Get Middle-schooled

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

2009-11-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

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

2009-06-23T19:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-19T17:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-16T20:35:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-15T19:08:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-08T08:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-03T07:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-31T13:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-30T13:53:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-23T10:45:00.001-07:00

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

2009-02-21T05:28:00.001-08:00

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

2009-02-18T09:12:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-02-12T07:21:00.000-08:00

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.

2009-02-02T13:50:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-28T07:06:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-23T18:52:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-13T13:15:00.001-08:00

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

2009-01-13T13:10:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-01-06T12:22:00.000-08:00

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

A little Holiday cheer... on my face.

2008-12-23T08:10:00.001-08:00

Those razor maker people have done it again! Marketing genius. I did not know that anything could top Gillette's commercials with Tiger Woods and friends (actually extremely weird). I found a place on the internet where you can actually make a mustache on your face via high tech photo editing. So look... it's a picture of me with a foo man choo.Thanks Schick.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! FOOS!

2008-12-22T08:37:00.000-08:00

The challenge of trust

2008-12-18T09:02:00.000-08:00

Today is a special day at East Lake. We as a staff are fasting (going without to plead for God to move on our behalf) today in prayer for God to provide for our church's financial need. It is obvious today that every single person in the world around us is financially struggle to make ends meet. It is plain to see that with this struggle being present that our church would struggle as well. To be honest... this is the best place East Lake could be right now. I believe the financial hardship we have come up against has forced us into a place of complete dependence on God... which should be our constant position anyway. I don't pretend to be a professional truster of God... or a "PRUSTER"- if you will. I have often been terrible at it, but a particular verse I discovered this week has caused me to become a bit more of a "pruster".

Psalm 62:5-11

5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.

6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

7 My salvation and my honor depend on God [a] ;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Selah

9 Lowborn men are but a breath,
the highborn are but a lie;
if weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
together they are only a breath.

10 Do not trust in extortion
or take pride in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
do not set your heart on them.

11 One thing God has spoken,
two things have I heard:
that you, O God, are strong

I am praying that God will provide for our church in every way. I believe that either way God will either provide what we think we need or show us what He believes we need. If you would like a way to help... please pray that God will move this week in a might way as we pray and fast. I look forward to a further post as I tell of God's faithfulness.

A side note: God has been showing both Jenna and I what it is like to be a generous tithing person. After starting to learn this discipline, I was given a note of thanks for past service along with a $1,000 check addressed to "Trevor Miller's youth group". INCREDIBLE. God will provide in whatever way He wants. I want to trust.

From one improving "PRUSTER" to another.

Smart inventions Part 1

2008-12-16T13:02:00.000-08:00

What you are viewing is a very smart invention that I am sure someone made lots of money off of. I mean look at the intricate chin strap insuring that the device does not fall and break a nose or retreat as to choke someone. I am sure the initial cost might be a little more than one can afford, but the rolls of toilet... excuse me... tissue are extremely inexpensive.

I mean look at her, she is enjoying it.

Ha. Here's to modern ingenuity.

LONGGGGG DAYYYYY

2008-12-14T18:37:00.000-08:00

Wow. Today started at 7:30am at East Lake Community Church and ended at 4:30pm at East Lake Community church. Yes... I realize this is only 9 hours, BUT... it was full of all kinds of teaching, worship, waiting on Jenna, sitting in a chair, cleaning and blah blah blah. Long. I loved my pastor's sermon today though. Kevin Pike is the man. It was such a fresh look at the christmas season. It was very exciting.

Friday... Jenna, myself and Lauren Moody filmed our very first paid wedding. It was a truly fun time. I think we got tons of good footage prime for editing. This will be a wonderful start for Jenna's business... www.silverlocketproductions.com

. I look forward to more experiences in both shooting and editing video... especially with her.

Barbeque X 2

2008-12-11T13:33:00.000-08:00

It is truly amazing what a good night of rest can do for person. I have been exhausted for days on end this past week. It seems I have been waking up more tired than when I went to bed. Last night was a must... I had to sleep. After an awesome conversation with my beautiful fiance I was able to finally grab some snoozes! The world always looks a little better, a little brighter, a tad merrier and the like.

I have contemplating this verse I read a few days ago in Romans. Romans 5:5 "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." I love this verse. Hope is a luxury these days. It seems hardly anyone carries it anymore. It's like trying to buy a nerf gun or super soaker. You just can't find them anymore. This verse speaks to me in a real way. It is too often I believe that the word hope is followed closely by dissappointment. I've heard people say, "Don't get your hopes up" or "Careful what you hope in"... but why?? I think Romans says it is because we put our hope in the wrong things. Disappointment comes when you put your hope in money, people, government, bonuses or Santa Claus. What if we put our hope in God by His Holy Spirit which He has given us? Accourding to the Bible... that is the only thing that won't fail or dissappoint. I'd like some more hope please. A double portion. God knows my hope thread wears thin at times and it could use a boost. I'm thankful for Gods love.

I am so blessed to work at East Lake. Right next door we have a church member who owns a catering business and we often get to sample... what you might call... leftovers. BUT... I couldn't call these leftovers! They are amazing! It isn't your mom's turkey 5 days after Thanksgiving. This is like savory yummyness! (And I have never in 25 years written yummy... this is serious!) Today we sampled pulled pork that would make you spin, go cross eyed and crumble to the ground a smiling, weeping wreck. This must have been day 8 when God created pork and said, "It was good". Mostly divine. Amen.

Twitter???

2008-12-09T13:58:00.000-08:00

Ok... so I started a twitter thing today. A bit outside of my technological comfort zone. If you wanna see what I am doing from time to time go to twitter.com/trevmiller. I updated it today... duh.... it is the first day. It has been an exciting day of hanging a huge curtain in the youth room. I got to do it with my two buddies Barry and Keenan. It is gonna look really good. That is as long as it doesn't pull out of the wall and kill some unsuspecting middle schooler. Please God... protect every 5-8th grader who steps foot in that room. Anyway. I hope you all have a wonderful day. GOD BLESS!

Trevor

PS- the twitter might last past today. Yea. I think it won't.

Video Blog 1

2008-12-04T14:09:00.000-08:00

New Church!

So things have changed a bit...

2008-12-04T13:48:00.000-08:00

Well, since the last time we "spoke" there have been many changes in my life. September 1st I left a church that I had grown to love so much it was crazy. After 4.5 years of ministry I felt God drawing me to leave and join up with a friend of mine named Barry Russell at East Lake Community Church in Irmo, SC. It was a monster leap for me, but I have experienced such joy and blessing form God being here. I am actually getting engagement pictures taken with Jenna.... a first. We had our first wedding shower in IN over the thanksgiving holiday as well. Showers are weird. I'm not a fan of getting gifts like that. Just feels weird. I found out this winter my dog has epilepsy. I have felt so bad for the poor Tozer. I caught 7 trout recently in Pisgah National Forest with two of my favorite people in the world... Phil Miller and Andy Cunningham. I also got Seafarers of Cataan from my beautiful fiance for Christmas! Super Sweet. Well gotta go. Talk later. PEACE.

Trevor

Atari

2008-07-16T21:54:00.001-07:00

Kaboom has to be the best atari game ever created! Andy Cunningham and I spent nearly 3 hours tonight playing some of the crappiest games ever created for human beings to enjoy. To list a few of the worst... Adventure, Qbert, Mash. Some of the best.... Frogger, Kaboom, Pac-Man. I love spending time with buddies doing nothing but stupid crap. Through the gameage tonight there was great conversations and encouragement. Always a plus. I want to at some point purchase some old game systems to bust out and enjoy from time to time. Remember Nintendo "Jaws"?... CLASSIC.
Trevor

My new office

2008-07-15T20:17:00.000-07:00

Tonight I sit in my new office. I've actually sat and just stared here for a few minutes without realizing the massive amount of precious sleep I am fixating away. But for some reason it feels great to sit motionless and listen to Needtobreathe like I have nothing to do tomorrow.... which is a complete false statement.... truth is I have an insanely busy day tomorrow. Trevor's day tomorrow consists of...

1. rise at a comfortable 7:15 am wide eyed and bushy.... well tailed.
2. drive to lake house to retrieve jet ski.
3. staff meeting at 10:00am.
4. grab a bite of lunch on the run around 11:30am.
5. buy supplies for Middle School Cardboard Regatta (ie- tape, spray paint, food).
6. pray parents and students show up with any of the following... food, boats, sense humor, energy and good attitudes.
7. 7:00 pm clean up from event on lake.
8. paint my bathroom with my lovely fiance.

But for now... I'd rather not think about the chaos of tomorrow when the quiet of tonight is so soothing.

(Needtobreathe over... Hillsong United START)

It is weird being 25... I never honestly thought this age would be attained by me. I thought I would never pass the 23rd year, Jesus would come back or I would perish in a freak Ale81 drowning. Regardless, I have reached this all important age and my insurance has fallen by a healthy margin. This is good.

I have a half-way new house too by the way. Brand spankin' new bathroom complete with tile and other cool stuff. Refinished hardwood floors that look so good they'd make you lift a voice of triumph. I am on my way to a nice house. It is super sweet.

Qustion:
What was your favorite childhood meal?

Answer:
Easy.... PBJ and mac and cheese.

Mrevor Tiller

Dino Bike

2008-02-20T11:59:00.000-08:00

I can vaugely recall as an eight year old kid, whose birthday was quickly approaching, a desire to find any present that was coming my way before it actually was wrapped and my actual birthday came. I don't know why the obsession, but it was present. There was this one particular birthday year when I was searching suspiciously for birthday gifts on our farm in Indiana that I stumbled onto an unquestionable birthday surprise in the milk barn. It was a bicycle that was yellow and green and red and had a small fanny pack on the front that looked like a dinosaur head with little white teeth... complete with training wheels! I was extatic. Never before had I set eyes on such a piece of machinery. I quickly returned to the house trying to suppress a grin that was just below the surface. I was later asked wether or not I had snooped into the milk barn and saw the "Dino Bike" and I responsed "Yes". Later my birthday came and I received all my presents... I can recall getting a plastic basketball hoop (a lot of good that did me... I'm terrible at basketball), I got a dinosaur cake with plastic dions on it and I had many friends around the table. When I final was given the "Dino Bike" it didn't feel right. I had cheated the system... I wasn't surprised... I was boarder line mad. Some things are better waiteed for... sometimes we push too hard and snoop too much into what is to come. I think it taints a lot of plans God has for each one of us. Sounds like a few scriptures I know.

Song of solomon 8:4
Psalm 104:27-28

Only you can prevent forest fires...

2008-02-18T18:36:00.000-08:00

Our house was blessed with a small piece of paper in our door a few days ago. It wasn't an invitation to a swanky party or a gift certificate to Longhorn Steakhouse... it actually was a citation for burning wood in our backyard. What has the world come to when people can't even burn wood in their own yard. It wasn't like I was just trying to be frivolously burning any wood I could get my hands on. It was strategic yard-cleaning wood burning. I understand the danger though and heed the warning. I read today about these trees that are extremely different from any trees here in South Carolina. They are called Redwood trees. They are apparently as tall as a football field is long. Not that I question the facts... just flabbergasted by the shear size. The reading was from a small group book I am doing with my 8th grade guys who meet at my house each Monday night for a time of "sharpening"... spiritually and Settlers of Catan wise. (a highly addictive board game) The book was going on comparing these trees to the relationships between individuals in a small group. The trees grow roots deep into the ground in order to intertwine with other tree's roots. They braid in order to strengthen one another for the incredible power needed to stay upright in the woods under the strain of tremendous weight and height. It is really a beautiful picture of James 5:16. We in a small group are to grow deep roots in our faith and trust of our Jesus... but also grow deep roots in trust and reliance on one another. James speaks of honesty and confession as a way of staying straight and powerful in the face of trials and failures. I love to think of my friendships with others as roots that will keep me strong. I know I have extra help when I am weak and I am power to those who are also struggling. But how deep do my roots go? Can they grow deeper and stronger? Whose roots are my safety? If we have roots... what is the soil? So I'm sorry I burnt the wood without asking. I will do better. At least it wasn't a redwood.

The future

2008-02-12T18:21:00.001-08:00

I have been consumed all day by a single thought.... where am I going?? I don't mean a inquiry of where I will physically be as much as where the depths of who I am will be. Each time I have gotten quiet today for a short period of time my mind has consistantly come back to that question. there are countless places I have always wanted to go in the call I believe God has on my life. A call is just that... a call... I am unclear on where the conversation will end and at times, where it is. The legit desires I have sensed over the past fews years include but are not limited to starting an outdoor leadership camp to train futre leaders, continue in middle school ministry and pour all I have into understanding the middle school mind... scary really, being a part of a large youth ministry team doing youth minsitry in a unquestionably new way (thinking outside of the box), graphic design??? true, planting a church with some of my closest friends who are striving with all that is inside them (and outside of them- God strength) to allow God to use them to change the world. So where is God leading? It's a tough question these days for me. I think that these thoughts have sprung from reading too many books and reading too many blogs of church leaders. Is that possible though? To over-dream? I want my dreams to only be restrained by one thing... God's revealed direction for me.

It is a fresh new time in my life... again... the church has changed over the past few months in incredible ways. Many of these changes are necessary and well planned. I welcome them. It just feels I have had to adjust more regularlly than a chiropractor's office. I look forward to being able to look back a year from now and notice the subtle leadings and dramatic shifts God brings forth each day.

Trevor

I need back-up

2008-01-18T07:29:00.000-08:00

Reinforcements have arrived. Andy Cunningham, our new youth director, has finally arrived in Lexington, SC. I am so excited about the future of Ignite Student Ministries with the team we have. I can tell already that Andy is really bringing some fresh new ideas to the table that I believe will be a great addition to the ministry. We have had two youth nights so far with Andy Cunningham... where we have wheeled him in in a shopping after a video introducing the "freshest thing we could find from Bi-lo at the beach". I think the students will really enjoy him and he will really connect with them.

Today we spend nearly 4 hours working through the sermon series for the spring of 2008 at the church.
-Lent: GIVE IT UP
-Promised Land: AMAZING RACE
-Summer: WORTH THE FIGHT

Tonight Natalie Grant will be singing at the church. Should be a fun time.

Fresh

2008-01-09T06:39:00.000-08:00

There is nothing like fresh fruit. A nice big granny smith apple... green gold. A juicy orange that squirts when you bite into it. A succulent peach that is just sweet enough to make you smile. My mouth is watering right now. Fresh things are just better... I mean this morning I left my house and looked on top of the fridge to see a blackened banana. I don't think that is what it is supposed to look like. I picked it up to throw it away and it kind of slid and squished in my hands. It... was... gross. Made my stomach turn. Fresh is always best... huh... sounds catchy. The thing that I think I really like about Jesus is that he is always fresh. He is always attractive. I was reading today in Matthew 5... Jesus ends his sermon on the mount with a fresh look at how to live. Verse 43 Jesus says, "You have heard it said, "love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..." When Jesus makes this comment it is a new idea. Love your enemies??? Jesus always has a way of upping the annie. Jesus' way of living and doing life is fresh. Jesus' way of doing things is always different from my normal choice of reacting to life. But I am convinced to live this way will lead to grace and peace. I want to live fresh. I want to live like Jesus.

T

Cannondale

2008-01-05T12:53:00.000-08:00

I rode mountain bikes today at Harbison State Forest. I believe I am addicted. I received a Cannondale bike for Christmas and it is amazing. From 11am to 2pm today we pumped our legs to the limit. After spinning twice this week... I thought there might be an up-chuck in order. There is this zone that I get into... much like climbing... that leaves me alone in the woods. Just me and my bike. It feels great. There is a focus and a connection with God that takes place that I welcome. Tomorrow might be round two... well see.

Big wheels keep on turnin

Trevor

Peanut Butter Ritz crackers and James 1:4

2007-12-18T07:57:00.001-08:00

I have this holiday tin can in office that I have been opening and closing periodically this morning. I almost can't stop the continuous action of reaching for the tin, popping off the top, opening the plastic baggy inside and consuming the little peanut butter Ritz crackers dipped in white chocolate! So good! Every year around this time of year I receive a few gifts from very special people at Mt. Horeb. This year a few students gave me sweets, ornaments, EXPANSION PACK FOR SETTLERS OF CATAN!, tee shirt. It is such a blessing. I am truly grateful.

I am truly excited about 10 things...

1. Christmas time. Jesus, wisemen, Joseph, Mary... the whole gang.
2. A 4 day trip back to the Icy North with Jenna Owens.
3. Ritz crackers dipped in white chocolate.
4. Seeing old friends in Indiana.
5. Rachel Olshine coming home!
6. Giving my dad his porcupine fish attractor for Christmas. (Don't worry my dad has no idea what a blog is)
7. Having 4-wheel drive in the snow.
8. Andy Cunninghan coming to work at the Horeb.
9. My small group guys.
10. The possibility for a white Christmas at home.

I spent a few hours yesterday looking at Campmor.com at backpacking equipment. I am practically foaming at the mouth to do some backpacking. As soon as possible... this guys in the woods.

James 1:4 "Perseverance must finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing."

I was reading James this morning and found this passage in James. Maturity is an amazing thing. I don't have much of it yet, but I want it. There is this funny connection between James 1:4 and 2 Peter 1:5-8. Without perseverance there really is no maturing that takes place. I want this passage to marinate for a bit. I feel there is a lot of good "flavor" here. So here is to perseverance! Hip Hip Hooray!

T

To respect nature or exploit nature... that is the question.

2007-12-13T12:20:00.001-08:00

Genesis 1:1 "in the beginning God created..."

I stepped outside of my house this morning and was greeted by a beautifully warm December day in South Carolina. My days of the froze Indiana tundra are behind me and I like it fine that way. If I do not receive a certain amount of outdoor exposure or "my fix" each week I develop a sort of cabin-fever or maybe structure fatigue. Just today I was wrestling with the impulse to drive to NC and set up a tent for the night. It seems right to me to be in the wilds. To be able to walk through grass that comes to my knees, pump water from a running stream, gather wild blueberries to put into pancakes on a mountaintop morning, to sweat hiking a 10 mile stretch of Pisgah trails or squirm into a sleeping bag inside a tiny one-man tent. Why does this all feel so right??? Well it was created. It was created first. It's basic... it's our roots. God's creative nature spilled over into all we see today. God's creative order causes the world to work as it does. (where we have not somehow intervened)God creating is where we begin. So when I am with... in... a part of God's first creative outlet I sense a nearness with my creator.

Everything I experience in life, both good and bad are product from a previous "good" creation. Food was meant for us to sustain life, but we have turned it into a way to pass time and destroy our bodies. Sexuality, once created by God for us to enjoy a relationship between a man and a woman in the context of marriage... oh and populate the world, we have turned it into a multi-billion dollar business and a way to use and abuse one another. Creativity of our own... we have taken it and made movies and music that glorifies us and degrades anyone we can get our hands on. BUT FIRST AND FOREMOST... we have taken the creation itself and exploited it for our own monetary gain, to prove points, to indulge our own cravings. No I am the first to admit I am guilty of taken God's created perfection and twist it into something else... something "perverted", but that doesn't mean I HAVE to. Simply because I am exposed to food or outdoor wilderness areas does not mean I will automatically exploit and "pervert". On the contrary I think unless I am exposed to these things at all I will never have the choice to respect these things.

Without an experience in such areas of the created world as food, sexuality (in the right context and right arenas),creativity and creation we as humans will never choose to respect rather than exploit.

Genesis 1:26 "Let us make man in our own image, in our likeness, and let them RULE over the fish of the sea and birds of the air, over the livestock, over ALL the earth, and over all that creatures that move on the ground." (bold added)

The word RULE does not actually mean to control and exploit. In fact, it more accurately means to be responsible for. So, though I can go into Pisgah National Forest and camp out for a few days... I am responsible for how I treat God's creation. After all... how I love the earth is how I love God.

You are the solution to pollution,
Trevor

Last Child in the Woods

2007-12-11T10:33:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning I went to a seminar that was held in the auditorium of the South Carolina State museum... which is also home to two wonderful churches in our area. (Midtown and Church of the Apostles)A man named Rob Ribby (sp) was in town from a far off winter wonderland known as Wisconsin. He is a head honcho at a camp affiliated with Wheaton college called Honeyrock. Now Honeyrcok holds a special places in my heart for a few reasons. 1.) I spent 3 days there on a backpacking trip in Dec. at nearly sub zero conditions. Loved it! I was streched and challeneged and encountered God there in a way that only sub zero weather can. 2.) One of my heroes, Rob Bell, spoke for the first time on the shores of the lake at Honeyrock. (Velvet Elvis)So, when I heard Rob was coming to town all I could says was... "what time?". I was accompanied on the excursion with my trusty friend Heath Chambers... a fellow youth ministry major and outdoor leadership minor.

I can not honestly say the speaking at the event was stellar, but the content was pure lectured Gold. The things that were said are things that make my heart alive. A call back to nature and a call back to the widlerness. It isn't some kind of macho, mountain-man syndrome. It's a real awakening that happens to my heart when I connect with nature through wilderness adventure. Rob also mentioned how our lack of intrest in the woods has affected our children... particularlly middle school students. Our students have dropped the compass and backpack and picked up x-box controllers and laptops. What could possibly come out of this besides overweight children and socially disfunctional students. There is such a need to camp ministry. There needs to be a call to parents and families to get outside and experience all that the wild has to offer.

There is a book out on this subject entitled "Last child in the woods- saving out children from nature-deficit disorder". In the book Dr. Richard Louv reports that the area around the home that children are allowed to roam has shrunk 9 times the limit set in 1970. I am passionate about this need to reconnect with nature. I believe it is a large piece in understanding our relationship to God as crea-tor and us as creat-ion.Ok... I believe I have wornout my soap box. You can bet I will be back on it soon. Until then... go outside!

Trevor

Boo Terrell Owens

2007-11-29T21:14:00.000-08:00

I read a passage from James today that has kept my head spinning all day. James 4:1-5 talks about two things that really hit home with me. 1.) verse 1 talks about quarrels and fights starting from a battle that goes on inside me. I don't spend much time thinking about this battle. Today I did. Inside my spirit there is a constant struggle it seems to choose and live that way God wants or choose my own way. It has a direct connection with quarrels and fights around me. What an important battle? 2.) verse 5 says God jealousy longs for the spirit which he made dwell in us. God is a jealous God. He wants not just some of me... or a little of me... ALL of me. Something about how these passages are written just warms me. It's almost soothing. It makes me want more to connect with God in a deep profound way. Passages like this make me think of passages like Zephaniah 3:17... God rejoices over me. Even me. As many times as I do dumb things and make mistakes God still looks at me and says, "That is my boy". Tonight I go to sleep in awe of God. It feels good. It feels right.

I caught two fish today at my parents lake house. A couple of fun... nice bass. Tonighht after my mom's birthday party we ended up catching one catfish after 4 poles sat in the water for nearly 3 hours. Nice catfish, but broke the line at the last minute. Heath thought it was his fault. I think it was just bad line. Tozer got a new bag of food tonight and a new trash can to hold his grub. He was excited. I think.

Trevor

It's November already??

2007-11-09T06:37:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure that anyone even reads this thing, but if nothing else I will write a new blog for my good friend Rachel Olshine. By far this fall has been the most crazy, busy, stressful and rewarding fall thus far. Last weekend I was able to go on a men's retreat from Mt. Horeb. It was one of the best weekends I've had in a while. Getting to spend that time with men I admire was well worth the trip. I was even able to go mountain biking for a few hours. Let it be known that mountain biking has officially become one of my favorite past times. I think it is yet another outdoor addiction that I will add to my list. I have been blown away by the media's so-called "green week". Last night we watched 30 Rock and the Office, plus a visit from Al Gore looking like a moron. I love the earth. I think to love the earth is to love God, BUT this new trend is just that.... a trend. I'm honestly annoyed. So... I'm absolutely excited about thanksgiving this year. It could not come too soon. Turkey and gravy and mash potatoes. I'm getting hungry even as I write.
T

Just some stuff

2007-08-29T20:29:00.000-07:00

I'm reading this book called Soul Cravings by Erwin McManus. Honestly... it's pretty good, but it's also one of those books I almost hate to read. I am discovering more and more that I'm pretty screwed up. I feel like God has done such an amazing work in my life over the past few years, but then I read a chapter in this book and I'm like dang... I've got a long way to go. I am realizing how much Love plays a huge part in my life. I don't mean a romantic relationship in my life right now... I mean a deep acceptance and purpose. I feel I look for it all the time... around each corner and it is a very allusive find. And then I have someone make a comment like was made today. It was like someone punching me in the chest. It seemed to be so well placed and uncalled for. painful really. I don't remember the last time someone actually took a shot like this. Again... a reminder I'm screwed up. I can already feel this blog not being the most up lifting... hearty writing ever. I'm sorry if you have come here for a pick me up :) I'm kidding mostly. We just started the first part of our new series for the fall called "DeLIVErance". I am very happy with where we are going with this particular 3 weeker... I think it really hits a lot of buttons that are very close to home. I pray God uses it to really spark some rescue in the lives of student who desperately need a touch from Jesus Christ. I am particularly "haunted" by a passage from Romans 6:19 I believe. It says we are slaves to whomever we obey. Who do I obey most of the time? I fear most of the time I am obeying my self. I mean even the simple slogan from Sprite... "Obey your thirst"? We would be slaves to our thirst. Stupid?? Maybe... but a lot of us are slaves to more ridiculous things. X-box, ESPN, the Mall, friends, sexuality, cheeseburgers, sleep and even more. This idea of slavery leaves a very bad taste in my mouth... good thing I think.

I also had one of the most heartbreaking conversations I have ever been a part of today at the church. One of our former students just had a tragedy hit their family. We met with this person and afterward my heart was just so sad for them. I cried for them. I think it seemed to be all I could do. I hate that. I would much rather help fix something. So painful as well. Such a wake up call to how I am using the days God has given me to live. I am thankful for this day that was given to me. I'm gonna lay down to bed and prepare for the next one. Meaning tomorrow.

I'm out.

Man I love Sushi

2007-08-03T06:07:00.000-07:00

So last night I took 4 of my middle school guys to get sushi in town at a place called Osaka Inn. Two things... one Osaka is not great sushi, two none of the guys who wanted to go to Osaka so bad to get sushi got any sushi. Middle schoolers. All in all it was a very fun time and I it seems to me that they are all really growing to love Jesus more and more. We had a really sweet college group last night in which we decided there are things in the world that make us angry.... and that is ok. It all rides on what we do with our anger. Some things are worth getting angry about. We decided to start a facebook site for our call to action in helping those in need. In other news... I bought a new day planner last night. Very important purchase that I hope I will make the most of. The past few days have been great, but also a bit sad in the realizing that Wade Joye is truly gone. I'm gonna miss working with him soooo much. I pray God continues to bless and encourage him in Charlotte, but we will miss him. Today means final prep for the Dominican Republic mission trip which leaves on Sunday. My mother, Callie Alexander and I will be shopping till we be dropping today to get our final ingredients to make this trip a success. Good day.... good day.

Trevor

Spain Baby... Spain

2007-07-13T12:03:00.000-07:00

Jetlag is a very strange phenomenon. It is so odd that at this time is is already 9:05pm. I'm still feeling a bit of the laziness that comes from traveling outside of my own time zone. But this is no about that... I wanna talk about the past week outside the USA.

It was a very anticipated day when Olshine and I rode to the Cincinnati airport to caught our flight to Rome, Italy. After a quick stop to Gold Star Chili (SO GOOD!) we boarded a plane for a 9 hours flight to Rome. It was a bit uncomfortable trying to sleep on a flight for that long. We watched "Premonition" (terrible movie). It took us a bit of time to find our next flight on Alitalia to Barcelona, Spain. It was nearly 800 degrees on the plane cramped full of languages and faces that were very unfamiliar to me. I was so excited to finally get to our destination. what a great opportunity Olshine allowed me to have in joining him to visit a CIU student on internship and also to do a bit of youth ministry speaking and consulting. I mean how often do you get to go to Spain?? Once we finally landed in Barcelona, I instantly fell in love with the country. The people are so warm and friendly. The land is beautiful and different. I love Spain! We lost our baggage in Barcelona somewhere. Me for 4 days and Olshine for 5... think about it. Pretty long time. I don't know where my bag went, but I'm pretty sure it was hundreds of miles away. Asia perhaps. Why not... I've never been. the highlight of the arrive was when Olshine and I discovered that the car reservations we had were messed up and so we were upgraded for free... twice... to a BMW! Yes I said it. So Olshine and I rode around Spain for a week with a GPS system and a BMW. It was rough let me tell ya. More to come.

Step up!!! ( I hate that movie)

2007-06-30T12:30:00.000-07:00

I just sat down for the first time in who knows how long. It has been quite the furry of events in the past few weeks that have included, but not limited to, Ichthus, Bigstuf camp, game day with middle schoolers and of course a service project. I have loved it though. I am so grateful for the times I have had recently. It was such a wonderful time going to Ichthus to see my family and reconnect with some old friends that I have not seen in too long. A few days with Hule is also like coming alive again... always. Bigstuf was a long but rewarding week at camp. We saw two boys from our group come to meet Jesus Christ for the first time and their lives were completely changed. What an amazing God we serve. Where would we be without Him? I know where I would be and it wouldn't be good... I have so much work to go even. Some beach... some frisbee.... some crappy food. It was a great camp week. I discovered a new worship leader that I love now to... Steve Fee... my hat is off to your new CD. I also was blessed to see our good friend Leah Moreton. It is so good to hear what God is doing in her life and how God is moving in her and through her. Yesterday though may have taken the "fun" cake... whatever that means. Myself and Nick joined some (4) guys from Midtown church downtown and one girl for a lake day with jetskis... oh my it was fun. I love those guys! It was so refreshing to be with real believers who are just normal and straight forward with who they are. I hope to continue to grow a friendship with those guys. In other news my Dad moves down to the Carolinas tonight at about 7 pm. I am super excited and look forward for my mom to join soon as our house sells... pray please and when my mom gets a job.... double prayer please. Anyway... I still love sushi and I also love Gatorade "Rain" berry flavor. I look forward to my near departure for Spain with my Rabbi... David Olshine. It promises to be a formative and amazing trip! I love you all!
Trevor

Favorites

2007-06-07T05:43:00.000-07:00

Some of my new favorites...

1.) Hillsong United- All of the Above
2.) The Holy Spirit
3.) The Red Dragon at Tsunamis
4.) Dog the Bounty Hunter
5.) Honda F-12 waverunner!!
6.) climbing 5.11
7.) MEW
8.) Uncle Stanley
9.) Gatorade Rain berry flavor
10.) find my headlamp I thought was lost
11.) Aaron Robertson
12.) Ale 8 again!
13.) 1 John
14.) forgiveness and repentance
15.) old friends!
16.) new friends!

Some of my not-so-favorites...

1.) morning breathe
2.) not working out
3.) graduation parties
4.) cleaning bathrooms at Stronghold Athletic Club
5.) waiting for my parents to move down to SC

In other news it has been a great week. We had the Fuse last night for the first time this summer. It was a low crowd, but God did some really neat stuff. We have all been challenged to read the Bible more and to prayer diligently for God to move and pour out His spirit on the Horeb. I believe He can and He will. It's a good place to be. I am working a party today at the gym which will be fun. It's been a while since I've done that. We also have a grill out and hang out at my house tonight for the college students. Food and fun... always a good time.

Aight
Trevor

End of May

2007-05-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

I'm a dad this weekend. Scary... very scary. I'm house sitting for a family from my church and am taking care of their son Corey. I had to take him to guitar lessons last night, took him to a movie (Pirates 3... very good) and even got up this morning and whooped his butt in NCAA and made pancakes. I'm a practical mister mom. My duties are done on Sunday after church and I can resume normal life. Not that this one is bad, just not ready for a son yet. I also leave to return to the "homeland" of corn fields and flat. Indiana is my destination on Sunday to help my family pack and sell some crap. We are still waiting for the house to sell at home so that they can finish the move to the great South Carolina. I think I sound a bit bias in this post... oh well... I really do love the place from which I've come, but love South Carolina.

One of my best friends moved to TX this week. Rachel has taken a year long commitment to work with a place called Heartlight. I am already missing her so much. I know God is going to change and shape her so much in her time there, but it was very hard to say goodbye. If she is reading this... which she will be because she is the queen of the blog... we miss you Rach!

Well I need to go shower and head to the lake with my "son" to go wakeboarding... living in LExington is so hard.

Trevor

The Update...

2007-05-14T08:15:00.000-07:00

Well there has been a lot of new developments in the life of Trevor Miller. So I thought I would like take the time to let you know of the happenings. Life these days is going pretty well. I am excited about so many different things.

1.) My dad and mom will be the newest additions to the Lexington community as soon as our Indiana house sells. (prayer request #1) My dad will be working at CIU and the Ben Lippen maintenance on campuses. My mom is jobless.... (prayer request #2) I am so excited to love near my parents again. It has truly been too long. So of the things I look forward to include and is not limited too... restoring an old car with my dad, holidays with the fam, possibility of my sister to follow :), building stuff with my dad, fishing with my dad, the lake and possibly going to church with my family again!

2.) A great church experience with two of my best friends last night. Nick, Andrew and I went to Midtown Fellowship last night in downtown Columbia. It is a relatively new church plant and has a heart that beats similar to my own. They are doing great stuff and really reaching people who others are missing.

3.) I'm getting huge! Not really, but Nick has been getting me back in the gym. I have been really trying to become the massive man that I know I can be.

4.) God has been really moving in my life and teaching me so many new things. Every day there is something new that He points out in my life to work on. Sometimes it's painful and sometimes is is welcomed, but either way I want to change to be better and better.

5.) Many other things.

Trevor

I'm 24... boo!

2007-04-24T07:47:00.000-07:00

I remember sitting in Kindergarten with Mrs. Courty thinking there is no way I will ever make it to Junior High. I can also recall sitting in class as a freshman in High School thinking there is no way I will ever make it to college. Now I sit in my office chair at work wondering how I made it two years out of collage and celebrated my 24th birthday. Wow... even as I write that it feels old... geriatric really. I do believe it was my best birthday in recent memory. The top two that I can recall at this time are freshman year of college at TU when Mandii talked me into coming out to the Taylor lake to find many of my friends hidden in the woods to wish me a warm Happy Birthday. I was shocked... I was happy. Last night has risen to that status as well. My two best friends Rachel Olshine and Nick Cunnigham put together a little get together at Tsunamis (a killer Sushi place downtown). There were about 14 of us and they included... Meghan and Josh Sanders, Nick Cunningham, Rachel Olshine, Andrew Stewart, Callie Alexander, Jena Timcke, Sharon Ayelstock, Katie McClure, Heath Chambers, Saricatherine "Hair", Mary Thompson, Emily MILNER, and how could I forget my best buddy Patrick Boatwright who bought me SUSHI and ME. We ate our weight in Sushi and loved ever minute of it.

It was a great day. I was able to go on an adventure with Rachel to look at a house on Lake Murray in Chapin, SC for the rents. WE took pictures and much fun was had. I also had a cool small group with my 7th grade boys. I am so excited to see the way God has moved in their lives. They prayed last night after we played football in the yard and they were the most awesome prayers. I love those guys.

PEACE,
ME

2007-04-05T05:57:00.000-07:00

This morning came early after Nick and I had a long trip home from Charleston late last night. Nick's parents were in town from Lafayette, IN and it was a great time going from the Aquarium in Charleston to Fort Sumter to AW Shucks restaurant downtown. It has been a pretty good week... better than expected. Wade, Nick and I went to see Phillip Yancey speak at CIU on Tues. and it was an amazing chapel. He read a passage of scripture I had never seen before that blew my mind. It was from 1 John 3:20... look it up. Basically it says that if our hearts condemn us God is great than that condemnation and views us differently. That is such great news because from time to time I look at myself and am disgusted. The disgust is even often deserved. But... God loves. Always love. He is greater then my sinful, mistaken, LOUD, condemning heart. I am completely excited because I think I am actually getting to go camping with some friends in NC. I hope it happens. Those things have a way of falling apart. I'm going to work out... too much food from the trip to Chuck Town.
T

in other news.

2007-04-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit bummed.

Just some reflection

2007-03-19T15:09:00.000-07:00

I wish that walking around with your finger up your nose wasn't so weird. It really would help out so much at this point. My right nostril refuses to quick running. I mean it just keeps going... un-controlled! I know it is a social fop ah and of course uncomfortable. Today has been a strange kind of day... it has been one that makes me appreciate others. I am reminded I don't really deserve any of the days I have lived and tried to enjoy and make best use of. Today also was one that I remembered and appreciated all the great friends God has gifted me with. I want to just name a few and say a bit about why I love them. First and for most because each of them have shown me a piece of God in the way they have lived and treated me...

Nick Cunningham- Much could be said here. He is my best friend... period. He knows me better than I do I think. We seem to communicate without speaking much of the time and is the one that I probably under apprecaite the most (the danger of familiarity) He is a gifted communicator and really desires to be like Jesus. Nick is my encouragement when I think I can't go on. He never allows me to be satisfied where I am. He has chosen wisely in his other half... Amanda. My hat is off to my brother from the corn fields.

Rachel Olshine- Without Rachel who would tell me when I don't match and how weird my hair looks today?? This is a girl who knows my best and worst and I love her for it. We sat and watched TV last night for a bit and I was reminded how much she means to the boys of 282. She is talented, intelligent, jewish :) and laughs enough for us both!

Patrick Boatwright- One of our long lost 282 Brothers. He has had me laughing since day one. One of the most passionate people I know and has a heart as big as his dreams! I look forward to next month when we returns to us. I love this guy.

David Olshine- My mentor, dad away from dad, boss, Rabbi, encourager, my Tychichus, great dad, father and one of my greatest heroes.

Hule Goddard- Hule is the reason I am who I am. He is such an amazing man of God... plus a regular mountain man. Hule is what I want to be like.

Wade Joye- Wade has quickly become a great mentor, encourager, friend and spiritual mentor. I find wise advice and Godly counsel each time I spend time with Wade. He's a man who loves his wife and his God. He is a lot of what I want to be.

Mary Thompson- My beautiful girlfriend. We have more fun than legally possible... It is such a blessing each time I spend time with her hiking, climbing, playing games or just watching a movie. She is my encouragement and challenge both at the same time. She spits scripture like it's her job and she loves Jesus like he's going out of style. She came at just the right time and I enjoy each day we have together.

Casey Null- Casey is an old friend from my high school days in IN. Casey and I were pretty much one person. Always together and always cracking up. I spoke to him on the phone today and it was like putting on your favorite shirt!

Zach White- I've known him since I was crapping my pants (as a baby). Zach is one of the most fun people to do anything with. I miss our days in the dorm room that was too small for two and yet we had three. It is truly too bad Indiana is 12 hours away from here.

Meghan Sanders- One of my best friends who recently got hitched. I could not be more happy for Meghan and Josh. I love them both. She is a joy to work with and a joy to spend time with!

Beau Bailey- A much missed friend! Another who was a comic relief and spiritual challenge. We had some great times together until Anderson stole him :) One of the most talented guys I have ever met!

Britton Smith- My room mate from freshman year at TU. Such an incredible guy who still encourages me each time we speak!

The MT Horeb UMC graudate boys! Andrew, Rob, Michael, etc. These are men like they should be. I have watched them grow into the men God wants them to be. I appreciate their friendship and the fact they still hang with the likes of us!

Yes... I am still alive.

2007-03-15T11:27:00.000-07:00

Since I have been able to come up for breathe from the ocean called life I thought I would also try and blog a bit. Not quite as important as breathing, but important none the less. This week has been a busy one. My parents arrived last Friday I believe and departed for the homeland of Indiana just this morning. We had a great time eating, driving around Lake Murray, working on my house and eating! I love having my family aorund... it reminded me however how much I miss having family around. Kinda sick of it to tell you the truth. I always think... if I sit around too long... about all the fun things I would still like to do with my dad, but know it isn't possible at this point because of the 12 hour gap between us. Part of the goal for this trip was to put new flooring in the bath room at my house. We succeeded and it looks great! Having my parents here, I still had youth group last night which was so fun. We had a late night talk show called "Fusion". We had two gusest speakers in. One was Nick dressed as an animal expert named Theodore Look-a-doo! It was hilarious... he brought Tozer in as a shark, hippo, and as well... a dog. I laughed so hard during the interview I was bawling. We also had Casey Walton in from Silver Ring thing to speak about the importance of sexual abstinence as 7-8th graders. Anyone really, but them specifically last night. I was very happy with how the night went. My parents and I also met with Mary and her mother for dinner at Brix. It was such a nice time. I like Mary's mom so much... she is such a great woman. Unfortunately we were supposed to have a boys backpacking trip this weekend that was cancelled due to many reasons, but I look forward to the rest! So anyone... I am still alive and I hope everyone is blessed. I miss you all!
Trevor

Skiing on a slushy isn't as much fun as one might think.

2007-02-27T09:55:00.000-08:00

46 students and 13 adults on one bus traveling to Sugar Mountain in NC is recipe for a major disaster. This weekend was our middle school ski trip... which to be honest I was terrified about. My students were in rare form and out of control most of the weekend. It really was a fun time... we skied... hung out a the hotel... saw By The Tree play... had a service and communion sunday morning before we left to come home.
But let me tell you about this one student of mine who is so awesome. His name is Justin Nee and skiing with Justin is an experience everyone should expereince once in their lives. One of my leaders Butch and I went to the top of the mountain along with Justin Nee. Now let me start by reminding you Justin and I had spent nearly an hour on the bunny slope and strugglin to survive that experience. So here we are at the top of the mountain with only one REAL option down the mountain that is marked by a blue square. Needless to say Justin was a bit concerned. 1 and a half hours later Justin carries hiw skis and poles down the hill and to the lodge. Did I mention also that the tempurature for our ski trip was almost 55 degrees. Not the ideal tempurature for skiing. In fact that is why this blog is entitled as it is. It was more like slushy mountain instead of Sugar mountain. But all in all... FUN was had and everyone returned without a broken bone. Youth Ministry math: ski trip+Fun+no broken bones= Success!

AMEN

Trevor

To quiet the critics

2007-02-20T08:11:00.000-08:00

Ok so I understand I have not blogged in a long time. To quote Squints Paladores "I've had a lot on my mind"... so I'll let you in on a little of it. First of all... I actually have a girlfriend. She is the sweetest, kindest, most caring girl. I enjoy ever minute I get to spend with her, which recently has been a lot of minutes. Nick and I also have a new addition to our 282 home... we are the proud owners of a new Xbox 360! We cracked and we bought. And now... we play. A lot. I have never felt like such a gaming nerd in my life (my apologies to any gaming nerds who read this blog). But really it is the coolest system. From Gears of War to Nick's favored Battle for Middle Earth... we... are... pathetic. In other news our house has had a food makeover and the 282 boys are trying eat healthy and get healthy. Throw in a dash of 3 mile runs and I'm on my way to a healthier, better me. It really is funny how much time you can spend and energy in trying to stay in shape. It really is pretty consuming. I just keep thinking of things that need to be updated to you... I had a tree fall in my yard a few days ago and nearly land on my fence. It is still laying in my driveway waiting to be cut into firewood. I was so happy it missed demolishing my fence and giving Tozer an escape route. I'm also glad it didn't put limbs into the front seat of the Sport Trac!

This weekend is the middle school ski trip... finally. I am so hoping everything goes as planned and these student throughly enjoy themselves and each other. I know God wants to continue His work in the lives of these students even on the slopes of Sugar Mountain and so I look forward to God's move. I love these kinds of trips, but I like them even better after we are back and in my own bed again. Well there is an update on my neck of the woods. If you are readig this... I miss you! Yes... you.

Trevor

South Carolina isn't supposed to be cold

2007-02-06T09:50:00.000-08:00

So it's yet another cold day here in the midlands. See I know even now I have some people from the North who are like... whatever try 8 below. I'm not trying anything! Let's get this straight... I moved here to the South and expected it to be warm... I came here knowing it would NOT be 8 below. So don't try to compare apples to oranges... it is cold here and that is final!

OK... sorry for that little rant. The past 9 days have been a complete blur with a bit of freeze frames thrown in as well. Last thursday I was honored to take a wonderful girl out to dinner at Liberty Tap Room. It was a such a fun night full of steak, coffee and talking. That combo is always good! Went to Charleston with my two best friends... Nick and Rachel. We tried to go to the aquarium only to arrive 5 minutes late. That puts a damper on your plans believe me. But no worries... we went downtown to shop (thanks Rachel). We had some great sushi at HIRO! (Asian flare emphasis added) We ended the night at Kaminiskys for some great desert and beverages! Last night I was joined by my friend Mary for our college worship night at the Horeb. Declare... a band from Charleston led worship and Nick gave an awesome message challeneging us to embrace what God is doing in the world and join Him. It really impacted me. I had heard that message given by Nick previously, but for some reason it really gave me a hope that the World can change through Jesus Christ. I believe it and I think many of us believed it last night. As the pathetic 80's praise songs says, "It only takes a spark to get a fire going"... I can not believe I just quoted Pass It On. After the worship night I completely dominated Candy Land... and I mean DOMINATED! It takes me back to the glory days of Pretty Pretty Princess majesty.

In other news I am reading a book that is copletely changing my heart. It is a book called Everything Belongs by Richard Rohr. More could be said, but the process is still taking place. I want to learn and I want to be changed from my old nature to my new one. More like Jesus if you will (1 Thess.4:3). Well I should get back to work... the Horeb doesn't pay me to blog!
Trevor

I'd take a good pancake over a crappy waffle anyday...

2007-02-02T11:53:00.000-08:00

A few things... today Nick and I spent 4 hours with 5 middle school boy on job shadow day. I am tired... I am spent... and I can not laugh anymore. The quote to start this blog came from a 7th grade boy named Peden. Very funny... if you don't think so... you're probably right, but it stil makes me laugh. Have a good day.
Trevor

Too much Moes

2007-01-28T09:54:00.000-08:00

I am completely full of Moes at this moment! I can't believe I fit it all in actually. There is truly nothing like going to church and then going out to eat with some Horeb folks at Moes... it makes me so happy. This morning Timmy Gaster spoke to the middle school students in sunday school Remix on Colossians 2. It was such a good talk. They seemed to really engage with him as he spoke. He did a wonderful job showing them that God lives in them... Jesus Christ is all they need because JEsus Christ is all there is! It comforts me to know these students do not go into the world and their schools alone... in fact the God of the universe is there guide. I also learned this morning one of my students has this very blogger as her homepage... so to you Catie... I give you a shout out!

KNOWING Jesus is all we need...
Trevor

Dodgeball is America's sport!

2007-01-27T12:24:00.000-08:00

I finally was able to sit down today... it's been a long one... but a great one! I just looked down at my permanent markered 6 on my hand reminiscent of my efforts in today's Dodgeball tournament. Now before you start laughing let me tell you it was the most fun I've had in a long time. The day started off with a hearty breakfast with the team... Michael Heaton, Andrew Stewart, Nick Cunningham, Josh Sanders and Rob Watson. We ate and discussed important issues such as... Do our prayers change God's mind? Did Adam have a belly button? What must you do to be saved... cause I thought it was by grace alone? With our stomachs full of omelets and pancakes we raced off to make our 11:30 deadline at St. Stephen's Lutheran church. We battled hard for hours on end against 14 "deadly" teams. We started off with two wins against an 8th grade group of guys (embarrassing really) and then made a group of girls pay big. I felt bad, but this was ultimate Dodgeball. So it came down to us being in the finals and after an opening lose and secondary win... we fell short in the final game. Now this was a big deal... in fact it was $100 to Outback at stake. Oh well, much fun was had and everyone got a teeshirt. So the rest of the day is up for grabs. I just returned inside from nearly setting my yard on fire by burning a few boxes. It really was a close call. It would have been pretty sad to see my house go up in flames. Well I have some big things to take care of quickly and then to the shower for me... wish me luck!
Trevor

Mars Hill pt. 2

2007-01-24T06:30:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, January 24

7:30am- wake and hit snooze
7:38am- sorta wake and hit snooze
7:46am- hit snooze
7:52am- pry self from bed and stumble awkwardly to to shower
7:55am- step into shower and adjust water from FREEZING to comfortably warm (yes it took me that long)
7:56am- stand motionless in awakening stream
8:03am- brush teeth
8:09am- pack up clothes and books and computer
8:15am- meet Wade and Olshine to venture down to the breakfast area
8:25am- eat 2 hard boiled eggs and a yogurt
8:34am- make fun of Olshine's terrible looking cinnamon role (yuck!)
8:50am- brush teeth again and walk downstairs to the trailblazer to begin the drive to the airport

This week was a foundational experience for me. I will take weeks and maybe months to digest all of this information. Last night for the closing session they had communion for all the church leaders. It was such a powerful time and was a very necessary few hours for my spirit. We should arrive in Charlotte by 3:15pm... there has been some talk of a PF Chang's run. We'll see... that would be glorious!

It's still snowing here this morning. In fact, it has been most of the week here, I've decided I like to come and see the snow in areas like this, but the nice thing is being able to leave and not deal with it after. I doubt this is any snow accumulation in Lexington at the moment.

OK... I'm out.
T

Mars Hill part 1

2007-01-21T20:28:00.000-08:00

So we arrived in Grand Rapids, MI at about 6:oopm and immediately learned we lost our three bags somehow between Charlotte and the winter wonderland known as Michigan. Of a complete plane full of people Olshine, Wade and my bags were the only three lost. I think that takes effort more than accident. Oh well... just praying my bag of clothes shows up before I have to attend the first session in day old clothes and unbrushed teeth. To my great joy I found that Olshine had reserved a Trailblazer as our wheels for the week.Now I dont usually think about getting other vehicles other than my truck, but this vehicle might just change that fact. It is a sweet set of wheels for sure... I might just drive it home.

Fast forward to the service tonight at Mars Hill... A-MAZING. It was so great. there were no bells and whistles. A simple warehouse still large room with straight forward stage in the middle and chairs surrounding. It was a new set-up with the attenders sitting in a circle facing one another and the stage. With room for around 3,000 or so in the room it was such an awesome experience. Rob was all I expected for the night! Worship was so cool as well. So fresh... so natural and unforced. I loved it! It makes me very ready to see and learn for the rest of the week! But for now... BED.

Trevor

20 degrees and snow??

2007-01-21T06:03:00.000-08:00

Today I fly to Grandville, MI with Olshine and Wade to attend a church conference at Rob Bell's church, Mars Hill.I am so excited to expereince this week for so many different reasons.
1. Rob Bell... duh.
2. Hang with Wade and Olshine
3. My dad and best buddy PAtrick will be there
4. trips like this mean we eat good!

I will let you know how it all goes. Till then God Bless! Go COlts!

Trevor

Can you hear me now?

2007-01-16T07:42:00.000-08:00

I love Hazelnut coffee. I'm sitting in the Wired Bean (a coffee shop in Lexington) this morning... trying to finish my lesson for Wedensday night, but running into a bad case of writers block. Tomorrow we start a new series for the new semester with the 7-8th graders called "Can you hear me now?". We are looking at prayer and why God has given us the opportunity to communicate with him. Last night I was about to fall asleep while I was reading a book called The Barbarian Way and the writer shared a story of his prayer life. I was completely challenged. I pray a pretty good bit... in fact my prayer life has really grown over the past month or so, but Erwin McManus (the author) challenged my faith. Do I actually believe that God can and will give me the things I pray for??? Not because He desires. I want to pray differently... I am realizing that more and more. I think we don't take God seriously in his offer to pray and ask Him to be deeply involved in our lives and really for us to be involved in God's "life" or His existence. God desires a real, vibrant, alive relationship with each and every one of us. In fact... we exist for relationship with the creator, but many of us have no idea how to foster and grow that relationship. God has made a way for it to happen... prayer. It is our direct connection. So why would I pray like God never gets the memo or doesn't anticipate my turning to Him. After all 1 John 5:14-15 reminds us that prayer works. God hears us and it's as good as ours. Now, even as I write this I know someone may be saying... well I asked God for a new car weeks ago and I haven't seen even a hint of a new ride? That is a misunderstanding of this amazing passage. See... this kind of prayer is one that is in line with God's plans and His purposes. Selfish prayers that benefit only the individual is a sad falling short of prayers intended purpose. BUT, when we pray the things that God desires it is as good as done. That we would all seek God's desires and pray in line with the Kingdom of God. I can't wait to teach 90 students that God has made a way to communicate with them... prayer. Even as I'm typing this... I just got a call from my friend Meghan telling me how God answered her prayer for a lesson on Thursday at FCA. God is pretty cool...

In other news... I leave for Mars Hill Church in Michigan with Wade, Olshine and my dad on Sunday for a church conference called "Isn't She Beautiful?". I am so excited to go and learn and be challenged again. Now I must admit... Rob Bell is my hero and to go see Mars Hill is going to render me weak kneed and shaky, but it promises to be a great week. I'm also so excited to see my dad again. The only thing that is really tough about being here in South Carolina is being so far from my family. Lafayette, IN is no hop, skip and a jump... more like a ticket, plane and fly.
T

wee Me

2007-01-14T11:00:00.001-08:00

Peach Cobbler and Vanilla Ice Cream does my heart good

2007-01-11T19:04:00.000-08:00

It has been so nice to get back into the rhythm of things at the Horeb. After a wonderful break at home in Lafayette it seems a bit difficult jumping back on the bucking bronco that is Junior Ministry at Mt. Horeb. Excited? I'm ecstatic! I can't wait to see what God is going to do in and through each of us this semester. It is awesome to know that God has prepared a work for each of us to be a part of and to join with Him in what He is doing in the world. I am glad I get to work in Lexington. I am also glad to work at a great church like Mt. Horeb. Today we had leftover peach cobbler from Wednesday night meals. I nearly died. Peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream today was almost more than my little heart could take. Whoever made that cobbler should receive a medal!

Yesterday and today were big days in getting prepared for the semester to kick into high-gear. Yesterday was the first all church meal on Wednesday nights again... we did not start youth group back yet, but I did get to meet with many of my students I had not seen in a while. I miss them so much when I don't get to see them for a while. It always is nice to reunite with my students. Today was another big day in the office. Wade, Meghan, Nick and myself spent much of the day in prayer for each name we have on our sign in lists for the Fuse and Ignite... it was great to be able to pray for each student and have a face to put with the name. It blows my mind that the students I pray for... that I care about so much... God's heart burns for them even more. I am thankful for a loving God... it is an honor to share him with middle schoolers each week. After a short game of H-O-R-E-B in the Family Life Center(Horse, but with a Mt. Horeb flare) we had a small group meeting with some of our leadership. We are so blessed to work with the volunteer staff we have. They are so great and really care about the students they spend time with. Small groups have really become a huge part of the ministry... not only high school, but middle school as well. I miss my 7th grade guys already and I look forward to our February start date! I need to plan some new "MAN EVENT" ideas for them to enjoy each week! FCA tomorrow morning is coming quick so I better hit the sack, but I am just filled with a new passion and drive for what God is doing here in Lexington... I want to be a part of it!
Trevor

And all this time I thought being a barbarian was bad.

2007-01-08T21:27:00.000-08:00

Erwin McManus is quickly climbing the ladder of Trevor's personal favorite authors. I'm reading a book right now called "The Barbarian Way", which is a book that was suggested to me from a Ben Lippen student. I love this book. Erwin is not the strongest writer I have ever read... not that I am a seasoned critic, but his ideas are amazing. Everything he writes hits me close to my heart. Just today as Nick, Andrew, Wade and I met for youth staff meeting I realized Erwin's call for us to be Barbarians and live bold, dangerous, heroic and sometimes crazy lives for Jesus is actually what we are trying to challenge the students in the Fuse and Ignite to do. I would love to see 200 students who really are passionate about living the way Jesus calls us to live... today... now. I do believe that heaven can crash to earth... I don't think God's kingdom come is just something we are waiting for, but in fact is a present reality as well. I love how this book is challenging the way I think and the way I live. I love to read and find myself being opened to new ideas. The message is the same... sometimes the delivery is different... how fresh!

Tonight was a very disappointing National Championship indeed. Ohio State did not bring their A game tonight... to say the least. One shiny spot in this awful defeat... SEC looks better and better everyday boys! Look out world... GAMECOCKS... here we come.

T

Mighty to Save

2007-01-07T21:41:00.000-08:00

So many bits and pieces have gone into making this blog. It is so situational it is nauseating. Even that seems pretty obscure... so let me S'plain. Tonight nick and I watched Garden State... I had never watched this particular film. It is kinda one of those movies that messes with me from the inside... like Elizabethtown, Love Actually or Titanic (Yes I said it). It's times like this that I do some of my best thinking... so I find myself on my new IKEA purchased sofa listening to Mighty To Save by Hillsong and almost in tears. There is this line in the song that goes, "Savior, He can move the mountains. My God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save".

God saved me. He literally did the very thing I could not do, but needed more than my next breathe. I am blown away by Jesus' competency. Jesus has the ability to do whatever He wants to.. what ever He wills. I am so grateful He willed to save mankind. Man... I don't even know what else to say... I think I'm done. Goodnight.

I hate that my dog has to pee... outside

2007-01-04T22:51:00.000-08:00

So it is definitely 1:53 in the AM and I am up because Tozer was up. I have come to realize that he dictates a lot of my life. I never thought I would be whipped... especially by my dog, but I am. He has a nightly ritually he has recently picked up where he comes and lays his head on the side of my bed from between 1:00-4:00 AM. He will whimper in a pathetic soft whine until I acquiesce to his request and rise from my slumber to free him from his 282 R St. bondage. He was reluctant to come back inside as early as I had anticipated... so my mind was running. In 1 John chapter 4 and 5 I was reading today and there is a section that loosely says... "God Himself can not be seen... He is seen through our love of one another". I think I usually show a poor example of God. I want to love people well... but most of the time I get caught up in my love for myself or secret motives that were unknown to even me or just plain old weariness. The only way for the God of the universe... all His glory... fullness... holiness... righteousness to be seen is through my love for other people. No pressure. Yeah right. I want to learn how to show a great example of God. I want people to be able to look at my love... all of it... when I'm tired... when I'm lonely... when I feel like I want to be selfish... to my students... to my family.... to my friends... to the love of my life. I want to love well. If it looks anything like how I feel toward Tozer right now... it's not good.

It's funny how 2:05 AM can make me go on a rant (to speak at length in a wild, impassionate way) about the weirdest things. Tomorrow I'll be like... why did I write that.

He still won't come inside... I'm gonna kill him.

Ok... so I wonder what it feels like to really be in love. WHOA! It is late. I mean... I have cared very deeper for people before, but I wonder what it feels like to absolutely desire someone so strongly that their needs come before my own... all of them. That is a feeling I would like to have. I believe I have really changed many of my ideals and "lists" when it comes to a woman. I think I needed to. I think it is right. I think Love will be fun. Kinda like climbing is fun. Dangerous, unpredictable, precise, exciting, passionate, wild, free, primal :). That sounds about right.

Ok... so my dog has returned... only to receive a sharp kick to the ribs (not abuse... just a reminder). Maybe I need to work on that love thing.

Trevor

FIRE IN THE HOLE!!!!

2007-01-01T20:38:00.000-08:00

Well... it's 2007 and today I have been able to reflect a bit on the past year. It blows my mind to think where God has taken me... the ways he has changed me and the things He has taught me. I am reminded that God grows things. Sometimes it takes time for God to make us into what He wants us to be. So in 2007 I am grateful for what God has done in me... and now I look forward to more. I could not think of a better way to finalize this past year than driving to Charleston and blowing stuff up! Last night I met some great people and ate some wonderful food. After running into a guy I actually went to Mexico with on a mission trip 1998 we lit mortar after mortar and nearly exploded a neighboring dock on the Ashley River. It was dangerous... and I loved it! My good friend Rachel Olshine and I drove back to Lexington today and had a great time hanging out on the way. I love fireworks!! I really do. Whoever the first guy was to make a firework... he was a genius.

The only thing I really like better than fireworks is football. I love having a day like today where you have bowl game after bowl game to watch and enjoy. So here is to you 2007... I anticipate great things to come.

T

Here comes the bride.

2006-12-29T22:33:00.000-08:00

Hilton Head Island is a great backdrop I have decided for a marital ceremony... a wedding to be specific. One of my best friends Meghan Barnes (Sanders) got hitched. It was a glorious time with friends and family on the coast. Now... the food. Prime Rib was a great idea... so was the potatoes. Rachel Olshine actually got my non-dancing butt on the dance floor and for her I am grateful. Nick and I drove all the way back to Columbia tonight after the festivities and I am hitting the bed a tired boy. Congratulations Meghan and Josh... I love you both!

Soften Green

2006-12-14T09:31:00.000-08:00

My walls in my living room have changed drastically. From an ugly pinkish-tan to a softened green color. I have spent the past two days painting and causing my living room to look like a million bucks (never really understood that saying but it works). When I sit in my house now I feel much better knowing I have a new couch, two chairs, coffee table and softened green walls. So why the rush you might ask?? OR maybe you didn't, but I'll tell you anyway. Friday at 5-7pm a number of 7-8th graders and their parents will desend upon 282 Roberts street for a drop in style Christmas party. So... deck the halls... bruise you hand.

Trevor

Hot-lanta

2006-12-11T16:38:00.000-08:00

So let me tell you about my recent trip to a little place called Atlanta, GA. This trip was put together for many reasons and each one turned out to be a great reason to make the trek! First... as many who have ever entered the doors of 282 Roberts St. know, my old furniture left something to be desired... well a lot actually. So, I decided it was time for some new things to sit on and such. My original thought was I'll wait till I get a wife and then I will make the move to new furniture.... after much consideration and a bit of reality, I decided I may never get married UNLESS I make this move to buy new things. So... I did. Second and third tie. I have one new friend who resides in the Alpharetta area named Leah and a previous friend named Will who lives there as well. I was blessed to be able to spend some quality time with each. I must say saturday in Atlanta was the most fun I had had in months. Leah and I spent nearly 3 hours at IKEA. We ran around like fools and first timers trying to find the perfect couch, 2 chairs and coffee table we could find... and... we did. After a few hours at Champs sports bar and grill and Starbucks for some coffee to wash down the day I left to return to Lexington. I was reminded how blessed I am to have good friends... thanks guys and of course blessed to have furniture that does smell or have hair from Tozer on it... yet. If you are reading this... know I miss you. That's right... you too.

adios

Trevor

this thing isn't working

2006-12-04T15:46:00.000-08:00

I can't see my site... sad.

NYWC 2006

2006-12-01T20:40:00.000-08:00

Wow... where do I begin? I don't believe I have ever sat in one space and been so convinced that God is a real, living, compassionate, loving, HUGE, extra-ordinary, "hound of heaven", global and sovereign. This weekend has been an incredible experience. It was so refreshing to see sooo many youth workers with the goal of sharing the Hope of Jesus Christ with students. Wade, Nick, Rachel, the Rabbi, Meghan, Ferris, Lance and myself all ventured to YS (Youth Specialties) in Charlotte, NC. There were a number of amazing speakers, but the creator of Veggie Tales spoke about what happens when your dreams or ambitions (no matter how righteous) become more important than God himself. It completely impacted my heart. I have received a new desire to want to be in connection with Jesus Christ so closely that all my desires and dreams are His desires and dreams alone. I want to be active in serving the poor. I want to be serious about helping the broken. We as the church have done a great job of teaching students and adults alike about how Jesus served those in need, but we ourselves have done little about it. My good friend Nick said it right when he said... "I want to actually do something here... now". This weekend has done many things for me, but one of the biggest is just making me care about the lost and broken of our world.

We also stayed at the freakin BOMB hotel called the Westin in downtown. It was amazing. Like seriously, I should not have even been able to walk inside... let alone sleep inside. We also hooked up with a friend from BigStuf camp this summer named Leah. How great it is to see the heart of other young people in ministry. She was a real blessing to us this weekend. We also got to spend time with some current CIU students running the booth. Bottom line.... Heath, Billie and Hope are the BOMB!

I love God... that is about it. night.

Trevor

Exciting weekend

2006-11-29T06:25:00.000-08:00

November is always a great time here at the HOREB. Not because of Thanksgiving or youth ministry winding down, but because of Youth Specialties conference. Literally thousands of youth workers from all over the US come to 4 different locations for a kind of pep rally. Ours happens to be in Charlotte this year and promises to be a very exciting time. Who all is attending from the HOREB you might ask... Well I'll tell you. In attendance will be, Wade Joye, Trevor Miller, Nick Cunningham, Meghan Barnes, Rachel Olshine and Ferris Joye. The Rabbi will be there as well, but he will have his hands full due to the fact that he is speaking at the conference as well. So the weekend ahead is full of bands like Leeland and speakers like Mark Oestricher. So onward to Thursday morning and we will be see Lexington again on Sunday night.

Nick and I have decided to memorize the book of 1 John. It has gone very well and I have noticed such a difference just putting scripture inside of me and always having it available. A lot of me is like... Why didn't I think of this earlier!

ciao
Trevor

Taking my spiritual pulse

2006-11-21T04:46:00.000-08:00

A few events in my recent past (ie- Adrian Despres, Confirmation sunday... etc.) have caused me to put my fingers to my wrists and find my pulse again. It seems it has been too long since I last evaluated where I was in my spiritual walk. I believe this is a healthy activity to take part in every once in a while and I needed it.

I discovered I am not where I want to be. I really do want to do and go wherever God would lead. I have no problem desiring that end, but when it comes down to it I do a pretty poor job of living my life in a way that would give itself to that kind of devotion. I am sick of being mediocre at so many important areas of my walk. I am tired of being able to quote 2 or 3 Bible verses... petty? I don't think so... I want to value His word so highly it is ingrained into my heart and life. I am tired of praying whenever it is convenient for me... I forget that it should be like breathing. I am tired of compromise... which I do so often because my let my guard down. My only hope is that I still, even today, want Jesus more than I want anything else in my life. I want to make that longing translate from just a thought to a way of life.

If this sounds familiar... GOOD. I want this to be a constant evaluation. If this sounds cheesy... SORRY. This is where I am... this is what I want. So as I sit in this Columbia, SC airport to fly to Indiana for the Thanksgiving holiday... I feel a bit of hope of where I might be next time I decide to take my spiritual pulse.

DEAL!

2006-11-15T19:40:00.000-08:00

So tonight was deal or no deal at the Fuse (middle school ministry). It went just like we wanted. Between the student involvement and adult leadership it was just a really fun night. We had 92 students and 16 leaders. God is continuing to bless the things that are going on at the Horeb. Tonight was a night where I was just so excited to be a part of the things that were going on and the students that were there. Next week we have no fuse because of Thanksgiving and that will be a welcomed break as I fly home to spend the holiday with family.

We focused on the passage from Luke 18 where Jesus speaks to the rich young ruler and asks him to give up his wealth to follow Him. It is such a sad passage because the man walks away sad... unwilling to give this one thing up for Christ. I so do not want to live this way. I really don't want to allow anything to become more valuable to me than Jesus. It's a day to day struggle, but tonight I value Jesus highly! God continue to keep us chasing after you and reevaluating our dedication to you. AMEN.

night
T

Things I've learned today.

2006-11-09T12:32:00.000-08:00

1.) Gyros at Main Street deli might be the first world currency.
2.) Setting up can lights on the youth room lighting rack was not as hard as first anticipated.
3.) I don't pray enough.
4.) Living in South Carolina during the month of November is way better than living in Indiana in the month of November.
5.) After you don't run for a long time and suddenly you run a lot... it hurts.
6.) A best friend is worth their weight in Gold. Sometimes that is a lot of Gold.
7.) I don't pray enough.
8.) I wear sandals 98.7% of the time.
9.) God is very very real. (I learn this over and over again)
10.) Today does not have to be like yesterday.

Thanks for reading. Like they say... you learn something everyday.

(hand waving goodbye)
T

Nov. 6th

2006-11-06T18:58:00.000-08:00

The November 6th of this year is far different than the Nov. 6th of 2004. I am a much different person today than I was 2 years ago. Perfect?? HA! Perfection is far from a reality on this November day... but I am a bit closer than I was. I live with me everyday of my life, actually I AM me everday of my life so it is hard to see any kind of progress at all. But when I sit back and zoom out a bit I actually see a glimmer, a hint, a speck of progress. To me it seems progress should be quicker and look like something else, but no... it is this 3 steps forward 2 steps back. I hate some of the places I have been and some of the people I have been... it sickens me, but I would not be the person I am today. I desperately want to continue this progress... maybe even speed it up a bit and start taking 3 steps toward Jesus and 0 steps back. Pure progress... no ice... not watered down... straight up. So thank you Jesus for being patient with me... would you help put one foot in front of the other on this journey... this goal that is Glory.

Tonight we filmed a video for this Wednesday night's Fuse. It was a spin off of the Messin with Sasquatch commercial for Jack Links. We had 9 middle school guys sneak into my house and duck tape me to a chair and pour water on my head. May not sound funny to you, but middle schoolers will love it!

GOOD NIGHT!
Trevor

Cadbury 2.0

2006-11-01T09:46:00.000-08:00

So I was thinking last night while working at my second job (Stornghold climbing gym), Halloween candy really pales in comparison to Easter candy really for one reason and one reason alone... Cadbury creme eggs. I mean you could throw all the candy corn and gummi brains and worms you want in and they still would be burnt toast when held up to the prowess of the Cadbury creme egg. Now I want to be VERY clear here. I DO NOT consider the cadbury carmel egg or chocolate egg to be in the same category as their predecessor. So nice try Halloween, but you have not won me over.

So my thought was that if Cadbury wanted to take my advice and truly become a world (holiday) dominating power they would come up with some kind of cadbury creme bug or pumpkin. I'm telling you it's money in the bank.

On a more serious note I had an amazing conversation with a guy at the gym last night about hiw experience in high school in YL (young life). He spoke so highly of his experiences at YL camp and of his leader Paul Rhiner (The Don). It made me smile. This 19 year old student at USC who saw a glimpse of Jesus through his YL leader... I am so greatful for guys like Paul who keep loving Jesus and being patient with high schoolers and middle schoolers who seem to be unwilling to get their heads out of their pockets and get their lves straight. So thank you Paul and those like you!

Winston-Salem, NC

2006-10-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

So tonight I'm in Winston-Salem, Nc with Olshine (aka my Rabbi). I traveled with him tonight in a pimpin' Jeep Laredo rental car for an Understanding Your Teenager Seminar. It actually was a very eventful evening, including... lasagna, as many cookies as I can eat, did I say pimpin' jeep?... Courtyard Marriott... near Gamecock win... great people and church... and of course... pastacsio nuts. This seminar is a good thing, a very good thing. It is so great to help these parents learn how to better raise and encourage their students. I believe this aids in youth ministry in the local church. After all, the goal of youth ministry is not to take place of parents... but instead to partner with the parents to raise the child. Olshine did an awesome job communicating new ideas and new goals for these parents to try. It truly was an honor to be a part of. It made me thank God tonight for the great parents I have. I couldn't have asked for better.

Peace out.

Trevor

E.T.revor phone home.

2006-10-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

So I actually had contact with L-town tonight. Lafayette, IN that is. A friend of mine from the corn covered state named Brittany called me tonight and it was a very welcomed surprise. The skinny is that in a mere 2 weeks she and I... along with a few other people will be leading worship at my home church for a mission conference. This is the background of her call. It was nice to hear a familiar voice when it seems I go days and days without much contact with the place I used to call home. It was fun to laugh and joke for a bit and kinda forget about the many responsibilities and things I have to do here. I believe you would be hard pressed to find a family like the Davis'... in fact I would say you would be "pressed to a pulp!"... go ahead quote me. Well my bed is calling me after an hour and a half of gruelling North/South game practice... I never got to touch the ball tonight... I really was an athlete though... I swear.

Adios... Buenos Noches!

Trev... or

I once was an athlete... I swear

2006-10-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

You ever just get to that point when you wake up and you're like... whoa... How did I get here? You maybe thought you had a certain identity and all at once you no can be identified by that. Kinda like milk that has been in the fridge too long... It's no longer milk... more cottage cheese. Or how 'bout cottage cheese that has been in the fridge too long? IT becomes... you know I don't really know what that becomes... I'll think I'll remove it from my cooler (you think I'm joking).

But anyway, back to me having a different identity... like cheese and milk... I'm sick.

I once was an athlete. I really was. I played sports for a few years before I went into youth ministry and then graduated and got a job. Even while at CIU I played intramural sports and the occasional North vs. South game. So it really was no surprise when I got a call to come and play for the North team again this year... my initial reaction... ANYTHING I CAN DO TO STAY ON THE FIELD. My second reaction... I don't even have cleats. My I have fallen from my athleticism.

So today with much sorrow I scour the countryside for a pair of cheap cleats. Growing old is a bummer...

Catch ya later (unless your too fast).
Trevor

Look out greasers here we come...

2006-10-23T18:42:00.000-07:00

Tonight at small group we had another man event. Each time we meet we do something out of the ordinary and refer to it as a man event. Tonight was an old school rumble in the yard... straight out of "The Outsiders". So picture this... 6 middle school boys (Zach, Mack, Addison, Conner, Colin and Emory) plus Nick and myself in the front yard of 282 Roberts street wrestling one another outside of a circle in the grass. It was at night so it was completely dark besides the lights of our two trucks shinning to illuminate the battle. this only backed our greaser image.

I think tonight was a very positive small group night. Being able to just be boys and wrestle around without being yelled at for being crazy allows guys to be guys. We talked afterward about the event being part of our fellowship... guys connecting with other guys just by doing things together... experiencing life together. I so want these guys to grow not only in their relationship with God, but also in their relationship with each other.

In Matt. 22 Jesus tells us it is the most important thing in life... might even say it as our purpose to love God with ALL we have "our heart, soul and mind" and to love our neighbors as ourselves. The goal of small group is this... to connect with God and make Him priority to where EVERYTHING else lines itself to this fact and to love others just like that. I pray for these guys that God would make them change not because they are weird, out of control, ADD, wrong or annoying... but instead change because God wants us each to look like Jesus. And I can garauntee not one of us is there yet.

So let us strive to look more like the savior. Sometimes it is 5 steps forward, 3 steps back... but that is a 2 step progress.

TTYL

T

"How about a bumper sandwich booger lips"

2006-10-22T22:46:00.000-07:00

Oh, Ernest P. Whorel (sp) how I appreciate all of your many movies. Each one a classic in my eyes. But, my friends there is one that stands out head and shoulders above the rest. "Ernest Scared Stupid"... it changed my life. Each year I watch it with friends and each year I laugh my butt off. Well not off... but you get the idea. Oh and tonight I carved a pumpkin.

Over and Out... (kkkkuuuhhh)
T

Fatigue is more than just physical

2006-10-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

My best friend Nick and I went to the gym here in Lexington tonight. Due to many different circumstances... not because I don't want to... I haven't stepped foot into the Golds gym that we are members at for weeks. Let me first say gyms are so funny to. Everyone is trying so hard to look huge, cut, ripped, fit or massive. You can just sit and watch guys looking out of the side of their eyes to make sure "she" is looking while they try their "NEW MAX... RAH!" Whatever... I just think it's funny because I do the same thing when I go in... try to be cool. Anyway, Because of my 3 week hiatus my muslces have decreased considerable and as I noticed tonight... are not used to pushing weight yet. Each time I pushed they would scream at me and tell me... "I'm not ready!". But how am I ever going to get back into shape if I listen to those pesky muscle fibers? So, NO... I put my head down and push on. The harder I pushed the harder it was to focus my eyes and keep my food down (sorry, gross I know). What happened to me? Why am I so weak?

I got out of rhythm. I fell off the bandwagon. I quite my routine. I got out of step with my previous way of living. But today my thoughts were not confined to physical fatigue from my whimpy muscles. Tonight I was consumed thinking about how often I let my spiritual life become fatigued and out of shape. I can got for weeks spending time with Jesus and focusing on Him and then ONE week will effectively take away precious momentum. It's true that this life we live as Christians... as Jesus followers... is a journey. Journeys aren't easy. Some days you can travels miles and miles and never feel the strain. Others you can actually go backward or get lost or simply refuse to leave from your present location. Staying in Rhythm with Jesus is THE hardest endeavor I have ever undertaken. Because He demands so much you may ask? Because Jesus isn't fair? Because He never really talks back when I pray? No... No... and a hearty No. It's hard because I am inconsistent. If I don't stay in the gym I get weak and pathetic and it is near impossible to get back into the routine. If I don't stay connect with my Savior I do the same. I get weak and suddenly make decisions and do thing I immediately regret. It become snear impossible to sit down and start a daily practice of connect with God. Is it important?

Like BREATHING.

I want to train my muscles to be huge, fit, ripped, massive because my body will be healthy... and not to mention maybe a female might notice. I want to train my soul to be healthy, alive, connected, right, good because my very being will be healthy. So God would you give me the desire to connect with you daily and to be spiritually pumping iron!

Stay Classy San Diego!

Cookies in the sanctuary...

2006-10-19T06:42:00.000-07:00

So this sunday I get to do something I love to do. I get to play guitar! It's true... occasionally I have the oportunity to help lead worship at the 9:00 contemporary service and I'm stoked. We practiced last night at 9:0opm... it was a bit of a late start and Tim provided some killer cookies. I think that guy could make a living bringing around the the sweet morsels he offers. STINKIN' YUM! There is a new addition to our sanctuary as well that ups my intrest in this venture... real drums. Even as I say it my legs grow weak and mouth begins to water. We have had one service with the new toys and I really believe it has and will enrich our worship services. Do I think worship is about real drums?? NO! I think worship is about a REAL Jesus, but there is something to be said about music being louder than I can sing... As David Crowder reminds us in his song "Sing Like the Saved", the King James Version calls us to make a "loud noise". Even last night playing guitar with the band I felt refreshed and alive again. When I truly enter into worship... which doesn't always happen... and often I have to work for, God does great things inside me. I miss passionate worship. I miss experiencing Jesus' presence during the week. So if I want passionate worship it has to start with me. So this sunday I am praying for God to touch our hearts and allow us to experience a healthy dose of the Almighty! May the force be with you...

In the Beginning...

2006-10-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

So I have decided after seeing one of my colleagues and heroes (Wade Joye) begin to blog (wadejoye.typepad.com) I will take on the same task. For me this venture will be to allow students in the Fuse ministry and folks at Mt. Horeb to get glimpse into my life. I hope to share where God is taking me and growing me to encourage anyone that may choose to read. I believe we are all on this journey with Jesus as He makes and molds us and I simply want to put part of my story on display to give glory to Jesus and His work. My hope is that as people look at my life... Dirt and all they see a signature of Jesus. So some of these postings may be random... some may be mountain tops... some may be valleys, but all will be a twist or turn in the journey. Today has been another day where despite where I have been the past few months... I give my life to Jesus again.

Trevor