Monthly Archives: May 2011

Monthly Archives: May 2011

On a Mission: Jennifer in India

Posted on May 30, 2011 by ML Smith Posted in On a Mission | 2 Comments

Name, occupation: Jennifer, Nanny Where and when did you do missionary work?: I went to Mumbai, India in February of 2010 What did you do when you were there?: We worked in aftercare facilities with underage girls who had been rescued from forced prostitution. What made you want to go ( that is, what was it that moved you from “this is a neat idea” to “i’m gonna do it”)?:  I wanted to go from the very first time I heard about … →

Jesus Take the Wheel

Posted on May 28, 2011 by ML Smith Posted in Feel the Music | Leave a comment

  I have very eclectic taste when it comes to music. I love a little bit of everything: rock, R&B, new age, hip hop, Christian, Latin, and yes, even country. One of my favorite country songs is Carrie Underwood’s Before he Cheats. I played that song so much until my then-4-year-old says to me “Mommy, that song’s not very nice…she messed up his car. ” Yes son, and let that be your first lesson about treating a woman right.   … →

Do we reap what we sow?

Posted on May 26, 2011 by ML Smith Posted in Insights | 2 Comments

I need to interrupt my regularly scheduled post to take a moment to vent… I recently downloaded from iTunes one of my new favorite songs:  I Need a Doctor by Dr. Dre featuring Eminem.  I’m not going to put a link to the song, because it’s not exactly a “Christian-glory-be-to-God” type of song.  Let’s just say my 7 year old will never get to hear this song.  I know Eminem is a little crazy and needs Jesus, but the man … →

Whatever you did for the least…

Posted on May 24, 2011 by ML Smith Posted in Insights | Leave a comment

A man who is the director of a local non-profit organization came to speak to our church the other Sunday.  One story he shared was how in the past couple of years they have a received an increase in the number of televisions people have been donating.  The problem: the televisions are analog.  In June 2009 all television stations went digital.  There is nothing his organization can do with those TVs.  The donors were giving those televisions away because they … →

On a Mission: Judy in Haiti

Posted on May 22, 2011 by ML Smith Posted in On a Mission, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

As we continue our exploration of Mission Trips, I’d like you to meet Judy.  The coolest part about Judy…I don’t even know her!!!  She’s a friend of a friend who jumped at the opportunity to share about the mission work she’s done.  You can feel the energy, enthusiasm and love as you read about her experiences in Haiti. Name and occupation: Judy, Administrative Assistant at a paper mill   Where and when did you do missionary work? First mission trip … →

Wimpy Worship

Posted on May 20, 2011 by ML Smith Posted in Feel the Music, Guests | Leave a comment

Today’s post come from Josh Woods.  Those of you in the Cincinnati area may know Josh as the worship leader for Compass Community Church or you may recognize him from the band Silent Reign.   Worship Leader: “C’mon everyone!  Let’s stand and sing out loud and clap our hands and dance around and lift our hands in the sanctuary.  Let’s WORSHIP together”. Your thoughts: “Aw man.  I can’t sing well. I look goofy when I clap. I didn’t even dance … →

If you could talk to 3 people who’ve died….

Posted on May 18, 2011 by ML Smith Posted in Insights | Leave a comment

This post is inspired from a question I saw on the Modern Reject blog.  And no,  you may not pick Jesus (I’m going to assume that is a given ). I know its hard to keep it at three, but try….   My answer: 1. My mother. She has missed so much in the 11 years she’s been gone. Including her 8 year old grandson. 2. Malcolm X. After his Mecca and towards the end of his life his philosophy … →

Things I Learned from Osama Bin Laden’s Death

Posted on May 16, 2011 by ML Smith Posted in Insights | Leave a comment

Editors Note:  This post is a little longer than my usual.  I apologize for the length, but this was one case where I didn’t want to break it up.  I wanted to get it all out in one shot. I wrote this entry the day after Osama Bin Laden was killed.  I wanted to wait awhile to actually post it to give an opportunity for all of us to step back and look at this situation apart from the emotion … →

On a Mission: Emily in South Africa

Posted on May 14, 2011 by ML Smith Posted in On a Mission | 2 Comments

Say hello to Emily!  Emily makes the most delicious baked goods; especially birthday cake!  Not only am I in awe of her baking skills but I was blown away when she announced last year she was going on a mission trip to South Africa…. Name: Emily Occupation: Pastry Chef Where and when did you do missionary work? April 2010, Mamelodi, South Africa What did you do when you were there? Held day camps for orphans, built houses, planted gardens, and … →

A Place to Call Home

Posted on May 12, 2011 by ML Smith Posted in Insights | Leave a comment

For those of you who don’t know, I am a high school teacher. I have a confession:  I hate my 7th bell class. I know that’s a horrible thing for a teacher to say…but it’s true.  They are mean to each other, squirrely, irritating, and many of them are not the most academically oriented. Not that I’m Mary Sunshine during 7th bell either. It is the end of the day.  I’m tired, I’ve probably said whatever I have to say … →