And just like that! June has moved on, and July has taken its place. We’re waking up to a restless Wednesday morning. Our neighbor next door decided to reenact bombs over Baghdad up til 2 am. They had no chill or concern for those who wanted to wind down the nation’s birthday with peace, quietness, and a good night’s sleep.
Our family celebrated Saturday because everyone wanted to relax and chill out for the 4th. Plus, Texas is still giving us a lil taste of what pre-heating in hell feels like, so there’s that! The pool felt like a lukewarm bath, but at least it was wet and gave us a lil relief when sitting poolside, giving our skin a break from looking waterlogged.
As I took a break from the water, watching the family enjoy themselves in the pool, I had to remind myself what the 4th of July was all about—celebrating our nation’s Independence, the celebration of our Freedom. I had to reflect on the many blessings God has bestowed upon us and my country tis of thee…sweet land of liberty, as confused, sinful, and racially divided as she is. God still blesses her with his Grace, Goodness, and Mercy.
Lord, make us worthy of Your gift of Freedom – LaShaun Jackson
This is why I love riding my Spyder Mrs. Cavatica on the open road so much. It allows me to see the beauty of God’s hand upon our country. It allows me to see beyond our country’s imperfections and shortcomings and see America’s hope and potential. That there is a God that sits high and looks low and will find you and me no matter where the road takes us, no matter the problem, situation, or circumstance.
I heard it said, “If you look for the bad, you will surely find it,” but you can’t have one without the other, so if you look for the Good, I’m guessing you will find it. You can’t have Bad without Good. So, as you ride this month of July, look for the Good and thank God that you can do so in one of the most significant countries on this side of heaven. Yes! She has her issues but only because of human sinfulness. This is why I love what is declared in 2 Chronicles 7:14 that if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
Sure! It was a conversation the Lord had with Solomon regarding the building of the temple. Still, we can learn a lot from this scripture by walking it out, or in our case, Ryde it out by cultivating humility with everyone we meet and in our relationship with God. Enjoying our Freedom as we Ryde the Good Ride of Faith but recognizing our limitations, embracing our dependence on God, making prayer a priority in our daily life, seeking God’s presence and guidance on and off the bike in every situation, and committing to ongoing self-examination and repentance, turning away from sinful behavior, and aligning our life and Ryde on the open road with God’s will.
So, as you take on July, may your Faith increase as you Ryde the open road enjoying the Freedoms of a beautiful country that, despite everything that was once right, is now wrong, and everything that was once wrong is now right, God still loves her and because of that love, we can try and see the Good when we take to the open road as we Riding the Good Ride of Faith.
HOW DO YOU STAY FOCUSED ON THE GOOD ON AND OFF THE BIKE?
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.
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.
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
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
Adventures of Fearless Faith 