Friday, October 27, 2017

10 Commandments Of A Real Man

    By Frank Powell

    Full article found here http://frankpowell.me/10-signs-real-man-todays-culture/


    1.) A real man respects everyone.

    2.) A real man builds up those closest to him.

    3.) A real man never leads women on.

    4.) A real man works hard, but never chases a paycheck.

    5.) A real man never chooses hobbies over marriage or family.

    6.) A real man pursues purity.

    7.) A real man is self-controlled.

    8.) A real man looks to God for his identity and worth.

    9.) A real man celebrates the successes of others.

    10.) A real man pursues integrity.

Friday, January 27, 2017

10 Bible Verses That Will Help You Get Through a Rough Patch

This article was is from www.relevantmagazine.com
If you're going through a tough time,  (a rough patch), here are 10 verses just for you.

1. Song of Songs 2:11-12

"For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come,"


2. Psalm 74:17

"It was You who set all the boundaries of the earth; You made both
summer and winter."


3. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal
weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things
that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that
are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."


4. Romans 5:3-5

"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that
suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and
character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame."


5. Daniel 2:21

"He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he
gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding."


6. Deuteronomy 31:8

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never
leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."


7. Romans 8:18

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


8. Nahum 1:7

"The Lord is good, a Strength and Stronghold in the day of trouble;
He knows (recognizes, has knowledge of, and understands) those who
take refuge and trust in Him."


9. Isaiah 41:10

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for
I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."


10. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under
heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a
time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a
time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast
away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace,
and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to embrace, and a time
to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; time
to keep, and a time to cast away;a time to tear, and a time to sew;
time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time
to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace."

Read more at
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/practical-faith/10-bible-verses-will-help-you-get-through-rough-patch#ZpCz1DrfqsoKUrWL.99

Wednesday, January 04, 2017

Bible Verses for the New Year

As your making plans and resolutions, here are some Bible verses that are perfect for a new, fresh start.  Grab one of these (or all of them) and take it as your own for this New Year.

  "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

  "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. " Psalm 37:4

  "But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations." Psalm 33:11

  "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans." Psalm 118:8

  "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." Proverbs 16:9

"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:14

  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:6

  "All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly." Proverbs 13:16

  "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." Proverbs 16:3

"Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." Ps. 127:1

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2 Pet. 3:18

  "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

  "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." Proverbs 21:5

  "Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law." Proverbs 29:18

"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?" Luke 14:28

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will ishis good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

  "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." John 6:27

  "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36

"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." 2 Chronicles 15:7

"May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed." Psalm 20:4

Friday, October 28, 2016

A Fathers Prayer for his son

Build me a son, oh Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is
weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; one who will
be proud and unbending and honest defeat, and humble and gentle in
victory.

Build me a son whose wishbone will not be where his backbone should be;
a son who will know Thee -

Lead him I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under the
stress and spur of difficulties and challenges. Here let him learn to
stand up in the storm; here let him learn compassion for those who fail.

Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goal will be high; a
son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men; one
who will learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep; one who will
reach into the future, yet never forget the past.

And after all these things are his, add, I pray, enough of a sense of
humor, so that he may always be serious, yet never take himself too
seriously. Give him humility, so that he may always remember the
simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, the
meekness of true strength.

Then, I, his father, will dare to whisper, "I have not lived in vain."

General Douglas MacArthur, "A Father's Prayer"

50 Things

From Faron Dice, what do you think?

http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/the-christian-bucket-list-50-things-every-believer-should-do-before-heaven-11631119.html

Sunday, October 23, 2016

11 Verses for Breaking Up with your Past from the Diceman

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."  John 8:36

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."  John 8:32

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and will forgive us our sins and purify us from
all unrighteousness."   1 John 1:9

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine." Isaiah 43:1

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."  John 10:10

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."  Philippians 1:6

"I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."  Jeremiah 29:11

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."  2 Corinthians 5:17

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."  Romans 8:1

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him, as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgression from us." Psa. 103:11-12

"But one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Secret Keeper Girl 'Purple Party Tour'


Dannah Gresh's Secret Keeper Girl ‘Purple Party Tour’ invites 7 – 12 year old girls and their moms to think and act differently. Today’s little girls face pressure their moms didn’t know until they were in high school. Secret Keeper Girl offer moms proven tools to teach their girl to embrace true beauty and biblical modesty.






The Secret Keeper Girl Purple Party Tour will give you time to laugh, time to pray, and time to talk about the issues your daughters are dealing with. Through live worship, fun bible teaching and memorable stories, tween girls will be told unequivocally that they are each a masterpiece created by God.

Find Out More!

Enter Contest!

Girlfriends In God

 

We are excited to bring Girlfriends in God to the Mid Michigan Area in 2016!  The Girlfriends in God website describes their event as “a non-denominational ministry that crosses generational and racial boundaries to bring the Body of Christ together as believers. Just as God sent Ruth to Naomi and Mary to Elizabeth, God continues to use women to encourage and equip other women in their spiritual journey. We are doing life together!”  The Birch Run Expo Center should be a fantastic venue for this event.

FIND OUT MORE

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

5 Things Your Kids Will Remember About You

Parents.  Here is an article that the Diceman is discussing on SMILE FM.   You can find the full article here  http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davewillis/the-5-things-your-kids-will-remember-about-you

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

To Treat Or Not To Treat

Smile FM Explores Alternatives To Traditional Halloween Activities

By Brian Dumont

October is here and fall is officially upon us.  It’s the time of year that brings a variety of exciting seasonal favorites including football, cider & donuts and for a lot of people, Halloween.  I know some are sensitive to the negative spiritual connotation associated with Halloween.  If that is you, I completely respect your position and will not be offended if you skip on to the next article at this point.  However, if you are open to the possibility that Halloween could be more than just an excuse for kids to dress up in scary costumes, and gallivant about the neighborhood begging for candy from strangers, please continue reading.

First, consider the alternatives offered to traditional Halloween activities.  Many churches will host a “harvest party” or “trunk-or-treat” event at their place of worship.  Kids still get to dress up and get candy, and maybe even get a little something more.  My church has been doing what we call a “Hallelujah Party” for as long as I can remember.  It’s set up like a carnival where kids play games and win candy.  Then at the end of the event everyone gathers in the sanctuary for a big prize drawing and while waiting, they are presented with a gospel message and an opportunity to receive Jesus.  The end result is a lot of fun, a lot of candy and a lot of new souls added to the Kingdom of God.  In the time my kids have grown up thousands have attended this annual event and hundreds (if not thousands) have made decisions for Christ.  That’s just at my church.  Imagine what kind of effect alternatives like this can have on the community as a whole when everybody participates. 

Of course, if you’re going to attend a Halloween alternative, you might want to consider costumes.  Depending on the event, costumes may be encouraged or frowned upon, so be sure to check with the organizers ahead of time to find out what is appropriate.  In the case where costumes are part of the festivities, let me offer this suggestion… dress like the good guys.  Stay away from traditional secular costumes like witches and devils and go for something a little less associated with the dark side.  When in doubt, side with the good guys.  For example, if you’re choosing between going as Batman or the Joker, choose Batman because he’s the good guy.

Since we’re talking about costumes, I’m feeling compelled to share some of my favorites from over the years.  I’ve always loved theatre and acting, so putting on a costume and pretending to be someone else tends to come naturally.  Halloween happens to be the one time of the year where I don’t get strange looks for doing so.  One year in elementary school I found an old snowman costume leftover from a Christmas play.  I didn’t really want to be a snowman at the time, so I made some modifications, added a piece of yellow material, a hula hoop and ta-da…  I went as a fried egg!  As an adult I’ve dressed up as fan favorites like Mr. Incredible and Nacho Libre, but I think my favorite costumes were some that I made for my kids to wear.


One year when my oldest son was in elementary school I asked him what kind of costume he wanted to wear.  He said, “Optimus Prime” from that year’s incarnation of Transformers.  One problem, the franchise wasn’t quite so popular back then.  No costumes available to purchase.  So I did one better…  I made a costume from scratch!  A little cardboard, some duct tape and paint…  okay, it was a LOT of cardboard, duct tape and paint…  and probably way to many hours invested into the project, but I was …  er, I mean, HE was the star of the show.  That year I also made a box of cereal for my youngest son to wear.  He didn’t care for it so much, but everyone else thought it was the cutest thing ever.  Wait, what were we talking about again?  Oh, that’s right…  Halloween alternatives.

For years, I used to only participate in church related alternatives to Halloween.  I didn’t want to have anything to do with the “negative spiritual connotation” I mentioned earlier, so if there wasn’t another option on Halloween night I would simply turn off the porch light and ignore the kids walking by.  But more recently I’ve been wondering if I’ve missed something.  I’m thinking, what if I could use this opportunity to make a difference somehow?  Kids are coming to my house with the expectation of receiving a free gift.  Maybe I could give them something that would really change their lives.  In the Bible, when a lame beggar asked Peter and John for a handout, they gave him a healing instead (Acts 3:1-10).  Now, I’m not planning to set up a revival tent meeting on my front porch or anything (not this year, anyway), but maybe handing out candy to the kids on my block is a good way to show the love of Jesus to my neighbors.  And if I happen to be playing Smile FM in the background, that might not hurt either.

If you are looking for Halloween alternatives in your community, please visit Smile FM’s Family Fun Calendar to find suggestions of events happening near you.  Or if your church is hosting such an event, you can post the information there for others to see as well.  And if you’re planning to pass out candy from your front porch, let your light shine and do it with a smile.  In the meantime, I have a Nacho Libre costume to try on and make sure it still fits.

Tuesday, October 06, 2015

Do You Have A Mentor

The Diceman is asking that question today... based on this article.

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

My Modern Family- A Dad’s Story

By:
Faron Dice

The group photo was taken at my grand- daughter's baby dedication a few weeks ago. My grown-up daughters are in there and their children (they are single moms), and there’s even an ex-husband and a current boyfriend who is not the father of my granddaughter, too. Did you catch all that?  Me either.  It certainly wasn’t my plan.  I was going to have the perfect little Christian family.  I grew up as a preacher’s kid.  My parents listened to Focus on the Family on the radio, and I did, too.   I went to a Christian high school and eventually Evangel College in Springfield MO.  After that, I took my first full time Christian radio job.   Oh, I was so sure that I had it all figured out.  For the next 15+ years, I couldn’t wait to be on the radio every day to air shows like Focus on the Family and Point of View, and of course, my own radio show where I could be a *true* Christian radio DJ, sharing cool quotes and Bible verses, and best of all, I could act like I had it all together on the radio.  I loved to discuss the evil going on in the culture, and things that needed to change.  I even had a guy tell me once… “Everything is black and white for you, there is no grey.”   (He wasn’t being complimentary.)

On the personal side, my wife and I thought we had it all figured out, too.  We were raising our kids, believing “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”  (I thought it was guaranteed to happen.) Then, life took a turn.

My 17 year old daughter started getting into all kind of trouble, and eventually got pregnant in high school.  My other daughter married a guy, but that quickly ended in divorce.  My perfect little Christian family was broken.  The truth is…during the process, I was broken.
 
You see, I never did really have it all together.  I spent way too much time acting like I had it all together on the radio, and trying to control my teenagers into what I wanted them to be, and not enough time on my knees just pulling close to Jesus.

I can honestly say that it is only now that, Bible verses like this one really make sense to me…
2 Cor 12:9-10 (The Message)And then God told me, My grace is enough; it’s all you need.My strength comes into its own in your weakness.  So, I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.

So, now I work at Smile FM, and I can assure you, the people that work here don’t have it all together.  I doubt that most of the people that are in your church have it all together either. If your family is messy, and you feel like you don’t fit in with the church crowd…you’re wrong. 

The Bible is fully of messy families and so is the church.  This recent photo of my version of Modern Family might be the new normal.   And it’s OK.  God is working in us.

Romans 15:30   I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.








Saturday, June 20, 2015

Which Bible Dad are you like?

Take this quiz. Find out which Bible Dad you are most like. (The Diceman was most like Abraham) http://www.crosswalk.com/culture/infographics/quiz-which-biblical-father-are-you.html

Thursday, May 28, 2015

The article every woman should read...

So, I’ve been married for 29 years. I’m like an expert now. This, ladies… is an article that every woman should read. http://branthansen.com/2015/05/26/she-never-crushed-me/ Whether you are married, thinking about getting married, etc. This article is what every guy wants from his wife.

Friday, March 06, 2015

For Parents of Grown Kids

• I gave you life, but I cannot live it for you. • I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn. • I can give you directions, but I cannot always be there to lead you. • I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe. • I can teach you right from wrong, but I can't always decide for you. • I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you. • I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish. • I can advise you about friends, but I cannot choose them for you. • I can tell you about lofty goals, but I can't achieve them for you. • I can teach you about kindness, but I can't force you to be gracious. • I can warn you about sins, but I cannot make your morals. • I can love you as a child, but I cannot place you in God's Family. • I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God. • I can teach you about Jesus, but I cannot make Him your Savior. • I can teach you to obey but I cannot make Jesus Your Lord. • I can teach you how to live, but cannot give you Eternal Life.

Friday, February 27, 2015

22 Questions

John Wesley and The Holy Club's 22 Questions

In 1729, while John Wesley was a student at Oxford, he started a club with his brother Charles. It was soon mockingly dubbed The Holy Club by some of his fellow collegians. The club members rigorously self-examined themselves everyday by asking the following 22 questions:

1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I
am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?

2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?

3. Do I confidentially pass on to others what has been said to me in confidence?

4. Can I be trusted?

5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits?

6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?

7. Did the Bible live in me today?

8. Do I give the Bible time to speak to me every day?

9. Am I enjoying prayer?

10. When did I last speak to someone else of my faith?

11. Do I pray about the money I spend?

12. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?

13. Do I disobey God in anything?

14. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?

15. Am I defeated in any part of my life?

16. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful?

17. How do I spend my spare time?

18. Am I proud?

19. Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the
Pharisees who despised the publican?

20. Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a
resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I doing about it?

21. Do I grumble or complain constantly?

22. Is Christ real to me?

The first list appeared about 1729 or 1730 in the preface to Wesley's second Oxford Diary. Similar questions appeared in his 1733 A Collection of Forms of Prayer for Every Day in the Week. As late as 1781, Wesley published a list of questions like this in the Arminian Magazine.

Friday, December 19, 2014

99.9 FM is on the air in Grand Rapids!

Can you hear us now? 99.9 FM is on the air in Grand Rapids! As you're out and about this week, we would like to know where the new 99.9 signal goes in both the home and the car. The tech team is always working improve Smile FM's signal and your report can help them out! Email signal reports to 411 @ smile.fm

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

97.1 FM On The Air In Traverse City!



Can you hear us now? 97.1 FM is on the air in Traverse City! As you're out and about this week, we would like to know where the new 97.1 signal goes in both the home and the car. The tech team is always working improve Smile FM's signal and your report can help them out! Email signal reports to 411 @ smile.fm

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Blessings we take for granted

As you celebrate Thanksgiving this year, I
encourage you to make a list of blessings you may
take for granted. My list for 2014 might help you think of others:

1. Do you have religious freedom? The majority of
the world's population­75 percent­live in areas
with severe religious restrictions. And
Christians in more than 60 countries face
persecution simply because of their belief in
Jesus Christ. About 1.6 billion people in the
world live in repressive societies where they
have no say in how they are governed.

2. Do you make your own decisions? There are 29.8
million people living as slaves today, according
to the Walk Free Foundation. These people live as
forced laborers, forced prostitutes, child
soldiers and child brides in forced marriages.
Walk Free investigated 162 countries and found slaves in every one.

3. Do you have money in a bank? More than 2.5
billion adults around the world are unbanked,
according to data based on Gallup polling in 148
countries. Two-thirds of people without accounts
said they simply don't have enough money to use a bank.

4. Do you own shoes? About 300 million children
around the world don't own a pair of shoes. It is
estimated that two billion people worldwide are
currently plagued with parasitic diseases that
could be prevented simply by wearing proper footwear.

5. Do you drink clean water? About 1.1 billion
people in the world don't have access to clean
drinking water. Because of that, about 9 million
people will die this year because of
water-related illnesses. The next time you open a
bottle of Dasani or drink from your tap, remember
that millions of women around the world spend an
average of four hours daily walking to get water.

6. Did your mother survive when you were born?
Approximately 800 women die every day from
complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
This is equivalent to 33 women an hour. Almost
all these deaths occurred in developing
countries, and most could have been prevented.

7. Did you live past age 5? Some 21,000 children
die every day around the world because of poverty
and preventable diseases. That is equivalent to
one child dying every four seconds. The annual
death toll is 7.6 million children a year.

8. Do you eat three meals a day? The World Health
Organization estimates that one-third of the
world's population is overfed, one-third is
underfed and one-third is starving. Approximately
925 million people in the developing world are chronically undernourished.

9. Do you enjoy reliable electricity? About 1.5
billion people in this world have no access to
electrical power. Do you enjoy that oven in your
kitchen? The next time you prepare a meal,
remember that 2.5 billion people in the world
still use wood or charcoal to cook their food. Do
you enjoy your washing machine? About 5 billion
people in the world still wash their clothes by hand.

10. Do you have a roof over your head? The U.N.
Commission on Human Rights says there are 100
million homeless people in the world. One in
three children in the world live without adequate
shelter. And today there are about 42 million
people who are living as refugees. Most were
displaced by war and live in crude camps.

11. Do you own a car? The United States still has
the highest number of motor vehicles in the
world. Globally, only 1 out of every 8 people has
access to a car. Many of the others either walk,
take crowded buses or public vans or ride on
bicycles, rickshaws or animals. Did you fly
somewhere in the past year? You are blessed. Only
5 to 7 percent of people in the world have ever flown in an airplane.

12. Do you have a flushable toilet? The United
Nations Development Program reports that 2.6
billion people do not have access to any toilet
facilities. India has the largest percentage of
people who lack adequate sanitation. About 638
million Indians must go outdoors.

13. Can you read? Nearly a billion people entered
the 21st century unable to read a book or sign
their names. There are 72 million children who
should be in school but are not enrolled. And if
you have a college degree, you are in a
privileged minority; only 6.7 percent of people
in the world have a college diploma.

14. Can you see? Over 285 million people in the
world are visually impaired. About 39 million of
these are blind and 246 million have moderate to
severe visual impairment. India is home to the
world's largest number of blind people, due to
the country's acute shortage of optometrists.

15. Do you have health care? Here in the United
States, we are debating the pros and cons of
Obamacare­and griping about the reliability of
the government's health care website. But did you
know that 1 billion people in the world have no
access to any form of health systems­and their
children cannot receive childhood immunizations.

King David wrote: "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and
forget none of His benefits" (Ps. 103:2, NASB).
Thanksgiving is not an optional virtue. Without
it, our pride swells and our selfishness consumes
us. Thanksgiving is an important exercise because
it adjusts our attitude. It calibrates our hearts
so that we stop complaining and instead remember
how we are blessed and Who deserves the credit
for our blessings. Happy Thanksgiving!

J. Lee Grady is the former editor of Charisma.
You can follow him on Twitter at leegrady. His
newest book is The Truth Sets Women Free from
Charisma House. You can learn more about his
ministry, The Mordecai Project, at
<http://www.charismamag.com/themordecaiproject.org>themordecaiproject.org.
Unless otherwise specified, the opinions
expressed are solely the author's and do not
necessarily reflect the views of Charisma Media.

Monday, November 10, 2014

Woody Allen interviews Billy Graham

This is a fascinating interview that the Diceman ran across that was in sold old archives. 

 

It features Woody Allen interviewing (a very young) Rev Billy Graham

http://www.rogerebert.com/balder-and-dash/woody-allen-interviews-billy-graham

 

What do you think?

Sunday, November 09, 2014

What I don't want for Christmas

In the spirit of Christmas, I have made my list of things I don't want
for Christmas:

I don't want to make excuses.

I don't want to live with regret.

I don't want to carry resentment.

I don't want to hold grudges against someone who has no idea what I
think they've done to me.

I don't want to have conversations in my head that I will never have in
person.

I don't want to lose sleep (or time) thinking about what could have been.

I don't want "stuff" from the past to rob me of how I live today and
plan for tomorrow.

I don't want to miss a moment to tell someone I appreciate them.

I don't want to wish I had "done something differently."

Francesca Battistelli w/Shaun Groves

 

Go here for more information:


Hometown Tour Stop - Gaylord, MI (Dec 12)

Morning Espresso Hometown Tour Stop 

Clare, MI

Friday,December 12 - 7 to 10 AM 

Come meet Jenn & Brian from Smile FM's Morning Espresso at Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau. You can watch them do the show and pick up a free Morning Espresso Coffee Mug while supplies last.
319 West Main Street.
Gaylord, Michigan.
888-887-7139

 

Thursday, November 06, 2014

Smile FM 80% Funded - we still need your support

Smile FM is just over 80% funded. We still need your support this fall.  Your donation helps make a difference not only for you and your family, but also for others who listen to us for daily encouragement. 

We also ask that existing donors update their information when changes occur with new credit/debit cards, physical address, and email address by calling 888-887-7139 x1 during business hours or emailing 411 (at) smile.fm

Also please check that you are still actually donating to Smile FM by checking your monthly statements.  Many donors have been surprised to learn their monthly donation has stopped due to a new debit.credit card being issued.

http://www.smile.fm/donate/  

Wednesday, November 05, 2014

Christmas Cookie Contest

FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI CHRISTMAS COOKIE CONTEST

  • Make and decorate your favorite Christmas cookies, take a photo with them and upload it with the official entry below
  • Photos must be original and include a person with the cookies (no stock photos or images copied from the internet)
  • Entries are judged on appearance only. This is a "decorating" contest, not a baking/tasting contest. Please do not send cookies to the radio station.
  • Prizes include concert tickets, CD's and a KitchenAid mixer autographed by Francesca

Michigan Election Results

   
www.Smile.fm/news/

Friday, October 31, 2014

Dannah Gresh - Get Lost (for teens)



Go here for more information:
http://smile.fm/getlost/

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Which Bible verse describes you right now?

It’s a quick quiz.  You can find out which Bible verse best describes you right now
Click here.  

Monday, September 15, 2014

Watch this video! Invite someone to church

Sunday, Sept 21, 2014 is “Back to Church Sunday.”  Watch this hilarious video about inviting someone to church!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilcsk992MQI

 

You will crack up!

 

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Which Bible mom are you?

Are you more like Mary (Jesus Mother) or Naomi?

Take the quiz at this link, and find out!

http://www.crosswalk.com/resources/humor/infographics/quiz-which-bible-mom-are-you.html

Friday, August 08, 2014

Hometown Tour Stop - Traverse City (8-14)

Morning Espresso Hometown Tour Stop 

Traverse City, MI

Thursday, August 14 - 7 to 10 AM 

Come meet Jenn & Brian from Smile FM's Morning Espresso at Cuppa Joe. You can watch them do the show and pick up a free Morning Espresso Coffee Mug while supplies last.
1200 W. 11th St. (very west end of 11th St.), Traverse City, MI 49684
888-887-7139

 

Hometown Tour Stop - Alpena (8-15)

Morning Espresso Hometown Tour Stop 

Alpena, MI

Friday, August 15 - 7 to 10 AM

 

Come meet Jenn & Brian from Smile FM's Morning Espresso at Cabin Creek. You can watch them do the show and pick up a free Morning Espresso Coffee Mug while supplies last.
201 N. 2nd Ave., Alpena, MI 49707
888-887-7139

 

Wednesday, August 06, 2014

August 5 Election Results

Ballot Proposals:
Proposal 1 passed

See more State Races here:
http://miboecfr.nictusa.com/election/results/14PRI/

Local results here:
http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1633_8722-103241--,00.html

Monday, August 04, 2014

Watch the trailer for Left Behind

Did you know there is going to be a “Left Behind” movie, based on the books. 

It’s coming out in October, and starring Nicholas Cage!  Watch the trailer here.

http://www.leftbehindmovie.com/

 

Saturday, August 02, 2014

ELECTION INFORMATION - AUG 5, 2014 PRIMARY


- polls open August 5, 7:00 am – 8:00 pm. ID is required.
- Requests for absentee ballots must be received by 2:00 pm August 2



 Check registration, see sample ballot and where to vote:
http://www.michigan.gov/sos


Monday, July 14, 2014

Which Bible verse describes me?

>This is a short a simple quiz to find out which Bible verse best
>describes me?

>Check it out here.
><http://bitecharge.com/play/bibleverse/h5>http://bitecharge.com/play/bibleverse/h5
>

Thank you, Hollywood.

My fellow church-goers, and I have criticized you a lot on the
past. We've had a holy-than-thou attitude towards you. Some of our
best preachers have preached against you, and even accused you of
being "godless" and going straight to hell. WOW. In hindsight now,
I wouldn't blame you if had decided that you didn't want anything to
do with us. Still, it seems that you didn't take it
personally. While we were putting you down, you turned the other
cheek and have now brought us some amazing movies in 2014. Movies
that we can go and see, and not complain about. Like Son of God,
Heaven is for Real, and now Moms Night Out. (Even Noah wasn't all
that bad.) I just wanted to say "thanks." You didn't have to do it
but you did. You didn't have to learn our special Christian nuances
and standards, but you did. Maybe you aren't so evil after all? So
again I say, thanks! And keep 'em coming!

Thoughts from Faron Dice

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Citizen's Way - Concert

Citizens Way in concert immediately after the Ball Game (Ball Game starts at 2 PM on 7/20/14). The concert is free after the Lugnuts ball game - sponsored by Great Lakes Christian College.
http://www.smile.fm/calendar?Region1=|#33604

Modern Day Cure @ Rock The Island

Congratulations to Smile FM's Michigan Made Music contest winner MODERN DAY CURE! Look for them at Rock The Island, July 19th in Saginaw.
http://www.rocktheisland.net/ 

Monday, January 06, 2014

Smart Goal Setting --Striving For Success



By Brian Dumont
 
Welcome to 2014.  It’s a brand new year with a clean slate just waiting for you make some resolutions.  And while technically anyone can resolve to change anytime of the year, for some reason it seems a little easier to make a fresh start when the calendar page turns.  Smile FM DJ’s are no different.  Here are some of the resolutions they have pledged for 2014:

My new year’s resolution is to continue my journey to health and become my healthiest self ever in terms of physical fitness and healthy eating. I’m finally learning to take care of my body before it falls apart. – Jenn

I want to start a weekly blog this year with a working title of “Music To Live By.”  Each entry will be about a specific song and how it has impacted me on a personal level. – Brian

My Goal is to eat healthier and be more consistently active. – Amanda

I want to see EVERY relative on all sides of my family who live in Michigan at least once, which means treks between Detroit, Lansing, Kalamazoo, and Traverse City… and a lot of money in Speedway's pockets. – Mike

Okay, mine is weird. You probably know that Notre Dame football players always touch a sign before they go on the football field.  I have this plaque at my house that I often forget. I've decided in the new year that I'm going to touch it every time I walk by it, to help me remember it more, and live it out more. – Faron

Making resolutions and setting goals for positive change is a good thing, however there are a few tips that might help you achieve your goals more effectively.  Several leadership experts offered their opinion in this area.  One theory some use for goal setting is the SMART method.  SMART is an acronym that stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound.  If a goal is set and it meets all of these criteria there’s a higher chance the goal will be met with success. 

Specific – It’s important to be specific when setting a goal.  If you’re not specific, how will you know when you’ve achieved it?  How will you know how to achieve it?  For example, you can say you want to lose weight this year and leave it at that, but then what are you going to do?  Where do you start?  How do you know when you’ve finished?  But if instead you say you want to lose 30 lbs. in the next 3 months and you’re going to do it by eating smaller portions, eliminating sugar from your diet, drinking at least 8 glasses of water each day and exercising at least 5 times week for 30 minutes, then you have something to work with and you can tell whether or not you’re actually meeting your goal.

Measurable – If your goal is specific then it should be easy to measure.  Continuing with our weight loss example, if you know your starting weight than you can easily measure your progress.  Just step on the scale and you’ll be able to tell right away if you’re headed in the right direction.  However, if your goal lacks definition how will you know if it has been met?  If you were to say you want to eat healthier, what does that actually mean?  Is “healthier” based on calories?  Ingredients?  Portion size?  If you don’t specify, you can’t measure.

Attainable – You’re goal has to be within reason otherwise it’s not worth setting in the first place.  For example, if your goal is to loose 100 lbs. in one month, that would be unrealistic, if not impossible (and if it were possible it probably wouldn’t be healthy).  An attainable goal might stretch you a bit, but not to the extreme that it will likely result in failure.

Relevant – Your goal should also pertain to your situation.  You can set a goal of weight loss, but if you’re already at or under the ideal body weight for your height and age, then doesn’t make sense to shed any additional pounds.

Time-Bound – It’s helpful to give your goal a deadline, again so you’ll know if you’ve accomplished what you set out to do.  If the goal is indefinite and ongoing, then it’s more difficult to measure your progress.  You can say your goal is to loose 30 lbs. but if you don’t specify by when, it could go on and on forever and you may never get around to accomplishing your goal.

One additional consideration when using this theory of goal setting is to understand it will hold you accountable and there is a risk that you won’t meet your goals.  If this happens, it’s okay.  Part of the process is evaluating the original goal and setting a new goal if necessary.  If you don’t loose 30 lbs. in 3 months, maybe you need to change your approach.  Maybe you need to exercise more or change your diet or seek assistance from a professional.  The point is, don’t give up.  The fact that you’re setting goals in the first place proves you’re on the pathway to success.

Enjoy this article and many others on your tablet or smart phone with Smile FM's I Believe Digital Magazine.  Download it today!  

Friday, January 03, 2014

Live Life Better - 2014


Smile FM Challenges You To Shape Up in 2014
By Jenn Czelada & Brian Dumont


Sometimes it seems like New Year’s Resolutions get a bad rap, perhaps because more than 25% of people fail in the very first week.  The good news is people who do make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t.  As we start 2014, we’re excited to come alongside and help you reach your goals with the 2014 Smile FM Shape Up Challenge.  To help you “live life better,” we have created resources to help you grow in both physical and spiritual health.  

When it comes to physical health, one thing many misunderstand is that losing weight and becoming physically fit are two different goals.  While they compliment each other quite nicely and often support one another, they each take a substantial amount of effort on their own.  When a person eats healthy and follows a successful weight loss diet, their size changes.  When a person exercises, tones up and builds muscle, their shape changes.  

For exercise, fitness expert Bryan Beaune, owner of Building Your Temple Crossfit in Oxford, MI recommends High Intensity Interval Training like PX90 or Crossfit.  “HIIT training is the only proven way to exercise away stored body fat,” he explains.  It confuses your body to use the fat because it creates such a high demand for energy.”

Coach Bryan suggests, “Group classes are a great place to start.  They will help you push yourself and learn new skills.  It’s more affordable than hiring a personal trainer, although that’s a great option if you can afford one.  Often times people will go to the gym and do 20 minutes on the treadmill and think they’ve worked out.  However they aren’t going to see results from that, they will get defeated and possibly even hurt.  The goal with all fitness efforts should be to push your body to the next level, the more results you see the more you will enjoy what you are doing.”

For diet, Beaune explains one of the most common mistakes people make is trying to eat “healthy” food that is not really healthy.  “People use diet products or shakes thinking they are healthy, but they are really just increasing processed foods and chemical in their body,” he explains.  “They switch to low fat versions of products which really are just loaded with extra sugars.”

”Deprivation is another mistake people often make,” Beaune continues.  “They find a website that tells them if they eat 900 calories a day they’ll lose 30 lbs in a month.  Then they end up sending their body into starvation mode and become severely nutrient deficient.”

Beaune says cutting out processed foods is an excellent start.  “If you can pick it or kill it, then eat it,” he recommends.  If it is a plant, eat it.  If it comes from a (processing) plant, don’t eat it.”   You can eat meat, vegetables, fruit and simple carbs all day long without gaining weight.  If in one meal you eat no more than the size of two fists, you’ll lose weight.  By eating smaller meals more often you will keep your blood sugar consistent and keep your body using its fuel rather than storing fuel.

When it comes to spiritual health, the staples of Christian living include daily exercise through prayer and a healthy diet of reading the Bible. 

Smile FM has fostered daily Bible reading for several years with Brian’s Bible Brain Busters and 2014 is no exception.  Morning Espresso host
Brian Dumont started the feature for personal reasons.  “I’ve always struggled with disciplining myself to read the Bible every day,” he explains.  “By incorporating a daily trivia question it forces me to be consistent, not only for myself, but for others as well.  And I know reading or hearing even one verse a day can make a difference.  As the prophet Isaiah states, ‘My word… shall not return to me void, but shall accomplish what I please and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.’ (Isaiah 55:11).”

If you’d like to read through the entire Bible in a year, you can follow the daily reading schedule at www.facebook.com/briansbiblebrainbusters or visit another site like www.oneyearbibleonline.com for suggested passages.

Prayer is another essential component of one’s spiritual journey.  As with any relationship, communication is necessary for continued growth.  Prayer is how we communicate with God.  Whether it’s a prayer of petition or simple thanksgiving, regular prayer results in strengthening our relationship with Him.  In Matthew 6, Jesus provides an easy example of how we should pray.  This month Smile FM DJ’s are continuing that effort with the Shape Up Challenge.  When you register you will receive an email message from one of our on-air announcers each day with a brief devotional and a short prayer you can pray to get 2014 off to the right start.

To find out more about the Smile FM Shape Up Challenge and sign up to receive daily encouragement to help you live life better, both physically and spiritually, visit www.smile.fm/shapeup.

Enjoy this article and many others on your tablet or smart phone with Smile FM's I Believe Digital Magazine.  Download it today!  

Thursday, January 02, 2014

Surfing with Switchfoot Offers Lessons For Life



 By Jenn Czelada

When I got a call asking if I'd like to come to Jacksonville and take some surfing lessons with Switchfoot, it didn't take a split second for me to accept and pack my bags. Learning to surf was something that has been on my bucket list for years.  Learning to surf with Switchfoot was nothing short of a dream come true.

I arrived in Jacksonville and surfing day began joining some colleagues the band for a delicious breakfast.  Then it was out to the beach to get fitted for our wet suits (and I thought Spanx were tough!).  What seemed like an hour later we waddled out of the changing room in our skin tight suits and headed for the beach. Our surf instructors met us there with a long line of surf boards.  First they demonstrated how to do a pop up. The idea is to do a push up on the board, swing your legs underneath yourself and pop up!  Then the trick was learning how to stay on the board once we caught our wave.  My pop ups were pretty awful, plus I had the added challenge that I couldn't bend my knees in that dreaded wet suit! 

"Oh well," I thought. “It will get easier once we get in the ocean.” We grabbed our boards and got into the water… the freezing cold water.  I was really beginning to appreciate my wet suit at that point.  I paddled with all my might, battling what seemed like 40 foot swells (really just 4 foot "starter" waves).  I finally reached our desired surfing spot, hopped on my board, got flipped off my board and dragged under water by my board and washed up and spit out on the beach!  I felt very close to God, kind of like I was going see Him any moment!  The ocean is a cruel teacher. As I began to assess the damage to my body and ego, l saw the face of Switchfoot's Tim Foreman hovering above me.  "Ready to try that again?" he asked.  How could I say no to an offer like that? 

Tim picked up my board, I picked up myself and we walked almost a mile down the beach. Tim taught me how to duck under the waves as I paddle out.  I was making great time, thinking I was getting the hang of it, until I realized he was he was pushing my board for me. We got to our perfect spot, he spun my board around and said, "Catch that wave."  I tried my fancy pop up move.  Nope, not any easier in the water!  I fell off the board was dragged hundreds of feet by the current.  We repeated that same series of events several more times. Finally on one last attempt, Tim suggested that I may just want to ride it in on my belly with a goal to stay on the board.  I caught the wave… or it caught me.  I slowly started raising myself up to a push up position, then I brought one knee forward and firmly planted my front foot on the board and before I knew it I was riding the wave all the way to the beach.  Success!  The feeling of riding the wave was exhilarating!  I was feeling one with nature, feeling so close to God, but not in the sense of coming to see Him in just a few minutes.  In that moment, I got it.  I understood why surfers do what surfers do…  the challenge, the passion, the thrill of the ride.  

Recently, the guys in Switchfoot took a camera crew along with them as they toured and surfed around the world.  The result of that effort is the "Fading West" documentary they have been showing at their concerts.  If you get a chance to see the movie, you will be treated by some of the most beautiful scenery and enormous waves in the world.  While they were on this world wide road trip they spent time writing the songs for the "Fading West" album, which releases January 14.

John Maxwell once said, "You can't do what I do, until you've done what I've done."  I think that is what makes Swichfoot's music so unique.  They create songs as they create experiences.  They write music while under the influence of the beauty and grandeur of God's creation from a level that few of us will ever see. I had a rare opportunity to surf with Swichfoot, check off an experience from my bucket list and see God's glory from a different angle.  It was all worth squeezing into that wet suit! 

Enjoy this article and many others on your tablet or smart phone with Smile FM's I Believe Digital Magazine.  Download it today!  

Friday, December 06, 2013

Things you MUST say to your kids

What a great list. From the website, GODSRADIOGIRL.COM


When you are with you children all day, sometimes you can forget to let your words accurately represent your heart. I wish I knew who wrote this list so I could thank them.

When you get stressed and busy and you remember that you've forgotten to be a kind, human being to your kids, come here again and read these words...

1.I love you! There is nothing that will make me stop loving you. Nothing you could do or say or think will ever change that.
2.You are amazing! I look at you with wonder! Not just at what you can do, but who you are. There is no one like you. No one!
3.It's all right to cry. People cry for all kinds of reasons: when they are hurt, sad, glad, or worried; when they are angry, afraid, or lonely. Big people cry too. I do.
4.You've made a mistake. That was wrong. People make mistakes. I do. Is it something we can fix? What can we do? It's all over. You can start fresh. I know you are sorry. I forgive you.
5.You did the right thing. That was scary or hard. Even though it wasn't easy, you did it. I am proud of you; you should be too.
6.I'm sorry. Forgive me. I made a mistake.
7.You can change your mind. It's good to decide, but it is also fine to change.
8.What a great idea! You were really thinking! How did you come up with that? Tell me more. Your mind is clever!
9.That was kind. You did something helpful and thoughtful for that person. That must make you feel good inside. Thank you!
10.I have a surprise for you. It's not your birthday. It's for no reason at all. Just a surprise, a little one, but a surprise.
11.I can wait. We have time. You don't have to hurry this time.
12.What would you like to do? It's your turn to pick. You have great ideas. It's important to follow your special interests.
13.Tell me about it. I'd like to hear more. And then what happened? I'll listen.
14.I'm right here. I won't leave without saying good-bye. I am watching you. I am listening to you.
15.Please and Thank You. These are important words. If I forget to use them, will you remind me?
16.I missed you. I think about you when we are not together!
17.Just try. A little bit. One taste, one step. You might like it. Let's see. I'll help you if you need it. I think you can do it.
18.I'll help you. I heard you call me, here I am. How can I help you? If we both work together, we can get this done. I know you can do it by yourself, but I'm glad to help since you asked.
19.What do you wish for? Even if it's not yet time for birthday candles and we don't have a wishbone, it's still fun to hear about what you wish for, hope for, and dream about.

Friday, November 22, 2013

When Christmas specials air

Here is the complete guide to when your favorite Christmas TV shows will air. s
http://m.washfm.com/articles/happy-holidays-444238/holiday-tv-guide-2013-9483051

Duck Dynasty testimonies

If you are a fan of the show Duck Dynasty, you'll love their testimonies.
Here they are, being filmed by I am Second.
http://www.iamsecond.com/seconds/the-robertsons

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Shoe Box drop-off locations

>We're big fans of Operation Christmas Child. (You can have your
>kids help you with this.) Put together a shoe box filled with
>items for a child. Drop your shoe box (gift) off at one of these locations!
><http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations>http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations
>

Operation Christmas Child will take these shoe boxes all over the
world and give the Christmas gift to needy children.

Friday, October 11, 2013

Sunday, October 06, 2013

Share Jesus in 3 minutes

Rev Billy Graham has probably shared the gospel with more people than
any other person that has ever lived. So, it makes sense to check
this out. Here is Billy Graham's 3 minute plan for sharing Jesus
with someone:

30 seconds Tell what your life was like before you met Jesus
30 seconds Explain what caused you to turn to God
60 seconds Share the circumstances of how your received Him into your life
30 seconds Repeat the prayer you said
30 seconds Explain how your life has changed since then.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

email invite someone to church

This Sunday, September 15, 2013 is National Back to Church Sunday.  Here is an easy thing to do… go to this link and fill out this form to send an email invite to some of your friends.  

http://backtochurch.com/emailafriend/friends