Off To Tahoe

WOO HOO! Our family leaves today for a week in Tahoe - thanks to a previous member who had time share points that he needed to dump.

Dump'em over here buddy. Thanks a bunch! Smith's out!

Full Disclosure: Exposing Church Planting Blind Spots

Many of you have received one of my new books on church planting called, Full Disclosure: Exposing Church Planting Blind Spots. If not, you can buy it here - or from me personally as I have a box at the house.

I thought I'd give you a little update on the sales. 5,000 copies were printed and over 2,000 are already sold. It just came out in April so it's been just over 1/2 a year. That's pretty cool for the small but respected publisher, ChurchSmart Resources. I think it's in their Top 5 sales of all their books.

It would be pretty cool to go into a 2nd printing... and who knows - maybe even with a different publisher with a 'wider net' - so-to-speak. Just thought you might like an update.

Global Warming - YOU are at fault

Here it is folks. In the cheesiest short video ever - you will be amazed at how awful you SHOULD feel because of YOUR part in the global warming fiasco. Straighten up global inhabitants. The 6 billion of us should be ashamed. (sarcasm intended)

Watch this video.

Now, before you get all upset - I DO think we need to take care of our environment. We need to subdue it. Populate it. Care for it. Watch over it. But I do NOT agree that WE are the primary fault for what's happening. And putting all kinds of unreasonable restrictions and progress-limiting requirements on our already floundering economy is only going to exacerbate the problem. I'm just sayin'.

My Dad - Lloyd G. Smith

My dad, Lloyd G. Smith, was an awesome man. He died in his sleep the morning of October 27, 2009. You can read his obituary here. I will always have the best of fond memories of him. I'm at a loss as to how to really write this blog. I guess I'll just list a very short number of descriptions of my dad!

* A dedicated father.
* A faithful husband.
* A man of God.
* A sports enthusiast.
* An incredibly successful residential developer/contractor.
* A stable man.
* A brilliantstrategist (esp when it came to paying taxes).
* The best 'deal-maker' in Real Estate Sales.
* A professional Shuffleboard 'athlete.'
* A reader of the Bible (I caught him reading all the time as a kid).
* An insanely great supporter of me personally.
* A stellar provider for our family.
* A legacy leaver.

I could go on and on and on about my dad. I really could. It saddens me to no end that I'll never see him again in person on this earth. It hurts deeply. But to know that he is not suffering anymore (end stages of Parkinson's among other illnesses and complications) - well, quite frankly, I'm thrilled for him to be in the presence of our Lord - completely healthy, happy and full of joy. That makes up for my temporary pain.

As dad brings his unique style of humor to God... I can't help but feel that Heaven is a much better place. Not that it was too shabby before... it's just been blessed by his addition. I am forever grateful because Lloyd G. Smith was on this earth.

Thank you all for your kind words & support - but mainly the prayer! For details about the location and times of the viewing and funeral in Lebanon, IN (for as long as they post it), just click here!

Toilet Paper For Napkins?

Ok, I'll keep this one short... here in Chiang Mai, Thailand, most places use toilet paper for their napkins. For realsies!

Even in some bathrooms, toilet paper is basically used as paper towels. Or, many places share a towel to dry their hands. ONE TOWEL!

Like I said in a previous blog, germs must not be as aggressive in Thailand as they are in America.

However, I will give them some credit for trying. Take a look to the left at this posted sign near many bathrooms. I tell you, I just keep learning and learning and learning during this trip. Gotta love this place!

Thailand Hotel Attempting Church Relevance

This picture is an actual flyer I got in my hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I absolutely love it. In case you can't read it - here are some excerpts.

• Dear My Guest
• Beverage rate in refridgelator
• "another beverage and snake you can buy at office"
• Please bring your cloth to office
• Free coffee in small house every day
• For another question you can ask me later

I think this stuff is so cute. But still... I'm wondering if my "refridgelator" will hold my beverage and "snake" that I buy at the office. And what "cloth" do I take to the office? Is that near the small house with the coffee? I only see a hotel with a clubhouse-sort-of-building. Honestly, I didn't have any questions until I read this unsolicited flyer in my hotel room. The last thing I want to do is get "another question" from this gal later.

Sound familiar? I think many churches, including Impact, can communicate in very similar ways to our 'target market.' As a church in Elk Grove and Sacramento, how many times have we used language that the people we are trying to reach just 'don't get?'

Communication is a KEY to reaching others. How are you doing? Do you use a lot of words like 'blessed' and 'hedge of protection' and 'my walk with God?' I'm really thinking that this type of language is like the well-meaning office manager who put that flyer in my room.

Oh - just so you know, I appreciated the effort of this office manager and  did take her up on doing my laundry. I looked past the miscommunication and to the heart of her message. It was actually helpful. But are our neighborhoods as apt to overlook our miscommunication? If we communicate more intentionally, we won't have to worry about it.

Buddhist Influence - HUGE

It is truly amazing to me how much influence the Buddhist religion has on influencing the rest of the world. The inseperable hold it has on much of the world is fascinating and sad. Families are being disowned, beaten up, and otherwise discarded once they choose to follow Christ. There is NO grace. There is NO openness. There is NO tolerance.

I have to admit - I love their devotion. It's a shame that Christians can't somehow embrace this type of devotion to our Lord. Yes - we should couple it with grace and love and patience. But the inseperable embrace of Jesus seems to be missing in America.

It would appear that if we have much of any type of hindrance, inconvenience or difficulty - our faith is the first to go. People love Jesus when He serves them well. People embrace Jesus when He provides them salvation, peace, joy, hope and prosperity to their otherwise discouraged life. People love Jesus when He's providing something.   

I'd like to see Americans embrace Jesus and Christianity with an inseperable abandonment. The old has gone and the new has come. Embrace the new, people. With Christ - everything won't be alright. Everything will be as it is supposed to be. And that may involve hardship, difficulty, and suffering. So what?

No NBA Players at my Hotel

I'm not a really tall guy - 6'0" to be exact. This is the entrance to my bathroom at the hotel I am staying in. Obviously, I am not thinking that any National Basketball Association players will be frequently this establishment.

So far, I've only hit my head once. There is no hot water in the sinks... just the shower. I find the level of germ avoidancein America quite escalated compared to where I am staying in Chiang Mai.

Analogies? Hmmm... there are certain parts of the world that really avoid sin. Other parts... not so much. But one thing I am learning in my training... is that what is considered 'sin' in one part of the world - is NOT SIN in another part of the world.

Example? American Christians following the American dream. No big, right? It's the AMERICAN dream. But in other parts of the world, we would be considered the most materialistic, greedy, sinful scourges of the earth. Ok - maybe I exaggerate a bit. But still.

Another example? We have an Australian facilitator... he used the word 'bugger' in class one time. No big in Australia... but to the British - YOUCH!

Another example? Asians burning incense in front of a picture of a deceased relative. Honor or worship of the 'spirits'? What about polygamy? In certain parts it is very common... not a sin at all. The Bible - very clear for leaders... but a bit 'grayer' for Christians in general. I know, I know - in America we have that one down as a clear violation of God's word. But not in other parts of the world.

Yep - avoidance of 'germs'(sin) varies in varying degrees all over the world. That does NOT make the bible situational or 'subjective'... but it does raise one's eyebrows as to what is Biblical doctrine and what is culturally driven. Hmmmm.

More Elephant Fun - Painting, Soccer, and More...

Like I said in my previous blog - these are the most talented elephants I have ever seen. But you know what? Now that I think of it... I don't think I know of any really smart elephants. I suppose I've never thought of 'talent' and 'elephant' in the same sentence.

One of the most amazing things I've ever seen is an elephant throwing darts to pop balloons. This elepha beat a girl in the audience in dart throwing... truly remarkable.

Elephant Throws Darts at Balloons - Wins vs Girl in Audience from Barry Smith     on Vimeo.

If you don't see the video - click here.

Watch this elephant score a goal against another elephant playing defense.

Elephant Scores Soccer Goal vs Another Elephant from Barry Smith     on Vimeo.

If you don't see the video - click here.

This elephant paints an amazing flower - this entire picture was done right in front of us in less than 10 minutes. I couldn't have done it.

Elephant Paints a Flower with Buds from Barry Smith     on Vimeo.

If you don't see video - click here.

Elephants Kick Soccer Ball in Thailand from Barry Smith on Vimeo.

If you don't see video - click here.

This last one are all of the elephants playing harmonicas and one even has a hoola hoop on his trunk. Outrageous... even a little dancing going on. Seriously - elephant dancing!

Elephants Play Harmonicas and Do Hoolahoop in Thailand from Barry Smith     on Vimeo.

If you don't see the video - click here

Here's the thing... if the trainers in Thailand can get these huge wild beasts to play soccer, paint, play harmonica and other entertaining shenanigans... why can't we get believers in America to consistently read their bible and pray? I know many of you read and pray your hearts out. But... overall... one of the biggest prayer requests I hear about is getting closer to God, praying more, reading their bible more.

Take it from the elephants of Thailand... anything is possible with the right trainer. Hmmm... seems like I've heard that before... maybe a scripture??? The trainer is...

Elephant Show in Thailand

As I quickly approach the two week training of “The Jonathan Project” in Thailand and how churches are being planted by the 100,000’s at a time, I was fortunate enough to meet and hang out with a family that knew my traveling partners, Graydon & Judy Jessup.

This Thai family has showed us the most amazing hospitality ever. Besides some remarkable home-cooked meals in true Thai fashion, they took us to the Elephant Show. I know, I know – ELEPHANTS? It wasn’t on my to-do list, that’s for sure. But seriously… it was a blast.

I would have never guessed in a million years that elephants could be trained to play soccer, harmonica and even PAINT! Yep, four elephants spent several minutes painting right in front of us.

Here are their final pictures as well as some action shots.

      

And by the way, that’s me on that gigantic elephant. Whoa Nelly!

Shark Tank

Obviously, we are on the brink of a LOT of new TV shows premiering their new seasons. And, there are many other new TV shows about to arrive on the scene hoping to be the next "Seinfeld" or "American Idol" in success.

Typically, Summer brings forth some mediocre television. That's why their 'season' is during the Summer, right? Less typical viewership... less 'quality.'

But kids - ABC's "Shark Tank" is the bomb. Even my wife sits down with me most Sunday nights at 9pm to experience the show. The premise is this: people who have businesses or ideas that need financial backing make their pitchto real entrepreneurs to invest in. But the beautiful thing is, there is no script. These entrepreneurs are using their own money. It's the best reality show ever... cause it's real.

I'm not asking any of you to watch it... and most of us don't need another TV show to watch. But I really connected with "Shark Tank" and thought some of my friends might like to check it out too. For what it's worth...

Update On My Dad

I do appreciate all of the prayers that have been going up for my dad. He is in the last stages of Parkinsons Disease, along with Pneumonia, broken hip, shoulder, and no real ability to swallow.

The decision was made, per a living will, to not put a feeding tube in. Hospice has moved in to make his last days a real blessing. Basically - anything he wants, he gets. If he wants a Dr Pepper - no problem. They 'thicken it up' so he can try and swallow it. If he wants a taco - great. But they have to puree it in a blender so he can 'drink it' - which is kinda gross.

The plan is for me to leave Monday to help my mom put some family business details in place. I am not sure dad will recognize me - but I did have an absolutely FANTASTIC 'moment' with him on April 23 in Punta Gorda, FL. We prayed while we stood in a full hug and embrace. It was one of the best moments of my life. I really 'blessed' my dad in that prayer - and he blessed me in his authenticity and vulnerability.

Thanks again for the prayers. And please continue to lift up my mom and the family as we adjust to the inevitable. Unless God is planning on doing a miracle (which would be cool), we pray that dad has as little suffering as possible and that his inevitable face to face meeting with Jesus would be as quickly as possible. As I've said before, "I'm jealous!"

City Hope '09

Here is another update on City Hope '09 which begins Sept 12/13, 2009 in Elk Grove and at Impact... with the inauguration of our first Saturday night service (which is very cool, by the way).

As a part of this incredible way to impact our community, our small groups will be participating in various 'projects' over the 40 days (7 weeks). Here are a few ideas of what those projects might look like:
* Blood Drive
* Mentor Development for Men and Women
* Job Fair
* Adopt A School
* Senior Center of Elk Grove

And so much more. This is going to be one of the best things that has ever happened to the churches in Elk Grove. When God's people join together - from ALL denominations - to do a work in the name of Jesus alone... GREAT THINGS ARE IN STORE!

It will be SO cool that for 7 weeks - we will be known as "The Church At Elk Grove" - NOT Impact Community Church... NOT First Baptist Church... NOT Lifepointe Christian Church... NOT Grace Community Church. For 40 days, we will be "The Church At Elk Grove."

And for that - I am TRULY EXCITED! More information coming in the next week or two! Yard signs, 40 Day Devotionals, and Small Group Curriculum will all be provided for you! SWEET!

Dog Ate My Shirt: A Spiritual Lesson?

Ok - so last night, as I always do, I took my shirt off before getting into bed and threw it in a pile on the floor. My socks, jeans, etc go in that same pile that is always transferred to the wash the next morning.

No big deal, right? It's what I have always done. No one's around to see the laundry lying there... after all, everyone is asleep.

But we got this stinkin' dog. Cute? Yes. But it's a stinkin' puppy that chews stuff... chews EVERYTHING!

So back to this shirt - it's not my favorite... but it's in the top 3-5. And, it happens to be one of the most expensive shirts I own. This morning - you guessed it... the collar has a HUGE gaping hole in it. Ruined.

Here's the point... my wife has warned me over and over NOT to leave stuff on the floor. But I don't I don't l like that. This is 'my' house. I should be able to put clothes on the floor. I should be able to do that small thing in my own house.

YES - I can do that. But it will have consequences. And I will NOT like the consequences.

Interestingly enough - God has some things He's said to us in His word. Things that could apply to me wanting to throw my shirt on the floor. Sure, I can do those things - but they have consequences. And I will NOT like those consequences.

God is full of grace. We ARE forgiven. But we may face consequences for our actions. This weekend - let's make decisions that have positive consequences...

Sacramento Bee - Fox 40 News - "Am I Being Painted As The Bad Guy?"

The Sacramento Bee ran an article this morning on pastors who use other pastors' messages as a source for ideas and content in their own preaching. This is something I've always done. It's no secret. No big deal. Nothing to be ashamed of... right?

Well, according to some of the Bee readers, you'd think I was a bad guy - that's for sure. And even the article... it has an unwritten bent that kinda makes me (and several thousand other pastors) out to be the rebels. You can read the article here.

To add to this seemingly benign FRONT PAGE article of the Bee... Fox 40 News called this morning and wants to do an on-camera interview tomorrow. Seriously? Is this really that big of a deal... well... except for the 5000 pastors who took "The Pastor's Pledge," promising to use the Bible as their primary sermon source?

WHOA! Wait a second. Who says that I'm not already using the Bible as my primary sermon source? Let's think about that for a moment. If Pastor Joe Schmoe was one of the elite and uber spiritual 5000 pastors who took the pledge - and he wrote a sermon with his primary source as the Bible... and then I wanted to preach it a year later... does that mean the sermon is no longer a Bible based sermon? Did somehow the Source get changed in that message?

Why can't I find a pastor who uses the Bible as his primary source and then utilize that great Biblical CONCEPT while tweaking it to fit my personality with personal stories and illustrations?

Seems like I should be able to be in the 'Bible Source Club' too. In fact, if you read this article - I think I'm already qualified to be one of the 5000 along with Pastor Schmoe. :) Additionally, the whole "Pastor's Pledge" was started by www.sermoncentral.com - a leading provider of sermons and sermon resources as a way to encourage pastors to focus on the Bible as they consult other resources for inspiration in communicating as effectively as possible.

What do you think... should I do the Fox 40 News interview... or am I being painted as the bad guy here? Comment below if you like.