A New Adventure

by   January 15, 2022 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            Just before Christmas I received the news that my job teaching Chinese students was coming to an end. The rumor mill had been running for months before, declaring the end was coming. The end finally arrived, and I hated to see my Chinese students go. I also hated to see my income go, especially at the holidays.

            I had applied for a job late in the fall and never heard a thing about it. About a week before Christmas I received an email asking if I could do an interview over Zoom. Naturally, I was very interested. The interviewer and I connected almost instantly. We have the same heart and the same desire to help people.

            I love being a teacher. The job is teaching students who are working to earn their GED. I am teaching math and English. I am so excited about this new opportunity. My creativity is exploding inside of me with ways to help my students understand their material.

            I have lots to learn about the specifics of what my students need to understand so they can be successful when taking their GED test. My supervisor has provided tons of resources for me. I want to look at all of them and figure out all the lessons all at once. I have to quiet myself and focus on what I need for tomorrow and the rest of this week.

            I am really looking forward to teaching in a classroom again. But with COVID numbers being so high, we are teaching virtually for now. I have been up to my classroom several times and can’t wait to teach there. I’m looking forward to doing some planning there just so I can be up in my room. Having the opportunity to engage and connect with students is so fulfilling.

            The truth is I am facing quite a bit of work setting up these new courses for the first time. The first time you teach anything, it is always very demanding. I want to find all the best materials for my students. I also want to discover the best method to get the material across to my students. Naturally, I want to do all this perfectly. While my heart knows it is impossible to be perfect, my head keeps pushing me toward that goal.

            I know that after I teach these courses a few times I will build a solid foundation for what the students will need to know in order to earn their GED. After that I will need to figure out how to vary the instruction depending on my students’ strengths and abilities. Being an educator is always a process of improving and developing new methods of instruction.

            A new adventure has begun. It is hard to see the path ahead, but I know beyond a shadow of doubt that God is leading me on this new adventure. He has given me numerous signs of confirmation along the way. Some people believe that when God is leading us the path will always be easy. God often leads us down paths that challenge us so we can grow in our dependence on Him.

            God is more interested in our spiritual growth than any of us might realize. God’s desire it to make us more like Christ. If that means leading us into places that will challenge us, then that will be the path He chooses. The good news is that He will walk with us down this new path. He would never leave us alone. He will always be there to strengthen and guide us along the way. He wants to see our spiritual muscles grow stronger.

            God loves us so much that He doesn’t want to leave us in the condition in which He found us. He wants to see us mature. He wants to heal our brokenness. He wants to see us grow in our relationship with Him. He wants us to become light to those who are living in darkness around us. In order to do all this, He has to push, pull, and sometimes even drag us out of the mess He found us in.

            I want to encourage you to be willing to go on a new adventure with God. It might feel scary to take those first few steps, but God is going to be there for you. He promises to never leave you or forsake you. He also promises that He is making good plans for your future. He wants you to grow and prosper. So connect your faith with God and see where the adventure takes you.  

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

Addressing LDL Cholesterol

by   January 11, 2022 with No Comments

By David Freeze

As part of my annual physical, I didn’t expect any unusual results. Fortunately, nearly all my markers turn out well. The only long time issue has been a higher than normal LDL cholesterol level, even though my total cholesterol has always been good. LDL is called the bad cholesterol. My recent test showed a level of 115 mg., higher than the normal level of anything below 99.

Over at least the previous 35 years, I have been very fortunate to have regularly used only two Novant family medicine doctors. Mostly it’s been sort of boring, except for the lively change of pace when I got blood clots during or immediately following the bike rides of 2013 and 2021. All has gone well with getting rid of them and I don’t have the blood markers to continue medication full-time.

But since I have paid attention to blood tests, I have had higher levels of LDL, low density lipoproteins. That higher level has been a heredity thing as it runs in my family. Once I tried niacin, a B vitamin that was then the current rage to lower cholesterol. It had little effect and I hated the hot flashes. After that, we just checked it off to heredity and moved on.

One thing caught my attention last week. There is a 10-year risk factor for heart attack and stroke calculated based on overall cholesterol results and age. My new doctor pointed out that mine is higher than it should be based on the good readings for HDL, triglycerides, VLDL and total cholesterol. My target is now the LDL, no longer dismissing it.

My new doctor, replacing one of those long-term favorites who recently retired, pushed me to address it but she wanted me to start regularly taking a statin drug to address the LDL. I am very hesitant on medications and spent an evening researching the particular drug, specifically the side effects. I didn’t like what I read and suggested to my new doctor that I preferred to address the situation with lifestyle changes. She agreed, and we plan to retest the cholesterol levels in six months.

So what happens in those six months? I will begin to practice what I teach. As a long time running and wellness coach, I talk about certain specific risk factors that matter in your overall health and are directly linked to cholesterol levels. I don’t smoke or drink and do exercise well past the recommended amounts. Some medicines and medical conditions can raise LDL levels and I don’t have these. These things are already in my corner, but two others need some work.

Two remaining cholesterol risk factors will be the targets! The first is amount and quality of sleep. I am absolutely terrible at this and consider it as a lifelong issue. I don’t sleep enough, finally giving up my day too late and impatient to start the next one. Often the hours in the middle are interrupted by thoughts of things to do. Total sleep time nightly probably averages five hours, not nearly enough.

My diet is full of fruits and good carbs, plus decent amounts of vegetables. I don’t drink sugared drinks and usually do well on water intake. Eggs are a good thing again. My problems come with too much processed foods, a big red flag for LDL cholesterol levels. Certain things have become staples, like post run Pop Tarts every morning and packaged crackers plus a few favorites that are named Little Debbie. And those single serve pecan pies in the Food Lion deli.

Finally, cholesterol in total is a good thing. Our body has to have it and 20% of the body’s total cholesterol is needed the brain. But LDL can cause plaque buildup in the arteries leading to arteriosclerosis and other issues. I’m on a mission, have made it public and will report back later on the results.

Up next on the local racing scene is the granddaddy of them all, the 39th Annual New Sarum Brewing Winter Flight 8K/5K and fun run on Jan. 30. Look for it and other events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org .  

Mind Your Business

by   January 10, 2022 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

Because of my plethora of allergies and subsequent mystery illness I read every label; food, cleaning products, toiletries…


Did you know that a certain brand of flushable wet wipes is made with advanced wipe technology? Yep. It says so right on the package. Not only are said wipes developed with advanced wipe technology, but they have also been scientifically tested.


I wonder how they do that.


Can you imagine running into an old friend from high school. You’re trapped in the cosmetic aisle because it’s just so narrow and everybody needs to push a cart. It’s been a while and they ask, “So where do you work now?” “Umm…” you say. “I’m actually in the field of science… new technology… and stuff.”


“Wow!” they say. “You’re searching for the cure for COVID?”


“Umm… no, but there’s just nothing like a soothing wet wipe.”


Hey.


We can’t always come off looking like a genius. However, I for one appreciate the advanced wipe technology and the scientists who were thoughtful enough to add safe effective ingredients like aloe and witch hazel.
So! Our focus for today is from 1 Thes.4:11,12.


“Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands… Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live and you will not need to depend on others.”


May the Lord bless the work of our hands. And may He give us special grace and strength to mind our own business.


Quite an ambitious prayer! But according to the verse, it may be the key to reaching those who don’t know the Lord.


Imagine that!

Music to my Ears

by   January 8, 2022 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            Last night my wife and I watched a television program we like, and when it was over, I channel surfed to see if there was anything else worth watching. When James Taylor popped up on the screen, I stopped. What we got was a real treat. It was a concert with James Taylor and Carole King, music that we both grew up with.

            I struggled a little to stay focused on the concert because the weather was interesting. There was an approaching storm that was going to bring severe weather overnight, and possibly snow in the morning. I kept running between the computer and the TV, trying to keep up with both exciting things. The severe weather thankfully stayed south and east of us and the snow arrived in the morning, providing a beautiful show for us snow lovers. I was a happy camper, but I didn’t get anything done this morning while it was snowing.

            If you missed the concert, I imagine they will run it again. It was outstanding. Neither one was vying for the applause, but instead they honored each other. My wife and I sang along with many of the songs, and because we were watching on TV, we enjoyed front row seats.

            We didn’t need the words to the songs, we knew them. The songs you enjoyed in your youth never leave you. I was reflecting on the songs as we listened; they told stories, something that I think is missing in today’s music. I loved watching them because they were having so much fun on stage. I could tell by watching them that they were enjoying their own music, each other, and performing.

            Music is so important to us. It has the power to touch us, move us, and change us. Some tunes can get stuck in our heads and we can’t seem to get them out. Sometimes I lay in bed at night or in the morning and songs will run through my mind. I find myself meditating, thinking about the words in a song.

            Music plays an important part of worship services. When I was a kid my church had an unbelievable organ that could bring tears to your eyes. We had a choir filled with people who could really sing beautifully. In later years, we added other musical instruments that provided a full and beautiful sound. I enjoyed the music in my childhood church.

            I really enjoy the music at my church now. We have a talented group of musicians and singers. What I enjoy most is that the leader doesn’t allow all the focus to fall on her. She highlights each person in different ways and allows them to shine. It takes all of them to create the sound, but they work to honor each other, thus creating beautiful music.

            One of the keys that both the leader and the pastor strive to emphasize is that they are not there to perform for the congregation. They are there for an audience of One. They are there to serve the King of Kings through their musical talents and abilities. When they can keep their hearts and minds focused in this way, they create beautiful music.

            I love to worship the Lord. I lack musical talent and ability, but I recognize it in others. I know it takes lots of time to practice their musical instruments and their voices, and I deeply appreciate it. When they can focus their hearts and minds on the King, they will lead the congregation into His presence every time. I will follow, making my joyful noise unto the Lord.

            Our worship of the King should not be limited to Sunday morning services. We should listen to music sometime during the week that blesses and honors God our Father. We should sing to the Lord at other times, like in the shower, while working in the garden, washing the dishes, driving our cars, and while lying quietly in our bed. Doing that can lift your spirit in ways you cannot imagine. It can push back the dark clouds and welcome the light of His presence. God is attracted to us when we worship Him.

            I want to encourage you to worship the Lord, both in church and in your personal life. Music has the power to lift and heal the soul. It has a way of changing your stinking thinking into something beautiful. Let the music of your heart flow unto Him. Lift Him up, honor Him, and worship Him.

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

What happens when we sit too much?

by   January 4, 2022 with No Comments

By David Freeze

We just had the shortest day of the year on Tuesday. It was a chilly day in the low 40s with just about nine hours of cloudy daylight. The perfect day to watch a movie, read a book or take a nap. All these things usually are done with lots of sitting. Many of us have jobs that are done while sitting for most of the day. It’s certainly easier to sit than keep moving around. We all need to take some time to rest and relax. Up to a point!

When we sit, we use less energy than when standing or moving. Research has linked sitting for long periods of time with a number of health concerns. These include obesity and a cluster of conditions such as increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, deep vein thrombosis, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels. Too much sitting overall and prolonged periods of sitting also seem to increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Researchers aren’t sure why prolonged sitting has such harmful health consequences, but one explanation is that sitting relaxes your largest muscles. When muscles relax, they take up very little glucose from the blood, raising your risk of type 2 diabetes. Relaxing the muscles for too long causes a loss of strength.

It is often common to hear people say they are in pain and struggle to get up and move around. But just as likely is that their inactivity is helping to extend the duration or severity of the pain. Inactivity tightens the hip flexors and hamstring muscles and stiffens the joints themselves. Overly tight hip flexors and hamstrings affect gait and balance, making activities like walking harder and perhaps even setting the person up for a fall. Tight hip flexors and hamstrings may contribute to lower back pain and knee stiffness, issues that many people suffer with every day.

The Mayo Clinic says that any extended sitting, such as at a desk, behind a wheel or in front of a screen, can be harmful. An analysis of 13 studies of sitting time and activity levels found that those who sat for more than eight hours a day with no physical activity had a risk of dying similar to the risks of dying from obesity and smoking. However, unlike some other studies, this analysis of data from more than one million people found that 60 to 75 minutes of moderately intense physical activity a day countered the effects of too much sitting. Another study found that sitting time contributed little to mortality for people who were most active.

What can you do? Find ways to move more, some you’ve heard before and a few new ones to think about.

  • Take a break from sitting every 30 minutes. Set a timer. You’ll be more alert.
  • Get up and do productive tasks, even making a list of things that can be done on your feet.
  • Stand when you can, such as when taking or making calls, or watching portions of a sporting event.
  • Walk during small meetings and or conversations.
  • Count steps, still very popular, with a goal of 10,000 a day.
  • And finally, exercise for up to 60 minutes a day, but any movement helps.

The impact of movement, even leisurely movement, can be profound. For starters, you’ll burn more calories. This might lead to weight loss and increased energy. Also, physical activity helps maintain muscle tone, our ability to move and our mental well-being, especially as we age.

Join us Saturday morning for the Bradshaw Financial Planning Resolution Run 5K at the Forum. Running or walking the 5K is a great way to start 2022 with a commitment to physical activity. The event benefits Rowan Helping Ministries. More info can be found at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org .

Certain of the Good Work

by   January 3, 2022 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

New Year’s Day: typically a day of new beginnings. I don’t know about you, but I tend to live on a guilt trip. There is just no resolution big enough to fix all the areas where I feel inadequate. For example: As I look over recent Christmas cards it reminds me of all the people I love that I didn’t get around to sending a card. And this was going to be the year. I think I sent out three. Sorry if you didn’t make the cut.


I’m hoping to pick up my blog again with a little change. Instead of the five to seven hundred words I usually write, I’m trying to keep it around three.


Three hundred that is. Three really would be a challenge. Annnyyywayyy…


Here’s what the Lord gave me today. Philippians 1:6 says “And I am certain that God Who began the good work within you will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
A couple key thoughts jumped out.


It is God who began the work in me. It is also HE who will continue it through me. And best of all, it is HIS work, not mine.


Think about that.


It’s not even up to me. So take that GUILT!


The Lord is faithfully working in me even when I feel so very inadequate.
May we rest in the knowledge and certainty that the Lord is faithfully working within us in spite of our weaknesses. In fact, His strength is made perfect in our weakness. [2 Corinthians 12:9]
Happy New Year beloved ones!


“God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 1: 8

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