Doug’s Columns

By Doug Creamer

Chasing Storms

                We drove to see my mother-in-law a few days back. As we embarked on our drive I saw that her area had a severe thunderstorm watch out. I was monitoring things closely and determined that we would probably chase the storms in. The skies looked ominous at several points, but all we got was some light rain. As evening approached, I watched as the lightning danced across the sky up ahead. As predicted, we followed the storms as they pushed their way ahead of us.

                I have often wondered what it would be like to be a storm chaser. I am a weather fanatic and am definitely intrigued by all kinds of storms. I saw in the news that the recent hurricane went through the Leeward Islands with winds at about 150 miles an hour. I lived through Hugo many years ago and we experienced winds of about 90 miles an hour…that was plenty for me.

                Most storm chasers go after tornadoes. I have to admit that I would like to see one someday, but I want it to be way over there, not coming over here! I have watched in fascination many videos of tornadoes and they look incredible. Again, the desire to see one is tempered with safety.

                This line of storms that pushed through where my mother-in-law lives offered us several days of unbelievable summer weather. The highs were about 80, with low humidity and an incredible breeze. I know we won’t see weather like that again until fall. I enjoyed as much time as possible outside, letting the cooling air refresh me.

                Speaking of refreshment, I could really use some refreshing. I can’t point to any particular thing that is dragging me down. Life seems to always be busy, especially when we are in gardening season. There is always more to do than there is time to accomplish everything. The daily demands haven’t been overwhelming, but they do tend to keep my plate full.

                So where does this desire to be refreshed originate? There have been some extra things going on in our lives that have challenged us to trust God. I tell people it’s important to trust God, but how do I do with that when the chips are down? Turns out it’s a mix. For some things I have learned to depend on God and have many testimonies of His faithfulness. For other areas I have had to engage my faith. My pastor tells us we have to stir up and engage our faith when we are walking through challenges.

                He is right, spiritual growth requires challenge. God wants my faith to grow stronger, so He allows for increasingly more challenging things to come into my life. Why would He do that, particularly when He could protect me or prevent those challenges? The answer is God wants to grow my faith. He wants me to trust Him more.

                Some of the storms have passed and He has proven Himself to be faithful. Others are still on the horizon. I see the lightning flashing and know we have to go through them. No skirting them. No getting around them. He wants us to walk through them…holding onto His hand. 

                This has me in an interesting place. I am hungry to be in His presence. I find myself chasing after Him with every spare moment. I want to be in His presence where I know I can draw the strength I need to make it through the challenges I am facing. I know we are going to make it through. I know He already sees us through to the other side. It is my job, our job, to trust Him and lean on Him as He guides us through to the other side. He has never let us down before and He won’t start now.

                I am not sure what things you are facing, but I bet you are facing some storms of your own. Let me encourage you to put your trust in Him. It’s a test and He has given you the answer guide. The answers are to pray, engage your faith, and trust Him. I know it is challenging, but God is in the faith-building business. He wants to get a testimony out of your situation. He wants you to be able to tell others how He came through for you. So run after Him, chase Him, find in Him the strength you need in your situation. He is with you. He will strengthen and refresh you. Don’t let those storms scare you. Your God is way bigger than any of them.  

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

By Doug Creamer

            It’s time to fire up the grills. Let’s make sure we have plenty of hamburgers and hot dogs. Better get lots of ice because I think we are in for a hot 4^th of July. Don’t forget to get a pack of fireworks. Too bad I don’t know someone with a pool. I am looking forward to seeing who makes it this year to our family gathering. It’s always quite a crowd.

            We are hitting the halfway point in the year. Just like the holidays give us an opportunity to get together for some great times of fellowship, so the 4^th of July gives us a reason to come together for another family gathering. It is great when we have the opportunity to gather and catch up on our lives.

            We lead such busy lives so it is great to take a day and slow down. It gives us the opportunity to catch our breath. We need to disconnect, if only for a few hours, and focus on the important things.

            Time marches on and we need the reminder to savor the time we have with each other. No one knows how much time he or she has so we can’t take it for granted that we will be here. Connecting, sharing our love, expressing our gratitude, and simply living in the moment with each other is so important. We need to celebrate each other.

            July 4^th is the celebration of this great nation. We are a free country. We live in a nation that people from all over the globe want to come and live. It’s the land of opportunity. Anyone who lives here can become anything they want if they are willing to work hard at it. We have the opportunity to make a better life for ourselves.

            Sadly, our politicians strive to divide us into US and THEM. They try to convince us that their group is better than the other group. They try to pit us against each other. Sadly, some people have fallen for their tricks and deceptions. Most people you meet don’t see us as different. We are Americans. We come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and backgrounds. Yes, we may see things and look at things differently, but that is what makes us a great democratic nation. We find and strive to discover ways to make it work. We are a nation of the people, by the people, for the people.

            I have had the privilege of teaching social studies in the GED program at the community college.  Reading about our history and the people who sacrificed so much for us moves me deeply inside. People have fought for our ideals. Many have laid down their lives so we can live freely. This week, let’s commit to turning off all the political noise and focus on our unity as a nation. We have so much in common and so much to enjoy. When you are enjoying the fellowship of family and friends this week, lift a glass to this great nation.

            When it comes to unity, we as Christians should be leading the way on how we can bring people together. If your church is like mine, we all come in various ages, colors, and sizes. Jesus taught us to love one another. People should be able to walk through the doors of our churches and discover God’s love exhibited through His people.

            Sadly, some people and churches think they are better than others. There are obviously differences in appearances and programs between churches. Some are large and some are small. But those things shouldn’t matter if we are all focused on loving Jesus. If each church keeps their eyes on Jesus and what they are called to do in their location then God’s purposes will be fulfilled. The gospel will spread and people will discover God’s love.

            For the next couple of weeks when you go to church, I want to encourage you to examine your church family and see if you are loving each other and welcoming guests to the house of the Lord. Do people feel love and accepted even if they aren’t perfect? Do we come alongside those who are struggling, or do we condemn them? Do we value each person, both young and old? Do you find yourself celebrating that you are the family of God and that all are welcome no matter their background or their upbringing? Let’s celebrate us! Let’s celebrate the church where sinners can find a home filled with hope and love.

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

By Doug Creamer

            I just looked out the window and noticed that things are looking a little dry. We watered everything just a couple of days ago, but it looks like we need to water again. We are in a dry spell, and with hot temperatures expected from now through the 4^th of July holiday, we will need to keep a close eye on the potted plants. The raised beds out back are doing a little better, but they are thirsty, too.

            A friend asked how my garden was doing. Things are coming along well. I am not going to be getting many beans, as the rabbits have eaten the plants even though I planted seeds several times. The tomatoes are coming along but there won’t be any for the 4^th. Other things are growing well, but I think I could use some fertilizer. I think the garden should be a little farther along, but maybe that’s me being impatient.

            Speaking of the 4^th, I am looking forward to our annual family gathering. My brother hosts the gathering and you never know who might show up. There will be little toddlers to the elderly patriarchs gathering to celebrate family, friends, and of course, our nation’s birthday. I eagerly await the food, laughter, and joyful celebration.

            We used to host the family gathering on the 4^th many years ago. My adult nieces and nephews were young kids and they loved going over to the Faith Fourth Celebration. After we came back there was always a water fight. It started out simply with squirt guns and water balloons, but would eventually become hose fights. One year I thought I would outsmart my brother and climb up on the roof and attack him from above. I didn’t think about him taking my ladder away, thus trapping me on the hot roof with no water supply. His kids have never forgotten those good times.

            Summer seems to revolve around having fun and water. Many have already or will soon be heading to the beach for a refreshing getaway. Others will be going to local pools, or if they are lucky, jumping into one in their own back yard. I have always preferred swimming in pools to the ocean. I love being near the ocean and even allowing the waves to wash up on my legs. I prefer to allow the animals to swim in the ocean while I stay safely on the shore.

            I am hoping I will get to see the Chesapeake Bay when I visit my sister soon. The last couple of summers I have visited her and we have either walked the beach or sat out by the water and enjoyed a beautiful afternoon together. The water has a way of calling to us. We have fun and can relax when we are near water. It has a way of refreshing and renewing us.

            Summer invites us to rest and relax, and often we do that near water. We need that sense of renewal mentally and we need it spiritually, too. We need to slow down and spend some time in quiet reflection with Him. We need to gauge where we are and where we need to be going. When we can disengage our minds from daily routines and the hassles of life, we can engage with our spiritual life.

            If we are honest with each other we could all use a refreshing swim in the water of His Spirit. We need to be washed and cleansed from all the things of this world. This is not our home or our destination. We need to wash our eyes from all the distractions of this world and refocus our vision on heaven. Who wouldn’t want to take a deep drink of God’s heavenly waters and receive the refreshment that comes from being in His presence? I want that sense of renewal to invigorate my spirit, that water from heaven’s river to touch and renew me.

            As we step into summer and all the wonderful times ahead, take time to be in His presence and allow your spirit to be refreshed. There are always going to be hot, dry times, so take advantage of your vacation time to connect with your Creator and drink from the water of His presence. He wants to refresh and invigorate your spirit. He wants your vision to be renewed. He wants to reveal the path to His heart to you. He, the God who created the entire universe, wants to spend time with you. I encourage you to connect with Him and allow the water of His presence to fill and refresh you.  

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

By Doug Creamer

            Have you looked at the calendar? We are almost halfway through June, which means we are almost halfway through another year. Where does the time go? Most students are now enjoying summer vacation. I always loved school letting out for the summer as a child and as a teacher. I enjoyed the freedom and being able to sleep in. In my current job, we get a nice break around the 4^th of July, but not the summer off.

            As a little kid, summer meant swimming and golf lessons. I remember having fun camping out in the backyard. I also remember trips to see my aunts and uncle, and spending time with my grandparents. As I got a little older I went off to Boy Scout camp. I have lots of great memories of summer vacation.

            As I got a little older, I started a lawn business. I never made what the guys make today, but I enjoyed what I did make. When I turned 16, I started working at gas stations. I worked weekends while I was in school, but basically worked full-time in the summer. Summer jobs included gas station attendant, waiter, hotel front desk clerk, and auto detailing at an auto action.

            Summer always makes me think of the beach. I did most of my growing up living in Virginia Beach, but we rarely went down to the tourist area of the beach. We mostly went down to Nags Head, where my parents occasionally rented a house for a week. I have some great memories of family times down at the beach. My older sister life-guarded with the National Park Service and I had fun visiting her, too. 

            Summer also makes me think about gardening. It seems like my mother always had a garden with fresh veggies. BLTs were a summer staple at my house. There is nothing like picking a tomato and making a juicy sandwich. I’ve always loved fresh sweet corn. You can’t beat picking corn and eating it less than 30 minutes later. The garden also yielded beans, cucumbers, and peppers, among other yummy treats. We didn’t grow watermelons, but we ate plenty of them in the summertime.

            My mother would go strawberry picking in the early summer and she would make preserves. I am not sure which I liked better, the fresh strawberries or her preserves. We often saved one jar to enjoy at Christmas. One fun summer memory related to fruit came after a great day at the beach. Dad was driving home and we saw a fruit stand. He pulled over and we bought a basket of freshly picked peaches. I had eaten plenty of canned peaches but never a fuzzy fresh one. “What is this fuzz?” I remember asking. “Just eat it.” Mom said. We all did and we had juice running down our chins all the way home.

            There are so many great summer memories. Dad would shoot basketball with my brother and me late in the evening after supper. Summer nights with the windows open and fans blowing. Summers always seemed to feel carefree, although I am sure they weren’t. Reflecting and remembering the good times is part of the treasure of getting older.

            It is good and important to remember our past, especially in a spiritual sense. We need to remember when we were baptized. We need to remind ourselves of the many times we prayed for specific things and God answered our prayers. We need to remember how the Lord stood with us through troubled times. We need to remind ourselves how the family of God was there for us when times were tough.

            We need to remember our pastors who pray for us and with us. We should thank God for the messages they taught us and the way they led us. We need to reflect on church socials and the laughter and joy we shared. There are so many special holiday gatherings as a church family throughout the year. It is also good to remember how we have grown, changed, and matured in our Christian faith.

            I want to encourage you to reflect on your walk with Christ and be thankful. He has been there for you, never giving up on you. It is good to remind yourself of the many victories you have experienced, especially when you are going through tough times. It is good to remember the power of prayer to change circumstances. It is good to be thankful for the family of God who surrounded you in tough times. Summer memories are great, but spiritual memories can be life-sustaining.   

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

By Doug Creamer

Repairing Brokenness

            This past week a large tree limb fell on my storage building. At first, there appeared to be minor damage, but it ended up being something a bit more. I could see two branches sticking through the roof, but there were two additional holes that needed repair. As the limb fell it broke off a piece of the overhang and tore off the soffit on the side leading up to the peak.

            One thing we could not see until the workers got here was that the soffit along the front overhang of the shed had also been loosened where it connects to the header. The challenge was reconnecting this piece without taking off the roof. I was trying to keep the repairs costs down because I am going to need a new roof on both my house and the shed in a few years.

            A former colleague from East Davidson told me that a former student of ours had begun a roofing business. I reached out to her and sent her some pictures of the damage. She thought her company could fix my roof for a reasonable price. She offered me two estimates based on different criteria. Once she and her husband saw the damage first hand it became a little less clear how the repairs could be made without extensive work. The term extensive work means much more expensive.

            Her husband came down the next day and worked patiently, persistently, with precision to repair the damage. It took him much longer than we imagined. I knew the extra labor would mean some extra bucks but in the end they were very fair in what they charged me. There are a couple of things I need to do to finish up, but I am glad it is fixed and dry inside.

            While her husband was up on the roof working on repairs, I was enjoying the quiet afternoon working in my garden. It was so peaceful and the presence of the Lord was sweet as He assured me that everything would be all right. I was able to hill up the potatoes, thin and hill up the corn, plant a few things, and get some weeding done. I was glad that I got to do some things I wanted to get done while my roof was being repaired.

            It also gave me the opportunity to think about other areas of life where we might need to repair brokenness. Many people have broken relationships. Divorce creates brokenness between parents and children. Broken homes create many different kinds of broken relationships that take time and effort to repair. Relationships between employer and employee can fracture over many issues and require each party to apply effort to restore the brokenness.  

            I am grateful and thankful that I have a number of good friends. Some friends are colleagues or former colleagues. Some are friendships built over time because they are neighbors or friends from church. We make time for each other whether it’s texting, calling, or sharing a meal together. But even friends can be divided over time, distance, or changes in the way we think. The Bible teaches us that Satan seeks to divide and separate even friendships, but godly friends will work to find ways to maintain the unity that Jesus desires.

Brokenness can even enter our relationship with God. It is hard to imagine that people would give up on church and God but they do. God created people to have fellowship with Him. Our main purpose is to develop that relationship with God. Whether it is distraction, anger, hurtfulness, sin, or unanswered questions, God doesn’t want you to stay away. He sent His Son to help us reconnect and repair that brokenness. The way to reconnect with God is to turn away from your choices and ask God to forgive you. Jesus opens the door for grace, mercy, forgiveness, and peace. It’s free just for the asking.

            I want to encourage you to consider your relationship with God. If you have let it slide or you have neglected it for whatever reason, then now is the time to repair the broken relationship. Turn your heart back to God and let His love and forgiveness wash you clean. There is no sin so great that can separate you from God’s love. Maybe you don’t understand everything going on in the world today; that’s okay. That’s why you need faith and trust in God. His arms are open for you. His heart calls out your name. Turn to Him and let Him repair the brokenness. He wants to connect with you.

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

By Doug Creamer

            I woke up this morning and stumbled my way into the kitchen. I started to get things out for breakfast. I was washing some blueberries when I woke up fast. I looked out the window at my storage building, which had parts of a tree on top of it and a huge branch lying on the ground beside it. I could see pieces of the siding blowing lazily in the breeze. There was definitely some damage, I just couldn’t tell how much from the house.

            I ate my breakfast and went out to see what had happened. A huge limb from high in a tree had snapped in the storm from the previous evening and hit my storage building. Thankfully, it rolled off onto the ground. It left behind quite a mess. The main structure of the building is fine, but there is cosmetic damage to the side and some roof damage. My plans for the day had definitely changed.

            While I have a mess to clean up, I find myself thankful that the damage isn’t worse. It could have destroyed the roof and broken trusses. And yes, the plans for my day have changed, but my home and building with its contents are both okay. We are both okay. Messes can be cleaned up and buildings fixed. God is good.

            The damage and mess I have to clean up are nothing compared to the day that this commemorates. Today is Memorial Day. While many will be enjoying cookouts and family gatherings to celebrate the beginning of summer, it is important to stop and think about the meaning behind this day and why we have the opportunity to have this day off.

            Memorial Day is a day to remember those who died while serving our country in one of the military branches. The land of the free and the home of the brave comes at a high price. Many people have lost loved ones in order for us to live in this great land. I know everything isn’t perfect, but when you consider so many other places in this world, we are lucky and blessed to live in such a great country.

            I know by the time you read these words, Memorial Day will be in your rearview mirror. I still want to ask you to take a moment and thank the Lord for the people who laid their lives down so we could live free in this great land. This country is beautiful and filled with some good people. I know there are a few rotten apples out there, but let’s not let them spoil such a wonderful place that we call home: the United States of America. Certainly let’s not let them tarnish what so many gave their lives for us to enjoy and appreciate.

            Memorial Day and Easter have much in common. Memorial Day reminds us of the many men and women who have died while serving our country. Easter reminds us that Jesus died to save the whole world from being separated from our loving Heavenly Father. He took all the sin of the entire world upon Himself so we could live free and forgiven. If we will let Him, He will wipe away all shame and guilt from our lives.

            Men and women died so we could live free in this country. Jesus died so we could live free and so we could have a relationship with God. God is holy and pure. We are sinners. God cannot abide in the presence of sin. Therefore, He cannot abide in our presence. But Jesus died to make a way for us to reconnect with God. His sacrifice pays for our forgiveness and cleansing. Now, because we have been washed in the blood of Jesus, God can abide with us and in us. 

            While summer doesn’t officially arrive for a few more weeks, Memorial Day signals the arrival of summer for most of us. Schools will be out soon. Vacation season is upon us. In the midst of this time, I want to encourage you to have a thankful heart for all the people who died so you can live free here in America. I also want to encourage you to thank Jesus for dying for you and making a way for you to connect with a holy God. It’s time for summer fun: cookouts, family gatherings, swimming pools, vacations, rest, and relaxation. Allow your heart to overflow with thanksgiving for the many blessings in your life. Enjoy your family, reconnect with friends, and be thankful for your country and for Jesus who gave His all for you.

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

By Doug Creamer

            A friend posted a picture on Facebook of his beautiful backyard. There is a swing in a serene location and he said he felt it calling him to come and rest. My friend has worked hard both in the natural and in the spirit all his life. He deserves an opportunity to rest. I can easily imagine my friend communing with his Father on that swing. I love beautiful, quiet places where I can be with my Father and listen for His voice.

            Most of my life I have struggled with resting. I was always good at resting when we went to the beach. I was not so good at resting in my daily life. I believe I was a workaholic. I worked long hours for most of my career. It wasn’t until late in my career that I began to learn to release and let it go. I recognize the pattern in others because I used to live that way. It’s not healthy. It’s a lie that we believe that we have to do all this work to prove ourselves or because no one else can do it as good as we can.

            There is another lie that catches other folks that is just as wrong. Some people love God but they believe that they don’t need to do any work for His kingdom. They believe that other people can do the work. I have never met a pastor who told me he had too many volunteers. There is always work that needs to be done, and God intends for each person in the family of God to help get the work done.

            There is also work that needs to be done in reaching out to the world around us. Jesus was constantly moving from village to village, helping people and reaching out to the broken hearted and sick people. Look around you. Our world is still broken and in need of a savior. You have the Good News in your heart that the world is hungry to hear. Jesus needs people like you and me to share His love and hope. Jesus said the fields are ripe for harvest but there are few workers willing to do the work.

            Some people work tirelessly doing way more than their share of the work, while others sit around and fail to offer any help. What we need is balance. I know that some people physically can’t help with some of the work. That doesn’t mean you can’t help in other ways. Maybe you could visit someone who is shut in and lonely or read to children. There are so many simple and practical ways you can make a big difference.

            For those who carry so much of the load, you need balance, too. Maybe instead of trying to do everything yourself, you could help encourage others to become engaged in serving in the body of Christ. You can train, guide, and encourage them to participate, which in turn will allow you the opportunity to rest.

            I believe that developing a healthy balance in all areas of our lives will help us live longer and more fulfilled lives. The truth is that we all need times to rest and be alone with God to recharge our batteries. When we keep our own batteries fresh then we will have more to give to others. God wants us to connect more with Him.

            I believe we need to get proper rest, eat healthy food, stay physically active, take care of our mental health, and make sure our spirits are being fed the Word of God. Each of these things takes time. We have to avoid being overly engaged and make sure we are taking care of ourselves. If we overlook the critical balance of self-care then we will be less effective in our ability to serve in God’s kingdom.

            I want to encourage you to examine your life and see if you have a well-balanced physical, mental, and spiritual life. Are you taking good care of your temple? Are you eating right and getting exercise? Are you working to reduce your stress, worry, and anxiety, and maintain good mental health? How is your spiritual life? Do you read your Bible and pray? Are you connected with a local church and are you serving in some capacity? God needs you to be a beacon of hope and life, but that is difficult if your life is out of balance. Ask God to help you develop the proper balance so you can be effective and balanced in all the areas of your life.

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

By Doug Creamer

Growing Thoughts

            It has been a hectic and challenging start to the gardening season. The challenge has been trying to find some dry days to plant the garden. It seems when I have time, it rains. When I am busy with other things, we will have warm and sunny days. I got home today just hoping to get a few more things planted in the garden. There was some rain on the way and I wanted to beat it.

            Things were going along well when one of those pre-thunderstorm gusts blew in. I hoped and prayed for a little favor. I moved quickly. A few drops fell, but it subsided and I kept working. As I finished all I wanted to get done I looked up and saw the rain coming. I quickly gathered my things, and a few steps before I made it to the garage the rain started. I laughed even though I was a little wet and then looked up and said, “Thank you, Lord.”

            While I was working quickly to get everything done I noticed how peaceful it was out in the garden. My mind relished the peacefulness. I had a busy week last week…too busy! Weeks like that are not good for my mind and my thoughts. I catch myself thinking about things that don’t deserve the time of day. I also find myself unable or maybe unwilling to resist thoughts that I should avoid. So the peacefulness I find from being outside brings great comfort.

            Sometimes when I get to the end of one of those weeks I find my thoughts are jumbled. We have to remember that there are three sources for our thoughts. First, we create many of our own thoughts. We are working things out. We allow anxious thoughts or worry to roam freely and unchecked. The second place our thoughts come from is the enemy. He will give us lies about ourselves or sinful thoughts. Here is where we have to choose to entertain those thoughts of to take them captive.

            The final source of our thoughts is from God. These are obviously good thoughts and ones we should meditate upon. The trouble is that the noise of the world, the worries and cares of this life, our own thoughts, and the thoughts of the enemy are all in competition with the thoughts God is offering us. We are called to choose. The Bible teaches us in second Timothy that God gives us a spirit of power, love, and self-control. We have to take responsibility for our thoughts and to squelch the ones that don’t belong.

            It’s not an easy thing to do. The reality is that it’s challenging to take responsibility for our thoughts. When we are busy at our jobs or engaged in some activities that require our focus our thoughts work for us. It’s during those down times that our minds are free to ponder. Sometimes we are tired or maybe overwhelmed by life and it’s hard to muster the effort to control our thoughts.

            Last week when I arrived in church I felt like I had lost the battle in my mind. The week had been busy, but it had been good except for the battlefield of my mind. I felt God’s gentle reminder over the weekend that He gave me a spirit of self-control through reading second Timothy. I felt like I let God down.

            We sang a song during worship that encouraged us to lean back into God’s loving arms. I imagined Jesus sitting under a tree on a warm, sunny day. Then I imagined that I was leaning back into His loving arms. I let Him hold me. I told Him that I was sorry I had failed. I let His love and mercy wash over me. It was beautiful. His peace enveloped me. My body, mind, and spirit were captured by this incredible peace that I cannot explain and did not feel like I deserved.

            I want to encourage you to close your eyes, take a deep breath, and lean back into the loving arms of Jesus. Release your burdens. Give Him your cares. Surrender all the negative thoughts. Give Him your worries and anxieties. Now receive from Him the gifts of mercy, forgiveness, and His perfect peace. Receiving them means you have to open them and let them wash over you like a wave at the beach. He loves you! He sees you as beautiful! You are His brother or sister. You are family. He wants you to walk in His love, joy, and peace. Now, aren’t those much better thoughts? Let those thoughts grow! 

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

By Doug Creamer

            We have two church members who changed their membership from earth to heaven this week. I cannot imagine what their spouses are going through, losing the love of their lives. It has been a long week for our church family. How do you bring comfort to someone who is grieving the loss of someone so dear to them?

            There are two general ways to show compassion for the grieving. The first is simply being sympathetic and understanding their grief. We know it takes time and space to work through the grieving process. It is very important to pray for those going through grief and other difficulties. 

            The second way to show compassion for the grieving is by doing something for them. Many people attend the funeral, which lets the family know that they are not alone in their grief. Sometimes just sitting with the family, your presence, can bring comfort and healing. Sometimes people make meals and send them over to the family. Others find practical ways they can help the family by doing favors or running errands. There is nothing too little for a family in grief.

            Compassion is a necessary ingredient in all our lives, not just when someone is grieving. We all struggle with sin and failure. We make mistakes and we fall down. Compassion means that we find a way to lift each other up. When I fall down, I need compassion and a helping hand. Compassion never leaves a person in a fallen or broken state. It always lifts, encourages, and helps to restore the individual. And we do it with dignity.

            An important part of compassion is apologizing when we do something wrong. A good apology consists of three things: Admitting your wrongdoing, taking responsibility for your behavior, and then finding out how to make things right again. When someone comes to me and apologizes for something they did that was wrong, I always try to say that I accept their apology. I know how hard it is to swallow my pride when I need to apologize, and appreciate when others extend grace to me. I want to do the same for others.

            The surprising thing I learned about compassion this week is celebrating other people’s successes or good fortune is a part of compassion. When someone gets a promotion or a new car or a new house it is important to celebrate with them. Compassion causes your joy to overflow for them and the goodness of God they are experiencing. Showing genuine excitement when others succeed is another form of compassion.

            I have learned something late in life that I wish I knew when I was younger. Many people rarely hear their parents or bosses say that they are proud of their work or accomplishments. Words of praise can be a powerful motivator. We all want to be noticed for our achievements and accomplishments. Taking time to notice and expressing your pride in others can motivate them to achieve greater things. I have witnessed first-hand the power of positive reinforcement with my students.

            Jesus offered compassion to many people when He was here on earth. Every time He healed someone, compassion for their situation moved Him to action. Jesus focused primarily on the Israelites but was moved by compassion for the woman at the well, who was a Samaritan. Jews hated the Samaritans but Jesus demonstrated the Father’s heart of love and compassion for her. She in turn spread the news about Jesus, and He stayed in Samaria for several days ministering to and healing many of the people.

            Compassion drives God’s heart for each one of us. He cares deeply when you are hurting, whether it is physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual pain. He wants to bring healing to your life. He knows about your situation and wants to help you find restoration and hope again. You haven’t gone too far. No one is beyond God’s reach if you will only turn around and open your heart to His love. He understands your situation and has compassion for you. Accept His love. Receive His forgiveness. Allow His healing power to set you free.

            I want to encourage you to allow God’s compassionate heart to touch yours. You have to open the door for Him. He will not open your door and force His way in. He awaits your invitation…He is knocking on the door of your heart. His unconditional love and acceptance are on the other side of that door. It’s up to you. I pray that you will make room for Jesus in your heart.

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

By Doug Creamer

            I recently had the opportunity to help my mother get her garden planted. At her age she has a hard time getting back up once she is kneeling. My brother took her shopping for “a few” vegetables. She wasn’t planning to do much this year. I lost count of how many tomato plants I put out. She also has peppers, squash, and cucumbers. She loves to grow things.

            I had a great feeling inside while driving home that evening. The closer I got to home the more this little thought started to whirl around in my mind. “Well, your Mom has her garden in and you don’t have anything in the ground yet.” The thought was spoiling my good feeling.

            I had a long list of things that needed my attention on Friday, and none of them was my garden. Saturday I was determined to make it to the garden center to find the seeds and plants I need to get my garden going. I went to my two favorite garden centers and found most of what I need for this growing season.

            I went out to the garden pretty late in the afternoon, determined I was going to get something in the ground before dark. It was unusually peaceful. The barking dogs were either in the house or asleep in the shade. There was a nice breeze blowing. The soil felt wonderful in my hands. I had tilled the soil a few weeks ago and it was in perfect condition. The first thing I put in was my tomatoes, which made me laugh because I normally plant them last. I put in some potatoes and peas and that was the end of my daylight.

            I came in the house feeling good. The garden was started. I can see the tomato plants from the house. I know there is plenty more to do out there but I got things started. I picked up the remaining seeds and plants today so I have everything that I am planning to put out. It looks like I may have to dodge a few showers this weekend to get the rest of the garden in.

            I am excited about the new gardening season and anxious to get it all in. My wife has called me the midnight gardener, and if that is what it takes before the rain this weekend that is what I will do. The soil is calling. I just have to find the time to get out there and do the work. There never seems to be enough time to get everything done, especially in spring and fall.

            I love planting and watching things grow. Sometimes when I get home from work I will go for a walk around the yard just to enjoy the things that are growing and blooming. I like watching the fruit, vegetables, and flowers grow.

 Much like watching my garden grow, I like seeing spiritual growth in my life. There are many different seasons in our spiritual journeys. I have been through a desert and hope never to return. I have been through quiet seasons where I knew I was putting down deeper roots. I have experienced seasons of fruitfulness. I can remember times that I felt like God was pruning me back. But the season I like best is the growing season. I like seeing my spiritual growth. I love when the Word teams with life on every page. Sometimes I only manage to read a couple of paragraphs during my quiet time because I am getting so much out of it.

            While growth and harvesting are probably our favorite spiritual seasons, we have to realize that each season plays an important part in our spiritual growth. We need to grow deep roots so we will endure the dry seasons. We may all love the warm sunshine, but we need the refreshment that comes from the rain showers. Each season is important if we will ultimately produce fruit for His kingdom. After all, He is the master gardener and He knows what we need to produce a bountiful harvest.

            I want to encourage you to enjoy the season God has you in at the moment. There are times that we need to rest in a quiet place so we will be ready for the challenges that lie just ahead. There are times for us to bud and bloom and there are times for us to enjoy a harvest. God is watching over us closely, so He will provide the optimal conditions for us to grow and produce a harvest. I think God takes great pleasure watching each of us grow.

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