Doug’s Columns

By Doug Creamer

They Gave Everything

            I took advantage of the long weekend to paint our hall bathroom. It needed a good refresh. I had forgotten how long all the prep takes for painting. I washed the walls and had to take everything out of my way. I also taped along the edges, which takes time initially but saves time in the cleanup. The paint companies promote “one coat coverage,” but I like to put two coats on for a better outcome and appearance. I finished the second coat on Monday afternoon. I am waiting for it to dry so I can start putting the bathroom back together.

My mother loves to paint. I think it is work and it involves bending and getting up and down off the floor. I am not as young as I used to be and it takes a little more effort to get up and down. I haven’t painted the woodwork yet. The freshly painted walls are making it look like it needs paint, too.

            I am planning to paint the main bathroom the next time I have a day off. Our main bathroom is larger and I probably need the time to recover before I tackle it. While I do not think I am getting older, my body tells me a different story when I get involved in projects.

            The reason I decided to work on this project was because of the long weekend. Memorial Day weekend is the traditional kickoff of summer. The weather has been up and down but in a few more weeks we will be wishing for some cooler weather. Summer is a great season as we will soon be enjoying all the treats from our vegetable gardens. It won’t be long now. Good things are on the way.

            Memorial Day can sometimes get lost in the rush into summer. Memorial Day is a special day that we set aside to remember those who gave their lives in sacrifice for our country. They lost their lives while fighting for and defending our great nation. We get to live with all the rights and freedoms that our nation provides because they were willing to stand up for us.

            We have some veterans in my family line, but I am unaware of any who died while serving our nation. That is not the case for many of my readers. Many have loved ones who have paid the highest price for our country and I want to thank you and your family. Losing a loved one anytime is difficult, but losing them while they are serving our country must create a pain that is hard to endure, and again I thank you!

            Currently it is a choice to serve our country through one of the military branches. A number of my students have graduated and gone into the service and I respect their choice. We had JROTC at some of the schools where I taught and I always enjoyed seeing the students grow and mature in that program.

We need to honor all who serve our country, but we must never forget those who paid the ultimate price for our nation. We must also remember the suffering their families have endured for us. We are truly blessed by their sacrifice. We are also blessed by the sacrifice some have made to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Ten of the twelve disciples were martyred for trying to spread the Good News. Their only crime was trying to tell people that Jesus and God the Father love, accept, and forgive them and how to find salvation through faith in Jesus.

            In the 2000 years since Jesus was here, there have been many others who have died because they wanted to help people find the way to salvation. Jesus came so we could be in a right relationship with God. Sin separates us from the goodness of God. Jesus made a way through His death on a cross. Now anyone who repents and asks Jesus into their hearts can have peace with God and know they will spend eternity with Him in heaven.

            If you have never received Jesus as your savior, then I want to encourage you to open your heart to Him. If you have received Jesus, then I want to encourage you to share the Good News with the people in your life. The Good News is that Jesus fixed our broken relationship with God and offers us the gift of eternity with God in heaven. That’s Good News for each of us and Good News that we can and should share with others.

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

By Doug Creamer

Is it Real or Fake?

            A while back I was going through a tough time. I felt like I was in a hole and couldn’t find my way out. One night while I was scrolling social media I discovered a podcaster. I was about to scroll past her when something she said caught my attention. I listened and her words comforted and encouraged me in my situation. I watched additional posts from her and found some rays of hope that lifted my spirit.

            It’s never one thing that pulls us out of a rough spot. It takes the prayers and encouragement of good friends. In my case, talking with my pastor and his wife helped to get my thinking straightened out. Sometimes we need help to work through the challenges of life. God sends help from a variety of places, including a podcaster.

            Last week I was scrolling social media when a neuroscientist offered some insight into how our brains work. I listened to several short clips from her as they popped up on my feed. Many of her clips were focused on positive motivation. She explained how the brain can aid us if stimulated properly, which I found fascinating.

            Her posts were generated from her home office, in her car, out by the swimming pool, and sitting in her living room. I wanted to find out more about her background, so I Googled her. The search brought up a movie star with the same name. I dug deeper and discovered that she didn’t have a website. She only had a presence on Instagram and Facebook.

I went to her Facebook page and discovered something unbelievable to me. She was not a real person. The videos of this woman were all AI generated. That means this woman does not exist. The AI created character has quite a few videos on a variety of topics. The homepage plainly states that this is not a real person but an AI generated character. The information is neurological science on how to be motivated to change.

I wasn’t sure how to take this discovery. The AI character seems warm and friendly. The information provided should be based on facts and research, but would I trust it? We all trust Google when we ask a question, but can we trust an AI character that shares information that we are seeking?

I have used AI to help develop curriculum for teaching. I wondered what else I could get AI to do. I went to an AI platform and asked it to write a column in my personality. I gave it some specific guidelines and sent it to my website. Then I waited a few minutes and out popped a column. I have to admit the AI did a good job, but not a great job. In some places you could obviously tell it was not my style, but in others it picked up on the way I write pretty well. With a little extra training…who knows?

There is one place we can all look to find the truth in a world that has made it increasingly more difficult to distinguish between what is real and fake. The Bible is God’s truth and it can be trusted in every situation to tell us the truth. It can guide us as we make important life choices. It can reveal the true character of God: His faithfulness, kindness, love, mercy, and forgiveness. It can encourage us in and through difficult times. It can challenge us to change and live up to higher standards.

In an AI world filled with fake news it is comforting to look into God’s Word where truth is revealed and darkness is shattered. God wants to reveal the truth to you and set you free from the lies you have heard. He wants you to know that He created you and that you are beautiful in His sight. You are His son or daughter with complete access to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Your prayers are heard, valued, and answered. You have influence with God. He knows everything about you and loves you more deeply than you can understand. That’s the truth!

I want to encourage you to open your Bible and read the truth. You can trust God and His Word completely. You can learn about His character. You can learn His ways. You can learn to hear His voice. You can enter His presence without fear. You can believe His Word and trust in His promises. God is real and He has great things planned for you. That is the truth and you can trust and believe it.

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

By Doug Creamer

Thankful for Mom(s)

            I grew up watching the Brady Bunch and Leave it to Beaver. These were iconic families. They were perfect families. We watched because we enjoyed the show but I think there was a small part of all of us that wished our families were like those families. We wanted the perfect mom and dad and lots of love.

            No one had that kind of perfect childhood. No parent, no matter how hard they try or want to be, is perfect. As adults we all make bad choices because we live in a fallen world. Parents have to try and do the best they can in each situation. Sometimes things turn out great, other times things aren’t so great.

            I feel lucky and blessed to have grown up in a home where my needs were met. I had good food, nice clothes, and a good roof over my head. There are many people who aren’t so lucky. I grew up in a safe and stable environment. My parents were not perfect but they did the best they could for our family.  

            Since Mother’s Day was last weekend, I was thinking specifically about my mother. My mom was a stay-at-home mom. She has always been active in the community and until recently she was active in church. Mom has always loved a bargain and passed that love on to her four children. Mom has always loved gardening and still loves planting flowers and growing vegetables. She has also been an avid reader. She would sometimes have several books going at the same time. Both my parents could be found reading when we went on family vacations.

            Mom has a green thumb and she knows how to revive those plants that are on the discount table. Mom is a very creative person. She ran a flower business when I was a kid and arranged the flowers for my wedding. Her creativity wasn’t limited to flowers; she could write, too. She writes an annual Christmas letter to family and friends, a tradition my brother and I maintain.

            My mother taught me right from wrong. Switches were out of style when I was coming along so she used the metal spatula. Sometimes all she had to do was rattle the drawer that held the spatula to get us back in line. Mom believes in treating people right and she modeled that for us kids. She taught us to believe and look for the best in people and I really appreciate that and try to practice that as I teach my students.

            I feel lucky that my mom is still with us. I have been reflecting on the idea that sometimes God gives us “extra” moms. Naturally, a mother-in-law becomes extra mom. My wife and I found a special person when we were in college who became like an extra mom for us. She and her husband gave us some home-cooked meals and took us on adventures. I told my Dad’s significant other that she was like an extra Mom. I believe we can’t have too many people investing in us, caring about us, speaking words of encouragement, and helping guide us through the many ins and outs of life.

            The Bible encourages us to honor our parents, and it’s nice that we set aside a day in May to honor moms and a day in June to honor dads. If we are lucky enough to have good parents, we can receive great deposits from them. I’ll admit that sometimes we pick up our parent’s quirks within those deposits, but that is part of what makes life interesting. Still, we should stop, reflect, and appreciate all that our parents did to raise us and encourage us to spread our wings and fly. My mom did a good job raising her four children and helping each of us grow into responsible adults. I honor her for the good job that she did with each of us.

            I want to encourage you to reflect on your life and consider the impact your parents, especially your mom, had on your trajectory in life. Remember to be thankful for all that she did and sacrificed for you. Take time to express that thanks to her. If your mom has passed then let the seeds she planted in your heart grow and produce a harvest in her memory. Moms live so selflessly all their lives, wanting to make sure that their kids grow up to have a positive impact in their little corner of the world. Thanks, Mom, for a job well done. I hope we make you proud. I love you, Mom! 

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

By Doug Creamer

People Need the Lord

            When I walk out to my garden I can’t believe how great it looks this year. I don’t have everything in, but what’s in is doing well. One thing I am doing differently this year is leaving the leaves from last fall on the beds and just pushing them back to plant the vegetables. My hope is that the leaves will keep the weeds down.

            After a very warm April, I am enjoying the cooler start to May. The long-term forecast is suggesting that we might enjoy a cooler than average May before a hot summer kicks off. It makes for nice gardening and walking weather. I know the hot weather is on the way, but I am going to enjoy the relatively nice weather for now.

            I helped my Mom plant some vegetables and flowers last week. We had fun working in her backyard. My brother and I created some raised beds for her that we planted with vegetables. We enjoyed getting our hands in the dirt and planting things. I think I got my love of gardening from my Mom. She has always loved growing flowers and vegetables.

            While I enjoy vegetable gardening immensely, I appreciate the beauty of flowers and the awakening of spring each year. Growing vegetables and flowers stirs me up spiritually. I love seeing people grow spiritually. I guess that is why I love teaching Sunday school.

            I did a three-week series in our Sunday school class about sowing seeds in various types of soil. I encouraged my class to remember the correlation between gardening and spiritual growth. We need to prepare hearts to hear the gospel message so they can receive the seeds of faith that will grow and produce a harvest.

            We know that God’s Word is the seed from the parable of the sower. God’s seed is alive and active and ready to produce a harvest if it lands in good soil. People’s hearts are in all kinds of conditions. Some are as hard as concrete. They won’t hear anything from God. Others have some soil mixed with all kinds of hard places that will keep the seeds from growing. Others have too many cares choking out whatever God wants to do in their lives. Finally, we have those whose hearts are ready to receive God’s Word and produce a harvest for Him.

            Every person needs the Lord no matter what the condition of their heart. We all have pain in our lives and we need God’s healing. The problem is that people’s hearts are in different places. Part of our job is to pray and ask God to guide us in helping people receive Him.

            Sometimes we have to break up the hard soil, remove rocks, and pull weeds to help prepare the hearts that are far from God. We also have to be patient and allow God to work. We want to plant a seed today and go harvest a crop tomorrow. It doesn’t work that way. We have to give the Holy Spirit time and space to work. That’s why it is critical for us to be sensitive to God’s Spirit as we reach out to others. We don’t know where they are or how receptive their hearts are to the Lord.

            We all know people who are distant from God. Hurting and broken people are all around us. People need the Lord. Our hearts need to be tender towards the people and sensitive to hear God. What He wants us to do is different for each person. Everyone can pray for those who are far from God. Our prayers make a big difference and can change circumstances. People who need the Lord need us to be sensitive, available, tender, and compassionate. People will open their hearts if they know that we love them just like God loves them.

            I want to encourage you to pray for those in your life who need to open their hearts to God. Pray that God will work on their soil and prepare a place for His Word and love to land. Ask God what your role is in that process. How can He use you to help draw the person closer? Remember God is patient with each one of us and that it is His Spirit that draws a person into a relationship with the Father and Jesus. Often He will use us, but we need to be humble and available. People need the Lord and God will use you to help plant the seeds of love and hope in the hearts of those who don’t know Him.

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

By Doug Creamer

Making Good Soil

            Have you ever put in a new flower bed or vegetable garden? It is real work to break up the soil and prepare it for plants. After you do the initial tilling of the soil you have to get the grass and weeds out. Then you need to add soil to the space and till that in before you can think about planting. Adding fertilizer will help things grow, and then putting down some mulch will help to keep the weeds down.

            No matter how hard you try, weeds are going to come back. My pastor did a gardening series a few years ago and brought in a flower pot with some weeds. That pot sat in our sanctuary which stays dark, it had no water, and at the end of the multi-week series the weeds were still alive. Vegetables or flowers would have been dead, but weeds endure. There are always weeds that need to be pulled from a garden or your plants will have to compete for resources, which can stunt their growth.

            There are also weeds that grow in our spiritual gardens. What are some of the things that hinder our spiritual growth? I think it begins with our heart’s desire. What are we seeking? Are we looking for the comforts and pleasures of this world or are we seeking the Kingdom of God? Do we make our hearts a place that is welcoming to the Spirit or are we living to satisfy the flesh? 

            Being distracted by worldly pleasures is easy. It can slip in without us realizing it. Scrolling social media is inviting. There is nothing wrong with social media but if it steals our time and keeps us from the purposes of God then it is a distraction. Having the news on all the time is very unhealthy for our spirits.

            There are many other things that can distract us and keep us from fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. Distractions are weeds. When our lifestyle doesn’t line up with God’s expectations or our bad habits rule us then these become distractions, not only for us but those we hope to reach with our faith. When people don’t see any difference between the way you live and the way the rest of the world lives then you have some weeds in your life that are keeping you from God’s best for you.

            How do we get and maintain good soil in our lives? When I think about my vegetable garden my soil always looks great from early spring through the beginning of summer. But when we get into late summer and every day in the 90’s with 100 percent humidity, then my garden suffers. The weeds take over. I don’t want to let my spiritual life to be like that.

            Good spiritual soil requires taking in God’s Word. It’s not just reading it that makes the difference, we have to find ways to apply it to our lives. Reading and knowing God’s Word does not change us, it’s when we add faith to it that it begins to change our lives. That’s rich soil. Believing and trusting in God, especially during the difficult times, develops deep roots in the soil of our hearts.

            Talking with God through prayer is the water that keeps our plants alive. Prayer is a two way conversation with God. We don’t just talk at God with our list of demands, we talk with God and listen for His voice and guidance. We have to listen for Him in the quietness. He will speak to us but we have to be listening. He wants to guide us through life’s ups and downs. That’s how you develop deep soil.

            Another thing that will help you develop good soil is being involved in a local church and finding your unique way to contribute and serve. Being in fellowship with other believers deepens your faith and trust in God as you share life’s journey together.

            I want to encourage you to examine your spiritual soil. Do you need to pull some weeds? Maybe you need to add some fertilizer or water to your soil. Do you see any fruit in your life? God desires that we produce fruit for His Kingdom. Seeking the Lord will help to deepen your spiritual roots so you can grow a stronger faith. God wants you to have a deep faith that can stand the test of time because life has many ups and downs. Life isn’t easy, but God wants to see you through your trials so you will have a testimony to His goodness and love.

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

By Doug Creamer

Is the Soil Ready?

            I can’t remember a spring when my garden was this far along so early. I normally get peas and potatoes going as early as possible, but to have tomatoes planted and my beans up already is hard for me to believe. We’ve had some warm weather despite the threat of frost earlier in the week. I am not alone in having my garden going so early.

            I had a dump truck full of new soil brought in last fall. I am growing my vegetables in raised beds and they were getting low. Soil is such an important part of growing vegetables and flowers. Even with the new soil I am planning to add some fertilizer to give my vegetables a good fighting chance. I am optimistic and excited about the new growing season.

             Working in the garden gives me such great pleasure. It is normally very peaceful. I love planting seeds and feeling the soil in my hands. The day I was planting was nice and cool and it felt great. As I was working, I thought a lot about Jesus telling the parable of the sower.

            You remember that story…the farmer goes out to sow his seed. Some seed fell on the path, some in the rocky soil, some with the weeds, and finally, some in the good soil. We know that the seed is the Word of God and that the soil is the human heart. Some people reject God’s Word, that would be the seed on the path. Some accept it initially but eventually fall away because they have no roots. Some receive it but the cares of the world choke out what God wants to produce in their lives. Finally, the seed on the good soil is the heart that accepts God’s Word and it grows in them to produce a return.

            Most of us know people who have never accepted the Word or asked Jesus into their hearts. Their hearts aren’t ready for Jesus or even the seeds that might lead them to Him. It makes me think that we need to help them work on their soil to get it ready to receive God’s love and His Word. Some people believe it is all about putting seed out there. How will that seed do any good unless it has some good soil in someone’s heart to grow?

            How can we help someone’s heart be prepared to receive the seed of God’s Word? The place to begin is in prayer. We need to ask the Holy Spirit to help make the soil of their heart fertile and ready. Our role in that process is to love and accept people where they are in life. That does not imply that we must approve of their lifestyle. There is a difference between a person and their behavior.

            A friend once explained it this way. Children will obviously do things that are wrong. As this parent explained, they discipline their children and then they sit down and play a game or do something with the child. He explained that the child needs to understand that the behavior was unacceptable but that he still loved them. I think it works the same way with people who are out of relationship with God. We can love them without condoning their lifestyle.

            People want to be loved and accepted and I think God uses us to show them His love. Our love can soften hearts that are far from God and in a way call them home. Think about the prodigal son; the father ran out and threw his arms around his smelly and dirty son. We can’t expect people to clean up their lives before they come to God because we didn’t clean up our lives. It takes the forgiveness and mercy of Jesus to clean up a life. So our love, compassion, and understanding can draw the lost back to the God. The acceptance they find in our eyes will soften their hearts and prepare them for the life-giving seeds.

            I want to encourage you to pray that the lost will come home. I also want to encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to prepare the soil of their hearts to receive God’s love. Next, ask God what role you might play in preparing their hearts to receive God’s love, forgiveness, and acceptance. Spiritual gardening involves preparing the human heart for God’s love. It’s a process that involves love, patience, grace, and mercy. There are people you know who are waiting for you to come and work in the garden of their heart and help them find their way home to God’s love.

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

By Doug Creamer

Wisdom from the Year

            I made it around the sun one more time. I turned another year older and I am okay with that. I really don’t mind adding another year to my life except for those zero years… when I change decades. I had a good birthday weekend. I appreciate all the well wishes from my family and friends.

            My brother asked me if I had gained any wisdom on this last trip around the sun. Initially, I drew a blank, but upon further reflection, maybe I did learn a few lessons on this trip. I think one of the most important things I learned was to appreciate every moment you get with those that you love. My Dad typically called me on my birthday, but this year he wasn’t here to call me. The last time I saw him in relatively good health was on July 4^th. I remember we shared a fun memory and a good laugh. We all lead busy lives, making it hard to slow down and be present. It’s important to be together and connect with those you love. Our family has suffered a number of losses in the last year and a half.

            I’ve been reminded that it is important to celebrate others’ joys. My family has grown by three nieces. It was a great blessing to get the three of them together on Easter Sunday. New babies represent new hope in families and we need an infusion of hope in our family after our losses. The babies are cute and the excitement about them is contagious. We also had a wedding in our family. That was a special day. It was also another way our family grew.

            One lesson I am struggling to learn is asking for help. I’ve had to ask for help multiple times this year and I really appreciate those who have offered their service. Lifting heavy things can cause my back some trouble. Climbing on the roof is probably off my list, too. I’ve had to ask friends for help with things around the house. I realize that as I make more trips around the sun that I am going to have to ask for help more often. That’s a tough lesson, but I hope I can bless those who offer their kindness and service to me.

            One of the tougher lessons I am still learning is that I can’t be at everything. I don’t like missing gatherings and disappointing people, but I can’t attend every gathering. A friend recently reminded me that we all need some down time. I am finding that I really enjoy days when I don’t have things on my calendar. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy gathering with friends and family tremendously, but I enjoy some quiet moments equally as well.

            Another important lesson has been learning to take care of myself. It takes longer to recover from sickness and injuries as I age. Taking walks is good for my physical body but also for my mental health. Eating good food and avoiding foods that bother me is becoming more important. Taking my vitamins and getting proper rest is very important. We have to focus on taking care of ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually as we grow older.

            Some lessons I learned in my garden. Last year I added some soil to help my vegetables grow and I worked hard at getting things planted. Even though I got a late start, I expected a nice harvest. We had a hot growing season last year which reduced my harvest. Critters also helped themselves before I could benefit from the garden. Life is like that. We can do and say all the right things but life might give us a gut punch. We can think that everything is working against us and discover rewards we never expected. Life and gardening are full of surprises, some warmly welcomed and some difficult and challenging.

            Those are some of the lessons from this journey around the sun. I want to encourage you to reflect back on your trip and consider the lessons you learned and relive the joys that brought a smile to your face. Life has many ups and downs offering us lessons each step of the way. Remember to hug those you love and let them know how much they mean to you. Embrace the challenges to grow and become a better you. Don’t forget to slow down and smell the flowers, live in the moment, and love those near and dear to your heart. Remember to never stop learning. There are many lessons ahead for each one of us.

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

By Doug Creamer

Family Gatherings

            For a number of years my brother has been hosting four holiday gatherings: Easter, July Fourth, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve. Everyone brings something and there is always more than enough food. These are not just family gatherings; there are many friends and neighbors who join our festivities…but they would be the first to tell you that they are welcomed as if they were family.

            This year for Easter we had three babies in attendance, all the way up to my mother who is in her nineties. The three babies were my sister’s grandchildren, and boy was she happy. The rain tried to put a damper on the fun but leave it to my brother’s son to amp it up. We had the Easter egg hunt inside. For a number of years it has not been limited to children. Everyone gets to hunt for eggs. There is nothing like seeing seniors getting excited over finding hidden Easter eggs.

            The plastic eggs contain candy and play money. The play money is used to buy prizes. The prize table included candy, golf balls, jewelry, flashlights, coloring books, Lego toys, toy planes, and more. My sister-in-law and I are always in competition for the Junior Mints. Last year she won. This year I won and I shared some with her.

            Several of the adults wondered if Easter was more fun than Christmas as we watched the little kids having a blast. I brought some plastic eggs and put some real money in them. One of the adults found one of my eggs and had more fun showing people that she had found “real” money in one of her eggs. The joy and laughter were contagious.

            As things were beginning to wind down, one of my late father’s friends who has joined us recently for our gatherings said he wanted to make an announcement. Naturally, we all suspected he was going to say something about Dad. He said he couldn’t think of a more joyful moment to do something special. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring he had “bought” from the prize table with his play money and asked his lady friend if she would marry him. He promised her a real ring if she agreed. She said “yes” and the place erupted with cheers! What a special day!

            Easter is a wonderful celebration of the resurrection of our Lord. We have to remember that the resurrection couldn’t have happened unless He died on the cross for us. Jesus paid the highest price to pay a debt we could not pay so we could be in His family. Everyone is welcome in the family of God. All you have to do is open your heart and receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

            When we accept Jesus it’s like we enter an engagement period. We wait here for Him to come back for us or we go to Him. One day our whole family will gather for a great feast and we will be together forever. I am not exactly sure what that will feel like or how it will look, but if it has any comparison to family gatherings at my brother’s house then count me in.

            The engagement time in a relationship is a special time when you get to know each other in a deeper and more meaningful way. Many churches encourage you to participate in some marriage counseling. We had a wonderful couple that spent time with us and it helped prepare us for married life. In the same way, this is our time to get to know Jesus, His Father, and the Holy Spirit. We can spend time in His word, His love letter to us, in prayer, having conversations with Him, and being connected and involved with our brothers and sisters in Christ through joining a local church. We need to prepare for the big wedding day!

            I want to encourage you to let your love grow deeper as you build your relationship with Jesus. He is working to prepare your beautiful home and a great feast for your arrival. I think that spring and the awakening of Mother Nature can be breath-taking at times, but it is nothing compared to the wonder and beauty that awaits us in heaven. Don’t miss out on the great gathering in heaven. Accept Jesus’ invitation, receive Him in your heart, and learn to walk by faith with Him. Come just as you are…He loves and accepts all who will turn to Him. Happy Belated Easter! He has risen indeed!

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

By Doug Creamer

Quiet Time

            Have you got a minute? I know you are busy, so am I. Sometimes it feels like I have a million things to get done. Even with the longer days, it doesn’t feel like there is enough time to get everything done. I love the longer days, which allow more time to get outside things done, but that leaves lots of inside things undone. I always have so much to do.

            We all lead busy lives. How do we fit quiet time into our busy lives? I talked to a young mother who told me that the only time she has to pray is when she is in the bathroom because that is the only time she gets some peace and quiet. I talked to a young father who said by the time he gets home from work, helps feed and bathe the kids, reads them a story and puts them to bed he has very little time to give his wife before collapsing in bed. Where does God fit in?

            Some people are working two jobs to make ends meet, where can they squeeze God in? Working at the community college, we have had some students who worked third shift and came straight to class. They have less than 12 hours after class to get some sleep, eat, and take care of a few things around the house before they have to be back at work. There is no time left in their day for God or anything else, for that matter.

            I was thinking about Daniel from the Old Testament. He was one of the highest government officials ruling over an area about half the size of the United States. He didn’t have cell phones, the internet, or Zoom meetings to help him run the land. I imagine he was a very busy man with plenty of demands put upon his day. Yet the Bible makes it clear that Daniel went home and prayed three times a day.   

            Daniel is a good example for us. He worked with integrity for multiple kings. He was a man after God’s heart. He was a prophet, an interpreter of dreams, and a man with uncompromising faith. Daniel had wisdom and spiritual insight because he maintained his spiritual life through prayer.

            How can we follow Daniel’s example? Daniel prayed near a window that faced Jerusalem. We all need to find a place where we can meet with God every day. That is unique for each of us. I know some people who walk and pray. I know some people who pray in a special closet in their home. I like to rock in my recliner or sit out on my front porch. Pick a place that works for you.

            Daniel prayed three times a day. We need to pick a time that works for us. Are you a night owl? Evening might work well for you. Are you alert in the morning? Then a morning quiet time might be best for you. Pick a time that fits your personality and commit to it.

            What should we do in quiet time? My pastor came up with a seven-minute plan. Take thirty seconds to praise and thank the Lord. When you begin by thanking God for your many blessings you set your mind on the positive. Next, spend four minutes reading your Bible. Start with one of the gospels, then read Acts, followed by James. After that, I recommend Psalms and Proverbs. You’ll be on your way to connecting with God.

            The final two and half minutes is devoted to prayer. Begin by expressing your love for God. Next, confess your sins and be honest about it. He already knows and loves you. After that, give thanks for His forgiveness and His many blessings. Finally, lift up your own needs and the needs of others. We know He cares deeply for us and those that we love. Remember to pray for those who don’t know Him that they might come into a relationship with their Heavenly Father.

            If everyone who reads these words would spend seven minutes with God every day, the world would be a dramatically different place. I want to encourage you to commit to spending seven minutes of your day with your creator. He wants you to experience His love and get to know His heart for you and those around you. This habit will change you and help you grow and develop your spiritual life. The enemy doesn’t want you to have a quiet time but God wants you to put down roots into the soil of His heart. The adventure begins with seven minutes a day!   Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com