What makes your Summer Happy?

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

8 Ways to keep your church from growing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Diceman's controversial statement

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

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

 

What do you think?

 

Point Fest - 9/15 @ Cedar Point

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

Featuring music from:

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

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

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

Unity Christian Music Festival

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

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

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

Sanctus Real Bus Fire!

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

 

Go Fish Getaway Winners

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

2 Tickets to the show of their choice:

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

Go Fish DVD:

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

Go Fish Cd:

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

Honoring MI Soldiers

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

Catch the Smile Team

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

LOVE to talk on the phone?

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

Diceman's cool clothes?

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

Test Your Knowledge Of The Bible

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

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

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

What happened to Chris August?

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

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

Girl Voted The Ugliest Woman Makes a Heartfelt Video

Girl Voted The Ugliest Woman on YouTube Makes a Heartfelt Video

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

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

Bowl-a-thon to raise money for abortion?

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


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

Oprah goes to church? See the photo

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

Things every mom should say to her son

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

Are you a high maintenence wife?

Lori Phillips BellaOnline's Marriage Editor

Are You a High Maintenance Wife?

 

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

1. Your anniversary is coming up. You…

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

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


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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

 

 

Top 50 things to do before you're 11

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

 

1. Climb a tree

 

2. Roll down a really big hill

 

3. Camp out in the wild

 

4. Build a den

 

5. Skim a stone

 

6. Run around in the rain

 

7. Fly a kite

 

8. Catch a fish with a net

 

9. Eat an apple straight from a tree

 

10. Play conkers

 

11. Throw some snow

 

12. Hunt for treasure on the beach

 

13. Make a mud pie

 

14. Dam a stream

 

15. Go sledging

 

16. Bury someone in the sand

 

17. Set up a snail race

 

18. Balance on a fallen tree

 

19. Swing on a rope swing

 

20. Make a mud slide

 

21. Eat blackberries growing in the wild

 

22. Take a look inside a tree

 

23. Visit an island

 

24. Feel like you're flying in the wind

 

25. Make a grass trumpet

 

26. Hunt for fossils and bones

 

27. Watch the sun wake up

 

28. Climb a huge hill

 

29. Get behind a waterfall

 

30. Feed a bird from your hand

 

31. Hunt for bugs

 

32. Find some frogspawn

 

33. Catch a butterfly in a net

 

34. Track wild animals

 

35. Discover what's in a pond

 

36. Call an owl

 

37. Check out the crazy creatures in a rock pool

 

38. Bring up a butterfly

 

39. Catch a crab

 

40. Go on a nature walk at night

 

41. Plant it, grow it, eat it

 

42. Go wild swimming

 

43. Go rafting

 

44. Light a fire without matches

 

45. Find your way with a map and compass

 

46. Try bouldering

 

47. Cook on a campfire

 

48. Try abseiling

 

49. Find a geocache

 

50. Canoe down a river

 

See the video: tobyMac on The View

tobyMac performed “Get Back Up” on The View last Friday.  Watch the video here,

http://abc.go.com/watch/clip/the-view/SH002253950000/PL55/VD55194150/toby-mac-performance/moments

and see what toby said when Sherri Shepherd asked him “what makes his music unique?”