I Thirst

by   October 9, 2026 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

 I was flying from Myrtle Beach back to home, and I had a connection to make in Charlotte.  As it seems to happen at times, I landed at gate D-20 something and had about 30 minutes to get across the airport to gate A-something. And, I am the first on a plane, but the last off. So, my connection time was shortened. However, after I de-planed, I gathered my two bags, placed them on my knees, and began quickly to cross Douglass Airport.

The concourses at Charlotte are connected by a rather steep, carpeted, and long ramp which I had managed before on trips. However, this time I had two bulky gym bags riding on my legs.  I hit the ramp with speed and was powering up quite well, and then the top bag began to slide, and before I recovered, the bottom bag began to go with it. As I tried to adjust them with one hand, my wheelchair began to turn sideways, and I was running out of time. I had a connection to make and this mess was going to cause me delay. As I leaned into the ramp, trying to hold the bags with my chest while pumping to get all the way to the top, I felt two hands take control of my chair and a strong voice said, “I got you.” Someone had taken control of my situation and before I knew it, I was on the level hub and the same voice said, “You got it now?” And before I could turn and say “Thank you”, he melted into the crowd, going back the way he had been headed.

As I think of the Cruxification and the latter words of Jesus, “I thirst”, I think of my experience. No, I was not suffering like Jesus, but I was in distress and an angel came out of the crowd and took control for me and gave me relief from my thirst. We thirst for many things in this life. Sometimes we thirst for knowledge and wisdom, sometimes we thirst for friendship, or love, or any number of things. And, sometimes we may thirst but not be aware of it, and I hope that you may have an angel come out of the crowd and satisfy your thirst.

China Grove Runner has Bright Future

by   October 8, 2026 with No Comments

By David Freeze

China Grove runner has bright future!

   James Anderson got into running around 2019 when he saw banners for a 5K race in Kannapolis. He signed up for it and has loved chasing new running goals ever since. Anderson said, “Later, going into my freshman year of high school, my buddy Clinton invited me to run on the cross-country team, which ended up being an awesome experience! Running is special to me because of the journey it takes you on. Every run is different and comes with its own challenges. You never really know what you’re going to face whenever you head out for a run, and that’s part of what makes it so rewarding.”

    All runners have special memories. Anderson recounted those at the top of his list, “Some of my favorite running memories are the friendships I have made through the sport. Racing with my friends from Carson High School at the state championship, where we placed third, is one memory that stands out in particular. And for the past few years, my family has gone down to Ocean Isle Beach on the weekend of the Ocean Isle Half Marathon. It has been really fun getting to race at the beach, and recently, the half marathon has become my favorite distance to race. My biggest goal is to qualify for and run the Boston Marathon. There is still a lot of work to do before I get there, but it is the dream.”

    Anderson’s parents are Kevin and Melanie Anderson, and both are very involved at their church, First Reformed in Landis, and are a huge encouragement to James in both his running and his faith. He also has a sister, Kathie, and her husband, Landon. They are huge pickleball players and are the main reason James got into his new hobby.

    Always busy, Anderson works at the South Rowan YMCA, where he cuts grass, runs a weed-eater, and helps with whatever else needs doing in maintenance. He is also currently a junior at UNCG, where he is majoring in sports management.

    Hobbies include watching Seahawks football as a lifelong fan, not just a bandwagon add-on. Anderson also enjoys playing pickleball and beach volleyball. He said, “Recently, I have been wanting to get into hiking more after taking a trip to the mountains with some friends over the summer. I also really enjoy listening to faith-based podcasts.”

    He continued, “I am the youth ministry intern at FRC, where I work alongside Shane Roberts to encourage and support the youth at the church. It has been such a privilege to work with Shane, and he has taught me so much about youth ministry. I am also on the production team, where I run the sound system for Sunday services. I also play guitar and sings with the worship band on Sundays and for our Students United Nights with James Clifford.”

    Anderson was originally planning on doing something in the sports management world, but being involved at First Reformed and working in youth ministry has led him down a different path than originally planned. He said, “I am now planning on becoming a youth pastor. I have  enjoyed working with students and serving at First Reformed, and I believe God has been using those experiences to show me that youth ministry is where I want to serve in the future.”

Colossians 3:23: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord,

      Running and racing locally goes into high gear next week with the first of six October races. On Saturday, October 3rd, the Faith in Motion Liberty 5K and Fun Run will be headquartered at the church’s ballfield. All proceeds will benefit the Liberty Community Church Youth Fund. The church is located at 3940 Liberty Road, Gold Hill. For more information, call Teresa Shaw at 980-305-3108.

     Look for this and a full slate of upcoming events at www/salisburyrowanrunners.org

Gotta’ Run: China Grove runner has bright future!

Rich and Famous!

by   October 7, 2026 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

There is a nice young man outside going around our house in a very meticulous fashion. First he moved all my flower pots. Did you get that? He moved ALL my flower pots. Some of those suckers are fork-lift worthy. Then he watered them as a protection from the cleanser he was about to use on the siding. From there he sprayed soap over all the exterior surfaces of the house. Now he is power washing the old white siding until it shines. I feel so rich! And it’s not even my birthday!

We’ve always been do-it-yourselfers. That came naturally since we were way too poor to think of hiring an expert. It’s been the running joke with our daughters to spot something beautiful or crafty and immediately say in unison, “We could make that.” Sometimes it works. Other times not so much.

A few years back David and I rented a pressure washer and did-it-ourselves. By the time we finished I swore to never get sucked into such an adventure ever again. I was soaked and filthy down to my skivvies. Perhaps I stood too close to the house or something. But I’m kinda like a T-Rex with little short useless arms. The back spray was hefty. Two days later I was still finding stuff in my hair. Thanks to Mike of The Property Pal, that shall not be the case this time.

My friend Ann and her hubby are also used to doing everything needed around the house. Last month they HIRED a crew to trim some of their massive trees. She too felt rich, especially since she didn’t have to drag off the limbs. That crew even cleaned her patio with a leaf blower. OH! What frivolous luxury!

Mike is almost finished with our house. It’s taken him all morning and though the calendar says it’s fall, the thermometer begs to differ. What a hard worker. People like him are surely a rare breed. Folks tend to idolize celebrities and athletes, actors and actresses. I’ve actually never needed one. But I AM in awe of my plumber. Give me a waitress who pays attention or a man with plumbing skills, or a guy like Mike any day. These fine folks keep the world turning… and more importantly FLUSHING! For people like me who get to hire them, oh how incredibly blessed we are!

In fact, I’m feeling rather fabulous.

You Can Make A Difference

by   October 6, 2026 with No Comments

Steve Hartman reminds us that each one of us has a calling and a purpose. You may be the Doctor or you might just be… you have to watch it to find out. One thing I will tell you…He found his calling and he IS MAKING a difference!

Lessons from a Good Dog

by   October 4, 2026 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

This week marked our family dog’s “Gotcha Day,” the day when we adopted our pup a few years ago. Unlike many families today, my friends and I mostly grew up with outdoor dogs – those hearty, full-of-energy guardians of the yard and outdoor playmates. When my husband and I decided it was time for our family to have a furry pet (as opposed to the small, scaly aquatic variety), we knew it could only be a dog and an outdoor one at that. Allergies and preferences helped make that decision, along with the thoughtful input of a veterinary friend.

It was instant puppy-love at first sight when we took our children to the animal shelter. The pup, however, wasn’t too sure about the 5 larger-than-life personalities surrounding him.

Although I am not a huge animal lover in general, this little critter won me over pretty easily – floppy ears, a timid but lovable disposition, and amber eyes filled with story and personality.

Bruno was decidedly his name. My suggestion won the vote over the 5 kids’ list of names like Pluto, Biscuit, Cinnamon Biscuit, and Butter. You know, names small children with no experience naming dogs would choose.

Once he adjusted to his new surroundings, the hound in him began to show itself with loud baying at various times of the day or night. Sometimes it was over something you’d expect – a chipmunk caught in the drainpipe; a raccoon up in a tree; possums maneuvering; a deer nibbling on the neighbors’ flowers. At other times, he could be going nuts over a frog, a cicada, or a bumblebee.

The children are convinced that Bruno is most endeared to me because I occasionally make chicken broth as a special treat. The reader should know he may not have a discerning palate, but I won’t go into detail about what we usually see him eating every day in the backyard.

He has been a loyal companion, accepting warm embraces or showers of tiny tears from those broken-hearted over the ills of this world (like being misunderstood by siblings). He, too, expresses hurt feelings over not being included in car rides, casually waiting at the top of the yard with his back turned in great offense, but then switching to a wagging tail signaling forgiveness once we enter his domain.

At times you will hear someone express frustration over Bruno destroying a toy or snatching a sock that shouldn’t have been left accessible. Once, he managed to sneak into the house and counter-surf his way to a pan of brownies, only to be caught red-pawed by one son, who then had to help him expel his ill-gotten dessert to keep him safe. Occasionally, there are impromptu seek-and-finds when he darts and dashes beyond his boundaries. At times, it’s enough to make us question our decision to own a dog.

But usually, those questions are drowned out by laughter and squeals of delight bouncing across the yard as the kids play with their backyard pal. In extreme seasons, he enjoys indoor visits with plenty of doting. There are lots of “What a good boy!” when he protects the yard from menacing creatures, and peaceful gatherings on cooler nights around the fire pit as our hound nuzzles his way in.

Lessons of unconditional love, patience, and even forgiveness. Moments of temporary sorrow and sympathy when he is suffering. He has taught us lessons that are sometimes best learned through having a pet while growing up. He’s a good boy.

Ashlie Miller makes broth for Bruno in Concord, NC. You can send “Gotcha Day” messages to mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com, because Bruno isn’t on social media.

The Future

by   October 3, 2026 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

The Future

            I had to go to Winston early in the week, and I saw some trees starting to show some color while I was up there. Wait…the calendar says October! That can’t be right. It was in the 90’s last week, it can’t really be fall yet. Whether we are ready for it or not, fall is here.

            I have been peeking ahead at the winter forecast and it is looking quite interesting. I do want to caution you about all the fear-mongering that some weather websites are promoting. We are not going to get buried in snow. If you follow the almanacs you will see that one is predicting a warm winter while the other is predicting a cold winter. What do you believe? While most of you know that I am a snow lover and am always hopeful that we will get some snow every winter, I am not getting too excited just yet.

            There has been much written in all the media about the super strong El Niño. We can’t make winter predictions based on one factor. We do know that El Niño winters tend to be wetter, but that does not mean all snow. We might get rain, sleet, and freezing rain. The best news about a wet winter is that I hope we can wipe out the drought conditions which have lingered for the southeast.

            You can be sure that I will be watching the trends and the forecast very closely and sharing my opinion with whomever will listen. What falls from the sky is not decided by any weather personality but by a much higher power than that! God has already seen the winter and the winter weather that is ahead for us. Our job is to trust Him and know that He is keeping a close eye on us.

            It’s not just the weather but all aspects of our lives that God has in complete control. He knows what is going on in your life right now, both the good and the bad. He knows the things you are struggling with and sees the path that will lead you through them. He knows the challenges that are still to come and is making plans to help you through it.

            The future can feel scary and overwhelming. No one knows what tomorrow holds. I have some friends who firmly believe that Jesus is coming back within the next couple of years and others who wonder when He is coming back. The answer according to the Bible is that no one, including Jesus, knows when He is coming back to get us. Only the Father knows when Jesus will come to bring us home. Heaven and the future are exciting and interesting topics but remembering who holds them is more important.

            I believe that God wants us to live each day impacting the people around us for His kingdom. We can do that by sharing encouraging words. Maybe we can lift someone’s burden or give them a helping hand. Showing people kindness can change a person’s day in a positive way. We all have opportunities every day to bring light and hope to people.

            The future is filled with the unknown. How do we prepare? How do we know what things to do or not do? What are His plans and how do I fit in? There are many questions about the future but we have to learn to trust Him with the details. Having faith that we can hear His voice and live in obedience will help us feel assured that we are on the right path.

            Our future is in His hands. The Bible teaches us that God makes good plans for our future. He is a good Father. Our job is to seek His will and guidance, especially when we are facing big changes. Should we change jobs, move, get married, retire? It’s not easy to know and figure out His will. That’s why it is important to be connected into a local church where you have brothers and sisters who can join you in your prayers. God will reveal His plans, which are sometimes different than ours, because He can see things we can’t.

            I want to encourage you to trust God with your future. God is in control of the weather, the stock market, the rapture, and the intimate details of your life. He has made great plans for you. There will be struggles but He will see you through because you are an overcomer. God has your future, our future, in His hands. Our job is to walk by faith and trust Him.

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

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