Father God, I praise You for this fresh revelation concerning my home. Letting go of my ride for a moment to spend time cleaning my house has made me aware of how blessed I am and how faithful you are and have been throughout the many seasons of my life spent in our home.
Father God, please forgive me for the times I have complained and neglected our home and taken it for granted. Thank you, Father God, for all that I have and all that I have been given. Thank you for providing this dwelling place we call home. Continue to bless and keep us as we leave this home to ride the good ride of faith on the open road and return to its safety, to rest our heads at the end of the day.
Father God, Bless our home that it may be forever changed by your love and keep it safe from fire, floods, wind, invasion, and theft. Father God, let our home be a safe place to restore and refresh our weary souls after a long ride on the open road and a welcome mat for those who need Your love.
Father God, let our home be a legacy of love drifting down into the furthest generations of our family and a blessing to all who walk through our front door. In Jesus’ Name I Pray,
Amen
If this post ministered to youor encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sisters.
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.
Day 9 of The Great Purge and Deep Cleanse. 9 rooms down, 5 more rooms to go. Since it’s too hot to ride and gas is too high to waste… I’ve been on a mission to clean our home room by room…ceiling to floor, and Everything in between. And let me just say… “It’s been a very humbling experience.” When you start to really get into cleaning up your home, room by room, you realize how blessed you are that you even have something to clean up. So how did I get here, you might ask? Well, let me bring you up to speed!
Heat came early to Texas in May, and June isn’t any better. Can you believe half the year is gone already? This year has been interesting, to say the least. Between high gas prices nationwide and record-breaking heat here in Texas, it has turned into a short riding season for me; with a temperature heat index above 100°, I quickly decided that riding in Texas heat just isn’t my cup of tea. I have experienced riding in Texas heat before, and it’s just not fun. In fact, It put me in bed for 3 days recovering from it, and it took me a while to build up my confidence in riding in the Texas summer months. I never want to feel that feeling ever again… feeling lethargic, head feeling like it’s swelling in my helmet… NOPE! Texas summer weather this time of year is so unpredictable as well. One minute, you’re leaving home in mildly cool temperatures with no humidity, and the next minute, hell has come to visit, and what felt like a ride sent from heaven in an instant turns into satan’s ride into hell.
this is a pic from the ride that took me out for 3 days last year. 130 miles in 98-degree heat. At this point drinking water when I got home was useless. Once I got inside the house and cooled down, I felt worst. So, for these smoldering summer months in Texas I decided to Let Go! of “needing to ride” during summer. I admit I felt guilty, especially when I would scroll Facebook and see my fellow wind Sistah’s riding and casting all their cares to the wind. But just as I noticed that I also took note of the fact that they aren’t dealing with Texas summer weather either, LOL Then the scripture Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 came to mind, “A Time for Everything,” And it blessed me…
There is a Time for Everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace – Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
There’s A Time to Ride and A Time to Let go of needing to Ride – LaShaun Jackson
Does this scripture not send a cool breeze over your Spirit? Does this scripture not satisfy your need to “ride just to say you took a ride.”? Now, don’t get me wrong… There is always a reason to ride, but does it mean you should ride just because you can? I tell you the Truth, this scripture blessed me and confirmed that now was as good as any time to get our home in order and ready for the next move of God that I want to see in my life. Taking a break from riding, spending time inside our home cleansing, and purging 18 years of “Stuff” was a great way of letting go of things that no longer served us. Plus, my husband would be out of town visiting our daughter and new second grandbaby, so now would be a great time to throw out things he might object to letting go of.
Seriously! That scripture released me from feeling guilty about not riding… LOOK AT GOD! Sending me a WORD to help me Let Go of the guilt of not riding my bike. Sure! You can hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! All you want, wear a cooling vest, limit your riding gear (which is not safe, by the way) in my opinion, etc., etc. But I love how God sends a WORD of comforting confirmation that There’s A Time for Everything… including Riding and not riding. So, I’m not riding because of the heat here in Texas, but how does one make the most of the time they now have on their hands?
Summer Cleansing!
When cleansing and maintaining our living space, many of us cringe at the thought of house cleaning vs. riding our bikes on the open road. But the heat in Texas made hunkering down and settling into a long summer house cleaning spree very appealing. Cleansing our home took me down appreciation lane because as I went through every room in our house, cleaning baseboards and walls, I remembered when I prayed for the things I now have. It was humbling and allowed me to practice humility; not that I’m arrogant, but I wanted to make sure God knew that I was thankful for all the blessings I was coming across in our home. I think sometimes we take our homes for granted. We live daily in them, complain about them, and neglect them as we move through the many different seasons of living and raising families in our homes. But give very little time and attention to how our home has provided for us.
Our home has given us a place to celebrate our Children’s graduations, becoming engaged and married. A floor for our grandbabies to crawl across and a room for our daughter to re-enlist in the military. A living room for our Son to decide on serving his country, A bedroom for the Spirit of God to inspire me to write my first song, which ends up becoming a 12-track Cd Project. The home where I would study to become a pastry chef, leave every morning at 5:30am to drive downtown for 5 years to become the 1st college graduate in my family at 50. The home that held my vision board on its wall had a picture of my Can-Am spyder I believed God for, which I now have. The house where I received my prayer language and learned how to press into prayer and stand truly on the WORD of God for Everything.
Letting go of the ride allowed me to appreciate the home where all my prayers were heard about wanting to ride and answered. Letting go of the ride reminded me that dreams really do come true. I actually had a blast! I put on music and took my time…I danced when my favored R & B song came on, praised and cried when my favorite worship song came on. I laughed at things I found that I had purchased and hidden from my husband and apparently myself LOL
So, wind sisters if it’s hot in your neck of the woods, consider letting go of the need to ride for a spell and spend some time cleansing your home and thanking God for all the things you prayed for that you now have. Purge the things that are no longer are serving you or haven’t been used over the years. As you dust and clean walls, windows, baseboards, and mop floors, thank God for your dwelling filled with all your prayers, wishes, hopes, dreams, and memories you created with your family, and at the end of your long day of cleansing your home. Thank God for the pillows that cradle your head at night; how blessed are we that we have a place to rest our heads after a day of cleaning or Riding? How fortunate are we to ride the open road and return to a clean, clutter-free home? That we made it home safe and sound to our families, this sanctuary – our safe haven we call home…Let us Pray!
Father God, I praise You for this fresh revelation concerning my home. Letting go of my ride for a moment to spend time cleaning my house has made me aware of how blessed I am and how faithful you are and have been throughout the many seasons of my life spent in our home.
Father God, please forgive me for the times I have complained and neglected our home and taken it for granted. Thank you, Father God, for all that I have and all that I have been given. Thank you for providing this dwelling place we call home. Continue to bless and keep us as we leave this home to ride the good ride of faith on the open road and return to its safety, to rest our heads at the end of the day.
Father God, Bless our home that it may be forever changed by your love and keep it safe from fire, floods, wind, invasion, and theft. Father God, let our home be a safe place to restore and refresh our weary souls after a long ride on the open road and a welcome mat for those who need Your love.
Father God, let our home be a legacy of love drifting down into the furthest generations of our family and a blessing to all who walk through our front door. In Jesus’ Name I Pray, Amen.
If this post ministered to youor encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sisters.
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.
Be strong and of good courage, LaShaun and Mrs. Cavatica
Every ride won’t be perfect, and you won’t feel as successful as all the other riders you’ll encounter as you take to the open road. You’ll make plenty of mistakes; lord knows I have, as you try to implement all the wisdom and suggestions experienced rider will offer you. You’ll feel foolish, cowardly, and skittish for the first few months, and you’ll question why you are even doing this? Why are you taking young folk’s chances with an old body? Wouldn’t it be easier to watch from the comfort and safety of the little empty nest you can finally enjoy? Because, after all, you have raised your family and served them well. Yet somewhere in the recess corners of your mind, you wonder if this is the perfect time to begin again?
But do we? Do we grab hold of this new season God has bestowed upon us? Do we boldly confess, “This is My Time,” and then ride in it with all of our God-given authority? As adults, we tend to forget about the kid in us, the fearless kid. That kid that looked for the tallest tree to jump from, the kid that rode bikes downhills with hands held high in the air, the kid who leaped from swings pushed beyond their limits. Somewhere along the path to becoming an adult, we lose that fearlessness; it’s like we’ve traded it for playing life safe. It’s as if we declared; my time has passed, I’ve missed my chance; never once do we ever consider that brave, fearless child within us. The child who played with reckless abandonment fell, hurt themselves, cried tears, yet somehow found the courage to get back into life, leaping, and jumping again.
County Court House Ride to Texarkana, Texas
Turning 55 this month, I find it strangely odd yet amusing that God would use riding a Can-Am Spyder on the open road to remind the little girl in me, “Yes! It’s ok to leap and jump again. It’s ok to fall, look foolish, and make mistakes if we don’t quit and give up because something in the ride feeds the kid in us, connecting us to the God of the Universe. Have you ever noticed how beautiful and crystal-clear nature looks from behind your visor, almost bringing tears to your eyes? I raise my visor, letting the wind dry my eyes; there’s no crying on the bike. Ever noticed the wind almost feels like a hug, and that strong breeze feels like a poke to say, “Hey! I see you, gurl.” And when you arrive back home safely, you feel like a kid on Christmas morning after opening up every gift you wanted from Santa, and you can’t wait to do it all over again.
I don’t know about you but riding the open road on my bike is sacred. It’s the only place where lately I have felt God’s intimate loving grace surround me. Riding the open road for me is where I heal; I go to chill, relax, and mentally release all my burdens and worries to the one who cares for me 1 Peter 5:7. I often joke with my husband about the road being my Church, my saddle being the pew. Gassing up our bikes is tithes and stopping for lunch is our offering to those serving us, LOL. With every ride, the Spirit of God has met me, in some form or fashion.
A smiling face at the stoplight from a child in the back seat of their parent’s car, an exciting hand wave from a baby out a car window on the highway, or that deep long winding curve that always puts my Faith in action. The open road indeed ministers to my heart and soul and extends grace for any mistakes I might have made, and I don’t feel foolish for finally waiting so long to enjoy this season of my life that I find myself in. Every ride builds my Faith, and as a rider, I get stronger, sure of my skills as a rider which allows me to fall more and more madly and deeply in love with the woman God is enabling me to become. A woman who is not afraid to make mistakes looks foolish, falls, gets back up, and begins again. Because the little girl in me that was once fearless has bandaged my boo-boos, given me a red lollipop, and sent the women in me back out to play… Begin Again.
My past mistakes and shortcomings are not allowed on any of my rides. I can do nothing about my blunders or mistakes I made in the past when it comes to Riding the Good Ride of Faith. Whether you are new to riding on the open road or a veteran rider. You have to learn how to ride forward; you can’t do anything about things in your past. You can’t change one event or experience you have ever had on this side of heaven, so, forget it and begin again, starting every day and every ride anew. Paul, the apostle, said it best… Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 3:13, 14
There are things to be remembered when riding the open road in Faith, like how you felt when you passed your riding test and got your motorcycle endorsement or when you got the key to your Spyder, Ryker, or Rally in your hand. How it looked like your bike would never come, but God made a way out of no way. That first solo ride when the wind embraced you, and you got your first two-finger wave from a fellow motorcycle rider. How you feel when you arrive home safe and sound from a beautiful long ride, after having seen all the beauty and wonder God allowed you to take in, as you rode your bike on the open road.
Begin again with these things in mind when you get on your bike and fear starts to flood your heart and mind. Forget all the things that might make you feel unworthy, silly, and awkward when riding your bike. I believe that God is using women like us to show the world that FAITH is GREATER than fear and that there is a generation of Wind Sister Warriors called to ride in FAITH, not fear. Forget what the devil tries to tell you and how he makes you feel about what God said to you and what God said you could do and have through HIM…That is a sin! Don’t begin your ride with lies from the accuser of the brethren… don’t ruin your ride with fear!
Wind sister warrior, let me encourage you to “Begin Again” each ride with the TRUTH! That YOU are Worthy of the blessings of God, and you will begin every ride with forgetting the lies of the enemy and ride remembering the TRUTH of a MIGHTY GOD! That He will fulfill everything good purpose He sets your hands to perform, and every act prompted by your FAITH.
Declaration of Faith 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
My Heavenly Father has counted me worthy of his calling. He has chosen me from among all the people of the earth to be his daughter by His power, which works so mildly with me; He fulfills every good purpose I have set my hands to perform and every act prompted by my Faith. The name of Jesus is glorified in me, and I in him according to the grace of my God and Lord, Jesus Christ.
If this post ministered to youor encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sisters.
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.
Be strong and of good courage, LaShaun and Mrs. Cavatica
I opened the window this morning after pouring a cup of coffee and the smell of possibility was in the air. I like the way it’s stated in the NIV Bible If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23 I love that. Because this gives me hope. What didn’t happen yesterday could possibly happen today and what could take place tomorrow could also happen today…your healing, your deliverance, your breakthrough, your miracle, your deferred dream, that bike that has been on back order for months finally comes in today or that one phone call that turns your night of weeping into a morning filled with Joy.
Texas Blue Bonnets at Sunrise
Fearless Soul,
Anything is possible today. Not because we sing about it, not because we pray about it, and not because we believe hard enough. Anything is possible… Dare I say, ALL things are possible because it’s the very character of God and it’s one of many benefits graciously extended to us when we believe in him and trust in him.
As I stood outside enjoying my morning cup of coffee, I heard the birds singing and chirping. They were telling of his glory and of all the many answered prayers this day could bring. I couldn’t help but feel even they know that the possibility of this day is endless.
Declaration for Possibilities
I believe in God’s power and ability within me; therefore, all things are possible for me. So, I remain steadfast and confident in the fact that I will see the goodness of God in my life. I will be strong and take heart for I know that he is with me, and I will wait for his manifestation of power. I will be patient and wait upon the Lord!
If this post ministered to youor encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sisters.
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.
Be strong and of good courage, LaShaun and Mrs. Cavatica
Photographer JC Findley: A hand painted Texas flag on a cedar post barbed wire fence near Chappell Hill TX. It really doesn’t get much more Texan than this!
April is here; spring has sprung forward and blessed us with more daylight for more extended riding here in Texas. Our Blue Bonnets are blooming and starting to show off as well. This past weekend my Husband and I finally got to take in the beauty of riding the open roads with our H.O.G Motorcycle Chapter. My Husband rides a Harley and is a member, and wives become Associate members, L.O.H Ladies of Hog, even though I ride a Spyder…now how cool is that?
Taking a little break in the courtyard near The Gladewater Museum, in Gladewater Texas
This month we went on our first long overnight chapter ride; Texarkana Weekend Courthouse Ride, where we traveled to northeast Texas with an overnight stay on the edge of Arkansas and rode our bikes through some of the most beautiful little quaint country towns I’ve ever seen, known as “Small Town America”. It was beautiful, and now I understand what they mean when you hear it said, “you could spend a lifetime in Texas and never get to see all the lovely little hidden gems it has to offer.” The courthouses and little towns were something right out of a Hallmark movie, I kept expecting to see Andy and Barney of Mayberry strolling down the sidewalk.
We road over 800 miles that weekend, and I woke up feeling every mile Monday Morning. I’m still amazed how things worked out for us to even go; as the week before after getting home from a 256 miles Group ride, my Husband noticed that a bolt had come loose and had broken off; stuck in place, preventing him from riding… But God! You can check out that video on my channel Adventured of Fearless Faith on YouTube entitled “Why We Pray”. Daily God is teaching me that when we stay in Faith, it allows Him to work everything out for our Good and His Glory.
God is always providing opportunities to grow in our Faith and Trust in Him. This is why I believe that when God wants to teach you, the enemy will try to cheat you, rob you of valuable lessons designed to bless you, and strengthen your Faith, Hope, Trust, and Belief in Him. The two-day ride was absolutely gorgeous! As we rode our bikes through the gentle rolling hills of Texas, I soon realized why the devil tried to stop my husband and me from making this chapter ride. The devil wanted to rob us of the Lessons in Blessings instore for us that weekend. He didn’t want us to see the goodness and beauty of the Lord from the saddles of our bikes. He didn’t want us to experience the random acts of love and simple kindness from people you would never expect it from. And he definitely didn’t want us gaining anymore wisdom, knowledge and understanding when it comes to the skill of traveling and riding in group rides.
The enemy didn’t want me to see that people genuinely really do like bikers and not all bikers are the representations of fictional characters portrayed on television. As we rode our bikes down the highways of Texas, in groups of five and six like a beautiful chorus line, a dance between our bikes and the road, people rolled down their windows and waved to us. Cars at intersections waved us through stop signs so we were not separated as a group. At the hotel, when we checked in, they permitted us to park our bikes right out front under the hotel-lighted Portes-cochères so that our bike would be safe and visible overnight. The young hotel clerk was so impressed by all of our bikes rolling in he came out to take video footage and photos…”Man! Y’all look cool as Hell rollin’ up in here!” were his exact words with the biggest smile on his face. LOL
Dinner at Connection Bar & Grill Saturday night, Chicken Stuffed Asparagus with Cheese
Dinner that night, was at a convention hotel next door, a waiter took his time with us and served us in the Spirit of Excellence, while unbenounced to us, the entire bill for nine people was paid for by one of our chapter members…what a blessing! Not that we couldn’t pay, and I’m not into guessing how many pennies were in everyone’s pocket sitting around the table. Nevertheless, we were all blessed and very much appreciative of the gesture. The entire weekend was giving off a “Random Acts of Love” kind of vibe as we laughed, and my Husband and I listened to members of our chapter share hilarious stories of past chapter rides.
Hotel Breakfast Bar Sunday morning and it was very much needed for the 350 miles day ahead of us.
On Sunday, day 2 of our ride, we sat with a fellow chapter member at breakfast. We all shared personal life stories of how life has changed since the covid pandemic, while Hotel guests interrupted our conversation to compliment me on my Spyder and share that they, too, were once fellow bikers. That’s when I realized that even though we don’t look the same, our stories are similar, and at the core of what united us in riding the open road was our love for Faith, Family, and Freedom of riding the open road. Every conversation we had on that courthouse ride was rooted in a deep love for those three things… FAITH, FAMILY, and FREEDOM. The very thing this the enemy is trying his best to destroy.
The Spirit of God was living, moving, and breathing throughout the weekend, showing us grace upon grace. I didn’t know to bring cleaning products to clean the bugs off our bikes once we arrived at the hotel, but when I came back down with a towel, our bikes were cleaned by a fellow chapter member… grace…
“Small Town America” Gladewater, Texas known for being a base during Elvis Presley’s early career, and also as the town where Johnny Cash wrote, “I Walk the Line”. I took a little break to take it all in.
Lord, I want to see you and know that you see me. Lord, I want to feel you and know that you haven’t forgotten about me – LaShaun Jackson
This was the song of my heart, as I traveled the long and winding country roads of “Small Town America,” I realized God was answering my heart’s song with every mile that we traveled on this chapter courthouse ride. He saw me as a hand waved from a car passing by; he saw me at the intersection when the lady in the red vehicle waved me through the stop sign so that I wouldn’t be separated from the group. He saw me in deep conversation over breakfast with a fellow chapter member as a hotel guest interrupted to ask if the white bike was mine; she loved the scriptures on my bike. When a fellow chapter member paid for our dinner, he saw me when my bike was covered in bugs, pollen, and dirt and was cleaned by a fellow chapter member. He saw me when I was hugged and kissed on the cheek by fellow chapter members who said, “I’m so glad you guys came, and you rode fantastic!” As we said our goodbye at our last lunch stop and headed back home to Houston.
Day two last lunch stop of the day Cowboy Chicken, Longview Texas
The past three months have been excruciating and heartbreaking as those closest to me chose to find more wrong in me than good. And I am constantly being accused of things so out of character that it started causing me to question who God said I was (Galatians 3:26) and what God said I could do (Philippians 4:13). I was beginning to doubt all the gains I’ve made since “Riding the Good Ride of Faith.” But that’s what the enemy wanted; he’s good at accusing, which is why the Bible calls him “the accuser of the brethren” Revelations 12:10.
But in His Faithfulness, God took two days and over 800 miles with eight bikes and nine riders through some of the most beautiful little towns in Texas to heal my heart and to remind me of who I’m not. So, when the world tries to tell you who you are, mount up, gear up, and take off on a long chapter ride and let God remind you of Who’s you are.
Day 2 in Gilmer Texas, 3rd Court house of the day.
If this post ministered to youor encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sisters.
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.
Be strong and of good courage, LaShaun and Mrs. Cavatica
Happy International Women’s Day! As someone relatively new to the Can-Am riding community, I can tell you the truth from a heart that wrestles daily with Faith over fear that I have made my share of mistakes when riding my Spyder F3T Mrs. Cavatica. Thank God none of them were bad enough to cause me or anyone around me hurt, harm or danger…. well, maybe except for that time when I accidentally hit the big red kill button by mistake while riding YIKE! But some were just soul-searching enough to make me question why I would ever think myself brave enough to ride the open road.
Not to mention the second big group ride my husband, and I went on. He got caught by a light told me to keep following the group we were riding in. Still, when they never caught up to us, I panicked, slowed down from the group I was riding with, pulled over onto the shoulder of a country road out in the middle of nowhere, and almost lost my religion. The devil was doing his job, his absolute best at trying to keep me living and riding in fear and doubt. But I have learned when the devil fights you the hardest is when your Faith grows the strongest. Don’t let the devil play with your emotion because God’s grace and mercies are bigger than any mistake we could ever make.
I don’t know about you, but I’m glad God’s mercies are new every day because Lord knows I need them daily, and I’m also happy that God is not like Man; he doesn’t hold me hostage to my past transgression…He doesn’t keep them on His heart because He considers me the apple of His eye and hides me under the shadow of His wing- Psalm 17:8 And nothing reminds me more of His loving kindness and faithful care of me like taking a solo spin on my bike on a day not promised to me, but because God is not like Man, He gave me a New Day to do better and another chance to keep Riding the Good Ride of Faith.
… NOT TODAY!
Prayer for Thanking God for His Grace, Mercy and Love
Father God, thank you for new mercies every day. You are so faithful and compassionate towards me, and it’s beyond what I deserve. Father God, thank you for covering me, loving me, and not making me feel like a failure in your eyesight when I make mistakes, but someone who is the apple of your eye despite how the world might see me and how sometimes it treats me. Thank you for your mercy and steadfast love, it never runs out and never ends, and I am glad I can’t outrun it or hide from it…Your love for me is relentless. Thank you for loving me more than anyone on this side of heaven ever could…. Amen
If this post ministered to youor encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sisters.
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.
Be strong and of good courage, LaShaun and Mrs. Cavatica
March is here! The 3rd month of the new year. Basketball fans consider it “March Madness” while others, consider it the liturgical season of Lent. A Religious observance in the Christian liturgical calendar that starts on Ash Wednesday and ends approximately six weeks later, depending on the Christian denomination and local custom. Lent concludes either on Maundy Thursday or at sundown on Holy Saturday, when the Easter Vigil is celebrated.
During the season of Lent, it is customary to give up Something for 40 days like chocolate, beer, wine, TV, movies, video games, entertainment over the Internet, etc. The list is endless to what one might sustain from during the season of Lent. But as I pondered this practice, I thought, “why give up something for 40 days just to pick it back up again?” Do Something, do more of a good thing instead of giving up Something. Since the pandemic, the election, and the great racial divide of 2020, we stopped Sunday family dinner, So I plan to get the gang back together and make the devil mad…Let him know what he meant for our bad; God is now using it for our Good and His Glory.
I could give up a lot this Lent, but then after 40 days, I’ll go right back to it. Lord, I want to Do Something these next 40 days, instead of giving up Something. I want to love more, rejoice more, pray even more, go deeper in your word more, exercise more, drink more water, tell my family I love them more, plan more intimate times with my husband where we can sit, hear each other’s heart without any distractions and yes! Plan more rides together where we can stop along the way to take in the beauty of our Great State of Texas.
Luke 9:23, says “Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” So, I understand March is all about “giving up” Something, but our world and immediate families are in need of doing something…doing more of “good somethings”. I want to do Something that pleases you, honors you, and brings you Glory for the sacrifice you gave that was your only begotten Son. I want my heart open and compassionate toward things I have never seen before because I know my time is growing shorter every day on this side of heaven. I don’t want to waste time giving up Something; I want to spend whatever time I have on this side of heaven, doing more of Good Something that brings Glory to You and the kingdom of heaven because the People around me matter. Their stories matter. Their hurts and their brokenness matter.
Father God, I thank You for March, and I thank you for the chance to Do Something this season of Lent. Show my appreciation for the sacrifice of your Son, who hung bled and died on the cross for my sins, so that I might be free. Loving Father, help me cultivate a good “Do Something” Spirit so the world may know of your loving-kindness, mercy, and grace. May I not only come to you in this season of Lent with my needs, praise, and thanksgiving but with an ear and a heart ready to hear and serve. Father God, help me not let social media distractions and the busyness of this side of heaven drown out your still small voice. Father, create a pure heart and renew a steadfast Spirit within me to do a good and meaningful Something, in this season of Lent I can be the change you want to see in the world and in my family…In Jesus Name I Pray… Amen
What can you do this month that might bring Glory to God? What is your Do Something in the season of giving up something?
If this post ministered to youor encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sisters.
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.
Be strong and of good courage, LaShaun and Mrs. Cavatica
When my husband and I are headed out for riding on our bikes, I’ll ask, “So! which way are we going?” you see, I don’t want any surprises, last-minute turns, or indecisive maneuvers, especially since we’re on our bikes and I ride behind him. Men are notorious when it comes to getting their barrens together before leaving home. My husband will head out and ask 10-15 minutes later in the drive, “So where are we going now?” So, before we take off, leave the driveway way, I always ask, “Which way are we going?”. Let’s think it through before we take off; let’s make sure we’re both on the same page before getting started on our ride.
With a New Year surrounding us and a new riding season soon upon us, I found myself asking The Creator, The Author, and finisher of my faith, “Lord, where are we going?”. I was hoping to get a quick response from Him, as I sat in silence with the warmth of His sun shining on my face, waiting like a kid as if mom is checking your bedroom; she’s told you to clean five times before you can go outside to play. Then before I knew it, I threw my hands up in the air and responded, “Lord! Imma needs you to lead me!” Please put me on the straight and narrow…POINT! If you dare… me in the right direction this year because I don’t want to go if you’re not going to be there riding with me. I went from asking to waiting to somewhat telling, just that quick, LOL.
As I pondered asking him, “Lord, where are we going?” it dawned on me that this was my 1st time ever asking such a question to Him. I have asked my husband this question a thousand times when we head out on rides, but never My creator. The one who said he knew me in my mother’s womb, the one who says He knows the number of hairs on my head, the one whose love for me has no end and is limitless. The Author of my life’s story stated in Jeremiah 29:11 (I’m paraphrasing), “He knows the plans He has for me, that they are plans to prosper me and not harm me. Plans that will give me hope and a future.Why would I not ask Him? I will be the first to admit it’s easy to ask another person this question and then debate the course of action, or shall I say, the path in which to go. But to ask GOD means you better be ready for the ride and adventure of your life. You see, He isn’t like Man. My husband will take a route that’s pretty much safe for me when we ride, especially since I’m new to riding. Still, if he’s by himself, he might test out his pipes and be a bit more adventurous—unknowingly sharping his rider skills and gaining more confidence as a rider.
Wherever Jesus may lead us, He goes before us. If we don’t know where we are going, we know with whom we go – Charles Spurgeon
So then the question becomes a plea, Lord Lead Me! and I don’t care where we’re going, just as long as you go with me. I know I’m safe, covered, and protected if I follow you. Sure, I might get weary, wounded, and worn along the way, but I will lack nothing and have all I need with you. In the end, I know my faith in you will grow to be stronger.
Thought to Ponder
How has God been leading you this New Year? Have you asked God “Where are we going?” and are you willing to follow him, no matter where the road my lead you this year?
If this post ministered to youor encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sisters.
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.
Be strong and of good courage, LaShaun and Mrs. Cavatica
Happy 13th Day of a New Year, Wind sisters, Texas has been a bit chilly and raining lately, so I haven’t had my 1st ride of a New Year just yet. But I have learned “All Rides Come in Due Time.” So, when God opens a ride of opportunity, I shall ride.
In the meantime, as with every morning, I start with coffee in bed, staring out the window taking in the morning coming into view while the birds play in the hedges by our bedroom window.
Then I had broken my morning rule, which is no social media before coffee picking up my phone to see what today’s Facebook memory was and BOY! It was a hug straight from heaven. A post I wrote ten years ago, which oddly could be my 10-year Facebook challenge post that everyone is flooding their timelines with, because It’s a situation I’m presently dealing with as a mother. Ten years ago today, I posted about closure, tying up loose ends, putting periods on chapters, throwing away keys to close doors. I realized that my mothering season had changed into a season of counseling, which is seldomly wanted these days, and that my heart and soul were heavily grieved by it.
Being me, I pressed down feeling of not being needed or wanted, I kept it moving because Life went on, and I didn’t want red crying eyes dealing with my cake clients. But ten years ago today, God delivered a WORD to my home mailbox that popped up in my Facebook memory this morning and confirmed why I love HIM so and oh! how He cares for me as a mother and Woman of often time weary faith.
You see, God knew the knife that was headed straight for my heart this week, and He also knew the hands that would be holding it. So, He again sent His word to comfort me, a napkin for my tears that read NO COINCIDENCE!
Artist Unknown: In devotional art, the Immaculate Heart of Mary is traditionally depicted pierced with seven wounds or swords, in homage to the seven sorrows of Mary. The Immaculate Heart of Mary refers to the interior life of the Blessed Virgin Mary — her joys and sorrows, her virtues and hidden perfections, and, above all, her virginal love for God the Father, her maternal love for her son Jesus, and her compassionate love for all people.
With the scripture from the Message Bible that read “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out – plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for “Jeremiah 29:11 and it ended with this prayer…
I AM TAKING CARE OF YOU, Feel the warmth and security of being enveloped in my loving presence. Every detail of your Life is under my control. Moreover, everything fits into a pattern for good to those who love Me and are called according to my design and purpose. Because the world is in an abnormal fallen condition, people think that chance governs the universe. Events may seem to occur randomly, with little or no meaning. People who view the world this way have overlooked one basic fact: the limitations of human understanding.
What you know of the iceberg submerged beneath the surface of the visible world are mysteries too vast for your heart and mind to comprehend. But if you could only see how close I am to you when your heart is raw, weary, and wounded by knives held by hands you once cradled and held on to, you would know I’m constantly working on your behalf; you would never again doubt that I am wonderfully caring for you. This is why you must live by faith, not by sight, trusting in my mysterious, majestic presents at all times, no matter what Life brings your way.
Ladies, this is our Faithful God! Who not only cares about us but everything that happens to us. God is not blind to the things that wound our hearts and cause our soul and spirits to become weary and downtrodden. He’s got you and me in the palm of His hands, and the 10-year post popping up in my Facebook memory today was a hug from His thrown of grace that reminded me…
“Though familiar hands may hurt my heart, Gods loving hands will always be there to heal my heart and love all the pain away.”
May the Joy of the Lord instantly become your strength to encourage you to overcome any fears that you might experience and remember, it is through triumphant trust in God that we can rejoice and keep daring to be brave while riding the good ride of faith.
Have a beautiful and blessed day ladies xoxoxo
How did this post encourage you today?
If you know someone who will be comforted by this post, please do share.
Today is the last day of 2021—a whole year of many things that have challenged us beyond what we thought was even possible has finally come to an end, the last hours of 2021. Some of us will turn the page on 2021 and start the new chapter of 2022, but some won’t. Some souls won’t go into 2022, be it physically or mentally. It has always been unsettling how so many loved ones die unexpectedly at the end of the year; it’s as if the year coming to a close says, “You can’t stay in what’s left in this year.” And the new year ahead says, “you aren’t coming into this one either.”
This last week of 2021 has been an emotional roller coaster. Being caught between the joys and pains of what’s left of 2021—praying for our daughter, who is days away from blessing us with our second grandchild and praying for others trying to end their days left here on this side of heaven.
Yesterday morning I was praying for life coming into this world and for a life, trying to leave this world, wrapping my mind around these two emotions while caring for my little grandson. I was baking up customer cake orders and trying to keep my faith and strength up for the fight that could land at my doorstep any minute, because we all know the devil is always busy at the end of the year. I found it interesting how the joys of 2021 could have one soul excited to come into this world, while the pains of 2021 had another soul eager to leave it, or as Stephen King quoted “The battle between good and evil is endlessly fascinating because we are participants every day.”
Artist Unknown
When you realize that you are a participant in this battle designed to overtake you, you have to arm yourself, especially when the two emotions of joy and pain are in close proximity to one another, you realize that there is a Spiritual battle going on, and the only remedy for being a participant in such a battle is prayer… Praying to stand against the storms of life. So, as we go about these last hours of 2021…
Let us pray,
Father God, who goes before us all, go into 2022 and continue to cover us with your grace and mercy as we deal with the joys and pains of this world. Father God, continue to overtake us with blessings upon blessings in the new year ahead and as we faithfully obey You, set us in a high place of safety and protect our minds and hearts. Father God, continue to order our steps for the rides and roads ahead in 2022 and place a shield of protection around us wherever we go to prosper the work of our hands. Father give us good health and strength to do what you have placed in our hearts and contend with anyone or anything that threatens us, our home, our family and the peace we so desire in you.
Father God, as we turn the page on 2021 and enter into a new season, establish us as Your holy people and keep us moving upward in you. Lord, continue to build up our faith through meditating on Your Word, through prayer and praise, and help us to be less dependent on self and others and more dependent on You. Most importantly Father God, help us live and work together on this side of heaven with more humility, more gentleness, more patience, bearing with one another in love…Thank you for this new year…
In Jesus Name Amen.
If this post ministered to youor encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sisters.
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.
Be strong and of good courage, LaShaun and Mrs. Cavatica
Adventures of Fearless Faith 