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

Here comes the bride.

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

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

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

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