As coronavirus has infected every state in the nation and people are stuck inside their homes in an attempt to prevent it from spreading even more, things are feeling a little bleak.So some are trying to spread a little hope and cheer instead.People around the country are putting up their Christmas lights and encouraging others to do the same. Read more at CNN
It’s allergy season and we haven’t exactly cleared flu season yet, but that hasn’t stopped the new coronavirus from spreading throughout the nation and creating a new normal for Americans who are now stuck at home. So, how do you tell if you have a cold, flu, allergies, or Cornona Virus… Here is a great article from USA Today
By Ann Farabee
Most Jews avoided traveling through Samaria – but not Jesus.
He NEEDED to go through Samaria. For He had a GOD work to do. There was a heart that needed to be worked on.
It was around lunchtime. He had been walking on foot. It was probably hot. He was probably weary.
He sat down on the well made of stones. Cold, hard stones. He sat to rest a minute – and to rescue a life.
The woman came to draw water. The timing of her arrival was no accident. That was the time of day those with poor reputations showed up – to avoid the crowd. This was part of her daily work, providing water to meet the needs of her family.
Was she expecting to meet Jesus?
No.
Was Jesus expecting to meet her?
Yes.
The stage had been set. Jesus had sent his disciples to the store to get meat.
I suppose it was their ‘Food Lion’ of that day.
Yes, Jesus, the man who usually talked to the multitudes, had stopped by the well to talk to the one.
He looked to her and said, “Give me to drink.” It was not a command, but a pathway to conversation with her. Those passing through town often had requests for water, but never to the Samaritans, for they had no dealings with them.
At this point, I imagine her looking around like, “Who?Me? This man knows I am a Samaritan – part of the hated mixed race and of low social position. Is he talking to me?”
Somehow, I think she knew right then that this was not an ordinary stranger – and this would not be an ordinary day at the well.
‘Give me to drink’ had been his words.
Four words that would lead to more words.
The door had been opened. Communication was coming as Jesus said, “If you only knew the gift of God, and who’s talking to you, you would have asked for living water.”
Can you almost envision the inquisitive look on her face? What was he talking about? That communication made no sense. She didn’t have anything to draw with. The water was deep. Jacob gave them the well and they all drank from it – his children and his cattle. This man couldn’t offer her more than that.
She did not understand the ‘what’ of his words, nor the ‘why’ of his words, but she understood enough to desire to stay and hear more. For she had never had a conversation like this. She had mostly been avoided.
He then told her that with the water she had, she would get thirsty again, but with His water, she would never thirst again, because it was living water, and would spring up into everlasting life.
Her response was awesome, “GIVE ME THIS WATER!” Apparently, she foresaw never being thirsty, not having to come to the well twice a day again, and an easier life. Jesus had opened up the door – and she was going for it!
She was probably stopped dead in her tracks at his next words, as he began to point out that He knew her already. He knew sins of her past. He knew she had been married five times. He knew she was living with someone now that was not her husband.
As they talked, the words of Jesus were beginning to change her heart. For He was revealing Himself to her – not all at once, but slowly, giving her time to comprehend.
Something she barely understood was changing her perspective in life to God’s perspective.
This woman, an outcast who knew little about God, said, “I know the Messiah is coming, which is called Christ.” Somehow, I think she said it softly, almost as if it were a question, for she finally knew that someone was about to give her hope and a future.
Perhaps some of the greatest words ever spoken to humanity were not spoken to a king, but to this sinful woman, “I that speak unto thee am he.”
She was talking to Christ. Christ was talking to her.
The disciples came back.
So, she knew it was time for her to leave and head back to the city.
But guess what she did? When she left – she left behind her water pot.
Yes, her water pot. The very reason she had come.
Don’t you think that was because she now had living water?
What did she do when she got back to the city? She witnessed to others, as she said, “Come see a man. Is not this the Christ?”
YES would be my response. It is the Christ.
For I met Jesus Christ at the well, too.
I like to call it my well of salvation.
With joy we will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:3
The well of living water is all ours. We just have to tap into it.
Ann is a speaker and teacher. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com
By Doug Creamer
You would have to be living under a rock and totally disconnected from all media not to know about the Corona virus. Initially the news changed daily. Now the news is changing hourly, and by the time you read this it will be changing by the minute.
I never imagined that we would be dealing with such a bad situation. I thought it would be something like all the previous viruses that have spread around the world. The news media would talk lots about it, but that it would not affect my daily life. It would be just another virus for the record books.
It is very sobering to see the world-wide impact of this virus. We have some incredibly intelligent people in the medical field; you would think that something would be developed to reduce the impact of this virus. Yet medical science’s best advice at this point is to stay away from each other. I am a very social person; this is difficult for me.
I normally go to the grocery store on Tuesday and Sunday. For various reasons, I decided to go to the store on Monday afternoon. It was busy, but I was pleasantly surprised by how polite people were being. Everybody was pleasant and talking to one another, much more than usual. I saw the manager and asked if he was having fun. He laughed.
I was also encouraged to see that there were plenty of groceries on the shelves. Yeah, stock was lower than usual, but there was plenty for everybody. Well, the toilet paper aisle was empty, but that isn’t news. I took a picture and sent it to a few folks for some laughs. I have seen the news where they are showing long lines, much like in the south when they mention the word snow or a hurricane coming our way.
If you are feeling stressed, worried, and concerned…you are totally normal. I try not to live with fear, but those feelings have crept in. Ask God to give you His supernatural peace. Believe me, I have asked numerous times in the last couple of days and He has been faithful to give me the peace I need.
I believe an important thing to help quiet our spirits is to be prepared. Think of it like the first snowflakes have started to fall or the first band of rain has reached the shore. There is still time to prepare for the storm ahead. I believe Jesus would tell each one of us, “We are going to make it through the storm.” It is prudent to get some supplies in so we are ready for the worst part of the storm.
I also believe it’s important to be wise. It seems the best solution for the moment is washing our hands and keeping our distance from each other. This does not mean that we disconnect. I have been in contact with my pastor and my family and friends. We need each other. We need to laugh. We need to encourage each other. We need to help pull each other out of all the media negativity and remind each other that the Lord our God is good and that He will not leave us or forsake us…even if we happen to get the Corona virus.
The hardest thing we have to do is to live in faith. Doubt and fear are pounding on my door. I’m sending Jesus to answer the door for me. There is no fear in Jesus. But the Corona virus is going to test our faith. The result will be that our faith will grow stronger. God wants us to draw closer to Him. God’s desire is to always be closer to His children. We will persevere. We will overcome. We will emerge victorious.
We live in the world and sometimes the germs of this world will get on us. If you find yourself getting sick, don’t lose faith. God will walk with you through the storm. We are not alone. God is with us. God loves us. He will comfort and heal us. The name of Jesus is superior to the Corona virus and any other thing you are up against.
I want to encourage you to stir up your faith and pray. Prayer is a powerful weapon against anything that comes against us. Banish doubt and fear from your house and grab a hold of the life preserver of hope called faith. We are going to make it through this storm. We are going to emerge victorious. Our God is with us, who or what can stand against our God?
Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com
By David Freeze
50th state cycling adventures comes to a close
The Big Island of Hawaii is the nation’s largest island with an area of 4028 square miles. It has the world’s tallest mountain from ocean floor to summit as Mauna Kea rises 33,476 feet in that manner. And it has the southernmost point in the 50 states at Ka Lae, or “South Point”. And Hawaii is the only state once ruled by its own royalty.
An amazing place for sure! But being confident in the beginning that I could see everything on one island in a week was a big mistake. I had plenty of good information as I flew to Hawaii and the usual desire to see everything possible. I saw Mauna Kea from a distance and was on the same road to reach South Point but didn’t have time for the hike to either one.
What I did see was most active volcano in the world at Kilauea in the Volcanoes National Park. Think a smaller Grand Canyon but with steam vents just biding their time. I saw whales in the ocean, once from my room on the last evening and I saw the amazing waterfalls and flora and fauna of one island of the beautiful state. I met the amazing people, nearly all ready with a smile as soon or even before I was.
I used to write about how friendly the locals were when I traveled to a new American city. After seeing all 50 states, my award goes to the native Hawaiians. Friendly and outgoing, and so happy. We should all learn that lesson.
My last night was the most relaxing on the island, not that they all weren’t, but just because my list of things to figure out had dwindled to just how to spend my last morning before returning to the airport. I’ll admit that the time difference made sleeping enough very hard. I wanted to get up at midnight and get on the road by 2am, matching the times back here.
Imagine sitting on your own room patio and watching a humpback whale surface just offshore. Not once, but twice. Then the ocean slapped against the seawall just 30 feet from that same chair all night long, the best sleep aid I could have.
I did sleep well on that last night and had a decent run early in the always present humidity. Then a wonderful breakfast of bagels, fresh pineapple and papaya. I knew my time on the island was ending. There was enough time left to walk about a mile and half through Kona, do a little shopping, and savor the environment of peace and tranquility of Sunday morning in Hawaii. I heard an open-air church service from the the second floor of a restaurant and bar. I kept counting down the minutes and finally pressed the phone app to summon Uber. It was time to go.
Just five minutes later, Alice pulled up and I loaded my bags in her car. During the 15 minute ride to the airport, we talked about my time on the island, and hers too as a native Hawaiian. My impressions and hers weren’t far apart. As a native Hawaiian, we talked about prices, the climate and even whale watching. Alice knew a place that visitors don’t see and when I go back, I’ll find it. She told me the name of Bougainvillia plants and their flowers that thrive even in the lava rock.
I saw all the main roads, either on the bike (about 175 miles), a tour van or the almost free bus service. I missed the southern side of the island between the Kilauea and south of Kona. When I pedal the long rides, I always have to leave a few things behind to see next time, and you can bet I’ll do my best to return. And visit some of the other islands too. I love the Hawaiian music and words. Next time, I will bring my own bike seat for sure!
The Kona airport is open air and perfect, except for Sunday’s high intensity TSA rush and then going through an agriculture inspection. My flight to LA was on time, and the connecting flight to Charlotte arrived at 6am on Monday morning.
Back safe and sound again! Thanks to God for that, for riding with me as always. And for the support of the Post readers, especially Tim and Linda Hoffner, Bill Godley, Leonard Wood and Dick and Jean Richards. To everyone, we’ve done 50 states, the District of Columbia, Canada twice and all the Great Lakes together. Mahalo (Thanks) to every one of you for riding along for some or all of the journey. We did it together!
By Roger Barbee
While the NCAA, NBA, MLB, and NHL have suspended all activities, the National Collegiate Wrestling Association held its tournament this past weekend in Allen, Texas. It seemed no matter that Dallas closed all recreation centers, libraries, and cultural centers; five UT Southwestern faculty were in quarantine after exposure to coronavirus; the mayor of Dallas banned gatherings of 500 or more people; Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a “state of disaster”; and this is just to mention a few reactions to the coronavirus. “I think a lot of this is driven by fear,” the NCWA executive director, Jim Giunta, said Friday on why he didn’t cancel the event. “We’re going to do everything in our power to create an environment that’s more than safe for our athletes. But after we do everything we can do, we’re going to operate on faith rather than fear.”
The event, not sanctioned by the NCAA, hosted 84 colleges as varied as The Apprentice School and Richland College and had over 600 wrestlers. University of Texas at Arlington coach Collin Stoner said, “I think when we start to cancel these events, the actual athlete and the hard work kind of fades away from them,” and that for him the virus was “on the back burner”, and that he was really proud that the tournament was not cancelled.
The tournament director, Giunta said that precautions such as posted signs about best practices to prevent the virus were placed around the venue, and he went on to state that any wrestler with a temperature higher than 100.4 was disqualified. But perhaps the best argument for having the tournament came from Jesse Castro, the Liberty University coach. He pontificated, “From a philosophical perspective, do I think it’s [reaction to the coronavirus] overhyped? Yes, I do,… “You know the talking points. We’ve dealt with this kind of stuff before. … We’re vigilant and we use common sense, but I refuse to live in fear. I’m not gonna do that.” He went on to say that he believes, as does Jerry Falwell, Jr., that the virus was being used by Democrats to impeach the president. Castro had 19 wrestlers in the tournament.
Every college and university owes its students and athletes wise decisions concerning their welfare. The administrators and coaches who allowed their wrestlers to participate in the NCWA tournament have shown poor judgement and a high disregard for the well-being of their wrestlers. For someone like Coach Castro to say that we have dealt with “this kind of stuff before” demonstrates that he has no grasp of the danger in which he placed his wrestlers, his college, and himself. I can only hope that none of the people involved become carriers or victims of this virus.
Today felt more normal with a great mix of people and scenery. And some challenges and surprises too!
To begin with, my butt is doing better with the different bike seat. I’ve learned to raise up just enough when crossing those dreaded bumps. Next time, I will bring my own seat. I had an agenda after another wonderful night in good hotel, the Hotel Honoka’a Club. It rained most of the night and loud birds were chirping constantly. I loved it all.
First, I wanted to start down the coast toward Hilo and explore along the way. The road shoulder for the most part were plenty wide and traffic was moderate and courteous. Being on a new bike makes me unsure at times but all turned out well. First up was a stop at Donna’s Cookies, a fast moving little cookie factory right on the highway. As soon as you enter, they give out samples. I chose peanut butter and got 10 cookies for a great price. The boss let me take their picture, but all the ladies got serious and looked down instead of laughing as they had been.
I moved on and just happened to ride by the smallest Post Office I have ever seen. Just about an 8ft. X 8ft., with one operator inside. I met Mary Jo Stevenson coming out and we struck up a conversation across the road that soon moved to just in front of the building. Mary Jo is a local pastor and former Ironman Triathlon competitor. Mary Jo said, “At one time, this was the smallest PO in America and the tour buses used to stop often. Not sure if it still is.”
After that, I had my heart set on the Akaka Falls State Park. Mary Jo told me it was uphill and was it ever at about 400 feet in elevation per mile for nearly four miles. I had read about some theft occurring from parked cars and wondered what I could do with the $2800 bike. I got the one park attendant to watch it and all turned out well. The falls are spectacular, at 442 feet which doubles the height of Niagara Falls. Got some great pictures and rocketed down the hill to Mr. Ed’s Bakery in Hononu. I met Rick, Jenny and Patty from Livermore, California amid a great conversation of cycling in general and my 50th state. Rick’s group sampled most everything in the store while I got a blueberry and a lilikoi turnover. Lillikoi is made of passion fruit and I am about to eat it now. I did sample the taste and loved it.
Next up was decision time about where to spend the night in Hilo. I chose Arnott’s Lodging and Adventures where I have a very unique room. There are two other bedrooms in this apartment but no one will use them, leaving me with a large bathroom and kitchen for my own use through early Saturday morning. Gloria did a great job of taking care of me and it is from here that I take a van tour of the Volcanoes National Park on Friday.
Then will come free time in the afternoon in Hilo. I am on the beach, and have been directed to a nearby black sand beach and rainbow falls. I’ll be on the bike again for these places and more. Tentatively, the bike and I plan to return to Kona early on Saturday morning.
Today was the best day yet in Hawaii! I loved it all except that terrible climb, or maybe the terrible climb just made all the rest seem better. With that, I hope you will join me for Friday’s update and some more fun. Keep sending your messages and ideas, and those prayers too! See you back here tomorrow!
By David Freeze
Following the best sleep yet since I arrived in Hawaii, I had big plans for today. After a healthy meal the evening before in Hawaii, I wanted to climb the Kohala Mountain Road and keep rolling for close to 80 miles and make Hilo late this evening. Nothing like that occurred.
I rode back into Hawi and headed up a step grade immediately as I turned left on Kohala Mountian Road. Pedaling regularly at 8-10 percent grade, I was soaked and pouring sweat immediately. I needed 22 miles to make Waimea this way, but a fast route of 30 miles back the way I came the day before would have included lots of downhill. Still I wanted the hilly route or thought I did. I found beautiful hay, cattle and horse farms with amazing views of the Pacific far below. I also found lots of traffic and many tight curves and almost no shoulder.
The highlight of the morning was meeting Stark Draper from Toronto as he caught me from behind with 1,500 feet of elevation to go. We rode together for a while and then made photos before he headed off. In my delirium, I am pretty sure that Stark has been delayed from going back to work by the coronavirus.
Once in a while, I just have nothing and today was that day. A constant slug uphill dragging along the extra 50 pounds of gear didn’t go well. Once over the 3,500 foot pass, I found mostly an easy coast downhill into Waimea, a good sized town for the Big Island. My first stop at a convenience store was for two little ice cream containers and a huge bottle of water. All that sweat and effort left me to try and refuel like I had before in similar times.
I gave up on the idea of a Hilo today. So I called Siri’s cheap motel in Waimea and got a price of $222 for tonight. Then I asked the proprietor of the convenience store what I could expect ahead and was told no motels existed until I made Hilo. I asked two residents while they pumped gas and they both agreed, although an inebriated customer told me there was some but he couldn’t remember where. The two guidebooks I have been using listed none.
Intent to head for Hilo on a so far crappy day, I stopped once more at the Shell station and asked Rae. She didn’t know but suggested I asked Siri. My pronunciation of Hawaii names got Rae laughing. But we found one, the Hotel Honoka’a Club. I called ahead and headed that way.
Suddenly my energy was back and a slightly downhill road helped a lot. Just 90 minutes later, I had a room in a 1926 era hotel in one of the best little towns I have come across. Maybe the best since several Idaho towns and their gunfighter hotels of the late 1880’s. There is no TV and just like last night’s motel, no AC or heat. But who needs either in Hawaii? It has been raining since I got here and is pouring now. The owners, Jory Watland and Annelle Lee are fabulous and shared lots of information and a very fair price for the room I got.
Honokaa was a sugar production town just following the Civil War and continued until 1994. Now all those old town buildings have found life in more modern touristy businesses. I walked around town just before the heavy rain came and loved it all.
Tomorrow, I do plan to make Hilo while stopping in the other little towns on reportedly one of the most beautiful coasts anywhere in Hawaii. And the Akaka Falls State Park is on the way. I have booked the bike until early Saturday morning, so there is still much to do.
I have been trying to rehydrate this evening as the heavy rain continues to fall, very happy that I am not out riding in it. While not the day I expected, it was still a good day and I am ready for less up and down riding tomorrow.
See you back here tomorrow for Thursday’s report from the Big Island!
By Ann Farabee
This is a video from Ann about a very tough time….
By David Freeze
I am at the Club Hotel tonight on the eastern side of Havi, pronounced Haavee. I just took my first ever outside shower, not associated with a campground, on one of these trips. I have this great little throwback room in a motel left over from the 50’s. There are two bathrobes hanging in the room for me to us and my bathroom is right beside my room. And the shower is just underneath it and accessed from the yard. It is all so cool and is the first room that has been reasonable on the whole trip.
I ran five miles this morning and checked out of the Kona Beach Hostel. I gave it rave reviews for everything except a $16 charge if you don’t stay a two nights back to back. I will probably go back later in the week.
The rental bike came from Bike Works in Kona, another good deal if I don’t wreck it. It is a $2800 carbon hybrid bike, supposed to be heavy enough to carry the 50-60 pounds I’m lugging along. Once the bike was set up with bag racks, the mechanic sent me outside to try it. It felt very awkward, especially since they had me test it out on a narrow and sloping parking lot. Once I got it all loaded, I still walked it through a strip shopping center parking lot, slightly afraid to try the bike with the load on it until I was on level ground.
All worked out well but I am still on the hook if I wreck it. They made me sign a $2800 credit card receipt, just in case. I brought my own pedals but should have brought my own seat too. The seat is terrible so far. I’ve been applying chamois butter all day. Day 1 is in the books and I am probably going to use the bike for at least three. About 59 miles today.
Several highlights occurred today. I stopped at the first convenience store on the way out of Kona and saw the highest prices I have seen yet. A $3.99 bagel and one of those little banana nut breads for $8.99. I used the bathroom and got away from there fast.
Next after miles and miles of riding through the lava fields, a windy area that makes up most of the Ironman Triathlon bike course, I saw a big crowd gathered around a blue enclosed trailer. A dozen people were ordering or waiting to pickup their malasadas, an apparent special donut unique to Hawaii. It is one big puff of pastry with the topping still hot in the middle. When I ordered, I asked how long to make two Bavarian cream donuts and one of her Mango Lemonades. I had only been on the rode for 30 miles and needed a boost. The operator whispered that she would serve me out the back window while the others waited at the front. I could only eat one and drink the fantastic Mango drink.
It is an almost never ending 20 mile climb coming into Havi and I was worn out when I made the top of the hill and the triathlon turnaround. The cyclists make great time on their way back through the sea level town of Kawaihae and back to Kona.
While in Kawaihae, another of the wonderfully named towns, I asked the clerk at a store if she knew of reasonable nearby hotels. She gave me two names and one was closed for the day at 3:30 pm. The message said, “We’re open to 4 every day but it is Hawaiian time if we have already closed.”
After checking into this wonderful Club Motel, I rode back uphill to the Takata grocery store. Prices were reasonable but not a banana could be found in the store. I did buy a bean filled Anpan, another Hawaiian treat.
I am beginning to find that the Hawaiians are a very happy group when away from the town of Kona. One guy smiled and laughed when he gave me directions and the Havi police chief smiled a lot when we talked about my 50th state cycled.
The goal has been completed, but it’s back on the saddle again tomorrow. I plan to go over the mountain into Waimea and then make part of the journey toward Hilo. Hilo and Juno are the real towns on the Big Island, and Hilo is the gateway to the Volcanoes National Park.
So, join me again tomorrow when we see what is special about Wednesday’s ride. Thanks to Leonard Wood for advice and support for this adventure. I hope you all will keep riding along.