Author: christiangrandmabiker

Today was a beautiful sunny day but the afternoon brought some gusty winds with it. I debated whether or not I was going to ride, but the longer I brushed and played with my dog, the more I heard other bikers out enjoying the sun. Yep you guessed it, I decided to ride anyway and I’m so glad I did! Once I got riding the winds were actually calmer than I expected and definitely not as strong as when I rode a few days ago. It turned out to be one of those rides I didn’t want to end. Sometimes I just have to say why not and go. Last week I called my mom to let her know hubby and I were headed to the beach and she asked, “Why?”, my immediate response without even thinking was, “Why not?” It seems the older I get, the more often that’s my response. I’ve learned life is short and when an opportunity presents itself, you need to seize it!

I used to be the practical and cautious one that carefully thought everything through before making decisions and often would find reasons not to do something. I think age and learning to ride my own bike have changed that. Riding has given me a new perspective on life it seems. It’s helped to build confidence in my abilities to do new things and to really live each day as it comes. I honestly never saw myself riding a bike of my own, until I actually did it. I was fearful and full of doubt when I began but I am grateful for a supportive hubby who encouraged me to stick with it.

The past few rides have allowed me time to see new life appearing as pansies and daffodils show off their pretty spring colors and as many trees have started to bud and flower as well. Spring is full of signs of new life after the deadness of winter. Much as the earth goes through changing seasons, our lives seems to as well.

We have infancy, childhood, teen years, adulthood and then the retirement and aging years. Within each stage of life we go through seasons of change if you stop and think about it. Reflect on your life from now back to when you were a child and you can probably relate to what I’m saying. Those of us into adulthood I’m sure have had our struggles and our victories, our vibrant times and those that seemed dark, our carefree days and our stressful times, our mountains and our valleys, our storms and our rainbows. It’s all what makes us who we are. No two of us are the same and that’s the way it’s intended to be. We’re meant to have differing opinions, talents, gifts and interests. What a boring world this would be if we were all the same!

Is there something you’ve been wanting do but haven’t? Why not? Think about it; are you allowing others to decide for you or to question/challenge your decisions? We are each ultimately responsible for ourselves. We can allow others to influence us in a positive way or a negative way. The choice, however, is ours in the end. We were all given the freedom of choice and we must follow our heart and minds. Your conscience is your own. If what you want to do can be done with a clear conscience, harms nobody else and gives you peace, I say do it, or at least try. Consider what you have to lose by not trying vs. what you may gain by trying.

Life is a journey and I personally want to see and experience as much as I can while I’m here. I know my final destination, but I want to enjoy the ride until that day comes. The Lord could take me tomorrow or 50 years from now, well maybe not that long 😂, but I want to live it while I’m still able. I love the quote, “Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere, but sometimes in the middle of nowhere you find yourself.” This is very true for me and I’m glad that in the middle of nowhere I found myself. If you haven’t yet found yourself and your passion, don’t give up. Keep on trying and keep asking, why not?!

2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Do you ever have those moments where you truly want to think about absolutely nothing? That’s exactly what I was hoping for when I set out to ride. Now that we have set the clocks ahead an hour there was still plenty of daylight left for riding after work. Personally I wish they would leave the time alone but I guess my opinion doesn’t really count. As I set out to ride and started conversing with God and with myself, I was trying to just clear out all of my thoughts and “enjoy the ride. ” Well as the Bible says, our thoughts aren’t always His thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are my ways your ways,” says the Lord.

The subject that popped into my head over and over was definitely not something I’d even been thinking about during the day and was much deeper than anything I wanted to ponder while I rode. No matter what I tried, I just couldn’t shake it. I will not get into politics in this blog but there is a recent issue that has haunted me and I can’t even begin to imagine how or why such a law came to be that we can now legally kill babies in some states up until the very minute they are born. If someone kills a pregnant woman, they can be charged with both murders, yet a woman can choose to have her baby aborted, murdered, up until the minute it is born and it’s legal in some states! This is incomprehensible.

Having had 3 miscarriages and an ectopic pregnancy that could easily have taken my own life had it not been discovered when it was, I can’t fathom this no matter what the circumstances. This decision has to grieve our Heavenly Father immensely. I can remember during my 3 successful pregnancies, the Dr. asking me if I wanted to do tests to check for Down’s syndrome or other “abnormalities.” My answer every time was no because even if that was the case, there was nothing I was going to do differently. God blessed me with those babies and He would see me through raising them regardless, and he did.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.”

I honestly believe every child is a gift from God and should be treated as such from the moment of conception. There are so many women out there who cannot have babies that would love to have a child if they were given the opportunity. I thought then about Jesus and how God sent his only son to die for us, to take on our sins so that we could have eternal life with Him. Would you be willing to sacrifice your child or any loved one for the sake of a bunch of sinners?

There have been times when I would have given my life for a loved one, but I can’t think of a circumstance where I would have done so willingly for someone I didn’t know. I would give blood, or a kidney, or bone marrow if it would help someone else, but my life or my child’s life? I am an organ donor upon death, but that seems to be where the line is drawn. Does that make me selfish? Maybe, but I think it just makes me human. I will sacrifice and do without so others may have, but there’s also a line drawn that I will not willingly cross on my own.

Again, no matter how hard I tried to change the subject in my mind while I was riding, I couldn’t. I tried to think about the beach, about the weather soon changing for warmer and longer riding days, about my granddaughters, the older of which just turned 2 already, and so many other ideas. None of those stuck with me. My mind constantly returned to the subject of children and sacrifice. When we become parents, at least for me, there’s nothing we won’t do for our children if we feel it’s in their best interest. Their needs come first.

I may not always agree with the decisions my boys make, but I still love them as only a mother can, despite those disagreements. Love is unconditional. Loving someone doesn’t always mean approving of what they do, but we are to love others as God loves us. Sometimes we have to love someone enough to let them go. We have to give them over to God. I have had to do this with a few people in my life, one of them being one of my sons, but that’s not because I didn’t love them, it’s because I did love them. I cannot change certain situations, but God can. My holding onto things out of my control are not beneficial to anyone involved.

I don’t believe this pertains to innocent babies not yet born, this pertains to humans that have reached the “age of maturity ” when they are making their own decisions. Innocent babies are not sinners and should be treated with the utmost love and protection we can give them. Anything less makes us all guilty. This is a rock I have carried in my pocket every day for several years as a gentle reminder to focus on love first.

How did we get to a place where we flock to the beaches or the mountains to watch the splendor of a beautiful sunrise or sunset, are in awe of Fall foliage, become mesmerized by the sight of snow falling, and yet don’t value the birth of a child? It blows my mind and makes me question our morals, our values, our motives, our very existence.

I know we are not supposed to understand everything now, but this is just so hard for me to even begin to comprehend. I simply can’t. I have to pray hard for those involved in these situations, for our country, our leaders, and our world. I would not want to be raising a child in our current culture and I ache for a better world for my grandchildren to grow up in. It’s time we get back to the basics of life; family, love and most of all allowing God back into every aspect of our lives. We have become so afraid of offending others, yet we seem to have no issues offending our creator. The signs are everywhere you look. It’s time to take a stand, to pray, and to have a true revival before it’s too late.

There’s an old song called People Get Ready and a former pastor of mine sang it from the pulpit one Sunday after his sermon and it was so powerful. He has provided us with everything we need, we just have to be willing to accept it, then live accordingly.

I recently saw an article about this but before I could read more than the first sentence, something interrupted me and I had to stop. I never did get back to the article but as I rode today, “get to” kept popping into my thoughts. More often than not, when something needs to be done my response is that I “have to” do it. What if instead I realize that I “get to” do it?

For example when the dishes need to be washed this means several things. I get to wash them because first of all it means I own real dishes that require washing, not disposable ones that need to constantly be replenished. It means I have running water to do this with and that I’ve had food to eat that required putting it on dishes. It also means I still have good enough health that allows me to accomplish this task.

I know there have been times in the past year when my reply to someone wanting to schedule a meeting that required my attendance was, ” I have to take my mom to an appt. so we need to pick another date/time.” I don’t have to take her, I get to take her. This means I have available transportation to do this and more importantly it means my mom is still with us to need to go to an appointment and that is a blessing! I know I’ve said it before, but our perspective can definitely change how we see and do things.

I didn’t ride as long today as I would have liked to but that was my own fault. I saw sunshine and thought RIDE and in a hurry to get on the bike I wasn’t properly prepared. 🤦‍♀️ I didn’t take into account that the sun would start setting soon and the temperatures would start dropping. I should have had on my chaps, my full face helmet, and my warmest gloves, but did I? Nope I had what I refer to as a “brain fart.” As I considered that while my fingers and cheeks were getting chilly, I remembered that my youngest son lovingly used to tell me what I had was actually “brain diarrhea.” Boys are such a joy to raise!! Honestly he was right sometimes though.

Ironically while I was recalling his comment today I was almost run over by a manure truck. I had seen the truck stopped at the end of the side road watching traffic go by before pulling out and as long as I’d been watching him he seemed to be very aware of the traffic. I guess that was only car traffic that was going his direction because just as I got almost to him he decided to pull out right in front of me. Thank the good Lord I had slowed down as a precaution, the remaining oncoming traffic was far enough back that I was able to swerve into the opposite lane far enough to go around him without being hit and I was able to get back in my own lane before the oncoming traffic was too close. I’m thankful that my rear tire had been replaced and was no longer bald, that I have experience with quick reactions that are sometimes needed, and that I had learned some good riding skills from my hubby. Because of all of that falling into place as needed and the good Lord watching over me, I arrived home safely and now I get to write about it. 🤗

If you’re like me and find yourself saying you have to do things; laundry, cooking, cleaning, working, running errands, just remember we get to do them. Even the mundane things that need to be done can remind us we are blessed to be able to do them if we stop and think about it. What we take for granted others only wish they could have or do. No matter what your circumstances are, there is always someone else that would be grateful to be in your shoes, or anyone’s shoes for that matter. Every day is a new opportunity to get to do things. There is always something to be grateful for.

Colossians 3:23

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, not to men.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

This word can pertain to so many things in so many ways. It’s defined as no longer happening or existing. Synonyms include finished, over and done with, a thing of the past, concluded, and many others. I guess depending on the situation it can be a positive or a negative thing. Sometimes we can’t wait for something to be done, other times we may never want it to be over and done with.

I recently went to test drive a different vehicle to possibly replace my car and honestly once the drive was over I couldn’t wait to be done and leave the dealership. Of course they wanted to give me a trade-in estimate and try to get me into what I test drove. I’m not in a hurry to do this yet and just wanted to go. I knew they wouldn’t give me enough on trade to make it affordable, but allowed them to fill out their papers and try. I politely said no thank you and left in my car. I know how the whole sales game works and that I’d be better off either doing some work to my car or selling it on my own if I decide to get something different. It was also a sunny day, which seems to be rare lately, and I was more interested at that point in hopping on the bike for a ride which is exactly what I did!

I’ve been able to get in a few rides since our return from the beach, but not as many as I’d like thanks to the rain. Rainy weather is definitely something I’d like to be done with for quite a while! The riding I have done has been quite relaxing and so needed, just not often enough.

I had to get a new rear tire before I could get my bike inspected and while I was waiting on that to be completed a truck hauling asphalt pieces apparently hadn’t closed things up properly and it had spilled chunks out onto a long stretch of the highway. Someone in the shop called 911 services to get it cleaned up before it caused a wreck or damage to someone’s vehicle and warned me to be very careful if I left before it was taken care of. I was very thankful the clean up was done before I headed out with my new tire on. God’s protection is everywhere. With the road mostly clean and my bike ready, I planned to head home, but again there was sunshine so I had to ride a bit first and took the scenic route home. 😀I wasn’t ready to be done riding yet, but then I never really am. Once on the road I’m never in a hurry for the ride to end.

While riding and clearing my mind, I again reflected on several different subjects. I thought about situations and even people I’ve had to realize I needed to let go and let God have control of. I have personally had to be finished with them. This isn’t easy for me to do and sometimes I will let go then take it back several times before finally truly letting go. It’s especially hard to do if it’s a person whom you truly love, not just a situation. Even then, sometimes we just have to let go and let God have His way, without our interference or “help” as we see it. Situations and people can drag us down and lead us astray if we’re not careful. Our best intentions can also be our own worst enemy if it’s not what is truly best and in God’s plan. Do I always understand His plan? Absolutely not! Looking at all of the things happening in the world today are mind boggling to me. But whether I understand it or not isn’t the point. Allowing God to be God is the point.

All of my life I have tried to be the peacemaker or the fixer. If something doesn’t work, I want to fix it myself or find a way for it to be fixed. This goes for relationships as well as every day problems. The fact is sometimes that’s simply just not possible. Sometimes I just have to be done and accept it for what it is. That’s a hard lesson to learn, but when I listen and actually do it, there is an unexplainable peace that follows. Like the waves of the ocean there are highs and lows, but in the end there’s a calm and peaceful feeling that washes over me once I obey. It may take a crashing wave experience to make me realize it, but once the wave recedes I can see it clearly.

I am so thankful that God has never been “done” with me. Although I’ve made my share of mistakes, He’s always been there waiting for me to confide in Him, to repent, and to move on. Thanks to Him, our past and mistakes can be forgiven. It seems we have a harder time forgiving ourselves than He does.

Unlike us humans, He doesn’t force Himself on others, but He patiently waits for us to return to Him. Are there consequences for our disobedience? Most definitely. Thankfully His mercy and grace are new every day though.

Lamentations 3:21-23

“This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.”

Lamentations 3:31-32

“For the Lord will not cast off forever. Though he causes grief, yet He will show compassion according to the multitude of His mercies.”

If God didn’t want what’s best for us, He could easily give up on us and be done. That’s not what His word says though. We may change our mind and our ways regularly, but the Lord does not.

Hebrews 13:8

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Now I must be done with writing for today. I am thankful to be able to share my thoughts and hope that your day ahead is blessed.

Be done with those things you need to let go of, and focus on the things He would have you to do. That’s my plan for today and hopefully every day. 🙏

I started this blog to share my thoughts while riding, but heard a “still small voice” telling me I needed to share this as well even though it came to me from the beach, not my bike. At the ocean and on my bike are where I feel I have my most intimate connection with God’s beauty, His power, His mercy and a calmness only He can provide.

As I walked along and just sat at the beach this weekend many thoughts and memories flooded in just like the waves. As I watched the waves crashing on the shore, I thought how much they’re like Jesus. As the waves crash onto the shore, they wash away any junk left behind and leave a clean shore. That’s exactly what Jesus does for us if we submit and allow him to. He washes away the junk from our past and leaves us with a clean start. Just as the waves and the ocean itself seem to be never ending, so is His love for us.

Proverbs 8:17

“I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me.”

The ocean is powerful, yet calm. The further away from the shore you look, the calmer the water appears. Although it can be raging all around, if we look off into the horizon there’s a calm peacefulness as well. When the storms of life are raging all around us, if we focus on what’s off in the distance and yet to come, we can be assured of peace in His timing.

We can see the wind and the waves as dangerous forces of nature or as positive forces that cleanse the air and clean the shore. I looked at the waves, the sand, the grasses, and the bushes along the coastline and wondered how anyone can think that this all ” just happened” on it’s own.

As I strolled across the water’s edge there were so many different shells of all sizes, shapes, and colors. Some were broken and others were whole. It amazes me how something as delicate as a tiny little shell can survive the power of the crashing waves that brought it ashore.

I also saw several different species of birds as they ran up and down the beach looking for food. One little bird in particular had such fragile little legs, yet it ran out into the edge of the water unafraid and was not harmed by its force.

If He can protect the shells and the birds from something as powerful as the ocean, He can surely protect us.

Psalm 91:2-4

What’s the first thing you thought of when you read the title? What did you picture in your mind? Any time I see a sign with these words on it when I’m riding I know I need to prepare myself for multiple possibilities. It may be a simple repair job going on, fresh pavement, maybe a road that’s all torn up and full of grooves, it may mean there’s gravel/rocks in the road or any other number of things. One thing is certain though, all of it requires me to be prepared, alert, and to approach with caution.

Roads are not the only things this can pertain to. Each and every one of us is also under construction in one way or another. I’ve thought about this quite a bit the past 3 days when I’ve been riding during this unusual February weather we’ve been experiencing. No matter what our age is or what stage of life we’re in, we are most likely dealing with something that’s changing in our lives. Having kids, grandchildren we want to spend time with, changing jobs or positions within our jobs, school, marriage, health issues of our own or a family member, a death, a friend who needs advice or a shoulder to lean on, and the list goes on. Nobody ever truly knows what goes on in another person’s mind or life on a daily basis. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a sign we could hang out on days when we feel that we are really undergoing significant construction to warn others to approach with care?🤔

There are days when I feel like my road is smooth and blemish free and it’s clear sailing. There are other days when I feel like the surface has been torn up, put through a grinder and crushed into a million pieces. It’s on those days when those around me would benefit from an “approach with caution” sign. Growth and changes can be demanding and overwhelming but sometimes they can also be exciting and renewing. Every situation and our approach to it is as different as we all are. Many of us don’t like change at all, while others seek it.

Some of us are content with old windy single lane roads with twists and curves and hills and valleys that meander through the country side. Others prefer the hustle and bustle of cities and 4 lane highways with bridges and intersections and traffic lights. No matter which it is we prefer, there will inevitably come a time when will probably have to deal with the least favored choice. It is at those moments when we may be being molded (constructed) into something new or better. We need to be sure we have the proper “equipment” to handle the job. For me that equipment is God’s word and trying to find what it is He is trying to tell me through it all. It’s often not a comfortable feeling at the time, but hopefully once it’s completed, we can see the difference and realize that maybe it was for the better. Hopefully we can see that through these experiences, we grew in some way or helped someone else to grow.

Life is full of detours and road bumps and we just have to hold on, take each of them one by one and do the best we can at the time. It may be that our repair job isn’t done correctly the first time and we may have to redo it again later. Sometimes it seems the road has more bumps than level ground, but if we stop in the middle of the road, there will be consequences. Sooner or later we will find that smooth section if we just keep moving and trying.

Here’s to level ground and no “construction ahead” signs, at least for a little while.

Isaiah 41:13

“For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’”

John 13:7
Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

After a crazy and pretty stressful week it was definitely nice to be able to get in a couple of rides this weekend. The weather was a little on the cool side, low 40’s Saturday and low 50’s today, but that’s what leather and full face helmets are for right?! I knew as I reflected back on the week and how I had reacted in certain situations, that I definitely needed to ride and get my thoughts and life back in balance.

Saturday’s ride was longer and all about just trying to clear my mind and get refocused. There were no big revelations or aha moments, just simply enjoying the ride and the time alone with no pressures of anyone waiting on me or expecting me to do anything at any specific time. Saturdays are traditionally our laid back day for us to do what we want, then hubby often grills out at night. Ever since I can remember, we have tried to keep Saturdays as our day. This week, that meant he enjoyed helping his dad and I enjoyed riding after getting caught up on some unfinished work at home.

Today’s ride was shorter, because I wanted to watch the Probowl football game and was fixing dinner for my youngest son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters. It was still a very relaxing ride, after a bit of a rough start though.

Do you ever have days where things just seem to be “off” or out of balance? My ride today started that way. Shortly after I headed out, I found I was tensed up and not “feeling” the ride. I soon realized after awkwardly making a tight right turn that I needed to get relaxed and find that balance or go home, which was not gonna happen without getting in a ride first. I concluded that my unrelaxed riding was due to feeling too stiff and confined. I had put on my neck warmer and realized that with my face shield down and my neck warmer on it was making me feel very confined and almost claustrophobic. I quickly loosened my neck warmer and put my face shield up then all was good again, things felt back in balance. If only it was always that easy to regain balance in life.

This got me thinking back to how I found balance prior to learning to ride. For me being able to get alone has always been an important part of that process. As a child, I would go for walks, climb trees, or ride my bicycle. As a teenager and young adult it was hiking, listening to music at home or in my car, going snowmobiling or horseback riding, and simply tuning out the rest of the world. I realize now that when I probably needed the most balance in life, when I was raising my boys, I didn’t have that alone time to keep balanced. If you’re reading this and are at the stage of life where you are raising children/grandchildren, don’t do what I did. Make sure you find a way to have the time needed to keep yourself balanced, however that looks for you. They say hindsight is 20/20 and it’s so true. If only I knew then what I know now!

Even God made time to rest:

Genesis 2:2

“And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.”

I realized more than ever this past week how important it is that we carefully balance what we eat and drink as well. My mom had another health issue arise and she now has to balance the right amount of salt and fluid intake daily. Growing up I’ve always been aware of the problems with getting too much salt, but the thought of getting too much fluid was never a concern really for me.

My problem has almost always been not getting enough fluid. I don’t really like to drink water so I rely on my morning coffee, 100% fruit juice, unsweetened tea, and vinegar/honey water. Although fruit juice is good, its also high in natural sugar so that’s another concern. How in the world do we find balance when it comes to our diets? There are so many studies out there that it makes it even more confusing instead of less.

I came home today from riding and ordered myself a fruit infuser water bottle so we’ll see how that goes for the fluid/sugar balance. I’ve been reading a lot this week about different fruits, vegetables, and herbs that can help with different conditions when used in an infuser. Maybe with real fruit/vegetables/ herbs in the water it will make it more desirable and also keep me from having too much sugar by drinking all of the juices like I have been. Gotta start somewhere 😀. If anyone has tips to share feel free to leave them in the comments.

Well it’s time to balance my schedule and get finished fixing dinner so I’m signing off for now. I hope you all have a great week ahead!

Psalm 90:12
“So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Ephesians 5:15-16

I live in a state where you can literally experience the weather of multiple seasons in a single week! This past week has been just that way. Last weekend when I rode it was sunny and close to 70°. Today it was overcast and 38° when I rode.

Last weekend there were so many signs of life and you could feel such a positive energy all around. It was like a refreshing Spring day when people first start to enjoy clear skies, warm temperatures, and enjoy the great outdoors with much less clothing than typically worn in January. I wore lightweight gloves, my regular 3/4 helmet, and no chaps or layers for sure. It was an exhilarating time to ride and I probably rode about 5-5 1/2 hours between the 2 days. I would have ridden longer but I did have other responsibilities to tend to that required my return. 😉

As I relished this time alone it was amazing to experience so many beautiful signs of life. I cherished every site I observed and took in the sounds I could hear over my bike.

I heard the rumble of a diesel pickup taking off and the humming of the wind as it circulated over my helmet.

I noticed late in the day, the majestic shadows of the barren trees as they intertwined on the road in front of me.

There were sightings of raging water as it crashed on the banks of the river below and although I couldn’t hear it, I could imagine the sound it was probably making.

I caught a glimpse of the graceful flight of a hawk as it swooped down to get its prey and flew off, presumably to enjoy it’s successful catch.

There was also the trickling of the remnants of the recent rain water as it vanished into a culvert along the side of the road.

Children were outside playing and one in particular was energetically waving as I passed by which made me smile, and of course I waved back.

I saw groups of bikers as well as many solos and couples riding. The world seemed to be so vibrant and alive everywhere I went.

Today was very different. I had on my warmest gloves, my full face helmet with the shield down, and of course my leather jacket and chaps. I didn’t see anything like the sites I encountered last weekend.

There were no other bikers on my travels and no children outside playing. The skies were overcast, the wind was cold, and there were no shadows to be seen. I still heard the wind as it flowed over my helmet but it was more forceful than last week. Instead of feeling the warmth of the sun on my face, I felt the biting winter air on the slightly exposed part of my neck.

I did see 2 hawks but both were perched on power lines and were no doubt watching for any signs of movement below to mean a possible meal to fill their bellies. What an amazing contrast, simply because of the difference in weather I’m sure.

The activites in nature are obviously affected by the weather and the activities of our lives are as well. I didn’t have a desire to ride 2-3 hours today, but I still very much enjoyed the time I rode. It was still a time of reflection and renewal. The senses were still awakened, just in a different way. The world didn’t seem as vibrant and alive, but it still had its own kind of energy to offer. I’ve never gone for a ride and not felt better upon my return, no matter the length of the ride or the weather conditions.

Many times I’ve seen the following on shirts and signs; 4 wheels move the body, 2 wheels move the soul. For me this is absolutely the case. I can’t imagine not riding, now that I’ve experienced it. This is currently when I feel closest to God and all of his creation. It’s when I can talk to Him uninterrupted and listen for what He wants me to learn, to know, to do and also if there’s something he wants me to share here. The other place I’ve felt this same strong connection to Him, when I’ve been alone, is the ocean. That’s a discussion for another day.

If you haven’t found an outlet, hobby, or activity that touches your heart and helps bring your heart and soul to life, you owe it to yourself and those you love to find it. It can make all the difference in the world.

“Quiet your mind and your soul will speak. ”

Jeremiah 29:13

“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. ”

Matthew 22:37

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

Colossians 3:15

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men.”

I woke up this morning and thought I must be dreaming; there was actually sunshine, and not the liquid kind!! This has been an incredibly wet year which is not the kind of weather anyone who rides wants. I can handle cold, heat, and wind but rain is not fun riding. I knew I was going to ride today one way or another but I also knew it meant taking a chance. In order to get my bike out I knew I would have to deal with the wonderful mud. ( insert sarcasm🙄) There is currently mud right where I have to back out of my building, once I am off the ramp that leads into it, and also in our driveway. I knew it was going to be a challenge, but also knew it would be worth it once I could get to the road. I’d either drop it and have to pick it back up to ride or I’d succeed to maneuver in the mud without dropping it and ride, either way I was determined to go.

Thankfully the latter was the case, I did not drop it! I definitely slipped and slid a bit and got myself and the bike dirty, but both will clean up. When I was growing up, sunshine meant being outside. Now that I’m older it still means the same. I can’t stand the thought of staying in if the sun’s out and it’s a pretty day. The mud was a challenge but it wasn’t stopping me today, I’ve waited too long for the sun to reappear.

Once I got out on the road it was wonderful. The wind was blowing a bit but it was still a beautiful day to be on the bike and get some much needed “alone with God and my own thoughts ” time. As I started out I wasn’t sure which direction I wanted to go as usual, but I had a full tank of gas so the possibilities were endless. Soon after my ride began I thought about an article I read about a young man that died last week riding his bike not far from where I was at. I decided to head that direction although I wasn’t sure why at the time. I didn’t know exactly where it occured but it became obvious when I saw the flowers and memorial in a yard just off the edge of the road. As I rode by my initial thoughts were of the sorrow his family and friends must be feeling. The more I considered what might have happened to cause this tragedy, the more my focus changed. Although he was taken so young, at least he died doing something he loved according to what I read.

How often do we hear about people who work their entire lives and save up money so that once they retire they can travel or do things they’ve always dreamed of? And how often do we hear of people becoming very ill or dying soon after they finally retire, before they are able to fulfill those dreams? That’s exactly why I choose to ride now every chance I get. We are not promised tomorrow and we never know when our circumstances may change and our lives may unexpectedly take a turn we didn’t see coming. Every day is a chance to do what we love, so if there’s any way possible, just do it. I personally don’t want to continually live my life thinking, “What if….” The older I get the more determined I am to try to live life to the fullest.

This past year has been a challenging one for us physically, mentally, and financially in many ways but it has also been amazing to see God’s blessings in the midst of it all. He has seen us through it and has provided in every way. I honestly wouldn’t change it if I could. We have been able to spend quantity and quality time with each other and with our families that would not have been possible if my hubby had remained at the job he was at, especially once they moved him from 2nd to 3rd shift. Life is good, even when it may not seem it at the time. As they say, hindsight is 20/20.

As I continued to take in the scenery, I saw creeks and rivers that had previously overflowed their banks from the recent rains and the debris that was left behind from the powerful water. I saw small “ponds” in fields that normally are not wet, parking lots and driveways in need of repair from water damage and various other signs of mother nature wreaking havoc the past few weeks. I felt the cool crisp air as it awakened my senses. I enjoyed the warmth of the sun as it shone on my face. The weather was gorgeous for January and I was soaking it all in while I could. If I could have ridden the entire day, it would still not have been long enough, but it was an amazing and much needed time away spent enjoying the beauty of nature that I often take for granted in my car.

After riding for almost 2 hours it was time to go home. My coffee had definitely worn off and it was time for a bit of nourishment. My heart, mind, and soul were nourished and now my body was requesting some as well. After getting a snack and giving my bike time to cool down, it was time to wash some of the mud off before putting it away for the day. As I looked at how dirty it was it made me think about how we may see others or even ourselves sometimes. My bike on the outside was pretty nasty, but it ran like a charm. It’s what was in the bike that mattered, not what was on it. No matter what we or others may look like on the outside, it’s what’s in our hearts and minds that matter. You never know what goes on in anyone else’s mind or life, so accept them for who God made them and know that what’s inside is what counts the most. Sometimes we have to just get past the “muddy” exterior to get to the heart of things. The past is behind and the future may never come so live for today. Live life to the fullest, love others, and laugh often. Life truly is short when you really think about it, don’t waste another minute thinking about “What if”, just do it.

Psalms 118:24

“This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.”

It seems from just before Thanksgiving all the way through New Year’s there are so many different emotions that take over for so many people. Although it’s supposed to be a time to concentrate on being thankful, rejoicing about the birth of Jesus so many years ago, reminiscing on the past year, and looking forward to a new year, it can quickly become overwhelming. It seems there is so much focus on gift giving and figuring out what to take for family gatherings and parties, not to mention trying to fit them all into our schedules without losing our sanity. It’s easy to lose the joy we should be experiencing if we aren’t careful.

For many it seems to cause more stress than joy. Gatherings can be nerve racking for those who have anxiety/depression issues, going shopping is a whole nother set of issues; from worries about what to get, how much to spend, and dealing with the crowds and traffic. In reality, the best gift we can give anyone is our time, understanding, and our unconditional love.

I too was having those feelings related to holiday stress as I finished up some work that had to be done early, checked to be sure I hadn’t missed anyone’s gifts, looked over the grocery list for upcoming dinners to be sure I had it all, and got things ready to be wrapped. I found myself feeling like I was just ready for it to be over. That’s when I knew it was time for a ride. Time to be alone with God on the bike enjoying the wonderful view He created and no distractions for a while to get myself back on track.

I rode for close to 2 hours and oh what a difference it made. I came back refocused and ready to enjoy the rest of the season.

Along the ride I saw many Christmas decorations in people’s yards. Some were simple, others much more elaborate. I thought about all of the shoppers still hustling and bustling to get it all done. I thought about those who may not have family to spend their Christmas with for various reasons and how hard that must be. I thought about those who have families to be with but for whatever reason it’s not a joyous time together or they choose not to be with them. I thought about our service men and women and their families who are apart while they serve their country, not only this time of year but for very long periods of time throughout the year. I thought about the families who are celebrating their first Christmas without a loved one they lost this past year.

The list could go on and on and is different for everyone. There are some who will spend Christmas alone. Some by choice, others because they have nobody close to share with. There are broken families and children who don’t have a loving mom and dad to make this time special for them, not necessarily with gifts, but with unconditional love and time spent teaching them about the true meaning of Christmas and family.

I think about my 2 beautiful granddaughters and I am so thankful that my son and daughter in law are teaching them young about Jesus. Psalm 127:3 tells us “Behold children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.” We are instructed in Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” My oldest granddaughter is just 21 months old and my heart overflows when I hear her starting to now say the blessing before we eat. There’s something very special about that sweet little voice praying and then ending with a very firm AMEN. I know that even though we teach our children about Him, some still may stray, but we must continue to pray for them even harder in those times. Matthew 19:26 makes it clear as Jesus is talking to his disciples about being saved-“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. ”

We cannot give up hope, not during this stressful holiday season or any time of the year. We cannot give up on ourselves or on family and friends who have strayed. We must put our trust in Him and simply believe. Many parents are able to convince their children to believe in Santa Claus that can fly all the way around the world in a single night and bring them worldly possessions once/year and yet fail to teach them about Jesus, who can bring them the gift of forgiveness, grace, mercy, and salvation leading to an eternal life with Him.

Luke 2:11

“For there is born to you this day in the City of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. ”

Josh Groban has a song called Believe and part of the lyrics are as follows: