WinterJam 10 Share-A-Pair ticket contest winners

Thanks for sharing your stories and congratulations to the winners of the Share-A-Pair contest. The winners will be receiving two pairs of tickets to the WinterJam show of their choice in the mail. One for themselves and one to share!
WinterJam Artists include: Third Day, Newsboys, NewSong, Tenth Avenue North, Fireflight, Mikeschair, Revive, Robert Pierre and speaker Tony Nolan on March 25th in Grand Rapids and on March 26th in Ypsilanti
Winners:
Annie of Corunna
Laurie of Cadillac
Jamie of East Lansing
DJ of Holly
Jim of Allendale
Darleen of Saint Johns
Kathleen of Flushing
Sarah of Fowlerville
Eva of Mt. Morris
Larry Parnell of Mt. Pleasant
Deanna of Maybee
Also Congratulations goes out to Elisabeth of Ypsilanti, she won a pair of tickets to WinterJam by entering our drawing at various locations.

WinterJamming with the Morning Espress Hosts Contest!

Register to win a chance to Jam (gaming style) at WinterJam with the Jenn or Brian before the concert.
Winners have the opportunity to challenge the them to Digital Praise's Guitar Praise computer game featuring Christian Rock hits along with enjoying the WinterJam concert of their choice with two (2) VIP tickets. VIP tickets include early entry, premium reserved seating and a VIP laminate pass also.
Winner must be at venue by 5 PM if they would like to participate in the gaming challenge.
Registration ends midnight on Sunday, 3/20.

Awake Tonight Tour ticket winners

The registrations are in and the winners have been selected for a pair of tickets to the ultimate concert EXPERIENCE with TobyMac & Skillet at the Lucas County Arena in Toledo on Sunday, March 21st at 7 PM.
Tickets are still available. For more info visit the Smile FM concert page.



Congratulations to:
Jevon of Monroe
William of Howell
Hannah of Falmouth
Chad of Monroe
Renee of Monroe
Barb of Dundee
Gregory of Walled Lake
Robin of Brownstown Twp.
Leni of Lansing
Dianne of Howell
Tina of Howell
Linda of Erie

Jenn's Homemade Laundry Detergent

Jenn & Brian talked about Jenn's money saving adventures in making her own laundry detergent....taken from the Duggar Family website.

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap- Front or top load machine- best value

4  Cups - hot tap water
1  Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
½ Cup Borax

- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)

-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.

-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.

-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)

-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)

Powdered Laundry Detergent - Top load machine

1   Fels-Naptha soap bar
1  Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
½  Cup Borax

-Grate soap or break into pieces and process in a food processor until powdered. Mix all ingredients. For light load, use 1 Tablespoon. For heavy or heavily soiled load, use 2 Tablespoons. Yields: 3 Cups detergent. (Approx. 40 loads)

 TIPS FOR LAUNDRY SOAP: We use Fels-Naptha  bar soap in the homemade soap recipes, but you can use Ivory, Sunlight, Kirk's Hardwater Castile or Zote bars. Don't use heavily perfumed soaps. We buy Fels-Naptha by the case from our local grocer or online. Washing Soda and Borax can often be found on the laundry or cleaning aisle. Recipe cost approx. $2 per batch.

 

WinterJam 2010 Share-A-Pair ticket contest

Sign up to WIN.....A great opportunity to help reach the unreached, and share the gospel through music.
Share a brief story of who (first name only) and why you would like share a pair of tickets to WinterJam with.
Winners have the opportunity to win two pairs (4) tickets to the Winter Jam event of their choice this weekend until Sunday midnight.


WinterJam Artists include: Third Day, Newsboys, NewSong, Tenth Avenue North, Fireflight, Sidewalk Prophets, Revive, Robert Pierre and speaker Tony Nolan on March 25th in Grand Rapids and on March 26th in Ypsilanti.

A Bump in the Road - Band Addison Road's RV catches fire on tour

Only one week into the tour with Santus Real, the band Addison Road runs into oodles of mechanical problems with the borrowed RV (from FFH) which resulted in a fire that consumed the entire RV AND their trailer of merchandise & some equipment, destroying everything.

With 20-some more shows to do and no transportation the band is relying on God and the goodness of others to get them through.

Please keep them in your prayers.

If you feel led to donate to help them replace their losses you can donate to them through their website http://addisonroad.com/

Win tickets to the Awake Tonight Tour in Toledo this week

The ultimate concert EXPERIENCE with TobyMac & Skillet is coming and you can win tickets from Smile FM !

Sure to be an evening of pure adrenaline and energy, the tour will hits Lucas County Arena in Toledo on Sunday, March 21st at 7 PM.

Register to win on the Smile FM Win Stuff page now until Friday midnite.
Winners will be notified by email.

The Real Job of Dads

Wow!  Check out this article on being a successful parent!  http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/parenting_roles/successful_parenting/real_job_of_dads.aspx

It really hit me, when it said…The real job of dads isn't control. It's to validate every one of his children.  To validate means to let your child know over and over and over, through words and actions, that the following are true:

    * "Hey, you exist and you matter to me."

    * "You're good enough."

    * "You're an okay kid

 

What about a mom's primary job? It's not cooking dinner, changing diapers or helping a preschooler glue colored macaroni on a coffee can as a Father's Day gift.

The most important assignment a mom has is to nurture her children.  A nurturing mom goes beyond being the "maintenance person" in a child's life. She doesn't just keep a child clean, fed, warm, and dry. She also helps enable her children to develop fully by pouring life into them. She models joy and passion. Nurturing is filling your child up with aliveness.

 

The most important assignment a mom has is to nurture her children. 

 

Toby Mac during tour rehearsals

And it's not even April Fools Day yet!

WinterJam volunteers needed

Matthew 20:28 says, "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as ransom for many"
Servant hearts are needed to help make WinterJam happen. Thousands of lives and hearts are won for Jesus each year at these events.
If you would like to be a part of making this happen by spending time ushering or selling artist merchandise please use the link "Fill out my form" to sign up to volunteer.
Volunteers need to be 17 & up, and you will need to be at the venue by 4 PM. More details available at the link.
March 25th at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids
March 26th at EMU Convocation Center in Ypsilanti
Fill out my form!

Benefit Concert at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church on March 7th

Monroe Missionary Baptist Church invites you to a benefit concert
in honor of Mikal Featchurs who is battling pancreatic cancer.
March 7th, 6:30 PM
The Musical Guests include Recording Artists......
Stephanie Alison McCormick
(Gospel Saxaphonists) Jesse Lee Coleman
The Differance
Jon Vass & The Vass Majority
One Voice
Bishop Rick Satterfield & The Spirit of Truth
MMBC Worship Team ......and more....
Admission is free. An offering will be taken.

Experience a life without LIMITS with Nick Vujicic on March 4th in Monroe

Do you have a hard time trusting God when life is too overwhelming or doesn’t make any sense? We live in a busy world today where many are struggling to find purpose in life. We are robbed of joy when we get lost in present struggles instead of seeing the incredible plan God has intended for us. Born without arms or legs Nick's birth appeared to all as a very tragic event. At a young age he thought his life had no purpose and couldn’t see a future worth living for. He shares how his life changed when he understood that God did not seek out his physical abilities but instead his availability. Nick now lives life full of joy with purpose that inspires us all to look beyond our present trials & seek out the bigger picture the Lord has for us. Nick will capture your heart with his humor, charm, the Aussie accent and most importantly his powerful message that will leave you impacted for a lifetime. You will be moved to see how his so-called birth defect was not a tragedy but an instrument to reveal the glory of God. (John 9:3)

Experience how Nick’s life went from a life without limbs to a life without LIMITS!
On Thursday, March 4th, 7PM at the MBT Expo Center Monroe County Fairgrounds Monroe, MI 48161 $10.00 – General Admission Limited Seats! Tickets Available by calling: (734) 243-6200 Buy online at www.Showtix4u.com All Proceeds go to benefit Heartbeat of Monroe, A pro-life organization.

The Awake Tour comes to Toledo March 21st

This Spring the TobyMac & Skillet pairing has created the ultimate concert EXPERIENCE. Sure to be an evening of pure adrenaline and energy, the tour will hit over 20 cities throughout March and April, The Awake Tonight Tour hits Lucas County Arena in Toledo on Sunday, March 21st at 7 PM. Tickets are $35, $25 & $18, available at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone 866-448-7849 or at the Lucas County Arena Box Office located at 500 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo OH.

Ultimate Date Night with Jay & Laura in Grand Blanc

The Ultimate Date Night is a 90 minute evening of non-stop music, comedy, and laughter! Nuggets of
marriage wisdom are sprinkled throughout the program. The unique Celebrate! style of Jay and Laura
allow everyone to learn valuable marriage tools while having fun!

Coming on March 13th, 7 PM to Faith Lutheran Church 12534 Holly Rd Grand Blanc, MI 48439
Tickets are $10 per person in advance. 4 Packs are $32 in advance. Tickets are $12 at the door. Register using this link: https://www.celebratenet.com/UDN/registration/ For more information call 989-466-5574 or email info@jayandlaura.com

5 Keys to Happiness

Jenn & Brian talked about these five things that research has shown can improve happiness:

1. Be grateful - Some study participants were asked to write letters of gratitude to people who had helped them in some way. The study found that these people reported a lasting increase in happiness - over weeks and even months - after implementing the habit. What's even more surprising: Sending the letter is not necessary. Even when people wrote letters but never delivered them to the addressee, they still reported feeling better afterwards.

2. Be optimistic - Another practice that seems to help is optimistic thinking. Study participants were asked to visualize an ideal future - for example, living with a loving and supportive partner, or finding a job that was fulfilling - and describe the image in a journal entry. After doing this for a few weeks, these people too reported increased feelings of well-being.

3. Count your blessings - People who practice writing down three good things that have happened to them every week show significant boosts in happiness, studies have found. It seems the act of focusing on the positive helps people remember reasons to be glad.

4. Use your strengths - Another study asked people to identify their greatest strengths, and then to try to use these strengths in new ways. For example, someone who says they have a good sense of humor could try telling jokes to lighten up business meetings or cheer up sad friends. This habit, too, seems to heighten happiness.

5. Commit acts of kindness - It turns out helping others also helps ourselves. People who donate time or money to charity, or who altruistically assist people in need, report improvements in their own happiness.

Read Entire Article.

Casting Crowns Ticket Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the "Until The Whole World Hears" Tour featuring Casting Crowns and special guests Kutless tickets. Winners have been sent an email notifying them how to get their tickets.

Winners:

Pam of Clarklake

Jeff of Holly

Heather of Howell

Josh of Highland

Tony of Fenton

John of Flint

Brittney of Rochester

Now that's cutting a budget!

Okemos businessman, Randy Kelly believes part of being a Christian is giving back to the community and that's just what he intends to do with the opening of HIS Barbershop.

February 22nd - 27th, HIS Barbershop, that's the name, will be giving away FREE haircuts to all it's patrons.

Located at 3490 S. Okemos Rd. Suite D on the corner of Jolly & Okemos roads in Okemos patrons can get spiffed up for no charge from 8AM-6 PM Monday through Friday and 7AM-2 PM on Saturday.

Any donations received during those dates will go to send kids to the Acquire the Fire Conference.

Free Bible for Busy Moms

Sign up to win a FREE Bible from Smile FM and Zondervan.  The NIV Thinline Bible, Busy Mom's Edition is a trim, go-anywhere pocket Bible that gives you inspirational content quickly during the course of your day. Packed with one-minute thought starters and featuring the entire Old and New Testaments of the most-read, most-trusted NIV Bible, plus relevant and encouraging thoughts for the day … this is spiritual fuel for your busy mom-on-the-go lifestyle.  The first 5,000 eligible entries will receive the Busy Mom's Bible.  See website for contest details and rules.

Daily Prayer of Mother Teresa

Dear Jesus, help me to spread Thy fragrance everywhere I go. Flood my
soul with Thy spirit and love. Penetrate and possess my whole beng so
utterly that all my life may only be a radiance of Thine. Shine
through me and be so in me that every soul I come in contact with may
feel Thy presence in my soul. Let them look up and see no longer me
but only Jesus. Stay with me and then I shall begin to shine as you
shine, so to shine as to be a light to others.

Ultimate Date Night with Jay & Laura in Caledonia

The Ultimate Date Night is a 90 minute evening of non-stop music, comedy, and laughter! Nuggets of
marriage wisdom are sprinkled throughout the program. The unique Celebrate! style of Jay and Laura
allow everyone to learn valuable marriage tools while having fun!Coming this February 20th, 7:30 PM at Cornerstone Church located at 1675 84th street SE, Caledonia, MI 49316 Tickets are $10 per person in advance. 4 Packs are $32 in advance. Tickets are $12 at the door. Register using this link: https://www.celebratenet.com/UDN/registration/ For more information call 989-466-5574 or email info@jayandlaura.com

share the love valentine's contest

share the love contest
Tell us why the love of your life, IS the love of your life!
February 8th - 11th

Winners will win a pair of tickets to the Ultimate Date Night of their choice (either Caledonia on 2/20 or Grand Blanc on 3/13), a Fireproof your marriage couple's kit
AND the same to SHARE with another couple.
Yes, that's 2 pairs of tickets and 2 Fireproof kits so you can share the love!

Submit your entry on the Smile FM Win Stuff page.
Winners will be notified by mail
If you would just like to win the couple's kit and forego the Ultimate Date Night please indicate in the box provided on the entry form.

See the great stories and the winners!

See the best Dip for your Dip Recipies

Check out the recipies! We appreciate all the great Super Bowl dip suggestions! Each Smile FM Dj is selecting their favorites and the winners will receive a cool prize pack from us.

A Dip for a Dip Contest

Superbowl is right around the corner and we need your help to find the best dips out there.

Submit your favorite dip recipe and we'll try it out in our Smile FM test kitchen :-)

Each of our favorite dips, Jenn, Brian, Faron, Elly and Rob will pick their favorite and the winning dips and we'll announce the winners on Friday. Each winner will get a Smile FM CD prize pack! We'll post all the delicious recipes just in time for the weekend!

Help Children in Haiti today

Smile FM is partnering with Mission of Mercy to change the lives of kids in Haiti whose lives have been shaken by the recent earthquake.

Please consider making a one time donation or sponsoring a child for $34 a month or call us at 888.887.7139

How to Save a Life Trailer

Here is the trailer for the movie "To Save a Life" that Faron has been talking about. You should take your teenager to see this movie this weekend. If you want to see a list of theatres in your area, check out this link...http://tosavealifemovie.com/tickets

Winter Jam

2 Michigan Dates

Thur, March 25th

Grand Rapids, MI

Van Andel Arena

________________

Friday, March 26th

Ypsilanti, MI

Eastern MI University

_______________

Just $10 at the door

Doors open at 6 PM

Preshow starts at 6:20 PM

Volunteers are need for both WinterJam events for merchandise sales, ushering. 17 & up, must be there by 4:30 PM, No childcare provided. If you would like to volunteer register using this link:
Please fill out my form.

Stand Up & Smile featuring Blue Tree

Stand Up & Smile featuring comedian Josh Mills, musician Jason Eaton and Bluetree is coming to Michigan for 3 exciting nights. Tickets starting at just $10 at the door.

Friday - Feb 26th - 7 PM
Christian Family Centre
1800 West US-223, Adrian, MI 49221

Saturday - Feb 27th - 6 PM
Central Church of the Nazarene
1261 W. Bristol Road, Flint, MI 48507

Sunday - Feb 28th - 6 PM
Gaylord E Free Church
1649 E M-32, Gaylord, MI 49735

Buy Tickets Now

Casting Crowns comes to Northridge Church in Plymouth

Thursday, Feb 25th @ 7 PM
Northridge Church, Plymouth, MI

Buy Tickets

Julian Drive Live from Haiti

Shane Bowers from Julian Drive called to let us know that the band was fine, but will staying in Haiti for a while. Listen to the converstation he had with Jenn from the Morning Espresso.

Ways to Help those in Haiti

At Smile FM, we'd just like to pass along some suggestions on how you can help those in Haiti:

1. Text HAITI to 90999 and a $10 donation will be charged to your cell bill and given to the Red Cross for emergency earthquake response.

2. · Hotline American's With Relatives In Haiti Can Call #1-888-407-4747

5. Red Cross needs Creole speaking volunteers for a 24hr phone bank. Call Mr. Wilfrid @ 305-776-6900 ASA

6. Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network http://www.satern.org/

7. Support World Vision

8. Support Mission of Mercy

World Vision Winter Blast most commonly asked questions

World Vision Winter Blast featuring Building 429, Britt Nicole, MikesChair (except Trenton), Echoing Angels and Big Ticket Festival Indie Stage winner, Michael Maher.

1/14, Thursday, Central Church of the Nazarene in Flint located at 1261 W. Bristol Rd.
1/15, Friday, Mount Hope Church in Lansing located at 202 S. Creyts Rd.
1/16, Saturday, Metro South Church in Trenton located at 3000 Van Horn Rd.
Shows in Flint and Lansing will start at 6:45 PM
Show in Trenton will start at 7 PM

Q: Where can I buy tickets:
A: You can pre-purchase online at www.smile.fm (on concert page, select "buy tickets", $2 convenience fee applies) or at the door.

Q: Is there an advantage to buying tickets online?
A: Tickets purchased online will be guaranteed seats should we sell out. An area of seats will be reserved for these ticket holders. These seats will be released to public 15 minutes prior to show starting.

Q: What time will doors open?
A: 6 PM, they may open sooner if all of our volunteers have arrived.

Q: I purchased VIP tickets, what time can I get in?
A: VIP ticket holders will be allowed to enter at 5:15 PM, VIP seats are designated. You will need your VIP lanyard to sit in this area.

Q: Where and when is the artist meet and greet for VIP ticket holders?
A: VIP ticket holders need to meet at the Smile FM booth at 5:30 and will be taken to the meet and greet area. Please make sure you have your VIP lanyard to get in.

Q: Will the bands be signing autographs?
A: Absolutely, there will be tables set up in the foyer after the show for autographs.

Q: What time will the show end?
A: 10 PM

Q: Do you need any volunteers?
A: Please contact su@smile.fm if you are interested in volunteering

Q: Do kids need a ticket?
A: Children 5 & under are FREE. Kids 6 & Up are the regular low price of $10.

This covers the most common questions we have been receiving. If you have others that are not answered here please call 888-887-7139 or email su@smile.fm

Financial Tips for your New Year

On Thursday's show, Jenn & Brian talked about...

the most overlooked tax deductions

and...

Steps to get your financial house in order

Jenn's FAVORITE FREE Financial website: www.mint.com

and gave rave reviews to Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University, with many new classes starting soon!

Honor your pastor's wife with a gift of pearls

Win pearls for your pastor's wife this month.
Does your pastor’s wife know that you appreciate, respect, and love her?

Beginning January 3rd listeners have the opportunity to share why their pastor's wife is special and register to win a pair of beautiful cultured pearl earrings from Gem and Diamond of Imlay City for her on our "Win Stuff" page. One winner will be selected each day from January 18th until the 31st.

All entries will be eligible for the grand prize matching pearl necklace. Entries may be selected to be read on the air.

Read the enteries already received (please allow a few days for yours to show up)

Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls

Move over Cinnabon. Jenn talked about making cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning, one using the stand mixer and one using the bread machine. In the baking process, she forgot which batch was which! Thankfully, they both turned out great, so from now on, it's this easy bread machine recipe. Try the recipe out for yourself.

Jenn's Restaurant Savings Tip

Save at Restaurant.com

$25 savings certificates (regularlly $10) now on sale for just $2 each, plus one free $10 certificate per order.

Use the code "Cheer" to get your discount. Good through 12/31/09.

Beat the Big Ticket price increase

Special Christmas rates are in effect until December 31st.
Get your tickets before the price increase!
June 24-26 in Gaylord.
Over 100 bands celebrate 5 years of Big Ticket Festival
including: Casting Crowns & the Newsboys.
For more info visit the www.bigticketfestival.com

Better to Give AND Receive Winter Blast contest winner

Congratulations to Brandon of Lansing for winning the Better to Give AND Receive Contest for a pair of tickets for himself and a pair to giveaway for the World Vision Winter Blast coming this January to Flint, Lansing & Trenton featuring Building 429, Britt Nicole, MikesChair, Echoing Angels and Michael Maher.

Why Jesus is Better than Santa Claus

Santa lives at the North Pole ...Jesus is everywhere
Santa rides in a sleigh...Jesus walks on 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 the chimney un-invited. Jesus stands at your door and knocks
You have to wait in line to see Santa...Jesus is as close as the mention of His name
All Santa can offer is "Ho, Ho Ho" ...Jesus offers health, help, and hope
Santa lets you sit on his lap... Jesus let's you rest in His arms
Santa says "you better not cry" ... Jesus says "Cast all your cares on me"
While Santa puts gifts under your tree... Jesus became our gift and died on a Tree

Calling All Servant Hearts!

Volunteers are needed to man the phones at the Smile FM Williamston office December 29th - 31st for upcoming Fun Drive for 3-4 hour shifts 8 AM - 6PM. If you can help us out please use the link below to sign up!

http://smilefm.wufoo.com/forms/fun-drive-volunteer-sign-up/

Christmas Gift Idea?

I (Faron) bought a One Year Bible for my family last year, and I offered to pay my kids to read through the Bible in one year. My 12 year old son is the only one who has done it. I payed him over $100. (Best money I have ever spent. We have had some great conversations about the Bible this year!)

This is a cool Bible, becauses it divides the Bible up in short daily readings. If you read each day, you get through the Bible in a year.

What do you think? Possible Christmas gift?

Better to Give AND Receive Winter Blast contest

Win a pair of VIP tickets for yourself AND a pair to giveaway to the Winter Blast show of your choice
featuring Building 429, Britt Nicole, Echoing Angels, MikesChair & Michael Maher this January in Flint, Lansing & Trenton.

VIP tickets include Meet n Greet, Early Entry, Reserved seats and VIP lanyard.


Register to win on the Smile FM Win Stuff page until 5 PM on Monday!
Winner will be notified by email on Tuesday so there's time to give it for Christmas.

How to stay married

Faron says you won't believe this statistic.
Divorce rate in America -over 50%
Divorce rate among Christians - over 50%
Divorce rate among couples that pray together daily -1 in 1013 (1/10 of 1%)

Great Christmas Gift Idea!

Tickets go on sale next week on the Smile FM website for the

World Vision Winter Blast

coming to Michigan this January featuring Building 429 with Britt Nicole and special guests MikesChair, Echoing Angels & Big Ticket Indie Stage winner, Michael Maher.

Tickets will ONLY be $10 for General Admission

A limited number of VIP tickets will be available for $25, includes VIP lanyard, early entry, reserved seating and a special artist meet n greet until January 1st.
Thursday, January 14th at Central Church of the Nazarene in Flint
Friday, January 15th at Mt. Hope Church in Lansing and
Saturday, January 16th venue to be announced soon.
All tickets will be available for purchase online, only general admission tickets will be at the door.
Great Stocking Stuffers!

30% of the proceeds will go to specifically toward building fund for two new stations in the Detroit area.

Meet Jenn in St. Joe this Saturday

Jenn, Giggles and the Smile FM crew this Saturday from 12 noon to 2 PM at the Banner Parable Christian Store at 2913 Niles Ave in St. Joseph (behind Dairy Queen & Qdoba).We will be on hand with prizes and fun contests. But mostly importantly we'd just like an opportunity to meet you and family and say "Hello." We are in the area to install a new transmitter to greatly improve the signal for 88.7 FM. Stop by and visit us this Saturday from 12 noon to 2 pm at Banner Parable Christian Store in St. Joe!

Win Tickets to Opry Christmas

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS

TO THE SHOW OF YOUR CHOICE

ON "WIN STUFF" PAGE

THIS WEEK ONLY!

Mt Hope Church in Lansing presents

An Opry Christmas Weekend!

featuring



6 time Vocal Group of the year!
Diamond Rio
on Friday, December 18th, 7 PM

AND

14 time Grammy Winner, Ricky Skaggs with Kentucky Thunder

on Saturday, December 19th, 7 PM

For tickets visit http://www.startickets.com/ or phone 800-585-3737

Why Jesus is Better than Santa Claus

Santa lives at the North Pole ...Jesus is everywhere
Santa rides in a sleigh...Jesus walks on 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 the chimney un-invited. Jesus stands at your door and knocks
You have to wait in line to see Santa...Jesus is as close as the mention of His name
All Santa can offer is "Ho, Ho Ho" ...Jesus offers health, help, and hope
Santa lets you sit on his lap... Jesus let's you rest in His arms
Santa says "you better not cry" ... Jesus says "Cast all your cares on me"
While Santa puts gifts under your tree... Jesus became our gift and died on a Tree

Black Friday Weekend CD Prize Giveaway Winners

Congratulations to the winners of Black Friday Weekend - WinterJam 3 CD Prize Packs. Winners will receive 3 cds featuring WinterJam Artists, Newboys, Third Day & Tenth Avenue North.

Tammy from Charlotte

Christi from Flint

Julie from East Lansing

Shelsea from Burton

Dolores from Ferndale

Michelle from Brighton

Prizes will be coming in the mail!

Skillet Concert Ticket Giveaway on Facebook

Facebook friends will get the opportunity to win tickets this week to see Skillet with Decyfer Down & Hawk Nelson at the DeltaPlex in Grand Rapids on Sunday December 6th.

Win tickets to NewSong's Very Merry Christmas Tour

Register to win a family 4 pack of tickets to NewSong's Very Merry Christmas Tour next week featuring NewSong, Big Daddy Weave & Francesca Battstelli on our Win Stuff page.
Shows are in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, December 8th and Monroe on Wednesday, December 9th at 7 PM.
Registration ends on Sunday, 5 PM. Winners will be notified by email.

Positive Hit Music Comparison vs Secular

If you are unfamiliar with alot of the artists that we play on Smile FM, but maybe you'd like to purchase some of the artists as Christmas gifts for others, check out this website...
http://www.turnlife.net/music.php It gives you a positive music alternative artist for almost every secular band that is out there. Here are a few examples from the site.

IF YOU LIKE: TRY:

Avril Lavigne Superchick
Bush Switchfoot
Creed Seventh Day Slumber (hard Creed), Lifehouse, Third Day
Dave Matthews Band Caedmons Call

50 Great Christmas Craft Ideas

Jenn & Brian talked about 50 great craft ideas that you can make yourself...and you don't even have to be a Martha!

Black Friday Weekend CD Prize Giveaway

SLEEP IN!
BEAT THE RUSH!
NO WAITING IN LINES!
AND BEST OF ALL...
KEEP YOUR CASH!
This Black Friday Special is FREE!
Register to win a WinterJam 3-cd Prize Pack including Third Day's Live Revelation, Newsboys' Go Remixed & Tenth Avenue North's Over & Underneath on Smile FM's Win Stuff page, midnight Thursday until midnight Sunday.

Keep it for yourself or use it as a Christmas Gift!

Thanksgiving Thank-Fest

Help us give God all the Glory this Thanksgiving by sharing with us what you are thankful for.

Please call us at 888.887.7139, dial extension 4 and tell us your name, city and share with us what you are thankful for.

We're looking from great stories from young and old alike, especially those of us who are even more thankful even during the tough times.

You comments may be used to encourage others on Thanksgiving day on Smile FM. And don't worry if goof up, you can try again when you call our virtual studio line at 888.887.7139 ext 4.

Smile Fm's Virtual Buck Pole is underway!

Share your Big Buck take with us and enter the Smile FM Virtual Buck Pole.

This year's contest is being judged by Rob & Susie Trott from Great Lakes Outdoor.

Bucks must be taken from the 2009 season and enteries will be judges on buck, story and picture/video.

Entries accepted until December 7th. Winners announced on December 9th. 4 Catagories will be award, Best Overall Buck, Best Buck by Male Hunter, Best Buck by Female Hunter, and Best Buck by Youth Hunter. Check back soon for our latest entries.

Cheesing with the Newsboys

Smile FM staff took the opportunity for a photo opp with the Newsboys at the recent concert at Sunshine Community Church in Grand Rapids. Were looking forward to seeing them again in March for WinterJam in Ypsilanti and Grand Rapids where they will co-headline with Third Day.

Welcome Baby Elijah Michael Dempsey

Congratulations to Rob & Amy Dempsey (and big sis Amanda and big bro Spencer) on the adoption of Elijah Michael Dempsey on 11-16-09. They had beeen fostering Elijah since he was a newborn, thankfully were able to officially welcome him to their family today! Due to the sensitive nature of the foster care system, Rob was not able to talk much about Elijah living with them. They are thrilled to finally be able to share this news and pictures with friends and family everywhere! If you are a facebook member, you can see more pics here.

Just Say Merry Christmas Concert Tickets

“Just Say Merry Christmas” will visit eight Michigan and Ohio cities in November including the Whiting Auditorium in Flint. A cast of 300 will present many of the most familiar songs of the holiday season during a series of concerts that feature the pageantry, costuming and special effects reminiscent of a Broadway production.
Register to win a pair of tickets to the show on Saturday, November 21st at the Whiting Auditorium in Flint on our Win Stuff page. Entries will be accepted until 5 PM Wednesday, November 18th.
For a full schedule of concerts visit www.cmichoir.org

Blessing of the Hunters featuring Rob & Susie Trott

Please give the video about 10 seconds to start :-) Thanks to Rob & Susie for the blessing. Be sure to get a great picture and/or video of your buck as the Smile FM virtual Buck Pole begins next week.

Which Sesame Street character are you?

Take the quiz here!

http://www.wyff4.com/seenon4/21572582/detail.html

What kind of sickness do I have?

Jenn & Brian talked about this great flyer Jenn brought home from preschool about the differences between a cold, seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu.

We had a lot of requests for it, so here is a copy you can print for your home or office.

Paul Colman joins the Morning Espresso

In case you missed the conversation with Paul Colman, you can listen to it HERE.

Paul Colman will be joining the Fresh Fire Conference on Friday night, November 6th at Ignite Flint Church.

Focus on the Family founder and chairman emeritus James C. Dobson, Ph.D., will leave the ministry as its primary radio voice at the end of February, the ministry announced today. Dr. Dobson’s departure from the radio program and from official affiliation with the organization he founded in 1977 is just the "third chapter in a transition that began in 2003," when Dr. Dobson stepped down as Focus president, said Jim Daly, the ministry's president and CEO. It was a mutual decision between Dr. Dobson and the ministry’s board of directors, which Dr. Dobson left in February of this year, Daly added. "The Bible tells us that to everything there is a season – and Dr. Dobson's season at Focus on the Family has been remarkable," Daly said. "He has done a superlative job in modeling the graceful transition of leadership from one generation to the next." "We're excited about continuing the work he began, and following the biblical principles he's always followed, to reach today's families." Dobson, who will continue to record new radio broadcasts between now and the end of February, remains "a man of health and vigor" and will continue to make his voice heard in the public square, Daly said. "Dr. Dobson is a wordsmith, but one word I don't suspect we'll hear him using is 'retirement,'" Daly explained. "We wish him great success in whatever he decides to tackle next."

11 Healthy Energy Boosters

Need some more energy, but would like to do it without the "energy" drink! Check out these great ideas to boost your energy the right way!

Tips from Jonas Brother's mom

Her name is Denise Jonas. Yes, she is the mom of the Jonas brothers. (She seems to be doing a great job with her sons) Here are her top 10 parenting tips:

1. Put in the rug time. I called our family’s spontaneous father-and-sons games “rug time” or “rearranging the living room without a license.” But without a word, the boys and their dad called it love. I learned that no carpet or piece of furniture is worth more than the bonding that happens in rug time.
2. Cook when you can. Life on the road wreaks havoc on kitchen togetherness but I love to cook and I’ve learned to do it as I can. Something’s very comforting about eating food mom cooks.
3. Never mind the hair. Moms also know this lesson as “choose your battles.” As issues come up, I’ve learned to weigh each for its big-picture significance and adjust my response. Some things, like a teenager’s hair, I let go.
4. Buy the drums. Your daughter wants to play softball? Find a team. Your son wants to sing? Encourage it. Someone’s good at drawing? Quick: paper and colors. At times you have to study your kids. Other times their gifts hit you full force. Whatever the case, give them a chance—then stand back and give them room.
5. Celebrate the wrinkle cream. In a store once, I saw a wrinkle cream and mentioned to the boys that I liked it. Next Mother’s Day, I’m unwrapping the wrinkle cream and felt like crying! But the sweet thing is, my sons had heard me and wanted to please me.
6. Trust the detours. First the news of Nick’s diabetes brought shock. Then we responded as a family. We learned about diabetes, followed the guidelines, and stayed the course—and our eyes opened to others with health issues. Bad news has been a backdoor blessing.
7. Stay grateful. With privilege comes responsibility, and we’re grateful for all of it. Yes, everything. Our flight is held up? We’re grateful to be going. Our hotel reservation is one room short? We’ll sleep on the floor. Life isn’t perfect, but in every circumstance, our job is to manage our response.
8. Sit close, hug often. Our family speaks the language of hugs, and we speak it liberally. I’ve learned that when words aren’t enough, holding my child says volumes. Kids outgrow laps but never hugs.
9. Set internal pillars. The world presses in with schedules, expectations, and exhaustion. How my children withstand that has everything to do with what’s inside them. We don’t just assume our kids will pick up good inner structures such as honor, self-respect, honesty and kindness. We talk about those things and praise our kids when those qualities show.
10. Be the mom. My kids don’t need me to be a buddy, a sidekick or a maid: they need me to be a mom. Kids need a mom to set limits, set the example, and set out what they can be and do. Anyone can be a friend. Only the mom can be the mom.