That Time the World Shut Down

by   March 23, 2025 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

Sometimes, the daily memories feature on Facebook catches me off guard. Does that ever happen to you? You post something of great importance, worthy of sharing with the world, or at least your “friends,” and when it pops up later as a memory, you say, “Oh yeah, I forgot all about when my cat did that, or I had that burger at that one place.”

Sunday morning, I was surprised when I noticed my memory feed featured a video I had shared a few years ago. A video of me. I am not an influencer nor share home videos, but something happened five years ago on that day that made me stop. Made me want to share something encouraging and hopeful. By now, if you rewind the tape in your own mind, you are having that “a-ha!” moment of March 16, 2020 – the day the world shut down. I was not fearful, but I knew many families would be distressed over being at home for two weeks (well, that is what they told us, anyway); I longed to encourage them and share helpful tools to thrive while surviving.

You may have that date etched in your mind for all eternity. But, for a moment, it took me a second to reconcile that it has been five full years since that fateful day. 

A lot has happened since half a decade ago in my life, your life, and our world. But we made it. We may have suffered great loss. I would have to sit and think long and hard to find anyone who has not in the last few years. Some have significantly suffered physically, emotionally, and financially, to say the least. But we made it.

When all my children were much younger, I can remember it took a herculean effort to get them all ready and out the door to arrive someplace on time with smiles on our faces. When someone at church would say, “You made it!”, I would often jokingly quote the end of Acts 27:44 – “some swam and the rest on planks or pieces of the ship!” It is not my life verse, but I pulled a lot of life from it. 

This verse comes from a gripping account of Paul surviving one of the few shipwrecks he endured. Paul is on a ship set for Rome along with other prisoners and a centurion. A few chapters before, in Acts 23, God had told Paul that part of his purpose was to spread the gospel to the Jews and then the Gentiles in Rome, specifically. But, the course to that end was not smooth sailing or even to make it to safe harbor. What a sail that was! On this voyage, there was much reason to fear as a south wind violently blew the ship into a raging storm!

But Paul remembered the words of the Lord to him, that he must stand before Caesar. Paul was certain of God’s word, so Paul told the men to “take heart, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. But we must run aground on some island” (verses 25-26). At least he was both certain and honest about the reality of the matter. 

A fortnight after embarking, Paul encouraged the shipmates in peril to take sustenance and give thanks to God. They lightened the ship and braced for the worst. After striking a reef and running aground, and prisoners avoiding being killed by the soldiers (thanks to Paul), they were ordered to jump in and swim or find something to float on. Amazingly, they all arrived safely, even if “the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship” (verse 44).  But they made it. 

As a mom of small children, I have often felt that I have barely made it or made it on “pieces of the ship.” It is not smooth sailing all the time, is it? 

We may feel entitled to complain. We may have endured struggles that have changed us in the last five years – wrecked us, even. But, we are here. We can offer gratitude and worship, complain and feel discontent, or be driven to ask the great question – “Why?”. Where have the last five years left you?

Ashlie Miller and her family live in Concord, NC. You may contact her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.

Walking With Him

by   March 22, 2025 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

Walking with Him

            I stepped out the door for my walk today and was surprised by the nip in the air. I turned around and grabbed a warmer jacket. The cool spring breeze reminded me that winter hasn’t quite lost its grip. Winter can try to hold on, but spring is proudly displaying her colors. Trees and shrubs are blooming, not mention lots of bulbs, pansies, and violas. I try to catch each sign of spring in my neighborhood as I walk.

            About halfway through my walk something drew my eye up. The sight of the incredibly blue sky took my breath away. We don’t get that crystal clear blue sky here that often because of humidity or the clouds. When we get lucky enough to get one of those days in the spring, fall, or after a winter storm has passed I could stand and just get lost in the beauty.

            I had a few days off work and had a list that would take a month to complete. The first day felt overwhelming as I tried to figure out how to get the whole list done. I rushed around the whole day feeling exhausted when I went to bed. The second day I decided I was not going to let my list overwhelm me. I was going to get done what I could and allow myself to be satisfied.

            I made a few more decisions. I was going to get some much needed rest. I had allowed myself to get a little run down and I needed to catch up on sleep. I also wanted to escape into a good book, which I did. I wanted to have lunch with a good friend. Finally, I wanted to do some work in my garden. I know it is early to start, but I was able to get some potatoes and peas planted. They can take any cold that Old Man Winter tries to send our way.

            One of the things I had to work on while I was off was an upcoming sermon for church. My pastor asked if I would like to teach one Sunday and I agreed. I team teach our adult Sunday school class and it’s my turn to teach Sunday school. I had extra time in the mornings when I could study and prepare for the sermon and the lessons. Some of the things were coming together nicely, while I was struggling with other parts. When I sought the Lord as to why things were not all falling into place, He told me I would have what I need when I needed it.

            I wanted everything to come to me while I had the time off. He wanted me to walk with Him and trust Him to meet my needs. He wanted me to spend time with Him and allow Him to reveal to me what I needed in the moment. It is hard to wait on God, especially when it takes time to create lessons and the sermon. When I expressed my concern about needing time to prepare, He reminded me of times when columns flowed through me like a river. He assured me that He is more than able to help me with the sermon and lessons if I will trust and seek Him.

            Walking with God is not easy. His timetables rarely line up with ours. Whoever said that the Christian walk is easy and carefree really missed it. Following Jesus requires us to sacrifice our will for God’s will. His ways are not our ways, nor is His will our will. His ways often lead us down paths which are challenging. Jesus wants us to live up to God’s plans for our lives. That involves walking by faith, trusting Him for everything, and making difficult choices.

            Sometimes it comes down to our focus. We live in the here and now. God is looking at the big picture. He wants us to develop character and perseverance. He wants to see us grow and mature in our Christian faith. God, who is not limited by time, is focused on preparing us for things that lie ahead. He knows the challenges and difficulties and what we will need to make it through. He is focused on giving us the strength so we can find the victory.           

            I want to encourage you to walk with Him through whatever you are facing in life. You can and will overcome the challenge that feels impossible. You have to trust Him and know that He is walking with you. He is closely watching you and helping to guide you as you take steps of faith. He is a GOOD Father, provider, and protector. He has your best interest at heart even as you walk through challenging and difficult times. He loves you! You can trust Him!

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

The Red Maple

by   March 21, 2025 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

Death is all around us, but the death happening as I type these lowly words this early spring morning is unnecessary. It is happening because a neighbor is inconvenienced and has the power to create a patio with fire pit and grill less troubled by the roots and seed pods and leaves of a magnificent red maple tree. The man high in the bucket cuts with his chain saw and drops limbs that have taken perhaps thirty or more years to grow, and the modern machine grinds them into a mulch that will leave no history of their shade and vibrant fall colors. As Hopkins wrote of the Binsey Poplars-“Felled, all felled….” The crew of men will be gone in a few hours after removing what took years to become, but no matter-the tree, as my neighbor said, was messy and in the way. In our modern Lake Norman manner, we remove any in our way because we have the resources.

I understand that there are times that trees must be removed because, for instance, they pose a danger to a house foundation or septic system. However, it seems to me that on Isle of Pines Road, many owners are willing to cut any bush or tree that is, in their eyes, a hinderance of some sort. And, the reader may say, the tree belongs to the homeowner, and that is true, but in some way, if we are community, each tree belongs to all of us. In a community, what I do on my little postage stamp of land affects the community, and since that is true, I have an obligation to honor that commitment.

But for me, there is another commitment besides the one to my community on Isle of Pines Road. In my favorite story of creation, it is written: “And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and keep it.” No words such as cut, remove, destroy are here, but words that imply stewardship are.

In 1879 Hopkins wrote these words in his poem Binsey Poplars,  “ O if we but knew what we do/ When we delve or hew —/Hack and rack the growing green!”

To answer Hopkins, yes we think we know what we are doing because in our short sighted decisions, we are believing in the myth that man is in and can control.

What I’ve Learned About Taking Care of my Back

by   March 20, 2025 with No Comments

By David Freeze

What I’ve Learned About Taking Care of My Back

   Since my farming accident and back injury last May 15th, I have learned a lot about recovery and strengthening in an area that I never worried about before. Never had I suffered from back trouble until when I suddenly had trouble moving my legs and couldn’t lift anything at all, yet back pain is the leading cause of work or exercise limitations. About 30% of people suffer from lower back pain annually.

    Here are some things I’ve done. From the first night in the hospital, I have been relentless on using vitamin D-3, magnesium and plenty of calcium through dairy products to strengthen the bones and discs of the spine. I remember my favorite nurse handing me a D-3 5,000 IU tablet before I actually sat on the bed. She said, “You’ll likely be on this the rest of your life!” That suits me as I work to continue healing and strengthening my vertebrae and overall spine.

    We all need to work on strengthening our core muscles, those around the lower back and midsection area. Those muscles need to be strong and supple; yet the last part still needs improvement for me. The lower back stiffness is getting better as I am able to do more things. Use planks, crunches, pelvic tilts, squats and even pushups to strengthen the core area. Core strength brings better balance, stability and confidence on your feet.

    A favorite stretch for most of my adult life has been the knee to chest stretch done before arising in the morning. The spine tends to get out of alignment overnight and by pulling the knees to the chest with a rocking motion, the spine will realign before it goes to work once out of bed. Do that stretch 8-10 times. Another key to a healthy back is sleeping on a firm mattress. Early in my recovery, I spent the night in a motel with a sagging bed so bad that my core area was in a mattress depression that made for a very long night.

     Limiting sitting time helps me a lot as my back stiffens when I am in the chair or driving too long. There are 40 muscles in the lower back and all need to keep moving, A long time standing in the same spot isn’t much better, but it is easier to change positions while standing. Make sure of proper posture, not allowing the stomach and shoulders to sag. It might feel good for a few seconds but not for long.

     Now with concrete and glue in my back that stabilized the most damaged vertebrae, I am careful to avoid stressing the back in severe ways. I need that concrete to last the rest of my life just as it is. Metal is the likely alternative should it fail.

    And finally, I have made sure to stay hydrated and wear good shoes. Hydration is a big factor in any body movement but is important to the cushioning that the discs provide. Quality shoes make sure my feet don’t roll in or out and cushion my impact properly.  I am learning as I go and have made huge improvements over the 518 running miles since my return on November 1st, a day that I will never forget.

     Our SRR, Salisbury Parks and Rec, Novant Health, Salisbury PD Beginning Running Class begins on Tuesday, March 11th at the Salisbury PD. We start at 6pm and welcome anyone who has interest in learning the proper way to run. Yes, there is a proper way, and participants will learn from professionals over the eight-week class. This is a no-stress class which starts at a half mile the first night and graduates will run 3.1 miles eight weeks later.

      Look for more information on the BRC, the upcoming Mt. Hope Run for Missions 5K and Fun Run and much more at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Gotta’ Run: What I’ve learned about taking care of my back

Lynna’s Update

by   March 19, 2025 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

Although they kept David in the hospital an extra day, all is well. He’s very tired but at least at home, he can catch up on some much needed rest. Thank you for all your prayers. They mean so much to us. Next week he’ll resume chemo and hopefully tolerate it a bit better.

Also next week I’ll be having surgery to finish repairing a ruptured intestine. As you probably know, I had emergency surgery this past October. The doctor wanted to give me time to heal before we did a second surgery. Turns out I really am full of crap, but you probably already knew that too. Who knew they had a cure for that?! I just hope it works. Thankfully we have two local daughters already taking care of us. Our third daughter will be driving twelve hours from Illinois on Monday to pitch in as well. We seriously are so blessed.

Well… except for the whole cancer, heart valve, chemo, and exploding intestine… life is pretty good. I hope to share some great verses from Psalm 119 next week. But if I don’t, you’ll know why. For today, our prayer verse is from Psalm 119:77. “Surround me with your tender mercies, so I may live.” To that I would add, and David too. Though we turn 70 this year, I think the Lord has a few more things for us to do.

Much love dear friends. Thanks for praying

Lynna’s Letter “H”

by   March 19, 2025 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

“How wide, how long, how high and how deep His love is.” from Ephesians 3:18

Years ago, we were on the beach at the Outer Banks, NC. David and I walked hand in hand at the edge of the surf away from the others. As far as we could see, in any direction there was only the Lord’s creation. Sand and the dunes stretched wide and long. A beautiful sky swirled with cotton white clouds reached high above us. An ocean teaming with life expanded too deep to be fully explored. The Lord says in our passage for today, that His love is too great to be understood. Maybe that’s why He gives us beautiful pictures like this so we can get a glimpse.

Rest in His amazing love today.

Love & Support

by   March 18, 2025 with No Comments

What do you do when a bully picks on you? We have probably all been there…except for the bullies. Steve Hartman shares the story of one town, or should I say state, came to the rescue. People who didn’t even know the one who was bullied came to let him know…he is loved and supported. ENJOY!

Having a Moment?

by   March 17, 2025 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

Having a moment?

It is that split second in time when you remember something or someone that sweeps your daily thoughts away, and replaces them with the emotions that one feels of something that was long ago or something that is a moment that will never really go away. 

I call it having a moment.

I call it having a memory.

When my son was three years old, we somehow left after a week at the beach without bringing Curious George back home with us. We are certain we accidentally left him sleeping in the bed. Yes, the stuffed monkey did not return. Phone calls to the motel we had stayed at brought no results.

 Curious George was gone forever. We bought another, but the outfit had slightly changed, and there was no fooling my little boy. We could have placed 50 stuffed animals on his bed, but he only would have wanted HIS Curious George.

Poor us. My child could not sleep without Curious George; therefore it took both parents in the bed with him to make sleep possible.  As many are aware, three in a bed can get a bit tight.

Eventually, after a lengthy period of grief and trying out several similar Curious George’s that just were NOT the same, I suppose our lives returned to normalcy. 

Somewhat. Except sometimes – I still have a moment.

Silly, right? My child slept cuddling with George every night.

There was nothing silly about it.

Thankfully, the story ended with us finding a very very very similar Curious George who arrived in the mail for him from the motel?? (Wink. Wink.) More than thirty years later, my son told me that he did not figure out at first that it was not the original George until later when became an adult.

Family beach trip. Stuffed animal goes missing. Yes, I began writing about this experience after having a ‘moment’ where I remembered going through it with my family as we grieved the loss and celebrated the fake recovery and joy of Curious George coming home.

A few years later, I noticed Curious George was no longer in my son’s bed each morning, and one day I realized George had gone to live in the closet.

Even though Curious George 2 replaced Curious George 1 – it was never the same. Curious George 2 never slept in the bed, but stayed 24 hours a day on the toy shelf.

Then later, he chose to go live in the attic.

Or perhaps that decision was made while my son was at school – and we, as parents, had noticed George no longer was given any attention.

That is the end of the story.

Everyone forgot about it.

Well – sort of.

Except for when I have a moment.

God, my Creator, brings moments and memories to my mind for many reasons, some of which are for my pleasure. I can envision my little boy holding Curious George in his arms, walking around the house with him, laying Curious George on his pillow beside him each night as he prayed for George, for me, and for others. Any moment that brings a memory like that to your mind is a gift from God.

Now – years later – I still have my moments.

Yes, Curious George is rarely in those moments.

But – he sure was today as I wrote these words.

I was thankful.

I believe sleep came easier for my young child those nights with Curious George beside him.

I believe I slept better those nights, too.

The most beautiful things in life are not just things –

They are also moments and memories.

Our moments and memories are like a diary we carry around with us.

Enjoy them.

Let me know how your memories go –

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