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.
__________________________


           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. 

_________________________________

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. 

_________________________________

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

__________________________________

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

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

Most positive kid ever!

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

Smile FM Street Team - Weekend of 7/26

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

Go Fish Tour coming to MI

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

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

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

Could you be in Olympics?

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

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