The Police Chief

by   May 2, 2024 with No Comments

By David Freeze

I wasn’t surprised at all that running remains a big part of Patrick Smith’s life as Salisbury’s police chief. He started running in late 2000 as part of his regular workout routine at the J.F. Hurley YMCA, using his lunch break to run a mile or two on the treadmill before weightlifting.

Smith said, “Once I started training to become a police officer, I got exposed to running outside and thought to myself that I can see so much more running outside versus a treadmill. I have not been on a treadmill since. Then around 2016, my daughter started running cross country for Carson High School, so I picked up my running and began running more competitively. My first race was the Santa 5K at Millbridge and it will remain one of my favorites.”

Older now and with competitive days behind him, Smith continued, “I still run for mental wellness and to break up my day. I don’t run as fast and may occasionally run a 5K, but I am not chasing any records. If only a few people sign up, I will stand a chance at winning a medal. When I competed, I ran five days a week: speed day, track day, medium-pace long run, and fartleks (a form of speed work). Sundays were easy 11-12-mile runs. Now, I run around 3.5 to 4 miles three to four days a week at a relaxing pace just to clear my headspace. I try to run on my lunch break because I am not a morning person, but if I can’t get my run during lunch, I run in the evenings at home since the time change.”

Almost a native, Smith has lived in Salisbury and Rowan County for 50 years after moving here at 3 months old. He has three surviving children, all in college or who have completed college, the youngest starting law school at Campbell Law this coming fall. He has been married to his rock and best friend for 17 years.

When asked about his running with the demanding schedule as police chief, Smith said, “Once again, I have to resort back to mental wellness. Running helps to clear my mind and work through my thoughts. Though I have had to change my running schedule daily to meet the job’s demands, I still try to keep up the slow, mind-clearing runs regularly. I may start training to compete again as I age, hoping the older age groups don’t train as hard as I had to 10 years ago. Either way, running is a part of my life, and as long as I can remain upright, I will keep trucking.”

After being diagnosed with stage 3 fibrosis and a fatty liver a few years back, Smith improved his eating, increased his running, and lost 50 pounds in less than six months. Smith said, “Now my bloodwork is normal, and I continue to get good reports from the doctor. There was no magic pill, just commitment and discipline.”

Among Smith’s many interests are Special Olympics and encouraging better health for others, including his police officers.

The Salisbury Police Department partners with Parks and Rec and the Salisbury Rowan Runners to host spring and fall beginning running classes. Smith was instrumental in the PD hosting them and said, “We have been holding the classes for five years and have no plans to stop. All that matters is to take the first step, and after a few months the body craves it.”

The North Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run will pass through Salisbury on Wednesday, May 15. Officers from the Salisbury Police Department, Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina Highway Patrol, and many other agencies will participate. Starting at Airport Road, then with a brief stop by Bell Tower Green Park, the runners will meet some of the Special Olympics athletes from Rowan County. The torch then proceeds to the Spencer city limits and possibly the Davidson County line where it passes to the Lexington PD.

Smith said, “Come out and cheer us on if you are available. We should be in downtown Salisbury around 11 a.m. or shortly after.”

The TWAM 5K is just ahead on April 26 at First Presbyterian Church, Salisbury’s only evening race.

Look for this and other events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org.

Totally Dependable

by   May 1, 2024 with No Comments

By Ed Traut

Psalms 18:2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

  • We can always run to Him, in every circumstances. He will always hide and shield us.
  • A refuge is always a place in a time of difficulty and we ought not to hesitate to run to Him (never from Him).
  • Being a horn of salvation means to be one that will always declare a solution and a victory regardless of how it seems.

Prayer:  Lord I praise You and lift my hands knowing that You have a solution in every situation.  No matter what it looks like, and if it seems hopeless then You have even a better answer than I thought.  I do trust You and leave it in Your hands.  Amen. 
 

Ed Traut
Prophetic Life

Beetles or Monkees

by   April 30, 2024 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

Sitting in a chair in the living room with my legs across the chair arm, holding a clipboard with a full pack of notebook paper underneath the clip and an ink pen in my hand, I would settle in for hours doing something I loved — writing.

I was a sixth grader and I was on tour with the Beatles. We traveled throughout England and then to many other places throughout the world. As Paul McCartney’s girlfriend, I had to endure all the other girls trying to vie for his attention, but he belonged to me. I knew the other Beatles personally, since we were on the road together, but Paul was mine. Every evening, Paul would step up to the microphone and begin singing, “Yesterday — all my troubles seemed so far away — now it looks as though they’re here to stay — oh I believe in yesterday.”

I filled 60 full pages of notebook paper of these daydreams, making sure they were written in blue ink, so they could not be erased and would be saved forever.

I would search through magazines to see the locations throughout the world where they were on tour. No, I did not own the magazines, but I would be dropped off downtown, so I could go to the newsstand (which was a small corner store with magazines in it) and stand there reading the magazines. Many of those magazines included pictures and news about the Beatles.

Most days, I would sneak my notebook paper with my Beatles story on it into my notebook, and take it to school with me just in case I had a few minutes during my school day to pull it out and do some more writing. If not, I could write that evening at home, and if not, I could write in my notebook while sneaking a flashlight under the covers with me.

At times, it was a Hard Day’s Night, but it was always worth it.

A couple of years later, I began touring with the Monkees, since I was then the girlfriend of Davy Jones. Then, I met Herman of Herman’s Hermits, who sang a song to my mother. I think the title was, “Mrs. Miles, you have a lovely daughter.”

It seems pretty funny, I guess. Or maybe just stupid, but honestly, it took me through many days of daydreams and much writing, writing and more writing.

I will never forget one day, after I had been in college for a couple of years, that as I was home for the summer, and I decided to clean out my closet. I threw all my writing away.

I now call that a mistake. After that mistake, my memories of them began to fade.

I mean, how many of you went on tour with the Beatles — and the Monkees?

I did. I’m a Believer.

Looking back, memories of those years seem so limited now. And the fact that the Beatles and the Monkees are part of my memories makes me wonder how many records I listened to each day. (If you do not know what a record is, ask your grandparents.)

What fascinates me is that memories become history.

History is made up of memories. Memories are like blankets that keep us warm.

Though we may not remember days — we will remember moments.

For that, I am so thankful.

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

I Ask You Give

by   April 29, 2024 with No Comments

By Rhonda Sassano

Father, according to Luke 11, You will not withhold from us when we ask for the Holy Spirit. So Father, in Jesus Name, I ask You to give me the fullness of Your Holy Spirit.  I declare Song of Songs 7:2, “Out of my inmost being is flowing the fullness of Your Spirit—-never failing to satisfy.”  That’s my heart, Father, to be satisfied with Your Presence. To surrender myself completely.  To look to You for every need, every want, every choice, every word.  You promise that when I turn to You with my whole heart, You will be found. So, I take my eyes away from all that holds me back:  all the distress, all the disappointment, all the unfinished dreams, all the lingering hopes . . . I bury the promise in Who You Are. I tuck myself under the shadow and comfort of Your wings. I know You are faithful, and I trust Your work will be good, and it will make me more like You. Help me be still and listen to Your whispers of love… they can be so hard to hear when fear is so loud. Give me courage to simply ignore every other voice that steals my attention. Even now, today, this moment, You are speaking.  You are speaking life to my spirit, health to my body, truth to my mind.  I receive it.  I break up the soil of my heart to let your Words go down deep.  In Jesus name. 

“Clean hands, pure heart 

I bury the promise in Who You are

I tuck myself under the shadow and comfort of Your wing 

You are real and You reward 

I’m strong thru the power of the Word 

You are life and breath to me 

Your face is all I long to see”

This is a prayer I pray over myself, daily, when I remember.  It reminds me what’s important:

Who He is, who I am, What He’s doing.  Because nothing else really truly matters.  (Yeah, that’s oddly disturbing and yet, deeply comforting…) but very, very true.  That’s why when we ask according to His will, we know we have what we ask for.  

Lately, I’ve been praying a simple prayer:  “Help me want what You want, Lord.  Help me want Your will more than anything.”  That’s a prayer He can answer with delight! And I can take comfort that it’s not a “gimme gimme” prayer or one rooted in pride or any other fleshly emotion.  Because His goal is to increase His Presence in my life. And my goal is to let Him!  No matter what it takes.  No matter the rejection or heartache, no matter the changes or losses.  

I want more of Him.  He alone is worth it all. 

With joy,

Rhonda

“God is not looking for those who can but those who will.”

Outside the Path of Totality

by   April 28, 2024 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

A few weeks ago, many sky-watchers cleared either a couple of hours in their day or made a day trip to a nearby state in the path of totality, ready to see the elusive and exclusive solar eclipse. Having experienced the one in 2017 with my family on a day trip to South Carolina, we did not make plans this year – no trips, no special glasses.

However, we pulled out the kitchen colander and looked at the shadows cast by the trees to see the crescent shapes that were unique to this event. There was still that unmatched eeriness in color, light, momentary stillness, and quiet in nature. Neighbors came out on their lawns simultaneously, one couple sharing the cereal box to see the pinhole shadow and a young mother and daughter sharing other observations – a brief moment of standing in awe together. Rather than feeling we missed out for not being in the path of totality, this still provided a sweet moment I will not soon forget.

Can I  keep the same joy and excitement over other things in my life that are only in the 85% completion category? Sometimes, as a mother eager to launch children into the world one day, I can quickly get frustrated when they are not where I want to be in various aspects of their maturity. I want them to be where I am now, or at least where I think I am. That, however, is not always an accurate self-evaluation. I’m afraid I can have an overestimated opinion of myself, like many post-modern humans. 

Thankfully, the voice of reason, often outside the home, will speak words of encouraging observations of how well my children are getting along – reflecting respectful manners to others, their engagement in lessons and sharing thoughtful responses, helpful attitudes of serving others, healthy work ethics, or sharing talents that bring joy to others. 

As I grow and hopefully mature in character and spirit, I easily get frustrated over where I lack – slipping into cynicism or an analytical attitude, trusting others (sometimes even God) to fulfill their word, my impatience, lack of efficiency in a given day. Yet, as I look back, I see I have grown in those areas and others. A card arrives in my mailbox with words of gratitude for my spirit. Another mom at co-op remarks on my “chill, laidback attitude.” My husband gently reminds me that the work I did on a given day was more important than what I planned to do. I sometimes stand agape when I read or hear words like that. They are celebrating my growth while still being incomplete. 

I bet there are areas in your life as well that are worth celebrating – little steps toward significant growth. You likely see it in the lives of others as well. No, they aren’t perfect, but there are changes from who they were. Don’t wait for perfection; you will miss out on beautiful celebrations!

For Christians, those changes and transformations foreshadow what one day will come in eternity. God promises that we will one day be like Jesus. I can’t even begin to imagine that, but what a celebration that will be!

Ashlie Miller and her husband Chad raise their 5 children in Concord, NC. You can contact her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.

Storms of Life

by   April 27, 2024 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            We have been enjoying some nice spring weather, except for last weekend. Sunday was a cold, raw, and rainy day. It was the kind of day you want to curl up in front of the fireplace and read a good book. That sounds more like fall than spring. What was going on with the weather?

            If the storm that we had last Sunday had come just a couple of months earlier we would have had about four to six inches of snow. The low pressure system passed to our south and we were on the cold side of the storm. There was cold air around which was why we were hanging in the forties. If it had been winter, we would have had a nice snowfall. But who wants to think about snow when we are enjoying the beauty of spring?

            This week has brought some cool, comfortable, and wonderful weather. I encourage you to get out and enjoy this nice weather because in a few more weeks we are going to heat up. Some of the long-term weather models are predicting a hot summer. Some of the models are calling for a wet summer, while others are suggesting a drier summer.

            The long term forecasters are also suggesting that we might see quite a few tropical storms and hurricanes this year. You know I will be keeping a close eye on that situation. No one needs the headaches hurricanes bring to us. Just like snowstorms, hurricanes create a lot of work for those left to clean up after the storms depart.

            Sometimes we get lucky after storms and it’s only a few branches to pick up. Other times we have to deal with the inconveniences of losing power and having a much bigger mess to clean up. The same thing is true for the many storms we all encounter in our lives.

            Storms come in our lives in many different forms. For some the storm takes shape in family members who are in the hospital and needing care. Others are facing the loss of loved ones, which can sometimes happen unexpectedly. Others are facing things like the loss of their job or possibly a job change, which is stressful even if it’s a change you desire. Some people are facing financial issues, while others are struggling with relationship storms.

Storms rarely feel welcome. Some call for us to grieve while others call for us to dig deep inside and find the strength to push through to the other side. The storms we face will test our character and our resolve. Storms teach us about true friendships because true friends stand with us as we walk through our storms.

While some storms are actual weather events, other storms could be internal, dealing with depression, anxiety, worry, and fear. These storms can be hidden from outsiders, but they are as real as any natural storm. Recovery from any kind of storm takes time, and we have to give ourselves permission and space to allow ourselves to heal and restore the brokenness.

I believe it is important to surround yourself with people who will support you, but I believe it is vital to turn to your faith. God is our healer. He is our ever present help in time of need. Jesus can be closer than a brother if we will open our hearts to Him. We have to trust and believe that God sees our situation and knows how to get us the help we need. That also means we have to set aside our pride and accept the help He sends.

Jesus is a carpenter who knows how to fix things. Jesus knows everything about you and He knows what you need. He sees every part of your life and knows how to restore everything. While I am a firm believer in miracles, I have discovered that sometimes God works slowly and meticulously to restore and heal. He works with us and meets our needs.

I want to encourage you to look to God in the middle of your storms. It may feel like He is far away, but the truth is He is right there with you. He knows every detail of every situation. He is at work on your behalf, helping you along the way. Sometimes it might feel like we can’t see or feel Him, that’s probably because He is carrying us. That’s how much He loves us…He is not only with us, but He carries us through the storms. So stir up your faith. God is near. He is there for you, helping you, and rooting for you!

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

Dogwood Trees and Forty Days

by   April 26, 2024 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

Memory is suspect—yours, mine, all memory may have been warped by suggestion, desire, denial, or other factors. But if it is your memory, then claim it and cherish it because it is part of who you are.

One of my claimed and cherished memories is of blooming, white dogwood trees, the cold that arrives in an early spring, and Easter. One recent evening I sat on the screened porch and marveled at the full blooms of one of our dogwood trees. Looking at the rich array of white on the tree, I recalled warmly the myth taught to all us children: The story told that the dogwood was so small and misshaped because its wood was used for the Cross; and the four petals, shaped like the Cross, had blood-like stains on their tips. But for that evening, I just enjoyed the beauty of that one tree and of the other three dogwood trees in full bloom. Now, the week after Easter, all the white petals lie on the ground. Washed off by a strong rain or blown asunder by bitter, cold wind, the white of the dogwoods is just a memory.

Paul uses a powerful verb to describe what happened on the Cross. But after Jesus tasted death during his humiliating form of death, He rose from the dead and spent forty days with his disciples and others. One of my favorite stories of that time is the one told in Mark and Luke. Luke’s version, in more detail, shares that two believers are walking to Emmaus, a village near Jerusalem, when they are joined by another person. When the couple (Cleopas and his wife Mary) arrive at home, they invite the stranger they had been talking with about the recent events concerning Jesus in Jerusalem to stay with them. When they sit to eat, the stranger breaks bread, and they recognize the risen Lord, who “vanished out of their sight.” The Christians of the first century “lost” Jesus for those three, affrighting days, but He came again as promised, and He walked and lived with them for forty days.

I don’t know how I would have reacted if I had been there with Cleopas and Mary. I don’t know how I would have acted if I had been on that shore to see Jesus next to a fire of coals, ready for cooking some of the catch. However, I do know that when I watch the dogwoods come into bloom, I am thankful for their beauty, the adults who taught a young boy truth and myth, and the man who tasted death for me.

Europe Running Adventure

by   April 25, 2024 with No Comments

By David Freeze

Last week, the Julian family shared the beginning of a weeklong European running vacation. Rebekah, Scott, Hope, Eli and Noah make up Rowan’s premier running family. Here is the conclusion.

Italy was the last country visited, beginning with the small town of Marenello, where the family found a bike trail that ran behind some farms and a golf course, then stayed along the river the entire way. The trail had a nice surface of small gravel, was mostly flat and under trees on a super-hot afternoon. They began running around 5:30 p.m. and saw many cyclists, some lady walkers and a few runners this time who offered nods of acceptance. This trail went for miles and had connectors as well for other areas of the city. They loved this trail so much we decided to do it again the next morning.

The last stop of the trip was Seina in the countryside. Close to their lodging, most roads were narrow with few cyclists on them and no shoulder or curb, but with some stone walls.

Rebekah said, “I found a tourist app about the dirt roads and cyclists touring the countryside. Locals told us if there is no sign or gate, then it’s OK to use the road. The area was hilly, perfect for hill workouts. Eli found a dirt road, so all ran together late morning for this adventure as part of our last day. We parked on the dirt road and were shocked when Italian cyclists flew by with race numbers on. A local gentleman at the entrance to the road said, “Park where you want and it’s OK to use.” Their dirt roads are finer gravel than our dirt roads, but have a few big flat rocks implanted in them for traction. They are also wider with plenty of room to pass. We all started our run with the Italian cyclists.”

The cyclists had motorcycles following, and a stop for their water and health check along the way. The boys and Scott went out on their own, so Hope and Rebekah decided to stay together and make it a hill workout day. They ran out about a mile, did their stretching and started the hill sprints (about a 200-meter hill). They could run the hill faster than the cyclists could bike, often passing them going up the hill but then were of course passed going down. Rebekah used this to make the workout harder, pushing to catch the next cyclists up the hill.

Rebekah added, “It kept me focused and going. Unfortunately, we saw a cyclist have a terrible crash and an ambulance picked him up. Other cyclists stayed around his belongings until his team got there. Cyclists, an estimated 400-500, of all ages and levels passed us during our workout. We had amazing views at the top, especially as we were running near a local farm with horses and a Great Pyrenees dog protecting the livestock. All this was one of the highlights and the most unexpected adventure of our trip.”

Rebekah concluded, “I share all this as good information to others on how to travel, still exercise and see the local traditions among awesome adventures. Just put a few light clothes and your running shoes in the suitcase. Our running adventures were free, and we got some personal highlights that paying a big tour company could never provide. These countries really are proud of the trail system they have created for cyclists primarily but allow runners and walkers to use them as well. They have connected small cities, allowed running long distances while not in heavy traffic, thus providing a daily activity all can use. Many hopes for your adventures ahead on your exercise experience while on vacation!”

The next race locally is the familiar Teens With A Mission 5K and Super Hero Fun Run at First Presbyterian Church on Friday evening, April 26, at 7 p.m. It is Salisbury’s only evening race, and all proceeds benefit their youth mission trips.

Look for this and other events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org.

Faith That Really Work

by   April 24, 2024 with No Comments

By Ed Traut

Mark 11:23 “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.

  • It is not the amount of faith but the quality of faith that will move the mountain.
  • We have to actually SAY to the mountain – that means there has to be a sound coming out of us declaring.  He gave us this authority.
  • According to His words it must happen and so we can expect those miracles to take place.

Prayer:  Father I pray that You will help me when I come against a mountain or an obstacle that I will speak to it and do exactly what You say and to have an expectancy that it will have the same result as You said, I pray in Jesus name.  I look to You for that and for the strengthening to speak those mountains out of my way.  Amen. 


Ed Traut
Prophetic Life

Choose Peace

by   April 23, 2024 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

Sure I have peace. Well, I have peace as long as I do not have problems. When problems arise, I sometimes initially respond a bit differently.

Depending on the severity of the problem, I either live in fear or live in faith. I sometimes tend to go with fear followed by faith, when I should go with faith followed by faith.

While in church on a recent Sunday morning, as the worship songs were being sung and hands were being lifted in praise to the Lord, I decided to focus for a moment on the congregation.

There were tears. There were voices raised in praise. Arms were lifted toward heaven. Some heads were bowed with eyes closed. Some were looking up. Some were looking down.

We were united as a congregation.

Though each of us had a different story, different problems and different circumstances, we all were choosing to not only trust in Jesus, but to also worship Jesus.

Worship can spill out like the contents of a cup and it can spew inside of us like a fountain.

Worship can be internal or external, quiet or loud.

Worship can be beautiful.

John 16:33 says that in this world we will have trouble, but we can take heart because Jesus has overcome the world.

I am so glad faith follows fear and sucks that fear right out of me.

Sometimes faith arrives like a feather floating right into my heart, and sometimes faith arrives like a tornado, sweeping in and landing right on me.

Faith is such a beautiful gift from God.

Peace is not always easy to find — especially if one is not searching for it.

Everyone may not truly want peace, but instead may choose to be in a battle.

When in a battle, we have a hope of winning.

There has to be a winner, right?

No. Not in making peace.

Peacemaking can actually produce two winners, and peacemaking is God’s way.

That lets us know that being a peacemaker should also be our way.

How to be a peacemaker?

I suggest starting with the fruit of the spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and self-control.

Numbers 6:26 says that the Lord will give us peace.

Psalm 29:11 says that the Lord will give us strength and bless us with peace.

God gives us the gift of peace, and that promise is enough for me.

I choose peace.

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