Being Present is your Present

by   December 6, 2025 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

Being Present is your Present

            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.   

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

A Popular Symbol

by   December 5, 2025 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

                                                                                                                                                                                               

We all like, use, recognize, and value symbols. Every team has a symbol, usually called a mascot, and every organization has its unique symbol that conveys an idea or philosophy in a visual representation. But can a symbol be a reality or is each one destined to be just a graphic depiction of a firm, team, philosophy, or whatever?

For example, there are many types of crosses. However, the type that interests me is the Latin cross, the one derived from the Latin word crux, which means stake/cross and was an instrument of torture for the Romans.  The Latin cross is used by Christians to symbolize the Crucifixion and their belief in Christ and a representation is mounted on every Christian church steeple, will be found throughout such churches, and is worn around the neck of many Christians. It has also evolved into an ornamental piece of jewelry worn by many folk.

The Romans most likely learned the art of crucifixion from the Carthaginians, but they perfected it. It was a gruesome death caused by asphyxiation when the weight of the condemned prevented breathing. It was used as a public means of control and only the worst criminals suffered it. The Roman politician Cicero describes it as “the most cruel and hideous of tortures.”

Yet the Christian crosses seen today are neat and tidy. Their metal shines and there is no blood, sweat, excrement, or skin left on the vertical or horizontal wood pieces. I have even heard discussions in Sunday Schools centered around what method of killing would be used today that is comparable to what Jesus suffered. Can any method of execution compare to crucifixion except perhaps a lynching as done during Jim Crow?

Small, gold crosses are often worn by various folk, and when I see one adorning the neck of a person I assume that that person is a Christian, a Christ follower. No problem with that as long as the person realizes that when he or she places that tidy cross around the neck, they are cloaking themselves with Jesus Christ and that cloaking, if being sincerely done, has demands. Or, like so often done, the small, gold cross can be a symbol, making it an empty gesture.

However, a short conversation with such a wearer will reveal if the cross worn is a symbol. When a wearer speaks for discord and supports lies and is rude and espouses vile beliefs of other persons, it is likely that the cross is just a symbol. Their words and subsequent actions show that they are not true Christ followers, just opportunists who wear the cross for show. And this person likely wears the cross on the outside of clothing in such a manner that everyone can see it—a public display.

Oswald Chambers, the Scottish theologian, wrote in 1911, “The Cross is a Reality, not a symbol.” For a Christ follower, the reality of the cross on which our Savior suffered is so honest that such a believer would not make it a prop. The truth of the cross is too painful and while it must be held close and maybe used in places of worship, we must be truthful and not allow it to become a mere symbol.  In so doing it becomes about us and not Him.

Addressing Foot Problems

by   December 4, 2025 with No Comments

By David Freeze

Addressing foot problems for runners and walkers!

   An average person, running or walking, takes about 2000 steps per mile. Often, especially when running, the impact is much more than just body weight because of the momentum going forward. Typically for most runners and walkers, the foot should lightly strike the ground in the heel area and then the greatest impact will follow in the mid-foot area. Then the foot should roll forward off the big toe area and start the cycle again.

     About eight weeks ago, I started to have a burning sensation under my right foot, so much so that each foot strike was uncomfortable and it only got worse afterwards. And walking down stairs afterwards with shoes off was not fun. I mentioned my discomfort to the staff at Ralph Baker’s Shoes and came away with a metatarsal pad taped under the insole of my right foot. Each day the issue has improved, and I am now back to running regularly.

     Last week, during a group breakfast following the Clean Water 5K at Porky’s in China Grove, the discussion somehow turned to foot issues. One of the fit women in the group suddenly pulled off her socks and showed us what her toes were doing. A big toe was trying to work its way under the second toe. Others chipped in with their issues, and I came away in need of more answers.

     Runners and serious walkers have more issues than I suspected. Some of these problems are caused by ill-fitting or worn out shoes, and poor running or walking form. Sometimes a narrow, wide, high arched or flat foot will contribute to the issues. And a big increase in training miles or more pavement time can contribute as well to the foot issues. The longer we wait to address a problem increases the likelihood that we may have to stop running or walking, or both, for a period of time.  And sometimes, quality orthotics can be used to address the issue.

    All this is more reason to visit a quality running and walking shoe store. See the salespeople and tell them about your issues, your performance level and goals. And always bring in your previous shoes so the staff can see the wear marks and other aspects of the shoes. In my opinion, please never buy your running shoes at a box store of any kind! Buy them from a store that can give you a proper fit on a quality shoe.

     Pay attention to your running form and get it analyzed if need be. A certified running coach, knowledgeable physical therapist or the serious running shoe store can do this for you. Sometimes ankle and foot exercises including toe raises, ankle circles, heel raises and resistance band work may help the situation.

     Here is a short list of the some of the most common foot issues that runners and walkers may need to address.

     Blisters usually develop from improper shoe fit, wet shoes, loose socks and hot spots.

     Runners toe and the discomfort involved comes from an improper fit, often allowing the foot to move in the shoe and slam the toe against the front of the shoe on each foot strike. Black and lost toenails come from this.

    Plantar fasciitis is a big one and can be very uncomfortable along the fibrous tissue band that runs under the foot from heel to toe.  Usually, a sharp stabbing in the heel or arch will be so uncomfortable that running will have to stop. Pain will be dreadful first thing in the morning as well.

     Bunions cause the joint at the base of the big toe to protrude and the front of the toe to point toward the next toes. Often a better fitting shoe and a flexible sole will address the issue, giving the toes more room.

     Metatarsalgia is ball of foot pain and often beneath toes. Morton’s Neuroma is similar in location and usually somewhere between or behind the 3rd and 4th toes.

    With all this said, I found relief with the simple little pad behind the ball of my foot. That was my first underfoot injury ever, possibly due to my return to higher mileage, around 200 miles a month, and it was about to stop my running. Ralph Baker, Jr. and the girls at Ralph Baker’s Shoes knew just what I needed.           

    Ralph said, “We would absolutely appreciate the chance to help runners and walkers with a proper fit and help with their issues. Every condition you mentioned is standard fare for what we do.  Unfortunately, for the big toe going under the second, and bunions, actually they’re the same condition called hallux valgus, there is no cure but there is certainly accommodation.  We’ve got LOTS of tricks up our sleeves!”

    Next up on Saturday, November 22nd is the Girls on the Run 5K and Fun Run. Look for this and more information at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Gotta’ Run: Addressing foot problems for runners and walkers

Just Wise

by   December 3, 2025 with No Comments

By Lyyna Clark

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” -Proverbs 4:23 [Nutshell #3}

In a day when we are bombarded with all manner of influence, how wise is this advice. Refusing to let those negative harmful thoughts become a part of our thinking will set us on a path of joy rather than sorrow; strength rather than pain; and hope rather than despair. Beside this little verse I made a note in my Bible during some very dark days.

“I will not entertain thoughts of suicide or ever go there. I will not crack that door in my thinking.” -my promise to those who love me.

There’s an old 70’s song with the line, “I pushed my soul in a deep dark hole, and then I followed it in“* That’s where I often found myself until I made my promise, wrote it down, and put the date beside it. I will not go there. Whatever your weakness, whether it’s infidelity, anger, negativity or chocolate covered pretzels [you know those Snyder ones with a bit of salt and dark chocolate… speaking for a friend],

Don’t crack that door!

Guard your heart above all else. It’s just wise.

*From Kenny Rogers and the 1st Edition, What condition my condition was in. 1967

Leftovers – Nothing Wasted

by   November 30, 2025 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

The Thanksgiving sandwich. It is legendary, at least at my house. Maybe it is a shepherd’s pie, a casserole, a chili, or a stew at yours. After all those hours and days of work, who wants to see any of that effort go to waste? Those who know me well know that I can make whole new recipes from a couple of leftover meals. Those veggies will become a broth in a couple of weeks! Last night’s take-out will be breakfast once I put an over-medium egg on top of it! A Thanksgiving breakfast hash with an egg on top is a thing of beauty. 

It is not only comforting to me to reuse leftovers, but it feels rewarding to keep things out of the trash. Everything can be useful; nothing is wasted. To others, leftovers stay in the fridge until a layer of penicillin grows, with no desire to revisit that meal. I think it is all in the presentation, myself, whether leftovers are nourishing or feel like nothing special.

I am thankful God does not waste anything. Because He is sovereign, even the wrong turns we take on the path, the losses, and disappointments He redeems and uses in His own way to bring glory to His name (and He has many – Redeemer, Provider, Restorer, Healer, to name a few). 

It does not always feel true during the roughest seasons of our lives. Unlike the delight of enjoying the smoked turkey that my friend spent half an evening and morning preparing for us to enjoy, going through trials often leaves us wanting. Maybe we have invested time into something or someone and see no harvest, or worse yet, a devastating loss – a job position we did not receive, a relationship that failed, a child who rejects parental love.  Maybe it was willfully sinning and making decisions that not only lead to regrets but a life that is forever altered. 

But with God, that is not the end of the story. Sometimes we see a reversal that we had faith to believe would happen because we know God completes what He begins. Maybe we see the door God opened up because one was allowed to close. A relationship may have a more loving ending than it appeared possible several years ago. Or, we may not see on this side of heaven a complete restoration of losses, but heavenly glory awaits those who know Jesus as Savior. What a glorious thought!

God gives abundant grace! He knows our frame is but dust (fragile). While simple leftovers from the Lord would be more than sufficient, and He does not waste anything, the wonderful thing about God is that He has new mercies daily. That’s far better than anything we could warm over and present afresh. Better than simply making the best of things. 

Now, don’t mind me, I still have some breakfast hash with sweet potatoes and Brussel sprouts and a couple of Thanksgiving sandwiches to assemble this weekend. 

Birthday Celebrations

by   November 29, 2025 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

Birthday Celebrations

            November is a busy month for celebrating birthdays in my family. My mother-in-law turned 100 at the beginning of the month. My parents were born one day a part in the latter part of the month. My Dad passed away at 92 and my Mom celebrated her 93rd birthday.

            For over ten years we have celebrated my parents’ birthdays on the weekend closest to their birthdays. We gather the kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids at my mother’s house for lunch and put up her Christmas tree. This year we had 18 people in her small place, decorating, eating, and having a great time together. When we left Mom’s house it looked like Christmas. We had a great time.

            I store Mom’s Christmas decorations at my house. They stay out in my storage building and sometimes we find evidence of mice in some of the boxes. We have discovered nests and other gifts that caused some decorations to be tossed. My brother and I set up her tree and get the lights on. Then we step back and allow the great-grandchildren to decorate the tree. They were so excited and very well-behaved. They did a great job and my Mom was pleased.

            We all took a little break and then my siblings and their spouses met for dinner to celebrate my Dad’s birthday. This year we met at my brother’s house instead of our normal restaurant. We raised a toast to my Dad and then we shared stories, laughs, and some memories. One of the best memories was the Honor Flight that he participated in a few years ago. Local people raise money to send veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials. The whole experience was very moving and touched my Dad and my brother. The best part was when they got home and about 1000 people were in the airport to meet them and give them a hero’s welcome home. If you are a vet, I hope you get to take such a trip.

            I am glad we got together to remember my Dad. It made for a full day. The holidays will be different without him this year. There will be an empty seat at the table as we gather to give thanks this year. Many others will experience the absence of loved ones from their Thanksgiving tables. I pray that it serves as a reminder to give thanks for our loved ones. When you gather around your table this year remember to be thankful for your family, even those that can drive you crazy. We all have some of them in our families.

            I am thankful for my family. We have always been a close family, but I think that my Father’s passing has brought us all a little closer. I am thankful for my brother, who has worked tirelessly to settle Dad’s estate. I am thankful for my sisters who have shared some laughs, support, and encouragement as we have worked through the loss of our Dad. We have shared our journey throughout this new process and been there for each other. I am thankful that my Mom has been here for all of us as we have experienced our loss together as a family.

            I am thankful for my wife, our home, our cars, the flower and vegetable gardens, our relative good health, and the many, many, many other ways God has blessed us. This has been a really crazy year filled with many changes – some good and some tough – but God has been with us through all of them. He has carried us at times or simply held our hands at other times. His presence has been a comfort and the source of our strength. He has been everything He promised He would be in the scriptures.

            By the time you read this the Thanksgiving meal will have been consumed and we will be running full speed towards Christmas. I want to encourage you to slow down and really connect with the special people in your life. Connect with whatever family you have here with you. Connect with your church family, your brothers and sisters in Christ who will stand with you.  Connect with your friends and neighbors and let them know how much they mean to you. Don’t forget to let your work friends know how much you appreciate their support and comradery. Share some laughs, eat some great food, and enjoy each special moment…time moves so fast. It’s the holiday season…a time for joy, experiencing His great love, and allowing His perfect peace to invade your heart and mind.   

1 … 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 … 249