Category: Travel

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The Battle for Status

My wife, Denise, and I are in the thick of a battle of sorts.

I want to win, and therefore, I need her to lose.

We are in a battle for “status.”

Let me explain…

I fly a lot. I’m in airplanes quite often. Perhaps it’s for denominational meetings, speaking engagements, vacation, or whatever. Simply put:  I fly a lot.

Denise, well, not so much. But when she does fly, she tends to fly longer distances, because her family lives primarily in the Midwest, and those miles add up quickly.

For many years I have been trying to achieve status on Alaska Airlines. It’s been an obsession of sorts. I like boarding earlier, having more seating options (ie: exit rows), and admittedly/shamefully, I take a small degree of delight in watching passengers scramble for overhead bin space, while I peacefully settle in with my AirPods and a magazine.

So, you can imagine my sheer horror when I recently discovered that Denise had gotten “status” before ME. She doesn’t even care about it. I CARE about IT a great deal! But she DOES enjoy rubbing it in my face, especially when they call out her premium grouping to board early, often accompanied with confetti, standing ovations, and a Dixieland band.

Meanwhile, a part of me dies inside.

All of this came to a significant head on our most recent flight to Mecca, I mean, Disneyland. Trips to Disneyland used to be for the kids, but now it’s for my wife. It’s not really my jam, but I go for her, because she loves all things Disney so much. It’s good for her soul. So you would think Denise would recognize my selfless sacrifice and not heap on the whole “status shame” any further.

But no.

When the flight attendant came down the isle with drinks and snacks, Denise let her know (in what I thought was a very loud voice) that she is one of Alaska’s finest, most preferred customers, and that one of the benefits accordingly bestowed upon her is that of a piece of premium chocolate.

I, on the other hand, humbly and quietly, made sure that the flight attendant was aware that we were together. Married. Husband and wife. The two became ONE. I mentioned that we share everything, including our airline status, and that should warrant a piece of chocolate for yours truly.

The flight attendant pulled out her corporate cellphone, clicked on the seating chart, and extended her thanks to Denise Fehlen as a preferred member of the Alaska Airlines family.

Then she actually said this:  “Denise, you are Gold. John, you are nothing.”

I kid you not.

Thankfully I had that tiny pretzel Snack Mix bag, and the deep understanding that I am a child of God.

You see, I am NOT nothing. Neither are you. It doesn’t matter what the flight attendant, or anyone else for that matter, says to you or about you.

You and I are fearfully and wonderfully made.

You and I are the apple of God’s eye.

You and I are seen, known and loved.

Our “status” is that of co-heir with Christ, seated in heavenly places.

All other status is, well, insignificant in comparison.

Period.

Any yet, I think you’ll be pleased to know (I know I was) that a few minutes later, the flight attendant came back down the isle, stopped at our row, and handed ME a premium piece of chocolate too. She said, and I quote: “Here you go, young man.”

She called me YOUNG.

Take that Denise. 🙂

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What I’m Into Right Now: Ramen Noodles

Just spend a few moments on my Instagram feed and you’ll quickly realize that I am absolutely in love with Ramen. Now, classically, the next question I get asked after making such a claim is this:  “You really like that Top Ramen stuff?” To that I say emphatically:  “NO. That’s garbage.” I’m talking about authentic Japanese Ramen.

Wikipedia would describe it like this:  Ramen consists of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a tonkotsu (pork bone broth), beef, miso or fish-based broth, often flavored with soy sauce or miso, and uses toppings such as sliced pork, dried seaweed (nori), and green onions.

I would describe it as my favorite food obsession right now.

If my memory serves me well, I recall experiencing my first bowl of ramen noodles in Los Angeles a few years ago. The only thing I had to gauge my expectations to was the cheap, nasty Top Ramen that I used to eat at Bible College in my 20’s. This was so much more. More Flavor (umami). More Depth. More interesting ingredients.

Since that first encounter in Los Angeles, I have been on a Ramen Hunt. I set a Summer of 2017 goal to eat at every Ramen joint in Portland. I estimated about 20 of them in the greater Portland area, and I was able to get to about 6-7 of them (with a few repeats). I also had a goal of losing 15 pounds, and it’s entirely possible these two goals we’re at odds! I’ve since eaten Ramen in New York, various places in Southern California, the Bay Area, Hawaii, and most recently a Ramen Crawl in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN, which has a strong Ramen game going on right now.

I get asked what my go-to places are in Portland. Here’s my Ramen Report:

  1. Kayo’s Ramen Bar. Order the signature TanTan Ramen, and add the soft-poached egg. You’ll thank me.
  2. Marukin Ramen. They have a rotating daily menu, with a couple standards offered every day. You can never go wrong with the Tonkotsu Red. It’s a bit spicy, but the flavor is amazing. If you go to the Marukin off of SE Ankeny in Portland, then you’re right next to my all time favorite food in Portland:  Nong’s Khao Man Gai.
  3. Boxer Ramen.  There are a number of locations throughout Portland. If you wanna blow your mind, order the $6 side of Okonomiyaki Tots.

That’s the latest Ramen Report. More to come, I’m sure of it!

Chow!

John

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What I’m Into Right Now: Gin Gins & Pipe Tobacco Candles

Well, here begins a series of blog posts about What I’m Into Right Now. I’m excited to spotlight some great hobbies, products, habits, and experiences that I’m finding joy in, and love to tell people about!

Obviously, as a Christian and a pastor, I could tell you that I’m into JESUS, and yes, it’s true that I am. He’s a massively important part of my life. So is my wife Denise, my kids Jordan, Josh, Anna, and Issac. So are my daughter-in-laws Lindsey and Shannon, along with my two grandkids: Emmy and David. Those are givens. Never to be under-appreciated, but yet givens.

So, now onto ginger and tobacco scent. 🙂

But first, let’s talk about TJ Maxx. I don’t how I missed this store for so long, but I found it and now I can’t get enough of it. For two primary reasons:  Gin Gins and Warm Tobacco Pipe Candles.

 

The Ginger People Gin Gins Original Chewy Ginger Candy 3 Oz (pack of 2)

I don’t go anywhere without a handful of these. I’ve got ’em in my backpack, office, car and home study. They are especially helpful when I fly. And I fly a lot. Ginger is good for “tummy strugs.”  When I fly, or am on a boat, I have to pay close attention to this. I’ve never had to use an airplane sickness bag, but I always have to know that it is within reach. Always. It’s the first thing I look for when boarding a flight, and I always put in front of the in-flight magazines with the little flap hanging out. It has to be visible. And I always make sure I have a stash of Gin Gins in my pocket. I love em:  gluten free, vegan, fat free, and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. One note though: they can be spicy hot. It’s ginger, people. If you don’t like the taste of ginger, you probably won’t like Gin Gins. But, boy, I sure do.

 

Decoware Richly Scented Warm Tobacco Pipe 2-Wick Candle 14.82 Oz. In Glass

While attending a graduation party at some friends home, I was immediately struck by the scent throughout the house. Not in a bad way (which can sometimes be the case with certain scents). They showed me the burning candle, and the stash of extra ones they had in waiting. I was now on a mission to find that candle.

Enter TJ Maxx.

I bought a couple of them, and now each time I’m there I pick up another one “just in case.” I have a problem, I know. But it’s a good problem. It’s a good scent. I know it doesn’t sound like “warm tobacco pipe” would be a good smell. I was especially worried about my wife, who can’t stand the smell of any kind of tobacco. But, she likes this. Whew. Good, because I have roughly 12 of them. 🙂

 

Well, that’s What I’m Into Right Now. More to come. Stay tuned.

 

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What I’m Into Right Now

Hey Friends,

Periodically I get a request from folks about “what I’m into right now.” Such as, “Hey John, I know you read a bunch. So what’s your favorite book right now.” Or, “Hey John, you’re always talking about Ramen Noodles. What’s the best place in Portland?”

So, I’m gonna start a series of blog posts called “What I’m Into Right Now.”

First, you need to know that I’m a guy that gets into things for a while then moves on to something else when I get bored or discover something new. Call it “Rotating Hobbies!” I’ll blog about some of those things from my recent past, as well as what I’m into now.

My hope would be that you would get inspired, try some stuff out, explore, experiment and see what happens. You may find something you love or you may think I’m crazy (i.e.: charcoal toothpaste…blog post coming soon!). Feel free to click on any of the links I’m providing in the blog post and give it try!

I have a motto (actually a bunch of them, but this is one I’m crazy about now)… Leaders are Learners.

So, here’s to learning!

Grace and Peace,

John

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Summer of Sabbatical

I have been given the gift of a pastoral sabbatical this summer. For this I am extremely grateful. My sabbatical will last a little over nine weeks and begin on July 1.

What is a sabbatical? It’s a good question, not least because ‘sabbath’ is a lost practice in our day. We all get vacations and “time off,” but a sabbath is something altogether different. Sabbath is a time to stop, to rest, to delight, to play, and to be renewed by the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

A sabbatical is meant to be an extended sabbath. Some may wonder if there is any sin, frustration with the church, or desire to move on to another ministry assignment. The answer is no. Some have asked if I am taking this time to focus on my doctoral work, or to write a book. The answer is no. I had considered starting my doctorate soon, but opted to wait until another season, and I have had a couple of book ideas on my mind, but don’t feel like the time is right to develop those yet. Although I will be reading and journaling…a lot. The point is to have an extended sabbath—a holy space to rest and be renewed.

For pastors, the practice of a sabbatical becomes particularly important because of the role we carry in the church. The weight of spiritual leadership is hard to explain or quantify, and yet it can take a very tangible toll on a leader’s soul. Many leaders don’t stop because they don’t feel that they can for fear that the church may fall apart without them. But I believe that Jesus is the Head of the Church! I think you agree.

Jesus withdrew in silence and solitude, even when the crowds were pressing in. Therefore, it’s important that pastors do that too. A sabbatical obviously is no substitute for regular rhythms of rest and renewal. And yet, our church council was so gracious to give me something extra, something longer, something special as a gift. This gift is really the gift of time. Thank you.

So, what will Denise and I do on my sabbatical?
We have intentionally crafted the weeks to make space for rest, recreation and renewal. There will be times for just Denise and I to be together, as well as fun memory-making adventures with the kids, cherished moments with family and friends, as well as some solitary blocks of time with just me and Jesus.

During this summer, we will be commemorating a number of milestones:
• My 45th birthday
• My 25th year as a licensed Foursquare pastor
• My 7th year as the lead pastor of West Salem Foursquare Church
and finally (and most amazingly)…
• Our 25th year of marriage (the result of the grace of God and a good lady)!

So, we’re gonna do some wonderful things, but there are also things we will NOT do. For my sabbatical, the things I will deliberately cease from are:

• Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (checking and posting)
• Email (all my addresses are being forwarded to my assistant)
• My phone (I’m shutting it off often, using it sparingly and not for business)
• Content-creation (no sermon writing, blogging, planning, etc)
• Speaking at any churches, camps or conferences

The things I will intentionally delight in are: family (including our sweet grandbaby), friends, reading (lots of fiction, mostly soul care books and a few theological ones), walking, working out, riding bike (I just bought a bike and am excited to start riding it…gotta get ready for the new bridge to Minto Brown park!), and watching The Olympics (The Fehlens really love watching the Olympics together!).

What about West Salem Foursquare Church?
Well, as you know we have an amazing team of staff, elders and servant-leaders! Our Navigational Team will continue to oversee our staff and day-to-day operations. Each Sunday service will have great communicators sharing the Word of God. Along with our staff, we have a number of incredible friends and partners in ministry that will be joining us throughout the summer.

Sunday, June 26th, will be my last Sunday before the sabbatical. I will be back in the pulpit on September 11th.

Pray for us. Pray that the Lord would surprise us with joy in beautiful ways, and that our hearts would be drawn closer to Him and to one another as family during this time.

The Best is Yet to Come,

John

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Good Flight, Huh?

On an Alaska Airlines hopper flight from Seattle to Kalispell, Montana I sat next to a kind, older gentleman. We introduced ourselves quickly and I found him to be a downright pleasant man. When the refreshment cart came to us he asked the attendant how long the flight would be roughly. She answered him, he pondered for a moment and then said, “Thanks. That’ll work…I guess I’ll have the complimentary beer then.” He didn’t want to be tipsy when he got home.

It made me chuckle.

He then asked me what my “e-lec-tronic thing” was. I explained that it was an iPad made by Apple. I think he was impressed…or, frankly, couldn’t have cared less. Not sure.

Then came the moment to settle in with a movie and my drink (no, not the beer…I’m a Ginger Ale man on flights). What followed was my universally understood (so I thought) indicator that I was not “open for business”; that I wanted to sit quietly and privately (as private as one can be in a cattle car)!

That indicator was the insertion of my earbuds.

I tried to drown out the engines roar and various conversations around me with my headphones. I wasn’t up for chit-chat, but my seat-mate didn’t get that memo. He would periodically ask me a question or make a general comment. I could have ignored him, but I chose not to. He was too nice of a guy. So I would pull out the earbuds, ask him to repeat himself, and then we would chat for a bit.

Rinse and Repeat. This went on for a few rounds until he wore himself out and fell asleep.

I was glad to see him dose off, until…

…he extended his right leg fully over the invisible barrier of my foot space.  I thought, “Hmmm, yep, that’s his blue jean covered leg touching mine; pressing me right out into the isle. I’m gonna loose a toe from a passing cart.”

I gave the leg a slight nudge with my knee but it didn’t budge. He was tired and so friendly, so I let it slide for the remainder of the flight. It wasn’t until we had landed that the leg wiggled it’s way back into its own territory with a stretch, a yawn, and a “Good flight, huh?”

Yep. Good indeed. 

As I reflect now, God was lovingly reminding me to be open to interruptions and encroachments upon my time and personal space. Ministry often happens in these simple moments. Joy is to be discovered in the mundane. Life is waiting to be exchanged in common and generic situations.

“Good flight, huh?” Yes, it was.

I learned to be more patient somewhere over Boise, Idaho, and by the time the wheels skidded into Kalispell, I wished I had been even more open and available to my flying partner.

Pretty sure I would have been the better man for it.

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Confess with Your T-Shirt

The shirt was bright red with big, unmistakable lettering across the entire front. When I wore it I looked like a human stop sign.

It was the 80’s and in the church circles I ran in it at that time, it was very common for Christians to live by the motto: “What you believe in your heart, you’ll confess with your t-shirt!” Ask my wife, I have a thing for t-shirts. Someday I’ll show you my collection. They are all archived and boxed up for future generation to discover…and…well…marvel.

There is one classic t-shirt that I can’t seem to find though. It was either misplaced, worn out, tossed out or given away. I’d love to get my hands on it again – not to wear it, of course. Frankly, I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t fit, ‘cause I’m no longer a 140 pound skinny teenager (here’s to wishing though)!

The reason I want to find it is because of the truth it presented. The message on this fire-engine red shirt was undeniable – both to myself and to those that would see it on my frame. The white lettering spelled out what I know to be true, but can often loose sight of quickly. The shirt simply said:

Jesus is
Coming Back
Very Soon!

There is a whole story that goes with this famed red shirt and someday I’ll tell you more about it.

But for now will you let those words sink in. Go ahead and read them again. Jesus is…coming back…very soon. I wore that shirt with conviction in the 80’s. The disciples around the time of the 1st Century (after the ascension) were also convinced Jesus was coming back soon. Between then and now a lot of time has transpired. Do we still believe Jesus is coming back? Soon? Or has this fundamental truth gotten lost in the move? Have we gotten so busy that we’ve forgotten to keep watch for his return? Maybe for you today, it’s a matter of life and death. Perhaps you have not given your full life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and you’re not certain of your eternal destination. Or maybe you’ve got apathetic and wandered in your faith. Don’t leave your relationship with the Lord to chance.

Jesus is coming back. He is our Soon-Coming King!