Father God, with every mile I ride this month, guide me in every problem and decision I make. Father, give me the grace and compassion to treat everyone I meet along the way kindly, fairly, and thoughtfully. Please help me to be present with every soul I meet because it is an opportunity for them to meet you through me.
Father, with every ride I take this month of June, refresh my Spirit and change my thoughts to be in rhythm with your heavenly power.
In the Might name of your Son, Jesus I pray… Amen.
The more I spend time riding the open road, the more I see the sovereignty of God’s hand in each Ride. He is the God of all creation and the universe, and HE has the final say over all seen, and unseen. So, when you Believe in him, give your life over to him, and put your Hope, Faith, and Trust in Him. You are literally saying LORD HAVE THY WAY! From a Chapter Group Ride perspective, you essentially allow God to be the Road Captain of your life when riding the open road. As it pertains to Chapter Rides, a Road Captain is the name for the rider who coordinates a multiple-bike ride.
“SPIKE”, Road Captain
Road captains can refer to both the leader and the sweepers who, among their other duties, check that other riders are safe. Working as part of a team, the road captain is responsible for the riders’ safety and the Ride’s smooth running. Duties include planning, thinking ahead, communication, and rider education. The road captain may even act as a tour guide. Now, what are the odds of a Road Captain’s duties sounding like a few of the Hopes and Promises found in Jeremiah 29:11, which reads…
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Our Spring Vacation Chapter Ride to the Ozarks was canceled due to bad weather in the area. It was a hard pill to swallow seeing all the Facebook posts of fellow riders who took their lemons and made lemonade. As I unpacked my bags, my eyes teared up a bit because in my mind’s eye and especially after the hill country vacation ride last year… we were ready. We had been waiting and hoped to go on this Ride for a year.
When you have been hoping for something for so long, you don’t want to put it off…because Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life – Proverbs 13-12. But it’s that word “longing” that’s the kicker. Because when you have been longing for something, the expectations of receiving what you have been longing for grow as well. We all knew in our hearts that canceling the ride was the right call, and to the veteran’ riders in the chapter with hundreds, if not thousands of vacation rides under their belts, it was a shrug of the shoulders. You could tell by their Facebook post they had experienced this kind of disappoint many times, as veteran riders of the open road.
For someone new longing for the experience of a vacation motorcycle chapter ride … watching fellow riders’ Facebook post quickly shifting gears, into taking advantage of the time requested off, finding other little vacation spots to visit that weren’t impeded by the rain, felt like a bully knocking my 3 scoops ice cream cone out of my hand to the ground. But sticking to our “Couples Who Ride Together, Survive Together” golden rule.”
If a ride is canceled at the last minute, that is your queue to stay put. Refrain from replacing a ride with one that was canceled last minute.
LaShaun Jackson: Couples who Ride together, Survive together Golden Ride Rules
That’s when I realized that placing Hope in any situation – no matter how good or long you have waited – will fail…dare I say get rained out. But keeping your Hope in the GOD of HOPE will never disappoint you. I believe God will give us another opportunity to ride the Ozarks one day and His timing will be perfect, just like it was in the Hill Country of Texas last year.
La & Mrs. Cavatica my Can-Am Spyder f3t Riding Twisted Sister Ranch Road 335
We can feel hopeful about all sorts of circumstances – like lousy weather canceling a long-awaited motorcycle vacation ride. But there is HOPE inside of every circumstance. So, as you gear up, mount up and take to the open road this riding season, May the GOD of Hope fill you with all the joy and peace as you trust the plan, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. And remember when plans are canceled, our lives are not so much about what happens to us or what God does or doesn’t do for us, but that we have Hope in Him, in His promises, and in every circumstance.
Dear wind Sistah, don’t you dare lose Hope when plans change. Because we can’t have FAITH without Hope, and we can’t ride “The Good Ride of Faith” without it. Hope will and can activate your FAITH: “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see” (Hebrews 1:11).
Thought To Ponder
What does it mean to trust God? Can you give some examples of when you have trusted God in your Ride, and how you made the decision to trust him rather than lean on your own understanding and strength?
Declaration of Faith!
I give my whole heart to trust in you, Lord. I will not be a fool who balances my life on the brace of human understanding. I am always God-inside-minded and never cease to acknowledge HIS presence to guide me in everything I do. He sees what I cannot see and knows what I do not know. With Him as my road captain, all my paths are made straight. Therefore, I will never put my own wisdom before the Lord’s.
Proverbs 3:5-6
May the Joy of the Lord instantly become your strength to encourage you to overcome any fears that you might experience. Remember, in our daring to be brave, when we throw caution to the wind, casting our cares in Faith upon Him through the ride. Peace, love, and joy are set loose in the atmosphere, and it permits other riders to do the same. Allowing us to all rejoice in knowing we have triumphant victory in Riding the Good Ride of Faith.
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sistahs.
When God? When will my turn come? You see, I know from reading your post and your comments and even receiving some of your emails for prayer…that you are not only believing in God for your Spyders, Rykers and Rallies. But healing for your loved ones, the salvation of a friends, financial relief, and praying for a child suffering from anxiety, depression, and mental illness. These are the issues and concerns on the heart of many wind sisters as we ride the open road.
This April message of Hope, Encouragement, and Prayer of Victory goes out to all my wind sisters, praying and standing in faith for answers to your prayers. Sometimes all we have is a mustard seed of faith as we wait on what seems to be a Not-Yet response to our prayer from God, that because God hasn’t responded, His delay is our denial.
There are so many moving parts within Not-Yet that God has to bring together…God is in the business of playing chess, not checkers. Planning is involved; the perfect time, protection, and provision must all occur so you can be ready for your request.
So, take comfort in Numbers 23:12 when it says, “God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” I LOVE This! Especially when you sit with yourself, look back over your life tracing the hand of God, and see how He’s come through every time on your behalf. How He’s NEVER, and I mean NEVER! EVER! Failed You.
“Lord, would you prepare my heart? Would you get me ready for it? The things I need to ask you for so I can receive and be responsible for them.”
– LaShaun & Mrs. Cavatica
Remember, God plays chess, not checkers, and it’s all about protection and preparation… Preparing you for the ask. So, be encouraged in the season of victory, this season of resurrection, that a Not-Yet is not a delay or denial. It simply means God is working Everything out for your Good and His Glory. And anything that God has worked out for your Good and His Glory is always a “Better-Yet”… VICTORY! In Not-Yet!
Let Us Pray!
Father God, I thank you for the victory in every area of my life and that your Promises are true. You are not like Man; you do not lie; if you said it, you will do it.
Father God, thank you for never leaving me nor forsaking me. I declare that you are capable of the impossible and can turn any situation around for my Good and your Glory. I believe your word God because you have never failed me and always come when I call. Father God, I believe in your power to cancel out every demonic plot, curse, spell, and assignment on my life and the lives of my family. I give you all my praise and shout hallelujah! Because no satanic plan or scheme that the enemy has, can, or will steal my joy or predestined victories!
Father God, I am excited to see the full measure of your grace, blessings, and healing poured into my life in this season of Victory and Resurrection. Please give me peace and remove any doubt or fear as I wait on you.
Father God, I know in my waiting, in this season of Not-Yet, you are behind the scenes fighting my battles even when it seems my enemies are numerous. I trust in you to get the victory, God. I submit to your battle plans and ask that you teach me in my moment of Not-Yet to submit to your will and way of working out Everything for My Good and Your Glory!
In Jesus Name, I Pray!
Amen.
May the Joy of the Lord instantly become your strength to encourage you to overcome any fears that you might experience. Remember, in our daring to be brave, when we throw caution to the wind, casting our cares in Faith upon Him through the ride. Peace, love, and joy are set loose in the atmosphere, and it permits other riders to do the same. Allowing us to all rejoice in knowing we have triumphant victory in Riding the Good Ride of Faith.
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sisters.
I hope march is being kind and finding you blessed. It’s been a while since my last post. I intended to write an entry for February, but God had other plans. How does needing greenery for your granddaughter’s 1st birthday cake turn into 15 days of working in a flower shop during Valentine’s Day season? I’m still determining. All I can say is, “be open to what the Spirit of God wants to do in your life.” We are all fertile soil with seeds of greatness planted within us. So be open to the water givers, the people that God places in your path, watering those seeds planted within you, allowing you to bloom. Presently, I’m still seasonal help “on-call,” LOL
So here we are in March, and typical Texas style, our weather has been all over the map! One day we are sunny and cold; the next, we are warm and wet. But as a Texas transplant…I’ll take it because at least we get a ride in while mother nature is taking a nap.
A recent adventure took me out on a Chapter Ride to Lake Livington in East Texas Piney Woods. On that ride, the Spirit of God blessed me with a word of encouragement when navigating the open road when the weather looked less than perfect.
It’s hard to see the beauty in your ride when the day looks like this. When the sky is cloudy and gray, you feel like the world’s weight rests on your shoulders. Like mama said, “although it’s cloudy, the sun is still shining. And it’s been weeks since Texas has seen sunshine. But the saving grace of a day like today is that it gives us a break from the heat and humidity.
Like mama said, “although it’s cloudy, the sun is still shining. And it’s been weeks since Texas has seen sunshine. But the saving grace of a day like today is that it gives us a break from the heat and humidity. It’s a trade-off; as I said, every ride won’t provide you with sunshine and blue skies. But it does give you and me a choice: seeing the beauty and the provision provided to you and me on a cloudy day.
When we speak of the beauty of any given day, it’s always about how much sunshine and blue sky we can see and how glorious it makes the ride… but not today. As we made our way towards Lake Livingston, without sun or blue sky, it reminded me of the movie The Ten Commandments and how clouds played an essential part in the Israelite’s leaving Egypt.
You see, in the Book of Exodus 13:21, You hear how, when the Israelites walked out of Egypt, ‘The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day.’ The cloud was a sign that God was in their midst.
In that cloud, Moses received, among many other instructions, commands on how to build the tabernacle. And how the same cloud filled the temple where the priest was ministering… the power within the cloud was so overwhelming that the priest could not stand in it. The cloud had become an established symbol of God’s nearness…Wow! And there it is… the message and encouragement from this adventure.
View a cloudy, gloomy, misty day as the Glory and presence of God leading, guiding, covering, protecting, and providing for you. View the clouds as God’s abiding presence during your ride – LaShaun
Moses ascends Sinai Digital Art by Matt Ebisch
I don’t know about you, but I won’t look at another cloudy, gloomy, misty ride ever the same. Instead, I will welcome it, rejoice in it, and declare the blessing of Psalm 118:24 that “This is the day the Lord has made, and we will rejoice and be glad in it.”…. better yet! I’m going to make it personal…
This is a Ride that the Lord has made, and I will rejoice, be glad, and ride in it! – LaShaun
Let us Pray!
Let us Pray! Heavenly Father! I know you are here on this ride with me. Please show me your Glory and let me gaze upon the splendor of Your holiness. Father God, open my eyes so that my heart might see your greatness and faithfulness on this cloudy, gloomy, misty day, and give me a vision of who You are in all Your splendor and majesty. Father God, I want to worship you in my ride and see You in a greater way. So, lead me, guide me, hide me and show me your Glory. In Jesus’ Name, I Pray Amen!
May the Joy of the Lord instantly become your strength to encourage you to overcome any fears that you might experience. Remember, in our daring to be brave, when we throw caution to the wind, casting our cares in Faith upon Him through the ride. Peace, love, and joy are set loose in the atmosphere, and it permits other riders to do the same. Allowing us to all rejoice in knowing we have triumphant victory in Riding the Good Ride of Faith.
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sisters.
Though to Ponder! What are some of the things you need to STOP!
Every New Year brings about an order of change or calls us to be more disciplined regarding how we invest our time. This year I’m being called into extreme focus and personal accountability. Which is why I heard the word STOP! During a recent chapter ride last weekend. Not a word you want to hear in your Spirit as you ride Texas’s backcountry curvy roads LOL
Lord, what are you saying??? Then it dawned on me I had been saying the word STOP! All week during conversations with family members. A long ride through the back country roads of Texas clarifies some of the calamities we find ourselves involved in. Then the Spirit of God explained the word STOP! for me, “STOP trying to make things happen. Just let them happen. Trust that I have the best intentions for you. on the bike and off the bike.”
How often have we tried to orchestrate or create a situation that we thought was a God move, which turned out to be the complete opposite? … ME! ME! And ME! I’m guilty of trying to take the wheel from God a time or two. Until I started realizing it brought me more headaches than peace. It pulled me away from my purpose and kept me spinning my wheels on a road going nowhere I wanted to be. Often it takes you right back to the place where God delivered you from.
This newfound passion for riding the open road on my Can-Am Spyderf3t Mrs. Cavatica has given me a new outlook on STOP! “Just let God be God in my life and my Rides. Let life and the things attached to it happen organically. And just as I am laser-focused on my bike regarding rider safety and protective gear when it comes to riding the open road, I need to apply that same level of attention, self-care, and detail to my life off the bike. So, here is a little reminder when you feel the need to try and make things happen vs. just letting them happen.
S – Stop! Trying to control everything and everyone around you. Focus on YOU and be what you want to see. Let God be God in your life and your ride. There is a difference between “Letting things be” and “Making things be,” When you let things be, you give the Spirit of God room to have Its way, which always works out two ways; 1 for your GOOD and 2. for GOD’S Glory… I call that a WIN-WIN!
T – Think before you act. And I mean THINK! Before you try to make a ride happen or event… anything that might cause stress or tension in your home. This was a powerful lesson for me as a new chapter member last year. I suggested a social event for our motorcycle chapter as a way for all parties to bond with the local community. I did not realize there needed to be more interest in getting volunteers and support from the sponsored dealership. I could have saved much time and energy if I had done more recon when it came to sponsorship support.
O – Observe your thoughts and feelings. Is what I’m trying to make happen going to fuel my faith and passion? Is this really what God wants me to spend time doing? Will this chapter vacation ride bring me peace or stress me out? Are there people and family members I’m investing my time in who don’t have the same level of commitment for me as I do them? This is a BIG! One for me. I don’t want to spend time with people who are not for me. And when I mean “Not for me,” I mean… I KNOW YOU DON’T LIKE ME… AT ALL… Period! There has to be a healthy, but equal balance when it comes to investing your time.
P – Pray! And then Pray about it some more. Remember, God is NOT the Author of confusion-1 Corinthians 14:33
Now, I don’t think the Spirit of God was telling me to STOP! Attempting things. It’s more of a “STOP! Forcing things. “Do the needed,” as my husband says, do your part but then let God be God. It has been my experience when trying to make things happen; like a bike ride that I didn’t feel like going on or something that didn’t feel right; It always yielded stress and frustration I didn’t need. And it did more harm than good to my confidence as a rider and someone who’s fighting the good fight of faith.
So, today as we go into this new year, let us STOP! And make sure we’re letting things happen (not making things happen) this riding season. Let’s make sure we’re letting God be God! In this riding season, in our homes, in our families, and in the things that bring us joy. Let God be the Road Captain, leading the way and ensuring we stay safe while riding, and getting through this thing called life. Let’s ensure we remain prayed up… in our homes and families, so we are guaranteed The Good Ride of Faith this Riding season.
Let’s Us Pray!
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your guidance. Forgive me for getting ahead of Your plans and help me know when to STOP! And listen for Your direction. Father God, your ways and thoughts are perfect for me. How foolish of me to think I know best and that my plans are better than yours. Father God, Thank You for offering me gentle grace when I did not ask what you wanted and didn’t wait patiently for your answer. Father God, I don’t want to do anything or go anywhere your Spirit will not guide and provide.
In Jesus’ Name, I Pray… Amen.
May the Joy of the Lord instantly become your strength to encourage you to overcome any fears that you might experience. Remember, in our daring to be brave, when we throw caution to the wind, casting our cares in Faith upon Him through the ride. Peace, love, and joy are set loose in the atmosphere, and it permits other riders to do the same. Allowing us to all rejoice in knowing we have triumphant victory in Riding the Good Ride of Faith.
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sisters.
The last time we were in this space was in 2019. So much has happened in our world and changed in our families since that time. But God’s Grace kept us and brought us back, where every Sunrise brings Hope, and every sunset brings Peace. Proof that no matter what craziness happens on this side of heaven, every day can end beautifully with the ones you love and those that love you back. I wish we could have ridden our bikes, but I don’t think my mother would have enjoyed being a passenger on the back of my Spyder or my husband’s road glide, LOL. It’s hard to believe we only have 11 days left in 2022. But here we are! And I find myself saying over and over… Peace Be Still.
Hill Country 2022 Chapter Ride, Three Twisted Sister
2022 has brought me so much joy as a Spyder Rider, and I have learned so much this year. If I had to choose the lesson that has blessed me the most as a rider, it would be knowing when to let my Peace Be Still. I love rolling on three wheels, but I’m also learning to balance moving with taking time out to be still. Let the lessons of the open road catch up to minister to my Heart and Soul. Facing my fears of riding my Can-Am Spyder on the open road has been an act of faith and obedience. And it’s hard to see growth when you constantly move and focus on the next ride or group ride.
It was a blessing walking along the shoreline and sitting at the water’s edge, allowing my Peace to be still, reflecting on all my rides this year, and thanking God, we made it back home safely after ride. Listen, it’s fun riding on the open road, and there’s no doubt it brings Peace like no other. However, there is something to be said for letting your Peace be still in a place where you can get before God, thanking Him for the opportunity and pleasure of riding Can-Am Spyder’s, Rykers, and Rallies on the open road in FAITH, not fear.
Women of Fearless Faith, this weekend is Christmas, and my Christmas wish for all of you is, “May the Spirit of the living God bring you Peace. And may you allow that Peace to Be Still, thanking Him for Riding in Faith, not fear”. May you all continue to grow in wisdom, knowledge and understanding as a Can-Am Riders.
You and I are so loved, so stop and take these last 11 days of 2022 to be still in a place that allows your soul to find rest. And thank God for the blessing and lesson of 2022.
Forty-seven days left this year. It seems like just yesterday; we were ushering in a new year. But here we are in the season of Thanksgiving, and it goes without saying, “Lord, for all that you have done, seen and unseen, I Thank You. Every year I learn more and more about leaning and depending upon God for everything, and I think that’s how it should be, or at least that is how God desires it to be. I mean, seriously! What fun is it depending upon others… I have tried it and trust me when I say, It’s overrated. Now, that’s not to say that it doesn’t work because I believe that God has angels strategically placed around us to aid in things working out for our good and God’s glory. There is a peace that transcends all understanding when you trust the God of all creation for all that you desire and need while navigating life on this side of heaven, and so I give you Thanks!
Thank You For Waking Me Up
Heavenly Father, I thank You for waking me up this morning and starting me on my way. I recognize how blessed I am – and that it is not because of anything I have done on my own or by my strength. Only by your Grace and mercy do I have what I have. So, Father, help me not to wake up with a complaining spirit or an attitude dwelling on yesterday’s problems. Instead, I ask that You change my complaining to Thanksgiving, my attitude to love and that I turn all my problems and stress over to You daily.
Sunrise the morning of our Hill Country Chapter Ride 2022
Thank You for loving me.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for forgiving me when I forgot to do what I should have done. Thank You for showing me my worthiness and for pursuing me. Thank you for showing me your love and care though the hands and feet of others. Father, I am in awe of You, there is no place I could ever outrun or ride from your love and concern for me. Lord! Your love never fails, and you never give up on me.
Hill Country Chapter Ride 2022, La & Mrs. Cavatica Riding Twisted Sister 337
Thank You for Countless Blessings
Heavenly Father, thank You for the countless blessings you have given me this year. For the food, we had to eat, lovingly prepared for us as a family, but also for spiritual gifts, particularly the loved ones I cherish dearly. A comfortable place to live and the beauty surrounding me when riding the open road on my Spyder. Health, and spiritual wealth, to name a few. I acknowledge you for the countless blessings You’ve provided. Father God, I thank You for giving our family clear direction through Your Holy Word. Good and bad times helped us see that we are blessed beyond measure as a family.
Thank You For Those I Love and Those that Love me
Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing me with the family and friends I have. Bless us with more time to spend together in the coming year and let us never take what we have for granted. Father God, I know our time grows shorter every day with each breath we take. So let us cherish every moment you allow us time and space to share.
Our daughter and granddaughter surprise month long visit from Cali.
Thank You For Your Grace and Generosity
Heavenly Father, Creator of all, please don’t turn your face on us. Father God, look kindly upon me and receive my heartfelt gratitude this Thanksgiving season. Father God, I acknowledge You for all gifts and blessings You have bestowed upon us: food and shelter, health, and love we have for one another, my family and friends. The joy of seeing your world from my bike saddle, for feeling your sunshine warm my gear or even chilling my bones…Lord, I thank you! The blessing of riding the open road in faith, not fear, and making it home safely. I thank you for Your infinite generosity. Father God, please grant me continued Grace, peace, more long rides, and blessings throughout the coming year… Amen!
Beautiful Souls, when we focus on Thanksgiving and proclaiming God’s goodness, we reflect His glory in the earth. When we do this, we are filled with the peace and contentment God desires us to have.
This Thanksgiving, I’m most thankful for choosing trust and hope when I couldn’t see through some of the craziness plaguing our world. If I had ten thousand tongues, I could never thank God enough for all He has done for my family and me this year. So, as you all stand around the dinner table this Thanksgiving, I pray that your trust and hope grow even more profound in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And that His blessings and favor of these last 47 days left in this year chases you down and overtake you in the new year – La
May the Joy of the Lord instantly become your strength to encourage you to overcome any fears that you might experience. Remember, in our daring to be brave, when we throw caution to the wind, casting our cares in Faith upon Him through the ride. Peace, love, and joy are set loose in the atmosphere, and it permits other riders to do the same. Allowing us to all rejoice in knowing we have triumphant victory in Riding the Good Ride of Faith.
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sisters. Love,
Well, here we are! The month of October when cooler weather comes to visits. Sweaters and boots are pulled from the back of the closets to be worn, and just about every other hand is warmed by a pumpkin spice latte LOL. Saturday, October 8th, is National Motorcycle Ride Day, encouraging all riders to gear up, mount up and get one last ride before the start of the winter season. But for us Texans! Cooler weather means… We’re just getting started! For months our weather has been hotter than hells inferno and as for me, riding was put on hold until cooler weather prevailed, and it has! Fall Fresh on me Lord!
My heart and soul are ready for some Fall Riding. Dare I say, throttled with anticipation of gearing up, mounting up, and hitting the open road on a crisp fall Texas morning. Seeing the trees blazing with God’s glory. Knowing that, yes! Seasons change, but our Father in heaven never does. As fresh, anew, and green as our creator is in the beauty of Spring and Summer, He is just as Glorious and Magnificent in the golds, reds, of a Texas Fall season. And I, for one, am looking forward to cutting through the crisp Fall Texas morning air in full faith, knowing that with a new season comes new mercies… Fall Fresh on me Lord! which brings me to this cross.
The Cross of Tomball, located on the grounds of River of Praise Church, Tomball, Texas
This massive cross inspired and donated by Paula Whitaker a local mother whose son Ryan passed away several years ago, she took a road trip around the US to get away from it all. She and her husband came across a beautiful giant cross and they were completely blown away! In that moment, God placed it on their hearts to build a cross in Tomball, Texas in honor of their son, Ryan and to serve as a light to the community. This massive cross would catch my attention every time our chapter rode in the area. So much so that I thought how cool it would be to kick off our Fall Riding season with Prayer on National Motorcycle Ride Day. So, my husband and I gathered at the foot of this beautiful majestic cross and offered up prayers for Our Family, Faith, and Freedom…
Let Us Pray!
Heavenly Father,
God of all blessings, source of all life, giver of all grace: We thank you for the gift of life: the breath that sustains us, the food of this earth that nurtures us, and the love of our families and friends. Lord, we thank you for all these blessings and much more.
FOR OUR FAITH, WE PRAY
Father in heaven, we praise you for your faithfulness to us. You are loving and kind, always present, always available, and always protecting. Father, you never, ever let your word come back void. If you say it, we know we can believe it. Father, we gather here at the foot of the cross, asking that you would give each of us here increased capacity for unshakable faith. Father God, show us your hand in our daily lives, in the big and the little things we may go through on this side of heaven! Father God, preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties and hide all that concerns us under the shadows of your mighty wings. Father, Fall Fresh upon Us!
FOR OUR FAMILIES, WE PRAY
Heavenly Father, We Thank you for the Gift of Family. Bless our families with your love and protect them from all harm, hurt, and danger. Father, protect them from all evil and save them from any enemy plans. Father, give us grace, upon grace to forgive. And strength to overcome any difficulties we might face as a family. And restore the bonds that have been broken with some of our family members. Father, we ask that you heal members of our families who are hurting emotionally. Give them comfort and peace that transcends all understanding. Father, guard their minds and hearts against anger, hatred, strife, bitterness, unforgiveness, doubt, anxiety, and depression. Father, renew in them a right mind and a peaceful Spirit. And Father keeps us united as this side of heaven tries to divide us and pull our families apart. Father Fall Fresh upon Us!
FOR OUR FREEDOM, WE PRAY
Heavenly Father, God our Creator, from your provident hand, we have received our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. You have called us your own and given us the right and the duty to worship you freely, the only true God and your Son, Jesus Christ. Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit, you call us to live out our faith on this side of heaven, bringing light and the saving truth of the Gospel to everyone we meet.
Heavenly Father, we ask you to bless us in our vigilance for the blessing of religious liberty. And give us the strength of mind and heart to readily defend our freedoms when threatened and, as people of faith, give us the courage to make our voices heard. So, with every trial withstood, and every danger overcome—for the sake of our Faith, our Families, and all who come after us—this great land will always be “One Nation, Under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.”
Now, Father God, do what only you can, bless us, and keep us. Lord, make your face shine upon us and be gracious to us. Lord, keep your face turned towards us and always keep us in perfect peace as we ride the good ride of faith … in Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!
Father Fall Fresh upon us Lord!
After praying for all we hold near and dear, we hit the road for a Psalms 91-mile Ride through the back country roads North of Texas to Breakfast at Black Walnut Cafe, located in Conroe Texas.
Listen, God is Good. Don’t let anyone tell you any different and with the changing of seasons It’s apparent. Life starts to reflect the beauty of God as the calendar of our life’s winds down to a new year. Just as we prayed for family, faith and freedom and let go of all burdens that so easily beset us and laid them at the foot of the cross, trees are also doing the same… let go of this year’s foliage. So, I pray a Fresh Fall Anointing upon your ride the season and as leaves fall and surrender to a new season around the bend may the Spirit of God Fall Fresh upon you and all that you hold near and dear – LA
May the Joy of the Lord instantly become your strength to encourage you to overcome any fears that you might experience. Remember, in our daring to be brave, when we throw caution to the wind, casting our cares in Faith upon Him through the ride. Peace, love, and joy are set loose in the atmosphere, and it permits other riders to do the same. Allowing us to all rejoice in knowing we have triumphant victory in Riding the Good Ride of Faith.
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sisters. Love,
At 55, I’m almost afraid to admit that FEAR has kept me from doing many things in life. Even as a child, I was always cautious about “what might happen” instead of “what might not happen.” To the point that I was called scaredy cat by the other kids that would play with my sister and me. Fear was one of the main reasons I didn’t go to college right after graduating High School. I was terrified of math… Nothing like a math teacher from a small country in Louisiana that would call you to the blackboard by the name “stupid” and take great pleasure in embarrassing you in front of the class, where 98.9% of them bullied you on the regular bases.Fear will always find what you fear most and use it to keep you on the sideline of life. And it will use people to drive home its message that you will never be, never do, never have, or accomplish anything that resembles FAITH or SUCCESS. But when you realize that being scared is a choice, just like being brave is a choice. Life starts to look a whole helluva lot better, brighter! Dare I say…. Fun-er! This is when you begin to embrace the acronym of FEAR… FALSE. EVIDENCE. APPEARING. REAL. This describes the effect of a story your mind tells itself that causes a physical reaction, like being scared that something is going to happen. But the opposite is, “What if NOTHING happens at all.” What if you get to enjoy LIFE to its fullest?The enemy doesn’t want you or me to live an unafraid life. He doesn’t want us to live out the WORD of God or RIDE with it tucked inside our hearts. John 10:10 said it best. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus came to give us life. Not only that, but he also came to provide us with a life that is rich and full, a satisfying life. And what’s more enjoyable than gearing up, mounting up, and riding the open road in FAITH, not Fear…False Evidence Appearing Real. Lord! If I could go back and teach my younger self this MAN!!!! There would have been so much heartache and disappointment that I could have avoided. My childhood, pre-teens, and young adult years could have been much more enjoyable. I have always been a late bloomer… but as I got older and closer to a loving God I kicked Fear to the curve, went back to school, got my college degree in Culinary Arts and Pastry, and became a Pastry Chef at 50. It took five years to finish a 2-year program, but I did it…Fighting Fear every step of the way! LOL, I like to tell people, “Sometimes the fight of FAITH over FEAR takes a while.”Listen, I’m not saying it is easy. Pushing Faith forward is hard. It’s work, the constant reminder of every little battle fought, and every victory God has brought you. This builds up your Faith so that you can roll right over Fear. Bottom line “You can Ride in Faith, or you can Live in Fear.”The world today is designed to keep us all in a constant state of Fear…BUT GOD! I have never seen the hand of God so Mighty, Majestic, Sovereign, and Gracious as when I’m riding my bike on the open road with my husband or our Chapter. From the saddle and behind the visor, it’s clear that God still has the whole world in His hands. And the beautiful thing about Fear is when you ride towards it runs away. Why? Because it’s only false evident “appearing” real. Remember…
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7
DON’T BE SCARED!
Thought To Ponder
Is there something you want to do in your life or a passion or dream you have but aren’t doing because you’re scared? What is it, what are you afraid of, and why?
May the Joy of the Lord instantly become your strength to encourage you to overcome any fears that you might experience. Remember, in our daring to be brave, when we throw caution to the wind, casting our cares in Faith upon Him through the ride. Peace, love, and joy are set loose in the atmosphere, and it permits other riders to do the same. Allowing us to all rejoice in knowing we have triumphant victory in Riding the Good Ride of Faith. If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sisters.
I declare that August will be blessed for me and my household. Our going out shall be a blessing, and our coming back in shall be a blessing and my labor shall produce fruitful results in Jesus’s name. Amen!
Sometimes you have to hit a new month in the face with FAITH right out the gate. Tell yourself that no matter what it looks like, I will be blessed, and everything that concerns me will be blessed. Since June, I have been spending my time off my bike and in the house getting it in order, purging it, cleaning, and organizing it. I want to have everything under control when fall hits, so I can ride with a clear conscience when cooler temperatures prevail. I don’t know about you, but I can’t thoroughly enjoy riding my bike knowing I have a house full of chords waiting on me when I get back home.
So, I have broken my chores into daily weekday tasks that free up my weekends, and so far, it’s been working out great! It feels so good waking up in the morning and seeing everything in order, ready to greet a new day, and while I sip my coffee and have my prayer time, and even though I have missed a lot of ride time, looking around my home and see everything loved and cared for, I count it all Joy!
Weekly Chore List I Keep on the Fridge
I have taken Mrs. Cavatica out for a quick late evening spin around the neighborhood when the sun goes down, man! I Miss riding her. And it’s in that moment that I realize God has blessed me with options, Options that most people don’t have. I can sit in the coolness and comfort of my home or hop on my bike and sweat it out. I was blessed with the bike I prayed for and believed God for; and for that, I count it all Joy!
As a Baker and Pastry chef, I preserve my own line of Homemade Fig Jams. This time two years ago, my fig tree “Misty,” our Desert King Fig Tree, produced over 80 pounds of golf-ball-size figs. The harvest was so great that I had canned about 100 jars of fig jam, and most were sold before the Pop-Up Shop, turning it into a Pick-Up Spot.
Sweeter at Home “Turnt-Up” Fig Jam by Chef La
This year, not so much. Between Ice storm Uri of 2021 and the Heatwave this year, I could only harvest about 3 pounds of Figs and was only able to can about 13 jars of jam. A sad offering compared to the harvest of 2019. It broke my heart, and I was highly disappointed as I picked quarter-sized figs from her. Until I heard the Spirit of God say as I picked her fruit, reluctantly, “With this offering, count it all joy.” Tears filled my eyes because I realized I was not pleased and content with what Misty had produced. I was so use to my Fig tree giving me an abundance of golf-ball-size figs yearly. I didn’t consider the toll of the Ice storm Uri took on her in 2021 and the Heatwave we have been experiencing this year; no rain and being under a State Mandated watering reaction would hinder her production. And yet! she still gave what she could, despite the harsh weather conditions Texas has been having.
Misty Our Desert King Fig Tree
Every season has a lesson, and as I picked what little fruit Misty, our fig tree, offered this Fig season, I learned to “Count it All Joy.” No matter what. I love how James 1:2-8 states this.
Consider it pure Joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your Faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
As a woman of Faith, one of the hardest lessons I believe we must learn is how to be joyful amidst pain and suffering. What does it mean to “Count it all joy”? The concept here is the idea of reckoning of considering. We are to think of what we are going through as a matter of Joy, not because the thing itself is pleasurable, but because tribulation works patience within us. At least one good thing happens to us during pain and suffering.
So, I didn’t pick 80 pounds of Figs, allowing me to preserve over 100 jars of fresh homemade Fig Jam to sell at a pop-up store this year, but at least I have something…right?! And my clients who LOVE! My Homemade Fig Jam won’t be disappointed. And for that, I’m grateful. I made the best of what Misty gave me and saw my Father in heaven “still giving” me something good to preserve during a dry season. So, if you are in a dry season and it looks like all hope is lost. Look for the Joy in your situation or circumstance, whatever is trying your Faith. Trust God and give Him praise for whatever little fruit that is being produced in your Dry Season!
Declaration of Faith for Counting it all Joy!
I consider it pure Joy whenever I find myself facing trials and tribulations (to give up on my Faith) of every kind; for I know that the testing of my Faith produces in me enduring patience and once this patience becomes an unfailing part of my character (when I am mature and complete in it) I will lack no good thing in my life.
I fully understand that Jesus has become my wisdom. God does not keep it from me, saying that I can’t have it because I’ve done something wrong, but supplies it to me literally, holding nothing back. All of his wisdom is rightfully mine in His name.
When I ask for wisdom, or anything else, I must not reason against my receiving it. A person who reasons against the promises of God is like a wave on the sea driven and tossed about whatever direction the wind might blow (or whichever way the circumstances may lead). This type of person seldom receives anything from the Lord and cannot walk in his inheritance. They are double-minded and unstable in all of their ways.
I remain fixed and unwavering in my Faith regardless of what my eyes may see, what my ears may hear, or what my body may feel, for I know that God is faithful and will fulfill his promise to me.
Acts 5:4; Matthew 3:11, 15, 16; 5:10-12; 21:19-22; 2 Peter 1:6; Romans 5:3-5; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:6-16; Daniel 1:17, 20; 2:22,23; Mark 11:22-25; Hebrews 6:12; Psalm119:109-116; Jeremiah 29:11-13; James 4:8
Figs from our Desert King Fig Tree MistyMay the Joy of the Lord instantly become your strength to encourage you to overcome any fears that you might experience. Remember, in our daring to be brave, when we throw caution to the wind, casting our cares in Faith upon Him through the ride. Peace, love, and joy are set loose in the atmosphere, and it permits other riders to do the same. Allowing us to all rejoice in knowing we have triumphant victory in Riding the Good Ride of Faith. If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sisters.
Adventures of Fearless Faith 