Wednesday, we rode from Branson, MO to Oklahoma City, OK. It was a very interesting ride. At one point we had to stop at a gas station because we were riding sideways because of the wind and rain. The rain was coming down at 45 degrees and HARD!!
We left Oklahoma City, OK and headed to Amarillo, TX today. Norm decided to ride I-40 all the way through Oklahoma City because he couldn't find any other highways to go around. Off we went. At one point we went under about 5 interstate highways at one time! I looked up and the thought came to that to myself, those rodes remind me of the many "roads to heaven" that are thrown at people today. Roads to heaven being the different religions and denominations that are out there as options for folks as ways to fill the void that can only be filled by God.
I thought about it for awhile and decided I was so thankful that I know the Lord and have a personal relationship with Him. I can go to Him at any moment. He is always there. Later I thought there are several reasons why folks need to choose Christ as the way.
1- He is alive. In most other religions, the founder died and is not alive nor were they resurrected. Or, their god is a statue.
2- We don't have to "do" anything to earn our way to Christ. Many religions have many rules and regulations to follow to get there and then to stay there.
3-There is no greater love than that that Jesus showed to us: He gave His life as a sacrifice of love. John 10:11
4- Freedom- I will never forget the lifting of the burdens on my shoulders the day I accepted Christ as my Savior.
5-Joy/Peace- NO matter what is going on or what is happening around us, we can experience the joy and peace of Christ. I Peter 1:8-9
6-relationship-I have a relationship with Christ. I i4:9 God wants to have an intimate relationship with each of us. Whatever we are going through He is there to give comfort, strength, listen, or teach. The Holy Spirit leads and speaks to us.
7-Purpose- Eph. 2:8-10 and Rom 12:1 He begins transforming us to His likeness to do the good works He has given us to do. He gives us gifts of the Spirit so we can be empowered to do those works.
What other religion offers these? NONE? There is only one way--Jesus Christ.
So, although we saw many roads in Oklahoma City, I-40 was the only one for us. So it is with religion, there may be many out there offering "goods" but none compare with the life Christ offers us. Not one without heartache or troubles, but one where He will be there all the time, no matter what.
What more could we possibly want or need?
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Are you a Jonah?
Tuesday while in Branson, we did a couple of fun things.
First, we went to a restaurant called Lamberts-known for Throwing a Roll. Waiters come through with baskets of rolls, yelling want a roll? When you raise your hand, they throw you the roll. Alll over the restaurant. Great place to visit.
We had reservations to go to Jonah--a Christian Broadway musical/show. Are you a Jonah?
In two ways, we could be like Jonah:
1- God could come to you or I at any time and ask us to do something, and like Jonah, we could say NO and then run and do our thing-for whatever reason. Early on in our ministry with CMA, Norm was going, going, going and ministering. I was very busy in the church with my church activities and responsibiities. One day, very plainly the Lord told me to start riding with my husband. He told me Norm did not need to go alone any more. I knew the Pastor of the church would not be happy with me if I resigned from my jobs, so I chose to disobey. I did not go to the Pastor of the church and kept right on doing what I was busy doing. About a year went by, me doing my own thing and Norm ministering with CMA. It was obvious from early on that this was Norm's area of ministry. He really blossomed there, and had the heart for the lost bikers. The Lord came to me a second time and said, you need to be riding with your husband. I said to the Lord, the Pastor is going to to be mad if I resign from my positions. The Lord replied, as if He was in the room with me, who are you more afraid of---him or Me? WOW! The next day I went to the Pastor and resigned from all my church positions and the rest is history. God does not forget about what He wants us to do when he asks us to do it. He is patient and kind and will wait for us to get on board with what He wants us to do. Go, when He asks you to go, do what He asks you to do.. You will never be sorry.
Jonah finally decided to do what God has asked of him and in the end realized where he had been and where God had taken him.
2-Sometimes we don't want certain "folks" to get the mercy and grace of God, like Jonah felt about the Ninevites. We don't believe they "deserve" the mercy and grace. They are too bad, make too many bad decisions, don't try, won't listen to advice..on and on the list goes of our reasons. What comes to mind is me. What do I deserve? I deserve justice and being sent to hell, for the sinner I am. However, I am so happy that God chooses to see me as worthy of his mercy and grace no matter what. See, God, when we are saved justifies us and makes us as if we have never sinned. He redeems us... paid the price so we don't have to pay anything-it is a free gift to be received. He reconciles us to Him. moves us back to the position where we belong. What mercy and grace He bestows to all of us.
Ephesians 2:4-8 says, But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
May we ask the Lord to give us His eyes when we look at folks who we don't believe deserve the mercy and grace of our Lord. He will help us to see through His eyes.
Love to all,
Yolanda
First, we went to a restaurant called Lamberts-known for Throwing a Roll. Waiters come through with baskets of rolls, yelling want a roll? When you raise your hand, they throw you the roll. Alll over the restaurant. Great place to visit.
We had reservations to go to Jonah--a Christian Broadway musical/show. Are you a Jonah?
In two ways, we could be like Jonah:
1- God could come to you or I at any time and ask us to do something, and like Jonah, we could say NO and then run and do our thing-for whatever reason. Early on in our ministry with CMA, Norm was going, going, going and ministering. I was very busy in the church with my church activities and responsibiities. One day, very plainly the Lord told me to start riding with my husband. He told me Norm did not need to go alone any more. I knew the Pastor of the church would not be happy with me if I resigned from my jobs, so I chose to disobey. I did not go to the Pastor of the church and kept right on doing what I was busy doing. About a year went by, me doing my own thing and Norm ministering with CMA. It was obvious from early on that this was Norm's area of ministry. He really blossomed there, and had the heart for the lost bikers. The Lord came to me a second time and said, you need to be riding with your husband. I said to the Lord, the Pastor is going to to be mad if I resign from my positions. The Lord replied, as if He was in the room with me, who are you more afraid of---him or Me? WOW! The next day I went to the Pastor and resigned from all my church positions and the rest is history. God does not forget about what He wants us to do when he asks us to do it. He is patient and kind and will wait for us to get on board with what He wants us to do. Go, when He asks you to go, do what He asks you to do.. You will never be sorry.
Jonah finally decided to do what God has asked of him and in the end realized where he had been and where God had taken him.
2-Sometimes we don't want certain "folks" to get the mercy and grace of God, like Jonah felt about the Ninevites. We don't believe they "deserve" the mercy and grace. They are too bad, make too many bad decisions, don't try, won't listen to advice..on and on the list goes of our reasons. What comes to mind is me. What do I deserve? I deserve justice and being sent to hell, for the sinner I am. However, I am so happy that God chooses to see me as worthy of his mercy and grace no matter what. See, God, when we are saved justifies us and makes us as if we have never sinned. He redeems us... paid the price so we don't have to pay anything-it is a free gift to be received. He reconciles us to Him. moves us back to the position where we belong. What mercy and grace He bestows to all of us.
Ephesians 2:4-8 says, But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
May we ask the Lord to give us His eyes when we look at folks who we don't believe deserve the mercy and grace of our Lord. He will help us to see through His eyes.
Love to all,
Yolanda
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
When Life Gives You Lemons-Disappointments!
Monday:
"For over a half century Vista Dome railcars have been know for providing spectacular sight-seeing- and they're still rollin in their classic style on the Branson Scenic Railway! Enjoy the luxury of the climate-controlled dome, lounge and coach seating as you drink in the beauty of the valleys and rolling hills." WOW! This was a booklet describing the Branson Scenic Railway ride. I thought, this sounds like a great way to see the country around Branson, be in the cool and hear some history. We headed that way on Monday for the ride. Pat, Richard, Norm and I were excited about the trip with some high expectations about the scenery. Were we in for a surprise.
We board the train and headed to find our seats. Along both sides of the car were tables with four chairs at them. The train was going 20 miles one way and then go back the same way, with locomotives on both ends of the train. These weren't luxury seats... metal chairs with cushioned seats. OOPS! Within a few miles of leaving the depot, I knew I needed to move to the other side of the car so I would be going in the right direction and not get "motion sick". So, I moved over to the table across from us, where a man and a woman were sitting.
Much better!!! Along we went, we saw some beautiful trees, beautfiul trees and more beautiful trees. There were a couple of "worrisome" spots for as I do not really like heights. We went across two trustles that were 100 and 122 feet above the ground. The ground aroound it was very beautiful. The gentleman across from me got a kick out my reaction to the trustles. He began talking about swaying the car...Haahahahah All laughed but me. I did not think it was funny. The other interesting spots were the tunnels: one was half a mile and the other 2/3 of a mile. There was just enough room in the tunnel for the train, with very little to spare. We made it the twenty miles and went back the same way we came, so I moved back over to the seat next to Norm. The most pleasant thing about the ride were the folks we chatted with across from us. There was a set of grandparents with 4 grandkids on a mini vacation. He was quite interesting to listen to as he and Norm talked and visited.
I don't mind telling you that by the time we got to the end of the ride, I was disappointed. So were Richard, Pat and Norm with the ride itself. We all agreed that the gentleman across from us and our fellowship made the trip. But, as far as the history and what we saw...nope! Trees, trees, and more trees were not what I expected at all.
In the past several months I have shared with several friends this piece of advice: don't expect anything from folks and you won't be disappointed. Most of the time their response is to give me a questioning look. You don't mean that about my spouse right? Yes I do I say. Most of the time our expectations of people, no matter who they are, are unrealistic and what's worse, the other person doesn't know anything about them. That is a setup for hurt and anger. Better not to go there.
After the trip, we talked about how disappointed we were in what we saw. Then all agreed we did enjoy the fellowship with each other and the folks across the car.
So, what do you do with disappointments? You have the choice. You can get mad turning it outward, hurt by turning it inward, or upset. Most of the time that will not help the situation at all. You can look to the Lord and ask Him for strength to keep going in the face of the disappointment, depending on what it was. Sometimes we could have avoided the disappointment if we had made different decisions or choices along the road.
God can use the disappointments to make us sweeter or draw us closer to Him. All situations in our lives are under the authority of the Lord, if you are a believer. Use each situation to draw you closer to Him!!
For us, we could have been mad and upsett. What would that have accomplished? Nothing. There was nothing we could do about it once we were on the train. I think what we did was make lemonade out of our lemons.
We went on with our day and had a blast!
"For over a half century Vista Dome railcars have been know for providing spectacular sight-seeing- and they're still rollin in their classic style on the Branson Scenic Railway! Enjoy the luxury of the climate-controlled dome, lounge and coach seating as you drink in the beauty of the valleys and rolling hills." WOW! This was a booklet describing the Branson Scenic Railway ride. I thought, this sounds like a great way to see the country around Branson, be in the cool and hear some history. We headed that way on Monday for the ride. Pat, Richard, Norm and I were excited about the trip with some high expectations about the scenery. Were we in for a surprise.
We board the train and headed to find our seats. Along both sides of the car were tables with four chairs at them. The train was going 20 miles one way and then go back the same way, with locomotives on both ends of the train. These weren't luxury seats... metal chairs with cushioned seats. OOPS! Within a few miles of leaving the depot, I knew I needed to move to the other side of the car so I would be going in the right direction and not get "motion sick". So, I moved over to the table across from us, where a man and a woman were sitting.
Much better!!! Along we went, we saw some beautiful trees, beautfiul trees and more beautiful trees. There were a couple of "worrisome" spots for as I do not really like heights. We went across two trustles that were 100 and 122 feet above the ground. The ground aroound it was very beautiful. The gentleman across from me got a kick out my reaction to the trustles. He began talking about swaying the car...Haahahahah All laughed but me. I did not think it was funny. The other interesting spots were the tunnels: one was half a mile and the other 2/3 of a mile. There was just enough room in the tunnel for the train, with very little to spare. We made it the twenty miles and went back the same way we came, so I moved back over to the seat next to Norm. The most pleasant thing about the ride were the folks we chatted with across from us. There was a set of grandparents with 4 grandkids on a mini vacation. He was quite interesting to listen to as he and Norm talked and visited.
I don't mind telling you that by the time we got to the end of the ride, I was disappointed. So were Richard, Pat and Norm with the ride itself. We all agreed that the gentleman across from us and our fellowship made the trip. But, as far as the history and what we saw...nope! Trees, trees, and more trees were not what I expected at all.
In the past several months I have shared with several friends this piece of advice: don't expect anything from folks and you won't be disappointed. Most of the time their response is to give me a questioning look. You don't mean that about my spouse right? Yes I do I say. Most of the time our expectations of people, no matter who they are, are unrealistic and what's worse, the other person doesn't know anything about them. That is a setup for hurt and anger. Better not to go there.
After the trip, we talked about how disappointed we were in what we saw. Then all agreed we did enjoy the fellowship with each other and the folks across the car.
So, what do you do with disappointments? You have the choice. You can get mad turning it outward, hurt by turning it inward, or upset. Most of the time that will not help the situation at all. You can look to the Lord and ask Him for strength to keep going in the face of the disappointment, depending on what it was. Sometimes we could have avoided the disappointment if we had made different decisions or choices along the road.
God can use the disappointments to make us sweeter or draw us closer to Him. All situations in our lives are under the authority of the Lord, if you are a believer. Use each situation to draw you closer to Him!!
For us, we could have been mad and upsett. What would that have accomplished? Nothing. There was nothing we could do about it once we were on the train. I think what we did was make lemonade out of our lemons.
We went on with our day and had a blast!
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Warnings
As we began our ride on Saturday, I asked the Lord to give me something to think about to write for my blog. Within a short period of time, he gave me the idea of Road Signs-warnings. As a biker, road signs are very important to us. I began looking at the signs we passed on the curvy highways we were riding. Here are some of them. Stop signs, trucks turning, road construction, curves ahead 20 mph, bridge may ice in winter, weight limit on bridge, speed limit, loose gravel, railroad crossings, and yield to name a few. I got to meditating about these signs. They are like warnings to us bikers on the road. Some of them are more important than others Loose gravel is very important as you go into a very sharp curve in the mountains. On may roads, there are no guardrails to protect you from going on the edge of the mountain. If you don't slow down and heed the warning, you could be in big trouble. Another one that's especially important to bikers is curves ahead with a speed limit below it. We can decide we will not pay attention and continue at our regular rate of speed if we'd like. But, the smarter thing to do is to slow down as you come up on the curve, and then speed up as you go into the curve. This will give you the power you need to make it out of the curve safely. Another important sign for bikers is railroad tracks. Bikers are to go across railroad straight across. not at a slant. If you take ther RR track at a slant, you will probably lose control of the bike as your tire gets stuck in the tracks. With all of these signs,we have choices to make. We can heed the warning and do what we know is best as a biker, or we can ignore the warning and suffer consequences.
When we went to services last night, the evangelist's message was on warnings we receive as Christians. Sometimes we heed those warnings and sometimes we don't. He used Peter and Jesus as an example. Jesus warned Peter he would deny Him 3 times. Peter vehemently denied he would do this and never would. And, yet before the crowed he did that very thing. He made 3 observations about this incident.
1---Jesus did give Peter some detailed warnings. We, as Christians, often receive warnings through the Word, messages or our Christian friends, or the Holy Spirit. How do we respond? Do we heed the warnings, or do we, like Peter, say we would never do this or that. And, off we go to do that very thing. Gives us something to think about. Maybe you have been like Peter and not heeded a warning and then decided that you could cover it up. Probably 90% of the issues and problems in our churches and CMA are caused by us not heeding warnings that have been given to us.
Some examples, like immorality, offenses, hurt feelings.
2---Jesus told Peter He was praying for him. Even though He knew what Peter was going to do, He was still interceding for him the same way he intercedes for me and you.
The story does not end with the rooster crowing. Even though he had denied Christ, Jesus was not done with Peter. Peter had failed Jesus. The story was about to change. When the ladies arrived at the tomb, the stone had been rolled away and Jesus was not there. He had risen!! The angel tells them to go tell the disciples and especially Peter.
3---Jesus made the first move torward restoring His relationship with Peter after Peter denied Him. This shows just how rich in Mercy and grace He is toward us as His children. They spent time together during the next 40 days reconciling their relationship.
How much more so, then, should be we extend mercy and grace to those who may have wronged us in some way? Do we have the right to hold on to that grudge and resentment and bitterness?
Think about these things. When was the last time you were warned? How did you respond? What were the consequences?
Lord, help us to beware of warnings we receive and be willing to listen to the Holy Spirit when He speaks to us.
When we went to services last night, the evangelist's message was on warnings we receive as Christians. Sometimes we heed those warnings and sometimes we don't. He used Peter and Jesus as an example. Jesus warned Peter he would deny Him 3 times. Peter vehemently denied he would do this and never would. And, yet before the crowed he did that very thing. He made 3 observations about this incident.
1---Jesus did give Peter some detailed warnings. We, as Christians, often receive warnings through the Word, messages or our Christian friends, or the Holy Spirit. How do we respond? Do we heed the warnings, or do we, like Peter, say we would never do this or that. And, off we go to do that very thing. Gives us something to think about. Maybe you have been like Peter and not heeded a warning and then decided that you could cover it up. Probably 90% of the issues and problems in our churches and CMA are caused by us not heeding warnings that have been given to us.
Some examples, like immorality, offenses, hurt feelings.
2---Jesus told Peter He was praying for him. Even though He knew what Peter was going to do, He was still interceding for him the same way he intercedes for me and you.
The story does not end with the rooster crowing. Even though he had denied Christ, Jesus was not done with Peter. Peter had failed Jesus. The story was about to change. When the ladies arrived at the tomb, the stone had been rolled away and Jesus was not there. He had risen!! The angel tells them to go tell the disciples and especially Peter.
3---Jesus made the first move torward restoring His relationship with Peter after Peter denied Him. This shows just how rich in Mercy and grace He is toward us as His children. They spent time together during the next 40 days reconciling their relationship.
How much more so, then, should be we extend mercy and grace to those who may have wronged us in some way? Do we have the right to hold on to that grudge and resentment and bitterness?
Think about these things. When was the last time you were warned? How did you respond? What were the consequences?
Lord, help us to beware of warnings we receive and be willing to listen to the Holy Spirit when He speaks to us.
Friday, June 20, 2014
A Big God
Many times I think we have God in a small box, looking at Him from our SMALL perspective, not from the perspective of Who HE is in the Bible. I guess it shows that we do not really know Him at all. I am so guilty of this in my daily life. I seem to think He is not able to answer prayers for the BIG things in my life.
Then my Spirit was quickened about how Big the Lord really is. And, how earlier today when we went through the Mutipurpose Building and the Support Center "SAW" HIS BIGNESS in person.
Angie Herman, who is over the the Support Center, started the tour in the lobby of the MPB. In each room, she was able to share how God worked to bring the MPB about, or a story of a miracle of how furniture was recieved or work was done.
Lobby: A couple from Washington state called the Center one day and asked if CMA was interested in having some stain glass windows there. Sure, John Sr said, but it is not in our budget. How does $ 50,000 sound to you to put them in? The couple then offered to have the stain glass windows made, bring them to the MPB, and put them in. WOW!! How amazing is that?
Front doors and other iron work around the MPB: A gentleman who is a iron worker designer in Nicaragua made the front an side door handles, and a beautfiul cross in the Chapel. All at no cost to CMA, but as donations. He trains young men in his country to do iron work and helps them open businesses so they have income. What a mighty God we serve!
About 4 years ago, the CEO, John Ogden, was in prayer one day when the Lord spoke to him. John was praying about the money coming in for the MPB. The Holy Spirit told him he had not because he asked not. In the coming weeks, he called a gentleman to help him write some letters letting folks know of the need for the MPB. Within two weeks of the letters being sent out, $ 250,000 came in for the building. I can't tell you how that speaks to me. (Oh ye of little faith. I want to believe.)
On to the tech room, where there were 10 booths set up for CMAers to go and be able to get on the internet, check mail, or sit and relax. All of the furniture in this area was donated by folks. Beautiful!!!
We went into the recording studio! Yes, I said recording studio. It is unbelievable what happened here to make it possible. The support center was praying because they knew we needed a recording studio to continue making dvds and cds. Up until this time they would have to load the equipment and go to a location to make the dvds and cds. Then load it up again and bring it back to the center. Lots of time and effort to make one dvd or cd. They began praying. They wrote an article for the Heartbeat to let folks know the need. A gentleman in New York City who was a CMA member got the Heartbeat. He was someone who was building recording studios for Samsung. After he read the article, he called up the Support Center and asked them if they would be interested if he came to the Support Center and designed the studio, helped them make the contacts to purchase the materials they needed, and then came back and helped finish the room. ALL ON HIS DIME!! It is the truth!!!!
On top of that, there are two major highways that run on either side of the MPB and a railroad track where 15 trains a day go by. Guess what? You can hear none of that in this studio!! That's right, it is totally sound proof. Praise the Lord in how HE works to bring about His work.
Upstairs were the offices of some of the Support Center executives. All the furniture up there was made and designed by a local craftsmen, here in the Hatfield area. It worked out to be a better deal than purchasing it from large furniture companies and helped a local craftsman as well. The furniture was gorgeous, and again was paid for by donations from CMAers.
In addition, there were enough tables and chairs in the middle of the upstairs for all the evangelists/their wives, the directors and their wives and the exec to sit to have their meetings they hold once a quarter. It also had projector screens for each of the 4 sides so all could see presentations being made by the speakers.
In the Support Center, we visited the brand new "CMA GOODIE STORE"!! Where folks can now stop and purchase items instead of ordering it online or having to wait for a rally. WOW!! It even includes a dressing room.
Then, on to the printshop, the banner making room and the warehouse for goodies. It is amazing to me what is being done in these areas by such a small group of people and how it spreads out touching 191 of the 196 countries in the WORLD! All in all, it was 9,000 sq feet. They send out 300 packages a week of goodies from this warehouse and screenprint 10,000 tshirts!!!!
On Iron Mountain, there is a pavilion that seats 5,000 people, a campground that can hold about 300 campers, an RV area and more.
In addition, CMA has 116 acres, of which 50 is not developed.
And, to think this started in a trailer 12 x 52 trailer in 1975.
The stories could go on and on, but I think I have made my point.
Man did not do this !!! It would not be possible for man to conjure all this up or do it on his own. Only a BIG God could provide the funds and the man power for CMA to have done the things they have done over the past since 1975.
Mt. 19:26 Jesus said, with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
Is there something big you need in your life? A lost child or spouse, a health issue, a financial issue, a job issue, an emotional issue, a family situation you can't see an end to? Go to the Lord!!!!
You serve a BIG GOD!!! He is there, waiting for you to ask. Maybe you are in the same boat as John, you have not because you have asked not.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Little Things
It has been a busy three days. Tuesday, we left from New Orleans, LA and headed to Hatfiled, AR. We drove approximately 350 miles and stopped for the night in Bossier City, LA. There was an Outback restaurant right next to the hotel where we were staying, so we unloaded our "stuff" and headed over there for supper. As usual, it was delicious. I just love their sirloin steaks and baked potato. Rick and Norm tried to drain them of all their tea. It had been a long, hot day driving the back roads. Driving the back roads is a two-edged sword-it is nice going about 55-60 and very little traffic, but, at the same time, when you are driving at that speed, it takes longer to get somewhere. All were tired and by 9 all were in bed asleep.
Wednesday, we didn't get out of bed until 8 am. That's the nice thing about not being in a hurry. You are not in a hurry so you can sleep in or get up early, whichever strikes you for that day. All were refreshed and ready to hit the road.
We arrived in Hatfield around 3 pm, in time to have a delicious cheeseburger at old Vicki's restaurant-now named Lott's. They did not let us down, with their hospitality or their food. The hamburgers were juicy and the onion rings tasty. Sad part was we didn't have any room for their delicious pies and I mean DELICIOUS!!
This morming we attended the service at 9 am. Today was the day the RFTS partners shared stories from how our CMA folks are touching lives literally around the world. It was amazing! Some we can share, and some we can't. You will understand when I see you.
After the service, we headed into Mean for lunch at a Mexican restaurant and a pleasant 80 mile ride through the mountains on the Talimenia Scenic Highway.
On the ride today I began reflecting back on the last couple of days. I thought about how when we went into a Walmart in Bossier City we were so excited about me getting an otter box for my phone and Richard getting a wallet that attaches to his belt-one he CANNOT lose. As we left Pat and I hugged as I said to her.. my, how the little things make us so happy.
As Christians, most of the time we pray and think and thank God for the BIG things in our lives-our health, our jobs, health issues, and on and on. But, today I want you to stop and think about some little ways God has worked in your life in the past few days and thank Him that He cares for every part of our lives.
As bikers, I don't really believe God cares about our bikes. However, He does care for us and whatever concerns us, concerns Him. Therefore, I want to share some little things with you that I have been thankful for the past 3 days. Most of you out there reading this won't understand or appreciate some of this because you don't ride bikes.
1--My iphone face has been cracked for 15 months now. Monday, a piece of the glass fell out. Now I felt it was dangerous and could me when I touched it. It was time to do something. At home they charged $ 125 to fix the face. While in New Orleans, we saw a place that would do it for $ 80 but no time there. So, I mentioned to Norm that before we left on Wednesday I would like to get my phone fixed. He agreed. I called Verizon and they gave me the name of a place to do it. On Wednesday morning we arrived at the store about 940 and wouldn't you know? It didn't open until 10. We decided we had the time to wait so sat down in the shade to wait. The young man arrived about 10:05 apolozizing for being late. We did not mind. How can I help you he asked. I said, How much to repair the face on my phone. He said $ 69. I said go for it. WOW... what a deal. I was saving $ 55 from what I would have paid at home. After he asked me did I want a tempered piece of glass to cover the face. It would get cracked before the face and is a new piece of technology. I said yes anything to help. He did not have any i4 otter boxes defenders, but I knew we were going to Walmart and they do. I thanked him and we took off. We were thankful he was able to repair it. My contract isn't up until next January
2-- Next stop, Walmart. Richard was able to get a wallet that he can't lose or have snatched! It is attached to his pants buckle. YAY! I was ablt to purchase a defender otter box cover for $ 11 cheaper than Verizon. Thank you Lord for these small things. They made our lives a little easier.
3--We got on the rode headed to Hatfield.. Norm had chosen highway 71. It was not a busy highway and the speed limit was 55. What a nice, easy going ride we had- only hot! Along come some clouds.. Thanks you Lord for clouds that make it cool. At one point we stopped to put on our rain suits, only to ride out of the rain within a couple of miles. Overcast skies were such a Godsend on this hot day.
4--Even the rain sprinkles were a Godsend, sending us a cool touch on a very hot day. Not enough to get the roads wet, just to give us some fresh air.
5--Today, on our ride, I must say I am thankful for Richard and Norm as our husbands and some small things they do:
a - he knows how I feel about heights and curves, so he slows down the bike so I don't feel like I am falling off. That is a HUGE blessing.
b-he reminds me to put on the sunscreen I need to protect my face and arms. Sometimes I wear protective sleeves to help keep out the sun.
c-he is willing to stop so we can't take goofy pictures to have as reminders of our fun time with our friends on this trip.
d--They help us get our rain pants on and off when we stop which makes it go so much faster.
6--I am so thankful there was no road kill on the roads we traveled today. God protected us from having any kind of misshap with those in the middle of the roads. Motorcycles don't do well with them.
7--Another thing bikers appreciate is no sand or loose rocks when we go around curves in the mountains. We went around a bunch of 180 degree curves, 45 degree curves, couple of 90 degreee curves. Curves can be so dangerous. They can cause you to lose control of your bike and off you go-in a direction you had not planned.
8--Just cooler temperatures have been a Godsend. Riding at the high altitudes brought about breaths of fresh air and cooler temperatures. God does care about us. We were really enjoying His creation-the beautiful mountains, full of lush green trees. WOW! How can we deny who He is-looking at that?
By now you get the point. The small things do matter-to you and the Lord. Go to Him now and thank Him for the last close parking space you got. Thank Him for the sale item at Walmart. Thank Him for the lower light bill... think and ponder these things. Then give Him praise.
I give Him praise for the great ride and the great three days!!
Love,
Richard, Pat, Norm, Yo
We will be here in Hatfield until Sunday. More to come!!!!!!
,
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Bumpy Roads
This morning we left around 9 am from Lacombe. We got on Highway 190 after riding on I-12 for a few miles.
As we rode on 190, I began to think. When riding on the bike, there are only so many things to do: read, listen to music or sermons, sleep or pray and think. Today I did a little of each.
As I was thinking about the road, it came to mind how our ride on 190 is kinda like my life's journey.
1-- We are all on a path called life.
We each have goals we want to reach. We have dreams we want fulfilled. We have places to go and things to do. We have families and jobs. We have extended families and hobbies. We have homes and many projects there. Some of us are single, some are married, some have kids, some don't, some are divorced and are raising kids as single parents, some are married for the second time. Where ever you are in life you are on a path going somewhere.
2--Along the path, there will be MANY bumps. However, there are different kinds: good bumps like marriage, births, job promotions, kids moving away or going to college, and/ or job changes. Or, there could be bad bumps like loss of job, loss , of spouse or friend, divorce. Whatever the bump, we all have choices in how we react to the bump. Recently, I have had 3 bumps. The first one was in April after a checkup at the doctor's office. I was called back to his office and told that if I don't change my eating habits and start exercising, I will be a type 2 diabetic by next year. He told me to eat NO white carbs and lose 8 pounds by August when I returned. What a shock that was !! I had no idea I was in that kind of shape. I was feeling good and doing things as normal. I left that office with a different mindset, knowing I would only be able to do what he wanted with the help of the Lord. My personality weaknesses work against me in all he wants me to do.
The second bump came about a month later: I went for a routine mammogram after 3 years. After about 2 weeks they called to tell me to come in for more tests. They had seen something and wanted to do more checking. Right before our trip, I went in for more testing. When I was done, the doctor came in to tell me me they see something in the back of my breast. They want to do a biopsy because I have had melanoma and my mom had breast cancer. Oh my, once again the breath was sucked out of me. What do I do? We are leaving in less than a week. I told the doctor we could leave later for our trip. Obviously my health is much more important than the trip. She assured me that I could wait until I got back. On my way out I scheduled the biopsy, August 13, the week after we get back from our vacation! Great.. something to look forward to!!
Bump 3 is Dale getting a new job with Bed, Bath and Beyond. In the interview, they told him after he passes his manager training, it is very likely they will have to move. WOW! Another blow! not necessarily bad, but a bump.
Highway 190 had many bumps. Some were barely felt as we rode over them. Some gave us a little jolt. AND, some bumped me up out of my seat and jarred my entire body. For some of them, I was ready because I was looking around Norm's head to see the road. But, most of them I had no idea they were coming and could not prepare.
Same way with life's bumps. Some you can see coming and some take you by surprise and knock the breath out of you.
3--We have choices as to how we react to the bumps.
For bump 1, the pre-diabetes issue, I left the doctor's office with a new resolve. I will eat better and begin walking on a regular basis. However, I also knew that only with God's help would I be able to to continue on the eating better plan and the exercising. I will have to have the HOLY SPIRIT to prick and prompt and give courage and strength to do the things I need to do for my health. I do have another option. I could do nothing and continue on the path I am on. And, then soon, my health will deteriorate and I will go downhill and have lots of complications.
For bump 2, it is a little more complicated. I have told myself not to worry. It is in God's hands. I wish I could say I have not thought about it again. However, that is not the case. I have not lingered on the thought it might the C word. I have come to the conclusion with all of these that GOD IS Sovereign and in control. I cannot change bump 2 or do anything about it by worrying. Worrying will not change any part of it and it will for sure ruin our trip if I meditate on it and ponder on it day and night. So, I am trusting in the Lord to help my mind not focus only on that bump. I will trust Him to be there is the news is not good. But, I won't cross that bridge until it comes.
Bump 3 is a catch 22 so to speak. I am so happy for Dale as he has made a positive move in his career in management. However, it is a bittersweet bump. All know how Norm and I love our grandkids and enjoy them so much. To have them move will be hard since we babysit them 4 days a week. Yet, it is a happy time for Meagan and Dale as this might mean Meagan can stay home with her children. What a great opportunity for her and the kids. And, if they move, it will be someplace for us to go on the bike to visit. Again, we have a choice in how we react. We know God is Sovereign in this too. He is in control and HE knows best. We have to believe that or we can't handle anything. We believe in His protection and refuge and that HE has our best interests at heart, no matter how things look.
Bumps move us toward the Lord. That is how they are used positively. So, I move towards Him with a trusting heart, believing He knows all the details and the results of the tests and how it will all turn out. If I believe what I say about HIM, how can I go wrong?!
What about you? What bump are you facing? How have you reacted?
Tomorrow we leave for Hatfield. We have about 165 miles to go. We are riding on back roads, with little traffic and lots of pretty land.
As we rode on 190, I began to think. When riding on the bike, there are only so many things to do: read, listen to music or sermons, sleep or pray and think. Today I did a little of each.
As I was thinking about the road, it came to mind how our ride on 190 is kinda like my life's journey.
1-- We are all on a path called life.
We each have goals we want to reach. We have dreams we want fulfilled. We have places to go and things to do. We have families and jobs. We have extended families and hobbies. We have homes and many projects there. Some of us are single, some are married, some have kids, some don't, some are divorced and are raising kids as single parents, some are married for the second time. Where ever you are in life you are on a path going somewhere.
2--Along the path, there will be MANY bumps. However, there are different kinds: good bumps like marriage, births, job promotions, kids moving away or going to college, and/ or job changes. Or, there could be bad bumps like loss of job, loss , of spouse or friend, divorce. Whatever the bump, we all have choices in how we react to the bump. Recently, I have had 3 bumps. The first one was in April after a checkup at the doctor's office. I was called back to his office and told that if I don't change my eating habits and start exercising, I will be a type 2 diabetic by next year. He told me to eat NO white carbs and lose 8 pounds by August when I returned. What a shock that was !! I had no idea I was in that kind of shape. I was feeling good and doing things as normal. I left that office with a different mindset, knowing I would only be able to do what he wanted with the help of the Lord. My personality weaknesses work against me in all he wants me to do.
The second bump came about a month later: I went for a routine mammogram after 3 years. After about 2 weeks they called to tell me to come in for more tests. They had seen something and wanted to do more checking. Right before our trip, I went in for more testing. When I was done, the doctor came in to tell me me they see something in the back of my breast. They want to do a biopsy because I have had melanoma and my mom had breast cancer. Oh my, once again the breath was sucked out of me. What do I do? We are leaving in less than a week. I told the doctor we could leave later for our trip. Obviously my health is much more important than the trip. She assured me that I could wait until I got back. On my way out I scheduled the biopsy, August 13, the week after we get back from our vacation! Great.. something to look forward to!!
Bump 3 is Dale getting a new job with Bed, Bath and Beyond. In the interview, they told him after he passes his manager training, it is very likely they will have to move. WOW! Another blow! not necessarily bad, but a bump.
Highway 190 had many bumps. Some were barely felt as we rode over them. Some gave us a little jolt. AND, some bumped me up out of my seat and jarred my entire body. For some of them, I was ready because I was looking around Norm's head to see the road. But, most of them I had no idea they were coming and could not prepare.
Same way with life's bumps. Some you can see coming and some take you by surprise and knock the breath out of you.
3--We have choices as to how we react to the bumps.
For bump 1, the pre-diabetes issue, I left the doctor's office with a new resolve. I will eat better and begin walking on a regular basis. However, I also knew that only with God's help would I be able to to continue on the eating better plan and the exercising. I will have to have the HOLY SPIRIT to prick and prompt and give courage and strength to do the things I need to do for my health. I do have another option. I could do nothing and continue on the path I am on. And, then soon, my health will deteriorate and I will go downhill and have lots of complications.
For bump 2, it is a little more complicated. I have told myself not to worry. It is in God's hands. I wish I could say I have not thought about it again. However, that is not the case. I have not lingered on the thought it might the C word. I have come to the conclusion with all of these that GOD IS Sovereign and in control. I cannot change bump 2 or do anything about it by worrying. Worrying will not change any part of it and it will for sure ruin our trip if I meditate on it and ponder on it day and night. So, I am trusting in the Lord to help my mind not focus only on that bump. I will trust Him to be there is the news is not good. But, I won't cross that bridge until it comes.
Bump 3 is a catch 22 so to speak. I am so happy for Dale as he has made a positive move in his career in management. However, it is a bittersweet bump. All know how Norm and I love our grandkids and enjoy them so much. To have them move will be hard since we babysit them 4 days a week. Yet, it is a happy time for Meagan and Dale as this might mean Meagan can stay home with her children. What a great opportunity for her and the kids. And, if they move, it will be someplace for us to go on the bike to visit. Again, we have a choice in how we react. We know God is Sovereign in this too. He is in control and HE knows best. We have to believe that or we can't handle anything. We believe in His protection and refuge and that HE has our best interests at heart, no matter how things look.
Bumps move us toward the Lord. That is how they are used positively. So, I move towards Him with a trusting heart, believing He knows all the details and the results of the tests and how it will all turn out. If I believe what I say about HIM, how can I go wrong?!
What about you? What bump are you facing? How have you reacted?
Tomorrow we leave for Hatfield. We have about 165 miles to go. We are riding on back roads, with little traffic and lots of pretty land.
Monday, June 16, 2014
New Orleans from a Streetcar
Today we rode streetcars all over New Orleans... It was quite an experience. It is a great way to go around the city. New Orleans is set up alot like Charleston. It has lots of one way streets and is in squares. It is about 12 blocks square.
We went all through the French Quarter, the Garden District, the Warehouse District and the Arts area. Each were very distinctive in their buildings and architecture. NO is a city that does not tear down buildings, it remodels them. So, you see old run down buildings right next to brand new buildings. There were lots of "tourist shops", restaurants and other types of stores and buildings. They also have some really neat looking cemeteries, just like Charleston. We did not get to see any up close and personal. It was told to us that Nicolas Cage has a place in one of them. How did he manage that, I ask????
It appears they do not cater to motorcycles. We could only find one parking lot that would let us park. We paid a total of $ 48 for the three days we went there. WOW!!!!
They have a market just like downtown Charleston, with lots of "tourist" trappings. For ladies, long flowing dresses are a big hit. Voodoo shops are everywhere! Imagine that.
We even went into Harrah's today. We decided it doesn't hold a candle to the casinos in Las Vegas, as far as grandeur. That part was very disappointing. However, it was interesting watching some folks play 5 card stud, black jack, and the roulette wheel. WOW! Wonder how much money goes through there each day. I bet we could feed the poor for months!!! It did feel funny being in there with my CMA shirt on.
We ended our day by eating brunch at a restaurant called ACME. Oh my, the fried shrimp was delicious! I did not eat many fries or hush puppies.. I didn't need to. Then to top it off the waiter asked if we wanted dessert, bread pudding is a biggie here or pecan cobbler. I could not say NO. I need prayer for the Lord to help me have self-control the rest of our trip.
My Jesus Calling devotion for today said:
Stay on the high road with Christ. Many voices clamor for your attention, trying to divert you to another path. But I have called you to walk ever so closely with Me, soaking in My Presence,living in My Peace. I have called each of you to a different path, designed specifically for you. .... What I require of you is to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Me--wherever I lead. (Micah 6:8)
I pray that Norm and I can continue on in the path the Lord leads us.
Tomorrow we are on to Hatfield, AR. headquarters of our CMA. We will arrive Wednesday, in time for the National Rally that is going on this week. I hope to see some of the services while we are there. And, we will be doing some riding in the mountains. We will be there a couple of days before we go to Branson, MO.
We went all through the French Quarter, the Garden District, the Warehouse District and the Arts area. Each were very distinctive in their buildings and architecture. NO is a city that does not tear down buildings, it remodels them. So, you see old run down buildings right next to brand new buildings. There were lots of "tourist shops", restaurants and other types of stores and buildings. They also have some really neat looking cemeteries, just like Charleston. We did not get to see any up close and personal. It was told to us that Nicolas Cage has a place in one of them. How did he manage that, I ask????
It appears they do not cater to motorcycles. We could only find one parking lot that would let us park. We paid a total of $ 48 for the three days we went there. WOW!!!!
They have a market just like downtown Charleston, with lots of "tourist" trappings. For ladies, long flowing dresses are a big hit. Voodoo shops are everywhere! Imagine that.
We even went into Harrah's today. We decided it doesn't hold a candle to the casinos in Las Vegas, as far as grandeur. That part was very disappointing. However, it was interesting watching some folks play 5 card stud, black jack, and the roulette wheel. WOW! Wonder how much money goes through there each day. I bet we could feed the poor for months!!! It did feel funny being in there with my CMA shirt on.
We ended our day by eating brunch at a restaurant called ACME. Oh my, the fried shrimp was delicious! I did not eat many fries or hush puppies.. I didn't need to. Then to top it off the waiter asked if we wanted dessert, bread pudding is a biggie here or pecan cobbler. I could not say NO. I need prayer for the Lord to help me have self-control the rest of our trip.
My Jesus Calling devotion for today said:
Stay on the high road with Christ. Many voices clamor for your attention, trying to divert you to another path. But I have called you to walk ever so closely with Me, soaking in My Presence,living in My Peace. I have called each of you to a different path, designed specifically for you. .... What I require of you is to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Me--wherever I lead. (Micah 6:8)
I pray that Norm and I can continue on in the path the Lord leads us.
Tomorrow we are on to Hatfield, AR. headquarters of our CMA. We will arrive Wednesday, in time for the National Rally that is going on this week. I hope to see some of the services while we are there. And, we will be doing some riding in the mountains. We will be there a couple of days before we go to Branson, MO.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Second Chances
Yesterday on our way back from New Orleans,we saw a beautiful rainbow. I was reminded of God's promise never to destroy the earth by water again. The flood was an opportunity of second chances.
Today was Father's Day. We went to Journey Fellowship Church, close to where we are staying.
The sermon was another reminder of God's love and the opportunities for second chances.
It came from Jonah 3:1-10
Vs 1-- God is the God of second chances and do overs.... never think or believe that you have gone too far to be forgiven. If you think that, you're not too far. God gave Jonah a second chance and He will give you one too. Just go to Him.
Vs 2-3-phrase a city so large---sometimes what God gives us to do seems so large. We feelings of inadequacy and inability to carry out His plan. It could be as a mom, dad, leader, CMA chapter member, Sisterhood leader or member, church member, or employee. It's okay to feel inadquate because we have the Lord you will give you what you need when you need it. Run to HIM!!!
Vs 4--shouted to the crowds- Jonah went to the city and shouted the message God gave him for the Ninevites. Don't be afraid. Whatever He has asked you to do or say, go do it or say it. Trust in the Lord!! Give value to your family, your kids, your friends, your co-workers. God says they are worthy and are we!! Tell them the Good News of God's love and mercy and grace and hope. They are waiting to hear it!!
The enemy is out there to steal, kill and destroy. We have the One who is all powerful!
Vs 5-6-- It says in these verses that the people of Nineveh believed Jonah's message. The folks you talk to will believe your message too. Because it is not your message, it is the Lord's.
Share your story. Someone needs to hear it. They need to know they can rise from ashes to beauty. God can take the messes of your life and use them for good. He can turn them into a ministry or use them for divine opportunities. Look for ways to share your best times and your lowest..
Vs 7-8--Remember that your words are powerful! Words are a tool that God can use or the enemy can use. You are the only one that can decide which one!! You have a powerful voice with God on your side.
Vs 9-10-- God sees your heart and knows you. He can use you to effect a job, a city, or a generation. Take heed and go forward.
Look for those divine appointments to share your story and what God has done for you. Think about sharing some of the low times and how God redeemed them for His glory.
Saturday
We started the day with a New Orleans specialty called a beignet. Don't ask !! It was so far away from what I should be eating, but it was divine. It is a pastry with powdered sugar on it. I can't wait to get some from Publix and fix them at home..They are not for the weak hearted.
We rode on a Hop on Hop off bus for a tour of the city of New Orleans. That gave us a great overview of the city and the many sights to see.
Norm and I walked down to Bourbon street. What a sight to see. God touched me afresh with a renewed sense of the urgency to spread the good news of the gospel of Christ.
Later we met some friends from Charleston who live in Houma for a late lunch at a restaurant called Mother's. It was scrumptious. They had grilled shrimp, friend shrimp and much, much more...choices on the menu. Some of the vegies were potato salad, cabbage, red beans and rice, and turnip greens. Not the typical choices we see at home. We had a great visit with our friend and her son Travis. It was so good to see them.
Sunday,
We took a Jazz Steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River. What fun! We saw some great sites on the harbor and heard some Jazz music.
Then Norm and I walked about 8 blocks to a Jazz Festival in Louis Armstrong Park. What fun the folks there were having... There was alot of art, food and music. It was a huge park with people everywhere!!
Today was Father's Day. We went to Journey Fellowship Church, close to where we are staying.
The sermon was another reminder of God's love and the opportunities for second chances.
It came from Jonah 3:1-10
Vs 1-- God is the God of second chances and do overs.... never think or believe that you have gone too far to be forgiven. If you think that, you're not too far. God gave Jonah a second chance and He will give you one too. Just go to Him.
Vs 2-3-phrase a city so large---sometimes what God gives us to do seems so large. We feelings of inadequacy and inability to carry out His plan. It could be as a mom, dad, leader, CMA chapter member, Sisterhood leader or member, church member, or employee. It's okay to feel inadquate because we have the Lord you will give you what you need when you need it. Run to HIM!!!
Vs 4--shouted to the crowds- Jonah went to the city and shouted the message God gave him for the Ninevites. Don't be afraid. Whatever He has asked you to do or say, go do it or say it. Trust in the Lord!! Give value to your family, your kids, your friends, your co-workers. God says they are worthy and are we!! Tell them the Good News of God's love and mercy and grace and hope. They are waiting to hear it!!
The enemy is out there to steal, kill and destroy. We have the One who is all powerful!
Vs 5-6-- It says in these verses that the people of Nineveh believed Jonah's message. The folks you talk to will believe your message too. Because it is not your message, it is the Lord's.
Share your story. Someone needs to hear it. They need to know they can rise from ashes to beauty. God can take the messes of your life and use them for good. He can turn them into a ministry or use them for divine opportunities. Look for ways to share your best times and your lowest..
Vs 7-8--Remember that your words are powerful! Words are a tool that God can use or the enemy can use. You are the only one that can decide which one!! You have a powerful voice with God on your side.
Vs 9-10-- God sees your heart and knows you. He can use you to effect a job, a city, or a generation. Take heed and go forward.
Look for those divine appointments to share your story and what God has done for you. Think about sharing some of the low times and how God redeemed them for His glory.
Saturday
We started the day with a New Orleans specialty called a beignet. Don't ask !! It was so far away from what I should be eating, but it was divine. It is a pastry with powdered sugar on it. I can't wait to get some from Publix and fix them at home..They are not for the weak hearted.
We rode on a Hop on Hop off bus for a tour of the city of New Orleans. That gave us a great overview of the city and the many sights to see.
Norm and I walked down to Bourbon street. What a sight to see. God touched me afresh with a renewed sense of the urgency to spread the good news of the gospel of Christ.
Later we met some friends from Charleston who live in Houma for a late lunch at a restaurant called Mother's. It was scrumptious. They had grilled shrimp, friend shrimp and much, much more...choices on the menu. Some of the vegies were potato salad, cabbage, red beans and rice, and turnip greens. Not the typical choices we see at home. We had a great visit with our friend and her son Travis. It was so good to see them.
Sunday,
We took a Jazz Steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River. What fun! We saw some great sites on the harbor and heard some Jazz music.
Then Norm and I walked about 8 blocks to a Jazz Festival in Louis Armstrong Park. What fun the folks there were having... There was alot of art, food and music. It was a huge park with people everywhere!!
Friday, June 13, 2014
New Orleans Here we Come
Today was a traveling day- from Tupelo to New Orleans. The Lord has been so gracious to us. He has provided us with overcast skies to keep it cool. When it has rained it has rained during the night and not while we have been traveling. We had an easy day today- went approximately 300 miles.
Interesting people met today:
Three gentlemen: one from England, one from Ireland, and one from Iowa. All three are in Tupelo to be a part of a Civil War Reenactment. Their stories were very interesting. We thanked them for keeping the truth of our American history alive. He guy from England was Robert E Lee. He even looked like him. He told us that they do extensive research about the Civil War to ensure accuracy of the war. The gentleman from Ireland had a tattoo of a general on the back of his leg. Hmmm
Yesterday I had what I call a divine appointment:
I spoke to a woman in the museum at Elvis birthplace. We were looking at the windows of information about Elvis life. She made a comment about how sad it turned out for Elvis. i then made the comment about how money ruin folks lives. She then shared about her grandson son being on drugs. How he had been brought up on the word and in church and has gone so far out. Her daughter is going to evict him from her home. I told the lady the scripture says that if you train up a child in he Wayne should go... And we went on. I could not remember the reference for nothing. When I got
To the bathroom i looked up the scripture reference. Came out and went to her and told her to share that verse with her daughter. I said I had to find it for her. She went on and said how she didn't see how God could do anything. I said to her, Mam, 'All things are possible with God!' No one is too far gone.
Wow how sad to feel someone your love is too far gone that God can't reach them. No hope!!!
If you have someone you feel is too far gone memorize the following verse as a promise for their salvation. Praise Him!!!
Matthew 19:26...with man it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
Interesting people met today:
Three gentlemen: one from England, one from Ireland, and one from Iowa. All three are in Tupelo to be a part of a Civil War Reenactment. Their stories were very interesting. We thanked them for keeping the truth of our American history alive. He guy from England was Robert E Lee. He even looked like him. He told us that they do extensive research about the Civil War to ensure accuracy of the war. The gentleman from Ireland had a tattoo of a general on the back of his leg. Hmmm
Yesterday I had what I call a divine appointment:
I spoke to a woman in the museum at Elvis birthplace. We were looking at the windows of information about Elvis life. She made a comment about how sad it turned out for Elvis. i then made the comment about how money ruin folks lives. She then shared about her grandson son being on drugs. How he had been brought up on the word and in church and has gone so far out. Her daughter is going to evict him from her home. I told the lady the scripture says that if you train up a child in he Wayne should go... And we went on. I could not remember the reference for nothing. When I got
To the bathroom i looked up the scripture reference. Came out and went to her and told her to share that verse with her daughter. I said I had to find it for her. She went on and said how she didn't see how God could do anything. I said to her, Mam, 'All things are possible with God!' No one is too far gone.
Wow how sad to feel someone your love is too far gone that God can't reach them. No hope!!!
If you have someone you feel is too far gone memorize the following verse as a promise for their salvation. Praise Him!!!
Matthew 19:26...with man it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
Fix Your Eyes
Hebrews 12: 2 says, Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
We left the hotel today headed to the Tupelo Automobile Museum, following Richard's GPS. We made the first turn and within a couple hundred feet, Richard pulled off the road looking at the GPiS. We pulled up beside him and asked what was going on. He said they couldn't see the GPS screen with the glare. We started again. We did this 3 times before he told Norm to take the lead and try to use my phone to find the museum. WOW !!!
Off we go again, following my Iphone's directions on the Maps. We ride and follow the directions only to end up in the country and nowhere near the museum. Norm finally stopped and I went in and asked some folks where the museum was located. We had to turn around and go back down the road we had just come. We followed the gentleman's directions and finally arrived at the museum.
The museum was awesome!!!! Cars from the early 1900's through late 1900's. They also had a truck show there as a special event...
As were riding back down the road we had gone down, I began to think about what had happened to us in relation to our spiritual journeys. We start down our spiritual road on the right track, reading our Bible, praying, going to church, and listening to the Lord...all the time wanting to do the right things and what the Lord wants us to do. Sometimes, along the way, we get sidetracked and make a slight wrong turn. Maybe not even realizing what we have done or maybe thinking that because it is so small a wrong turn it won't matter or we say it won't effect anyone, including ourselves. How wrong we can be!!!
It doesn't take long for the enemy to sidetrack us and before we know it our eyes are NO longer on the goal-Christ. We are off course and going down a path we did not intend to follow. And, then we wonder, how did we get here. Maybe our friends tried to tell us but we wouldn't listen. Maybe the Holy Spirit prompted us along the way or pricked our conscience and we chose not to listen.
The good news is we can make U-TURNS...it is called repentance. It is a turning back. Making a 180 degree turn is what we have to do sometimes. It is greatt that God is a God of second, third or fourth or more chances. I John 1:9 says is we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Praise His Name!!!
The point: we must keep our fixed on the goal: Christ.
Think about where you are on your spiritual journey! Are you on track? Or, somewhere along the line have you followed the wrong GPS turn and are going down a path you didn't intend.
Go the the Lord! He is waiting for you with open arms.
Later in the day we went Elvis Presley's birthplace and museum. If you are an Elvis fan, that's the place to go. Included in the tour was the church where he attended as a child and often sang.
What an amazing story!!!
We left the hotel today headed to the Tupelo Automobile Museum, following Richard's GPS. We made the first turn and within a couple hundred feet, Richard pulled off the road looking at the GPiS. We pulled up beside him and asked what was going on. He said they couldn't see the GPS screen with the glare. We started again. We did this 3 times before he told Norm to take the lead and try to use my phone to find the museum. WOW !!!
Off we go again, following my Iphone's directions on the Maps. We ride and follow the directions only to end up in the country and nowhere near the museum. Norm finally stopped and I went in and asked some folks where the museum was located. We had to turn around and go back down the road we had just come. We followed the gentleman's directions and finally arrived at the museum.
The museum was awesome!!!! Cars from the early 1900's through late 1900's. They also had a truck show there as a special event...
As were riding back down the road we had gone down, I began to think about what had happened to us in relation to our spiritual journeys. We start down our spiritual road on the right track, reading our Bible, praying, going to church, and listening to the Lord...all the time wanting to do the right things and what the Lord wants us to do. Sometimes, along the way, we get sidetracked and make a slight wrong turn. Maybe not even realizing what we have done or maybe thinking that because it is so small a wrong turn it won't matter or we say it won't effect anyone, including ourselves. How wrong we can be!!!
It doesn't take long for the enemy to sidetrack us and before we know it our eyes are NO longer on the goal-Christ. We are off course and going down a path we did not intend to follow. And, then we wonder, how did we get here. Maybe our friends tried to tell us but we wouldn't listen. Maybe the Holy Spirit prompted us along the way or pricked our conscience and we chose not to listen.
The good news is we can make U-TURNS...it is called repentance. It is a turning back. Making a 180 degree turn is what we have to do sometimes. It is greatt that God is a God of second, third or fourth or more chances. I John 1:9 says is we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Praise His Name!!!
The point: we must keep our fixed on the goal: Christ.
Think about where you are on your spiritual journey! Are you on track? Or, somewhere along the line have you followed the wrong GPS turn and are going down a path you didn't intend.
Go the the Lord! He is waiting for you with open arms.
Later in the day we went Elvis Presley's birthplace and museum. If you are an Elvis fan, that's the place to go. Included in the tour was the church where he attended as a child and often sang.
What an amazing story!!!
Making Memories
What an interesting day!!
I started the day meeting a lady from Texas in the bathhouse! Those of you who know me will know I talk to all kinds of folks. I started talking a lady who is going "gold mining". Gold mining? Really???
Whoever heard of that in our part of the country... I sure haven't. It was a very interesting conversation to say the least.. And, to boot, she is a teacher!!! Imagine.... She is ready to retire next year as a high school science teacher. WOW!!!! I loved teaching from the beginning to the end!! I can't think of anyone NOT liking it..... Maybe it's because it is time to retire!!!
When I came out of the shower and was walking to the camper, there she was, with her boyfriend.
I went over and she introduced him and herself to me--Bob and Cheryl... It was a great start to a day.
We shared stories of teaching experiences, their gold mining trips around the USA and our motorcycling adventure we are on as we speak!!! Before I left them, I asked them if I could pray for them and their trip and ours too. They were delighted and we joined hands there to pray for each other!!
Being in a campground brings out the friendliness in folks. It is so much fun to find out where they are from, what they do for a living and where they are headed on their trip.
The trip from Birmingham to Tupelo is approximately 200 miles. We left at about 10:00 headed for the Natchez Trace Parkway. After about 25 miles on the interstate, Norm veered off and headed for highway 31. It was a four lane highway, loaded with towns and beautiful scenery!
When we reached the Natchez Trace Parkway the sign told us it was 61 miles to Tupelo.
For once we thoroughly enjoyed the scenery at 45 miles per hour for 61 miles. I know some of you will not believe it, but it's true!! It was a great leisurely ride through the hills of Alabama and upper Mississippi.
Making Memories
Once at the hotel, we were given a room on the first floor, which was good to be near our bikes and campers. Pat and Richard were in the room to take showers and Norm and I went to visit with my long time friend, Marilyn in the lobby of the hotel. Pat comes in to tell us that there is NO cold water!
What? What does that mean? We are going to have to change rooms. Now, if you know Richard, you know all things happen to him..whatever is bad is gonna happen.. So, they picked up their stuff and moved next door, only to find out the water did the same thing. It can't be happening!! This is crazy!! Norm goes to talk to the desk clerk to find us another room. This time they go to the new room to check it out first and lo and behold the water does the same thing. The fourth time was the charm!! And, off we go from the second floor in one building to another building on the top floor. WOW! What a way to end the day!!!
Thought/Verse for the day from Jesus Calling:
Trust me and don't be afraid, for I am your Strength and Song. The battle for control of your mind is fierce, and years of worry have made you vulnerable to the enemy. Be vigilant in guarding your thoughts. Do not despise this weakness in yourself, since I am using it to draw you closer to Me. Your constant need for Me creates an intimacy that is well worth all the effort. Ask the Holy Spirit to control your mind. He will bless you with life and Peace.
I started the day meeting a lady from Texas in the bathhouse! Those of you who know me will know I talk to all kinds of folks. I started talking a lady who is going "gold mining". Gold mining? Really???
Whoever heard of that in our part of the country... I sure haven't. It was a very interesting conversation to say the least.. And, to boot, she is a teacher!!! Imagine.... She is ready to retire next year as a high school science teacher. WOW!!!! I loved teaching from the beginning to the end!! I can't think of anyone NOT liking it..... Maybe it's because it is time to retire!!!
When I came out of the shower and was walking to the camper, there she was, with her boyfriend.
I went over and she introduced him and herself to me--Bob and Cheryl... It was a great start to a day.
We shared stories of teaching experiences, their gold mining trips around the USA and our motorcycling adventure we are on as we speak!!! Before I left them, I asked them if I could pray for them and their trip and ours too. They were delighted and we joined hands there to pray for each other!!
Being in a campground brings out the friendliness in folks. It is so much fun to find out where they are from, what they do for a living and where they are headed on their trip.
The trip from Birmingham to Tupelo is approximately 200 miles. We left at about 10:00 headed for the Natchez Trace Parkway. After about 25 miles on the interstate, Norm veered off and headed for highway 31. It was a four lane highway, loaded with towns and beautiful scenery!
When we reached the Natchez Trace Parkway the sign told us it was 61 miles to Tupelo.
For once we thoroughly enjoyed the scenery at 45 miles per hour for 61 miles. I know some of you will not believe it, but it's true!! It was a great leisurely ride through the hills of Alabama and upper Mississippi.
Making Memories
Once at the hotel, we were given a room on the first floor, which was good to be near our bikes and campers. Pat and Richard were in the room to take showers and Norm and I went to visit with my long time friend, Marilyn in the lobby of the hotel. Pat comes in to tell us that there is NO cold water!
What? What does that mean? We are going to have to change rooms. Now, if you know Richard, you know all things happen to him..whatever is bad is gonna happen.. So, they picked up their stuff and moved next door, only to find out the water did the same thing. It can't be happening!! This is crazy!! Norm goes to talk to the desk clerk to find us another room. This time they go to the new room to check it out first and lo and behold the water does the same thing. The fourth time was the charm!! And, off we go from the second floor in one building to another building on the top floor. WOW! What a way to end the day!!!
Thought/Verse for the day from Jesus Calling:
Trust me and don't be afraid, for I am your Strength and Song. The battle for control of your mind is fierce, and years of worry have made you vulnerable to the enemy. Be vigilant in guarding your thoughts. Do not despise this weakness in yourself, since I am using it to draw you closer to Me. Your constant need for Me creates an intimacy that is well worth all the effort. Ask the Holy Spirit to control your mind. He will bless you with life and Peace.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
In From the Rain
Just so happened each time we were inside... first in the Barber Motorsports Museum..largest amount of motorcycles in one place in the US.....half a day there... 5 floors in all..WOW it was overwhelming!!!
Richard and Norm were in motorcycle heaven...is there really one????
Pat's phone went dead from all the pictures she took in there....It was amazing the different kinds and contraptions they had.
Then lunch at a local BARBQ...the peanut butter pie there was scruptious!!!!
Last part of the day Bass Pro SHop.... all of you know what that meant!!
Tomorrow we head to Tupelo, MS via Florence, AL and the Natchez Trace Parkway!!!
Verses of the Day
Ephesians 3:20-1 The Message
God can do anything, you know--far more than you could every imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
What a Storm!!!--June 9
What an ending to a great day! It was a huge wind and rain storm
It was unbelievable!! The wind was so strong it actually moved our bunhouse over about 10 inches..... we have never experienced anything like it before. I must say it was quite interesting... we were very glad to be inside when it happened or we are not sure what would have happened to the bunkhouse.
The issue is we are camping on pavement, not grass, so there is no way to anchor the bunkhouse like we normally do.
Otherwise, we had a great day...it was only HOT!! We rode all interstate here.
Oak Mountain Campground is beautiful.. it is 10,000 acres.. golf course, riding stables, fishing.....and and on...
Don't you love it...we're sleeping with the TIGERS!!! more later...
It was unbelievable!! The wind was so strong it actually moved our bunhouse over about 10 inches..... we have never experienced anything like it before. I must say it was quite interesting... we were very glad to be inside when it happened or we are not sure what would have happened to the bunkhouse.
The issue is we are camping on pavement, not grass, so there is no way to anchor the bunkhouse like we normally do.
Otherwise, we had a great day...it was only HOT!! We rode all interstate here.
Oak Mountain Campground is beautiful.. it is 10,000 acres.. golf course, riding stables, fishing.....and and on...
Don't you love it...we're sleeping with the TIGERS!!! more later...
Sunday, June 8, 2014
12 hours to go--Who's Counting?
There's about 12 hours until we meet our friends for the first leg of our trip...Cracker Barrel in Summerville!!!
BUT WHO'S COUNTING????? THE EXCITMENT IS IN THE AIR!
It's so hard to believe the time is finally here!! I think I am in shock.
Meagan and Dale came in this afternoon... what a time we had sharing the fun times of their trip and the details to come of ours.
Tomorrow we head to Birmingham, AL... approximately 400 miles--the longest leg of our journey in a day!!!
We will camp at Oak Mountain State Park.... and head to Barber Motorsports Park on Tuesday... the world's largest motorcycle museum... the Bass Pro Shop and then on to ride the back roads of Alabama....
Verse of the day....
Psalm 91:1 and following
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty... (I am resting on this verse during the next two months.. I pray my mind would stay at peace, knowing He has me in His hands...no matter the tests or the results I face... thank you Lord)
BUT WHO'S COUNTING????? THE EXCITMENT IS IN THE AIR!
It's so hard to believe the time is finally here!! I think I am in shock.
Meagan and Dale came in this afternoon... what a time we had sharing the fun times of their trip and the details to come of ours.
Tomorrow we head to Birmingham, AL... approximately 400 miles--the longest leg of our journey in a day!!!
We will camp at Oak Mountain State Park.... and head to Barber Motorsports Park on Tuesday... the world's largest motorcycle museum... the Bass Pro Shop and then on to ride the back roads of Alabama....
Verse of the day....
Psalm 91:1 and following
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty... (I am resting on this verse during the next two months.. I pray my mind would stay at peace, knowing He has me in His hands...no matter the tests or the results I face... thank you Lord)
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Last days before trip
Today is Saturday, June 7th. In two days we will be leaving for a two month vacation---Going West!!!
It is hard to believe it is finally here. We have been planning this trip for 6 months. Pat and Richard Allen are going to be our traveling companions. We have traveled with them several times before and are looking forward to riding with them. They have been out west and "know the ropes" so to speak. We are going to be stopping along the way at several different places to "sight, see and ride" the area.
First stop, Monday June 9th.. Birminhgam, AL... Norm and Richard are excited about seeing the world's largest motorcycle museum (oh joy!) ! and a very large Pro Bass Shop! We will be staying at Oak Mountain State Park... We look forward to riding in the area too.
There are no diners, drive-ins or dives, close to where we are staying... Oh Boo!!!!!!!
All is done except clothes to be packed. Norm as rigged me a special "shelf" for my c-pap machine. He is so creative and thinks of me and my needs all the time!!!
The past week has been very busy... we have had the two granddaughters with us as their parents went on a cruise... It has been a joy... they are much fun to have around...lots of laughter and joy!!!! We will certainly miss them while we are gone. We plan on face timing them several times along the way.
It is hard to believe it is finally here. We have been planning this trip for 6 months. Pat and Richard Allen are going to be our traveling companions. We have traveled with them several times before and are looking forward to riding with them. They have been out west and "know the ropes" so to speak. We are going to be stopping along the way at several different places to "sight, see and ride" the area.
First stop, Monday June 9th.. Birminhgam, AL... Norm and Richard are excited about seeing the world's largest motorcycle museum (oh joy!) ! and a very large Pro Bass Shop! We will be staying at Oak Mountain State Park... We look forward to riding in the area too.
There are no diners, drive-ins or dives, close to where we are staying... Oh Boo!!!!!!!
All is done except clothes to be packed. Norm as rigged me a special "shelf" for my c-pap machine. He is so creative and thinks of me and my needs all the time!!!
The past week has been very busy... we have had the two granddaughters with us as their parents went on a cruise... It has been a joy... they are much fun to have around...lots of laughter and joy!!!! We will certainly miss them while we are gone. We plan on face timing them several times along the way.
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