I know it’s been a while since I’ve published any ramblings but it’s not because I haven’t been riding or writing. Counting this one, I actually have 3 different blogs started, which has never happened before. I don’t hit the “publish” button until that still small voice says it’s ready soooo they are not all ready.
I’ve had 2 long Sunday rides this month so far, 156 miles and 153 miles and the thoughts on both were mostly the same and are what I’m including here, along with what started out as another of those blogs I mentioned so now I only have 2 going simultaneously. (I had no idea they would combine until I got about half way through this one.)
I’m sure most of us have had wishes and dreams we’ve considered at different times in our lives. Some of those may include other family members/friends and some may just be for ourselves. Some people don’t see a difference between having a wish and having a dream but to me there is a difference. I see a wish as something I’d like to see happen, but it’s something that’s not in my control. I have wishes of things that I think would be fun and or exciting/rewarding but for one reason or another I know they won’t happen. A dream is something I’d like to see happen and I can be an active participant in trying to make it occur.
I currently have a few dreams in mind, things to work towards. I’ve heard people say that sometimes things come “full circle.” That is definitely the case for the dream I’d most like to still see come true. When I was in elementary school I remember having to write a story about something I’d like to do when I grew up. I wrote about having a log cabin on some land in/near the mountains where I could raise chickens for eggs and for meat, a few goats for milk, cows for meat/milk, a couple pigs, a garden, a pond and easy access to multiole places to fish and hunt. Basically a home where I could be pretty self sufficient and no close neighbors. At the time I also wanted horses, but I can do without those now as they would serve no real purpose other than being something else to feed yet not benefit from in a practical sense. I will continue to ride my motorcycle so horse riding isn’t necessary now as I thought it was then.
Living “off grid ” was and still is a dream. My hubby and I have discussed this some in passing but it is truly something I think more and more about in this crazy world. This summer we have been blessed by the produce of our small garden and for the first time I’ve saved many seeds from it for next year’s garden and done some freezing and pickling and most recently started getting persimmons from our trees that God provided. I know there are friends and family who won’t and don’t understand this type of dream but that’s ok, dreams are a personal thing.
Neither of us is big on going on extended vacations, cruises or even on weekend getaways except with each other, so living off grid wouldn’t be a big change. We have had opportunities to have a guys or gals weekend, but that’s just not for us. We both came out of bad relationships with broken promises and that was an agreement we made early on. That agreement has held true since the day we got married except for the few times I was at my parents’ helping with my dad or was at the hospital with one or both of them. This decision is something many don’t understand either, but that’s ok as well. 🙃 Neither of us grew up with parents that did those things and we’re okay with being different from today’s views of what couples can do. It’s a personal decision each couple must make on their own to do what’s best for them.
These past longer rides have shown me some beautiful countryside I’ve never seen even though it’s within an hour or so from home. One particular road I discovered I know I’ll definitely travel again. It was pretty curvy and quiet, mostly wooded on both sides, and had very little traffic. It would be a great choice for off grid living. These rides also led to some great conversations with God! It’s amazing how much clearer my thinking is when I can be totally unplugged from technology of any kind; no radio, tv, phone, or computer-my kind of world. I love music but can definitely do without the rest of it quite easily, except that the computer/internet/phone is needed for work to pay the bills.
We all need a way to unplug in my opinion in order to truly have an intimate relationship with our creator. I’ve thought quite a bit, on these 2 longer rides especially, about promises as well. What got me started on these longer rides partially was a question my father in law recently jokingly asked me before we hugged during an afternoon visit. “Where have you been?” I’m not going to get into the details behind that question but it later got me thinking about where I’ve ridden. Many rides are in the same general areas and his question actually encouraged me to get out more on new destinations/roads.
I’m very thankful that I did that and have been blessed with some fantastic views and sites along the way. The country views have been beautiful, the roads were winding, and in several areas the trees cascaded over the road providing some very appreciated shady spots along the way. I’ve seen some deer in the middle of the day on 3 separate occasions. A large doe was happily eating under an apple tree where recent winds no doubt had knocked some apples to the ground. In another spot I saw a doe dart across the road in front of me and her fawn was frantically running around in circles trying to decide whether to follow or not and thankfully it stayed safely in the grassy area until after I had passed by. The 3rd sighting was a doe and 2 fawns that crossed the road a short distance ahead of me. They were all so beautiful and carefree, the way we all should be.
The media and others have done their best to instill absolute fear in everyone but I will not live in fear! I will live trusting in His word and resting in His peace.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
He has promised us many things and He will not go back on His word, nor will I.
1 Peter 1:24-25
For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away, but the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
I’ve made promises to Him and to my hubby that I will not break, for anyone or anything. If a situation arises that could lead to a potential broken promise, I will not waiver. I believe the time is coming when we will have to make a decision on how far we’re willing to go to keep our promise to the Father. Remember, anything you do behind someone’s back, you are doing in front of God. Nothing is hidden from Him, He knows your every thought and action/inaction.
I’m not going to start a political debate here, but for those of us with an election coming up, make sure you educate yourself on the principles of your candidate and vote accordingly as it lines up with God’s word. We cannot vote based on personality issues or whether or not we like someone, we must base it on things that truly matter; freedoms and rights for all including unborn children. You can’t praise God then turn around and support murdering babies and innocent children/adults. Don’t blindly believe media reports, do your own research and get the facts.
I challenge you all to dream big, live life as the gift from God that it is, keep your promises, and stay safe!
Ramblings of a Christian Grandma Biker 