dcreamer – Page 120 – EncouragingU

Christmas Joy!

by dcreamer December 18, 2021 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

By the time many of you read this, we will be about a week away from Christmas. Oh no, there is still so much to do! We have done quite a bit, but there are still some things that need to get finished up. Somehow it will all get done and we will be ready.

I have been thinking about joy, and considering the many ways that we can experience the joy of the holiday season. For most of us, we get the most joy out of spending some time with one another. As my pastor says, it is important to gather together. Family and friends are so important to share the holiday cheer.

There are many things that can help the holiday spirit to move within us. For many it is the music of the season that stirs us up. Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, and Andy Williams are among people’s favorites, but there are so many others, including the Nutcracker Suite. Music has a powerful way of touching our soul and thus stirring the spirit of Christmas.

Some people love the decorating that goes with the holiday season. They will spend days building their magnificent light displays outside. Others love decorating the Christmas tree. Others love collecting and displaying nativity scenes. When I was growing up, we put villages and trains under the Christmas tree. Then there are all the knickknacks that we put out all over the house for the holiday season.

For many the holiday spirit is stirred when they watch their favorite Christmas specials like Charlie Brown or the Grinch. Others long to see their favorite Christmas movies, like “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “Miracle on 34^th Street.” Hallmark has an endless supply of Christmas movies for those who love to watch them.

For my mother and mother-in-law, Christmas is about the food and gathering your family around the table for some holiday treats. My mother used to make hundreds of Christmas cookies. My mother-in-law makes a coconut cake that looks about a foot tall. Both mothers make tons of special food that we enjoy. If our favorites are missing from the table, we wonder what is wrong. There are certain foods we all associate with the holidays, and we just have to have them for it to really be Christmas.

The first people to really experience the overflowing joy of Christmas were the shepherds. They were living a normal day. They had fed and cared for their flocks and were sitting around the fire relaxing. Suddenly, a bright light illuminated the fields and an angel stood in their midst. Naturally, these brave shepherds were terrified at the sight.

The angel said, “Do NOT be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great JOY for all the people.” We know what the good news is, the Messiah, Jesus, has come. Why were the shepherds the first to get the news? God chose them because the shepherds would know where all the barns and caves were around Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph were probably not the only ones staying in barns or caves, because Bethlehem was packed with people from all over Israel who also had to register for the taxes.

After the shepherds find Mary and Joseph and they see the baby Jesus, they spread the word to anyone and everyone who would listen. All those people took the renewed hope of the coming Messiah back to their homes and villages. Talk of what the shepherds heard and saw would spread like wildfire. Hope and joy over the arrival of the Prince of Peace could not be contained.

The Bible tells us that Mary pondered all these things in her heart. She knew how this baby was conceived. She knew that she held the son of the living God in her arms. When she kissed the face of Jesus, she kissed the face of God. The joy in her heart exploded and was uncontainable. She knew that God keeps ALL His promises. She knew beyond a shadow of doubt that God loves all the people of the world.

I want to encourage you to receive the awesome gift of God, His Son Jesus. He is the hope you need to carry on through the storms of life. He is the Peace that goes beyond understanding. He will bring a joy to your heart that overflows to all you meet. His love will heal your broken heart and reestablish your relationship with God. The only question that remains is will you open your heart and receive the greatest gift ever given? I hope you will.

Doug Creamer’s books are at Amazon. Contact him at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

Some Gift Ideas for Runners

by dcreamer December 14, 2021 with No Comments

By David Freeze

Have you heard before that it only takes a quality pair of running shoes to get started? That statement is correct, but almost every runner I know keeps an eye open for extras that might enhance the whole experience.

Here are a few things that Santa just might have in his bag for that special morning around the tree.

Beginning with shoes, Ralph Jr. at Ralph Baker Shoes has been supplying my footwear for a decade now because he knows shoe technology and what makes the best shoe. He said, “Brooks still dominates what I would call ‘hobbyist runners.’ Ghost, Adrenaline and Glycerin are going to cover most runners’ needs and then of course, Hoka is still hot. We’ve added a new brand, Topo Athletic, that should be in store within a couple of weeks. It is owned by the inventor of Vibram 5 Fingers and looks very similar to Altra with a foot shaped toe box but most of the styles have a little heel drop instead of Altra’s zero drop. I’m impressed with them.”

The shoe market has been stressed with the recent supply chain issues. I asked Ralph what to expect going forward. He said, “As for ‘back to normal,’ industry analysts are saying fall of 2022 before we’re back … hard to believe, I know. The supply chain has been disrupted and just like a ship at sea, you can’t start, stop, and turn on a dime. It will take time to get things regulated. I’m in a great position for now because I bought well ahead while I could still get them. Filling in or special ordering is almost non-existent now. If I didn’t pre-book, I’m not going to get it. That said, I check inventory status daily for all our major brands to scarf up inventory when or if other dealers have canceled orders. Sometimes we can’t get a customer’s first choice, but we can almost always get them a great option without compromising their needs. Maybe not the first color choice, but no compromises on function.”

Ralph had good stock on one of my two favorite models, and I’m set for five months. I suggest stopping by as soon as you can to fill your runner’s shoe needs because selection will continue to diminish. One other thought is recovery shoes. Ralph added, “They’re a little expensive for stocking stuffers but very popular for soothing tired feet after a run. We have shoes and sandals from Oofos, Hoka, and Topo, as well as the very popular Feetures socks.”

Back Country and Beyond has a ribbon cutting coming up on Dec. 10 and grand opening the next day. Dewitt reports specials on almost everything in the store next weekend including the complete line of Garmin watches. I’ve been running for over 40 years, and nothing has convinced me that any brand of fitness watch is more accurate than Garmin. There are styles for every type of runner, triathlete and outdoor fitness enthusiast. Solar technology in their watches seems an intriguing option.

Back Country also has Fits socks and bow Stance socks as well. Fits are the longest wearing performance sock I have worn. Stance socks are touted for every personality, even the weird ones. Dewitt added, “We also have Honey Stinger, an energy supplement, and Body Glide, for abrasion relief. For our weekend event, Traeger will be at the store demonstrating and cooking with their grills while live music will be available.

The best full service running store nearby is Vac and Dash in Albemarle. Owner Peter Asciutto suggests checking out the Goodr sunglasses, stylish and affordable, and Turtle Towels, used for auto seat covers for sweaty athletes. He also has varied options on Dri-fit and safety clothing for any weather conditions.

Books on running and adventure are always big hits. Check out Father and Sons Produce, Patterson Farm Market and Rowan Public Library.

In addition, some personal choices include a race or beginning runners class entry, always available at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org. Nothing tops a destination weekend trip, planned around a race or running venue.

The next race locally is the 30th Annual Santa Run 5K and Bigfoot Reunion, set for Saturday at the Millbridge Ruritan building.

Buttered Cats

by dcreamer December 13, 2021 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

David opened the can and put it on the seat between us. His reward for going grocery shopping was a tiny splurge on cashews. We headed home when suddenly a little dog ran out into the road. David hit the brakes and screeched to a stop. Someone’s pet was spared that day, but the cashews slid forward and dumped head first, scattering across the floorboard. He looked at me and said, “Next time the dog dies.”

It’s like dropping toast. It will always land butter side down. I heard that if one were to strap buttered bread to the back of a cat they would spin indefinitely because cats always land on their feet. Could this perhaps be a source of alternative energy?

Why not? Who would’ve thought we’d use left-over French fry oil for fuel? Maybe someone should try buttered cats.

My apologies to animal lovers everywhere. I’ve just confessed that my husband loves cashews more than dogs and I would butter a cat to propel an engine if it would save me a buck.

Sorry.

Have you noticed when watching a movie like Quigley Down Under [which is one of my favorites] that the disclaimer at the end says “No animals were harmed in the making of this movie.” Never mind the poor guy being dragged behind the horse… or the Aborigines being pushed off the cliff. Just so you know the horse is okay.

I may sound mean and uncaring about animals, but I’ve been known to set a dish of milk out for a stray kitty meowing at my back door.

I wonder if she’d like a piece of buttered toast to go with that.

Our Greatest Weapon

by dcreamer December 13, 2021 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

Lord, thank You for sending Your Son to die on the cross for us. Thank You for conquering death. Thank You for our salvation.

You have everything under control. Nothing that happens surprises You. You are all-powerful. You are all-knowing. Thank You for choosing to allow us to pray and make our requests known.

Lord, You said for us to pray in all things, to pray without ceasing, and to ask in faith believing. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, we are told that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks should be made for all men, for kings, and for all who are in authority, so we may live a quiet and peaceful life in godliness and honesty.

What a beautiful promise! A quiet and peaceful life in godliness and honesty.

So… we pray.

Our Heavenly Father, we pray for the United States of America – a land that we love. Help our nation. We pray for our leaders, our government, our military, our citizens, our homes, our children, our families, our workers, our schools, our churches, our spiritual leaders, our missionaries, unity, safety, and so much more! Help us, Lord, to remember the four words inscribed on our money – In God We Trust!

We pray for those who are living in situations they need deliverance from – whether it be sickness, addiction, trapped in sin, abuse, depression, discouragement, wayward children, homelessness, hunger, poverty, grief, imprisonment, family concerns, and other difficulties – many of which we cannot verbalize to others – because the pain may be too overwhelming.

Lord, be at work in every heart and heal in every circumstance. Hold us, Jesus. Give us strength. Give us peace. Give us hope. Give us comfort.

Raise us up, Lord. Help us to proclaim boldly the Gospel to the world, knowing that time is short. Help us to love one another, as You love us.

Thank You, Lord, for 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, that tells us that You will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ will rise first, and then we which are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet You, Lord, in the air, and we will forever be with You! What comfort those words bring to our hearts!

We pray that You convict and speak to the hearts of those who need to accept You as their personal Savior. Help them to realize they cannot delay, because You spoke these words – written in red – in Revelation 22:20, “Surely I come quickly.”

Even so, come, Lord Jesus. May Your grace – the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all. Amen.

*** Prayer may very well be the greatest weapon in our arsenal! We need to use it!

Peace for Christmas

by dcreamer December 11, 2021 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

I love to walk through my neighborhood. Almost every house has some kind of decorations out for Christmas. Some have more than others. Each home is welcoming the holiday season in its own unique way. Some people have their Christmas tree near the front window so I can see it when I walk by. Cheer is in the air even though the weather seems to be a little confused about the season.

I went outside late the other evening. It was nice out and I stood looking at the beautiful Christmas lights. We have four nativity scenes on my little street. The real message of Christmas is certainly declared as you take a drive down here.

I stood out there quite a while, enjoying the quiet and serenity. I realized I was hearing crickets chirping, a sound one does not associate with Christmas. There was a slight breeze and I heard the rustling of the last leaves hanging on the trees. I looked up and saw that the stars were brightly shining. I was enveloped in a deep sense of peace.

It was a dark and quiet night when the shepherds were surprised by the sight and sound of angels as they declared, “Glory to God in the Highest! Peace on earth, good will toward men.” Their quiet little world had been shattered by the Light of the World. The announcement of the birth of the Messiah was anything but quiet. The angels shared their message of joy, hope, and peace.

Have you noticed that there seems to be a lack of peace in our world today? Turn on the evening news and listen to all the bad things happening in our world today. Turn on one of the 24-hour news channels and prepare to be depressed. They spend hour after hour telling us how bad our world is and showing us images of everything falling apart. Where is the peace on earth?

If you haven’t spent some time in the last couple of years thinking and being worried about COVID, then you are a unicorn of an individual. People have divided themselves into camps over the solution to COVID. There are the maskers and anti-maskers. There are those who believe in vaccines and those who are anti-vaccine. Extremists in each camp mock the members of the other camps. Where is the peace on earth?

Last year we were unable to visit with family and friends because we were on lockdown. This year the news is warning us of possible shortages. Please, don’t let it be the toilet paper again! The world wonders whether Iran will develop a nuclear weapon and what will Israel do in response. China looks to expand its empire into Taiwan. Where is this illusive peace on earth the angels declared?

I can walk on the beach or through a snowstorm and find a snippet of peace. But it doesn’t take long for the world to creep in and to steal that peace. How do we find the peace that the angels declared to the shepherds? That kind of peace is only found in and through Jesus.

Why did Jesus have to come to earth? Sin had created a barrier between us and God, thus making it impossible to enter His presence. Jesus came to earth, born in a manger, knowing and understanding His destiny was the cross. It took the blood of Jesus to wash away all our sins and to re-establish our relationship with God.

The price that Jesus paid gave us gifts that are far greater than anything you will ever discover under your Christmas tree. He revealed God’s deep love for mankind. He gave us forgiveness. There is nothing you have ever done that cannot be forgiven. There is God’s mercy, which means we are not getting what we deserve for the way we live. There is His grace, which means He gives us the power to live a better life. The most precious gift is the peace that surpasses understanding for our hearts and minds.

I want to encourage you to accept the wonderful gifts God has for you this Christmas. His gifts come wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. The important part is that you have to accept the gift God gives you. It’s free and will dramatically change your life. The world will never be a peaceful place, but you can have peace in your heart and mind if you accept Jesus as your savior. The angels were right, there really is peace; it’s the peace of Christ.

Doug Creamer’s books are at Amazon. Contact him at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

Chapter 16 – Voltage

by dcreamer December 9, 2021 with No Comments

Listen to Victor’s story. We are on Chapter 16 of the story Voltage. Click here to listen.

Always a Way

by dcreamer December 8, 2021 with No Comments

By Ed Traut

Psalms 112:4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.

No matter how dim or difficult it seems there is ALWAYS a way.
Even when we can see it, God has a plan and deliverance.
God always comes through for us when we belong to Him and exercise compassion and grace towards others, it will come back to us when we need it.

Prayer: Lord teach me Your ways and help me to always walk with kindness and grace to others that I can expect will be functioning in my life. I submit to You completely. Amen.

Ed Traut
Prophetic Life

Celebrating Girls on the Run

by dcreamer December 7, 2021 with No Comments

By David Freeze

On Sunday, Nov. 14, Salisbury Community Park was the gathering place for hundreds of girls, their families and running buddies. The fall class of Girls on the Run celebrated as most of the elementary and middle school girls on hand ran their first 5K under perfect weather. Not always the case, weather was a friend this year to the celebration with blue skies and mild temperatures. Each girl had a designated running buddy, someone who accompanied them on the course for encouragement.

Girls on the Run first brought their fall celebration to Salisbury and Catawba College in 2013. The event moved to Salisbury Community Park in 2017, preferable because the 3.1-mile course could be completed without going outside of the park and onto public roads.

Our runners club and Salisbury Parks and Recreation were big players at the event, but nothing like a solid group of volunteers led by Lindsay Peiffer from GOTR. I met Lindsay for the first time this year amid her planning process of about six months. She started out as a GOTR coach back home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in the fall of 2016 and completely fell in love with the program. At the time, Lindsay was working for the local YMCA and coaching for GOTR when she saw a Girls on the Run coordinator position opening with the YMCA in Wilmington. Most GOTR councils are considered independent, but Girls on the Run of Coastal Carolina is affiliated with the Y.

Lindsay said, “It was perfect. My two favorite things combined! I applied, accepted the position and made the move down to Wilmington in January of 2017. I learned so much about being a program manager and race director in my 4 1/2 years in Wilmington. Over those years my love and passion continued to grow for Girls on the Run, but I knew one day I wanted to work for an independent GOTR council. My wish and dreams came true with my position here with Girls on the Run of the Greater Piedmont working alongside an amazing group of people who share my love of the program tenfold!”

GOTR is much more than just a running program. Lindsay said, “Girls on the Run opens up a safe and empowering space for girls in grades third through eighth to tap into what makes them unique, how to activate their limitless potential and how to build the confidence they’ll need to chase their dreams now and throughout their life. Girls on the Run practices emphasize the important connection between physical and emotional health. At the end of the program, girls complete a 5K, which provides a tangible sense of accomplishment, setting a confident and goal-oriented mindset into motion. We envision a world where every girl knows her worth, her power and her strength to pursue anything she wants for her life.”

From Overton Elementary, Robert Black said, “Ellie really enjoyed the camaraderie and getting into running. She’s excited to be able to continue GOTR in the future.”

Jillian Gersch from Hanford Dole Elementary said, “Girls on the Run has impacted me so much as a coach by creating positive relationships with the girls in a space where they can be their true selves.”

GOTR had solid participation in the fall 2021 season, especially with COVID still around and some schools being hesitant in hosting after-school programs. GOTR continued to utilize parks and greenways and local community sites along with the normal school sites to allow for more options for the girls in our area to participate. Participation came back this season with 303 girls served, 80% of where they were in fall of 2019. There were 31 overall teams and nine of those were from Rowan. The 2022 spring season registration opens on Feb. 1 and the season will start the week of March 14.

Local racing continues this coming Saturday with the Freeze Your Buns 5K in Spencer, part of the Winterfest festival. SRR’s popular Santa’s Run for Hunger and Bigfoot Reunion Celebration 5K follows on Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Millbridge Ruritans building across from Sloan Park. Look for these and other events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org .

Our Greatest Weapon

by dcreamer December 6, 2021 with No Comments