recently...

Barack Obama
Sarah Palin
John McCain
The Economy
Oil
Iran's President
W
The End of The World As We Know It.


Seems there is plenty to talk about. But...I'd rather reflect on my own life. So-

I've been traveling around northern Alabama recruiting souls for the University of Mobile, eating on the school and sleeping in nice Hampton beds. It has allowed me to be away from everyone and gain some time alone. It has allowed me the opportunity to be lonely. It has allowed me the joys of reading and writing. And television. (which I never watch!) All the while just being patient, attempting to understand this unique point in my life where nothing is really...going on. Sure, there is plenty going on in this crazy world of ours, but zoom in on the life of Trey and it appears rather quiet. And I like it. Having bills and responsibilities renders life more simple than class and a lack of structure. I wake up a little earlier, go to work, then go home and spend time with those that I love. I get tired right around 10:30 and thus begin again. 6 months ago, I thought that life this way would destroy my creative, impulsive attitude. But it has actually given me a little more time and space to breathe.

This past weekend I trekked to Huntsville with my dad. Besides the fact that his truck purchase was quite the wise one, I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. I was reminded why I've always looked up to dad. He maintains a keen sense of reality at all times. Never scared of the possibilities, or the truth- he faces every situation with an attitude of courage and bold optimism. He's the kind of man that gives direction, not by silly ideals, but with sincerity in his eyes as he leads his family into the next day. Not one to extend his sentences, he sees things for what they are without losing sight of what they could be. A rock he stands for his wife and children. I love him for that. He reminded me that my head is somewhat twisted-on correctly and that I will take care of mine the way he takes care of his. I felt empowered.


Refreshed.

waves

Don't ever ignore your friends.

It becomes easy to isolate ourselves in the culture of "instant connection." At the touch of our fingertips is the opportunity to connect- across geographic and cultural barriers, through the ever-expanding population of frequency waves in our atmosphere and into homes everywhere. Instantaneous relationships. There you have it! The world's solution to the traditional issues of distance and time. Phone plans that have expanded to make an entire country- your local calling area. Online profiles that give people an incredibly intangible way to...well, get to know you. Ideas that surf back and forth through cyber waves of knowledge and information flow providing wiki-answers to anything.

All of this...quite the Babel of human achievement and excellence.

The only problem is- despite our contained world of connection, we have continued to grow farther and farther apart...The insubstantial level of intimacy and honesty that is shared in relationships only reflects our current state. The innate desires of human touch and presence cannot be replaced by a mere replica of intentional connection. It is the cry of the human heart- to be one with the Creator- and to share life with His creation. And while prayers to Him may seem to get lost in the rapid circulation of the universe, it is the consistent affinity for our brothers and sisters that confirm the reality of His presence. A love for others must never be replaced by frequency waves- though grand findings- the closeness of a friend providing truth and accountability exceeds the perceived need for inter-continental connection.

Jesus had twelve men with Him- all the time. They changed the world. And the only waves they encountered were the ones their Friend and Teacher put to rest.

Never ignore your friends.

miles to go

It has been quite the steady summer-but a colorful change comes as fall exhales its first breathe. I have made the transition from carefree to determined in a matter of miles. I left my dorm room to live in a not-so-well-insulated home built in the black & white era. I left the education I received, well, to return and find more people to educate. I left the money I didn't make to, well...give the money I do make to the powers that allow me to live comfortably. I left sleeping through classes to saying hi to the sun when he rises. And all is well.

I have learned some serious-somewhat painful- lessons about honesty. That there is often a disconnect in who we portray and what lies within our heart. These truths seem too painful to display- but too risky to hide. I found myself in some patterns of dishonesty, ignoring what needed to be opened in the name of protection. And it failed. Facing my demons was emotionally disturbing- but I had to do it. I had to face up. The funny thing is- I experienced a release, a freedom only found by shining a light. The darkness scattered and my heart is illuminated. Jesus' imagery about being a sword and a light meant to divide and scatter the things of evil. As His son, the light must shine in me at all times.

There is a change that happens when you leave a surrounding- a continuing system that holds your world and all of its contents. It causes you to start over and re-define who you're supposed to be. It causes you to do things you wouldn't have done in the other system. It causes you to stop, think and move forward in a new direction.

More as I keep changing...

learning something new everyday...

Thursday, May 22, 2008
Paris, France

The city of Paris has been a non-stop experience into some of the most beautiful historical churches and museums in the world. These places display the glory of God in ways that I have never seen. The feeling of walking into a church with almost 1,000 years of history is mind-blowing...the architecture, the murals, the chills that run through your bones as you smell of the ancient air. The reverberating sounds of ancient chants tingle the hairs on your skin. It is indescribable-so different from the quaint southern charm of hometown churches. I have seen the Mona Lisa and the palaces in Versailles. I have overlooked the city from the dome of the Sacre Cour Basillica and top of the Eiffel Tower. I have beheld the French countryside and the beaches of Normandy. These things have blown me away.

A trip as this one has the tendency to be discouraging. If conversations don't lead to something about Christ, it would be easy to discard them as pointless. What I've had to remind myself is that God is the Author of Salvation. No conversation I could muster- or building I could build- or small child I could hug could ever bring someone to the revelation of Christ. It is by His Spirit that people are drawn-not by conniving or wise words. I am so humbled and excited to be used. I will continue to be a tourist- experience this creation, breathe the air and feel these emotions. And Jesus will continue to work, whether I am here, there or back home. What a blessing to be a child of God and see grace- in all parts of the world.

my little box of Jesus

Saturday, May 17, 2008
Amsterdam, Holland

It has been cold and rainy these past two days. Gloom aside, plenty of interesting things have ensued, which have given way to expert wisdom:

-If you try to cross the street before a bicycle, train or car, they will hit you. Seriously.
-Dutch farmhouse cheese might be the best in the world, second only to the Italian truffle cheese. Please folks, let your cheese lie dormant for three years. It will do it and you a great flavor...(pun on favor, get it?)
-If you see a woman posing in a window, it’s probably not a mannequin. They require money.
-Don’t sleep with your windows open. You’ll hear too many things not conducive to sleeping.
-If you buy 5 packs of batteries to last the rest of your trip, make sure they say “alkaline”. If they don’t, they will not work in your digital camera. Not that I’m telling you from experience or anything.

Jokes aside, the trip thus far has been refreshing for me. Getting out of the South is good for anyone, proving that there is a world of people that don’t view life the same. It breaks the monotony and staleness that often accompanies good ole’ boy faith. It also reflects the beauty of our Creator in a unique way. It sometimes happens that mission trips become rallies for the American idea or an opportunity to see “how God has blessed America.” But I declare that God’s love and workmanship is displayed just as much across the world. We in America are not the key holders to the doors of His blessings. Though we may value size and materials more so than other parts of the world, it doesn’t equate into God’s favor. Even our ideas, doctrines and theologies don’t convey the fullest expression of The Sovereign God. His grace extends to the poorest, coolest, hippest and ugly parts of this world- unconditionally. His power strengthens the weakest and most feeble of his children. His peace comforts the most confused and painful of hearts.

I’m glad that I can see Christ somewhere else- even if there isn’t a church on every corner.

well hello there

I'm back from Europe and all is well- life sets in.

I'll be periodically posting blogs from my trip on this page so look for them! :)

If you're the of visual kind- I also have a new little site for my photo-taking skills.

Look at Me!

Enjoy!

exitlude...

Life happens so fast.

When you least expect it, it has grazed the your cheek and left its blessing. The four years of college I looked forward to with eager anticipation are complete. The friends I've made, the lessons I've learned and the love I have found seem to be a blur...like it was never supposed to take place so quickly. I'll be moving on to a new chapter soon. Adulthood- synonymous with responsibility, maturity and direction. Scary for the little boy trapped inside this near twenty-two year old frame. All the joys of pointless late nights and horrible eating habits must be left behind (or at least reduced, thanks body) I am now beginning to see life differently. Once again the world is opening...

May I breathe in life as fresh air and love without abandon.