My year end review of 2016

Life has a funny way of picking up speed the older I get, therefore I am taking some time today and reflect on the past year.  Let me just say that 2015 had some extreme lows, so I had some real high hopes for 2016.  2016 did not let me down either.

January 2016 brought some real change for me personally as I began the journey back to school again, and now I have 12 months under my belt and am going strong.  January also saw the launch of the Enka Kids program at church.  The launch of the ministry brought new direction and hope into the life and purpose of our church.

February was a cold month, however it brought some quality time with a friend of mine Kevin Burns as we traveled to Franklin to see Tim Tebow, Kevin then welcomed his son into the world not long after.

March is always an exciting month as Winter draws to an end and Easter rolled in the last weekend of the month.  March began a journey with all my younger girls of learning softball, they (well we all had) many a cold evening on the ball field.

April proved itself to be a relatively calm month that consisted of lots of softball practice and games.

May proved itself to be extremely busy.  Softball games and practice. Field days at school.  Middle of may the twins had a tournament at Etowah where both of them hit their first double's, and I ran the earthfare 5k.  We also began the daunting task of preparing for VBS in July.

June began summer break for the kiddos and consisted of them attending the Echoview camp one week, and Rebekah attended the Crossfire Basketball camp the next.

July had a great beginning with family and friends on the 4th, all my girls went to the Sugar Jets Softball camp, Samantha got her braces, took the girls to see Little Mermaid Live in Franklin, had a great week of VBS with bunch of kids and 6 professions of faith and baptisms, and got to go to the Dean's list program at AB TEch for my eldest child Ginny.

August was a tough month, lost a dear member of our church, Mr. Jim.  Mr Jim and I hit it off right away when I came to the church as pastor.  He was one of my biggest supporters and cheerleaders.  My family and I took some time and visited my dad in Florida, had a great week of sun, beaches, dinosaurs, and family time.  Took the twins to Carowinds before school started back.

September was the annual College football road trip as we headed to the university of Tennessee to see them take on Appalachian State, App led the entire game until TN got late game lead.  September also began the fall softball practices.

October brought us more softball games, performing Myjenta and Chuck's wedding ceremony, a fall ball, and an extremely successful Trunk or treat.

November cannot be discussed without the election, there was an election and Trump the longshot won.  I voted early in October, but stayed up until there was a clearly defined winner.  Attended the State convention in Greensboro, spent some time with great friends, and met up with some other Young pastors Network.  Found out that I was recommended for and accepted into the Tarheel Leadership Network for 2017 and am excited about that..  Spent a quiet Thanksgiving at home with the wife and kiddos.

December brought to close a fast year.  Mom had shoulder replacement surgery, lots of Christmas parties and events, hosted a deacon staff and spouse dinner, took the kiddos to see the Nutcracker ballet in Franklin, and closed out this year with a fantastic Christmas.

All in all was an extremely great year.  I found myself growing spiritually and emotionally.  Made some real good strides and headway.  Was able to get some closure on a disintegrated friendship, and made a fantastic new one.  Ran over 1000k in 2016 and got a lot of biking in as well.  Lost 10 lbs., My oldest child finished up AB tech, Rebekah was placed in AIG (Academic Intellectually Gifted) and made it into Duke university's TIP program, Samantha is closer to AB honor roll than ever before, and Olivia is staying ahead of grade levels on her subjects.

Yes, after a disastrous 2015 that was loaded with a lot of hurt and change in our lives it led us into a fantastic 2016 and am looking forward to an even better 2017, and that my friends is my year end review.

Chris

POTUS, People, and the Flag

 

So yesterday I heard of something happening at my children’s school that led me to spend some time with my children in what I call a “teachable moment”.  Let me explain myself.

My children got off the bus telling about a bunch of kids (elementary age) that where teaming up on another kid and making fun of him simply because the boy had said that His parents had voted for Trump.  From that point these other kids began to tell the boy his parents were stupid, racist, crazy, and so on..  They brought this elementary boy to tears.  Several things troubled me about this; the greatest thing that troubled me was that this is something that was modeled in their lives by someone else.  Think about that.  Disrespect is taught.  Add this situation to what they see on TV/news with the protests, led me to a point after dinner last night that I sat down and talked to my girls about several things:

1.       Respect the office of President (or any elected official / those in authority).

This can be a tough one, but just the office itself deserves the respect of the American people.  I believe this and I teach my children this, even if someone holds the office that you very much disagree with.  I offered my children this example, I asked them if at any time in the last 8 years did they ever hear me say anything negative about President Obama, they responded no.  Here was my point:  I don’t agree with Him and never have with much of his policy.  I think as a person he is good, I think he is an affluent speaker and intelligent man; however, he and I disagree on a lot of things in life, religion, and policy.  Never once have I ever said anything negative, especially in front of my children, reason being you respect the President and the office he holds.  My parents instilled this in me by example and I instill it into mine. 

The Bible also teaches us in Romans 13 “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. ^2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.(1-2)”. 

It is my duty as an American citizen as well as a Believer in Jesus Christ to grant the governing officials the respect they deserve for the office they have been granted.  It churns my stomach to see how people have such non-respect for the president (current, former, and future), and it is being modeled and handed down to their children.  Shame on us and the media for allowing this to happen.  You don’t have to agree with the President or Elected official in order to give them respect.

The statement is made that respect has to be earned, an elected official earned that by the vote of the American people, even if I strongly disagree with them and/or their character.

Yes, I had to answer a lot of questions from my children about Donald Trump, things that He said, things that people said, and actions / accusations that where made.  They asked me about war, the wall, and how the country is divided.  I explained to them that we are always one decision away from War, that there are always other countries and entities wanting to wage war with our country mostly because we are by far the most powerful country in the world.  I then explained to them about the wall and illegal immigration.  How their grandmother was an immigrant and became a citizen the right way.  I further explained about the country's division and how neither Trump nor Clinton got half of America to vote for them, we are strongly divided as a country and that was long before Trump or Clinton either one.

 

2.       Respect your fellow man.

We are diverse people living in a diverse world.  We live in by far the greatest country in this world.  People are different, quirky, and (well) diverse.  No matter whom they are or where they come from a person deserves respect for their beliefs or lack thereof.  Our country was based on freedom.  Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from slavery, and freedom (and right) to bear arms is what makes our country best.  Respect people’s rights to be free.  I don’t have to understand what people believe, their lifestyle, or why they believe it, if they respect me for what I believe, I will return the respect.

^17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. ^18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:17-18)

 

Do what is right, be respectful (if it is possible), do everything you can to live at peace with everyone.

 

3.       Respect the United States Flag and what it represents.

I have to be totally honest, this really bothers me.  I get that people are exercising their right to freedom of protest by standing on the flag, burning the flag, and whatever else they are doing.  However, the flag is much more than just a flag, it is what it represents.  The sacrifice made by many, the freedom it represents, and the hope that it brings, and yet it is so disrespectful to stand, burn, or throw it down.  I was raised better than that, and my children will be raised and taught better than that.  There are other ways to go about protesting other than totally disrespecting the flag and the men and women who died protecting the great country that it represents. 

If somewhere in your mind you can register that it is ok to burn the flag, vandalize, or burn down small businesses in protest then you are part of the problem and not part of the solution.

I have no control over the way people are or act outside of my home, but I will continue to teach my children the above and hope that they can have an influence on those around them.

Chris L. Reese
Proud American Citizen
Follower of the Most High God and Son Jesus Christ

I just want to say thank you

^12 How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me? ^13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. ^14 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people. (Psalm 116:12-14)

 

How can I pay the Lord back for all the fantastic things He has done for me.  Reality is I can’t.  Reality is neither can you.  You think about all the things you have, all the blessings life has given you, and the very breath you breathe.  It is all from God.  There is nothing you have had or will have in life that has not been given by God.  There are also things that did not happen that God blocked that you will never know about.  When all this comes to mind we start to think, what can I do?  How can I repay God for so much that He has done.  Your life, your family, your career, your kids, your grandkids, I mean everything is from Him.

 

Reality is reality.  We owe too big a debt to repay.  We can’t repay for our salvation, neither can we earn it.  We cannot repay what God has done for us, it’s just too much to fathom.  With that being said the psalmist gives us two ideas of things you and I CAN do to let God know our appreciation in our hearts.  Thanksgiving to what God has done should motivate us to two things.  Two things that would make the God that created and sustains us smile.

 

One is call upon the name of the Lord.  Talk to Him.  Sounds simple doesn’t it.  I don’t mean sit down and give God your list of things you want and/or need, or your list of sick people.  I am talking about going throughout the day and have conversations with your Creator.  He is your best friend, so when was the last time that you just had a conversation with God.  Share your hopes, dreams, and fears.  Have a laugh.  We should be talking with Him throughout the day.  It will build on your relationship with Him as well as let Him know you appreciate Him.  God knows your heart, why don’t you tell Him what is going on in there because He already knows and He WANTS you to talk to Him about it.

Two, is fulfill your vows to Him.  I would venture to say that many of us have so many broken vows to God.  We get into a bind and we make a lot of promises and deals with God.  First of all, that is a huge mistake because God doesn’t work that way.  He does things out of grace and love and not because you struck a deal with Him.  However, God has granted us all gifts and talents and if you promised God you were going to use those, then you need to.  If you promised God you were going serve Him, honor Him, and follow Him then you and I need to fulfill those vows.  Just as we have made covenants with our spouses, you and I make covenants with God.  There is no better way to show thanksgiving to Him than fulfilling those vows as an act of love.

 

Remember, none of things affects your standing of your place in heaven, for its “not of works lest any man boast” (Ephesians 2:9).  Anything we do is nothing more than just an overflow of thanksgiving and showing our appreciation to our Creator.

Have a great day, Chris

well, I voted today

I have sat down several times the last couple of weeks and tried to think about how to articulate my thoughts on the Presidential Election this year.  I have wrote several copies and went back and deleted for various reasons.

I am gravely concerned as an American Citizen regarding our main two political parties and who they have put their weight behind for the candidacy.  I realize there are other parties and other candidates, but the reality is this country will elect a new president in November and it will either be Clinton or Trump.  I am a social fiscal conservative Republican (and am unashamed of that), and have voted since I turned 18.  Fiscal conservatism is a political-economic philosophy regarding fiscal policy and fiscal responsibility advocating low taxes, reduced government spending and minimal government debt. Free trade, deregulation of the economy, lower taxes, and privatization.

I believe it is our right and responsibility as American Citizens to vote at EVERY election.  I have voted main party every year except when Dole ran I voted for Perot.

I was talking with a lady today in line waiting to vote and we talked about the "good old days" when you could vote for a candidate and actually believe they would do America a good job as Commander and Chief.  We talked of Reagan's presidency and how united the country used to be.  We had this candid conversation and guess what, she was voting Democrat today and I was voting Republican.  You ask what my point is?  That is an uncommon conversation, because we are more divided today as a country than we have ever been.

As I listened to people around me today I clearly heard people say they where registered Republicans but they where voting for Clinton because they hated Trump, and I also heard people say they where registered Democrats that where voting for Trump because they hated Hillary.  All I could think of is "is this really why we are voting"?  Voting for another part because we hate the personality of a candidate, is this the best way to decide our next president?

I will be the first to tell you that neither candidate has the capability of uniting a country, nor have we had a President that could since Reagan.  As an American Citizen I long for unity in our country, but instead the gap gets wider and wider, and it seems as though each side is getting more and more angry at the other.  Name calling, threats, bodily harm, and the list goes on and on.  All over politics.

Freedom is what makes this country great.  Diversity is what makes this country great.  You don't have to agree with me, and I don't have to agree with you.  It is what makes our country great.

When I voted today, I did not vote based upon a personality or some affluent speech they made.  I did not base it upon who called each other the worst name, or who had the sleaziest commercial.  I voted based upon who I thought was the most Fiscally Conservative.  I voted on who I thought was going to do something about the current financial debt ($19,754,257,061,882.16 as of today).  As a socially conservative person, I am not satisfied with either candidate, and morally I know and recognize you can't legislate morals and values.

It bothers me that as a country with our two main political parties that the choices of Clinton or Trump was the best they had to offer.  This has been by far the hardest election as a citizen to look at, listen to, and talk about because neither candidate has really convinced me that they can do anything to help America to be America, or that they have the average American's best interest at heart.

In every election I have ever had the privilege to vote in, I have been able to get behind our GOP nominee pretty quickly (with exception of the year I voted Perot).  In the race for GOP nominee this year, I had some troubles.  My first choice was Huckabee, then Carson, and finally Cruz.  Trump was never really my favorite, and I'm not the only Republican that feels that way. 

In the end I voted today based on one thing:  I picked the person I felt like could do the job of President.  I voted GOP.  You may disagree with me on that, and guess what its ok.  One thing I have learned about me in this process is that I can live with agreeing to disagree.  I'm going to love you whether you are Republican or Democrat, and I will respect your decision as long as you respect mine.  Just do me a favor and make your voice heard and vote.

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."  (preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America.)

I am "We the People" you are "We the People".....

Vote 2016, let your voice be heard.

Chris

God's building a case against the nation

There where seven charges against the nation mentioned by Hosea that caused a spiritual collapse in the nation of Israel, these are equally relevant to church society today, they are as follows:

1. lack of knowledge (4:6), this sent Israel on a downward spiral.  If you around the modern Christian long enough you will hear misquoted scripture, misapplied scripture, and total ignorance of the word.  How can we say we Love and wish to follow Him, when we don't know Him through His word.
2. Pride (5:5), always has been an issue in mankind, and is the root of many of our problems.  We have such a pride issue today in modern church.  We feel we are the center of the universe, thus removing God from His center point.
3. Instability (6:4), forget God and we forget our place and puts us on shaky ground.  We build a relationship with God mostly at face value and when we do we find ourselves instable.
4. Worldiness (7:8), God is absent from their lives thus they seek the world for fulfillment.  Today you cannot tell much difference between the believers life morally and ethically and the non-believers.  We have bent our ways towards the worlds ways.
5. Corruption (9:9), the nation was rotting from the inside out.  We find ourselves becoming more and more rotten from the inside out, corruption comes from within.
6. Backsliding (11:7), turned their backs against God.  When things don't go the way we think they should or they way we want it to, we are quick to turn against God.
7. Idolatry (13:2), anything that takes the place of God in our lives is idolatry.  We are far too often putting things like work, money, fame, family, significant others, and etc. in front of God when we do it is nothing short of idolatry.

These things are what we are confronted with still today in the spiral of sin of society, and quite frankly within our own churches.  We are warned ahead of time that people are not going to want to hear it, in fact they will want it sugar coated and to make us feel good even though we are on a path of self destruction:

 

3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.   4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.   5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. (The Holy Bible  : New International Version (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996, c1984), 2 Ti 4:3-5.)

We have got to keep our head in the game and be bold like Hosea in telling the truth, they may not want to hear it but it is for their own good, and for my own good.

Help me God

^1 Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry for help come to you (Psalm 102:1)

 ^17 He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea. (Psalm 102:17)

When you read the psalmist’s initial words in Psalm 102  you get a sense of a desperate need.  It was what I would call an “SOS” prayer, “God I really need help”.  His cry for help is a desperate plea for assistance.  His hearts cry is for God to help him in his greatest time of need.  You get a sense of the struggle that he is dealing with.  Maybe questions and doubts arising because the prayer hasn’t been answered when and where he wanted it to.

Does this sound familiar.  I’m sure it does to a lot of us.  We get stressed, we get worried and we find ourselves like this psalmist wanting help and desperately begging and pleading with God to answer.  Our problem is we want it on our timing, we want it NOW.  We want quick action.  We want things to go away.  We want our prayers answered immediately.  Of course we do, why wouldn’t we?

As you have probably figured out by now, it doesn’t work that way.  Now don’t get me wrong, sometimes God does answer them almost immediately.  Sometimes that very minute, sometimes the next day, or even the next week.  But what about when He doesn’t.

Here is what you and I need to know, verse 17.

He will respond.  Enough said.  He will respond to the prayer, He will not look past our plea.  Do you believe that?  It is a hard one to swallow.  He will respond, just not right away always.  He will respond, when you are ready and He is ready.  He will respond when He is ready to make it fit into His great big Plan for life.  God is painting a much bigger picture than you and I can ever imagine.  Hold on dear child of His, He may not answer today, but keep in mind “He will respond”.

God grant us patience and assurance to know you will respond… Chris.

When you feel you've lost your footing

 

^18 When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your love, O Lord, supported me. ^19 When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. ^22 But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge (Psalm 94:18-19, 22)

 

Tell me if this sounds familiar: you feel like you are slipping deeper and deeper, like you are losing your foothold on life.  Yeah, we have probably all been there.  First of all, breathe.  This is not the end.  How do you, how do I make it when we feel like we have lost our footing and are falling.

 

We make it with faith.  Faith in believing in One who is greater than I.  Faith in the One who called all things into existence, and faith in the One who loves you and I more than we will ever understand.  When I feel like I’m slipping it is His love that supports me, His love that keeps me going.

 

Anxiety.  That is another big ugly word and emotion we have to deal with.  The psalmist tells us how to deal with that as well, He says that God’s consolation brings joy to our soul.  What is consolation?  Consolation is the Hebrew word: תַּנְחוּמִים [tanchuwm, tanchum, tanchuwmah /tan·khoom / this basically means to comfort.  To put us at ease.  To put our minds at ease.  Another part of faith.  When we have faith, it is that faith that puts us at comfort when the anxiety of the world comes crashing in around us.  Through that comfort it brings joy to our soul.  It’s like getting a hug from a parent, there is just a comfort in that hug that cannot be described.  So it is with your Creator.

The psalmist adds that the Lord has become His fortress, so the question is this:  Has the Lord become your fortress.  Is He your strength?  Is He the one where you find your refuge (shelter)?  He wants to be, will you just let Him.

I really needed this today, well I guess probably everyday, God thank you for being my refuge, my comfort, my support, especially when Anxiety is high within me….

Have a great day, Chris