My Church is Awesome

Just take a look. You can't argue that God is doing some amazing things at Schweitzer UMC.

Enjoying People's Failure

It's a sad day when you're more excited to see the team you hate lose rather than the team you love win.

I've experienced this recently. I used to simply cheer for the Blues and against the Chicago Blackhawks. But after last year, I started to become more interested in seeing the Blackhawks lose than my Blues win. Partly because the Blues had a bad season last year, but also because I've just grown to hate Chicago so much that I'd rather see them fail tan see my own team win.

Many churches and individuals fall in to this same mindset. They almost get more excited when they see bad things happen to ministries they disagree with rather than for the good things God is doing in their own church.

For a sports fan, it's sad. For the Church, it is tragic. Anytime we get to the point where we're rejoicing over the failtures of other churches, we should weep. And then repent!

I wonder sometimes if the problem is that it's hard for us to accept the fact that Jesus loved and died for the church down the street just as much as He did for our own church. The church across the nation too.

That includes the church that fell apart because their pastor had an affair.
The church whose music you abhor that's failing.
The church that went bankrupt.
The church that tries too hard to be relevant or the church that you think caters to a traditional crowd. And neither is growing.

You may not agree with other churches, but we're all Christ's bride. And before He died for all of us, he prayed that all of us would be one. Not that we'd rejoice when one of us falls. Do what you will, but I'd rather not be opposed to the prayers of Jesus. Lets be honest, he had a rather powerful and effective prayer life. I'm not going to waste any time trying to undermine Him.

When you see other churches fail, even if it's because of their own sin or stupidity, don't praise God for their failure. Pray to Him for their restoration. But first, how about praising God for your own successes? Praise God for His faithfulness in your church. In your life. That's where your most intense worship should be anyways, right?

Holiday Blues

A young kid named Michael Houska has a bone disease that is deteriorating his bones. He can't walk, much less skate. Therefore, Michael doesn't have much to smile about these days. Until, the entire St Louis Blues roster stopped by the children's hospital to say hello.

In addition to talking with the kids, the players brought gifts and signed autographs for them, leaving lasting memories in a place that most children would prefer to forget.

"We put a smile on their faces and we try to make the best of the moment and have fun with the kids," said Colaiacovo. "There's nothing like seeing a kid smile."

St Louis Blues Forward & Enforcer Cam Janssen, and Forward David Backes sign autographs

St Louis Blues Forward, David Backes, hangs out with Michael Houska in Hospital

David Backes, Cam Janssen, and Stefan Della Rovere pose for a picture with a child

Backes, Janssen, and Della Rovere pose for a picture

Janssen takes a break from fighting on the ice to play air hockey with a child

Backes, Janssen, and Della Rovere pose for a picture with a teenager in the hospital

Luke 5:1-11

Jesus spoke to the disciples, and told them to put their nets into deep water and try to catch something. Simon, believing in Jesus, cast out his nets. The catch was so big, that his nets began to break, and Simon had to call in reinforcements. When Simon saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and told Him to go away because he was a sinful man. But Jesus said, "Don't be afraid; from now on, you will fish for people."

Jesus showed Simon and the rest of the fisherman that he could use anything to bless people. In this case, he used the fisherman's equipment to share his power.

The St. Louis Blues players have fame. They are put on a pedestal by many, and therefore have an opportunity, if they choose, to share the Good News with anyone they come in contact with.

What blessings do you have in your life that you are able to put to use in order to bring glory to God and share His Good News?

Bring Light to the Fight

Hockey gets a bad rap sometimes because of the fighting that takes place during the game. Some people do not understand it. Here's a video to shed some light on the fighting in Hockey.

Galilee 2011 Promo

Galilee Promo from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Interested vs. Intrusive

If you have kids or work with students and your heart is to really help them navigate the rough teen years, you understand that this is not an easy task.

Adults, with your (in my own eyes, i am not an adult yet) years of wisdom, experience, and ultimately Convergent Thinking you have tendency to be EXTREMELY intrusive as students begin to process the Big Issues in their life because we want to help them:

- sort it out

- make the right decision

- avoid any heartache and/or pain

- understand truth/consequences/reality

This works great if we have the relational equity to do it but if not, this can blow up in our face in the form of a student completely shutting down to any influence or input we want to have in their life WHEN THEY TRULY NEED US THE MOST. (We know that, they don't necessarily know or if they do, they don't acknowledge it)

(IMPORTANT NOTE: Parents, don't assume you have that relational equity just because they're your child. If you haven't taken the time to truly 'sow' seed, the relational dynamic seed, there is no possible way you can 'reap' the harvest of that type of relational seed.)

In this post, I'm just trying to raise awareness of this cultural reality. I have no solutions. If you have any, feel free to comment below and help us all out.

As we try to embrace this youth culture, my encouragement to us all (myself included) is that we learn the balance between being INTERESTED and being INTRUSIVE, so that we can be even effective in reaching this generation for Jesus!

Mystery Hour Yoga

There is a monthly Late Night talk show here in Springfield called The Mystery Hour with Jeff Houghton. Each month, he presents a improvised monologue based on a suggestion from an audience member, a local band plays, and Jeff invites guests from around the area to interview.

My parents were in town last weekend for my Mom's birthday, and we went to the Mystery Hour. And good thing we did!

We got the unique pleasure to see Janie Wilson, a member of Schweitzer UMC (where I am the Director of Youth), teach Jeff Houghton some Yoga.

Take a look.

Conan

Conan starts tonight on TBS at 10pm! Don't miss it!

Monster Mash

Last night was our 3rd Annual Monster Mash for the Youth of SUMC. Games were played, food was ate, fellowship was had, and we danced. ALOT. Can't wait til' next year!

How He Loves

John Mark McMilan wrote a song, How He Loves, which was later popularized and sang by The David Crowder Band. In this video, McMilan describes the reasons he wrote the song, and the meaning behind the lyrics. He says,

"This song isn't in celebration of weakness and anger. It's a celebration of a God who would want to hang with us through those things. WHo would want to be a part of our lives through those things. And despite who we are, He would want to be a part of us, be a part of our community, and a part of our family. And that's the kind of LOVE I think I am talking about."

Five Generations

Ready or not, Generation Y is entering adulthood. A new breed has entered our churches and work places, and they are already influencing their worlds. Although they have evolved from previous generations, Generations Y and iY have their own distinct identity.

I Need Your Help

I need your help.

Hull Jersey

vs.

Oshie Jersey

Which should I get?

Formula

Josh Loveless asked,

"You have said before you're trying to create a new language for worship. How did you approach that goal when making this album?"

John Mark McMillan answered,

"Sometimes there is a formula to do music for a living and we learn that formula and the same with church, we learn that formula, we learn what works, and that can be one of the biggest hindrances to really doing something right."

Are the people in your church loving God within a formula? Are the people in your work place working within a formula? Are these people lackadaisical in their worship or work?

It may be time for a change.

What is the new formula you will live by?

Entitled vs. Engaged

Sometimes, we are a generation of people doing things we don't love. People have a "I'm, but" approach to life.

"I'm an accountant, but I want to be an artist."

"I'm a teacher, but I want to be a abolitionist."

"I'm a web developer, but I want to be a youth minister."

We're caught in the endless tension between doing what we have to do - pay the bills, be responsible, make good on college degrees, and what we want to do - feel alive, feel necessary, be part of something bigger than ourselves.

Do you ever feel as though you have a sense of entitlement? That you're entitled to do something bigger and better? Have you ever felt that God was too slow or too impersonal or too disengaged from your heart's desire for something bigger?

What does that look like?

How do you know if you're there?

Entitled people are always exhausted by their dream.

Engaged people are refreshed and energized. Sure, they might be tired from the hard work but they are not drained in a negative way.

Entitled people repel friends the more they talk about their dream because it is laced with disappointment.

Engaged people attract people because the joy of their dream is infectious.

Entitled people believe in the myth of "overnight success."

Engaged people know that working at what they dream about is part of the reward of the experience.

Entitled people wait for a major life change to get started. They make excuses.

Engaged people start right where they are and realize there's no "perfect time" to pursue a dream.

Entitled people see the success of others as a personal insult.

Engaged people celebrate when someone else wins.

Are you entitled, or are you engaged?

Charity : Water

I got the privilege to see Scott Harrison speak about his foundation, Charity : Water at the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta this past week. Check it out.

Will and Jada's Birthday Celebration from charity: water on Vimeo.

Healing Story

Stan & Ruth Burgess share their powerful healing story. This video was shown over last weekend at Schweitzer UMC's services.

2010 Mantreat

The High School men of Schweitzer's Youth Group embarked on the 2nd Annual Mantreat. We took the guys down to Jasper, AR to camp over night on Saturday night, and then got up early, and drove to Compton, AR on Sunday morning. We then hiked down to Hemmed-In Hollow where the guys got to check out the 200+ foot waterfall (largest between the Rockies and Appalachians). We went from 2000 ft. at the trailhead down to 720 ft. above sea level at the bottom of the waterfall over a 2.5 mile hike. We also got to take a dip in the Buffalo River. This is a picture of all the guys and chaperones once we hiked back out of Hemmed-In Hollow.

2010 Mantreat

The High School men of Schweitzer's Youth Group embarked on the 2nd Annual Mantreat. We took the guys down to Jasper, AR to camp over night on Saturday night, and then got up early, and drove to Compton, AR on Sunday morning. We then hiked down to Hemmed-In Hollow where the guys got to check out the 200+ foot waterfall (largest between the Rockies and Appalachians) and also take a dip in the Buffalo River. This is a picture of all the guys and chaperones once we hiked back out of Hemmed-In Hollow.

NT90: Day 2

Sept. 2, 2010

Day 2: Matthew 6-9

The Golden Rule. Jesus probably isn't just concerned that we know the "rule" as much as he is that we live the "golden life." This idea of doing for others what we would want done for ourselves summarizes Jesus' teaching to his disciples about how to live for others. It also captures the spirit of the law of the OT and the teaching of the prophets. In other words, living to bless others is God's will for us in all of our relationships. We are not here to live for ourselves, but to live for others. God can use it in ways we would never anticipate to touch the lives of others.

NT90: Day 1

Sept. 1, 2010

Day 1: Matthew 1-5

What if the fullfillment of God's greatest promises depended on my faithfulness (or yours)? That's a tough question to answer. But Matt. 1:23-24 emphasize how this happened with Joseph and Mary. In very simple terms, Matthew tells us how God spoke his will through the prophets and angels as well as how Joseph and Mary obeyed what God told them to do. That's still the same way God's promises to people come true in today's world. God uses the simple obedience in little or big matters to make known his promised salvation. We will not always know why God calls us to some task, challenge, or opportunity, but we can be sure that he will use our faithfulness to him, to his glory and our greater good.

Rare Breed

As a church, SUMC is about to start serving at Rare Breed, as well as provide dinners for the youth there. This is a video shot and edited by Zak Lampert.

Hoverboard

Anyone who is a fan of Back to the Future, your dreams have come true. French artist, Nils Guadagnin, has done the impossible. Or so we thought. He's recreated the hoverboard from Back to the Future II. And it works! As long as no one stands on it.

To read more, click here.

Change

If you've never been one to take the obvious path, then this blog entry is for you. When God created leaders, he equipped them with an unsettling urge to unpack, undo, and unearth methods. This explains the reason you question everything around you. IT's the reason you have such strong opinions - and such a strong desire to share them. God wired us that way as leaders.

Here are 5 ways to challenge the process in your organization without inadvertently challenging the people in your organization:

1) When an instruction is given, follow through now; debrief later.

You need to clearly express, "I am clearly on your team and under your authority." It doesn't mean you can't ask, "Why?" But you do so in the clear context of serving the organization at large. And in your own style and your own way, you must learn to communicate both: I am under your authority. Can we talk about it?"

2) Never verbalize your frustration with the process in front of other team members.

It's okay to think different. And it's okay to challenge. But the method you use, and the play you choose is critical. Everybody who has authority is also under authority. So we have to learn how to walk that fine line- not shrinking back from challenging, but at the same time not challenging in the wrong way and therefore losing our leverage with those that we hope to influence and bring change to. Support publicly; challenge privately. Reverse those two things and you surrender your authority as a leader within your organization.

3) Don't confuse your insights with moral imperatives

Sometimes when leaders are geared up and passionate about an area of ministry, there's a temptation to justify flat-out rebellion for the sake of the mission and the cause. God has you where He has you for a purpose. On one hand you can't shut down your leadership instincts. But on the other hand, you can't work against the authority God has placed over you. God is using you not only to do your current ministry, but also prepare you for whatever else He has for you.

4) If you don't learn to lead under, you probably wont' have as many opportunities to lead over

Your ability to lead others is directly related to your ability to follow others. Acknowledging authority means recognizing what it means to be responsible as well as what it means to be accountable. It's not simply one or the other. When you sign up to participate in authority, you automatically ascribe to the concept of following. As a result, your ability to lead will never far exceed your ability to follow.

5) When you can't follow, then it's time to get off the team

If you start to have these feelings, then it's a good idea to ask yourself if God might be prompting you to move on. There comes a time to get off the team. If you aren't listening carefully, you could expose yourself and others to temptations you'd rather avoid. Don't give opportunity for frustration or anger to lead you. Allow God to lead you in His time to do whatever else He has for you.

- from a Catalyst study -

To Save A Life

Jake Taylor has everything. He has a beautiful girl, he's the champion in basketball and beer pong, and everyone loves him. Then, an old childhood friend, whom Jake used to be friends with, commits suicide. Jake begins to think. He wonders what he could've done to save his friend's life. A youth minister tells him that Jake needs God. So Jake becomes a Christian. However, things begin to spin out of control. His dad is cheating on his mom, his girlfriend is pregnant, and his former friends ridicule and mock him. During all this, Jake is going to realize just what it means to be a Christian and how, to save a life.

Angela and I watched this movie recently, and loved it! If you have time, go buy it, rent it, download it, whatever. Just watch it!

Ruins of Truth

As with many of the ruins in Rome, there are several layers of history in the same place. The Romans had a habit or building things on top of things. Some emperors would tear down their predecessor's palace and build their own palace right on top of it.

Recently, I can't help but wonder if our generation have conveniently forgotten how inconvenient it can be to follow in the TRUE footsteps of Christ. I can't help but wonder if we have dulled down the truths of Christianity and settled for superficialities. I can't help but wonder if we have accepted a form of Christianity that is more knswledgable but less powerful, more civilized but less compassionate, more acceptable but less authentic than what Jesus taught back in the day.

Over the last 2,ooo years, Christianity has evolved in a lot of ways. Theologians have given us creeds and different canons. Churches have added bells, steeples, pews, pulpits, hymnals, organs, committees, etc.

And I wonder if the accumulated layers of Christian traditions and institutions have obscured the truth that lies beneath.

100 People

What would the make up of the world be like if it was reduced to 100 people?

Check out these thought-provoking numbers. More info can be found here.

50 would be female

50 would be male

20 would be children

80 would be adults

14 of whom would be 65 and older

There would be:

61 Asians

12 Europeans

13 Africans

14 people from the Western Hemisphere

There would be:

31 Christians

21 Muslims

14 Hindus

6 Buddhists

12 people who practice other religions

16 people who would not be aligned with a religion

17 would speak a Chinese dialect

8 would speak Hindustani

8 would speak English

7 would speak Spanish

4 would speak Arabic

4 would speak Russian

52 would speak other languages

82 would be able to read and write

18 would not

1 would have a college education

1 would own a computer

83 would have access to safe drinking water

17 would have no clean, safe water to drink

What response do you feel compelled to make?

If the world were more like the Kingdom of God, how would these numbers be different?

Why Do We Worship

A video shown at Schweitzer UMC services this last weekend (8/8).

Who Do You Love?

Who do you love more?

Your girl or your bike?

I'll never forget the first time I saw you.

Bike Wife

I wanted you instantly.

Bike Wife

I often find myself daydreaming about you.

Bike Wife

There's more than 1 photo of you on my desk.

Bike Wife

I love showing you off to my friends.

Bike Wife

My friends often remark how attractive you are.

Bike Wife

In a typical week, we spend 5 or more hours of quality time together.

Bike Wife

When you're around, I look at you with adoration and longing.

Bike Wife

In the last three months, I've spent more than $250 on you.

Bike Wife

I desperately want to take you to Italy.

Bike Wife

You make my heart beat faster.

Bike Wife

You make me feel young again.

Bike Wife

You have taken me places and shown me things I never thought I would see.

Bike Wife

When I'm alone with you, I'm at peace with the world.

Bike Wife

You were made for me.

Bike Wife

I can't live without you.

Bike Wife

I will never upgrade to a newer model.

Bike Wife

ANYWAY

People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered,

LOVE THEM ANYWAY

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives,

DO GOOD ANYWAY

If you are successful, you win false freinds and true enemies,

SUCCEED ANYWAY

The good you do will be forgotten tomorrow,

DO GOOD ANYWAY

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable,

BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY

What you spent year building may be destroyed overnight,

BUILD ANYWAY

People really need help but may attack you if you help them,

HELP PEOPLE ANYWAY

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth,

GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU'VE GOT ANYWAY

-- Mother Teresa --

Beautiful. Revolting.

Both words describe the kingdom of God as demonstrated by Jesus. In life, Jesus consistently portrayed the beauty of God's kingdom, and in doing so, revolted against the world's greed, pride, and oppression.

In recent years, Christians have been seduced by the mindset that 'Jesus opposed.' Attempting to mingle faith with politics, we have proceeded as if Jesus' kingdom were of this world. It hasn't worked. Instead, we have done a bunch of damage to the gospel.

The kingdom isn't primarily about believing different things; it's about living a radically different way.

It's not about conquering the world for Jesus; it's about serving the world like Jesus.

It's not about going to church; it's about being the church.

It's not primarily about confessing Jesus; it's about loving like Jesus.

Wasted Faith

When we pray or have faith for something and it doesn't happen, there's a tendency to think that the prayers were wasted or that the faith was wasted. And so we don't even want to bother again.

In actuality, God never wastes our faith. If you pray for something and that particular thing doesn't happen, who's to say God isn't taking the faith and the prayers that you prayed about that situation and posting them to another account in your life that you're going to see at a future time?

You may pray that God would sell your house and your house doesn't sell. But maybe in seven years, you get a deal on a house that is life-changing that you never could have imagined at the time. Or maybe you have been unable to have children and you're praying desperately and faithfully that God will give you a child. In your mind, you're thinking that means that you'll get pregnant. Nothing happens. But maybe three years later you have the opportunity to adopt and have the child you were praying for so faithfully. Now you can't imagine your life without that child.

Who's to say that God did not take the faith that you exerted toward one prayer that He chose not to answer, and apply your faith to answer another prayer that you didn't even know to pray?

God is not wasting your faith. He has not wasted your prayers. He has something for you. It just might be something you didn't know you were asking for at the time.

Mission Trip Video

The video that was played in the service at Schweitzer this morning.

SUMC High School Mission Trip Video from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Mission Trip Mid-Week Recap

Mission Trip Mid-Week Recap

Mission Trip Mid-Week Recap from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Beautiful Things

Be ready to hear this song (Beautiful Things) in worship at Schweitzer UMC this Sunday by GUNGOR.

Camp Galilee Day 5 Recap

Camp Galilee Day 5 Recap from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Camp Galilee Day 4 Recap

Camp Galilee Day 4 Recap from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Camp Galilee Day 3 Recap

Camp Galilee Day 3 Recap from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Camp Galilee Day 2 Recap

Camp Galilee Day 2 Recap from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Camp Galilee Day 1 Recap

Camp Galilee from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

BROOMBALL

BROOMBALL!!! from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

The Middle Road

Pool Party

Youth Pool Party

Youth Pool Party from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Why Sunday?

Do you know why Sunday is called, Sunday?

In the Greco-Roman world, the days of the week were named after the planets. When the emperor Aurelian in 321 made the first day of the week Sunday, "the venerable days of the Sun," the Lord's Day as we know it today became official in the Christian community.

Who knew...

The Extra Degree

At 211 degrees, water is hot.

At 212, it boils

And with boiling water, comes steam.

And steam can power a locomotive.

One extra degree makes all the difference.

And, the one extra degree of effort in life separates the good from the great.

The average margin of victory for the last 25 years in all of Golf's major tournaments combined was less than three strokes.

The margin for victory between an Olympic Gold Medal and no medal at all is extremely small.

In the 2004 Mens 800m race, the margin of victory was .71 seconds.

At the Indy 500, the average margin for victory for the past 10 years has been 1.54 seconds.

On average, the winner took home $1,278,813.

The second place prize was $621,321.

A difference of $657,492.

Where is the Extra Degree in your own life, and will you take advantage of it?

To learn more about this, click here.

Dear Chacos

To my Chacos,

I have left you outside in the rain, sticky with mud, but you did not complain.

I have tromped through sticker weeds, but you protected me.

I have carelessly jumped from boulder to boulder, never once thinking you would cancel your loyalty to me and my safety.

I have walked miles upon miles in you, and you never quit on me.

You are my Chacos, and I love you.

I have worn you to church, smart and sophisticated with khaki pants.

I have worn you camping, dusty with campground dirt and burning embers.

I have worn you hiking, pushing you to your absolute performance limits.

I have never worn you with socks, believing you to have all the style you need in your own design.

You have never failed me.

I bought you 2 years ago. At the time, I didn't know of the beginning of a true, committed relationship.

You have never been re-soled. You have never frayed. You are as pure as the day I brought you home.

From the bottom of my heart,

Thank You.

Hope & Cynicism

The world can change. And Switchfoot lead-singer Jon Foreman believes it, too. Read this article and be inspired!

From the Huffington Post:

"Our fears come from real places of pain. Opposition can create opportunity, true. But the opposition can also demolish us. Sometimes the happily ever after does not come for us in this life. Our heroine Joan, was captured and burned at the stake at the age of 19. Such a horrible, unnecessary ending. Charles VII could have offered ransom. He owed her so much and yet, her king, that she helped to crown, sat idly by while Joan of Arc was captured and tried. It's a brutal end fo a story that was going along so well, certainly not what Disney or Michael Jordan are looking for.

And yet, even in her death, Joan of Arc remained true to what she believed. She didn't try simply because she knew she would win, she tried because she knew that what was right: because it's the noble, moral, authentic thing to do.

"If anything could have discouraged her, the state of France in 1429 should have." says historian Kelly DeVries. She had no reason to believe that she could accomplish anything, let alone turn the tide for France and be martyred for her honorable actions. Joan of Arc is a symbol of audacious hope in the face of difficult times.

Yes, I have my dragons to fight. Yes, I have my fears. But I still have my breath in my lungs, I still have blood in my veins. I cannot sit idly by. I refuse to just let the village burn. I'd rather side with the illiterate farm girl who hears things than the cynics that hear nothing. I want to see beauty come from the ashes around me. Even if I fall, I will burn at the stake knowing that my fumes supported a good cause. Far better to fall at building a magnificent world than to succeed in monochromatic survival..."

For the rest of the article, click here.

Good Business

What makes a great job great?

Here is what Outside magazine wrote, in their article, "Will Work For Good."

Make em’ Sweat

It’s a well-known fact that healthier employees save businesses money.

Destroy the Cubicles

Because inspired people need inspired surroundings. Help create a vibe that encourages a smoother flow of ideas. Management principle: It’s easier to stay calm when your desk sits in a bedroom.

Pay it Forward

Smart business leaders know that community service can inspire innovation and teamwork.

Loosen the Reins

The world needs a company that is built around a set of management principles diametrically opposed to much of modern business orthodoxy. WOrks are encouraged to use half a day per week as “dabble time” to pursue projects. CEO of Great Harvest Bread Co., Mike Ferretti, says, “Giving up control of your business is scary, but doing so will ultimately cement the bond with your team.”

Ignore the Clock

Almost every company on our list (Outside’s “50 Best Places to Work) finds a way to help employees get out of the office. Trusting your team to manage their own hours flies in the face of a trend toward squeezing every waking minute out of your staff, but good companies manage to do it while maintaining high output. As these companies see it, letting workers make time for family or fresh tracks (biking) keeps them energized.

Reduce Your Impact

WIth greenwashing now among the most insidious of corporate marketing tactics, it’s reassuring to see so many businesses adopting honest strategies for environmental responsibility. Basically, going green.

Swag Them

Because nothing shows your staff the love better than free travel, gear, and parties. In addition to free travel opportunities for its staff, Natural Habitat Adventures offers discounted travel (80%) for a family member- to make sure the trip doesn’t feel like work. Parties include bowling night, a Halloween costume party, a Christmas party with fun give-a-ways, etc.

26 Mile Bike Ride

26 Mile Bike Ride from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Sunset at Haleakala Crater

Sunset at Haleakala Crater from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Waikani Falls

Angela and I visited Waikani Falls on The Road to Hana. Neither of us got sick. But it did end up taking us about 7+ hours to finish the drive and see all we wanted to see. Check out Angela's Facebook page to see more videos of our day today in Maui!

Waikani Falls from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Airport Adventures

San Francisco Airport

People Mover from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Ceremony Video

This video was played at Angela & I's wedding on May 22, 2010.

Tim & Angela Smith from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Metrosexual Worship Leader

Wouldn't it be awesome to say, "You'll love my church and the music. We have a 78-point metrosexual worship leader"? Or if you were driving by a church and you saw a hipster "42" in the corner of the sign, you'd know instantly how metro the worship experience was going to be. Jonathan Acuff created an easy rating system to analyze how metrosexual your worship leader is:

1) Has a faux hawk hairstyle..........................................+1

2) Has more product in his hair than your wife.........+1

3) Has Rob Bell-style, black-rimmed glasses.............+1

4) Attends the Catalyst Conference..............................+1

5) Owns white Puma, Vans, or Diesel sneakers.........+2

for each pair

6) Wears jeans on stage.................................................+1

7) Wears designer jeans on stage.................................+1

8) Wears designer ladies jeans on stage.....................+1

9) Wears one of those Castro revolution hats...........+1

10) Drinks coffee you didn't know even existed........+1

11) Has a handlebar mustache......................................+1

12) Good at frisbee but hates getting sweaty.............+1

13) Owns a white belt.....................................................+2

14) Wears a scarf with a t-shirt.....................................+1

15) Wears a winter knit hat even in the summer.......+2

16) Owns a red and black flannel shirt........................+2

17) Named his kid after a color, number, or city.......+2

18) Casually references Norwegian punk bands

you've never heard of..............................................+2

19) Wears a tie.................................................................-1

20) Wears a tie as a belt................................................+2

21) Looks as if he might exfoliate................................+2

22) Has a man bag..........................................................+2

23) Has a tattoo..............................................................+2

24) Has a visible tattoo.................................................+4

25) Wife accompanies him on stage and

plays the tambourine..............................................-4

26) Was formerly in a punk new wave band.............+2

27) Is currently in a punk new wave band.................+3

28) Twitters and updates his blog while

leader worship........................................................+3

29) His toddler dresses better/cooler than you.......+3

30) Owns every NOOMA dvd.......................................+3

The point system is out of 50 points.

0 = Hymnal Hero

50 = Metrotastical

Senior Video

Schweitzer UMC Senior Video: Class of 2010

Senior Video: Class of 2010 from Tim Smith on Vimeo.