Life takes us on many journeys. Some journeys are with others some are alone. Life takes many paths, some solitary, some together with companions. Being alone can be peaceful and reflective. The quiet and slower pace can be like taking a deep breath and feeling your mind and body relax.
Sharing the journey can be very special. Enjoying conversation, discovering new things together and the warmth of friendship.
Jesus sent the disciples out in twos. This could have been for many reasons. One being safety. Another being the strength in two witnesses rather than one person testifying of who Jesus is. The Lord said “Where two or more are gathered in my name, there I am also.” There is strength in numbers.
There is a scientific principle in gardening for companion planting. Certain plants thrive more when side by side with other certain plants. And there are some that actually discourage growth if they are near each other.
Cucumber Beetle and Squash Bugs can be destructive pests in the garden. I have personally seen them kill a plant in no time at all. Through research and experimentation I discovered that planting Squash or Cucumbers along side Dill and Nasturtiums will repel these pests. Garlic is known to repel many pests in the vegetable garden also. And there is something about Basil that will make Tomato plants more healthy and productive.
Together we also can be healthier and more productive when we have companions. Quiet alone time is nice at times but if we fnd ourselves isolating or withdrawing from life we will open ourselves up to the pests and weeds that can take over our minds and souls. God admonished us to stay close and be faithful to the body of Christ. Companion growing and planting will gives us strength in our lives and walk with God.
February can be a dreary month. To brighten things, each February, my children set out small, tin mailboxes in hopes that some cheer will greet them each morning leading up to Valentine’s Day. Often it’s a small note, an edible treat, or maybe a token of a gift. Little Debbie heart-shaped snacks are always a welcome treat, particularly after the coveted Christmas tree cakes.
After picking up a box recently from a local grocery store, I came home, opened the box, and emptied the contents. To my surprise, out came 4 packets of Great Value grits (not even the same house-brand as this store!) and three packets of fruit snacks. I was so confused, I looked again at the front of the box as the contents were making their way out. This was followed by suspicion – had someone returned this box? This led to creating narratives – was this a result of a prank? Or maybe the giver thought grits and fruit snacks would speak greater volumes of love to someone who doesn’t actually like the snack cakes.
Not being able to let anything just be, my mind thought of the lesson to learn from this odd illustration. Valentine’s Day marketing has done love a disservice in many ways. The expectation is that love is sweet, rich, decadent….impractical. While I don’t suggest that a husband buy his wife a vacuum or most other household appliances as a Valentine’s Day gift, acts of service really can speak volumes of love, sometimes more loudly than another box of chocolates. As children grow into independent adults, they often no longer have a long list of things they want but rather are truly delighted by thoughtful gifts of provision and care. Gifts that sustain and nourish us (like grits instead of snack cakes) can often forge deeper intimacy than those that only momentarily satisfy.
Sometimes God works this way, too. He loves too deeply to settle for only providing us momentary happiness. That is not to say that He NEVER grants us small, trivial delights. But more often than not, because He sees what we cannot and even knows us better than we admit to know about ourselves, His gifts more completely nourish and sustain us. He quenches our thirst; He fills our hunger. Sometimes what He gives us doesn’t match our expectations of His love – If He really loves me, why did He allow ___________ in my life? Sometimes our disappointment is so profound that we fail to appreciate what is before us and only lament what we did not receive.
As an imperfect parent, I can sometimes focus on finding gifts that tickle their fancy or that I think they will like. It is easy to forget that showing love through practical, nourishing gifts can express a great deal of love, which hopefully will be well-received.
I did not keep this false box of snack cakes. I wanted to provide something I knew my kids would enjoy (although they do like grits that I make and enjoy an occasional fruit snack). There is definitely a time and season for a frivolous sort of love. But hopefully I won’t forget the lesson that the most nourishing love does not always come in the most attractive packaging.
Ashlie Miller is blessed by several little valentines and her main Valentine in Concord, NC. You can email her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.
I went for a walk after church, trying to clear my head. The air was crisp and cold. I noticed that some of the snow had melted off some yards while others were still completely covered in snow. I waved at some neighbors and spoke to other walkers. The longer I walked the more my muddled mind began to clear. I was wishing the clouds would break and allow the sun to shine, but they held tightly.
It was Super Bowl Sunday. Everyone gets excited for different things involving the big game. Some love the food and comradery. Others look forward to the commercials and the game. Still others look forward to it being over. I prefer the commercials. I want to see the latest techniques for marketing products to consumers. I can’t get that out of my blood even though I am retired.
I was thinking about what happens after the big game. One team goes home feeling great because they have been crowned the champions. Winning always feels great, but what about the other team? They go home defeated. There will not be a parade to welcome them home. How will the family, friends, and fans welcome home the team that loses the Super Bowl?
It is a similar thing for the Olympic athletes. If you are in fourth place, you don’t get a medal. How do you comfort an athlete who has worked their whole life for that big moment and it slips through their hands? What do you say? I saw someone crying after finding out they had won the silver medal instead of the gold.
I am reading a book by Hal Urban called, “Positive Words, Powerful Results.” In the book he talks about the power of our words. We can choose to build others up or tear them down. Our words can change other people’s lives for both good and bad. He challenges the reader to use their words in a positive and encouraging way. You never know how that one encouraging thing might turn someone’s life completely around.
Every person you meet is going through something. It might be the little hassles of everyday life or it could be something that is rocking their world. A smile, a word of affirmation, a simple thank you, or sharing something funny could be all that is needed to change the mood and help lift another person up. People don’t need a grand gesture; it’s the simple things that make all the difference. Every one of us is capable of helping others through simple gestures.
Problems come to all of us in many shapes and forms. Some we can handle quickly and easily. The other day a light switch stopped working. I happened to have one and replaced it in a few minutes. Wouldn’t it be great if all of life’s problems could be solved that easily?
Sadly, some of life’s problems are overwhelming, or we get overwhelmed at the volume of things we have to handle. Sometimes we may have to ask for help to deal with the problems, not just the repairing but also the mental side of those problems. Having a good friend who will listen and help you sort through things is great BUT don’t forget to be there for that friend when their world turns upside down.
The other very important thing to keep in mind is something that Hal Urban points out in his book. Sometimes we have to make an effort to look for the good, to find the little joys in life for ourselves. Going for a walk, building a snowman, seeing a crocus poking up, watching a sunset or sunrise, playing with your pet, getting a hug, enjoying a book, laughing at a comedian, or playing a game with your child are all simple moments that can help you find joy. Each of us finds joy in different ways but they are the keys to help us through the problems of life.
I want to encourage you to think about the things that bring you joy…. Now do some of those things. The laundry and dishes can wait. The texts and emails will be there later. You have to take care of you! You can’t help someone else if your batteries are empty. Read your favorite scripture, remember times in the past when God came through for you, and try to give to God the things that are overwhelming you. He cares about you. He loves you. If you will trust Him, look for those things that bring you joy, and rest in His presence…He will lift you up!
Romans 4:19 Without weakening in his
faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead–since he was
about a hundred years old–and that Sarah’s womb was also dead.
It is not a lack of faith recognizing our situation the way it appears and seems to be.
Gods truth is way above all the facts and what He has said is what will happen, regardless of what the facts are.
We do not get weakened in our faith
because of our circumstances (the enemy is always trying to remind us so
he can weaken our faith).
Prayer: Hallelujah! I praise You for Your faithfulness and Your greatness that You are able
to do more than I can ask or think so I will not pay attention to my
circumstances or what the devil says or reminds me of. I will put my
confidence in You and You are a miracle worker. Amen.
We are just a week away from one of the most historic events in North Carolina running. The 43rd Annual Forum Fitness Winter Flight 8K, 5K and Fun Run take center stage on Sunday afternoon, February 1st, at Catawba College beginning with the half mile fun run on the track at 1:30 pm. Then the wheelchair athletes take off at 1:58, followed by the 5K and the feature event 8K at 2pm.
The races used to start in downtown Salisbury and longtime friend, Dr. Dick Martin reminded me how they came to a much better venue at Catawba. He said, “In either ‘84 or ’85, Bob Zirt and I and had gone to run a race in Durham that included the Duke University campus then finishing on the track of the football field. Someone knew Catawba had a measured course that finished behind the gym. When we looked at it, we suggested finishing on the track which was easily entered with 3/4 of the track to a finish line. It was easy to adjust both start and finish line for the measured course. That is how the current course came to be.”
Both Martin and Zirt were some of the small group of Greater Salisbury Track Club members who made those early races happen. The GSTC later became the Salisbury Rowan Runners who own the race to this day. Catawba College is still a major partner as is the City of Salisbury. Rowan Helping Ministries is the recipient of all proceeds. They provide many of the large group of about 60 volunteers who will work the races.
Outgoing Rowan Helping Ministries Executive Director Kyna Grubb said, “Winter Flight is a cherished tradition in our community that brings people together year after year to care for our neighbors in need. We are so thankful for our longtime partnership with Salisbury Rowan Runners, whose generosity and commitment have sustained this race for so many years. It means so much to us to see that spirit continue, and we are especially excited that our new Executive Director, Cress Goodnight, will be participating in this year’s race and joining a community that truly shows up for one another.”
The always popular Winter Flight hoodies with the new 2026 commemorative logo, designed by Meredith Abramson, are back again this year in royal blue. And for the first time, every finisher will get a commemorative die-cast medal that also uses Abramson’s logo. Additional awards for the race are numerous and include the Road Runners Club of America North Carolina state championship, plus a complete list of about 150 overall and age group awards for the 8K, 5K and fun run. These will be announced at the awards ceremony in Goodman Gym immediately following each race. Huge amounts of refreshments, water and Cheerwine will be available to all finishers after the races.
Back again this year is the popular WF raffle, also benefiting Rowan Helping Ministries. This year, Dick’s Sporting Goods has provided a $500 gift certificate as the prize. Tickets are one for $5.00 and three for $10. Contact Lynn Furr at 704-724-2819. The gift card does not expire.
Registration continues right up until race time at runsignup.com. Other late opportunities for registration are from 6-8pm on January 31st at City Park Recreation Center at 316 Lake Drive in Salisbury and again from 12 noon to race time for all three races inside Goodman Gym on Sunday, February 1st.
Salisbury and the surrounding area turn out in a big way as sponsors of Winter Flight. Besides The Forum, Catawba College and the City of Salisbury, other major sponsors include The Trophy House, David Post Law, Debbie Suggs Catering, First Horizon Bank. Additional sponsors include Ralph Baker Shoes, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lantern Realty, the Bogle Firm, Carolina Cremation, the Salisbury Post, Teresa Shaw, Lazy 5 Vets, Taylor Clay Products, Bradshaw Rogers Financial Planners, Dr. Acquawon Stallworth, Walser Technology Group, Cheerwine, Hoffner Organic Farm, F&M Bank, Scott Weant, Brent Parks CPA, Mike Wright Ameriprise Financial Planners, Accelerate Therapy and Performance,, Carter Law Group, Falcon Financial, Cloninger Ford/Toyota, Miller and Sons Produce, Godley’s Garden Center, Sudden Impact, Carolina Golf Mart, Patterson Farm Market, Whimziggy, Koontz and Smith Law Firm, RLC Associates, Abigail’s, The Lettered Lilly, Rowan Cabarrus YMCA, GNC, North Carolina Transportation Museum, Harwood Signs and Gear for Races.
Races for the whole family on beautiful courses and a popular beneficiary of all proceeds make for a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I hope to see you there! Look for more information about this and other upcoming events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org
What is your default setting? Where do you go when nothing is making sense? Do you have a “happy place” that re-boots your psyche? Christianeze would say, “Run to Jesus.” So how do you do that when the bills pile up, and the pain is great, and prayers go unanswered?
A good friend of mine who struggles with depression will watch a funny movie. Another friend finds great solace in his deer stand. He can sit there in the cold, frosty morning and watch the forest for hours. David will take a long ride on his motorcycle through the quiet countryside. Me? Take me to the beach. Give me a day watching the waves and suddenly I’m good for another couple months.
The sweetest story is recorded in the last chapter of John. Seven guys were together after witnessing the horrible death of their friend. And even though they had seen Him alive, and had the realization that God had raised Him from the dead, their future was very uncertain. Unmet expectations, fear of the unknown and the lingering question of “What now?” made way for hurt and doubt.
Peter reveals his default setting with “I’m going fishing.”
His friends joined him. But after fishing all night their nets were as empty as their souls. With dawn breaking a stranger called out to them the ageless question.
“Catching anything?”
“We’ve got nothing,” was their reply.
“Throw your net on the other side,” came the familiar suggestion.
With nets suddenly full, memories of provision and care filled their weary souls. Once they hauled in the bounty, they made their way to the shore where Jesus was waiting. And He had a hot breakfast ready for them. Can He get any sweeter?
A HOT BREAKFAST!
Here is the Lord of glory, Who has just conquered death, Who understands their fear and emptiness, cooking breakfast on the sea shore for His weary friends.
He’s kind like that. It wasn’t enough to call out a greeting; or fill their boat with fish; or even just appear to them again in order to let them know everything would be okay. Nope. He cooked breakfast.
That is a picture of our Savior: Grace heaped upon grace.
Just when we cannot take another thing, He sends what we need to fill our empty souls.
Hold on my friend. He will be calling to you shortly. Don’t feel bad if you have to look to Him and reply, “I’ve got nothing.” He already knows.
And He’s cooking up something special that will be just what you need.
