What I am Thankful for

by   November 30, 2021 with No Comments

By David Freeze

Christmas parades, Salisbury and South Rowan, on cool clear days. I love a parade better than most and one day I will see the Macy’s spectacular edition and all those balloons in person!

Forecasts for snow and even rain, both seem exciting. Can’t wait for an early morning run in both.

Rowan Helping Ministries, Main Street Mission, and the United Way, even better when they work together.

Bell Tower Green, and for the committee and supporters who planned it and got it paid for. What a plus for downtown Salisbury and our county!

For that matter, Salisbury Community, Dan Nicholas and Sloan parks, and all the others. We all need time in the fresh air and kids need challenges on their playgrounds.

Races and events returning, some stronger than ever. I’m hoping for the biggest ever Butterball 5K at the Forum this morning. The Butterball and January’s Winter Flight returning to their home courses where all seems right.

SEC football, Davidson basketball and my beloved Yankees. The Braves won this time, the Yanks are due!

Time on the farm, working or not. Looking around to see all the things made better by hard work, sweat and often a little blood.

The men and women in blue, the fire departments and all the other first responders. Our military, as domestic and worldwide tensions seem to increase daily. How dreadful would our world be without these brave men and women?

My first granddaughter, affectionately called the Booper by only me, but known as Monroe to everyone else. This girl is going places! My daughters and their husbands too, and yes, most of my ex-wives. Celebrating Thanksgiving with them and the rest of my family.

Time to write and read for fun, to volunteer and encourage exercise and fitness. Giving of our time is without a doubt the best gift we can give anyone.

Our newspaper, the Salisbury Post. I’m glad that I can keep abreast of the local happenings and don’t have to say as often, “I didn’t hear about that!”

A long bike journey and returning home safely each time. And the book team that includes Elizabeth Cook, Andy Mooney and Jon Lakey, all incredibly talented and good friends too!

The excitement of each new day! A new and clean slate to make our own.

Precious “God moments,” those happenings that stop me in my tracks with awe. They happen almost daily on the bike rides and serve to deepen my faith each time. A spectacular sunset, an animal encounter, walking away from what should have been a very serious accident, all strokes of his broad brush.

And finally, the readers who make this column possible. I enjoy the opportunity to learn your stories and to write about them more than I can express. Count your own blessings and have the best ever Thanksgiving Day!

The Wait

by   November 29, 2021 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

Sometimes, a wait in the hospital ‘waiting room’ isn’t too bad – like when waiting for a new baby or for a loved one’s ‘simple’ surgery to end, but quite often the ‘waiting room’ can be a very difficult place. I have become quite the expert in this area, so here are some tips to improve your ‘waiting room’ experience:

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*Sometimes, you may have to leave your loved one’s hospital room and go to a waiting room. There, you can allow your tears to flow more freely. This is when others will hug you, comfort you, pray for you, or just know to let you have a few minutes alone.

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*Coffee and water is always available. If the coffee pot gets empty, someone will make more.

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*There are baskets filled with snacks and magazines, often brought by members of local churches. And… Bibles brought by Gideons.

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*Exhausted? Pull two chairs together. Ask someone for pillows and blankets. Voila! You have a bed. ‘Chair sleeping’ can be a bit awkward, so someone will try to convince you to go home and rest, while they take your place in the ‘waiting room’ for a few hours. Take them up on the offer.

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*If it gets cold, ask for a heated blanket. There always seems to be a compassionate person that will find you one.

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*You may notice others waiting, too. Sharing ‘waiting room’ time is precious, since you can be there for each other.

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*People on the hospital staff may stop by to update you. It makes you feel that people care… and they do!

Did this ‘waiting room’ sound familiar? Ever been there? It is so similar to the ‘waiting rooms’ of life – where we spend much of our time. Situations or circumstances need to change. Answers need to come. We pray. We wait.

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Matthew 25:35-40 says: “When I was hungry, you gave me meat. When I was thirsty, you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you took me in. I was naked and you clothed me.

I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to me. I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto me.”

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God always puts people in our path to help in times of waiting. They may provide nourishment for us – maybe a basket with food. Maybe they nourish us by sharing God’s Word. They give us drink – like coffee or water – or maybe they guide us to the water of life, so we will never thirst again. They clothe us – sometimes by covering us with a warm blanket – or speaking warm words to strengthen us. They know our waiting is excruciating – and they support us by their presence and prayers. Sometimes, we feel trapped – as if in prison – during that ‘waiting room’ experience – but God always sends comfort our way – often through others, wanting to help bear our burdens.

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No, the ‘waiting room’ is not always a happy place, but it does not have to be a lonely place. Sometimes, when we are in the ‘waiting room’ and are hurting, we may not even share with others that we are in that season of waiting. People cannot read our minds, so we need to ask for support. How can they know to help us, if they don’t know our need?

Oh, what amazing things I have learned in my ‘waiting room’ experiences! Giving and receiving! Loving and being loved! Serving and being served! Trusting God! Resting in His Promises! (Just to name a few!)

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Aren’t you thankful for the ‘Matthew 25:35-40’ people in your life? They are always there when we endure difficult ‘waiting room’ experiences. They help us through what is often the hardest – but yet can be the sweetest – times of our lives. They help us to be ‘better’ instead of ‘bitter.’ Their love and guidance helps the circumstance to become one that ‘makes us’ instead of one that ‘breaks us.’

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And for those in the middle of a ‘waiting room’ experience, here is a verse to enjoy as you wait: Psalm 27:14 – Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

I’m waiting, Lord. I trust You.

Why Write?

by   November 27, 2021 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            I grew up in a home where my parents read. They both read the newspaper at breakfast. They both enjoyed reading books, too. Each had their own interests, but they would often read if we were on vacation. Dad read when he went to bed. Mom also read in bed, but you could catch her reading during the day, too.

            My parents tried to get me interested in reading, but I had other interests. When I was a junior in high school, they gave me a book that they both had enjoyed, hoping I would read it. Begrudgingly, I complied. To my surprise, I not only read it, but I enjoyed it, too. When the author came to town to promote his newest book, I got the chance to meet and talk with him. Thus began my love for books, and it fed my deeper desire to write.

            This story came up at my Dad’s birthday gathering last weekend. My brother always comes up with some interesting activity for us to do at my Dad’s birthday. Often it involves telling something about ourselves and our lives. It might be funny or sentimental. It gives everyone a chance to share and we often learn something about each other.

            I shared about two writers who influenced me to become a writer. After I shared the stories, my Dad wanted to ask a follow-up question. He wanted to know why I wanted to write so badly when I didn’t like reading as a kid. He knew the desire to write had been there since childhood. Most people grab a book if they have a long car trip; I always made sure I had a pad of paper and some pencils.

            I have really pondered that question since the other night. Why do I want to write? I told my family that words are powerful and they create great stories. My pastor taught us that words create worlds. A great writer can take you to a place through his or her words. Think of a great movie you enjoyed, that place and those people were created in someone’s mind. A great book transports us to the location of the author’s choosing.

            Our words have the power to change people for good, and sadly, for bad, too. Our words can encourage or discourage people. Our words can impart hope and plant dreams. Our words can confront wrong thoughts and ideas. I told my family that I always try to use my words to build others up, to help them see their potential.

            We all want to hear positive things said about us. When we are struggling, we often turn to our pastors for words of comfort, wisdom, and guidance. Words are like food for the body, they nourish our souls and spirits. Words are used to motivate teams and the military to keep fighting until they win the victory.

            Some may say that the Bible is simply a collection of words, but I believe they are words that have been ordered in the heart of God, given to show man the way to live and the way to life. God’s words inspire, strengthen, and give us the courage to live a better life.

            The Old Testament prophets told us of a coming savior. When the time was right, those words came true and Jesus was born in a manger. He lived His life fulfilling the prophetic words written about Him. He demonstrated God’s love for us, not only through His words, but through His actions when He died on a cross for us.

            We have a responsibility to steward our words very carefully. Sometimes we need to use less of them and practice listening more. We need to extend words of hope and life to others instead of judgement and condemnation. Our words should empower people to break free from the bondages in their lives so they can discover the freedom that God intended. When we can paint a picture with our words of what life looks like with Christ, and we can live those words out ourselves, others will be drawn to our words and discover transformed lives because they encountered us.            

            I want to encourage you to consider your words very carefully, especially as you gather with family and friends for the holidays. Let your words be filled with hope, grace, and mercy. Let your words be uplifting. When you are with your children and grandchildren, let your words be filled with wisdom and understanding. Spend this holiday season building each other up and create memories that will inspire and last a lifetime. 

Doug Creamer’s books are at Amazon. Contact him at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

He Answered

by   November 24, 2021 with No Comments

By Ed Traut

Psalms 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

  • There is a seeking that we must reach for; a real earnestness of wanting to hear from Him.
  • God does answer! 
  • And He will deliver regardless of what our situation is or who we are, He does answer and delivers.

Prayer:  I praiseYou this day Lord, because You are a God that not only hears but answers.  I seek You with all my heart continually because You are my God and there is no one like You.  I bless Your holy name.  Amen. 

Ed Traut
Prophetic Life

Wellness for the Holidays

by   November 23, 2021 with No Comments

By David Freeze

The holidays are fast approaching, and with them will come an uncertainty about how to survive the physical, mental and emotional challenges of the period. This six-week period has the potential to wreck all three of these challenges. Although I likely may struggle as well, here’s my list of how I plan to cope. The goal is to still feel good come Jan. 2, the time that most people hit the gym and try other methods to get back on track. Holidays are not a free pass to derail the wellness train.

• Keep track of your to-do list and plan ahead. Doing this will help you enjoy the holiday season more. Limit the surprises.

• Keep up most of your personal routine, including exercise. Exercise relieves anxiety and increases mental acuity. Make the days as normal as possible.

• Of course, there will be much to-do about eating. Practice self-control and don’t overindulge. Start the meals with regular portions of the things you really like, but don’t rush the process. Eating slowly lets you feel full naturally. Have a treat or two but don’t skip meals to save up room. Offer to bring a healthy dish as a reminder to yourself.  Studies show that half of weight gained over the holidays is never lost.

• Drink water. You’ve heard me say it dozens of times. Water is the key to your health, and nearly all of us are dehydrated on a regular basis. Every part of your body, including your organs, needs proper hydration to function at its best.

• Sleep enough! Those same people, and again that is nearly all of us, are sleep deficient too. Enough sleep helps to keep your energy level at its best and your anxiety at a lower level.

• Go sparingly on any alcohol consumption. Alcohol impedes mental faculties, impairs your memory and packs on plenty of empty calories.

• Focus on connecting with the people that you care about instead of the food and alcohol. Take time to catch up but be more of a listener than a talker. The best conversations are when you’re learning about the other person, something you won’t be when talking too much.

• Set aside me-time to recharge. Get away from others while taking a certain period to de-stress. Go for a walk, do some yoga or just read for fun. A common phrase around the fitness industry goes something like this, “You’ll be better for others if you make sure to take some time for yourself.”

• Start thinking about your plan for the new year. Challenge yourself to better fitness. Find an exercise program you like and if new to you, begin your research.

• And my own personal favorite, do something unexpected for another person. Remember that 43% of Americans are single and 27% live alone. Loneliness and grief both peak around the holiday period. I’m picking out a person a day for either a gift of time or something they need.

Pleasing everyone during the holidays is unrealistic and the pressure to do it adds more stress. Hopefully these tips make yours and my holiday season as merry and fun as possible.

Plenty of races are ahead for the holiday season. A Thanksgiving tradition for many is the Butterball 5K held at The Forum on Turkey Day. Race director Rayna Gardner promises calories burned and a quick get-away to your next Thanksgiving event. The race benefits Prevent Child Abuse Rowan.

New this year is the Freeze Your Buns 5K at Spencer’s Winterfest Festival on Dec. 4. Start time is 2 p.m. across the street from the Transportation Museum. Proceeds support the festival. 

One of our oldest races in the county is the Santa’s Run for Hunger and Bigfoot Reunion 5K held at the Millbridge Ruritan building next to Sloan Park on Dec. 11. We can almost guarantee both a Bigfoot and Santa sighting that morning. Rowan Helping Ministries gets the proceeds from this one.

All this and more can be found at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Work Boots

by   November 22, 2021 with No Comments

Lynna Clark

Do you have a mud room? Praise God we do. It’s not real highfalutin with matching baskets and labels for where everything goes. It’s just an old closed in back porch where coats, garden gloves and muddy shoes go. Another good part is that it has a door which can close all that clutter away.


I heard the best song the other morning. Chris Tomlin along with Florida Georgia Line has a song called Forever Home. It speaks of how things will be in heaven. A line from it connected with my soul. Get ready. I’m gonna sing it for you:


“We’ll leave all of our worries just like work boots on the porch…”


What a picture! A place where all the cares of life can be dropped and forgotten as we look forward to a home cooked meal and a sweet time of rest; laughter and conversation around the table with the ones we love. No one brings up the junk of the day or the worries for tomorrow because the time together is just too sweet.


What if we could start that now?
Just as I heard that song, I “happened” to be reading in the last chapter of 1 Peter. Listen to this preview of what things could be like now.
“Casting all your cares on Him for He cares for you.” -1 Peter 5:7


Oh! What a picture of trust in the Savior! So many burdens pile on us at times. Grief and pain seem to have no end.

I can’t handle it!


But He can.


Bless the Lord!


“There ain’t no tellin’ what He’s got in store…”

Thanks for Thanksgiving

by   November 20, 2021 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            I went for a walk on Sunday afternoon and saw some neighbors decorating the outside of their house for Christmas. I also saw some Christmas trees through some people’s windows. But wait, it’s only the middle of November, right? Are we just going to skip Thanksgiving?

            I guess I’d better be careful. I was looking at the forecast and thinking it might be nice to do some of my outside decorating while the weather is warmer. With Thanksgiving coming up, I try to have the outside of my house all lit up for Christmas by Thanksgiving weekend.

            The last couple of years I have combined cleaning the gutters with hanging the icicle lights. Once I get that done, there are only a few more things to do to complete the job. I promise that if I do put my Christmas decorations out before Thanksgiving, I won’t light them up early.

            My wife and I noticed that on November first the advertisers were full-on Christmas. They are showing all these snowy scenes; don’t they know it doesn’t snow in the south this early? It doesn’t matter if you are ready or not, the holiday season is here.

            Before we go rushing past Thanksgiving, let’s stop and enjoy it. We can all start by watching the Thanksgiving Day parade. Last year it was a modified version; I am hoping we are back to a full-fledged Thanksgiving Day parade.

            The next thing that comes to my mind is all the delicious food. I can smell the turkey and dressing just thinking about it. Last year my wife and I made our first Thanksgiving dinner at home. We made several of our favorite sides and had a nice quiet Thanksgiving here at home.

            Whatever your plans are, I hope you get to enjoy a great meal surrounded by the ones you love. What I want to encourage you to do is sometime before, during, or after the big meal, take a few quiet moments to reflect on the many things in your life for which you are thankful. You can always begin with the basics. Thank Him for all the wonderful food that you will consume. There are many people who do not have such a wonderful feast to enjoy. The next basic thing that comes to mind could be your good health. I know of many people who are suffering in many ways physically. You may find yourself in that boat, but consider again that maybe your eyes, ears, nose, fingers, or toes are working well. Thank Him for that.

            All of us have many things, possessions for which we should give thanks to our Heavenly Father. We have cars, roofs over our heads, comfortable beds to sleep in, closets and dressers filled with clothes, and all the electronics or gadgets that we enjoy. I also see special treasures from family and dear friends. We are all blessed with many things. Sometimes we get focused on what we want and forget to be thankful for all we have.

            I think we should all stop and be grateful for the people in our lives. I immediately think of my family. I am so thankful that we are all still here and safe. Many have lost loved ones, whether from COVID or due to other causes. We should also be thankful for our church family. What about our neighbors who help us with both small and big things? When I was teaching, I was thankful for my colleagues, who were sometimes as close as family.  

            Thanksgiving opens the doors to Christmas. I am so thankful that Jesus chose to lay everything down and come to earth as a baby so everyone could access Him. I am thankful that He completed His mission and died on a cross to save me from my sins. I am thankful that He took the whipping to bring health to my body. I am thankful that He loves me, accepts me, forgives me, has a great future planned for me, and that He calls me His friend.

            God loves a thankful heart. I want to encourage you to offer up to God the thanks that He deserves for all the good things in your life. Oddly, we ought to thank God for all the trials and difficulties that allow us to draw closer to Him and to know that He truly is our Savior. I hope this Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for you and those you love. I pray that you will feel safe and loved and that your heart will be filled with Thanksgiving.  

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

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