Faith Archive

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Boldness

– April 16, 2012Posted in: Doug Rea, Faith

 

 

As I continue to write about David and Goliath, His boldness to face the giant cannot be ignored.

Dictionary.com defines boldness as, “not hesitating or fearful in the face of actual
or possible danger or rebuff.”  David’s willingness to face-off against Goliath certainly fits that designation. For us – this is 21st century America. What giants, persecution, or difficult circumstances do most of us face that requires us to be bold? Granted, we tend to be a very prayerful and sacrificial people.  And I take nothing away from those who are indeed firm enough in their beliefs to stand strong even if it costs them the sale, the job, or some humiliation. That established, I am afraid that for the most part we are not a bold people.

Moses was bold. The last sentence in Exodus 10:3-6 reads, “And with that, Moses turned and left Pharaoh.”  You just don’t walk up to a dude who thinks he’s a god, tell him that the true God said to free His people, then walk out of that meeting. You just don’t do that. Moses wasn’t always like this. This new found courage came from a guy who made one excuse after another for why he couldn’t go in the first place.  What changed?  I suppose as Moses began to see that The Lord, somehow, was going to do what He said He would do.

Do you believe that our faith can grow much in the same way?  In the New Testament, Peter went through a similar shift. This guy moved from denying that he even knew Jesus to railing those who crucified Him.  (Acts 4:8-13) Later, these religious leaders would throw Peter and Silas into prison. Upon their release, the Jewish leaders threatened them not to preach anymore. That would have been enough for most of us to stop doing what we felt called to do.  Peter, one the other hand, told them point-blank that he will not obey them (Acts 4:19-20). To top it off, Peter prayed for even more boldness” (Acts 4:29-30).  God granted his request (Acts 4:31).

Again, let me commend those of you who have examples of when it took courage to do or say what God directed you to do.  I know in many places around the world it takes a higher level of boldness just to meet together in a Christian community than you and I have ever needed to do our Christian “thing.”  If we truly want to be used of God in mighty ways it will take boldness – and we should start praying for just that.

I believe that if we begin to act upon the smaller things, like the nudge to help a stranger, or to pray for someone in a public place, then just maybe, our confidence in God will increase until ultimately we too will have to pray as Peter did.

 

 

Doug Rea is the Pastor at Connections in Albany, GA.

Tags: church, Connections, Doug Rea, Faith, Religion
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Easter Memories

– April 14, 2012Posted in: Faith, Rev. Hood

 

 

What Easter memories come to your mind? There was a boy who was in third grade. The time was the early 1970s. His first and second grade years were in one school which was in the logical place—in his community. Then someone decided that that communities could not do what was best for them and started some socially activist system which was collectively called “bussing.”

Dutifully, the third grader was compelled to get on a new bus and head out to another city. Only half of the children he had once known were sent as he was to this other concentration camp. Some of the other kids he never saw again. It was deemed all for the good of those who would not otherwise act in their own best interests, let alone the interests of others. While at the other establishment, the third grade teacher was involved in an automobile accident, and a new teacher was brought in. Why not? Nothing lasted anyway.

As was the case of many others, some parents gathered their children and fled from the oppressive SS (School System), to a system where the school was still comprised of those in the community. So the third grader went from being with all of the kids he knew, to half of the kids he knew, to being the new kid in a class in which he knew no one.

The third grade boy was rerouted from the freight cars to the Gestapo. The third grade teacher there was gruff and mean. She was obese and wore high heeled shoes. If a third grade child would have his foot in the aisle, she would walk by and drive his foot into the floor with her heel. The instruction was harder than the other school for the third grader. He was behind the other brown shirts. This was too much change, and love didn’t seem to be in the equation.

In their new home, the third grader had his family and things he had known most of his life. It was Easter of 1971. Relatives had come for the Easter Dinner and the Easter egg hunt to follow. They lived in a mobile home built on to an old army barracks. They had dreams of building a house on the property.

The eggs were hidden before the dinner to be found after the dinner. All had just sat down to eat in the army barracks. The third grader noticed smoke coming from the closed door of the trailer. He opened the door to the gates of hell. It was solid black on the other side and acrid smoke assaulted from the abyss. The trailer was burning down and there was no going to in to stop it.

All of the kids were evacuated and as many things as could be were saved from the army barracks. Little was. In horror and disbelief, what little familiar things the third grader had left were rushing into the expanse in the form of a roaring hot black monster and were never to return.

But there was his mother. She had no answers, but trembling, she called them all to take hands and form a circle. She called on her God. The third grader knew Him. Through her voice, he knew God wasn’t leaving, and He hasn’t left me yet. “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.’”(Hebrews 13:5)

 

Tags: easter, Easter egg hunt, Faith, Religion, Rev. Hood
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Goliath had Kin Folks

– April 8, 2012Posted in: Doug Rea, Faith

 

 

A new giant is now defying my accomplishments. His name is, “Success.” I stopped counting calories since I have lost the 50+ pounds I desired.  The running schedule fell at the feat of “I’ve completed a half marathon” so I can now run at will – assuming I run at all.  I was successful.  I did it once and I can do it again. I am Spartacus!

Lately I’ve been writing about the “giants” that originally tried to hinder my completing a half-marathon in early March.  The 2 giants were obesity, and a lack of self-discipline. I compared myself to the likes of an honest-to-God giant killer – David.  I have to ask, however, if these giants were in fact dead, why was gaining weight? AND – where did my running discipline go?  Back to the scriptures I went and found this disturbing fact:  “Goliath had kin folks.”  This second account of David facing off with giants is found in 2Samuel 21:16-22.

Depending on which scholar you read behind, these giants may or may not have been directly related to the infamous Goliath.  Some say that Goliath had at least one brother and perhaps a son or 2.  For my purposes I will simply say that whether or not they were all related is irrelevant. The bottom line is that they came for David, they came in numbers, and they came with a vengeance.

As I stated in an earlier post, it is good to reflect on past successes – but it’s not ok to rely forever upon them.  In 1984, John Thompson Jr. became the first African-American head coach to win a major collegiate championship.  After winning the NCAA National Basketball Championship that year, the then Georgetown Hoya head basketball coach was asked how he felt about the victory.  The coach replied (as best I can recall – and loosely quoted) ‘This is only one game.  Getting here and staying here is the real challenge.’  I feel ya, coach.

Although I take nothing away from my accomplishments, a now see that my old, destructive habits had kin folks. They are attempting to come back and come back with a vengeance.  The success that I enjoyed is quickly becoming my nemesis. I now see that I will need to keep a diligent watch over my health.  One victory, although meaningful, is not going to carry me forever.

Be cautious that you don’t rest in yesterday successes.  This is a common business mistake. I see in church as well.  What once was working may not always assure continued success.  Always be reaching for new measurable goals.  Set them realistic but set them non-the-less.

 

 

Doug Rea is the Pastor at Connections in Albany, GA.

Tags: Connections, Doug Rea, Faith
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Some things seem too good to be true

– April 7, 2012Posted in: Faith

By Rev. James L. Snyder
 
Recently I discovered something. The more I tried to keep up with the latest trend the further behind I get. I am not a complete technical idiot, but I’m not too far off. The only thing I can say about me is that I at least try.
 
The best example of all of this has to do with my cell phone. Is there anybody on the planet today that does not have a cell phone? And, the most important question, is there anybody driving a car that is not at the same time on that cell phone? Who in the world are they all talking to?
 
My guess is they are all talking to each other. At least, they are not talking to me.
 
The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage finally convinced me to go into cahoots with her and get cell phones. The plan was this. She got to pick out the cell phones and I got to pay the bill. I must say I beat her on this one.
 
She only got to take the cell phone once but I, get to pay the bill every month. I was chuckling to myself that I finally pulled one over on her until I realized that I get to pay the bill every month. Every month! This is the last time I will try to pull something over on her. I never win.
 
Consequently, we now are in the cell phone industry. I am not sure it is all working out for the good.
 
I have yet to master the technological skill associated with successfully using my cell phone. Although my cell phone is rather small, it has more buttons on it than Bozo the clown’s costume. Not only are there more buttons than I can count but each button is smaller than I can see. Who in the world designed such small buttons?
 
I really think that my cell phone was designed for some midget.
 
At this point, I cannot tell the difference when my cell phone is ringing or when I am receiving a text message. When a text message comes in I try to answer the cell phone and nobody seems to be on the other end. When I try to read the text message there are only letters instead of words. It takes me a half hour just to figure out one text message. Where is James Bond when you need him?
 
I may not be the brightest letter on the keyboard but I do know how to spell words. It seems that in order to use a cell phone today you have to throw out words and start using letters. I will never get the hang of that.
 
When somebody is on the phone and I am talking, all of a sudden the phone goes dead. I can talk for 3 minutes before realizing nobody is on the other end. I find this most frustrating.
 
I am not sure that the convenience of the cell phone is worth the frustrating elements associated with having the cell phone.
 
In a crowded restaurant the other day, my cell phone went off. Not thinking too much of my environment I answered the cell phone. It was a friend calling me.
 
The conversation started rather jovial for all practical purposes. Suddenly I became conscious I had an audience. There are times when I really prefer not to have an audience. This was one of those times.
 
I realized some of the people around me were eavesdropping in on my conversation. Then the unthinkable happened. My cell phone suddenly went dead. It went dead in the middle of a rather humorous joke I was telling. Now what was I to do?
 
It really was not my fault that the phone went dead. I did not plan it that way. Besides, I hate it when somebody stops in the middle of a joke and you never get to the punchline.
 
For a few seconds I was not sure what the proper protocol is when your phone goes dead and you have an audience. I had to do some very quick thinking and come up with, what I thought was, a brilliant plan.
 
I understand that when you do have an audience you have a certain responsibility with that audience. So, not to disappoint my audience, I continued my conversation on the cell phone as though somebody was actually on the other end. I was able to finish my joke and then I paused, not knowing what else to do. I merely continued the conversation I was having with my friend who really was not on the other end of this time.
 
Sometimes it is good just to keep up a good front. From the snickers of the people around me in that restaurant, it was well worth finishing that joke. I hate to waste a good joke. After all, they are so hard to come by these days.
 
Many things are just too good to be true and many of them I probably will never really get the hang of it. One thing I never really will fully understand is God’s love for me.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).
 
Although this sounds too good to be true, it is true nevertheless.
 
The Rev. James L. Snyder is pastor of the Family of God Fellowship, PO Box 831313, Ocala, FL 34483. He lives with his wife, Martha, in Silver Springs Shores. Call him at 352-687-4240 or e-mail jamessnyder2@att.net. The church web site is www.whatafellowship.com.
Tags: Faith, Religion, Rev. James L. Snyder
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Spring Fling at Jacob’s Ladder

– April 6, 2012Posted in: Faith, Rev. Hood

 

 

Looking for a great way to close out your Spring Break this weekend, something that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? How ‘bout a great family outing that won’t cost you a single dime? What if we threw in free pizza and soft drinks (until they run out anyway)? If any of this appeals to you, we have just the event.

Come and join us this Saturday, April 7th at Jacob’s Ladder for a community gathering called “The Spring Fling!” from 11 AM until we run out of fun. It is for all age groups but geared mostly for the young and the young at heart. Have you or your child ever ridden a horse? Saturday will be your opportunity. Again, this is a free event. There will be horse rides from about 1:00 to about 3:00. As you know, horse riding will be a popular event so you may want to get there early to secure your place in line.

There will be other activities such as a scavenger hunt, kickball, ping pong, a pool table, and kick ball. We’ll throw in a dunking booth! For some of you older kids, there will be an archery station set up. For some of you Daniel Boone types, there will be a knife throwing station. All of this is closely guarded by strict adult supervision.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, in the building we call “Jacob’s Ladder,” there will be an open Christian Karaoke. There is a lot of talent that we have in our churches around this area. Some of it never leaves the church building they attend. We welcome you or your group to bring a sound track, plug it in and sing away! We have a house system for that. If you want to play an instrument, bring it! We will be doing some music but there will be plenty of time for everyone to sing. The event begins at 11 AM Saturday and will continue as long as people are having fun.

Beginning at 7 PM, Cross Cultural Musique will begin at Jacob’s Ladder. Jacob’s Ladder is gracious to let us use their facility every Saturday night at 7:00. They are also available for any functions you may need for your occasions. Information is available.

We will be having a rising young Southern Gospel star from our area, Mr. Brandon Hughes. Joining Mr. Hughes will be the Living Waters Quartet, also a Southern Gospel group well known in this area. An opportunity will be given for a love offering.

Jacob’s Ladder is located just about 3 miles from the courthouse in Lee County. The address is 603 Highway 32 east; just on the west side of the Muckalee Creek. You will see the sign. For more information you may contact me about Cross Cultural Musique at 229-376-3293. For more information on Jacob’s Ladder, you may call Megan Childs or Kevin Childs at 229-886-4208.

This is a great event for the community and we hope you will come out and enjoy yet one more reason why it’s great to live in Lee County! “But Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’”(Matthew 19:14)

 

 

Tags: Brandon Hughes, children's activities, Faith, free, free pizza and soft drinks, Gospel music, Horseback riding, Jacob’s Ladder, Kevin Childs, kids, Living Waters Quartet, Megan Childs, Religion, Rev. Hood, scavenger hunt, Spring Fling
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Been There, Run That

– March 31, 2012Posted in: Doug Rea

 

 

The title for this week’s edition of With Your Latte is taken from a sticker that is proudly displayed on the back window of my mini-van.  Above the wording sits the number 13.1 signifying that I have completed the half marathon.

As of late I have been writing about my experience.  Most recently my musings tended more toward the obstacles that I had to overcome to complete the run.  Referencing the story of David and Goliath I found that David implored certain strategies in defeating the almost 10’ tall Giant.  Last week I mentioned David’s perspective.  This week it was the way that David looked back on other victories that intrigued me. As always you can catch up at www.WithYourLatte.com.

The future king looked back over his young life recalling other times when The Lord caused him to overcome impossible odds.  In 1Samuel 17:36 David shares with King Saul that he had killed 2 fierce animals that where after his sheep. He was a shepherd after all. Neither the lion nor the bear was a match for the teenager who was supernaturally empowered. As a result, David was able to draw confidence from these incidences that if he were fighting for The Lord, that The Lord would fight for him.

Following David’s lead, I looked back over my life and remembered a health crisis that was averted – and in a way that can only be described as supernatural. During a check up for chest pains, an x-ray clearly showed a mass on one lung. The doctor, now with a senior physician in tow, made immediate plans for further tests. They assured me that the hospital was expecting me, that the radiologists would personally see to my scan, and that the pulmonologists would take over my care from there.   A group of us from Connections, however, didn’t see what the doctors saw.  For us, we saw the growth as, “an unclean mass trying to invade my body.” We prayed that it would go – believing that it was not God’s will for it to exist.  The CT scan showed no mass. It was gone.

I am sure you too have your stories of the impossible suddenly becoming possible.  If nothing comes to mind, look to the bible.  It is chock-full of such accounts.  Read inspiring stories and books by those who have overcome the odds to complete something once thought impossible. And perhaps before you tackle “Goliath” you might want to start with something not as formidable.  I attempted a 5k before I tried to train for a half-marathon. I never attempted to lose 50+ lbs. I planned for 1 pound per week.  I started by replacing drive through eating with home cooked meals.  I built from there.

Finally, enjoy the small victories.  Each downward move of the scale and each mile increased carried its own victory, accomplishment, and story.  The smaller victories will give you the confidence you need to reach high and father.

REMEMBER: You can still enjoy Your Latte sugar free and low fat.  See you next week

Doug Rea is the Pastor at Connections in Albany, GA.

Tags: Connections, Doug Rea, Faith, Religion, With Your Latte
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Dr. Joseph Roberts to visit First Presbyterian in Albany

– March 24, 2012Posted in: Faith

 

 

Staff Reports

 

Dr. Joseph Roberts had some big shoes to fill when he took over as pastor at the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia.  His predecessor was none other than Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  However, he served as pastor at the historic church for 30 years.

He will also be speaking at First Presbyterian Church in Albany on March 25.

From Dr. Roberts bio:

Dr. Roberts is a native of Chicago where he received his formative education in the public school system.  He graduated Cum Laude from Knoxville College.  His Master of Divinity Degree was received from Union Theological Seminary in New York City and his Master of Theology Degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey.  Prior to coming to Ebenezer he worked in various administrative positions in the Presbyterian Church, U.S., and was Pastor of Weequahic Presbyterian Church and Elmwood United Presbyterian Church in New Jersey.  He is the recipient of numerous honors from civic, social, and religious organizations.  He has been listed in Ebony Magazine as an outstanding clergy person.  He also is the recipient of five honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees.  He was the 2004 recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Awards of both of his graduate schools; Union Theological Seminary and Princeton Theological Seminary.  He serves on several board and committees both locally and nationally.

Dr. Roberts will be speaking at 11:00 am.  First Presbyterian Church is located at 220 N. Jackson Street in Albany.  There will be a lunch in the Church’s Fellowship Hall after the service.

 

 

Tags: Dr. Joseph Roberts, Dr. Martin Luther King, Faith, First Presbyterian Church, Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, Jr, Religion
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‘Do you see what I see?’

– March 24, 2012Posted in: Doug Rea, Faith

 

 

Last week I wrote about my Albany Half- Marathon experience.  You can catch it at www.douglasrea.com. There, I mentioned that two “giants” had to be killed in order for me to complete the race. The first was diet.  No way was I going to attempt to move some 275 lbs around Albany GA for 3 hours with just the use of “Doug-power.”  The second was my (or should I say my former) lack of discipline.  To get help, I turned to the scriptures looking for a giant killer.  I figured if a teenage boy named David could kill the almost 10’ tall Goliath with a slingshot, then certainly I had a shot at defeating what opposed me. Stay tuned – I plan to write on this topic for the next few weeks.

The first thing that I noticed about David is how different his perspective of the giant was to that of the soldiers. Goliath’s physical appearance was so overwhelming that the Israelite soldiers ran in fear.  David, however, did not concern himself with what he saw but rather what he knew. David viewed the giant as a disgrace that needed to be removed from Israel.  For David, Goliath was nothing more than an, “Uncircumcised Philistine” who was taunting the army of God.  The soldiers saw Goliath with the natural eye while David saw the lens of God.

For me, it was food that did the most taunting. Being an Italian kid from New York, food was at the epicenter of all things good. Whether it was a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just the family meal, food was always tied to my most beloved memories.  In my world, my best friend food equated to happiness.  Consequentially, food became not only an addiction but a drug-of-choice in times of trouble.  But once I began to find my comfort in God, the need for comfort food was gone. The only thing left to kill was the addiction itself. I did that through counting calories. You see, I had always seen my weight as a physical problem with spiritual connotations.  I have come to realize that the opposite was true. Once I put this giant of food into perspective, I saw it for the crutch that it really was. Now that I am 60lbs less of my former self, I can attest that the giant of obesity is dead.

I used the same strategy of “changing my perspective” to defeat the half-marathon as well.  I no longer looked at the race as 13.1 long miles, but rather a, “1 mile race – ran 13 times.”  That perspective made completing it far more feasible. At the start of my training, the thought of a half-marathon was intimidating. However, I could see myself running a mile and training to gradually repeating that mile 13 times. Do you see what I see?

Now, grab a latte, open your bible, read the account for yourself in 1Samuel 17. Learn, as David did, to keep your giants in the proper perspective.  See you next week.

 

Doug Rea is the Pastor at Connections in Albany, GA.

Tags: Connections, Doug Rea, Faith, Religion
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Extreme Makeover

– March 17, 2012Posted in: Faith, Rev. Hood

 

 

“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”(John 14:2-4)

I was in an area the other day where someone watched three straight episodes of “Extreme Makeover.” I fell asleep during the first episode but woke up toward the end of it. By the end of the first program, I very much appreciated what they were doing. The concept is to find a deserving and needy family and totally remake their homes into functional and enjoyable dwelling places. The family is sent away on vacation during the process. The community gets involved and helps in the remodeling. The family returns and is awed by the results.

The second episode involved a man who was shot in the neck while serving a warrant with a police SWAT team. They are the commandos of the police force. His house was too impractical for his wheelchair. The staff of Extreme Makeover and the community agreed to just tear the whole house down and build him another, more spacious and of course, beautiful home. It’s a very moving experience in that the recipients don’t pay a cent for the benevolence.

Jesus shows up outside to the condition of our souls. “Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father of His throne.”(Revelation 3:20-21) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new.”(2 Corinthians 5:17)

Jesus is the Extreme Makeoverer (poetic license). There’s a difference in the way Jesus approaches the potential recipient. With Jesus, nobody deserves the gift. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”(Romans 3:23) “The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.”(Proverbs 14:1)

Jesus doesn’t care what you’ve done in the past. He wants to give you a future. What do the Apostle Paul and King David have in common? They were both murderers. After David committed adultery with Bathsheba and murdered her husband to keep it secret, he wrote Psalm 51. In it, he called for the Extreme Makeoverer: “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin, for I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.”(verses 1-3) Paul wrote to the Ephesians who had worked with the Extreme Makeoverer: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”(Ephesians 2:8-10) Is someone knocking at your door?

Tags: Faith, Religion, Rev. Hood
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“MY” Albany Half-Marathon

– March 17, 2012Posted in: Doug Rea, Faith

 

 

If you follow my column, you know that I have been in training to accomplish something that I considered quite improbable just 6 months ago. Then, on March 3rd, with the rain blowing and tornado warning sirens blaring, I finished the 13.1 mile run through the streets of Albany GA known as the, “Albany/Snickers Half Marathon.”   I crossed the finish line in 3 hours and 3 seconds.  You may now smile and applaud.

I refer to the half-marathon as improbable because 2 giant obstacles stood in my way. The first was my waistline. I have suffered with obesity for years. How was I going to transform my 275lb body into something more compatible with endurance running? Secondly, I am not the “enduring” type.  I much prefer my experiences to be instantly gratifying.    The very thought of months of running that included discipline, patience,  and goal setting was quite contrary  to my impulsive self who didn’t finish high school (although I did get a G.E.D), college, or any job in which the promotion seemed to distant or difficult to achieve.

The support from my family and friends was overwhelming.  In this forum there is no way to neither offer nor express my sincere gratitude to them all. Notably, my eldest daughter Amber (www.fatgirlruns.tumblr.com) herself had already lost 70+ pounds and had completed her first 1/2 marathon this past Fall. She and I ran this one together. Kayla, Amber’s younger sister and a full marathon runner, challenged me to run this race, coached me along the way, and purchased for me the proper running shoes.  My youngest daughter Brianna, a dancer at Darton College, worked with my mobility thus helping to keep me injury free.  And of course there was my wife of 27 years Regina who made sure I had a fresh supply of raw vegetable juice, running gear, and anything else she could do to ensure my success.

Next time I will share how I applied the biblical story of David vs. Goliath to overcome the aforementioned obstacles. For today’s addition of With Your Latte let me just encourage you with this: those once intimidating “giants” are no longer around taunting me as bully’s so often do. Through keeping a watchful eye on my caloric intake, and substituting processed foods with wholesome alternatives, I had lost almost 60lbs when the cannon sounded – signifying the start of the race. As for patience and endurance – that was a matter of keeping my eye on the prize. For me, the reward was one of completion since that concept was historically foreign to me. I also knew that tons of friends from my church Connections were waiting for me at the finish line. In addition, I knew that upon my successful completion of this grueling run, the bright and always encouraging smile of my wife Regina would be there to greet me. The latter was by far my greatest reward.

NOW – grab a latte, write some goals, get some help, and run “YOUR” race.  See you next time.

 

 

Doug Rea is the Pastor at Connections in Albany, GA.

Tags: Albany/Snickers Half Marathon, Connections, Doug Rea, Faith, pastor, Religion
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