Ok... so it's been a while.

I know that is seems I have been MIA. In fact, I have been. The past few months have been a whirlwind. Since we last "spoke" or typed my wife and I have gone into a business venure with some family and friends. It has been a really fun ride alreay. We opened a store called Big Rock Outfitters in the Old Mill in Lexinton, SC. The store looks great and we have just finished two weeks of actually being open. This weekend I am going to the mountains of NC with a group of 12 middle school boys. It will either be a BLAST or I won't come home alive. Jenna is going to Lake Lure with some middle school girls. SHE IS SO AWESOME! Anyway, things are great! God is really moving in our middle school ministry at East Lake and I am excited to see what is ahead. Until next time... hopefully not months from now. PEACE!

Trevor Miller

SOAP Thursday, June 18

Acts 9:1-19 (New International Version)

Acts 9

Saul's Conversion

1Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"
5"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked.

"I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. 6"Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."

7The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

10In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!"
"Yes, Lord," he answered.

11The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight."

13"Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. 14And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name."

15But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."

17Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

S.- Scripture
... Saul was breathing murderous threats...
... belonging to the Way...
... take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.
... a light from heaven flashed around him.
... "Saul, Saul why do you persecute me?"...
I am Jesus...
... the men stood there speechless.
... but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing.
... for three days he was blind...
... place his hands on him to restore his sight.
... This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name...
He got up and was baptized...

O.- Observe
Saul was on his way to Damascus to persecute and kill Christians. He was a Jewish leader.
On the way he is thrown from his donkey by Jesus himself. He is blind for 3 days.
A man named Ananias has a dream and meets Saul and lays his hand on him.
Saul is healed. Scales fall from his eyes.
He is baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit for a task God has for him.

A.- Apply
God can use me no matter how much crap I have done in my life. I am thankful... cause most of my life was crap :)
God has a plan for each of us.
I need to allow God to use me despite all my short comings.

P.- Pray
Jesus, thank you so much for saving me from my life that was far from your way. Thank you for showing me the great plans you have for me. Use me please. Thank you.

SOAP Challenge Pt. 3

Wednesday June 17th

Acts 7:54-60 (New International Version)

The Stoning of Stephen

54When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56"Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
57At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.


S.- Scripture
... gnashed their teeth at him.
... Jesus standing at the right hand of God...
... dragged him out of the city and began to stone him.
Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.??
... "Lord, do not hold this sin against them."

O.- Observe
The jewish leaders are so mad at them they are gnashing (grinding) their teeth.
Stephen is again full of the Spirit when he experiences this.
One of two times in the Bible where Jesus is seen standing.
The leaders threw rocks at Stephen... called stoning... until he died.
A man named Saul oversaw the whole ordeal.
Stephen repeats what Jesus said from the cross... "Lord, do not hold this sin against them."

A.- Apply
I need to be aware that their are people all around the world who are dying for their faith. I am very blessed to live in America.
Jesus standing for Stephen right before his death should give me strength to live boldly for Christ.
Do I forgive those who hurt me the way Stephen does in this passage?

P.- Pray
Jesus help me to live a life as a forgiving person. Help me to be someone who is quick to extend peace instead of hate. Thank you for the great country I live in. Give me the strength to stand for you in all circumstances. I love you. Amen.

Chew On This Pt. 2

I hope you middle school students are having a great time getting into the Word through studying ACTS. I can't wait to hear how it has gone this week. Make sure you guys and girls check out the bible studies that start tomorrow night!

Acts 6:8-16 (New International Version)

Stephen Seized

8Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. 9Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, 10but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.
11Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, "We have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God."

12So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13They produced false witnesses, who testified, "This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us."

15All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.


S.- Scripture
... Opposition arose... (from Stephen's sign and wonders)
They could not stand up against the wisdom the spirit gave him as he spoke.
... secretly persuaded...
Sanhedrin?
... customs Moses handed down to us...
... his face was like the face of an angel...

O.- Observe
Stephen is a follower of Jesus who is full of the Holy Spirit. He has done great things.
The Jewish synagogue is not happy with him.
Stephen followed Jesus and the jewish leaders did not believe Jesus was the messiah.
Jewish leaders from all over the region could not match the power Stephen had from the Holy Spirit.
The leaders convinced people to lie about Stephen in order to get him into trouble.
Stephen was so full of the Spirit that his face even showed it.

A.- Apply
I need to realize that living for Jesus means that sometimes other will not agree with me.
There is a possibility I could be lied about, mistreated and called into question because of my faith.
Even in those trials I should radiate the fact that the Spirit lives in me.

P.- Prayer
Jesus make me a Stephen. Help me to be so full of your Spirit that I can stand before those that would question my faith. In all thing let me radiate your love. Help my students live lives as a Stephen.

S.O.A.P. Challenge

Hello Current middle schoolers! If you are reading this blog it is because you have taken the S.O.A.P. challenege. As we discussed sunday I will be blogging each day on a different passage from Acts. These are the same passages we have asked you to journal on. Feel free to comment on my blogs and we will discuss more passages with S.O.A.P. on sunday at 9am!!! I hope to see you all there.

Monday, June 15


Acts 4:32-37 (New International Version)

The Believers Share Their Possessions

32All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. 33With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
36Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), 37sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.


S.- Scripture
... they shared everything...
... were no needy person among them...
... it was distributed to anyone that had need...
"What does one in heart and mind" mean?

O.- Observe
Everyone seems to be humble and unselfish. They are giving of all they have.
The apostles... or disciples... are full of power that they received earlier in Acts chapter 2. The Holy Spirit provides this power.
Some people have a lot of stuff... land and homes... some have nothing.
Joseph is very generous and giving at the end of the passage to share what he has.

A.- Apply
As a believer and follower of Jesus I should be generous with what I have.
Being a part of a group of people who follow Jesus is helping those who are in need. I need to look for people around me who are in need and help meet their needs.
How can I use the Holy Spirit's power that I have a Christian to testify to the resurrection of Jesus? I can tell others that Jesus is alive. I can show Jesus to others by how I live.

P.- Pray
Jesus, thank you for sending us power through your Holy Spirit. Help me to be generous with what I have been blessed with to help others. Help me to be bold with my faith in you God. Help my students at East Lake to live like the group of believers in Acts.

3 stages of bible reading

While preparing for a new series we are doing for our middle school students I stumbled upon 3 stages of bible reading in a book that I had to blow dust off of on my shelf. It is called Christian Living made simple.... which seems to be an odd title. The three stages were incredibly elementary, but I have experienced each stage myself and for some reason I like it. So I will share it with you... my one reader.

Stage 1- The Robitussin Stage- This is the stage where reading the Bible is like taking cough medicine. You have to choke it down. You know it is good for you and will benefit you in necessary ways, but you read it while holding your nose and taking a big swig of Pepsi after.

Stage 2- The Shredded Wheat Stage- At this stage you begin to realize that reading the Bible is nutritious and healthy, but still a bit dry. Like Shredded wheat... there is a bit of sweet coating that you get a taste of every once and a while, but for the most part it has to be chewed with milk.

Stage 3- The Peaches and Cream Stage (I don't like this name and so I will rename it to The ZEBRA CAKE Stage)- This stage is when the Bible begins to actually open up to you and "taste" sweet like a ZEBRA CAKE. This is when you can't put the Bible down. It always seems to "hit the spot". This stage is a great stage.

I seem to go back and forth between all of these stages over and over. The fact that there are the other stages causes me to push threw. I know that reading God's Word is what I need. I know it is the very thing that has changed my life. After all, it is inspired by God... "breathed into"... it is alive.

Jetta TDI

I have found myself really impressed with the Volkswagen Jetta TDI cars. I am not usually a car guy... nor is my wife, but we have been test driving vehicles recently for Jenna and we have both really liked this car. Maybe one day we will get one. Maybe.

Proverbs 9:7-9

I want to be wise. I spent most of my life being a mocker. If I was ever corrected I responded poorly and if no one was correcting me for something I felt like I was doing great. I've learned something today... real wisdom comes from knowing you are a fool. It really is only then that I am willing to listen to someone who is smarter than me. It is only then that I realize that in a lot of was I am still very naive because I lack experience. It is only then that I am concerned about what a poor choice might mean for me in the future. I spent some time with some of my old middle school guys this week and was blown away by their willingness to be open to wisdom. I was shocked that they did not blow me off because "I'm old" or because "They don't care" or because "I don't know what I'm talking about". I love these guys because they are open... they, like me, realize they are fools in the end and they need wisdom from others and God's Word to make the right decisions. So may we all recognize our foolishness and search for wisdom where wisdom can be found.

Red Bull gives you... a bad after taste

I recently have gotten addicted to Red Bull. I usually drink one on the way to work. This morning I dropped off my beautiful wife at her place of employment and promptly drove to Food Lion and picked up a 12 oz. can for about a million dollars. Is Gold in the ingredients to Red Bull or what?? Geez. Anyway, I'm not convinced it really does anything in terms of energy. I usually feel the same but feel some kind of obligation to act like "I have wings". I think it is more of a placebo effect... I feel like I should have energy and so I do have energy. Now being a middle school youth pastor I am used to the normal middle school trip where 13 year old BO stricken boys buy 5 Red Bulls each and down them in mere seconds. They go crazy and run around for 5 minutes before finally forgetting they drank a can of "energy drink". That being said, I do like the initial flavor. I think this is the redeeming quality... the after-taste leaves something to be desired. Sort of like I just sucked on a penny from 1975. A bit coppery. I think I will continue my Red Bull fetish for a while longer... makes me feel cool... and middle schoolers love it!

Believe Conference

I am so excited about this friday. This friday I get to do something that may seem close to torture to many people... but I love it. This friday I get to drive to Atlanta, Ga with a van full of 13 middle school students to go to a middle school conference full of 1500+ middle schoolers and stay in a hotel with them and go to lunch and dinner at a restaurant with people who don't know us and turn around and drive all the way back the very next day! It is gonna be great........... I hope. I supposed the previous mentioned event could be quite chaotic and maybe even a little stressful. Nah... it is gonna be so fun! It seems every time we venture to this conference students come back a little different. They come back a little less like who they were. They come back a little more like Jesus. So come on Friday... what are you waiting for???

Sushi me

Yesterday Jenna and I undertook a high calling. One that I had dreamed about often. We had a blast going to an Asian grocery next to Irmo High School to buy bamboo sushi mat, wasabi, soy sauce and chopsticks. We also bought crab meat, smoked salmon, cucumber, avacado and other things. We made sushi. It took forever to make the sticky rice... it was difficult... a little sticky. Once we got that right we were on our way to quality sushi. Now... it was no Sushi House or Tsunamis, but it did rival Publix sushi. Tasted great! Another great memory in our marriage. Quick... sushi me.


Not the sushi we made above. Ours wasn't that pretty.

Jenna Miller

So.... I am a married man. I always thought to be married would be so awesome. I always thought it would feel a certain way. But, it is better than awesome. It feels nothing like I thought it would. It is much more comfortable than I thought. I love it! Jenna Miller and I have completely enjoyed the past few weeks as married people. Our honeymoon was to Acapulco, Mexico. It was a blast. Some of our activities included a city tour, massage, FOOD, beautiful pool and ocean view, honeymoon suite I would love to live in, Roberto and watching crazy American movies with one famous person and a bunch of no-names. It was so cool to be with Jenna only for a whole week and have adventures each day. Our wedding was beautiful and everything I wanted it to be. We had a blast and danced our butts off... and I don't dance. We had so much fun having so many friends and family there. Many we had not seen in a long time. Only regret was we could not invite everyone we wanted to. We have even taken my old bachelor pad of a house that I have had for 4 years and really dressed it up a bit. We re-did the kitchen, bathroom, front porches, hardwood floors, laundry room floor and decorated everything. It actually looks AWESOME. I am proud of my house. We have caught up with a lot of friends here in the columbia area since we got back. It has been nice to see Andy and Kaisi, Matt and Amanda tonight and Elizabeth and Jeff on Tuesday. I love being married. It is such a blast. I am so happy I waited 25 years for Jenna. I would do it all over again. We have been so blessed by Jesus already and it is truly amazing the more I have seen of God since Jenna came into my life.

http://swparkerphotography.com/blog/

I want to give some blog shout outs before I go.

Nick Cunningham- Thanks for being such an awesome Best-man. I want you to know I appreciated you being by my side the whole way. The hardest thing was having such a blast for 2 days and then you headin' back to Ohio. Ginghamsburg is blessed. We have done very good for ourselves my friend!

Zach- I want you to know that it was such a blessing to have you a part of my wedding. I would not have it any other way... since we were in pampers we have been buddies. Thank you.

Casey- I was most overjoyed to have you part of the ceremonies Casey. I miss spending time with you and the 2 days here were so fun. Thanks for the challenge you wrote down at the Bachelor party.

Johnny- MAN! Having you in the wedding was so great. Since 4th grade buddy I wanted to to be with me when I tied the knot. I have said and will always say... you are one of the most talented guys I know. I'm proud to call you my friend.

Seth- You are not only my cousin... but really one of my best friends. It was great to have you as a groomsmen since you are my own flesh and blood. I love you brother.

Patrick- I had to have my token black man. You fit the bill perfect. I want to thank you for being so much fun over the weekend. Thanks for being in the limo, taking pictures, laughing and dancing. You are a very good friend to me and to Jenna.

Brad- It was so awesome to have Jenna's brother a part of the wedding. Brad, thanks for really making Jenna feel so loved and for helping me feel a part of the family. You are such a good guy.

Joe- I was glad to have you and your wife in the wedding. You have quickly become a good friend to me. Looks like we are family now... Better you and Brad, I couldn't ask for a better brothers-in-law.

Andy- Thank you for being one of my newest close buddies. I appreciate your support and encouragement. Thank you for teaching me to fly fish and for encouraging me to ask Jenna to marry me :)

Heath- You were there from the start buddy. Thanks for always thinking the most of Jenna and encouraging me to pursue her. Thanks for being a great friend to both of us.

Barry- We just added a new side to our friendship. Thank you for being willing to be a part of our wedding. You and Nikki both have been so great in helping Jenna and I feel at home at East Lake. I look up to you so much and I appreciate your support.

Hule and Olshine- My mentors, teachers, friends, pastors and rabbis :) Thank you both for making our day so special.

Bill- Thank you for making such a long trip to support me. I love you buddy! You are a wonderful friend to me.

Multi-site

So, I have been in Charleston this weekend with the church staff from East Lake. We are focusing on restructuring our ministry plan and looking ahead to the next step for us as a church. One of the things we are discussing is wether or not to build up our existingt campus or start a new site that is video driven. After yesterdays discussion it seems we all believe there needs to be a bit of both. I think we have agreed that we will do a bit of work on improving our Irmo campus and at the same time we will take our first infant steps at being a "Columbia Church"... starting a video driven site. This morning we are starting our second session looking at becoming a simple church. I feel very good about what we have decided thus far and believe there will continue to be agreement as we go.

Barq's Root Beer

I love Barq's. I love it. Something about the spicy sweetness is so refreshing. I mean this company has been around since 1898. You know they are good if they have been around that long. The only drink I can think that I prefer is Ale 8 One. Thought... have you ever just let a mouth full of Barq's sit in your mouth. IT BURNS. It feels painful like I should not swallow whatever the chemical is into my insides. But I do. And I love it. The 45g of sugar in the drink is a bit concerning though. Oh well... at least it tastes good. This was a totally pointless blog. But thanks for reading.

Do You Love Me?

Last night at youth group we had a never before seen event. Our very own Barry Russell wrote and preformed a birthday song for his wonderful wife, Nikki. It was a classic moment full of mood lighting and talk/singing like Barry White. It was the most fun I have had on a wednesday night thus far here at East Lake. We started our new series called Do you Love me last night and it started off great. I pray students really hear the message that the way they do relationships can be governed by selfishness or selflessness. I pray for the second.

New Read.

So I picked up a new book recently and I have not been able to put it down. The book is called "The Forgotten Ways" by Alan Hirsch. It is absolutely fascinating. I can't put it down. I was recommended it by my mentor Hule. I am shocked at how much the words in the book are questions I have been asking about how we do youth ministry... really church period. Ministry has changed. In fact, the way change in ministry happens has changed. In the past you could predict ministry trends and tailor your ministry to fit the new, coolest, hippest and most relevant cultural trend. This is no longer the case. Now.... once you have predicted the trend the trend has changed. So what do you do??? I have been wrestling with this questions for a couple of years now. I believe the church is facing a massive movement.... one that if not seen and met could spell the end of much of what we know as church... period. I desperately don't want to miss the boat for fundamental change in my ministry. I think the places we are to venture in ministry are primal... deep... old... tribal. I believe right we are "rethinking" youth ministry and church-dom by putting catchy bandages on (you know the ones... testamints and doughnuts on sundays). This book is beginning to allow me to put some words and thoughts to my convictions and concerns. I am not writing and pretending that I have stumbled upon the age old ways of the church... but I am asking more questions than trusting answers.

My best-friend's wedding

I have found myself saying this phrase a few times lately as my friend Nick Cunningham's wedding quickly approaches. I feel weird each time I say it... like I'm Julia Roberts or something. But the fact remains... my buddy will be wed next weekend. It really is unbelievable. I would like to share some of my favorite memories with Nick and his special woman Lindsey.

1. Picking apples in NC at Sky Top orchard (Jenna, Me, Nick and Lindsey)
2. New Years '08 lake house... ROCK BAND
3. Little mexican restaurant in Abbeville, SC
4. Jenna and Trevor shower
5. CALZONES
6. Ginghamsburg and sushi

Anway... I am so excited for my best friend to be married. Here is to you Nick and Lindsey!

1 Corinthians 13

Update

This is a year '09 update. I would like to start by number 5 things that maked me happy this week.
1.) Left over muffins from the ski trip. These made their way into our office this week. Yum.
2.) New tools for a wedding present. Hitachi 4 pack... circular saw, Sawsall, light and drill.
3.) I wonderful fiance. 6 weeks until we are wed.
4.) The office season 2. Shelby and I have been addicted.
5.) My grandparents being here for a few months.

My sister, Shelby, lives at my house with me now. It has been so awesome. I love having her around and spending time chillin' each night. She has grown up so much since we last lived near each other. My little sister is truly great! To be honest I have prayed for the day she might move here and be near us. God has been good to us. He has been good to Shelby... and for that I am thankful. I continue to pray she stays. I spent all day today doing one of my favorite things in the world. I love to do construction. From around 11:30am to 4:30pm I worked my with grandfather on the lake house. We are adding a new bedroom to the house for guests and family. It looks great. Afterwards, Shelby and I went to Lowes to get wood for my front porch and flooring for the kitchen and back porch, which were recently damaged by a burst pipe. What first looked like a bummer actually turned out to be a blessing from Jesus. The money I received from the insurance has paid to finish all my housing renovations to soon sell my 282 Roberts street abode. By the way... if you know anyone looking for a 1500 sq. ft. home in Lexington, SC let me know. Almost an acre and detached garage. I know you are excited. Anyway... thanks for reading!

Trevor Miller

Silver Locket Productions

Jenna's video production business. If you know anyone getting married, have a party, having a reunion or music videos... let her know via this website... check it out! Silverlocketproductions

WEDDING CAKE

Today at 1:00pm I had a very exciting experience.... yet another new one. Jenna and I traveled to downtown columbia to Parkland Cakes to pick out our wedding cake. It was so cool. They had little styrofoam layers to create whatever cake you would like.... so we did. I will not disclose here what our cake will look like in detail because some things just need to be experienced. Don't worry I'll add pictures later. But how cool is it that I picked out my wedding cake today. It is going to truly taste yum-E.

Bye

Poor in Spirit...

I read a passage the other day that I have read a million times in Matthew chapter 5 where Jesus is speaking to a large crowd of people while sitting on a mountain (I love scripture whenever it talks about Jesus and mountains). While he sits on this mountainside He begins to teach the people what it is like to live life as a Radical christian. It really is, in the first 12 verses, Radical 101. When I think of the word radical, I think counter-culture. The image that comes to mind is one of salmon swimming upstream.... against the current. The struggle to live contradictory to the culture. While everyone goes one way... to be radical is to "swim" the other way... a positive way. This is the way I have always wanted to live, but have struggle to at times. It is a whole lot easier just to let the current take you. So anyway, Jesus is giving this Radical 101 class and the first instruction He gives is for us to live "poor in spirit" because we will be blessed. I have read those words a million times in my 25 years of life and I have always agreed, but unsure of what that actually meant. After reading a few commentaries on this passage the meaning became very evident and I can't get it out of my mind. All around the world there are christians who are strong believers and trust God as if He is all they have... because He is all they have. They may live in Africa, Asia, Russia or Irmo... but the truth is they have nothing. As Americans we live such extravagant lives... we spend money like it is water and yet others struggle to survive... BUT they do have Jesus. They live physically poor, but their souls are rich. The instruction Jesus gives is to live "poor in spirit". He is promising blessing for those who live as if God is all they have.... even if they have much. I want to live poor in spirit. I want to live my life as if I have nothing else. What a great challenge for every person who has a checking account or food in the kitchen or gas in the car. Live poor in spirit... as if all you have is God. In the end that is all we have. He is faithful in a fickle world. So swim strong... counter-culture and I will strive to do the same. Cheers.

Trevor Miller