I haven’t blogged in a while.
I should do that. Oh wait. This counts. BOOM.
If I could just channel my tweeting(www.twitter.com/bryanlmiller) energy into blogging energy. It’s all good.
Anyways..upcoming blogs..(Kind of like tv guide)
“Conversations with a non korean man in south korea over skype”
“Moving..on that midnight train to..birmingham?”
“Women Be Shoppin”
-B
I’m amazed at how many life lessions I have to learn over and over again. And re-live over and over and over…But, here are some of them..hopefully they’ll resonate within you..or remind you of a life lesson you’ve learned…Some may be intensely serious or spiritual and some will be silly..
*People love genuine people. I always thought to be effective in ministry..I’d need to be a great speaker or communicator…or be really good with tech stuff or creative type stuff…But this last year I’ve had the opportunity to watch and work with a guy who willingly admits he struggles when you hand him a mic…but he’s been incredibly effective…because people can see through him and see how real he is..Not because he’s got it all together..but because he doesn’t put any false pretenses out there…and it’s cool to watch.
*I love to hear people’s story…what got you to this point..what makes you tick..what are you passionate about…if money wasn’t a issue..what would you do with your life? what has influenced your beliefs? Who do you look up to? What’s your biggest dreams,passions,fears? What’s made you who you are? Basically..what makes you..YOU? If we haven’t had a conversation like this…and you’re reading this..I’m down..let’s schedule it…call your people…tell them to call mine..and we’ll set about two or three dates..cancel them for some inane reason..then finally reschedule it. (I’m kidding… But,seriously..let’s hear that story)
*True Conversation is a dying art…people talk a lot…and say a lot. Without really saying anything..or hearing anything. Noise isn’t conversation. Small talk alone isn’t a real conversation.
*I’m pretty embarrassed by a lot of the things christians have said about our president. In fact I almost put christian in quotations…but then I realized I’d be no better than those who continue to question Obama’s christianity. Check your heart and motives if that’s you. (I’m putting my shield up at this point…waiting for the arrows) God is love. If Christ was God in human form….and we are christlike…why aren’t we love? Also…check out this scripture Daniel 2:21 He (God) changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
*My metabolism at age 18 and at age 26 are vastly different. (For that matter..so is my hair count)
*Grace is hard to give..and even harder to receive.
*Pride kills most relationships…just say you’re sorry and fix stuff. or let other people say they’re sorry and accept it. Do you have a friend or family member you need to swallow your pride and forgive or apologize to?
*Candy is for adults too.
*Grown up life’s not always fun…making decisions based on logic and what’s wise…not on what your feelings or impulses tell you is not a fun thing to do…
*People are more likely to read quick one to two line sentences…see?
*Most people live life in cycles…I guess the best way to explain that is..Most people have a process in the way they do things..the only thing that they change is the people they interact with..they still interact the same way as they did with the last friend,classmates,boyfriend/girlfriend ,coworker etc…So,try and observe the way people have done things… Because, Odds are..they’ll do it the same way with you later.
More Later…
-B
Would you consider yourself to be influential?
I know this is a hard question..because if you say yes..you’re afraid you could come off cocky. And if you say no..well,that’s no good. Noone wants to consider themselves to be un-influential…we all want to think that someone somewhere notices what we do and is influenced by it.
Check out what scripture says.. Proverbs 16:23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. (New American Standard)
If you are wise..you teach your mouth. And add persuasiveness to your lips.
Several things stick out here…
1.) True influence comes from the heart…then to the mouth. How many of us are influencing from the heart?
2.) If you’re wise..you’ll teach your mouth. how many of us let our mouths run without any control or thought to what’s coming out of it?
How many of us are teaching our mouths to speak wisely from our hearts?
I’m the worst about this..my mouth can go for minutes on it’s own. Ya know those friendship quizzes “What does so and so do best..what is so and so’s biggest fear” Whenever I’ve gotten those posted on my wall..it’s always a natural talker..or something along these lines..and while i was tempted to be proud of this..I remember so many times my mouth has gotten me in trouble..when I didn’t control my words..when I let a natural “gift” go on it’s own without being reined in..I’m reminded of this….James 3:5 A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!
My words..have power..and so do yours..to build..or to destroy. To bring life. Or to take it.
The average person speaks 16,000 words in a day (I probably use twice as many..sigh) That’s 16,000 opportunities to bring life to someone..or to tear people down..are you letting your mouth go on it’s own and just dealing with the repercussions or are you teaching.your.lips.to speak?
The question isn’t are you influential…because you are influencing someone. The average person knows at least 300 people…As I’ve been writing this blog in rivertown coffee.. I’ve seen/talked with 5 different people..people i didn’t expect to see.. So, you are influencing people..What is your influence?
What are your words influencing? Your life? Habits? Attitudes?
How are you using your influence to impact this world?
Thanks to John Maxwell for the title inspiration…Granted..these are more than likely refutable because..they’re just my opinion..and everyone has one,right?
There are a few things people do on Twitter that drive me NUTS. But I’m mostly writing this as a goal for myself..To not do these things..or to stop doing these things..
So,Here they are…The Nine (Somewhat) Irrefutable Laws of Twittership.
1.) Do Not tell me if you’re going to the bathroom…or going to bed.
We all do these things..congratulations 
We sometimes are overconnected..and feel the need to update or report the mundane..to Overshare our lives..Somethings are just for you to know.
2.) Don’t ReTweet John Mayer
If you feel the need to retweet (RT) a celebrity..Stop. Take a minute and ask yourself..”Am I just adding to the noise?”
I love Mayer..Really. But,do we really need to hear from both you and him that he’s being hit on by cougars at a bar?
The odds are unless it’s something really profound or engaging..It’s not Retweetable. Just laugh.Say something like “Oh mayer or Oh P-diddy..you’re so funny and real..for a celebrity” Smile and move on. (Disclaimer:I have RT’d John Mayer before)
3.) Do Be Real.
Share your heart. What moves you. What makes you happy. What makes you sad. Those are the tweets I engage with the most. The bare of pride..stripped down and honest tweets from the heart. Use twitter as a means to really get to know others and let others get to know you..the REAL you.
4.) Don’t have full length conversations through twitter…
I’m always amazed at the things people will say to each other over twitter that should be said either through text..private message..a phone call..or here’s a crazy one IN PERSON..here an example.
Twilightrocksmysock87 “@godslittlepixe29 Hey what’s up?
godslittlepixe29 “@Twilightrocksmysock87 N/m Just chillin at work..u?”
Twilightrocksmysock87 @godslittlepixe29 Sweet..I’m just in class..”
That’s great..but couldn’t you guys have just texted that? Why would everyone need to see that? Twitter’s all about engaging with all your friends,followers,family or whatnot..but that was a exclusive conversation that was only between the two of you. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with @ replying or tweeting someone..But some people overuse it.
Think about it..When’s the last time you saw a tweet and said “They should’ve just texted that”?
5.) Try not to tweet out of anger.
This one’s hard..we all want to do it. Especially after a fight..or a breakup. Here’s an example..
Sweetyetsassy85 Some guys are just sooooo immature. I mean..how selfish can one person be..I’m SO over it.
No, you’re not. If you were over it. You wouldn’t mention it.
If you’re mad. Don’t type a tweet. Or a facebook status. You’ll regret it..EVERY time.
Also..if you tweet a ambiguous tweet..people usually know who you’re talking about and they do too..So, unless it’s for attention..cut it out. In fact..even if it is..cut it out.
6.) Do share Wisdom
If you hear something in a movie,read something in a book,hear it at church..that is wise..and that i can learn from..Do share.
If you find a passage of scripture that people need to hear..share it!
Found a great blog..let me know about it!
The odds are..if something inspires you..it will inspire me
7.) Be.You.
So many times we try and make our “twitter identity” someone who’s so much not like us..by patterning ourselves after someone else’s tweets. If I follow you..I follow YOU. Not that other person. Be you…You have a personality that only you can offer..
8.) Respond/engage w/ other people
Twitter’s more fun when it’s interactive..not just a place where you put your thoughts and opinions.. but where you challenge other people..or let them know when you agree..or disagree. Encourage your friends. Let em know when you laugh. Do your part to keep dialogue going!
9.) Ask questions/get advice.
Use twitter to it’s fullest..get feedback for a paper or lesson you’re working on..or if you should get a haircut. (Or grow a beard@ctimothyray)
You have a easy place to get feedback..use it. Ask if anyone’s seen a movie or read a book you’re interested in..
See, if anyone’s ever had that rare rash you have..ew. 
The odds are..you’ll have at least one friend who will share an opinion…and if not..you need to meet my friends..they have more than their share.
9.)Don’t over-tweet
If I open up twitter..or tweetdeck or whatever I may be using..and your tweets take up a whole page. Congratulations..you’re that guy.Noone likes that. I recently unfollowed a guy who’s a great guy..but he posted 15 tweets of influential pastors he was praying for that morning…which is not a bad thing..just that I had to go down three pages to find anyone but him… Say what you have to say..but limit yourself. Every thought doesn’t have to be tweeted… I try and keep myself to four or five a day. (Which may still be overkill to some) And sometimes two or three in a row is ok…but when it’s ALL the time..power it down.
What about you..what would you say are some other (Somewhat) irrefutable laws of twittership??
Disclaimer: This is all in good fun and is by no means to be representative of my favorite songs or bands…
So..this all started when Brett Trapp over at www.trappstr.com stated that “Drops of Jupiter” was one of the best songs in the last five years and was to the best of my knowledge..Heavily disagreed with…
So..I laid down the gauntlet of a blog-off.. (after hearing of his upcoming post of the same title as this)
Well..as of today… Brett responded (many many hours later might I add) with the following.”@bryanlmiller You asked for it. Blog your top 10 songs of the last decade tomorrow morning. We’ll compare.”
Well I’ll do you one better..I’m gonna name the best song of each year for the last ten years….and why. (I also assume this is meant to be songs that were on the radio..and I’m writing as such..so forgive me for it being so “poppy”)
After Days and days of research. (Ok..minutes) Here goes.. (click the song title to hear it)
1999 Song of the Year-Kiss Me-Sixpence None the Richer
Oh come on..you know it’s good. And you know you immediately had a memory that was tied directly to that song!
Plus, It was used in pretty much every late 90’s early 2000’s movie montage..and possibly even Dawson’s Creek. (You know you watch Dawson’s)
(Runners Up: No Scrubs-TLC, Livin’ La Vida Loca-Ricky Martin)
2000 Song of the Year-Stuck in a moment- U2
It’s such a great song with a great message… I don’t know how many times in my life..that I’ve been literally stuck in a moment from the past..And needed to hear this.
(Runners Up: Say My Name-Destiny’s Child, I Knew I Loved You-Savage Garden…come on..you know you love those songs)
2001 Song of the Year-Everything-Lifehouse
This song. gives me chills.still. I could go in depth..but..just listen to the song. (I’m unashamedly a lifehouse fan)
(Runners Up:Fallin’-Alicia Keys, The Luckiest-Ben Folds,A Lifetime-Better Than Ezra)
2002 Song of the Year-Lose Yourself- Eminem
“You better lose yourself in the music. The Moment.You own it.You better not let it go. You only get one shot.”
I’d venture to say this is more inspiring than 99% of messages preached in churches that year. It’s inspiring. Makes you realize you have one life. Do something with it.
(Runners Up: Come away with me-Norah Jones ,Soak Up the Sun-Sheryl Crowe)
2003 Song of the Year- Picture- Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow
I know. Kid rock is terrible. But this song is a perfect breakup type song..captures the feelings of the month after a breakup. (Well minus all the apparent rebound loving they’re having with other people)
(Runners Up:Unwell-Matchbox 20,Let’s get it started- Black eyed peas)
2004 Song of the Year-Yeah-Usher
Click that link. If you don’t dance..I’ll give you your money back.
No Runners Up..Just Ursha.
2005 Song of the Year-Fix You- Coldplay
“Lights will guide you home and ignite your bones.” Wow.
You knew Coldplay had to make it in here somewhere. When the band kicks in..if you don’t feel something..check your pulse man.
(Runners Up:Gold Digger-Kanye West,The Killers – Mr. Brightside)
2006 Song of the Year- Waiting on the world to change- John Mayer
This song defined my generation. How we feel. Plus..you knew Mayer would be here somewhere!
(Runners Up:Dani California-Red Hot Chili Peppers,Crazy-Gnarls Barkley)
2007 Song of the Year- Anything not written by Soulja Boy Tellem
2008 Song of the Year-I\'m Yours- Jason Mraz
Perfect Summer song..plus watch the weird video those guys made to the song…
2009 Song of the Year- Use Somebody- Kings of Leon
Even John Mayer noticed they’re blowing up and tweeted about it. They also proved that you can put two songs on one record with the word somebody in it.
This is my list (For now) It’s late..so if I forgot some..(Which I KNOW I did) Then remind me in the comments!
-B
I have to start by saying even though I work in ministry and love to see people connected and plugged in a group of believers serving and growing…
BUT..I feel like lately a lot of people I know are extremely overchurched.. D-groups.Bible studies.Sunday School Groups.Worship Services.Small Groups…I could keep going but for the sake of time I’ll leave it at that…
If you spend more than two..possibly three nights a week at church events..you need to ask yourself. Are you overchurched? If so,why? What’s the motivation to be in a church related activity every evening?
Please realize I think all of these things in and of themselves are great. But,when you spend almost every night of the week at one of these..What other areas are lacking in your life? Are you slacking in relationships with friends or family? Are you behind on school/work stuff?
But..Back to the motivation behind being overchurched..Is it a guilt thing? If you could volunteer in one more area of ministry…or lead one more small group..or head up one more luncheon…You’ll feel better.
I know that feeling..the feeling that you have to earn God’s love. That you have to earn the right to feel good about yourself..to feel like a good christian. When in reality..there aren’t any good christians..we’re all sinners in need of grace.
The flipside of this whole deal is the people who aren’t plugged in at all. Who don’t volunteer or help out in the ministries of their church at all. In the book of james it talks about this..and says “Faith without works is dead.”
So,Are you overchurched? or completely underchurched? And why?
I’m mostly just asking questions..so let’s hear some feedback…more to come!
So..I’m launching this blog..mostly because I have stories.
Maybe even too many…ridiculous..funny..serious…and everything in between. (Including embarrassing)
So…Friends…(Assuming that only friends would care to read it at this point) What stories should I tell?
Yep..I’m that guy..the DJ at the prom who has his favorite songs..but is willing to play yours..only put stories where the word songs is. got it? good!
Also..feel free to excuse my grammar and extreme over-usage of elipses.
-B
