Author: christiangrandmabiker

Well the temperatures have surely dropped here in NC since Christmas but the sun was shining so I had to go for a ride. I’ll admit it was not as long a ride as I usually take,  but it was still refreshing and good for the mind and soul.

I got on my layers of clothes and unlike most rides,  I had a specific route in mind and let my hubby know exactly what it was, for safety and peace of mind. We’ve since played with a way for us to be able to see where each other is on our phones so maybe we’ll try that next time I ride and see how it works. I normally just head out to ride with no particular route in mind and often change my mind as I ride. This would allow him to know where I am in case of an emergency.

Anyway, back to the ride. I wore my full face helmet today and several layers of clothes. I stayed warm except for my finger tips. I definitely will be investing in a better pair of gloves for winter riding soon.  That was the only part of me that got cold, there’s no way to layer those for warmth with the gloves I currently have.

As I rode and my fingers slowly started to feel the cold, I couldn’t help but think about those who are homeless.  How do they stay warm? If they get cold, how do they then warm up? In my mind I then pictured people standing around a barrel that had papers and other items in it burning while the homeless were rubbing their hands over the barrel to warm them.  I’m sure this works well to warm the hands but what about the rest of their body and what about when they have to move away from the barrel to sleep or eat?

It saddens me to think of people living this way. I know it’s a choice for some to live this way,  but often it’s because of poor choices or bad luck or any number of reasons that people end up this way. I know my nephew that passed away from cancer at too early an age had a fear when he was younger of dying alone in a situation like this.  I’m not sure why he felt that fear because he had a family that loved him and we never would have allowed that to happen, but it was a fear he had just the same.

Sadly, there are women and children and veterans included in the homeless population. Too often when people think of this population it’s assumed that it’s mostly men and that they’re getting what they deserve because of the choices they’ve made.  Nobody deserves to live that way in my opinion.  We’ve all made mistakes along the way,  does that mean we deserve it too?

I will admit I have passed by people standing or sitting on street corners with signs on cardboard asking for money. Unfortunately it’s become hard to tell if someone is asking because they are truly in need, or if they are trying to scam others.  I guess what it comes down to is doing what feels right to each of us.  As long as we do it with the right motives and mind set, that’s all we can do. I’ve read about those who have made “goodie bags” with some basics in it like snacks, toiletries, maybe a gift card like to a fast food place so it’s only used for food, etc. and when they see someone asking for help they pass those out instead of cash. Whatever we can each do to help is a start.

If you watch much TV at all you see ads begging for money to be sent to 3rd world countries and to animal shelters,  but you don’t see them reaching out to our veterans and women and children or entire families living in the streets.  I agree we need to help all in need that we can, but it seems we often turn away from  those near home that need our help. Maybe it’s politics, maybe it’s denial that it occurs in our own neighborhoods,  maybe it’s other reasons. Whatever the reason,  I pray it will change.  Nobody deserves to go to sleep cold and  hungry in a country as wealthy as ours.

Matthew 25: 40-45

⁴⁰ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

⁴¹ “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: ⁴² for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’

⁴⁴ “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ ⁴⁵ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’

 

 

 

 

As Christmas approaches I’ve thought quite a bit about how much people procrastinate as I’ve been riding.  We have all year to plan and yet on Dec 24th many will be hustling around trying to get those final gifts purchased.       It’s not just at Christmas when we procrastinate.  I can remember when I was in school, the teachers would give us a big assignment and plenty of time to get it done, yet I would find myself cramming and burning the midnight oil trying to get it done on time.

Why do we wait? Why do we add that extra stress to our lives by not starting on things immediately and working on it gradually until it’s complete? I’ve thought about this on the past several rides and I know the answers are different for different people. For me, I guess it’s that most times I work better under pressure.  I actually focus more once it’s “down to the wire ” and has to be done. I need to know ahead so I can process it in my mind, then when it’s time I just get it done, whatever it takes.

Sometimes when we put things off, it may actually be because God is wanting us to wait and is leading us not to make that decision or say what we’re thinking right now.  He has a better plan and it requires us to wait. I’ve mentioned briefly in past ramblings that my hubby made a change lately that I’m very proud of him for doing. I’ve wanted this change for longer than you can imagine,  but it happened in God’s time.  As always His timing is best.  By the change happening when it did, we have been able to spend time together since before Thanksgiving and we will be able to continue to do so right through the New Year. Had he not waited until the “right time”, this would not have  been the case. Now because he waited, we’ve had family time, picked out and decorated our tree together, been able to drive around at night to see the Christmas light displays that others have put up, and gone Christmas shopping together.  We have had quality and quantity time that we’ve not had for the past 6 + years and it’s been amazing.  Our kids are grown now and we are anticipating our granddaughter’s first Christmas. We may not see her on Christmas day due to a virus she now has, but in God’s time we will get to see her open her gifts.  We were able to see her look at the tree and the little village under it last week. It’s a village my son, her dad, has been purchasing for me over the years. It was so sweet to see her interest and curiosity in it at just 9 months old.

Everything is new and exciting to a child.  Why do we often lose that excitement as adults? It seems to be the same way with our Christian walk. When we are first saved,  we are excited,  like sponges absorbing everything we can about our Savior. Then over the years we seem to sometimes lose that excitement.  As I thought about this I also realized this is one of those decisions we can only put off so long,  then it’s too late. We can say we believe in God and we believe that Jesus was born, died and rose again. Even Satan believes in Him though. That’s why he tries so hard to plant seeds of doubt and to tempt us. It’s not enough to believe in Him. We must accept Him as our Savior and live for Him. While Christmas celebrates His birth,  don’t forget it’s just the beginning of the story.

Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

 

 

Several of my recent rides have simply been rides to clear my mind and there were no revelations of anything I needed to write about.  Yesterday started out the same way but the longer I rode, the more my mind wandered and this time it lead to another rambling by this grandma. I didn’t write when I got home but it’s now 1am and I can’t sleep so I write.

I started the day water proofing/staining a project my hubby recently finished. Once I got the first coat completed, the directions said to wait at least 2 hours, but not more than 4 hours, to apply the 2nd coat. What was I to do in that time? Ride of course 😀

It was one of those days where the longer I rode, the more I didn’t want to stop.  It was one of the longest rides I’ve taken recently. (My hubby was probably thinking I got lost. ) The weather was sunny but cool and there was a little wind but nothing that was too bad. It was simply a great day to ride, with proper layers for warmth.

The past 2 days were filled spending time with both of our families and plenty of food as we celebrated Thanksgiving. The ride started out with thoughts of that time together and of my beautiful little granddaughter and her first Thanksgiving.

After a while I started noticing the trees, the snow white cotton all baled and wrapped in bright yellow plastic,  and the rolling hillside with all the colors of Fall still apparent. I noticed there were evergreens as well as the many different other trees. There were some that had lost all their leaves while there were others that were still yellow, brown, orange and many different shades of red. Some were light red and others looked bright like they were on fire. Others looked like blood and some were a burnt orange color. There were also some green shrubs with pink flowers. Every tree had it’s own unique appearance and each had it’s own story as to what it could be used for.

We are like those trees. Some of us are like evergreens;  always visibly full of life and constant.  Others of us are like the colorful trees; full of cheer and trying to brighten the lives of others. Then there are those of us who are like the trees that have lost all their leaves. They are dormant,  waiting for Spring to arrive when they will come back to life visibly.  When we’re in the dormant stage,  we can feel as though there’s no purpose and we are just always waiting on things to change so we can feel alive again. This can be a time for inner growth and a time to reflect on things we may want to change.

I also noticed as I rode over bridges and along the river,  how the water sparkled as the sun hit it. The water and sun are basically the same year round,  yet how we view the water can depend on the weather.  If it’s hot out the water can look refreshing to jump into. If it’s cold out,  that same water looks like it would be potentially life threatening if we were to jump in. The situations we find ourselves in can be viewed the same way.  How we interpret what we think and see is based on where we are on this journey called life.

I also noticed the houses while I was riding.  There were some that were old and run down, some that were very large and “showy “, others that were very simple and small. Some had paved driveways, others had dirt or concrete.  Some had stone or brick pillars at the entrance of the driveway and some even had gates made of wood or wrought iron.  One even had a black metal gate that was shaped like a tree with a stone pillar on either side holding it up. All of the houses,  like the trees, have their own story to tell.

We are also like the houses.  On the outside they are simply buildings we live in. They become our homes,  based on what’s on the inside.  No matter how beautiful they may or may not look on the outside,  without love on the inside they’re just structures. We can look many different ways on the outside too, but without love on the inside,  we’re just bodies.  We can be short, tall, skinny, fat or anywhere in between.  This does not make us who we are. We are often judged by how we look, but it’s what’s on the inside that matters most.  The majority of you reading my ramblings have no idea what I look like.  If you’re forming an opinion of me, it’s by what you’re reading that comes from my heart.  If you were to know what I look like, you might read this differently based on what you think I might be like because of my appearance.  We often judge others based on appearances and don’t give people a fair chance because of our preconceived perceptions.

How many of you have experienced people who think negative thoughts simply because you’re a biker,  or because you have a tatoo or a birthmark or any other number of differences. I know having read posts by some of you on Facebook,  you feel you’re judged because you’re a woman who has decided to ride her own bike, not on the back with your friend or spouse.  Appearances are not who we are. What and how we ride is not who we are. Our minds and hearts make us who we are. Just like the trees, we all have a different purpose in life. Just like the houses, who we are on the inside determines how useful our “outer structure ” is. How we choose to live and treat others is who we are.

We can choose to be like the evergreens; visibly full of life all the time, or we can choose to be like the rundown houses; just waiting for the final days to come.

I recently came across a quote I want to share:

“I choose to live by choice, not by chance; to make changes, not excuses; to be motivated, not manipulated; to be useful, not used; to excel, not to compete. I choose self-esteem, not self-pity. I choose to listen to my inner voice, not the random opinion of others. I choose to be me.”

To that I’ll add that I know nothing is impossible. We can do and be whatever we set our minds to.

Philippians 4:13

 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

 

It has been a windy weekend here.  Yesterday I let the wind win and I didn’t ride.  Today I fought back. It was in the 50s and sunny so I rode.  I admit it’s not quite as relaxing when there’s gusts of wind to deal with, but it’s still my time to release my thoughts,  connect with God and myself, and get refocused.  There are sometimes distractions that try to keep that from happening; other vehicles,  weather, texts or calls, and any other number of things that occur daily and don’t stop just because I am riding.

As some of these things happened today I forced myself to stay focused on the ride.

The sun was shining on the trees that are still mostly clothed in colorful leaves. The cotton fields are mostly picked and there’s bales and/or roles of cotton waiting to be picked up. Soybean fields are not quite ready to be harvested and the corn fields are just left with stubble.

As I was thinking about all these things and there were some strong gusts of wind,  it made me think about the seasons and storms of life. The gusts of wind although irritating, force me to work on my riding skills. I have to remain focused and alert and stay well balanced.

Life is like that too. We go through storms in our life that can try to get us off balance and catch us off guard. We must remain vigilant and aware at all times.  We can let the wind and storms defeat us or we can fight back.

I personally grow the most during the storms. It doesn’t mean I like it or I make it through unscathed,  but I don’t give up. If the winds get bad, I can’t just decide I’m not riding any further. I have to get back home. I can’t just quit fighting during life’s storms either, I need to get home. We are just passing through this life,  this is not our home.

Like yesterday when I let the wind win, there are times when I choose not to fight back, but sometimes not doing anything can also be the right thing.  I have to listen to that “still small voice ” and try to obey.  Not every battle is mine to fight.

Sometimes that means not doing anything and sometimes it means not saying anything.  Both are decisions we each have to make based on the  situation and the season of life we are in.

I’ve come to the point in my life where my kids are grown and on their own, it’s just me and my hubby,  and we have a beautiful granddaughter. She is the most precious little girl and I am excited to see how God will use her. The joy she has already brought to this Grandma is unexplainable. There’s just something amazing about your “baby” having a baby.  I see the way she looks at him and I melt. I have made my share of mistakes along the way, but I’m a proud mom/grandma.  Only by the grace of God and with the help of my hubby did things turn out the way they have. I’m blessed beyond measure and I am thankful for this season of life, even with its storms.

That’s not to say I enjoy the winds and the storms when they come, it just means I know that they too shall pass and it will be ok in time.

During the earlier seasons of my life I did not have the peace I now have, but He was always there to see me through. I didn’t necessarily see it or even always believe it then, but looking back now I can see it. They say hind sight is 20/20 and I have to agree. Yes there are things I would change if I had it to do over, but then again if I had done things differently,  I wouldn’t be where I am now.  Knowing that,  I choose to forgive myself for the past and live for today.  If God can forgive me, then who am I not to do the same.

Others may try to throw our past at us, but God does not. Its easier to forgive others than it is to forgive ourselves,  but without forgiving ourselves,  we hinder God from using us to the fullest extent.

He died for my sins and for your sins. I don’t want His death to be in vain. I want to live the life He wants me to. As Thanksgiving approaches I find I’m focusing on being more thankful for so many little things I haven’t before. I’m thankful most of all to have reached the point in my life where I can finally focus more on Him and less on the world and myself. What He thinks is so much more important than what others think.

I’ve stopped watching the news and reading all the media’s negative reports. The media is worldly and full of sensationalism that serves no good purpose. They want everyone to stay in a season of discontent. The winds of change will come in time to them as well, hopefully before it’s too late.

John 16:33

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

 

 

 

 

Today was the first ride in a while where I just headed out with absolutely no idea where I would go or how long I would ride. The temperatures were warmer; low 60s, and it was an absolutely beautiful sunny day. I was able to wear my regular helmet instead of the full face and my vest instead of my coat. I felt freer physically and mentally.

At first I thought it was going to be a ride to just clear my head and have nothing to write about. I soon discovered God had other plans. I’ve mentioned before this is my most productive alone time with Him and today was no different in that respect. The longer I rode,  the more it became clear that I would indeed be rambling when I got home. As the cool air blew on my face, it awakened many thoughts within me from recent and past conversations I’ve had as well as things I’ve read from others.

The holiday season is upon us and although it can be an exciting and happy time for many, it can also be a very difficult time for others.

Every one of us reacts differently to every circumstance we encounter.  Why is that? I have 3 boys and I can tell you they are definitely all very different. 2 are very similar to each other in a lot of ways, but they’re still each unique in how they view life and how they approach similar circumstances.

I have always loved Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Thanksgiving seems to now get lost it seems, because there is so much focus on the commercial aspect of Christmas.

Growing up, both holidays were special because of spending time with family.  I guess that’s why quality time together having a meal has remained important  to me all throughout the year even now, more so than quantity time or material things.

It was a time when I knew we would all eat together and sit around talking and just enjoying each other. I still look forward to doing that and to giving to others simply to see them smile.

This isn’t the case for many other people though.  I’ve had conversations lately with several different people that say they are more stressed,  overly sensitive to things, and just plain dread the holidays.  It’s a season that seems to cause depression and other health issues for many. That thought saddens me deeply,  but I know it’s true. I’ve seen it year after year with more and more people.

During the holidays and throughout the year,  there’s so much focus on material things that will supposedly make us happy and fulfilled. If that’s true,  then why are so many people that are rich, monetarily,  so miserable? We have lost sight of what really matters. Our relationships with others and most of all with God should be the most important aspects of our lives. Billy Graham turned 99 this month and there’s a station on Sirius radio that’s been playing his sermons from over the years. His messages are simple, we need Jesus.  Without Him, there is no true happiness. Does that mean if you become a Christian everything is suddenly easy and pain free? Absolutely not.  In fact Christians often suffer as much,  if not more, than non-Christians. The difference is Christians know that through it all, they have a God who is with them every step of the way if they truly believe and invite Him in and that this life is only temporary.  Eternity with Him is the ultimate goal.

Hebrews 13:5

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

If you believe everything the media tells you, you would believe depression, mental health issues,  addiction and many other health issues are just excuses people use. I don’t believe it. We are all wired differently and we all have different ways of thinking. It’s easy for us to look at someone with a disability and say it’s the way they are and it’s not their own doing.  In my opinion, in many cases it’s the same for people who struggle from depression,  addiction,  anxiety,  and so many other issues. There is proof that these are real and in many cases are related to chemical imbalances and other factors that are out of a person’s control on their own.  Just as we need medications for physical pain we experience,  there are legitimate needs for medications to help with these other conditions and a need for us to be more compassionate.  Not everyone who is depressed, or anxious,  or addicted,  or biploar can just “get over it” and they don’t choose to be that way. For these people holidays are not a happy time. It means more crowds,  more demands, more expectations, and therefore more frustration.  It can stir up feelings of not being ” enough “, of not being “worthy “, not measuring up to what others think or expect.  It’s no wonder there is so much negativity they feel.

I guess I personally have always seen Christmas as if through the eyes of a child. It’s a magical time to see them open their gifts and see how they look at all the beautiful lights and trees and decorations.  I love looking at Christmas lights. My hubby and I used to just ride around looking at lights others put up. It was awesome quality time together. We haven’t been able to do it the past several years because he’s been on 2nd shift and I’ve missed it, but I am thankful for the memories of the years we did do it.

As the holidays get closer, I would like to challenge us all to be more compassionate and less judgemental.  Be more willing to listen and to give quality time to others, rather than focusing on what material items to give. I’m sure most all of us have heard it’s better to give than receive. Let’s give of ourselves, not our money. Some of the best gifts are free; our time, a kind word, or simply a smile.

When you’re shopping and about to lose patience, stop and be thankful you’re able to shop,  many cannot.

When you hear a screaming child that’s getting on your last nerve, stop and be thankful you can hear.

When you are driving and start to get angry with another driver who just cut you off, stop and be thankful you’re able to get out and go places. Maybe that person is rushing to see an injured or dying family member.

When you see someone who appears they may be homeless; instead of judging how or why they got that way, be thankful and say a prayer for them.  Maybe even buy them a meal.

Remember during the holidays and every day, you never know what battles others are facing. Pray, don’t judge.

If each one of us does our part to try and be more understanding and more compassionate,  just think how that could spread to others. Let compassion for others be your passion.

Ephesians 4:32

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you

Colossians 3:12

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you ever get excited about little things, or just the big ones? Today after running a couple errands I came home to get ready for a ride.  I didn’t realize at the time that I was hurrying to do it. My husband asked me why I was rushing and I probably never would have even realized it if he hadn’t mentioned it. I was simply excited because the sun was shining, there was nothing pressing I needed to do, and it was a pretty day to ride.  Granted it was only 48° out, but that didn’t matter. I got my warm layers on as well as my full face helmet and was ready to ride.

Once riding I got into the usual relaxed stress free zone. I got thinking about the little things that matter. I thought how happy children are with boxes and paper at Christmas more than the actual toys so often.  This will be our granddaughter’ s first Christmas and I’m excited to see her reactions to so many things; Christmas lights, the nativity,  the tree, presents, and all those “firsts”.

I thought about some of the people I work with who get excited about a diet coke or a golf cart ride. I thought about how so many people who are labeled as “disabled” are really more “able” than those who are “normal”. We disable ourselves with our own expectations from others and ourselves.  I know many who are considered disabled that are happy and smiling almost all of the time.  They enjoy the simple things that most of us just take for granted.

We should be more like them and like little children; carefree and happy. My granddaughter smiles when you talk to her and play with her.  She smiles as soon as she sees her daddy enter the room. Honestly this past week I’ve felt in some ways just like that.  My hubby’s shift has changed and I now get to see him and get a hug and kiss before I go to work, what a great way to start the day. He’s there when I get home from work, and then at the end of my day, I get another hug and kiss as he heads off to work.  I don’t particularly like the shift he’s working, but I do like the time I now get to see him each day. Instead of dwelling on the bad, I’m choosing to cherish the good.  It’s the simple things that can be the big things.

I think of all the time I’ve wasted in the past wishing for this or that.  I don’t want to waste any more time on “what if”. I realize now more than ever that life’s short and you never know what tomorrow will bring.  I am going to try to cherish each new day for whatever it has to offer and not think about what might have been or what could be tomorrow.  I don’t want to miss the little things while looking for bigger things that may never come.

I’ve unfortunately spent quite a bit of time lately in hospitals but it makes me appreciate things more. When you see what others are going through, you realize you could have it so much worse. It also makes me thankful for family and friends and a Savior who has been with me every step of the way, whether I deserve it or not, whether I make good decisions or bad.

As Thanksgiving approaches I am very thankful and excited.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always,  pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

The older I get, the more thankful I find I’ve become and the less I let the “little things ” bother me. Things that not that long ago would have really bugged me and sent me into a mental battleground, no longer have that power. I once read a book called,  “Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff. ” Check it out some time, it’s all about perspective.

I find I’m putting things into perspective in a different way now. I know of several people that have unexpectedly died at a young age and have seen where many children are being diagnosed with cancer or other diseases.  There have been a lot of health issues with several family members over the past year to year and a half and on many recent rides,  I’ve found myself creating a “bucket list.” ( Things I’d like to accomplish before I die.) All of the items on my bucket list are things I want to see or do. None are material purchases and most are things I would like to do not alone,  but with my husband.  Whether or not I’ll accomplish any of them remains to be seen, but just making the list has been eye opening.

I challenge anyone reading this to try making your own bucket list. Remember it’s your list, so it doesn’t matter how likely you are to complete it or what anyone else would think about it, it’s personal to you. The bucket list I would have made 3 or 4 years ago would have looked very different from my bucket list today.

Getting back to the small stuff. Do you have times when friends or family or coworkers may get on your nerves? I think most of us do and instead of stressing about it, I’m trying to learn to embrace it. There are many people who are alone and wish they had someone to bug them. I’m not saying it’s easy to do, but when I do succeed at it I know I feel more at peace. Life’s too short not to enjoy at least part of every day. Again, there are many people who wonder if they even have 1 more day left. Be thankful even for the irritations.

There are definitely those days when I would just as soon stay in bed or on the couch and do absolutely nothing, go nowhere,  and talk to nobody. This is not an option for me though. I know there are things I need to do and people I need to help and if I didn’t force myself to get up and go on those days, I’d feel bad about it later both physically and mentally. Sleep is often highly over rated. There is a thing as too much sleep, at least for me. The days I don’t get up at my normal time, I feel worse.  I’ve tried sleeping in and later regret it. I know that’s not true for everyone,  many people need more sleep than others. This too is a personal thing we all have to evaluate and determine for ourselves. As I write this I’ve slept about 4 hours and cannot get back to sleep so figured I may as well write.

We need to choose to be thankful where we’re at, no matter how bad we think things are. If you look around,  you can always find something to be thankful for; food to eat, a roof over your head, clothes on your back, and a God that loves you in spite of yourself.  When we focus on what we have, not what we want or don’t have, it changes everything.  I’ve learned to be content where I am, most of the time. 😉 Believe me I have my moments but I try not to allow myself to stay in that moment long.

I mentioned in an earlier post I believe that we have to choose joy. We also have to choose contentment.  There will always be those who try to steal these things from you but you don’t have to allow it.

1 Chronicles 16:34 NKJV

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Colossians 3:15

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

1 Chronicles 29:13

And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.

I’m not sure where to even begin on this one. It’s been on my mind several times recently while riding though so I know it’s something I’m meant to ramble about. As with all of these ramblings, I will just write as I feel He is leading me to and we’ll see where it goes.

I was brought up to treat everyone the way I wanted to be treated and to always be open about things. I am probably a little too “open” sometimes and need a filter, but that’s me. I’m trying to be a little less direct sometimes but it’s definitely still a work in progress. Sometimes when I stop myself, the person I’m talking to will say, “Well if you thought it God already knows it so you may as well say it now.” Although this is true, there are times when things are best left just as thoughts. Not every thought needs to be spoken. On the other hand, honesty is crucial.

Sometimes it can be painful, but so can non-truths (lies) or half-truths. Sooner or later the truth will come out so it may as well be sooner. I have had to deal with a lot of people recently in many different situations that have made me realize just how much half-truths and dishonesty are common every day occurrences and to me that’s a very sad reality. Accountability and self -preservation seem to be a battle for many. Our society is so concerned with what others may think, that we often let that dictate our actions, even though inside we know better.

We may hear vague answers to avoid the reality of the truth or we may hear out and out lies. I had a recent encounter with someone whom I asked a very straight forward question in order to be able to help with a simple situation. She danced around the answer as I asked it 3 different times and I knew what the truth was by her responses, although she wouldn’t just come out and say what she’d done. It eventually wore on her conscience apparently and within an hour she came to me and told me exactly what had happened, so then I could easily remedy the situation.

I have also dealt with many people lately who have told me they were going to do this or that and I assumed they meant it, then later found out they really didn’t do what they said they were going to do. Accountability seems to be lacking more and more in my opinion. It’s become too easy to come up with excuses for why things happen, or don’t happen, and blame others or to just have the attitude of “well that’s just the way it is” or “that’s just the way I am.” Every person and every situation can have a different outcome, if we as individual people make that choice.

I happen to have a very active imagination at times, and due to certain things that have occured in my life, I also have some serious trust issues and some insecurities as well. Give me a vague answer or response, and there’s no telling where my mind will go with it, I want details. That brings up another point, because I like details, I often want to answer with details when all the other person may want is a simple yes or no. Then if I get used to answering them instead with yes or no and they now want details they have to pull it out of me. I am sometimes the most complicated person I know! Anybody else feel that way?

In many ways we are no different than people were back when Jesus was alive, and yet in other ways we are very different. Lying and deceit have been around forever and we can see the devastation it can cause yet we still do it. We can see what happens when people lie, cheat, steal and murder and yet we still have it happening. We can see how the farther we move away from God as a nation, the worse things get, yet we continue to allow it.

I’m not going to get on a soap box of what I think needs to happen except to say that God is the only answer. Only He can change us, one person at a time. When things are going bad it’s easy to blame Him. Until we accept accountability for our own actions as individuals and as a society, it will not change. God is not the one who has moved away, we have shut Him out and have not kept our relationship with Him as close and personal as we are supposed to. He has the power yes, but He has also given us free choice and there are consequences to those choices we make, individually and as a society. We may not understand the reasons things are the way they are, but He is there and it’s not up to us to understand. It’s up to us to obey, trust and believe. He never promised smooth sailing or an easy life. Jesus did not have smooth sailing or an easy life even though he never sinned, so why would we think we should?

One of my all-time favorite scriptures is Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

 

I have had to give many things in my life to Him and leave them there and I continue to do so daily. If I didn’t I would not only fail more than I do, but I would drive myself crazy trying to handle it all. He never meant for us to carry all of the burdens. He meant for us to lay them at His feet and leave them there, not pick them back up.

Psalm 55:22

Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you, He will never let the righteous fall.

1 Peter 5:6-7

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

The popular hymn by Joseph Scriven says it all:

What a Friend we Have in Jesus

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.

 

 

How many times have you heard someone say, “I’m just one person, it won’t make a difference?” I’m sure most of us, if not all of us, have heard it or said it at some point in our lives. The real facts are that one person can indeed make a difference. What type of difference depends on the person and the situation.

On Sunday when I was riding, one person almost made a very big difference in many lives due to his reckless driving. I was going along at 55 mph which was the posted speed limit for the road I was on. I saw a vehicle pull out to pass someone and he was headed straight towards me. Fortunately there was nobody directly behind me so I hit the brakes hard, as did the vehicle this man was trying to pass. The vehicle he was trying to pass came almost to a complete stop in order for the passer to cut back in front of them and avoid hitting me or them. This one person could very well have affected the lives of everyone he knew, I knew, and the other car’s passengers as well. God protected us all and for that I am extremely grateful.

Everyone’s actions and words every day have the potential to affect others. I discovered that this site I use to ramble on keeps statistics on certain things. I learned that since I started this blog in June it has been viewed close to 1500 times by people all over the world in 13 different countries! That blows my mind honestly. Do you still think that what one person says or does won’t make a difference? Now I’m not saying I have made a difference in all of those views, but if even one person who viewed was impacted in some way, that’s making a difference.

God has given me the gift of writing this blog. I don’t know why and I don’t know who it affects. I do know that it has affected me since I started it. It has made me appreciate my alone time with Him more when I ride. I absolutely love listening to music and obviously I love riding my bike. This past week-end I decided it made sense to then combine the 2 loves. I put in my earbud, turned on some music from my phone and set off to ride. Well that’s where thinking on my own proved very wrong. I hadn’t gone 5 miles and I had to stop, turn off the music, and remove my earbud. Listening to music while riding was interfering with my alone time with God, even though it was Gospel music I was listening to. It was keeping my mind on the music, not on my direct line to God. I couldn’t hear Him or talk to Him, due to the outside interference of the music.

My praising Him through music is now done at home and in my car, and my time on the bike is set aside totally to take in the beauty of my surroundings and my intimate time alone with Him. Once I took out the ear buds, I noticed the beautiful blue sky, the lush green of the evergreen trees, the vibrant orange, yellow, and red leaves from the trees changing colors. I also noticed the blanket of white from the cotton fields that reminded me of the chorus in the song; Jesus Paid it All –

” ‘Cause Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow”

Jesus was one man, and He made a difference for us all.

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

The next time you hear someone say that they are just one person, what difference will it make, tell them it may make all the difference in the world to someone. The next time you think that you don’t matter or make a difference, remember that’s not true. If you are still alive and breathing then it’s for a reason. God can and will use you to make a difference to someone. You may not even know you are making a difference, but I assure you that your are. There is only one you, and you can have an affect on others if you will only obey and follow what He guides you to do or say. If you don’t, you will still make a difference, it just may not be the difference He wants, good or bad it will be a difference.

Ephesians 2:8-10

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Matthew 5:13-16

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Romans 12:2