Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Not swerving – being swayed by circumstances and negative reports.
We hold onto the hope that comes from God that is unchanging.
For certain, He is faithful and He has made His promise, He will keep His word.
Prayer: Lord I do count on You today and I focus on the hope that I know is real in You that You are faithful and all Your promises. Help me to be a testimony and a witness to others and to share today Your goodness with someone. Amen.
West Rowan Bible Teachers Association 5K and Fun Run
Just a week away is the hottest race going in Rowan County, the Fifth Annual WRBTA 5K and Fun Run at West Rowan Elementary School in Cleveland. The energy at this race is incredible and much of that pizzaz comes from Race Director Deb Gusler. Race day is April 18th, with the 5K at 9am and the Fun Run at about 10:15am. The school serves as the start and finish for both races.
The course is very fast and does not have a hill on it. The Cleveland Police and Fire Departments and other fire departments will provide a safe course for runners and walkers.
Gusler has been the Administrative Assistant for 5½ years at West Rowan Elementary School since it opened. She said, “In this role, I support staff, students, and their families each day, and I truly love being part of the WRES family!”
Running became a passion for Gusler later in life and she was out running when I contacted her about finalizing this article. Gusler said, “I started at age 39, and once I began, I never looked back. It has become a form of therapy for me. In 2019, I completed my first half marathon, finishing first in my age group. That same year, I ran 1,080 miles!”
Gusler has been a member of the WRBTA board for 16 years. The idea for the 5K came from a conversation with a friend about fundraising for the Bible program. When she presented the idea to the board, they fully supported it. That first year was a really tight schedule from the confirmation of the event to race day, just slightly over a month as I remember.
Gusler said, “Our community’s passion for the WRBTA is truly amazing! This is a run/walk event that people of all ages can participate in. We promote it in fun and engaging ways from our 5K pep rally at school (where teachers wear inflatables and race around the gym) to social media, letters mailed to residents in Cleveland, and yard signs. Our teachers play a huge role in building excitement by encouraging students in their classrooms.
WRBTA is very grateful to have three Bible teachers who serve the West Rowan community. Funds raised help pay those three teachers, including salary and benefits, since the state does not contribute to this program. The WRBTA is a 100% community funded nonprofit organization whose purpose is to raise funds to provide the support necessary for the Bible classes. Currently, the annual amount needed is $245,000.
Faith Devenny, Sara Bailey Wooten and Brant Marlin are the Bible teachers. Devenny is at West Rowan and Mt. Ulla Elementaries, while Marlin is at West Rowan Middle School. Wooten is at West Rowan High School.
Other fundraising events include the WRBTA Hanging Basket Sale on May 9th at Salem Lutheran and The Arbor Church, the WRBTA Golf Tournament held at McCanless Golf Club in Salisbury on August 22nd and the WRBTA Sweet Potato Sale the week before Thanksgiving.
Interested parties can donate at: HTTPS://TINYURL.COMWRBTA5K (a “donate only” option is available) and at WRBTA.com. For more information or to donate, call Gusler at 704-902-5237.
On race day, West Rowan High School will provide a fun both in conjunction with the fun run that will include face painting, tattoos, games, etc. Pete Bogle will also juggle for entertainment. There will be music for everyone before and during the races and lots of bells and noise makers celebrating those who cross the finish line.
For more information on the WRBTA races or any of SRR’s other events, go to www.salisburyrowanrunners.org As a reminder, the One in 5K for the Family Crisis Council has been cancelled for this Saturday, April 11th.
One of our favorite TV personalities made a remark that caused us to laugh. As the show continued David tipped his head and asked. “What’s goin’ on with her eyebrows?” I looked at him and wondered when he started noticing such things. Turning back to the pretty lady I realized he was right. Her brows were perfectly matched and a bit wider than normal. “Why would she do that?” he asked again. It was almost as if they’d been carefully colored in. The fact that I engaged in this conversation gives you a glimpse into our exciting life. “Well… when I lost my hair during chemo, I was told there was a stencil I could get to draw in perfect eyebrows. Maybe she got hold of something like that. Although I could never quite get mine to look right. I always came off looking angry. Or shocked.” He pushed his hair back and raised his eyebrows looking surprised. “Like this?” he asked. “Yep. Just like that only not as bushy.” I smiled at the man. “I guess I should have splurged on the stencil. I kept thinking I could do it myself. But at the time, eyebrows were the least of my problems. It’s funny how they never grew back.” He leaned forward between our matching* recliners and looked at me closer. “Hmm. They’re there. They are just very light. I guess you could draw them on. Just remember, ‘Less is more.’ You don’t want to look like the TV lady. That’s just weird.” A small part of me was pleased that he liked what he saw when he looked at me and didn’t want me resembling a celebrity. At least that’s what I heard. I pulled up a phone picture our youngest daughter had taken of us the day before. As I held it up for him to see, again he considered the eyebrow situation. “Maybe our eldest daughter could draw some on the picture. She’s techno-savvy.” I looked at the photo we hoped to use later for a family thing. “Yep. She could do that. Back when she was in high school she had big eyebrows, like Brooke Shields. So pretty. If anyone has a good appreciation of eyebrows it would be Stephanie.” He nodded and I wondered if we should be watching the Braves game instead. Surely none of those guys have stenciled eyebrows. If so they’d be melted off in the Georgia heat. A bit later I dug through my make-up for an eyebrow pencil. As I looked in the mirror I envisioned looking like Sela Ward or that gal that plays in Ant Man. Remembering David’s words I tried to use a light hand. Suddenly I recognized the image in the mirror. It was Mr. Potato Head… using his angry eyes. Sela Ward was nowhere. But I did look expressive. So there was that. A hot washcloth and a few scrubs later I came to a conclusion. Maybe I’ll be just fine without eyebrows. No more surprised looks or angry eyes. This way I can do what comes natural. Maybe keep people guessing with my blank look. I plan to hold onto my eyebrow pencil though. Considering our life, my confused look will surely come in handy in the future. *Disclaimer: The mentioning of matching recliners is not intended to sound highfalutin. They DO match because his is brown and mine is orange and blue and brown paisley. However, they were not bought as a set. We are not that sophisticated. Obviously.
Reading through Galatians, two words leap off the page – “even Barnabas.” Barnabas is one of the most likable of the many followers of Jesus mentioned in the New Testament. Our first introduction to him in Acts 4 paints him not only as a very generous man but a great encourager – in fact, his name means “Son of Encouragement.” When Saul, former persecutor of the Church, is transformed by the Holy Spirit into Paul, proclaimer of the gospel of Christ, he is met with due skepticism. Barnabas steps in with an open mind, not letting fear of Paul’s past affect his own confidence in the Holy Spirit’s ability to use this new friend and fellow Christ-follower. It is Barnabas who brings Paul to the other apostles in Acts 9 to offer a first-hand account of Paul’s transformation. Acts goes on to show Barnabas as a trustworthy, spirit-filled exhorter (Acts 11).
This disciple is easy to love, which makes the words “even Barnabas” hit like a gut-punch. For context: “But when Cephas (Peter) came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy” (Galatians 2:11-13).
“Even Barnabas.” The way Paul confronts his brother in Christ reminds me of the line from the Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar: “Et tu, Brute?” It hits with the same tenor. We have come to know Barnabas so very well, and now we wonder if we know him at all.
What happened? Although the Bible doesn’t fully elaborate on how Barnabas came to follow hypocrisy, I wonder if I can empathize here. He was doing so well in his Christian walk. If we were to make a chart of how to look and live like a Christian, he would be the poster child. Luke, the writer, refers to him as “a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.” Barnabas surrounded himself with great followers and leaders, like Peter. I wonder if both Peter and Barnabas struggled with people-pleasing. Before we look at that latter phrase with contempt, let us remember that most of our weaknesses are the backside of the coin of a strength. Even Paul speaks of being all things to all people for the sake of winning some to Christ. But when we seek to please and accommodate people out of fear of how they will respond to us rather than out of an opportunity to win them to Christ, we can become hypocritical.
Perhaps it is the elementary mistake of forgetting the rules of “follow the leader.” In case it’s been a minute since you last played: it has one rule – wait for it – “follow the leader.” Participants line up in a single file, imitating and following the leader as he or she walks or moves. It is a reflection of the leader. Most who lose and get called out are those who have their eyes on someone else in front of them or are distracted by something else outside the game. Winners are those rule followers who keep their eyes on the leader.
Thankfully, I can tell you there is hope in the story. After this moment of confrontation, Barnabas was still found useful for the kingdom and the building of the church. Paul mentioned this brother in Christ in a later letter with affection. Though his death is not mentioned in the Bible, early scholars report that it is likely Barnabas died a martyr’s death, possibly in Cyprus, indicating that he continued his walk of faith. There is hope for us and fellow-believers, too. At some point in our journey, many of us will need to be reminded of the rules of “follow the leader,”and when we are reminded and readjust, we, too, can continue in steadfastness.
I made it around the sun one more time. I turned another year older and I am okay with that. I really don’t mind adding another year to my life except for those zero years… when I change decades. I had a good birthday weekend. I appreciate all the well wishes from my family and friends.
My brother asked me if I had gained any wisdom on this last trip around the sun. Initially, I drew a blank, but upon further reflection, maybe I did learn a few lessons on this trip. I think one of the most important things I learned was to appreciate every moment you get with those that you love. My Dad typically called me on my birthday, but this year he wasn’t here to call me. The last time I saw him in relatively good health was on July 4th. I remember we shared a fun memory and a good laugh. We all lead busy lives, making it hard to slow down and be present. It’s important to be together and connect with those you love. Our family has suffered a number of losses in the last year and a half.
I’ve been reminded that it is important to celebrate others’ joys. My family has grown by three nieces. It was a great blessing to get the three of them together on Easter Sunday. New babies represent new hope in families and we need an infusion of hope in our family after our losses. The babies are cute and the excitement about them is contagious. We also had a wedding in our family. That was a special day. It was also another way our family grew.
One lesson I am struggling to learn is asking for help. I’ve had to ask for help multiple times this year and I really appreciate those who have offered their service. Lifting heavy things can cause my back some trouble. Climbing on the roof is probably off my list, too. I’ve had to ask friends for help with things around the house. I realize that as I make more trips around the sun that I am going to have to ask for help more often. That’s a tough lesson, but I hope I can bless those who offer their kindness and service to me.
One of the tougher lessons I am still learning is that I can’t be at everything. I don’t like missing gatherings and disappointing people, but I can’t attend every gathering. A friend recently reminded me that we all need some down time. I am finding that I really enjoy days when I don’t have things on my calendar. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy gathering with friends and family tremendously, but I enjoy some quiet moments equally as well.
Another important lesson has been learning to take care of myself. It takes longer to recover from sickness and injuries as I age. Taking walks is good for my physical body but also for my mental health. Eating good food and avoiding foods that bother me is becoming more important. Taking my vitamins and getting proper rest is very important. We have to focus on taking care of ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually as we grow older.
Some lessons I learned in my garden. Last year I added some soil to help my vegetables grow and I worked hard at getting things planted. Even though I got a late start, I expected a nice harvest. We had a hot growing season last year which reduced my harvest. Critters also helped themselves before I could benefit from the garden. Life is like that. We can do and say all the right things but life might give us a gut punch. We can think that everything is working against us and discover rewards we never expected. Life and gardening are full of surprises, some warmly welcomed and some difficult and challenging.
Those are some of the lessons from this journey around the sun. I want to encourage you to reflect back on your trip and consider the lessons you learned and relive the joys that brought a smile to your face. Life has many ups and downs offering us lessons each step of the way. Remember to hug those you love and let them know how much they mean to you. Embrace the challenges to grow and become a better you. Don’t forget to slow down and smell the flowers, live in the moment, and love those near and dear to your heart. Remember to never stop learning. There are many lessons ahead for each one of us.
Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.
Life and death is certainly in the tongue and what comes out defiles rather than what goes in.
So much has been done in years gone by with what was said or not said.
The godly wise person watches carefully what comes out of the mouth and takes great care with words.
Prayer: Lord I ask You to help me and put a watch in front of my mouth that I will not speak quickly or irrationally or impulsively or foolishly, but to be very wise with the words that I use that they will glorify You and bring life to me rather than ruin to me or my household. Teach me Your ways Lord. Amen.
Once a year, the Special Olympics Torch Run crosses North Carolina on the way to the state games. North Carolina’s Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest year-round fundraising campaign for Special Olympics in the state, with nearly 2,000 law enforcement personnel participating annually. The 2026 season features multiple events leading up to the Final Leg on May 29, when the Flame of Hope culminates at the Special Olympics NC Summer Games Opening Ceremony in Raleigh.
One of my favorite days of the year is when the torch passes through Salisbury and continues to Spencer. Not only has it been one of my favorite days, but May 15th, 2024, was one of the most important days of my life. I didn’t run first thing that Thursday morning because it was Torch Run day, meaning just over six miles waited for me later during a humid mid-morning.
I had a breakfast event and then headed to Airport Road and Main Street, next to the Speedway convenience store and joined good friends Adalie Harrison, Joel Whittington and about 50 others with law enforcement or government ties to start our part of the Torch Run just after 10am. We stopped at Stallings Baptist for water and a bathroom break, then on to Bell Tower Green to meet some Special Olympics athletes and greet several local dignitaries near the stage.
Then came the rest of the run on to my favorite car wash in Spencer where we finish each year. Nothing about this run is a race because the pace is held to about 12-minute miles. There are a few hills, but just as much downhill as uphill. The torch is only carried by the law enforcement personnel, and they are usually just behind the lead vehicle. Salisbury Police and Fire keep the runners safe along with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Department while many of them participate in the run too.
Lots of photos are made before, along the way and at the end, in fact running with the torch is a big celebration and a fantastic memory. Any running event is good for me, but the best occur when the funds raised are headed toward a great cause, as certainly this one is.
This year, Salisbury PD Sgt. Adam Bouk and Sgt. Meredith Walker, who coordinate the NCLETR, have opened the event to other runners. The only requirement is to purchase an LETR shirt for $25 and run a 12-minute pace. Transportation will be provided back to your vehicle, which will be left at the starting point, new this year at The Forum. Commemorative performance and trucker hats are also available at $25 and $30.
The Torch Run is just one of many events that Bouk and Walker have planned for Special Olympics fundraising. Bouk said, “Our fundraising goal is a big one this year! Our goal last year was $15,000 and we hit $24,600. So, we will push for $35,000 this year, Aim high, hit high, I hope!”
Bouk continued, “There are several of the Rowan County athletes that go to the state games. That is the weekend of May 29-31 this year. We went last year and ran the final leg of the Torch Run, did the opening ceremony and then hung the medals around the athletes’ necks after the games the following day. About 1500 athletes compete free of charge in eight sports. We are going again for the final leg this year as well. All of this has been the highlight of my law enforcement career.”
During the late afternoon after the Torch Run of May 24th, 2024, I fell in a farming accident and broke my back. A long recovery after that day allowed me the privilege of running again at the Torch Run in May 2025 and I look forward to May 7th to do it again.
To join in the upcoming Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, call Sgt. Bouk’s office at 704-216-7556 or email him at abouk@salisburync.gov or Sgt. Walker at 704-638-2127 and mwalk@salisburync.gov
Our next local race is the West Rowan Bible Teachers 5K and Fun Run on April 18th. Look for this, and more upcoming events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org
