Secret Keeper Girl – What is this Crazy Hair Tour?

 As parents of little ones, we quickly learn how to protect our kids from the dangers of the world around them. We start teaching them early not to touch the hot stove and to hold on tight to the hand rail on the stairs. As they get a little older, life gets a little trickier! How do you deal with a 5 year old who has 5 boyfriends at a time? How do you protect your little girls from the sexy fashion trends pushed at them at an early age? How do you teach your little princess what true beauty really is all about?

Meet Dannah Gresh, a mom on mission from State College, PA. She’s a best selling author, speaker and creator of Secret Keeper Girl Live events. It all started as she tried to make Bible studies and God’s principles relevant to her young daughters and their friends. When asked how things are different for girls growing up today Dannah explained, “Today’s little girls face peer pressure that we didn’t know until we were in high school. Research indicates that a little girl who does what is becoming “normal” — wearing clothes that make her look older, succumbing to boy-craziness, and obsessing about her appearance — will be at greater risk of body image issues, eating disorders and depression when she is a teen. These things can also increase the risk of an early sexual debut.” 

Dannah went on to explain what moms can do to help prevent those negative experiences. “Start early by teaching your daughter that being special in God’s eyes is so much better than being normal! Help her to become a God-Crazy girl who understands modesty, purity and true beauty.” And if you’re a mom like me, you’re thinking, “Oh great, and how exactly do I teach all of that?” Welcome your new best friend....Secret Keeper Girl – The Crazy Hair Tour! There are 8 stops in Michigan this September and October. You and your daughter have got to be there!

At the SKG Crazy Hair Tour – Moms and Tween girls, usually between the ages of 8 and 12 years old, will have the most fun ever digging into God’s word to find out what it has to say about beauty, modesty and purity and even crazy hair?!?! To make the night one to remember, they’ll pull out the big guns, oh wait, we mean confetti cannons, balloons, fashion shows and more! Plus you’ll be ecstatic about the crazy hair machine! You and your daughter will fall in love with 1 Girl Nation, a new girl band who will start off with a mini concert and lead worship throughout the night. Find out more about SKG’s Crazy Hair Tour coming to Michigan: 

If You Seek A Pleasant Peninsula...

Michigan offers endless opportunities for summer activities in state.
By Brian Dumont

Summer is quickly waning. Kids will be back to school before you know it and with the little time we have left you may be thinking, “I need a vacation!” But before you pack you bags and head out of state for one last hurrah, I would encourage you to consider Michigan’s state motto: “Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice.” Or in the common tongue, “ If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.”

Staying in state not only saves you money on your fuel budget, but also boots the local economy, which is good for all of us. Those factors aside, there are a lot of cool things you can do right here in Michigan. There are too many to list in this article, but here are a few ideas worth considering. 

GEOCACHING 

With the advent of smart phones and GPS navigation systems, geocaching provides a fun, free avenue to modern day treasure hunting anyone can try. The process involves some basic compass and map reading skills and often times will relay something of educational or historical significance. Other times it’s just fun. A quick internet search from my home computer turned up dozens of caches within a few miles of my house including some titled “R2-D2 Is Lost.” How cool is it that somewhere out there is a lost little Star Wars action figure who needs my help. And he’s been right under my nose this whole time! I’m ready to go find him right now. Start Geocaching! 

MADE IN MICHIGAN
.
 A lot of consumer products are made right here in Michigan, from cars to food to hundreds of other items we use everyday. But what you may not know is that many Michigan producers offer tours of their facilities so you can actually see how it’s made. Again, there are too many list, but a few I found interesting include Morley Candy Makers in Clinton Township, Michigan’s largest candy maker. They create Sanders Candy Pecan Torties and Coconut Clusters among other treats. The tour explains how chocolate is made and how the company got their start in Detroit. And of course there are free samples! http://www.sanderscandy.com/factory-tours-a/250.htm

Chelsea Teddy Bear Co. offers free tours of their 35,000 sq./ft. warehouse/production facility and Toy Museum located in the historic Clock Tower Complex in downtown Chelsea. The display features over 100,000 teddy bears, including the World’s largest Teddy Bear. For more information visit http://www.chelseateddybear.com/home

And while you’re in Chelsea, you can also check out Chelsea Milling Company, home of Jiffy Mix. They’ve been in operation for over 120 years. Tours include a video presentation, a walk through the packaging plant and product samples. Can you say, “blueberry muffins?” Tours are free but reservations are required.
http://www.jiffymix.com/

It’s no secret that Michigan has its share of agriculture bragging rights. But we also have a few farms you may not be familiar with. Centennial Cranberry Farm in Paradise is Michigan's only historic cranberry farm. http://www.centennialcranberry.com/ . Groeb Farms in Onsted is the world’s largest processor of honey. http://www.groebfarms.com/ . And Crosby Mint Farm in St. Johns is the oldest, continuously family operated mint farm in the United States. http://peppermintjim.com/ . And of course they all offer tours. One last tour suggestion I have to mention is Michigan State University Dairy Complex located in Anthony Hall on the campus of MSU in East Lansing. The Dairy Store is not only an educational and outreach center, they also make, package and sell delicious ice creams and cheeses. And if you go at the right time, you can pick up a container of ice cream that was made during the switch over of their product lines, resulting in some unique flavor combinations you won’t find anywhere else. For more information visit http://dairystore.msu.edu/

WATER WONDERLAND 

Finally, any discussion of things to do in our state has to include Michigan’s water features. After all, the Great Lakes are the largest fresh water lakes in the world and no matter where you are in Michigan, you’re never more than 85 miles away from one of them. There are numerous beaches and lighthouses to explore. My suggestion, however, has to do with one of our inland bodies of water... the river! If you have not done so before, you absolutely must take a canoe or kayak trip down a Michigan river. There are several options to choose from. I have a certain affinity for the Au Sable River.

Growing up in Michigan we used to gather in Grayling for family reunions. Many of my extended relatives lived on or near the river and one of the big highlights of the weekend was hopping in a canoe and letting the current take us downstream. Often we would ditch the canoes in favor of inner tubes, splashing and playing for hours in the crisp, cold water. We haven’t had a reunion with extended relatives in those parts for some time, but occasionally I will make my way north to relive that part of the experience with my immediate family.

A canoe trip of that nature can be as brief or involved as you want with trips ranging from a couple of hours to several days. Many businesses rent canoes and kayaks and there are options for camping along the river as well. It’s a great opportunity to see wildlife like never before and enjoy a peace that only comes from knowing God’s grace through His creation. That is, if you don’t tip over! One of the best benefits of a canoe trip is the element of built-in marriage/family counseling. You might think I’m joking at this point, but I kid you not. Steering a canoe, while not difficult, does require some degree of effort and communication with the person at the other end of the boat. The first time my wife and I shared a canoe it was a good hour into the trip before we both stopped yelling and settled down. But once we figured out how to work together we enjoyed the rest of the trip and it has become one of our favorite shared experiences. Since then we have both agreed, a canoe trip should be a requirement of pre-marital counseling. If you can survive the river and each other, you can get married.

Like I said, there are a lot of cool things you can do in Michigan, too many to list here. But if you stick to the state motto and “look about you,” I’m sure you’ll find the pleasant peninsula you seek. Until then, I have an R2-D2 geocache to find, a dairy store to tour and Michigan river that begs me to float in its gentle current until summer’s end. Enjoy!

Brian Dumont is co-host of the Morning Espresso with Jenn & Brian on Smile FM. He lives in Lansing with his wife Jennifer and their three children Daniel, B’Elanna and David. Brian and his family are active at Mount Hope Church where they are involved in creative arts ministry. When not on the radio or at church, Brian enjoys collecting Transformers action figures and 45 vinyl records for his jukebox. 

Making A Difference The Morning Espresso Takes To The Road

One of the biggest challenges that comes with operating a network of 22 radio stations is connecting with individuals on a meaningful level. It’s one thing for a single business to be plugged into a defined community, but when the audience Smile FM serves spans nearly the entire state of Michigan, it’s a whole different ballgame. That’s where the idea for the Morning Espresso Making A Difference Tour came from.

Jenn and I were talking one day about how much we enjoy connecting with people face- to-face. I said, “We should just pack up our families in a camper, take the show on the road for a week and meet as many people as we can.” The vision was born, but we wanted to make the experience more about the various communities we visit and less about promoting our show or the network. So we decided to get a sponsor, bring a band and give back to those who are making a difference, really getting in done where they live.

The 3 rd annual Morning Espresso Making A Difference tour is scheduled for August 13 – 18, 2013. Each morning of the tour we'll be broadcasting on location from a different community, and hosting a benefit concert each night with Smile FM artist Julian Drive. The tour itinerary is as follows:

Tuesday, August 13, 2013, 7:00 pm Supporting: KDR Challenge Dream Makers Theater, Sault Ste. Marie, MI The mission of KDR Challenge is to increase awareness to youth of the dangers of distracted driving, especially using a cell phone while driving. Bonnie Raffaele created the non-profit organization after the death of her daughter Kelsey Dawn Raffaele. She travels speaking to high school and college students throughout the state and country.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013, 7:00 pm Supporting: Big Brothers Big Sisters Bay Pointe Community Church, Traverse City, MI Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Michigan is looking for mentors to invest as little as one hour a week and provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better.

Thursday, August 15, 2013, 6:00 pm Supporting: Habitat for Humanity Bayview Park Band Shell, Alpena, MI Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Michigan brings people together to build homes, community, and hope. They are looking for volunteers as well as home sites and potential new home owners needing assistance.

Friday, August 16, 2013, 7:00 pm Supporting: Ennis Center for Children Kensington Community Church, Lake Orion, MI Ennis Center works with children who have experienced abuse and neglect through Michigan’s Foster Care program. Their mission is to preserve families when possible and create new families when necessary. Ennis Center provides services to over 3,500 children and families each year with an emphasis on southeastern Michigan.

Saturday, August 17, 2013, 7:30 pm Supporting: The Refuge Lapeer Event Center, Lapeer, MI The Refuge is operated by churches throughout Lapeer County who take turns providing temporary overnight shelter on a weekly basis November through April. Their mission is to equip the congregations of Lapeer County to provide shelter for the homeless and promote the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are looking for volunteers as well as funds to purchase a permanent building.

Sunday, August 18, 2013, Approx. 5:00 pm (Following Lansing Lugnuts baseball game) Supporting: Lansing Teen Challenge Cooley Law School Stadium, Lansing, MI Lansing Teen Challenge is a 12-13 month live-in residential facility for men 18 years old and older. They are also affiliated with Sisters Maternity Home for pregnant young ladies that are 18 and over. Both organizations need donations of personal hygiene items.

We’re excited to have Julian Drive with us on the tour this year. You may have heard their songs “From His Hands,” “Always There” and “Move Mountains Again” on Smile FM. Each night of the tour they will be performing a free concert and an offering will be collected for the respective non-profit organizations. The final concert stop of the tour will include a charity auction featuring an electric guitar autographed by several Smile FM artists. All donations collected on the tour go directly to the non-profit organizations.

The reason we’re able to make this effort successful is due in large part to Great Lakes Christian College, the sponsor of the Morning Espresso Making a Difference Tour. Their support allows us to keep costs at a minimum and offer the concerts free of charge. Big thanks to GLCC for their involvement again this year.

We’re really looking forward to seeing you on the Morning Espresso Making A Difference Tour. If we’re coming to a town near you, or if you can make the drive to one of our stops, we would love to meet you in person. Please come out to visit and let us know how you’re making a difference!

How many times left to visit your parents?

Here’s a website that will determine how many times you have left to visit your parents. 

 

www.seeyourfolks.com

 

The Diceman was shocked when he found out he only has 15 more visits with his parents!

Perseverance Pays Off

It was so hot at Big Ticket Festival in June of 2012, I was literally melting away. I had ice packs stuffed in my pockets. At almost 300 pounds, it was hard to take that much heat and humidity! After a performance of the Stand Strength Team, Bryan “The Marine” Beaune came up to me and said, “Jenn, if you want to work out with me, I can get in great shape by next Big Ticket.” I took his card and told him I’d think about it. I thought about a dozen excuses why I did NOT want to work out with the intimidating body builder: he would want me to go on some crazy diet, he wouldn’t understand how to work with someone so out of shape and the biggest excuse of all....he would KILL ME (or make me wish he had!)

I packed all my excuses into my gym bag and went to meet with him. He told me about his eating plan, several mini-meals throughout the day, clean eating, with all whole foods from the grocery store. I didn’t have a problem with what was ON the plan, however I had big problem with what was NOT on the plan, no processed foods, no fast foods, no pop, no popcorn, I was in BIG trouble. One redeeming part of Bryan’s plan, a weekly cheat meal, whatever junk food my body demanded, as long as I faithfully followed the plan all week long!

A few days later we started working out. While Bryan’s first workout didn’t kill me, it certainly hurt. So did the next one and the next one. However losing 15 lbs the first month and better fitting clothes was enough motivation to keep on going. My body fought back against the new eating plan throwing crazy cravings at me right and left. I felt miserable for months as I had to go through a junk food detox. I actually had to block friends on facebook who often posted pictures of their delicious dinners online triggering a new batch of cravings for me to overcome.

In April, 2013, Bryan opened his own CrossFit box and I got introduced to the exciting world of CrossFit. I had already done many of the moves working with him as my personal trainer, but now they come at me much faster and harder! I also moved from working out with just Bryan, to working out in a group setting with others who are much younger and in much better shape than myself. It has been a struggle. I know I should not compare myself to others, but it’s hard not to feel like a bit of a failure when it takes twice as long to complete a workout. But I DO complete the workouts! And I probably burned more calories than those skinny minnies too!


All my life I’ve used food as a reward and a comfort. Food would take me to my “happy place.” I’ve had to learn to find a new ways to be happy, something new and healthy to look forward to. I’m seeing God slowly release me from the bondage that food had on my life. I still love food, but I’m trying to learn to “Eat to Live” and NOT “Live to Eat.” I can’t believe how much I’ve changed this past year. The obvious changes include losing 60 pounds going from “Morbidly Obese” to just plain ol’ regular “Obese,” getting so much stronger, (Did I mention I can dead lift 200 pounds! Oh Yeah!), and wearing smaller clothing, goodbye size 24, hello size 14.

It’s the changes you can’t see that I’m most happy about; moving from strictly following an assigned food plan to living a new healthier food lifestyle automatically without having to measure every bite. I used to love it when I got a break from my workouts because of travel plans. Now, I really miss it when I can’t make a workout. I “enjoy” CrossFit and I actually invested to create my own basement gym. Now when I travel I take my jump rope with me and grab the weights at the hotel. I rarely miss a work out and now I am learning how to work out by myself when needed. For the first time in my life I have confidence that I will reach my healthy weight loss goals and eventually even master the jump rope, handstand and the burpee....someday!

Jenn Czelada, co-host of the Morning Espresso with Jenn and Brian, lives on a small farm in the thumb area with 12 hens, too many roosters and her husband Ed and 6 year old twin daughters Hosanna and Hallelujah. She blogs occasionally about her healthy lifestyle efforts at www.incredibleshrinkingme.com

Bryan Beaune is the owner of Building Your Temple CrossFit in Oxford, MI and offers meal planning and 8 CrossFit classes at day at his box. www.BYTBootcamp.com

Things I wish Jesus hadn't said

Here is an article the Diceman is reading today...
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/8-things-i-wish-jesus-had-never-said

Agree?

Most positive chapter in the Bible

Do you remember the movie, Rocky?    Every time I hear the theme music from Rocky, I get pumped up.  I want to hold my hands up in victory, just like Rocky.  

 

Today, I was jogging and listening to the audio Bible in my headphones, and I felt that same feeling of euphoria as I was listening to the verses being read from Romans chapter 8!    This has to be the most positive and uplifting chapter in the whole Bible!   Have you read some of the key verses in this chapter?  I don’t think I realized that all of these awesome verses were in the same chapter.    Here are a few that are in Romans 8:

 

Verse 1  Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, ²

 

^{Verse 11} And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of^[e] his Spirit who lives in you.

 

¹⁸  I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

 

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[i] have been called according to his purpose

 

³¹  What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

 

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

 

³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

WOW!  Did you know all of those great verses were in one chapter of the Bible?     See what I mean!  It’s the most positive chapter!  (If I’m wrong, and you know of a more positive chapter, let me know)  But in the meantime, throw your hands up in the air, like Rocky!  Woo Hoo!  These are some encouraging verses to get you through today!

 

The Diceman

 

 

Click here to Smile! Guaranteed!

This is a photo that is guaranteed to make you smile today. It's called "Self Esteem."

20 top phrases from Dad

Thanks Dad, for teaching us stuff like this!
http://www.netmums.com/coffeehouse/general-coffeehouse-chat-514/news-current-affairs-topical-discussion-12/844511-daddisms-things-dads-say.html

Building 429 flash mob

If you love the Building 429 song, “This is not where I belong,”  You’ll love this video of a flash mob in Florida!

http://vimeo.com/67610744

 

 

chases away robber in Jesus name

Awesome true story here, that even shows you the actual video of a
lady who commands a robber to leave her store in the name of Jesus,
and he does!
http://www.godvine.com/Christian-Store-Owner-Commands-Armed-Robber-to-Leave-in-the-Name-of-Jesus-3418.html

Born again celebrities

Interesting! Here are some celebrities who are outspoken Christians,
too! See the entire article here
http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/31/living/gallery/born-again-celebrities/index.html?hpt=hp_c4

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 being 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.

~ Mother Teresa

Carman has cancer

Here is the latest news about singer, Carman. Both his battle with
cancer, and his hope to raise money so that he can release a new CD.
http://www.christianpost.com/news/recording-artist-carman-takes-on-first-album-in-12-years-amid-cancer-battle-95571/

Mothers Day gift idea

How about doing what this family did, and re-create a favorite family
photo for mom, from years earlier?

Kroger Community Rewards - a great way to support Smile FM

Each quarter Smile FM receives a generous donation from Kroger because our listeners select us as their Community Rewards Partner. 

If you shop at Kroger, please select Smile FM to receive a percentage of your purchases.  It won't cost you anything and just takes a minute. 

Log into your Kroger Account:  http://www.kroger.com/community/Pages/community_rewards.aspx

Set up or Sign into your account and search for Smile FM as an organization.  Organization #:  83280  Click SAVE and you're all set for the year!

Each year in April, your Community Rewards preferences need to be reset, please take a moment to do it, as the donations add up to thousands of dollars for Smile FM each year!  Thanks Kroger for your support.

Weird things during filming of The Bible

>Have you watched "The Bible" mini-series on the History
>Channel? Our feeling is that they did a pretty good job, and mostly
>got it right. According to the show's Producer, Mark Burnett, some
>really weird, and almost miraculous things happened during the
>filming of the show. Find out more here.

http://www.christianpost.com/news/mark-burnett-weird-things-happened-during-filming-of-the-bible-91441/

Diceman and Biggest Loser Guy

The Diceman loves the Biggest Loser TV show, and he ran into Nate, a
contestant from this season. Nate was kicked off after week 2, but
has still lost over 90 pounds, and plans to be at the show's finale in March!

A new Left Behind movie?

WOW! It’s really going to happen.  There will be a new “Left Behind” movie.  (This is a movie about the Rapture), starring Nicholas Cage!

Things we'll wish we'd done differently

Hey, it's me...The Diceman. This article really challenged me today.
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/whole-life/5-things-millennials-will-wish-theyd-done-differently

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.

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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.