Sleepless in Salisbury C

by   February 10, 2025 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

Today is brought to us by the letter C. And also by the Creator of the Universe Who has this to say.

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

What a peaceful thought to dwell on tonight. Jesus actually extends an invitation to us and offers rest from our weariness. It will take a conscious effort on our part to shut down our mental list making. But His offer stands.

Here’s a bonus verse found in Psalm 27: 8. It is also my prayer for you.

“My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”

The Road to Big Rock

by   February 9, 2025 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

If you listen closely, you will likely hear something beckoning you outdoors after a long, cold winter (for us anyway). It may be birds chirping a song, anticipating their fellow fowl friends returning from migration. Perhaps the whispers of daffodils are summoning you to the dirt, spade and seeds in hand. Or, in the case of some of my children, it may be a call to an adventure in the woods to “Big Rock.” 

It may not be an original name, but many of us had our own trips to “Big Rock” as children. It had been some time since my last trip, but when my youngest lost something special to him, I knew it was time to venture back. One morning before church, I promised him I would look for his lost treasure – an owl-shaped pendant souvenir from a trip to the zoo perfectly camouflaged for leaf-hiding. I allowed him and his big sister to lead the way. They took me through their path to reach the mountainous boulder – over banks of rocks, through the outer rims of neighbor’s yards (sorry, neighbors!), and up an imposing bank of more rocks covered in ivy. Don’t worry; we did not trek up the ivy-covered stones. Instead, we walked across a rotting beam nestled by a storage building. OOF!

After overcoming my initial embarrassment of minor trespassing and gingerly walking over dangerous terrain, I reassessed our path. After scouring the leafy forest debris for the little owl – which I did find – I suggested a new route to and from the boulder. It was easier to navigate, had less danger potential, and was more beautiful to hike through.

I later thought about how that was a good metaphor for the Christian life:  the grief to be spared if we had counsel from others who had trekked similar paths. Who could benefit from the wisdom of our own experience, both successes and failures? What encouragement could we give or need through shared experiences? It is very against the grain: appearing vulnerable as if needing input or offering helpful advice. Many want to ride out their Christian journey on their own merit and discoveries. While the idea of discipleship is not new, many push back on the idea as though it were condescending. I’m not the first nor the last Christian told they did not need to be discipled by anyone. 

Why am I so resistant to letting others share the journey with me? Do I want to hide the struggles that others could help me overcome or at least pray through? Could they have known something similar to what I am facing? Are those things in my past that I have overcome not worth sharing with others to speak life into the darkness of their lives?

The journey brings much joy and plenty of rough hills we must climb. However, there are many obstacles we do not have to run into and can avoid if we know they are ahead of us and encouragement to receive in the unavoidable.

How are you helping someone new to the journey of faith in Jesus or simply immature after years of following Christ? If you are new to Jesus, how are you allowing yourself to be discipled by an experienced believer?

Ashlie Miller writes from many adventures in her backyard of Concord. You may connect at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.

A Closer Walk

by   February 8, 2025 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            I was out walking the other day thinking about my Sunday school lesson. I wanted to teach about the importance of having a closer walk with God. I started to hum while I was enjoying the beautiful day. After having such a cold spell, it was nice to enjoy some warmer weather. The humming led me to question what song was running through my mind.

            “Just a closer walk with thee…” The words to an old hymn were tumbling around in my head. The refrain from that song was definitely going into my Sunday school lesson. I am still humming that song. I wonder if it is just a really good song or something that we all desire.

            If we truly desire a closer walk with God, then who has to change to make it happen? Has God pulled away from us or have we pulled away from Him? God made a way for us to have a relationship with Him through Jesus His Son. The invitation is available to every human being to have a closer walk with God. This leads to a tough question: If He is available and made the way for us to develop a closer relationship with Him, why don’t we all have a close relationship with Him?

            The choice and responsibility for a closer walk falls on us. God has done His part, now it is up to us. What is keeping us from having a closer walk with Him? My pastor mentioned a few weeks ago that everyone is given the same amount of time, the same 24 hours in a day. We choose how we will spend that time. The difference between someone with a close walk with God and someone who is distant from Him is how each person chooses to spend their time. The song says, “Just a closer walk with thee, grant it Jesus is my plea…” It seems that God has granted it, we just aren’t drawing closer to Him. 

            Each of us must look at how we spend our time. Many years ago I was trying to drive a point home to my students that they had time to pursue interests in their lives if they were willing to give up something else. When I said that to my students I heard God whisper in my spirit, “You have this desire to write, could you give up watching some TV so you can do it?” His question took my breath away in front of my students.

            I pondered that question for several days until I made a decision. It was a small but difficult sacrifice to give up watching shows I liked to pursue my dream to write. That was over 30 years ago and I am so glad I made that choice. I enjoy the creative process of writing my weekly column and wish I could find the time to write more books that are swirling in my head.   We’re all busy, even overwhelmed; how do we add more of God to our lives? Some people’s lives are filled with being a caregiver to children or their aging parents. Some people are like my current students who are going to school, working, and trying to be there for their family. Some people have demanding jobs or are overwhelmed by the challenges of everyday life. There aren’t enough hours in a day to get it all done. Believe me; I understand every one of those and many other situations.

            The question still lingers: do we want a closer walk with Him? How can we make room for Him? How can we change? What can we do to invite Him in more? Could we give up some of our social media time? Could we watch a little less TV? Could we turn off the music for just a little while and make room for Him? Could we say a prayer while we are waiting for the light to turn green? Can we invite God with us while we exercise? Can we choose to talk with Him while we wash the dishes or fold the laundry?

            I want to encourage you to consider how you might make room for God in your life. We want a closer walk with Him and He is waiting for us to invite Him into our daily routines. It will be tough because the enemy to your soul will do everything to stop you from getting closer to God, but it will be a change that you will be glad you made. How do I know that? Because you will have a closer walk with Him!

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

Sleepless in Salisbury B

by   February 7, 2025 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

Do you ever lie awake wishing your brain would just shut down? [See previous post.] Tonight’s “B” passage is from 1 John 3: 1:

“Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us, that we should be called the sons of God.”

How far would a loving parent go for their child? How beautiful to think that the Lord of heaven would reach down to draw us unto Himself… so much so that He calls us His own. Consider what that means in the grand scope of things. He doesn’t just love us, He SO loves us, according to John 3:16 and the poster in the endzone. Imagine that love stepping in to face your demons. I don’t think they stand a chance.

Rest in the Father’s love tonight.

Time to Sign up for Winter Flight

by   February 6, 2025 with No Comments

By David Freeze

Time to sign up for Winter Flight!

    Salisbury and Rowan runners have known about the Winter Flight races for a long time. Most races have a much shorter lifespan, simply because there are challenges to put just one event on. This race has a life of its own and to keep it going for 42 years through sickness, weather, course changes and more as it has evolved into one of the best races in the Southeast is quite special. This year, Feb. 2nd is race day and momentum is building for the historic event.  At present, we know that it is at least the fourth oldest race in the state, but I am pretty sure it is now the third oldest now after another dropped off. Definitely being the oldest 8K (4.97 miles) in N.C. status keeps bringing back some of the best competitors, a fun environment and some wonderful personal stories. Plus the 8K is also the state championship event at that distance. The race usually has several runners trying for 8K age group records.  

     Here are just a few highlights over the years. The first Winter Flight was held in 1981, then was not held in ’82 or ’83 and was reborn in 1984 as a combination of 5- and 10-mile races. These races originally started and finished at the mural in downtown. The race was moved to Catawba College in 1986, also the year that the venerable 8K distance was introduced. The 8K events were very popular then but have been replaced by the shorter 5Ks as the main race distance for the masses over the years since. The Winter Flight races were postponed by a measles epidemic in 1989, and heavy snow in 1996 and 2005. I remember SRR members having to call race registrants with a plan for the postponement and new race days due to the snow.  In 2001, SRR went online with races and registrations. In 2002, the only course change since 1986 occurred due to new construction for Shuford Stadium at Catawba. The race was actually moved to Millbridge and the Sloan Park area due to COVID for only the 2021 version. 

    Course records remain with Olympians Hans Koeleman of the Netherlands with his sizzling 23 minutes and 34 seconds in 1988 and Joan Nesbitt of Chapel Hill in 1992 at 26.48. A Kenyan runner took the male record several years ago but was disqualified for illegal substance abuse in various races more than two years later, so it has reverted to Koeleman, a former Nike executive. Queens College cross country coach Luke Greer came within seconds of the record two years ago.

    In 2003, the Salisbury Rowan Runners began making significant charitable contributions from the race. All proceeds from the 2025 event will again go to Rowan Helping Ministries. This year’s Forum Fitness Winter Flight event kicks off on Feb. 2nd with a free half-mile fun run on the track and open to any age at 1:30 p.m. Wheelchairs hit the street at 1:58 p.m., followed by the 5K and featured 8K race that will start at 2 p.m.

     Registration is available at www.runsignup.com and by printing the form at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org. Winter Flight offers tremendous opportunities for participation to runners and walkers of all abilities and age. The fun run is open to anyone, the 5K is a moderate distance open to anyone running or walking. The 8K is geared to those who can complete the course in 90 minutes. Special thanks to the City of Salisbury for services provided that allow us to have the race and to Catawba College for hosting it. Come join us for a big day! My granddaughter, both daughters and at least one ex-wife are all registered and ready to get their commemorative Winter Flight hoodie.

    The Salisbury Rowan Runners annual meeting and pasta dinner is open to anyone on Saturday evening, February 1strd from 6-8pm. Club members and race sponsors are free, club member relatives are $5, and others are $10. Regionally known running authority and Charlotte native Steve Staley will speak at 6:30pm. Race registration, packet pickup and new memberships will be available also. For more information go to www.salisburyrowanrunners.org or call 704-310-6741.

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