Running as a Family

by   October 5, 2023 with No Comments

By David Freeze

I always love to see families come out to races. Usually those families include 2, 3 or 4 people. But more and more, one of those tall vans with lots of seats has been arriving at the races. And when they unload, it takes a while. On and on they come, all ready to race in some form.

With kids of all sizes in the group, I’ve watched how close they all are and how helpful to each other as they get ready to hit the starting line. Lisa Burleson, runner, mom and grandmom of the group, told me why each one runs or walks. One of their first big events was the Greenway 5K back in mid-July. They have since pumped up the attendance at other races including the Run for the Word 5K in Landis and the Race to the River 5K in Spencer, both in September.

Elizabeth, 14, said, “I wanted to be in the races because doing a 5K was on my bucket list. I wanted to walk a 5K with my Papaw and I got to do just that.” Earlier she was exclusively a walker, but is now mixing in some running.

Joanna, 2, about to turn 3 and a happy fun run participant, said, “I had to do it so I can get faster and faster. I love to run in my running shirt.” She practices often.

Gideon, 11 months, has been along for the ride, pushed by his dad, Sam.

Naomi, 11, said, “When I run, I get to spend special time with my mom. I enjoy being outside in different places. Someday, I want to ride a bike to the Outer Banks.” I can help her with that.

Sam, 38, said, “I like to run to clear my head. I want to better my time. Rather than listening to music, I use the time to reflect and think.” And Sam keeps the kids often while Lisa, Hannah and Naomi run or walk the country roads around their side by side homes. He often pushes a double stroller.

Hannah, 37, said, “I am regaining strength and endurance through running. I especially enjoy running with Naomi and mom. Sam helps with our children to provide time for me.”

Lisa, 64, said, “Exercise is a great way for our family to spend time together. After taking SRR’s running class, I want to continue to increase my endurance.” Hannah, Naomi and Sam all took the class.

Rick, 67, said, “My granddaughter asked me to walk with her this summer in a 5K. I was not sure I could do it. But I made it. I plan to begin a walking regimen. I am so blessed to be a stage 4 cancer survivor.”

Another son, 6-year-old Nathaniel, has run in four fun runs already this year. Nathaniel says he is getting stronger and faster and is proud of himself for running.

In retrospect, this Burleson and McDonald combined family inspires others. Imagine the work to get this whole crowd out of bed and fed in time to drive 20 minutes and still get everyone to an 8 a.m. race in plenty of time. It takes a cohesive unit to do this. Nothing is better than that, especially with running and walking a big part of the mix.

Already, October is just around the corner. Oct. 14 has the Sacred Heart Dolphin Dash 5K and Fun Run. Then it’s double Halloween fun at the St. Matthews 5K and Fun Run, on Oct. 28, followed by the long-running Spooky Sprint 5K and Fun Run at Catawba College on the next day, Oct. 29.

And finally, if you are new to running or racing, or are starting to consider it, you’ve got great weather to give it a try. Cooler weather makes exercise and outdoor activity more fun and a little bit easier. Check www.salisburyrowanrunners.org for more races and activities.

A Refuge

by   October 4, 2023 with No Comments

By Ed Traut

Psalms 5:11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

  • One only takes refuge when there is a storm which life so often presents to us. 
  • Always the refuge is there.  All we have to do is run to it and apply it.
  • It is God’s plan for us to have joy at all times and enjoy His protection and His love.

Prayer:  Almighty God, I do purposely take refuge in You in every circumstance.  I look to You for my strength and my help.  There is no one like You.  I bless Your holy name and thank You for Your goodness towards me.  Amen.

Ed Traut
Prophetic Life

Work Boots

by   October 3, 2023 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

Do you have a mud room? Praise God we do. It’s not real highfalutin with matching baskets and labels for where everything goes. It’s just an old closed in back porch where coats, garden gloves and muddy shoes go. Another good part is that it has a door which can close all that clutter away.


I heard the best song the other morning. Chris Tomlin along with Florida Georgia Line has a song called Forever Home. It speaks of how things will be in heaven. A line from it connected with my soul. Get ready. I’m gonna sing it for you:


“We’ll leave all of our worries just like work boots on the porch…”


What a picture! A place where all the cares of life can be dropped and forgotten as we look forward to a home cooked meal and a sweet time of rest; laughter and conversation around the table with the ones we love. No one brings up the junk of the day or the worries for tomorrow because the time together is just too sweet.


What if we could start that now?
Just as I heard that song, I “happened” to be reading in the last chapter of 1 Peter. Listen to this preview of what things could be like now.
“Casting all your cares on Him for He cares for you.” -1 Peter 5:7


Oh! What a picture of trust in the Savior! So many burdens pile on us at times. Grief and pain seem to have no end.

I can’t handle it!


But He can.


Bless the Lord!


“There ain’t no tellin’ what He’s got in store…”

Ready? Get Set

by   October 2, 2023 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

Walking by those words once again, I noticed how dusty that plaque had gotten. I found a tissue, and gave it a quick swipe to move the dust around a bit. The words on it read: Set your mind on things above.

Words fitly spoken from a plaque on a shelf that I pass by in my home about 50 times a day – and rarely notice.

Maybe – just maybe – this time was a reminder – to set my mind on things above.

The words were familiar – I guessed maybe from Colossians 3:23. Grabbing my Bible, I sneaked outside to the rocking chair on my front porch for a few minutes alone.

As soon as I sat down and saw all the beauty of nature around me, Psalm 46:10 began to well up in my heart. So, I did what it says: I was still. Then I knew – that He was God. The longer I was still – the more I knew.

Sitting still in that moment, I was at a place of rest in the Lord – the kind of rest that comes without even taking a nap.

A few minutes later, I turned to Colossians 3:23, with the expectation of finding the words, ‘Set your mind on things above.’ I smiled when the words in that verse, however, informed me that whatever I did, I needed to do heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.

Heartily. I did not even bother to look that word up, for no definition could be better than the one God had put in my spirit, which was, ‘with my whole heart.’

So, the words on the plaque were not from Colossians 3:23, but that verse sure felt timely.

With my Bible on my lap, I spent the next few minutes dwelling on the quietness of the Spirit of God pouring into my heart, giving me a peaceful respite during a time that had recently been far from peaceful.

Remembering my to-do list, I picked up my open Bible, and prepared to head back inside. As I did, a little breeze blew, and turned it back one page. There it was – calling out to me from Colossians 3:2, ‘Set your mind on things above.’

Some may call that a coincidence. I call it a God-incidence.

God’s Presence in our world.

God’s Presence in His Word.

God’s Presence in our hearts.

God gave His best for us. We should give our best for Him.

Lord, may we become more aware of Your Presence. Help us set our minds on things above. Amen

Ready? Get set.

Ann is a speaker and teacher. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com

Outdoor Feast of Fall

by   October 1, 2023 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

Do you have that certain itch with the recent transition to autumn – that either has you craving pumpkin spiced latte or warm apple cider, a longing for a bowl of chili and cornbread, and the desire to pull up a seat by the fire pit? Perhaps you want to slow down and spend time with friends and family, embracing the joy that comes with this season’s harvests.

Though I do not come from a Jewish background, I have learned a little about the beauty of Jewish feasts over the years as a homeschooling mom, thanks to the lovely curriculum we have found. We are entering the season of Sukkot, or the Festival of Booths. This marvelous feast is celebrated annually as part of the harvest season outdoors in temporary booths or shelters. During this time of feasting, participants may reflect on the many years their ancestors traveled through the desert and rejoice at God’s provision through that time. While I do not know how closely that relates to our American Thanksgiving, it certainly stirs those feelings in me.

How lovely it must be (and must have been) to regularly join together to feast on the bounty of God’s provision while celebrating with family and friends outside, sharing food. How lovely it can be for us, in this harvest season, to also slow down and invite friends, family, and neighbors to our backyards to savor the goodness of comforting foods and encouraging conversations accompanied by the smells, sights, and other delights only provided in the great outdoors.

I have great memories of times around many campfires either at a campground, on a church property, or in the backyards of friends. I can recall testimonies shared by my elders and being captivated by their stories – some silly and some serious, but both significant to who they have become. I even recall weeping and tears around many campfires – tears of sorrow over sins and tears of joy over victories.

I miss those days, and I hope to reclaim them. We are in such a hurried age of tremendous disconnect despite the personal devices (and vices) that should make us more connected with other people. Does this generation know these simple joys of slowing down, sharing our life stories, and feasting on small, even unimpressive meals – like a bowl of chili – that can provide great comfort and hope? Will it be lost on us? It will if we do not take the initiative.

Stories of God’s faithfulness in the lives of people I know have always encouraged me. Hearing them in intimate places like a backyard campfire makes them unforgettable. Who will help reclaim this joy and share their backyards as a temporary booth for feasting and remembrance to create a permanent place of hope and care?

Ashlie Miller is a pastor’s wife to Chad and a mother of five in Concord, NC. Share your campfire stories with her at ashliemiller.com.

Supporting Each Other

by   September 30, 2023 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            I taught high school for 34 years. Then I taught Chinese students online for a little over two years. I am fast approaching two years of teaching at the community college. You could say that I have been teaching for a long time. After all these years, I still love being a teacher. Teachers see it as more than a job. We teach because we want to make a difference in people’s lives. I had a great opportunity today to talk with some colleagues. It’s always good to catch up with one another. But let some teachers have some time to talk and before you know it they are asking each other about how you teach such-n-such to your students. Teachers love to swap resources and share good ideas with each other.

            “Have you ever tried this resource?” “I found that this is the best way to teach this particular concept.” “This resource is FREE.” “Can you send me…” I came home with a list of websites I need to visit and glean some new material for my students. I will sift through my new finds and incorporate some of them into my lessons.

            I met a “new” experienced teacher today. She recently joined our team so the material is new to her. Another colleague and I shared some helpful resources with her. When you have to teach something new, it takes time to learn the material. Teaching is one skill, but learning the new content is a whole different thing. Our new colleague will do a great job.

            I remember when I received new curriculum guides from the state for one of my subjects. I used to dread learning the new curriculum. The first time through requires so much research and planning to get ready for class each day. It can sometimes be overwhelming. You have to remind yourself that the second time you teach a new curriculum it is much easier.

            Each time you teach a curriculum you often change your approach to the material. Good teachers are always looking for new ways to get the material across to their students. What worked last year may not be effective this year. This is why it is so important to talk with colleagues and see how they teach specific topics. Their approach might be better or some resource you use might help them in their classroom. Each teacher uses different methods. What works great for me might not work for you. Having a variety of resources allows a teacher to choose what works best for them.

            One thing I can say is that engaging learners has changed dramatically since I began teaching. I started off with a blackboard and chalk. We had purple ditto machines. If you aren’t using technology to teach students today you probably won’t reach them. We all carry computers in our pockets (our phones). Students have access to so much more than we ever did so teachers have to change their approach to engage students.

            We have to help each other. We have to learn to share resources if we hope to stay current and effective in the classroom. These same truths apply to our spiritual lives. God did not intend for any of us to walk out our faith alone. I need you to help me through situations that I can’t seem to navigate. You can help me because you have been where I am now and you know how to make it to the other side. I in turn can help you with the struggles you are facing.

            It is very important that we listen to solid biblical teaching. But that is not the only path to spiritual growth. Brothers need to get together so iron can sharpen iron. Sisters need to get together to support and encourage each other. We need to gather around when someone has fallen down. We don’t gather to point fingers but to lift them back up and help them back onto their feet. No one can be effective by themselves.

            I want to encourage you to find ways you can support and encourage others. You have a testimony, a story that can help someone else make it through their storms of life. I also want to encourage you to open your heart and receive the help you need for the struggles you are facing. God is with you and wants to send reinforcements through your brothers and sisters in Christ. We need to be there for each other through fellowship and the sharing of our knowledge and experience to help one another in our Christian walk. Together we are stronger!

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

Late Friendships

by   September 29, 2023 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

We moved to Lake Norman three years ago and are now comfortably settled in our home and neighborhood. We know people. They know us. Each day someone stops for a visit in the shop and a myriad of topics are discussed: Children, grandchildren, religion, politics, sports, reading, and so much more. Our life here on LKN is made richer by these friendships formed late in our lives and the lives of our new friends.

However, friendship is usually thought of as something from childhood or college or a time when folks were younger, such as when rearing children. Those friendships formed during the struggles of youth and learning are invaluable as we travel through the paths of later life; we depend on those people because they have, over the years, become permanent posts in our lives on which we lean. They are now part of our root system because they, years ago, helped form us. But since retirement, my wife and I have discovered new friends in our late years. These new friends are retired as we, and they are intricate parts of our lives whether individually or as a couple. Yet, I sometimes wonder what these newfound friends were like thirty or forty years ago. I wonder if, had we met at age forty, would we have been friends. But I do not wonder too much, I just cherish the friendship because those types of questions never can be answered. To wonder about such things is as useless as holding onto regrets of a past action. Although each new friend late in life has a past, as do I, the present is what I know unless I learn when the friend shares some of his  or her past.

But one new friend is different, however, because she was in a writing group with me. She, at the bidding of her two children, was writing her life’s story. So each week during writing group, she shared parts of her life. All of it: The despair when the custom-built home that she and her husband had built burned to the ground. The shock of her divorce. The early life on a southern Georgia farm. Her love of classical music. Being the wife of a medical student in Washington, DC. Life as a single mother for her son and daughter. Her sister’s schizophrenia. Her love of literature and painting. And more.

Yvonne’s rich life from a Georgia farm to New York City to D.C. to Florida and finally to Mooresville interested the writing group and me. Her’s was quite a story, but I was most impressed by her late life, when she, my wife Mary Ann, and I became friends.  Every Sunday she sang in the church choir. Each Wednesday she shared the communal meal before joining the writing group before going to choir practice. She life revolved around family, music, painting, reading, and telling her story. All as she battled her cancers. But if one did not notice her dry mouth as she read or sang or spoke, her cancer did not show itself, yet it presented itself in many ways, and she gracefully stiffed armed it like Thurber’s Rex: Her resolve is legendary with those who know her and she is not to be defeated except on her terms, which have now arrived.

            In 1st Kings, at the end of his life, King David says to his son Solomon, “I go the way of all the earth.” Yvonne’s journey is now where that kings was, and she has asked her daughter to move her from Levine in Concord to her home-to her library. A simple request that will offer dignified death surrounded by family, cherished books, her two loving cats, her paintings, and the last revision of her word-processed story that her children and grandchildren will read, and through which come to know and appreciate her well-lived life.

Volunteerism

by   September 28, 2023 with No Comments

By David Freeze

Last Saturday, we had the Run for the Word 5K in Landis. The second annual event was a huge success and benefitted the high school and middle school Bible teachers in the South Rowan area.

Races are complex, with a long list of must-haves to make sure things go well. Nothing is more important than volunteers. In fact, when I talk to a prospective race director about his or her organization and the charity that they want to benefit, one of my first statements includes the need for quality volunteers.

To make this need for volunteering most significant, no races will happen without volunteers! It is astonishing to me that many runners or their families have never volunteered at a race. They just expect the event to happen regardless. It won’t. After almost 45 years of both racing and volunteering, I can make the statement that runners need to complete the loop by volunteering.

Here are some of the benefits you receive from volunteering:

Volunteering makes you social: One of the most notable advantages of volunteering is the effect you leave on the community as a whole. It permits you to form a strong bond with those around you. Remember that even small acts of kindness can make a real difference. Also, volunteering is as beneficial to you as it is to the community. Devoting your time as a volunteer assists you with making new companions, growing your organization, and lifting your social abilities. Volunteering boosts self-esteem: You are doing useful things for other people and the community, which gives a characteristic feeling of achievement. Your part as a volunteer can likewise give you a feeling of pride and purpose. Furthermore, the better you feel about yourself, the better perspective you have on your life and future objectives. Volunteering can give a feeling of direction. Whatever your age or life circumstance, volunteering can help you to take a break from your own concerns, keep you intellectually invigorated, and add more zeal to your life.

Volunteering helps you stay healthy: Volunteering can be significant for emotional well-being. It can help reduce anxiety, stress and depression. Surely, the social contact which is a part of helping other people can profoundly affect your general mental prosperity. Studies show that individuals who volunteer have a lower death rate than the individuals who do not. More seasoned volunteers are less inclined to foster stress and have better-thinking abilities. Volunteering can likewise diminish the side effects of chronic pain and lessen the risk of coronary illness. I have two examples of how these things work. Pam Roseman is a local doctor of physical therapy. Pam is also the race director of the Clean Water 5K set for Nov. 11 at Grace Lutheran Church. She is in Michigan this weekend doing a half-Ironman Triathlon. Charleen Allegrezza is a retired restaurant owner. Both were course monitors in important areas at the Run for the Word. Pam, who races often, loved doing the other side of the event and said, “It was such a joy to cheer the runners on the course. I really loved it while helping give me perspective for my own race next Sunday.” Charleen, a regular SRR volunteer when we serve lunches at Rowan Helping Ministries, jumped in when she saw runners starting to get off course at the turnaround and saved a bunch of headaches afterward. One recent race had some runners get off course due to a missing volunteer and sorting it out was not fun.

Of course, my purpose for this article is not just to address volunteering at races. Regardless of where you volunteer, the same benefits apply. In my own case, I love to volunteer because it takes me away from my own projects and concerns for the time being. I can just enjoy this new event and who I meet, while savoring the results.

Races have many jobs that volunteers can do. At Run for the Word, more than 30 course monitors worked the turns and corners while others announced times at mile markers. Still more helped with registration and refreshments.

The next race locally is Donuts for Dollars at GNC in Salisbury on Nov. 4. Look for this and more races and volunteering opportunities at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org.

He’s Got This

by   September 27, 2023 with No Comments

By Ed Traut

John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

  • The enemy’s plight is always to trouble our hearts first with panic, then fear, and then unbelief.  Let us watch that carefully.
  • We will trust in Him – complete dependance without any information or knowledge, just because of who He is!
  • So our hearts belong to Him regardless of any circumstances, we will trust in Him completely.

Prayer:  My Father with every ounce of my being I commit my trust to You and refuse by my own will today and Your wonderful grace not to panic or let the enemy influence me negatively or to cause my heart to be troubled.  Safe guard me I pray Holy Spirit with this in Jesus name.  Amen. 

Ed Traut
Prophetic Life

Brave New Day

by   September 26, 2023 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

We love watching the Atlanta Braves. During their alumni week we got to visit with some old friends. Even though we were only catching up with our baseball heroes by way of television, it was fun to hear how they were doing. Some participated in a homerun derby, some had their kids or grandkids with them, and some joined the broadcast booth for a few innings. One of our all time favorite players Dale Murphy was there and it was fun to hear him interact with the regular announcers. Such a great personality. The man has always been so athletic and is part of the Braves Hall of Fame.* Watching his outstanding fielding in the early seventies is when I became a baseball fan. Those were lean years for the Braves. When we finally acquired some decent pitching it was way more fun. Notice my humble usage of “we.” That’s because I am right there with them in my mind. While Murph was in the booth, the producers showed an embarrassing video of him trying to take a selfie with a group of former players. In order to get a better shot he stood on a chair. When he lost his balance and nearly fell backwards, the group of guys behind him ran up to catch him. “That could’ve been bad,” they teased. He laughed as he commented, “Who would’ve ever thought I couldn’t stand on a chair?” Seeing Murph nearly fall helped me relate since we are about the same age. I don’t dare even stand on a stool to fetch a mixing bowl anymore. It’s down right dangerous to be tottering twelve extra inches above the ground. As the series continued former pitcher Tom Glavine commented that a certain injured player is considered “day to day.” He followed that up by saying, “But aren’t we all.” Once again I can relate. What used to be easy to navigate gets harder with age. At sixty- eight, it’s a bit scary out there. Actually I think it’s scary for everyone. We’re all just a bit “day to day.” Perhaps if we use a drop of common sense and pray for wisdom, the Lord will guide us every step of the way. So far it’s working in this brave new world.

*MLB has not yet recognized Murphy’s worth for their Hall of Fame. And I’m not bitter about that at all.]

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