Tuesday, January 18, 2011

#CRAVE - Jesus In Your Boat ~ Sermon by @JohnFehlen Poem by @Treborn

West Salem Foursquare Church
www.WSFC.org
January 15/16, 2011
John 6:16-24

Poem:

Show me the money, show me the miracles
ministry can be god, that's not hysterical
let's not just do things for Him
be with Him instead, that's a fortune
Strive and search for significance
make it happen with greatness and experience
why take it out (+) be so liberal
this DOES make sense; it's literal
Not your average waves, an intimate scare
who could calm the storm with legitimate fear
so many motivators makes us crazy
it initiates us to no longer be lazy
if you're eager and you crave, you long for...
something that you lack, yes you want more
he came to free us from restriction
get that relationship, rest in peace to religion

You can row and row, left in sorrow
Think big, go large, be efficient not hollow
Fill the tank, charge the battery
Bits and pieces here and there are a fallacy

Everything's closing in that despondent place
this is the place where he meets us face to face
he came the hard way, so long and far
be sure of the son, more than a star
Take courage, in your darkest hour
beyond the ice, beyond a heart that's sour
don't be discouraged in the worse of times
find courage be encouraged, rehearse the lines
Even if your off beat in an emotional journey
the vessel sways away in waves in a hurry
looking for his hand, missing the man
not many see his face, took a blessing and ran
He won't let you sink, I know you've been searching
seeking and craving, pursuits got us hurting
he is so worthy, stop over-thinking, you're underachieving
have faith my child, it's time to start believing

If this doesn't fire you up, then bet
that your wood must obviously be wet
Immediately means... straight and direct
His power has power, no debate all respect

Surrender all to him, be with us now
Human effort and God's presence is different, how?
Different, so different, a brain can't imagine
Picture him now, it's more than you can fathom

Sunday, January 16, 2011

POEM: A Mysterious Protection

A Mysterious Protection 
an original poem by Christian Treborn

At times, it's like I would rather put down my luggage just help someone else with theirs
The sad thing is I have to go back to get my life, pick it back up & reface my fears
The journey is twice as long, and half as educational... seeing how I enjoy being a help
How much exercise am I doing if I'm working harder than smarter? How is my own health?
I know I could go outside and play but my adventure clothes are in the closet 
It's too big and dark to go in and grab what I need, so instead of moving forward I pause it
Procrastination, I want to stop it, but maybe I'll start being productive in the new year
Yeah right! That mentality ends with a new fear, yet my mind, body and soul... I'd rather renew here!
As if I was new here, I reminisce and miss the old me, fresh to all the homies that know me
If only they could see me now, how much I've changed and improved, they'd say they don't know me

I keep growing into a man I've been destined to be and what do I see but a blurred reflection
No matter how many times I wipe the mirror I'm comforted by a mysterious protection

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Vintage Time Machines (My Favorite Local Band)

Okay, I met this guy Mike over the summer at a party. I remember how interesting he was and how much he knew his Indie and not-so-known bands. I didn't immediately admit I was a poet, instead I just listened and got to know him better.

Months later, Courtney and I got invited to a Halloween Costume Party at Mike's house. There we met his roommate - Chad. They were both dressed in these time-traveling-jumpsuits. I thought it was a bit too easy of costumes. Later that night they get behind their instruments and start rocking out! I was amazed and it all made sense. Their band was called Vintage Time Machines. Now I know why they were dressed like Time Lords. It was all apart of their theme as the Vintage Time Machines.

I must admit, I really enjoyed their groove, their sound, and even their neo-retro style. It was refreshing and pleasing to my ears and my soul. I instantly became a fan.

A few months later... we have January. I got invited to their first big show at a new venue in Canby, Oregon called The Place To Be Cafe. When I got there, they were packed. It was great to see that so many more people get a chance to experience my favorite local band.

Here is a sample of their set from Friday January 7th.

SONG 1

Saturday, January 1, 2011

2010 In The Year of Our LORD (a Reflection of the past 365 days)

In the year of our LORD – twenty-ten, I had some life changing experiences. It all began towards the end of 2009 when I ended my stale and dull relationship with my girlfriend of 3 years. Our relationship wasn’t going anywhere, and after expressing her feelings, I had no response. No solution, no answer. I told her what I wanted to do; invest in others lives, lead bible studies, and further my relationship with GOD. So we ended it, and I began praying to GOD for resolution and reconciliation in my life. I spent Christmas alone (with GOD) and on December 26th, He called me to step out of my box, to get out of my comfort zone, and dedicate the year to His will.

2010 has been a ride and a journey for sure. I rededicate my life to GOD, left all my insecurities & imperfections behind to pursue holiness & walk in righteousness. I decided to surround myself with positive and influential men of GOD. Justin Doyle was my main comrade in my refreshed walk. We would fellowship and hang out with the South Salem Young Life kids.

After 2 years of being asked by Corey, I finally joined Young Life, and began volunteering my time to South Salem High School students. Young Life has been a journey and a calling to something I didn’t think I wanted and something I didn’t expect. It caught me off guard, and I am thankful it did. Thanks to Young Life I have learned so much about ministry, relationship, unconditional love, mentorship, and discipleship.

I also volunteered to be a bridge from Wyldlife to Young Life. Currently I am building relationships with middle school kids that will end up in high school where I do Young Life.Young Life needs it’s own post/update. Coming soon…

In the music scene I did some big things for Christian Hip Hop aka Holy Hip Hop.
I opened up for GRITS and Cookbook (formally of LA Symphony). I also ended up opening for Braille again this year. He has been though a lot, and to be there as he performed his hit songs was a blessing.

My church West Salem Foursquare Church had a UNITED service where everyone from each of our three services was invited to join a huge service at Riverfront Park to share picnic and worship. There were about 1500 people that showed up. At the last minute I realized I should have asked my pastor to allow me to perform a song before we began. People were just hanging around talking and eating; they might as well have some entertainment in the background while they wait too.

I ended up performing two of my fan favorites live for 1500 or so people. It was freeing and uplifting and inspiring. Just doing it for fun, I had kids come up to me telling me how much they enjoyed my performance. They asked if I had CDs, and I realized I did have some in my car. Always being prepared, I grabbed a box of CDs and started handing them out to anyone and everyone that walked up to me. It was a blessing all around.

(To see this live performance visit HERE)

For about half the year I volunteered to help DaSouth.com by writing reviews on music projects. This was a great opportunity to help the music scene – behind the scenes. Plus it helped me with my journalism skills.

The biggest thing that happened in 2010…

I met the love of my life - Courtney at church. Never did I know she was related to people I knew and worked with. I ended up doing a lot of volunteer work with her and we began making new memories and sharing new experiences. She has opened my eyes to many different aspects of life that I haven't seen in the past.

It's been a blessing through every challenge and obstacles we have had to face. If we have learned anything, it's that God is faithful and true. We can always rely on him and ask him to meet our needs. I have never prayed for any person (not even myself) as much as I have for Courtney. I care about her so much and I love her unconditionally. She is a mighty servant for Christ and continues to grow and learn each week. It's been such a blessing to be apart of her life and witness God's work in her.

It has been such a great year. Through everything I have done and experienced, I have learned a ton about God and even a bunch of things about myself. This has been the year of my life & I am looking forward to what God brings next.

Thank you Jesus for using me to help so many people. Even without my knowledge. I am filled with joy to be apart of the body of Christ. Praise the Lord. He is sovereign!