Category: Uncategorized

One Year Ago Today!

On By lashaunjacksonIn Uncategorized8 Comments

I can’t believe it’s been a year since I got my bike, Mrs. Cavatica! When I joined the Women of On-Road Can-Am Facebook Group back in May of 2020, all I had was a wish and maybe a mustard seed size of faith, but that was it. We were in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic; Texas was under stay-at-home mandates. My husband’s job had him working from home, and then decided to furlough him and lay off a good portion of its work staff.

It was NOT! A happy time. It was stressful as hell! Watching my husband work from home in my creative space, as he monitored his email, for that virtual tap on the shoulder, “Hey! Your time is up! We’re laying you off”. The world was going to hell in a handbasket right before our very eyes. We knew if we, as a family, had any chance of weathering this storm, we were going to have to press into Psalm 91 and trust God more than ever.

“Lord, cover us and bring us out of this better than when we went into this”

On the other hand, being a Pastry Chef, I had just declared 2020 as my year to kick the fear of working with Brides and Wedding Cakes to the curve. I had spent $500.00 to take an 8-week wedding cake business class in December of 2019. I had booked three weddings with the possibility of being on a wedding venue’s preferred vendors list for 2020, I was in culinary heaven on cloud 9.

Sweeter at Home Private Cake Tastings with Chef LaShaun

And then EVERYTHING! Was gone! The weddings I booked were canceling left and right. I was devastated big time! I’m talking, “you hear the ice cream man coming, mama gives you her last dollar to get ice cream, and you get the biggest three scoops of ice cream the cone can hold. Then out of nowhere, the mean and hateful kid from down the street knocks it out of your hand.”…that kind of devastated.

It was a “Soul Hurt,” the kind of hurt that only a small cottage business owner could understand. Soul hurts are tied to your passion, which connects you and me to the universe and its creator. So when I came across the Women of On-Road Facebook Group, my Soul had found a new home. I was encouraged, inspired, informed, and educated on these strange 3-wheel bikes that allow women from all ages, races, backgrounds to trade fear for faith, casting their cares to the wind and seeing the world through the freedom of riding the open road.

I have grown tremendously as a Spyder Ryder since taking the Can-Am 3-Wheel Riders Course, passing and getting my motorcycle endorsement last year. My husband and I joined a local Harley Davison HOG Motorcycle Chapter. We have gained a wealth of knowledge regarding Group Riding Etiquette, Riders Safety, and Group Ride Protocol. Which helps us ride like two-state troopers when we’re riding as a couple together LOL.
100 Mile ride through Sam Houston State Park to Grimes County Courthouse – Anderson. The Italianate courthouse designed by F.S. Glover and Company and completed in 1894 features both brick and native stone.

Seriously! If someone told me in 2019, “You know! LaShaun, in 2020 and 2021 the world is gonna go to hell in a handbasket, and it’s gonna look like you’re a movie extra in a Tom Clancy – Stephen King Movie. But keep your Faith in tack because God is gonna bless you with a fun way to escape it all.” I would have never believed it…but God! I have never felt so much a LIVE, and blessed as I do when I get on my bike Mrs. Cavatica and hit the open road with the love of my life, my husband, my best friend, and only forever. I can genuinely testify that despite everything swirling around us, God is holding me, growing me, and showing me how deeply HE cares for me through my rides. I’m amazed how God has used a 3 wheel bike, oddly call a “Spyder” to strengthen and grow my Faith and complete Trust in HIM. Trust me when I tell you, NOTHING! Will test and improve your prayer life, like riding motorcycles…on Texas Interstates.

LaShaun Jackson, Inspirational Blogger & Speaker

Fear says “What if” Faith says “Even if”

When I brought Mrs. Cavatica home a year ago, she sat in the garage for 2 weeks before I would ride her. I was scared…FEAR had me Terrified of “what if.” Then the Spirit of God spoke to my heart “you can’t pray in faith and then operate in fear.” So we hit the road and with each ride, my Faith was strengthened with an attitude of “even if”, I’m no longer consumed with “what if” because my life and time is in God’s Hands. God’s Faithfulness has provided an escape from all the craziness on this side of heaven. I can trust this next chapter of my life and journey with Mrs. Cavatica… every ride is a good ride of faith because I know The Author and Finisher of My Faith!

Question!

Was riding motorcycles something that God was leading you to do? How so? Riding motorcycles does not guarantee safety, but knowing you are being obedient in facing your fears, and stepping out in faith builds confidence, even if there is a risk. How did stepping out in Faith build your confidence? Has your faith in riding the open road been strengthened? How so?

If this post ministered to you or 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

Stand the Storm

On By lashaunjacksonIn Prayers of Faith, Uncategorized, Work Your FaithLeave a comment

This morning, I woke up reflecting on a conversation my husband and I had over labor day dinner last night. Why are you so angry? He asked. You don’t see it, but lately, you have been. I tried to dismiss his observation with a gentle rebuttal that instantly confirmed that yes! I was furious and highly pissed off…when I snapped at him and replied, “have you seen the state of our world?” my rant must have gone on for 10-15 minutes before he said, “has anything you just said made you feel better?” then he called me out…


Where is your faith??? Don’t you know everything that is going on right now has an expiration date on it? You know, you talk a good faith game at times, then you let what you see shake your faith, and then you allow what you see to pull you towards the pit with the rest of them who are easily tossed about when the Storm comes.

Lately, my Spirit has been highly vexed, agitated, angry? I have tried to suppress it and cover it up, but after being married for 32 years, that is almost impossible to do. My husband and I have been together since I was 17, so covering up or hiding my inner thoughts or feelings doesn’t work. He can always tell when I have gone internal.

I had to admit he was right; the troubles on this side of Heaven were starting to shake my faith and beginning to chip away at my peace and the hope that “Trouble don’t last always.”

During our tuff love conversation, It brought to mind a message I heard years ago from a well-known pastor that preached, “When the storms of life come, you have to learn how to be an observer. You have to have an unshakeable faith that will allow you to stand amid the Storm and watch everything swirl around you without getting caught up in it.”

Unshakable faith comes from being prepared, covered. Like the story “Sleeping though the Storm,” about a Farmer-who owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. Most people were reluctant to work for the Farmer whose land was along the Atlantic. Storms were awful and would wreak havoc on buildings and crops; finally, after many reluctant interviews, a short, thin man well past middle age approached the Farmer, and when asked, “Are you a good farmhand?” the farmer replied, “well, I can sleep when the wind blow,” answered the little man. So the Farmer hired him, and he proved to be a good worker.

Then one night, a bad storm hit with howling loud winds from offshore. The owner of the farm jumped out of bed, grabbed his lantern, and rushed into the hired hand’s bunkhouse. He shook the little old man and yelled, “Get up! A storm is coming! Tie-down everything before it blows away!” The little man rolled over and replied firmly, “No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind comes.”

The Farmer was tempted to fire him right then and there, until he noticed all the haystacks had been covered, the cows were all in the barn, the chickens were in their coops, and all the doors had been barred. It was then the Farmer understood what the hired hand meant, and he went back to bed and slept while the wind blew.

You see, when you cover yourself with the Word of God, you are prepared, you can sleep when the winds of life blow. You have nothing to fear because like the song says “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweet frame but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand.”

Art work entitled “My Deliverer” by Jeanette Sthamann

Lord, amid life’s many storms, strengthen my capacity to sleep, stand or even rest in the center of your peace – LaShaun Jackson

I woke up this morning, and my Spirit called out to Psalm 91. It’s one of my favorite scripture in the bible; it is a scripture where, when read, you can feel your soul coming back into alinement with the Spirit of God, and if you have good people around you that are sensitive to your Spirit, they can tell when you need a “Faith Check.” Psalm 91, along with my husband are my Faith Checker’s, psalms 91 pulls everything back together and grounds me with God’s Truth and Promises, despite what my eyes see. Lord, Forgive me for going by what I see and not trusting in your Word and what I know.

I thank God for My Husband this morning. God has given Him the ability to have hard conversations with me, in love, and as hard as those conversations are at times, they are always for my Good and God’s Glory. My husband reminded me last night, over our labor day dinner, that I was letting the situations and circumstances of our world’s current Storm to steal, kill, and destroy my joy… Don’t let it!

Beloved Wind Sister, How are you resting in this current Storm? Have you secured your foundation to withstand the storms and winds of life? Do you have a Faith Checker in Life?

Declaration of Faith for Standing Storms

Lord, my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God, I take refuge in you. When the storms of this life flood my soul, You are my deliverer, my rock, and my peace. Sometimes the situations and circumstances of what I see get the best of me, and I start to drown in fear. But you are my lighthouse, and the light of your Love guides me back to peace. Thank you, heavenly Father, for shining your light of Love through others to remind me of your faithfulness.
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen

Psalm 91; Psalm 18-1-2; 2 Thessalonians 3:3

If this post ministered to you or 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

A Long Ride.

On By lashaunjacksonIn Prayers of Faith, Thoughts To Ponder, Uncategorized, Wind Sister WarriorLeave a comment

Have your eyes ever opened to a brand-new day that you have never seen before? And as soon as your feet hit the floor, your soul says, “We Need a Long Ride.” Well, it just might be your creator calling you back to yourself and joining Him for a long ride on the open road.

Be the kind of women who, when your feet hit the floor each morning, the devil says “Oh, no! She’s up.” – Joanne Clancy

Nothing is more understanding or forgiving than a good long ride on the open road. Along ride on the open road knows what you need without you asking, and it gives you time to come to yourself, acting and thinking like one’s usual self. Much of our day-to-day calls us into being everything to everyone, except being ourselves. A long Ride brings all of you back to being you.

When you need Grace, the unmerited favor of God, you will find a straight road up ahead to clear your thoughts and ease your troubled mind. When you need Mercy, God’s loving-kindness, the opened road will bring you a few curves to lean into, reminding you if not for God’s Grace and Mercy, where on earth would we be? And when you need reassurance, along comes a fellow rider offering the two-finger wave, letting you know you are not alone on this crazy side of heaven.

Photo Credit: Can Am Spyder Gallery

In some ways, I think a long ride on the open road on a beautiful day is better than talking to a friend. You see, a long ride is just there to listen to you, and it creates a stunning backdrop for the soul to commune with its creator.

Photo Credit: Can Am Spyder 2014 Photo Gallery

It does not judge you or make you feel obligated to listen to other opinions or suggestions. On a long ride, you can be yourself and can share your heart, vent, and be ok with a long pregnant pause as you breathe in all the beauty surrounding you and exhale all that troubles your weary soul.

I often imagine a long ride as being a Church. My Spyder Mrs. Cavatica, the pew or mourners’ bench from where I confess all my shortcomings and release all my fears and worries upon the one who cares for me. A long ride can and will minister to you if you let. A long ride is like a good Sunday Morning word from your favorite Pastor, and if the sun is shining, the sky is blue; well, the choir has just sung an A & B selection that was sure to bless your soul.

The worries and trouble on this side of heaven are never-ending and can overtake us at times. Still, I believe the Spirit of God gives you and me an out, called “A Long Ride.” A long ride to vent, repent, relax and release all
that burdens our souls. So, we can experience first-hand, from the saddles of our bike’s true freedom, because where there is freedom, you will find the Spirit of the Lord.

Beloved wind sister, I pray that when the worries of this side of heaven try to flood your soul and drown your Spirit with fear and weariness, the open road will call you to a long ride. And as you ride, your soul will be refreshed, your Spirit fed, and your heart made glad. May every mile you ride fuel your faith and flood out any fear.

Declaration of Faith for a Long Ride

Dear Lord,
You promise me peace that would surpass all my understanding, the peace that would guard my heart and my mind.
Lord, as I suit up, boot up, and mount up on my bike, I lay aside every worry, situation, and circumstance that is weighing my heart down.
Lord, ride with me, speak to be, cover me and love all my worries and concerns away.
Lord, help my mind rest in you, dwell in you as I take this long ride, and remember that I am held safely in your hands and safe with you.
Amen

Proverbs 22:23; Psalm 138; 91:4; Philippians 4:7; Psalm 55:22; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Psalms 91

If this post ministered to you or 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

Gear Lookbook!

On By lashaunjacksonIn UncategorizedLeave a comment
New Color! by BOHN Body Armor, All-Season Airtex Armored Riding Shirt in Black and White with Icon Airflite Helmet in White Gloss with dark Smoke Icon Aitflite Face Shield.

Turning 54 this year and finally feeling confident in my ability to ride my F3T Can-Am Spyder, Mrs. Cavatica. I decided to be done with playing small and shrinking back when it comes to what I like and how I want to express what I like. As a Wife, Mother, and Grandmothers I have done my job well when it comes to supporting and encouraging others to live out loud and do so unapologetically.

It is what Women of Faith do but in doing so, we forget about ourselves. We tend to play it safe when it comes to expressing ourselves through style beyond the dreams we have, late in the midnight hour….dare I say Stylish Riding Gear?

Beloved, this is our time and season! Who says you can’t look stylish and safe when riding your Spyder, Ryker, or Rally?

Let’s face it! Our bikes are sexy as heck and full of personality, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with looking good and having your gear put together by making a Personal Gear Lookbook.

What is a Lookbook? Essentially a Lookbook is a portfolio of your gear collection. A visual diary-style of different looks or styles that you like. Think of it as your personal gear inventory, a visual guide to keeping track of all the gear you have purchased and how many way you can coordinate and style how to wear them.

Vintage Cruiser look: Styles by Road Runner Travel

Making a Personal Gear Lookbook is a great way to keep track of all the gear you purchase and how many ways you can wear them based on riding season as well. Also, you can see the endless style possibilities of what you can wear when you have three or more jackets, a staple pair of riding jeans, tall boot or mid cafe boot, and a riding shoe.

Creating a Personal Gear Lookbook is simple. Start by deciding what color theme you want to wear or what colors look best on you. Use your bike as an inspiration; for example, my bike Mrs. Cavatica is white with black accents and has just a splash of red on the frunk grill and tire wheel caps. White and black, are my main colors when it comes to my riding gear and sometimes I add in a little splash of Red, I can also play with shades of gray and silver.

Start by taking pictures of all the riding gear you have purchased, organize the photos using an Instagram photo grid. You can also choose to print them out, and create a scape book of some sorts…It is totally up to you!

Can-Am Spyder F3T in Oxford Blue with color coordinated Helmet, Jacket and blue denim riding jeans

Here are a few of my favorite Gear looks based on riding seasons here in Texas.

Fall Lookbook

I absolutely LOVE! This look! The Harley-Davidson Women’s Arterial Abrasion-Resistant Denim Riding Jacket with Black Leather Sleeves. Rolled Denim Riding jeans, low-mid riding boot with the Icon Airflite Hemet Stealth MIPS in Mate Black and Gloss Black with RST Silver Face Shield.

Winter Lookbook

Baby it’s cold outside! And there is nothing more flattering then a Black Leather Riding Jacket that hugs you when its chilly outside. This Athena Women’s Jacket by Street & Steel not only hugs you, protects you, and keeps you warm. It stands apart from the crowd, and will rock with you no matter the occasion, on or off the bike. You can NEVER! go wrong with a stylish Black Leather Riding Jacket….Throw in a Tall Black Leather Riding Boot and its definitely a date on, and off the road.

Spring Lookbook

So you just want to go out for a quick ride to feel the cool, brisk spring breeze on your face, but not on your bones? This Speed and Strength Cat Out’a hell 2.0 Armored Hoody in Black and White. Paired with the Icon Airflite Helmet Stealth MIPS in Mate Black and Gloss Black with Dark Smoke Face Shield will definitely turn heads at stop lights.

Riding for the slide doesn’t have to be boring; you can look stylish for the slide as well. After all, the bikes we ride are gorgeous and extend our personality and inner Sister Warrior. Remember! God did not create you to be boring or to be like anyone else. You are the only you there will ever be. God made you unique, special and one of a kind, psalms 139:14 says we are fearful and wonderfully made and there is nothing wrong with looking good, and stylishly safe while riding your bike.

So pull out all your gear, Yes! all your gear, even the stuff you have hidden from your spouse or significant other lol and get started creating your own Riding Gear Lookbooks and remember…..

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.

Be strong and of good courage,
LaShaun and Mrs. Cavatica