“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship” Galatians 4:4-5
There is a buzz in the air as we prepare for Christmas. Depending on where you are, you might have your bike prepped and stored for the winter season. However, here in Texas, if you have cold-weather gear, we keep riding! Of course, this is only true unless the temperature drops into the low 30s with ice on the roads. With all the unpredictable drivers out there, this is a great time to take a break from riding and focus on spending time with family. This reflection has led me to think back on my childhood during Christmas time.
I have never been good at waiting, not as a child and definitely not as an adult. This time of the year is all about anticipating the gifts we’ll receive at Christmas time. I remember as a child, I was so impatient at waiting. I would sneak and open up my Christmas gifts, just one, and re-wrap it so that no one could tell that I had opened it.
And then Christmas morning act surprise. I know. Shame on me, but that was the child in me. Now that I’m an adult, there are some things I just have to wait on. And as we are all waiting upon the arrival of the birth of our Savior, I’m reminded of the scripture Galatians 4:4, but when the set time had finally come, God sent his son. The set time had finally come. This comforts me because, for generations, people watched and waited for the coming of the Messiah. I remember a time when I was waiting for a significant event in my life, and it seemed like it would never come. But when it did, it was at the perfect time, just like the birth of Christ.
They prayed and believed, and their faith was rewarded when the set time had finally come, and Christ arrived on Earth. This reassures me that God’s timing is always perfect. As we approach this Christmas holiday, I’m reminded of the ups and downs of this year. But I take comfort in the fact that God’s timing is ideal. Whatever I hoped for this year, God will fulfill it… at the Set time.
I know there is a set time for them to pass. So, My prayer is, “Lord, do this, and if not this, then do something better.” Maybe He will, and perhaps He won’t. But what I do know is God’s timing is perfect, and that gives me Hope because I know that whatever My “Hope for” was or whatever my “heart desired” when it comes, it won’t be a moment too soon and it won’t be a moment too late. It will be at a Set time… the perfect time, the timing that aligns with God’s plan for us.
As we all wait upon the birth of our Savior, I encourage you to resist the temptation to rush ahead of God’s timing. Instead, let’s hold on to our Hope and the promise that when the Set Time does come, it will be the perfect time. Patience is a virtue, and it brings a sense of calm and composure as we wait for God’s perfect timing. Take comfort in knowing… You’re not alone in this journey of patience.
Let us pray, Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son to give us the gift of your saving Grace. May all our hopes, dreams, and desires be delivered at an appointed time. Give us the patience to wait patiently for the set time of your perfect gifts and blessings.
The Woodlands Texas H.O.G. Chapter 2024 Christmas Party; White Elephants Gift Exchange
“May the joy of the Lord instantly become your strength and encourage you to overcome any fears. Remember, when we dare to be brave and cast our cares in faith upon Him, peace, love, and joy are set loose, allowing us to rejoice in our triumphant victory in riding the good ride of faith.”
May life give you the gift of peace and happiness this Christmas and a Happy New Year!
– LaShaun & Mrs. Cavatica
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sistahs.
Father God, In this Season of Thanksgiving, we acknowledge You are the fountain from which of all blessings flow. The source of all life, and the giver of all grace: We thank You for the gift of life: for air, food, and water, The means to provide and make a living; for the love of family and friends; for all the things without which we couldn’t continue to live.
We thank You for the mystery of creation: for the beauty that the eye can see as we Ryde the open roads, for the marvels that the ear can hear, for all the amazing mysteries that fill this side of heaven with wonder.
Father God, Help us to grow in wisdom and increase us in knowledge, that we might grow in appreciation of You and Your Creation, help us to be good stewards of what You have blessed us with, never forgetting that every good and perfect gift comes from You and You are alone. Father God, We thank You for this month of November, a month reminding us of gratitude.
A month that represents the start of family holidays, our life, and the incredible honor and privilege of being able to Ryding the open road. We thank You for being our God, Creator, and Savior. For these and all blessings, we give You thanks, eternal, loving Father God, through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
“May the joy of the Lord instantly become your strength, encouraging you to overcome any fears. Remember that when we dare to be brave and cast our cares in faith upon Him, peace, love, and joy are set loose, allowing us to rejoice in our triumphant victory as we ride the good ride of faith.”
– LaShaun & Mrs. Cavatica
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sistahs.
Father God, in this beautiful October fall, we are in awe of your beauty and the blessings of all you have created as we journey on the open road. As the leaves change and the air around us grows chilly, we pray that the warmth of your love continues to surround us and keep us safe wherever the road may take us. In moments of fear, worry, and doubt, we seek your divine guidance to plant seeds of unswerving faith that will guide our hearts and minds, transcending all understanding. May each journey yield a harvest of peace, love, and joy, as we trust in your guidance and protection.
Big Bend Ranch State Park, Presidio, Texas
“May the joy of the Lord instantly become your strength and encourage you to overcome any fears. Remember, when we dare to be brave and cast our cares in faith upon Him, peace, love, and joy are set loose, allowing us to rejoice in our triumphant victory in riding the good ride of faith.”
– LaShaun & Mrs. Cavatica
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sistahs.
Forget the former things do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up. Do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland – Isaiah 43:18-19
For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with the meaning behind numbers and colors. There’s a reason why my Can-Am Spyder, a vehicle that has become a significant part of my spiritual journey, had to be black and white. Not to mention the fact that it has three wheels that represent the Holy Trinity. This month finds us in the 8th month. August, to be exact. August is the 8th month of the year. It is the Month of New Beginnings. In the Bible, the number 8 signifies a new birth or new beginnings.
Biblically, the number 8 is associated with regeneration, resurrection, and the beginning of a new era or order. As a Can-Am Spyder, I find this exciting and somewhat reassuring. Why? Because only some things have gone as planned so far this year. Yes! I’m coming back off the heels of having road my very 1st 10-day Vacation Chapter Ride with our Chapter and my Husband out of the State of Texas, and it was more than I could have ever hoped for. But I couldn’t go on the 15-Day Vacation Chapter Ride to Sturgis to see that part of the Country… with my Husband. And I’m not gonna lie. It’s been painful living that experience through his photos and nightly conversations… when and if we can talk due to the different time zones.
This whole experience of riding on the open road is new, especially cross-country. I’m learning what my limits are, and I’m learning to be ok with the fact that there are just some rides that “I Can’t Go” on. And most of all, I’m learning to be a big girl in Christ and not a baby who cries and pouts when she doesn’t get her way, or dare I say when she can’t go on a ride that physically and spiritually, she’s not ready for. This journey has taught me the importance of patience, acceptance, and trust in God’s timing.
During a conversation with my Husband after their ride up Pikes Peak, he expressed, “I know you wished you could have been here, but after enduring the miles and heat, we still have 8 more days. I need your heart and Spirit to enjoy this, even if it means us driving back up here. My deepest desire is for you to witness what I saw firsthand.” This anticipation for the future adventure is a source of hope and encouragement and one that I will look forward to… Look at God?! I genuinely believe he used my Husband to speak hope into me.
Listen, beloved, I don’t know where you are in your riding season but be encouraged this eighth month of a new beginning. God has not forgotten about you and the many rides your heart may or may not experience this year so far. But just keep riding and building your skills. Hold on to your faith and trust that when the season is right, when God lines up everything in your favor, you will see every beautiful monument in God’s perfect timing, from seas to shining seas. Riding the open road cross-country has levels, and I believe God wants us to do it successfully and achieve His glory through the ride. He is not just saying things will be new; He encourages you to write them down so that you can run with them!
Faith Step
Write down what you no longer want in your life, the old things that have frustrated and limited you as a rider on the open road, and the things you want to experience on the new horizon that will help you in riding the God Ride of Faith.
Let Us Pray!
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of hope in this eighth month of new beginnings. Guide me to embrace the changes in my life with grace and courage and help me to see the beauty in transformation and the opportunities that arise from new challenges as a rider on the open road.
Father God, guide my ride and light my path and help me to release past burdens that kept me from riding the good ride of faith and embrace the opportunities before me.
Father God, grant me the wisdom to learn from my past rides and experiences and give me strength to grow from them. Father God, move me forward with an open heart and a fearless spirit, trusting in Your divine plan for my life – Amen!
“May the joy of the Lord instantly become your strength and encourage you to overcome any fears. Remember, when we dare to be brave and cast our cares in faith upon Him, peace, love, and joy are set loose, allowing us to rejoice in our triumphant victory in riding the good ride of faith.”
– LaShaun & Mrs. Cavatica
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sistahs.
He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down. Psalm 104:19
And just like that… July is here! I admit when I read this scripture from my morning devotional, I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Well, if the sun knows when to go down, it should also know how to turn down.” You know, dial its temperature back a few degrees. It’s like the sun needs a thermostat, right?
Just as we adjust our speed and technique to navigate the twists and turns of the open road, it’s our trial by fire to ensure we understand there are levels to riding on the open road in Faith. Like our riding skills, our Faith is tested and strengthened as we journey through life. We’ve all been feeling the heat! With its unrelenting humidity and it’s hard to see the beauty, goodness, and faithfulness of God when you’re suffering from its heat index.
So, let’s bask in the beauty of summer and remember that every riding season on the open road is a blessing from our heavenly Father. The extended days, the blooming flowers, and the abundance of life we see as we ride the open road are all reminders that the heavens tell the glory of God and are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship. So, as you ride in the summer heart this month, take a moment to marvel at its beauty.
Listen, I know it’s HOT! But let us embrace this joyous time that many are not getting to see. Let its warmth and vibrancy fill your heart and fill your ride with a deep sense of gratitude for riding Can-Am Spyders on the open Road.
Let us Pray!
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of summer and all the beauty it brings to life. May it remind me as I ride the Good Ride of Faith of Your unending Goodness. We are truly blessed.
“May the joy of the Lord instantly become your strength and encourage you to overcome any fears. Remember, when we dare to be brave and cast our cares in faith upon Him, peace, love, and joy are set loose, allowing us to rejoice in our triumphant victory in riding the good ride of faith.”
– LaShaun & Mrs. Cavatica
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sistahs.
The new month, a time of restoration and new riding season, holds the promise of a fresh start.
The enemy may try to steal our joy, peace, health, and love for God (John 10:10), but Jesus Christ comes to offer us abundant life. In this month of May, let’s fervently ask the Lord to restore us, so we can once again revel in a close relationship with Him and continue to Ride the Good Ride of Faith.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing Spirit to sustain me Psalms 51:12 NIV
Let’s Us Pray!
Father God, the source of restoration, I humbly approach Your throne of grace to worship and honor You. This month of May, I earnestly seek restoration. I pray that the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus will wash away all my sins, granting me a fresh start to a wonderful and safe riding season filled with joy, peace, love, and healing. I trust in Your promise that all things are made new in Christ, and I eagerly anticipate another chance to begin anew in Your presence and power
In Jesus’ name, 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.
– LaShaun & Mrs. Cavatica
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sistahs.
Every sunrise brings you a second chance at a new beginning. Photo Credit: D. A. Jackson
Who knew that this year, having our son and daughter, their spouses, and grandbabies together in Gulf Shores would be our Family’s “healing process?” I found it strange that in all the years we have been coming to the shore for Thanksgiving family vacation, this was the 1st time we had our son and daughter, their spouses, and grandbabies with us. No one could have orchestrated this, but God. Yet! We fought fevers between 105 and 102 flu-like symptoms the entire time we were there. It was as if the Spirit of God was keeping us united, contained, yet quarantined from any foreign object, not to mention the almost severed toe that kept the ones without fevers and flu-like symptoms from walking around on the beach (long story). But this is where this blog post is going, it is intended to bless and encourage those of us struggling with generational curses and toxic family behavior. My prayer is that this post will give you the courage to letting it be. Letting go of things, people, and places that threatened your families healing or maybe even blocked your family’s recovery.
Out of all the photos, we tried to get “Picture Perfect” unanimously; this photo was chosen as our Thanksgiving Family Photo to show THIS IS US! Battered, bruised, weary, weak, worn, and slightly overstimulated. But determined as a family to be THANKFUL, GRATEFUL, and BLESSED that God gave us this time together.
WARNING! Be careful when you pray. Asking God to show you areas of your life you need to let be—let go. Holding on to things, people, and places that keep you in a perpetual state of dysfunction. Giving time and attention to things that no longer serve you but hinders you from being the best authentic version of yourself, keeps you from working on yourself, protecting your inner peace, and fueling your faith in moving forward as a family unit.
When our children were little, it was easy to overlook why over 50 family members could gather in one place and not engage one another, or if they did, why someone was always taking offense to something said, not said, or being offended by something they overheard. Now that our children are adults with their families and life experiences, we are now grandparents, which comes with responsibilities and priorities. Sayin’ nothing about what wounds the soul and breaks the heart is no longer acceptable because you can only hide a sore under a band-aid for so long. As adults with children of their own now, they want to know why “Family doesn’t act like Family.”
We have made this place our “nuclear” Family’s Thanksgiving vacation spot for several years. It was easy to avoid the elephants in the condos or sidestep the massive pile of generational family issues, feuds, and drama that had been swept underneath the rug when there was a vast, beautiful beach to escape on. And if we saw each other on the beach, in the elevators, or spent a brief moment together, it was done with shallow pleasantries.
So, as an elder of our “nuclear family,” you try your best to explain the problematic toxicity in the family relationships that have been allowed to breed for years and why, as a family, we keep investing in being open and available to unfounded accusations, where the benefit of the doubt is no longer an option and the slightest mention of taking responsibility for toxic behavior is like making someone drink from the Jim Jones red solo cup. Then, why are we here??? they ask… If no one talks or gets along, if every interaction with a family member only ends up creating more drama, stress, unwanted anxiety, and pain…WHY ARE WE HERE?! Because it seems like no one wants to get a long…be healed.
As hard as this is to write about and choose my words as prayerfully as possible, I have to admit that no one in my extended Family, “kindred Family,” wants to be healed. My Family is one where you can’t throw a rock without hitting a Pastor, Minister, Bishop, Evangelist, Prophetess, or Christian Recording Artist… No one wants to be healed. Sadly, I have failed to acknowledge this and painfully admit these hard truths to my son and daughter, who are now adults with their own families. It was even more challenging to admit to my children’s spouses and myself that I had allowed the essence of our Nuclear Family.
The parent-child relationship, the sacredness of our family time being together, to be spent among kindred who don’t want to be Family, get along, make amends…, and be healed. Yes, we share the same blood running warm through our veins. We all traveled from near and far to be in this space and time, which makes everyone accessible to love one another, bond with one another, and share generational family stories, family history, and testimonies of how good God has been to all of us. But because there is no loyalty, love, or respect for one another, this makes some of us targets, sitting ducks and scapegoats, for those of us unwilling to see this time as an opportunity to be healed.
In sociology and anthropology, a “Nuclear Family” is a group of people united by ties of partnership and parenthood and consisting of a pair of adults (my husband and I) and their socially recognized children (our son and daughter) – Britannica.
For the very 1st time in my 56 years of life, I can admit that I don’t have healthy boundaries, which put those I love in harm’s way. I know this to be true because where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Freedom – 2 Corinthians 3:17 and the proven fact that God is not the author of confusion. You see, what I now know to be true is that I was being loyal to an idea of a “family” that only existed in my beloved Hallmark Movies. But in God’s loving-kindness, the things I was willing to overlook, put up with, and make excuses for, by the GRACE of God, He allowed me to raise adults who will not
They know how to let go unapologetically; their boundaries are incredibly healthy, unlike mine… weak and bullied over the years and loyal to a fault. But this Thanksgiving Family Vacation gave me more than just a fever of 102, chills and body aches. It created a situation that asked me, “Do YOU want to be healed?” My “nuclear family” has been through a lot this year. We were looking forward to this time together being a source of peace and comfort from all the emotional battles most of us had been dealing with throughout the year… we wanted to rest, some of us coming out of recovery (metaphorically speaking), and just wanted to hold on to their healing. But I, in my need for people-pleasing, put them in an unsafe space that harmed that… Father God, please forgive me.
But thank God for Grace and for teaching me that there is freedom in letting go and accepting the elephants in the room. It’s perfectly okay to trip over or walk around that pile of generational family drama swept under the rug. Why? Because Healing is available to EVERYONE! They can hold onto what’s keeping them bitter, or they can let it go and choose to be better, be a family that’s healed.
So LET GO! LET. IT. BE! Especially if there is no change, loyalty, love, or respect for your “nuclear family” amongst its kindred. I say “Nuclear Family” because family members will read this and once again become offended at the beautiful realization that the Spirit of God revealed to me over my Thanksgiving family vacation to the shore.
But there is no healing for those who embrace excuses
LaShaun Jackson
I love the story in the Bible, in John 5, of the man who lay helplessly by the pool of Bethesda. This wasn’t just any pool. There was a rumor that angels periodically stirred the water, and whoever dove in first received miraculous Healing. People came from all over for a chance to participate in this event.
But, there was this one man, sick with the same disease he had for thirty-eight years, and he couldn’t ever make it to the pool fast enough. It was a hopeless situation for him. But Jesus came and, as always, did what only he could do and changed everything. “When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?”
If you skim this, it’s almost a “duh” moment. Like, “bruhhhhh, no disrespect, Jesus, but of course, he wants to be healed.” But does he tho?
Do You Want to Be Healed?
John 5
Jesus, in all His grace and mercy, gave the crippled man a double blessing. He healed his body, and He also awakened his heart. Gave this man back a sense of purpose and freed him from the bonds of self-pity, pride, ego, fear, discouragement, hopelessness, and resignation, all in one amazingly effective command. “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.”
This is why I love Jesus and this story in the Bible: Healing is available if We want it! But you have people who don’t; we have family members that don’t. They will even make you feel bad for trying to protect your healing.
But here’s what I love about this story even more. Jesus didn’t soothe this man. He didn’t pat him on the shoulder, saying, “Oh bless your heart,” and offer to piggyback him down into the pool. He didn’t give up on him, either, and said, “Well, better luck next time, bruh.” Nor did he bring down a host of angels from heaven in a grand pomp and circumstance performance. Nope! Jesus did something so much more powerful. He invited the man to participate in his own healing process.
Now that I am a grandmother, with fewer years in front of me than behind me. I’m willing to admit that this Thanksgiving family vacation to the shore, as beautiful as it was, my healing process. A process that tired me, and through the fever, chills and body ache made me realize that no matter how hard I try to create opportunities for family peace, love, unity, and reconciliation, there will always be, and I mean ALWAYS! Be someone who doesn’t want it – want to be healed. No longer am I interested in make unhappy people happy and making unacceptable behavior acceptable for the sake of “Family” at the cost of my own. I’m tired of running around on the playground of life, like a little kid with her new shine ball, hoping the bullies would for once want to play with us, and THIS TIME! Play fair. Or better yet, I’m “Kelly Price Tired.” Look that song up, it will bless your soul!
Nevertheless, I am tired, my arms are weak, and my hands hurt from pushing and pulling the weight of bitter family members’ drama. Like my grandmother would say, “It’s time for everyone to push and pull their own wagons.” I’m moving forward, letting go, and letting it be! Because I want my Healing, I want to protect the recovery and Healing of those I love. I have decided to “Get up, take up my bed, and let it be.” I have to for the sake of my personal well-being, my mental health, for the sake of my two grandbabies and for all my wind sisters who follow my journey and adventures of riding the Good Ride of Faith. They deserve a grandmother, who is healed, mentally healthy, and spiritually mature… Not perfect. But healed.
We haven’t been together like this since my Mother-in-law passed away in 2018. So, believe me when I tell you, GOD HAD MOVED MOUNTAINS! To get us all together this Thanksgiving. And I had to ask myself the tough questions that I’m sure everyone must struggle to ask this time of year: when it comes to family gatherings during the holidays.
Do I keep putting band-aids on family wounds that don’t want to heal? Do I keep putting myself and my Family’s Healing back on the operating table and have their hurts and wounds that God has recovered us from, violently ripped back open every time we gather with our kindred, our extended Family? After all, Family is who you make Family and who is willing to be Family in the true sense. In other words, “Don’t forsake those who want to be family for the sake of those that don’t act like family.”
And why do we give toxic family members a free pass anyway??? Why do we tolerate such hurtful behavior from them time and time again just because they are “Family”? Why are they embraced and given the benefit of the doubt, time and time again, and their victims become the family outcast.
For years, I have struggled with addressing the elephants in the room. Should I call people out on their bull-junk for once and just be done? Should I throw back the rug, kick the pile of family drama all over the room, and let the chips fall where they may, or do I just let go, let it be, and say yes to my Healing and protect the peace of my Family? Is the conversation even worth having, as time has revealed over the years that nothing has or will ever change? Do I need to speak my peace or just let it be? Then, I came across this quote by an unknown author.
It’s hard to admit that my Family, as churched as we are, Doesn’t LOVE like we should… BUT GOD! His love is unconditional, unfailing, and everlasting, and it WON’T change! He makes it easy to pray and ask for Healing, for the strength to remove the things and issues of life that keep us tied to the things that continually hurt us. But are we ready to let go of all the excuse? Do YOU want to be healed? And are we ready to let things be, let go of our security blanket… the things, people, and places that hinder our Healing, and give God access to move us beyond our wounded places? Because at the end of the day, nothing and no one is worth our Healing and our Recovery, and no one should keep you from being healed and staying healed.
Listen, I don’t know if my extended family will ever be healed from petty grudges, spiritual abuse, and years of generational drama. But I do know this… Every day, God’s mercies are new, and new mercy brings a choice to change and a chance to say YES! To Jesus’s question… “Do YOU want to be healed?”
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5
So, as we make our way toward 2024, let go! Let it be! Declare God’s protection for your family’s healing and mental health and let go of anything keeping you from being healed, staying recovered and riding the Good Ride of Faith in 2024
Let us Pray!
Father God, I come before You today tired and weary from holding on to things, people, and places that I should have released to You. My need to please, overlook, and remain silent to toxic, abusive family behavior has caused stress and anxiety in my life and the lives of those I love.
Father God, I acknowledge that I have been holding onto the expectation that time heals all wounds and that people change over time. But real change comes from loving you, knowing you, and surrendering my burden to you. Father God, grant me the strength to let go of grudges and walk in the freedom of forgiveness.
Father God, I know that Your love, mercy, and grace are more significant than any pain, disappointment, or unmet expectations I may carry, so I’m letting them go and letting them be. I know hurt people hurt people, so Father God, love the hurt away of those who are hurting and knowing and unknowingly hurt others.
Father God, release me; help me let go of the anger, fear, disappointment, bitterness, resentment, the need to please, and the expectation of wanting loyalty, love, and respect from family members unable and unwilling to give it. Father God, your love and grace are greater than any pain or disappointment I may carry. So, strengthen my resolve to let it be. From this day forward, I surrender all these emotional pains to You. In Jesus Names, 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 – LaShaun & Mrs. Cavatica
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sistahs.
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.
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.
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.
Adventures of Fearless Faith 