All contributing writers
There are all kinds of wild pests that get into our gardens and garbage cans. We had a skunk visit us for a while if you will remember, but this story about saving a racoon just has to be seen to be believed. Listen as Steve Hartman takes us on a racoon adventure… ENJOY!
Lynna Clark
My sister’s name popped up on my new smart phone. Actually it’s a stupid phone but you won’t hear me complain. Or recite the many ways it aggravates me. No, I am not going to mention how the things that used to be easy on my old dumb phone are nearly impossible on my new smart phone. Like adding my friend Edith to my contacts. Poor gal. Now she has to be Edith because I can’t figure out how to edit her name. Annyyywayyy… my sister called. “Happy Anniversary!” she joyfully proclaimed. “Thanks,” I answered. “But it’s tomorrow.”
“Oh… well happy 50th anniversary tomorrow! It’s a big one!” she exclaimed.
“Actually it’s number 49, but thank you,” I answered.
“Oh… well at least I was the first to congratulate you! Hope y’all have a wonderful day… tomorrow.” “Thanks sweet sistuh,” I replied. I didn’t have the heart to tell her one of our daughters had just stopped by with eggs from her prolific chickens and had already congratulated us. Not sure how people remember these things. I’m not even checking Facebook anymore. But somehow they know that felicitations are in order. Surely they don’t still use a paper calendar like I do. In fact I consider it a fun event to transfer all the important dates to my new paper calendar every January. Yep. I’m still that person.
What’s even better is that my hubba remembered our anniversary and gave me the best gift. He painted our bedroom. Sappy sentimental man. The gift is very special to me because I know how difficult it is for him to get down on his knees to trim around the baseboard. He assured me it wasn’t hard at all. “It’s the getting back up that’s hard,” he smiled that sexy smile and my heart melted. Yep. He’s still got it.
On our actual anniversary we REALLY got hot and bothered. He took me to Rufty’s Garden Shop to pick out flowers for around the mailbox. During the last year or so, I’ve been unable to go anywhere because of chronic pain. Well, except for the doctor’s office. But David suggested that a quick trip from our house over to Innes Street probably wouldn’t overtax me too much; especially if I didn’t wear myself out getting ready. So I threw a summer scarf around my lovely housedress. David pulled into the crowded lot and I was happy to spot the perfect heat tolerant plants. He scurried inside to make our purchase while I waited in the car. After he received a hug from the wife of his youth, he turned the key in the ignition. Nothing. Thus the hot and bothered.
Sweat ran down the back of my lovely house dress. Mama warned us girls to never go out in public without getting “done up.” She always added, “That’s when you’ll run into your old boyfriend for sure!” Well praise God I married my old boyfriend and the last thing on his mind at that point was my attire.
The kind folks at Rufty’s took time in their very busy Friday to help. As they, along with David worked in the heat to jump start the battery, I contemplated removing my scarf. But I didn’t because, you know… house dress. Instead I prayed that the Lord would intervene on our behalf so I wouldn’t have to hitch a ride in all my loveliness. At least I had on my good… flip flops. God heard the prayers of a desperate poorly dressed woman. Eventually we were back on the road for the short trip home to the magical land of Clarkville. It’s a wonderful place, hot at times, but always full of adventure. Laced with sweet surprises like fresh eggs. Plus kind people, and blessings heaped upon blessings. Happy half century to us!
Well… you know… 49.
By Rhonda Sassano
So many changes. I feel like my heart will be sad forever. Changes at home in who lives there and who doesn’t 
Changes at work because I’m a newbie and maybe I’m not very skilled at my job yet. But I’m trying and I want so much to do well and be able to make a difference for the clients!
This new job has caused changes in so many things. And I know from experience that a new job means a new schedule and it’ll be tough for about six weeks until things settle down and the new becomes the new “normal.”
But my aching heart! It’s been six weeks times 3 and I’m still not feelin’ this new normal at all!
Holy Spirit, what is really going on here? What am I missing? What do I need to know? I’m generally pretty great with kiddos, but this time… there’s no joy in the relationships. The duty is strong, and loyalty has developed. My patience has grown and I’ve learned new ways of teaching. I’ve discovered a whole genre of methodology that is surprisingly effective, and yet, unfulfilling. Ugh. I’m at the point that I’m wondering if I should bother to continue. I have enough grief in other areas of my life, I don’t need it compounded by grief at work, too.
What am I looking for? What am I expecting?
Fulfillment. Appreciation. Affirmation. Satisfaction. The anticipated by-products of a job well-done. And all of them are strangely missing. Yes. This line of work is definitely not a “good fit” for me after all. But it’s my only option right now, Lord, so I need to find a way to keep going. And keep depression inside the box.
This situation is a clear indicator to me that You have a different plan. And You’ve made me aware of that plan. I want to embrace it with all my efforts, my heart, my mind and my time!
However.
This is one of the few times in my life that my obedience to You is dependent on someone else’s obedience to You. There’s a whole seemingly interminable list of things that “need” to happen before I can step out of this boat. And so, I wait. My life on hold. Stretched taut between points of discomfort, pain, and agony. I don’t want to think about ANY of them. I want You to speak a word and transform them into points of joy and hope and celebration!
Enough. Enough questions and wondering. I don’t want them to bring wandering.
Understanding is an unnecessary component for trusting. And I choose to trust You. I know You are good. You are faithful. You are kind and merciful. I know Who You are. I know Whose i am. I set my focus on You. I purpose my heart to worship You, regardless. Yours is the only calling I need to fulfill. Yours is the only purpose in which I find motivation.
Take courage, my heart. Be steadfast, my soul! He’s in the waiting!
And I will yet praise Him!
“God is not looking for those who can but those who will.”
By Ashlie Miller
When did the idea of dependency become a weakness? Having several dependents looks good on tax forms. Having multiple children in public will get you lots of looks. But being dependent marks you as “weak.”
Besides, who can you depend on today anymore? Aren’t most of us self-obsessed, entitled consumers anyway? I am of a jaded generation with many cynical observations.
It is easy to slip into that mindset. Many churches sit empty or near decline because of this perception. We assume that churches are filled with hypocrites that are self-centered. And some are. Some. But there is also a community unmatched by anything outside of Christ.
I am regularly astounded upon meeting other Christians while on vacation or connecting with neighbors who are also like-minded and our ability to communicate on a level that is unlike any other relationship. We sense that we are more than passing strangers. There is a bond that connects us that is unexplainable and deeply relatable.
My husband and pastor often says as he looks out on the church congregation, “The answer to your prayers may be sitting in the seat next to you.” I bear witness to it on many occasions. Ladies in my discipleship groups needing direction, a job, or answers for their health share their concerns. God answers their prayers through the counsel of those around them, sometimes with actual provisions. The family suffering grief, job loss, or prolonged illness and disease sees the church family rally around them with prayers, encouragement, and offers of tangible help.
It can be hard for me to admit when I need to depend on someone – trust issues, past hurts, and pride. Yet, when I share my needs, concerns, and doubts with those in the faith, I am blown away by how God meets me there. It may be with a young lady who has yet to experience anything on the path I have walked down, sitting across from me with wide eyes filled with hope, listening with empathy, and ready to remind me with verses she has read and fills her with promise. Sometimes, an older lady senses the season I am in, perhaps recalling her own time in that season, and gives me that knowing look, a hug, and a whisper. Other times, a text appears on my phone: “I am sending you a meal this week. I heard your hubby is traveling, and the week is pretty overwhelming.” Very often, the words from my pastor behind the pulpit, whom I have seen preach to himself or live the message in our home, encourage me.
Friend, lay aside your preconceived notions that you must independently figure it all out. Even with Jesus as your guide, He regularly uses others to provide our needs materially and emotionally. And He wants to use you to help provide the needs of others. We were not meant to be an island, maybe more like an isthmus.
Ashlie Miller and her husband, Chad, are recipients and givers of grace among their church family at Mission Bible Church in Charlotte.
By Doug Creamer
Chasing Storms
We drove to see my mother-in-law a few days back. As we embarked on our drive I saw that her area had a severe thunderstorm watch out. I was monitoring things closely and determined that we would probably chase the storms in. The skies looked ominous at several points, but all we got was some light rain. As evening approached, I watched as the lightning danced across the sky up ahead. As predicted, we followed the storms as they pushed their way ahead of us.
I have often wondered what it would be like to be a storm chaser. I am a weather fanatic and am definitely intrigued by all kinds of storms. I saw in the news that the recent hurricane went through the Leeward Islands with winds at about 150 miles an hour. I lived through Hugo many years ago and we experienced winds of about 90 miles an hour…that was plenty for me.
Most storm chasers go after tornadoes. I have to admit that I would like to see one someday, but I want it to be way over there, not coming over here! I have watched in fascination many videos of tornadoes and they look incredible. Again, the desire to see one is tempered with safety.
This line of storms that pushed through where my mother-in-law lives offered us several days of unbelievable summer weather. The highs were about 80, with low humidity and an incredible breeze. I know we won’t see weather like that again until fall. I enjoyed as much time as possible outside, letting the cooling air refresh me.
Speaking of refreshment, I could really use some refreshing. I can’t point to any particular thing that is dragging me down. Life seems to always be busy, especially when we are in gardening season. There is always more to do than there is time to accomplish everything. The daily demands haven’t been overwhelming, but they do tend to keep my plate full.
So where does this desire to be refreshed originate? There have been some extra things going on in our lives that have challenged us to trust God. I tell people it’s important to trust God, but how do I do with that when the chips are down? Turns out it’s a mix. For some things I have learned to depend on God and have many testimonies of His faithfulness. For other areas I have had to engage my faith. My pastor tells us we have to stir up and engage our faith when we are walking through challenges.
He is right, spiritual growth requires challenge. God wants my faith to grow stronger, so He allows for increasingly more challenging things to come into my life. Why would He do that, particularly when He could protect me or prevent those challenges? The answer is God wants to grow my faith. He wants me to trust Him more.
Some of the storms have passed and He has proven Himself to be faithful. Others are still on the horizon. I see the lightning flashing and know we have to go through them. No skirting them. No getting around them. He wants us to walk through them…holding onto His hand.
This has me in an interesting place. I am hungry to be in His presence. I find myself chasing after Him with every spare moment. I want to be in His presence where I know I can draw the strength I need to make it through the challenges I am facing. I know we are going to make it through. I know He already sees us through to the other side. It is my job, our job, to trust Him and lean on Him as He guides us through to the other side. He has never let us down before and He won’t start now.
I am not sure what things you are facing, but I bet you are facing some storms of your own. Let me encourage you to put your trust in Him. It’s a test and He has given you the answer guide. The answers are to pray, engage your faith, and trust Him. I know it is challenging, but God is in the faith-building business. He wants to get a testimony out of your situation. He wants you to be able to tell others how He came through for you. So run after Him, chase Him, find in Him the strength you need in your situation. He is with you. He will strengthen and refresh you. Don’t let those storms scare you. Your God is way bigger than any of them.
Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com
By Roger Barbee
Going out our front door, my wife encountered the rat snake on our stoop, at the hinge side of our entrance. She, being an admirer of snakes, quietly closed the door and came to share his presence with me. Every muscle under its black skin was tense from her presence, and there seemed to be a bulge in his middle that suggested a recent meal. We watch it move across our threshold and climb a corner of our house.
Next to the front door in a corner is a plant stand holding a bright red geranium. It is such a well-tended and full plant that a pair of Carolina wrens have taken residency of it. But the presence of the rat snake brought them out immediately and a Savannah sparrow helped as it held a position near the plant like a Kestrel hunting over a field. One of the wrens held a morsel in its beak and darted near the nest then out of reach. The other flew in circles above the scene, and the snake held its ground in the corner of our house. My wife and I, believers in the rules of nature, left the scene, knowing that “Nature’s beautiful way” would prevail. But as I went inside our house, I was hopeful for the wrens and that the rat snake was just passing through.
As much as my wife and I enjoy our garden, many pine trees, and the birds and other animals that share them with us, we accept death as part of this life. We realize that we will sometimes find a fledgling that has fallen from its nest high in one of our pine trees—especially after a storm. Some plants that we hope to see bloom do not do well and die or just limp along like the clematis planted two years ago. The bright and cheerful winter pansies will wilt under the June sun. But no matter of all the lessons I have learned in the garden, I wanted the wrens’ nest to remain intact.
For the remainder of the day after the snake appeared, I would wander out to the front door area. I stayed far away but best positioned myself to see if the snake was in the plant. I did not see or hear the birds, nor did I see the snake in the plant or anywhere in our yard. Because of the lack of animals, I assumed that the nest had been violated, the snake and wrens leaving it to compost and feed the geranium; another death/life cycle in a garden. Our front entrance held the silence of a grave.
Gardens can be plotted on paper or in the brain, with the location of various plants thought out for a variety of reasons. Plants can be planted, nourished, and even pampered. Most will thrive, some will not. However, the outcome of the planned garden’s flowering will offer a home to a variety of animals. Most, like the birds, will be seen and heard. Some, like the snakes, will not be seen often. But all will be present and contributors to their local ecology.
This morning when I went to the front yard to ride my stationary handcycle, I was thinking of other things as I turned the corner from our back garden. But regardless of my other thoughts, the notes of the Carolina wren sitting on the back of a garden chair near our front door cheered my spirits. The pair were here. The loud notes announced their territorial presence.
I did not venture toward our front door area, but paused and listened to the morning concert of one small bird telling the world that this morning it was here like its ancestors and for the moment, what else mattered?
By David Freeze
By Ed Traut
Psalms 115:12-13 The Lord remembers us and will bless us: He will bless the house of Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron, he will bless those who fear the Lord– small and great alike.
Prayer: How grateful I am for Your goodness and Your mercy and Your salvation Lord. Thank You that You bless me and my household and my family. Help me to bless others and to be a blessing. Amen.
Ed Traut
Prophetic Life
Better get a box of tissue if you love America. Here is a collection of stories that are special at this time of year. A simple act of kindness can change someone’s day and life. I believe your faith in people will be restored. Just watch…. Thanks Steve Hartman for your stories that warm our hearts. Happy 4th of July!
By Ashlie Miller
Children rarely realize the freedom and beauty of being a child until it’s too late. They are grown, adulting, and burdened with decisions and bills before they remember the joy of childhood. Do you ever relish memories of not having to decide multiple times a day what you will eat, how much sleep you should get (taking naps!), having events and experiences planned out for you, and not having to pack for them yourself? Oh, the bliss of those evenings we would arrive home late, and after having fallen asleep in the car, Mom would carry me into the house, place me on the bed, change my clothes for me, and tuck me in. She knew just what I needed. I rested in the care of her love, utterly dependent on her attending to my needs.
This week, I reflect on my dependence upon God.
“Christianity is a crutch.” I have heard that one before; maybe you have, too. Perhaps you have even said it, boasting that you are strong enough to live without Christianity. You’ve made it this far after all, haven’t you? Then, why does anyone need Jesus?
One summer long ago, I realized how dependent I truly was and how I needed Jesus. Perhaps one could call that my “Dependence Day” – my day of salvation from myself and my sins. Resting in the arms of the One who created, saved, and sustains me enables me to trust God fully as He directs my path, making even the most crooked journey lead straight to His plan for my good and His glory (Proverbs 3:5-6). I can attest to times when my path did not look perfectly straight and neatly laid out before me, but He placed me where I needed to be in the season.
Imperfect as I am, I make mistakes, and sometimes, my journey meets trials and obstacles. But I rest assured that when my footing slips, God’s unfailing love supports me (Psalm 94:18). Wow! My Creator did not just stop with creating me and leaving me to figure it all out. He supports me lovingly. When cares of life threaten to drown me in despair, I can cast (or violently throw) them on the Lord because He cares for me (1 Peter 5:7). When I meet an onslaught of opposition, feel weak, and can’t see in the apparent darkness engulfing me, I sense my Father strengthening my heart (Psalm 73:26), fighting while I stand still (Exodus 14:14), turning darkness into light (Psalm 18:28), delivering me (Psalm 3:7), and providing a safe refuge (Psalm 16:1 – for one of MANY examples). God is also a comfort in grief, a friend in my loneliness, a good Father when I feel orphaned, a good Shepherd, a teacher, forgiving, compassionate, just, and righteous.
Having to define myself by the current culture’s values does not sustain nor fulfill me, for that is ever-changing. I am weak, and I am utterly dependent. But I rest securely dependent on Jesus.
Have you had a “Dependence Day”? If not, how is independence going for you? It sounds like a lot of hard work. If you do have a declared day of dependence, share your journey with someone soon. Help them see the freedom in dependence!
Ashlie Miller and her husband, Chad, utterly depend on God as they raise their five children in Concord, NC.