God is Creative

by   January 23, 2021 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            I admit that I am obsessed with weather. It might be more than a hobby for me. I look at the models daily to watch upcoming storms. I am always amazed at how radically a model can change from one run to another. One run can show a snowstorm, the next there won’t be a storm, and then there’s a rainstorm. It reminds me how difficult it must be to forecast weather.

            What is interesting to realize is that a weather model only shows what happened in similar circumstances in the past. No two weather events are exactly the same. You may get a nice rain shower this time, but last time you had flooding rain. Last time you got snow, this time you get sleet and freezing rain. Each weather event is unique.

            I was pondering this as I looked at the weather models this morning. In predicting the weather for the future, we examine what happened in the past to develop our expectations for the future. Sometimes our predictions are correct, and sometimes they are wrong. This can happen in any area of life. If you are scheduled to play an undefeated athletic team the obvious prediction would be that you will lose. The reality is that undefeated team will at some point be defeated. Who’s to say whether or not you might be the victor?

            I think the same thing can be applied to our spiritual walk. Just because God acted a certain way in the past does not mean that He will act exactly the same in this situation. Some people may argue that the Bible teaches us that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The Bible is true. God’s character is the same, but He will approach situations and people in unique ways to accomplish His purpose.

            Think about children and discipline. Some children only require a look or simply one word, and they will get back in line. Other children can be told not to do something and they just keep on doing it, even if they get punished. Parents in those cases have to learn how to adapt their discipline to get their children to comply. It can also depend on whether this is the first time you are being told, or the fifth. I know that most principals that I worked for treated the first offence much differently than the fifth.

            So why would we think that God can only work in the exact same way He acted before? Sometimes God wants to test our obedience. This time put the singers and musicians in the front if you want to win the battle. Another time, you engage the warriors from the city and then start to run. When they follow you out of the city another group of men ambush the city from behind, and the victory will be yours. Another plan might be for a shepherd boy with faith and a few small stones who will defeat a giant.

            Jesus demonstrated the same thing in His ministry. For one man He simply spoke and the blind man received his sight. For another, Jesus spat and made mud and spread it on the man’s eyes. He then had to go to a specific place to wash. Jesus did different things with different people. My point being that He didn’t do it the same every time.

            We have to understand that we serve a very creative God. He wants our love and obedience. He will go to great measures and approach us in many different ways to get our attention. I try to listen and obey, but sometimes I fail. Thankfully, I haven’t needed a donkey to speak to me and tell me I was going in the wrong direction. When we put limits on how we think God is going to act then we might miss what He is doing.

            I am expecting God to do great things this year. After last year, I imagine we all want to see Him do wonderful things. That means that I have to be open, available, and obedient if I hope to see God’s marvelous and powerful hand at work in and through my life.

            I want to encourage you to raise your expectations that God is going to do something wonderful in your life. Next, I encourage you to take your limits off God. Be willing to see Him move in ways you never expected. He is creative and He deals with each person as an individual. God is good, and we can expect good things from Him. Let’s allow our creative God to move in His own unique ways.  

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

Not Too Far From Anywhere

by   January 19, 2021 with No Comments

Lynna Clark

My beautiful puzzle came from the Our State store. Five hundred and fifty pieces of pure bliss awaited my attention. According to the front of the box, each area of the Old North State is represented. I could hardly wait to get started. Besides, the internet and cable were down; rain pounded the metal awning, and two of my eight year old grandchildren had just arrived. All things indicated a great day to stay inside and assemble a masterpiece.

Marie emptied all the pieces carefully onto the dining table. Wow. Five hundred and fifty pieces make a pretty large pile! Jesse propped the box up for easy reference. Their mom asked where they’d like to live on the map. Since their family had recently visited Cape Lookout, Marie pointed to the horses. “I want to live there with the wild ponies!” That was no surprise as the child loves animals so much that we’ve dubbed her Ellie Mae. Jesse however pointed to the mountains. Apparently bears in the wild are quite inviting to a boy who loves the outdoors. Their family hikes the mountain trails often especially if it means wading through an ice cold stream on a warm day.

“Where would you like to live Grammy?” They peered at me with wonder as if saying it out loud would make it happen. I pointed to the Cheerwine bottle right smack dab in the middle. “I want to live right here, in Salisbury.”

“But you already live in Salisbury!” They reminded me as though I’d forgotten.

“Yep. And there is no place I’d rather be. But I can always visit if you decide to live near the beach or in the mountains. That’s another good thing about living in Salisbury. It’s not too far from anywhere.”

They nodded as they considered their life choices then began sorting the puzzle pieces by color. It’s been years since I worked a big puzzle. Suddenly I felt a bit overwhelmed. When I was a kid the sensible thing to do was to gather all the straight sides, form the outer frame, then fill in from there. The kids however chose their favorite pictures on the map and began finding the pieces they needed. My phone buzzed and I’m glad I checked. The cable guy was on his way. Of course I needed to change into my “greet the cable dude” clothes since my everyday attire has devolved into whatever I happen to have slept in. The backdoor opened and thankfully it was the grandkids’ mother returning from her errand. Like a quick change artist I jumped into my clothes in time to greet the cable guy. Next came David home from work to instruct the repairman. The kids never looked up. I sat down again trying to gather my thoughts. A small pile of green straight edges greeted me. Surely I could make the bottom border. Glancing at the progress of the kids I found that Jesse had completed not only the bear but also Chimney Rock, the waterfall, the Christmas tree lot and a jug of moonshine. “Save all the red for me. I’m putting together the cardinal,” he instructed. Marie had the wild horses and several light houses finished. Quickly she worked her way down the coast. She gazed at me with sympathy. “Here Grammy. Try these pieces.” Sweetly she handed me two pieces that seemed to have no rhyme or reason. I couldn’t get them to fit.

“Switch them around like this.” Her tiny fingers showed me how. Eventually I got it to work. She held her hand up for a high five. “You did it! Now here are two more. You can do it Grammy.” Her sweet encouragement made me laugh. Apparently the brain fog from chemo a few years back is still in effect. At least that’s the story I’m sticking with. Absentmindedly I attached my little section to Jesse’s part where he’d not only finished the cardinal but had started the state flower. “Yay Grammy! Good job!” He too high-fived me before resuming his search for dogwood leaves.

Eventually the cable was repaired, the internet was restored and the rain stopped. But no one seemed to notice. We were too busy finishing the Moravian star and the Cheerwine bottle.

Home sweet Salisbury! Don’t I love it?! It’s really not too far from anywhere!

Ainsley’s Angels

by   January 18, 2021 with No Comments

By David Freeze

A few years back, I heard from a former running client about her involvement with Ainsley’s Angels. Allison Tuck’s son is handicapped and couldn’t run but he loved the environment around race day. Allison wanted to know if we would allow wheelchairs, specifically a special kind of racing chair, in the event.

We liked the idea so much that the one chair grew to as many as six in our races and even more in some others the Angels have attended locally.

Ainsley’s Angels of America was founded by retired U.S. Marine Major Kim “Rooster” Rossiter, Ainsley’s dad. He noticed that when she went for her first jog during a local road race in 2008, she gave a radiant wind-induced smile that anyone would envy. In an instant, running provided the family with a therapeutic means to fight the devastation associated with learning and trying to live with the fact that sweet Ainsley had a terminal illness that would eventually take her to heaven in February 2016. Today, her incredible legacy lives on, and Ainsley’s Angels of America has grown to over 70 cities and 33 states.

Local Ambassador Lauren Bruce said, “In the Triad, we roll with nearly 50 Angel riders, 22 racing chairs and 70 Angel runners of all ages, paces, and backgrounds now celebrating three years of inclusion, education and advocacy. We aim to ensure everyone can experience endurance events and build awareness about America’s special needs community through inclusion in all aspects of life. Our Angel riders are our purpose and inspiration, and I like to say that we take riders from the sidelines to across finish lines. On race day, we fit each rider for a specialized racing chair and pair them with runners who volunteer to lend their legs so they may roll with the wind. Our runners and riders meet as strangers but leave as family.”

Lauren has recently assumed Ambassador responsibility for the Triad Angels, which includes the Rowan County area. She said, “I have always been an avid runner, and I first saw Ainsley’s Angels at a race in Jacksonville, N.C., about five years ago. I was instantly intrigued. When I moved to the area, I heard that the Triad was just getting started, so I immediately signed on to help however I could. Since my very first race, I have had the honor of being pulled by our Angel riders in multiple distances from 5K to marathon, and even in the 2019 Marine Corps Marathon as an official charity partner with Ainsley’s Angels. I stepped into the role of local ambassador in 2020 and am absolutely thrilled and excited to continue building our community and sharing the pure mission of Ainsley’s Angels. You don’t have to be an elite runner to join our family, or even a runner at all. We welcome all gifts and talents from race day logistics and setup to community outreach and more.”

Four Angel teams, always named for the rider, will compete today. Team Logan is a father and son duo, hailing from the Catawba Valley with multiple Boston Marathon qualifications and hopefully a 26.2-mile journey there in 2022. Team Ethan recently completed a marathon in honor of his fellow Special Olympics North Carolina athletes. You know he is enjoying the race when he is relaxed enough to comfortably sleep in his chair, “Blaze.” Team Gabe is a first-time team, and we cannot wait to see them roll with the wind. Team Matthew will be one of our fastest teams on the course, so keep an eye out for them.

For 2021, Lauren’s goals are to keep rolling safely and continue growing the Angel family with new riders, runners and guardian angels. She said, “We cannot wait for the safe return of more races and events. We hope to see you roll with us. Visit ainsleysangels.org or email nctriad@ainsleysangels.org to join our family.”

About 300 runners of all ages and abilities will also compete this afternoon, benefitting Rowan Helping Ministries, in the 38th Annual New Sarum Brewing Winter Flight 8K/5K and Fun Run at the Millbridge Ruritan Building at 690 Sloan Road, Mt. Ulla. Race day registration is available from noon to 1:45 p.m.

For more information on today’s race and others upcoming, go to www.salisburyrowanrunners.org .

Be Easy

by   January 18, 2021 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

She did not crawl. She did not hold on to furniture as she tried to learn to walk.

She went straight to running — at eight months and two days old.

Then she climbed. On everything.

Sliding down banisters must have been easier for her than taking the stairs.

If there was a fence or a wall that could be walked on, it was.

Her dad and I often followed behind her in our “hunched over parent” position, prepared to catch her as she fell while calling out to her, “Be easy.”

As she got a little older, she channeled some of that energy into gymnastics, resulting in a trip to the state competition, where we continued whispering, “Be easy.”

Be easy.

Telling a 12-year-old on a 3.9-inch balance beam doing back handsprings to “be easy” seemed a bit futile, but we stuck with it.

Of all things to come to my mind 25 years later as I was thinking about the our world today, right? But I somehow think we all can relate to feeling like we are on a 3.9-inch wide balance beam at times.

Many are in emotional distress.

Many are struggling financially.

Many are anxious or sad.

Many have personal struggles.

Many are sick or grieving.

Times are not easy — but we need to be.

We need to be easy on others — and easy on ourselves.

May we do as Colossians 3:12-14 exhorts us: Clothe ourselves with kindness, compassion, humility, gentleness, and patience. May we bear with each other. May we forgive one another. May we put on love.

May we treat others as we want to be treated. May we be a little softer and a little more tender. May our spirits be stirred up, creating the perfect recipe for being easy.

May everyday life and may everyday people that we may have taken for granted in the past become more precious to us than ever before.

May the times we spend staying apart actually end up bringing us together.

May we learn to be easy. Matthew 11:30 says, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” That is a promise from God. He will give us rest. We need to make sure we get it. May we not focus on the external problems that surround us, but may we focus on the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.

We need to give ourselves a break — because we are not in charge. God is.

We can balance it all! God is with us.

It can be hard being a history maker — but that is what we are.

Future generations will study 2020-2021 in their history lessons.

May they learn how we made it through hard times.

May they learn about our resilience.

May they learn how we showed tender expressions of love to one another.

May they learn how we held on to each other — and to Jesus.

Ann Farabee is a teacher, writer and speaker. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com .

His Ways Are Not Our Ways

by   January 16, 2021 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            Many of my readers know that I am a snow fanatic. It goes beyond snow, because I love all kinds of weather phenomena. I like to track storms and try to figure out what is going to happen. I study the models and try to draw my own conclusions.

            When I was still teaching I would put my storm predictions out there for my students. I would also predict if we would have a delay or if school would be canceled. I had so much fun and my students looked forward to what I would have to say about approaching storms. They would also have lots to say if I missed it. I would take the ribbing well. I remember a colleague wrote a huge note on my board one day after I missed a prediction. I laughed and left it there all day for my students to see.

            I guess I have been fascinated by weather and its unpredictable nature most of my life. My favorite weather memory is when I was in high school. The forecast was for some snow flurries. The flurries started as predicted, but they kept coming, until two days later we had snow drifts taller than houses and buildings. Mother Nature remains unpredictable at times.

            The truth is that God can be unpredictable. He says that His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. Some people falsely believe that God never changes His mind. He told Moses that He was going to destroy the people of Israel, but Moses interceded and God relented. We all know the story of Nineveh. God told Jonah to go and tell them that their city would fall in forty days. The entire city repented before God, and God showed mercy to the people. I thank God that He does change His mind. Hezekiah was told by the prophet to set his house in order because he was about to die. Hezekiah cried out to God, and before the prophet left the castle God sent him back and granted Hezekiah an additional 15 years.

            If it is impossible for God to be influenced or to change His mind, then what is the purpose of prayer? I believe I am a child of God. I also believe that God listens to my prayers. I also expect that God is going to do something about the matters I bring before Him. I understand that the answer is “no” sometimes. I also understand that tragedies still occur. I understand that there is a real devil whose job it is to steal, kill, and destroy.

            My job is to keep my eyes on Jesus. I need to listen and obey His voice. When I hear from heaven, I need to make sure that what I hear lines up with scripture and is filled with the love and mercy of God. If I am still unsure about a word I receive, I can call some good friends and my pastor to make sure what I heard resonates in their spirits.

            What happens when someone you pray for doesn’t get better? What do you do when someone you love gets lost in the world of sex, drugs, and alcohol? How do you react when the candidate you voted for doesn’t win? What is your response when you didn’t get that job you thought God promised you?

            When I face disappointment in my life, I fall on my face before God. I remind myself that He is firmly on His throne. Life isn’t fair, but God promises to make all things work together for my good. I can lean on my friends and trust that He cares more about my situation than I do. It might be time for that person to go to their heavenly home. I have to remember that God still loves and saves prodigal children. I can pray that God will raise up men and women like Daniel & Esther to advise government leaders. Maybe God closed a door because He has a better one. Maybe He wants you to pursue that entrepreneurial dream that He placed in your heart.

            The truth is we don’t understand God’s ways, or why He changes His mind, or why He allowed something to happen. But I want to encourage you to run to God, not away from Him. Turn your worries and pain over to Him. Trust His word, that He is on your side and that He will bring good things into your life. Press on. Hang on. Never give up on God. Keep praying. Believe and trust in God.

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

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