Ramblings of a Christian Grandma Biker

The past few weeks have been filled with ups and downs. Holidays can be exciting, tiring, and depressing all at the same time for many. Family gatherings, shopping, and day to day tasks can make some feel the same way.

I got the opportunity to ride the day after Thanksgiving with a “sister ” who recently got a trike. I had never seen one of those up close and had to stop and check it out at one point along the ride. If the time comes that I can’t ride 2 wheels, there will definitely be 3 wheels in my future! I’ve never ridden with anyone other than my hubby before and it was a pretty cool feeling. We aren’t able to talk to each other while we rode, but the unspoken love for wind therapy and that quiet time alone yet together with God was powerful. We agreed we will be doing it again.

On that ride, and on rides since, I’ve continually thought about the tragedies in life that can bring people closer together. When something tragic happens we are often forced to think about and face things a little bit differently. I, like many of you I’m sure, have lost loved ones to various reasons and also had to watch loved ones with serious health issues. I’ve had overwhelming emotions, sometimes for no reason and sometimes around various holidays, related to missing those loved ones that are no longer here.

How many of you know someone who was murdered? We hear about it happening every single day, but until it happens to someone you know it may not seem real. Even if it isn’t someone you’re close to, it will change how you see things. Just before Thanksgiving my stepson’s stepson was murdered and his killer is still out there. No family should ever have to experience the pain of losing a child so senselessly. One minute he was a 19 year old living life, the next minute he was fighting for his life. Ultimately he lost his life, but through organ donation he gave life to 3 other people. For those 3 families he will always be a part of them. For his own family left behind, he will always be missed. His short life affected so many more than just his immediate family. As stories emerge and people share memories, one sentiment is shared over and over, Nate was a giver and a true friend who would literally give others the shirt off his back. I saw how he interacted with his stepbrother and stepsister when they entered his life and he was so loving, caring and playful with them. He genuinely loved them both. How does anyone explain how to now deal with the loss of their brother, gone too soon for reasons unknown?

We have no definitive answers to questions like that. Life goes on, but it goes on differently. Nothing will ever be the same for his friends and family. Things like this should make us all stop and think more about family and those we love. There are some situations we can’t change, but we can pray more about them and maybe one day, if those involved are willing, and if it’s God’s will, the situation will change.

We can appreciate those around us more and let other things bother us less. That slow driver in front of us may actually be there to force us to slow down and maybe avoid something that could have happened if we weren’t being held back. That Dr. who kept you waiting for your scheduled appt. may have been running behind because they had to give someone bad news from tests they’d had done. That coworker who got angry with you may have things going on in their personal life you know nothing about, and they took it out on you unintentionally due to stresses outside of work. You may never know the battles others are facing on a daily basis, so we need to just be kind.

Appreciate your family that’s still here and never waste an opportunity to tell them you love them, you may not get another chance. Go to that family gathering or event your loved ones are interested in now while you still can. On Sunday when our family gathered to celebrate my mother in law’s birthday, my oldest granddaughter asked to go home with us. It was pretty out and I’d thought about an afternoon ride, but when she asked that, the ride could wait, she came first. Cherish the ones you have while they’re still here, we are not promised another day.

Don’t let work become your driving force, your employer will replace you when you’re gone. Don’t let material things take precedence over quality time with loved ones. Memories made are far more important than money made. Our families want our time, not our inheritance. When I think of loved ones I miss it’s about things that were said and done, not things that were bought.

As Christmas now approaches, remember it’s about who is around the tree not what’s under it that matters most. Most of us remember feelings and stories much more than material gifts. Focus on what really matters, make memories and take pictures, they may be all you have left one day, and you will cherish them forever. They will bring comfort when nothing else can. And if you can also make memories riding with family and friends, you’ve got the best of both worlds!

Fall has officially arrived! The good part of that is cooler temperatures, the bad part is the clocks went back 1 hour so now it will get dark even earlier. I wish they would leave the time alone, there aren’t enough daylight hours for riding as it is without messing with the clocks!

It’s also that time of year when I never quite know how to dress for riding. I know I need to wear my leathers to block the wind most days, but sometimes I end up sweating before I even begin to ride by the time I get ready 🤣.

One ride recently I realized soon after I started that I chose the wrong gloves. I found a church parking lot on a country road where I was able to safely pull over and switch them out. I carry all of my gloves at all times because temperatures can change quickly, this time of year especially. Now my hands weren’t feeling the cool wind, but I soon realized these gloves were a bit too tight. I’ve worn them before many times but think they may have shrunk a little by getting wet too often maybe. None of these issues were going to stop my ride but it did get me thinking about “too.”

On this ride and many since, that’s the word that keeps popping in my mind. Often when riders talk about going riding I hear/see the mention of too windy, too hot, too cold, too wet, too fast, too slow, too dark, too bumpy, too….whatever it may be. For me if it’s not pouring down rain or pitch black dark, everything else can be handled. Here in the country where there’s no street lights and many nighttime wildlife wanderers I just don’t ride at night. Hubby and I both used to, but ever since he had a deer nail him in the ribs on a ride home, we both tend to avoid that now. I’ve ridden in the rain many times, not by choice really, it just happens sometimes.

Life seems to hold many “toos” as well. We hear too broke, too loud, too quiet, too busy, too lazy, too ill, too much, too little, too stressed, too carefree, too religious, too tired, too expensive, too complicated, too controversial, too outspoken, too strict, too lenient, too early, too hard, too passionate and the list goes on! I’ve thought often while riding the past few weeks about all of this and there are a few “too” ideas that keep repeating over and over in my rambling mind like “too early.”

I’ve been seeing Christmas decorations for a while now and have heard people saying it’s too early for all of that. I’ll admit there was a time when I would have agreed, but really why is it too early? I’ve been listening to Christmas music for several weeks now, since October actually, and I’ve already watched Frosty the Snowman several times. My granddaughters and I have also watched The Star multiple times. Why do we think of it as too early? Granted Thanksgiving hasn’t arrived yet, but so what? We really should be more thankful every day, not just on Thanksgiving, and we should celebrate the true meaning of Christmas daily as well. The commercialism of Christmas is I believe why the “too early” comments come into play. Too often there is too much focus on the material gifts, not the one true gift.

I’m sure as I’m writing this, some are going to think I’m too religious and speak of things that are too controversial. That’s the beauty of freedom of speech and having my own blog, I can share what’s in my mind and heart as I ride, and if someone doesn’t like what I share they have the choice to just scroll on by. The title of my site alone should be sufficient enough proof that I’m not ashamed of my beliefs and there’s a good chance I’m going to share them at some point in my rambling. I will not apologize for that nor will I “tone it down” so as not to offend someone because I am too outspoken. I’ve had some comments from others recently about just that but…I’m not too ashamed to continue on.

The true meaning of Christmas warrants us to celebrate it all year. If it wasn’t for Jesus being born in a manger all those years ago, for us, then what are we truly here for? It’s never too early to share Him with others, but it can definitely be too late. I love hearing my granddaughter singing Jesus Loves me and sometimes saying the blessing before eating. Even if she doesn’t say the blessing herself, she always says Amen at the end and yesterday her little sister bowed her head and also said a loud Amen at the end, they are only 2 and a half and 17 months. No it’s never too early!

I also often hear and read about it being too late for some because they made too many mistakes that can’t be changed. While it may he too late to change the past, there is still time to make changes to improve the future. The choice is our own. I recently found myself being “ill” as it was put with someone I love and realized I was allowing myself to become too focused and too stressed about things I had no control over. A good ride and uninterrupted conversation with Him, was just what I needed to get refocused and out of my “too ill” mindset.

There’s nothing for me that can compare to the feeling of riding down the road in however much gear is required to stay warm and appreciating the beautiful countryside He created for us to enjoy. Life is too short to take it too seriously. Take the time to get in those rides every chance you get. If you’re new to riding, don’t let fear, worry, other drivers or riders intimidate you. Ride your ride and enjoy it! Too much time in life is wasted out of fear and worry. Give it to Him and together it will all work out. It’s not always the way we want it to, but I’ve learned over the years His way is so much better than mine, when I’m not too stubborn to listen.

What is your “too?” Is it different day to day or is there one particular one that stops you time and again? Will getting in a good ride or whatever your outlet is help? Don’t be too afraid or worried to do it. He will be right there with you if you only ask and allow Him in. He rides with me I know, because He has saved me on more than one occasion and brought me and my bike home safely every single time. Nothing is too anything for Him and it’s never too late or too early as long as you’re still breathing.

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.

Psalms 56:3-4

Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Proverbs 16:3

Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established.

Hebrews 13:15

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

I can remember as kids, when we would travel to see family that lived about 4 hours away we would pass the time playing games. One such game was the first person to see a Volkswagen Beetle would yell punch bug and punch the others in the shoulder/arm. Needless to say, we stayed alert looking for the next one so we were the puncher, not the punchee 😅. Being the youngest, I sat in the middle of my brother and sister which tended to mean I often had 2 sore arms. We did get just a little carried away with those punches on occasion, LOL.

Riding along this weekend I saw a VW Beetle and those memories came flooding back. I realized that to this day I am very in tune to looking for those cute little cars. As I thought more about that, I decided that I’m going to start a similar game with my granddaughters any time I take them somewhere. I think I won’t include the punching part though and I will have them watch for motorcycles, not Beetles. Maybe they will then be more likely to watch for motorcycles when they’re old enough to drive. So many times we hear of accidents and the response is simply, “I didn’t see him/her.” Anything we can do to raise awareness is a good thing.

We live in a world where often it’s believed bigger is better and that’s where the focus tends to be. Have you ever heard someone say they didn’t see a tractor trailer? I haven’t. Personally as I get older, I’m learning to appreciate those little things more. I’ve enjoyed the beauty of sunsets so much more since I’ve been riding as well as the every day scenery like I recently shared with you all in my last rambling.

Sunday I had considered going on a long afternoon ride but someone little changed that. When my granddaughter said she wanted to come home with grandma there was no better reason to change my plans. Hearing her say, “I want you”, or “Love you” means more than anything to this grandma! It may seem like something little to some, but it’s huge to me and nothing else compares.

I did get in a short ride after she went home and it was just icing on the cake. The weather was perfect, the foliage was beautiful, and the sunset was amazing. The trees were dressed in yellows, reds and a bit of orange. The sunset was different shades of yellow, red and orange as well as some clouds that added even more beauty mixed in with the blue skies and other colors. Days like this are what life’s all about. God, family and enjoying His beautiful artwork while I ride. When all the little pieces of life fall in place it’s absolutely amazing and words cannot truly describe it effectively. It was almost a perfect weekend I must admit.

Have you ever noticed how sometimes it’s something small that can push us over the edge, yet also something small that can turn everything around? More proof that the littlest things can make a tremendous difference. That being said, it also means we can make a difference in someone’s day by just the little things, like a simple smile, a biker wave, or allowing someone out into traffic.

As we begin a new week, let’s all try to say a kind word to one another and smile, those 2 small gestures alone can make the world a better place. You never really know what someone else is going through or how something that seems small can create a big reaction or make a positive impact.

James 3:4-5
Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.
Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!

Sometimes we just need to be quiet and enjoy the beauty around us. Instead of sharing my recent riding thoughts, I thought I’d share some recent pictures. For every picture I was able to safely stop and take, there were many more I wished I could have taken but was unable to safely do so, including a recently harvested field with about 30 wild turkeys enjoying the leftovers. As crazy as it seems, there are people in 30 or more different countries that have seen these ramblings so far so I thought I would share some of what I see in my part of the world. I hope these pictures help show the beauty that surrounds us every day, but we may sometimes take for granted. I know I do too often. Hope you enjoy-

Natural area decorated for passersby to enjoy.

Almost full moon

Sunrise shining on Fall foliage

Sunrise beauty

Listening and hearing are not the same. Listening is much more than simply hearing. We hear lots of sounds all day long, but are we truly listening? Before riding this weekend I sat and listened to the wonderful sights and sounds of nature while drinking my morning coffee. I saw and heard a large number of cardinals, doves, wrens, chickadees, hummingbirds and other birds in our front yard enjoying the now year round bird feeders and bird baths.

The ground, feeders, baths and trees were alive. I watched while they were drinking and eating and chasing each other around which was very entertaining, especially when a little hummingbird chased off a much larger bird, but mostly I listened. I listened to their chirps and tweets, the sounds of their wings as they flew in and out, as they scratched and rolled around in the mulch and the splashing sounds from the bird bath. I enjoyed the first flock of geese flying over the house in their typical v shape pattern and their wonderful sounds in flight as they communicated with each other. I listened as birds were cracking seeds open to eat and some seemed to actually “scold ” others to get out of their way. At this sound I realized that some of the feeders needed refilling as did the bird baths. As I went about doing that, I could still listen to them in the surrounding trees. I’m not sure if they were thanking me or telling me to hurry up and get out of their way but I enjoyed listening regardless.

It’s amazing the different sounds you can hear if you truly listen. As I headed out to ride, I removed the zip out piece of my helmet that covers my ears so it would be cooler and so I could hear the wind blowing by. It allowed me to hear the sounds of my bike better, listening to the engine to hear when it’s time to shift and the noise of my guardian bells jingling as I crossed railroad tracks and went over bumps. I also heard the roar of other bikes’ engines, as well as some playing music, as they approached from the opposite direction. The more I listened the more I considered the fact that listening doesn’t always require simply hearing.

Sometimes we are listening to our own thoughts in our head or things we’ve heard previously. As I rode down one of my favorite routes for this time of year, I noticed a single bike ahead that was in the grass on the side of the road. The rider’s helmet and gear were on the ground and he was looking over the bike, I assume checking for possible damage. Traveling alone as a woman I listened in my mind to past conversations about this type of situation. For personal safety in the crazy world we now live in I knew I shouldn’t stop, he was up walking around and appeared to be ok. Just as I started to feel slightly guilty about that decision, even though I knew it was the right one for me, I saw a group of 4-5 bikes headed towards me from the other direction. As I passed the bike beside the road, I looked in my rear view mirror to see the group had put on their brakes and blinkers to pull over so I knew they would assist him if needed. The Lord provided 🙌.

Sometimes listening means hearing words but still having to figure out what’s being said, or what’s really meant. I was reminiscing as I rode through an area that looked like home, where I grew up, and got to thinking about my dad. When I was young, being a daddy’s girl, I listened to his advice and to things he wanted to teach us about hunting and about life. As I got older I listened to his stories about when he was growing up and about things he’d learned and done. Later on listening took on new challenges. If you’ve ever been around someone who has suffered a stroke you may be able to relate. My dad had several strokes and they caused problems with his communication. There were many times he knew what he wanted to say, yet the words that came out were not what he meant. This required us to listen not only to the words but to his feelings, what we knew about him, and what was going on, in order to put all the pieces together and figure out what he really was saying.

The same is true with our granddaughters, our 2 1/2 year old talks very well and is pretty good at communicating her wants and needs, but our 15 month old requires more involved listening as her vocabulary is of course not as developed.

“Listening is the ability to accurately receive and interpret messages in the communication process. Without the ability to listen effectively, messages are essily misunderstood.”

Have you ever been talking to someone and you know they heard what you said, but you also know they were not really listening? It can be very frustrating and make you feel like what you’re saying doesn’t matter to them. It can also lead to a lack of communication going forward as you may not see the point in trying to further discuss things with them. I’ve encountered this at work as well as in past relationships and it can take a toll on how and if you choose to communicate.

Today it seems that because people now have the ability to contact others 24/7 through not only phone calls but texts and messaging thru various social media, miscommunication actually seems to be even more prevalent. Now if we don’t respond immediately, it can be perceived as we’re not listening. I’m here to tell you that I’m finding myself not having my phone on me at all times and it’s not because I’m not listening, it’s because I AM listening. I’m listening to my mind and body and the importance for “down time.” When I ride I have my phone with me so that my hubby can see on GPS where I am and so that if I have an emergency I can call for help. I do not have it with me so I can communicate with anyone other than those 2 reasons and I do not wear a bluetooth earpiece to hear if someone is trying to reach me. I know there are others that can handle situations without me if necessary until I return, shouldit become necessary. Knowing that I can do that while I ride has also allowed me to not feel guilty about doing it at other times as well. If we’re not careful we can become prisoners to these devices and miss out on conversations and quality time with others. I grew up in a time long before cell phones and we all survived just fine. The older I get, the less “on demand” I want to be.

Some of my additional favorite things to listen to:

Day to day; laughter and “love you” from my hubby, children, and granddaughters.

At the beach; the seagulls hollering at beach goers to share their food, the pelicans as they swoop down and splash into the water in hopes of catching a fish, and the waves as they crash on the shore.

In the mountains; leaves blowing with the gentle breeze, squirrels chattering, hawks and owls communicating with their mates and the trickling noise of a stream as it cascades over the rocks.

Last but certainly not least, listening to “the still small voice ” of God as He speaks to me, not in an audible voice but in my heart and mind, especially while I ride.

Building 429 has a song titled “Listen to the Sound”. There is a part in there that says,

“You’ll never know what Faith is
Till you don’t understand
Sometimes it takes the silence
To finally hear His plans”

I don’t want to miss out on hearing His plans, because I’m too consumed with listening to everything and everyone else.

Romans 10:17

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Revelation 3:20

“Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to dine with him, and he with Me.”

It’s important to take time to listen to learn and understand, not to reply.

Have you ever asked yourself this question or responded to help from someone else by saying you’ll do it yourself? My guess is you answered yes to both.

These thoughts kept repeating themselves over and over on my ride(s), and they often do at other times as well. This is my 2 and a half year old granddaughter’s favorite question. I remember my boys asking, “What’s that?” and “Why?” but I don’t recall them repeatedly asking what happened. She wants to know details and I love it. She also wants to do things herself quite often, and if you ask if you can help she’s quick to point out she wants to do it herself, even if it’s frustrating her. She wants to learn and experience things herself.

I set off to ride like any other day but wanted to try some new roads. As usual I had no real plan but did soon find myself in unfamiliar territory. It amazes me that I’ve lived here for 30 years and there are still roads I’ve yet to travel. One such road had some totally unexpected scenery. I’ve seen a few small areas with solar panels on it before, but nothing like this! There were acres upon acres of solar panels. It was interesting yet a little freaky to see. It reminded me of something out of a movie or story where the government does weird experiments or something. I guess maybe part of it was just the magnitude of it, and part of it was the offical signs out front naming each area.

I considered pulling over to look at my phone and get an idea of where to go next but decided to just see where the road went and do it myself, no aids from electronics. I had decided earlier that I was going to do something I rarely do and have a “me” day. If I checked location on my phone, there was always the possibility I might have a message requiring a response and I didn’t want to chance it, as selfish as that may sound. I just wanted uninterrupted alone time with God and my bike in the beautiful countryside He created. Checking also meant I might choose a different route and might miss something I’d see by just doing it myself as I felt lead. I knew anything that might come up could either wait or be handled by someone else. I had a sense of peace about that I don’t always have.

John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

A short time after going through the solar panel fields , I was again on another unfamiliar road. This time a large truck that was raised up high on big wheels was behind me. I’ll admit it gave me an uneasy feeling. I purposely slowed to just a little under the speed limit a couple of times as passing zones approached in hopes they would go by me. For what seemed like an eternity they didn’t, but lo and behold finally they did. I’m sure my imagination was just in overdrive after the solar fields, but it was a little spooky. I think I’ve seen too many bits and pieces of movies/videos with hubby that I need to avoid in the future. 🙄

As I continued on, I fortunately have a pretty good sense of direction. I knew the general area I was in and knew I needed a left hand turn to head the direction I wanted to go. After seeing 3 such turns and noticing all had big orange “loose gravel ahead ” signs posted, I finally came to an intersection that provided the change in direction I wanted and no signs of construction. This was a 2 lane state highway, but again was still not a section I recall ever being on. After several miles I saw another big orange sign ahead. This time it said, “Detour, road closed ahead.” So again I changed my route.

Along the ride (s), as I mentioned earlier, I kept thinking about my granddaughters favorite question in regards to a lot of things. What happened-

What happened to a very odd but large house I’ve watched being built over the years? I’ve passed it many times and always thought they were possibly building sections at a time as they could afford it. Now it’s for sale and the grass and weeds seem to have taken over. It’s always reminded me of a house like you’d see in a commune or where maybe several generations of a family would live, or maybe just one family with 8 or 9 kids. So what happened to whoever was building it and why does it appear abandoned? Was it because they wanted to do it themselves but no longer could or something else? It’s a mystery to me and I don’t know what happened.

I thought about the state our country is in with all of the constant negativity and crazy ideologies out there now. This is not the same country I grew up in or even my boys grew up in. What happened? How did we get to this point? It makes me stop and think not only what happened already, but what will happen next.

The more time I spend riding, the more I want to ride. It’s a time of reflection and reminiscing about the past, soul searching and pondering the future, but mostly enjoying the present.

It’s about feeling the cooler air flowing across my face and arms as Fall approaches, experiencing the earlier sunsets; which I don’t particularly care for as it limits riding time more, and enjoying the leaf colors that are just now starting to change. It’s the yellow daisies along the roadside, the yellowing of the soybean leaves as they get closer to harvest time, and the fields left with short stalks where the corn has already been gathered and processed. It’s seeing a flock of turkeys enjoying the bits of corn left behind during that process. It’s also seeing the Fall/Winter flowers being planted in gardens and flower pots to decorate homes and yards. It’s a time to be able to completely enjoy all of these things without worldly distractions of a phone or TV.

In between rides also lead to an “I’ll do it” moment with my bike. My saddle bags are not hard sided and I’ve noticed some cracks forming around the bolts that hold them on in a few places. Hubby did a great job installing them for me a couple years ago but I decided I wanted to do the repair work myself. I’d picked up a few things earlier in the week that I thought would work and decided to give it a shot once the bike was cooled down. Long story short, with my sweet German Shepherd laying at my feet, my daddy’s tools, and determination like my granddaughter, I got it done! Of course I had to go for 1 more ride to make sure it held, which it did.

I know I’ll continue to wonder and question often about what happened or will happen and I’ll continue to have moments where I just want to do things myself. I’ll continue to ride and try to figure it all out, but mostly I’ll continue to ride to feel alive and to enjoy the sense of peace and healing it brings! There’s beauty all around just waiting to be experienced and appreciated.

Job 12:7-10

What do you think of when you hear all of these words?

Body, physical structure that forms a person.

Mind, the element of a person that enables them to be aware of their world, to think, experience and feel.

Heart, organ that pumps blood through the circulatory system.

Soul, the spiritual part of a human being regarded as immortal.

Recently we went to the beach with friends, sat in horrible traffic coming home, and then watched the weather to see if Dorian was going to destroy the pier and island I’ve come to love. Fortunately that did not happen.

When I have been able to get out and ride since returning, I have been thankful that the weather was cooperative. At times the air even felt cool on my arms in some spots along the routes which was a welcome feeling. It seems like it’s been such a long time since that’s happened. As I’ve reflected on the past week and a half in my travels, I’ve been pondering all of the videos, pictures, and stories/comments I’ve been seeing and reading, especially in regards to the hurricane. It always amazes me how we can see the same thing with our eyes, yet we all have different interpretations of it. Some seem to always see the worst in situations while others tend to look for and see the positives, no matter how small.

Why is that?

I’m sure you’ve heard, and maybe even said yourself, that someone has a “good heart” or is a “good soul.” What does that mean to you?

We all have our own opinions about what makes a person’s body attractive and their heart or soul good. The fact remains that it really all boils down to one thing, our mind or brain. That is the one thing that sets us all apart. How our brains are “wired” determines everything. What we think and feel are all about the things we’ve seen, experienced, and learned up to this point. The brain is one organ that cannot be replaced. You can receive an organ transplant for a kidney, liver, lung, and even a heart from someone else. A brain transplant has not been done. It’s the one unique organ that is completely our own. It’s where all of our memories are stored, good and bad, and noone can take those from us. There may be some we wish we could forget, others we want to hold onto forever, and memories we have yet to make.

The more I reflected on this while I’ve been riding and also today while washing my bike once it cooled down after a much needed ride, I have realized something more and more. In order to have a healthy body heart and soul, we need to pay closer attention to what we feed our minds as well as those of our children, grandchildren, and everyone we come in contact with. What we listen to and watch plays a major role in our thinking day to day. When I was growing up much more time was spent outside exploring our surroundings than most experience today. I believe that’s part of why I love riding so much.

We didn’t watch TV for hours and what we watched was not at all like what’s on TV today. We didn’t have the internet and computer games and social media or cell phones. Things were so much simpler and so much more pure, at least where I grew up. We experienced life for ourselves and we learned from that. I cannot wait for cooler weather to arrive so I can start enjoying even more time outside and to start helping my granddaughters to also experience things like camping out in a tent, taking a walk in the woods or watching the lake for geese and ducks, to watch the sun setting, to listen for and enjoy all of the sounds of nature. There’s something special about hearing an owl hooting, the crickets chirping, and the frogs croaking. Sometimes at night my hubby will just stand outside listening to those sounds, so thankful he enjoys it too and he “gets it.”

We truly need to get back to the basics again and to a time when people weren’t trying to tear each other down or acting like they were so much better than others. We need to appreciate and enjoy the beauty around us, provided by the most amazing artist of all. We again need to treasure our family and friends for who they are. We need to honor and respect our maker, stand up for Him, and be thankful He sent His son to save us from ourselves.

4Him has a song called, The Basics of Life, these are the lyrics and they are so true!

Job 12:7-10

Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His own image: in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Psalm 139:14 I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well.

Colossians 2:6-7
As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

Oh how I love Fall! I started another “rambling” that I haven’t yet finished, but today’s ride led me in another direction, mentally and physically. The weather today was much cooler and soooo amazing. I was able to wear a lightweight long sleeve shirt and my thin full finger gloves without worrying about sweating or overheating. I was also able to zip the ear piece attachment back into my helmet, which reduces the noise from the wind considerably. I enjoyed some new roads today and all were filled with curves and beautiful countryside! It’s much more enjoyable to take those windy back roads that require slower speeds when it’s cooler and I’m not dealing with the heat issues of slower rides.

As I meandered through the country, I was noticing some definite signs that summer will soon be over and Fall will be arriving. The luscious green stalks of corn are now turning dry and brown, and some fields are already being harvested. The plain green cotton fields are showering us with pink and yellow/white flowers. The yellow/white flowers will turn pink after pollination, the pink flowers will soon wither and fall off exposing the cotton boll that has started, and then we will see beautiful white fields that resemble being snow covered. I know today was just a teaser for Fall, but I’ll take it!

I rode along one road that I’ve recently fallen in love with due to the feeling of serenity I experience while travelling it. The area is completely country, winding, undeveloped and nostalgic. It’s mostly farm land with a few streams and a river. As a matter of fact, I totally forgot all about the recent rain we’ve had as I approached the one lane low water bridge that crosses the river. The high water sign was up, but thankfully the water had receded some and I was able to cross over and continue on my way. Shortly after crossing it, there was also a small dead tree that had come down due to the wind and rain earlier this week. It was in the lane I was travelling, but no other vehicles were anywhere to be seen so I was able to just go around it.

As I continued riding along just enjoying the scenery and cooler temperatures, part of a song kept popping in my mind and I couldn’t shake it. It’s a song called Nobody by Casting Crowns and this is the part that kept playing over and over in my mind;

Routine is typically something we love or we despise. It may depend on the phase of life we’re in, how we’re wired, or maybe it depends on what area of our lives the routine is part of. Riding for me is never routine. I change my mind all along the ride as I go, rarely having a route or time frame planned at all. It’s just about enjoying the ride. Hubby and I have had a few rides together recently which has been awesome as well. I found when he was leading I had mixed feelings not knowing where we were going yet feeling great that we were together and that he was leading the way. Where he leads, I will follow! Being able to ride together is a very special feeling and fills a place in my heart that I can’t explain and definitely is not routine.

I recently rearranged my living room for a change I thought I wanted, but have since moved it back the way it was because it messed up my morning routine. I had gotten into the routine of sitting on the couch first thing in the early morning hours while I drank my coffee so that I could quietly watch the birds through the window. Hummingbirds, cardinals, mourning doves, wrens, sparrows, mockingbirds and many others frequent the feeders and I love to watch them along with the bunnies that are often running around. When I rearranged the furniture I could no longer do that and realized how important that routine had become to me, so now it’s back. 🤗

Our lives can easily become methodical if we allow them to, but those spur of the moment changes, like the rides I get to take with hubby, are moments I’ll always cherish. I truly believe it’s important to seize any opportunities we get for a meaningful change in our daily grind, especially with those we love. Dealing with life’s typical demands and expectations can become mundane. The only guarantee we have in life is that one day we will all die. What we choose to do in the mean time is up to us.

I was thinking about death while riding yesterday and how it affects us all differently. I lost my sweet Bella, a white German Shepherd, this week and I guess probably that’s why I was thinking about death and it’s affect on us. Growing up with all of the animals we had throughout the years, dying just seemed to be a part of living. I’m thankful that mom and dad taught us about that yet didn’t let us dwell on it. Don’t get me wrong, I cried when I found her and when I then told my hubby. He was upset too I’m sure, but he buried her for me even though I told him I’d do it. I miss her, especially when I go out to the pen to let my other dog out and to take care of him, but I choose to remember our walks and her happy calm personality, not her death.

Sometimes it seems we can become so overwhelmed, consumed, and focused on death that we almost forget to live. In my opinion, when someone dies we should have a celebration of their life, not a sad and mournful service. As much as I miss my dad, my nephew, and other loved ones and friends who have died, I am also thankful for the wonderful memories of their lives and the time spent with them. I realize everyone grieves differently and there is no time limit on grief. Some days are better than others, but we have to ask ourselves when we’re grieving if that’s what the person we’re grieving would want for us. When I die I hope people will remember happy thoughts, favorite memories, and that in some way I may have made a difference. I don’t want anyone to be sad and mourn my passing for I’ll be in a much better place!

There’s a song that Rend Collective sings, Counting Every Blessing, and the lyrics are a good summary of how I feel. I am truly blessed beyond all measure. I will include the lyrics at the end and you can find it sung on YouTube.

Routines, like grief, have their place, we just need to not become so driven by either that we miss out on living. We only get one chance at this life so we need to make the best of it. The past is gone and the future holds no guarantees, so live today like there’s no tomorrow. On that note it’s time to go get the groceries while the fog burns off so I can ride later knowing the shopping is already done. Live life to the fullest every day and don’t become a prisoner to routine, regret and grief.

Counting Every Blessing-

Many people don’t like storms, but even in storms we can find beauty. I probably shouldn’t have ridden today, or at least for as long as I did, but if I hadn’t I would have missed this beauty as well as some wonderful insights on life.

Is she not absolutely beautiful? ❤

I had checked the radar before I headed out and I thought it looked like I had a couple of hours before the rain started. I stopped for gas shortly after heading out and all looked good still. As I headed down a favorite route, suddenly the skies were looking very dark the direction I was traveling towards so I turned and rode away from the darkness. Again the skies were now looking good. A short time later, I took another turn and soon I again saw dark gloomy clouds. I changed direction one more time and saw blue skies ahead.

As I was cruising along a side street, I saw a deer in the yard ahead. At first it looked like a statue, it was standing so straight and still that I decided it was probably just a yard decoration. As I approached, I soon realized she was indeed real. I was able to pull over and park my bike in order to take a closer look as she remained in the same location. She was very inquisitive and watched me closely, but only moved her head to watch. As cars passed by, she paid them no attention whatsoever. From the picture above, you can see she allowed me to get pretty close to take her picture. She didn’t appear to feel at all threatened by my presence. We watched each other for several minutes then she snorted, turned away, and leaped through the grass gracefully to the nearby woods. I got back on my bike and realized there were again dark clouds on the horizon, despite the sun that was obviously still out as I just took that picture. This called for yet another change in direction.

I felt like I was in one of those arcade games where you have to try to get an object safely between other objects that are trying to capture it or at least hit it, in order to get it back home. I hoped I was going to make it home without getting wet, but that was not the case. Just as it started to drizzle, I was near a gas station that has a covered area so I pulled under it while I was still dry and hoped for the best. I watched the radar for a bit and as soon as it looked like there was an opening I headed for home. I ended up in a slight shower but I’ve definitely been caught in worse storms. At least this one was simply rain, no thunder and lightning or wind. As it turns out my hubby and I had gone just yesterday and gotten me some new boots for riding, so I had great treads to assist with safe stopping and no worries of my feet slipping on the brake pedal or the road.

As I continued to turn away from darkness in the skies today, I realized that’s what we also need to do in our daily lives. Our lives can go through dark phases; storms, but even in those times we can find beauty if we look for it. We need to turn from the darkness of the world we live in and turn towards the light of Jesus. Ever since the beginning of time, siblings, friends, families and entire countries have been “at war” with each other. What we are seeing isn’t anything new, it just seems to be more widespread and thank to the media, it becomes glamorized and widely publicized now. We can blame each other, the divorce rate, our parents, and any other number of untold reasons. In my opinion it’s simply that we’re human, we become complacent and tolerant, and we turn away from God far too often to focus on other things, selfishly.

Have you ever just had a bad day and out of the blue something beautiful happened to make it better? Do you think it’s just a coincidence when this happens? I don’t believe in coincidences. Not long ago I had a day like that and I heard from 3 women that I’m close to, who do not communicate with each other and had no idea I was having that kind of day as I hadn’t discussed it with anyone or been in touch with any of them. I received a very special message from one that I had been “heavy on (her) mind” and it included a picture that I love, another sent a silly picture that made me laugh, and another a beautiful version of a favorite hymn. I received them all within a 3 hour time period. There was light and beauty in the darkness and storm I’d been feeling and the darkness soon disappeared.

As a popular saying goes, it’s not about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain! Today my bike and I danced in the rain. There are just some things that you can only learn as the result of a storm.