Busy Berm

by   June 20, 2025 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

            Our house on Lake Norman was built in 1996 and is as modern as the date states. Since it is of the newer era, there is a sixty-foot long berm between it and the house of our neighbor. There is no need to complain about such matters because that is the way things were done, just like all eras of any culture. However, ….

            The landscaper that built and planted the berm must have believed that “more is better.” In the sixty feet are three crepe myrtles, two hollies, five azaleas, two dogwoods, one unknown species of evergreen bush, and one camellia. That is what remains after we had two hollies removed and all plants professionally pruned. We did not commit “crepe murder”, so they have tall, strong limbs that are about to bloom, giving the berm an umbrellaed look, and one large gap where a holly grew gives a view to and from our neighbor. Yet, the berm plants still need thinning so that all its plants can get light and fill out into their natural selves., especially the ageing azaleas that struggle under the canopy of dogwoods, crepe myrtles, and the holly.

             When it was planted, all the trees, shrubs, and plants were small, so the berm was pleasing to look see. The black, landscape matting gave a false promise of no weeds growing in the berm, and the top layer of mulch gave it all an appearance of controlled, natural beauty. Then the plants did what they do, they grew in height and size. They spread their limbs reaching for sunlight. They sent out roots in search for water. They became competitors, and some won more than others, but the fight was so fierce that there was no winner, just sixty feet of exhausted warriors. Because of poor foresight or just not caring, the once fine-looking berm had expanded into a frightful mess. For the sake of the berm, some plants had to be removed, killed.  The berm has been a constant reminder for Mary Ann and me since we moved here nine months ago. As we plant our flower gardens, we are conscious of not planting too much. The temptations of Brawley’s Garden Center are many, but we remind ourselves that everything we plant will require space, water, and attention.  In years hence, we do not want our flower gardens to look like the berm did, but to be a joy to share and see.

            So many modern lives are like our berm—overplanted. We accumulate items in the belief that the wealth of our lives is stated in how much stuff we have. We commit to more and more charities, committees, luncheons, and such as if our worth as a person is tallied in how busy we are. We purchase houses and automobiles beyond our means to stay in the running of the race to financial ruin. The landscaping fabric of our lives, cheap credit and empty promises and beliefs, will not keep out weeds, but eventually be covered by dirt and seeds that will sprout into unwanted growth.

            Like any gift giver, God does not dictate what each of us does with His precious gift of life. Our free will allows us to spend our years on earth as we wish. But the life overfilled with things, commitments of all types, and desires of the world is like an over-planted berm that will  one day be too crowded to bloom as it should and full of unwanted growth.

Cycling & Museum Opportunities

by   June 19, 2025 with No Comments

By David Freeze

Cycling and Museum Opportunities

    Two of my favorite things, other than running, are cycling and chasing history. I just found out about two opportunities that fit those interests. On August 23rd, there is an annual charity cycling event sponsored by All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Concord, NC. The event offers fully supported 50k, 50 mile, and 100k routes that wind their way through the beautiful countryside of Eastern Cabarrus and Rowan counties. It’s a wonderful event that draws cyclists from all over our area. The All Saints rides are known for their great rest-stop snacks, a delicious post-ride lunch, and a post-ride beer garden sponsored by Cabarrus Brewing. 

    Safely pulling off the multi-distance cycling event with well-supported rest stops requires the assistance of four other churches, two private landowners, a Boy Scout troop, the Concord Police Department, the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Department, the Cabarrus-Stanly Ham radio operators, numerous volunteers, and financial sponsorships from local businesses. This is the 13th annual All Saints Episcopal cycling event, and to date it has raised over $130,000 for local charities and collected over 12.5 tons of food to feed the hungry in our community. 100% of the proceeds from Tour de Saints 2025 will be donated to the following local organizations: Early Childhood Foundation of Cabarrus County, Cabarrus Meals on Wheels, CVAN, Community Free Clinic, Habitat for Humanity, Cooperative Christian Ministry, and the Salvation Army’s Tucker Center of Hope.

    Rowan County rest stops are at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Gold Hill and Organ Lutheran Church in Salisbury. All rest stops along the route offer Gatorade, Water, snacks (fruit, baked goods, pickle juice, etc.), and either restrooms or portable toilets. Rest stop lemon bars are very popular! Usually somewhere between 200 and 300 riders compete.

     Jennifer Cook of Landis is one of the co-directors. She said, “We invite area cyclists to join us because, at its heart, the Tour de Saints is all about community. It is an opportunity to have fun and connect with other cyclists while also supporting individuals in our communities who are in crisis. Many riders come back every year to experience our beautiful and well-supported route and the camaraderie of the event.  My event co-directors are Ben Smith and Joy Marie DeBlock.  We can be contacted with questions at tourdesaints@allsaintsconcord.org.  In addition to riders, we are always looking for additional event sponsors. Interested parties can contact us via email for that as well.”  

     Here is a link to their website: https://tourdesaints.com/index.html

    Also, the Price of Freedom Museum on Weaver Road is participating in the Miles for Museums Summer Passport Program. Created by the Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society in 2023, the program was expanded with a redesigned passport, interactive map, and website created by the Matthews Heritage Museum. This fun, family-friendly program encourages community members and visitors to explore local museums and communities throughout the summer while collecting passport stamps along the way for a chance to win prizes.

         The Miles for Museums program offers free or low-cost adventures with an educational twist, giving participants the opportunity to learn about regional history while discovering new places across the area. Visitors can begin their journey by picking up a passport at the Matthews Heritage Museum, then collecting stamps from each of the participating museums.

      The program is free and runs through Labor Day. To collect a stamp, simply present your passport at each museum. Once you’ve visited all 13 locations, take a photo of your fully stamped passport—making sure the section with your name, phone number, and email is visible—and email it to info@milesformuseums.org to be entered into a drawing for the grand prize.

Participating Museums:

  • Badin Historic Museum – Badin, NC
  • Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society Museum – Mt. Pleasant, NC
  • Historic Rosedale – Charlotte, NC
  • Hugh Torance House & Store – Huntersville, NC
  • Kings Mountain Historical Museum – Kings Mountain, NC
  • Matthews Heritage Museum – Matthews, NC
  • Mint Hill Historical Society / Carl J. McEwen Historic Village – Mint Hill, NC
  • Mount Holly Historical Society – Mount Holly, NC
  • Oakboro Museum of History & Oakboro Railroad Museum – Oakboro, NC
  • President James K. Polk State Historic Site – Pineville, NC
  • Price of Freedom Museum – China Grove, NC
  • Stanly County History Center – Albemarle, NC

    For a map of all locations, FAQs, and more information, visit the new website: www.milesformuseums.org

     The next race locally is the Shiloh Run for Missions 5K and Fun Run on June 28th at Shiloh Reformed Church in Faith. Look for this and other coming events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Gotta’ Run: Cycling and museum opportunities

Lynna’s “U”

by   June 18, 2025 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.”-Psalm 143:8

The older I get, the less I know. However this one thing always proves wise. Take one thing at a time. One day, one step, one problem and don’t overlook the joy that the Lord sends each morning. Listen for His Unfailing Love as you trust Him for the next step. Give yourself to Him and ask Him where to walk.

“Let the heavens be glad, and earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout His praise! Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise before the LORD, for He is coming!” ” -Psalm 96:11-13b

Man’s Best Friend

by   June 17, 2025 with No Comments

Steve Hartman is not in the habit of telling stories about himself, but in this case he tells how a dog won over his heart. Pets have this way of wiggling inside men’s hearts… ENJOY!

Got Your Permit

by   June 16, 2025 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

Got your permit?

I got my permit! Those four words may very well be the most exciting words a 15 year old will ever say to their friends.

A permit is defined as the official documentation or authorization to do something.

But… the emotion that goes along with that permit, may pale in comparison to how the parent feels about relinquishing the driving of their 3000 pound vehicle to them while they practice.

And it does not get any easier when they are allowed to practice at night.

However, even though my preferred bedtime is 9:30, I willingly got in the car and traveled on the passenger side to purchase a much-needed milkshake at 10:00, because my 15 year old wanted to practice driving in the dark.

I reported to my passenger seat duty – ready to alert him to any  – and all – pending obstacles.

The first comment he made after driving a few minutes was, “Look how the light lets you only see what is right in front of you. We are completely surrounded by darkness everywhere else.”

I felt a ‘God moment’ may have come, so I dared to shift my line of vision from the road in front of us and took a look around me.

He was right. We were enveloped by darkness – except for the light shining out from our vehicle.

I think I actually felt the darkness. To the right. To the left. Above. Behind. It was everywhere. Except in that one place – the direction we were heading – where it gave us all the light we needed to see the way. 

Then, a few seconds later, a car was coming from the opposite direction without their lights on, and it honestly seemed a little scary for us both.  That was when my 15 year old asked this wise question, “Why would they do that?” 

I responded, “They failed to turn their lights on, and they probably do not even realize they don’t have light. They will figure it out before it’s too late, I hope.”

As I said those words, I instantly became a distracted supervising driver, because that was when I remembered a Bible verse I had read that morning: Isaiah 45:7 – I form the light and create darkness. I make peace and create evil. I, the LORD, do all these things.

That Bible verse that had seemed unusual that morning sure was making sense on the dark road that night. It enveloped me – hovered sweetly in my mind –  letting me know that my God created the darkness, but He also formed the light – and He watches over us in both darkness and light.

We may prefer to drive through life in the times of light, but we experience both light and darkness, don’t we?

And…both can help us to learn to be the person who God intends for us to be – and to serve the purpose that God intends for us to serve.

*And we do not have to be afraid of the dark because even when it seems to surround us, the light still shows us the way.

*So, I guess we all have our permit – if we know God – because He is the only documentation and authorization we will ever need. He is in control of it all!

Happy Flag Day

by   June 15, 2025 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

Weddings, graduations, early summer trips – so many things happen this time of year that Flag Day is often an afterthought. I’m speaking to myself here as much as anyone else. Sports fanaticism or celebration of other things has outpaced patriotism for many. Waving a flag outside one’s home may not be as common on your street as it was in a bygone era, or perhaps it is more common in your town but less so in the next town. 

The presence of any flag can still evoke strong emotions and opinions, both among those who hoist them and those who view them. The unfurled symbol can be pretty controversial. While many do not hesitate to plaster various stickers on a car to express their unsolicited opinions to the world, waving a flag from a home can be quite another matter. It serves as an identifier for a unified household, although many homes are divided. (Go by any house with alumni of rival colleges – you’ll see their “house divided” yard signs or banners!) 

Raising a flag over a residence communicates many things. In the days and lands of monarchs, the flag billowing above the castle would announce who was present or that royalty was in attendance. It could symbolize the castle’s owner or whether it is under the control of another country or government. When a castle is used as a military base, that branch of service may hoist its flag while in use. 

If you were to fly a flag declaring who or what is in residence, what would it look like? What would be the symbol?

There is an old praise song that many children used to sing: “Joy is the flag flown high from the castle of my heart showing the King is in residence there. Let it fly in the sky; let the whole world know that the King is in residence there.” Psalm 20:5 comes to mind as God’s people shout for joy over His victory, raising high their banner. Joy – what a great flag to unfurl!

Do others see joy exuding from me?

The “she” in Song of Solomon 2 speaks of the banner of love her lover has for her. That recalls to mind another song I learned as a child – “His Banner Over Me Is Love” – “He brought me to his banqueting table, His banner over me is love.” 

Can others tell that I know I am loved by the Lord, and do I share that they are, too?

Maybe the flag that flutters sends out a more distressing cry – someone or something else is in charge or has invaded. Perhaps a white flag signals surrender because we have been in over our heads for far too long. How did we let something else take control of our hearts? Did we surrender to it? These flags we fly are a disgrace to us personally or to our testimony of professing to believe in Christ as our all-powerful Savior. 

In a quick search for Flag Day events, I did not find many. Perhaps they were a more common event at another time. I did find opportunities to retire old, worn-out flags so that they would not be a disgrace to our country. For some of us, some flags have been flapping for too long. It is time to retire the banner and hoist another flag, indicating a new ruler. Happy Flag Day!

Happy Father’s Day

by   June 14, 2025 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

Father’s Day

            When I was growing up, I had everything I needed. I look around the world today and I see stories of so many who lack their daily needs or live in a war zone. We are so blessed to be living in America. My parents made sure I had everything I needed for a successful launch in life and for that I am so grateful.

            We weren’t wealthy but we had everything we needed as kids because our parents sacrificed for us. They put aside their wants so we could have the things that we needed. They provided a safe place for us to grow up and they provided a safety net for us as we spread our wings and learned to fly. They caught each of us and helped us to learn from our mistakes. That means they gave us room and grace to make those mistakes without making us feel like failures.  

            My parents did a good job raising us. I would not say our home was perfect…no one has a perfect home. The TV examples of “Leave it to Beaver” or “The Brady Bunch” are idyllic places that we loved to watch as kids but were not reality for any of us. The single father household of “Andy Griffith” who was tasked with raising Opie with the help of Aunt Bee presents an unobtainable dream home where everything seems perfect.

            These TV shows set a standard for dads that is impossible. No dad could ever be that perfect, but we love to watch and dream. My Dad liked to have a catch, shoot some basketball, play a game of pool, and take us golfing. My Dad, who is over 90, still loves to play golf. He and I played in a father-son golf tournament when I was young and won second place, a trophy I still have to this day.

            My Dad admits that he wasn’t a perfect dad. Sometimes he fell asleep on the couch instead of coming outside to shoot some hoops with his sons. Other times he would send us outside to “warm up” while he stayed inside and snuck a few extra cookies while no one was watching. Yeah Dad, I caught you more than once on that one. He also got upset and yelled at us kids, but sometimes we deserved it, like the time my hamster escaped and got into the wall of our house. My brother helped me retrieve it.     

My Dad also took us on adventures. One time we were driving through a tunnel with no lights and he turned off the car lights. Several times he took us out to the airport and we sat near the end of the runway watching the planes take off or land. He took us to see a ship that had been raised from the bottom of the ocean and was being restored. We explored castle ruins. He took us to a presidential debate when we were kids.  

            One advantage of being married is that you gain a whole new family, including another father. My father-in-law welcomed me to his family as a son. He taught me how to fix things. We did a couple of home repairs together. He shared some wisdom with me about marriage, work, and life in general. I think what I miss the most about my father-in-law are his stories. I would love to hear another of his stories of the fascinating people he knew growing up on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

            Whether all your stories about your earthly father are good ones or they are mixed, as most people’s stories are, you can be sure that your Heavenly Father is perfect. He also loves you unconditionally. He sees the best in you. He has great plans for your future. He is closer to you than your breath. He will never leave you or forsake you. You can run to Him for wisdom and guidance. You can call Him 24/7. He will ALWAYS answer.

            I want to encourage you to remember the good things about your father. Forgive and forget all the ways he may have fallen short. Turn to your Heavenly Father and ask Him to heal any of the brokenness in your life left by your earthly father. Connect with your Father through His Word and prayer. Allow His love to wash over you and fill you to overflowing. Dad, thanks for all you did for me – Happy Father’s Day! Heavenly Father thank you for your love and forgiveness and for being a good, good Father!

Experts in Grace

by   June 13, 2025 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

          An art dealer in Florida has been charged by federal agents with wire fraud, money laundering, and mail fraud. It seems he sold fake art works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol and other well-known artists for millions of dollars. The dealer supposedly purchased one fake work by Basquiat on a website for $495 and sold it to an undercover agent for $12 million. His extensive fraud was uncovered after technology revealed the signatures on the art were false and examinations by art experts collaborated that the works were not originals. However, the dealer assured purchasers that he stood behind the work in his gallery 100 percent and that each purchase was a fabulous deal.

Forgeries have been with us, but the Internet gives the cheater easier access to those who may not have the knowledge to determine if an item is authentic.  However, what if the offering is not a concrete item like a work of art? What if the offering is a promise formed out of words from a respected community member like a teacher or religious leader? How does one not believe someone that is so revered?

In my career as a teacher of literature and writing, I would at times deliberately lie or make an outlandish claim to my students.(For instance: Romeo was too old for Juliet.)  I did this in order to teach them that a teacher was not infallible, and they should not accept as a cardinal truth everything a teacher said. In that small way, I was hoping to teach them that they were responsible for their educations. They had the text and were required to read it and draw their own conclusions based on the text.

Like teachers, religious leaders have influence, even power, over people. They can sway the way people think and act. Just as I did with Shakespeare, a religious leader can use a holy text to teach. However, what if that teaching is that all infidels should be killed, or the holy city of Jerusalem should be rid of all non-Christians. What if a religious leader taught that homosexuals deserve to lose civil rights or that only one political leader deserves a vote?

Christians have the Bible and its teachings. We can read and study the Gospels to guide us. We have the examples of Jesus. The written words of James, Paul, and other writers can instruct. We should read and study those lessons and upon hearing some “pastor” tell us that anyone not in agreement with what he or she shouts from the pulpit is to be despised and shunned, we should go to John 4 and read Jesus talking with the woman who was such an outcast that she had to go to  the village well at noon, in the heat of the day. But she, the Samaritan woman, encountered a Jewish man who spoke to her with kind words.

The Text is our expert guiding us in what we believe and how we act. That Text will reveal any forgery blabbering from a pulpit of lies and misinformation.

Physical Therapy Success

by   June 12, 2025 with No Comments

By David Freeze

Physical Therapy Success

   We finished our spring beginning runners class a few weeks ago and during the class I happened to mention to Mike Lippard, an exercise physiologist by trade, that I was still very tight in my core area even though healing well from my broken back. Mike suggested cupping and said he had great success with it and that it improved flexibility for him. I thought about what he said, read some and then contacted Delaine Fowler, owner of Accelerate Therapy and Performance in Salisbury.

     I told her that my back was healing well but that I wasn’t happy with my flexibility. Such things as leg extension and even the ability to reach normally to put on socks and tie shoes were challenging. Delaine’s group was able to set up a series of appointments and insurance helped, making the appointments very affordable with only a $20 copay.

       I had seen basketball players with red circles on their backs, shoulders, etc. I read that cupping and scraping could help me continue to heal in the hands of a licensed therapist. I had scraping before for a serious hamstring injury from softball, but this would be a new experience for me using the cupping and scraping together.

       From Delaine, “Physical therapists use two ancient-yet-modern techniques, cupping and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), often called “scraping”, to help people recover from pain and movement issues.”.

      What is cupping? Cupping uses special suction cups placed on the skin to gently lift tissue. This increases blood flow, relaxes muscles, and reduces inflammation. It’s often used for muscle strains, tension headaches, chronic pain, and sports injuries. Though it may leave red marks, it’s generally safe when performed by a trained therapist.

     What is IASTM? IASTM involves using metal tools to “scrape” over the skin, helping to break up scar tissue and adhesions. It improves range of motion, reduces pain, and speeds recovery especially useful for tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel, and post-surgical scar tissue. Mild soreness or bruising can occur but typically fades quickly.

     Why do these therapies matter? Both techniques are often part of a broader treatment plan that includes exercise, education, and movement training. They help restore motion, ease pain, and promote healing. While cupping works by lifting and improving circulation, IASTM works by applying pressure to target tight or restricted tissues.

     Which one is right for you? Delaine said, “That depends on your condition. Cupping might feel like a gentle pull; scraping may be more intense. A licensed physical therapist can help determine which therapy or combination is most appropriate for your goals. Never use these tools on yourself or allow someone untrained to use these tools on you. Always consult with a trained provider of these services.” 

  These therapies are not just trends, they’re tools that, when used correctly, can offer profound relief and foster recovery in an approachable, hands-on way. Results for me so far include the ability to pull my knees closer to my chest and to normally put on my socks just by reaching for the end of my feet. I also seem to have more flexibility in my quads, a less tight IT Band and a general feeling of strength and balance in my legs. I also learned that the hip flexors are attached to the spine in the exact area of my worst injuries, the L3 and T12 vertebrae. I now have a looped strap that helps in stretching the hamstrings, the least flexible muscle in the body for many runners.

     In unfinished business from Special Olympics Torch Run, the Salisbury PD has more benefit events upcoming. Organizational Development Sergeant Adam Bouk said, “We definitely had a bigger turnout this year and hopefully even bigger next year. Between the lunches we sold, merchandise and a few donations we raised $750 for NCLETR on Wednesday. Our goal for 2025 is $15,000…we have never exceeded $7,500, and this year we are doing big things! We have the dead lift on June 7th, a poker run on September 20th and a fall softball tournament in October.” Contact Bouk at 704-216-7556.

      Our next race upcoming is the Fun Fest 5K Trail Run for Nazareth Children’s Home on June 7th. This is a first-time trail run event in conjunction with Nazareth’s Fun Fest that will use the East Rowan YMCA trails for the 5K course. Look for this event and more at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Gotta’ Run: Physical therapy success

Lynna’s “T” & Confidence?

by   June 11, 2025 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle.” -Psalm 56:8

What an amazing thought; that the God of all Creation would care enough about me to collect and keep track of my tears. When I consider my life, lots of stubbornness comes to mind. Like LOTS. In fact I think that was one of the largest traits mentioned on a recent DNA profile. So embarrassing. But instead of keeping my sinfulness and shortcomings close to His heart, He considers those covered by His Son. All because I’ve trusted the sinless spotless lamb of God. No collection in a bottle there. Instead, Psalm 103:12 says, “He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.”

Tears collected and kept close. Sins cast far away. Oh how He loves us!

I have never been a strong self-confident woman. I can tuck myself into a corner at home and be fine for days… just so I don’t have to engage with anyone much. My doormat does not say “Welcome!”. I don’t want to add LIAR to my list of sins. But I like this verse about confidence.

“My heart is confident in You O God! No wonder I can sing Your praises with all my heart!” -Psalm 108:1

Don’t worry. It’s a metaphorical singing. And even if the joy comes out, you won’t have to hear it anyway since I’m tucked away in a corner of the house. But yay! Though I am not a strong confident individual, I do have confidence in this. God is faithful. He can be trusted. Philip Yancey said this. “Confidence in what the Lord will do springs from knowledge of what He has done.”

YES! I will rehearse His faithfulness until I am confident too.

Snow at Lake Norman; photo credit Seabert Pittman, my daddy

1 2 3