Daffodils

by   March 15, 2026 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

“Daffodowndilly”

By A.A. Milne

She wore her yellow sun-bonnet

She wore her greenest gown;

She turned to the south wind

And curtsied up and down.

She turned to the sunlight

And shook her yellow head,

And whispered to her neighbour:

“Winter is dead.”

Though Wadsworth’s “Daffodil” poem is more well-known, I love the last line of this children’s verse by Milne. Daffodils are among the first buds I notice in my neighborhood, at times pushing up defiantly through small banks of snow. Unlike many other flowers that would perish under such conditions, this hardy yellow maiden perseveres.

It has endured and is ready to make its appearance, signaling hope, joy, and healing—inspiring thoughts after a long, cold winter. What a welcome presence the jonquil is!

Early spring can bring out the best in us as well. Weekly, I take my youngest children to a local park to meet other homeschool families for a time of play. Families we have not seen in weeks (or even months) come out when the weather warms, eager to absorb vitamin D while reconnecting after weeks apart from each other. We re-form our bonds over shared stories and laughter, while recounting stories of surviving less-than-ideal times in recent months. We have lived through rough days, and here we are, ready to start anew, much like this hardy narcissus.

Daffodils offer a paradox of being toxic to animals but potentially medicinal for humans (extracts are used in treatment for Alzheimer’s and certain cancers). It reminds me how God’s Word meets hearts, either hardening the hearts of those already rejecting the message or melting the hearts of those receptive to the healing balm.

Many landscapes incorporate a few bulbs of daffodils, but at times, you can find fields of them that have multiplied over time, even nestled in wooded trails like those in Daffodil Flats (Linville Gorge). I recently saw a clump of them growing under a tree alongside a busy road. They seemed out of place with a large commercial building looming in the background. I wondered if they had been planted by a family in another time. I have learned that they bloom for up to 50 years in a field, and bulbs can survive for over a century! What longevity, what story!

Take some time this season to ponder what lies ahead of you by looking back at what you’ve endured recently, celebrate the healing, hopeful winds of early spring, and wonder at the continued cycle of life, hope, and rebirth.

Ashlie Miller delights her children by placing daffodils in colored water. You may email her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.

Be Still Peace

by   March 14, 2026 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

Be Still Peace

            I headed out for my Sunday afternoon walk. It was the first day of daylight saving time and it was nice to be out in the early evening. It was a cloudy evening and there were actually a few sprinkles at one point in my walk. My legs were complaining about the walk and my mind was in agreement with the weather – mostly cloudy.

            I started looking around at the flowers and blooming trees and enjoying their beauty. I thanked the Lord for family, friends, and for my church. I closed my eyes and allowed the slight breeze to caress my face. Other than a few birds singing, I noticed the peacefulness and quietness in my neighborhood.

            My mind has not been a peaceful place the last few months. I have been consumed by things demanding my attention. In that moment, while I was walking, my mind was peaceful. The breeze blew again and it felt like it cleared the dust and cobwebs out of my mind. There was nothing demanding my attention, just the peacefulness of the day. In the quiet, I sensed His presence.

            I waited on Him. In my spirit I felt a washing of all my worries. There was a deep sense of peace. In the quiet, in the peacefulness, there was a whisper… “I love you.” I let the words wash over me. Again, another whisper, “I am the God who made the sun, moon, and stars and I made you. I love you.” I wanted to keep walking because I felt His presence, acceptance, and His love.

            The walk ended and the evening unfolded like any other Sunday evening. I slipped out to the front porch late before bed. His peace and presence were waiting for me. I prayed and talked with Him about a few things. I really didn’t want to go in but it was time for bed.

            I have recently walked through a very stormy period. The storms raged both spiritually and mentally. I was struggling to find my next step. The more I struggled the stormier it got. My plate was way too full. If I got one thing off my plate, three more were added. Where was His presence? Where was His peace?

            The storm has finally passed. The sun is shining. I dared to ask the Lord, “Where were you when I was going through that storm?” In His grace He showed me a picture of myself drenched in the pouring rain. There He was standing right beside me. I hadn’t seen Him or felt His presence, but He was there none the less. He let me see into my soul as I stood there in the rain. There it was deep in my soul, the faith that I knew He was with me even though I couldn’t sense His presence.

            That was one of the lessons I needed to learn, that He is with me THROUGH the storms. He told me that my faith grows stronger and deeper in the midst of storms. Faith doesn’t grow when we are walking in His perfect peace. Faith grows as we face doubts, challenges, difficulties, worries, anxieties, fears, and the everyday ups and downs of life. Faith grows when we are overwhelmed by life and have to trust in Him to see us THROUGH.

            While we prefer to walk with Him in the sunshine and rainbows, He prefers to see our faith and trust grow THROUGH the storms of life. God has us in our church families so we can be there for each other. He knows we need to lean on each other to get through the many challenges that we will all face. In the midst of those times we can watch our faith and trust in Him grow. He will provide places to rest and be refreshed along the way. Ultimately, He wants us to find His peace and presence as we go THROUGH the storms of life.

            I want to encourage you whether you find yourself in a storm or a place of peace and rest to put your faith and trust in God. Remember when Jesus was with the disciples in the boat when they experienced a violent storm. What happened? He stood up and said, “Peace, Be Still.” The wind and the waves obeyed Him. The important point is that He was with them THROUGH the storm. He will be with you and me as we navigate our way through our storms. He is growing our faith and trust and He will not let us down. He will see us THROUGH!  

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

All Sickness Go

by   March 13, 2026 with No Comments

By Ed Traut

Exodus 23:25  Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you,

  • So easily we take for granted all the blessings and provisions and protection of our Lord.
  • When we worship Him and put Him first in our lives we can look to Him for provision and healing.
  • He will take away sickness – men have medical, but God supersedes all our abilities and does wonders.

Prayer:  Lord I look to You in this time that You will help us and deliver us in this nation from decease and the world from all sickness that You bring health back to this world and show great mercy and grace Lord.  I thank You for it in Jesus name.  Amen.
 

Ed Traut
Prophetic Life

What’s Ahead & Tips

by   March 12, 2026 with No Comments

By David Freeze

What’s Ahead and Some Tips I’ll Share

       Our local beginning runners class kicks off this week on Tuesday, March 10th, at 6pm. We meet at the Salisbury Police Department at Lee and Liberty where participants will enter at the front door.  Eight weeks of class, while learning about all things running, and a run each week together from a half mile the first night to 3.1 miles on graduation evening. There is still time to join us and all you have to do is arrive a little before 6pm at the PD with a bottle of water, your running shoes and a pen. We will run together on Tuesdays, but participants will have their own training plan for the rest of the week. Spring is a great time to go running!

     Cost is $65, which includes the class, a training dri-fit shirt, a free year of Salisbury Rowan Runners membership and one free 5K race once the class is complete. Spring classes are always fun as the daylight gets longer and warmer.

    Rowan’s first race for March is on the 21st. The Wipe Out Colorectal Cancer 5K starts at Overton Elementary at 9am and as runners and walkers finish, the scene shifts to to Rowan Diagnostic Clinic at 611 Mocksville Avenue for the kids’ fun run and the post-race celebration. All overall and age group awards will be presented here.

   Wipe Out Colorectal Cancer Race Director Leesa Reynolds said, “We invite you to participate in our upcoming 5K walk/run dedicated to the prevention of colorectal cancer. This event aims to raise funds to support individuals who may not otherwise have access to lifesaving colonoscopy screenings. Through our partnerships with The Andretti Foundation and The Community Care Clinic, we are able to provide critical financial assistance for patients in need. Over the past year, our efforts have helped several individuals receive essential preventive care and early treatment services. Colorectal cancer remains one of the four most commonly diagnosed cancers. Routine screening colonoscopies are vital for prevention and early detection, significantly improving outcomes. Current medical guidelines recommend beginning screening at age 45 for individuals at average risk. We encourage you to join us in making a meaningful impact in our community. Your participation helps save lives.”

    Next, on Saturday, March 28th, our race will be at Salisbury Community Park. Mt. Hope Church 5K Race Director Belinda Wyatt said, “Why not run our race? It’s a great event; simple but enjoyable. This is our 11th year and we continues to grow each year. Our staff is excellent, not to mention the staff from Salisbury Rowan Runners. Rumor has it that the runners like the course at Salisbury Community Park. We have new medallions and I’m super excited about our shirt this year.  The last few years we have been able to give away small prizes to the runners, and this year is no exception. Our runners are fantastic; I always enjoy seeing those faces that continue to come out and support our cause and the conversations are always enjoyable as well. All proceeds go to church missions.”

    About a month ago, I picked up a pair of the new Brooks Glycerin 23. After all my years of running, even those on much faster legs, I absolutely love these shoes! The cushioning in the forefoot and not too tight toe box makes the difference for me and I think this is the best shoe I remember. My memory of various running shoes goes all the way back to 1979 when I got my very first pair specifically for running. Make sure that the shoe is right for your foot first at Ralph Baker Shoes.

     As we transition into daylight savings time and warmer temperatures, make sure to focus on good hydration. It is the biggest single factor in having a good workout. Simply make sure your pee is clear at the start of your workout and you’ll be a step ahead.

    Look for these and other events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Gotta’ Run: What’s ahead and some tips I’ll share

Roses & Fish Fries

by   March 11, 2026 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

“I like your big panties,” my sweet friend said. Everyone at the table stopped talking. The look on my face said, “Holy cow! Did I forget my britches?”  I stammered out the only reply I could muster. “I thought I had those covered up…” and of course I had to gesture the wide unfurling of a parachute sized pair of underwear.

“Your big PANIES” she clarified. “Did you grow them?”

“Ohhh…. my Pee ON eeze. Yes! They came from my backyard.”

Our British friend at the table spoke. “I think it’s pronounced Peon EEZE.” As he spoke the word flowed beautifully off his lips like honey. What is it about a British accent that immediately garners respect? Maybe that’s why all the movies about Bible stuff have Jesus speaking with a British accent.

I wonder if a portrayal of the Sermon on the Mount would sound as wise if it were written by a Southerner. The young man playing Jesus would speak while sitting on the back of a pickup truck. The hair and beard would be the same, but that accent would NOT work!

“I know it’s hard bein’ poor, bless your hearts. I have been there ‘n done nat. Ya’ll know I’z born in a barn? But doncha worry none. Your daddy in heavin is makin a real nice place for ye.

And a lot of ya’ll are hungry rite now, but someday you’ll be fullerna tick. Some of ya’ll are sheddin’ some tears up in here. But sumday ya’ll gonna be laughin yer heads off.”

The feeding of the five thousand would’ve seemed less of a miracle too. Southerners never forget to bring food, and that’s about the same number that attend homecoming.

Then if Jesus went with His disciples out on the lake, they would’ve been in a real nice bass boat. His question of “Did ye bring any bread?” would’ve been answered with, “Yep! We got biscuits and cornbread and hushpuppies. Take yer pick!”

After they fished all night and didn’t catch anything, Jesus might have advised, “Change up yer jig and throw over in ‘at buncha grass growin’ up air inna cove.”

Peter might’ve shouted, “Oooowee! Look et all ‘em bream, and catfish, and crappie! Man, at the bass! They’re all keepers! We are gonna have us a fish fry to NITE!”

We probably won’t see that version at the box office any time soon, praise God.

As I carried the big bouquet of peonies into the memorial service, I passed a young man who spoke his admiration as well. “Wow! What beautiful roses! Did you grow them yourself?”

I guess a peony by any other name still smells just as sweet.

Adoption!!!

by   March 10, 2026 with No Comments

Can you imagine going to the hospital for an operation that would take about 6 hours and just being dropped off? Now imagine if you were a kid! Steve Hartman tells a great story that starts out just this way… ENJOY!!!

From 60 to Zero

by   March 8, 2026 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

After a cold February, are you counting the days until spring? If you have a student (or teacher!) in your household, they are likely counting down the days until summer. Recently, our family had a countdown for a special trip. It was part of a Christmas gift. 60 days seemed like a big number – a long wait – at the time. Although I could see the passage of time as we ripped off a page each morning, some mornings I was astounded by how quickly it was passing by. Finally, day 0 was on the board.

Time is a funny thing, isn’t it? “The days are long but the years are short,” I’ve been told and have repeated many times as a parent. The crisis that we live through feels like an eternity in the moment, only to be vaguely recalled with the passage of time.

Waiting and time are closely intertwined, and more often than not, waiting has a negative connotation. Rather than hopefully anticipating, we slowly and impatiently wait.

The children of Israel were not good at waiting for anything. For example, when Moses went up to the mountain to talk with God for forty days, the people felt like it had been an eternity. All hope was lost, and impulsiveness and impatience led to the terrible decision to make a golden calf as a stand-in for the God who brought them out of Egypt. God saw it, and He told Moses that they quickly made that decision (meaning, they hadn’t been waiting long, really).

We see impatience in the New Testament, particularly among the friends and disciples of Jesus, who waited for Him to heal, stop storms, raise the dead, and feed people. But Jesus is not one to be hurried into anything. 

We even see it in our own lives. Perhaps we can recall from our past, a year ago, last week, or maybe even today, waiting on God’s provision, answers, counsel, clarity, or action. But rarely are we content to wait in quiet stillness, no answers, trusting for God to meet us there when the time – His time – is right.

I experienced this recently with a routine medical scan. Results came back (why do they send them early to us when we are not the experts?), I did not understand them, but I became anxious about what I read. But God clearly said, “Wait.” My callback appointment was delayed longer than most of us would want, and still, I could hear, “Wait.” What? Can’t I just look up some things online? No, that would definitely make things worse; what could I even do with that information if I could comprehend it? Do I spoil today with worries that can only be met head-on tomorrow? No, that would only ruin today for me and impact those around me who need my attention and care.

How did I hear this counsel? Was it audible? No, not truly; nothing mystical but no less fantastic. Echoes of truth came through daily scheduled reading, as well as personal times in the Psalms. When you read the word “wait” or “hiding place” enough times consecutively, you know that something greater than the universe is talking to you!

So, wait, I did, and the peace washed over in great, comforting waves. Hopefully, I will remember these things the next time (which may be only a week away!).

What about you, who or what are you waiting for? How can you improve your waiting? Can you look back and see where the wait really wasn’t as long or as horrible as you thought? Maybe there is as much to reap in waiting as there is in what you’re waiting for.

Ashlie Miller lives in Concord, NC with her family. She will *wait* for your email at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.

Team Leadership

by   March 7, 2026 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

Team Leadership

            I feel blessed that every year I am able to help supervise the officer election process for NC DECA. The DECA club is an organization for marketing students. Club members participate in fund raising and civic activities on a local level. There are also district, state, and national competitions. The competitive events include tests, role plays of real life scenarios, team events, and written projects. In my career, I was fortunate enough to go to the national conference five times.

            The election of the state officers includes an application, a knowledge test, an interview with a committee, and the election by the voting delegates. I give the test and then work in one of the committee rooms. I have to tell you that these young people make such a huge impression on me, both the candidates and the committee members. These are high school students who are dressing and acting professionally.

            The candidates are asked some tough questions by the committee and deliver great responses. Once the interview is over, I listen as the committee discusses each candidate’s qualifications and how they performed in the interview. You would be impressed if you saw how mature these students are.

            I tell candidates and the committee members why I continue to return each year. They give me hope! They are the future of our country, and if you met these individuals you would have peace about the future. I believe these young people will rise to greatness. They will become our future corporate leaders and entrepreneurs.

            As I listened to the students discussing the candidates this year, I was impressed by how they thought each one would perform as a team member. When I asked the students to explain what they were looking for in a candidate, they pointed out the importance of understanding that it is not about what one individual does but what the team does as a whole. Individual glory can reduce the overall success of the team. It’s amazing to me what wisdom these young people have and what they could teach our politicians.

            When I reflect deeper, I realize it is exactly what Jesus was trying to teach us. God is not looking for spiritual superstars; rather, He wants us to come together as a team. That’s why we are referred to as the “body” of Christ. We have many different moving parts that all come together to accomplish great things for His kingdom. Each person in the church plays an important role to fulfill God’s purposes for that church in that community.

            The people who clean the church are equally as important as the pastor of the church. If the church is dirty and messy, people will not come back. If the pastor fails to do his job, people will not come back. A warm greeting at the door makes my heart more receptive to the prayers of the elders of the church. Having good teachers in both the children’s area and the adult classes will keep people involved in the church. The people who count the money and pay the bills are just as important as the choir who lead us in worship.

            As members of a local church, we need to find our place. You don’t want me singing in the choir or no one will come! I think I can do a better job teaching Sunday school than organizing the cover dish lunch after church. God has a place for you on His team and it is not sitting in the stands. Discover your place and get involved serving others.

            There are two things everyone can do to help their church. We can all pray. Don’t put yourself down or think that your prayers aren’t doing any good. That’s a lie! Your prayers are powerful and effective. They are needed for your church’s success. You can also be a thankful encourager. When you see someone serving in your church, thank them. Offer them words of encouragement. These simple things have more power to boost morale and build unity than any program. We all benefit from encouraging each other.

            I want to encourage you to find your place and become more involved in your local church team. Remember the importance of encouraging other members and thanking them for their service. There is great power in your prayers and they make your church a better place. Serving in some capacity will make your church function better. Warmly welcoming visitors is everyone’s job. We want our churches to be beacons of hope that point people to Jesus. We are all an important part of the team.

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

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