Oscars 2014: 3 Things I Learned

The 2014 edition of The Oscars was last night. If you were like me and you had your winning picks for all the various categories,  the one thing that was evident was that there was something very different about this annual award show by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

It was a visually stunning show and everyone looked stunning regardless of who will win and lose your best dressed, speeches, musical performances and this years host Ellen DeGeneres.

Here are 5 Things I Learned from watching the Oscars last night:

FUN
Three big fun moments were when host Ellen DeGeneres ordered pizza, took a selfie that broke Twitter and then appeared in a Wizard of Oz good witch outfit. The Oscars are stressful on so many levels for the nominees. It was great to see them relax, be spontaneous, enjoy the many moments of the night and the show.

Are you having fun in your youth ministry role?


HUMILITY
I love when you see and hear an acceptance speech that is genuine. My favourite speech were from Lupita Nyong’s and it set the tone for the night and it seemed that almost every winner was genuine, humble and truly thankful for the honour of receiving and Oscar.

Do you celebrate the God moments in the lives of students?


CELEBRATION
One night out of the year where many were celebrated focusing on the hard work, dedication and results that has allowed these movies, actors and the behind the scenes people to rise to top of their craft. I’m sure that being nominated for an Oscar and not winning would be heart breaking, yet they were strong enough to celebrate for their colleague who won the Oscar.

When and how do you celebrate the students and youth workers around you in your local church and youth ministry?


Jeff Smyth has been in youth ministry for 15 years and is now working with Youth Unlimited (Toronto YFC) in Scarborough. Jeff focuses on developing community initiatives with local organizations and local churches reaching out to numerous high priority neighbourhood youth and families.  Jeff is an alumnus from Liberty University/Theological Seminary and Arrow Leadership. Jeff has been married to Heather for 12 years and they have one of the most energetic boys in the world, Nathan. Jeff is also a life long fan of the Toronto Blue Jays & Montreal Canadiens.
You can connect with Jeff online: Jeff Smyth Blog, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+