Doug’s Columns

By Doug Creamer

            I grew up in a home where my parents read. They both read the newspaper at breakfast. They both enjoyed reading books, too. Each had their own interests, but they would often read if we were on vacation. Dad read when he went to bed. Mom also read in bed, but you could catch her reading during the day, too.

            My parents tried to get me interested in reading, but I had other interests. When I was a junior in high school, they gave me a book that they both had enjoyed, hoping I would read it. Begrudgingly, I complied. To my surprise, I not only read it, but I enjoyed it, too. When the author came to town to promote his newest book, I got the chance to meet and talk with him. Thus began my love for books, and it fed my deeper desire to write.

            This story came up at my Dad’s birthday gathering last weekend. My brother always comes up with some interesting activity for us to do at my Dad’s birthday. Often it involves telling something about ourselves and our lives. It might be funny or sentimental. It gives everyone a chance to share and we often learn something about each other.

            I shared about two writers who influenced me to become a writer. After I shared the stories, my Dad wanted to ask a follow-up question. He wanted to know why I wanted to write so badly when I didn’t like reading as a kid. He knew the desire to write had been there since childhood. Most people grab a book if they have a long car trip; I always made sure I had a pad of paper and some pencils.

            I have really pondered that question since the other night. Why do I want to write? I told my family that words are powerful and they create great stories. My pastor taught us that words create worlds. A great writer can take you to a place through his or her words. Think of a great movie you enjoyed, that place and those people were created in someone’s mind. A great book transports us to the location of the author’s choosing.

            Our words have the power to change people for good, and sadly, for bad, too. Our words can encourage or discourage people. Our words can impart hope and plant dreams. Our words can confront wrong thoughts and ideas. I told my family that I always try to use my words to build others up, to help them see their potential.

            We all want to hear positive things said about us. When we are struggling, we often turn to our pastors for words of comfort, wisdom, and guidance. Words are like food for the body, they nourish our souls and spirits. Words are used to motivate teams and the military to keep fighting until they win the victory.

            Some may say that the Bible is simply a collection of words, but I believe they are words that have been ordered in the heart of God, given to show man the way to live and the way to life. God’s words inspire, strengthen, and give us the courage to live a better life.

            The Old Testament prophets told us of a coming savior. When the time was right, those words came true and Jesus was born in a manger. He lived His life fulfilling the prophetic words written about Him. He demonstrated God’s love for us, not only through His words, but through His actions when He died on a cross for us.

            We have a responsibility to steward our words very carefully. Sometimes we need to use less of them and practice listening more. We need to extend words of hope and life to others instead of judgement and condemnation. Our words should empower people to break free from the bondages in their lives so they can discover the freedom that God intended. When we can paint a picture with our words of what life looks like with Christ, and we can live those words out ourselves, others will be drawn to our words and discover transformed lives because they encountered us.            

            I want to encourage you to consider your words very carefully, especially as you gather with family and friends for the holidays. Let your words be filled with hope, grace, and mercy. Let your words be uplifting. When you are with your children and grandchildren, let your words be filled with wisdom and understanding. Spend this holiday season building each other up and create memories that will inspire and last a lifetime. 

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

By Doug Creamer

            I went for a walk on Sunday afternoon and saw some neighbors decorating the outside of their house for Christmas. I also saw some Christmas trees through some people’s windows. But wait, it’s only the middle of November, right? Are we just going to skip Thanksgiving?

            I guess I’d better be careful. I was looking at the forecast and thinking it might be nice to do some of my outside decorating while the weather is warmer. With Thanksgiving coming up, I try to have the outside of my house all lit up for Christmas by Thanksgiving weekend.

            The last couple of years I have combined cleaning the gutters with hanging the icicle lights. Once I get that done, there are only a few more things to do to complete the job. I promise that if I do put my Christmas decorations out before Thanksgiving, I won’t light them up early.

            My wife and I noticed that on November first the advertisers were full-on Christmas. They are showing all these snowy scenes; don’t they know it doesn’t snow in the south this early? It doesn’t matter if you are ready or not, the holiday season is here.

            Before we go rushing past Thanksgiving, let’s stop and enjoy it. We can all start by watching the Thanksgiving Day parade. Last year it was a modified version; I am hoping we are back to a full-fledged Thanksgiving Day parade.

            The next thing that comes to my mind is all the delicious food. I can smell the turkey and dressing just thinking about it. Last year my wife and I made our first Thanksgiving dinner at home. We made several of our favorite sides and had a nice quiet Thanksgiving here at home.

            Whatever your plans are, I hope you get to enjoy a great meal surrounded by the ones you love. What I want to encourage you to do is sometime before, during, or after the big meal, take a few quiet moments to reflect on the many things in your life for which you are thankful. You can always begin with the basics. Thank Him for all the wonderful food that you will consume. There are many people who do not have such a wonderful feast to enjoy. The next basic thing that comes to mind could be your good health. I know of many people who are suffering in many ways physically. You may find yourself in that boat, but consider again that maybe your eyes, ears, nose, fingers, or toes are working well. Thank Him for that.

            All of us have many things, possessions for which we should give thanks to our Heavenly Father. We have cars, roofs over our heads, comfortable beds to sleep in, closets and dressers filled with clothes, and all the electronics or gadgets that we enjoy. I also see special treasures from family and dear friends. We are all blessed with many things. Sometimes we get focused on what we want and forget to be thankful for all we have.

            I think we should all stop and be grateful for the people in our lives. I immediately think of my family. I am so thankful that we are all still here and safe. Many have lost loved ones, whether from COVID or due to other causes. We should also be thankful for our church family. What about our neighbors who help us with both small and big things? When I was teaching, I was thankful for my colleagues, who were sometimes as close as family.  

            Thanksgiving opens the doors to Christmas. I am so thankful that Jesus chose to lay everything down and come to earth as a baby so everyone could access Him. I am thankful that He completed His mission and died on a cross to save me from my sins. I am thankful that He took the whipping to bring health to my body. I am thankful that He loves me, accepts me, forgives me, has a great future planned for me, and that He calls me His friend.

            God loves a thankful heart. I want to encourage you to offer up to God the thanks that He deserves for all the good things in your life. Oddly, we ought to thank God for all the trials and difficulties that allow us to draw closer to Him and to know that He truly is our Savior. I hope this Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for you and those you love. I pray that you will feel safe and loved and that your heart will be filled with Thanksgiving.  

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

By Doug Creamer

Getting Ready

            We had some freezing temperatures the other night, which put an end to the gardening season. Well, almost. I put some sheets out over my green beans and butter beans, and they survived! I know I am pushing my luck, but I am hoping to get a few before they bite the dust.

            The rest of the vegetable garden needs weeding. Then I will put all the leaves from the yard into the garden to feed the worms. I keep adding good stuff to my raised beds to help improve the soil.

            There are a number of things to finish up before winter finally settles in. The tropical plants are safely in the garage. We are still working on the leaves that are still falling from the trees. The fall chores will be interrupted in a few weeks with putting out the Christmas decorations. I better get busy and get things finished up.

            My Mom has noticed that the squirrels seem very busy hiding nuts for the winter. We’ve noticed that, too. I haven’t heard what the wooly worm is predicting for this winter, but the only one I have seen this fall was all black. That would mean a cold winter ahead. Some people rely on the persimmon seed for their winter forecast. One person wrote that they found knives and forks, but mainly spoons in their persimmon seeds. That means it could be a snowy winter with a mix of warm and cold temperatures.

            The almanacs are predicting competing forecasts. One says it will be a cold but dry winter. The other says it will be a wet and mild winter. NOAA is calling for a mild and dry winter for our area. If you know me, you know that I am hoping and praying for at least one good snowstorm. I recently came across some weather records for the Tidewater area of Virginia, where I grew up. The website showed three record snowfalls in the winter of 1980. I remember that winter!

            People have asked me what I am predicting for this winter. I don’t have the tools or the knowledge to make such predictions. However, when a storm is on the horizon I am watching the models closely and monitoring the forecasts. I do share my prediction with a few friends when storms are close, but it is only for fun and bragging rights.

            Watching the winter storms and the hurricanes is a hobby that gives me great joy. Making my weather predictions is just a fun extension of my weather obsession. Knowing what is coming and being prepared comes from the Eagle Scout in me. I don’t like my phone’s alarm going off telling that there is a tornado in my area that I don’t know anything about…which happened a few weeks ago.

            There are some predictions about the future that should capture all of our attention. I have some friends who believe that Jesus is coming back for the rapture of the church within the next five, or at the longest, ten years. Some of my friends follow the signs of the times as closely as I follow the weather. According to them, many Bible prophesies have been and are being fulfilled very quickly. I have some other friends who feel just as strongly that the church isn’t ready for the rapture. Who’s right?

            Jesus told the parable to of the ten virgins. In the end, five virgins were ready and five were not. We are being warned in the parable to make sure that we are ready. The Boy Scout in me says to “Be Prepared!” Jesus told us that no one knows the day or the hour of His return, but He did teach us that we could know the signs preceding his return.

            Maybe both sets of my friends are right. His return is soon, but not imminent. It’s like the storm is coming, but we have been given time to prepare. How can we prepare? How can we be like the five virgins who were ready?

            I want to encourage you to believe in your heart that He is coming soon for you. That means you need to spend some more time in His presence so your heart will be ready. It’s always good to read God’s word and allow those words to cause your love for Him to grow stronger and deeper. Finally, it is important to warn your family and friends so they can get themselves ready for Jesus’s return, too. I believe there is still some time, but don’t let your guard down. Be prepared and make sure you are ready!

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

By Doug Creamer

            I retired from teaching in public schools in 2019, prior to the arrival of the COVID pandemic. I look back and think how wise that timing ended up being in my life. Many of my former colleagues have told me how challenging teaching has become during the pandemic. I admire them for the way they have adapted to the new reality of these difficult times.

            I knew I needed to work once I retired. I pursued several very strong leads that all seemed to evaporate right before they materialized. I couldn’t understand at the time why those doors seemed to be closing, but can look back now and understand how God was leading and protecting me.

            I landed a job teaching English to Chinese students over the internet. The hours were crazy. I had to be online by six o’clock in the morning. Naps became a regular part of my daily life. I absolutely loved teaching my kids in China. It was a fun job.

            In late summer, an announcement came that the Chinese government had decided that all the tutoring was putting a heavy burden on parents. They decided to close down the whole industry, both the private lessons there in China and the public companies like I worked for. The rumor mill went crazy on Facebook about when the end would arrive.

            The end has finally arrived and I am “retired” again. Saying good-bye to those precious little children has been an emotional challenge. They didn’t understand, as most children wouldn’t, why their government had made this decision. Most of my children have avoided tearful good-byes. One of my little favorites decided he wanted to laugh with me until the very last second. It was the only thing that kept me from crying.

            Another door has closed. Another chapter has ended. If we think about it in terms of writing, I now have a blank page with the cursor blinking, waiting for the new chapter to begin. This moment brings about two very different emotions. There is the anxiety as I watch the cursor blink, blink, blink. What will come next? Did I miss an opportunity?

            The other emotion is one of excitement and wonder about the new adventure that awaits me. What has God got up his sleeve now? What has He been planning for me? The opportunities and possibilities seem endless. As I fill out applications and send off resumes, I wonder: could this be my next adventure? Is there something else around the corner waiting for me to discover?

            It depends on the moment which emotion is gripping me. I try my best to keep my mind focused on the positive and believing good things about my future. When I find myself struggling with bad thoughts, I remind myself what God promised in Jeremiah 29:11, that He has made GOOD plans for my future. That gives me hope and strength to carry on.

            Today I find myself writing this to myself as much as I am writing it for you. God is watching over our lives, every moment of every day. Nothing has escaped His attention. He knows that we have our physical needs that must be met. He knows that I need a new job.

            He knows everything. He knows if we are sick. He knows if we are having relationship problems. He knows if we are dealing with the loss of a loved one. He knows if our boss is working against us. He knows if we have been treated unfairly. He knows!

            We have to remind ourselves that God is our provider. We have to believe that God is our healer and deliverer. We have to trust that God will take care of injustice. He is the God who sees all and will defend the weak, rescue the downtrodden, and free the captive. He is our safe haven from the storms of life. There is nothing too difficult for Him. He is the God of the impossible. He loves when we feel surrounded, so He can show Himself strong in our defense.

            I want to encourage you (and me) to remember that God is our provider, our strong tower, our ever present help in time of need. There is nothing beyond His ability to repair, restore, or make totally new. He is the God of the impossible. He is on our side. He will see us through whatever challenge we face. His eye is keenly upon us. He loves us and He will carry us. He is always and will always be there for us.

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

By Doug Creamer

            I am semi-retired. I retired from teaching in the public schools, but I have continued to work part-time. My part-time job allows me a great deal of flexibility. One of the things that I get to enjoy more now that I am retired is reading. I read every day at lunch. I have read a number of books since I retired. If the weather is good, I will sit on my front porch reading.

            While I will read some non-fiction, my preference is fiction. I love to get lost in a good book. The characters become very real for me. Sometimes I catch myself worrying about them while I am busy doing something else. If the story is really moving along, I might stay up late to keep reading.

            I did not read much when I was in school. Most of the books that you are required to read in school did not hold my interest. I didn’t know reading could be enjoyable until my parents challenged me to read a book by Og Mandino: The Greatest Miracle in the World. I couldn’t believe that I both read and enjoyed a book.

            When Og came to town to sign copies of his new book, I couldn’t wait. I went to a small bookstore where only a handful of people showed up. I got to spend almost an hour with him. He gave me his address and I wrote to him. He wrote me back…a highly treasured letter. I became hooked both on reading and writing.

            Og has since passed away, but I have found other authors that I enjoy. My favorite author begins his books with a man whose life has fallen apart for some reason. He meets a woman whose life is also messed up. The two of them must work together against some evil plot and save both themselves and the world. Naturally, the two of them will fall in love. His novels take place around the world in exotic locations and they are fun to read.

            There are two other authors that I really enjoy who write gut-wrenching books. The characters are put through horrific situations, things I prefer not read, but somehow the story ends in a positive and uplifting way. Let’s just say the good guys win and the bad guys get what is coming to them. The stories stick with you and sometimes haunt you like a ghost.

            I just read the climax to a book yesterday at lunch. I set the book down to finish today. This particular author writes a few chapters after the climax to give the reader a chance to say good-bye. I like that about this writer, but he sometimes puts a little twist at the end just to keep you on your toes. I hate to say good-bye to the characters in a good book.

            As a writer, I want to create unforgettable characters. Some have told me that they love Uncle Charlie from my Bluebird Café books. I want to improve my skills so I can write as well as some of the authors that I enjoy. I have heard that reading is the best way to become a better writer.

            There is one book that I have really enjoyed reading. It has mystery, intrigue, murder and betrayal. There is plenty of action and adventure. There is romance and poetry. There are some good and bad people in the book. You can cheer for the heroes. The book also contains one of my favorite characters of all time. Can you guess the book? It’s the Bible.

            No matter what style of reading you enjoy, there is something in the Bible for you. It’s God’s love story written for you. It’s the history of God interacting with people. It is the greatest book ever written, with many great contributing authors. Good always defeats evil, and justice always prevails. It is a story of human frailty and God’s love, strength, compassion, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. It is a book filled with hope.

            I want to encourage you to read. There is something for every interest out there. Each of us enjoys different things. Find what interests you and find the joy and pleasure of reading. I also want to encourage you to read your Bible. Start in the New Testament and read about Jesus. I hope you discover that God is talking to you, wanting to help you and guide you through this crazy thing we call life. If you will excuse me, I have got to go see how the book I am reading ends….

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

By Doug Creamer

            My annual physical is always in the dead of summer. I remember getting my physical every other year because I was healthy and well. But one summer day my doctor told me that I was of a certain age and he wanted to start seeing me every year. I didn’t like being told I was of a certain age, but I have complied with his request.

            I always take a list of things to discuss with him, because otherwise I will forget something and have to wait another year to find out about whatever was on my mind. My doctor works through the list and then goes over anything that’s on his mind. Overall, I feel very fortunate to be in good health.

            Since I retired from the public schools I have been teaching Chinese students online. I love my job. I roll out of bed and in a few minutes I am talking with my students. This teaching job, unlike teaching in school, requires that I sit in front of my computer…sitting being the crucial word. I am not moving as much as I did when I walked the halls at school.

            I needed to start moving, exercising in some fashion. I explained to the doctor that I don’t like going outside in ninety-plus temperatures and two hundred percent humidity. He said I needed to find a way to start moving more…don’t tell him, but he was right. In spite of the summer heat, I started walking.

            I must admit that I wasn’t very good at the beginning. The walks were short and took more out of me than I cared to admit. As cooler weather has kicked in and my endurance has improved, I am doing much better walking. I walk longer, farther, and I feel better. A nice walk can help to clear the mind and the spirit, too.

            I look forward to my walks now. We have a great community for walking. There are a number of people who walk in our community. We always greet each other, whether I am out there walking or watching from the front porch. Some folks like to walk in the morning, I like an evening walk. Some folks walk their dog while others are walked by their dog. I find people of all ages out there walking. We have a few runners in our community, too. I have also seen one full-fledge sprinter, but he is in the minority.

            While my neighbors will wave as we pass each other while driving our cars, walking has given me the opportunity to speak with many of my neighbors. For some neighbors it is the regular pleasantries. For other neighbors, walking has opened a door to a conversation. I have met and heard people’s story and shared my own. I like connecting with people.

            There are many quiet moments when I am walking. While I enjoy watching birds flit around and seeing the leaves change color, I want to talk with my Father. Some days I have lots I want to talk with Him about, while others it seems like we are walking together in silence. Some days I pray for family and friends, while others I just want to hear something from Him.

            Walking is very good for the body, but it can be equally as good for the spirit. When we can find a quiet place without the distractions of everyday life, we can hear things from God’s heart. It’s nice to know that God loves us, but to feel the warmth of His presence in our hearts can change us in ways we cannot imagine. I am accepted in His eyes. The God of the whole universe is proud of me…His son. I am God’s child!

            Quiet reflection and meditation can make us strong in the spirit. Life is full of many challenges and difficulties, so we need to ground ourselves in God’s love and favor. We don’t face any challenge or walk through any trial alone. Sometimes we have to get alone to know that we aren’t alone. God is not only with us, but He is on our side. We will overcome!

            I want to encourage you to exercise your body and your spirit. We need to take care of the temple God gave us. We need to invite Him into our temple. We need to allow His Spirit to infuse our spirit, to refresh us and renew us. There is a world out there that needs to know God’s love. God wants to flow in us and through us to reach those around us.

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

By Doug Creamer

            The other day we were so busy inside the house, we hadn’t been outside all day. My wife called me and asked if I had been in the garage. I told her no. She told me I had better go out there and take a look around.

            When I stepped out the door, I saw the problem immediately. Stuff was scattered all over the floor. I knew instantly we had an animal hidden in the garage. I opened the doors, hoping something would run out. All remained quiet. I backed the cars out to provide optimal escape routes. This animal was definitely bigger than a mouse!

            I cautiously went around the garage, tapping and poking with a broom. I picked up all the fallen objects and swept the garage out. I left the garage open for a few hours, hoping whatever had found its way in would find its way out.

            I quietly eased my way out into the garage about ten o’clock that evening. I looked around, and there sitting on a table in the back of my garage sat a cute little possum. He must have sensed my presence, and crawled back behind some things on the table. I opened the back door, hoping he might sense his access to freedom.

            At eleven o’clock, I quietly eased my way out there again. I knew his hiding place now and could see his tail and nose. I didn’t want to go to bed with the back door open. I was afraid he might go get some buddies and decide he found the perfect winter home. I decided the best thing to do was leave the garage door opened just enough for him to sneak out after we had gone to bed. It worked and the garage is now possum-free!

            My possum adventure reminded me of a story I wrote nearly thirty years ago. One of my colleagues from North Stanly had a couple of daughters and a son. One day while they were out, they discovered a mother possum that had been killed, but her babies were still clinging to her. The family rescued the baby possums and took them home.

            I went over to their house to see them. I wrote a story about the girls, who are now grown and married. The newspaper sent over a photographer, who took some pictures of the girls wearing the possums as earrings. The picture and my story made the front page of the paper. When the possums were big enough to survive on their own, the family set them free.

            I know that many of my readers care deeply about animals. Most of you have a furry friend who lives in your house. We have always had a cat. I know that many people love and care for their cats and dogs like they were children. A good pet is a member of the family.

            Many of us also care for the wildlife that lives around us. We have bird feeders and love to see the customers come. We love watching the hummingbirds at our feeders, too. I miss them in winter. I like watching the squirrels play and I think deer look beautiful. I just don’t care for them eating my vegetables. We also have turtles, frogs, and toads around our house. Don’t care for the snakes too much.

            God created all the animals and I believe He finds pleasure in them as well. Animals and birds can be so beautiful and entertaining to watch. God must be keeping a close eye on the animals too, because He said that every time a sparrow falls, He notices. Many people think that God must be so busy with all the crazy things going on in the world, how can He possibly find time to help or even care about minor things that occur in our lives? But God is omnipresent. That means that God can be watching some birds play in a field, and sitting with a sick person in the hospital, while He is keeping a close eye on a soldier who is away from home.

            I want to encourage you to remember that God is right there with you in every situation that you find yourself in. He is not too busy to care about your minor or major needs. In fact, He is planning out in detail every aspect of your life. He cares more about you and your situation than you care yourself. God keeps a close eye on all the animals of the world, but He is keeping a closer eye on you, because you are the apple of His eye.

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

By Doug Creamer

Old Times

            I opened Facebook the other day and saw a post about homecoming from a former colleague at East Davidson. The memories began to flood back of all the homecomings over the years: the dressing up, the overly-excited students, the pep rally, and of course, the pizza sale. What a full day, and then there was the football game that night. Some of the pictures she posted were inside the halls that I walked for many years. The memories!

            Ironically, my alma mater had a posting about homecoming: the Kempsville Chiefs from Virginia Beach. I started to hear more about Kempsville High School because I joined their reunion page. The committee was planning the 40^th class reunion. I can’t believe I graduated 40 years ago. I decided not to go the reunion. Some of my high school friends decided we would get together once the pandemic quiets down.

            My memories were stirred even further by an email from a reader in High Point. The reader wanted to touch base with me and the name was so familiar. I placed the call, and after a few pleasantries I asked if he attended Grace Church in High Point, my former church from 20-plus years ago.

            He was indeed a member of that church. We shared our stories since last we had seen each other. Since he still lived in the area, he knew what had happened to most of the people I knew from my days there. Sadly or happily, depending how you look at the situation, many of them were home with the Lord. The former pastor and his wife, Art and Claudia Carlson, have both passed. Some of the members are still alive and serving the Lord.

            The conversation turned to some of the children that I taught in children’s church or in the youth group. Many of them are parents themselves now and still actively serving the Lord. There are a couple of those kids that I follow on Facebook. I actually follow a few of my former students on Facebook. It is so interesting to see what my past students are doing. I have run into a few students through the years, and it is so fun to hear what they are up to now. One proud mother told me that her son was playing football at her alma mater. I got to see one former student watch her son graduate from her alma mater, a memory I will treasure the rest of my life.

When memories are good, it’s good to reflect on them, to remember the good times in our lives. Whether it is friends, experiences, or special moments, good memories can help us when life challenges us with difficult moments. Memories can warm the heart. They can be a source of encouragement and strength.

I believe that God wants us to remember our experiences with Him from the past because they become our testimonies. Our testimonies can be a great source of encouragement as we face today’s challenges. If we remember how the Lord came through for us in the past, then we can be assured that He will come through for us now.

Our testimonies are also important for others. When someone is going through what you have been through, they can see how God came through for you. It can encourage and strengthen their spirit so they can press on. The truth is God wants to use your testimony to help others endure and know that they are not alone. The enemy keeps telling you no one has ever been through what you are going through…you are all alone.

The truth is God is on our side. We are NEVER alone. That’s why God sends us people with testimonies of His goodness. He wants us to know that He worked things out in the past for them, so He will certainly do it again for us. He may do it a little differently this time because He is a creative God, BUT He will come through for us.

I want to encourage you to stir up your memories of how God worked in the past. Allow them to encourage you and others. A walk down memory lane can really help someone who is discouraged. While sharing a laugh can often help lighten a load, your testimony can be the wind beneath someone’s wings. God is good and He always comes through for us. No matter how dark the skies look at the moment, know that the Son will break through for you.

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

By Doug Creamer

One Step at a Time

            I had the privilege of having lunch with my niece and her husband last week. They have been married for a couple of years and are forging a new life together. They met and married out west. They moved east to be closer to her parents and to work for my nephew in High Point. They are in the process of buying a new home together and are expecting their first baby before Christmas. What an exciting time in their lives.

            Most people don’t like change and I can’t imagine all the change the two of them are experiencing. Moving anywhere is challenging; I can’t imagine moving across the country. The challenge of settling in, starting a new job and looking for a new church can easily become overwhelming.

            I have seen pictures of the house they are buying. It reminds me of our first home. They are excited to get moved in. He is already planning his garden, which I hope to give him a hand in starting. He wants to build a shop out back down the road. They are at the end of a quiet street like we are now…they are going to love it.

            He is working for my nephew, who has developed a gourmet freeze dried food company called Pinnacle Foods. They ship food around the globe. When you read the description of the meal in the pouch it sounds like you should be in a fine dining restaurant with cloth napkins, not out in the wilderness. It is a growing company and I wish them much success.

            On top of all these changes in their lives, they are expecting their first child. They are both so excited to bring the bundle of joy into this world. My niece has a beautiful glow on her face as she considers the treasure God is sending her way. They are going to make great parents.

            As I look at the two of them, I reflected back on our beginnings. I remember our moves, our homes along the way, the job changes, and now my wife is retired and I am semi-retired. There were many steps along the way. We often found ourselves crying out to God for His wisdom as we made major life changes.

            I continue to seek God’s direction as opportunities present themselves. Some opportunities seem perfect for me and yet the Lord closes the doors. While I don’t understand, later I can look back and see His hand guiding us. Each step requires faith.

            Each day requires that I seek His face to determine if I am where He needs me to be. It’s not easy because I want to honor and please my Father in Heaven. He has given me peace that I will not miss His plans for my life. I just have to knock at every door that comes my way and trust Him to open the right one for me.

            There have been times in my life where I had a sense of God’s two, five, and even ten year plan for my life. I liked the sense of knowing, but struggled when those times were coming to an end. In recent years, God has not revealed long-term plans. It has been more week-to-week or even day-to-day plans. I want to see the bigger picture, but I have to trust Him with those plans.

            When I wake up most days I have a plan, a list of things I need to accomplish before bed. It’s good to guide me, but I can’t allow my plans to trump God’s. Sometimes God needs me to set aside my plans in order to fulfill His purposes. Laundry can be pushed off to another day if a friend needs to talk. Gardening may need to wait if difficulties strike and my help is needed to let another know that God loves and cares for them.

            I want to encourage you to allow God to order your steps whether we are talking long-term or what you think you need to do today. God sees a bigger picture and He may need to send you to someone who is going through a difficult time. Can He depend on you? The truth is each of us will find ourselves in need one day, so let’s make ourselves available to Him each day. Today it might be your physical strength, tomorrow it might be your ears. Whatever He needs, let’s be ready and willing to serve. If we allow Him to order our steps we will walk in His peace and be a blessing.

Doug Creamer has a new book at Amazon: EncouragingU: Summer Stories. Contact him at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

By Doug Creamer

            My Chinese students had a holiday from school this week. It is their Autumn Festival. It is a family gathering time, and they celebrate by eating special foods. The most popular thing they enjoy is Mooncakes. My students tell me it is a cake that is stuffed with either fruits or nuts.

            I checked my calendar and noticed that Autumn arrived on Wednesday. After the long, hot, and dry summer, I am ready for the refreshing change that fall brings. Fall is my second favorite season of the year, behind spring.

            Spring is a season of hope and renewal. I am always so excited to begin the gardening season. I love watching everything emerge from winter’s slumber. Spring green has got to be one of my favorite seasonal colors. Spring is a wonderful time of the year.

            Fall has many appeals as well. The cooler weather means that I can be outside more. I can’t stand the heat and humidity of August. I like pushing the limits of the growing season, and ultimately, cleaning out the garden. I like sitting outside or going for long walks, and the opportunity of doing some physical work.

            The downside for me is the watering eyes, runny nose, and sneezing of the allergy season… I take a break during the summer from my allergy medicine, and I know that will soon come to an end.

            The arrival of fall also alerts me to the upcoming winter season. I love to look at the long-term forecasts as weather enthusiasts make their winter predictions. I find it fun to note that the two almanacs are calling for completely different winter conditions for our area. One is calling for mild and wet, while the other is calling for cold and dry. I believe we are in for an overall mild winter with a couple of shots of cold weather. I am hoping the cold collides with some Gulf moisture to give us a couple of good snows, but I always hope for that.

            Winter will arrive all in good time. Right now I want to focus on and enjoy the cooler weather of fall. There are many chores that will demand my attention as we go through this season of change. I am ready to get started on all the tasks calling my name.

            I believe the Lord gives us seasons for our enjoyment. Each season has its beauty and wonder, but they also have trials and challenges. There are storms and dry spells, scorching heat and freezing cold. Each challenge helps us to appreciate the good days.

            I think the Lord wants us to see in the natural what happens in the spiritual. We all have seasons of growth in our lives. Usually that is followed by a season of fruitfulness. As the fruit wanes we discover a quieter season where we have to dig our roots deeper.

            In every season of our lives we will encounter storms. We have to remind ourselves that we will get through each storm that comes our way because God will be with us. He sees the storm coming and He sees us on the other side. Sometimes we will need friends and family to lean on, but we will survive and overcome.

            Sometimes things in our lives change, like the seasons. They aren’t tragedies or victories; they are times when things are different. We move or change jobs. We get married and have children. We send the kids to college and have an empty nest. Our parents move in with us. The kids move back home. Life feels like it is in upheaval; it’s changing, it’s different, and we have to learn to trust God in new ways for His new adventure.

            In every season of life God is always with us, never leaving us. He wants to walk with us through the changes, through the ups and downs of life. These are opportunities for us to draw closer to God. He wants us to lean on Him, to depend on Him. His grace, power, and mercy are enough to see us through the dark and difficult times. His love will encompass us.

            Whatever season you find yourself in, I want to encourage you to strengthen your relationship with the Lord. If things are good now, draw closer, because trials and storms are going to eventually come. If you are feeling overwhelmed by life, run to God and hide in His robes. Let Him help guide you through to the other side. God loves you more than you can imagine, and is waiting for your invitation so He can come and rescue you.

Doug Creamer has a new book at Amazon: EncouragingU: Summer Stories. Contact him at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com