Grandparent Summers

by   July 27, 2025 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

For those of us who lived close enough to spend a week or two with grandparents during the summer, the season is a time for being spoiled. But I wonder if you were spoiled the same way I was.

I remember very hot summers at my grandparents’ house on Sam Wilson Road in west Charlotte. The Price Is Right would be our morning TV time. Then, Grandmother would prepare lunch while her soaps or WBTV news was on the screen. Afterwards, my younger brother and I would find something to occupy ourselves with. Oddly, that rarely involved toys. We might venture off to the screened-in porch to hide under a table during a summer thunderstorm. I can smell that Southern summer rain scent even now. You know, the kind that comes after one of our hot, dry spells?

Evenings meant a good, straight-from-the-garden meal with Grandmother’s signature thin biscuits, which I still have not perfectly replicated. Tomatoes and cucumbers from the garden would make an appearance, and usually some good fried okra. If we were fortunate, a bird’s nest of mashed potatoes and peas would grace our plate. But chicken and dumplings were the real star of the show for me.

Speaking of the garden, there was always time to snap peas or shuck corn. I do not recall complaining about how hot it was when we did these things. Maybe because soon after, there would be a refreshing watermelon (spitting those black seeds or scraping them out with a dull knife was an art form) or some of their homemade ice cream. I am still not sure if I liked the peach or the strawberry best. Or maybe it was banana? 

Sometimes, Granddaddy or Uncle Bill would bring the biggest bag of buttered popcorn we had ever seen. Would we be able to finish it before we went back home?

At some point in the day, Granddaddy (or even Grandmother!) would pitch a ball to a little tomboy or her brother to smack into the yard. Sometimes we would play rolly bat – a game that I only remember playing with my grandparents and cousins. It was my Granddaddy who taught me to ride my bicycle a summer after my father died. Other entertainment would include rides in an oversized wheelbarrow. My brother and I always thought that was the best ride anyone could dream up. Did any other kids have such adventures?

My grandparents spoiled us, not by taking us to places that centered around us, nor buying things to occupy our time, or even in letting us choose what shows to watch. They spoiled us for anything else matching or exceeding those memories. The best we can do now is try to recreate something as special as that. Excuse me, I’m off to help my daughter make dumplings for lunch.

Ashlie Miller spent many early summers in Charlotte, NC. She and her husband raised their family in Rowan County and currently Cabarrus County. You may email her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.

A New Beginning

by   July 26, 2025 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

A New Beginning

            We are quickly approaching the time when students will be returning to the classroom. It is hard to imagine that summer vacation is coming to a close. Please pray for teachers and all the staff that work at the schools. They care for and nurture our children. Ask God to work through them as they raise up the next generation.

            A new school year means it is a new beginning. Last year’s successes and failures are gone and students begin with a clean slate. Teachers have had time to rest and recuperate and the challenge of a new year with a new group of students is set before them. Pray that our schools will be safe for the children and that they will have the equipment and supplies they need to grow and expand their minds.

            Today was my first day with new students at the community college. It is always exciting to meet my new students and begin to help them discover their potential. We had a good first day meeting each other and starting to get their minds working and thinking. Hope and optimism are at their brightest as we begin our new journey together. I can’t wait to see what my new students will accomplish and help them take steps to success.

            The reality is that new beginnings require work for both the students and the teachers. There is lots of planning that goes into student success. It doesn’t just happen. Creating the right environment and encouraging the right attitudes are big contributors to success. But all the planning and enthusiasm on the teachers’ side is not enough for success. Students need to bring the right attitude and effort to the table. They also need a good support system at home to help them take the necessary steps.   

            The same thing is required to help a believer begin their walk with Christ. They need help. Someone has to teach them and help them develop the spiritual disciplines that are needed to grow and mature in Christ. Some may say that those are the pastor’s responsibilities. That’s not entirely true. It takes all of us working together to help new believers begin their journey. Those of us who have been around for a while are called to encourage and support the new believers.

            Some people think that discipleship and training falls to the Sunday school teachers. While Sunday school classes can help with the basics of our faith, they can’t keep going over the basics every time a new believer comes along. Mature believers need to be encouraged and challenged in Sunday school classes, too.

            The problem with faith is that it is not a once and done thing. Faith is constantly evolving as we grow and mature in the Lord. In the beginning, new believers need spiritual milk. As we grow we need to move on to solid foods that help us grow and develop deep roots that will help us through the dry and challenging times.

            There is no retirement plans in the Kingdom of God. We are all expected to keep working at both growing and helping the younger ones in the faith. Older believers can bring wisdom and guidance to younger believers. This happens in many ways beyond Sunday school and church.  We need to be ready in season and out of season to help younger believers grow and develop their faith.  

            We are constantly encouraged in the Bible to pass on our faith. One of the effective ways of doing that is through building relationships, which takes time. We can do that through sharing meals, working on projects, or participating in small groups. Developing connections with other believers builds a deeper commitment to each other, the church, and the Lord. These opportunities open doors for us to speak into each other’s lives. 

            We all find ourselves in different places in our spiritual journeys. Sometimes we need to be encouraged and challenged, and other times we need to be the encourager and challenger. I want to encourage you to be in relationship with other believers, especially those who are new to the faith. If you are new to the faith, find some older believers that you can connect with and receive from to help you along on your new spiritual journey. If you are an older and experienced believer I encourage you to share your stories, your testimonies, with younger believers so they can develop strong roots that will help them through the storms of life. When you think about it, we are all in school, learning spiritual lessons that will help us grow and mature in Christ.

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

God is Our Strength

by   July 25, 2025 with No Comments

By Ed Traut

1 Thessalonians 3:13  May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

  • No question – life presents so many challenges that can distract us from our walk with the Lord.
  • But – God strengthens us and like no other.
  • God would like for us to be blameless (walking in right standing and with a clear conscience) with Him.

Prayer:  Thank You that You are my strength giver that I can depend upon You because I am weak and I need Your strength Lord that I can overcome every temptation and difficulty in life.  I praise You for Your strength and I lean on Your strength today.  Amen.
 

Ed Traut
Prophetic Life

Charlotte Corriher Makes Running Extreme Fun!

by   July 24, 2025 with No Comments

By David Freeze

Charlotte Corriher Makes Running Extreme Fun!

       Explaining the title of this column is my first challenge! I am not usually surprised about the capabilities of local runners, but I read with interest Mark Wineka’s column about Charlotte Corriher in 2017, I was floored. How could Charlotte be doing this and I didn’t know about it?

    Charlotte started running in 2004, after losing 25 pounds through improved nutrition and exercise.  She worked her way through local 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons, but then decided to run her first marathon in 2006 through the Team in Training program.  With more marathons, she met members of the 50 States Marathon Club and set her goal to run a marathon in every state.

     After completing the 50 state marathons, people kept asking her “What’s next?” Charlotte said, “Runners I met while living in Charleston convinced me to run further. I fell in love with the atmosphere of ultras, races longer than 50K (31.07 miles) and more relaxed than road races and regular marathons.  Since I am out there longer, and some races tend to be repeated loops of 3-5 miles, there’s more chance to meet and get to know other runners.”

       Charlotte once did three marathons in three days and another time she did three 100-milers in 16 days. She said, “That’s probably the craziest things I have done. That 100-miler schedule came about because in 2021 I had plans for four 100-milers in less than seven weeks (3/27, 4/9, 4/23, 5/15).  I decided to just run 100K at the 4/23 race, to save my legs for the very difficult Keys 100 on 5/15. The next year, I wanted to do the first three and make sure I got to 100 miles in all of them, but that 3rd race moved to the weekend in between the first two…so my mind was set and ready for the challenge.”

     I asked about Charlotte’s training plan to get all these races done. She replied, “Yes, I actually use the races for training, so I really don’t have a set training schedule. And since I run them year-round, there is no ‘off-season’. I may do fewer races in the summertime so I can enjoy living at the beach. I do take days off, but not a set day, as it may depend on my race schedule. I do try to lower my mileage before a race and take a day or two off after a 100-miler.”

       As of this writing, Charlotte has run 180 marathons (they are all 26.2 miles). She has also run 126 ultras. Of these ultras, 33 of them are 100-milers. Charlotte said, “Since I started running, I have 29,657 total miles with 12,621 being races. I am working on my eighth consecutive “Run the Year” (running the number of miles for the year, so 2025 this year).”

     I have written about a lot of serious runners, but none like Charlotte. She is seldom injured and reports her marathon personal best is 4 hours, 13 minutes and 55 seconds, a very respectable time. Charlotte added, “I love the fact that running, and specifically ultra running, is a very accessible sport. I see all ages, paces, body types, and experiences. There are so many races that are welcoming and inclusive, and those are the races I like to support.”

        Now for the festive part and what sets Charlotte apart from other runners. Of her 306 total marathons and ultra races, 302 of them have been done in extensive and uniquely designed costumes. Her motto is, “If you can’t be fast, be festive!”

       Here is a paragraph that explains festive better than I ever could. Charlotte said, “They may slow me down if it’s a hot day, but I’m always committed to finishing the race in my costume. The salmon in Alaska was a family project, as mom and I designed it, mom made it, and my sister Susan painted it. My Space Shuttle from the Space Coast Marathon 2017 even got the attention and approval of a NASA rocket scientist at the finish line.  Since my favorite movie is The Wizard of Oz, my 50 states finish at the 2018 Land of Oz Marathon in Kansas included six different costumes of the characters. Mom drove along and we met at pre-determined places for my costume changes. My costume during the 2022 A Race for The Ages was a tribute to my mom, as I dressed as the different life phases of the Monarch Butterfly when she raises and releases them every year. My 2023 Strolling Jim 42 miler was a tribute to my dad who had just passed. I was dressed as Floyd Carruthers riding Strolling Jim, the first Tennessee Walking Horse National Champion. My grandfather and father both rode Tennessee Walking Horses, and my family attended the National Championship in Shelbyville, TN. for many decades. In longer distances, I try to make my costumes a little simpler, but sometimes I still go a little crazy.”

      Charlotte has never had a major injury. For post-race treats, Charlotte loves Rice Krispies and French fries. She said, “Typically I like red meat for lunch/dinner after a race so a big fat cheeseburger, or nice juicy steak. I used to allow myself to eat anything I wanted for a week after a marathon, but now I am doing them closer together, so I had to cut that back to just a day or two.”

     Charlotte is set to run the 2026 Winter Flight 8K on February 1st, and she will be the keynote speaker at the SRR meeting and pasta dinner the evening before. Charlotte is a 1986 South Rowan High grad and grew up in Landis.

      Charlotte added, “My sister Susan Corriher lives in Landis, and she helps me with painting some of my costumes. My other sister is Mary, and I have two brothers, Frederick and John. My Dad, Fred Corriher Jr, passed away in 2022, and although he never understood why I wanted to run so many miles, he was still very supportive.  I used to call him every Friday afternoon, typically while I was driving to a race, and we would talk about it. Mom, Kay, usually creates and sews the new costumes back in Landis.”

     More on Charlotte in a later column and at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

A Not So Sound Mind

by   July 23, 2025 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

It’s been a week since David’s passing. And it’s starting to feel real. Yesterday, Sunday, our regular routine of breakfast, church online, time on the deck with our coffee, or lately a tall glass of cold water, was not to be. I’ve never been a television person and don’t understand all the remotes. I now know one of them turns on the overhead fan and lights. Plus thanks to my son-in-law Jeff, I somewhat know how to turn on the TV. But to find Elevation Worship on YouTube? It was pretty much a crapshoot.

That’s where I was Sunday morning. Using words like crapshoot and crapstorm and stinkin’ dadblame stupid remotes. TRYIN’ TO WORSHIP HERE PEOPLE! Where’s the YOUTUBE?!! Then there it was… I don’t know why. I certainly wasn’t praying.

But somebody was.

So I listened to the very good message which seemed tailor made for me and found myself worshiping. As I thought on the things that were said, I fixed a bowl of Cheerios with an overripe banana and headed to the deck. That was mine and David’s Sunday morning thing… sitting on the deck and talking about the good things from the message. But it was quiet. Too quiet. And it hit me. David’s not going to join me here… ever again.

By bedtime, the reality of his passing was full blown. A while later, the Lord whispered a verse from 2 Timothy. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” I needed that so much. It dawned on me that as long as I live in fear, I will not have peace. Instead I need the power and love and especially the sound mind that He so gently offers. It seems that as long as I walk in fear, those good things can’t come. As I write this, another verse came to mind.

2 Corinthians 10:5 reminds us to “bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” I pray that He will do this for me. May the Lord gently keep us who know Him from fear as we bring our thoughts into submission to Him. Sometimes that’s the first and greatest step towards a sound mind.

O Lord, how I need the peace that only You can give.

About ten years ago, on a road trip to see our children in Texas.

Not Coming Back

by   July 21, 2025 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

Do we hear more powerful words than those spoken by a three year old?

Sure –  but not this time.

Our family lost Nana recently. She was the grandmother of eight.

We really did not lose her though. We know where she is.

She is in heaven – with Jesus.

My two and three year old grandsons that Nana and I share, found their way to Nana’s chair often.They knew where she would be sitting. I am sure conversation flowed easily, as they probably had lots of questions for her and she had lots of answers for them.

I am not sure if they have yet internalized the meaning of the emptiness of Nana’s chair where they often stopped to share their thoughts, but the older one  said this, “Nana went to heaven. She’s not coming back.”

The younger brother was standing beside him, looking up toward the ceiling, with his big brown eyes trying to see her in the heavens. No doubt but what Nana experienced that loving moment from heaven with them.

I had expected the words, “Nana went to heaven,” but the words, “She’s not coming back,” hit me a little hard as I looked into their eyes. They wanted encouragement, so I gave it to them, “We will see her in heaven one day.” They knew that already, but they needed to hear it again.  – and I needed to say it again.

The younger one’s eyes met mine with a bit of a question, but the older one’s eyes were shining, as he said, “I know.”

The nine year old granddaughter, who was with Nana daily, looked to me, knowing God’s Promise of  Heaven. Her beautiful eyes were wider and brighter than ever, filled with tears that she held back for a few seconds until two huge teardrops fell onto her cheeks. Although always beautiful, something about the raw emotion in that moment filled with the largest most intimate tears I had ever seen, will forever be etched in my memory as the most beautiful she had ever been.

The younger grandchildren were a bit young to completely internalize this moment in time – but I believe they did. That is called – the Holy Spirit – speaking to our children’s young hearts.

It happens through the Power of God.

They knew Nana was in heaven. They knew Nana was not coming back. 

They also knew that one day they would be in heaven with her.

They knew they would see her again.

Not only did they know, but they fervently and without a doubt believe it.

What does it take for a little child to know and believe?

Perhaps they know and believe because their family knows and believes.

Jesus not only speaks to our hearts, but He also speaks to the hearts of our children..

As we were in the middle of three hours at the funeral home visiting with others, remembering and talking about Nana, and comforting one another, I stood still and listened for a moment. Standing still brought comfort. Not only was there the natural feeling of grieving the loss of an amazing lady of the Lord, but there was another overpowering emotion. It was love. Love for Nana, of course, but the love reached out even further – to everyone in the room – and  Jesus in our midst.

As Christians, we do not have to grieve as those who have no hope, We can grieve with hope. 

We grieve over losing her, but rejoice that she is with Jesus and that we will be with her again.

The earth is the Lord’s and so are the heavens. That lets me know that it all belongs to the Lord. We belong to Jesus. Whether it is our last step as we leave Earth or our first step into heaven, Jesus is with us. No matter the place, the way, the time – Jesus walks with us. We do not need to fear.

Death is about our life on Earth coming to an end and our life in Heaven beginning.

That is why we call it ETERNAL LIFE.

Rewatch, Reread, Rediscover

by   July 20, 2025 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

When it comes to watching movies or reading books, there are generally two types of people: those who rewatch or reread, and (so, I’ve heard) those who don’t. I wonder if the latter group is also the sort who won’t eat leftovers – but I’ll save that for another day. 

As you may have guessed, I am in the first camp. A glance at my Prime account would reveal that I am most willing to rewatch something, particularly shows from before this century. If a show or movie pops up in my “rewatch” section, I will probably choose that rather than any original programming from a streaming platform. 

I like comfort, but more than that, I enjoy revisiting and rediscovering characters and plots. Last week, on a particularly hot afternoon, we rewatched a movie that felt like summer:  Because of Winn-Dixie. 

While I am familiar with the movie – we own a copy –  I was not prepared for the emotions it stirred in me. How many years had passed since I last saw it? Four, five, maybe more. A lot of life has happened. I connect differently with the story. Had I not been watching with my two youngest children, I could easily have released the dam of emotions waiting to flood my eyeballs. But, had I surrendered even a trickle, I doubt I would have quickly recovered. 

Isn’t it funny how something you already know can hit differently later on? I have heard Christian songwriters share that songs they wrote 30 years ago minister to them in fresh ways now. You likely have songs like that too – part of the soundtrack of your life.

There is another familiar friend who continues to meet me where I am, time after time, revealing new things about me and about Himself. It is through the written Word of God. I am blessed to have been brought up in a culture that fostered a love for reading Scripture. My childhood pastor would challenge the congregation to read it personally. I wonder if he knew children like me were listening too. 

Each time I return to a familiar passage, the words in those pages meet me where I am. Some words that regularly minister continue to be like a familiar comfort meal. Other words, I barely noticed before, meet me fresh and anew. 

While I have other pieces of literature that I love to reread every few years, there are no other Inspired words that can offer me the love and compassion of a great Friend, Father, Creator, and Savior.

Yes, I like to rewatch and reread (and I also love good leftovers). In some cases, it is about revisiting and rediscovery, but when it comes to the Bible, it is a relationship that draws me back, time after time. 

I Forgot

by   July 19, 2025 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            I looked out the window one morning thinking a squirrel was under the bird feeders. I pulled the curtain back for a closer look and discovered that it was not a squirrel but a raccoon. He was chowing down on the seeds that were on the ground but he had obviously been in the feeders, too. Both feeders were empty and I had recently filled them. I took a few pictures as proof of our morning visitor.

            My wife reminded me that we had raccoon problems many years ago. She described how the raccoons had learned to open a feeder with a pretty tough latch to get to the food. I didn’t remember the intruder from years ago. But the longer I thought about it, I do remember that we took that feeder down to get one that was more secure. It took a little more effort to jog the memory. There are many things that are tucked away up there.

            My parents both have good memories and can remember things from many years ago, but they will also tell you that some of the details are getting a little fuzzy. What they both have told me is that new memories are really difficult to remember. They can forget what they ate for dinner a few nights ago or if they have taken their medicine. It’s tough when their memory slips, but most of the time with a little prompt the memory will return.

            My wife and I have taken to writing notes for ourselves and each other. Honey do lists are helpful so I won’t forget what needs to get done. Keeping appointments and meetings written on calendars helps to keep us both straight. The side of my computer is covered in Post It notes to help me remember important things.

            I started to wonder how easy it might be to lose stories that are a part of our testimony. I believe there are certain encounters and experiences with God that will never fade away, but I wonder if others have slipped away unnoticed. What might seem significant in the moment could escape into the darkness of forgotten events.

            How do we keep from losing something significant in our lives? I think it is important that we share our stories. “I remember when God did this in my life.” “I remember a time when it looked like all was lost and then God came through for me.” God gives us these experiences not just to help us in the moment but to create in us a testimony to His goodness. It’s those testimonies that when shared with others can build faith that God will come through for us. It can also ignite a new faith and bring people into a relationship with God.

            When we are going through a tough time, it is important for us to review how God has come through for us in the past. By reminding ourselves we end up building our own faith. It reminds us that we can trust God in the hard times. It is easy to have faith in God when everything is going well; it is during the hard times that we need reminding.

             Most of us who attend church have taken communion. We eat the bread and drink the wine. Jesus told us to do it in remembrance of Him. We need to remind ourselves of the high price Jesus paid for us. He gave His life so we can have a relationship with God, our good, good Father. Jesus’ blood removes the stain of sin in our lives. God promises to forget ALL our sins. His body was whipped so our bodies can be made new. He paid for our healing. We must never forget what it cost Jesus and the Father for our salvation, forgiveness, healing, and deliverance.

            It is easy to forget things, especially as we grow older. I want to encourage you to remember all the ways God has blessed you. Think about the many times you felt Him close when you desperately needed Him. Remember the way the scriptures have come alive at critical moments and guided you through circumstances. Remember the price Jesus paid for YOU! God the Father and Jesus love you far more than you will ever believe. They want a relationship with you. It’s ALL up to you. You have to open your heart to them. It’s not too late! Today is the day of salvation. You will never forget the day you let them into your heart.

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

My Riding Buddy

by   July 18, 2025 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

If you travel our lake front street early on some mornings, you may see two old men between a small building and the street. One is riding a stationary handcycle while the other sits in his chair and participates, not in the riding, but in the conversation—which covers a variety of topics.

 Ken is the riding buddy. I am the hand cycler. I knew him before I met him. I liked him then, more now.

Ken and his wife Cheryl were moving here from Rhode Island, and I first met her when she was here to check on the renovations of their new home which is across the street from ours.   I saw her checking for mail on such a visit, and I introduced myself, and as we chatted she told me that her husband was a cancer survivor and organ recipient.

After our encounter, I kept thinking of the man I had never met. I kept thinking of the man who, like my friend Mike, was a transplant survivor. I kept thinking of a man and his wife who were moving to live near a daughter. I kept thinking of cancer and its horrors. I kept think of an organ transplant. I respected and admired him before I met him because of all that he had done, none of it witnessed by me.

The moving van arrived on a day of rain. The renovated house was becoming a home for the woman I had chatted with and the man I had never met. But one day while driving home I passed a man I thought was he. After parking my car in our driveway, I went to the street to talk with the walker. It was Ken. He stood on the side of our street, and we talked about everything but nothing. It all mattered but was mostly of little significance. Yet what is important is that the man I had admired from a distance was now present.

Some mornings he walks across our street and sits in his chair as I ride. We talk and in that loose, relaxed chatter and banter we relate. We have learned each other, and I wonder sometimes if we would have ever met in our previous lives. But I doubt that because we led different lives then, but not now. Now he and I are here, two retired men sharing life lived well.

I knew Ken before I met him, and when he walks across the street to sit with me, we share more and more of this life as it is reflected from our past lives with its scars.

The mystic William Blake wrote, “ The bird a nest, the spider a web, man friendship.” Like the bird and spider of Blake, I have been gifted by the man I knew and admired before I met him. He’s my riding buddy.

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