Peanut Butter Ritz crackers and James 1:4

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.

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

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

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??

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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...

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!

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

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.

I'm a bit bummed.

Just some reflection

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.

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.

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

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

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...

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

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!

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

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

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??

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?

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

Peach Cobbler and Vanilla Ice Cream does my heart good

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.

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

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

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!!!!

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