Columns – Page 55 – EncouragingU

Let All the Stress be on Him

by dcreamer July 26, 2023 with No Comments

Ed Traut

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

In the devils attack or attempt to hurt us he wants us to stress and to become anxious, because then faith is gone.
The casting of our cares on Him is a deliberate, conscious effort to give our concerns and stress to Him.
We need to be on alert to those moments when we become anxious so that we never carry anxiety or any kind of anxious thoughts. Let Him carry those burdens – that is what faith is all about.

Prayer: Lord I do thank You that You take all my concerns, my anxiety and my stress. I give it to You today and I pray Holy Spirit that You help me not to focus or continue thinking on these things, but to look to You for all my answers. I bless Your holy name today. Amen.

Ed Traut
Prophetic Life

The Gift of Rest

by dcreamer July 25, 2023 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

The situation had escalated to the point that it had taken our entire focus over the day and previous night. Yes, we were sleepy, but this was not going to be a time for sleep.

It was stressful. It was a difficult situation. It was a dead end with no immediate resolution. It did not appear that all things were going to work together for good, as was a promise from God’s Word that we tend to cling to. We were torn between keeping it to ourselves and trying to fix it or asking someone for help. Since we tend to be private people, we kept it to ourselves as long as we could.

Finally, we were totally exhausted mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally.

We sat down, looked at each other, took deep breaths, and said simultaneously, “We need help.”

Have you ever been there?

You were doing everything you could to fix the problem. It took every single ounce of your strength and ability, but it seemed hopeless? Your ability to keep fighting was gone, but you kept fighting anyway? You cried out in prayer to God, but nothing changed — and it even got worse?

It is hard enough to fight the battle all day, but when the sun goes down and the struggle continues, it is even more difficult. Something about the darkness seems to make the situation feel even more grim.

I believe some of you have been there. Exhaustion sets in and tears and fears join it.

It had gone from dealing with it, to desperation over it.

We prayed one more time, looked at each other and said, “We need help.”

It had been one of those situations that we really did not want to share with anyone — nor did we want to bother anyone.

It was late night, but we contacted our pastor to ask for prayer. He prayed, I am sure, but he did way more than that.

He showed up. And he brought a friend.

The first thing he said was, “You need rest.” The two of them stepped into action. They took our load and put it on their own shoulders. They carried it for us when it was too heavy for us to carry alone.

We needed rest — and they made sure we got it.

Do you need rest? Or maybe even the greater question is, “Do you know someone who needs rest?” If so, reach out to them.

Carry their burden for them the best you can — even if it is momentarily — so they can rest.

There is not a much greater gift that we could give than lightening the load of someone.

I remember being on a mountain hike one time, and my backpack grew more and more heavy as I trudged up that steep mountain. My husband saw how I was struggling under the load I was carrying, so he took it from me. Immediately, relief came. After a few moments of rest, I was able to pick up my load again and carry it myself.

I needed rest and I got it. Then I was able to continue my journey.

Give yourself — or give someone — the gift of rest.

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

Muscle Cars

by dcreamer July 24, 2023 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

I love muscle cars. No, I mean I REALLY love muscle cars. The low rumble of a powerful engine makes my heart pound. If we pass a cool old car, my husband knows to slow down so I can gawk sufficiently. I literally have to wipe the drool off my chin. You see, he had a ’67 Camaro when we were dating. When he added mag wheels, wide Formula One Superstock tires with white letters, and jacked up the back with air shocks…..oh, be still my heart! So I had the idea about ten or so years ago to bring back the old body style of the great muscle cars, and market them with today’s comfort. As great as it was to ride in that Camaro, it was no fun to spend 17 hours in an un-airconditioned bucket seated gas guzzler traveling back and forth to south Florida in the 70’s. We did improve it with an eight track player, so that was nice…. Except we had to crank up the volume to near deafening levels since the windows were down as we traveled at warp speed up I- 77 for a quick college break. So, anyway, have you seen the new Challenger? Now that’s a true throwback. They’ve got a couple different ones at the Dodge dealership on Jake Alexander. You talk about lust of the eye…. And that was MY idea!

Not sure if I can even get my heart back on track now. Nehemiah says in chapter 7:5, “So my God gave me the idea…” He walked close enough to God to recognize when an idea was from Him. Can we do that? What if we got creative, really creative, and asked the most creative One of all, “Lord, give us great ideas.”? What if our church did stuff that no one else is doing? What if we…. Can you think of something really cool to fill in the blank? I can. I have an idea I’ve been praying about for right at a year now, something someone I really respect threw out at me. In the meantime, I’m praying for the resources, keeping an idea file, praying, thinking, bouncing ideas off my family, praying, dreaming a little… I hope this works out. And it’s something that I really believe will bring honor to the Lord in a whole new way.
So the prayer of the day is, “Lord, give us creative thinking when it comes to ministry. Help us bless You in a whole new way. Give us resources to reach out to those who have never been loved. Help us to know what that looks like, and to do an awesome job for You!”

More: Romans 12:2; 11-13

Isaiah 43:18- “But forget all that. It is nothing compared to what I am going to do; for I am about to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun!

Isaiah 64:3-5- “When You came down long ago, You did awesome things beyond our highest expectations. And oh, how the mountains quaked! For since the world began, no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like You, Who works for those who wait for Him! You welcome those who cheerfully do good, who follow Godly ways.”

By the way, I know you are wondering what became of the Camaro. My sweetheart was coming home from his job as a security guard in the middle of a rainy night and crashed it into the side of a brand new Caddy. The little Jewish lady that pulled out in front of him nearly had a heart attack when he jumped out of his car in his uniform with a gun on his hip. We got $750 from our insurance. They kept our car and our new eight track player. And I have been bitter ever since.

Porch Life

by dcreamer July 23, 2023 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

Instead of the isolation of a she-shack, I prefer porch life. On my porch, in the early mornings, I hear the birds utter their call with a steady stream of “tch-tch-tch-tch” in the background as the sprinkler waters the lawn. Neighbors pass by walking their dogs or just getting in some steps before it is too humid. My observations are pleasantly interrupted by a darting hummingbird visiting the feeder. Although alone, clearly, there are visitors. My favorite visitor is the One I meet with early – Bible open, pen ready to make notes.

Occasionally, my porch may have other visitors, someone dropping off something or picking up someone, another to pray with me or even for me. Other times, it may be a noisy afternoon of watching my children playing gel-blasters, blowing bubbles, drawing hopscotch, riding bikes in the cul-de-sac, or cooling off in the sprinkler.

In the evenings, what may begin with my husband and me reflecting on the day broadens to a family experience. The night may include a board game, a round of cards, hunts for lightning bugs, or lazy conversations.

It is a place of solitude, reflection, refreshment, and visiting with others. Often, wisdom meets me there. There is something sacred about the porch, and I am in good company when I see its value.

Israel’s King Solomon built an impressive porch among his other architectural achievements. It was such an essential place in Solomon’s day that even Herod constructed a similar structure and called it Solomon’s Portico.

Solomon’s porch was a solid structure supported by columns and was the entry to the temple. My porch is the first place of welcome into my home and is supported by columns. I hope others feel strongly supported and welcome into my life and home as they seek counsel, friendship, or accountability.

The king’s porch had a roof and could be enclosed on the sides. Likewise, mine is covered with a roof, providing shade from the sun and shelter from the rain. A porch can be a place to share your heart, concerns, and dreams with a friend in privacy but look with hope as we look upward and outward.

I imagine Solomon walking his porch for Divine inspiration. Romans 1:20 speaks of how God’s divine attributes can be clearly seen by looking at creation. A porch is a great place to reflect on God as you study His Word and observe creation.

Even Jesus and his disciples enjoyed porch life. Christ taught on the porch during the Feast of Dedication (John 10:22-23). Likewise, the apostles preached (Acts 5:12) and healed in Jesus’ name while on the porch (Acts 3:11).

Your house may not have a porch. Still, the porch can be a symbol of something we can all have access to – making space in your heart and life to welcome others, provide loving support, a shelter from the outside world accompanied with hope, a place for inspiration, learning and teaching, and meeting someone in their deepest need. How can you cultivate “porch life” in your home and heart today?

Ashlie Miller makes room for friends on her porch in Concord. You may contact her at ashliemiller.com.

Weeds Again!

by dcreamer July 22, 2023 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

Weeds Again!

I was determined that this year would be different. I wanted to keep my vegetable garden in better shape. I knew that by late August the weeds would probably get ahead of me, but I was determined early this year to stay ahead of them. Things were going well even through May and early June. The cooler weather was working in my favor.

An uncle on my wife’s side of the family once told me that the best way to keep weeds out of my garden was to not plant them. I must have looked at him like he was crazy. “Who would plant weeds in their garden on purpose?” He didn’t answer me; he just looked intently at me, waiting for it to sink in. If you pull weeds when they are small, they can’t make seeds. Don’t plant weeds!

I was keeping a close watch on things and keeping the weeds in check. I had an uncle on my side of the family teach me how to properly use a hoe. This year I have been using my hoe to effectively control weeds, but the weeds took advantage of my absence while we were traveling.

After returning from our trip, I was distracted and the weeds kept growing. We celebrated the 4^th and the weeds kept growing. Summer’s heat and humidity kicked in and I can’t handle working outside. I prefer air conditioning. Sadly, the weeds continued to gain a stronghold.

Last weekend we did not get much rain but we did get some cool air from some storms. I got out there and attacked those weeds. I only had one little scare. I was on my hands and knees pulling the weeds when something swished by me, actually bumping into me as it passed. I will admit to an odd sound coming from me as I jumped back, unsure of what had happened.

The culprit must have considered me an intruder to his home. It was a baby rabbit. It was about six or eight inches long. He zoomed by me so quickly I didn’t get a good look at him. I am only figuring that it was the little rabbit because we have seen one (or a few) hanging out near the garden. I think they have a nest in the garden someplace.

So, the weeds are back under control in the vegetable garden. There is definitely some weeding that needs to be done in the daylily beds. Hopefully another thunderstorm breeze will ease the temperatures enough for me to get out there and weed those beds. The constant battle with weeds had me thinking about the weeds that can infect our thinking, which in turn affects our spiritual lives.

Sometimes we spend time thinking about things that really don’t deserve the time they squander. We worry about things which can fill our minds with anxious thoughts. These weed-like thoughts are not always easy to remove, but if we allow them to monopolize our minds then we become less productive. God encourages us to lay our worries down in prayer and to leave them with Him. That’s not easy, but it will help declutter our thoughts and free us to think about better things.

Many struggle with news overload. The 24-hour news stations don’t share positive and uplifting stories. They are filled with disasters and tragedies that fill our minds with bad news weeds. No wonder people are discouraged and depressed after so much negative news. We need to turn the news off and find something positive to meditate on.

Another mind weed comes from social media. It’s fun to check in on family and friends and even to post our own updates, but to spend hours scrolling fills our minds with time-wasting weeds. Surfing TV stations can also steal valuable time and create more mind weeds. Learning to distinguish between weeds and needed rest and relaxation is important.

I want to encourage you to clear the weeds from your mind. We all need to relax and disconnect from our busy lives, but we need to be careful what seeds are sown in our minds. Fill your mind with thanksgiving for God’s blessings. Enjoy a beautiful flower or an amazing sunset. Savor reading a good book or spending some quality time with a friend. Engage your mind with beautiful music. Focus your minds on the positive, encouraging, and uplifting thoughts. Tell a story that spreads joy and laughter. Remember and reflect on the good times with family, friends, and your spiritual life. It takes effort and intention, but the blessings will free your mind and minister to your spirit.

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

Sunrise Semester

by dcreamer July 21, 2023 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are struggling to arrive at a comprehensive plan on how to educate students, from P-K thru college/university. The most thought of plan, distance learning or MOOC, works only when all students have reliable access to the Internet, and for many students in public education, poor or non-existent internet is a fact of life. However, we may not need to “reinvent the wheel.”

Sunrise Semester, a collaborative effort between CBS and NYU, began in 1957. Each morning at 6:30 am a course was offered by an NYU professor. Two courses were offered on alternating days (M-W-F and T-T-S), and Dr. Floyd Zulli, Jr. taught the first course: Comparative Literature 10: from Stendhal to Hemingway. Courses in philosophy, math, science, and more were offered, and until the program ended in 1982 it proved a huge success. According to NYU’s website, 177 students paid $25 per credit hour in the first year to take the first course by television and over 120,000 just watched the lectures for no credit. NYU estimated that the series was seen by nearly two million viewers at its height. In 1962 Mrs. Cora Gay Carr earned her Bachelor of Science of Arts degree from NYU. She had earned 54 of the 128 credits necessary for her degree through Sunrise Semester.

As we debate how we can manage education during the pandemic, distant learning seems to be a viable alternative. But, as mentioned earlier, Internet access is an issue, especially for the P-K thru 12^th grade students. Computers may be absent from homes, especially the homes of the less wealthy. But all homes and dormitories have televisions. They are everywhere, so could we not explore television as a substitute for the Internet in order to educate our students?

CBS and NYU managed to work together to bring education into the homes of ordinary citizens. The essayist Phillip Lopate writes how his parents, “lowly textile clerks with no more than high school diplomas”, set their alarm early to hear Dr. Zulli’s course on Stendhal in their Brooklyn ghetto, not for credit, but “for old-fashioned enlightenment.” Surely, with all our television channels and resources, we can find a way to use some of that resource for education.

Two Big Cities

by dcreamer July 20, 2023 with No Comments

By David Freeze

On Saturday, June 24, I headed for the two biggest cities left on my list. I wanted to visit Durham and Raleigh while there was little traffic, especially in the governmental areas. I got my way in Durham, county seat of Durham County, as I rolled into the old part of town, where I had never been. Siri nearly always brings me to within sight of the most recent county courthouse and she did it again. Incorporated in 1869 and named for Bartlett Durham who donated the original land, Durham thrived on tobacco and agriculture early. With heavy Civil War activity, segments of both armies passed through the area often and enjoyed the Brightleaf tobacco. The word spread through those armies and demand was high for the more pleasant tobacco and sales boomed for years to come.

Cotton and energy production were other economic drivers. In an area where many of the tobacco warehouses and at least one large cotton mill once thrived, the old town section of Durham is undergoing a massive renovation and reuse of old buildings. As I toured the government area, I found that the old Ford dealership, Johnson Motor Company from 1914, had now been reclaimed for the Housing Authority of Durham. The 17-story Hill Building, completed in 1937, is now a 165-room luxury hotel. A popular bakery has reclaimed most of the former newspaper building. Several major churches dating from the late 1800s and the early 1900s were located close by. Just as in Charlotte, lots of high-rise housing was under construction. The old Durham County Courthouse was completed by 1920.

Raleigh was my next stop, where I found a totally different setting. Traffic was congested as I neared the government center. I realized that the Pride Festival was underway, starting near the capitol building. While most paid to park, I didn’t, after several loops of the area.

Raleigh, county seat of Wake County, is the second most populous city in N.C. and is named after Sir Walter Raleigh, sponsor of Roanoke, the “Lost Colony” in Dare County. Raleigh was incorporated in 1792 and is one of the few cities in the United States that was planned and built specifically as a state capital.

The state capitol building, constructed in 1840, has been undergoing a major renovation. The building housed all the state government affairs until 1888. This is the second major renovation of the historic structure. Copper on the roof and dome are being replaced, the heating and ventilation system is being updated and mortar and stone on the building’s exterior are being repaired. Roof renovation has happened before in 1888 and 1971. The copper roof will start shiny and then take 10-20 years to return to the recognizable green color caused by oxidation. Statues on the capitol grounds include Civil War Governor Zebulon Vance and Presidents George Washington, James K. Polk, Andrew Jackson and Andrew Johnson, who was born in Raleigh.

The Wake County Courthouse is another massive building with 15 stories, constructed between 1968 and 1970. Most interesting to me was a water tower near the capitol building, built of brick in 1887.

After all this government and big city exploration, I was happy to drive to Wilson. From Our State magazine articles, I knew one thing about Wilson, a city park famous for “whirligigs.” I thought I would have to ask for directions to the park but realized it’s by far the most famous thing in town and easily seen. The park is huge, with whirligigs of all sizes, shapes and colors. While they all look small in magazine articles, the 30 displays include some that are 50 feet in the air and almost as long as tractor-trailers while likely as intricate. Vollis Simpson was a WWII Army staff sergeant who began an amazing hobby after the war. He built these things and began to save them around his farm. When Simpson’s health began to fail, the Town of Wilson struck an agreement that would honor the master-fabricator for years to come. On this very warm Saturday afternoon, the park was busy. Food, a play area, a stage and a whirligig museum are part of the park. The N.C. legislature designated Simpson’s “gigs” as the official folk art of the state and they have been displayed across America.

I had visited Wilson briefly on my run across the N.C. in 2018 but I didn’t stay long. Wilson was incorporated in 1849 and named for Mexican War hero General Luis Wilson. I found yet another massive courthouse, built in 1924, and interesting streets lined by historic houses and buildings, including the site of N.C.’s first ABC store. I stopped to take a photo of some of Art Dept.’s screen-printed T-shirts that led to a wonderful encounter. I met Greg Boseman and Coach H. B. Harris. Coach filled me in on what to see, including a remaining railroad roundtable and the drugstore where Ava Gardner was discovered. She attended high school and college locally. I learned of Wilson’s glory days due to tobacco. Tobacco and the railroad fueled major growth from the 1940s-60s. Harris told me that an old tobacco warehouse floor was the foundation for Whirligig Park, and I discovered it was a Confederate cemetery before that. Coach also told me that Wilson was once considered the “World’s Greatest Tobacco Market” and the local radio call letters were WGTM. He said Wilson had ties to Soupy Sales and Booker T. Washington.

Just as Boseman handed me a free shirt, a truck drove up and Coach said, “You’ve got to meet this guy!” The driver was entertainer James Brown’s drummer during part of his heyday. I met Sam Lathan, but sadly messed up the photo. Brown was known as the “Hardest working man in show business.”

Wilson piqued my interest and tops my current list of many interesting towns. I had 4.75 running/walking miles in these three towns. See you soon with more!

He Chose You

by dcreamer July 19, 2023 with No Comments

By Ed Traut

Ephesians 1:11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,

No question, God has a very specific purpose for each of us.
So often we think we have followed after Him and chosen Him, when whilst He has chosen us before the foundation of the world.
God works out ‘everything’ align with that purpose. There is a bigger hand in everything we see around us. The almighty God!

Prayer: How magnificent You are Lord. I bless Your holy name today, because You are almighty and powerful and You have a destiny for me and have chosen me. I am so grateful that I am part of Your plan. Help me to yield to You in every way I pray in Jesus name. Amen.

Ed Traut
Prophetic Life

Time Matters

by dcreamer July 17, 2023 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

Can I take the time to tell you about my mom? Her name was Claudia. She was strong and very smart. She was meticulous with cleanliness, details, efficient with the day to day. She loved her family. Like me, she had three daughters and three sons by marriage, and one love from the time they were very young & newlywed. Beautiful white wavy hair. Great smile. She worked at Happy Day Care in Landis, NC for around 30 years. I think she potty trained the bulk of Rowan County. I didn’t have all the time I wanted with her.

As I mentioned on day twelve, we lost her to a horrible disease. Technically called Crutchfield-Jacob’s it is actually Mad Cow disease. Yes. Here in the US. She never travelled farther than the beaches of North and South Carolina. It is so ironic how she died. She was very careful with hers and daddy’s health. They walked 3 miles every morning and many evenings as well. We grew up on vegetables, fresh or frozen from a huge garden. Meat was for Sundays and holidays. They seldom ate out. She washed bananas before peeling in case there would be a lurking germ. Who does that? She would work cross word puzzles with an ink pen. No need to erase. I’d look at those words and think, “Woman, you are from China Grove. How do you even know what that means?” She was the youngest seventy two I have ever met. So energetic and strong, she could work circles around me. But her time here was up. God took her. She experienced at that point the ultimate healing, and for the very first time, the truest, sweetest love of a Father.

Time. We do not know how long we have to complete this mission of ours to reach all we can for Christ. But every day is valuable because it involves eternal souls who do not hear about the One Who loves them. Every day someone gives up. Every day someone loses their life to tragedy. Just today, one of my favorite radio hosts died unexpectedly. Darren, of the morning show on WBFJ brought encouragement into our home daily. And the front page of the Post has a smiling picture of a handsome young man only 20 years old, who was tragically killed on the job. His little family, wife and 1 year old daughter, had just moved here. Had anyone invited them to church? Is anyone there to take them a meal or love them through this horrible time? I still grieve the loss of my mom and I had nearly 50 years with her. People need us. Time is of the essence. Every moment matters. “Only a minute, but eternity is in it.”

Nehemiah’s project was completed in record breaking time. 52 days! Unbelievable! Pray for God’s timing. Pray for a smooth completion of all projects. Pray for the world to look on and be amazed at what God is doing on our behalf. Let them look at us as in Neh. 6:16- “They realized that this work had been done with the help of our God!” Your prayers will make a difference.

Lessons from the Ant

by dcreamer July 16, 2023 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

Like me, I am sure many of you with a lawn have been looking for the coolest part of the day to do as much yard work as possible. Usually, that is early morning or later in the evening. One morning last week, as I pulled a few weeds, I noticed many ants coming up with the roots. Oh, those pesky things! But, I would be wise to slow down and take note.

Even if you are not familiar with the Bible verse Proverbs 6:6-8, you may know the fable or even the older cartoon about the wise ant who prepares in the summer to gather her resources and sustenance needed for the winter. In the fable and animated version, she is compared with the lazy grasshopper, left hopeless and alone when the hard times come his way.

In case we missed the lesson from the ant, Proverbs 10:6 is more direct – “He who gathers in the summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.” The choice to work hard does not just provide a reward but also keeps us from disgracing those in our environment.

As summer continues, we will see examples of creatures gathering and storing – squirrels, chipmunks, mice, beavers, and many birds preparing for their future. Indeed, it benefits their immediate community; after all, one can observe the hierarchy in ant colonies and bee hives to see how each serves a distinct role. Their unity and dedication to their work also serve the greater ecosystem. The top of the food chain benefits from the perseverance of the humblest creatures.

Though it is pleasant to observe animals working in their systems, often we view our work as a curse, not a blessing. “Ugh, it’s Monday again!” We view diligence and persistence as great character traits and qualities but not the gifts they are from our Creator to provide for ourselves and those who depend upon us. As a generation conditioned to value autonomy and individuality above community, we also often miss the impact of our diligence upon those around us, unlike ants and honeybees, who each know their role.

Like summer, my season on this spinning sphere is also too short. I have a job to do. How will I approach the beauty of my work? Do I value my work as a gift to others, not just a way to fulfill myself? Can I step back and see how my diligence impacts my immediate dependents and the community?

Get up early this week, and spend some time in personal reflection as you see the loveliness of work among creation.

Ashlie Miller occasionally observes ants when she is not busy chasing 5 children along with her husband in Concord, NC. You may contact her at ashliemiller.com.

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