Doug’s Columns

By Doug Creamer

By Doug Creamer

Crash!

            I teach Chinese students very early in the morning. I really enjoy my job because I can do it online from the comfort of my home. The students can steal your heart. I have several “favorite” students. I really like connecting with the students and learning about their lives. It’s actually “fun” to go to work, except for the early hour.

            The other morning I was teaching a student when I heard a huge crash outside of my window. It was so loud that I stopped teaching and tried to look outside and see what happened. I couldn’t see anything, but knew that something was up.

            When I finished teaching, my wife asked me if I heard the loud noise. Then she told me that I better go look in the woods, a big tree had fallen and she wondered if anything might have hit the house. Thankfully the house was fine, but there was a huge mess to clean up.

            Last fall we had a big wind storm that snapped an old, dead pine tree. The tree got caught up in other trees and did not fall. It was actually very scary. I figured I would have to hire a tree guy to come in and take the tree down at quite a big price. Without the slightest breeze, the big tree came crashing down, taking several other trees with it on the way to the ground.

            I spent the biggest part of a day working on the mess. I am not even halfway through the cleanup. I will probably have to cut a couple more trees down that are being bent over by the large pine tree. I haven’t worked that hard in a long time and my body complained about the work for several days. I haven’t even begun to think about how I will take care of the large tree trunks. I guess nature will have to take care of that.

            I have been thinking about what we are going through and imagining it must feel like that big tree falling. There has been a crash in our lives, now what do we do? I have a dear friend whose home was hit by a hurricane. It took 18 months to get back home. I know that some of my readers have been hit financially. Your dreams of a rosy future have come crashing down.

            Other readers have lost their jobs or been put on furlough. You have a double hit. You are struggling to figure out if your job is still there or where will you work in the future. Then you also have all the financial worries of how are you going to make ends meet. What started in January as a year filled with dreams has turned into a nightmare, with your world crashing down.

            Still other readers have faced the impossible, the loss of loved ones. In spite of how healthy and careful you thought you were, you or some loved ones came down with Covid-19. All the prayers you prayed and promises you made God have come crashing down. Your world has changed forever.

            Where is God? Why didn’t He come and rescue you? God is with you, even when you can’t feel His presence. His heart is broken over what you are going through. His people are here to comfort you. His angels have been dispatched to surround you. He is walking with you through your circumstances. You are NOT alone.

            The Bible is full of people who had to go through trials, wars, famines, and even unknown diseases like Covid-19. Just like today, some went home to be with the Lord, while others fought through to the other side. God hears our prayers, just as He did in biblical days. God will send answers and comfort and strength just as He did in biblical days. We don’t understand our suffering, but we can trust that He will see us through just as He did in the Bible.

            I know things are not easy right now, but let me encourage you that God is with you. Don’t run from God, run to Him. He is the source of your peace, comfort, and strength. He may not give you the answers you seek, but the wisdom you need to make it through. I believe we have more to go through, but we know the One who can get us through. He has not given up on you. He has heard your prayers. He will help you. Never give up. His love for you is greater than you can ever imagine.

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

By Doug Creamer

By Doug Creamer

Gardening

            My wife and I have been doing a good job about social distancing and staying at home since the arrival of Covid-19. The only trips out involve getting food or going to the drug store. It’s been very hard not to visit with family and friends, especially for me, since I am such a social person. We know this will not last forever, even though it feels like it at times.

            I know the hardware stores are open, but I have avoided them because they seem so busy. It’s spring and the garden centers at the hardware stores are full of beautiful plants. Most Friday nights in spring after we eat out, we normally end up walking around the garden center at Lowes. Well, we used to do that.

            This is our favorite time of the year. We love spending time roaming around garden centers and enjoying all the beautiful plants. They are an essential business, so we decided to go to our local garden centers and get some flowers and vegetables.

            I thought it would be better to go during the week when it would be quiet and less crowded. We were so excited for our adventure out into the world. It was a beautiful day and apparently other people also decided it would be a great day to visit the garden centers. The two we visited were busy. The good thing we both noticed is that people were practicing good social distancing. We were all looking for plants but being mindful of each other.

            It was a good day. We came home with some treasures and are working at getting everything planted. It feels so good to get my hands in the soil. I enjoy working in both the vegetable and flower gardens because it brings us great joy. Seeds are popping through the soil, flowers are blooming, plants are growing and flourishing and we are filled with joy. Another thing that brings great joy to our lives is growing spiritually. Like flower and vegetable gardens, our spirits need to be tended and nourished.          

            Over the years I have written numerous times about the need to spend time in God’s word and prayer. The spirit feeds on God’s word. It’s the source of wisdom, guidance, and knowledge about God. When we pray, we are in the presence of God. A person cannot be in the presence of God without being changed. These two are the basis of spiritual growth in our lives.

            One thing I have neglected to point out through the years is how vital fellowship is to our spiritual growth. Here we are in a time of social distancing and we find ourselves missing a critical component to spiritual growth. How can we connect when we aren’t allowed to gather? How can we encourage and challenge each other to deeper spiritual growth? We have to be creative because it is critical.

            I have been fortunate in my life. I have several very good friends. A real friend is someone who knows you, really knows you, maybe even better than you know yourself, AND they still love you. They know your sin, shame, bad attitudes, wrong motives, failures, and your weaknesses, and yet they stand with you and never make you feel bad about yourself. In fact, they help you to see God in you. They help you to focus on the good in your life. They believe the best about you. They see you as an overcomer, a victorious warrior. The relationship is mutual. You are a faithful friend because you do the same thing for them. You see, hope, and believe the best for them, too.

            A friend will pick you up and love you when you are at your worst. They will also give you a swift kick in the rear if that is what you need. A friend laughs and cries with you. A friend will fight through the darkness to find you and help you see the light. A friend is there to lift you up, encourage and challenge you, and to see you through.

            I want to encourage you to evaluate your friendships. Discover and treasure your true friends. Invest in those relationships because those are the ones that will benefit you in your walk with Christ. We have all been burned, but we can’t allow that to keep us from reaching out again because we need trusted friends to make it through life. Friends help us see through the fog and keep us on the right path. I believe friendship is God’s plan for strong spiritual growth.

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

By Doug Creamer

By Doug Creamer

            I noticed some guys working at a neighbor’s house the other day. They had come by to put out pine needles around his flowerbeds. I talked with them and asked if they sold pine needles, and the next day they brought me ten bales. That was the motivation I needed to get to work on some much-neglected flowerbeds of my own.

            My wife and I love to grow things. Through the years we have put in a number of flowerbeds around our house. If I am completely honest with you, they get ahead of us. We spend time pulling weeds every year, but the weeds keep coming back.

            With ten bales of pine needles, I began working on the much-neglected flowerbeds. I started with a couple of the easy beds. Mom always taught me to tackle the hardest ones first, but I need a little success to push me forward. Once I saw how nice a couple of weed-free beds with their new pine needles looked, I was motivated to continue working on the harder ones.

            Slowly, but surely, the neglected beds began to show their beauty once again. I did find some poison ivy, but worked around it and came back later to spray it. I finished the ten bales and think I might order more. I want to keep pushing until all the beds are beautiful.

            I believe that the flowerbeds can be symbolic of other things in all our lives that have been neglected. The first thing that pops in my mind is relationships. I am trying to check in on some folks a little more often. Maybe Covid-19 has made all of us a little more aware of the preciousness of life. For some families, all the togetherness has been a bit of a struggle. But I really think it has helped some families reconnect in ways they may have never imagined.

            I love hearing the stories of how neighbors are checking on neighbors. I grew up in a home where we always checked on our neighbors. If there was a storm or someone was in the hospital, we went to check on them. If someone passed, we made some food and went over to be with them. Covid-19 is bringing out some really great neighborly qualities in people.

            The one relationship that is easy to neglect is the one with our Father in Heaven. Parents aren’t used to working from home and having the children go to school online. There are so many more distractions in our homes. We are watching more TV with our family. We are calling to check on our families. We are checking on our neighbors. Where do we fit time in with God?

            One might imagine the opposite would be true. We aren’t fighting the commute to work. We don’t have to wrestle the kids out of bed to go to school. We’re home. There should be way more time to spend with God. We are taking care of our physical needs and watching out for our emotions. But we are neglecting our spirits. We aren’t getting our spiritual shots in the arm from going to church on Sunday and Wednesday. What do we do?

            God loves you. He knows that life has been turned upside down. He knows that you are facing new stresses and distractions. God loves you. He doesn’t want to be that one more thing on your list to do before you go to bed. He doesn’t want you to feel guilty or ashamed. God loves you. God wants permission to come in and help you where you are right now.

            As your Father, He wants to connect with you. In love, He wants to help you order your day and help take the stress away. His word will nourish your spirit and refresh your mind. He wants to help you navigate through this crazy time. He wants to draw you close. Just a few minutes with Him will change your perspective on your day, your situation, and your life. He has the answers you need, if you will open your hearts to Him.

            I want to encourage you to open your hearts and connect again to your Father in Heaven. He is on your side. He loves you more than you can imagine. He has the answers you need. He has the wisdom to deal with whatever you are facing. He will comfort you and guide you through these turbulent times. He is the Prince of Peace, and I pray that you will open your hearts to His love, peace, and comfort.  

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

By Doug Creamer

By Doug Creamer

            If you watch any of the talk shows that are being done now that we are “working from home,” they always ask the guest, “What have you been doing?” The answers don’t vary much, but include reading, watching TV, and spending time with family. It’s interesting that we are all doing similar types of things. Maybe we are all more alike than we thought.

            I have never really been a big Facebook fan. I would go there to see pictures of my family. Naturally, I would also want to see what friends have posted, too. Normally, I would just look at Facebook on Friday nights and occasionally during the week.

            That has changed. I check Facebook every day now. I have enjoyed so much wonderful music that I would never have had access to prior to our current situation. I have enjoyed some of my favorite artists playing from home. Some have sung and played with their kids. Others have their animals playing in the background.

            That’s not to mention the groups that have come together to produce awesome videos. I have seen orchestras where everyone is playing from home and someone mixed the music and the videos to create a breathtaking experience. I have watched choirs sing that brought chills to my spine. I have watched people I don’t know sing beautiful songs.

            When I stop to consider it, I am enjoying private concerts from people I can’t afford to go see in concert. It feels like I have had the opportunity to watch singers and songwriters perform for me personally right here in the comfort of my own home. I have always had a deep love and appreciation for music, and this crazy time in our world has been feeding this passion of mine in a very special way.

            I have been watching some YouTube music videos, too. I have started searching for songs that we sing at church. I love to worship the Lord and to spend time in His presence. My favorite time at church is the worship time. (No offense to all my pastors out there…) Music moves me and touches me deeply. I especially love worship music.

            Worship music has come so far in recent years. Please know that I am not knocking the old hymns, I love them too. Some of the new contemporary music can transport me right to the presence of God. So many times in the midst of praise and worship, I can feel the presence of God. There are times that I just don’t want the music to stop.

            I have often wondered how God feels in those moments. When we have removed distractions from our lives and focused our attention on Him, does He wish those moments would never end? In those moments, I imagine we are getting a little taste of heaven. Does God long for us to be with Him in eternity?

            God is more patient than we are. While He longs to have us at His side, He wants us to fulfill our mission and purpose. A major part of our mission is for us to draw closer to Him and to share with others our story and experiences with God.

            Life is busy and pulls us all in so many different directions. But maybe during this time when we have the “stay-at-home” order in place we can connect more with God. I have found a connection through music, others may discover more time to pray and seek His face. Still others may open His word and allow His word to come alive in them.

            God wants to connect with us. Maybe during these crazy times, we can discover ways to connect with Him. He loves us more than we can understand. Like an isolated parent, God wants nothing more than to hear from His kids. He wants to receive our worship, hear our prayers, and speak to us through His word. He wants to talk with us if we would only open our ears and listen.

            I want to encourage you to “call home” to your Father in Heaven. He is available day and night and I promise you will not get a busy signal. He wants to connect more with you than you can imagine. He is on your side. His favor is resting upon you. He cares deeply about your situation. With so many distractions and the busyness of life pushed out of the way, what is keeping you from connecting? Let His love fill, surround, and renew you.

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

By Doug Creamer

            Everyone I talk with has a story about how the coronavirus has affected their lives. High school students miss their teachers, classmates, and all the activities at school. Many employees are missing their jobs. I don’t like seeing the store shelves look so empty, even though I can normally find everything I need. I know we all miss finding toilet paper.

            We all have stories about other major events in the past. My parents have told me that they remember exactly where they were when they heard that President Kennedy had been shot. I remember that I was at a DECA competition when I heard about the Challenger explosion. Anyone who lived in this area can tell you their Hurricane Hugo story.

            I had just started teaching at East Davidson High School when 9/11 happened. I remember so many specific details from that day and that time in our lives. For the next 17 years of my career, I told my students about the impact of that day. I remember asking the students every year, “What grade were you in? What was your reaction?” Every student had some kind of story. In my final year, I had students who were not born before 9/11.

            For today’s students, the coronavirus will be their story. When they are grandparents they will tell their grandkids about how schools were closed and the fact that they did not get to have their senior prom. They will talk about being told to “stay-at-home.” They will remember a time in their lives when it was hard to find toilet paper. Maybe some of the younger students will appreciate their schools and teachers a little more.

            I have talked with several pastors who have said that this will impact the way we do church in the future, not to mention how we are changing the way we do it now. I can’t imagine standing at the pulpit with an empty room and trying to deliver a passionate message. When you can’t see your congregation, how do you know the impact of your words?

            One personal impact that I have noticed is that I have checked on my neighbors and friends more in the last month than I had in the previous six months. I have called or texted my family (since I can’t go see them) more often in the last month. I am praying for more people and trying not to limit my prayers to protection from the virus. I find myself seeking the Lord and asking for more of His presence in my life.

            When I get the opportunity to talk with friends, neighbors, and family, we all have stories about the impact of this virus on our lives. We want to tell our stories to each other. It helps in some ways that we are all going through this together. We need to keep reminding ourselves that we will all make it through this thing together.

            This reminds me that we have another story that we all need to tell, especially during these troubled times. We have the story of how our Savior has impacted and changed our lives. We want to share our coronavirus story. We should have the same excitement over sharing our faith story. We should want to tell our story to our friends, family, and neighbors.

            Jesus is the answer for our world today. He has helped me make it through not only this virus, but so many other situations in life. People need to hear our story of how Jesus helped us make it through in life. People need to hear how our faith has become stronger and has been a source of strength and comfort. People need to know that God is real and that he cares deeply about their circumstances.

            The doors of many people’s hearts are open. We have an opportunity to have an impact on our communities if we will tell our stories. We can show the world God’s love by demonstrating it through our lives. We have to believe that God can use us.

            I want to encourage you to tell your story. The people in your life need to hear about the love of God. They need to know that God is on their side. They need to know that we serve a God who heals and forgives. They need to know that we serve a God who has a good future planned for His children. They need to know that they can join the family of God. We need each other and we need to tell our story.

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

By Doug Creamer