Did you see the headlines in 2011? Everyone from Lady Gaga to Osama Bin Laden and not to mention Kim Jong Ill. There there was the Canucks riot and also Fukishima. We still haven't managed that global economic crisis with the rise of BRIC countries and the possible addition of South Africa and also Indonesia replacing India. The Middle East is changing with the new moves of the Arab spring and much more. It was nice to see the royal wedding to. So much is going on in the world this year. But Mr. Bilson would like to invite you to his tiny little world and walk a year in the life with him for just a moment. So come! You are invited. Take a breather and spend a little time with Mr. Bilson and learn about some of his high's and lows for 2011. You may learn something new or just waste your time. You decide and you will soon find out.
Well the Global Economic Downturn was no stranger to Mr. Bilson this year. He has been in and out of so many jobs that's it was just crazzy. There is nothing like coming to the end of himself and realizing how much JESUS is his sole provision. He may have found out how much he hates CSR jobs but has to bite the bullet to make a buck. He was also shocked to be working for that company that sells high quality over priced clothing that people are addicted to like crack. They will yell at him and try every trick in the books in hopes of getting another deal or something close to it. Are these people for real? Is it really worth your anger? It is just stuff, materials that you will never take to heaven with you. Is it really worth it? Well all he knows is that the company will only be laughing and making more money for it.
MUSIC! Mr. Bilson loves MUSIC! He loved the raw beats and killer chorus' of COOLMAN! Not also because he knows Cool and Man but also because they just sound so awesome! He saw them live at an after party at the RIVER. They were bold, upbeat and out of sight! He strongly recommends you give them a shot and don't forget to "BLAME IT ON THE STREET MEAT!"
Skillet's remix of some of their new hits was also a keeper. It was great to see the band reconnect with their electronica past and also mix it with their revitting guitar riffs. It is great to see this band expand and grow so much since Mr. Bilson first heard them about... 9-10 years ago. Has it been that long? YUP! Like Skilet, Mr. Bilson is getting older... and that is not necessarily a bad thing.
As for visual media, Mr. Bilson recalls a number of documentaries. There was the one about those bands that came out with great albums back in... 1991. Yes that was... 20 years ago. Mr. Bilson, you are getting older... and that is not necessarily a bad thing. Pearl Jam did theirs about the '10' album that was a huge part of Mr. Bilson's introduction to his love for music. He found it unusual how the band acted to different in front of the camera and how much they liked the stardom which was so hypocritical for their genre which was supposed to hate fame. Nonetheless the album is a keeper and one to be remembered.
"Jeremy" brought awareness to abuse faced by so many young people. It also was an album with nice guitar tricks and antics. Way to go boyz...
Also, U2 also made an documentary about their album that came out the same year. Achtung Baby has many spiritual themes and nice lyrics and who can forget the innovative effects playing of the Edge. It was the album that came out at the time they were about to break up. Mr. Bilson also wanted to learn more about the band nearly breaking up but the documentary didn't go into as much depth about that as he would like. It was probably a sensitive issue for the band and maybe no ones business. If that is the case, it is still a great documentary but an even better album. Such touching music and so many biblical references and the Zoo tv tour great critique on television, media and technology.
Not also were these documentaries memorable, but the documentary about human trafficking in India and Nepal was also a memorable one. A world famous actor decided to shed light on this hayness evil. There was nothing like seeing that poor woman who was trafficked and abused for six months get free and started weeping at the sight of being re united to her child. There was also the other lady who couldn't stop crying out of the trauma mixed with gratitude to the ones who set her free. It is heart wrenching... May God restore their lives and continue to give strength to those who seek to save the lost!
"‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep." (Luke 15:5)
2011 was a year of reunions. He had the chance to go to one of his favorite conferences to see what God is doing among the South Asian Diaspora. It was a chance to meet old friends and make some new ones. It was great to see that many of the South Indians are rising up to the call of God. Some have even given up professions and countered against many cultural norms to do the will of God. It just shows that there is hope for everyone. Mr. Bilson had the chance to go see some of his cousins in the Lone Star State whom he has not seen in years... They were so sweet hospitable and enjoyed treating him to Tex Mex and BBQ and the lovely southern hospitality. He had the chance to meet his new nieces and nephew and have some quality time with the cuz's. Thanks for the great food and more importantly the great fellowship. Mr. Bilson will meet you all again soon...
He also took a side trip to Peurto Rico to visit and ole' friend he met at SAGC 2004 Vancouver. It was great catching up, learning a bit about the culture and people on that beautiful island and also eating Mufungo. It was just plain yummmmy. Thanks N for the hospitality.
Mr. Bilson also recalls with great gratitude His CHURCH: THE RIVER! It is refreshing to see how much the pastors have grown since the first time it started. So many people start off in ministry with some pretty 'fanciful' ideas about the service. They look at spiritual heroes who make it look easy and than find out that what they thought looked like ministry is allot harder than you think. The Pastors admitted to that in a couple of sermons and even publicly repented of personal failures that might have discouraged some. I'm so proud of their openness and vulnerability and serious 'no agenda's' love for us. I was so touched when Pastor P said he wanted to make his ceiling our floor. WOW! True humility. May God guard them forever.
He also recalls that great, grand trial that really brought him to his knees. The pain, confusion, heaviness, torment... At times like this Mr. Bilson will cry out to God and even ask for intercessors.
"In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears." (Psalm 18:6)
Mr. Bilson came to his beautiful church the following weekend and you wouldn't believe it. A couple of cool friends came up to him and asked him how he was doing. When he told them how bad he was doing, they both confirmed that God had laid him on their hearts and they were praying for him all that week. They also gave him a couple of prophetic words too personal to say here. Only Jesus would know about that. Mr. Bilson was so grateful for their kindness and the fact that God used them to remind him that He know's his pain. WOW! Jesus you are so awesome. Thanks for giving Mr. Bilson such great friends. Thank you for building the RIVER!
Mr. Bilson also recalls with much tears in his eyes, his loving parents. Funny, teens tend to despise their parents who don't seem to understand them. They spurn their advice and think they know so much more than them. During the 20's attitudes change... the world isn't what is looks like and many are left thinking...."Maybe, my parents did know a thing or two...." As you enter your 30's it is like, "YUP! My parents are far and above ahead of me. They are BRILLIANT!" Mr. Bilson will concur. He is so grateful for their love and support especially as MR. BILSON scrapes to make a living. He'd be right up the creek if it wasn't for the provision and love that his parents have provided. To JESUS be all the glory for this great miracle.
O... on a side note, Mr. Bilson is also enjoying the accommodations at his parents new house. It is a nice neighborhood after over 15 years at the old place. The new pad has nice upholstery and is in a great neighborhood. He'd love to tell you more but thinks it would be safer not to.
Good bye 2011. Thanks for the memories and everything else. However, it is time to make room for a new year with new ideas, blueprints, goals and adventure! Come along if you want and hang tight. But before all that we'd like to thank you for joining us so far...
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