Ramblings of a Christian Grandma Biker

Blinded: 1. Caused to be unable to see 2. Deprived of understanding

Have you ever been blinded by something? I’ve been riding quite a bit at the end of the day shortly before the sun sets, and to me there’s just something different about riding that time of day. It seems like the sun can become blinding then, more than at any other time. I often try to choose the direction I’m headed that time of day so that I won’t have to ride towards the sun for any length of time. Obviously it can’t be completely avoided, but it can be limited. Sometimes when I ride a single word will continue to pop in my mind ride after ride and just keep swirling around in multiple directions until I’m lead to write about it. That’s where I’m at now.

I was riding a familiar road and all of a sudden as I headed down a hill and around a curve there it was, the beautiful but blinding sun right in my eyes. My glasses are transition lenses but it was still extremely difficult to see much. Thankfully it was short lived and uneventful, but it definitely got me thinking. Blinded, that’s the word that kept popping in my head no matter where my thoughts would go. Have you ever been blinded? If so by what or by who? I remember being thrown off my horse many years ago, probably about 35 years, and I was briefly blinded as I lay on the ground. The questions that ran through my mind were never ending . Nobody knew exactly where I was, would they find me soon if I wasn’t able to get up and walk back, would my sight return or was this a permanent condition, how would I get back, if I got my sight back would I get on that horse again, etc. Needless to say my sight came back and it happened rather quickly but at the time it seemed like an eternity. Yes I did get back on that horse as well.

Blinded can take on the obvious physical condition but it can also be an emotional or spiritual condition. If we become too focused on one thing, it can blind us from seeing the big picture. If we focus only on the big picture, we may miss crucial details. If we dwell on negative things, we may miss the positive. We can be blinded by people’s actions or by what we choose to see in them. We can have thoughts we believe to be true about them and become so bedazzled that we miss other signs we should also consider. We are living in a world so full of information everywhere you turn, that it can be a daunting task to figure out what’s true and what’s not.

I find when I’m at the beach, especially at sunrise, I become so overwhelmed and entranced by the beautiful sunrise and all that it offers that I am aware of little else at the time. If I could take rides along the coastline I can only imagine the ramblings I would have to share, it would be the best of both worlds!

As I’ve been riding around home I’ve noticed something else that’s sad to me. I’ve noticed churches that not too many years ago had full parking lots and signs out front inviting people to come to events, now seem to have parking lots that are almost empty and very little if anything posted on their signs. It makes me wonder what happened to change that. I have my personal thoughts on the possibilities. In many ways I believe we as a society have become blinded by the media and by other groups that want to remove God from every aspect of our lives and encourage, sometimes even push, their own agendas repeatedly making believers afraid to speak up. I know I’ve not said things here that I thought sometimes for fear of how someone might take it, but not this time. It’s time to be bold and take a stand.

Last night as I passed by one of the churches that used to be so active and vibrant the verse about being lukewarm came to mind. I’m not saying this is the case for that church because I have no idea, it’s just what popped in this rambling grandma’s head.

Revelation 3:16 NKJV
“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”

Those are some pretty strong words! I envision being lukewarm as being “a little pregnant.” You can’t be. We’re either all in (hot) or all out (cold). I’m afraid that there has been too much “feel good” preaching and not enough good old time Bible preaching. In my experience a preacher is a man who is called to preach and it’s done straight from the Bible and from his heart. Fear of offending others or stepping on toes does not come into play if the Word is being preached. Jesus didn’t sugar coat anything nor did he change his teaching to appeal to what people wanted to hear. We are called to make disciples, not make a society that makes up it’s own rules. Jesus himself said so-

Matthew 28:19-20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

We shouldn’t have to change how we worship to attract people to church. I have no problem with a church that worships differently, as long as it’s from Him. The church should not be about making money, lining a preacher’s pockets so he can build himself a mansion to live in, entertaining it’s members, or making it’s members “feel good.” It’s about God’s word and how He expects us to live. It’s about spreading His word for the world to come to know Him and to serve others. We are all sinners and we all need Jesus, it’s that simple. I’m sure some reading this may not agree, and that’s your right, just as it’s my right to share what I believe.

Christians across the world are being singled out persecuted and murdered and the media is turning a blind eye to it, for their own agenda. We cannot continue to walk around with blinders on, acting as if there’s nothing wrong or there’s nothing we can do about it, we can!

Just in the past week or two I know of 2 students in 2 different schools, who gave their lives to save their classmates, by physically taking on another student with a gun who was bent on harming others. Guns are not the issue, hardened hearts and lack of respect for ourselves and other human beings is the problem. If God was at the center of our lives, we would not be in the state of chaos we are in, I truly believe that.

I started these ramblings because I felt God urging me to do so. When He tells me to speak boldly through them, I may initially question it to be sure it’s what He’s leading me to do, but in the end I know if it’s what He expects of me, He will give me the words. I will not be lukewarm nor will I be blinded spiritually. Ultimately He is the only reason I’m here today and I owe it to Him to be hot, all in.

Joshua 24:15

“And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

If you’re reading this and you’re not a female biker you probably have no idea what IFRD is. Today is designated as International Female Ride Day. There were women all over the world taking time to ride. Think about that for a minute, women all over the world comitted to riding today to share the day with strangers. Some shared stories and pictures, some rode alone like me, others rode in organized groups specifically for the celebration of women who ride. I stopped at a trading post and saw some other ladies that were out riding and if you were there and are reading this, I apologize for not stopping to talk. I’m not one to step out of my comfort zone to speak to people I don’t know. I guess maybe I need to work on that, but I hope your ride was memorable.

Personally it’s also the 17th anniversary of my nephew’s passing and as much as he loved to ride I dedicate today’s ride and ramblings to him, love ya Luke! I know if he were alive today he would have gone on this ride too, if he were living close by. He loved to live life to the fullest, not necessarily the wisest, but definitely the fullest. 😀

Earlier in the week it looked like riding today to celebrate IFRD might not he possible, but thankfully the rain held off long enough for me to get in a ride of a little over 100 miles. Today I did something I don’t normally do before I ride, I actually looked at a map to see where I might go. I had a few thoughts in mind when I left and the one I chose was amazing. I wanted to ride somewhere new and honestly even though I’ve lived here just shy of 30 years, I was on roads I have never been on before and never knew existed. One road was by choice, others were due to a detour.

The road I ended up on by choice was mostly wonderful. At the beginning there was an old house that appeared to have maybe been a farmhouse, but now was deserted and boarded up. I would love to hear the stories it could tell of earlier days.There were many curves and turns along the way as well as some hills and valleys. The view along the way reminded me of growing up in New England. There were old farm houses, horses, streams like I used to fish and play in, and mountain views. The area was very rural and had that simpler life feel. There were no signs of hustle and bustle we see in so many other places. Kids were out in the yards playing ball and nobody seemed to be in a hurry no matter what they were doing.

Riding today made me reminisce of simpler times and of the importance of making memories. My hubby and I were recently discussing how you “can’t take it with you”. He joked and said he thought I was gonna try to take my bike. 🤣 Seriously though, no matter what possessions we may think we need to have, or want to have, they’re not what truly matters. Much more important than things we can possess are memories. When we were in the dating stage I treasured those occasional single red roses he would surprise me with, or the poems he’d send when he was out of town working, but what I treaure most looking back now was the quality time we got to spend together. It didn’t matter so much what we were doing, it was just being together. The same is true with our kids and other family members, make those memories that last rather than simply trying to buy things. Memories can’t be bought and tomorrow may never come, so we need to cherish the days and times we have.

I mentioned my nephew briefly above and towards the end of my ride today I thought about the last long conversation we had before he passed away. I was in the V.A. hospital in Vt. spending the night with him talking and watching a movie with one of his favorite actors, John Travolta, Phenomenon. We laughed and we cried and just thoroughly enjoyed our time reminiscing of his childhood and what we’d shared. We had a special bond and he was more like a son, than my nephew. I’m thankful that we had so memories together.

I mentioned earlier as well that the road I chose was mostly wonderful. Towards the end of this road I saw a sign that showed a picture warning of a slippery road ahead. As I said the rain held off so I didn’t think twice about the slippery road sign. Well I soon realized that wetness was not the only reason for the possibility of slippery conditions. In reality today it was due to gravel in the road on just about every turn for the next couple of miles. Southern gravel, meaning crushed rock, not New England gravel meaning a dirt road. Each curve along that stretch, and there were many, proved to be challenging on the bike, but it’s still a road I plan to take again for sure. I will know next time exactly what that slippery road sign means and will be prepared.

This is a picture of my crazy route. You can’t play it, but I couldn’t get the picture without the play button showing. Happy International Female Ride Day, have a great weekend!

Pretty Spring weather has meant several recent rides; some short, an hour or so, and others for 3 hours. Most of the rides have just been typical with relaxing, refocusing, and rejuvenating. No big aha moments or overwhelming thoughts to share. Many thoughts are reruns of those I’ve had on past rides.

It’s been wonderful to see more and more bikers out enjoying the warmer temperatures and feeling that comaradery as we wave, each going our own way but sharing that same freedom of the open road.

I’ve also thought more about how things aren’t always the way they appear. I actually started writing this a few rides ago, but the words weren’t coming together until now. In addition to my motorcyle, I’ve recently purchased a bicycle I’m also riding. On a recent ride on it, I quickly realized the deception about how things can appear. A road that appears to be pretty level and flat on the motorcycle, takes on a whole new look when you start peddling and realize the entire road back home is a gradual incline all the way!

Due to some recent events I’ve realized even more that people are the same way. They can appear to be one way, but then one day something will happen and you realize that’s not necessarily who they are. It may be sudden or gradual but sooner or later it surfaces. The other day I learned something about someone that shocked me and it has affected my thoughts towards them more than I thought it would. This is not a family member, close friend or coworker, just someone whose things I’ve enjoyed reading/watching, a stranger really. I guess that’s why I didn’t expect it to have as much effect as it did. I find I look at things a bit differently since being a grandma and looking at what role models are out there for my granddaughters as they get older. It has me seeing things a little differently I guess.

Also after my ride that same day, I heard that there had been a shooting at a nearby college campus. Events like that really make you wonder about this world we’re living in and make you cherish those you love even more. As the stories emerge we’ve learned that one young man gave his life by trying to take down the shooter, and in so doing gave others time to get out of harm’s way. Two young men with very different intentions and both have changed the lives of their families, friends, and strangers forever. Did the young man bent on harming others look different? Not really based on pictures I’ve seen. As I said, appearances are not always what they seem. Knowing these 2 young men are the same age as my youngest son seems to make it harder to imagine for their families and makes me even more proud of my son for the husband and dad he’s become.

Yesterday while I rode I had to wonder if my gas light not coming on was a deceiving appearance as well. 🙄 I realized I could hear that “empty tank ” sound and when I stopped to fuel up I saw just how empty the tank was! Thank you Lord for getting me to the pumps in time. I need to learn to watch that tripometer better now that warmer weather is here leading to longer rides. My appearance on the side of the road waiting for gas is not something that needs to happen for sure!

On a happier note some appearances are exactly what they seem, joyful reminders of Spring. There have been some beautiful butterflies along the winding country roads, along with multiple breeds of birds adorning the trees, newborn calves frolicking in the fields, and children running, laughing and playing. Those are the appearances I treasure and prefer to focus on.

There is beauty in appearances as well as inner beauty. How we see others is a direct reflection on us, how they truly are in the inside is a reflection on them. Remember a butterfly starts out as an egg, then a caterpillar, then a pupa before emerging as the beauty we see flying around so elegantly. What we see on the outside may or may not be what’s on the inside, and it’s what’s on the inside that matters most. Most of us probably tend to initially judge people and things by how they look or appear, rather than what or who they truly are. In doing so, we may miss out on warning signs we should see, or on true beauty we could miss.

I’m sure we’ve all had those days when we wished things had gone differently. As I was riding to a meeting today enjoying the beautiful sunny skies I was thinking about a million different things. When I stopped daydreaming I soon realized I was behind a “honey wagon”. For those of you not familiar with this term it does NOT carry honey. It’s a truck used to pump and haul human waste.

I immediately realized that no matter how bad my day may be, someone else may have it worse. I’ve been told many times it takes a special person to do the work I’ve done the past 13 plus years and I believe that’s true, it’s not for everyone. The “honey wagon” job also takes a special person. There is no way I would want that job! I’m thankful there are people out there who can do that. I’m also thankful for police, fire and medical personnel, preachers, teachers, and so many others. If you really think about it, everyone’s job is special in it’s own way. We are all needed in order to do the work that needs to be done and we should all appreciate the jobs that others do. No one person’s job is more important than another.

Many jobs want people with experience, but then where do they get that experience? Others want people with a degree, not everyone can afford the time and cost associated with that. In my opinion the most important thing any worker in any field needs is common sense and a good work ethic and unfortunately not everyone is raised in an environment that encourages that. Common sense is not something you can teach someone who is already an adult if they don’t seem to have it already. It’s something you should learn starting out as an infant/toddler and then develop over the years. That’s a discussion all on it’s own for another time, maybe.

Having been a stay at home mom at one time, that too is a job. Granted there’s no monetary pay for it, but it is a job with very big rewards, the best of which are hugs, kisses, memories and seeing your children grow into adults raising your grandchildren and helping others. 🤗 There were untold sleepless nights, tears, fears, and rough days, but they could have been worse. None of my boys were in bad accidents or deathly ill.

I rode a few different times today and my thoughts each time were focused on the fact it could always be worse. As I came home from work, the long scenic way of course, I was confronted with a large truck and the car behind it swerving way over into my lane as they went around someone who was mowing. Being I was on the bike I was able to move over and out of the way more than I could have had I been in my 4 wheel vehicle. Later on another ride, I was hit by small debris as it flew up from a freshly paved road. That too could have been worse, it could have been slippery oily pavement. I was later hit by small debris from someone mowing, at least it wasn’t rocks or sticks that were shooting out, it also could have been worse. At one point I heard a very loud rumbling noise that had me worried, but it turned out to be 2 military helicopters going over. Thankfully it wasn’t my bike.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that no matter what may happen around us or to us, it could always be worse. As long as we’re still here on this earth we need to try to remember that, especially on the rough days. If we’re having a bad day, maybe we can try to think instead of a good day. If we see someone else having a bad day, maybe there’s something we can try to do to make it better.

Life is what we make it, one day at a time.

It’s that time of year again here in the south, where you most definitely need to keep your mouth closed at all times while riding, unless of course you don’t mind some extra protein flying in. Personally I prefer to pick my own proteins out and prepare them my way.

Riding the past 2 weeks have been packed with so many hits by bugs of all sizes. Anybody who says a windshield stops that is WRONG. I have been hit on my legs, helmet, face, arms, and hands and let me just tell you that a bug can feel like a golf ball when it hits you while riding along at 55mph and can sting for quite a while after the hit depending on how big the bug is! I even thought it was beginning to sprinkle yesterday when I was riding, until I realized it was just bugs splattering.🤦‍♀️ Yes I assure you I did shower after that ride.

I don’t ever recall getting pelted as much as I have these past 2 weeks. I’ve noticed many more wasps than usual as well. Something wonderful I’ve experienced for the first time, however, is the sweet fragrance from wisteria. There seems to be more of it in bloom than I recall in past years and this is the first time I’ve ever smelled the pleasing aroma along so many routes. Maybe this has something to do with there being more wasps too I don’t know. All I know is those magnificent beautiful purple flowers smell as amazing as they look.

I’ve heard it said that if you focus less on one sense, you are more in tune to another. Maybe that’s part of noticing the fragrant aroma. My focus is obviously not on sense of taste or touch while riding (except when feeling those bugs) so maybe my sense of smell is heightened in their place? Whatever the reason I’m grateful to experience it.

As I continued to ride that made me think more about the whole “close your mouth ” idea as well. There are many times when I’m not riding that I also need to just keep my mouth closed. Not to avoid taking in bad things like bugs, but to avoid letting out bad or hurtful things. My hubby and I were recently discussing this as well. Way too often we as humans fuss or complain and maybe even argue about things that really just don’t matter in the big picture. How many arguments could be avoided if instead of saying something, we really thought about it first and determined whether it was even worth saying? I know for me personally, since I’ve learned to be silent more, it’s made a difference. Being silent and not starting something as well as being silent rather than replying to something someone else has said. We can all choose silence over a verbal response or initiating unnecessary comments. I’m not saying I always choose this path, but when I do the resulting peace is evident. A closed mouth can put the focus on another sense like hearing, seeing and even feeling more of what others may be saying and experiencing.

The tongue can fuel many fires that just don’t need to be set. I remember a verse to a children’s song that says, be careful little tongue what you say. If we teach it to our children, then don’t we need to practice it ourselves and not instead use the saying, do as I say not as I do?

We have the knowledge and we know what we need to do, yet sometimes the mouth just opens and those words sneak out. Unfortunately, then it’s too late. We can say we’re sorry but it’s still been said. It’s like toothpaste, once it’s been squeezed out of the tube, there’s no putting it back in.

The next several days have rain in the forecast so I won’t be riding unfortunately, but I will try to remember the sweet smells from this past week and also the thoughts it lead me to in regards to a closed mouth, wish me luck.

Proverbs 21:23

Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.

I’ve been blessed to have gotten in several rides this week and have definitely noticed that Spring is truly arriving! We had to mow the entire yard last weekend for the first time this season, although I’d previously done a few high spots. This can mean the beginning of a hazardous time as we ride. So many people just don’t understand how unsafe it is for those of us who ride when they cut the grass and allow it to shoot out into the road. I try to ride around it when I can, but it’s just not possible so often due to oncoming traffic. In those situations we have to just hold on and be prepared the best we can to go through it safely. Be careful out there and plan ahead if you see it in the road so you don’t have to put on brakes while you’re on the clippings, it can be quite slippery especially if it’s wet.

There have been some other signs of Spring as well. The pink, white, yellow, purple and red flowers of the trees and bushes scattered in the woods and yards along the roads have been absolutely gorgeous and are great reminders of new life. Winter can get somewhat depressing with the rain, snow, wind and lack of color, but then Spring arrives and you can’t help but feel alive. It seems to awaken all the senses so much more. The smells of Spring are undoubtedly here as well. In the area of the country I live in there is one smell I assure you I could do without! As hubby and I returned from the beach a few weeks ago we knew we were close to home based solely on the aroma.

I love some dark turkey meat as much as the next person but oh my the results of raising turkeys in this area are obvious. I can handle the smell of cow, horse, duck, and even hog manure, but turkey? There’s just something different and unique about it that’s just not the least bit pleasing to the senses. When they start spreading it on the fields there’s no mistaking it and as large an area as is done at a time, there’s no way to hold your breath until you get by it either most of the time. You would think knowing this, I would avoid driving by fields that I know have recently been done, but after not dealing with it all winter while I rode I forget, until it’s too late. I try to make a mental note of which ones have been done so I can avoid them for a little while, but often I get so relaxed and in a zone when I ride that I mistakenly have a memory lapse.

Speaking of turkeys, I came across a hen in the road the other day on one of my rides and I now understand why some people use the term “turkey” to refer to a person who is silly. The hen was almost across the road but I slowed down as I proceeded just to be safe. Shortly before I got to her, I guess she decided she would go back across where she just came from but stopped in the middle of my lane. I spoke to her, nicely, as I approached and she thankfully went back to the side of the road and I didn’t have to completely stop for her.

Some other beautiful signs of Spring are much more pleasing to experience than the previously discussed aroma. There are tulips, daffodils, forsythias and other flowers and bushes blooming in addition to the trees and they add a magnificent array of colors to the scenery. There’s the smell of freshly cut grass and wild onions and the appearance of more children who are able to play outside because the ground is drier now.

I’ve seen hammocks hung between trees, mulch or pine straw being put out for fresh landscaping, new gravel being spread to repair winter damage to driveways and children swinging at the parks/schools. There have been more boats in the river and lakes and people fishing along the shore as well. The signs of Spring are everywhere!

As I was thinking about all of the obvious signs of Spring a song by 4Him kept popping into my head and I was singing part of it over and over in my mind:

“The signs are obvious, they are everywhere
All that we hear about is the gloom and despair, too many would-be prophets sayin’, ‘It’s the end of it all‘
Cause mother earth can’t take much more.”

This seems so true right now. If you watch or listen to the news it seems all they want to report on is gloom and despair and things that are simply depressing and cause division. I choose not to listen or watch because of all the negativity. I know there are still good people doing good things and I will continue to look for that instead.

The chorus of the song is more my idea of what we need to do:

“So I won’t bend and I won’t break and I won’t water down my faith
I won’t compromise in a world of desperation
What has been I cannot change, but for tomorrow and today
I must be a light for future generations.”

I will continue to ride, look for the beauty that abounds and think positive thoughts!

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. 🙏