All contributing writers
Listen to Max Lucado has he tells you a great story of how he dealt with road rage. It is a GREAT lesson. We have all been in the same place and he helps us understand… I encourage you to listen!!!
By Ashlie Miller
When my husband and I were first married, it was very different from the advice given today before marriage: “Have all your ducks in a row, finish college, establish a stable career, have no or little debt, and maybe one of you should already have a house.” No, we barely had two nickels to rub together! But we had love and a covenant of faithfulness, and that was enough. But love and covenant don’t always leave room in the budget for extras, and our first few Christmases together were tight. Buying a tree to decorate for a few weeks was out of the question. Still, we managed a tabletop metal ornamental tree that we still have, with a few special ornaments we liked.
As I mentioned before, we gift a special ornament to each child around Christmastime. They will have a little start for their own trees one day. Over the years, I, too, have collected favorite ornaments for myself. I began to notice a pattern in what I acquired – wooden, maybe metal, mostly nativities or characters from the nativity, globes, stars, and sometimes those reflecting our own travels or vacations. Some were gifted by family or friends who share my affection for nativities and Christ-centered decor. Others were snagged during after-Christmas clearance days at Hobby Lobby. Several ornaments made their way to our tree through visits to The Cove in Asheville, the Billy Graham Library, or while serving at Operation Christmas Child.
Although I did not set out to have a themed tree, these items adorn the main tree in our living room as a gospel testimony, and it has taken a lifetime to decorate, patiently accumulating the collection. It is fitting, really, when you consider what this season – no, what this life – is all about. This tree reflects a promise and prophecies thousands of years in the making. It was a plan established before the dawn of time as we all know it. A promise that God would fulfill to make a way for all people to have access to God through His most precious gift – His Son, who was already truly God and would step down from heaven to become truly man.
While many argue over whether or not a Christmas tree (or Christmas in general) is pagan, the glow of my tree, adjacent to the glow of my gas logs, radiates a daily reminder of Christ’s amazing sacrifice of leaving the glory of heaven and taking the form of lowly humanity. What a brilliant way to begin quiet time with a hot cup of tea and an open Bible alive with the fulfilled prophecies of the Advent of the first coming of Jesus to earth! It is no wonder that many of us experience January blues after putting away such symbols of God’s faithfulness to His covenant.
How does your Christmas decor speak hope and faithfulness to you or to others? Slow down and make time to soak in or share the message of the Advent season through the gifts that something as simple as your Christmas tree. And keep your eye out for a humble nativity to adorn its branches.
Ashlie Miller and her family deck the halls in Concord, NC. You may email her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.
By Doug Creamer
His Glory
My pastor loves to do series of messages, especially at Christmas. He is very creative and comes up with catchy names for his series. I love to tease him about his made up words for some series and the length of other series. It’s all good natured teasing. For this Christmas he created a four week series called the Portrait of the Messiah. While he is teaching, his wife, who is a talented artist, is painting something beautiful. It’s all creatively connected.
My pastor asked me if I would like to deliver the first message in the series. I love the opportunity to speak and was very excited to be a part of the Christmas series. When I asked what he wanted me to do I expected a basic outline. Instead he gave me one word and trusted me to seek the Lord to develop the message. While that was a bit scary, it was extremely rewarding. I spent time digging, researching, and preparing the message. It was sweet time.
My word was “glory.” Biblical glory is the visible manifestation of God’s infinite worth, power, and presence. When God’s glory filled the temple Solomon built no one could stand in His presence. God’s glory is so awesome, holy, and pure that our flesh cannot abide in the power of His presence. Yet the Bible tells us that His presence is with us all the time.
When Isaiah had the vision of the Lord seated on His throne he was stricken by his own sinful nature. When the children of Israel saw His glory on the mountaintop and heard His voice, they were terrified. When the glory of the Lord appeared in the field where shepherds were keeping watch over their sheep, they were shaking in their sandals. Shepherds weren’t afraid of anything. They fought lions, wolves, and bears to protect their sheep. But the glory that shown around the angel proclaiming Jesus’ birth terrified them.
God knows and understands that His glory is beyond our human nature. The trouble was God wanted a personal and intimate relationship with mankind. He created us to have fellowship. He needed a solution, a way to relate to us that was approachable for all…even the worst of sinners.
If the glory of God is the presence of God, how could God’s presence to be with us? The only way to make it work was for Jesus to come to earth, live among us, teach us about the love of God, demonstrate how we can live for God, and then He had to die as a sacrifice to cleanse us from our sin. God wanted to permanently erase all of our sin and it required the sacrifice of the lamb of God, Jesus.
Jesus was human, yet God. It’s because of the price that He paid that we can have a personal relationship with our Father. We can intimately know the creator of the universe, experience the depth of love that would cause Jesus to die for us, and be free from our past so we can live a new and better life abiding in His presence.
Here is the exciting part: we now get to be carriers of the glory of God. He lives in us and shines through us. In many ways it’s like we get to be mirrors reflecting God’s glory to those around us. He shines His light on us and we get to shine that light on those around us telling them of His great love, mercy, and forgiveness. Imagine if everyone in the world could be free of all their sin, guilt, and shame. What a different world it would be!
We, like the angel from the Christmas story, have Good News to share with the world around us. Don’t think that you are too broken to share anything good. All the areas of your life that God has restored and even those areas where He is still working all provide a wonderful testimony to how God works miraculous wonders in our lives. If God can fix you and me then He can help fix any lost sinner.
I want to encourage you to let the glory of God reflect off your life. Let Him get the glory for all that He has done in your life. Let the good changes in your life be a testimony to His love and faithfulness. Jesus came to show us the way to the Father. He came to demonstrate God’s love, goodness, and favor. All are welcome. Let the glory of God shine in and off of you as you point the way to Jesus.
Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com
By Ed Traut
1 Corinthians 10:24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
Prayer: Change my heart I pray O Lord and fill me with Your ways and Your heart that I can be like You and reflect this caring for others and doing good for others I pray. I do not want to be concerned about myself. Amen.
Ed Traut
Prophetic Life
By David Freeze
Another Successful Graduation 5K for Girls on the Run
Genesis Henry and McKinley Rollins were excited for the start of their Girls on the Run graduation 5K this past Saturday morning, November 22nd, at Salisbury Community Park. About 900 girls, running buddies and spectators were set to enjoy the 5K (3.1 miles), many for the first time in their lives. A little anxiety was apparent, yet the energy was building as the run start drew closer.
McKinley was already a three-time veteran at age 10. She is a Rockwell Elementary School 4th grader and said, “I know not to sprint, but to keep a steady pace.” Starting in August, McKinley met with 21 other girls ages 8-11 twice a week. She added, “I improved my self-esteem and learned conflict resolution, and especially learned that I can do what I need to.”
McKinley’s coach for the fall GOTR program was Gina Ritchie, who just completed her 25th season leading a school program. Gina, a 3rd grade teacher at Rockwell Elementary, pointed out that there is a spring season and fall season each year. Gina said, “We help the girls bond and support each other while working on service projects.
Genesis is nine years old and a third grader at Koontz Elementary. She had already learned that she likes running and how to congratulate others who do good things.
Coaching Genesis for the program was Lisha Weeks. Lisha works for Communities in Schools during the day and after three years in the Girls on the Run program, she started a new group at Koontz. Lisha got started in GOTR to get her own daughter off her iPad and cell phone and said, “I am especially happy when helping the girls know that it is OK to make mistakes and teaching them about how to be a good friend.”
Girls on the Run Greater Piedmont was founded in 2008 by Jennifer Summers, who still works the spring and fall celebration 5K each season. She said, “I describe race day as exhilarating exhaustion. The GOTRGP team spends months planning all the details to make race day magical for our girls. Finishing a 5K and being proud of the work they put in to get to that finish line has me hopeful that each girl realizes she can do lots of hard things. I want to be a part of the movement that empowers girls to believe they can do anything, be anything, and support other girls in the process. The smiles and pride make all the hard work of our teams worth it!”
Sarah Swertfeger said, “My involvement in Girls on the Run Greater Piedmont started a few years ago as a volunteer coach. I signed up as a coach to give back to the running community that I feel has done so much for me. I then quickly realized that the GOTR program is so much more than a running program, and there is no way I could ever not be involved in this incredible organization. I now serve as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at GOTRGP. I stay involved in GOTR both for my younger self and the future of what it means to be a woman. Through Girls on the Run, we learn life skills that we take with us forever. The 5K is the culmination of knowing we can all accomplish so much when we work hard. Watching our girls cross the finish line makes me emotional every time. It’s another reminder that with all the volunteer hours we put into this, we accomplish so much with hard work!”
Shelli Breadon added, “Experiencing my first 5K as GOTRGP Executive Director filled me with awe. The energy, the smiles, the determination – it’s electric! Seeing each girl cross the finish line and witnessing the pride radiating from their running buddies and coaches is truly unforgettable. This is the magic of GOTRGP: building confidence, celebrating courage, and creating moments that shape who these girls believe they can become.”
Girls on the Run Greater Piedmont closed out its Fall 2025 season uniting girls from 14 sites across Iredell, Rowan, Davidson, and Forsyth counties. The season culminated in a joyful 5K that filled the event with energy. Girls ran alongside their running buddies, supported by dedicated coaches, enthusiastic volunteers and staff, community partners and vendors, and with the cheers of spectators lining the course. The event also welcomed community runners who came out to support the mission and join the fun.
With the fall season wrapping up, Girls on the Run Greater Piedmont is now looking ahead to an exciting Spring 2026 season, which begins in February. The spring program runs for 10 weeks, with girls practicing two days per week, all leading to the celebratory Spring 5K on May 2, 2026.
Rockwell coach Gina Ritchie said, “The run wasn’t all uphill! It was a great day with perfect weather, all made form a positive day!” Genesis Henry enjoyed her first GOTR 5K and said, “Being here running with my friends was fun all the way through!”
Parents interested in getting their girls involved can easily find open locations for the Spring 2026 season by visiting:
➡️ https://www.gotrgreaterpiedmont.org/locations
If a school or neighborhood isn’t listed, starting a new team is simple:
➡️ https://www.gotrgreaterpiedmont.org/start-team
The organization also welcomes volunteer coaches who want to make a meaningful impact:
➡️ https://www.gotrgreaterpiedmont.org/volunteer
By Lynna Clark
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls.” -Matthew 11:29
Isn’t it kind that the Lord invites us to be yoked with Him? He actually wants to bear our burdens and give us rest. We are not meant to handle life by ourselves. Back in the days when the nation of Israel was being formed, the Lord gave an unusual command. Exodus 20:8 says to “Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy.” It was to be a day of rest. Pagan nations all around them wondered at their logic. For who sits around on a perfectly good work day when they could be out making hay while the sun shines? But rest and worship by God’s people has always been a testimony of His provision. It is how we learn to trust Him. Watching Him provide has been one of our greatest blessings. In order to experience a deep soul rest, be yoked with Him. He will gladly bear our burdens.
Bonus verse: “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10
Not all employees walk on two feet… Some employees really draw in the customers until they go missing… Steve Hartman shares the story of one such employee…. ENJOY!!!!!
Max Lucado offers you a fresh hope this Christmas season. ENJOY!!!
My pastor asked if I would like to speak during the holiday season. Naturally, I said yes! He gave me the topic and said GO! The topic was the Glory of God! I shared an encouraging word about the Glory of God and I invite you to listen. ENJOY!!!
By Doug Creamer
Being Present is your Present
We are now in the heart of the holiday season. We have consumed the big Thanksgiving meal and our taste buds are excited about the coming spread of food for Christmas and New Year’s. There will be cakes, pies, and cookies calling our names. There will be parties and family gatherings that will bring more delectable treats our way. It’s the season of eating!
Thanksgiving begins the season of great food. My taste buds were delighted with my choices this year. I had to pick and choose what I ate at my brother’s because there was more to taste than the crowd that gathered could eat. I am not sure how many people made it to my brother’s house for Thanksgiving but it was quite a crowd and quite a feast.
The crowd included my family and extended family. There were some guests but we make them feel like family. Who wouldn’t want to be at a place filled with love, laughter, and great food? There were many conversations occurring inside and outside the house. Our family is close-knit but everyone is welcome to join.
I was glad to see and hug my mom…but felt a little pang at the thought that Dad wasn’t there. I enjoyed catching up with my brother and sister. We’ve been together a little more this year and I am thankful for that. I always enjoy chatting with my nieces and nephews. There were some that didn’t make it this year, but I enjoyed talking with those that did. They are young and their lives are full working and raising their families. I always want to hear the latest from each household. My side of the family is now up to sixteen grandnieces and grandnephews with one more on the way. It’s hard to keep up.
There are more holiday gatherings scheduled for my family on both sides and I look forward to each one. While there will be plenty of good food consumed at these gatherings, I look forward to spending some quality time with my family. That’s what is great about the holidays, we get the chance to unplug from the routines and reconnect with those we love. It’s hard to connect when we all lead such busy lives.
I have been wondering; how do we slow life down so we can truly reconnect? There are so many demands placed on our lives, with endless expectations to be here and go there, how do we quiet our minds enough to be present in any situation? Our minds race almost as fast as our schedules, thinking about the next thing we have to do and missing the thing we are doing at the moment. At the end of the holiday season we are so frazzled that we welcome the routines of daily life with open arms.
I don’t want the holidays to be that way. I think the best way to begin the process is by learning to say no. No, I can’t make it to that event or gathering. We have to give ourselves permission to say no. Then we have to keep ourselves from feeling guilty. It’s okay to not attend everything that is available to you. By saying no to some things it allows you to say yes to what’s important to you. It also allows you to be present at the things you have chosen. You can breathe. You can take in the event and the people and really connect.
Being present at the things you have chosen can be one of the best presents to others and to yourself. The gift of you! Not a frazzled you who is thinking about all that has yet to get done, but the you that those who gathered came to see. Don’t allow yourself to be over-booked, rather, choose to be under-booked. Allow for some uncommitted down time. This will help you to be present each time you gather at the events and places you have chosen to enjoy.
I want to encourage you to give your family and friends the best present you can give, you! Be present because you have chosen to be present. Focus your mind on the people you are with and enjoy their company. Let the joy of this season rise up in your spirit because you have chosen the places you are going this year. Let your love for your family and friends shine through you because you have chosen to be present. Let’s enjoy the food, family, and friends this season and be present, filled with the love, peace, and joy of the holiday season.
Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com