recovery or
still addicted. We welcome you if you're having problems or you're down
in the dumps or if you don't like "organized religion," we've been
there too.

If you blew all your offering money at the dog track, you're welcome
here. We offer a special welcome to those who think the earth is flat,
work too hard, don't work, can't spell, or because grandma is in town
and wanted to go to church.

We welcome those who are inked, pierced or both.
We offer a special welcome to those who could use a prayer right now,
had religion shoved down your throat as a kid or got lost in traffic
and wound up here by mistake. We welcome tourists, seekers and
doubters, bleeding hearts ... and you!

Best Christian bumper sticker ever!

The Diceman saw this, and thinks it's the best Christian bumper sticker ever! What do you think?

Street Stops Weekend of 8/3

The Smile Crew will be out and about this weekend!

8/3 - Friday night if you're coming to the Imlay City Blueberry Festival Fireworks, tune into Smile FM 89.1 FM frequency to enjoy a special fireworks soundtrack with amazing patriotic and inspirational music.  It's only on our 89.1 FM frequency in Imlay City/Lapeer area.
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           8/4 - Sat - Sault & Sailabration Sault Ste Marie Downtown Soo (the Street Team will be on hand from 10 am - 2 pm)
Tall ship sailing excursions and a host of maritime related activites throughout the Soo.


           8/4 - Sat - Deford Christian Music Fest

(Thumb area)  10:30:00 AM -9:30 pm (the Street Team will be on hand from 7-9:30 pm)

The FREE, ANNUAL, Family-Friendly, Outdoor music festival. Inflatables & Face painting for the Kiddo's. Food Concessions & Vendors. 7+ bands of Rockin, Uplifting Music. 

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8/4 - Sat- Imlay City Blueberry Festival Parade - Catch the Smile Crew in the Blueberry Festival parade making its way downtown starting at 6 PM. 

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8/4 - Sat - Croswell County Fair - 7 PM - (Thumb area) - Catch the Smile FM Bump N Run car tear up the competition in the Off Road Derby in a thrilling race with driver Mike McKee.

__________________________________

8/5 - Sun -  7:30 PM - Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival/Worship on the Waterfront - Bebo Norman Concert

W.O.W. 2012 welcomes Bebo Norman to the Grand Haven Waterfront Stadium from 7:30 - 8:45 p.m. Bebo is a favorite on contemporary Christian radio and his music appeals to worshippers of all ages. Worship with Bebo is powerful, authentic, and engaging. W.O.W. will be held at the stadium, rain or shine. It's a free event, no tickets needed.

Most positive kid ever!

>This little girl gets it.. If you need a little encouragement
>today, you might try looking yourself in the mirror and talking to
>yourself like this!
>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3rK0kZFkg

Smile FM Street Team - Weekend of 7/26

The Smile FM Street Team will be out and about a lot this week!


Thursday - 7 PM:   Go Fish Show in Plymouth @ Northridge Church.  Doors open at 6 PM.  Tickets available at the door or at website. 

Friday - 2 to 4 PM - Family Fun Day and Cut-A-Thon to benefit the Pedatric Hydrocephalus Foundation (kids with brain fluid problems).  Includes food, face painting, putt putt golf, silent auction, inflatables, clowns and much, much more.  Downtown Lapeer (thumb area) on the Courthouse Lawn.  The event runs til 7 PM.


Friday 7 PM - St. Clair County 4 H Fair in Goodells MI - the DEBUT of the Smile FM sponsored Bump N Run car driven by Mr Mike Mckee one of our amazing Street Team Volunteers.  Watch for the car in the race and catch up with some of our street team crew for Smile freebies.  Admission to the fair required.

Friday: 7:30 PM - Sanctus Real Concert at St. Mary's Church in Pinckney (Between Lansing and Ann Arbor).  Benefit concert for Faith Medical Clinic.  Brian Dumont will be on site for a great show.  No tickets needed, donation taken for Faith Medical Clinic at show.  Bring lawn chair or blanket.

Saturday 2 PM - Go Fish Show at Mount Hope Church in Lansing.  Doors open at 1 PM.  Tickets available at the door or at website.

Sunday 1 PM - Monroe County Fair Parade in Downtown Monroe.  See the Smile Van in the parade as festival goers gear up for the start of the Monroe County Fair. 

Go Fish Tour coming to MI

Go Fish Tour! Join Smile FM for the crazy zany fun of the Go Fish Guys!
Go Fish is what happens when three dads from Minnesota try and find music that their kids love but won't drive parents bonkers.
They have helped kids all over the world hide pieces of God's words in their hearts with their popular VBS curriculum.
They've found that good news and good music spreads fast, especially when Moms are involved!
Go Fish events are designed for kids, but are a delight for the whole family.

• July 26, 2012 - 7 p.m.  
• Doors Open @ 6:30 PM
  Northridge Church
  Plymouth, MI
  Purchase Tickets

• July 28, 2012 - 2 p.m
• Doors Open at 1:30 PM
  Mount Hope Church
  Lansing, MI
  Purchase Tickets

Could you be in Olympics?

The Olympics are just around the corner.  Check out this website, and put in your age.  It will tell you what Olympic sports you still might qualify for.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/spo

 

What makes your Summer Happy?

What is it that makes your Summer Happy?  Days at the beach?  Working in the Garden?  Extra time with the kiddos??  A trip to the waterpark?  Share your ideas and let's all have a Happy Summer!

8 Ways to keep your church from growing

This article was great. We found it here.
http://voices.yahoo.com/eight-ways-keep-church-growing-1350785.html

1. When newcomers arrive, be sure to ignore them. Don't bother to
greet them, introduce yourself, or give any sort of recognition that
they exist. They may feel welcome if you do and return next Sunday.
What congregation needs that?

2. When visitors arrive in tattered clothes, jeans, sandals, or
(gasp!) shorts, be sure to look them up and down disapprovingly.
You're dressed to kill, and everyone knows God wants us to spend lots
of money on fine clothing and fancy jewelry. How dare they presume to
worship our Lord when they are not dressed in proper attire?

3. When newcomers accidentally sit in "your seat" give them icy
looks. You've been sitting there for years and everyone in the
congregation knows it. What gives newcomers the right to sit there?
They belong in the back row of the church with the rest of the sinners!

4. When the offering plate is passed and the visitors decline to
contribute, give them more condescending looks. Never mind that the
father is unemployed, the mother is disabled, and they don't know how
they are going to feed the kids the rest of the week.

5. When the church service is over, be sure to gather together in
your cliques, and hurry out to the local buffet without inviting the
visitors. They might actually be able to hold an interesting
conversation and add new life to your stale gatherings. Heaven forbid!

6. Make suggestions to the pastor to improve the church and its
programs. When he says that's a great idea and gives you the
go-ahead, do absolutely nothing and wonder why nothing gets done.

7. Squabble among yourselves over things that don't really matter,
like what color to paint the sanctuary or who is going to make the
peach cobbler for the next church dinner. It's what you want that
matters, who cares what anyone else thinks? Create rifts and
divisions as much as possible over insignificant details.

8. Let the pastor do all the work; isn't that his job? He only works
an hour or two on Sunday. He should have plenty of free time to write
a sermon, greet visitors, maintain the building, mind the budget,
teach the Sunday School, manage the youth group, visit the sick,
counsel congregants, make the post-visit calls, and implement
outreach programs. Be sure to lay all the blame at his feet as your
church building falls apart and the congregation dwindles.

Diceman's controversial statement

After reading this article on baseball player Josh Hamilton, and all of his struggles being a Christian and playing baseball, and struggling with alcoholism.. The Diceman made this statement on the air today,

“I seem to identify with Christians who struggle more than those who "have the victory".

 

What do you think?

 

Point Fest - 9/15 @ Cedar Point

Join Smile FM for Pointfest at Cedar Point on Saturday, September 15th.

Featuring music from:

Skillet
Red
Francesca Battestili
Jamie Grace
KJ-52
Royal Tailor
speaker - Bob Lenz

Tickets include admission to the park, plus the great music and ministry!  Link to Pointfest from Smile.fm

Brian & Dennis from Smile FM will be on hand with the Smile Charging station, Prize Wheel and great Smile Merch.

Unity Christian Music Festival

Join Smile FM for the Unity Christian Music Festival in Muskegon.  It's August 8th to 11th featuring some of the top Christian music artists including:

Chris Tomlin
Phil Joel
The City Harmonic
NEEDTOBREATHE
 Dara Maclean
 Building 429
Matt Maher
Steven Curtis Chapman
Chase Callahan
MIKESCHAIR
Mandisa
Matthew West

Smile FM will be there each evening with Smile Merch, Cell Charging station and ever popular Prize Wheel.
Gates open Wed, Thur & Friday at 4 PM and Saturday at 2 PM.  Wednesday's show is completely FREE.  Single day passes are $20 and full festival passes are $50 with kids 5 and Under free with paid adult.  Link to at Smile.fm

Sanctus Real Bus Fire!

Just this past weekend, the band, Sanctus Real survived a fire that destroyed their tour bus. According to a statement from the band, the bus was riding along the Pennsylvania Turnpike around 4 a.m. Sunday when the driver noticed flames in the side mirror. The band was headed toward Mitchellville, Maryland where a performance was scheduled. Band members Matt Hammitt, Chris Rohman, Dan Gartley, Pete Prevost, and Mark Graalman as well the band's family, including four children, quickly evacuated the bus, resulting in no injuries. The abrupt exit did not allow the bus occupants to grab any personal belongings before the fire became out of control. "As a result, everything was destroyed in the fire, from clothing to laptops, cell phones, and wallets," said a statement.  A fund has been set up for people who want to help.  Donations accepted here.  http://store.sanctusreal.com/store/bus-relief-donations-49

 

Go Fish Getaway Winners

Grand Prize Winners:  4 Passes to the show, Overnight Hotel Stay, Meet N Greet and an Autographed Gold Fish!
Gary Hull
Jason Fuller

2 Tickets to the show of their choice:

Jeff Perkins
Trisa Sessions
Amber Ruhstorfer
Heather Reddick
Frances Hubbard
Sarah Whitson
Stacie Schell
Michelle Garn
Aimee Ferris
Debra Wells

Go Fish DVD:

Kelly Whitt
Wendy McNamara
Rebekah Taratuta
Sarah Nadort
Jodie Hunt
Doug Scott
Marsha Johnson
Sara Behm
Stacey Ballinger
Jessica Lindsay

Go Fish Cd:

Rachel Onore
Sarah Nadort
Emily Schlorf
Tabitha McAuley
Kristen O' Brien
Amanda Cote
Debbie Wells
Robin Webb
Mandy Moebius
Mattkadee Kidd
Stacey Ballinger

Honoring MI Soldiers

This is an amazing website that lists by name (and photo) each MI
soldier that has fallen in the Iraq and Afghanistan
wars. http://apps.washingtonpost.com/national/fallen/maps/states/
For those of you who have made sacrifices for us, we thank you!

Catch the Smile Team

Catch up with the Smile Team as we end the holiday weekend in Attica, Michigan at the Michigan Christian Youth Camp's Family Fun Day.  May 28 from 11 am - 3 pm the Smile team will be out enjoying all the camp has to offer, including lunch, inflatables, swimming, horseback riding, face painting and much more, best of all it's FREE!  Check out our Family Fun Calendar at for complete details, along with lots of other great Memorial Day weekend events still happening in your neck of the woods.

LOVE to talk on the phone?

Smile FM's Spring Fun Drive is just around the corner and we are looking for some volunteers who LOVE talking on the phone to help in our call centers on May 21-24. Our need is for volunteers who can travel to either our office in Williamston or Imlay City, Michigan. Volunteers should be 18 years or older with neat handwriting. We have morning, mid-day and evening shifts available, Monday-Thursday. Please visit our website to register for a shift.

Diceman's cool clothes?

The Diceman says he gets more compliments wearing this shirt and jeans than any other, so it must be his “cool” outfit.  The shirt is NOTW (Not of this World)  Do you have a cool outfit?  Maybe you call it your “power” outfit?  The one that gives you confidence?

Test Your Knowledge Of The Bible

Bible Quiz: Test Your Knowledge Of The Bible With These Questions

Can you do better than the Diceman? He only got 20 out of 25 of these correct? Take the quiz here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/06/bible-quiz-test-your-knowledge-of-the-bible_n_1471442.html#quiz_3124

What happened to Chris August?

Chris August suffered a head injury last week. Here is a quick video of him telling the story.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkpzfdz68CA

Girl Voted The Ugliest Woman Makes a Heartfelt Video

Girl Voted The Ugliest Woman on YouTube Makes a Heartfelt Video

Lizzie has a disease that only 3 people in the entire world have. She has faced unimaginable cruelty that no one should ever go through. This is her inspiring video response - please watch and share this with everyone to show the world still does have good, caring people in it.

http://www.godvine.com/Girl-Voted-The-Ugliest-Woman-on-YouTube-Makes-a-Heartfelt-Video-1464.html

Bowl-a-thon to raise money for abortion?

WOW! I realize this stuff happens, but it
disturbs me when I actually see an ad like this!


>
>'Bowling for abortion' raises $400,000
>
>
>
>http://www.lifesitenews.com/images/sized/images/news/Bowling4Ab
>
>BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, April 25, 2012,
>(<http://lifesitenews.com>LifeSiteNews.com) –
>People seldom associate the bowling alley with
>the abortion alley, but an annual "bowling for
>abortion" event has raised more than $400,000 to
>fund abortions across the country.
>The National Abortion Access Bowl-a-Thon
><http://bowlathon.nnaf.org/nnafbowl/default.asp>describes
>itself as "a nationwide series of local events
>that allow community members (you!) to captain
>your own bowling team, participate in a kickass
>national event– and raise money to help women
>and girls pay for abortions they couldn't
>otherwise afford." In addition offering partial
>funding for abortions, the proceeds "buy bus or
>plane tickets, and even offer a place to stay
>for those who have to travel for an abortion."
>As of this writing, the group has raised more than $401,000.
>A total of
><http://bowlathon.nnaf.org/nnafbowl/findevent.asp>32
>bowl-a-thons, from Rhode Island to California,
>are scheduled in the last two weeks of April.
>Those in other locations can take part in a
><http://bowlathon.nnaf.org/nnafbowl/fundevent.asp?nnaffundid=30&eventid=104>virutal
>bowl-a-thon on April 30.
>On Sunday, there will also be one
><http://bowlathon.nnaf.org/nnafbowl/fundevent.asp?nnaffundid=48>miniature
>golf-a-thon. Last year, the D.C. HOLE-a-thon
>raised $28,000 for abortions in the nation's
>capital. This year, its goal is $40,000.
>Some engage in
><http://www.flickr.com/photos/nationalnetworkofabortionfunds/5726240641/>transvestitism
>or
><http://www.flickr.com/photos/nationalnetworkofabortionfunds/5726799976/>mock
>priests and nuns with their costumes.
>Some participants
><http://www.flickr.com/photos/nationalnetworkofabortionfunds/5750074491/>take
>their
><http://www.flickr.com/photos/nationalnetworkofabortionfunds/5756595103/>babies
>or
><http://www.flickr.com/photos/nationalnetworkofabortionfunds/5726799650/>young
><http://www.flickr.com/photos/nationalnetworkofabortionfunds/5750074333/>children
>along. Others
><http://www.feministe.us/blog/archives/2011/04/08/bowling-for-abortion-access-again/>joked,
>"abortion stops a beating heart."
>According to its
><http://fundabortionnow.org/sites/default/files/fund_abortion_now_press_kit.pdf>press
>kit the bowl-a-thons' beneficiary, the National
>Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF), is "an
>affiliation of more than 100 grassroots abortion
>Funds in 40 states in the United States, as well
>as Funds in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and online."
>Last year, NNAF distributed more than $2.9
>million last year to pay for 21,000 women to
>have abortions. Its
><http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Tiller>George
>Tiller Memorial Abortion Fund "provides funding
>to women seeking later abortion care."
>"Over the past two months, more than 75% of the
>calls we received were from women who were 16
>weeks or further into their pregnancy," the foundation states.
>The fund concentrates its work on "women living
>in the South," as well as "women in prison,
>immigrant women, very young women and girls, and
>women for whom English is a second language."
>T

Oprah goes to church? See the photo

Oprah and Tyler Perry recently attended Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church
in Houston, TX

Things every mom should say to her son

>18 Things a Mother Should Tell Her Son
>
>1. Play a sport. It will teach you how to win honorably, lose
>gracefully, respect authority, work with others, manage your time
>and stay out of trouble. And maybe even throw or catch.
>
>2. Use careful aim when going potty. Somebody's got to clean that
>up, you know.
>...
>3. Save money when you're young because you're going to need it some day.
>
>4. Allow me to introduce you to the dishwasher, oven, washing
>machine, iron, vacuum, mop and broom. Now please go use them.
>
>5. Pray and be a spiritual leader.
>
>6. Don't ever be a bully and don't ever start a fight, but please
>defend yourself.
>
>7. Your knowledge and education is something that nobody can take
>away from you.
>
>8. Treat women kindly. Forever is a long time to live alone.
>
>9. Take pride in your appearance.
>
>10. Be strong and tender at the same time.
>
>11. A woman can do everything that you can do. This includes her
>having a successful career and you changing diapers at 3am. Mutual
>respect is the key to a good relationship.
>
>12. "Yes, ma'am" and "Yes, sir" still go a long way.
>
>13. Peer pressure is a scary thing. Be a good leader and others will follow.
>
>14. Bringing her flowers for no reason is always a good idea.
>
>15. Be patriotic.
>
>16. Potty humor isn't the only thing that's humorous.
>
>17. Please choose your spouse wisely. My daughter-in-law will be the
>gatekeeper for me spending time with you and my grandchildren.
>
>18. Remember to call your mother because I might be missing you.
>
>

Are you a high maintenence wife?

Lori Phillips BellaOnline's Marriage Editor

Are You a High Maintenance Wife?

 

A high-maintenance wife can take a toll on a marriage. Are you helping or hurting with your demands?

1. Your anniversary is coming up. You…

a. know he’ll forget so you buy yourself a nice gift from him.
b. expect him to disappoint you with cliché gifts like roses or candy. *sigh*
c. don’t get too worked up about gifts. After all, you need to watch your budget.
d. plan on throwing a fit if he gives you anything less than pricey jewelry.

2. You’ve both had a bad day, so you…
a. pick up some take-out and veg in front of an episode of House together.
b. vent your frustrations on him, telling him the details of your day. That’s what a spouse is for!
c. suggest a soak in the hot tub and give each other neck rubs.
d. demand that he take you out to dinner. Or else he can cook today.


3. Your car broke down—again—and turns out it just needs gas. You…
a. call him to let him know what happened. He volunteers to pick you up and you say thanks darling!
b. call him for help. What are you supposed to do now? You’re late for work!
c. hope he won’t find out that you forgot to watch the gas gauge again!
d. call him immediately to snipe. He’s supposed to keep your tank full and he’d better get over here quick with a can of gas!

4. He planned on going fishing early with the guys next Saturday but you’re having some gal pals over and need his help getting the place ready. You…
a. ask him to help you the night before. He can clean his own mess at least.
b. beg him to reschedule or skip the trip. You can’t throw this party by yourself!
c. wish him well. After all, this is your shindig, not his.
d. insist that he delay his departure until the house is cleaned and ready to go.

5. On an average day, you phone him…
a. once to let him know when you’re on your way home.
b. at least three times a day. Just to hear his voice or tell him something about your day.
c. less than once a day. You don’t want to interrupt his work.
d. four or more times a day. You have to remind him to pick up the dry cleaning or groceries on the way home or else he’ll forget.

6. Sometimes, you think your kids…
a. make private time hard, and it’s impossible to find the energy to connect with him.
b. should be shipped off to relatives as often as possible. Everyone needs a break to be better parents.
c. are tangible proof of your love. They drive you nuts but they come first until they can take care of themselves.
d. take his attention away from you. He takes good care of them, but who’s going to take care of you?

7. He planned a romantic night out, but he forgot your stomach can’t handle spicy Indian food and that you don’t like shoot ‘em up action flicks. As usual, it was all about what he likes. You…
a. thank him for the thought then quiz him about your likes and dislikes are.
b. give him the silent treatment. He needs to figure out where he went wrong.
c. laugh at his boyishness. He has a lot to learn about romance and it’s about time you taught him.
d. let him know clearly that you are peeved. He didn’t think about you at all and now he owes you another night out.



Mostly A answers: You seem to have a healthy balance of self-reliance and relationship connection. Your spouse doesn’t feel suffocated by your needs yet still enjoys intimacy and closeness with you.

Mostly B answers: You may not realize it, but your self-centeredness shows up in those “little” demands and expectations you make on your spouse. Feigned or real helplessness adds extra stress on your spouse, and he might tire of it sooner or later.

Mostly C answers: You are the quintessential “low” maintenance woman. While most men would find you an easy-going spouse, there’s nothing wrong with asking for what you deserve, on occasion. Otherwise, people—including your spouse—can lose respect for you.

Mostly D answers: It’s, no doubt, obvious to you that you are high maintenance. The thing is that you’re probably proud of it, too. Let’s hope your husband has a sick need to cater to your whims because other people find it hard to be around you.

 

 

Top 50 things to do before you're 11

The National Trust is launching a campaign to get kids off the couch.  They just released this list of The 50 Things to Do Before you're 11 ¾    How many of these have you done?

 

1. Climb a tree

 

2. Roll down a really big hill

 

3. Camp out in the wild

 

4. Build a den

 

5. Skim a stone

 

6. Run around in the rain

 

7. Fly a kite

 

8. Catch a fish with a net

 

9. Eat an apple straight from a tree

 

10. Play conkers

 

11. Throw some snow

 

12. Hunt for treasure on the beach

 

13. Make a mud pie

 

14. Dam a stream

 

15. Go sledging

 

16. Bury someone in the sand

 

17. Set up a snail race

 

18. Balance on a fallen tree

 

19. Swing on a rope swing

 

20. Make a mud slide

 

21. Eat blackberries growing in the wild

 

22. Take a look inside a tree

 

23. Visit an island

 

24. Feel like you're flying in the wind

 

25. Make a grass trumpet

 

26. Hunt for fossils and bones

 

27. Watch the sun wake up

 

28. Climb a huge hill

 

29. Get behind a waterfall

 

30. Feed a bird from your hand

 

31. Hunt for bugs

 

32. Find some frogspawn

 

33. Catch a butterfly in a net

 

34. Track wild animals

 

35. Discover what's in a pond

 

36. Call an owl

 

37. Check out the crazy creatures in a rock pool

 

38. Bring up a butterfly

 

39. Catch a crab

 

40. Go on a nature walk at night

 

41. Plant it, grow it, eat it

 

42. Go wild swimming

 

43. Go rafting

 

44. Light a fire without matches

 

45. Find your way with a map and compass

 

46. Try bouldering

 

47. Cook on a campfire

 

48. Try abseiling

 

49. Find a geocache

 

50. Canoe down a river