Getting a Breather from the Heat

Red River, New Mexico – Here we are at the Sangre de Christo Mountains aka Blood of Jesus Mountains at the town of Red River. That gives me holy chilly bumps to know we are surrounded and covered by the "blood of Jesus" in God's creation and in His blood that keeps us healthy and alive in Him. "Oh the blood of Jesus -- it washes white as snow." (chorus of an old song). Heaven on earth puts it mildly. Oh, the sweet ride God takes us on when we chill out and let Him lead us to the mountains. "I lift up my eyes to the hills (aka mountains) where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1

"Chill out" is literally what we're doing. From the Dallas 102 degrees heat to the 70s high in the day and 40s low at night. I look at these sweet times as heaven to earth. I sense it because my heart is overflowing in gratitude for these off-the-chart moments. Here we are right in the midst what seems to be a whole lotta’ hell on earth around us – if we allowed ourselves to live in that zone – but those who choose to take the higher peace-zone way – will find places like this -- literally AND spiritually.

My children (both sets) purchased “homes-on-wheels” last year. I know that it was God leading them for “such-a-time-as-this” that we are living in right now. They are able to be safe-at-home when at their at their residences AND in their travel homes. I’m a beneficiary of their blessings. Larry and Staci bought their RV when they both turned 50 so they named theirs: “Jubilee “, which means “50 years” and in Biblical terms, blessing.

When they got theirs in January, they announced to their two children, and me: “Pick out a destination you’d like to go to and we’ll take you there.” It didn’t take long for me to tell them mine because my cousin had just invited me to Red River, NM where they’d be enjoying their own travel-home this summer. My bestie-cousin (my dad’s brother’s daughter) and I had a world of fun as kids. So, here we are in this spectacular weather, majestic mountains, tall pine trees, lakes, rivers, a great resort town AND trout! Heading out to fish in a few minutes!

We made it here on Saturday evening, and getting to hang out with my cousins. Their RV is across from ours amidst spectacular pine trees. Yesterday started with quiet times watching online church, a great breakfast and then we headed out to drive around to get the lay of the land and waters. Hold on for updates on fishing adventures in these plethora-of-trout waters. I’m so grateful. And, were it not for these travel vehicles, we wouldn’t be able to be here. The media call these RVs/motorhomes “pandemic palaces” because families are able to get out during these times for family get-aways. Staci prefers to call theirs “blessing-palaces”.

Actually "Heaven on earth" is when we pause to bring worship from earth to heaven and then God brings heaven to earth. When we take time to be thankful for journey, whether they are winding and twisting, or 4-lane smooth highways, and have gratitude in it all, heaven shows up on earth. Any time we pray, “God, let your Kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” we’re asking God to declare the truths of heaven into this world.

I know what heaven on earth is and every day I invest my time in looking for and living there. One day, we’ll get to graduate from this earth to heaven. I sincerely believe God delights in our appreciating the heaven we can have daily as we commune with Him and let Him make His presence known in every facet of our lives. All those "heaven on earth" times sure makes this journey sweet on the way to "heaven in heaven". Every day, we can make the choice to have "heaven on earth" moments. Maybe it's time to take stock in YOUR "heaven on earth" blessings, too!

Help! I Need a Course Correction!

I travel the highways to Austin and Tulsa often and rarely do I need directions. But, when I am on the phone or in Lala Land while driving, I just might take a wrong turn. One time, I took the wrong exit to Dallas coming home from Tulsa and ended up on some backwoods roads. I thought "Since I'm this far into it, I'll just stay on this road and see where it comes out. After all, I'm going southwest so it will eventually get me where I need to go." It did, but it was a 45-minute longer drive. I should have course-corrected, turned around to get back back on the right road. Then it would have only been a 20-minute longer drive.

What you may not know about me is that I’m a Private Pilot. Haven't flown since my husband when to heaven, but once a pilot, always a pilot. We had a single engine, 4-passenger, Cessna 182 like the one pictured here – a sweet ride. We logged many hours flying across this great country. I remember some crucially important things that ensured landing where, and when, we intended. Wind speed and wind direction requires course corrections throughout the flight. A strong wind can certainly take you off course. Constant “tweaking” is necessary. All it takes is to be off just a few degrees and you can end up in Timbuktu, instead of the intended destination.

And those course corrections while driving and flying are true in our own day-to-day living. Our emotions, our bodies, and our spirits may get off course by “negative winds” that we’ve let come in. They may have come in by the company we keep, some unhealthy habits, some unwise decisions we make without consulting our Heavenly Father first, maybe some compromising of our ethics and integrity, or literally missing the mark.

Perhaps, it’s time for some tweaking and correcting our course. The winds can certainly slow us down, and take us completely off course -- not to mention keep us from receiving the blessings that could have been ours if we were on track. Here we are in the season of Lent when we deliberately focus our attention on getting it right – getting our hearts right. It’s the perfect time to make course corrections – where we make the adjustments necessary to be fully devoted followers of Christ.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. I promise you….this is the stuff that helps us drive further -- faster and fly higher than we’ve EVER flown before. I'm quite sure I can use some tweaking!

Making Course Corrections

Learning to fly was an amazing experience and flying solo was the part that sure got my blood pumping. When flying alone, there is no one else to depend upon except yourself. It was empowering, but it was also one of the most terrifying things I ever did. I made that first solo flight just fine, but then came the time, still as a student pilot but with the required skills, to make a cross-country solo flight (within 25-miles away). I learned early on about course corrections. I had put in an initial heading, but when I had flown the 25-miles, I didn’t see my destination airport in sight. I assure you that my heart was palpitating a mile a minute. I hadn’t anticipated the strong winds that pushed me off course. The scripture “Lo, I am with you always….” (Matthew 28:20) came to me and it offered me no solace because I was flying at about 3,000 feet up in the air. “Help, Lord, please be HIGH with me always!”

Logic said the airport is right in front of me, but I had not played close enough attention to making course corrections along the way. Wind changes in directions and intensity changed my course, but fortunately, only a few degrees. I wasn’t that far off course because, eventually, the airport I was to land at, was in sight. If it had been a longer and further flight, a few degrees could have put me in Timbuktu!

This scenario applies to our lives as well. Proverbs 16:9 says, "A man's heart devises his way, but the Lord directs his steps." In other words, we make plans, but the Lord makes course corrections along the way. Sometimes, we aren’t so thrilled with those course corrections. When Jesus left this Earth, our Father gave us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps us make right decisions. He guides us in right living and right thinking.

Our heavenly Father wants us to succeed. He wants us to live in joy and in peace. He desires for our path to be straight. He wants us to reach our destination. The Holy Spirit is the One who continuously guides us. He softly whispers, "Turn this way. Go that way." He helps us make course corrections.

As we start out on our “solo” ride each day, it’s important that we pay close attention to our journey. The enemy of our souls wants to take us off course. He uses the slyest tactics to maneuver us in the wrong direction. But when we “eagle eye” and listen for the promptings of the Holy Spirit Who cautions us that we’re getting off course, He will help us make the course corrections to get us back on track. Simple course corrections now instead of waiting until our lives are in a mess and things are out of control will certainly save us time AND distance. Quite often a very small course correction will avert and prevent a tragedy.

God is for us. He lovingly desires to help us adjust our direction and get us back on course. May our sensitivity to His leading be fine-tuned so that we stay on the right path. Maybe you haven't been "flying" in a straight line and you can't even see to tomorrow. Stop and listen for His voice. He is speaking. Heed His course corrections and you will reach your destination on time, every time!

On the Road Again -- Back to My Traveling Sacred Space

I headed out for my 4-hour trek from Austin to home in Frisco yesterday afternoon. I'm strategic about my travels. I left in the afternoon, since it was a Sunday and less traffic, but usually, on a week day, I'll leave at 6 am -- early enough to get ahead of Austin morning traffic and being sandwiched between what seems to be an endless number of cars going an average of 10 mph. The same thing when I leave Frisco to go to Austin -- I usually leave at 6 am to get ahead of the Dallas morning traffic.

I’m convinced traffic can bring out the worst in drivers, so much so, that some folks avoid congested highways at all costs. If I did that, I wouldn't ever be driving because that traffic is a part of my life these days. I’m quite conscious of the need to let several car lengths go between my car and the next car, but then comes along a vehicle that squeezes in between me and my well-thought out distance. Honestly, the fact that I’m willing to tackle those congested highways may not impress you, but it sure impresses me. For that matter, maybe God is preparing me for becoming the oldest Nascar driver EVER!

I make the most of these travels. It’s just me in my Buick Enclave “home” for those several hours of driving. I have 240 precious minutes in my car before I arrive at my destination, and instead of getting frustrated by the feeling of my foot constantly hitting the brakes and looking over my shoulder to be sure there isn’t another vehicle in my blind spot, I use this time and my car as a “holy space”. It becomes my little sacred car chapel. I’ve learned I can get so much accomplished when I relish this time instead of suffering through it.

Here are my car chapel options: I can listen to uplifting music and let the words settle inside of my heart. I can praise and pray. I have plenty to praise God for and I have plenty to pray for. I can endeavor to be in the moment and listen for God’s brilliant ideas for my next blog and post. I can listen to inspiring faith and motivation CDs. I can make phone calls and encourage a friend or family member. I can pray for other drivers that are on the road with me. Who knows? They may be encountering overwhelming circumstances in their life and my prayers may help them face another day. Many times in those early morning hours, I can bask in the sun rising and witness, once again, God’s indescribable artistry and appreciate His mercies that are new every morning.

Here's some really good news. Establishing little "heaven on earth" moments can just as easily be done in an office at work, in a kitchen while cooking dinner, in a classroom or gym. I've come to realize that when we're "acknowledging God in ALL our ways (even those on the high-ways), we are relinquishing our ways to submit to His ways that direct our paths, streets and highways. As for me, I’ll keep taking to the road for these sweet travel journeys and I’ll keep singing with Willie Nelson, “On the road again. Just can’t wait to get on the road again.” And I think I’ll keep on having church while I’m there!!

What WAZE You Down? Are You "Direction" Challenged?

For some time my son, Larry, was encouraging me to use the "free" Waze app on my phone. He told me that it was a much better option than any other GPS system or app. I tried using it but still didn't trust it when it would take me off the beaten path to get to my destination. But, in my many travels over the last 10 months, I've become more familiar with it and have found that it is quite trustworthy. Still there's that notion that I don't completely trust him (I have an Englishmen's voice instead of the female voice on my Waze app. What can I say -- I still enjoy hearing a man's voice direct me!") But yesterday morning I headed out for an appointment to an unfamiliar location so I asked Mr. Waze for directions. He gave me exactly opposite of where I needed to go. He wasn't making sense, so I did it my way. Sure enough, my way led to a completely closed road which detoured me back the way Mr. Waze wanted me to go. He knew what was best for me.

Maybe this is somewhat of a promo for Waze because I want my friends to get to their destination with less stress and anxiety. Waze helps do that. This isn't a scheme to get you to buy something, but it is a suggestion to download this app that seems to know everything about the roads and places around us. Here's the way Waze works. People, like you and me, work together toward a common goal to outsmart traffic and get everyone the best and fastest route to where they need to go. It tells us about traffic and it gives us a heads-up about police, accidents, road hazards and traffic jams -- which Waze knows because other drivers are providing the real time information. You can even navigate it to the best priced gas station on your route because the Waze community shares best gas prices. I love that --"people helping people"!

As I navigated my way back around to get get to my appointment, I scolded myself for thinking, once again, "MY way is better". I thought "If only I'd followed his directions, I wouldn't be late for my appointment!" The most sophisticated directional technology in the world is not much help if we won't follow its directions.

And it's the same with listening and following the directions of He Who knows everything about everything and is ALWAYS accurate in His course directions. When we follow God's instructions, and not waver off the path He's laid out for us, or think "my way is better"...then, there will be no anxiety or concern about getting lost -- He'll make sure we'll get to where we need to go, and arrive when we need to get there!!

Once again this scripture that I often post still applies and it merits repeating today. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your OWN understanding; in ALL your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Breaking Out of the Safe Space

Over the years, I knew what breaking out of the comfort zone was because I was married to a risk-taker kind-of-guy. Some risks paid off and some didn’t, but it was the two of us, so it made an "It Takes Two" mindset for stepping out and going for it. We were big thinkers and bet-the-farm risk takers. That was then; this is now. I’ve become much more guarded as a single – not venturing too far outside of my comfort zone in some ways, especially when it comes to protecting my #1 asset…ME! So, when my granddaughter asked me to go roller-blading with her, I didn’t hesitate to say “Once upon a time, I’d take on that risk, but now, I value my body parts way too much to go there!” LOL!

And, I’m certainly not as free as a couple of my single girl friends who belong to a Travel Club where they travel all over the world and stay with folks they’ve never met before and are obliged to those people’s itineraries, meals and sleeping accommodations. But, yesterday, I did break out of my safe space when it came to using Uber. I’ve heard about Uber for some time now because I know many who use their transportation services and I’ve also heard the worth of Uber is in billions of dollars – another one of those genius ideas. Uber is an app-based transportation company that operates in hundreds of cities and over 60 countries. Using the app is easy: just type in your current location, where you want to go, and hit request. From there, Uber uses its app to receive its ride requests, sending them out to drivers who transport customers to their final destination.

For those like me who never tried to use Uber, let me share my experience. Because my kids had a much later flight out from Orlando to Dallas than me, I decided to give Uber a try. Larry gave me a quick tutorial, I downloaded the app, and I commenced to book my 30 minute travel to Orlando Airport at the time I needed it yesterday morning. I was still uncomfortable about this service where random (but pre-qualified) people use their own vehicle to move people about. I booked for 6:20 am which meant the drive had a window of 15 minutes to pick me up (6:20 – 6:35). At 6:10, I started receiving notices on a map that “Philip” in a Hyundai would pick me up in 11 minutes. BTW, I chose the most economical vehicle with an expected end cost of $21 to $28. A taxi ride was estimated at $62+, depending on traffic. The app showed me, virtually, Phillip getting closer to me by the minute. A very kind and considerate “Philip” arrived promptly at 6:31 in his very neat and clean Hyundai. He loaded up my bags and we were on our way. I asked Philip, who is retired, a lot of questions:

Me: “How long have you been working for Uber?”
Philip: “Five weeks. My daughter, who is a teacher, recommended it to me because she knows I like to drive and since it’s been a good add-on income producer to her teacher’s salary, she thought I might enjoy doing it too! Now she’s no longer having to borrow money from me anymore. And once I did several pick-ups, she received a bonus of $100 for referring me.”
Me: “How does it work? How are you paid? Do you just get tips?”
Philip: “No. We receive 75% of the charges; Uber gets 25%. And we get tips that are calculated when a customer books the ride.”
Me: “Is this a car you had or did you buy it just for Uber purposes?”
Philip: “I bought this car just for my Uber use because it gets about 37 mpg, and I had to buy an iPhone for the GPS usage. (He had it on a mount where the riders could see the route he takes.)

Philip was a cautious, safe driver and said he does a 4 am to 10 am shift where he’ll take people to work, to the airport, to doctor appointments, etc. At the end of a trip, he’ll press “Trip End” and the next pick up from Uber will show up. When he picked me up at 6:30 am, I was his 5th passenger that morning.

Me: Have you ever felt unsafe or concerned about anyone you picked up?
Philip: “No, because all passengers’ info is with Uber when they sign up for an Uber ride and they already know the range they will be paying for the ride. You can get an Uber ride by credit or debit card, PayPal or e-card. And the same is true for the drivers. You can feel safe because all our information is with Uber.”

Bottom line, not only did I have a great first experience with Uber, but “first timers” get at least $10 off their fare. So what would have been a $26 ride, was $16. Oh yes, I’ll do this again and perhaps, I just might use it instead of tackling Dallas traffic. By the way, if you’d like to try Uber (I found out when you refer a friend to Uber, you get a free ride and your friend gets a free first ride.) So, I'm referring my friends....here's my invite code -- use it when you want to try out Uber -- you and I will both get free rides. Here's my referral code for your first free ride! https://www.uber.com/invite/donnaw6980ue By the way, I gave Philip a 5-Star rating and I expect he gave me a 5-star rating. That's part of the security of Uber -- you can grade your driver and he can grade you!

So, there you go….and there I go. Saving when I can and enjoying the ride as I go. Once again, this widow, mom and nana has got game! I’m in it to win it – that is – this life…no excuses….no holds barred! Just like at the Disney parks with my family -- I rode every ride – crazy fast, spinning, dropping, push and pull of gravity of the Rockin’ Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Space Mountain and Test Drive…..and even went in for repeats. Like I’ve said before “I’m not giving up until I’m taken up and once I’m up….arrived at my heavenly destination, I’m sure I’ll be yelling at the top of my lungs “Wow!! What a ride!!!”

Maybe your concerns aren’t about an Uber ride, but maybe today, you’re doubting yourself, or even stepping out of your safe space -- on a job interview, speaking up at a meeting, asking that cutie for a date, or some other area that may cause you anxiety. Every time we step out in faith and resist fear, we grow a little stronger, experience more thrills and exhilarating times.

God is looking for believers who are so in love with him—soul, heart and mind—that the risk doesn't scare them—or if it scares them, they go ahead anyway! Regardless of what God is leading you to do, I can promise you it will be bigger than you are, and it will be risky. It will require you to live by faith and not by sight. It will test you and frighten you, but that’s where the blessing is, where the abundant life is. Don’t miss it. If God is for you, who can be against you?

Homeward Bound

Homeward Bound. After a beautiful Sunday brunch with the bride and groom, and the rest of the out-of-towners, we gave all our hugs and best wishes and we were then headed out in the Motorcoach again for our return trip to Frisco.

I just had to post this sweet photo of Braden carrying Ruth across their home's threshold today. It sure made my day. Sweet newlyweds starting their lives together, ever after. They leave on their honeymoon tomorrow.

This has been such a great few days both in this motorcoach and all the excitement that surrounded the wedding.

Now, the homeward journey. Yes, it's a journey that we embrace, not simply a destination. On this Motorcoach, it's easy to say that. Tensions are minimal - - especially since we all have our spots. Payton and Alexia have their bunk areas, all private, curtained with built in TVs. I enjoy the dining area where I can study, play cards. We can take turns going to the back of the coach to the cozy bedroom to take naps or watch a movie. Bless Larry's heart, he drives all the way. Well we'll be stopping for a few hours to rest tonight.

We couldn't just drive back to Frisco directly without a stop for family and adventuring fun at Dunn's Falls with 65 foot waterfalls, a historical site grist mill and fun hiking locations. Another stop was Jackson, Mississippi for Staci's Sunday Night Live Facebook feed. The kids enjoyed walks around the Capitol Buildings. We'll get back to Frisco in the morning and we'll close the chapter on Braden and Ruth's wedding weekend and the adventures that went along with it.

We have a choice in life -- to live in the fast lane where we get to our destination in lickety-split time or we can embrace the journey along the way. I love, love, love embracing and really experiencing the journey.

I loved it when we got back from the falls, and to the motor coach and Alexia turned the coach into a facial and makeup salon for her mom. Oh the joys this family brings me. What a blessing to be in this sweet season of life. Smelling the roses along the way sure makes for sweet aromas of thanksgiving and gratitude that blesses this heart of mine.

It's ALL About the Journey and Getting to our Destination

Day 164 of Photo Inspirations -- It's All About the Journey AND Getting to our Destination
Whoever said "It's not about the destination -- it's about the journey" wasn't running a 26.2 mile marathon or on a 12-hour road trip, with 6 of us AND stuff crammed into a vehicle.LOL!   Yesterday, my Texas kids and I (all 6 of us) had a 12-hour "journey" (road trip) to Minneapolis for Payton's  NCFCA Speech & Debate Nationals Tournament.  We played card games, Scrabble, sang, used our technology for entertainment AND worked (in Staci's case), snacked, and stopped for yet another one of us needing a pit stop. With all that entertainment, still there were moments of sibling disagreements.  "Mom, please make her stop singing!"  "Mom, he won't move over."  "Mom, I want to watch that DVD!"  "Mom, she won't stop putting her feet on me!"  Hilarious!  For them, it WAS about the destination!

I have to smile as it brought back so many vivid memories of our own family road trips -- the only difference was, we never could use "I'll take away your technology if you all don't settle down"!  Aw.....technology -- sweet time consumer and a means for harmony and peace.  I often wonder "How did we manage raising our kids without it?"  LOL!   In our case, all my kids' daddy had to do was pull the car to a screeching halt on the side of the road....and peace and harmony resumed.  For us then, as now, it was about the destination.

We made it here to Northwestern University, got all settled in our dorm rooms.  Yes, three of us are in one dorm room and the other three are in the other.  These dorm rooms are unlike ones of the past.  These have kitchenettes AND bathrooms in them, furnished with nice beds, desks and chests and lots of closet space.   Payton and Alexia are getting to experience what it will be like to "live on campus" one day, and we are enjoying 'remembering' campus life.  The journey for us was sweet....but the destination of graduating and moving on in life was what it was about for us -- THE DESTINATION!

We made it here -- our destination.    The closer we got, the more excited Payton became.  He practiced and worked hard to be here, and he prayed and believed for it.  I loved reading HIS Instagram post yesterday:

"On my way with the family driving to Minnesota for the NCFCA Speech and Debate Nationals Tournament! (A long 12 hours!!!) I can't thank God enough for all the guidance He has given me! I know I couldn't have made it this far without Him! He sure is a great God! Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you declare the Lord; plans to prosper you and not to harm you plans to give you a hope and future"!

THAT'S it!!!  Yes, God does have awesome plans for our todays.  He wants us to have a blessed journey.   Getting to Minneapolis -- our destination -- is sweet.  But getting to HEAVEN to be with our Lord and our loved ones will be AWESOME!  So we'll continue to enjoy the journey ......with ALWAYS keeping in mind that the ultimate and FINAL DESTINATION will be with Him and being HOME SWEET HOME!

Go Ahead....Make My Day!

Day 32 of Photo Inspirations -- "Go ahead....make my day!"
Remember that line by Clint Eastwood's character in "Sudden Impact" -- when the robber was about to harm the lady and Clint pointed his revolver at the robber and said those famous words?  Well, I like to think that WE can make someone's day in a more kinder, thoughtful way!

I was driving back home from Dallas, and often I am completely fixed on getting home as soon as possible, and I only stop when I have to.  I did need to stop and my next opportunity was the Oklahoma Welcome Center.  I've never stopped there before, but when I was getting out of my car -- I recognized the attention to details about this Center. 

First of all, the Choctaw Nation was a big focus.  I didn't realize that the name "Oklahoma" is a Choctaw phrase that means "red people". Today, 39 Native American tribes have their headquarters in Oklahoma.   On this property, it paid tribute to the Choctaw Indian Nation.  

Outside there were two thatched roof structures -- describing what their homes and brush arbors (churches) -- the places to cool from the summer heat once looked like. 

I saw the flags of  the U.S., of Oklahoma and the Choctaw Indian Nation. 

I saw the Oklahoma State Seal on the grounds and the Choctaw Indian Seal in the Center.

 When I went into the Center, this sweet woman dressed in the Choctaw apparel, shouted out with a cheery voice "Hello and Welcome".  I right away went to her and I asked  "What makes you want to be here, and being so cheery?  Are you a Choctaw Indian?"  She (Charlotte) said, "No, I'm not a Choctaw Indian.  I'm retired and I need the income.  And I love to do this and welcome people to Oklahoma.  And, besides that, I'm a cancer survivor.  I took my last chemo treatment in November of 2014.  And I just want to celebrate everyday."  I told her how much she encouraged me and that she would be my photo inspiration for today.  She went on to say that her son had passed away last year and that it's been very hard for her, his wife and kids.  That was my queue to give her words of hope and life.  I told her "God has a purpose and plan for everything that happens in your life, as well as your son's wife and kids, and if we pray for it, God will cause those kids to be strong and resilient.  God loves them and their mother and you so much."   When I was about to tell her good-bye, she said, "You made my day!"  Actually, Charlotte made MY day.

How many times do we keep her eyes on what's best for us, getting to our destinations and our plans without considering that there may be something for us to learn if we slow down, and there might be someone that needs a kind word along our pathway?  Just maybe, we have been chosen by God to be an answer to their prayers.  Let's determine to make someone's day....everyday!

Happiness is in the Journey -- Not the Destination

“Are we there yet?” We don't hear those words so often today from our kids because they're entertained by their iPads and DVDs in the cars. But, I well remember, as a kid, when my family took the long road trips to West Virginia where my big sister and her family lived, saying those words quite often. I'm "dating" myself, but back in those days -- there was no air conditioning in cars. Whew! It was hot, and all I could think about is getting to our destination where my nieces (the same age as me) awaited me and I'd say repeatedly, "Are we almost there yet?" The beautiful scenery and historical landmarks through Tennessee and Kentucky didn't matter to me on this JOURNEY -- I just wanted the DESTINATION.

Many times, as adults, we, too, get more focused on our destination than being in the moment and enjoying the journey – stopping to take in the scenery, to smell the roses, to recognize an old friend in the crowd, to brighten the day of someone who needs a hug or encouraging word. And, often, in the “journey”, with its twists and turns and bends in the roads is where we are shaped and equipped for what’s waiting for us at our destination. Let’s slow down, just a little bit, today…let’s look around and notice this beautiful world and the beautiful people that are a part of this journey with us! It’s time for us to find true HAPPINESS in the joys and blessings of the journey!

God May Be Allowing the Rains to Come

Two weeks ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to Texas in torrential rain. When I finally arrived at my destination, I found myself incredibly dizzy and my equilibrium was completely off. Clearly, I could have been mistaken by others, as having had "too much to drink". We determined that my focus to stay on the road while avoiding the flooded areas and staring at the windshield wipers and the rain, was probably what made me so loopy and wobbly.

Yesterday, there was another downpour as I started home from Dallas. Up ahead I saw flashing lights and several emergency vehicles. A small car had crashed into a huge truck. Clearly, the driver had been distracted and not focused on what rain does to dry roads. That put me on high alert as I drove home – all the way in torrential rain again. I put more space between the cars ahead of me in case I had to come to a quick stop. I was observant to everything around me because of the elements that were against me. No temptation at all to “text and drive” or be on the phone. I couldn’t be in an "auto pilot" mode. I had to be alert and conscious of my behavior and actions in every way.

I’m thinking that God must use the rain (in the natural and in life) to get our attention. Oftentimes, we go through the rain storms and we wonder if we'll get to our destination on time. Bottom line -- it's okay if we're not on time. What's important is that we get there....period.

Today, whether it’s a sunny day or rainy day -- let's keep our eyes on what's around us. There may be reasons why God is allowing the rains to come. During the stormy seasons of life, and all too often as a last resort, we are drawn to God – those times when we feel powerless, out of control, and circumstances are torrential. We recognize Him as that “safe place”. As I drove in the rain, I was calling upon Him. I was acknowledging Him. I was more attentive to him. Maybe he allows the rains so that we'll draw closer to Him.

Isn’t that like us? Though we don't like to see our children suffer, sometimes having them cuddle up to us for reassurance and peace, just feels good. Should we think that our Father is care-less about His kids? I don't think so. I believe He could be strategic in allowing some things....that He knows draws us closer to Him. “ Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8.

MY Way on the Highway?

Remember the folded up maps we once used when we headed out for road trips? I loved being the navigator! Those maps, and I, most certainly kept us right on course to get to our destination faster. And, that was important, because we didn't do a lot of dilly dallying when it came to road trips.

But it's a new era! "Personal Navigation Systems" are found in vehicles and smartphones all over the world. The first PNAs were hand-held units used by the U.S. military. Today that technology is supported by 24 satellites orbiting the earth, with three available at any one time for our device to use. WOW! There's just no reason why we should EVER get lost if we followed the voice of Miss GPS. Even still, I'll hear her, and think "MY way is better", and before long she's saying "Make a legal U-turn!" And, I think, "If only I'd followed her directions!" The most sophisticated directional technology in the world is not much help if we won't follow its directions.

And it's the same with listening and following the directions of He Who knows everything about everything and is ALWAYS accurate in His course directions. When we follow God's instructions, and not waver off the path He's laid out for us, or think "my way is better"...then, there will be no anxiety or concern about getting lost -- He'll make sure we'll get to where we need to go, and arrive when we need to get there!!

I posted this scripture yesterday, but it merits repeating today. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your OWN understanding; in ALL your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Lent Means Course Correction

What you may not know about me is that I’m a Private Pilot. So I have a little extra help with the notion of “I believe I can fly”. We had a single engine Cessna 182 – a sweet ride. We logged many hours flying across this great country. Though I haven’t flown in a while, I remember some crucially important things that ensured landing where, and when, we intended. Wind speed and wind direction requires course corrections throughout the flight. A strong wind can certainly take you off course. Constant “tweaking” is necessary. All it takes is to be off just a few degrees and you can end up in Timbuktu, instead of the intended destination.

And isn’t that true in our own lives? Our emotions, our bodies, and our spirits may get off course by “negative winds” that we’ve let come in. They may have come in by the company we keep, the food choices we’ve made, some unhealthy habits, some compromising of our ethics and integrity, or literally missing the mark. Perhaps, it’s time for tweaking and correcting our course. The winds can certainly slow us down, and take us completely off course -- not to mention keep us from receiving the blessings that could have been ours if we were on track. Tomorrow, the Lenten season begins -- the 40 days that precedes the passion of Christ and Easter -- the time we deliberately focus our attention on getting it right – getting our hearts right. It’s the perfect time to make course corrections – where we make the adjustments necessary to be fully devoted followers of Christ. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. I promise you….this is the stuff that helps us fly higher than we’ve EVER flown before.