The Lion

by   June 30, 2019 with No Comments

Be sober. Be vigilant. We have an enemy — the devil. He is as a roaring lion. He walks about. He is seeking whom he may devour.

Okay, I admit. This is not an encouraging start to a column. Thankfully, those words from 1 Peter 5:8 have a BUT GOD that shows up two verses later: But God, of all grace, has called us to eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after we have suffered a little while, will restore us making us perfect, stablished, strengthened, and settled.

That’s a great promise.

But, how about those roaring lions seeking whom they may devour?

Lions attack the weak, the sick, the young, the straggling, the helpless, those who are not alert, and those who are alone.

Once while on a field trip to the zoo with my kindergarten class, we saw the area where the lions were enclosed in front of us. My students were very excited, and began to run ahead to get a closer look.

As soon as they reached the enclosure, one of the lions let out a huge ROAR. All 22 students immediately backed away — and kept backing away — until they had all gathered safely around me.

They had been willing to get close to the lion at first — just a big cat, right? But then… the roar came — and the danger appeared. As the roar began, the lion began walking about, seeking whom he may devour.

Even though we know there was no real danger at the zoo that day, the response of those 5-year-olds sure can teach us a great lesson, as they exemplified what is taught in 1 Peter 5:6-8:

• 1 Peter 5:6. Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. The children humbled themselves and backed away, as they became fearful. They knew where their help would come from.

• 1 Peter 5:7. Cast all your care upon him, for he cares for you. Cast means to throw something forcefully. When they backed up right to where I was standing, they immediately felt peace. They had cast their cares on the one they knew that cared for them — their teacher.

• 1 Peter 5:8. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour. Sober means serious. Being vigilant means to carefully watch for dangers or difficulties. The children sensed danger — backed away from the enemy — and got to a place of protection.

Lord, help us to humble ourselves. Help us to cast all our care upon You. Help us to be sober and vigilant. Amen.

I Did It

by   June 22, 2019 with No Comments

Last Tuesday was my last day of my last year as a full-time school teacher. That’s right, I am officially retired. It is hard to believe, but it’s true. People keep asking me how it feels, and I have to admit, no different than any other school year ending. I think I will really begin to feel it when I don’t have to go back in the fall.

I will admit it was difficult getting out of school this year. I threw away so much stuff. I just kept filling trash cans for days. I found curriculum guides that were over 15 years old. At the end, it became a blur of just getting rid of stuff. I wanted to get out of there on time.

I was determined not to bring tons of stuff home. I brought home plenty, and hope to look through it and get rid of more stuff. Thankfully, I could put much of what I want to keep on a flash drive. The boxes are stacked out of the way, and when we get those hot summer days when I don’t want to be outside, I will go through them.

The faculty at East gave me and another teacher a royal send off. We were roasted, which was great fun, and honored for all we have done. It was a bittersweet time with the faculty. Then they gave us both some very nice gifts. There was cake and lots of hugs and handshakes.

We were given an opportunity to say a few words; you know I wasn’t going to pass that up. I started with the young teachers. I challenged them to find people in their field who were passionate about teaching, people who love their jobs. I encouraged them to draw from them and “steal” their good ideas. Good teachers borrow from those who are better. I reminded them to always keep learning. And then after they had rested, because all teachers are tired in June, to find something to help rekindle the fire to teach next year.

Then I told the whole faculty it was important to laugh at work. We need to have fun while we are teaching. I shared with them a list of things I would not miss about teaching. Then I shared a list of things I would miss. I think the thing I will miss most is having the opportunity to walk down the hall and have a conversation with one of my colleagues. There are some great people at East Davidson, and I will miss them.

I reminded the faculty that we all have to work together to get the job done. There are some students that I can’t reach but others in the faculty can, and vice versa. Students need all the different areas of curriculum if they hope to have a successful life.

I was asked by a colleague how I could boil down 34 years of teaching into one concise statement. It was a challenge but it came to me: I believe it’s all about the students. What I want and think is not important. I might be inconvenienced, but that’s OK. I will be required to go the extra mile. I believe schools exist for the students, not the teachers. In business terms, I would put it this way; schools exist for our customers, not for the employees.

I will miss teaching. It was and is my calling. The public schools were for me a mission field. It was the place God put me to be a light in the darkness. Through the years God give me the opportunity to touch many lives. I believe God puts us where He wants His light to shine. That means I believe God has you where you are to be a beacon of hope to the people around you. He sees you as the best way to reach them. He also needs us to be an encouragement to each other. God needs us; all we have to be is willing and available if we want to be used by God.

I want to encourage you to see yourself as God’s missionary. If you are retired, like me, you still have a sphere of influence, and God can use you. If you are still working, open your eyes to the people around you, many are waiting and hoping God will intervene in their lives. God is planning to use you. We don’t have to travel to be missionaries; there are people around us every day who need the Lord. Make yourself available and see what God can do.

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

Broken Road

by   June 17, 2019 with No Comments

A couple of friends talked over the events of the last few days as they walked along. Sadness was written across their faces as they admitted, “We had hoped…”

Hoped, past tense.

As in, we used to hope, but not anymore.

Have you been there? Have you gone through something so hard that your soul is crushed beyond repair? Someone you love has suddenly been taken… and way too soon. The spouse you trusted tossed you aside like an old shoe. Something you planned and even dared to dream about died, leaving you…

Hopeless.

That’s the feeling of the friends who traveled down the road together. Having witnessed the horrible death of the Person they had closely followed, their hopes were just as dead.

Where do we go from here? How will we ever recover? Is all we’ve believed in been wrong?

A few miles later, they realized they were in the very presence of the risen Lord!

That first Easter morning changed everything.

The powerful Son of God stepped from the grave to prove the hopeless wrong. Since death cannot defeat Him, how could anything else? What could separate us from the love of God?

Our fears?

Our loss?

Our worries?

Things changed in an instant! The moment He was raised from the dead, hope was forever restored! Do we dare to trust Him?

“O death where is thy victory?! O grave where is thy sting?”

Thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ!

All creation shouts with joy on Easter Sunday morning! Our Creator lives, and reigns with power over any circumstance that brings suffering to His beloved ones. With the strong arms of a Shepherd, He reaches out to pull us close to His heart as He gently leads us home. Not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love as we walk in the presence of the risen Lord!

Praise His sweet holy Name! Our conquering King lives!

And there is hope!

Summer Homework?

by   June 16, 2019 with No Comments

Summertime…. and the living is easy. Unless your child has SUMMER HOMEWORK! During that last week of school, while students are tremendously excited about completing the school year and beginning the lazy hazy days of summer – a teacher often lovingly hands them their summer homework.

But…for those who were given no summer homework, here you go:

Q: What is one of the first math problems in the Bible?

A: Go 4th and multiply.

Q: What time of day was Adam created?

A: A little before Eve.

Q: Does Jesus want us to grow a garden?

A: Yes. He said, “Lettuce pray,” and “Peas be with you.”

Q: Should we learn division?

A: No, Jesus didn’t like division.

He said that if a house is divided, it cannot stand. (Mark 3:25)

Q: What is an example of an opposite?

A: Refuse the evil. Choose the good. (Isaiah 7:15)

Q: Did Jonah trust the ocean?

A: No, he knew something was fishy.

Q: Where is an example of ‘cause and effect’ in the Bible?

A: The work of righteousness shall be peace.

The effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever. (Isaiah 32:17)

Cause is righteousness. Effect is quietness and assurance forever.

Take this to ‘heart’ and you may ‘cause an effect’ in someone’s life.

Q: Why didn’t they play cards on the ark?

A: Because Noah was standing on the deck.

Q: Where is a ositional word, geography, geometric term, and simile all in one verse?

A: God sits upon the circle of the Earth and its inhabitants are likegrasshoppers.

(Isaiah 40:22)

Q: Where should we keep the commandments of God?

A: On the table of our heart. (Proverbs 7:3)

Q: What Bible verse has ordinals and addition?

A: Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.

And all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

Q: How many apples did Adam and Eve eat?

A: Adam 8 + Eve 8 = 16 apples

Q: What is the best multiplication fact?

A: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you. (2 Peter 1:2)

Q: What is the best subtraction fact?

A: Jesus will take away our sin. (1 John 3:5)

Homework for Parents:

Q: Who should prepare the morning coffee?

A: The men. The Bible says He-brews.

Q: How should we teach children to study the Bible?

A: Luke into it.

DISCLAIMER: (A disclaimer is a statement denying responsibility.) My readers know that my writing is much more intellectual and thought-provoking than this. My mind must be on summer break. Enjoy.

To the Class of 2019

by   June 15, 2019 with No Comments

I went to my 34th graduation as a teacher. In the 18 years I have been at East Davidson we have had all our graduations outside on the football field, except this year. After days of rain, the field was too wet for graduation, so we held the ceremony in the gym.

Leading up to graduation, I encouraged administration to pursue some way to stream the ceremony. I am not sure how it all worked out, but in the end we offered a live stream. So after the seniors headed down to the gym, I headed to my air-conditioned classroom to watch the festivities. It was great to have a front row seat in a comfortable chair, watching the senior Golden Eagles soar.

In our technology driven society, we need to find ways to provide more things like that for our students and their families. My mother watched her grandchild graduate from the comfort of her home. It allows people to participate who may struggle to physically be there. I am glad to have been able to attend several of my nieces and nephews weddings virtually.

One of my favorite parts of graduation is listening to the inspiring speeches. Two of the seniors gave speeches. The first young lady reminded the seniors that today one door was closing and another one was opening. It is the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

I liked that she talked about the various destinies that each of them faces. Our destiny is often determined by our career choices. Some of the students will be putting on military uniforms and defending our country…to those, I salute you. Some will pursue careers in the arts or sciences. Some will go to the community college, while others will attend universities.

The second young lady reminded the seniors that there were parents and teachers who want to see them succeed. She talked about walking through the trials of life and maintaining a positive attitude. She told the students to surround themselves with extraordinary people who will push them to higher levels of success.

One other thing she talked about is being a hero. She defined that as someone who helps at least one other person. She thus challenged the students to lead a life of helping others. She told the students to make wise choices so they could lead a life they would be proud of…which would bring them joy and happiness.

I love to listen to the students and reflect on what I would say to a graduating class if given the chance. Here are a few thoughts from a teacher with 34 years’ experience:

Try to find something that you enjoy doing that someone will pay you a living wage to do. Many people hate their jobs. You are young and now is the time to make some good choices so you will enjoy your career. If you love what you do, you will never have to work a day in your life. I have loved being a teacher…most days.

Choose your mate wisely. Life is more fun when you can spend it with someone you love and who loves you. Work at the relationship. That means you still need to go on dates even after you have been married for many years. Staying connected is vital to a fulfilling relationship.

Choose those you call friend wisely. The people in your life will either build you up or tear you down. We are all destined to walk through difficult times in life, and having a friend who will lift you up, or even carry you, can make all the difference.

Finally, and probably most importantly, connect with your Father in Heaven. I know that many people carry a bad image of a father because theirs wasn’t there, or was a poor example of a godly man. Your Heavenly Father is perfect. He loves you with agape love. He is always on your side and wants the very best for you. He is not a Santa Claus who grants wishes, but a loving Father who will stand with you through the good times, and especially, the bad times.

I want to encourage you to connect with God. Connecting with Him implies that you will read the Bible. Start with Matthew and read Jesus’ words. Pray and talk with your Father in Heaven. He will hear you and talk with you if you are willing to listen. Make wise choices and commit your ways into His hands. He will never leave you or forsake you. Good luck, graduating seniors…go out and soar.

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

Meet Nick

by   June 9, 2019 with No Comments

Nick is a well known person in town. You may have heard his name, since he is on the Council. He is a highly educated, in-charge kind of guy. It would be safe to say that he is a religious leader, who tends to be hypocritical.

People probably think of him as having a lot going for him. One would expect him to be content. One would expect him to be confident. But… he isn’t.

Because …he has a spiritual problem. One night, he could not stop thinking about it. Sleep would not come. He knew about Jesus. He knew Jesus had the answers to his questions. So, in the dark stillness of the night – while others slept – while no one was around – he went searching for Jesus.

It was as Jeremiah 29:13 says: You will seek me, and find me, when you search for me with your whole heart.

Nick found Jesus. And, after that encounter, his heart was changed. He decided not to share the news with others, though. Instead, Nick became a secret believer.

As time passed, the details of his days began to show his growing faith, and at one of his Council meetings, he publicly defended the name of Jesus.

There may be a bit of Nick in all of us. We have all been there at times – as secret believers – not quite boldly ready to proclaim the name of Jesus from the rooftops at that moment – or even the next moment – but slowly becoming stronger and stronger in our faith each day. Then, one day – the boldness shows up!

That happened with Nick:

He heard the news. Jesus had died on the cross. He knew he needed to be there. He no longer cared if he came secretly! He carried seventy five pounds of myrrh and aloe with him to anoint the body. That was enough to bury royalty! Along with Arimathaea, he began to compassionately, respectfully, and lovingly prepare the body of his Jesus.

Surely, as he began to wrap and anoint the body, he thought back to how Jesus had welcomed him in the dark of the night – and how his life had been changed.

Surely, his tears were flowing – even on to the linen cloths of his Lord – as his actions boldly informed the world that Jesus was his King.

Surely, it was a time of communion like none other, as the honor of serving his Jesus was just as real in His death as it had been in His life.

Nick knew.

We know, too.

As it was the story of Nicodemus, it is also the story for each of us:

In the dark of our night.

In the details of our day.

In the death on the cross – that led to our victory.

The answer is Jesus.

The story of Nicodemus was brought to you by John 3:1-21;7:50-52; and 19:39-40.

A Picture of Grace

by   June 3, 2019 with No Comments

He looked through the woods as we drove. “Easter comes early this year. I wonder if the dogwoods will be ready?”

Like him I hoped so. They are such a beautiful picture of grace.

Have you noticed how much Jesus loved visuals? As He spoke of worry, He pointed to wildflowers. Instead of just saying that God would provide, He referred to the birds. I bet it gave Him much pleasure to create the dogwood.

Look at this stunning visual of His sacrifice. Each cross shaped blossom displays blood stained “wounds.” Each center exhibits a “crown of thorns” as if the very heart of God shouts, “This is My Beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased!”

Let’s fall to our knees and worship this God Who draws us to Himself.

All heaven and nature point to Him.

How can we do less?

“For God made Christ, Who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” -2Corinthians5:21

“O God be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.”

Love U-4-Ever

by   June 2, 2019 with No Comments

“I read your column every week,” she said with a slight smile, but the look on her face told me this was not a casual conversation.

“The one about your daughter,” she whispered, “I really needed it. I keep a copy of it in my purse.” I opened my mouth, but no words came out. I knew exactly what she was saying to me. The look on her face reminded me of myself at times. There was no doubt in my mind. She loved an addict – and she was hurting.

The column she referenced was almost two years old. And… as part of my personal story, I knew it all too well.

The tragedy flashed through my mind as we stood there:

The call had come that morning. My then 19 year old daughter woke up in an apartment and found her boyfriend dead from an overdose. She was arrested, facing numerous drug charges. The life I had envisioned for her would not be happening. What had been a mostly private addiction dealt with by our family, on that day became very public – on TV and on the front page of the newspaper. I was heartbroken, angry, and grieving. I had lost the battle I had been trying to fight for her.

Later, as I watched her cry while standing over his casket, my bitterness remained. Until… I saw the words she had carefully chosen for the card attached to the single rose she had sent to the funeral home: Love U 4-Ever. But, the word love had been replaced with a heart. As the power of those words infiltrated my heart, so did the power of God. God somehow broke through my stony heart and sent healing to our relationship.

Love – of all things – the emotion I felt the least of at that moment – is the emotion that brought the healing.

I had written that column 15 years later, when I finally felt peace about sharing it. I love for someone to approach me and tell me how something I wrote impacted them. But…on this day, I somehow knew that this lady I did not know would ask this question I did not want to answer: How is your daughter doing now?

I shook my head, looked down at the ground, and felt the tears begin to fall. She hugged me, and prayed the sweetest prayer over my family. Then, she told me about her daughter, and I prayed for her.

That one day. That one person. While looking to me for reassurance, she ended up being the one to offer reassurance. And in turn… may the words I write – or say – in this column reassure you and lead the ‘addict you love’ to freedom.

John 6:33 tells me that in Him, I can have peace. In this world I will have trouble, but I can take heart! He has overcome the world!

I refuse to lose heart. The battle is the Lord’s. I will live in victory.

Love an addict? As the child of an alcoholic, sister of an alcoholic, and mother of an addict, I understand. We are not alone. Many suffer as we do. We do our best to make the right decisions, based on our knowledge of our loved ones. We do not have time to worry about what others think. God CAN do a great work in the lives of those we love. Our love and prayers may be all we have to give, and sometimes it may be ‘tough love,’ but it still counts as love. Proverbs 3:5 says to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. We trust You, Jesus!

Are you an addict? No matter where you are, God is right there. God knew you before you were conceived. He knows your heart. He knows your pain. No one wants to be an addict.

When life is at its worst, God is at His best. Ask for help- and mean it! This may be your day to be set free. Love U 4-Ever.

Sharing

by   June 1, 2019 with No Comments

We are entering exam week at school, that final push to finish up another year. It is hard to get students focused on doing well on their exams because they are already thinking about summer vacation. Well, the truth is that teachers are thinking about summer vacation, too. I am ready to send the students home to their parents so I can get some rest and relaxation.

We had a crazy school year. We started off with two hurricanes affecting our area. We were out for a couple of days for each one. Then we missed a week for that big snowstorm. I thought we were going to get a snowy winter, but thankfully Mother Nature backed off and we didn’t miss any more school.

I think I am a little more excited for this school year ending because I am retiring. I have been trying to clean things out as I find a little time here and there. I have found things stuffed away in my file cabinets that are really old. One thing I found was something I bought when I was student teaching.

The decision about what to keep and what to toss is challenging. The school system has decided not to replace me, so most everything I leave behind will probably be tossed when I walk out the door. I have worked hard to organize my files so it is hard to just leave them. But I got some advice from a former principal this week, and it was to toss it all. I really don’t need any more clutter around the house so she is probably right.

I contacted my former principal a few weeks ago and asked if we could meet before I retire, as she was such an inspiration in my career. She was gracious to come pay me a visit. We shared plenty of laughs and lots of memories. We also talked about how things have changed since we both began our careers. We both strongly believe…it’s all about the students.

Students come from incredibly diverse backgrounds and many do not have what we would consider a traditional home life. Some of the students come from troubled homes, and our job was to help them achieve success in spite of their circumstances. My former principal and I agreed that there were students that gave us grey hair and tried our patience, but to see them graduate gave us great satisfaction. We both know that without our help some of the students would not have made it.

I have always tried to keep an open door for students if they needed someone to listen. It is hard to gauge the impact of those conversations. One student came while I was super busy and wanted some advice about choosing a college. We talked and I offered some techniques on how to make important decisions. Knowing she was a Christian, I told her to pray and ask God to guide her. Years later I heard from a sibling what a powerful impact those few moments had on her life.

I will never know the impact that a few minutes of my time had upon my students. That is what I try to remind myself every day, that if I will make myself available to God, He can use me. He knows where I am and He will put people in my path. We need to have sensitive spirits so we can hear and obey the leading of God.

I am convinced that there are people in your life who need to hear from heaven. You may be the only conduit that God has available to reach them. He wants to use you but you have to be available to Him. Someplace a parent or relative is praying for someone like you to come into their family member’s life and offer them hope and guidance. The keys are to be ready, available, and willing to give out of what you have received. Hope, forgiveness, peace, direction, and love are truly wonderful gifts that you have and God wants you to share.

I want to encourage you to be willing to share out of the abundance God has given you. It isn’t always money others need. People need time, consideration, love, support, care, and possibly a helping hand. You see, the biggest need most people have is you. They need you to be Jesus to them. They need you to be His hands, His feet, His words, His arms around them. Any one of us can do that…we just have to be willing to give of ourselves.

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