Doug’s Columns

By Doug Creamer

            Take a deep breath…we’re almost there! I know we all have a few last minute things to do to get ready for Christmas, but I know we will make it. Soon it will be time to eat some delicious food at a beautifully decorated table. Soon it will be time to open the Christmas packages. Soon it will be time to read the Christmas story and savor the celebration of our Savior’s birth.

            I have been reflecting back on Christmases past and thought I would share a few special memories. My Dad invited me to his apartment one year. When I arrived, he was playing “The Nutcracker” on his stereo. He had put Christmas lights and some ornaments on his Ficus tree. We had Christmas together and he had put some thought into our gifts. The memory of that day still burns bright and “The Nutcracker” music has become part of my Christmas traditions.

            My mother has always worked to make Christmas a very special time. Even into my adult life she still manages to surprise me with thoughtful gifts. We don’t get to spend Christmas day together but we pick a day and it becomes Christmas for us. We both strive to make it a very special time together. I can hardly think about Christmas without thinking about my mother. She can be more excited than a kid.

            My wife grew up getting a new Christmas ornament each year. We didn’t do that in my family. We started early in our married life giving each other Christmas ornaments. We now have quite a collection of beautiful, very special ornaments for our tree. That means that it takes quite a while to decorate and take down our tree each year.

            When my sister and I got old enough to stay up late, we started attending the 11 PM Christmas Eve candlelight service at our church. There was a woman in our church who sang, “O Holy Night” every year and when she sang, Christmas came for me. My sister told me it was when a man in our church sang, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” that Christmas came for her. Music can touch our heart in such deep ways.

            We all know the Christmas story. The Son of God was born to a virgin whose husband believed and trusted God in the midst of unbelievable circumstances. They took a tough journey to Bethlehem right at the end of her pregnancy to obey the degree to register and pay their taxes. They arrived at Bethlehem to discover the inn was full of other travelers who had to register and pay their taxes, too. They were relegated to a cave or barn where animals took shelter, to give birth to Son of God.

            Have you ever considered how inadequate they must have felt? Can you imagine how Joseph felt not being able to provide a better place for his wife and God’s Son? They were first time parents and who do they get to learn and make mistakes with but God’s Son! While they are dealing with their internal battles of self-doubt here comes a group of shepherds talking of angels and begging to see their son. Was this really God’s plan for the birth of His Son?

            Life comes at us from so many different directions. It can seem crazy, chaotic, and out of our control. We find ourselves wondering, “Where is God? Did He forget about me?” The truth is He never forgets about us. He sees every second of every day. He knows about our troubles and has made plans to meet our needs. Mary and Joseph received incredible gifts from the Magi to meet their needs. God will come through for you because He sees and knows you!

            Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. But some people are dealing with health problems, financial issues, personal struggles, worries, and the pain of missing loved ones. I want to encourage you to remember those around you who are struggling to find the joy of this season. Pray for them. Ask God to show you how you can lift their spirits and share your joy with them. Jesus came 2000 years ago to give each one of us peace and joy. But more than that, He came to reveal to us that God loves us and cares more about us than we can understand. No matter what you are going through, heaven’s gift is available for you. All you have to do is open your heart and receive it. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and God’s love, peace, and joy in the coming year!  

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

I gave the sermon last Sunday at our church. This has the whole service, music & the message. ENJOY!!!

By Doug Creamer

            Most people put up their Christmas tree close to Thanksgiving. We have always waited until about mid-December to put ours up. I love to decorate the outside of the house and always try to have that done by Thanksgiving weekend. But the inside of our house hasn’t been transformed yet. I did bring in the tree the other day, but half the lights don’t work. I have to fix them before we decorate the tree.

            I am looking forward to getting some of the knickknacks out. We have a few nativities that I enjoy seeing. My mother painted some of special things we put out for the holidays. I have a village that I hope makes it out this year; I never got around to it last year. While I love the tree, it is time-consuming to decorate. Each of our ornaments has its own box and it takes a while to get them out and especially to put them all away.

            There is still so much to do and so little time to get it all done. I would like to blame a late Thanksgiving, but December always goes quickly. There is still some shopping to do. I need to send out Christmas cards. Few people send cards anymore, but I still want to keep in touch with friends. Somehow it will all get done before Christmas. The question that lingers is how.

            My pastor always finds interesting Christmas sermon series to do each year. This year he is using one put out by the Chosen series called, “Holy Night.” Each week focuses on a different theme and it includes video clips from the movie. He invited me to teach last week. My lesson was focused on Jesus coming for all people.

            On the surface it seems logical that Jesus came to save us all. The reality is that some churches do not open their doors to all the people. How would you feel if a prostitute came and sat on your pew with your family? Does she need God? Imagine someone reeking of marijuana coming into your church, how would you react? When Jesus says that all are welcome, would that include an alcoholic? Are people who have suffered through a divorce welcomed in your church? There are many people who have messed up lives for various reasons, was Jesus really including them when he said all are welcome?

            Back in Jesus’ day, the shepherds were considered very low class members of society. They smelled badly. They spent most of their time in solitude watching sheep. Many couldn’t attend synagogue regularly because someone had to keep watch over the sheep. Sadly, they were considered drunks and sinners and because people thought that about them they lived down to their reputation. Many of the upright and regular attenders of synagogue would turn their backs on and look down upon shepherds. They thought that even God wouldn’t notice them.

            Sadly, there are people in all our communities who might feel the same way. They haven’t attended church regularly. They have struggled with making bad choices in life that led them into bad places. They question whether God could possibly love and care about them. They aren’t shepherds but they feel like outcasts in society. Do you believe that Jesus came for the lost and the destitute? Is there a possibility that someone could be too far gone for God?

            If you asked the shepherds who were out watching their sheep close to Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born, they would tell you a different story. They were the first ones who received the news that the Messiah was born. When they heard the Good News that the angels shared they rushed into town to find the new born baby. Once they found him, they told everyone who would listen that the Messiah had come. The world may have discounted the shepherds, but when God invites all to come and seek Him, He means ALL.

            Do you feel disconnected from God? Do you feel like the shepherds, that you are on the outside? God is giving you a personal invitation to come. YOU are included when He says ALL are welcome. I want to encourage you to come; you are invited into the family of God. The Bible teaches us to come just as we are. You don’t need to clean up your life, you just need to come. He accepts everyone and welcomes ALL. You are included! Let Him help you with the messes in your life, just come. Come and receive. Come and adore Him. COME!  

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

By Doug Creamer

            I woke up to a wonderful surprise…SNOW! We haven’t had snow for over three years and it was a welcome sight. I have to admit that I was surprised that such a small amount of snow could cause such upheaval. Many school systems closed or had delays. When I saw the temperatures were in the low twenties, I knew there would be problems on the roads. I heard that there were lots of accidents, so it was good to keep the kids off the roads. I hope this is the beginning of a good snowy winter.

            Thanksgiving is over and we have entered December with a cold start. It is winter, but we aren’t used to the cold around here. It’s hard to believe that we are only a few short weeks from Christmas. The outside of my house looks like Christmas but the inside needs some work. I hope this weekend I can get the inside looking like Christmas.

            I am still full from Thanksgiving. I went to my brother’s for lunch and then we made a feast here for dinner. I think there were about forty people at my brother’s house. It is hard to have an in-depth conversation with anyone when there are so many around. I try to talk to each of my nieces and nephews for a few minutes, hoping to catch up with their lives.

            The highlight this year was that all my siblings were together. We sat around a table and talked about our family. It is rare to get us all together but when it happens we try to spend a few minutes together. While we all have different personalities, we still remain close as a family. We are always there for each other.

            I enjoy being at family gatherings because we don’t know how many more we are going to be able to enjoy. Our parents are in their nineties so I want to take advantage of being with family as often as possible. Connecting with all my extended family is enjoyable. It is interesting to catch up with my nephews and nieces.

            Moments spent together are moments that we want to treasure. We try to take some pictures to help us remember. We lie in bed at night and replay our day and the special moments so we will remember them. What do we remember? I remember things I laughed at, tender moments, and the connections shared with loved ones. I want to savor those moments.

            I know that I am lucky to have a good family. We don’t all think alike, but we are there for each other. The family connections are strong on both sides of my family. Family and laughter and knowing there is a place that you are loved and accepted are important parts of life. Again, I know that I am blessed.

            We should have the same experiences and feelings with our church families. We should be able to connect and honor our church leaders, who in turn should be good shepherds for the family for which God made them responsible. We should be able to depend on each other and be able to lean on each other during hard times. All of us will face challenging times at some point in life and it is great when we can depend on both our families and our church families.

            While everyone loves to laugh and share in the good times in our church families, it is important to remember that there are responsibilities within church families. We need to listen to each other. Listening doesn’t mean that we necessarily agree, we can agree to disagree. We need to love each other even when things might get a little messy. People’s lives are not always perfect. I think we need to learn how to extend grace to others in the same way we hope that others will extend it to us when our lives get a little messy. That’s what family does!

            I want to encourage you to connect with your imperfect brothers and sisters in your church family. It’s easy to be there on sunny days, but family means that we are there when the storms are raging. Family means that we can share the truth with each other, but we need to remember to share it with lots of love and grace. Family means that we don’t give up on each other and that we always believe the best for and in each other. During this holiday season join in your church and family gatherings, create great memories, and let your hearts be filled with love.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

By Doug Creamer

            Last weekend the temperatures dropped below freezing, thus ending my gardening season. I worked to pick the remaining treats and clean out the garden. I got some green tomatoes that I hope will ripen up. I picked a bunch of butterbeans. I dug my sweet potatoes. I got a pretty good return on them except a few were chewed on. I am not sure who is responsible for the half-eaten sweet potatoes but I would sure like to get my hands on them.

            That is probably the latest I’ve ever had a garden. We normally get a frost or freeze earlier that ends the growing season. Many of us gardeners like to try and cheat Mother Nature by starting early with our gardens or pushing it as late as possible. I have some more cleanup to do in the garden to finish the season. I want to get that done before the cold weather settles in.

            Gardening is always filled with challenges. It might be too hot or dry. We can get early or late freezes. Then there are bug problems and diseases that can affect a harvest. Finally, there are those critters that want to help themselves to my harvest. Despite the challenges I want to press on with gardening. I need to work on better defenses so I can enjoy the fruits of my labors.

            I imagine the early settlers had plenty of challenges with their gardens, too. Despite the differences in soil and climate, they kept trying and learning until they were successful. In their case it was a life and death matter, in mine it is a matter of enjoying my fresh vegetables or those that others grow.

            The Pilgrims celebrated the first Thanksgiving in 1621. They celebrated despite the loss of almost half the people who came over to the new land. The first winter was brutal, between the cold and sickness. The first Thanksgiving was a three-day eating celebration shared with the Wampanoag Indians. The Wampanoag Indians helped the Pilgrims learn about the new land and the first Thanksgiving began a more than fifty year good relationship between the two peoples.

            In Sunday school last week, I taught my class that thanks means to show gratitude and appreciation. It is easy to show gratitude to the people at work. Saying thank you, whether to a subordinate or to a supervisor can mean more than you imagine. Showing appreciation to your customers can build repeat business. It’s not hard to say, “thank you” to the people around you and letting them know you appreciate them. This works well in families, too!

            Sometimes we get focused on the things that have gone wrong in life or our aches and pains and we forget to be thankful for the many ways God blesses us. It’s easy to get distracted and to forget all the ways God has met our needs. Most of us have plenty of food to eat, many nice clothes to wear, a warm place to lay our head at night, and we feel relatively safe…we aren’t living in a war zone. When we focus on the blessings, it’s easy to be thankful.

            I encouraged my class to write down a list of their spiritual blessings. We have been forgiven for our sins. We have a place waiting for us in heaven. We have talents, skills, and abilities. Next we made a list of special events or days. Consider your wedding day, the birth of a child, or getting a job. Think about the blessings of family and friends, especially during the holiday season.

            We wrote down a list of our material blessings. We are blessed with homes, cars, and all the things in our homes. That can be a long list. Next, I encouraged my class to list books, music, or movies that really touched them. I listed my favorite authors and some great movies. We all know that music can touch and minister to our soul.

            I want to encourage you to take a minute each day this week to thank God for your many blessings. In addition to all the things we’ve already listed, don’t forget all the great people in your life. Those who gave you second chances, those who believe in you, those who love you, and both your natural and spiritual families. I believe that reflecting and thanking God for your many blessings will change your perspective and your heart. We are all blessed, even if we are facing challenges, we are blessed. Let us turn our eyes toward heaven and thank God. Happy Thanksgiving!

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

By Doug Creamer

Go Slow

            I woke up last weekend with nothing on my agenda. I had nowhere to go and nothing to do. There were things I could do, but nothing was pressing. It was a great feeling. I was enjoying some quiet time on the porch and considering my options. That’s when I heard His whisper, “Go slow.” What does that mean? 

            Slow down means you are going too fast, but slowing down means you will still be going fast. Go slow means something different. People drive slowly when they pass a wreck in the road. We are all rubber-necking. People go slow when they are looking at Christmas lights or the fall leaves in the mountains.

            I was trying to understand what God was telling me. I walked around the outside of the house and saw lots of things that need attention. I decided I would do one of those things and that I wouldn’t work fast. I would take my time and enjoy the day. I went slow. It was nice. I noticed the blue skies and the birds singing. I made progress on my task, but it was slow progress.

            I came in around dark and saw an email from my co-Sunday School teacher. We share the responsibility for our adult Sunday school class. She was feeling under the weather and wondered if I could teach the class on Sunday. There went that slow paced, peaceful feeling. What should I teach? The Lord was faithful as I sought His direction. He simply said, “You already know.”  

            Go slow. Have you ever felt like God was moving slowly answering your prayer requests? Me too! I believe God is in the testing business. He wants to see if we will trust Him. Do we have faith that He will come through for us? Are we struggling with doubt? Will we be obedient to what He tells us to do? I recently read the story of the Jericho walls coming down. I imagine it was difficult to believe that city walls would come down and to trust God. I think God was testing Israel’s obedience in that situation. Would they follow His instructions? Will we follow His instructions and live obediently?

            Many times when we pray, we hope God will come through for us in a miraculous way and save us. Take medical issues. We pray and hope that God will deliver us from things, but sometimes God wants to walk with us through the tests and procedures. If we have a test done or endure a medical procedure and we experience God’s presence with us as we go through the situation, then we will have a testimony about His goodness. Our faith will grow stronger and we will develop a deeper trust in God.

            We have to believe that God is at work, especially in those times when we can’t see Him working. Often God is working behind the scenes to bring about His will and blessing for our lives. It is hard to see when we are stuck in the waiting mode, but God is working things out. I can look back on my life and see times where God was opening doors for a better job for me. It felt like He wasn’t working or was moving slowly, but I had to learn to trust Him. At just the right moment the door of opportunity opened.

            I think another reason God was whispering, “Go slow” to me was because my body needed me to slow down. Things have been very busy and I needed to go slow and rest. The fourth commandment is about keeping the Sabbath rest. God tells us that we are to work for six days but that we are to rest on the seventh. Many of us run at full throttle seven days a week and rarely allow ourselves some down time. We maintain the pace through our addiction to caffeine to fuel us. Our body needs us to “go slow” so we can recover. God tells us to slow down. Don’t miss the special moments. Don’t rush through family times. Don’t over commit. Don’t go so fast. Go slow!

            We are on the threshold of the holiday season. I want to encourage you to GO SLOW and enjoy the special moments. GO SLOW and enjoy the special people in your life. GO SLOW and reconnect with family and friends. GO SLOW and be intimate with God. He loves you and wants a deeper relationship with you. GO SLOW and be thankful. GO SLOW and welcome Him into your crazy life. GO SLOW…Breathe…Enjoy this special time of year.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

By Doug Creamer

Old Friends

            I graduated from James Madison University many years ago. I transferred there as a sophomore, which meant that JMU did not have to provide housing. I rented a room off campus with eight other guys. It was not a good situation. The guys drank and used drugs constantly. I needed to get away from that environment.

            During this time I attended two churches. One had many college students and the other was predominately an older congregation. I struggle with the use of the word “older” as I am currently the age of many of the members at that time. I told the church that I needed to get out of the bad situation. One couple decided they would help me. They rented me a room in their home. I am not sure if they adopted my future wife and me or we adopted them, but we became family. 

            We have stayed in contact with them since we were in college. He has passed away but she is now living in a retirement center. Last weekend we went to visit our dear friend and surrogate mother. It was a bittersweet time. It was great to see her and to share with her our special memories of time we spent together through the years. It was sad because time and age have stolen many of those sweet memories from our dear friend.

            While we were in town, I went to church in hopes of seeing someone I knew in college. One guy roomed with me during my first year of teaching. He and his wife are still teaching high school. They are considering retirement, which I highly recommended. We shared our teaching, life, and spiritual journeys. It was so good to see him and to catch up with him. We shared some great laughs and memories of our year teaching together.

            I also ran into another friend, a guy who was in my wedding. I used to stay with this friend’s family on some weekends. I became close with his whole family during the time out on their dairy farm. His dad told me I was welcome at their home any time and I could come in at any hour. But…I was getting up with the entire family at some ungodly hour to help bring in the cows for milking. I also had to help with other chores when I was out there.  

            I listened carefully as this friend shared his journey through life. He had been through some difficult times. He talked with me about how he had persevered through the tough times to develop his faith. He shared how the Lord had told him that he had to trust God with the difficult circumstances and not allow worry or fear to capture him. He shared how God was faithful in each situation. The joy in his heart and spirit could not be hidden.

            I exchanged contact information with both of these guys and look forward to renewing our friendships. Both friends have done great things for the kingdom and have plans to continue pouring into the next generations. Spending time with these guys stirred my faith and encouraged me in my walk with the Lord. Hearing their stories of faith and perseverance challenges and spurs me to press on.

            I am glad for these two men and this sweet older lady in my life. They strengthen my resolve to continue persevering in my own life. Their fellowship and friendship are more precious than gold to me. Their stories illustrate God’s faithfulness through the challenges and difficulties in life. We need to share our stories with each other so we can spur each other on to greater things in the Lord. We need to share our faith journeys with each other so we can remind ourselves and each other of God’s faithfulness through the ups and downs of life. Sharing our stories helps to build faith, hope, and courage to press on, especially when we may feel like giving up. God will not fail us, leave us, or reject us because He loves us so very much!

            I want to encourage you to connect with your old friends. Let them know how much they mean to you. Share with them how God has seen you through the challenges of life. Each of us has a unique perspective and experience with God and sharing those experiences can be encouraging and life changing. Old friends are treasures that need to be savored. I thank God for my old friends, for their spiritual battle scars, their testimonies, and their commitment to God and our friendship.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

By Doug Creamer

            October is traditionally Pastor Appreciation month. At our church we tend to run a little late celebrating our pastor. The reason for that can be found by looking in the mirror. I take on the responsibility of organizing and orchestrating our event. Every year October sneaks up on me and then I have to try to figure out how we are going to honor our pastor. I like to create a mixture of fun and laughter followed by some heart-felt thanks and appreciation for all that our pastor and his wife do for us as a church family.

            I am lucky because our pastor’s kids, who are all adults, always have great ideas for what we can do to honor their parents. They suggest ways we can incorporate some funny moments into our special presentation. His kids, their spouses, and a handful of others who are willing to participate in some fun have worked together to create some memorable pastor appreciation events.

            This year ranks among my favorites. The pastor’s wife read a book to their kids called Flat Stanley. Stanley accidently gets flattened to paper thin and goes on many adventures that continue through a series of books. His kids thought it would be fun if we took a picture of the pastor and then have members of our congregation take him on adventures. It was a great idea which our congregation embraced. Our members took Flat Pastor on many wonderful and memorable adventures. I created a slideshow that had everyone, including the pastor, laughing with delight.

            We then had some members share heart-warming tributes for both our pastor and his wife. When you follow that with a delicious covered dish lunch, it made for a wonderful day. I wanted to be sure our pastor and his wife knew how much we love and appreciate them. We shared many laughs, great food, and wonderful fellowship, all while honoring and blessing our pastor and his wife.

            I have been lucky in my spiritual life. I have had a number of great pastors who invested in my life and helped me become the man of God that I am today. I have also been fortunate enough to become friends with several pastors and assistant pastors. Those are treasured friendships. It is nice to share a meal with the pastor and just talk about everyday life. It has also been both an honor and a privilege to listen to them when they needed to talk.

            Pastors are there for each of us as we go through the ups and downs of life. If I am celebrating some great news, my pastors have always celebrated with me. When I have found myself struggling with making decisions, self-doubt, worry, fear, anxiety, or whatever else was standing in my way, my pastors have always been there to gently guide me through the storms.

            Our pastors are called upon to be there for births, weddings, sicknesses, hospital stays, funerals, and whatever challenge or disaster comes our way. They show up for us. They are there for us. They speak words of comfort. They pray for us. They counsel us. They encourage us. They challenge us to live up to our best selves. They know our sins and secrets and still love us. They come after us if we wander away from the church. We are all lucky and blessed to have our pastors in our lives.

            I think sometimes we forget that they are people just like us. They have to bury their loved ones. They have to go to hospitals for themselves and their family. They have worries, fears, and doubts. They suffer from rejection when people walk away. They have bad days because they are worried about us. Their kids struggle with life and growing up. Their kids stumble and fall. They are sometimes overloaded with our burdens.

            I want to encourage you to take a few minutes to let your pastors know how much you love and appreciate them. Pray for them like you want them to pray for you. Send them a card that includes a gift card for something they will enjoy. See if there is something you can do to help them at church or at home just to bless them. Is there something you can do for their spouse to bless and encourage them? Do it! Surprise them. Bless them. Encourage them. Find something you can do, whether it’s through words, deeds, or financially, to show them how much you love and care for them and their families. Let’s be a blessing and show appreciation to our pastors.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

By Doug Creamer

            If congress decides to keep us on daylight savings time I would be in favor of that decision. I am not a fan of moving the clocks back in the fall. I like it to stay light as late as possible. Part of the reason for that is that I take my walks late in the evening, especially in the summer months. Many times when I get back from my walk in the winter it is dark.

            The fall colors were beautiful as I walked today. There was a little nip in the air. We have been very lucky with the beautiful weather this fall. I think spring and fall are my favorite times of the year because the days are warm and the nights are cool. I was thinking while I was walking today how quickly time passes. The holiday season is almost here and before we know it another year will be over.  

            I heard an ad on TV the other day that proclaimed that as we age time becomes a more precious commodity. Naturally, the company wanted the consumer to spend their time and money on their products. Their point is true. Our time here is limited and we need to make conscious choices on how we use this scarce resource. We are all given a certain amount of time and the way we use or waste it will affect how we reflect back on it when we are older.

            We all spend time working when we are young. We make money to pay for food, clothing, and shelter. I was a teacher and I spent many more hours than the school day doing my job. I spent many hours working, but learned late in my career how to balance my work and personal time better. I don’t know anyone who is retired that wishes they had worked longer hours during their career.

             I am partially retired and enjoying the extra time that affords me. I was reading in Genesis recently that some of the first people lived multiple hundreds of years. God decided to shorten our lifespan. I also read that when Caleb was 85 he was a valiant warrior who fought for his territory in the Promised Land. Joshua lived to be 110. Regardless of our health and the many blessings of God, we all have a limited amount of time here.

            Life has a way of getting busy in the limited time we are granted. I find that time flies during the holiday season. There are too many places to be and too many things to do. In recent years, I have made a conscious choice to be present in special moments when I am spending time with family and friends. I have a deep desire to connect with those I love and create memories that will last a lifetime. I want to invest my time in my family and friends.

Since we know that time is moving along quickly we should be motivated to connect with God. His invitation to spend eternity with Him has to be accepted before we depart from this world. It’s our decision and He wants us to choose Him. After choosing Him, we need to invest time praying, reading His Word, and talking with Him. It is the most valuable investment of our time. It will pay us dividends throughout eternity.

Time’s limitations will not exist in eternity, but they exist here. If you have accepted your gift of salvation and your reservation in heaven, then I want to remind you of the importance of extending that invitation to your family and friends. We don’t want them to miss out on an eternity with God because they didn’t make the most important decision of their lives. God wants a relationship with every person, but He leaves that choice up to us. That’s why I think it is critical that we take time to share our faith, our story, with those who don’t know God so they can develop a relationship with Him.

            I want to encourage you to use the limited time you have to invite family and friends into a relationship with God. The Bible makes it clear that time will run out and that decision has to be made before time ends or our individual time comes to an end. I think it’s also important that we pray for those who don’t have that relationship that their hearts will be tender and open to God so they can accept his invitation. Time is marching on and we don’t want time to run out for anyone.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

By Doug Creamer

            I ate lunch on my front porch today. It was a comfortably warm afternoon after a cool start to the day. I enjoyed reading a good book by one of my favorite authors. The story was moving at a nice, leisurely pace. My lunch was over but I didn’t want to stop reading so I continued on for a little while longer.

            I started to get up and head in the house when I stopped myself. I had things to do. Instead, I settled into my chair. I took a deep breath. What a perfect day. The leaves rustled when a slight breeze blew. The sun’s golden rays reflected off the changing leaves. It was peaceful and quiet; I heard some birds singing and crickets calling through the quiet afternoon air. The breeze stirred and brought some leaves tumbling onto the grass.

            I breathed in the peacefulness and breathed out the worries and expectations of an afternoon filled with things to do. A cardinal flew over, giving a chirp. I admired my neighbors fall decorations. I resisted the tug to get up and go. I took another quiet breath. I sipped my tea and allowed my eyes and thoughts to wonder. The fall sun hangs lower in the sky, thus allowing longer shadows to dance across the lawn. The cloudless Carolina blue sky radiated beauty. How do we miss such wonders as we meander through our day?

            Eventually my body left the front porch but my mind continued to linger. My thoughts remained peaceful. I pondered the experience as I sat down to begin my column. My prayer for His guidance was birthed not in a panic for lack of an idea but rather in the comfort of His peaceful presence.

            Slow down… Breathe… Turn off the noise of this world… He is waiting and wanting to be discovered. God wants us to find Him… God wants us to connect with Him… The problem is not on His side, but rather ours. He waits for us to enter His presence. He desires for us to draw close. He longs for us to turn our eyes toward heaven. He wants to refresh us in His presence.

            Can you feel the Spirit drawing you? He isn’t asking for your time. He is asking for YOU! God wants to draw close to YOU! He is not too busy…YOU are. He is not distant…YOU are. His presence is not chaotic…YOURS is. His presence is filled with love, joy, peace, and hope. He longs to share the peace that your soul deeply desires. His peace is available for YOU if you will only slow down. Breathe. He IS with YOU!

            We can find all we need to live in HIS presence. In HIS presence is fullness of joy. In HIS presence is wisdom for every situation. In HIS presence is provision. In HIS presence is healing and restoration. In HIS presence is love and acceptance. In HIS presence is protection because He will fight for us. In HIS presence is peace that will quiet worry and anxiety. In HIS presence we can slow down. In HIS presence we can breathe.

            The world around us will continue to grow more and more chaotic as we draw closer to His return. The Bible makes it clear that it will be incredibly stressful in the end. We have a choice, we can allow the craziness of life to press in and push us out of His presence or we can let His presence push out the craziness of the world. His presence is with us right now. He wants to lift the burdens of this life off our shoulders. He wants to calm our nerves. We have to open the door and let Him in. We have to choose to slow down…to breathe.

            I want to encourage you to find a quiet place and invite Him in. All my life I have referred to the time that I spend with Him as my “quiet time.” I have learned that He will visit me during quiet time and while I am sitting on the porch, walking, resting, working, or driving my car. I have to invite Him in. I have to open the door. He wants to connect with you. He wants to lift your burdens and give you His perfect peace. He wants to provide for all your needs as your Heavenly Father. It’s up to you! You have to slow down and open the door for Him. I encourage you to slow down, breathe, and open the door of your heart to Him.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com