So, Why Can’t Everyday Be Like Christmas

by   February 17, 2020 with No Comments

By David Freeze

    I often wonder if others get as excited about every new day as I do. I just came back in from a Sunday run, amazed that I got to see one of those sunrises filled with reds, blues and oranges. That sight was awe inspiring, but I wouldn’t have seen it without getting up at 4:40am, running the right route and finishing just at the right time. Within minutes, the awesome sunrise had clouded over.

    I mentioned getting up at 4:40am. Some days, I can’t even wait that long. Two things have happened to my day as I’ve gotten older. I go to bed later and I have continually pushed my get up time earlier. It isn’t always when I wake up because the alarm does break the silence on some mornings. Still, on most days, I am already awake by the planned “get out of bed” time.

    What makes the early mornings happen is the excitement for the upcoming day. I remember one Christmas morning when I was about 12. There was a good chance that a real bicycle of my own was going to be under the tree, or at least in the same room. Just on the other side of one door, the magic of Christmas waited. I hardly slept that night and finally at some point had to get up and look. What I found was a brand new Schwinn bicycle, all shiny and ready for all the joy it could bring. I didn’t know how to ride but anticipation of learning was another joy ahead.

     Over the years, I began to seek those days with something special on the agenda. Including those made by others as much as driven by me. The best ones come with maybe a little missed sleep filled with anticipation with what might happen. Others are surprises, just like the sunrise this morning.

    In just the last few days, here are a few examples. Our local running club culminated months of planning Wednesday with the announcement that a check for over $13,000 would be presented to Rowan Helping Ministries, our local homeless shelter. One of my favorite young runners just scored 1,000 points in her high school basketball career. And my YMCA basketball team, 5th and 6th graders, just finished their season yesterday with huge improvement and many lessons learned over a 10 week season. Today, I saw the sunrise.

    Those few days of excitement should lead to more. In fact, I will do my best to make it so. My new granddaughter is coming to visit tomorrow afternoon, with no particular agenda. That’s right after I get to work with three of my wellness clients who are seeking better health. Interaction with them is always fun. Mixed in is a produce delivery to Partners in Learning, something that I started years ago in hopes of improving the diet of day care kids and staff.

     There is much to do. We’re planning a much improved walking and running track at one of our area parks. The pieces are coming together. And an annual fundraiser called Love They Neighbor is well underway to benefit a young mother with colon cancer.

      Back to the early mornings, why does it work for me? Years ago, as a young dad, I remember getting up at 5:30 am nearly every day. Since then, my mornings consistently get earlier. And people seem to marvel at that. I don’t understand why. I want more of those experiences described above. As much for experiences received as for gifts I can give. Fitting them in with my daily exercise and work responsibilities have driven the earlier wake-up time. I’ll take the trade!

    I recently came across a forgotten Bible verse that backs these thoughts. From those to whom much is given, much is expected! Luke 12:48. Count me in Lord, I’ll do what I can.

     All this from a guy with two small year-round Christmas trees, one upstairs and one down. Yes, the lights stay on full time. As for me, I’m going to celebrate Christmas every day!

The Valentine

by   February 16, 2020 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

On that day, most teen girls at my high school were looking for – or hoping for – a valentine. I was no exception. Throughout the school day – nothing. Hope had begun to dwindle, even though I had been ‘dating’ someone for a few months.

I got home from school. Walked in the front door.

There it was!

A box. A really big box. A really really big box. It seemed to fill the room.

Pink gift wrap covering it. Red bows draping over it. Red ribbons from side to side. Red ribbons from top to bottom.

The box was much taller than this young girl – as I stood there staring up with an incredulous look on my face.

That box was for me!

And there he was – the boyfriend – stepping out from inside the box.

My valentine had been personally delivered.

I suppose a lot of people had gotten chocolate, roses, or both – but I had been given the memory of a lifetime.

I may have been handed chocolate and roses, but I really do not remember.

It was all about the box – the big box.

It was half a century ago, and now I somehow see it more clearly than I did then.

I think of a teen boy:

Wanting to give a special gift.

Getting the courage to tell his parents his idea.

Looking for – and attaining – a refrigerator box.

Using his money from a part-time job to buy a ton of gift wrap, bows, and ribbons.

Getting the courage to tell my parents his plan.

Struggling to wrap a refrigerator box and finish it off with ribbons and bows.

Waiting at my home with my parents for me to arrive.

Valentines is the sweetest, isn’t it?

I feel sure I had never even dreamed at that moment that I would be celebrating February 14 for many years to come with thousands of students over many many years of teaching.

It has never gotten old.

Beautiful fancy cards that were practically embellished with jewels.

Cards stating, “You blow me away!” with a blow-pop attached.

Or “I chews you,” with gum attached.

Or, “You rock!” with pop rocks attached.

Boxes of candy hearts.

Boxes of chocolate.

Flowers.

Cupcakes. Ahh… the cupcakes.

Handwritten love notes slipped secretly onto my desk..

I wish I had saved every single one.

I wonder if they would fill the refrigerator box had I saved it.

My mother handing me a box of chocolates when I was just a little girl.

My children slipping me a valentine they made secretly in their rooms.

My husband handing me a card and telling me he loves me.

Priceless.

Please tolerate my moment of nostalgia for February 14.

I leave you with the words of this special song from the Beatles:

All you need is love.

All you need is love.

All you need is love, love.

Love is all you need.

Happy Valentines Day.

I love you.

Make a memory.

Hold it in your heart… forever.

Ann is a speaker and teacher. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com

Eagle Scout

by   February 15, 2020 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            I went to my mailbox a few weeks ago to collect the routine deposits. There were bills and some junk mail. One letter that looked like junk mail required a closer inspection. The letter had a return address label with the Eagle Scout emblem on it. I looked at the name and saw that it was a former student’s last name. I stopped in my tracks and opened the letter right there.

            The letter was from a former student’s parents. They were inviting me to their son’s Eagle Court of Honor. It was an honor to be invited and I immediately made plans to attend. I recently learned that only four percent of boys who join scouting will become Eagle scouts.

            A couple of days before the ceremony, I began digging around to find my gear from scouting days. I still have my uniform with the Eagle patch on my shirt. I was a member of Troop 66 in Virginia Beach, which was a large and active troop.

            I found my sash with the merit badges attached. Then there was my skill awards belt. There were several neckerchiefs and a couple of hats. Then there were a pile of patches from various places. I always got a patch for summer camp, a week hiking camp called the High Knoll Trail, and various jamboree patches.

            When I was digging through all this stuff the memories of my time in the Boy Scouts flooded my mind. I think the camping trips and the summer camps were the best times of my young life. I remember many nights around a campfire, telling stories and participating in skits.

            I remember the many leaders who gave of their time and energy to help me grow up and become a responsible citizen. They invested themselves and they left their imprints on my life. I am the man I am today because of the men who believed in me and invested in me as a Boy Scout. I earned my Eagle Scout and I am thankful to all the people who encouraged me along the way.

            I went to Grace Lutheran Church in Thomasville on Sunday to see Ethan Moore (my former student) and JD Lawson receive their Eagle Scout awards. I am so proud of these two young men and their great accomplishments. It was great to see them surrounded by their scouting family and the church family as they received this high honor.

            I talked with Ethan before and after the ceremony. We looked at each other’s sashes which had our merit badges on them. We swapped a few summer camp stories. He went to the Boy Scout camp in Virginia right across the lake from the one I went to when I was in scouting. Then he told me about his Eagle project: building an outdoor chapel.

            I congratulated his parents and headed out. Before leaving, I walked down to the outdoor chapel that Ethan had made and sat quietly for a few moments, awash in memories again of my own scouting days. I led Sunday morning devotions on numerous scouting trips. Wonderful memories flood my mind even now as I write this column.

One of the biggest lessons that scouting teaches a person is that you can’t do it alone. Teamwork, reliability, and dependability are strong values taught to every scout. These same qualities are critical to our spiritual walks. No one was meant to walk out their faith alone. We need leaders and mentors who will advise and encourage us as we walk along the path of life. Boy Scouts break troops into patrols: small groups. Churches offer the same thing through Sunday school classes and home groups where you can participate, contribute, and connect.

            Scouting teaches boys to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, clean, and reverent. Doesn’t that sound like a good church member? These character qualities help to prepare us to welcome the lost or those who are searching and help them connect to a life-changing God. It’s not just the pastors; it’s the greeters, ushers, choir members, Sunday school teachers, elders, and every member who can make a difference.

            In the Great Commission Jesus calls each of us to take the message of His love to the world. I want to encourage you to be prepared to do your part in your church, your community, your place of work, your school, and in your sphere of influence. We need each other in the church to complete our spiritual journey. The world needs us as the church to be the light that will lead them to a personal relationship with our loving Heavenly Father.

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

Everybody’s Doing It

by   February 14, 2020 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

The ride on the stationary bike was damp and chilly this mid-February morning. However, what I saw in the world of birds on and around the feeders in our back yard confirmed a suspicion of mine formed last week.

Riding along, I saw more than one bird fussing with another, and not always for the sunflower seeds in the feeders and on the ground underneath them. It seemed that everywhere in the back-yard birds were glaring at each other or chasing another of the same breed or carrying on in a frenzy of, yes, spring. Perhaps the most dramatic display was by two brown thrashers: One would chase the other until the chased thrasher turned as if to scold the chaser who retreated a few paces. Then they would individually hunt for seeds, then the chase would begin anew. I finally lost sight of them when they disappeared into one of the large azaleas. The morning ride was easier because I watched the birds instead of the bike odometer, and the time of exercise was past.

However, as I later thought of the birds’ display of early mating, I thought of how the important cycles of the world go on, often without our noticing. We get so captivated by secular happenings we lose sight of the ageless cycles of life of our only planet. But the words of Solomon should be remembered and appreciated each day: “To everything there is a season….”

The natural world has much to offer. Yes, it is violent and harsh at times. Yes, it is beautiful and refreshing at times. But we are to be its stewards “to dress it and to keep it.” Yet, when we get too obsessed with the secular world we have made, such as the political one, we lose sight and appreciation of the natural world that surrounds us. When we become too self-important, we forget that we are just one of the many creations of Him. We are made in His image, yes, but if we allow that fact to “go to our heads” we run the risk of losing sight of our place in the totality of life.

All the birds are doing it—preparing for a new cycle of life. They, like the lily of the field, do what they do. Perhaps if we each got out more, leaving the cell phone in the house, and walk around our block, seeing the world as it is and not as some news channel reports it, we would see that we only have each other, all of us made by Him, who does not make trash.

Gotta Run II

by   February 10, 2020 with No Comments

By David Freeze

A lot of effort goes into NC’s oldest 8K and fourth oldest race of any distance. Last Sunday marked 37 years of Winter Flight’s existence. Only 411 registrants came to Salisbury from five states. I say “only” very lightly because it was the largest Winter Flight in ten years and currently the largest running event in Rowan.

One of Salisbury’s long-time runners, Lyn Boulter, moved to Ocean Isle Beach in January. When boxing up her things, Lyn found some extensive information that she had retained as co-race director of the 1992 Winter Flight. I found that information amazing, especially since serving as the 2020 WF director.

Back in 1992, there were two major races in NC during February, WF and another in Raleigh called the Run for the Roses 5K. Long before the current glut of races that every charity seems to have, Salisbury had one of the biggest and best races in the state. And yes, it was often held in very early February.

Here are some of the interesting figures from their record keeping, very well done and finely detailed. Major sponsors were Silver Eagle Distributors, the title sponsor, Thor-Lo and the Salisbury Rowan Merchants. Major expenses were Jim Young’s timing company from Raleigh, a huge amount of sweatshirts and long sleeve shirts, a sound system, a volunteer breakfast at Shoney’s, postage (before email and websites) and awards.

The 1992 race had almost 1200 runners, just off the 1400 for the biggest one ever. Newsletter records following the race say that members wanted to consider moving the race from Catawba College, add Pepsi as a major sponsor and attract 2,000 runners in 1993.

Income from sponsors, entry fees and sold concessions was just under $21,000. Entry fees made up over $12,000 and sponsors were $7,650 of that total. Concessions aren’t sold at today’s race but they were with some success in 1992. Total expenses were over $15,000. That Winter Flight raised just under $7,000, which mostly went to club expenses. Salisbury Rowan Runners was a much smaller club then, but a larger percentage of members were active regularly. Almost every member participated as a volunteer or runner and often both.

Flash forward to 2020, and some things were different while others remained the same. The same was especially interesting. We’re still at Catawba College, 28 years later. Sponsorship raised was almost the same, and the title sponsor was a beer provider. Trophies and awards were made by the Trophy House then and still were this year. Registration dollars lagged only slightly behind this year with almost 800 less participants.

On the different side, average registration was $12 in 1992 while average paid registration this year was a little over $32. A handful of sponsors participated in 1992, while 53 businesses supported the event this year.

For extra volunteers, the 1992 WF used the Lions Club while the recent event received major volunteer support from Rowan Helping Ministries. Total SRR, RHM and other volunteer and professional support this year was about 80 people. I expect it was similar in 1992.

Winter Fight 2020 was a great day again for Salisbury and also for Rowan Helping Ministries. All those sponsors, volunteers and participants came together in a big way. With just a small amount of final accounting remaining, Rowan Helping Ministries will receive a check in the neighborhood of $13,000 within the next 10 days. And already, planning is underway for the 38th annual event on January 31st, 2021. Hope to see you there! There is a distance and community celebration for everyone.

With one cancellation, we only have one race for February. The always fun Will Run for Food 5K is set for February 29th. The race at Centenary Methodist Church uses a fast course and supports packaging of dried meals for those in need. Check it out at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Should we Pray?

by   February 9, 2020 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

Ask Hezekiah. He was near death. With his face turned to the wall, he prayed. He asked God to remember him. He wept. The Lord responded that he had heard his prayer. He had seen his tears. He would heal him. God gave him 15 more years.

Hezekiah’s Address: 2 Kings 20

Ask Hannah. She had not been able to bear a child. She became discouraged. At the depth of bitterness in her soul, she prayed to the Lord. She wept. God answered her prayer. She gave birth to a son.

Hannah’s Address: 1 Samuel 1-2

Ask Moses. His prayer was to see God’s glory. He was allowed to see God’s ‘back parts’ as the Lord passed by. When Moses came down the mountain, his face was still shining, because he had been in the presence of God.

Moses’ Address: Exodus 33-34

Ask Jairus. He saw Jesus passing by, fell at his feet, and urgently begged, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. I pray thee, come and lay hands on her, that she may be healed, and she shall live.” Jesus went. Word came that the daughter was dead. Jesus said, “Be not afraid. Only believe.” Jesus took the girl by the hand and told her to arise. She got up and walked.

Jairus’ Address: Mark 5

Ask Peter. He was in prison. The church was praying for him without ceasing. Peter was bound with chains. He slept between two soldiers. The keepers of the door were on watch. The angel of the Lord came, shined a light in the prison, and told Peter to arise. His chains fell off his hands. The angel told him to get his shoes on, cast his garment about him, and follow me. They went past the guards – and the gate opened by itself!

Peter’s Address: Acts 12

Ask the thief on the cross. As the dying thief looked at Jesus on the cross beside him, he asked, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus did.

Thief’s Address: Luke 23

*1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray without ceasing.

*Mark 11:24 – Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Should we pray?

Here’s a better question –

Why wouldn’t we pray?

*Ask Ann – to pray for you. I would love to add you to my prayer list.

*Ann’s address: annfarabee@gmail.com

Never Give Up

by   February 8, 2020 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            I imagine you watched the Super Bowl on Sunday. I watch the Super Bowl every year. Maybe I should say it this way; I watch the commercials during the Super Bowl. Even though I won’t be discussing them with my students this year, I still watched them. It’s interesting to see how we market products and how that has changed over the years.

            I also enjoy the pregame pageantry. Every year they produce a video showing the beauty of our country and salute our men and women in the military. I like the singing of “America the Beautiful” and the National Anthem. I usually enjoy the half-time show. I just noticed by what I wrote that it seems that I enjoy all the things that surround the big game.

            Well, let’s be honest, often the Super Bowl ends up being a blowout. Many times by the end of the third quarter I have muted the game and am off doing other things. I always keep checking back and want to see the final score.

            This year was a different story. At half-time the score was tied and the game had my interest. The game remained close until the end. It was probably one of the most exciting Super Bowls in recent memory. Whether you liked the outcome depends on whether your team won. Either way, it was still a good, close game.

            I remember noticing that the score was 20 to 10 and there were about nine minutes left in the game. I told my wife that anything can happen and that either team could still win the game. My wife said that nine minutes in a Super Bowl could last an hour. I laughed, and it almost did last an hour. Well, unless you are living under a rock…and yes, I saw that Super Bowl ad… you know how the game turned out.

            It makes me think about something very important…no matter what our circumstances look like, we can never give up. Things can always turn around. I am realistic enough to know that sometimes they don’t turn around, BUT, I have seen things that looked impossible actually happen. I have seen it in the sports arena and I have seen it in life.

            I know people who have received devastating medical news and then seen God move in miraculous ways and change everything around. Some of the circumstances were uphill battles, but in the end, God won. I believe God uses modern medical procedures, guiding the doctor’s hands, to bring about His victory. But I have to admit, I still like seeing the miracles.

            I know some people who have reached the end of their rope in their marriages. They were ready to sign the dotted line and end it. But God stepped in and did a miracle. The enemy thought he had won, but God got the victory.

            I have read stories of people who were past broke and couldn’t imagine hope. But God used people to give them a chance. Some may claim they got some lucky breaks, but I believe they worked hard and God’s favor rested upon them. Their story again reveals that my God is going to win the victory.

            I firmly believe that God is a master at taking broken and messed up lives and turning them around. The enemy thinks he has won when people get hooked on drugs, legal or illegal. I know too many stories of people who have been set free from that trap. They may still be tempted, but God is going to help them keep their victory.

            I think we falsely believe that if we lose a skirmish that we have lost the battle. Everyone who fights loses some of the skirmishes along the way. We all get knocked down. We all fail. We all sin. The battle is the Lord’s. We have to get up and start fighting again. We also have to know who is on our side. God does not know defeat, He only knows victory. With Him on your side, you WILL overcome. You will defeat your enemy. You will have the victory.

            I want to encourage those who are fighting and feel like you are losing, KEEP FIGHTING, for the battle is the Lord’s. Get up! You can overcome, even though you have heard the whispers in your ear that you won’t. God is going to help you. You may get the miracle, or you may be called to fight the good fight of the faith. Keep fighting. Keep praying. Don’t lose hope. Keep believing. I believe you are going to see a victory.

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

1 … 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 … 176