Seeking Peace

by   March 11, 2023 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            I think if we are honest we all can struggle at times to find and maintain peace. Beach lovers know it exists when you are down at the shore. Mountain lovers say it’s almost tangible in the mountains. Some swear that they find peace near streams, babbling brooks, or waterfalls. I can find it sitting quietly on my front porch.

            I think most of us have a place where we can go and find peace. I sometimes wonder if we believe that peace is tied to that location. Many men like fishing and hunting for the excitement the sport offers, but I believe that secretly they enjoy the peacefulness they experience in the waiting quietly part of their sport.

            We all find peace in our own unique ways. The problem isn’t finding peace but rather maintaining our peace. My pastor has been teaching us that everything we need in this life is available to us from heaven. This is a very scriptural concept. He has also been trying to teach us that since it is available to us then we can make something like a withdrawal from heaven to meet our needs.

            Let’s consider a practical application. I wanted to make a withdrawal of peace before going to Walmart this morning…a place where peace does not exist. Walking across the parking lot I could hear music blaring from speakers. I walked down an aisle only to discover a fellow in an electric cart going backwards beeping. There were people everywhere.

            I went about my business. Somewhere halfway through my list I stopped to ponder my little experiment. In spite of all the noise and the many distractions I really could feel His peace. It was not like walking the beach, but deep inside there was this little bubble of peace.

            Returning home I was really glad to sit peacefully on my front porch. Few things are more peaceful than eating my lunch on the front porch with a good book. I guess the result of my experiment was that peace is available to me even in Walmart.

            Peace is not the absence of noise. I feel some of the strongest peace in my life while we are singing worship songs at church. There will always be some noise and sound around us that does not define peace in our lives. Peace is more the state of our hearts and minds.

            What are some things that will push peace from us? Worry will crush peace every time. Being anxious about circumstances will steal your peace. Lack of sleep and rest will zap your peace. Distractions can move your focus from peace. Your emotions can betray your peace. The list of things that can pull or push us away from peace is long.

            How do we maintain our peace in a chaotic world? First, we have to consider that losing our peace might be a signal that we have moved away from God. Second, we have to realize that it is almost impossible to have peace when tragedy strikes. That’s normal. Even though life pulls on us, there are things we can do to maintain our peace.

            I believe that one thing we need to do is focus on the things that are good around us. I think it will actually increase our peace if we spend time each day thanking God for our many blessings. I know we all have problems and stress but if we can make our minds focus on the positive and give thanks for those things I believe our peace will grow stronger.

            I believe that there are many things that can increase our peace. I am learning that regular exercise improves my peace. Spending time with friends increases our peace. Laughing at a comedian or a movie can do a lot to lighten your mood and give you peace. Needless to say, laying your burdens down in prayer and trusting the Lord to take care of them will increase your peace. Worshipping Him and listening to Christian music will lift your spirit and increase your peace. Sometimes just turning off your electronics can do the trick.

            I believe that peace is available to us and that we miss it simply because we miss Him. I want to encourage you to reconnect with Jesus, the true Prince of Peace. Let His Spirit minister to your heart and mind. Let His love wash away the worries of this world. We really don’t need to go someplace to find our peace, we need to go to Someone. I bid each of you the peace of Christ.

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

Chirping Sparrows

by   March 10, 2023 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

This morning’s ride on the stationary bike began earlier than usual. When I had uncovered the bike and adjusted every detail to begin my five-mile workout, the small grove of 14 pine trees between our road and me were still shrouded in soft, morning shadows. Because of the crisp December wind, I hurried to get moving in order to create some warmth because the sun had yet to clear the horizon of Lake Norman.

Before too long, my rotations on the stationary bike began to create a stronger blood flow, and I sensed a rise of my temperature. While no sweat dripped from my brow, the steady wind was not now causing as much discomfort as it was just a few minutes before. The rhythm of the ride steadied, and as my arms flowed into it my entire body joined. It was then that I noticed a small movement in the pine tree grove next to me. Then I saw another and another and another.

I watched as I cranked the bike. Small sparrows were busy looking for a morsel or more on the ground under the 14 pine trees. Because of the morning shadows I could not see the sparrows as clearly as I wished, but by the small bodies and action, I think that I was seeing a morning flock of chipping sparrows. It seemed that when I saw one, I saw another. Their constant movement along the ground prevented any accurate count, but I was more interested in how they were almost indistinguishable from a pine needle or piece of pine bark or a fallen leaf from one of the dogwood trees. When I thought I was seeing a chipping sparrow, the breeze would blow the leaf across the ground. But I saw many as they flurried across the ground in search for food. Then they quietly disappeared, leaving me to now have time to notice the first sun rays grace the grove’s shadows.

 I have watched many sunrises from this postage stamp of earth where I ride each morning. All of them are the same, but all are different. They are like people in that way. But no matter, I watched this one as I shifted to a higher gear for more resistance. I wanted the heat created by the harder riding, but I also wanted the warmth the sun would give. And I also needed to observe it, aware that the rotating earth and nature’s way would not wait. Aware of the moment,  I watched as the sunlight first graced the tree tops across the road in Ken’s yard and, clearing the housetops on our side of the lake, cast shadows of morning on the pine forest floor where the chipping sparrows had just been. Soon the shadows under the pine grove disappeared,   its needle covered floor revealed by soft, early morning sunlight. Deep shadows, chipping sparrows, and a morning moment replaced by another as the day, like all days, made its offer.

I began my warm down, but I still took notice as the day began. Watching the sun rise, seeing its rays break the grip of night, and feeling its warmth, I applauded its promise and the hope of that promise. A new day that would resemble yesterday and tomorrow, but one that had its own personality and potential. Its own hope. The Pharisee turned Christian, St. Paul, writes in Romans—“we are saved by hope.”

Indeed.

Challenges Keep Life New and Interesting

by   March 9, 2023 with No Comments

By David Freeze

I get a charge out of doing some unusual challenges. Sometimes it’s as simple as seeing if I can lift more or last longer than the much younger farm help. Another thing, I don’t like to be beaten in cornhole. If I lose a match, I’ll say, “Let’s do 2 out of 3!” And then hound that person until I can win.

Some of my bike ride followers might remember Janis Ramsey, then from Alaska, who I met when she asked me to stop in and visit on my ride from Nevada to Anchorage. Janis and her Salisbury native husband Frank Ramsey now have a condo in Salisbury. Just the other day, she handed me a magazine story about a runner from Texas who was trying to run in all 254 Texas counties. Jon Walk was just over 300 pounds when he challenged himself. He’s down to about 200 pounds and has 196 counties completed.

I took the article home and read it. Then set it aside, then read it again. I thought, “Why not do the same thing, but in N.C.?” Post sports editor Ed Dupree challenged me in 2017 to run across North Carolina, largely because he had not been able to do so by the time leukemia began to take his body. The day before Ed died, I was able to tell him that I would run across the state beginning in February. That run was completed in 2018, a few years after Ed himself completed running in all 100 counties. It seems like Janis had something in mind when she gave me the article. She said, “I thought you would like the idea!” In both cases, I got the idea on my mind and couldn’t shake it until I committed to chase the challenge.

The good thing about doing a new challenge is that I get to set the rules. Turns out that Jon Walk was inspired by a man who ran at least a mile in every city and township in Massachusetts. Walk said, “It just keeps me active and motivated and I like to think of it as a healthy addiction.” Walk runs 15 minutes minimum in each county, sure that the 15 minutes will guarantee at least a mile.

Here are my rules. As time allows, I am going to commit at least a day a month for the sole purpose of running at least a mile and a half in the county seat of every N.C. county. Some months, I will do more than a day. A few readers might say that a mile and a half isn’t much but consider that Walk has visited seven counties in the same day at least a couple times, and that all of this will come after my usual morning run. Before, during and after the run, I want to learn more about the county seat and the county. When possible, I will eat at an interesting place in the town. There is no time limit to get all the counties complete, but I do have to average at least a day a month in this pursuit. And to make it more interesting, my daughter and granddaughter have committed to go along when they can. My daughter Amber just completed her first marathon and the Booper, my 3-year-old granddaughter, is doing the local fun runs and doesn’t mind a good ride in my “Murphy to Manteo” baby jogger. My challenge, my rules!

I am ordering a large N.C. map that will reside on an upstairs wall and I’ll keep a journal of what transpires, likely posting a recap often in this column.

Speaking of challenges, our Beginning Runners Class begins on March 14 at the Salisbury P.D. and lasts for 8 weeks. Our next local run/walk is the Jace Landon TBI Aftercare Awareness 5K is on March 11 at Knox Middle School and the Salisbury Greenway. Look for more information on both and other upcoming events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org.

Fact & Faith

by   March 8, 2023 with No Comments

By Ed Traut

Romans 4:19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead–since he was about a hundred years old–and that Sarah’s womb was also dead.

  • It is not a lack of faith recognizing our situation the way it appears and seems to be.
  • Gods truth is way above all the facts and what He has said is what will happen, regardless of what the facts are. 
  • We do not get weakened in our faith because of our circumstances (the enemy is always trying to remind us so he can weaken our faith).

Prayer:  Hallelujah!  I praise You for Your faithfulness and Your greatness that You are able to do more than I can ask or think so I will not pay attention to my circumstances or what the devil says or reminds me of. I will put my confidence in You and You are a miracle worker.  Amen.

Ed Traut
Prophetic Life

Winter Hope

by   March 7, 2023 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

Don’t you love seeing daffodils this time of year? Around our house they seem to be popping up everywhere. My neighbor has three large flowerbeds loaded with them. So pretty. Their big ol’ heads nod at the cars passing by like “Look over here! Winter won’t last forever! Hitch up your britches and face this passing season.”


At least that’s what I hear. But I’m a few bulbs short of a full flowerbed.

In our yard we can count on daffodils popping up first in the woods to the back of the lot, then in various places around the house. This year a few rogues sprouted in the middle of the grass in the front yard. We’ve lived here a long time and those have never been there before. I guess they washed in from some random place and decided to bloom where they were NOT planted. There’s bound to be a lesson in there somewhere… though at the moment I can’t think of what it might be. I just know that each morning when I open the front curtains, their presence brings me joy.


Last night just before bedtime we flipped past the news. Generally speaking, I don’t watch it. But this caught my attention. Those who’ve studied Biblical prophecy have known for years that in the end times, right about when Jesus is ready to return, Russia and China will become allies.


Guess what was on the news. Yep. It was the first time I had ever heard of those two countries getting together as a possible superpower. Apparently the world is changing and there is not a lot I can do about it. The way I see it there are two options. I can wring my hands and cry out to anyone who will listen that the sky is falling. OR I can look to the One Who actually controls what’s going on and trust Him.


Today, as I open the curtains to see the daffodils nodding back at me, I rest. Though it is winter and the news forecast is bleak, there is hope for this season. I will continue to walk with the One Who has held my hand throughout my entire life. With His love He has calmed all my fears.


Do you know the Lord enough to trust Him?
It might be time.

by   March 6, 2023 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

It was time to write my weekly column.

You know what? I didn’t feel like it.

My mind was telling me to skip this week, but my spirit told me to sit down and get to work.

As I headed toward my computer, I passed some reminders framed on my wall: “Faith,” “family” and “friends.” And then ones for love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and self control.

Yes, it’s me — Ann Farabee.

I write a weekly faith column. I have spiritual words on my wall. I walk by those words numerous times a day, but I rarely notice them.

As I sat down to begin to write, I did what I would usually do first — I checked my phone. I sure am glad I did because:

• If I applied for the Chase Sapphire card, I could get 60,000 extra bonus points.

• If I clicked on the “5 Tips for Health” it might change my life — or maybe not.

• If I clicked on “What African Countries Speak Spanish?”

I might learn something! Maybe I had not really needed to check my phone. I walk by those words on the wall every day going back and forth to the kitchen.

Most times, I don’t even notice them. I sat down at my work table, and moved my Bible over so I could get to the stack of work that needed my immediate attention.

It’s me — Ann Farabee. I write a weekly column. I have spiritual words on my wall.

I had moved my Bible out of my way so I could do my other stuff. I probably should have hit myself in the head with my fairly large Bible.

Yes, I had moved it out of my way so I could do my other stuff. Don’t get me wrong — we all have to do other stuff. Yes, stuff has to get done.

But on this day, the thought, “Moving my Bible out of my way so I can do other stuff,” left me shaking my head. Perhaps because I realized I had then immediately picked up my phone again. I apparently was planning to skip Bible reading.

But I kept looking over at it and when I came to myself, I picked it back up and opened it to a random, or maybe not so random, page. I read these words: “Thou shall call his name Jesus, for He shall save his people from their sins.”

Those words were followed by: “God with us.” Jesus saved us from our sins — God is with us.

What more do we need? When we open the Book, no matter what page we land on, God has a word for us!

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

Goose Love???

by   March 5, 2023 with No Comments

Sometimes we need something a little light to lift our spirits. Sometimes we need to know that our critter friends need love just like we human folks. Here is a heart felt story from Steve Hartman…

Hope for the Future

by   March 4, 2023 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            Last week I attended the state DECA competition. Even though I am retired, I still want to be involved with this great organization. Marketing students from across the state gathered in Greensboro for their annual competition. There must be over fifty different events the students can choose to compete in at the state level. It is so good to see high school students dressed as young professionals as they compete to go to the national competition.

            DECA is not the only student organization for high school students. There is FBLA for business students, HOSA for health occupation students, FFA for agriculture students, and FCCLA for family and consumer science students, just to name a few that are in the Career and Technical Education programs. Each of these organizations offers students the opportunity to compete on the local, state, and national levels. Students have to work hard to prepare for these competitions, especially if they hope to make it to the national level.

            For a number of years, I have worked with the state officer election process. Officers are elected based on four things: how well they complete their application, a written test, an interview with a screening committee, and the percentage of the vote from the voting delegates to the conference. I find it interesting that students may win the popular vote but lose the election because they scored poorly on the test or did not complete the application correctly.

            I help by giving and grading the tests. The students know what they must study for the test but some students just do not prepare for the test properly. After the test there is an interview process with the screening and nominating committee, which I also help to oversee. I sit in the back of one of the rooms while the committee interviews the candidates. My job is to make sure the committee acts in a fair and equitable way with each candidate. It is amazing to see how mature these young people can be.

            It is captivating to watch these 16 to 18 year old student candidates interact with a group of about ten of their peers. They act so professional and grown up. Seeing these young people rise to the occasion gives me hope in the next generation. These young people exhibit such strong leadership potential. Most of the students that win the election go on to lead the organization in a great way.

            I like to stay involved with DECA for many reasons, but one of the main ones is watching the young people get dressed up and acting professionally. It kindles a hope in me for a bright future. These young people will one day become innovators, open small businesses, run major corporations, and hopefully rise in the ranks of our political system. They will also become the parents who will raise the next generation. When you see these young people, you can’t help but see a hopeful future.  

            When you couple that with the revival that I have mentioned the last couple of weeks that is occurring on many college campuses…the excitement and enthusiasm for our future explodes in me. The revival that began at Asbury University has spread to many other college and university campuses. God is at work drawing people from many different backgrounds back to Him. I am hoping that this continues to spread across America and the world.

            Some people see the headlines from any news source and get discouraged. You cannot deny the darkness that exists in our world. Darkness has always been and will continue to be in this world. You have to choose what you want to see. I choose to see the youth growing and maturing into fine young adults. I choose to see the revival that is spreading like wildfire across the land. I choose to focus on the goodness of God and the many blessings He has given me. I choose to walk in the light of the gospel and live in the love of God.

            I want to encourage you to choose to focus on the good that is happening around you and in your life. There are a number of today’s youth who are on a good path. There is revival spreading through college campuses. I am stirring the hope that has kindled in my heart. I have hope in a good Father who loves and cares for me. I have hope that He is making good plans for our future by raising up a new generation that has fallen in love with Him. Stir your hope for a good future! 

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

Gabby’s Gift

by   March 3, 2023 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

Growing up in North Carolina, we seemed to always have a dog for a family pet, but I was not a hunter of any kind, so I never trained or owned hunting dogs. Some uncles had beagles and coon hounds, and as a young boy I shivered around many campfires as they talked about which dog was leading the pack. A few duck hunting relatives used retrievers such as the golden, the Labrador, and the Chesapeake Bay on their duck hunts, so this is my knowledge of retrievers.  Therefore, when I met Manny after his family moved from the rocky Atlantic coast of Rhode Island to Lake Norman, N.C. I was unfamiliar with his breed—the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. That’s quite a breed name for a dog weighing in at about fifty pounds.

Curious about Manny and his breed, I conducted a simple Internet search and discovered the interesting heritage of Manny. His long, roan colored hair, similar to that of the Irish Setter, not only protected him in the cold waters of Nova Scotia but caused him to appear like a fox. The hunters/breeders in Nova Scotia had discovered that ducks were fascinated by foxes, so they would come close to shore if they saw one. Thus, Manny and his kind, all energetic dogs, were bred to run along the shore looking like a fox and the curious ducks would be lured within gunshot range of the hunter. Then the strong swimmer would retrieve the shot ducks. The luring action explains their name because tollen is derived from Middle English which means, among other things, “to summon.” They literally summoned the ducks for their masters.

Unfortunately,  I did not get to know Manny that well or long because he was already thirteen when I met him. I missed his young days of swimming in the cold waters of Rhode Island while playing with his young owners. I like to think that he thought nothing of jumping into the northeast waters of the Atlantic when he was lured to it by one of them. I missed those vibrant days of his youth, but I would see him moseying along on an early morning walk in his front yard. Sometimes he would “slip away” from his human companion and walk in his cul-de-sac and sometimes try to make it all the way to our shared road. But better than the yard or road, he liked the lake. After all, that is what he was bred for. Water.

While I did not get to know Manny that well, I have gotten to know the middle child of the family. Gabby is in her mid-twenties and works in Boston. She is an independent, strong young female who carries herself well. She has a fire that I greatly admire and holds her family, boyfriend, and Manny close. So when her parents told her that Manny was fading, she and her boyfriend flew from Boston to the lake to be with her family, and she cherished Manny. 

My wife Mary Ann holds that no pet’s last day should be its worst, and Manny’s masters had watched him closely to ensure that he was now just old, not suffering, but fading in body but not spirt. This week they decided that it was time because he was losing control of his bowel and bladder; he slept most of the time, and his days of swimming in the wild Atlantic had passed. The preacher writes in Ecclesiastes that “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” It was Manny’s season.

Manny’s last day was definitely not his worst. His family fed him his favorites, they cuddled him in his blanket, and as for the past fifteen years, they unconditionally loved him. Gabby, the grown middle child,  honored him and his breed by taking him for a last swim in the lake. After all, Manny was a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever who was bred for the water. It was her last gift to a cherished member of their family.

We Always Think There Will Be Plenty of Time

by   March 2, 2023 with No Comments

By David Freeze

I read with much interest the obituary of Cora Shinn this week. Cora had a physical fitness degree from college, and she knew the importance of staying active. Cora put herself through intense workouts in her 70s, and then decided to take up running and racing in her late 70s. Always meticulous in her workouts, she knew exactly what she was doing and why. I have lots of racing memories, but watching Cora was part of some of the best. She was a very popular local winner in her age group.

Here is what Cora knew. “Use It or Lose It!” We’ve all heard that term. For general health and movement wellness, you want to avoid getting weaker or losing muscle mass. Our muscles, joints, connective tissues and bones require some form of consistency and daily movement. Calisthenics, cardiovascular activity, stretching and moving progressively heavier objects are all ways to exercise the body.

We need the necessary foundation of strength, durability, stability and mental and physical conditioning that make us more capable humans. These principles are particularly important when it comes to fitness performance, overall health and wellness.

Why should you exercise? You need a reason as to why you are working hard if you want to be consistent. Is it to look good? Feel good? Live longer? All are great reasons to train yourself. For many, becoming stronger and remaining agile into their later years will be motivation enough to keep moving while remaining independent.

If we don’t use our bodies, we get rusty, stiff and things do not work as they once did. I constantly hear about balance failing. As we age, our body’s natural ability to recover, rebuild and repair from stress decreases. If you don’t continuously challenge yourself, we will start to lose our physical fitness level. This can lead to a decrease in overall health and wellness, and you may reach a point where chronic illnesses start to creep into your daily life.

It is never too late to start exercising and it doesn’t have to be boring or hard in the beginning. Just moving will feel good. Maybe you can listen to music or watch a movie for a distraction while riding a stationary bike. Start small and gradually increase your frequency, intensity and duration (another fitness principle). This will help you to stay motivated and ultimately build good habits and discipline, making your fitness easier to maintain so you never have to worry about losing it.

There are many life-saving reasons why maintaining physical activity for the rest of your life is needed, but here are the main health reasons. Keeping a waist circumference limit of 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men will help to reduce the risk for high blood pressure, high triglycerides, stroke, heart disease, diabetes and many types of cancer. Regular exercise has been proven to reduce the need for medications to treat the above ailments.

I had a potential personal training client ask me about what exercise she should be doing the other day. The options are endless. I, in turn, asked her what types had she been doing? In her mid-thirties, she couldn’t give me one. A short walk and stretching day today would be a great start for anyone in that situation. Don’t wait!

Our spring Beginning Runners Class is just ahead. It begins on Tuesday, March 14, at 6 p.m. at the Salisbury Police Department. Eight weeks of pertinent classes, your own training schedule, a training T-shirt and entry into your graduation 5K are the perks by joining in. And you’ll be a member of the Salisbury Rowan Runners for a year, all for $65.

The “Will Run for Food 5K” is set for Saturday, Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. It is a low-pressure, fun event for runners/walkers provided by Centenary Methodist Church. Proceeds go to Rowan Helping Ministries.

For information on these events, go to www.salisburyrowanrunners.org.

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