Doug’s Columns

By Doug Creamer

Seeking Wisdom

            Have you ever needed help to figure out something in life? Most people Google the question and find the answer. You might turn to AI to generate a solution. Would you consider a computer-generated answer wisdom? It’s nice to get the answer to questions or help on how to repair something, but I am not convinced that the internet can give me wisdom.

            I believe that wisdom comes from life experience. If you are having a relationship issue, I don’t believe that Google is going to be able to help you solve your problem. You need the wisdom of someone who has been through similar situations. While the internet may be able to offer you insights and symptoms for your medical condition, it’s the doctors who are going to be able to offer you wisdom. The same thing applies if you find yourself in some legal problems. It’s best to seek the wise counsel of a good lawyer rather than the internet. Wisdom comes through people and friends who care about you.

            I found myself seeking wisdom recently. I was talking to a friend, seeking his wisdom, when he told me that he knew I would find the wisdom I needed. He said that when you seek the advice of many counselors the scriptures say you will discover wisdom. He said that after I had gathered all this advice I knew the next step, seek the Lord in prayer. He said that God will show me the right path forward.

            I find that I am a little anxious as I walk on this new and unfamiliar path. The more I have learned and the more notes I have taken from wise people, the better I understand the decisions I have to make. I also realize that I can take a little more time making the decisions. Becoming more informed helps to bring a peace. I also know better how to pray for His guidance and wisdom.  

            As a teacher, I realize that this is a good life lesson. I can apply what I am learning now and what I have learned in the past to make the best decision for my situation. I think back to when I was considering retiring from teaching. I remember seeking out people I trusted and asking about that process. With each conversation came a deeper understanding and a stronger peace. When I finally made that decision, I knew I made the right decision. 

            The more I think about this new path the more I realize that life is full of big changes for all of us. Choosing where to go to college. The stages of life. Starting families. Changing employment places or careers. Moving. Retirement. Each of us approaches big decisions in different ways. We each process and consider them uniquely. Hopefully, we seek the wisdom and guidance from those who have our best interests at heart. We can take each of their perspectives, insights, and wisdom and apply them to our decisions.

            All this gathering of information does not complete the process, we must take the knowledge we have gained and ask God for His wisdom and guidance. God is not bound by time and He can see the outcome of our decisions. He knows which paths will lead us in the right direction and which will bring about bad results. He knows each one of us individually. He knows what is best for us and the long-term results. I have heard friends say that God was leading them to make a decision that didn’t look like the best one on the surface, but several years down the road ended up being the best thing in their lives. That’s why we have to trust Him, not our feelings, or what looks like a good thing at the moment. Prayer works. Getting others to pray for and with us in the midst of our big decisions can point us in the right direction.

            I want to encourage you to take your big life decisions (and your small ones, too) to God, your Heavenly Father, who will help you choose the best thing for you in your situation. Be willing to give up what you think because there are always things down the road you can’t see. He is watching out for you and wants the very best for you. It requires faith. It requires trust. You have to believe that He loves you and cares about each decision that you face. Seeking wisdom is important but nowhere near as important as seeking the Lord in prayer.

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

By Doug Creamer

A Breath of Fresh Air

            When I went off to college in the Shenandoah Valley many years ago, my parents helped me move in. They stayed overnight, and one thing we all noticed was the temperature really dropped that night and the next morning was quite cool. I remember putting on some jeans. It was August and I wanted a pair of jeans. That didn’t happen on the coast where I grew up. There were some warm nights later on, but that particular morning was cool, much like we are experiencing right now.

            I am used to the dog days of August that are unbearably hot and humid. The end of this August and the first week of September are a welcome change. I have been enjoying eating my lunch and reading on the front porch. I know this is not the perfect weather for those going to the beach, but for those of us who are home, it’s wonderful!

            I spent Labor Day weekend catching up on some sleep and working on some chores. I pulled several wheelbarrows full of weeds. I was able to mulch some garden beds and they look great. The plans for a fall harvest were messed up. The beans and peas were looking great until the deer wiped out everything in one night. I replanted, but am not confident I will get a harvest due to the late date.

            While I am really enjoying the cool days, I am not fond of the thought that fall is on the way. I have noticed that the days are getting shorter. I worked outside until after eight and it was quite dim before I got inside. I have also noticed that I am getting up in the dark. While the cooler weather is welcome, I am not quite ready for the full onset of fall.

            There are a number of fall chores that I want to get done this year. For example, my raspberry bed needs to be cleaned out, fresh soil brought in, and new plants put out. I love my raspberries and have missed them the last couple of years.

While I need to pull weeds in the natural, there are some things that probably need attention in my spiritual life, too. Have you ever spent more time thinking than praying during your quiet time? Have you ever been worried about a conversation that needed to take place and practiced it instead of praying about it? Have you ever sat down to read some scripture and you read it but your mind was far away thinking about something else? Have you ever missed quiet time with God?

            I went for a walk the other day and I was part way through my walk before I realized He was walking with me. I have been so distracted by all that has been going on in my life that I haven’t noticed that He’s been with me. One thing I have noticed is that my heart and mind have been encased with His peace. For that I must thank all those who have been keeping me and my family in your prayers, because it is unusual for me to be walking in this kind of peace.

            I look around my spiritual garden and see it needs attention. I feel this abundant grace that God understands and He is filled with compassion and love. He has sent friends who will share their stories and listen patiently to mine. Friends have stood with me and held me up. Spiritually I feel that I have been granted a breath of fresh air. A moment to rest. A moment to catch my breath. A moment to realize that life has changed and it will be okay. A moment to receive from others when I would much prefer to be the giver. A moment to see a new and different future. A moment to see God in a new way and know we are going on a new journey.

            If you feel life has been moving too fast or you have been overwhelmed by some circumstances, then I want to encourage you to stop and take a deep breath. Pull out of the fast lane and breath. Sometimes we need perspective and to know that God is not in a hurry. He is there and been there all the time. He is waiting for you to take your eyes off the craziness of your life and to put them on Him. He knows the way. He is the peace you need. He provides the joy that will ease your tension. It requires you to slow down, breath, and turn your eyes upon Him. It’s like…a breath of fresh air. 

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

By Doug Creamer

Sometimes it’s too Much       

            What did you do last weekend? I went to two funerals. The first was for my brother’s mother-in-law. The second was for my Dad. It was a tough and long weekend. I am glad they are behind me, but there are still feelings that I need to process. There is my own pain and loss, and then I think about my brother’s family, who lost two parents in a matter of days. About a month ago, my sister lost her father-in-law, so her family has also had to deal with two losses very close together. To say that we are tired and weary is an understatement.

            My brother hosts most of the holiday gatherings at his house. The main ones are Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve. Every one of those gatherings included my brother’s mother-in-law. She had a laugh and a hug for everyone. She wanted to make sure that everyone was included in family gatherings.

            Her memorial service on Saturday was a great reflection on her family life. Several family members shared great stories. I really enjoyed the music. We sang a hymn I have never heard, I Danced in the Morning. It’s a great old hymn. They ended the service by singing Silent Night while we all held candles. It was beautiful.

            My Dad’s memorial service was on Sunday. I thought we would have a small service with mainly family members. I walked into a full room. There were people there from his church, community, bridge club, and his golfing buddies. I was impressed by the big turnout. Everyone was kind and supportive.

            I spoke about how one life can have a huge impact. My Dad had been to 15 different countries in his lifetime. His children and grandchildren have lived in 18 states and the territory of Puerto Rico. There were over 26 different careers represented between the children, grandchildren, and their spouses. That created quite an impact on our world. I ended my portion of the memorial sharing the fact that his children and grandchildren have been on mission trips or supported missionaries in 14 different countries. That means his legacy includes missionary work on 6 of the 7 continents.

            One other interesting thing my brother thought of for our dad’s service was an opportunity for people to share why they came to his service. We gathered and read what people wrote after the service. Some people wrote funny things, others were heartfelt, and still others were words of comfort and support. It was very comforting to our family.

            It was a long weekend for our family. I really feel for my brother and his wife who were dealing with two losses. The stress level has been high for about a month now for all of us. I hope things will gradually quiet down into a normal routine soon.

            I have heard the old expression that God never gives us more than we can handle. A friend said that they heard it differently. They heard that God WILL give us more than we can handle so we will turn to Him for the help and guidance we need. I am not sure I like that, but I have found myself turning to Him often over this last month. There have been a number of sleepless nights over the past month. My body is exhausted but my mind is racing.

            I have been pressing in to get closer to God because I am desperate to know Him in the middle of this difficult time. I talk to Him while I am lying awake in bed. I am thinking about and meditating on His Word and His promises to me. I am worshipping Him in the midst of the questions and struggles. He has been drawing close to me. He has given me His peace and comfort. He is my ever present help. He is my peace. He is my joy. He loves me.

            If you feel like you are struggling with “too much” right now, then I want to encourage you to draw closer to God. Push yourself closer. Seek Him in His Word and in your prayers. Worship Him because of who He is in spite of your circumstances. Trust Him even through you don’t know the way He is leading you. Open your heart to Him. Expose the pain and hurt and allow Him to lift you up and bring healing and peace. I do know it is a process and I believe He will help you and me through it. I bid you His peace, grace, and love.

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

By Doug Creamer

Memories

            Many years ago when I was a young teenager, my sister worked as a lifeguard for the National Park Service near Nags Head. I think she did it for a couple of summers. My family would rent a cottage in Nags Head for a week and we would spend time on the beach with my sister as our lifeguard. It was a great week and we had some great family time together.

            My sister was living in a trailer provided for the workers in the National Park Service. One time she invited me to come down and stay with her while her roommate was away. I couldn’t believe my luck. My sister made it a very special time together. I was staying at the beach, who could ask for anything more?

            One night my sister said we were going to get up in the middle of the night and go outside to watch a meteor shower. I thought she was crazy. But she woke me up and we went out and lay on the picnic table and watched the sky. The first thing that caught my attention was how many stars were visible. I don’t remember ever having seen that many stars before. We could also see the Milky Way, which was incredible.

            We talked, watched the sky, and saw many meteors that night. There was one I will never forget, right over our heads. It was a brilliant, bright meteor. We looked up about thirty seconds later and could still see the smoke floating in the sky. We have talked about that night watching the meteors many times over the years.

            There are several times a year that we will get meteor showers. I will almost always go out and see how many shooting stars I can see. I have seen some great shows over the years, but nothing compares to that night with my sister.

            I went out several evenings over the past week to watch for a meteor shower. It’s quiet in my neighborhood late at night. The peacefulness snuggled into my soul. I watched the night sky hoping to catch a glimpse of a shooting star, and I wasn’t disappointed.

            What I found on my trips outside was not the excitement of catching a shooting star but the satisfaction of finding a few quiet moments. I made myself slow down and take some deep breaths. It’s been a bit crazy lately trying to do life, deal with a few minor health issues, and trying to navigate my emotions over the loss of my father. In the stillness I sighed a few quiet prayers and talked with my Heavenly Father.

            It’s hard to find peace in some moments of life. Revisiting great memories with my sister helped. There have been times of insomnia in recent weeks and I find myself revisiting other memories with my family. Some of the stories I wrote about in last week’s column, others are more for our family. I have tried to remember good times spent together and moments of laughter and cheer. The memories bring a sense of comfort, familiarity, and peace…like a warm blanket on a cold winter’s night.

            Some friends have reached out and offered comfort and words of encouragement, which have been much appreciated. Some have shared their path through this process. While it is comforting and helpful to hear the stories, I am learning a new lesson. I think that this path is one that I must create on my own. I must sort through the memories and learn to cherish the good ones and forgive for those that aren’t so good. I have to learn to let go of the pain and find the peace and comfort that only my Heavenly Father can bring. These are not easy lessons and I am figuring out that this process is going to take some time.

            I want to encourage you if you find yourself on a similar path as me to open the boxes of memories, sort them, discard those that are filled with pain, and cherish the ones that bring joy. It’s good to review the good ones, like watching reruns of your favorite TV shows. Give the bad ones to Jesus and ask Him for peace in return. Allow the Holy Spirit to do His job as the comforter. Spend some time with your Father talking things through and allow Him to lead you down the path. Trust Him because He knows the way. He is the Way, the Truth, and He offers you the Life filled with His presence and peace.

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

By Doug Creamer

Dad Creamer

            The last two weeks have been quite long. Two weeks ago on a Monday evening my brother called to tell me that my Dad had had two strokes and things were not looking good. The hospital spent several days running extensive tests on him, which provided evidence that he was not going to recover. It was decided mid-week to move him to hospice care, and he passed on last Monday.

            My dad was always very athletic. He played baseball and basketball when he was in high school. He played tennis, racquetball, and golf in his adult life. He enjoyed running, walking, and riding his bike. He also enjoyed watching sports on TV. He was an avid Red Sox fan. My brother and I took him to Atlanta to see the Red Sox play the Braves, a memory I will treasure.  By far, my Dad’s favorite sport to watch was golf.

            When I was a kid we had a professional golf tournament come to the course that was in our backyard. Dad was a Marshall and my brother and I set up a soda stand. One exciting moment from the tournament came when one of the golfers hit his ball along the edge of the woods and my black cat ran out and lay on his ball. We panicked, but the golfer was good natured and picked up our cat and petted it.

            My favorite memory of golf is when the country club was having a father/son tournament. Dad had to play twice. He and my brother were in the running to win a trophy but they came up a little short. My Dad and I were surprised when we won a second place trophy. I remind my brother about it as often as possible.

            One of my Dad’s favorite golfing memories came when I was a kid. We would often go out after dinner and look for golf balls. Then we would chip and putt around the greens. One evening a neighbor was walking with us and I wanted to show them how good I could hit the ball. They were engrossed in a conversation and not paying attention. I finally got their attention and gave it my biggest swing. I twirled around twice and fell on my bottom. The two of them laughed so hard, but they did try to comfort me. I can now look back and laugh.

            Professionally, my Dad climbed the corporate ladder. I used to tease him that he would mail new resumes out on the first day of his new job. At one point he was a vice-president of a car company, at another point he franchised a pizza chain – Milton’s Pizza. No pizza could compare. My Dad worked into his 80’s, even being an Uber driver. He was a man of integrity on his job and I admired him for it.

            If you ever met my Dad you know he liked to talk about politics. He liked to find out where you stood on an issue and he would always take the opposing view. I asked him once why he would argue with someone who held his point of view. He said that he would attack the weaknesses in what he believed and see how the person defended their position. He said he could learn a lot on how to build a stronger position.

            My Dad always liked to meet new people from different places. He treated everyone with dignity and respect. He enjoyed learning about them and their culture. He taught me that everyone should be treated equally. It didn’t matter what gender, race, national origin, religion, or any other difference there might be between us, we should treat people with kindness and listen to what they think. My Dad hired Iranian college students in the early 80’s when no one else would give them a chance. He invited people of different ethnic backgrounds into our home at a time when society was more segregated. I learned a lot about how to treat people fairly from my Dad.  

            My Dad really enjoyed the lessons of a university professor who taught Sunday school classes for a few churches in Greensboro. He would find out where she was teaching and show up for Sunday school. She said he would ask questions in class and often emailed additional questions to her through the week. She told me that she will miss him walking her to her car after class. She will be speaking at his Memorial Service. My Dad’s curiosity, questioning, and debating invaded all areas of his life. I hope I will carry on his curiosity for life, his kindness and respect for others, and his work ethic in all that I do. He will be missed.

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

By Doug Creamer

Back to School

            It is time for students to head back to school. I remember as a kid that the first day of school was the day after Labor Day and the Jerry Lewis Telethon. Sadly, Jerry Lewis has passed away. Many of today’s youth have no idea of what a wonderful thing he did each year for Muscular Dystrophy. When I was growing up, we used to watch parts of his marathon show every year, mainly to see all the stars who would stop by and offer their support.

            The next day was always the first day of school. Did your Mom make you take first day of school pictures? We always got some new clothes for the first day of school. We would stand on our front steps and hope our mother would include our heads in the picture. Most years we had good first day of school pictures.

            Then it was off to the bus stop, where eight to ten kids gathered. Buses did not stop at every kid’s house. We had to walk to specific places and wait. On rainy days, the mother closest to the stop would open her garage door and we waited there for the bus. On cold winter days, we just stood out there and froze. Things have really changed.  

            Today, many parents or grandparents drop off and pick up their children from school. Naturally, many of the high school students drive themselves to school. I remember driving to school. There was a church in front of our school that allowed students to get parking permits. I always chose to park my car down there. It was just about a block walk and much better for getting in and out of school.

            Regardless of how kids arrive, it is time to crank back up and begin the process of educating students once again. At the community college, we work year around. We have a nice break around the 4^th of July and a great break at Christmas. I can relate to back to school a little as we just got a new batch of students a couple of weeks ago. When we start over with a new group there is lots of planning that goes into preparing for the new group of students. For 34 years I worked hard to make my classroom inviting and welcoming to students.

            The real power to affect and change a student’s destiny doesn’t come through inspiring speakers, quotes, Power Points, or all the good planning that teachers will do. The real power comes through prayer. I have always prayed for schools, teachers, staff, and administrators. I want to encourage you to join me in praying for our school systems, including colleges. Your prayers can and will make the difference in whether the schools in your area will have a successful school year or one where teachers fail to reach students and change lives.

            I believe in education. I believe teachers can help students understand the past so we won’t repeat the same mistakes again. I believe teachers can help students realize that math is vital to surviving in our society. I believe teachers can inspire minds to imagine where technology can take us. I believe teachers can help students discover the exciting world of science and how good health is within their reach. I believe teachers can help students discover outstanding writers who will take students on wild adventures. Every occupation in the world requires teachers to lead the way.

            So I petition and ask you once again for your prayers. Your prayers can help students focus on learning. Your prayers can help to keep our schools safe. Your prayers can open students’ eyes to possibilities they never imagined. Your prayers and encouragement will keep students in school and engaged in the learning process. Your prayers will strengthen teachers as we endeavor to impart our knowledge. Your prayers make a difference.

            I want to encourage you to pray for everyone in your educational system. Pray for the bus drivers and cafeteria workers all the way up to the superintendent. Pray for your kids, the neighborhood kids, your grandkids, for all the students who will be returning to schools…including private and home-schoolers. Teachers need your prayers if we hope to have a positive influence on the students who will fill our classrooms. I love being a teacher and the opportunity it gives me to influence lives. Let’s all hope and pray it will be a great year!

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

Personal note: My Dad passed away and I wanted to share his obit with you….

Dennis Joseph Creamer

November 22, 1932 to August 5, 2025

Dennis was a man with a slow smile who liked to debate the tough questions in life.  He found many amazing people that would tolerate his persistence.

Dennis was an Army veteran that served in Korea.  He was deeply moved by the respect that he was shown as a veteran  when he took the Triad Honor Flight to Washington DC.

Having worked ever since he was a young boy delivering papers to the neighbors in Scranton, working his way up in the auto industry, and going into business for himself; Dennis was not prepared to give up meaningful employment when he retired from Nypro Carolina and just play golf. He enjoyed a variety of second careers that allowed time for golf and travel; bus driver and then Head of Transportation at Greensboro Day, Uber Driver and Valet car parker at the airport. He enjoyed traveling and experiencing new places.  Morocco, Moscow and Leningrad Russia (in the winter), Mexico, Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, New England and a Holiday Tours Bus trip all the way to Deadwood, South Dakota and back. His favorite trip was to Boston where he saw his beloved Red Sox play two games in Fenway Park. He also enjoyed cruising and people-watching on the ships. One of the special cruises was around Cape Horn from Chile to Argentina and another included Canada, Labrador, Greenland, Iceland and Norway. He also cruised the Mediterranean and the Caribbean Seas and traversed the Panama Canal. During one trip he and Linda snuck on the famed Pebble Beach golf course.  When he wasn’t working or traveling, you could find him playing Senior golf at Iron Play and kibbitzing with his buddies.  He managed to hit a hole in one at the age of 90. Retirement turned out to be enjoyable.

Dennis is survived by his beautiful partner Linda Branch, children Denise (Tucker) Ritner, Dennis (Beth) Creamer, Doug (Marissa) Creamer, and Deborah (Jon) Hall, 13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday August 24 at 1:00 pm at Hanes Lineberry 515 N Elm Street, Greensboro, NC.  If you plan to attend the service, come prepared to explain why.

In lieu of flowers or gifts please consider a donation to Triad Honor Flight https://www.triadhonorflight.org/donate/

By Doug Creamer

A Second Harvest

            How are you holding up with all this heat? Maybe by the time you read my column the heat wave will have broken. It’s so hot! Where I live, we have had very little rain to help trees, plants, and gardens. I have been watering regularly trying to keep everything alive. It’s been an uphill battle.

            I looked out the window at the vegetable garden and realized that I had an empty bed. I had harvested my potatoes – a good crop this year – and that space was available to plant. I didn’t want to go out and do it in the heat. BUT I do want a fall harvest. The only way to get a fall harvest is to plant things now. I made myself go out and get the bed ready for planting one evening and then went out another evening and planted some seeds.

            Another area of the garden will finish up in a couple of weeks and I am planning what I will put in that spot, too. Most people work to get their first tomatoes in by the 4^th of July, but I was running late with my garden this year. I am hoping for my first tomato soon. I have eaten a few cherry tomatoes, but I can’t wait for a real one. I have enjoyed some tomatoes from a local farmer, but there is nothing like growing your own.

            We’ve had some successes and struggles with the garden this year. I am hoping for a second harvest. It is hard to imagine that the first frost will arrive in about 12 weeks, especially when we will probably hit 100 today. Picking the right vegetables and getting them started soon is critical if I want to get more from my garden.

            Last year we had a big harvest of green beans and butter beans in the fall. This year I haven’t had a green bean yet. Last year I got some late cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash. I am going to keep trying, keep pushing my luck against Mother Nature. It seems our first frost has been running later and later the last few years, so I am hopeful that I will get a harvest this year, too. I remember having to take some sheets out to cover things last year to protect my vegetables from frost.

            A second harvest requires hot, sweaty work. I have been sharing my harvest with the critters, but I believe I have gotten a bigger portion this year. In order to continue our harvest into the fall, I have to get out there in the heat and do the necessary work of cleaning out the weeds, preparing the seed bed, and planting the seeds.

            If we want to see the harvest of souls, it is going to require the same type of effort. Think of the world or those who have no relationship with God as an untamed garden bed. Someone has to clear out the weeds. Many people live in the world and pay no attention to spiritual matters. Their guide is worldly standards. Their measure of success comes from the value of the bank account. They look to social media for approval. These weeds need to be cleared away. We have to help them see their need for God and biblical standards.

            We help to prepare their hearts by expressing God’s love for them. We help them see that God has a purpose and a plan for their lives. We also help them see the error of their ways. But more than our words, we live our lives in front of them as an example. We show them by our choices, faith, and hope that there is a better way to live their lives. Once their hearts are ready, we can share the love of Jesus with them.

            Do you have family, friends, and neighbors who are lost and in need of a savior? I want to encourage you to ask God to help you be a weed puller, soil prepper, seed planter, the one who waters, or the one who harvests the lost soul. He will show you how. He can and will use you to share your faith in Christ with them. We never know how much time we have here on earth, but when that time is up we will have to stand before God. Make yourself available to share the Good News. The goal is make a way for them to hear what we all want to hear, “Well done my good and faithful servant. Enter your master’s rest.” Pray and do what he tells you.

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

By Doug Creamer

A New Beginning

            We are quickly approaching the time when students will be returning to the classroom. It is hard to imagine that summer vacation is coming to a close. Please pray for teachers and all the staff that work at the schools. They care for and nurture our children. Ask God to work through them as they raise up the next generation.

            A new school year means it is a new beginning. Last year’s successes and failures are gone and students begin with a clean slate. Teachers have had time to rest and recuperate and the challenge of a new year with a new group of students is set before them. Pray that our schools will be safe for the children and that they will have the equipment and supplies they need to grow and expand their minds.

            Today was my first day with new students at the community college. It is always exciting to meet my new students and begin to help them discover their potential. We had a good first day meeting each other and starting to get their minds working and thinking. Hope and optimism are at their brightest as we begin our new journey together. I can’t wait to see what my new students will accomplish and help them take steps to success.

            The reality is that new beginnings require work for both the students and the teachers. There is lots of planning that goes into student success. It doesn’t just happen. Creating the right environment and encouraging the right attitudes are big contributors to success. But all the planning and enthusiasm on the teachers’ side is not enough for success. Students need to bring the right attitude and effort to the table. They also need a good support system at home to help them take the necessary steps.   

            The same thing is required to help a believer begin their walk with Christ. They need help. Someone has to teach them and help them develop the spiritual disciplines that are needed to grow and mature in Christ. Some may say that those are the pastor’s responsibilities. That’s not entirely true. It takes all of us working together to help new believers begin their journey. Those of us who have been around for a while are called to encourage and support the new believers.

            Some people think that discipleship and training falls to the Sunday school teachers. While Sunday school classes can help with the basics of our faith, they can’t keep going over the basics every time a new believer comes along. Mature believers need to be encouraged and challenged in Sunday school classes, too.

            The problem with faith is that it is not a once and done thing. Faith is constantly evolving as we grow and mature in the Lord. In the beginning, new believers need spiritual milk. As we grow we need to move on to solid foods that help us grow and develop deep roots that will help us through the dry and challenging times.

            There is no retirement plans in the Kingdom of God. We are all expected to keep working at both growing and helping the younger ones in the faith. Older believers can bring wisdom and guidance to younger believers. This happens in many ways beyond Sunday school and church.  We need to be ready in season and out of season to help younger believers grow and develop their faith.  

            We are constantly encouraged in the Bible to pass on our faith. One of the effective ways of doing that is through building relationships, which takes time. We can do that through sharing meals, working on projects, or participating in small groups. Developing connections with other believers builds a deeper commitment to each other, the church, and the Lord. These opportunities open doors for us to speak into each other’s lives. 

            We all find ourselves in different places in our spiritual journeys. Sometimes we need to be encouraged and challenged, and other times we need to be the encourager and challenger. I want to encourage you to be in relationship with other believers, especially those who are new to the faith. If you are new to the faith, find some older believers that you can connect with and receive from to help you along on your new spiritual journey. If you are an older and experienced believer I encourage you to share your stories, your testimonies, with younger believers so they can develop strong roots that will help them through the storms of life. When you think about it, we are all in school, learning spiritual lessons that will help us grow and mature in Christ.

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

By Doug Creamer

            I looked out the window one morning thinking a squirrel was under the bird feeders. I pulled the curtain back for a closer look and discovered that it was not a squirrel but a raccoon. He was chowing down on the seeds that were on the ground but he had obviously been in the feeders, too. Both feeders were empty and I had recently filled them. I took a few pictures as proof of our morning visitor.

            My wife reminded me that we had raccoon problems many years ago. She described how the raccoons had learned to open a feeder with a pretty tough latch to get to the food. I didn’t remember the intruder from years ago. But the longer I thought about it, I do remember that we took that feeder down to get one that was more secure. It took a little more effort to jog the memory. There are many things that are tucked away up there.

            My parents both have good memories and can remember things from many years ago, but they will also tell you that some of the details are getting a little fuzzy. What they both have told me is that new memories are really difficult to remember. They can forget what they ate for dinner a few nights ago or if they have taken their medicine. It’s tough when their memory slips, but most of the time with a little prompt the memory will return.

            My wife and I have taken to writing notes for ourselves and each other. Honey do lists are helpful so I won’t forget what needs to get done. Keeping appointments and meetings written on calendars helps to keep us both straight. The side of my computer is covered in Post It notes to help me remember important things.

            I started to wonder how easy it might be to lose stories that are a part of our testimony. I believe there are certain encounters and experiences with God that will never fade away, but I wonder if others have slipped away unnoticed. What might seem significant in the moment could escape into the darkness of forgotten events.

            How do we keep from losing something significant in our lives? I think it is important that we share our stories. “I remember when God did this in my life.” “I remember a time when it looked like all was lost and then God came through for me.” God gives us these experiences not just to help us in the moment but to create in us a testimony to His goodness. It’s those testimonies that when shared with others can build faith that God will come through for us. It can also ignite a new faith and bring people into a relationship with God.

            When we are going through a tough time, it is important for us to review how God has come through for us in the past. By reminding ourselves we end up building our own faith. It reminds us that we can trust God in the hard times. It is easy to have faith in God when everything is going well; it is during the hard times that we need reminding.

             Most of us who attend church have taken communion. We eat the bread and drink the wine. Jesus told us to do it in remembrance of Him. We need to remind ourselves of the high price Jesus paid for us. He gave His life so we can have a relationship with God, our good, good Father. Jesus’ blood removes the stain of sin in our lives. God promises to forget ALL our sins. His body was whipped so our bodies can be made new. He paid for our healing. We must never forget what it cost Jesus and the Father for our salvation, forgiveness, healing, and deliverance.

            It is easy to forget things, especially as we grow older. I want to encourage you to remember all the ways God has blessed you. Think about the many times you felt Him close when you desperately needed Him. Remember the way the scriptures have come alive at critical moments and guided you through circumstances. Remember the price Jesus paid for YOU! God the Father and Jesus love you far more than you will ever believe. They want a relationship with you. It’s ALL up to you. You have to open your heart to them. It’s not too late! Today is the day of salvation. You will never forget the day you let them into your heart.

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