Movin' on Up!!!

This site has now moved to www.gregtroxell.com still a work in progress but check it out.

Time for a Change

As I go through things and as you get to know me you will realize I like change. I am considering implementing several changes right now so why not start with the appearance of this here blog? Change the little logo and colors and such. Not sure that I am happy with it all yet but I will get there soon enough. In the next few weeks I will be rolling out a new website along with many new exciting announcements so stay tuned.

Coming Out...

This week we started our new series called "Coming Out of the Closet" in our youth group. No not that closet! The Christianity closet; you know the one where we keep our faith so not to offend others.

This week we looked at how we share the gospel with others. Or even if we do share the gospel with others. What do we do? Do our actions tell others we are faithful?

Answer these simple questions then tell me if you keep your faith in the closet:

• Do you pray over your food at home?


• What about in a restaurant?


• What about at school or work?


• What about when you go to a business meeting?

If you answered no to any of the questions then ask yourself why?

Bottom line we get too hung up on what others think instead of what God thinks, so we decide to place our faith in the closet. In Matthew 5:14-16 we are called to be the light that shines for others, are you that light or do you only shine that light in the closet?

I challenge you to come on out, its ok.

IROC Lives!

There used to be an auto racing series called the International Race Of Champions (IROC) in which drivers were selected from various racing leagues to compete against each other. Over the years the drivers raced Camaros, Firebird, Dodge Daytonas, etc. Each car was set up the exact same making each car equal. The drivers showed up and raced at various tracks. Usually these races were very good and some drivers really stood out some didn't. No pit stops just good plain racing.

Fast forward to today and NASCAR is basically becoming the same thing. They want everyone equal, example; they make Toyota run a different restrictor plate because they are too fast. No longer is it up to the manufacturer to out work the other just run to NASCAR and ask for a 'bailout'. My attitude is just let the teams show up at the track have them draw numbers for an already prepared car, put their decals on it, and go race.

Quick Hitz From My Brain

Here are just some quick things I have in my brain right now:

• How can you vote on something that you haven't even read?
• Who is going to pay for this new 'stimulus package'?
• Why don't people take responsibility for themselves?
• I am so happy that the sickness has left my household but I am praying for everyone else's house it is now affecting.
• I can't wait to conduct this webinar on Thursday.
• Ashley is now six months old, wow how time flies.
• My momma-in-law really helped us a lot this past week.
• It was great hanging with my mom and dad watching the Daytona 500 this past week
• Speaking of Daytona, can someone tell me why Dale Jr wasn't penalized for the wreck he caused? (answer: he drives for Hendrick)
• Can't wait for the NHRA to resume this weekend - Go Team Force and Tony Schumacher
• NHRA is much more exciting than NASCAR these days!
• Greg 2.0 turns five years old next month - wow how time flies (deja vu)
• WWE really sucks right now and TNA ain't good either.
• High School Musical 3 came out today on DVD
• You may think I'm crazy about the above statement but as time flies with my kids I want to enjoy them every step of the way.
• They changed ANTM's start date from Feb 25 to March 4, not happy about that decision but whatever!
• I am ready to head back to Lake Buena Vista but I guess I will have to wait a few months.
• I love my family.

That's enough for now, c-ya later!

It's OK to Steal

Recently I had a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort in LakeBuena Vista, FL. At the hotel they sell these to-go mugs that allow you to fill them up with hot or cold beverages at anytime during your stay. Now the mugs cost like $15.00 but if you are staying for several days they are well worth it. Now on the promo poster it clearly states that the mugs are only "ONLY GOOD FOR THE STAY IN WHICH THEY WERE PURCHASED". That means that the mug 'expires' on the final day of your stay. Makes sense to me. What amazed me was the number of people using older mugs and filling them up, especially the dancers that were there for the national championships. The kicker was the attitude I overheard from one of the mothers who said "I just bring my mug back because Disney has enough of my money." Wow what a statement. Basically what she is saying is it is ok to steal from someone if you feel you have given them enough money elsewhere. And we wonder what is wrong with our youth today...just look at the role models we have.

Thinking BIG!

On December 28 the family and I headed to service at Church In Motion in Dacula since we were not having service at Fusion. The church is run by my friend Tim Skinner. I met Tim back when I was first starting EDGE at Fusion. He was nice enough to meet with me and share his experiences in ministry. At that time CIM was meeting at the Mall of Georgia Conference Center. CIM recently moved into their own building right off of Hamilton Mill. Anyway to the visit; while CIM is small they run things as if they are BIG. I mean they do not skip out on anything or any detail. They have a cafe area to fellowship in before and after service, worship was simply awesome, just everything was done with class. The message, which is most important, was GREAT! The teaching was on the Lord's Supper and really connected with us. I must say it was an honor to be part of CIM's first ever commnion. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for CIM as they continue on their quest.

After visiting CIM and seeing how they act, think, and live as they are BIG I thought about why do we as individuals not live that way? We should always being looking ahead and realize that there is more for us if we choose to go for it and think BIG. As 2009 is already upon us I challenge you to think BIG and pray BIG because we serve a BIG God!

Another BAILOUT!!!

Burger King and Church Thoughts

Last week I ate at Burger King; as I munched on my Angry Whopper I thought about church. At one point I was the ONLY customer in the joint. No one in the drive thru, no one in line, just me. Now it ain't like I was there at 3:00pm, I was there at about 12:45pm or so which is lunch time right? I looked across the street to see a Wendy's that was packed and Arby's that was doing a boomin' business and here I was in the "Home of the Whopper" pretty much by myself (by this time two other people came in to eat but still). I work only about 1/2 mile from this BK and this was the first time I had visited them. In contrast I have gone to Chik-Fil-A, Philly Connection, Quiznos, Smoothie King, and this Mexican spot on many occasions. Why? Well they all have made a choice to dig into the surrounding businesses. They drop off coupons with our HR department, they run regular specials, heck Chik-Fil-A will even deliver to us. BK nothing. They subscribe to the "Field of Dreams" philosophy of build it and they will come. As I sat there (in an empty store) enjoying my Angry Whopper it stuck me this is exactly how some churches operate. Many churches think 'here we are, people should come in and accept Christ.' It doesn't seem to work quite like that now does it? When I attend community events near my house in Jefferson I see about three or four churches every time. Yet there are no less than 20 churches within 5 miles of my house. I wonder why more churches do not invest in their surrounding areas. Community events happen all of the time which brought me to this question. Why do churches think people will just show up on Sunday when the church refuses to show up Monday through Saturday?

I Are One...

• you own a camoflage Santa hat
• you did 95% of you Christmas shopping at the Bass Pro Shops
• you got a camoflage fishing hat from Santa
• your main Santa picture is from the Bass Pro Shops
• your 4 year old got a shot gun with a deer / turkey / moose target
• your 4 year old also got a hunting bow

Yep I are one! (and proud of it)

The Holidays

Yep you think the holiday season is over right? Well think again it ain't over until you decide it is over. Each year we always think of Nov - Dec as the holiday season but you can literally celebrate a holiday every day if you so choose. Follow this link to see what is going on CLICK HERE this year. Example today is Bubble Bath Day. Hey for those of you who hate holidays and such I'm sure you can find one on this list you may like such as:

• Jan 16 National Nothing Day
• Feb 13 Blame Someone Else Day
• March 9 Panic Day
• May 11 Eat What You Want Day
• August 30 Toasted Marshmallow Day
• September 13 Positive Thinking Day

Let's celebrate ALL year long.

Reflections - 2008

I have been so busy I have not had a chance to do a year in review for 2008. So here it is; my reflections on the year that was 2008.

2008 was shall we say the most challenging yet most blessed year of my life. During the year my wife went to the doctor twice for check ups and ended up with surgery both times. One for a pacemaker the other an emergency c-section. I could sit here and complain as many have on other blogs about how wrong life has done them, how having multiple kids is draining, and how holidays are stressful and everything sucks but I CHOOSE to not think like that. Plus honestly 2008 was AWESOME! Yeah we had some serious medical stuff going on including my own little heart issue but guess what? Through all of that I have made some strong friendships, my marriage is better than ever, I have a beautiful daughter, amoung many other things. Here is a brief list of how 2008 was a HUGE blessing for me....

• Was able to take care of my wife as she was in the hospital - twice
• Witnessed the birth of my beautiful daughter (8 weeks early I might add)
• Have been touched by how Greg 2.0 has reacted to Ashley from the day he first saw her in the NICU
• Fell out after the birth of my daughter (no shame here, I am a wimp)
• Saw my marriage grow by leaps and bounds through God's grace
• Now have glasses (I can see)
• Created a youth group at church from the ground up (very cool)
• Met the Red Dino-Thunder Power Ranger
• Went to Las Vegas
• Taught a lesson from the Bible for the first time
• Lost a lot of weight then put too much of it back on
• Read 18 books (most I have ever read in one year)
• Saw all three High School Musical movies
• Started using Twitter
• Created a message for church around America's Next Top Model
• Saw John C. Maxwell twice; once as a motivational speaker the other preaching the word. Both were AWESOME!

That's enough for you. 2008 was so good to me that I may get a tattoo to remember the year. Later y'all.

So I Missed It

Yep that's right I missed my goal of reading 20 books last year, I only read 18. That is still AWESOME for me, so I am real proud of that accomplishement. This year I plan to read 26 books that would be the two I missed last year along with a goal of two per month this year. I am almost finished with number one and will be rolling here soon. Recently I finished "The Shack" which I strongly encourage you to read if you haven't yet. This year's list will include Herschel Walker's Biography, "Un-Christian", "Boss", Chris Jericho's Auotbiography, "21 Laws of Leadership", "360 Degree Leader", and "Leadership Gold". Of course there will be more and I will list them along the side of the blog with links to Amazon for each book.

AWESOME Christmas!!!

Man let me tell ya Christmas Day was simply AWESOME! It wasn't about gifts, it wasn't about having a HUGE feast, it wasn't about being selfish in anyway, it was just about enjoying each other. Several members from the family came over ate, hung out, opened gifts, watched the kids play, and all of that with like no stress at all. Yeah we had food but it was all finger food nothing big but it was perfect. My nephew and his girl came up from Florida as they made their rounds to several houses which was cool (good to see how great they are doing). My sister-in-law's dad that doesn't speak English hung out and seemed to really enjoy himself as he filmed everyone. Conversations were flowing everywhere by everyone. The kids (Kori, Roy2, DJ, and Greg 2.0) were having a wonderful time playing with whatever came in their path. Ashley was being her nosey self watching everything she could (wow what a blessing). Just a great time had by all. I didn't want it to end. The best part was everyone that was there wanted to be there.

Truly one of the best Christmas Days I have had in a long time.

Down to Four

Yep I have read two full books in less than a week. Truly a record for me. I didn't plan it that way, it just happened. On Friday I grabbed a book that I planned to read someday but not in the near future. I just thought I would read a little of it then put it back down. Well several hours later I finished the entire book. I know to some of you that ain't no big deal but for me I believe this would be the first time I have ever read an entire book in one day. (Yeah well I have but Dr. Suess doesn't count does it?) The book I read was Idol Eyes by Mandisa the former American Idol finalist. Very spiritual book with a few suprises. Her reaction to getting voted off was something we could all learn from. I really enjoyed the book. The other book was More From the Red Suit Diaries by Ed Butchart. Another good read but I must say I enjoyed the original diaries a little more than this one. I have placed links to both books in my Books Read area down on the right on the blog homepage. I am now down to only four more books to finish by the end of the year. I am about half way through one and have several others in my book bag. Can I achieve this goal? I say yes.

6 more to go

I just finished book number 14 this week on my quest for 20 in one year. The list of books I have read is on the right column of the blog home page complete with links to Amazon. I can make it to 20 but I have to get to reading with the quickness. I have no shortage of books to read. I am about half way through number 15 and will start #16 this week. The goal is within reach and I will reach it.

Big Buck Bunny

www.bigbuckbunny.org

Insights from a 4 year old

The other day Greg 2.0 came home from school talking about John McCain and Barack Obama. Now neither his mother or I have spoken to him at all about the elections so he had no clue as to who we liked or disliked. Anyway he was talking about how he liked McCain. Now mind you Greg 2.0 is only four years old. When I asked him why he like John McCain he said, and I quote, "cause he is on the red team". I found that kind of funny. See my child loves the color red. He loves the Red Power Ranger, red cars, red football teams, anything red. He has claimed the color for himslef. My favorite color used to be red until he told me that my favorite color is now black because his favorite color is red. Back to my story; I didn't think much about 2.0's politcial decision until a few days later when we were going through his school stuff that comes home each Friday. There was the Daily Reader magazine that had "who would you vote for?" on the cover. I opened it up and sure enough my child had John McCain's box checked. Then it hit me. Here is a four year old that knows absolutely nothing about politics. He knows nothing about what either candidate stood for. Nothing about their healthcare plans, nothing about thier economic policies, nothing at all. The only reason he voted for his candidate was based on the color of their team. I then asked myself, I wonder how many millions of Americans voted for either Obama or McCain based on the same criteria as my four year old boy?

Practice What You Preach

This past week in our youth group at Fusion Church, EDGE, I spoke about confronting your fears. By pushing through our fears we become more fearless and confident. We become greater examples to others by not allowing fear to rule our lives enabling us to become America's Next Top ROLE Model. One of my fears that I spoke about is Arachnophobia, the fear of spiders. I told a story of how I usually will scream like a little girl and call for Melissa to come take care of the spider. No lie! Yeah say what ya want but spiders and I just have never seen eye to eye. Well several months ago I took a huge step in facing this fear. I went into Greg 2.0's bathroom and there was a gigantic spider in the sink. Well he was gigantic to me, about 3 inches long and a thick little sucker too. Anway what did I do first? I yelled for Melissa and jumped out of the bathroom, what else? She wasn't responding. I was like dang, I have to do something. So I leaned into the bathroom almost hoovering above the floor and turn on the water in an effort to drown the poor sap. I was like "yeah boy you goin' down". He went down the sink. After a little more water I turned off the faucet. I look down and here he comes! I was like what?!? I think he looked at me and said "now what fool? Is that all you got?". You know I couldn't back down from the challenge so you know what I did right? Of course I yelled for Melissa. She did not come, I think she was watching Lifetime or something. Well I couldn't let him take over 2.0's bathroom. So I grabbed....Lysol. Yep Lysol, it kills germs so why not a spider. I sprayed spider boy with the fresh scent of the outdoors. As I sprayed the little eight legged freak he started to shrivel up. So I sprayed more to ensure the end of his existence. He was then flushed. That was a big step for me in facing my fears. Fast forward to last week and there was another freakin' spider (not as big) in the hallway. My first reaction was run, yell, and call for Melissa but I didn't. I took off my shoe and beat him down. I'm talkin' teeth, hair, eyes and legs everywhere. I faced the fear and laid the smackdown on it. Now I am not over my arachnophobia by far but I am making steps. I am becoming more fearless of spiders and with that comes more confidence. If I am going to ask the kids in EDGE to face their fears I must face mine and practice what I preach.

Almost time...

I read this book last year and I just had to post it up again. It is a wonderful collection of stories from Santa. I just bought the follow up from Santa himself at Stone Mountain and I can't wait to read that one. Anyway this book will put you right into the Christmas spirit with touching stories and heartwarming tales. Definitely a must read.