Welcoming a new month can be beautiful because it reminds us of newness. It gives us the gift of an undeserved do-over, a reset, a back-to-one, another chance to get it right. A chance to consider new opportunities, chances, places, and blessings.
It can allow us to see God turn the page of “you” into a new chapter filled with His peace and blessings. Allowing us the opportunity to look back on January with gratitude and happiness. Then, look forward with hope. I don’t know about your January, but I felt much loss. Some unexpectedly and some by choice. And experiencing that loss at the beginning of the year gives one pause for concern…LORD! What else is going to happen??? But loss gives way to HOPE, and HOPE with a long ride on the open road can fuel your FAITH.
As we make our way through this month of LOVE, here are a few things to remember as you ride into February… God is with you, and will never forsake you. And no matter where and how far you ride, you will NEVER be able to outrun HIS love for you. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord – Romans:38-39
So, I pray that you grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ Peter 3:18 , and that your faith is increased and strengthened so that you may do great and mighty things with it. Luke 17:5
I pray that the Holy Spirit will speak to you with each ride you take this month and that every word spoken to you will not fall among thorns this month of February. They will not be choked with the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life, bringing no fruit to perfection. Instead, they will fall on a good ground, in an honest and good heart. I pray that you will listen to God’s Word and keep HIS word until you bring forth fruit with patience. Luke 8:14-15, and I pray that the Spirit of St. Micheal will go before you this month, protecting you with His sword extended and shield lifted high so that you may continue to Ride the Good Ride of faith – La & Mrs. Cavatica
1st. Ride of the Year, Yankees Tavern, Anderson Texas 2024
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.
We made it! Maybe a little weary and worn from all the tough battles fought in 2023, But GOD said NO! And 2023 had to release its grip around our Hearts, Souls, and Minds. Today reminds me of Moses’s words in Exodus 14:13 over the Children of Israel. Looking behind them, they saw the Egyptians coming after them after being delivered by the mighty hand of GOD. Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm, and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. You see, the children of Israel were delivered by the mighty hand of God, yet when they looked behind them, they saw the Egyptians coming after them.
You see, Pharaoh’s Army intended to bring the children of Israel back under bondage. Don’t you dare let the battles of 2023 keep you from the blessings of 2024! Don’t look back at 2023 as a “What if,” “I Should Have,” or “May if I.” That season and chapter is OVER! Today is a NEW SEASON, and YOU can begin again with a clean slate. A blank canvas, a freshly shaped sword of faith to fight off whatever skims and plans the devil may bring this year. Remember, he has a job as well, one that steals, kills, and destroys.
2023 was a year of LETTING GO! I had to let go of relationships that no longer fueled my faith and let go of unfulfilled desires, such as canceled vacation motorcycle chapter rides and one that was too hot for me to make the trip. But that’s over; that time and opportunity have passed. And yes! I have looked back with fear of going forward and regret living in the past. Like the children of Israel who became afraid after leaving Egypt, cried out to Moses, and complained that he had brought them here to die. They said it would have been better if they had stayed where they were, under bondage. Sadly, there is a bit of comfort in staying in bondage, in the mud pits, making bricks without straw, while having all hope beaten out of you by the enemy’s whip.
Moving on in 2024 without a clear path forward can be scary. Especially if you are fresh out of the pit, still muddy and bloody from 2023. But I love what Moses says to the Children of Israel…
don’t be afraid, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord today.’ I know we all know this story, but there is one nugget that I want you to take advantage of going into 2024. Moses said, ‘For this enemy that you see today, you shall see no more forever.’
Do not be afraid. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace. Exodus 14:13-14
Moses told them that if they stood firm and stood still, they would do two things: see God’s salvation that day and never see that same enemy again. Now! That will Preach! If you can stand firm this year when you look ahead, and should you see no way out and look behind, and the enemy is on your tail, if you can stand firm in 2024, you are promised to see the battles of 2023, and it’s enemies no more. You might have new ones, but with all the wisdom you gained in 2023, your faith, hope, and strength will help you face this year with GRACE! I always start the New year out with one word that will keep me focused as the weeks and months roll by. This year my word of focus is TRUST! Trust God on everything and for everything. Trust in His plan for my life.
What’s a Word that will keep your heart and mind focued for the 2024?
May you Ride & See God’s salvation this year and May you never see the enemy of 2023 again!
Let’s Declare Jeremiah 29:11 over our lives this year!
All of God’s thoughts for me are for good and never evil. His plans are to make me prosperous, give me hope, and provide me with a glorious future. He has handpicked everything that is best for me in life and presents it to me with great joy. His desire for me is to live in his abundance. My call brings a smile to my father’s face, and he listens to me with great concern. When I seek him with all of my heart, he sees to it that I find him. He has rescued me from the powers of darkness and is now enjoying my continual companionship.
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.
Before you freakout about this photo… I was slowing down and coming to a complete stop to turn. This was my 1-sec. of Crazy FAITH! Don’t try this without it!
Now, about September…
If not, riding my Spyder since May 28th in Texas heat has taught me anything; these last months of 100-degree temperatures, it has encouraged me to live boldly. I love the line from the poem “Meant to Shine” by Marianne Williams that says, “Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.” Yes! The smoldering temperatures kept me side-lined longer than I wanted to be, but it also gave me time to consider how I Live within the blessing of God. On September 2nd, My husband and I celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary. We could take a trip to Cali for an extended playdate with the 2nd grandbaby, and the temperature finally broke where I could test out my new cooling vest and get in a long overdue ride on my Spyder Mrs. Cavatica.
And even though this ridiculous mixed-up world would have you believe there is no God and all that you know to be right is now wrong, it’s always proven to be, without a doubt, one big lie from the pit of hell. It only takes one long ride down a curvy country road on a Can-Am Spyer to see that God still blesses His people and leans in our direction. That’s the beauty of riding a Can-Am Spyder on the open road as a woman of Faith. It helps me see that God is still on the throne and in the business of blessing His people, which comforts me—knowing that we can live boldly and unapologetically in the blessing and favor God has bestowed upon us. Don’t interpret Live Boldly as meaning “spend big,” “live large,” or be braggadocious. But Living Boldly is about your life’s size, not your wallet’s. Living boldly, means walking in your Truth or Ryding in the Truth of who you are—acting with intention. Believing you can do what you set your mind to. It means taking chances, putting yourself out there, and knowing you deserve a life you love and authentically yours. Declaring that if it were not or had not been for God being on our side… we would all be a HOT-ER MESS!
Everything is possible for one who believes
Mark 9:23
Here’s the bless lesson as we wind down these last few weeks of September. Live Boldly! Be intentional (be where you want to be) and declare who got you there! and guard your peace. Riding the open road on my Spyder helps me Live Boldly because I can see that despite what the world would have me believe and feel, The Spirit of God shows me time and time again that “Everything is possible for one who believes.” – MARK 9:23.
So, wind sistah’s and brotha’s Live Boldly! Don’t be anxious about anything. Live like you are the child of the Most High king. Live as though your Father owns cattle on a thousand hills and Ryde the open road as though you are the apple of your Father in heaven’s eye. Trust in His care and concern for you. And don’t forget to love big while you are at it, because we serve a BIG GOD!
With that being said, I love the following line in Marianna Williams’s poem “Meant to Shine” and Why We Should Live Boldly because “There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to manifest the glory of God within us.”
Live Boldly, Ryde Bravely, and may your light permit others to do the same!
Ride Safe, Stay in Faith,
La & Mrs. Cavatica
May the Joy of the Lord instantly become your strength to encourage you to overcome any fears that you might experience. Remember, in our daring to be brave, when we throw caution to the wind, casting our cares in Faith upon Him through the ride. Peace, love, and joy are set loose in the atmosphere, and it permits other riders to do the same. Allowing us to all rejoice in knowing we have triumphant victory in Riding the Good Ride of Faith.
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sistahs.
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.
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.
I hope march is being kind and finding you blessed. It’s been a while since my last post. I intended to write an entry for February, but God had other plans. How does needing greenery for your granddaughter’s 1st birthday cake turn into 15 days of working in a flower shop during Valentine’s Day season? I’m still determining. All I can say is, “be open to what the Spirit of God wants to do in your life.” We are all fertile soil with seeds of greatness planted within us. So be open to the water givers, the people that God places in your path, watering those seeds planted within you, allowing you to bloom. Presently, I’m still seasonal help “on-call,” LOL
So here we are in March, and typical Texas style, our weather has been all over the map! One day we are sunny and cold; the next, we are warm and wet. But as a Texas transplant…I’ll take it because at least we get a ride in while mother nature is taking a nap.
A recent adventure took me out on a Chapter Ride to Lake Livington in East Texas Piney Woods. On that ride, the Spirit of God blessed me with a word of encouragement when navigating the open road when the weather looked less than perfect.
It’s hard to see the beauty in your ride when the day looks like this. When the sky is cloudy and gray, you feel like the world’s weight rests on your shoulders. Like mama said, “although it’s cloudy, the sun is still shining. And it’s been weeks since Texas has seen sunshine. But the saving grace of a day like today is that it gives us a break from the heat and humidity.
Like mama said, “although it’s cloudy, the sun is still shining. And it’s been weeks since Texas has seen sunshine. But the saving grace of a day like today is that it gives us a break from the heat and humidity. It’s a trade-off; as I said, every ride won’t provide you with sunshine and blue skies. But it does give you and me a choice: seeing the beauty and the provision provided to you and me on a cloudy day.
When we speak of the beauty of any given day, it’s always about how much sunshine and blue sky we can see and how glorious it makes the ride… but not today. As we made our way towards Lake Livingston, without sun or blue sky, it reminded me of the movie The Ten Commandments and how clouds played an essential part in the Israelite’s leaving Egypt.
You see, in the Book of Exodus 13:21, You hear how, when the Israelites walked out of Egypt, ‘The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day.’ The cloud was a sign that God was in their midst.
In that cloud, Moses received, among many other instructions, commands on how to build the tabernacle. And how the same cloud filled the temple where the priest was ministering… the power within the cloud was so overwhelming that the priest could not stand in it. The cloud had become an established symbol of God’s nearness…Wow! And there it is… the message and encouragement from this adventure.
View a cloudy, gloomy, misty day as the Glory and presence of God leading, guiding, covering, protecting, and providing for you. View the clouds as God’s abiding presence during your ride – LaShaun
Moses ascends Sinai Digital Art by Matt Ebisch
I don’t know about you, but I won’t look at another cloudy, gloomy, misty ride ever the same. Instead, I will welcome it, rejoice in it, and declare the blessing of Psalm 118:24 that “This is the day the Lord has made, and we will rejoice and be glad in it.”…. better yet! I’m going to make it personal…
This is a Ride that the Lord has made, and I will rejoice, be glad, and ride in it! – LaShaun
Let us Pray!
Let us Pray! Heavenly Father! I know you are here on this ride with me. Please show me your Glory and let me gaze upon the splendor of Your holiness. Father God, open my eyes so that my heart might see your greatness and faithfulness on this cloudy, gloomy, misty day, and give me a vision of who You are in all Your splendor and majesty. Father God, I want to worship you in my ride and see You in a greater way. So, lead me, guide me, hide me and show me your Glory. In Jesus’ Name, I Pray Amen!
May the Joy of the Lord instantly become your strength to encourage you to overcome any fears that you might experience. Remember, in our daring to be brave, when we throw caution to the wind, casting our cares in Faith upon Him through the ride. Peace, love, and joy are set loose in the atmosphere, and it permits other riders to do the same. Allowing us to all rejoice in knowing we have triumphant victory in Riding the Good Ride of Faith.
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sisters.
Though to Ponder! What are some of the things you need to STOP!
Every New Year brings about an order of change or calls us to be more disciplined regarding how we invest our time. This year I’m being called into extreme focus and personal accountability. Which is why I heard the word STOP! During a recent chapter ride last weekend. Not a word you want to hear in your Spirit as you ride Texas’s backcountry curvy roads LOL
Lord, what are you saying??? Then it dawned on me I had been saying the word STOP! All week during conversations with family members. A long ride through the back country roads of Texas clarifies some of the calamities we find ourselves involved in. Then the Spirit of God explained the word STOP! for me, “STOP trying to make things happen. Just let them happen. Trust that I have the best intentions for you. on the bike and off the bike.”
How often have we tried to orchestrate or create a situation that we thought was a God move, which turned out to be the complete opposite? … ME! ME! And ME! I’m guilty of trying to take the wheel from God a time or two. Until I started realizing it brought me more headaches than peace. It pulled me away from my purpose and kept me spinning my wheels on a road going nowhere I wanted to be. Often it takes you right back to the place where God delivered you from.
This newfound passion for riding the open road on my Can-Am Spyderf3t Mrs. Cavatica has given me a new outlook on STOP! “Just let God be God in my life and my Rides. Let life and the things attached to it happen organically. And just as I am laser-focused on my bike regarding rider safety and protective gear when it comes to riding the open road, I need to apply that same level of attention, self-care, and detail to my life off the bike. So, here is a little reminder when you feel the need to try and make things happen vs. just letting them happen.
S – Stop! Trying to control everything and everyone around you. Focus on YOU and be what you want to see. Let God be God in your life and your ride. There is a difference between “Letting things be” and “Making things be,” When you let things be, you give the Spirit of God room to have Its way, which always works out two ways; 1 for your GOOD and 2. for GOD’S Glory… I call that a WIN-WIN!
T – Think before you act. And I mean THINK! Before you try to make a ride happen or event… anything that might cause stress or tension in your home. This was a powerful lesson for me as a new chapter member last year. I suggested a social event for our motorcycle chapter as a way for all parties to bond with the local community. I did not realize there needed to be more interest in getting volunteers and support from the sponsored dealership. I could have saved much time and energy if I had done more recon when it came to sponsorship support.
O – Observe your thoughts and feelings. Is what I’m trying to make happen going to fuel my faith and passion? Is this really what God wants me to spend time doing? Will this chapter vacation ride bring me peace or stress me out? Are there people and family members I’m investing my time in who don’t have the same level of commitment for me as I do them? This is a BIG! One for me. I don’t want to spend time with people who are not for me. And when I mean “Not for me,” I mean… I KNOW YOU DON’T LIKE ME… AT ALL… Period! There has to be a healthy, but equal balance when it comes to investing your time.
P – Pray! And then Pray about it some more. Remember, God is NOT the Author of confusion-1 Corinthians 14:33
Now, I don’t think the Spirit of God was telling me to STOP! Attempting things. It’s more of a “STOP! Forcing things. “Do the needed,” as my husband says, do your part but then let God be God. It has been my experience when trying to make things happen; like a bike ride that I didn’t feel like going on or something that didn’t feel right; It always yielded stress and frustration I didn’t need. And it did more harm than good to my confidence as a rider and someone who’s fighting the good fight of faith.
So, today as we go into this new year, let us STOP! And make sure we’re letting things happen (not making things happen) this riding season. Let’s make sure we’re letting God be God! In this riding season, in our homes, in our families, and in the things that bring us joy. Let God be the Road Captain, leading the way and ensuring we stay safe while riding, and getting through this thing called life. Let’s ensure we remain prayed up… in our homes and families, so we are guaranteed The Good Ride of Faith this Riding season.
Let’s Us Pray!
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your guidance. Forgive me for getting ahead of Your plans and help me know when to STOP! And listen for Your direction. Father God, your ways and thoughts are perfect for me. How foolish of me to think I know best and that my plans are better than yours. Father God, Thank You for offering me gentle grace when I did not ask what you wanted and didn’t wait patiently for your answer. Father God, I don’t want to do anything or go anywhere your Spirit will not guide and provide.
In Jesus’ Name, I Pray… Amen.
May the Joy of the Lord instantly become your strength to encourage you to overcome any fears that you might experience. Remember, in our daring to be brave, when we throw caution to the wind, casting our cares in Faith upon Him through the ride. Peace, love, and joy are set loose in the atmosphere, and it permits other riders to do the same. Allowing us to all rejoice in knowing we have triumphant victory in Riding the Good Ride of Faith.
If this post ministered to you or encourage you in any way, please share with your fellow Wind Sisters.
The last time we were in this space was in 2019. So much has happened in our world and changed in our families since that time. But God’s Grace kept us and brought us back, where every Sunrise brings Hope, and every sunset brings Peace. Proof that no matter what craziness happens on this side of heaven, every day can end beautifully with the ones you love and those that love you back. I wish we could have ridden our bikes, but I don’t think my mother would have enjoyed being a passenger on the back of my Spyder or my husband’s road glide, LOL. It’s hard to believe we only have 11 days left in 2022. But here we are! And I find myself saying over and over… Peace Be Still.
Hill Country 2022 Chapter Ride, Three Twisted Sister
2022 has brought me so much joy as a Spyder Rider, and I have learned so much this year. If I had to choose the lesson that has blessed me the most as a rider, it would be knowing when to let my Peace Be Still. I love rolling on three wheels, but I’m also learning to balance moving with taking time out to be still. Let the lessons of the open road catch up to minister to my Heart and Soul. Facing my fears of riding my Can-Am Spyder on the open road has been an act of faith and obedience. And it’s hard to see growth when you constantly move and focus on the next ride or group ride.
It was a blessing walking along the shoreline and sitting at the water’s edge, allowing my Peace to be still, reflecting on all my rides this year, and thanking God, we made it back home safely after ride. Listen, it’s fun riding on the open road, and there’s no doubt it brings Peace like no other. However, there is something to be said for letting your Peace be still in a place where you can get before God, thanking Him for the opportunity and pleasure of riding Can-Am Spyder’s, Rykers, and Rallies on the open road in FAITH, not fear.
Women of Fearless Faith, this weekend is Christmas, and my Christmas wish for all of you is, “May the Spirit of the living God bring you Peace. And may you allow that Peace to Be Still, thanking Him for Riding in Faith, not fear”. May you all continue to grow in wisdom, knowledge and understanding as a Can-Am Riders.
You and I are so loved, so stop and take these last 11 days of 2022 to be still in a place that allows your soul to find rest. And thank God for the blessing and lesson of 2022.
Adventures of Fearless Faith 