Engagement

On the night of December 17, 2009, I asked Angela Marie Robinett to marry me!

She loves Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO... therefore I took her to the gigantic Christmas tree in the center of Silver Dollar City. There, I gave her an "early" Christmas present, which was a new Bible with the name, Angela Marie Smith engraved. As she read the name on the Bible, I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me!

There's the story.

Staff Ping Pong

This is what happens when the staff need a break from their work. Ping Pong on the office conference table breaks out!

2009 Recap Video

2009 SUMC Youth Recap Video from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Angry Americans

Found this last weekend and though it was interesting. I have nothing to really say about it but thought it was worth noting.

This MSNBC article claims that:

“Anger is more likely among the young, those with children at home, and the less educated…

The results of the survey, conducted in 2005 and to be published next year, showed several key connections to anger.

For one, people under 30 experienced anger of all forms or intensities more frequently than did older adults. This was mainly due to the fact that young people are more likely to be affected by three core stressors that can trigger angry feelings, Schieman said:

• Time pressures

• Economic hardship

• Interpersonal conflict at the workplace

Time pressures had the strongest link to anger, especially low-grade versions termed “feelings of annoyance,” the study found.

Those who were under financial strain tended to report higher levels of anger, a connection that could be particularly important in today’s flagging economy, Schieman noted. The financial influence tended to be stronger among women and younger adults.

Having children was also associated with angry feelings and behaviors, such as yelling, particularly in women, the survey found.”

To read the rest go HERE.

Communication Advice

Ten Commandments Re-written

I was doing some catch up reading and saw this over on Ypulse and it caught my eye.

I instantly wondered how our American Youth would answer on this exercise done by YOUTHTOPIA.

Ypulse wrote:

“Below, with their permission, I share one interesting exercise that asked 100 European youths to “challenge, criticise and collectively re-write ‘The 10 Commandments’” as a way of illustrating generational shifts in values. The results paint more than a flattering self-portrait of this generation as an aspirational model for society — one that tellingly promotes accountability, positivity and passion above all else. Here’s what I mean ….

The Ten Commandments of Youth

1. Have faith in yourself.

2. Respect your parents.

3. Be honest.

4. Take responsibility for your own life.

5. Live life to the fullest and be passionate.

6. Keep your promises.

7. Work hard to succeed but not to the detriment of others.

8. Be tolerant of others’ differences.

9. Be happy and optimistic, even in adversity.

10. Create, don’t destroy.