I Want A Do-Over

by   October 22, 2022 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            Where did last week go? Seriously, where did it go? I am old enough to know that weekends and some weeks go by fast. Even for semi-retired folks, time can fly by. But last week was ridiculously fast. I think my allergies are to blame. My allergies put me to bed for the weekend and I have been taking naps all week. 

            I know you might be thinking it was COVID. I have done my homework. There are some symptoms in common and some differences between COVID and allergies. I have fought allergies for many years; my symptoms were definitely allergies. But after a week, my wife and I were concerned that maybe I could have something more. We thought I should take a COVID test before going to work and spending some time with friends. Thankfully, my test was negative.

            I struggle every spring and fall with allergies. I have to say that I have been lucky the last couple of years. I am not sure if the mask wearing that COVID encouraged helped, but I haven’t been knocked down by my allergies until last week. I guess I am making up for the past couple of years getting off so easy.

            Don’t get me wrong, my allergies were flaring up each spring and fall but not bad enough to put me in bed. I haven’t missed the dragging around. I had plans last week. I guess the key word there would be “had.” The week is gone and I have little to show for it. It would be nice if there was a way to bank up all the extra sleep and make withdrawals later when I need it.

            I never skip church, but I missed it last weekend. I rarely stay home from work, but I did a couple of days last week. Allergies can be rough, especially when there doesn’t seem to be any relief in sight. I take plenty of over the counter products but sometimes the only relief is sleep. That can be hard to get when you are sneezing.

            I do understand what is happening with allergies. My body perceives something is attacking. I am experiencing my body’s defense mechanisms working hard to protect me. That all makes perfect sense, but why do I have to feel so lousy? How do I tell my body’s defense system to calm down?

            God created our incredible bodies and they have tremendous power to protect us and to heal us when we get injured. The dermatologist cut things off my body twice now and I have watched my body heal, which is a miracle. When we get colds or allergies our bodies are equipped to defend us. All of that comes from God who is our healer.

            I have seen people healed miraculously. I know that God is still in the healing business. I believe that prayer is powerful and it has a profound effect on our lives. I also believe that we don’t realize how much influence our prayers have on people or situations. God listens when we bow our heads in prayer. He not only listens but He acts upon our requests.

            I enjoy praying for others, but honestly find it hard to ask for prayer. But in this case I have asked both family and friends to pray for me. I am hoping that this cold spell will kill whatever is causing my sinuses to go haywire. But I know that the biggest reason I am beginning to improve is that I have good friends praying for my health. I have a good Father in heaven who is keeping a close eye on me and has even dispatched angels to guard and protect me.

            When I am feeling bad or struggling with life issues I have found great comfort in the Psalms. This time I read Psalms 1, 23, and 91. While I love Psalms 1 and 23, it was in Psalm 91 that I found great comfort. God promises so many great things to us if we will run to Him. He will cover us, protect us, comfort us, and tell His angels to watch over us.

            I want to encourage you to read Psalm 91. It is filled with great comfort for those who are going through a difficult time. I also want to encourage you to hang on; I promise you will make it through your situation if you cling to your Heavenly Father. He knows about your situation, loves you in your situation, and will help you through your situation. You can count on Him.  

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

Old Wrestlers

by   October 21, 2022 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

Old Wrestlers

Soon following our move to Lake Norman  five years ago, my wife Mary Ann looked for a representative for a particular beauty product she used. Scanning a long list of saleswomen, she randomly chose one and called her. After their long conversation had finished, Mary Ann came to the library to tell me how pleasant Terri the saleswoman was and how much she looked forward to working with her. It was then that her phone rang, and Terri asked, “Did you say your husband’s name was Roger?”

In 1823 the English Romantic poet, Lord Byron, wrote his poem, Don Juan, in which he writes: “‘ Tis strange – but true; for truth is always strange; /Stranger than fiction; if it could be told,…” Over the years many other writers have expressed the same idea in various words, but no matter what version is written, all readers eventually learn the truth of Byron’s words.

There it was for me: Strange but True;  Life not Fiction.  The husband of Terri and I had wrestled against each other in high school. Mike wrestled for Mooresville High School, and I for A.L. Brown in Kannapolis. We competed in the same weight class for two years over fifty years ago and now we meet again, just not on a wrestling mat.

We four had the obligatory lunch to meet and talk and explore. Mike and I then continued sharing lunches, coffee in my shop, and he guided me around our new home, Lake Norman, which he knew well because his career was with the power company that built the Lake.  We soon discovered that we had much in common.: Both of our hometowns had been textile towns when we were wrestling against each other; our parents had worked in the mills; we lived in mill houses, and both of those houses are still family occupied. So much, besides wrestling, shared.

Each week he would call and ask, “Want a coffee?” then in a few minutes he would appear with a soda for himself and the promised coffee for me. Each weekly visit found Mike helping me with some project in the yard or my shop. He is most responsible for the deck that expanded my small shop– giving me much needed work space. A trained engineer, he made certain it was correct and safe. Exact, even. He would rake the abundant pine needles fallen from the 42 pine trees in our yard to use for mulch in his gardens.  Our weekly visit often included lunch, and when we ate at his favorite fast-food eatery, he would pull a rash of coupons from a pocket before paying and say, “A poor man spends money like he is rich, but a rich man spends it like he is poor.”  Then as we ate, some finer points of theology or politics would be discussed. I will always remember how he once looked at me during one of these “discussions” and asked, “Are you that naïve?”

When I work with a project on the deck that Mike more or less built or move in my wheelchair around the yard gleaning pine cones, I see his presence. The bluebird nesting-box with the red roof still graces the pine tree where he fastened it after I “mentioned” to him how it needed to be there. When I admired a long row of irises in a neighbor’s yard, I asked Mike one day as we returned from a road trip to knock on the unreachable (for my wheelchair) door to inquire if I could have some. The kind, elderly lady must of approved of Mike because she gave me permission to take any irises I wanted, and now next to the back garden gate is a small, varied-colored growth of purple irises that Mike and I planted; and, like our friendship, it grows and thickens and blooms.

Both our lives, like all lives, have had their dips and twists and failures and mountaintops. But for two boys from the mill hills of small, textile towns, we have been blessed and have done well. And as I share life with Mike long after our competitive days, I appreciate more and more the odd, interesting, and fulfilling paths that we all travel, whether planned or not. Mary Ann and I moved to Lake Norman not knowing that the “Stranger than fiction” of Byron would happen, and that a friendship would be forged out of a time long ago when two scrappy, mill-hill boys competed against each other. Byron also writes that “…truth is always strange.”  He’s right, of course, but not always in the way it may appear. It’s not strange that Mike and I respected each other as wrestlers. Nor is it strange that there is something deeper now.

Having a Healthy Fall

by   October 20, 2022 with No Comments

By David Freeze

I love the fall, including the seasonal beauty, better conditions for running and exercise in general plus all the festivals, ball games and more. Here are some of my thoughts on how to make fall a healthier time.

Don’t spend too much time eating high calorie and high fat comfort foods. We’re just started the final quarter of the year when we all have choices to make about whether we take control of our nutrition. Heading into flu and cold season, eat healthy foods with vitamin C like oranges and grapefruit plus other immunity boosters such as garlic, ginger, spinach and almonds. Take time to dine in at home where you have more control of nutrition instead of fast-food choices.

Take advantage of in-season foods like apples, brussels sprouts, cranberries, cabbage, pears, turnips and pumpkin, one of my favorites. Pumpkin is full of minerals and nutrients, plus vitamin A and beta-carotene. Avoid the canned version which is loaded with sugar and syrups. Try something new at the local produce market, especially something you’ve thought of before but were afraid to try.

Stay on top of your hydration. I am never surprised that once hydration is addressed and made a positive, the body responds with better performance. I’m just like everyone else, I have to work at proper hydration when its cool. Watermelon will likely stay in my fridge as long as I can find it. Make sure your pee is clear and a better body response is a given, not just physically but mentally as well. Better skin comes with better hydration too.

Speaking of skin, make sure to get outside to get your vitamin D that helps the body absorb calcium. Salmon, tuna, eggs and milk will help add vitamin D as does a quality supplement, but what better fun to go for a walk in the cool air and watch the leaves and sounds of nature. A walk improves mood and creativity too, so it’s great for the workplace too.

Watch the sugar intake especially since you will likely be at least somewhat less active. Halloween candy is a big culprit and it’s just ahead so be cautious of keeping extra around the house. Particularly anything with Reese’s Cups in it, my energy on a bike ride becomes a culprit for a few extra pounds at home. And about any football or baseball game on TV means a lot of sitting and the possibility of endless high calorie snacks. Explore healthy choices like fruit and veggies.

Fall is a great time to get your physicals and regular screenings. Maximize your insurance benefits while getting the results ahead of the holidays can provide information on specific areas for needed improvement. The average weight gain of Americans annually is 2-4 pounds, and we are headed into the time of year when it typically occurs.

Keep your normal sleeping patterns if they work well. Too little or too much sleep both can be detrimental as described in last week’s column. If you sleep too little, fall is a great time to add time for quality sleep.

Schedule some time for fall fun and stick to it. Looking forward to Interesting events and even day trips boost mood and joy of life. Set aside time for yourself such as reading, going to a movie, writing, long walks and more. You will be better for others when you take care of yourself.

And finally, get your exercise. If more darkness or cooler temps are a limiting factor, explore what the YMCA and the gyms have to offer. Look for classes that you haven’t tried and beat the rush of the New Year to backtrack on bad holiday choices. Moderate exercise boosts immunity and reduces stress.

The next races on the calendar are the Halloween double, the St. Matthews 5K and the Spooky Sprint 5K. Both have great courses, shirts, awards and refreshments. Look for these and more upcoming events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Cost of Following Him

by   October 19, 2022 with No Comments

Luke 14:26-27 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters–yes, even his own life–he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

  • To follow after Jesus means that He gets first place in every way.
  • To be His disciple means that He is our first love and all our decision making is based on that relationship.
  • God wants us to have all these loved ones around us, but He wants to be first in every way so that we can be His disciples.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus I do choose in every way to be Your disciple. I commit my heart and my life to You.  I choose You above all and everyone and everything.  You are the love of my life and You loved me when no one else did. You always carried me and watched over me.  I praise You today and I sing a new song to You today because You are my Savior and my Lord that I follow.  Teach me Your ways I pray.  Amen. 


Ed Traut
Prophetic Life

Peace

by   October 18, 2022 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

Peace — we all need it.

How do we define peace? Freedom from disturbance, tranquility, calm, restfulness, quiet, freedom from interference and lack of conflict can all be attributes that are used to define and bring about peace.

We need peace in our hearts, in our homes and in our lives. Without peace, there is no peace.

An archaic definition of peace is that it is an order to be silent, and sometimes, that is probably the best way to attain peace.

A more updated definition of peace is to be in harmony and in the absence of hostility.

Peace as the world describes it is the absence of conflict. Peace is not a place where there is no noise or trouble or hard work. It means that when we are in those situations, we can still have peace.

Does God want us to have peace?
• Isaiah 9:6 tells us that God is the Prince of Peace.

• Philippians 4:7 says that God’s peace should rule our hearts.

• John 14:27 promises, “Peace, I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let  not your heart be troubled. Neither let it be afraid.”

Jesus gave it to us and the world cannot take it away. Peace is the result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. That peace is deep and everlasting.

God’s peace gives us confident assurance in any situation.

  • Do not let anyone destroy your peace.
  • Peace is a battle that is worth the effort it may take to attain it.
  • Peace is achieved by understanding.
  • Peace can even be found in the midst of a storm.
  • Peace comes as we accept the power to overcome.
  • Peace is beautiful.
  • Peace is a lifestyle that we all should seek.

No matter the circumstance, the peace of God can rule our hearts.

Our hearts do not have to be troubled.

Live in peace. It passes all understanding.

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

Guns and Hammers

by   October 17, 2022 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

Did I mention that I had surgery? Wanta see my scar? Yesterday marked a week after the main event and I decided to celebrate by going to Lowe’s. Suddenly, after being cooped up a while during beautiful weather, mulch sounded very exciting. Shortly after arriving, I had a near death experience in the restroom. I had to be air lifted back home… or was that a plant cart hauling me back to the truck? I really need a sarcasm font. All I know is that the strength I was so sure of was quickly sapped and replaced with near panic.


Nehemiah 4 continues the story of the workers, their frustration, weariness, fear, and overall lack of strength. There’s a lot to love about Scripture. One thing I love is that it doesn’t gloss over reality. These people had worked until they were too tired to think. Then they got wind that they may be attacked, and not just in a verbally abusive kind of way. They literally had to have tools in one belt and weapons in the other. Can you imagine? We helped our youngest daughter and her husband some as they built their house. I cannot even think of how weary we would’ve been if we not only had this huge project in front of us, but also had to be on the lookout for angry neighbors who might take a shot at us. [Not to mention how bad we all needed baths.]


Verses 21-23 finishes the chapter by saying they “worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset….“ Always on guard; and none of them ever took off their clothes. Don’t you know those were some nasty weary Hebrews?
So on to the prayer for today.


Dear Lord of Heaven, thank You for understanding the reality of where we live. You know we get tired. Strengthen us against weariness. Strengthen us to do Your work. Strengthen us with wisdom to know what is worth putting every effort into, and what is worth giving up, so that we are not spread too thin. Protect our families. Help us never give up these loved ones You have so sweetly blessed us with, in order to meet the expectations of others. Remind us often of what is important to You. Give us clear thinking and strength to honor You. Help us do everything we can, but nothing we shouldn’t. And make our efforts successful!


More: Galatians 6:4-10 Psalm 90:15-17

NC Triad Honor Flight

by   October 16, 2022 with No Comments

My Dad was a member of the group that was flown to Washington DC as a part of the NC Honor Guard. The trip was paid for by local sponsors to honor the men and women who have served in our armed forces. They got the opportunity to tour the memorials in DC. I want to thank all the people who made this trip possible for my Dad and the 95 others who were honored. Here is a news clip about the story…. ENJOY!

We Need Hope

by   October 15, 2022 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

We need Hope

            Last Sunday the Emmy Awards were on. My wife and I try to watch the Emmys and the Oscars. It is fun to see the stars dressed up and looking their very best. It’s nice to hear them express their appreciation to those who helped them along the way. I also enjoy the good-natured roasting the hosts give the stars.

            This year as we watched I found it very interesting how many of the winners came from shows that are not on the big three. Many of the shows are on premium cable and streaming services. I guess I am not the target market for some of those shows. Maybe I need to expand my TV horizons…or maybe not.

            I imagine some people thought that maybe the stars shouldn’t have appeared on the show with so many people in our country suffering after the hurricanes. How could they dress up in such expensive clothes and be in such an elaborate place? When people are suffering, should they be showing off, laughing, and having fun?

            Oddly, I believe they should. When people are suffering they need hope. Nothing can help to lift our spirits like seeing people we invite into our homes each week up on stage being honored for their hard work. Watching their shows entertains and touches us in some way or the shows wouldn’t be on TV. The audience loves or hates the characters in their shows and we want to see what happens to them.

            When you think about it, the shows we watch become a part of our lives and the characters and their experiences a part of our own. So we root for our characters. These shows provide us a few moments of escape from our lives. People care passionately what happens to their favorite characters on their shows. So the award shows allow us to continue the escape as we root for our favorite shows and stars to win.

            In much the same way a good movie can transport us into another world for a few hours, so we can forget the problems we are facing in our own little world. When we are going through difficult times, it helps to go to a ball park and get a dog and a soda and root for the home team. We can enjoy sitting in the stands at a local high school football game, cheering the home boys to victory while we enjoy the band’s half-time performance and the cheerleaders stirring the crowd.

            I firmly believe that the people in the hurricane ravaged areas are not the only ones that need a little shot of hope. Many people are struggling with the bills and the many challenges of everyday life. We need a few hours of laughter and cheering to help lift us up. These kinds of things can help to stir the hope within us.

            One of the best places to find hope when we are struggling with hopelessness is in the Word of God and in God’s house with God’s people. We have all struggled with discouragement. God’s word is full of hope. God’s word reminds us that we are not alone and that God is always with us. God sees the way out of our troubles. God will lead us along the path to joy and peace.

            I assure you that no matter what you are facing, others in the body of Christ have been there and know what you are up against. They have overcome and found victory and they can help you through your pain. They have the scars to prove that they made it so you can make it through to your promised land.

            There is nothing like letting Christians pray and intercede for you. It is awesome to have your brothers and sisters standing around you, fighting for you and helping you stand. The next step is to find God’s promises to you, which are hidden in His word. These promises can be a great source of comfort and hope in dark times. God’s word can be a lamp to your feet to guide you through and out of the storms of life.

            If you find yourself facing hopeless moments, I want to encourage you to find the promises in God’s Word and hold on. Call some friends and ask them to pray and stand with you as you walk through the storm. Pray and talk to God because He knows your every need. Let Him lift your spirit as you lift your head to Him. He loves you more than you can understand and will see you through your storm into a brighter tomorrow.

Doug Creamer’s books are at Amazon. Contact him at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

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