Remember Hurricane Hugo

by   September 11, 2023 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

If you knew immediately what the title referred to, you may have lived through it.

Hurricane Hugo arrived in North Carolina in the wee hours of the morning on Sept. 22, 1989. I know this because I was awake. Sleeping while the wind was roaring was impossible. It left me feeling as though my home was under attack and could be moved from its foundation at any second.

We were a typical family of four — mom, dad, seven-year-old daughter, and a four-year-old son. My husband and I heard the sounds outside before the kids did, so we headed toward the living room where we could see out the window. That is when the power went out. We stayed awake to make sure our roof stayed on the house, the glass stayed in the windows, and the house stayed on its foundation. We were soon joined by our seven-year-old, but our four-year-old slept through the night.

It was a long, loud night. The sounds from the hurricane were sounds I had never heard — and have not forgotten.The wind was not just blowing — it felt and sounded like a freight train barreling through our house. I was scared. I admit that more than once that night, I had thoughts of Dorothy and Toto as I envisioned — and almost felt — our house being lifted from its foundation.

We had a cock-a-poo that was not named Toto — but he was shaking in fear and pooping everywhere in the house the entire night. He refused to go outside. I don’t blame him.

The power was out for 11 days, and the food in the refrigerator spoiled. The phone service was out for two weeks.

But hey — we had each other, right? At one point, we decided to get into the car and attempt to go somewhere to find something — like maybe some food. We took a right out of our neighborhood toward Kannapolis and almost immediately, we saw a very large tree blocking our road. We turned around and headed the opposite direction toward Concord. Almost immediately, there was a very large tree blocking the road. We went home.

Food was running a bit low, obviously, but it was amazing how valuable food out of a can is when one is hungry.

Week Two showed a few improvements. Some radio stations were back on air, and since we had a transistor radio and some batteries, we somewhat began to reconnect with the world.

School re-started before everyone’s power was back on, but it was for the best. Students felt a sense of normalcy and food was available for all. I greeted each of my students at the door with a hug. They hugged me back. We had been through something separately — but also together.

They were not my actual family, nor was I theirs. You sure would not have known it.

We were a family back together again. It was good to be home.

Remember Hurricane Hugo? I sure do.

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

Is Hospitality a Cultural or Personality Trait?

by   September 10, 2023 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

Hospitality is intriguing because it is not always the extroverts who have displayed it so well to me and my family. True, biblical hospitality is always more than a serving action; love accompanies the action, not grumbling (1 Peter 4:9) or a mere sense of obligation.

I recently interviewed several ladies from either church or friends who I have witnessed bear this trait remarkably well. Only a couple are self-professed extroverts, while some consider themselves quite shy.

While some of the ladies, like Lizzy, grew up in cultures (like Southern culture) or family environments that did foster hospitality, others did not. What is natural for some is very unnatural for others. So what is the connection? How are extreme opposites in personality and culture willing to lean into their natural gifting or push past their comfort zones to show hospitality?

Lizzy recognized that her mother kept the door open to their home for friends, church groups, and those who were alone during holidays. Now, Lizzy naturally carries on that legacy today.

Likewise, Ellie, a church charter member, recalls the early days of the families attending church needing a place for events. God had blessed her with the perfect home for hosting such events. Rather than keeping that goodness to herself, she sees it as a tool to serve others.

Lydia also uses her gift to uniquely connect with an ever-growing congregation and learn the names of visitors and new attendees. She bakes the most delicious bread each week and surprises select members and visitors alike with a loaf to take home – and we each love it when it is our week to receive the blessing!

Anna’s awareness came about differently, yet in a way that many of us keenly have become aware of in recent years. Covid and the lack of connection gave her time to contemplate how to serve others and grow in Christ. While she opened her home to immediate family, she recognized that God was now prompting her to open that door a little further to others.

During a recent discipleship session, Lacey clearly articulated the “why of hospitality” by sharing that pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones reflects Christ, who healed the lepers and invited children into His presence. Even when we feel a reservation or are uncomfortable, we must remember we represent Jesus. The world – sinners and saints – need us to show Him to their lives.

So what about you? Do you naturally want to serve others but have been keeping it to a select, very close few? Or, despite your personality being more introspective, even shy, you feel a drawing to step beyond comfort boundaries to glorify the love of Christ to others. There are more obstacles to consider, but we will ponder those another week.

Ashlie Miller has become a social introvert, thanks to her extroverted husband in ministry and the grace of God. You may contact her at ashliemiller.com.

Seasons of Life

by   September 9, 2023 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            While out for my walk recently, I reflected on how thankful I am for my neighbors and the peaceful community we live in. Everyone waves. I like seeing people’s flowers and landscaping as I walk. I have stopped to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of my neighbor’s flowers or blooming shrubs on more than one occasion. I also appreciate the shade that trees provide, especially on warm summer days.

            The calendar turned to September and I was enjoying a few cooler days after the hurricane pulled away last week. I heard someone mention that Labor Day signaled the arrival of fall, but I chuckled because that person doesn’t realize that we have many false starts to fall around here. After those couple of cooler days last week we are right back into the mid 90’s this week. Fall is still down the road!

            I was enjoying my walk, thinking about fall. Suddenly I looked up at a neighbor’s house and saw that they were completely decorated for fall. Flags, wreaths, and signs welcomed fall. They have even planted mums, the official flowers of fall. Everything was beautifully executed, but all I could think was, “No, it’s not fall yet!” While I am looking forward to cooler evenings and days that are not in the 90’s, I am not ready for the arrival of fall.

            We did some much needed weeding in our yard over Labor Day weekend. We also planned some fall chores. I planted some beans and peas in my garden a few weeks ago and they are up and looking pretty. I was talking to a gardening friend the other day as we considered other vegetables we might try to sneak in for a second harvest from our gardens. We are trying to grow some more tasty treats before the real arrival of fall.

            Don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to slam fall. I like fall’s refreshing weather after a long, hot summer. I truly enjoy watching the leaves change and taking in their spectacular beauty. I also enjoy being outside with lower heat and humidity. I just want to enjoy watching things grow before winter’s rest rolls around.

            There are things to enjoy from each season of the year. I love late winter as the bulbs begin to bloom, announcing the arrival of spring. Spring is wonderful, as everything comes back to life and I get to work in the garden. Summer is wonderful because we get to enjoy fruits, vegetables, and beautiful flowers. Fall arrives with cooler weather and the changing of the leaves. Winter is wonderful because we celebrate Christmas and hopefully, see some snow. Each season has something to appreciate and things we must also endure.

            I think when it comes to our spiritual lives we always want to live in spring and summer. It is a natural desire to want to be growing and producing fruit in our lives. I think God takes great pleasure in seeing us put on a flush of new growth, followed by a season of great fruitfulness. God wants us to be fruitful and to multiply. God wants to see us expand our horizons and explore new and wonderful things.

            God also knows that for plants to continue to be fruitful they have to be pruned. Plants also need a season of rest to rejuvenate. God knows the need we all have for seasons of quiet reflection, a time to deepen our roots and strengthen our inner core. These seasons are necessary in order for a new season of fruitfulness to emerge.

            Jesus took time away from the crowds to rejuvenate and spend time with His Father. He demonstrated the need to pull away and rest. Most of us struggle with the idea of slowing down because we live in a society with its pedal to the medal. But God works through those quiet times to refresh us and prepare us for a fruitful season ahead.

            I want to encourage you if you feel like you are in a season of fall. I know your season of fruitfulness is quietly coming to an end, but that is okay. God is providing for you a season of rest to rejuvenate you and prepare you for an even greater season of fruitfulness in your life. Rest, reflect, draw closer to God, and drink deeply from His presence, because He is all about refreshing you and preparing you for the great opportunities He has just ahead. Imagine that, the God of the whole universe wants to draw you closer to Himself. This will be a great season for you if you will rest in Him.

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

Day 20

by   September 7, 2023 with No Comments

By David Freeze

The perfect day comes together on the last day of riding!


   I just had my last (for this adventure, at least) Y Service Club ice cream. A Wendy’s Frosty to celebrate the last day of riding. There is so much to celebrate, many prayers answered and so many good people involved. I can’t remember getting to know such a large group of people who stayed involved after I met them.


     Yesterday’s weather put me behind but I did find out last night and today about some of the damages, especially the large hail. We didn’t get the hail late yesterday in Barnum, Minnesota but the sky looked like it was ready to let it roll. Just rain and lightning, then rain again last night. I knew I had big miles to do today to get close enough to Minneapolis-St. Paul to pick up the rental car on Sunday. It would take close to 110 miles to do that. I prayed on it, went to bed early and got out the door at first light. Early enough to be chilly in Barnum.


    I pedaled over to the Munger Trail again, and was amazed to see runners on the trail at 6am, and many of them wearing lights. After a few minutes, I realized that this was a long distance relay race with teams of people alternated to cover the distance. The teams covered 200 miles and much of it was on the trail. I met runners for over three hours, and spoke to all of them. They spoke back too, especially nice since I was pushing the pace and it was fun to see them. I have done four of these type races, all fun but also a great way to know people. This race was called the Ragnar Relay.


   I pedaled from Barnum where I thought they were having a road race, but it was the first of relay runners starting to arrive. The next town was Moose Lake where the trail ends and then starts back about a mile away. I couldn’t find the continuation point and tried another bike lane, before deciding I had the wrong one because it turned east instead of south. A big mishap was  narrowly averted when a man with three little dogs let one loose and he ran under my bike. At this point, I don’t understand how I didn’t hit him.


    I started riding on County Road 61, not US 61 like it becomes later. Suddenly the trail was on my right and I got on it again. We passed through Sturgeon Lake, Willow River, Rutledge and Finlayson, all with runners passing through too.


    Then it was on to Pine Lake, Rock Creek, Rush City, Harris, Forest Lake, Stacy, Hugo and finally White Bear where I am spending the night.I am in the Emerald Inn which Michael Zachow from Bemidji found, searching for an affordable place near St. Paul. He got the perfect place for a good price, with lots of food sources just a short walk away.

  I was 8pm getting in, wanting to stretch the day and end in the right place. I am late writing, but not too worried this time because the cycling part has ended with a 111 mile ride. That is one of the longest ever for me, just a little behind the 120 mile ride done in Missouri a few years back. The weather was perfect, partly cloudy and sunny with a high of about 60. A moderate tailwind helped too, but so did reasonable terrain and mostly good roads.


     One odd thing happened to the bike. For the last 30 miles, I could not shift gears. Stuck in place for some reason, we’ll figure it out at home. No flats on this trip, possibly due to the introduction of thorn resistant tubes for the first time. More about that tomorrow. Skinny Wheels did a great job preparing the bike.


    Tomorrow, I start the two day drive home, perfect for reflection of all the challenges, people and accomplishments of this combined Mississippi River, Lake Superior adventure. I am pleased as can be with the ride. A wonderful experience, for sure.

  I will be back for one more day to recap the whole ride, those involved in many ways and the sponsors. Thanks again for riding along! See you tomorrow!

Sing to Him

by   September 6, 2023 with No Comments

By Ed Traut

Psalms 40:3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.

  • God gives us a song in our heart to sing to Him on a daily basis. He is good and worthy of praise.  
  • We belong to Him and His people should be praising Him continually.  
  • People are moved and touched by our worship to God and our service to Him and will turn to Him to put their trust in Him, so let us continually praise Him.

Prayer:  Lord I do lift my hands in worship and praise.  I do want sing a hymn to You everyday to honor You and to constantly sing of all You have done and the goodness of God, because there is no one like You.  Amen.

Ed Traut
Prophetic Life

Day 19

by   September 5, 2023 with No Comments

By David Freeze

Things didn’t come together, trying again tomorrow!


  I left everyone yesterday with hopes of a big day today. I was happy that the morning started well, even in the rain and I buzzed into Duluth and most of the way through town. The wind was behind my back and I felt good at about 18 miles.  


  Then things started to slow a bit. I joined the Willard Munger Rail Trail in hopes of a long day, extending close to Hinckley, Minnesota. I found out after writing yesterday’s update that rooms most of the way south of Duluth were mostly unavailable. A weekend concert series had taken all the rooms at ridiculously high prices. I called about eight places late and couldn’t believe what they were charging along my planned route for the day. I went to bed after being quoted $400 for one night.


  Even if I could have ridden as much as I hoped, there would have been no rooms and very limited camping. I started riding the Munger Trail and felt a steady upgrade coming up from Duluth. The rain stopped, but I made slow progress.


  There were no towns early on the trail, then a few popped up. Mahtowa, Carlton and Barnum were the towns along the way and gradually US 61 started running parallel with the trail. I met the Arends family from the Carlton area and told them about my dilemmas for the day. My cellphone charge was running low already by midday, and I left it with the Arends to charge it. We all laughed that I would trust them with the phone for 90 minutes. I rode on and they met me at a popular country store called TJ’s. We talked about lots of things including the drought, Kevin’s cycling and racing, plus a building storm that was going to hit in an hour or so. I really enjoyed meeting their family.


   I bought some snacks in the store and planned to ride until I had to set up camp before dark, hoping to have a bigger day. That is always a big gamble since cell coverage seems more spotty than I would have thought. Kevin told me I had an hour before it hit, so I called the Barnum Inn and asked if they had a room. The owner told me she could get a room ready and to head her way. Meanwhile the storm hit with steady rain, lightning and thunder, all of this unpredicted but greatly needed in the drought laden area. Reports of hail and some damage came in. Later the storm cleared but another looks to be building.


     Bottom line, I got only 55 miles today and must have a bigger day tomorrow. It’s a straight shot to St. Paul, and I hope conditions are favorable and the bike runs well. I need to get close enough to St. Paul to get to the airport for a one-way rental back home on Sunday for me and the bike if that comes together. A pretty day is predicted.


   I hope to do my part and make tomorrow a great day! Join me back here and we will see what happens.

Code Talker

by   September 5, 2023 with No Comments

Lynna Clark

Do you send greeting cards? I do. I guess because I love to get them. I remember mama saying one time that she and daddy nearly got kicked out of the Hallmark store that used to be near Marshalls. They tucked themselves over in the Maxine section and read funny stuff until they were laughing outloud. We could always count on them to find the best humor available. Like a lovely card with a photo of clouds and sunshine on the front. The sentiment said, “I wish you were Jesus.” Knowing my parents I couldn’t imagine such a sappy greeting on my birthday. The inside cleared it up by adding, “Then today would be Christmas.” Yep. Just my speed. David’s mother Nina on the other hand, always bought the sappy stuff and personally underlined the important parts. Which was everything. And even though she lived across the road from us, she would put a stamp on the envelope and send it with her outgoing mail. On my birthday one year she tucked a twenty inside with a note in her distinctive left handed script. “Go get that paint you like so you can freshen up the looks of that end table you’ve been wanting to refinish.” She knew me well and tried to think of unique gifts to make me feel loved. I used that twenty to buy a gallon of Robin’s Egg Blue paint at Lowe’s. Paint costs about twice that much now; so that tells you how long ago it’s been. Now every other piece of furniture in the house is Robin’s Egg Blue. But that’s okay. Designers have been advising for years to pick an inspiration piece and run with it. I’ve decided that’s what happened. But don’t worry. I still have a dab left in case something comes up.


So anyway, I still send greeting cards. While the savvy amongst us send texts or messages online, I’m still using paper and ink. The last time I sent a card to a granddaughter I wondered. Can she read this? It IS in cursive. Will she even get it? Since she lives in an apartment in a large city, does she even check the mail? Good thing I planned ahead. It took about four grocery trips for my beloved to remember to get stamps at the Food Lion. I was kinda proud when I remembered to tell him to pick some up. He felt rather accomplished when he remembered to do so. As I pondered my granddaughter’s circumstances or status as the youngsters say, I felt like a Navaho code talker. Actual ink on paper written in cursive and mailed to an address by way of a stamp seems a little antiquated. At least I knew enough not to put money in there. Because who in their right mind would want to buy a can of paint and color everything in the house Robin’s Egg Blue? Hopefully the espresso mugs she picked out on Amazon will land on her doorstep and make her smile. The only problem is that they will be there a week early. I’m so used to regular mail that I forgot to allow for the efficiency of Amazon. And we wonder why Amazon is taking over the world.


Oh well. At least the greeting inside the box will not be in cursive. I think she will love it.

Did You Hear Me?

by   September 4, 2023 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

My husband and I had been sitting in our living room for an hour and neither of us had said a word. He was watching a game on TV, though, so it was understandable. As I looked across the room at him, I thought about our lives together. We have worked hard in our careers. We are raising our grandsons together. We have tried to live our lives for the Lord. And yes…we are getting older.

So, I looked toward him lovingly, as he sat there on the couch holding the remote, and I said tenderly, “I am proud of you.” He seemed a little shocked, but after a moment, he looked at me and responded, “I am tired of you, too.”

(Okay, this was a joke. Hopefully, my husband will forgive me for it.)

Sometimes, we do not hear what we think we hear.
Sometimes, we do not even attempt to hear.
Sometimes, we do not hear at all.
We need to listen.

The words, “They have ears, but cannot hear,” seem to be applicable and are in the gospels at least seven times. Apparently they needed to be repeated.

The word ‘hear’ is in the Bible 347 times, so it must also be a word that bears repeating.

Once while teaching a children’s Sunday School class, I told them how when I was just a young girl, that I had heard God speaking to my heart that I needed to accept Jesus Christ as my Savior. A child blurted out, “How did you hear God?”

Good question from a six year old. Hopefully, I muddled through with a good answer.

How do we hear God? Here are some of my favorite ways:

*Through His Word. Isaiah 30:21 says that our ears will hear a word behind us saying, “This is the way. Walk in it.” God’s Word is alive – it is not just a book. It is God-breathed – given by the inspiration of God, according to 2 Timothy 3:16. It still speaks to our hearts today.

*Through prayer. As we pray, God hears us and we hear God. It is not how we pray, but it is that we pray. It is our direct link to God. Psalm 66:19 says that God has heard me. He has attended to the voice of my prayer. To ‘attend to’ means to be present, to listen to, to give attention to. God attends to us!

*Through nature. When we look up at the sky, over at the trees, or around to see what God has made, Psalm 46:10 comes alive, and we can hear God’s Voice speak to our spirit saying, “Be still and know that I am God.”

*Through others. Our children, family, friends, strangers, teachers, pastors – are some of those who warn, encourage, bless, guide, and send us confirmation of what God is speaking to us, as they help us hear God.

*Through our circumstance. The circumstances – that ‘drive us’ crazy – are also the circumstances that ‘drive us’ to hearing the voice of God. A circumstance is an event or fact that causes something to happen. Bad or good – our life changers – our circumstances – are where we hear God. Proverbs 8:34 says that the man who hears God is blessed, so no matter our circumstance, we are blessed because we hear God.

*****Whether in the church – or on the couch – of our everyday lives – God wants communion and communication with us. God hears us – and we hear Him. We just need to listen.

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

Day 18

by   September 3, 2023 with No Comments

By David Freeze

  Setting up for a big day!


  Today was my last day on Lake Superior, but I likely will still see it briefly tomorrow. Some things were left over that needed doing today and all of them got done. I started the morning at the Mariner Motel in Silver Bay where the wind was gusting early. The Mariner is one of the best buys I have had on a motel room and I got to stay twice. One of the narrowest road shoulders on US 61 was the first thing I had to get done to continue south. The shoulder had rumble strips, allowing very little room for the bike. All went well before the traffic got going.


    I wanted to see the Split Rock Lighthouse, built in 1910 and one of Minnesota’s most photographed things. It sits on top of sheer 133 foot cliff and was built because of the many shipwrecks in the area. I met Julie and Tucker, her dog, out early trying to get good photographs. The visitor center in the state park didn’t open till 10am so all we could do was get the photos from the edge of water.


    Then I pedaled to Gooseberry Falls State Park and another attraction. The falls have several levels. I saw Julie and Tucker here too, and and Julie told me ahead that the middle falls were the best. She of course  was right. I was interested that so many a people were in the water which had to be very cold. The parking lot was packed.


  Then I pedaled toward Two Harbors, the largest of the towns along the north shore. Just before town, I spotted Betty’s Pies, touted as world famous for those pies. The place was packed with probably 50 cars in the parking lot. Anyone could eat inside if they wanted to wait. Not for me, I placed an order for a Bombleberry and a Maple Pecan pie slice. I ate the maple one right away and saved the Bombleberry, a mixture of five berries. Both were great, but the Bombleberry is the best slice of pie I have ever eaten.


   The wind was pushing back at me in Two Harbors and the riding was challenging. I pedaled toward Mark and Anita Goellnor’s house on the north side of Duluth. Remember when Mark and Anita stopped to give me a cold drink last Saturday as I entered Duluth? I am spending the night in their house and we just had a wonderful dinner and chocolate ice cream that the Y Service Club won’t have to pay for for. Mark is a regular adventure cyclist and has been on several long rides.


  My goal for tomorrow is spirited one. I want to make 92 miles from Duluth to Hinckley Minnesota, a little more than halfway to Minneapolis. We have heavy rain predicted overnight and some still tomorrow morning. I will head out early in hopes of riding through town and joining the Willard Munger rail trail which runs to Hinckley. Mark drew out the directions and the map is ready to use first thing. It is an ambitious goal, but one that excites me and hopefully will get done tomorrow.


    Lake Superior covers 31,700 square miles and is about the same size as South Carolina.


     Join me back here tomorrow to see how things go on the big day, rain or shine. Once again, thanks for riding along!

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