Lynna’s “N” & Blessings Piled On

by   April 30, 2025 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

Nahum is an obscure little book in the Bible. But one of my favorite verses is found there. Nahum 1:7- ” The Lord is good, a Stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows the ones who trust in Him.”

Dear sweet Lord, this crapstorm is heavy. I really don’t love the things we are going through. But You are good, and You know how we feel. Today I choose to trust in You. You alone are my Stronghold.

Sometimes in life we get the feeling that it’s one bad thing after another. Like being on the bottom of a bunch of players scrambling for the football with everyone else piling on. It’s suffocating down there. According to my very knowledgeable husband, there may even be some uncouth activities going on in the bottom of the pile. This little story is to tell you about the opposite of that. How even though our only vehicle blew a head gasket when we needed to make numerous doctor visits, our nephew stepped up with a spare car. “Use it as long as you need to,” he assured us back in October. “We just keep it in case someone needs it.” Who does that?

Then there’s another young relative who sent a giant Food Lion gift card because they heard we’d started ordering groceries to be delivered. An older lady we’ve never met who heard through her Sunday School class that we’d both been very sick, sent a card with a check to help us through hard times. Along with it was the reminder that God is working all things for our good. Not only does she truly believe that, but she also doesn’t mind contributing to His care.

Then there’s the neighbor who dropped off a card with a hundred dollar bill in it with the promise not to bother us, but also the assurance that she is there if we need her. Also a niece who made homemade chicken broth and bread while I healed from a second surgery and David endured chemo. Nothing says “Get well soon,” quite like that. It is also the Southern version of “I love you very much.”

Others text and call, but most of all pray; enough that I know I can count on their prayers! Faithful ones who drive us to appointments, wait during infusion, pick up meds, or stop by and clean out the guttering: yes, that really happened. We are just amazed at all the care the Lord is giving us through His people. That’s not even counting the daughters who’ve spent hours on the road, stayed with us overnight in the hospital, watched each others kids in order to free up the caregiver, and countless other “little things” so that our many needs are met. It reminds me of the verse in John 1:16. “From His abundance, we have all received one gracious blessing after another.” Piled on, but in a very good way.

Grace heaped upon grace! That’s how our Lord Jesus gives.

In case you didn’t know, David was diagnosed with stage four cancer last July. A short while later my intestines ruptured requiring emergency surgery, as well as a follow-up hospital stay and another surgery in March. It felt like we were being piled on then, but now, nearly a year out from his diagnosis, we are seeing just how faithful God is through others. One more sweet story then we’ll save the rest for another day.

David had been so sick and so weak for such a long hard time that I had no strength left at all. My sister happened to show up at just that time to help me navigate applying for a financial grant to help with medical bills. Instead we ended up sitting on the back deck as I wept through just plain grief for my beloved husband who could not catch a break. She held my hand as we both cried. No words were spoken, no audible prayers were prayed, no advice was given. She just held my hand as long as I needed. Again it felt like the very Spirit of Christ was there to personally comfort me.

Did I say one more story? I meant two, and this is my favorite. We have a neighbor who rides his mower over and cuts our grass on the days he cuts his own. He did this last summer and has kept it up ever since. He is a quiet unassuming guy who never slows down to let us thank him. Last week I was determined. I waddled out back as he zoomed by the picnic table and flagged him down. “Oatmeal cookies!” I held up the zippy lock bag in his direction. He cut the motor as I thanked him for all he’s done. “How’s David?” he asked. I couldn’t speak, but tears began leaking from my traitorous eyeballs. I shook my head and tried to answer, but what do you say? I was embarrassed for the poor guy who was just trying to mow and get out of dodge. His quiet voice surprised me with an old hymn.

“When we all get to heaven…” he sang. Then he zoomed off on his mower, cookies in hand, as I thought about entertaining angels unaware. How many folks have loved us so well during this very difficult time? How many prayers have been sent up by saints who only know of us, but care enough to breathe a prayer on our behalf?

Yes. We have been “piled on.” I guess you might say on both ends of the spectrum. For today at least, I will bask in all the wonderful ways God has heaped grace upon grace.

Last June when we took this picture for our 50th anniversary, we had no idea how many people would love us so well. Praise God and thank you!

Our wedding day. Time sure flies when you’re having fun!

Out of the Ashes

by   April 29, 2025 with No Comments

How do you recover after a fire takes your restaurant business? Steve Hartman tells the story of how something came out of the ashes and it brought hope. ENJOY!

The Savior on the Road

by   April 27, 2025 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

My grandparents had a print of the painting Road to Emmaus by Robert Zünd hanging in their living room for as long as I can remember. You may be familiar with this painting, which I understand was a popular print in the 1960-70s. However, if you are not, it features two men walking alongside and listening to the risen Christ. The scene is idyllic – a forest with large trees, a small stone bridge over a brook, and the faint image of a village ahead in the distance. 

Religious art used to frighten me as a child – “Can He (God) see me?!”. I would steal glances at this particular painting and wonder about it. When I finally was old enough to understand its significance, the print became more of a treasure to ponder than something to fear. 

The story behind the scene Zünd captures is so beautiful: a risen Savior walking with disciples – not those disciples (Peter, James, and John) or even the other eleven. Rather, they are disciples we may otherwise know nothing about (see Luke 24 for context). What a Savior – to reach the lesser known. Don’t you love that He took his time with them while they were on a walk? We know they were leaving Jerusalem and headed towards Emmaus. Likely, they were leaving after the Passover and all that ensued that Holy Week. They had tarried long enough to hear reports from women regarding Jesus’ body missing, angels confirming Jesus had risen, and men double-checking to make sure these women weren’t crazy (because women were not considered reliable sources for testimony). Yet, that must not have convinced these two wandering disciples. They needed a divine encounter to fully grasp the Word given to them.

Why was Jesus walking away from Jerusalem towards this town? He appeared to have a mission – to make what the previous week was all about abundantly clear. All the words of the prophets they had read from Moses and beyond – every Scripture points to Himself. The Word in the flesh (Jesus) was revealing the Word (Scriptures) to them. No wonder their “hearts burned within” them, as they later remark. 

Jesus does not stop there, though. They long for more, and He meets more intimately with them, breaking bread until they finally recognize Who He is. Then, just like that – He disappears! These disciples are so excited that they are ready to make the trek back to Jerusalem to be with the other disciples within the hour! Seven miles. Based on current data, the average person walking at an easy pace walks a mile in 20 minutes, give or take. These disciples had already made the journey once that day. But this news prompted them to get back to join their brethren quickly!

What a kind and loving Savior to take the time to go down the road and even a little further to make certain all His disciples truly understood – not just those disciples. 

Going for a walk often helps clear my head. Often, I hope God will meet me in my thoughts, songs, or Scripture I am listening to, or even encouraging talks with my husband. Walking with the Savior will not look like that painting by Zünd, but it will surely be just as intimate and clear. Have you had a moment like this where God opens your eyes to see Scripture with more clarity? Insider tip – this begins to happen only when the Holy Spirit dwells within you, removing spiritual blinders from eyes and hearts.

Church Grandparents

by   April 26, 2025 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            I was invited by a reader to come and speak at her church’s community senior’s group. Mt. Gilead church is located near Sophia. They invite local seniors to join their members for a nice lunch and a guest speaker. I was honored to be invited as their speaker. Actually, I was scheduled to speak back in February, but we got snowed out.

            It was a beautiful day to drive out to the church. It was down some twisty roads in the rolling part of Randolph County. The drive was so peaceful and the people were so welcoming. I spoke before we ate so I kept a close eye on the time. The aroma of the food wafting from the kitchen made my mouth water.

            I started off my presentation by honoring a man, Tom Watson, who was buried not far from where I was speaking. I had never met the man, only talked with him on the phone years ago. He took about thirty minutes of his life to listen to my dreams about writing and encouraged me to contact a local paper and begin writing to build my skills. If it hadn’t been for him, I wouldn’t be writing as I am today. I wanted to honor him.

            Next, I told them about a time when I was looking for a new church. I told them about some churches where no one spoke to me or welcomed me to their church. I talked to them about the importance of having greeters at the door. I also reminded them it is everyone’s responsibility to make visitors feel welcome. Why would someone want to join a church where they didn’t feel welcome when they walked in the door?

            The main message I shared with my listeners is the need every church has for spiritual grandparents. I explained to them that God does not have a retirement plan. In the room that day sat incredible wisdom, life experiences, and testimonies to God’s faithfulness. I told them that there were people in their church that needed to hear their stories. Your story can change someone’s life. We just have to be brave enough to share our experiences with others.

            I illustrated my point by talking about the stages of life. I asked them to remember being newlyweds and having their first argument and how it felt like the world was going to end. I asked them to remember what it was like to have your first baby and all the worries. Then consider the terrible teen years or becoming empty nesters. These were just a few of the many stages of life they had all navigated and survived. Their stories could help others.

            Speaking of survival, I told them that I knew there had to be some cancer survivors in that group. I asked them to remember the devastating day when the doctor told them they had cancer, but here they were survivors. I told them that there were people in their church who either recently received or would receive that same news and how their testimony of survival could make a huge difference in those people’s lives.

            I encouraged the older men to invite the younger guys along on a fishing or hunting trip. There is so much that can be imparted in a casual, relaxed environment. Just being in fellowship opens the door of opportunity to pour into each other’s lives. I told the older women that the younger women needed their guidance on how to balance work, family, social, and church life. I told the women that younger women look up to them and because of their experiences might find it easy to talk with them about life’s ups and downs. All retirees can be great role models for younger folks, a source of encouragement, and powerful prayer partners.

            If you find yourself like me being put in the category of being a retiree or a senior, then let me encourage you to step up and offer your stories of God’s goodness and faithfulness to the next generation. Your stories need to be told. People need to know that God still comes through for us. He’s still in the saving business. He’s still in the fixing business. He still forgives and restores us. He cares, listens and works on our behalf. We have to have faith and trust Him. He is the all-powerful God of the impossible! Nothing is too difficult for Him. No one is beyond the reach of His love. We all have stories and testimonies to share. Let’s open our hearts and lives to others and allow Him to use us.

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

Grace

by   April 25, 2025 with No Comments

By Ed Traut

Galatians 2:21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

  • Grace – an enormous gift and kindness from God.
  • We can not be righteous in our own strength or through the law, it is all by God’s goodness and grace though Christ Jesus.
  • Jesus paid a very dear price for us to be saved and to become righteous – it is a total summation of God’s grace.  Thank You Jesus.

Prayer:  I lift my hands in worship and praise to You today for this wonderful salvation and Your goodness and this gift of eternity and eternal life.  Thank You Lord.  Thank You for Your grace upon my life.  Help me express grace to others and enjoy and walk in the grace that You give and not take it for granted.  I bless Your Holy name.  Amen. 

Ed Traut
Prophetic Life

West Rowan Bible Teachers 5K

by   April 24, 2025 with No Comments

By David Freeze

West Rowan Bible Teachers 5K Sets Records!

    One of the fastest growing races we have in the area is the West Rowan Bible Teachers 5K, just completed last Saturday, April 5th.  Numerous groups and individuals come together to enhance this highly successful event.

    Race director Deb Gussler said, “It’s hard to believe that we just wrapped up our fourth race! It feels like yesterday I was standing in my garage chatting with a friend about ways to support our Bible teachers beyond the usual fundraisers.”  WRBTA’s annual golf tournament in August has been a success, but it typically drew the same crowd of mostly men.

     As a runner, Deb started thinking about how she could create an event that would engage a broader group of people, across all ages. That’s when the idea of a 5K came to life and when she presented it to the WRBTA board, they were all in. Deb, a board member herself, said, “I’m especially grateful to Kris Wolfe, the principal at West Rowan Elementary School, who immediately said yes to hosting the race. The students who benefit from the Bible classes gets the chance to serve and give back to their own community through this event.”

    The proceeds from the WRBTA 5K and Fun Run go directly toward supporting Bible classes offered in the West Rowan public schools. West Rowan High, Middle and Elementary are all served along with Mt. Ulla Elementary. WRBTA’s sole mission is to raise the funds necessary to keep these classes available to students. The program is 100% community funded since it doesn’t receive any state or federal funding. The WRBTA relies entirely on the generosity of individuals, local businesses, churches and events like this 5K. Currently, three teachers who serve four schools are reaching approximately 1,150 students each year. WRBTA’s annual budget is $235,000. 

    It’s almost impossible to pull off a race like this without the help of many incredible people. Deb said, “The WRBTA board truly works as a team since we all pitch in to reach out to sponsors, spread the word, and handle the many moving parts that go into race day. We promote the event through social media, yard signs, and even the Cleveland Town Hall which includes race info in the community’s monthly water bill. We also create videos to show at the schools, and local churches help us by sharing details with their congregations. When it comes to race day itself, safety and support are a huge priority. We are incredibly grateful to the Cleveland Police Department, Rowan County Sherriff’s office, and the fire departments from Cleveland, Woodleaf, and Scotch Irish for keeping the course secure.”

     Students from West Rowan High School came out to help with the races and cheer on the runners on the course, ROTC presented the flags, and WRHS chorus members sang the National Anthem. Other clubs represented included the National Honor Society, Crosby Scholars, Health Science Club, SERVE-U, Future Teacher Club and the wrestling team who contributed by cheering along the course, manning the water station, providing fun in the Kids Zone and so much more.

   In addition to the 5K, WRBTA also holds fundraisers throughout the year, including a flower sale at Salem Lutheran Church and The Arbors Church on May 11th, and its annual golf tournament at McCanless Golf Club on August 23rd.  

    Deb concluded with, “I’ll be honest with you. This community loves this program so much that they’re willing to help in any way. We celebrated 75 years last year! That speaks for itself! After Christmas each year, I hit the ground running by referring to the previous year’s sponsor list and reaching out again. I contact the west schools and ask their tech facilitator to advertise/share flyers daily or weekly on their school’s social media page. Rowan Salisbury School District even shared info regarding this year’s race!”

    The 5K overall winner was Brad Mueller with a time of 16 minutes and 58 seconds. The top female was Lylah Dennis who finished in 20 minutes and 41 seconds. Bryson Owens won the fun run. 450 runners registered for the two races.

      Look for a full slate of upcoming races in May at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Gotta’ Run: West Rowan Bible Teachers 5K sets records

Lynna’s “M” & The Happiest Easter

by   April 23, 2025 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

“May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious unto you; May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” -Numbers 6:24-26

The New Living Translation says it this way:

‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace.’

Tonight, instead of listening to all the clutter from the day, let this simple blessing become a prayer for the ones you love. And I will pray the same for you.

Jesus told many stories in order to illustrate eternal truths. How beautiful and colorful His word pictures were. One of those seemed less illustrative and more like the telling of something He sadly witnessed firsthand.

He told of a rich man who died and went to a place of torment. The man was so thirsty that he begged Abraham to send someone to him with just a drop of water to cool his tongue. When Abraham explained that there was a great gulf fixed between the place of torment and paradise, the rich man begged that someone would go to his brothers, who were still living, and warn them.

He pleaded: “If someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.”

Jesus continued the story with this sad ending:

“If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even if someone rises from the dead.”

Isn’t it interesting that while telling that story, Jesus knew that He would soon do that very thing? That even though He chose to pay for sin by giving His life and rising from the dead, there would be many who would not listen, who would not believe until it was too late.

If you’re reading this, you are of course on this side of the grave. You still have a choice. How sad it would be to spend eternity in torment when at this very moment you could call on the Lord Jesus Christ to save you.

He’s already done the hard part.

Will you listen?

Easter is a very special time for me. During Easter of my junior year in high school, I understood for the first time, that Jesus was not waiting on me to clean up my life. He knew when He created me that He already loved me enough. He invited me to trust Him, and I listened.

The verse that sealed the deal for me was 1 John 5:13.

“I have written this to you who believe on the Name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Yes! We can KNOW! Because it’s not about us!

It’s about Him.

water

Now go get yourself a cold drink of water while you still can. Call on Him to save you while you still have breath.

And have the happiest Easter of your life!

The story about the rich man is in Luke 16:19-31. More about salvation is revealed in John 3:1-21 when Nic came to Jesus at night to ask questions. Ephesians 2:1-10 makes it even clearer.

May the Lord sweetly and wonderfully strengthen you with the wisdom to choose Him!

A Tennis Court in Iowa?

by   April 22, 2025 with No Comments

If you build it, they will come! That doesn’t just apply to a baseball field. It also applies to a tennis court. Yep, in Iowa a man built a Wimbledon replica tennis court. Guess what happened? People came…. Watch and ENJOY Steve Hartman’s story.

A Little Taste First

by   April 20, 2025 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

Inevitably, when I cook a supper that emanates a fragrance throughout the house, someone finds their way into the kitchen to get a little taste before the meal. “What are we having?”, they ask while pots bubble or pans simmer. The answer is clear by the power of simple observation, but that question is an expression of hopefully being offered a little taste. Sometimes, though, manners are tossed aside, and hands snatch a sample. Like many other cooks, I will often taste before presenting a meal to ensure the seasonings are just so. I remember my mother having a little sample bowl and spoon handy, often consuming most of her meal before she sat down to a small serving with the rest of us.

You could call these samples a foretaste, though it’s not a word we often use today, except in some worship songs. Recently, our congregation sang two songs with that word: “Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine” and “What a foretaste of deliverance.”

I think about my children and husband getting a little taste of a meal I know they will love. The foretaste in no way satiates, but it does whet the appetite.

God does much the same for us on earth. What a kind God to offer us foretastes now on earth of a much greater appetite satisfied in eternity!

For His chosen people, the Israelites, though they went through times of exile, He promised to return them to their homeland. For Christians, as God’s chosen people in a new covenant, He promises an eternal land. 

As a child, I only thought that was heaven – which would be enough – but as I matured, I learned about the new earth, where God makes all things new. He will gloriously remake an Eden that was tarnished and destroyed.

When Jesus left heaven and came to earth as a human, some of His miracles revolved around raising people from the dead – a widow’s son, a 12-year-old girl, and Lazarus. In Lazarus’ case, he had been dead for days. “Lord, by now, he surely stinketh,” the Bible says. In all cases of those resurrections, they were temporary. Those people eventually died. However, I wonder if the resurrection of Lazarus from a tomb was a foretaste of Christ’s own resurrection, demonstrating to His disciples and the nonbelievers and critics that He had the power of death and the grave. 

Even Christ’s resurrection, which we celebrate this weekend, is a foretaste of the resurrection of the saints – those who put their trust in Jesus as Lord. The one who has the power of sin, death, and the grave surely has the power to raise His own children from eternal death and destruction for an everlasting life of dwelling with God in a beautiful land. 

Has God raised you from seemingly impossible depths? Do you have an inexplainable sense of homesickness for a more perfect place? Perhaps they are foretastes.

This Resurrection Sunday, whether you are gathered at church to celebrate Christ’s resurrection or at a stove, sampling the delicacies of a meal you will share with family, remember that it is all a foretaste of something greater. 

Ashlie Miller will celebrate the resurrection early Sunday morning as her husband, Chad leads the congregation of Mission Bible Church in Charlotte, NC. You may email her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.

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