1 Corinthians 10:24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
Sometimes we need to be reminded of what really matters in life.
We are so much happier and more fulfilled when we focus on others and not on our own need and our own selfish ways.
May God give us the ability to always focus on others regardless whether they are Christians or friends.
Prayer: Change my heart I pray O Lord and fill me with Your ways and Your heart that I can be like You and reflect this caring for others and doing good for others I pray. I do not want to be concerned about myself. Amen.
Another Successful Graduation 5K for Girls on the Run
Genesis Henry and McKinley Rollins were excited for the start of their Girls on the Run graduation 5K this past Saturday morning, November 22nd, at Salisbury Community Park. About 900 girls, running buddies and spectators were set to enjoy the 5K (3.1 miles), many for the first time in their lives. A little anxiety was apparent, yet the energy was building as the run start drew closer.
McKinley was already a three-time veteran at age 10. She is a Rockwell Elementary School 4th grader and said, “I know not to sprint, but to keep a steady pace.” Starting in August, McKinley met with 21 other girls ages 8-11 twice a week. She added, “I improved my self-esteem and learned conflict resolution, and especially learned that I can do what I need to.”
McKinley’s coach for the fall GOTR program was Gina Ritchie, who just completed her 25th season leading a school program. Gina, a 3rd grade teacher at Rockwell Elementary, pointed out that there is a spring season and fall season each year. Gina said, “We help the girls bond and support each other while working on service projects.
Genesis is nine years old and a third grader at Koontz Elementary. She had already learned that she likes running and how to congratulate others who do good things.
Coaching Genesis for the program was Lisha Weeks. Lisha works for Communities in Schools during the day and after three years in the Girls on the Run program, she started a new group at Koontz. Lisha got started in GOTR to get her own daughter off her iPad and cell phone and said, “I am especially happy when helping the girls know that it is OK to make mistakes and teaching them about how to be a good friend.”
Girls on the Run Greater Piedmont was founded in 2008 by Jennifer Summers, who still works the spring and fall celebration 5K each season. She said, “I describe race day as exhilarating exhaustion. The GOTRGP team spends months planning all the details to make race day magical for our girls. Finishing a 5K and being proud of the work they put in to get to that finish line has me hopeful that each girl realizes she can do lots of hard things. I want to be a part of the movement that empowers girls to believe they can do anything, be anything, and support other girls in the process. The smiles and pride make all the hard work of our teams worth it!”
Sarah Swertfeger said, “My involvement in Girls on the Run Greater Piedmont started a few years ago as a volunteer coach. I signed up as a coach to give back to the running community that I feel has done so much for me. I then quickly realized that the GOTR program is so much more than a running program, and there is no way I could ever not be involved in this incredible organization. I now serve as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at GOTRGP. I stay involved in GOTR both for my younger self and the future of what it means to be a woman. Through Girls on the Run, we learn life skills that we take with us forever. The 5K is the culmination of knowing we can all accomplish so much when we work hard. Watching our girls cross the finish line makes me emotional every time. It’s another reminder that with all the volunteer hours we put into this, we accomplish so much with hard work!”
Shelli Breadon added, “Experiencing my first 5K as GOTRGP Executive Director filled me with awe. The energy, the smiles, the determination – it’s electric! Seeing each girl cross the finish line and witnessing the pride radiating from their running buddies and coaches is truly unforgettable. This is the magic of GOTRGP: building confidence, celebrating courage, and creating moments that shape who these girls believe they can become.”
Girls on the Run Greater Piedmont closed out its Fall 2025 season uniting girls from 14 sites across Iredell, Rowan, Davidson, and Forsyth counties. The season culminated in a joyful 5K that filled the event with energy. Girls ran alongside their running buddies, supported by dedicated coaches, enthusiastic volunteers and staff, community partners and vendors, and with the cheers of spectators lining the course. The event also welcomed community runners who came out to support the mission and join the fun.
With the fall season wrapping up, Girls on the Run Greater Piedmont is now looking ahead to an exciting Spring 2026 season, which begins in February. The spring program runs for 10 weeks, with girls practicing two days per week, all leading to the celebratory Spring 5K on May 2, 2026.
Rockwell coach Gina Ritchie said, “The run wasn’t all uphill! It was a great day with perfect weather, all made form a positive day!” Genesis Henry enjoyed her first GOTR 5K and said, “Being here running with my friends was fun all the way through!”
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls.” -Matthew 11:29
Isn’t it kind that the Lord invites us to be yoked with Him? He actually wants to bear our burdens and give us rest. We are not meant to handle life by ourselves. Back in the days when the nation of Israel was being formed, the Lord gave an unusual command. Exodus 20:8 says to “Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy.” It was to be a day of rest. Pagan nations all around them wondered at their logic. For who sits around on a perfectly good work day when they could be out making hay while the sun shines? But rest and worship by God’s people has always been a testimony of His provision. It is how we learn to trust Him. Watching Him provide has been one of our greatest blessings. In order to experience a deep soul rest, be yoked with Him. He will gladly bear our burdens.
Bonus verse: “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10
Not all employees walk on two feet… Some employees really draw in the customers until they go missing… Steve Hartman shares the story of one such employee…. ENJOY!!!!!
My pastor asked if I would like to speak during the holiday season. Naturally, I said yes! He gave me the topic and said GO! The topic was the Glory of God! I shared an encouraging word about the Glory of God and I invite you to listen. ENJOY!!!
We are now in the heart of the holiday season. We have consumed the big Thanksgiving meal and our taste buds are excited about the coming spread of food for Christmas and New Year’s. There will be cakes, pies, and cookies calling our names. There will be parties and family gatherings that will bring more delectable treats our way. It’s the season of eating!
Thanksgiving begins the season of great food. My taste buds were delighted with my choices this year. I had to pick and choose what I ate at my brother’s because there was more to taste than the crowd that gathered could eat. I am not sure how many people made it to my brother’s house for Thanksgiving but it was quite a crowd and quite a feast.
The crowd included my family and extended family. There were some guests but we make them feel like family. Who wouldn’t want to be at a place filled with love, laughter, and great food? There were many conversations occurring inside and outside the house. Our family is close-knit but everyone is welcome to join.
I was glad to see and hug my mom…but felt a little pang at the thought that Dad wasn’t there. I enjoyed catching up with my brother and sister. We’ve been together a little more this year and I am thankful for that. I always enjoy chatting with my nieces and nephews. There were some that didn’t make it this year, but I enjoyed talking with those that did. They are young and their lives are full working and raising their families. I always want to hear the latest from each household. My side of the family is now up to sixteen grandnieces and grandnephews with one more on the way. It’s hard to keep up.
There are more holiday gatherings scheduled for my family on both sides and I look forward to each one. While there will be plenty of good food consumed at these gatherings, I look forward to spending some quality time with my family. That’s what is great about the holidays, we get the chance to unplug from the routines and reconnect with those we love. It’s hard to connect when we all lead such busy lives.
I have been wondering; how do we slow life down so we can truly reconnect? There are so many demands placed on our lives, with endless expectations to be here and go there, how do we quiet our minds enough to be present in any situation? Our minds race almost as fast as our schedules, thinking about the next thing we have to do and missing the thing we are doing at the moment. At the end of the holiday season we are so frazzled that we welcome the routines of daily life with open arms.
I don’t want the holidays to be that way. I think the best way to begin the process is by learning to say no. No, I can’t make it to that event or gathering. We have to give ourselves permission to say no. Then we have to keep ourselves from feeling guilty. It’s okay to not attend everything that is available to you. By saying no to some things it allows you to say yes to what’s important to you. It also allows you to be present at the things you have chosen. You can breathe. You can take in the event and the people and really connect.
Being present at the things you have chosen can be one of the best presents to others and to yourself. The gift of you! Not a frazzled you who is thinking about all that has yet to get done, but the you that those who gathered came to see. Don’t allow yourself to be over-booked, rather, choose to be under-booked. Allow for some uncommitted down time. This will help you to be present each time you gather at the events and places you have chosen to enjoy.
I want to encourage you to give your family and friends the best present you can give, you! Be present because you have chosen to be present. Focus your mind on the people you are with and enjoy their company. Let the joy of this season rise up in your spirit because you have chosen the places you are going this year. Let your love for your family and friends shine through you because you have chosen to be present. Let’s enjoy the food, family, and friends this season and be present, filled with the love, peace, and joy of the holiday season.
