I taught high school for 34 years and this story really touches me. Most kids would be out partying on Graduation Night, but Steve Hartman tells the story of one young man who came by work to get something to eat after he graduated and then stayed to help! ENJOY!
By Ann Farabee
Joy in the Journey
We are not just inhabitants of the Earth – we are also designated stewards.
Inhabitants may just live there. Stewards work there.
We are only on Earth for a short time.
It is a beautiful place.
God has blessed us – the Earthlings – with many blessings.
Family. Friends. Freedom.
Health. Wealth.
Religion. Relationship.
Earth. Heaven.
For us on Earth – we tend to focus on Earth.
Reality is – we should focus on Heaven.
Heaven is not just a ticket to keep us out of hell.
It is a ticket to our forever home that is eternal.
My life sure is moving along quickly.
High school graduation.
That was fast.
College graduation.
That was fast.
Marriage.
Babies born.
Babies grown up.
That was fast!
Grown up babies having babies.
That was fast!
Fifty years teaching children.
That was fast!
My love for writing began when I was in 4th grade.
It was because I wanted to write as a way of imagining things in my life that were only dreams.
So I wrote. I went on tour with The Beatles. I went on tour with The Monkees.
You know who they are – John, Paul, George, Ringo. Davy Jones…
There was a corner store in downtown Kannapolis named The Newsstand.
I remember being dropped off there, so I could read.
They had newspapers, books, and magazines.
I could have stayed there forever.
Most of my time there was spent holding a magazine, reading it, putting it back.
If I had money to buy anything, it was probably a Beatles or Monkees magazine.
Sixty years going to church.
That was fast.
How do I feel about it?
I highly recommend it.
At age 13, I gave my heart to Jesus.
Jesus has been with me on my journey called life.
My journey on Earth will end one day.
It will be on the same day that my journey in heaven will begin.
I walked to Vacation Bible School, rode to Vacation Bible School, taught Vacation Bible School. I listened to choirs, sang in choirs, led a Praise Team, led a Children’s Choir, taught Sunday School, and was ministered to by some of the world’s greatest pastors.
My parents always took my brother, sister, and me on a Sunday afternoon ride. We rode around in the car, looking at houses we could not afford and stores we could not go in because they were closed. We always rode through and walked around in the cemetery – because it had beautiful flowers.
Finally, we headed back to the place that was my favorite stop – Rowan Dairy Bar. Hot fudge sundaes would be my order. It was the highlight of the week and a highlight of my memories. As a result, I still eat ice cream most every day.
As an older teen, our youth group began going to a place named Shoney’s on Sunday nights after church. Guess what? They had hot fudge sundaes, too.
This may not sound exciting to you – but that is because these are MY memories – not yours.
Wild Thing. You make my heart sing. You make everything groovy.
If you read this last sentence – and did not sing those words in your mind – you must not be from my generation. FYI – Wild Thing was sung by The Troggs.
The joy is in the journey.
Our journeys through life are all different – EXCEPT FOR – the paths, trails, highways, and byways where we are all at some point in our lives introduced to the most important piece of the puzzle – Jesus – the Savior of the World.
John 3:16 – For God So loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes on Him will not perish but have everlasting life.
Where would I be without my Jesus?
By Ashlie Miller
I read a rumor several weeks ago, when school was still in session, that some stores – which will remain nameless – were already displaying back-to-school items. In exasperation, more than one mother cried foul, “Can we just wait a few weeks until the kids are at least out of school before having to think about next school year?!”
It is an illustration of how hurried our lives are. Always rushing to, planning for, or worrying about the next thing, we feel pushed through our present moment and miss the opportunity to marinate in it and enjoy it. Even if we did not have the distractions of our electronic devices sucking our ability to be present, today’s summers are already jam-packed with busyness.
In mom groups online, the number one question you will read is, “Help a momma out! Please comment with all the activities, VBS, and camps that we can plug into this summer!” New toys, supplemental curriculum, and a planner to fill every waking hour with activities in hopes that those become lasting memories all tempt us. The intention is likely good – to make the most of the time off together – but could we be robbing ourselves and our families of something else?
Sometimes, we need a reminder of wonder always happening around us. My younger children, in particular, enjoy wondering as we wander. Spring and summer provide many opportunities to experience that. One day in particular, my children and I discovered a toad under the strawberry bush from which we were picking that morning; then, a bee lit on a flower right there to gather its precious nectar. Listening to nature’s ongoing symphony around us, we identified a mockingbird and a red-tailed hawk by their distinctive songs and screeches.
Later that evening, on a walk after supper, my youngest spied another hawk on a fence post, perhaps eyeing his next catch. As my husband and I sat on our front porch, our eyes were dazzled by the relaxing dance of the wind as it blew through the leaves of the trees towering above our neighbors’ roofs, filling the air with the fragrance of daylilies and gardenias.
But most wonderful throughout the day was watching my little image-bearers displaying the creativity and playfulness of their heavenly Father. They made books from printer paper or worked on larger stories on the computer. Some played out stories in their rooms with their favorite stuffed animals or built little worlds with blocks. In the cooler evening, some played pickleball, frisbee, and sword fighting in the cul-de-sac while others cozied up to read on the porch. No agenda. There was plenty of time to be bored, which meant plenty of time to explore their imaginations. My thoughtful daughter even thanked me later for letting her have time to be creative and even bored.
What a time to be delighted by the majesty of a glorious Creator who paints in tiny, miraculous, everyday things like toads and bumblebees. What a magnificent gift of a season to slow down, breathe, and not have the next week thoroughly planned. Oh, we will still participate in camps, VBS, and other activities, but the pursuit of boredom and wandering wonder is what I hope will drive us. We mean well. We want to redeem the summer, the time we miss together throughout the rest of the year. But is busyness the only answer? So, before we all buy our back-to-school items and fill our summer agendas, let’s take a moment to take a deep breath and reconsider soaking in the new season.
By Doug Creamer
What is Faith?
How can it be June already? I have so much I still want to do outside before it becomes too hot to get it done. Most of my garden is planted. A local farmer is advertising that he will have corn this weekend and mine just got planted. I need to replant my beans for a third time, not because of the rabbits that love to eat them, but because the seeds did not germinate. I am also hoping to put out some sweet potatoes.
Gardening has a lot to do with faith. We put things out in the ground with faith that we will get a harvest from our labors. The reality is, things happen. One year we got so much rain that my potatoes rotted. We fight pests that require us to spray pesticides. Then we have the rabbits, and this year we have quite a few. The squirrels beat me to my corn the last couple of years. Then the deer have learned to jump my fences so they can enjoy my vegetables, too. If I can outwit all these challenges, I might get a harvest.
That is where faith comes into the equation. Gardeners have faith that our work will give us the harvest we are working to achieve. Faith is believing and trusting that God will reward your hard work. Here is the part that some people forget. I can’t just plant seeds; I have to do many other things if I want to see the harvest. I have to water my seeds. I have to weed the garden. I also have to do the work of preventing all the above named pests from getting my harvest. Even then things like weather conditions can ruin a harvest. It requires faith!
If gardening requires all that faith and hard work to achieve any level of success, then why do we believe that our spiritual journey will be an easy one? The idea that I can walk the aisle and ask Jesus into my life and then expect I will live on easy street is crazy. It requires faith to ask Jesus into our lives, but if we believe the hard work is over we are sadly mistaken. We have to work to protect this seed of a new life in Jesus so it can grow and produce a harvest for His kingdom.
The enemy is like a squirrel which will come and dig the seeds up and eat them before they can germinate. If the squirrels miss out, then when the first leaves of our faith emerge the rabbits will be waiting to eat them and keep us from growing. If we keep them out, the weeds of distraction will grow up and choke our seeds. If we get past that we have to watch out for the deer of doubt, fear, and worry that will try and steal our harvest from us. Yes, spiritual gardening requires faith and hard work.
If we can manage to defeat all the critters that want to steal our harvest, we still have to do the hard work of growing roots. Our roots will grow as we read God’s word. Here is the important part about reading the Bible: we have to do more than just read it. We have to add faith and then apply it to our lives. Some people can quote the Bible but they have never applied any of it to their lives. Knowledge without faith and application will not produce a spiritual harvest. Faith in God’s word requires application.
Another important part of growing faith is having a conversation with God. Some people believe that prayer is talking at God. Prayer is a two-way conversation. We need to listen for God’s voice in our lives. He can speak to us through the Bible, but He also wants to speak to us in our spirit. He will nudge you, guide you, and give you thoughts. Naturally, we need to carefully weigh what we hear and make sure it lines up with God’s word. Hearing from God requires faith!
I want to encourage you to grow your faith. Growing faith requires hard work. It requires daily maintenance. The enemy wants to distract you, separate you from other believers, and keep you in a state of doubt, fear, and discouragement. God is with us. He is fighting for us. He wants to see us grow a strong faith that will endure the many tests we must face in our spiritual journey. Having faith is not easy, but the reward is great because we will get to spend eternity with Him in heaven.
Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com
By Ed Traut
Psalms 8:1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.
Prayer: Lord I lift my hands with great joy today just to worship You because there is no one like You. Thank You for Your great grace and love and kindness towards me that I can belong to You. Amen.
Ed Traut
Prophetic Life
By David Freeze
A Real Trail Race Ahead at Nazareth Fun Fest
It has been a few years since Rowan had a genuine trail race! Nazareth has their popular Fun Fest on June 7th and in conjunction they are offering a trail race on their property at the East Rowan YMCA. What does a trail race mean, how is it different from a road race and what should you expect?
I am going to be specific about the Nazareth trail race when describing what it means. Often you hear of big rocks and poor footing, roots to avoid and limbs to dodge. None of this applies here. All of this course is on solid footing with small gravel as a base. You won’t trip because of roots or loose footing. I measured the course on Memorial Day, and it still looks as good as the day it was finished. Limbs are trimmed back so there will be no face slappers.
This trail was built with the purpose of Y members getting close to nature. Only a few houses can be seen along the way, but there is a railroad track in the deep woods that offers thoughts of an old-time freight train rumbling though if you’re lucky to experience one. There are even a few benches along the way to stop and relax the next time you return. On the trail, you will cross a wooden bridge and two slow-moving creeks.
The course has some long grades both up and down, but nothing extreme. In fact, the trail was designated as ADA compliant upon its completion. Organizers will make sure the trail is easy to follow and plenty of volunteers will be there expressly for that purpose. Some parts of the trail will be ribboned off and there is zero chance you will get lost.
As part of the Fun Fest, the course will pass near a car show and a truck show, and it will start and finish at the Nazareth Children’s Home. But far away from the sights and sounds of the festival, you might think you are deep in mountain scenery.
The event is open to runners and walkers and everyone in between and it’s for all ages. Runners won’t run as fast as they do on pavement, but many find trail running or walking as better fun. Only about 700 feet of pavement will be used as part of the course. Awards will be given 3 deep overall and in 11 age groups for both male and female.
From Race Director Heather Haaland, “All proceeds from the 5K and fun run will benefit Nazareth Child & Family Connection to be used to support the children and families we serve in the following programs: residential group care, foster care, day treatment, mental health counseling and substance use counseling. Nazareth is one of the oldest nonprofits in NC, serving children since 1906. We are a certified trauma informed agency and COA accredited.”
The Trail 5K begins at 8:30am and the ½ mile fun run for kids 12 and under is set for 9:15am. 5K and Fun Run participants get a commemorative shirt if pre-registered and plenty of refreshments.
After completing the Special Olympics Torch Run, I mentioned another challenge not far ahead. As I write this, I am just a few days away from another trip to test myself at the Reno Tahoe Odyssey. After completing this grueling event five times, I was set to go again last year. The back accident kept me away in May 2024, but I am returning for another attempt on May 30-31. 220 plus teams will climb from Reno to Lake Tahoe, on to Virginia City and then back to Reno for a total of 178 miles. Our team has 11 members, and we will experience up to 7,000 feet of altitude, cool nights and hot days as I get a chance to prove my recovery is a real thing. I will detail the trip next week.
Looks for the Nazareth Trail Run and other events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org
By Lynna Clark
“The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want.” -Psalm 23:1
Psalm 95:7 reminds us that “He is our God. We are the people He watches over, the flock under His care.” Don’t you love that? As you may know, David and I are going through some… stuff. A few difficult challenges. I’ve certainly whined about it enough. Yesterday he visited his oncologist and got some very encouraging news. The chemo is working! His cancer is shrinking! She was honest with him and admitted that she was just hoping to keep it from growing. But to have it shrink? Oh what a blessing. Our beloved Shepherd gently leads us along. I thought you might like to hear it as worded in the New Living Translation. As you read, celebrate with me and David.
“The Lord is my Shepheard. I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me besides peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths bringing honor to His Name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”
The Lord truly is my Shepherd. I will rest in His care today.
Nutshell #4 is found in Ephesians 4:1. It says “...Lead a life worthy of your calling.” If you’re like me, you may ask if you’re really called; and also who called you. What does that even mean? The answer comes next. “For you are called by God.” This is spoken to a big group of people and includes all kinds… Even those of us who feel unworthy. The ‘how to’ is next.
“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” -Eph.4:2
As usual, when we recognize the Lord’s calling on our life, we tend to focus on others first. Let’s try His order of business today. It might take a while for this to become the norm, but He is calling. Let’s recognize His call, and walk worthy.
Steve Hartman introduces us to a great lesson from a little child. Don’t be afraid…. ENJOY!
By Ann Farabee
Free Forever
Sometimes, we celebrate being free.
For me, it was the cheer that went up on the last day of school!
School’s Out! I am FREE!
It is a lot of fun for teachers and students. The celebration is real! Sometimes, a few students were reluctant to leave their friends, waving and hugging good-bye to everyone in sight! What a celebration it was, as everyone was yelling, “See you next year!” although we all knew it was only 12 weeks at the most and the actual year would not change.
From a student perspective, it was the end of school. They were free forever!
It was quite often perceived as the happiest moment of the year!
Work was done. Rules had ended!
One year a student ran excitedly down the hallway, totally disregarding anyone that was in his path as he screamed, “I AM FREE FOREVER!” It probably felt like a short forever, as I am sure it ended too soon. Poor guy.
Truth was that the feeling of being free forever did not last long – for students or teachers. After a few weeks, the countdown would begin – and the feeling of being free forever ended.
Are we ever free forever?
YES! But only once!
When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we become free forever.
We are born again.We are no longer slaves to sin. We have access to God’s Grace. We are adopted into the family of God. We become a child of God. We gain a citizenship in heaven. We are new creations and heirs of God. We are redeemed. We are anointed by the Holy Spirit.We are forgiven. We are free forever!
Just as Jesus did when I was 13 years old, He still walks with me and talks with me and tells me I am His own. I open my Bible, read a verse, and the Word speaks to me through the Holy Spirit.
I receive strength as I pray. I receive strength as I read my Bible. I receive strength through my church. I receive strength through other Christians. Some call it a Christian lifestyle. What a blessed life it is!
Walking with Him. Talking with Him. Crying out to Him in times of need. Enjoying nature and the beauty of this world with Him. Reading His Word. Feeling the Holy Spirit speak to my heart. It is a personal relationship.The older I get, the more I love to worship my God.
I love being free forever!
How about you?
Let me know if you want to know Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him.
I would love to help you along the way.
If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed. John 8:36
Email me at annfarabee@gmail.com –
I would love to tell you more about my Jesus.
By Ashlie Miller
“Mom, do people have seasons like plants do?” I wasn’t expecting that question from my daughter as we picked strawberries at Cody Farms in Richfield a few weeks ago, but I wasn’t surprised that she asked. I had captured a photo of several things happening on a single strawberry plant stem – flowers, a flower wilting, one with a small, thick, hard green bud, some with slightly larger, hard green buds that would mature in weeks to the brightest red-ripened offerings.
After selecting our harvest and moving on to choosing flowers to pick and arrange in a bouquet, I pointed to the blossoms on flowers, encouraging my daughter to find those waiting to bloom so we could anticipate their showiness in a few days at home. As we watched a bee sitting upon one of the flowers, she asked the question. What a reflection that was going on in the mind of my very contemplative melancholy who loves being in nature with me.
I explained that, yes, as humans, we also have stages and seasons of growth. Even in our growth, like the berry blossoms and flower buds, there are stages of newness. I thought more about that later in the week as I ate the bright red strawberries we picked.
It can be easy to become frustrated with those new in some area of life- the timid trainee at the job afraid of making mistakes and wanting to do things perfectly to please; the eager intern bursting with an energy that needs to be wrangled in, ready to make a difference yet quickly burns out; the one who comes in with a bit of knowledge thinking “I got this” when they don’t, in fact, “got this.” There is a naive beauty in all of this when we recognize potential and can help them patiently.
That patience brings such a fruitful reward, whether in matters of life and learning in general or in walking alongside someone as they grow in their walk with Jesus. One of the joys of my life is mentoring and discipling young ladies. Sometimes, it’s a young lady who is anxious over the future both personally and as they watch the world struggle, wanting to make no mistakes to displease the Lord, distressed over the mistakes that those close to her make; she needs to know about God’s sovereignty and abundant grace and that He loves her for who and Whose she is, not for her successes. At other times, it is a young one with a wild, fire-filled energy and passion, but also often led by emotion. She needs to know the truth of God’s Word to lead her, not just emotions and feelings. She must remember that it is a marathon, not a sprint. At other times, there is an overly confident, self-reliant individual who seems to know the right words and answers but is over-analytical and often paralyzed from acting and moving; she needs to learn about faith and trust in God rather than knowing all the pieces and cultivating a sure-fire plan. I know these ladies well and have been in each of their shoes at different times of my growth as well.
Do you need a good reminder that when growth seems different from another berry on the bush, the process is still happening? The result can be a beautiful, fruitful person radiating with fragrance and even sweetness. While waiting patiently with those walking in newness, we can pray for them and cheer them on.
