Summer 2014

To my readers:  yes, I know it has been a long, long, long, long, long, long time since I have blogged.  Today I shall fill you in on my summer.

I Ran two races, one in June with this guy:

Me and my pastor/friend Ken Sausedo (love this guy isn't he awesome!)

 

and one in July (with 7000 others)

 

 

Cassidy, me, Bethaney, Color Run

 

neither one of the races was a personal best for me, but had fun!!

 

beginning of July took a group of students to Garden City, SC.

 

We had an absolutely amazing week as we spent the week studying, "I AM", the "I AM" statements of Jesus in the book of John.  Then we discussed who Jesus was to us.

Spending a week with students on a retreat is always a blessing, it is fantastic to watch them grow spiritually, grow as a group, and make new lasting friendships.

I also took on a new camp.  God laid it on my heart earlier this year to take our youth and students to camp at the same time, this was a tremendous undertaking.  This week would never have happened without out the dedicated efforts of some great leaders, who where flexible and willing to step up when I needed them to.  With our students we spend the week talking about our purpose, and with our kids we spent the week talking about choices and how they affect us.  Our students spent three days on the mission field in Murphy doing landscaping and clean up.  They ministered to a sweet lady named Marilyn by cleaning up her yard and spending time with her.

 

Student Impact 2014

 

Kids Camp 2014



There was much, much more that I was involved in this summer, but these are just the hi-lights.  Now it's time to get kids prepared for school, and get ready to kick AWANA into high gear...

 

blessings to you, and hope you have had a wonderful summer

 

Chris

not everything is as it seems

Tell me has this happened to you:  You make a mistake, you do the wrong thing, you say the wrong thing and it's eating you up inside.  You feel terrible, you feel guilty, and you just can't get away from thinking about it.  Then someone walks up to you, maybe even your best friend, and asks, "hey, are you OK?"  Without hesitation we answer, "I'm fine"...... and yet we know on the inside we are not.

We are so afraid to let people in, or at least I know I am.  We are afraid to let people know we don't have it as "together" as they think we do.  We don't want people to know that on the inside we are a mess.  We don't want people to know that we have fallen flat on our face with a mistake.  We don't want to let people down.  We don't want people to know that we are struggling with ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

We are such liars.

Maybe is simpler to smile, maybe it's more convenient, or maybe its just easier than trying to explain how you really feel.  Or maybe our deepest fears are true, that the person you tell is that shallow and will judge you by your mistake, or maybe they will tell someone, or maybe even tell the world through social media.

Or maybe they won't.

Maybe, just maybe, they do generally care about you and will simply just listen.

^6 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (Jas 5:16., NIV)

Confess your sins to each other.  I find this concept very intriguing.  The many times that someone has asked me "how you doing" and I come so close to letting the flood gates out and tell them how I really feel, or how I'm really doing, and yet the actual words that come out are:  "I'm fine, you?".  I begin to scream to myself "YOUR NOT FINE YOU IDIOT.... you could really use a friend, some prayer, someone to listen"......

What would it be like to share your deepest anxiety, your deepest shame, or your deepest wound, and to have someone say, "Oh, I'm so very sorry, how about I pray for you... right now", and for them to pray for you then walk away and you be rested assured that they haven't judged you, they are not disappointed in you, and you now know they genuinely care.

So the next time you ask someone how they are, remember the answer may not really be as it seems.

Here is the thing, if you and I are going to tell they truth then we need to be able to receive the truth in love.  Don't act shocked, don't judge them, and keep your mouth shut.  They need to trust you.  I need to trust you.

I am going to try to do better on not putting on a fake smile, but I know its going to be hard....

Chris

self-doubt

Do any of you struggle with self-doubt?  I do.  I have never been the person that has been very confident in themselves.  I battle this on a day to day basis.

I started running for several reasons.  One was for my health, another was to burn off stress, and also to build my self-esteem.  In running I feel like I can accomplish something.  In running I have set some goals that I have been able to obtain, and It had been boosting my self-confidence.  Then, Saturday happened.  Saturday was race day. 

I have only ran a couple of 5k's since I began running.  The first one was November last year (2013), then I ran one March of this year.  In March I didn't truly run the entire thing, for several factors which are irrelevant at this time, so truth be known I have only actually ran 1 race.  So, I have been training since last November's Race to try to reduce my 3 mile run time.  I finally made it down to 3 miles in less than 30 minutes several weeks ago.  I have been able to stay close to that (ranging between 10 - 11 minute miles) pretty consistently.  Then something happened the week of the race.

I normally run 2-3 times a week between 3 to 4 miles.  I decided to only run one time last week in preparation for Saturday's race, I ran Wednesday.  It was not a good run.  My average mile was over 12 minute miles, and I barely got 3 miles in.  I had no energy.  So I brushed it off because my allergies had been bothering me and focused on doing better race day.

Saturday came and that morning I felt pretty good, was excited to see how this race was going to go.  I really felt like I could potentially run a very good race.  Walked a little bit (habit I do to warm up before running), turned my tunes on, and I was ready to go.  Race started and was running with some people and felt like I had a comfortable pace.  Mile 1, came and went phone buzzed and told me I was running a 10.34 mile, felt pretty good about that.  Then almost immediately after Mile 1, I could feel my pace slowing dramatically.  I began to coach myself to try and pick up the pace.  Mile 2, phone buzzed and said my pace was 11.32 mile, ok I tell myself that's respectable.  Then I hit a wall.  Not literally but runners know what I mean.  All of a sudden I felt like I could not take one more single stride, that was it, I was done.  I said to myself "I can't do this" and I began to walk.  So ended my hopes of a "good run".  Mile 3 was 13.30 mile.  I crossed the finish line at 38 minutes, and I don't think I have ever felt so disappointed in my life.

In Matthew 14 the disciples where on a boat in the middle of the sea, when Jesus approached the boat walking on the water Peter calls out to Him, "Lord if it is you call me out to you".  Jesus does, and Peter steps out of the boat, and begins to walk on the water to Jesus.  This would have to be an amazing scene.  Peter was able to do this for two reasons, one Is He absolutely believed in Jesus, and secondly Peter believed in Himself.  As he is walking across the water the wind picked up and waves rose, Peter hesitates and begins to sink.  Peter ran into his own wall, said to Himself "I Can't do this", he was done, and he was definitely the most disappointed he had ever been in His life to this point.  Jesus reaches out to him and says:

“You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” (Mt 14:31., NIV).

Peter sank in self despair because he doubted.  He lost his self-confidence.

I intentionally left part of my race out, but here it is:  As I approached the home stretch feeling down, disheartened, and disappointed.  There they where:  Brandy, Olivia, Rebekah, Samantha, and Pastor Ken cheering me on.  Energy came and I was able to at least jog the last little bit.

Point being:  All the training in the world can't help self confidence, but having a good cheering section can.

Surround yourself with people that will help cheer you to victory in this life.  I want you to know that God is your biggest cheerleader.  He believes in you.

End note:  Today I decided to re-run the same route and was determined to run it faster.  I did.  Today's run was my "confidence booster".

If Peter had the opportunity to Re-run the walking on water, I believe He could have.

Have a great day,  Chris.

Choices < ? >

"Don't let your choices define who you are, let who you are define your choices"

I woke up thinking about this today.  I don't know if I have read this somewhere, or if it an original thought.  I googled it and haven't found who I could give credit to, so I guess I will claim it.

Here is what happens:  we make a bad decision and we then think we are a bad person.

A bad decision does not define you and I as bad people, even a string of bad decisions does not define who you are.  A bad decision, or even many bad decisions, happen because we DON'T know who we are.  When we don't know who we are then we fall into the trap of trying to be someone we are NOT.

For instance:  a drug addict was not created to be a drug addict, they didn't know who they where so their choices dictated their life and their choices became who they are: a drug addict.

You need to know who you are.  It's imperative you know who you are, who created you, and for what purpose He created you.

Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness

Psalm 139:14 I will praise you; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made

Isaiah 43:7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works

 

Every single one of us where created in His image, we where fearfully and wonderfully made by Him, and we are his workmanship (craftsmanship) created to fulfill a purpose. 

 

No choice we make changes that definition of who I am.  Can I make bad decisions?  absolutely  Will I make bad decisions?  absolutely  Does that change who I am?  absolutely NOT.

 

Now this in no way gives us a "pass" on making bad decisions.  What happens is the more we discover who we are, the more we discover the purpose in which we where created, and the more we choose to fall in love with the One who created us the less likely we are to make unwise choices.

 

In the same way this should change our view of people.  For instance, going back to the drug addict, when we look at them we shouldn't see a drug addict.  Then what should we see?  We should see someone created in the image of God, who is fearfully and wonderfully made by Him, and is His workmanship created to fulfill a purpose, that has either forgotten their purpose or never knew it.

 

So whether you have made one bad choice or a string of them, your choices are not who you are.  You are a child of God that made a wrong choice, so do not let that choice define you.

 

 

Chris

Teachable

Be Teachable.  I say that a lot, I think it a lot, and I teach it a lot.

I was reading this morning and began to wonder to myself:  "Am I teachable?"

Webster's Dictionary defines "teachable" as:  capable of being taught.

^11 Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.  (Ps 86:11., NIV)

According to this verse if I am teachable then I will be doing the following:

1. Walking in your truth.  Walking means living my life.  So I have to ask myself:  Am I living my life according to God's truth.  Does the Spoken Word of God dictate and guide my thoughts, motives, feelings, actions, and words.  I would love with everything within me to answer yes, but if I did I would be lying to God, myself, and you.  So I am 0-1.
2. Having an undivided heart.  An undivided heart is one that loves God without limits, never doubts, and is completely devoted to the one that created them.  I love God, but do I love Him like He loves me.  He loves me unconditionally.  I can't say the same.  I would love to say that I never doubt.  I know God believes in me, and I believe in Him.  My problem is believing in myself, and since He believes in me and I don't believe in myself.... I doubt.  Alright, well then, how about completely devoted to the one that created me.  I wished.  I have moments in time where I feel I am completely devoted, but as for all the time.... nope.  Great I am 0-2
3. Fear His name.  To fear His name is to give God the honor, respect, and reverence He deserves.  Honestly I know I don't always give God the honor, respect, and reverence He deserves.  He deserves that all the time.  Now I am 0-3.

Epic fail

Good news:  I am not alone and neither are you.

When David wrote this psalm it was a prayer.  Being teachable is not a one-time thing.  Being teachable is a process.  When David penned this prayer, it is what he wanted.  David, a man who God said was a man after His own heart, was struggling with being teachable.  It's about a motive, it's about an attitude.

Being teachable means that you and I realize we don't know it all.  We need help.  Be open.  Be willing to learn.  Learn something everyday.  God has so much to teach us.

so:  be teachable, learn something today, about Him.

Chris

 

 

 

the week in review

 

So this week has been kind of (ok not kind of, but really) busy.  Hence why no blog until Friday 2:15 pm.  In being a busy week, it has also been a great week. Here are some highlights.

 

 

Tuesday:  Spent the better part of the day with Myjenta (my praise leader in youth).  With great excitement and anticipation she has decided to follow God's calling in her life to work with student's.  A call to minister is a call to prepare, so I took her to visit the campus of Fruitland Bible College.  Lord willing she will start in the fall.  Whoop Whoop!!

 

Wednesday:  Always a blast with AWANA kids.  The year is winding down, and the workers and helpers are wearing out.  God has done tremendous things in our AWANA group this year.  We have been blessed with 108 students that have come through our program this year... GO GOD!!

 

Thursday:  Met with one of my students that is a senior to try and get his senior project finished up.  Following that met with two young men who gave their hearts to Christ and had questions about baptism.  Topped off the day with an AMAZING night of worship at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.  Students from across our county came together to worship and pray on the "National Day of Prayer."

 

Friday:  Finishing up stuff I didn't get done the rest of the week.  Today I hit a HUGE milestone in my running.  My goal was to finish 3 miles in 30 minutes.  This morning 3.01 miles in 29.45.  I have been excited about this all day!!!

 

 

In the midst of this head-spinning busy week, God has spoken and done some tremendous things:

 

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, ^2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. (Heb 1:1-2., NIV)

 

Don't get too busy that you miss God speaking to you.  Take some time daily to step back from the "business" of life.  God does still speak, will you listen?  We all get busy.  It's a part of life.  We know it, and we can deal with it.



my friday run

When I woke up this morning I was extremely hesitant about running today.  My reasons, albeit more like excuses where:  I ran yesterday, the route yesterday had more hills hence I am sore, and I just don't like running back to back days because my time gets worse instead of better.  But I went anyway.

I am so glad I did.  I had my second best 3 mile time ever (33 minutes, 11.13 mile).  I was so excited because my goal is to do 3 miles in 30 minutes.  But that's not the only reason I am glad I did.

God has a way of speaking to me while I'm running.  Running gives me the ability to clear my mind of all things.

At the end of mile 1 my coach (the app on my phone) informed me that my pace was 10.20 mile.  I was pumped and I was going to do everything I could to keep it up.  I know I'm approaching mile 2 and I feel myself slowing.  I'm trying to coach myself to pick back up the pace.  Then I hit mile 2, app says 10:58 mile.  I'm really trying to push myself now, feeling I got this.  Then I hit 2.5 miles.  My mind begins to doubt, I begin to say to myself you can't keep this pace up.  then my pace slows down.  Disappointment.  Fear.  Lack of belief.

Then this little voice  inside my head says to me, "Chris, what just happened to you in running happens in your life, I start doing great things in your life and then you doubt and slow down."  Then Psalm 46:10 came to mind, "Be still and know that I am God."

I picked back up the pace, mile 3 was 12.03.  Isn't that amazing I lost a minute in that final mile because I hesitated, I doubted.

I don't want to miss a minute of anything You want in my life God.  Help me to remember to "be still and know your God."

ps, as strange as it sounds my time of being still is when I run......

Chris