Ramblings of a Christian Grandma Biker

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you reading this. I don’t have a riding post to share but I had a revelation that warranted documenting for myself so I just figured I’d share it here as well.

The past several weeks have been incredibly busy and in many ways exhausting physically and mentally.  It’s so easy to allow ourselves to feel overwhelmed and inadequate. The hustle and bustle getting ready for Christmas,  working full time, and still doing the daily chores and errands, cooking and cleaning and the list goes on.

I did make sure this year that I started my annual tradition of making gingerbread items with each of my  grandchildren, that are old enough, early so that they would not be rushed.  Next year there will be 9 to do so I’m making a note to myself to start early again. It’s such a fun time and a blessing to have that time with each of them to watch their little minds be creative and to be so proud of their completed masterpiece. They couldn’t wait to share them with their moms and dads. I captured photos and videos of their intentional decorating and their concentration on each detail so I can watch it all again and again. It’s something I look forward to as much if not more than they do every year.

We are each God’s masterpiece and we need to remember that He too made us with attention to details. We are all made in His image, yet are as different as each gingerbread house. They start out with the same foundation,  yet each one turns out differently.

The youngest required more help at barely 2 years old than the oldest, at 9 years old, but each one was special and unique. This relates to Christians too, the newest believers require extra guidance compared to the older more seasoned Christians and it’s up to the elders to share that knowledge and guidance. There is a “baby ” Christian at work and He is so excited to share His journey and his new found hope in Jesus.  The only thing he wanted for Christmas was a cross necklace,  and he was so excited to receive it from his wife prior to Christmas. He came to work and said he couldn’t wait to show me and that he is wearing it, “loud and proud.”

Sometimes as Christians we can become so “routine” in our walk that we can miss out on the excitement of following Jesus and the yearning to get closer to Him. We can forget to be loud and proud and to share His good news with others.

It’s Christmas Eve and I told my husband it just didn’t feel like Christmas this year. The crazy warm temperatures caused part of that feeling but it’s also because something was missing. Decorating for Christmas always involves putting up the tree and decorating it with specific ornaments that have special meanings. There are items that typically go under the tree as well, which I knew would not happen this year for the first time due to a puppy in the house but I made peace with that.

The family nativity going out on the dining room table was put on hold so as not to be a temptation to little hands making gingerbread masterpieces and just due to so many other things going on. I had previously told my mom it may be Christmas Eve this year before I got it up. Well, it’s Christmas Eve and it’s still not yet up. Part of me thought well it’s too late to do it now and part of me knew it needed to be done.  The internal struggle went on, then my husband asked why I hadn’t put it out this year. I explained why and when I heard it come out of my mouth I realized that’s what was missing.  It didn’t feel like Christmas because I left out one of the most important routines of all, putting up the nativity. 

I then cleaned all of the clutter that had accumulated off the table, got out the nativity, and put it in it’s rightful place. NOW it feels like Christmas.

Just like the table needed to be decluttered to make room for the nativity,  our hearts and minds sometimes need to be decluttered to make room for Jesus. Jesus is not just a baby lying in a manger.

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

He is our Father, the great physician,  teacher, and our Savior. He deserves to be first in our hearts and minds, not an after thought.  When He is put first in His rightful place, everything else will fall into place, just like the nativity needed to be in it’s place so it would feel like Christmas.

Merry Christmas!!

Whew it’s been a long time since I’ve written! Life has been crazy and I’ve just not felt led to write until now. There have been heartaches, joys, and healed relationships along the way and so many changes personally as well as in the world.

I have been riding, even though I haven’t been writing, and even that has been different in the past 6 months especially.  It seems the majority of people are just not paying attention at all when they drive. There have been so many times when vehicles of all sizes with all ages of drivers have crossed over into the other lane headed right towards me. It can be very unnerving to say the least.

As I’ve stated before, I rarely ride with any specific destination in mind. I have set out to go certain general directions many times,  and my gut tells me to go another way.  I must decide every time whether I’m going to listen to my “gut”, which I believe is actually the Lord talking to me, or ignore it. I’ve learned over the years it’s best to not question that feeling. Any time I have gone against it, the outcome has revealed I should have listened.

The same goes for my writing. So many times I start to write and it seems my mind and heart go a million directions and I can’t get focused in. When discussing my frustrations over some things quite a while back, my husband’s reply was, “Stop trying to carry the cross that isn’t yours. ” How often do we do that?

The enemy continues working hard to steal,  kill, and destroy. There have been so many devastating “natural ” disasters just within the last year with so much loss of life and property and no end in sight to the devastation. Families have been torn apart and are constantly under attack.  The news is increasingly unreliable and full of lies and hatred.

Most recently we lost an incredible young man, the age of my sons, to a senseless assassination. My heart aches for Charlie Kirk’s family, especially his 2 young children who will now grow up without their daddy. Thankfully they will one day be able to watch videos of him, but that’s most definitely not much comfort for them now. Anyone who can’t see that the Bible is playing out before our very eyes is blinded by the lies of the enemy.

We lost another amazing man of God, Voddie Baucham, and also lost John MacArthur and James Dobson this year. I believe they are all now in the presence of the Father and what a wonderful place to be. They all had, and I believe will continue to have, a very strong impact on so many even today.  Although social media can be down right cruel, it can also help spread the gospel through the videos and teachings of these 4 men as well as so many before them who were not afraid to speak truth.

On a ride a while back, I passed by a church that had on it’s sign out front, “Who is going to Heaven Because of You?” I thought quite a bit about that as I rode that day and have pondered on it many times since. I think I understand what was meant with that question, but in reality none of us is truly responsible for anyone other than ourselves going to heaven in my opinion. God and the person who makes the decision to follow Jesus are ultimately responsible.

We can, however, be a wonderful witness for God and we can allow others to see the joy we receive following Him, in good times and in tough times. That in turn may get them interested in learning more about Him and wanting to dig deeper into that relationship. I’ve heard some reports that it takes someone hearing the Gospel 3 times before they respond and others say it takes 10 times. I have no idea how many times it truly takes, I just know that anyone who is lead to tell others about Jesus should never stop. It’s not just about telling them, it’s about living it and showing them. The old saying, “actions speak louder than words” is very true. If you are telling someone about Jesus and claiming to have a relationship with Him, but then your actions show otherwise on a regular basis, which do you think will speak loudest? I know we all make mistakes and will continue to, but when we do we must apologize,  ask for forgiveness and strive to do better so as not to repeat the same mistakes. People may forget things you say but they won’t forget how you made them feel.

I’ve watched and listened to many people talk about Charlie since he was murdered and I’ve been in awe of his wife’s remarks about him in so many ways. She said he never raised his voice towards her or their children and was always asking her how he could serve them better. That kind of self control and willingness to serve could only come through a relationship with Jesus. Those actions matched his words and that’s part of what makes his witness so powerful, even in his absence from this world now.

One day we will all face our creator and how that turns out for each of us will all depend on one decision, do you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior?  It’s not just do you believe in Him, even the evil one believes He exists or he wouldn’t be fighting so hard to make you question everything and not follow Jesus. Do you truly believe He is the son of God, that He died, He rose and He is coming back again?!

Think about the Bible for a minute, can you think of any other book that has been around longer or caused so much discussion and uproar, yet provided so much comfort to so many? How many times have you heard about a fire, flood, tornado, or hurricane destroying everything in it’s path yet someone finds a Bible in perfect condition amongst the devastation? Have you heard about that with any other books time and again?

Why do you think that happens? There’s only one reason, GOD! I will never be convinced otherwise.  He is omnipotent,  omniscient and omnipresent. He is the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

If you’ve never before sought Him wholeheartedly, please consider it now, the days are getting darker all over the world.

This is the longest I have gone without publishing, but it’s not because I haven’t been riding or writing. I have started a few ramblings over the past several months but never felt led to complete them or publish them so those still sit in the drafts folder for now. The past 11 months have been full of changes, challenges, and many lessons learned. There’s been death, sickness, renewed relationships, job changes, and new friendships. As I rode recently and was looking at the leaves that are changing colors again they reminded me of the cycle of life and that change is always happening. The leaves become beautiful as they change, and yet the tree soon becomes naked and barren which shows that some changes can be beautiful and kind of ugly at the same time. The same is true in our lives, some changes are wonderful and others seem almost unbearable.

Have you ever thought that there was something you truly wanted to have happen and couldn’t understand why it didn’t? Then maybe later it did happen and it was not at all how you expected it to be? That has been the case for me recently. There was a place I had been volunteering at for 8-9 years and part of me believed I truly wanted to work there full time and not just volunteer. The opportunity arose, I prayed about it and I went for it. I know that God put me there, it’s the only way it would have fallen into place the way it did. I believed it was going to be for long term, but it was not to be. I struggled after several months wondering if He still wanted me there or if it was time to again move on and if so, then why did He have me there at all. One day as I was really struggling for an answer, I had a revelation from Him. I’d gotten out of my car and I had been listening to the radio trying to discern what He wanted me to do. As I got back in the car and started to leave to run to the bank with my check, my CD player was playing, not the radio. The CD had been in there for quite some time and I had listened to it probably 100 times over the past several years. The song that was immediately playing I didn’t recall every really hearing, at least I never truly heard the words to it until that day if I had heard it. While I drove to the bank I cried as I listened to the words as they spoke to my heart. The song is, Where You Begin, by Mandisa. Part of the lyrics are as follows:

“Today I need You
Just to get through
Today I’m breaking
Under the weight of it all
And I’m afraid I might fall
Today I’m empty
But I am willing
To keep listening
And looking for You in the noise
For Your quiet voice

Are You telling me to go?
Are You telling me to stay?
Are You telling me to hold on to You for another day?
‘Cause I got nothing left
And I’m hanging by a thread
I give You all my weakness, You give me
Your strength
‘Cause I’m here again,
Here at my end
Where You begin”

I cried like a baby all the way to the bank. I then pulled in to a parking place, listened again and cried some more. As I returned to work and listened to it on repeat all the way back the tears continued to flow. I couldn’t get the words out of my head and as the day and evening progressed I knew what I had to do. That evening I completed my timesheet, I gathered my personal belongings and I left knowing it would be the last time I was there. Reflecting back I wanted to figure out why God led me there and why it was not the experience I had expected. Much of it was so different as a staff than as a volunteer, and yet part of it was exactly the same.

I absolutely loved the summer camps that we did and will forever cherish the memories of several of the children I was allowed to witness have an amazing time, in spite of their disabilities. I saw a child with Down Syndrome walk over to the cross, spread out his arms like Jesus and even lift one leg partially up as Jesus is portrayed in pictures hanging on the cross. He told me he needed to get higher on the cross, he wanted to be on the cross beams just as Jesus had been. I witnessed children who at the beginning of the week seemed angry and unwilling to participate in the songs of chapel who by the end of the week were standing in front of the chapel and doing every motion to the songs as they sang about God, their creator. I experienced the thrill of being able to help young camp counselors find ways to better understand their campers’ different learning styles and then watch them form a bond with them that I’m sure they will never forget. I believe as they later come in contact with others who may have similar disabilities, the lessons they learned at camp will help them to then help others.

I realized the part that was different was that I had inappropriately put too much confidence and belief in someone who was not who I thought they were. I had placed them “higher” than I should have, and that was my fault. I don’t regret a single moment spent there over the past 9+ years, but hearing the song I knew that this season of my life was ending and it was time to move on. I firmly believe the only way for God to make me see that was to experience exactly what I did as a volunteer and then as a staff. Sometimes He can close doors softly and we get the message, other times he has to slam it shut before we get the message He is trying to send us. Once I made the decision and resigned I felt a peace that passes all understanding. I am totally okay with this chapter being closed as much as I enjoyed most of it and feel no need to look back. When we follow His leading, there is no doubt and there is complete peace.

Since leaving, I have been able to do things for my family and friends that I never could have done if I was still working there. Looking back, I see now why I felt the need to learn how to do certain things with the encouragement of my husband over that past few years. I know now why I made many choices that I did, although at the time I had no idea why I was making them, other than I felt He was telling me to. God was preparing me for this time long before I knew it was coming. By following His prompting, I am now in a position to be able to do His work without fear or a feeling of urgency to move on to the next “job”. He has always provided for us and I know He will continue to do so as long as we follow His lead. I recently found an envelope with my name on it in a drawer while looking for something else and there was a “surprise” inside. I don’t recall exactly where I got it, I have convinced myself where it may have come from but in reality I’m not 100% sure. The truth is I can question it all day long and it really doesn’t matter in the end, it was a blessing regardless of where it came from. It was another sign from God that I am exactly where He wants me to be at this time. I have no idea how long I will be in this season and it honestly doesn’t matter. He knows how long and He knows where I will go next and that’s all that matters. As the song says, where He leads me I will follow, I’ll go with Him all the way.

As we now enter the Christmas season, it’s time to really concentrate on family and the reason for the season. Some of us have experienced loss of family members and friends and this will be the first Christmas without them. Others of us may share this Christmas with loved ones and friends for the last time. Some of us may share this Christmas for the first time with loved ones and friends. Whatever the case may be, remember He alone is the reason for this season and look for the beauty and happiness, not the ugly or sadness. Focus on those we’re able to celebrate with and remember the happy times with those we can’t be with. Change is inevitable and leads to questions, but it can also lead to peace and beauty. I hope to write again soon, God bless and Merry Christmas to you all!

Here we are a week before Christmas! It’s a time to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. To many it’s a time of family gatherings, office parties, parades, concerts, visits to Santa, and the list goes on. Gift giving and holiday baking, decorating , wrapping presents, and shopping for the “perfect gift” can all become so consuming of our time that we miss the true meaning of the season.

It’s a time of year that can also lead to feelings of inadequacy, depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. Not everyone has good memories of Christmases past or families that celebrate and gather to make happy memories.

So many people are hurting, often hiding that pain, and find themselves even more “lost ” and alone. This doesn’t mean they’re physically alone necessarily, but in their hearts and minds they’re alone. The hustle and bustle of the season seems to only add to the mixed emotions.

Remembering the true meaning of the season is the only way to be able to stay focused. The commercialism that has developed over the years has distorted our thoughts about the meaning and importance of the season.

We have a whole year to plan and prepare and yet most of us seem to wait until we end up feeling pressured and rushed to get it all done in time. We desperately try to get that “perfect” gift, make those “perfect ” Christmas cookies and candies, and fix that “perfect” meal for all to enjoy.

The truth is there is only one perfect gift and it’s the reason we have this season. The one and only perfect gift is Jesus. He came for us, to save us. To save us from this crazy world and to save us from ourselves.

As we enter this final week of preparation to celebrate His birth, let us remember that in the end no matter what food we prepare and what gifts we buy, it all means nothing without Him. Spend time this final week making precious memories and focusing on that sweet perfect little baby born in the manger so long ago. Read the story in the book of Luke, read the lyrics to the song below I recently heard sung by Anne Wilson, and just rejoice that Jesus came for us all, no matter who/what tried to stop Him.

I Still Believe in Christmas, Anne Wilson

The choir’s singing carols
Bells are ringing, streets are bright
It’s Christmas all around me
So why is Christmas hard to find
December snow is falling down
Like I am to my knees
I could use some hope right now
‘Cause right now hope is hard to see

Help me still believe

For God so loved this broken world
He sent His only son
To a carpenter and a teenage girl
To show us all His love
He left His home in heaven
To make heaven my home
My Emmanuel is with me
And I’ll never be alone
Down here my heart can’t find much to believe in
But I still believe in Christmas

I still believe in healing
For the weary and the hurt
And in a world that’s so divided
I still believe in peace on earth
I still believe that love is strong enough
To conquer hate
And in a world that won’t believe it
I still believe enough to say

For God so loved this broken world
He sent His only son
To a carpenter and a teenage girl
To show us all His love
He left His home in heaven
To make heaven my home
My Emmanuel is with me
And I’ll never be alone
Down here my heart can’t find much to believe in
But I still believe in Christmas
I still believe in Christmas

I still believe in Jesus
The name above all names
A Savior in a manger
And a star that leads the way
Help us all believe

For God so loved this broken world
He sent His only son
To a carpenter and a teenage girl
To show us all His love
He left His home in heaven
To make heaven my home
My Emmanuel is with me
And I’ll never be alone
Down here my heart can’t find much to believe in
But I still believe in Christmas
I still believe in Christmas

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you!

Times are surely changing! This world is in a hot mess right now, temperature wise and otherwise.

I have finally had a chance to get in a few rides recently that were much needed and provided time for quite a bit of deep thinking and soul searching. I honestly can’t believe the mess we’re finding ourselves in. It’s not shocking due to the fact God has slowly been removed from so many places, but I never thought I would see it this bad in my lifetime. I’m not getting into the politics of this mess or what I feel the end goal is, but I will say that I hope and pray people are waking up and getting their house in order spiritually.

Now is not the time to take things for granted that have always been a certain way; jobs, food, housing, the list goes on. This is not just a problem in America, it is worldwide! We all need to be doing our part to ensure our families are taken care of. I have pretty much always tried to take care of myself which I think I’ve rambled about before. There have also been times when I’ve allowed myself to admit I may need help with some things and opened myself up for being let down if/when that help didn’t come. Please be sure you’re helping those in need in whatever way you can.

I enjoy trying to do things that will allow me to in turn help family/friends, that’s how I was raised thankfully. If someone needs help, you help. Sadly not everyone was raised that way or even if they were, not everyone feels that way. I’ve come to the point in my life where I will continue to do what I can. If there’s something I’m not sure I can do, I will try. If I fail that’s ok too. I know that as long as I try and I do my best that’s what matters. The world and those who are of the world may see failure as a negative but I see it as a learning experience. I know my God will love me just the same and if He is with me then it’s ok if others are not. I’ve known people that enjoy seeing others fail and sometimes mock them and even use that failure to try and make them think God’s not with them or maybe even doesn’t exist. I will never feel that way. My God is real, He’s alive, and He’s with me every single day. I fail Him, but He never fails me. That is a truth I will never deny for anyone. Last week hubby and I rode together and had a “scary” moment and I can honestly say I spoke out loud on that ride, “Thank you Jesus, I know that was all you.” He never leaves our side. I say a prayer of protection before every ride and He’s always brought me back home safely.

I recently saw a devotional on a YouTube channel I follow. She said,” Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial.” (The scripture she was referring to is in 1 Corinthians). In today’s society, it seems a large part of the population does feel/think that everything is permissible and if you don’t agree you’re ridiculed and labeled as prejudice or any other number of negative labels. Just because this world says it’s ok, doesn’t mean it is. Just because you CAN do it, doesn’t mean you should.

When I look back to my childhood and how I grew up it makes me very thankful I was raised the way I was. I would LOVE to be able to live the same way now. Technology has ruined so much and I try very hard to ensure when I have my grandchildren, they experience some of the things I did growing up. Playing outside, spending time in nature, with animals, going for walks in the woods, and enjoying the beauty that God provides us with are important experiences to have. Our children and grandchildren need to experience being “unplugged.” The world will try to teach them to depend on others, they need to depend on God and know that only through Him can we ever truly succeed and find peace. If there’s no peace in someone’s life, my bet is God isn’t real to them.

The only way I’ve ever experienced peace was by walking with Him. Having a true relationship with Jesus Christ is the only path to peace. Are my days always happy and joyful because I have a relationship with Jesus? No they’re not, and He never said they would be. I always know that I can go to Him and find peace though, even in the midst of pain or sorrow, anger or despair. Do not allow other people to steal your joy or try to convince you He is not alive and well and in control. We may not understand what He is doing or why He hasn’t just come back yet, but it’s not for us to know. We’re simply to have faith, to believe, to have total trust in Him, and to share that with everyone we know. I am truly thankful for my relationship with Him and pray if you don’t have a relationship with Jesus as your Lord and Savior that you earnestly seek Him with your whole heart. You won’t regret it.

Gardening is full of life lessons.

This year I was picking the tomatoes just as soon as they started to turn color. If I tried to leave them until they’re fully ripe I would more than likely end up not getting any as they would end up splitting open or be attacked by bugs. Waiting too long meant a reduced harvest and not waiting long enough would have resulted in unripe tomatoes. The lessons learned meant overall the tomatoes were very productive this year and oh so tasty!

Then there are the green beans. They of course need to be picked at just the right time, too soon and they are limp with very little flavor, too late and they’re hard and not too tasty either. As I was bending over to pick them this particular day the sun was already beating on my face causing sweat to drop into my eyes. If you’ve ever picked green beans bent over trying to find them in amongst all of the greenery of the plant you know they can sometimes be hard to spot. If you then add sweat drops in your eyes to that mix it’s quite challenging to say the least. I soon decided to pick from the other side of the row so then the towering okra plants provided a bit of shade on my back and the sun was no longer directly in my face. This way it was a little easier to see and pick.

Sometimes we need to adjust our actions and sometimes we need to adjust our thoughts in order to see more clearly. We need to remain in the light, but sometimes it takes a little shade too in order to really focus. God can provide His light no matter where we are and He can provide relief from the heat of the garden or the heat of the moment if we simply look for His guidance.

As the plants in the garden begin to die back and stop producing, I remove them to make room for other plants to then grow or for the ground to rest. Those plants no longer serve a purpose so they must go. If I were to remove them too early, then I would lose out on some good vegetables but if I don’t remove them when I should then they could cause disease or bug issues for other nearby plants. As humans we need to be sure we don’t just remove people from our lives because they simply no longer serve our purpose. If we do this were they truly friends to begin with? Don’t get me wrong, there are times when the best thing we can do is remove some people from our lives, we just need to ensure we are doing it for the right reasons and in the right way.

Another lesson learned was in the okra. Initially the okra wasn’t doing as well as I thought it should be, based on my crop last year. I believe part of the problem was that I was treating it like the other vegetables and watering on the same schedule as them. I decided maybe it was getting too much water even though the heat has been insane this summer and I cut back on water. Shortly after reducing, it started producing very well. I also started cutting off the leaves/branches that were no longer going to assist with producing more okra and were simply using up nutrients that would be better used by the parts of the plant that were still productive. This reminded me of the importance of pruning areas of our own lives to ensure what we are doing is assisting us in being productive and living life for Him, not simply using up space and energy that would better serve us elsewhere.

We can all learn and grow when we plant ourselves in places where we allow God to water and prune us. If we go along treating ourselves and our loved ones just like everybody else, or like the world, then just like the garden, we will not live up to our full potential. Just as there are seasons for warm weather crops, cold weather crops, and even no crops at all, there are different seasons we too go through and we need to embrace each and every one of them as they come.

Sometimes we need to rotate crops to get the most out of the garden space and allow each crop to get the most nutrients out of the area they are planted in. Each crop has its own nutritional requirements in order to thrive and we too must be sure that where we are planted during the different seasons are where we will be most productive. Planting tomatoes in the exact same place year after year and not feeding the soil will produce less healthy plants and fewer tomatoes as the soil is robbed of it nutrients. If we remain in the same place year after year and we do not feed our minds and bodies with positive thoughts and more of what our bodies need, we too will become less productive and less healthy.

I personally want to be able to stand tall and proud like the okra and know that I’ve been as productive as I could because I was watered and pruned by my keeper. Just as I am the keeper of my okra, Jesus is the keeper of my heart and soul.

John 15:1-8 NKJV

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.

Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve worked on this rambling over the past month or so, it’s definitely been a work in progress.

Age is a reference point, not a limitation. All of my life I’ve heard people say, “I’m too old to do that”, or “I’m not old enough to do that.” What is the right age? The answer to that for the most part once you’re an adult is totally up to you. There are so many things I would have missed out on if I said I was not old enough or I was too old.

I learned to ride at 50 as you know if you’ve followed my ramblings from the beginning. At 55 I taught myself to pressure can, waterbath/steam can and preserve eggs like they did when there were no refrigerators. At 56 I taught myself to make a healthy fermented drink called kombucha and also to ferment vegetables for a healthier snack/meal choice. Recently I also learned to assist in the delivery of baby piglets. I have no doubt there are more new things I will be learning this coming year as well and as long as I am alive I am determined to never stop learning new things.

My rides have not happened nearly as often as I’d like lately thanks to the weather, work, and life in general but soon I hope that will change! One thing about not being able to ride as much is that it forced me to learn alternate ways to have that quiet time with Him and to refocus on the important things. You see we never truly stop learning, whether we realize it or not.

Recently one morning before the sun came up I was laying awake just listening to the sounds of nature. The birds were singing and sounded so cheerful and peaceful. The roosters were crowing and there was another rooster not far away that was answering them, like they were having a conversation amongst themselves. There was the occasional chirping toad and barking dog thrown in amongst the birds. Isn’t it amazing how every living creature has it’s own language? That didn’t just happen randomly, its all part of God’s plan and I’m thankful for the quiet times to be able to truly appreciate His creation.

I’ve experienced new life quite a bit recently and it never ceases to amaze me. From another grandchild being born to helping my momma pigs give birth and seeing baby chicks that had just hatched. We can feel so helpless at times when we can’t “fix” things but then so blessed when we can help bring a new life into the world.

I must say Kunekune piglets are amazing little creatures to watch and their relationship with their momma is in many ways like our relationship with our moms and also with Jesus. As I said earlier, you never truly stop learning no matter your age. I’ve seen puppies, goats, donkeys and cows give birth and took it for granted. I just saw it simply as a part of life. Being present and assisting with piglet birth and sadly seeing 2 that were stillborn and 1 that despite all efforts for days just didn’t survive was different.

Life is precious and shouldn’t be taken for granted for even a minute. As I have watched these babies and their mommas it’s made me realize even more just how precious it is. Their mommas are their food source but also so much more. She is also their protector and their teacher. One sow has just 1 baby and I recently saw her send him into a short flight. He was coming over to her food bowl of vegetables and she gently nudged him away, he wasn’t old enough to really eat that yet anyway. He didn’t get the point she was trying to make apparently and came right back into the feed bowl. This time she was a little more serious with her “nudge” and he took flight! When he landed he just stood there for a moment as if to say, “How did I get over here?” He learned momma meant business and did not go back to the bowl. We’re never too old to learn, but we’re not too young to learn either.

Jesus was teaching at a very young age and He is still teaching us, if we only take the time to listen. We can learn from those younger than us as well as from those older than us. EVERYONE can teach us something as we were all created for a different purpose with different gifts. If we keep our minds open, there are new learning opportunities every day.

I have previously mentioned some gardening memories from my childhood and my gardening attempts in recent years. This like everything else is trial and error and learn as you go. Just because the first attempt is not as successful as you’d have liked, doesn’t mean you quit. You instead try again making changes from what you’ve learned. You do research and see what works for others and you never give up. As I was working in this year’s garden recently talking to God I realized why gardening has become more important and more relaxing to me. It’s been my new “quiet time ” with Him and what better place for it, after all we were created in the garden. Working in the dirt, seeing new things come to life like flowers, herbs and vegetables, and learning ways to use and preserve them is amazing. I learned just today that adding freshly picked chocolate mint to a cup of black coffee tastes like you’re drinking a thin mint cookie, just not as sweet. 😀

He has provided us with so much we take for granted and yet some believe it all just happened on it’s own. I don’t know about you but I know nothing just happens on it’s own. The older I get the more I realize it. I may not be able to explain it effectively to nonbelievers, but I know it with every fiber of my being. Some things happen when we assist them along, others things happen when we don’t do anything at all. We need to ask Him constantly which path we are to follow. We choose daily, many times a day in fact, whether or not we’re willing to listen and to learn. We cannot grow if we’re not willing to learn. I may be getting older, but I’m definitely not too old to learn and do.

I was able to experience a once in a lifetime moment just last night. We were eating supper and heard a pretty loud bang on our glass door. My husband went to see what it was and a hummingbird had flown into the door and was just laying on the porch. I went out to check on it and picked it up as it didn’t seem to be able to lift itself up. I saw it’s eyes moving but it didn’t seem afraid at all or try to escape. The more I observed it, the more it appeared not to be able to move its head. I was afraid maybe it had permanently damaged its neck. I gently placed him on the stone border of my flower bed and went back inside. I feed these precious little birds and the fact I’d actually been given the opportunity to hold one was amazing. His beautiful red throat was sparkling and shiny and he was so incredibly delicate. After supper I went out to check on him and when I approached, I noticed it was on the opposite side I had laid it on. I was afraid it had passed away. To my surprise when I went to touch it this time, it got onto its stomach, its wings began to flutter slowly and soon I heard the buzzing of its wings and off he flew!! It’s an experience I will always remember. If God is able to create such a beautiful and delicate bird as that and it can withstand crashing into a glass door then later fly away, just think what he can do through us if we are open to His help!

Never give up learning or reaching out to Him and never think you can’t do something just because of your age. Maybe we can’t do what we want to or think we should, but if we are still here it’s for a reason and He will use us if we allow Him to.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I honestly didn’t think I’d be rambling again before Christmas but here I am, when He says ramble I follow and pray His words come through. I took a very short ride yesterday while the sun was still shining because my heart was soooo heavy and I knew a ride alone with God was the only thing that would help. There are so many mixed emotions I’m feeling and troubling stories I’ve read/heard this week that have truly touched my soul, I don’t even know where to begin.

The season of Christmas is one that most think should be joyous as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Sadly that’s not the case for so many.

The tornadoes that recently ravaged Kentucky and other nearby states left behind such devastation and destruction in a matter of minutes. Lives were forever changed and continue to be changed. There were almost 100 lives lost including some complete families. I hope and pray they knew their Savior before they perished.

The people still living there will never be the same and they will definitely experience a Christmas unlike one they’ve ever had before. Additionally, those who have volunteered to go help in these areas will also never be the same. There are good people behind the scenes making a difference as they follow God’s lead to put their faith into works, not just words, and that is so amazing to see. There are so many ways to help even if we can’t physically volunteer and go; prayers, monetary donations and basic supplies are all needed and every little bit helps.

While listening to someone with a ministry that has been on the ground helping they said they learned of approximately 200 people in tents in a nearby park. I couldn’t help but try to picture who these people are. Are they women, children, veterans, the elderly? Where do they go from there and how? It’s freezing cold weather and they are now homeless like so many others across the country.

This season also brings such stress and feelings of desperation to others. Some don’t have loved ones nearby to spend time with, some have only sad memories of Christmases past, some have estranged family, some will be having their first Christmas without a loved one who passed this year, some who have more material things than anyone truly needs but are alone, others who simply don’t believe in Christmas at all.

Many of us feel pressures; either from others or ourselves, to have that “perfect” Christmas and beat themselves up trying to meet unrealistic expectations. I personally have often fallen into that category on more than one occasion. Even this year there were things I so wanted to include in the season that just didn’t happen for one reason or another. One of those things had to do with a project with my granddaughters and due to demands at work I just plain ran out of time. Rather than continuing to beat myself up over it, I have simply decided we will still do it, just next week instead. It will still be precious quality time and that’s what matters most in my opinion, not the date it’s done.

I also have been thinking about all those who suffer from anxiety, depression, addiction, mental health issues, abusive relationships and the list goes on. We live in a society that tends to ignore the truth that these exist or that stereotype people who fall into one or more of these categories. These conditions don’t affect just the person involved, it also affects their family, their friends and even their coworkers in some cases. Granted these are problems they experience year round but the holidays often seem to heighten the emotional impact they have. It can all be extremely overwhelming to all involved in any way. It becomes difficult to truly enjoy the season and the celebration of what it represents; the birth of the Son who came to save us all. Instead of judging or trying to “fix” them, simply try to understand and to empathize. Most do not choose to be in this situation.

Whether you believe in the meaning of Christmas or not, I pray that each and every one of us will take time to stop and reflect. This CAN be the most wonderful time of the year, if we allow it to be. That may mean putting the past behind us, forgiving someone we haven’t, reaching out to someone in need, repenting of our own shortcomings and sins, asking someone we have wronged to forgive us, and/or simply being kind to others. We never truly know what another person has experienced or is thinking but we can be kind and non judgemental and try to honestly make the most of every day. A simple compliment or smile can make a huge difference.

Peace be with you-

The way we choose to see things makes all the difference to us and also to those around us. I just opened my blog to start writing and discovered this title and the first line were started back in April and never finished! I was about to start a new title but this one still fits what I feel He wants me to share.

We are living in a world unlike anything I ever thought I’d see in my lifetime. As I’ve been riding the past few months I’ve not written a whole lot because mostly my rides have been shorter and with less deep thinking. I’ve found myself just totally absorbed in the ride. Watching the trees as the leaves gradually turn colors then fall to the ground, gardens as they change from fully producing colorful summer crops to the now producing mostly green Fall/Winter crops, and the cotton. I think watching cotton change from just simple little brown bulbs to the amazing white balls that make the fields look like they are blankets of snow is amazing. Then once they harvest, bale, and wrap it, the fields look they are now covered with gigantic marshmallows!

I am blessed and thankful to live where I get the opportunity to witness all of nature’s beauty with 4 very separate seasons. That being said, I’ve also noticed something else now that the leaves are falling off the trees. I’ve seen a few older sheds and homes that over the past several months have really started to deteriorate and collapse. It breaks my heart to see this happening. I’ve always wondered about the stories they’d tell if they could talk. I think it’s such a shame that some of these once beautiful buildings are now nothing but piles of wood and rubble. Things left unattended for too long just can’t survive.

Our own lives are very similar to those old buildings. If we don’t eat and drink properly and get adequate sleep and exercise, our bodies start to deteriorate. If we don’t focus our thoughts on positive things, that too affects not only our mental health but ultimately our physical health as well. More importantly if we don’t focus on the one who made us and allow Him into our hearts and minds, everything else is irrelevant. When He becomes the main focus, everything else falls into place. That doesn’t mean we won’t still struggle or that everything will be easy. It simply means that if we trust and follow Him and obey His word, things will be ok in the end. It may not be the way we think it should be, but His ways are always the best way.

Think about our relationships with other people. Are we grateful for example if someone washed the dishes even though maybe they didn’t put them away? Are we thankful that someone prepared food, even though maybe it’s different than how we would have done it? Do we appreciate the effort someone puts into what they do, or are we too caught up in the “my way” line of thinking?

What does God think when He tries to lead us to do something but we think we know a better way or maybe that it doesn’t need to be done at all? We are all just a bunch of sinners in need of a Savior.

As Christmas is approaching I often hear the question, “What do you want for Christmas?” For me personally there is honestly nothing materialistic that I need. My biggest “want ” for Christmas is for all of my family and friends to know Jesus before it’s too late. Not to just know who He is, but to know Him as their personal Lord and Savior and be obedient to Him; that would be the best gift of all.

I probably will not ramble again before Christmas so I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and my hope is that you will enjoy the holiday knowing the true meaning behind it.

Luke 2:11 – For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

What was the first thing you thought of as you read the title? When I entered the word rich in the search box, the first definition to show said having a great deal of money or assets, wealthy.

I consider myself rich, but NOT by worldly standards or by that definition! The richness I feel comes from within. I realize my ramblings are not as often as they once were but that’s not for lack of riding. They are simply because many of my rides have included thoughts and conversations with God that I to this point don’t feel lead to share. What I do want to share with you is richness.

How do you define being rich? My definition of being rich as I said is internal. I’m rich in memories, in contentedness, in meaningful relationships, and in peace thanks to Jesus. As I see others try to fill the emptiness or void they may feel with material things like houses, boats, trips, clothes, anything that brings temporary satisfaction I see more and more what true riches are and to me they cannot be purchased with money. They were already purchased, with the blood of Jesus.

Do you have a best friend and/or soulmate? Then you are rich. How about family that loves you, a roof over your head, and food on your table? Then you are rich. The more things change in this world, the more the things that truly matter stay the same. The only treasures you can take wherever you go are those that are internal. I had a recent conversation with a fellow rider/friend/Christian and as I rode this weekend these things became even more obvious to me after our conversation. I started this rambling a few times previously but didn’t feel lead to share until now. Treisha I dedicate this past weekend’s rides and this rambling to you!

I’ve realized so often while riding the past few months that being rich is also about being able to make new memories. Having been able to ride recently with my hubby, spending quality time with family, spending more time doing things I enjoy like gardening/yardwork and learning new skills have made me feel so incredibly blessed. Hearing my grandchildren call me by the names they use for me (Grandma and Nana) make my heart melt just at the sound. Whether we’re snuggling, playing ball, having tea parties or whatever else it is, those things are more valuable than gold.

You can lose all of your worldly possessions yet still be the richest person in the world if you have Jesus and good memories. Nobody can steal that from you.

As the weather is finally starting to cool down a bit the rides take on new feelings, sights, and smells. The corn fields are being harvested and the remnants are enjoyed by the birds and wildlife. Sunday I saw a beautiful red fox cross the road in front of me as well as a flock of turkeys in one of the freshly cut corn fields. The crispness of the evening air is refreshing to the body and soul as opposed to the oppressive heat of summer. Not only can I hear and see this while riding but in the early morning hours Sunday as I awoke I was able to hear the peaceful hoots of an owl as it was cool enough to sleep with the windows open as well.

Fall is almost here I hope. Soon I’ll be watching the roads for fallen leaves instead of grass clippings. The leaves in the trees will start to turn vibrant colors of red, yellow, and orange and the Fall gardens will be alive with vegetables like greens, broccoli, cabbage and brussel sprouts along with pumpkins and winter squash. I realize those that live in the city or are living in areas where they’re restricted from growing and travelling may not be able to see these things so maybe by reading what I see you can at least envision it. I am truly blessed to live in the country and that too makes me feel rich by my standards as we’re able to raise things to not only supply our needs but to share with others. Richness is not about material things, it’s about things much deeper than that. It’s about doing for others, spending time with those you love, making memories and trusting fully in Jesus. Don’t ever take those things for granted.

Matthew 6:19-20

 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”