Recent Interview

I returned today from the Valley after interviewing at a church. I didn't come away with a great feel for how the search committee felt about me, but I will say that I did feel very comfortable during the two days I was visiting.
Now I know many of the students and adult sponsors from camp and was able to interact with them well, so that was helpful.
Also I laid a whooping on several of the high school boys while playing Risk. I tried to warn them that they were spreading their armies to thin. They wouldn't listen. They were forced to pay.
Outside of the ministry opportunities here is a short list of the things that excite me about working there:
- a few minutes from South Padre Island and the beach. We actually stayed out on the island one of the nights. And went and walked the length of the jetty in the morning.
- the parsonage! 3 bedrooms. 2 large living spaces. A yard! That could be amazing.
- my asthma seemed to be under control, or rather better than it's been here in S.A.
- the parsonage is only a few blocks from the church and the church is two blocks from one of the high schools. My current job has me driving 30-40 to work every day.
- cost of living in the Valley is supposed to be a lot less than other places.
- the youth pastor's office is in the youth building and has plenty of potential.

I'm going to continuing praying about it until they make their own decisions.

Mystery J.J. Abrams

Updated website: http://www.1-18-08.com/

Entertainment Weekly revealed that it definitely is a monster movie. Godzilla? Maybe something new? Doesn't matter...can't wait.

The Simpsons

I went and saw The Simpsons Movie tonight. The image below is not from the movie but I like it. I wouldn't mind seeing other beloved American icons in anime if anyone knows where to find some.

First off we ate at Chuy's beforehand and I had two great soft chicken tacos. Here's their menu so you can plan ahead.

Soft Tacos

• Served with lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo & guacamole.
• Choose from: guacamole, chicken, carne guisada or ground sirloin.
• Crunchy TacosGrilled sirloin, lettuce, cheese & tomatoes.
• Tacos Al Carbon Fajita chicken or beef with grilled onions and green chiles.
• Baja Tacos Your choice of lightly battered and fried fish or shrimp with cilantro, red cabbage and Creamy Jalapeño.
• Taco plates come with rice & refried or charro beans.
  

Back to the movie. If you haven't been to the official website you should check it out. I don't want to give to much away, but please allow me to state a few thoughts about this flick:

1. Maybe the best opening sequence in a movie ever!
2. Between this movie and Knocked Up I feel as if I have had a summer course in either Biology or Sex Ed.
3. While most of the treasured town characters were visible many were notably non-vocal.
4. The previews for The Chipmunks and Bee Movie are definitely creating some buzz. Oops sorry about that pun.
5. The credit "scenes" weren't too impressive.
6. The Spider-Pig song is amazing.
7. There was no Butterfinger "cameo".
8. I love the way The Simpsons can address issues of government, environment, religion or whatever current hot button issue without going overboard and offending people, but rather challenges ideas on both sides of an issue.

Finally!!!

Usually late night shopping at Wal-Mart makes some sense. I'm gathering supplies for camp the night before we leave. I realized that I have no breakfast the next morning. I'm having an asthma attack and my inhaler is out...actually I may have to make another trip tonight.
Anyways tonight was for another reason entirely. I don't wait in lines to go to the movies. I don't wait in lines to get great seats for concerts. I don't like to get to excited about anything. But I could not control myself.
And $19.25 later I have it. It's been years since book six, and now the answer are finally going to be revealed.

Bought What They Were Selling...

According to CNNMoney, Schertz, TX (my residence) is one of the top 100 Best Places to Live

40. Schertz, Texas
Population: 22,600
Median home price (2006): $187,824
Average property taxes (2005): $2,526

Sandwiched between the hustle and bustle of Austin, San Antonio and Houston is this quaint little town deeply rooted in Central Texas history. Schertz has the kind of collective nostalgia that historians only dream of: Descendents from the first settlers (last name Schertz) still reside in the city. The United Methodist Church building serves the same purpose as it did a century ago. And the same is true for the red-brick business building on Main Street. With San Antonio and its famous Riverwalk and plentiful jobs an easy drive away, Schertz's economy is humming. Schertz's crowning gem and most-beloved tradition? The Schertz Fourth of July Jubilee, which draws visitors from all over the state.

I'm not really sure what the CNNMoney judges were looking for but Schertz is a very odd choice according to this Schertz inhabitant. And I'm not sure who is traveling to Schertz for the Fourth of July Jubilee, but I went to Transformers instead.
Nevertheless...if you're looking for a place to relocate to...Schertz is the 40th best place to choose.

Two Weekend Thoughts...

I had breakfast/lunch with my family today. We ate at this "hole-in-wall" place called Grumpy's. While I had the ham and cheese omlet someone else got the above chicken fried steak. This steak was literally 12 inches square. It was huge. The fork in the photo was to give perspective, but then I remembered forks can come in different sizes. About a 1/4 of it was eaten the rest was taken home in three, count them 3, to-go boxes.



I loved The Order of the Pheonix! It may be my second favorite. I'm still think The Prisoner of Azkaban was brillant, although not my favorite book. While the plot moved quickly and liberties were taken that differed from the book, the overall film was great. While the "first kiss" was highly anticipated, I think the Luna Lovegood character was spot on casting and wonderfully created and acted, possibly my favorite part of the movie. I also can't wait to see more of Bellatrix in the next movies as well.
The above photo is a die hard Potter fan. I went on Friday night, several days after the opening and I'm assuming this person was seeing the movie for the multi-time. At first I thought it was hilarious, with his Gryffindor flag and wand down his right sock, but then I was impressed. He could have easily bailed, but he hung in there through the whole movie.

Bush Successful?

William Kristol of The Washington Post offers a piece on why Bush will be remember as a successful president.

He offers 3 examples as to why:
1. Economy - When Bush took over the economic future was uncertain between the dot-com downfalls and 9/11, however the national economy has been strong and it's building, unemployment has been low and the stock market is rebuilding. Bush's tax cuts, although highly criticized are proving themselves justified. Plus the Medicare initiatives have seen successful integration.
2. Terrorism - There has been no second attack on America (outside Iraq). This shouldn't be taken lightly. This is something that was assumed would be a continual reality after 9/11. And foreign policy is generally the same. While some national relationships have slipped others have found strength and all in all there is nothing that is too threatening.

But, what about...
3. Iraq - The Bush legacy hangs in the balance of Iraq. Kristol suggest that between the troop surge and Gen. Petraeus, the war has a 50-50 chance.

A few of other points that Kristol briefly highlights are: Bush's (successful) Supreme Court appointees, while the were highly contested, generally people agree that both Roberts and Alito are highly qualified. Also if Bush's second term can be followed (vindicated) by a elected Republican president in the coming election. The current Democratic candidates are not all that impressive and may chop their own heads off in the primaries. And Kristol believes that Bush's failed private Social Security and immigration policies will see success in similar agendas soon enough.

These are some interesting thoughts and I do believe that Bush's ultimate success or failure will be hard to judge until enough time has passed. How long will that be? And do you agree with Kristol?

Read the article and tell me what you think.

Great story!

A robber threatens to start shooting people at a party if they don't give him money, is instead offered some Chateau Malescot St-Exupéry, responds, "D**n, that's good wine," and eventually leaves peacefully--but not before requesting a group hug!

(by way of)

I love list. Some of my favorite list can be found at AFI's (American Film Institute) website.

But another good source for list, which are fun to discuss and argue, is Entertainment Weekly's website. I thought I'd highlight a few lists over the week as well as add my thoughts.

As you can probably tell I love movies and talking about movies. A perfect weekend includes at least two movies in it (either in the theater, on dvd, recorded on my dvr, or the random showing on tv). On to the frist list.

The 25 Greatest Action Films Ever! by Marc Bernardin on EW.com
(I'm giving only the top ten)

10. Terminator 2: Judgment Day - Still a great movie. The visual effects were/are amazing. My favorite Schwarzenegger flick, well this or Jingle All the Way (a Christmas action movie)
9. Hard Boiled - I have not seen this Chow Yun-Fat movie
8. Saving Private Ryan - I'm not sure if this falls in the category of action flick. Usually I distinguish war movies from action flicks. But a great movie.
7. Gladiator - I do think this is a great movie, but I personally thought is was slightly overrated. Mainly in the Russell Crowe sense. I could imagine a dozen actors filling those sandals and the movie still working. But none the less a great action epic.
6. Seven Samuri - I never taken the time to watch this, but I believe it was the inspiration of The Magnificent Seven starring Yul Brynner and Steven McQueen which I one of my favorite westerns.
5. The Matrix - Unfortunately they made sequels, because this alone was enough. An amazing movie. I can still remember seeing numerous times in the theater, something that was rare in my college years. This is actually the second Reeves movie in the top 20.
4. The Road Warrior - I recently watched Mad Max and I'm glad someone was able to see beyond that to make this movie. Unfortunately it lead to Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.
3. Raiders of the Lost Ark - I think I could put all three Indiana Jones movies in my top 10. This is a perfect movie. And if I was making a straight up list of favorite movies this would right behind Forrest Gump and Braveheart.
2. Aliens - There was genius in James Cameron to take a Sci-Fi/Horror and make the action packed movie that is Aliens.
1. Die Hard - I probably flip flop Indiana Jones movies with Die Hard movies on my personal list depended on which is most recent to me. Not only did it offer Bruce his first lead movie role, but if also introduced us to Alan Rickman. Yippie-ki-yay

What movie would you add to the list? Check out the web-site for more ideas, they actually have a list of their top 100.

Man's smelly feet trigger police raid

I saw this article on the Internet and thought it was funny. It brought back some memories.
There was a couple of guys in college that had I not seen them during the day I suppose I could have called the cops to break into their dorm room. It stunk.
As not to embarrass them on the world wide web I'll refer to them as JB and TB (not related). They were both runners. In high school they both lettered and achieved a lot of praise for their athleticism. Actually while at school JB would run 5K's and he used the prize money for his weekly spending. I laughed pretty hard when he came back one Saturday afternoon having won the race, but instead of money he won a tree.
I digress.
I was mentioning them and their running, because their sweaty laundry wafted throughout the dorm floor. It would reek and we had to constantly recommend study sessions in our dorm.

"I am truly not one to give advice. I'm divorced and I stole my best friend's husband."

– Denise Richards, at the Ratatouille premiere, when asked by TV's Extra if she had any post-jail advice for Paris Hilton (click HERE for reference)

I'm struck by this rare showing of honesty from someone in Hollywood. I'm curious if there was regret in her tone or whether it was said with a blase attitude as if divorce and spouse-stealing are natural.

I write a lot in my Bible, and in the front inside cover I often write down quotes or ideas. Several years ago I wrote down, "Trust demands truth. Speak truth despite the risk and dangers. Have a ruthless truth teller in your life."

I've set a life goal of complete truth (harder lived than said). I'm tired of half truths and lies in my life. First off they are demanding in their upkeep. I struggle to maintain what I've said and to who I said it. I'm also finding that these lies and deceptions are not resulting in peace and security, rather I feel just as vulnerable and fearful as before, perhaps more. And this behavior in no way is encouraging my relationships, in fact I find myself more paranoid and more isolated as a result.

I want to embrace truth. To expose the reality of who I am. I believe their will be "power" in that weakness. How can I can I live in fear of what can be discovered about me if I've already told them everything. How can I accused of evil if I'm not slinking around in the shadows, because I've turned a spot light on the darkness that can be found. How can someone tear me down, when I've already humbled myself.

I'm thinking of that final battle scene in 8 Mile, when Rabbit (Eminem) lays out all the vulnerable attack positions that his competition could use (would have used). "Yeah I'm from trailor park, my girl friend cheated on me, my friend shot himself and I'm white...but I'm real, this is who I am" (obviously a paraphrase). The result was Papa Doc (for some reason I remember this name) had nothing to say and he knew he was defeated.

Made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness". I want to trust this, but do I really believe it? I guess the truth of this will have to be discovered.

Audio A Farewell

Well in typical Christian Music Industry fashion, someone decided to squeeze a few more ounces of blood from the rock, and to be honest this time I’m buying.

A farewell album for Audio Adrenaline will be released at the end of August and I’m a gladly going to hand over the money for this one.

Jumping around, singing along, and dancing recklessly to songs like; Big House, DC-10, Can’t Take God Away, We’re a Band or If You’re Happy and You Know It, are some of my favorite concert moments. Unfortunately Rest Easy is not on this album, it’s my favorite AA song. And while I believe Bloom is their best album I don’t think that means they peaked in any way. From Some Kind of Zombie to Adios the music was always up to par. And in an industry that is generally cheese, l loved Audio’s music.

I think there is something to be gained from the fact that Audio’s farewell is largely because Mark Stuart’s voice was giving out. Anyone who ever attended an Audio Adrenaline concert would probably agree that this band preformed all out on every song. Whether it was Will jumping around with his bass, or Barry Blair (yep old-school) tearing it up on his guitar or Mark’s incredible vocals, you knew what to expect. When I think of my life/my youth ministry career will I serve all out every day until I physically can’t go on anymore? What a goal…

Back in 1996 when Audio was touring with DC Talk during the Jesus Freak tour, they actually came to Rapid City. We got one “big” Christian concert a year (not counting Hills Alive) and DC Talk actually came. I showed up early and Matt Grant, my brother and I got to help set up the merchandise tables. There were these two guys running this stuff and I not sure where they were in their faith, but I had my suspicions. They would brag to us about what people, particularly girls, would offer to get back stage. Anyways while DC Talk was doing their sound checks the Audio guys were out hanging with us checking out the newest t-shirts and stuff.
One of the sales guys says to Mark: “I can’t believe you guys stay and sign autographs and talk to all these fans after show. You know if you charged even $5 per person you can make a lot of money.”
Mark’s response was the classic right words at the right time. He said, “That’s just vanity man, vanity.” And he walked away.
Awesome!

Another perk to working the merchandise table was again an amazing experience. While Audio A was warming up and doing their sound check, Matt, Todd and I were freaking in the mosh pit. Once exhausted we jumped up and sat down on the stage and listened to the band jam. We were the only three people in the auditorium.

Advocating Leader

I took a personal dna test and the results suggest that I'm an Advocating Leader. Those of you who know me what do you think? Click HERE to find out more about what a Advocating Leader suggest.
Of course most people who know me don't read blogs so I suppose that I won't get any responses. Oh well. I'll have to print it off and take it to you and get some confirmation.

"Her message seemed clear enough. Behind the charade of the lunch menu recital burned the untapped rage of our secret passion."

-Kevin Arnold (Fred Savage), on The Wonder Years, as Winnie Cooper read the school menu.

It's brillant writing like that that made this show an instant classic.

-T-

new "Indy" pic

I can't wait, I can't wait, I can't wait!

transformers

I saw Transformers today. Typical Michael Bay flic. I felt like I was watching Pearl Harbor but with alien robots. Visual it was good, but the plot was weak. I still can't tell you exactly what the "significant object" (I don't want to give away details) did or didn't do. There was major plot confusions that really baffled me, to which I'll say if you're trying to protect people maybe a major city isn't the best place to have a big robot fight.
The movie did have it's moments though and I will give it some credit, but I should have waited and went to see Ratatouille.

Steve Jobs on youth ministry

Tim Schmoyer posted this on his blog Life in Student Ministry. Steve Jobs is speaking about passion for what you do. The Youth Ministry application is significant.

Human Joysticks (NewsBreaker Live - interactive cinema game)

This would definitely be a whole lot better than the trivia or "The 20". But even better would be this and trivia!

justin mcroberts

One of my favorite artist is Justin McRoberts. I was listening to his live CD on my way home this morning, and I find myself turning my driver seat into a cathedral.
Justin has one of the most astounding voices I've heard.
I bought his first album in college and the early work is just as good today as the when I first heard it.
I wanted to share it with you.

Already Beginning to Count Down

Harrison actually looks good here dispite turning 65 in July.
If you check out Ford's bio at IMDB.com you'll find that he's alternate name is Jethro the Bus Driver. What's that about?

Anyways I can already here the theme music... actually you can hear it at the Indiana website, click on the pic.

"Falling Off The Bone!"

I had dinner with the family at T.G.I. Fridays last night. Our waiter Victor recommended the Jack Daniel's Roasted Pork, swearing it had never failed him.
So I ordered it.
Oh...and they had Fried Green Beans as appitizers that were outstanding.
But the back to the Pork. It was served on a pile of mash potatoes with brocilli around it and french onion toppings.

AWESOME! Vic was absolutely right.

He described it as "falling off the bone." Which is now my new favorite slogan.

Falling Off The Bone!

2007-06-26 2:15

Where were you?


I was unable to sleep so I was watching TV late into the night and low and behold I experienced a life changing event.


This will go down in the annuals of time like:
- The JFK assassination
- The Challenger Explosion
and
- 9/11




Yep I'm speaking of Paris Hilton's prison release. Someday I'll be able to tell me children that I saw it live!
I'm personally saying thank you prayers all day for the excellent timing of the few reporters who were able to catch those amazing pictures and first words.

Commitment!

Brian Billick, head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, was invited to address the graduating class of John Hopkins University. The following inspiritation quote instantly qualifies as a "legend- wait for it - ary"!

"In a bacon-and-egg breakfast the chicken is involved, but the pig is commited. Be that pig."

So today, in whatever circumstance of your life that you find yourself reading this post... be that pig!

Oink, oink!

I like it when...

In response to Allison Hibbard's post on her blog There Is No Better Way To Spend Your Time I present the following....

- I like it when someone makes me a grilled cheese sandwich for no reason. mmmm
- I like when I've finished working outside or with my hands and feel even more manly than usual.
- I like it when I see a women in uniform (not the most flattering outfit, but they seem to have a confidence, assurance, and a "put-together-ness" that's really attractive).
- I like it when a cool breeze hits my ankles, especially if I'm wearing pants.
- I like it when I accomplish a rather difficult challenge when playing Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon.
- I like it when an Audrey Hepburn movie comes on TV and I have nothing to do, but sit down and watch.
- I like it when I go to Red Robin and that annoying bird leaves me alone.
- I like it when Caedmon's Call announces that Derek Webb has rejoined the group.
- I like it when I find money in the dryer.
- I like it when people return e-mails promptly.
- I like it when my parents invite me over because their grilling steak.
- I like it when the roads are clear on my way to work.
- I like it when people say I should have children, even though it scares me to death.
- I like it when a girl accepts my invitation to go on a date, and my blood pressure returns to normal.
- I like it when it rains and I can sit on my balcony and read.
- I like it when Mark Buchanan publishes a new book.
- I like it when I can sit around with college buddies and retell stories from the "day".
- I like it when I have day old chin stubble.
- I like it when my conditioner makes my scalp tingle.
- I like it when shoes have that new shoe smell.
- I like it when I can put my feet up at the movie theater.
- I like it when I reconnect with a long lost friend.
- I like it when someone ask to pray with me.
- I like it when I can hang out with my sisters.
- I like it when trust is given to me.
- I like it when I really trust.
- I like it when I can get a slurpee at 7-Eleven.
- I like it when I have a bag of sunflower seeds, a bottle of Dr. Pepper and more than 5 hours of open road.
- I like it when I look back and realize "it" is always better because I was living in the moment and then have to ponder the irony of the fact that I have to look back to realize it, therefore leaving that moment I should be living.
- I like it when I finish off a tube of toothpaste.

pure random thoughts from the past several weeks

- I really like Chantal Kreviazuk's Feels Like Home. I unfortunately must confess that I heard it while watching How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. I think Kate Hudson is absolutely stunning and stop and stare whenever she's on TV. Plus I think Matthew McConaughey is a horrible actor and its like watching a train wreck.

- Rain Man was on TV and of course everybody remembers Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman in the movie, but I remember the girls voice. I knew her from something else so I had to find out. She is also the girl that Charlie Sheen fried an egg on in Hot Shots. Valeria Golino. More importantly she was in Clean Slate with Dana Carvey, Big Top Pee Wee and Four Rooms.

- I listen to Kidd Kraddick in the Morning on 96.1 as I drive to work. Some mornings I am laughing so much I worry about what other drivers think. So mornings I don't laught at all.

- Andy Sandberg, of SNL, tongue kissing that dog (when Zack Braff hosted) was both hilarious and revolting at the same time.

- Speaking of Andy Sandberg, his movie Hot Rod looks great.

- Worse than Andy Sandberg kissing the dog was Zack Braff kissing the other actor that night.

- I'm amazed at how many actors and actresses had a role in a Boy Meets World episode. Someday I'm going to have to look all those up.

- Neil Patrick Harris is refered to in Harold and Kumar god to White Castle as "NPH". I love that.

- I've enjoyed The Riches on FX. It's fascinating and sad.

- Gretchen Wilson said on the CMT Diary the following quote and I found it beautiful and profound. Not bad for a red neck woman. "Silence is the most beautiful song I've ever heard."

Been away for a while...

I've been away for some time. I have another blog that I maintain, but recently I've been unable to access it, therefore I'm posting here until I solve the problem and possibly return to trevorscott.vox.com.
Although I've been having a major "life-decision" moment that may change all my online usage. I am a huge fan of everything Google is doing. From the actual search engine, to the accessories, to even how the company opperates. So deep down in the core of who I am I long to convert to everything Google.
This more would require a lot more than just changing my primary blog. I am an avid fan of Flickr. And I don't think Google's Picasa Web Albums is as finely tuned as Flickr. But I have no doubt that eventually it will be.

Year in Jesus?

'Nightline': The Year in Jesus
From Mega Churches to the Controversy of Hollywood Stars and Their Religious Beliefs

Click HERE for full story.

Nightline did a year in review for Jesus. Describing some of the more national covered events and people of 2006 in the realm of Christianity. Kind of interesting to look back on.
-T-

Dumb Criminal

Man Picks Wrong Time to Use Bogus Check

Season 6 of "24"

Click on picture to go to the new season trailor....

A Junior High Moment

Here's a recent headline from www.space.com
Uranus Has a Dark Spot

A Wasted 100

I just realized that I missed the 100th post. I guess I wasted it on a news article about a man who grunts too much.

Yeah!
-T-

Talk about Tough Love

Kid arrested for playing with Christmas present

This is one mother you do not mess with.
-T-

Seeking Employment

Police: 15-Year-Old Steals Bus, Drives Route Collecting Fares

Sounds like he was just in need of a job.
-T-

This is gross

http://www.nopeitssoap.com/

Principal suspended for giving kid a ‘wedgie’

Scientology?

Here is a link to a report on Scientology from RollingStone Mag.

CLICK HERE

It seems to be a fair article, asking what is it and why would it make Tom Cruise so nutty. It definitely answers a lot of questions about what it is and what they believe.

What were they thinking?

Tesco condemned for selling pole dancing toy

Squirrels go nust on crack

CLICK HERE

Which forces me ask..."How would you know?"
-T-

The Church You Know...

This web-site plays off the NBC "The More You Know" service ad campaign.
Down right hilarious. I want the t-shirt.

CLICK HERE

Yet another article from TIME Mag

God vs. Science
We revere faith and scientific progress, hunger for miracles and for MRIs. But are the worldviews compatible? TIME convenes a debate

This is an interesting article if you are interested in the struggle between faith and science ability to "answers" the mysteries of our world.

Enjoy!

-T-

Another TIME Mag article on youth ministry

How to Get Teens Excited About God
Youth ministers are seeking clues in the results of a new survey of teens and the church, which shows a spiritual longing that is often not fulfilled

In Touch With Jesus

Sugarcoated, MTV-style youth ministry is so over. Bible-based worship is packing teens in pews now.


from TIME magazine. Click HERE to read the article.

A ban on all religion?

"From my point of view, I would ban religion completely. Organized religion doesn't seem to work. It turns people into really hateful lemmings and it's not really compassionate." - Elton John

You can read more of Elton John's statement HERE.

I'm a little torn by the comments made by Sir Elton. While I think it's pretty shortsighted and intolerant of him to not allow a person of faith to have the opinion that homosexuality is wrong, I wonder if this reaction is due to the unloving response Christians have shown the gay community.

It's hard to live a response like Jesus' because Jesus never encounter a homosexual in the scriptures. But we do know that Jesus loved sinners and responded to sinners with demonstrations of love. And we know that Jesus was stern and confronting in the way he addressed believers who did not demonstrate love.

I am not in anyway condoning homosexuality. Just like I wouldn't condone any kind of sexual immorality. But I do believe we need to be a people who love the unlovably...just like God loved us.

-T-

The Lazy Man's Soap

You have to be pretty lazy to buy this. How hard is it to lather yourself up with a bar of soap or scrub yourself with a loofah.
But if you are CLICK HERE.

I'll probably have to purchase some.
-T-

Tired of MySpace?

Here is another community networking site call VOX

click here

I personally like it better than myspace, which to me is too cluttered.
My VOX is www.trevorscott.vox.com

-T-

Don't strain yourself!

Man Escorted From Planet Fitness Gym For Grunting

This is....funny?
-T-

Go Green

For those of you who find yourself concerned about the enviroment and the future of our earth. Personally I'm not a fanatic, because if this world were to die it would mean Jesus' return was imminent, but I do feel that one of the core responsibilities of men and women is to care for our world. I think that's what God assigned to Adam and Eve.

Anyways if your concerned here is a helpful, useful website:

http://www.worldchanging.com/

-T-

a beautiful blog tribute

Here is a blog entry by a guy named Bob Carlton in tribute to Mike Yaconelli. Yaconelli was a guru of sorts in youth minister/ministry circles. He was definitely someone who helped me catch a glimpse of the wreckless love of God through his teaching, writings and life.

Blog Entry Here.

-T-

Something about this news story stinks.

Flatulence, not turbulence forces plane landing in Nashville

Can you imagine the terrorist buying cans and cans of refried beans.
-T-

Present Ideas

63 Gift Ideas for Under $10

Quote:

"My children will not remember the words of wisdom I've passed along over the years, nor will yours remember the good advice you've given. However, etched in their minds and planted in their hearts is a permanent picture of who you are and how you've lived before them."
- Dorothy Kelley Patterson, Parents in Ministry (co-written by Armour Patterson)

What's Really Going on in the O.C.

Dirty Dancing Banned in the O.C.
Freak Dancing Is Too Hot for a California High School
By LAURA COVERSON
***********************************************
Click on the story title for the whole report.
Personal I am glad to see this. I wish that our society didn't have to respond to these extremes. Someone might try and say that our culture has always thought that the dancing of youth was too extreme. They might point our Elvis Presley wiggling his hips or the movie Footloose.
But this is something entirely different.
The "dancing" this article is speaking is far and away beyond "dancing". It is essentially a simulated sex act that is unfit for public display. Unfortunately the youth of today have full access to this behavior in half the videos played on MTV, which is promoting this as appropriate behavior.

-T-

Welcome to the world of paradox

From the web-site www.ysmarko.com. Marko is the president of Youth Specialties, an organization that creates resources for youth pastors, youth and parents.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to the world of paradox!

If you have a preteen or a young teen living in your home, you gain a whole new appreciation for the concept of paradox. These wonderful kids completely embody every meaning of the word. In so many areas, they seem to be both one thing, as well as the polar opposite! (This can be quite maddening, and paradoxically, quite exciting!) It’s all about transition, baby.
Here’s a list of a few you might notice:
Young teens can be incredibly trusting, but will only listen to someone who’s honest and transparent. Young teens (and especially preteens) don’t have the jaded skepticism of their older teen brothers and sisters. They are very willing to trust – a wonderful characteristic that shouldn’t be missed. This time of life is, in many ways, a last-stop refueling station into the long desert drive of adolescence. Take this opportunity to build on that trust, to show that your word is good.
At the same time, they are beginning to develop a more adult sense of the baloney-detection. If you want to be an example to your young teen, if you want to continue in a role of impacting their lives, it’s essential that you do so through a commitment to honesty and vulnerability. This can be pretty tough, even threatening. When you’re wrong, it’s crucial that you admit it. If they sniff out insincerity or hypocrisy in your or your words, you’ll quickly lose your place of leadership in their lives.
They’ll catch less than you’d think, yet they’re savvier than you’d expect. This is a tricky one, but so true! Because the life of a young teen is all about change (physical, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, psychological), they have a huge tendency to “in-one-ear-out-the-other” behavior. You’ve certainly experienced this! You explained to your daughter why a certain behavior is a bad choice, and two weeks later, she seems to have no memory of that discussion. Often that’s because she really doesn’t have a memory of that discussion!
But at the same time, young teens are developing a very savvy ability to see through charades, to understand when they’re being marketed to, and to be aware of consequences. Often what happens with kids this age is that they are savvy enough to understand a situation, but not enough to apply it to their lives.
They want to be treated like adults, but have the opportunity to act like children. This has enormous implications. They’re caught in an in-between world. They know where they want to go: they know they want to be treated like adults, to have more freedoms, to make more decisions on their own, to not be treated as if they were 4th graders. It’s important to talk to young teens with an adult voice, and to begin the move to a come-alongside perspective.
But at the same time, they are still very much children, and need the opportunity to act that out, without pressure to grow up too soon. A girl may move out of her childhood music choices, but still love to play with Barbie dolls. Allow her to live in that place. A boy may desire to sit at the adult table at family gatherings, but still keep a childhood stuffed animal on his bed. Don’t rush them into adulthood, but don’t treat them like little kids anymore either.
Some are really young adults, while some are really children, and most are both. The reality is this: it’s not that the young teen living in your home is either a child or a young adult (with some magic line being crossed at some point); it’s that she’s both, at the same time. Young teens aren’t just in-between, they’re in an overlap zone – childhood remains, while they’ve already stepped into the young adult world.
Living with paradox isn’t easy! But it’s not only the reality of the young teen years, it’s somehow part of God’s wonderful design for this transition to healthy independence and adulthood. Have fun!

"Deliver Us From the F-Word"

This article is for anyone else who finds the F-Word to be somewhat over-played. You can read it below or go to the original website HERE.

Author: Rick Lawrence
I was standing in a high school lobby eavesdropping on kids' conversations. No matter what the subject, the f-word was the universal choice of modifiers.
That's those unchurched kids for you.
Not so fast.
When we asked a couple of Christian student leaders to keep a journal of what they saw, heard, and experienced during a 10-day youth group trip, they painted a picture of spiritually hungry, morally determined kids whose one compulsive vice was cursing. For example, one wrote: "Aside from everyone's (self included) fondness for four-letter words, it was a nearly spiritually flawless day."
An isolated observation? Hardly. A Chicago Sun-Times poll of 10,000 kids found that "more and more kids are being exposed to curse words at an early age, and 'traditional' curse words such as 'hell' and 'damn' have been replaced by words once considered too vulgar for adults."
Youth leaders everywhere tell me they've heard an alarming increase in cursing over the last few years. Infractions range from the ubiquitous and casual use of the f-word to rude, suggestive, and sometimes vicious references about other people. One youth minister told me a teenage guy in his group e-mailed a female adult leader to ask what she does when she "gets horny."
What's going on here? Why do kids—even Christian kids—feel so comfortable with foul language? And how does it impact their spiritual growth?
Why Kids Use ProfanityKids swear because profanity conveys strong emotions. And strong emotions are the norm when you're a teenager. According to Timothy Jay, author of Cursing In America, teenagers also use curse words as a tool to separate themselves from adults. But why such a sharp upswing in foul language? Libby Barron, a senior at Jordan High School in Durham, North Carolina, explains, "We're desensitized to the profanity displayed in the media. We don't even notice it anymore."When researchers tracked kids living in a remote Canadian town that did not have television until 1973, they observed a 161% increase in "biting, shoving, and name-calling among first- and second-graders two years after the introduction of television."
What We Can Do We know profanity isn't nice, but is it a sin? When Jesus called the Pharisees a "brood of vipers," was he cursing them? It's important we answer these questions because kids who hear "it's bad because it's bad" are more—not less—likely to swear. They need to know why it's bad so they can stand against it. So help them forswear swearing by teaching them...
• Words have power. We either build up or tear down with them. And profanity almost always tears down. That's why Scripture is full of warnings against cursing, including Proverbs 13:3; Matthew 12:34-37; Romans 12:14; Ephesians 4:29 and 5:4; Colossians 3:8 and 4:6; Titus 2:7-8; and James 3:8-10. "Profane" means "to treat something sacred with abuse, irreverence, or contempt..." So when kids use the f-word, they treat something sacred (the act of intercourse) with contempt. Ask kids to keep a running tally of the number of profanities they hear during one day at school or one night of TV-watching. Have them report back, then ask: Were you surprised at what you learned? Why or why not? What makes profanity bad? How does swearing impact your relationship with Jesus? Why does God tell us not to use profanity?
• Cursing makes others stumble. We're warned by God that if our actions cause others to stumble, we're violating our calling to love our neighbors as ourselves. Tell kids the truth—according to researchers, people who curse are respected less in our society and have fewer deep relationships. Challenge kids to use only "prayer" words—if they wouldn't use the word in conversation with God, then it's not appropriate in any other context. Give kids alternative—and attention—grabbing-words that can substitute for profanity. Shakespearean words are a good-n-goofy choice (a pox upon you!) or try words such as drivel, hogwash, or balderdash.
Kids won't change their habits if we tell them swearing is merely an issue of niceness. But those who love God will change if it's a gospel issue. It's up to us to help them see why it is.

Rick Lawrence has been editor of GROUP Magazine for 18 years. He recently authored JC Q's: 150 Jesus-Centered Discussion Questions (Group).

Very hopeful!!!

U.S. experiment uses AIDS to fight AIDS
How interesting is this news article? Could this be a solution to our world's most feared epidemic?
This reminds me of stories I heard in middle school science about how many of our vaccines were discovered.

-T-

Extreme Sports

This website is dedicated to the extreme sport of ironing.

EXTREME IRONING

If anyone is interested and needs to practice let me know and I'll bring my laundry by.

-T-

This is just gross...

... and yet I want to visit it.

Miami Zoo Hosts Poop Exhibit

-T-

Another scary news article...

Australia Senate lifts ban on cloning

I'll be honest and admit that there are days when I would like to see what advances can be made through the development of cloning.
But my imagination only leads me to believe that the negative results will far out way the positive.

Just another reason to pray?

Another reason to pray for the difficult questions that this life has to offer and that we as Christians need to respond to.

I don't know about you but things like me only remind me how much I need my God.

-T-

I find this incredibly scary...

Puberty Hitting Girls as Young as 4 Years Old

Parents I find this article incredibly sobering. When people say that the world is changing, it is in more ways than we realize it.

How does the church respond proactively to this kind of news?

Thinking from the children's ministry angle, how does this affect the way we minister to children?

A Commercial for Dove

I love the honesty and brillance of the Dove campany to introduce the reality of beauty in our society. Truth is a very powerful weapon. No wonder Jesus said that the "truth would set you free." Whenever truth is present the threat of lies and fear lose all power. The only probablem with Truth is it requires Trust, which unfortunately we lack in abundance. -T-

Elvis vs. Cobain

A recent report clains that Kurt Cobain (of Nirvana fame) out-earned Elvis Presley this past year, among dead celebrities.
(read story here...Cobain bumps off Elvis as top-earning dead celeb
This is the first time in the six years of the study that Elvis has been beaten.

However according to GoogleFight.com Elvis defeats Cobain 5,820,000 to 2,830,000. (as of October 27, 2006)

The INVOLVED Generation

Here is a fancinating article about the current teenage generations passion to be involved...

Generation Y gets involved

Along with the web-site are some more links that bring to light characteristics and qualities of Generation Y.

In the article we read about students who are becoming actively involved in the causes of their world. They are active in issues of AIDS, poverty, education, the enviroment, etc.

My question is this: In light of this article what would our student's ministry look like if we became actively involved in the things that students are already concerned and involved with. What if our student's ministry created opportunities to lead our city in cleaning our enviroment? What if our student's ministry created opportunities to redeem someone from poverty? What if our student's ministry created opportunities to collect and distribute resources to single mothers, orphans and prisoners.

This is the student ministry I want to be apart of. I do not want to be a youth pastor who becomes a social planner. While I love hanging with student's at Six Flags, or the high school football game, I want to be about something more than recreation.

Thoughts?
-T-

Pee & Poo?

This is so incredibly silly that I can't understand why I want it. Actually it's pretty gross when I think about it.
Then again I've never been sure why you would want to purchase underwear meant for others to see. Who is going around showing people the pictures of the un-mentionables?

Click on the picture for the web-site.

-T-

Here's an interesting story.

Captain Underpants and the peeved principal

While I think that the girls were being creative in their costumes, I think that they probably knew they would be pushing the envelope of what is acceptable.
I'm reminded of a student, during my ninth grade year, who came dressed as a giant condom, and then acted like he didn't understand while the school administration asked him to take it off.

If you are going to push boundaries you have an idea that others may be offended and upset. Nudity, vulgarity and bathroom humor, even if it's the hint of the idea, will always push boundaries.

If you push boundaries, do not come back with, "I don't understand why their upset." You have a clue. Just take responsibility.

I more turned off by the fact that others try to convince me that they are clueless, than the issue behind their cluelessness.

-T-

Don't Mess With Bambi!!

This is a great story...

Deer Chases Boy, Uses Him as Human Salt Lick

The video is great too.

-T-

Incredibly Entertaining?

Click on the site below and see one of the most bizarre clips ever...

Thriller goes to Bollywood

-T-

The Sad State of Our Culture

This story makes me sad. The fact that we are such a "sue" happy people, unwilling to take responsiblity for our own actions, and even less willing to forgive with ease.
There was a time when children could ride bikes with full body armor, or could play "war" in the woods, or...oh I could go on and on.

Here's the story...
School bans tag, other chase games
Something had to happen that set a precident for this school proceed with these actions.

Sad,
Sad,
Sad!

-T-

Promoting a little "Green" Peace

If you, along with Leonardo DiCaprio, have a passion for perserving and saving our enviroment then this website may interest you. It has a lot of helpful tips on how to conserve and preserve our enviroment in your everyday life.

-T-

How Rich are You?

Click HERE to find out how rich you are when compared to everyone on earth.

If you only receive a $20 allowance once a week, you are the 2,552,385,365th richest person in the world.
That puts you in the top 42.53% of the wealthest people in the world.
So at only $20 a week you are more wealthy than half the population of the earth.

A very sobering web-site.
We truly are a blessed people.

-T-

Every Stat You'll Ever Need!

If you are a baseball nut like me then this site will definitely appeal to you. A person could literally spend hours looking up statistics and facts about the greatest game ever.

Click HERE.

-T-

Sounds like the makings of another country song!

Really though this is just another reason to not like cats.

"Dog Saves Owner, Dies Trying to Save Cat"

-T-

Um...

This news story caught my eye. Obviously it's a positive thing to see this strip club go out of business and being replaced with a ministry that is promoting our God, but this seems wierd....

Strip Club Attracts Youth Ministry

I can definitely see this youth minister getting a lot of phone calls from parents.

For Police Sketch Artist

Here is another cool site where you can practice your police sketch art. Click HERE.
Careful now one could spend hours creating with this site.
-T-

Fans Jackson Pollock Fans

Jackson Pollock was known for painting large murals with a splatter technique. He originated the painting style that people most refer to by saying, "a child could do that."

Here is one of his paintings....

Now you too can paint a Pollock by clicking HERE. Very cool site that you can get lost in.

Speechless

I honestly don't know what to say in response to this article.

Huge Breast Implants Save Woman From Car Crash

I'm somewhere between shocked and amazed.
-T-

I'd rather see the 49ers

Man's Lost Gnome Attends Steelers Game

Crime may not pay, but it can still be a little funny. He's a original thief. Do you think the gnome had his own seat at the game?

If you were to steal a gnome, where would you take him?
-T-

Why you should always be nice to teachers

Canadian school teacher leaves millions to charity

Of course she was a Canadian school teacher. American teachers could never save that much money.

-T-

That's 20 Jr. Frostys from Wendys!

Florida man takes 50-foot dive for $20

Have you every found yourself here?
-T-

Beam Me Up Scotty!

Teleportation is coming! No more long commutes between home and work!

Scientists teleport two different objects

I don't know how it works, but with current gas prices (although they are getting better) and the numerous car wrecks I see each week, I don't care!

-T-

Too Comfortable?

A church in Scotland was using this image to advertise their church.
I'm all for a church that promotes a "come as you are" enviroment, but this may be a little too much.
But it does have something to say to us.
Are we the type of church community and family that welcomes everyone who steps through the door, despite their personal failures and success?
Are we excited about everyone who enter our church?
-T-

Sounds like another BLOCKBUSTER movie!

Escaped Hamster Forces Plane to Land

-T-

Famous Last Words

Click here for a cool site that collects famous last words.

-T-

See You At The Pole

An interesting quote

I read this quote today and was curious of your opinions.

"What is youth except a man or a woman before it is ready or fit to be seen?" - Evelyn Waugh

What do you think? -T-

Are you the 12%?

Here is another article documenting the rapid departure of teenagers from the church.

88% of Evangelical Children Leave the Church After High School

-T-

Hearing the voice of God?...

...maybe He's calling you to build the largest aluminum foil ball. James Frank Kotera heard God calling him to build the largest ball of twine.

Or maybe God will call you to; feed the poor, visit the elderly, comfort sick children in a hospital, tutor a child, raise money for cancer victims...

-T-

My kind of Golfing...

http://www.everybodysgolfclub.com/
-T-

Does God want you to be rich?

Time magazine recent asked the question, "Does God want you to be rich?" There is a large movement in America that is declaring with Godly obedience comes financial blessings.

I have my own personal opinion, but I would like to hear from you students. Read the attached article and your Bibles of course and let's hear you thoughts.

-T-

The internet has something for everyone

Enough Said.
-T-

A Recent survey reveals...

Most Twentysomethings Put Christianity on the Shelf Following Spiritually Active Teen Years

This is an interesting article. According to the study, after students leave high school and transition into young adulthood the risk of giving up on the church increases dramatically. I find it interesting that the article claims that while students are disenfranchised with the church they are not any less spiritual.

As a church leader, specifically to youth, I want to reveal a Jesus who is recklessly in love with all people and has presented a better life, a greater experience than any other option available.

-T-

JOURNALING: Sept 6th - 13th

Wednesday Sept 6th – Tuesday Sept 12th 2006

Scriptures to Read:
6 Chapters
Galatians
Ephesians
1 Timothy
5 Chapters
1 Thessalonians
James
1 Peter
1 John
Read one of these books of the Bible next week. Just one. Split it up and make it manageable.

Journaling Assignments:
Day 1 Decide on which book you are going to read…and begin reading it. Create a reading chart.
Day 2 Create a list of your top five favorite songs for the week.
Day 3 Get some exercise; shoot some hoops, jump on a trampoline, go for a run, something physically active.
Day 4 Write an encouraging note for your parent/s and leave it for them to read.
Day 5 Tape an encouraging verse from book of the Bible you’re reading and write it on a 3x5 card. Tape it to your bathroom mirror. Read it each morning for two weeks.
Day 6 Take a walk around your block and pray for your neighbors as you pass their house.

A tragic loss...

Besides his television work, Steve Irwin directed the Australian Zoo and was a major figure in the conservation and preservation of animals and animal habitats.
Watching his television show was thrilling and educational. I truly connected with his passion and energy for God's creation.
I honestly find myself mourning his death.
-T-

Not quite a G.I Joe

Are these to be played with? I can hear little Timmy now, "My Nixon figure just resigned from Office."

Click on the figure for more Presidental dolls. I'm having trouble paying $29.95 for one, but I guess History teachers everywhere are going crazy.

-T-

Christian Rock: Good Music or a Weird Sub-Culture?

I'd like to hear some of you opinions about Christian Music.
Click on the picture for a Rolling Stone's photojournalist impression of Christian Rock Music.
----------------------------------------
Is her impression a fair take on Christian Music?
Do you enjoy Christian Music?
If so what are some of your favorite bands?

Belated Birthday Present Ideas...

...or I can even wait for Christmas to recieve this new 103 inch plasma TV developed by Panasonic. You might have to pool some $ together with others because apparently it's running for only $80,000.

I'll go ahead and say thanks now...I want you to know my gratitude as you mortgage your home.
"Thanks bunches!!!" (with 3 exclamation marks)
-Trevor-

JOURNALING: August 30th - Sept 6th

Wednesday August 30th – Tuesday September 6th 2006

Scriptures to Read:
Day 1: Genesis. 1:1 Genesis 2:7 Exodus. 3:14 Exodus 6:2-3 Exodus 15:11 Exodus 20:1-6 Leviticus 22:2;
Day 2: 1 Chronicles 29:10 Psalm 19:1-3 Isaiah 43:3,15 Isaiah 48:16 Isaiah 64:8 Jeremiah 10:10 Jeremiah 17:13
Day 3: Matthew 6:9-10 Matthew 7:11 Matthew 23:9 Matthew 28:19 Mark 1:9-11
Day 4: John 4:24 John 5:26,32-37 John 10:30,36 John 14:6-13,16-26 John 17:1-8
Day 5: Acts 1:7 Romans 8:14-15 1 Corinthians 8:6 Galatians 4:6 Ephesians 4:6 Philippians 2:6
Day 6: Colossians 1:15 1 Timothy 1:17 Hebrews 11:6 Hebrews 12:9 1 Peter 1:17 1 John. 5:7

WITH EACH VERSE THIS WEEK ASK THE QUESTION “WHAT DOES THIS SAY ABOUT GOD?”

Journaling Assignments:
Day 1 Which verse today was your favorite? Draw a picture of God.
Day 2 Which verse today was your favorite? Ask a friend, “Who is God?”, and journal their answer.
Day 3 Which verse today was your favorite? What does Omnipresent mean? Be as still as you can and listen for God? Is God with you?
Day 4 Which verse today was your favorite? What does Omnipotent mean? Compare and contrast God to Superman.
Day 5 Which verse today was your favorite? What does Omniscient mean? What are your favorite web-sites to use when researching for a homework assignment?
Day 6 Which verse today was your favorite? Bring a boiled egg to youth group.

Flipper ain't so friendly

Be careful the next time you pet a dolphin at SeaWorld. Click HERE for the full story.

Never to Young to YouTube

Click HERE to read about a English man who has started using You Tube at the age of 78.

Technology is not just a young man's game!

Journaling: August 23rd - 30th

Wednesday August 23rd – Tuesday August 30th 2006

Scriptures to Read:
(read in each version. follow the breakdown from the message version)
Day 1: James 5.13-15
Day 2: James 5.16-18
Day 3: James 5.19-20
Day 4: Ephesians 6.18
Day 5: Philippians 4.6
Day 6: Revelations 8.3-4

Journaling Assignments:
Day 1 Journal your thoughts on some of the TV preachers who perform healing services. Do you believe in physical healings?
Day 2 Call someone you trust and confession your sins. Ask them to pray for you. Journal your thoughts.
Day 3 Today scripture reading comes after talk on prayer. Journal a list of friends who do not know Christ. Prayer over your list. Write down an idea of how you are going to show each person individually God’s love. (The do it)
Day 4 Listen to a worship album or sing some worship songs. As you sing pay attention to the lyrics. Use the song as an avenue for prayer. You can visit http://www.davidcrowderband.com/ or http://www.christomlin.com/ or www.268generation.com for worship music.
Day 5 Offer a massage to someone. As you massage their shoulders, or back, or hands, pray that God is able to relieve them from the burdens they carry. Journal thoughts and questions.
Day 6 Light a candle or some kind of incense (something legal). As the smoke rises use this as form of prayer and mediation. As you breathe in the smell of the incense imagine God giving His attention to you and your prayer. As you breathe out watch the smoke rise and offer your requests, concerns and joys through prayer. Journal thoughts and questions.

Journaling: August 16th - 23rd

Wednesday August 16th – Tuesday August 23rd 2006

Scriptures to Read:
(read in each version. follow the breakdown from the message version)
Day 1: James 4:13-17
Day 2: James 5:1-3
Day 3: James 5:4-6
Day 4: James 5:7-9
Day 5: James 5:10-11
Day 6: James 5:12

Journaling Assignments:
Day 1 Reread James 4:17, memorize this verse, spend the day meditating on this verse. Journal thoughts.
Day 2 Do some quick research on the internet and find out some info on our world’s poverty. Journal your notes as well as your comparative thoughts on today’s scriptures with your research.
Day 3 Read today’s scripture in light of yesterday’s scripture. Is James speaking to you? How can you help the poor? Research an organization that helps the poor and consider how you can get involved.
Day 4 Are you anticipating the return of Jesus? Go outside and lay down staring at the clouds. As you are laying down Meditate and Pray. Maranatha means “Come Lord Jesus”, uses this word as you meditate and pray.
Day 5 James encourages his readers to consider the prophets as examples of patience in sufferings. Create a list of Biblical examples as well as current examples for you to remember during times of suffering or struggle.
Day 6 Use your creativity and find an avenue to express Christ’s return. Music, video, write a narrative, draw, paint, sculpt, serve, tell, etc.