That’s What It’s All About

by   November 4, 2024 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

I started physical therapy at home this week. My trainer comes online and tells me what to do. I say “trainer” like I’m Rocky Balboa. Oh! Or Livvy Dunne, the beautiful gymnast. It might take a few more sessions but… Truth is, ‘trainer’ just sounds better than “professional dude in a lab coat.” A girl’s gotta protect her image. But really, there’s no need. The fact that I am NOT a physically fit person is an understatement. [See previous article “The Cure.] But I like this guy. His name is Chuck and he’s old enough to know stuff. Plus, and this is a big bonus, he makes me laugh. I stood behind a straight back chair as he instructed. “Now put your right foot out to the side.”

I looked into my laptop camera and asked. “Are we doing the Hokey Pokey?” He nodded. “You know, I used to be addicted to the Hokey Pokey.” I gasped at his serious confession. “What did you do?” I asked.

He beamed proudly. “I turned myself around.”

I laughed at his “confession” then added. “I guess you found out that the Hokey Pokey is really NOT what it’s all about.” Like the polite person he is, he chuckled at my sad attempt at humor.

Later as we finished up, he explained that he’d be sending an email with instructions on simple exercises I could do to get my strength back. Because he mentioned he was calling from Morganton, but he and his wife normally live in Asheville, I asked how bad the recent flooding was near his home. He sighed.

“We were without power for nine days. But I hate to even say that out loud as I think of all that my neighbors have been through. So many have lost everything, even the land their homes were built on. Whole towns are just no more.” He mentioned places that David and I have visited before that were swept completely away. “BUT!” He brightened. “You cannot imagine the huge outpouring of kindness from complete strangers. Folks have been so good. It renews my faith in mankind.”

And that dear reader, is truly what it’s all about.

Let’s love the Lord our God with all our heart, and our neighbors as ourselves.

The Rhythm of Rest

by   November 3, 2024 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

At the expense of offending lovers of spring, summer, and winter, I submit the following: 

Of all the seasons in the South (at least in NC), it seems that most of my friends are the most vocal about their love for autumn. Perhaps it is because the agonizing heat finally subsides – or at least hints at the prospects. Maybe it is because avenues of trees create a cozy canopy with flecks of gold or deep reds carpeting the walkway. “It feels like walking through a favorite movie,” I read someone post. Of course, the accessories of loose sweaters, favorite jeans, flannels, maybe a book, and a warm cup of tea or coffee add to the aesthetic. We cannot forget the long bucket list of seasonal must-dos – apple orchards, pumpkin farms, corn mazes, fall festivals, hikes, and road trips. 

Many of us must remember another essential part of fall – preparation for rest. We know the squirrels, chipmunks, and less adorable creatures are preparing for rest. However, it is not uncommon to hear a child pipe up with the misconception of plants dying as they lose their leaves. I confess I have fallen into the accidental slip of the tongue when speaking of plants “dying” in the fall. Of course, they are not dying but merely preparing for rest. 

To add to the confusion, the autumn landscape serves as an unfortunate backdrop to things that truly do resemble death – ginormous skeletons, ghosts, monsters, and cobwebs (both real and purchased for decor). I will be thankful when the landscape no longer has to compete with the symbols of the macabre or occult and can gleam more brilliantly as the jewel-toned shades of scarlet, amber, and topaz. 

As we dust away or throw out those cobwebs, take a moment to reflect on preparing for a season of rest. What a novel idea lost in our busy Western culture – a desire many crave but have buried deep within their souls while attempting to be more productive. In all except the extreme climates, autumn is a rule of nature – a time for shorter days, harvest, migration, and early days of hibernation. We would be wise to take note of this preparation amongst the more humble species. 

Consider the many health benefits that arise from this season. Though gaining an hour of sleep this weekend will throw many into havoc, the extra sleep is helpful to most of us. I love to get into “comfy clothes,” as we call them, at home and read books or play board games after an early supper. I am more likely to go for longer walks or attempt a game of pickleball with my sons. Perhaps I will nosh on one of the many apples from the orchard we visited or busy myself in the kitchen making chicken noodle soup from scratch to boost my immune system. I embrace a little more relaxation and feel my stresses melt away (or at least have a soothing outlet). I do not think it is only because I recharge best as an introvert that I feel at my best in this season. I believe it is part of the laws of nature. 

The long for rest is a gift from above. Rest is good. And for those who believe in Christ as Lord, there is a promise of lasting rest. It will be better than the coziest autumn and snuggliest of winter months. It will be a life-giving time of service, not just a respite from weariness. 

Ashlie Miller and her husband make time for restful moments with their family in Concord, NC. You may contact her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.

Time Moves On

by   November 2, 2024 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            If congress decides to keep us on daylight savings time I would be in favor of that decision. I am not a fan of moving the clocks back in the fall. I like it to stay light as late as possible. Part of the reason for that is that I take my walks late in the evening, especially in the summer months. Many times when I get back from my walk in the winter it is dark.

            The fall colors were beautiful as I walked today. There was a little nip in the air. We have been very lucky with the beautiful weather this fall. I think spring and fall are my favorite times of the year because the days are warm and the nights are cool. I was thinking while I was walking today how quickly time passes. The holiday season is almost here and before we know it another year will be over.  

            I heard an ad on TV the other day that proclaimed that as we age time becomes a more precious commodity. Naturally, the company wanted the consumer to spend their time and money on their products. Their point is true. Our time here is limited and we need to make conscious choices on how we use this scarce resource. We are all given a certain amount of time and the way we use or waste it will affect how we reflect back on it when we are older.

            We all spend time working when we are young. We make money to pay for food, clothing, and shelter. I was a teacher and I spent many more hours than the school day doing my job. I spent many hours working, but learned late in my career how to balance my work and personal time better. I don’t know anyone who is retired that wishes they had worked longer hours during their career.

             I am partially retired and enjoying the extra time that affords me. I was reading in Genesis recently that some of the first people lived multiple hundreds of years. God decided to shorten our lifespan. I also read that when Caleb was 85 he was a valiant warrior who fought for his territory in the Promised Land. Joshua lived to be 110. Regardless of our health and the many blessings of God, we all have a limited amount of time here.

            Life has a way of getting busy in the limited time we are granted. I find that time flies during the holiday season. There are too many places to be and too many things to do. In recent years, I have made a conscious choice to be present in special moments when I am spending time with family and friends. I have a deep desire to connect with those I love and create memories that will last a lifetime. I want to invest my time in my family and friends.

Since we know that time is moving along quickly we should be motivated to connect with God. His invitation to spend eternity with Him has to be accepted before we depart from this world. It’s our decision and He wants us to choose Him. After choosing Him, we need to invest time praying, reading His Word, and talking with Him. It is the most valuable investment of our time. It will pay us dividends throughout eternity.

Time’s limitations will not exist in eternity, but they exist here. If you have accepted your gift of salvation and your reservation in heaven, then I want to remind you of the importance of extending that invitation to your family and friends. We don’t want them to miss out on an eternity with God because they didn’t make the most important decision of their lives. God wants a relationship with every person, but He leaves that choice up to us. That’s why I think it is critical that we take time to share our faith, our story, with those who don’t know God so they can develop a relationship with Him.

            I want to encourage you to use the limited time you have to invite family and friends into a relationship with God. The Bible makes it clear that time will run out and that decision has to be made before time ends or our individual time comes to an end. I think it’s also important that we pray for those who don’t have that relationship that their hearts will be tender and open to God so they can accept his invitation. Time is marching on and we don’t want time to run out for anyone.

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

Spark

by   November 1, 2024 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

Because of some poor life choices I had made before the fall of 2005, I was working through the emotional pain my choices had left me.  I was talking with a counselor once a week, and I had a cadre of friends who supported me. My siblings proved invaluable. Having some days better than others, I decided to treat myself to a small gift to encourage my mood on October 18, 2005.

Years before that day,  a dear friend had given me a Saint Christopher’s medal that I always wore, and it was held around my neck by a wire that I had fashioned for that purpose. I now wanted a proper chain for my medal, so after school I went to a jewelry store near where I lived. It was one that I knew I could make a purchase without depleting my meager account.  

Because it had been Spirit Day at the school where I taught, I was wearing my favorite Hawaiian shirt.  I wanted and needed to continue the joy of that day, so I was eager to buy myself a small gift.  Going to the glass counter that was chocked full of rings, jewels, watches, and other items usually for sale by a jeweler, I waited my turn to be helped. A woman dressed in a green pants suit asked what I needed, and I explained that I wanted a chain for my medal. She showed me several chains. Because my key chain hanging from my neck had “Saints” printed on it, she asked if I taught at a near-by school.  I told her that I had worked there, but that I now worked at a school in D.C.

            As I looked at the chains I could afford, she asked if my medal had ever been cleaned and offered to have the store’s repairman clean it for me. Removing it from around my neck, I gave it to her and told her she could dispose of the wire that had served me for years. When she returned to the counter, I had chosen my $30 chain, and she wrote the ticket. Because we were chatting so much, she suggested we move away from the store’s cash register while my medal was being cleaned. The flirt, or spark was on! We exchanged soft information to each other that revealed but did not divulge facts too personal for a stranger.  However, forty-five minutes later my medal was clean, and the lady in the green pants suite offered to fasten it around my neck because “This chain has a difficult clasp.” I gleefully let her, and I placed the card with her phone number next to the sales receipt in my wallet. Soon after that we had dinner and talked more. She shared how that day was her deceased mother’s birthday. I shared that when I arrived home after my purchase,  I had called a sister and said, “I met a woman.”

The following July we married. We share life. We age together. All of this joy after being unable to see the beauty of many October days. But now one of my cherished gifts from Mary Ann is an antique child’s school chalkboard on which she wrote: “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made….”

I have kept the sales receipt for that chain as a reminder of what life can be. It reminds that life’s sparks are all around us, but we must be prepared to see, accept, and grasp them. And those sparks come anytime, but they are especially good in “the last of life, for which the first was made…,” when all else seemed doomed.

Great Races Ahead

by   October 31, 2024 with No Comments

By David Freeze

Great races ahead!

     With a rare weekend off, local races get going again next weekend with a doubleheader and some of the county’s best events. Cooler weather is here, and better race times should be the result. And with shorter days along with the cooler temps, the first three races have commemorative long sleeve dri-fit shirts for 5K participants.

       First up is the St. Matthews 5K and Fun Run at the church located at 9275 Bringle Ferry Road on Saturday, October 26th. This rural course uses scenic country roads while the race benefits several community and church members with severe medical issues. Church members spend several months getting sponsors and finding those most deserving of the proceeds. The 5K starts at 9am with the fun run to follow.

     The next day, Sunday, October 27th, brings Halloween fun at the long-running Spooky Sprint 5K and Fun Run. Held at Catawba College’s Shuford Stadium, the 2pm 5K will use a new course that includes the soccer/softball complex and the greenway out to the Crescent area and back. Runners, walkers and fun runners can all compete in a festive costume contest following the race and just ahead of the awards ceremony. This race benefits Rowan Rotary community projects with an emphasis on youth.

     Then we skip to November 9th with the Clean Water 5K at Grace Lutheran Church. The 5K starts at 8:30am and the fun run follows at 9:15. The race starts and finishes at the church where all participants get freshly made hush puppies. All proceeds from the race will benefit the ELCA Global Clean Water Ministry.  For the first time, male and female overall winners, male and female masters (over 40 years of age), and top male and female fun runners will all receive cash awards.

     One of Salisbury’s fastest growing events is the Butterball 5K held at The Forum on Thanksgiving morning, November 28th. Starting at 8:30am, runners and walkers have plenty of time to finish the event, grab some refreshments and maybe an award, before heading off to other Thanksgiving Day plans. With $500 in prize money to the top three overall males and females, this race usually has some sizzling times. All proceeds benefit the Terrie Hess House and prevention of child abuse.

     In December, we have the Freeze Your Buns 5K and Fun Run at the Winterfest Festival in Spencer. Watch for more details coming soon on the December 7th event. The Santa Run 5K is set for December 14th at the Millbridge Ruritan Building. While many of Rowan’s residents have never seen a Bigfoot, please be aware that this race is held annually in conjunction with an annual Squatch gathering on the same day. All runners and walkers who spot a live Bigfoot will get free pancakes afterwards. All proceeds benefit Rowan Helping Ministries.

      An update on my recovery from a broken back is overdue. I have been able to walk in increasing distances all but one day since early June. My balance and strength have both improved steadily also. Just last Friday, I had a procedure called Kyphoplasty at Novant Health to solidify and reshape the two most damaged vertebrae. Hopefully this procedure, which I have advocated for since the accident, will solidify my lower back and allow for some running and cycling again. Should it not work, then running and cycling are in doubt. At this point, I have been told to wait to try either one until after my next in-office appointment with the doctor on October 29th.

         This past Wednesday marked five months since the accident. In some ways, the time has flown by but most realistically, it has not. I struggle daily without being able to resume a nearly 45-year habit of running every morning for mental and physical health. Hopefully my next report will be a good one!

    For more information on any of the races above, please visit www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Gotta’ Run: Great races ahead

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

by   October 30, 2024 with No Comments

By Ed Traut

1 Peter 5:7  Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

  • Life has so many cares and so many challenges.
  • We go from one concern to the other, but God made it very clear for us to give it to Him – it is not always so naturally easy, but we must make a conscious effort.
  • We know He cares about us and that He can carry all of our burdens.  By His grace we hand them over to Him.

Prayer:   Lord I lift my hands in adoration to You today and praise Your holy name.  Thank You that You carry all my burdens and all my cares.  I cast all my cares to You today and I throw them onto You Lord, knowing that You will take care of them and You will take care of me. I praise You that You have always done this.  You are a wonderful savior.  Amen.

Ed Traut
Prophetic Life

Love & Acceptance

by   October 29, 2024 with No Comments

Steve Hartman tells a story that reveals something we all long for…love and acceptance. This is a special story of one young man’s journey to find it and how it changed everyone around him. ENJOY!

Wonderful Life

by   October 28, 2024 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

Back in the day, when blogs were new-ish, my techno savvy daughter Stephanie helped set me up in WordPress to tell about our crazy family. It never occurred to me that Lynna’s Wonderful Life would be such a tongue twister, or that the following 14 years would include so many ups and downs. Together we’ve witnessed miraculous answers to prayers for babies, the loss of both our beloved mothers, the foreclosure of our “forever home,” bankruptcy, job loss, healing from breast cancer, and many regular days where we’ve considered the Lord’s amazing care. Whoever decided that living for the Lord would make the path smooth was sadly mistaken. Actually life became so difficult at times that I could not write at all. Because if I cannot be honest with you, it’s better to stay silent. So I have for a while. Chemo brain kept me a bit foggy too. At least that’s what we’re going with.

In June of this year, David and I celebrated 50 years of wedded bliss. Well, you know. A blissful-ish situation. Nice meal at home, many well wishes… it was good. In July, my beloved David was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. He began treatment a few weeks later. At the end of September, we had to call an ambulance, this time for me. Apparently my colon ruptured. Emergency surgery was done that Monday night. Eight days later I was finally allowed to go home and today, I’m rejoicing in the shower from Heaven. OH! Lynna’s life is wonderful again. But I have to say, last week I thought I might die and wished I’d hurry up.

While I was in the hospital, storms hit our beautiful NC mountains. I couldn’t help but realize: At least I knew where I’d be sleeping. A cozy hospital bed with caring staff answering a call bell sure beat the heck out of a gym floor… or worse. I’ll take it. Those poor dear folks. I love how so many have stepped up to help in their time of need.

Just like you have helped us by your many prayers.

Thank you. All these years… just thank you. Much love from the crazy place we call Clarkville. Like the Lord, your love and care has been amazing. I’ll try to keep you updated. But I have no doubt that all will be well. Though David has had to skip his treatments, he’ll resume those next week. Our daughters are taking sweet care of us, each one filling a vital role; much like you, the body of Christ.

“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing!” -1 Thess. 5:11

Oh how we truly appreciate you all!

Two Ships, Two Stories

by   October 27, 2024 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

Recently, my family of 7 embarked on a vacation to visit a couple of different sailing vessels, which anyone will tell you is more of a trip than a vacation. We had not planned to create a seafaring-themed adventure, but homeschool studies of the Titanic and a desire to revisit a familiar museum made a trip to the Titanic Museum in Tennessee and the Ark Encounter in Kentucky a workable plan.

It wasn’t until looking into the review mirror of our trip home that I realized the unexpected juxtaposition of these two tours within the same week. Both were feats of design and engineering but contrasted vastly in intent and responses. 

We first visited The Titanic Museum. Although it was not a depressing tour, there were many elements of sadness. Upon entering the ship, we each received a ticket as a 2nd or 3rd class passenger who journeyed on that fateful voyage and a brief description of who they were. We took guesses based on information we gathered or surmised as to whether we would be among those who survived the tragedy or sank to a tragic demise.

Hosting 2,240 people, the size of the Titanic was astounding – much larger than the dimensions of Noah’s Ark, which housed a pair of each kind of known animal. This epitomized man’s skill, knowledge, and experience, promising new hope for those moving across the sea. Rumors abounded of the ship’s indestructibility. Although the museum only presents a half-boat, one can imagine the opulence and luxury in the 1st class decks and the more modest living quarters for the 3rd class passengers. One encounters the icy-cold waters and the steep incline of a sinking ship before the tour ends with passengers looking at the wall to see if they survived or drowned on that dreadful night. Then, you conveniently exit through the gift shop. 

The Ark Encounter is built so you can experience the full-scale size and engineering wonders, which house so many animals and accommodate Noah’s family for those many months on the boat. For although it rained 40 days and nights, they lived onboard for over a year. As you look at the information and life-size models, you become a believer that an ark like this could be built and maintained by God’s design. It is a remarkable museum for an impressive boat – nothing had ever existed like this before in human history. But it did not promise the luxury and opulence that the Titanic would one day hold. 

Did you know that the base ticket for a 3rd class passenger would exceed $1,000 in today’s money? That was a hefty fee for a typical Irish family coming out of the potato famine, looking for work being replaced in the industrial age, and longing for a new opportunity. It would have taken many years and lots of intentional savings to afford passage for one, much less a small family. Yet, many did, with hopes of something better. Life was hard, and many wanted and needed hope.

One exhibit aboard the Ark Encounter shows life before the flood and why Noah prophesied a flood – “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). But rather than a false promise for a chance at a new life, Noah ensured salvation from destruction – a rescue. It was an offer the people around Noah did not know nor believe they needed – salvation from themselves and wrath. It was a free passage – no strings attached. Yet they mocked, and all refused. Every Ark tourist knows this, so there is no wall of remembrance to see if a historical character survived. Instead, sightseers are challenged on how they will live this life – as one pointed toward the promise of eternal life or as one choosing their own will and path, leading to future destruction. 

We left our time on both ships with memories and deep reflections rather than sadness or hopelessness. You may never have a chance to take a cruise and wonder about your safety or even visit these museums. But we all have a choice to make regarding a great salvation that has been offered to us. Choose wisely, and don’t delay!

Slow Down

by   October 26, 2024 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            I ate lunch on my front porch today. It was a comfortably warm afternoon after a cool start to the day. I enjoyed reading a good book by one of my favorite authors. The story was moving at a nice, leisurely pace. My lunch was over but I didn’t want to stop reading so I continued on for a little while longer.

            I started to get up and head in the house when I stopped myself. I had things to do. Instead, I settled into my chair. I took a deep breath. What a perfect day. The leaves rustled when a slight breeze blew. The sun’s golden rays reflected off the changing leaves. It was peaceful and quiet; I heard some birds singing and crickets calling through the quiet afternoon air. The breeze stirred and brought some leaves tumbling onto the grass.

            I breathed in the peacefulness and breathed out the worries and expectations of an afternoon filled with things to do. A cardinal flew over, giving a chirp. I admired my neighbors fall decorations. I resisted the tug to get up and go. I took another quiet breath. I sipped my tea and allowed my eyes and thoughts to wonder. The fall sun hangs lower in the sky, thus allowing longer shadows to dance across the lawn. The cloudless Carolina blue sky radiated beauty. How do we miss such wonders as we meander through our day?

            Eventually my body left the front porch but my mind continued to linger. My thoughts remained peaceful. I pondered the experience as I sat down to begin my column. My prayer for His guidance was birthed not in a panic for lack of an idea but rather in the comfort of His peaceful presence.

            Slow down… Breathe… Turn off the noise of this world… He is waiting and wanting to be discovered. God wants us to find Him… God wants us to connect with Him… The problem is not on His side, but rather ours. He waits for us to enter His presence. He desires for us to draw close. He longs for us to turn our eyes toward heaven. He wants to refresh us in His presence.

            Can you feel the Spirit drawing you? He isn’t asking for your time. He is asking for YOU! God wants to draw close to YOU! He is not too busy…YOU are. He is not distant…YOU are. His presence is not chaotic…YOURS is. His presence is filled with love, joy, peace, and hope. He longs to share the peace that your soul deeply desires. His peace is available for YOU if you will only slow down. Breathe. He IS with YOU!

            We can find all we need to live in HIS presence. In HIS presence is fullness of joy. In HIS presence is wisdom for every situation. In HIS presence is provision. In HIS presence is healing and restoration. In HIS presence is love and acceptance. In HIS presence is protection because He will fight for us. In HIS presence is peace that will quiet worry and anxiety. In HIS presence we can slow down. In HIS presence we can breathe.

            The world around us will continue to grow more and more chaotic as we draw closer to His return. The Bible makes it clear that it will be incredibly stressful in the end. We have a choice, we can allow the craziness of life to press in and push us out of His presence or we can let His presence push out the craziness of the world. His presence is with us right now. He wants to lift the burdens of this life off our shoulders. He wants to calm our nerves. We have to open the door and let Him in. We have to choose to slow down…to breathe.

            I want to encourage you to find a quiet place and invite Him in. All my life I have referred to the time that I spend with Him as my “quiet time.” I have learned that He will visit me during quiet time and while I am sitting on the porch, walking, resting, working, or driving my car. I have to invite Him in. I have to open the door. He wants to connect with you. He wants to lift your burdens and give you His perfect peace. He wants to provide for all your needs as your Heavenly Father. It’s up to you! You have to slow down and open the door for Him. I encourage you to slow down, breathe, and open the door of your heart to Him.

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

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