Doug’s Columns

By Doug Creamer

Preparing for the New Year

            The packages have been unwrapped. The ribbons and bows are now toys for the cat and dog. We’ve eaten the food that we so anxiously anticipated. The kids are off playing with their new toys. We are off to the stores once again with our returns to exchange. We are shopping online with our new gift cards.

            This is the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Some can slow down while others have to make trips to grandma’s or maybe the in-laws’. So, the Christmas celebration may continue, but hopefully with a little less stress. There is less rushing around and maybe more time to enjoy…all of it; the lights, family, friends, music, food, the gifts we anticipated, and the down time away from it all.

            Unless you are in retail, this is a slow week. We can take a breath and enjoy the things we so eagerly anticipated. Leftovers taste great with a whole lot less work. The tasty pies, cakes, and cookies are there for the enjoyment. We worked hard to get here, now let’s soak it in. Don’t rush, just amble along…

            Allow your mind to reflect on the year that is quickly coming to an end. There have been some good moments and some hard ones. There have been joys and sorrows. There have been victories and moments of defeat. Allow the joys of the good moments to flood your soul. Savor them. Revel in those special memories.

            For the other moments, let’s imagine three buckets. The first, we’ll call loss. These are the memories of lost loved ones, jobs, relationships, etc. These memories come with pain and must be treated delicately. You must cherish the good, especially the people in your life. Hold those memories dear to your heart and allow grief to run its course. Give yourself permission and time to walk through the losses, but do not allow them to control you or keep you from moving forward…one step at a time, one day at a time.

            The second bucket we will call regrets. These are disappointments and we all have them. We might have disappointments over things that did or did not happen. These cause our hearts to be heavy. The deep longing over what you missed or the pain over what happened that you wish hadn’t. This bucket is extremely heavy and a burden that God does not want you to carry into the New Year. We must seek forgiveness from God and then we must agree with Him that we are forgiven, drop the bucket, and move forward into the future.

            The third bucket is our sins and failures. We all sin, from the nicest person to the vilest person you know…we are all sinners. We fail to meet God’s standard of holiness. We can try to always make the right choice and do the right thing, but we are going to fail and fall short of perfection. We should strive to keep our sin bucket empty by repenting and turning from those sins that so easily entangle us. God provided a way and He wants us to ask for and receive forgiveness for our sins. Then we can walk into this New Year that is set before us with clean hands and a pure heart.

            We are cleansed from sin, released from regrets, and have savored the special memories. Now we are ready to enter a new year and a new adventure with God. We know the year will come with challenges and opportunities. We know there will good moments to savor and hard ones to persevere. We can be assured that God will walk with us through the new year. We know it will require faith in our God, who always comes to our aid. We must stir up hope because we know He has made good plans for our lives. Why do we know that? He loves us beyond words and our understanding.

            I want to encourage you to enter the new year without carrying the three buckets, but rather with faith, hope, and love. God sees you and knows you intimately. He is working in your life to mold you into the image of Jesus so you can be a light and hope to those in your life. He has great things planned for you. There will be challenges, but He has made you an overcomer. You are so greatly loved by God AND He likes you too! This is going to be a great year for you and me as we walk in faith, hope, and His unrelenting love. Happy 2026!

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

By Doug Creamer

I share the Christmas story with a few thoughts. ENJOY!!!

By Doug Creamer

Christmas Movies

            I enjoy watching Christmas movies. I like to start early so I can fit in all my favorites before Christmas. I have some old favorites that I want to see every year or two. My wife and I really like some of the old black and white films. We try to watch a new one each year, but we both really like the old classics.

            There is one movie we watch every year and that is “Miracle on 34^th Street,” the 1947 original in black and white. We have the colorized version and we will watch that some years, but we both prefer the black and white version. We also have the remake that was done a few years back, but give us the classic anytime.

            Two other old classics that we love are “Christmas in Connecticut” and “It Happened on 5^th Avenue.” I think they might be labeled as romantic screwball comedies because they are both so funny and yet tender in their own way. These two movies tell great stories that will warm your heart at this time of year and I want to see at least one of them every year.  

            Our new movie for this year was “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” It actually came out last year and is produced by Dallas Jenkins, who produces “The Chosen.” I strongly encourage you to watch “The Chosen.” It is a great series depicting the life of Jesus in a very realistic way.

            In “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” you meet the Herdmans, six siblings who are rowdy, undisciplined bullies. They decide to come to church and be a part of the church’s traditional Christmas pageant…a disaster in the making. I won’t spoil the movie for you, but it is a great story and Dallas Jenkins brings a special touch to this film based on the classic children’s book. I highly recommend it.

            Most of us don’t want families like the Herdmans to come and ruin our churches. We want polite and respectful children who are obedient. We want our children to be dressed nicely. We want our churches to be neat and tidy and our people to be the same. We don’t want anyone who is dirty or who have sinful lives. What could THOSE kind of people add to our church?

            When we believe our sins are less bad than other people’s sins, we are in trouble. If our sins were listed for all to see at the front of the church, most of us would be ducking out. Jesus taught us that He came for the sick, for those who need a Savior. Jesus highly criticized the religious leaders of His day because they were shutting the doors on those who were seeking a relationship with God. Jesus wants to save the lost, fill them with His love, and give them a God- centered purpose in their lives.

            Jesus’ coming is not like a movie. It actually happened to real people who were treated badly. People thought Mary and Joseph had committed sin. But they endured the shame and disgrace in order to bring the Savior into the world. Life was hard for them living on the run. Knowing they were raising the Savior came with challenges. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus chose obedience and did the hard thing to give everyone the chance at a relationship with God.

            Most of us have family or friends who are not saved. Christmas reminds us that everyone is welcome in God’s house. Jesus wants to be found and comfort the broken hearted. Jesus was born in a manger so that ALL could approach Him. Jesus made Himself accessible so all could receive Him. Jesus loves every person, especially those who are far from Him…and our family and friends who need Him.

            If you are looking for love and acceptance then I encourage you to open your heart to Jesus this Christmas season. You don’t have to clean yourself up, just come as you are. There is forgiveness, peace, and joy available for you. God has saved you a place at His Christmas table. There is always room for one more. Jesus loves you and accepts you with all your problems and hang-ups. He has a plan to help you turn your life around. Come home this Christmas season to the family of God. Jesus came for ALL of us, sinner and saint, no matter what our lives look like. Jesus is born! He came for YOU!   Merry Christmas from my heart to yours.

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

By Doug Creamer

His Glory

            My pastor loves to do series of messages, especially at Christmas. He is very creative and comes up with catchy names for his series. I love to tease him about his made up words for some series and the length of other series. It’s all good natured teasing. For this Christmas he created a four week series called the Portrait of the Messiah. While he is teaching, his wife, who is a talented artist, is painting something beautiful. It’s all creatively connected.

            My pastor asked me if I would like to deliver the first message in the series. I love the opportunity to speak and was very excited to be a part of the Christmas series. When I asked what he wanted me to do I expected a basic outline. Instead he gave me one word and trusted me to seek the Lord to develop the message. While that was a bit scary, it was extremely rewarding. I spent time digging, researching, and preparing the message. It was sweet time.

            My word was “glory.” Biblical glory is the visible manifestation of God’s infinite worth, power, and presence. When God’s glory filled the temple Solomon built no one could stand in His presence. God’s glory is so awesome, holy, and pure that our flesh cannot abide in the power of His presence. Yet the Bible tells us that His presence is with us all the time.

            When Isaiah had the vision of the Lord seated on His throne he was stricken by his own sinful nature. When the children of Israel saw His glory on the mountaintop and heard His voice, they were terrified. When the glory of the Lord appeared in the field where shepherds were keeping watch over their sheep, they were shaking in their sandals. Shepherds weren’t afraid of anything. They fought lions, wolves, and bears to protect their sheep. But the glory that shown around the angel proclaiming Jesus’ birth terrified them.

            God knows and understands that His glory is beyond our human nature. The trouble was God wanted a personal and intimate relationship with mankind. He created us to have fellowship. He needed a solution, a way to relate to us that was approachable for all…even the worst of sinners.

            If the glory of God is the presence of God, how could God’s presence to be with us? The only way to make it work was for Jesus to come to earth, live among us, teach us about the love of God, demonstrate how we can live for God, and then He had to die as a sacrifice to cleanse us from our sin. God wanted to permanently erase all of our sin and it required the sacrifice of the lamb of God, Jesus.

            Jesus was human, yet God. It’s because of the price that He paid that we can have a personal relationship with our Father. We can intimately know the creator of the universe, experience the depth of love that would cause Jesus to die for us, and be free from our past so we can live a new and better life abiding in His presence.

            Here is the exciting part: we now get to be carriers of the glory of God. He lives in us and shines through us. In many ways it’s like we get to be mirrors reflecting God’s glory to those around us. He shines His light on us and we get to shine that light on those around us telling them of His great love, mercy, and forgiveness. Imagine if everyone in the world could be free of all their sin, guilt, and shame. What a different world it would be!

            We, like the angel from the Christmas story, have Good News to share with the world around us. Don’t think that you are too broken to share anything good. All the areas of your life that God has restored and even those areas where He is still working all provide a wonderful testimony to how God works miraculous wonders in our lives. If God can fix you and me then He can help fix any lost sinner.

            I want to encourage you to let the glory of God reflect off your life. Let Him get the glory for all that He has done in your life. Let the good changes in your life be a testimony to His love and faithfulness. Jesus came to show us the way to the Father. He came to demonstrate God’s love, goodness, and favor. All are welcome. Let the glory of God shine in and off of you as you point the way to Jesus.

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

My pastor asked if I would like to speak during the holiday season. Naturally, I said yes! He gave me the topic and said GO! The topic was the Glory of God! I shared an encouraging word about the Glory of God and I invite you to listen. ENJOY!!!

By Doug Creamer

Being Present is your Present

            We are now in the heart of the holiday season. We have consumed the big Thanksgiving meal and our taste buds are excited about the coming spread of food for Christmas and New Year’s. There will be cakes, pies, and cookies calling our names. There will be parties and family gatherings that will bring more delectable treats our way. It’s the season of eating!

            Thanksgiving begins the season of great food. My taste buds were delighted with my choices this year. I had to pick and choose what I ate at my brother’s because there was more to taste than the crowd that gathered could eat. I am not sure how many people made it to my brother’s house for Thanksgiving but it was quite a crowd and quite a feast.

            The crowd included my family and extended family. There were some guests but we make them feel like family. Who wouldn’t want to be at a place filled with love, laughter, and great food? There were many conversations occurring inside and outside the house. Our family is close-knit but everyone is welcome to join.

            I was glad to see and hug my mom…but felt a little pang at the thought that Dad wasn’t there. I enjoyed catching up with my brother and sister. We’ve been together a little more this year and I am thankful for that. I always enjoy chatting with my nieces and nephews. There were some that didn’t make it this year, but I enjoyed talking with those that did. They are young and their lives are full working and raising their families. I always want to hear the latest from each household. My side of the family is now up to sixteen grandnieces and grandnephews with one more on the way. It’s hard to keep up. 

            There are more holiday gatherings scheduled for my family on both sides and I look forward to each one. While there will be plenty of good food consumed at these gatherings, I look forward to spending some quality time with my family. That’s what is great about the holidays, we get the chance to unplug from the routines and reconnect with those we love. It’s hard to connect when we all lead such busy lives.

            I have been wondering; how do we slow life down so we can truly reconnect? There are so many demands placed on our lives, with endless expectations to be here and go there, how do we quiet our minds enough to be present in any situation? Our minds race almost as fast as our schedules, thinking about the next thing we have to do and missing the thing we are doing at the moment. At the end of the holiday season we are so frazzled that we welcome the routines of daily life with open arms.

            I don’t want the holidays to be that way. I think the best way to begin the process is by learning to say no. No, I can’t make it to that event or gathering. We have to give ourselves permission to say no. Then we have to keep ourselves from feeling guilty. It’s okay to not attend everything that is available to you. By saying no to some things it allows you to say yes to what’s important to you. It also allows you to be present at the things you have chosen. You can breathe. You can take in the event and the people and really connect. 

            Being present at the things you have chosen can be one of the best presents to others and to yourself. The gift of you! Not a frazzled you who is thinking about all that has yet to get done, but the you that those who gathered came to see. Don’t allow yourself to be over-booked, rather, choose to be under-booked. Allow for some uncommitted down time. This will help you to be present each time you gather at the events and places you have chosen to enjoy.

            I want to encourage you to give your family and friends the best present you can give, you! Be present because you have chosen to be present. Focus your mind on the people you are with and enjoy their company. Let the joy of this season rise up in your spirit because you have chosen the places you are going this year. Let your love for your family and friends shine through you because you have chosen to be present. Let’s enjoy the food, family, and friends this season and be present, filled with the love, peace, and joy of the holiday season.   

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

By Doug Creamer

Birthday Celebrations

            November is a busy month for celebrating birthdays in my family. My mother-in-law turned 100 at the beginning of the month. My parents were born one day a part in the latter part of the month. My Dad passed away at 92 and my Mom celebrated her 93^rd birthday.

            For over ten years we have celebrated my parents’ birthdays on the weekend closest to their birthdays. We gather the kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids at my mother’s house for lunch and put up her Christmas tree. This year we had 18 people in her small place, decorating, eating, and having a great time together. When we left Mom’s house it looked like Christmas. We had a great time.

            I store Mom’s Christmas decorations at my house. They stay out in my storage building and sometimes we find evidence of mice in some of the boxes. We have discovered nests and other gifts that caused some decorations to be tossed. My brother and I set up her tree and get the lights on. Then we step back and allow the great-grandchildren to decorate the tree. They were so excited and very well-behaved. They did a great job and my Mom was pleased.

            We all took a little break and then my siblings and their spouses met for dinner to celebrate my Dad’s birthday. This year we met at my brother’s house instead of our normal restaurant. We raised a toast to my Dad and then we shared stories, laughs, and some memories. One of the best memories was the Honor Flight that he participated in a few years ago. Local people raise money to send veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials. The whole experience was very moving and touched my Dad and my brother. The best part was when they got home and about 1000 people were in the airport to meet them and give them a hero’s welcome home. If you are a vet, I hope you get to take such a trip.

            I am glad we got together to remember my Dad. It made for a full day. The holidays will be different without him this year. There will be an empty seat at the table as we gather to give thanks this year. Many others will experience the absence of loved ones from their Thanksgiving tables. I pray that it serves as a reminder to give thanks for our loved ones. When you gather around your table this year remember to be thankful for your family, even those that can drive you crazy. We all have some of them in our families.

            I am thankful for my family. We have always been a close family, but I think that my Father’s passing has brought us all a little closer. I am thankful for my brother, who has worked tirelessly to settle Dad’s estate. I am thankful for my sisters who have shared some laughs, support, and encouragement as we have worked through the loss of our Dad. We have shared our journey throughout this new process and been there for each other. I am thankful that my Mom has been here for all of us as we have experienced our loss together as a family.

            I am thankful for my wife, our home, our cars, the flower and vegetable gardens, our relative good health, and the many, many, many other ways God has blessed us. This has been a really crazy year filled with many changes – some good and some tough – but God has been with us through all of them. He has carried us at times or simply held our hands at other times. His presence has been a comfort and the source of our strength. He has been everything He promised He would be in the scriptures.

            By the time you read this the Thanksgiving meal will have been consumed and we will be running full speed towards Christmas. I want to encourage you to slow down and really connect with the special people in your life. Connect with whatever family you have here with you. Connect with your church family, your brothers and sisters in Christ who will stand with you.  Connect with your friends and neighbors and let them know how much they mean to you. Don’t forget to let your work friends know how much you appreciate their support and comradery. Share some laughs, eat some great food, and enjoy each special moment…time moves so fast. It’s the holiday season…a time for joy, experiencing His great love, and allowing His perfect peace to invade your heart and mind.   

By Doug Creamer

Thankful

            Fall chores can sure keep me busy. I worked on getting up the leaves in my yard over the weekend, but by Monday afternoon you would never know it. I know it will soon come to an end, but it can sure be frustrating to not feel any sense of accomplishment. There are still a number of other chores that need to be done before winter sets in. On top of that, it’s time to start decorating for Christmas.

            I was talking with a group of friends about when they begin decorating for the holidays and there is no consensus. While many people wait to put their tree up until after Thanksgiving, there are some who have their tree up and decorated already. My neighbors and I try to have our outside decorations up by the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. I won’t start putting up our tree until at least the first weekend in December.

            This hectic rush towards Christmas bothers me because it feels like we are skipping Thanksgiving. There are Christmas movies playing on TV. There is Christmas music playing in the stores. Many people are laser focused on Christmas. I think it is important for us to slow down and give thanks to God for the many blessings in our lives.

            I’m thankful for the beautiful fall that we have enjoyed this year. We had that one cold shot that netted us a few snow flurries. Other than that, we have enjoyed some wonderful fall weather. The good weather has allowed me to get quite a bit of work done outside, which always feels great. I have also really enjoyed the beautiful fall foliage. 

            Giving thanks for the everyday stuff can help improve your outlook on life. Sometimes life gets hard and we lose focus on the good things that are happening around us every day. It’s easy to get distracted by the news or the political backbiting. Take a moment and look around you at all the ways God has blessed you. A thankful heart can change your perspective, especially in challenging times.

            Have you got a roof over your head? Do you have a bed to sleep in? Do you have food on your table? Do you have nice clothes to wear? There are people in Ukraine, Palestine, and Jamaica, just to name a few places, who don’t have these simple basics for life. Turn your heart to God right now and let him know how grateful you are for life’s basics.

            Have you thanked God for the people in your life? We never know how long anyone has on this earth. This is the first year we will celebrate Thanksgiving without my Dad. It gives me a deeper appreciation for my family. We should be thankful when we get the opportunity to spend time with the people who mean so much to us. It doesn’t matter if it’s family, neighbors, or friends. We should engage and enjoy every chance we get to be together.   

            Have you thanked God for your church family? I have been fortunate to have good church families all through my life. I love my church family. We have a great men’s group at my church. My church family has been and will be there for me when I face difficult times and I will be there for them too. We are blessed with a good pastor who truly shepherds our church family.

            While good food it is not the most important part of Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the many delicious treats that I will be enjoying this Thanksgiving. The good food often stirs great memories of years gone by. I remember other gatherings and the efforts people made to come together through rain, snow, and ice to celebrate and share special times together. Holiday food traditions stir the warmth and the love that should fill our hearts with thanks.

            I want to encourage you to steal a few moments of quiet and thank the Lord for your many blessings. Good food, family, friends, a place to call home, and good health are all great places to begin your thanksgiving prayers. A thankful heart will change your perspective on whatever situation you find yourself in this year. Remember God is good in spite of your circumstances and that He has blessed you in so many ways. God painted me a beautiful sunset this evening that took my breath away while I was walking. Don’t let the world push you around. Take time to notice God’s goodness and faithfulness in your life and give Him thanks. Happy Thanksgiving and many blessings to you and your family!

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

By Doug Creamer

Turning 100

            We took a trip home to see my mother-in-law over the weekend. We had a nice drive up. While I was up there I got the chance to see my sister and her family. We enjoyed a long walk on a warm afternoon, which included a few moments standing out by the Chesapeake Bay. The water was almost like glass and the beauty of the day was captivating. The drive back to North Carolina was cold and windy and included snow flurries as we arrived home. It was a full weekend.

            If you met my mother-in-law you would never know she was 100. Her mother lived to be 107, so her genes must be good. The only hint of age comes from her using a walker, which only serves to steady her on her feet. In the kitchen, her favorite place, she doesn’t use the walker. Her face is smooth and free of wrinkles, though her eyes are a little weak after a hundred years of service. Conversations are pleasant when she wears her hearing aids, and her outlook on life seems positive, even though she worries about her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.

            I asked about her childhood and she told me that she lived through the Great Depression and World War II. She talked about the rationing and its impact on daily life. She grew up in Georgia where people like their tea to be sweet. The sugar rationing had a big impact on the sweet tea. She talked about growing up in a large family and the rationing of shoes meant that her father had to re-sole their shoes because they couldn’t get new pairs.  

            I asked about food during those difficult times. She said she grew up on a farm where they always had enough food to eat. She said they had chickens, cows, hogs, sheep, and goats. She remembered sheering the sheep and preparing an animal for a meal. Animals were not thought of as pets, they were food. She talked about all the work that had to be done on the farm and how each family member had chores to do. She told me that her dad, who was also a blacksmith, had a big farm and had to hire men to help get all the work done.

            She told me that her dad’s farm came from her grandfather. She had aunts and uncles who also had farms around them. They would help each other get the work done when it was sheep shearing time or when the corn harvest was ready. It took everyone working together to get all the work done. It brought a smile to her face to remember how people came together to help each other out.

            She told me about graduating from high school in a class of twelve. She remembered that most of the people she knew graduated from high school in her community. After high school she went to work for the telephone company in Savannah. She was young and the supervisors were strict. She worked at the phone company for more than 15 years and had several promotions.

            She reflected on other areas of her life, including stories of her children. There were hard times and good times. She has told me a couple of times how she met my father-in-law, who passed a few years ago. It is a great story filled with love. She told me that she strongly believes that her faith in God throughout her life has made all the difference.

            She told me that everyone needs to repent of their sins and turn to the Father for grace, mercy, and love. She believes in the power of prayer and she firmly believes that we can hear the voice of God in our spirits to help guide us through life. She shared some specific examples of how God spoke to her, guiding her through her choices. She wants everyone to have a relationship with Jesus so they can go to heaven.

            At 100 years old, she is excited to go to her heavenly home. She knows there are streets of gold and beauty beyond compare. She knows her family is waiting for her to complete her journey and join them for a glorious family reunion. We have had many conversations in recent years about what heaven will be like when we get there someday. She is at peace about her final destination and prays fervently that all will join her.

            I want to encourage you to turn your hearts over to Jesus. Trust Him. This world and all its craziness will one day pass away and we will be with our Savior and Heavenly Father for all eternity. No one knows their day or hour; my mother-in-law just wants everyone to be ready. Between now and then, she hopes people can learn to work together, much like her family did on their farm.

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

By Doug Creamer

Fall 2025

            I love watching the trees turn beautiful fall colors. I have stopped on more than one occasion to take pictures of trees in their glory. Their beauty fades when they fall and need to be raked up. However, there are some great videos online of dogs running and jumping into piles of leaves. They will bring a smile to your face.

            I also appreciate the cooler fall weather. I am always glad to see the oppressive heat of summer lose its grip as the crisp air of fall takes over. I enjoy each season, but I like the spring and fall the best. The fall temperatures have been very kind to us this year.

            I have enjoyed a few garden treats this week. I have one tomato vine that is still producing tomatoes for me. I ate a juicy, fresh tomato sandwich the other night. This was probably the worst year for tomatoes for me. If it hadn’t been for some friends and local farmer I wouldn’t have enjoyed many tomatoes. This vine has been generous. I have also enjoyed some fall lettuce that I planted. The other day I walked through the yard and found a few raspberries. They tasted great on my cereal.  I wonder what will become of a potato plant I discovered had seeded itself in the garden.

            I did my least favorite fall task last weekend. I brought my tropical plants in for the winter. The plants go in the garage but the problem is the garage needed to be cleaned out in preparation for the plants to come in. Things need to be put away to make room for the plants. Carrying all the plants into the garage is getting harder as the plants are getting bigger and bigger each year.

There is still so much to do outside. I need to clean up the back porch and weed the plants that do not come into the garage. Those plants will need to move close to the house for the winter. I need to trim a few trees so they will be ready for next spring. I also need to put away the hoses. I would like to put some mulch down and clean out the gutters once the trees finish dropping their leaves.          

            The thing that is causing my mind to spin is that in a few weeks I will be busy outside putting up the Christmas decorations. If you go to any retail store you might think it is too late to start doing that because for them, Christmas has already arrived. I walked through Lowes the weekend before Halloween and they had put all the Halloween decorations away and Christmas was out in full force. A friend of mine is a professional Santa Claus in High Point and I imagine his schedule is already getting booked. He is a great Santa who always points to Jesus as being the real reason for Christmas.

            I know that Christmas is just around the corner and it will get here faster than I can imagine, but I want to caution us not to skip right over Thanksgiving. Fall is a great time to reflect on being thankful. We have enjoyed another gardening season and hopefully had some successes. We have enjoyed another summer season that hopefully included some travel to our favorite places. We are enjoying the beauty of the changing season and the nice reprieve from summer’s heat before the cold of winter sets in.

            There is so much to be thankful for that we should not reserve it for one day. We are blessed to have family and friends in our lives who care about us and are there for us as we go through the ups and downs of life. We have roofs over our heads and food on our tables, something that is missing for many living in war torn nations or those who have endured Hurricane Melissa.

            It is easy to allow the rush towards Christmas to push you right past Thanksgiving and being thankful, but I want to encourage you to purposefully take some time over the next couple of weeks to focus on being thankful. In your prayers, purposefully thank God for your many blessings. In your interactions with co-workers and family, express thanks to them for their help and support. In the weeks to come, express an attitude of gratitude. Learn to express your thanks every day, not just on one day of the year. Having a heart filled with thanks will change the way you see the world and the way the world sees you.

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