What’s Been Neglected

by   May 2, 2020 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            I noticed some guys working at a neighbor’s house the other day. They had come by to put out pine needles around his flowerbeds. I talked with them and asked if they sold pine needles, and the next day they brought me ten bales. That was the motivation I needed to get to work on some much-neglected flowerbeds of my own.

            My wife and I love to grow things. Through the years we have put in a number of flowerbeds around our house. If I am completely honest with you, they get ahead of us. We spend time pulling weeds every year, but the weeds keep coming back.

            With ten bales of pine needles, I began working on the much-neglected flowerbeds. I started with a couple of the easy beds. Mom always taught me to tackle the hardest ones first, but I need a little success to push me forward. Once I saw how nice a couple of weed-free beds with their new pine needles looked, I was motivated to continue working on the harder ones.

            Slowly, but surely, the neglected beds began to show their beauty once again. I did find some poison ivy, but worked around it and came back later to spray it. I finished the ten bales and think I might order more. I want to keep pushing until all the beds are beautiful.

            I believe that the flowerbeds can be symbolic of other things in all our lives that have been neglected. The first thing that pops in my mind is relationships. I am trying to check in on some folks a little more often. Maybe Covid-19 has made all of us a little more aware of the preciousness of life. For some families, all the togetherness has been a bit of a struggle. But I really think it has helped some families reconnect in ways they may have never imagined.

            I love hearing the stories of how neighbors are checking on neighbors. I grew up in a home where we always checked on our neighbors. If there was a storm or someone was in the hospital, we went to check on them. If someone passed, we made some food and went over to be with them. Covid-19 is bringing out some really great neighborly qualities in people.

            The one relationship that is easy to neglect is the one with our Father in Heaven. Parents aren’t used to working from home and having the children go to school online. There are so many more distractions in our homes. We are watching more TV with our family. We are calling to check on our families. We are checking on our neighbors. Where do we fit time in with God?

            One might imagine the opposite would be true. We aren’t fighting the commute to work. We don’t have to wrestle the kids out of bed to go to school. We’re home. There should be way more time to spend with God. We are taking care of our physical needs and watching out for our emotions. But we are neglecting our spirits. We aren’t getting our spiritual shots in the arm from going to church on Sunday and Wednesday. What do we do?

            God loves you. He knows that life has been turned upside down. He knows that you are facing new stresses and distractions. God loves you. He doesn’t want to be that one more thing on your list to do before you go to bed. He doesn’t want you to feel guilty or ashamed. God loves you. God wants permission to come in and help you where you are right now.

            As your Father, He wants to connect with you. In love, He wants to help you order your day and help take the stress away. His word will nourish your spirit and refresh your mind. He wants to help you navigate through this crazy time. He wants to draw you close. Just a few minutes with Him will change your perspective on your day, your situation, and your life. He has the answers you need, if you will open your hearts to Him.

            I want to encourage you to open your hearts and connect again to your Father in Heaven. He is on your side. He loves you more than you can imagine. He has the answers you need. He has the wisdom to deal with whatever you are facing. He will comfort you and guide you through these turbulent times. He is the Prince of Peace, and I pray that you will open your hearts to His love, peace, and comfort.  

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

“Come And See” (one year ago)

by   May 1, 2020 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

Philip spoke the above three words to answer a question by Nathanael who when told of the presence of  Jesus of Nazareth  asks, “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?”  This is, on the surface, a fair question since the poor village of Nazareth was known for the  Roman garrison, the despised rulers of the Jews, that was stationed there. Is Nathanael prejudice or realistic?

In Latin any foreign person was labelled barbarus, and the Greek word for any person who did not speak the cultured language was barbarous. Nathanael, a learned Jew, expressed the prejudice of his culture: Nazareth was a crude and barbaric village.

Later in the Gospel of John, we are told of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. The hate between the Jews and Samaritans was palatable. But we are given this story and the parable of the Good Samaritan.  More prejudice.

 Recently, in Chicago, a well-known comedian and actor attempted to use our prejudices against President Trump supporters, blacks, and homosexuals to gain some kind of pathetic support for him and his floundering career.

A few days ago the main building of the historic (civil rights) Highlander School in Tennessee was burned. A “white power” symbol was painted in the parking lot of the destroyed building.

In the just published April 1 Washington Post Magazine, is an article about the 1975 disappearance of the Lyon sisters from a Wheaton, Md. shopping center. In the article the writer Mark Bowden describes members of the Welch family, who were involved in the horrific rape and murder of the sisters as, “the clan”; coming from “mountain-hollow ways”; as having a “suspicion of outsiders”,  “an unruly contempt for authority of any kind”, “a knee-jerk resort to violence;” and “Most shocking were its [Welch family] sexual practices. Incest was notorious in the families of the hollers of Appalachia,…”

One last example… A recent film is being touted as a “must see” for people who support abortion. All and well. However, way back in 1975-’76, the surgeon Richard Selzer wrote the essay “What I Saw at the Abortion: The doctor observed, the man saw.”  A simple internet search will bring up the essay. Read it but pay attention to its sub-title before you do.

In none of the above examples of prejudice, except the first, is the invitation to “Come and see” what is spoken against. Those three words carry power. They place the cure for prejudice on the pre-judging person. What would happen if the pre-judger sat with the woman at the well and heard her story? Can the hating burners of the Highland School not learn from its historical involvement in the civil rights movement? A talk with supporters of President Trump probably will reveal that they, too, have their humanity and its inherent struggles. Let people who see themselves burdened with an unwanted pregnancy read what the man Richard Selzer saw while watching his first abortion.

“Come and see,” Philip says as he invites a fellow seeker to examine his own misconceptions. Prejudice is real and comes in many colors and forms. But all is an evil that need not exist, if we all “Come and see.”

Fill me up…

by   April 28, 2020 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

Ah, nothing like going for a ride in our 1966 Rambler station wagon. Windows down. Our family of five was packed in the car, with the breeze blowing — or sometimes with zero breeze blowing. My younger brother had to sit in the middle of the back seat — with his feet on the hump, awaiting aggravation from his two sisters.

Daddy called it a joyride. We were on the road to nowhere. That road usually took us to the dairy bar. I can almost taste it: A big slice of pound cake covered with vanilla ice cream. Vanilla ice cream covered with hot fudge. Hot fudge covered with whipped cream and a cherry on top.

We ate it in the car.

No wonder I still eat ice cream daily.

Final stop on the way home — always the service station.

The attendant would be at the driver’s side window in a flash, “Fill ’er up?”

Every time.

My dad always wanted his tank to be filled up.

Did the tank need to be full?

I was not sure about that, but I did know that if you ran out of gas, the car would start sputtering and shaking, would be unable to function, and maybe have some damage.

This was all proven by me one day, as a young college student, trying to get back to campus without enough gas.

To be full means to hold as much as possible.

To be filled means that the amount of something occupies all the space in the container.

What does the Bible say about being filled?

Believe it. Receive it.

Luke 1:41 says, “Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Elisabeth believed — Mary’s child was the Messiah.

Elisabeth received — She was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Believe it. Receive it.

Psalm 81:10 says, ” Open your mouth wide and I will fill it with good things.”

We believe — We are to open our mouths wide.

We receive — God will fill it with good things.

Believe it. Receive it.

Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.”

We believe — Trust in him.

We receive — The God of hope will fill us with joy and peace.

Daddy, I guess you would never have gotten the fill up had you not pulled up to the gas pump, allowed your gas tank to be opened, and received it. Thanks for the lesson!

Fill ’er up!

I mean — fill it up!

Here’s my cup, Lord. Fill it up, Lord.

Lord, empty me — of me — so I can be filled — with You.

DIY Fail

by   April 27, 2020 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

I say a lot of things I shouldn’t. Try not to judge. I’m working on it. The other day I heard words tumble out of my mouth that I don’t ever remember saying before. It surprised and saddened me.

Generally speaking, I’ve always prided myself in being able to make something out of nothing. I love getting creative using whatever I have on hand. David and I fetched a few boards, a grapevine wreath from the shed, ribbon leftover from a wedding and white spray paint from another project. I could tell my strength was going fast so I commandeered my beloved to saw the boards and fashion the creation I had in my head. For some strange reason he could not read my mind. Usually he has no problem. This time however he couldn’t catch the vision. I worked until I used up every ounce of energy I had then collapsed in a chair. Stupid mystery illness. Once again the pain took over and would not be silenced. That’s when I said it.

“I give up. I can’t do it.”

Slowly I made my way into the house and had a good cry. As the pity party picked up speed, I wondered why it was such a big deal to put an Easter wreath on the front door.  I take great pride in showing off Jesus. But this seemed to be about something more. I guess everyone likes to feel strong and independent. A bit later David came inside holding the creation that had caused the weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. The man does many things well. But creativity involving junk from around the house is not his strong suit. Apparently he had not only read my mind but had also figured out how to put the parts together without the proper plan or tools. It looked good.

As I rehearsed the situation later I realized something. I’ve dealt with pain for many years. It’s been a matter of pride to keep on keeping on no matter what. Then I heard the key word I’ve used in this little story.

Pride.

Pride in my own creativity, resourcefulness, strength, and ability has become a part of my life. When I look on the homemade addition to our front door it reminds me of the simple truth of Resurrection Sunday. Pride will get me nowhere. Until I realize that I can’t do it myself, the cross of Christ means nothing. His sacrifice gained Heaven for me when my hands were empty. “I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with Himself depends on faith.” –Phil. 3:9

When you think of standing before the Lord someday, what will you trust? He demands righteousness. In a world where DIY is king, may we learn to rest in the only One Who holds eternity in His hand. That is an area where no matter how capable we are, we cannot do it ourselves. For if we could, Christ truly died in vain.

What have you been doing?

by   April 25, 2020 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            If you watch any of the talk shows that are being done now that we are “working from home,” they always ask the guest, “What have you been doing?” The answers don’t vary much, but include reading, watching TV, and spending time with family. It’s interesting that we are all doing similar types of things. Maybe we are all more alike than we thought.

            I have never really been a big Facebook fan. I would go there to see pictures of my family. Naturally, I would also want to see what friends have posted, too. Normally, I would just look at Facebook on Friday nights and occasionally during the week.

            That has changed. I check Facebook every day now. I have enjoyed so much wonderful music that I would never have had access to prior to our current situation. I have enjoyed some of my favorite artists playing from home. Some have sung and played with their kids. Others have their animals playing in the background.

            That’s not to mention the groups that have come together to produce awesome videos. I have seen orchestras where everyone is playing from home and someone mixed the music and the videos to create a breathtaking experience. I have watched choirs sing that brought chills to my spine. I have watched people I don’t know sing beautiful songs.

            When I stop to consider it, I am enjoying private concerts from people I can’t afford to go see in concert. It feels like I have had the opportunity to watch singers and songwriters perform for me personally right here in the comfort of my own home. I have always had a deep love and appreciation for music, and this crazy time in our world has been feeding this passion of mine in a very special way.

            I have been watching some YouTube music videos, too. I have started searching for songs that we sing at church. I love to worship the Lord and to spend time in His presence. My favorite time at church is the worship time. (No offense to all my pastors out there…) Music moves me and touches me deeply. I especially love worship music.

            Worship music has come so far in recent years. Please know that I am not knocking the old hymns, I love them too. Some of the new contemporary music can transport me right to the presence of God. So many times in the midst of praise and worship, I can feel the presence of God. There are times that I just don’t want the music to stop.

            I have often wondered how God feels in those moments. When we have removed distractions from our lives and focused our attention on Him, does He wish those moments would never end? In those moments, I imagine we are getting a little taste of heaven. Does God long for us to be with Him in eternity?

            God is more patient than we are. While He longs to have us at His side, He wants us to fulfill our mission and purpose. A major part of our mission is for us to draw closer to Him and to share with others our story and experiences with God.

            Life is busy and pulls us all in so many different directions. But maybe during this time when we have the “stay-at-home” order in place we can connect more with God. I have found a connection through music, others may discover more time to pray and seek His face. Still others may open His word and allow His word to come alive in them.

            God wants to connect with us. Maybe during these crazy times, we can discover ways to connect with Him. He loves us more than we can understand. Like an isolated parent, God wants nothing more than to hear from His kids. He wants to receive our worship, hear our prayers, and speak to us through His word. He wants to talk with us if we would only open our ears and listen.

            I want to encourage you to “call home” to your Father in Heaven. He is available day and night and I promise you will not get a busy signal. He wants to connect more with you than you can imagine. He is on your side. His favor is resting upon you. He cares deeply about your situation. With so many distractions and the busyness of life pushed out of the way, what is keeping you from connecting? Let His love fill, surround, and renew you.

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

Nelson’s Spaghetti

by   April 24, 2020 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

The Covid-19 virus has ruined many small businesses, and local restaurants in and around our town of Mooresville, NC are suffering. My wife and I have several local eateries we like, but we especially enjoy two. When the mandate came that closed them to only take out, we discussed our role in helping them stay open, and decided to make a conscious effort to order some meals from each, realizing that, while take out is not the same as dining in their warm, relaxing atmospheres, they needed our business. If we wanted to enjoy them later, we had to support them now. So,  recently we ordered a take-out supper from one, Blu Star, and at the correct time we drove to pick up our waiting dinner.

Usually if we drove to Blu Star’s location during the dinner hour, traffic would be heavy and parking tight. Not this evening of the pandemic. Boom! Pulled up right in front, and Mary Ann hopped out to get our meal. While I waited, I counted cars in the shopping center—seven parked, but one soon left when its driver came out of the juice bar with her cup of cold, multi-colored liquid. One driver of a huge, black truck parked it deftly and getting out walked towards two  restaurants behind me. Waiting for Mary Ann, I recalled the adage that seemed appropriate for so many businesses in the current situation—any port in a storm. While only one customer, the driver was a person who would spend money, I hoped, at one of the restaurants behind me. He was part of the port so needed right now.

Mary Ann returned to the car and as soon as she sat in her seat, said, “You won’t believe what Nelson [the owner] was doing.” She buckled her seat belt and as we drove out of the forlorn shopping center, she told me how Nelson and a worker were busily packing Styrofoam containers with spaghetti meals for Charlotte homeless. When she asked him about what he was doing, he explained that his church was participating in a program to get good meals to homeless folks, and his restaurant was providing nourishing dinners-spaghetti piled high with yummy sauce, garlic bread, and salad.

Before we had left our home to pick up our dinner, we had discussed how much to tip the manager, who we have known since we moved here. Mary Ann suggested a good sum and when she paid our bill, she gave Stephanie the twenty. Yet, driving home and hearing that story, I realized that no tip was large enough for what was happening in Blu Star, one of the many businesses feeling the crunch of this epidemic. There, in the midst of such a need for income, Nelson and his staff were giving to others who had less than he and them.

Arriving home, I enjoyed my dinner, even if not eaten in the cozy confines of Blu Star. But the more I think of what Mary Ann witnessed, the more I realize that there, on the spread-out tables of Blu Star, was the Sermon on the Mount being played out in real time. Right there.

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