Thoughts and Questions!

I wanted to post for myself our travels for the last month....we started out in Springfield, Oregon....drove to Grants Pass where we encountered our first rain. Spent the next night in Turlock, California then on to Hanford, California...then to Bull Head City, Arizona...on to Sun City West. Left Arizona and found our way to Gerome, New Mexico and then to Sedona, traveled North and found ourselves in the Pan Handle of Oklahoma spending the night before traveling towards Ponca City...where our motorcycle had to be repaired at Performance Plus, on to Miami, Oklahoma and into Joplin, Missouri...then to Salina, Kansas...then to North Platt, Nebraska, on to Pine Bluffs, Wyoming for a trip down memory lane...spent the night in Laramie, Wyoming and rode to Lander, Wyoming the next day, found ourselves passing through the Tetons on our way to Yellowstone where we spent two days and took a wonderful bus tour seeing lots of wildlife...out the West Gate into Montana and then into Idaho Falls, Idaho....planning on spending tonight in Nampa, Idaho and riding back into home turf tomorrow....spending two days riding home probably through Bend, Or. It has been a wonderful trip....we ran out of gas three times, always within sight of a gas station...twice we coasted to the pump itself, one time we had to push up hill about 1/2 mile. Sometimes exercise is good for you...this was not one of those times...dressed in full leathers in about 40 mph wind....it was an experience and we survived with a good story to tell. Life is really all about how we handle various circumstances that are introduced into our routines...take care my faithful readers to make sure you please God in your reactions to life's situations. Have we really been gone 28 days...I think so, but I am not ready for it to end. Seeing the grandkids will be awesome and I am anxious to see the girls face to face...cell phones are amazing for staying in touch. Thanks for praying for our safety...keep up the good work...Popa has done well. God has been faithful and Popa's health has allowed him to enjoy the "ride".

Finally able to convey my thoughts!

We stayed inside Yellowstone National Park for three days without wi-fi or television; it was pretty isolated. We felt totally cut off from all we find familiar. It is so comforting to know that we are never cut off from God. HE has promised to never leave us or forsake us. I had some thoughts as we were riding out the West Yellowstone Park Entrance today. First off, several days ago in my blog, I made a reference to seeing a jack-a-lope, I expected to get several comments on the non-existence of such a creature, but alas my readers seem to take me at my word. Today, as I was conversing with God I realized that often we take the word of others as gospel, when the important factor is to know the word of God for ourselves. It is so nice to glean from the revelation of scripture when others share, but it imperative that we know the basis of the revelation for ourselves. Now, back to the jack-a-lope, what I saw was a rabbit with feet as big as his body bounding through the open range, locals call them jack-a-lopes. When in Rome,doing as the Romans, could get us into trouble. On the flip side, it was affirming to have you my readers take me at my word. Yesterday, we rode a tour bus around Yellowstone for nine hours. Our guide was touted to be the most knowledgeable guide in Yellowstone (he has headed up the guide department for eleven years). It was truly delightful to have someone who knew their way around the park tell us everything we wanted to know. I cannot help but parallel this with the spiritual events we all traverse everyday...our guide, the Holy Spirit, knows all things and will lead us into all truth. Jesus said, if I go, I will send another. HE is not only our guide but also our comforter. There is such great confidence in embracing the personage of the HOLY SPIRIT. I had another thought today as we were traveling down the road, but I have forgotten it momentarily....uh yeah, it's back. We saw countless wildlife yesterday; Bison, bulls, cows, and babies; antelope, mule deer, coyotes, and yes, a grizzly bear, I have a picture to prove it. The vastness of God's creation is a marvel. I was struck once again by the creative power of our Heavenly Father! God is a never ending mystery...we learn of HIM, about HIM, and about HIS creative work; yet there is no end to the vastness of WHO HE IS! May you feel compelled to know HIM more and more. The last thing we saw on our guided tour was Old Faithful, people stayed around to witness hot water spray up into the air over 100 feet. I am comforted to know that I am personally acquainted with the genuine OLD Faithful, HE is often call the Ancient of Days and to HIS Kingdom there shall be no end, HE is from everlasting to everlasting, HE is the Alpha and the Omega, and in HIM there is no shadow of turning....HIS creation was a delight to see but it does not compare to personally communing with the CREATOR! In HIS service, Nona

I am still capable of thoughts!

Today is the May 24th, four days since my last blog. We have been outrunning stormy weather once again. On Monday we left Miami, OK around 5:30 p.m. because of the threat of rain...we traveled to Salina,KS....it was one of the best rides of the whole trip....fair weather, no wind and we found a wonderful hotel and good espresso the following morning...the next day we found ourselves riding through very fierce wind and finally arriving in North Platt, Nebraska in a good hotel with a "tornado watch" interupting the TV station at about 10 minute intervals...the tornado finally touched down about 80 miles from us in Ord....then we left Nebrasks and found our way through more wind than I can adequately describe in route to Laramie, Wyoming....we stopped in Pine Bluffs and found the church my Dad pastored when I was in 4th grade, the old brick school I went to was torn down a few years back. Eleanor Johnson, my teacher, taught for many years after we moved away from Pine Bluffs. The people were very friendly and informative; then on to Cheyenne where we spent three hours in a Harley Davidson Shop buying a communication system...the hotel in Laramie was the best yet...we left Laramie this morning after stopping at the Harley Shop (owned by the same people as the Cheyenne store) to return the communication system which failed to work. We are back to yelling at each other over the wind. Through wind and thunder storm we found our way to Lander, Wyoming where we had a great dinner prepared at the Oxbow Restaurant. One small event today...we ran out of gas and had to push the bike about 1 mile to a gas station....it is a long ways between stations in Wyoming. We bought a little orange gas can that will hold 1 and 1/2 gallons of gasoline...better than pushing a loaded bike I can assure you. Our daughter friend says we are too old and too tired not to enjoy life...so we decided to protect our hearts from over exertion. As we have spent the last four days in what I would describe as arduous travel...I have reflected on the knowledge that God does not want our spiritual journey to be hard and laborious....HE says HIS yoke is easy and HIS burden is light. An easy yoke is a yoke that does not gall or rub a blister on us. HIS burden is light...it is not cumbersome or heavy, not a chore to bear. I would like to have those easy light characteristics spill over into our natural travel for the next several days...we are heading for Yellowstone tomorrow where we will be staying in Grant Village with a booked Circle of Fire tour on Saturday. It is a 9 hour bus tour around Yellowstone and takes in Old Faithful...we are currently traveling in weather that is about 50 in the daytime and down into the 30's at night, can I say I am glad I left the liner in my leather jacket and brought my long underwear. We had a delay today that left us thanking God for HIS protection even in things we do not understand. Follow Christ with all your heart and enjoy the journey with the perfect partner...ONE who promises the load will be light and the harness of the spirit will be comfortable. Jesus is still the sweetest name I know. More in a few days!

What are my thoughts?

Today is another beautiful Sunday; a day to rejoice and bless the Lord. We made a three hundred mile round trip yesterday to pick up our motorcycle in Ponca City, OK. It was a reminder of God's grace and mercy in our lives once again. The shop where we took the bike for repair has a very good reputation and the people were fair and honest. It is sobering to realize that God actually kept the wheel assembly together until we pulled onto their property. So now, we have two new tires, a new bearing in the rear wheel, and new spokes...the next 3500 miles should be a breeze. We are mailing some of our belongings home tomorrow, just to lighten the load a bit. We have realized that weight is a big factor in cross country travel on a motorcycle. We are going to church this morning in Joplin, Missouri, looking forward to praising our Savior together with friends. Good friends are a wonderful part of our lives. It is like 15 years have not passed since we saw them last...we have laughed and cried together, talked about the Lord together, and shared stories of children and grandchildren. We promise ourselves that another 15 years will not pass before we visit with each other again. God is up to something that will build HIS kingdom in this visit and we recognize HIS hand in all of this. Continue to pray for us as we start west...Go West, young man would be such a delightful command. It is the young we are the most interested in....our low backs were very tired yesterday when we arrived back to one of the Most Comfortable beds we have ever slept in. (Lady Americana is the brand of bed) Most of you will not care about that last tidbit of information, but knowing I am a "sometimer" I have included it in the blog so I can find the bed when we get home again. I am glad God is never forgetful of who or what I am...HE KNOWS MY NAME and WHERE I AM! Thanks, God for keeping track of me...Your love constrains me to respond in obedience. More later...today is the birthday of the woman who brought my wonderful husband into the world...Happy Birthday, Mom!

Quick thoughts

Psalms 62:11 makes a reference to the "power of God". we have spent 3 days experiencing the wind of this earth in a way that has been challenging. I know wind is a powerful force that can produce positive energy and thus have been contemplating whether I have actually perceived the "WIND of the SPIRIT" adequately...let me just admit....I think I have underestimated the "wind of the Holy Spirit". At times the wind has almost blown us off the road and our necks are sore from the strain of holding our heads up straight as we prepared for the next truck to pass us. The scenery has been beautiful and the glimpses of animals a delightful surprise. We have seen jack-a-lopes and very large rabbits hopping along the roadside. Very little traffic and lots of friendly people. I have had to acknowledge that God's wind has been blowing in and across our lives....we are having to buy a rear tire today, after 3,000 miles on the road we have cord showing and are delighted to have been spared a blow-out. It is 20 miles to the motorcycle shop! Continue to pray for our safety. We are having a great time and will meet up with our old friends later today. A few days of rest will do us good. Challenging messages on our home phone cause us to continue to trust God even miles away from those who present challenges to our peace. Life is fleeting....I have lots of time to consider the word of God on this subject and to ponder my contribution to the Kingdom of our God. Make sure you are depositing into the eternal realm on a regular basis. Only what we do for Christ will last! Blessings on you all...make you know the "wind of the Spirit" in a new dynamic way today.

Thoughts of wondering where tomorrow will take us!

It is amazing to travel through this country we call America and see the various landscapes displayed in splendor. The deserts are varied and many, the rivers wide and narrow, the mountains massive and lofty, and the vegetation varied and beautiful. I am in awe of my God and HIS creative work. As it unfolds before me I cannot help but think of HIS never ending wonders in the earth and wonder at the vastness of what Heaven will be. Eternity with HIM in a place HE has prepared for us will be more than we can currently imagine. Thank You God for the packaging of this earth and the life that allows me to discover your treasures. Look up and see the handiwork of our creator.

Personal note: we are moving across New Mexico. It rained on us for 3 minutes today and we dried out in 1 minute. So much for "flash rain". Today was a good day, we were treated by total strangers to free Starbucks. People really are very hospitable and friendly. It is so good to finally have a hotel with wi-fi. I read all my daughter's blogs and now must get some sleep if we are going to make tomorrow another travel day. Oklahoma here we come!

Hot Thoughts!

It is very warm where we are now. I actually am enjoying the heat; it won't last long. It is difficult to find an area where my computer can pick up a wireless connection. I am currently sitting outside in 99 degree weather with a very low signal. Walking around the house I found a place on the front porch that will let me hook up to an unsecured link. It is interesting to me to realize how dependent upon this little notebook I have become. Feeling cut off from the world when I cannot blog. Our eldest daughter and her children will be here tomorrow for a visit. The children will meet their great grandparents for the first time. God is always filling our lives with little delights...may we each find contentment where ever we are. In seasons of abundance or abasement, may we like Paul count it all joy to serve Christ. Hopefully, this spot will work tomorrow and I can blog early in the morning. My goal tomorrow is to beat the heat. Later! Nona in Arizona

Thoughts to ponder!

I was reading Colossians today and was struck once again by the importance of knowing what the cross of Christ purchased for us. Exhortation to "reign with HIM" in the here and now leaped off the pages and into my spirit. So many of us think that we will not reign until we get to heaven but the benefits of the cross begin immediately, there is no probationary period. I had to repent as my life of late has not reflected that of a kingdom dweller who knows how to rule and reign with her elder brother, Jesus Christ, in Father God's eternal Kingdom. I trust the Holy Spirit will breathe life upon this revelation for each one of you personally.

Personal note: It is finally hot where we are and getting hotter everyday. I am looking forward to our trek into new territory this next week. We will spend a few days in Phoenix and then on to New Mexico. Popa's new glasses arrived! Yeah!

God really does not need our help!

David was incited by the devil to number the men of Israel. It was David's pride that caused him to want to know how great "his" kingdom had become. Joab certainly did not think it was a good idea but he obeyed the King. God was greatly angered by David's actions and HE offers David three possibilities for judgement. David chooses that the Hand of the Lord be raised against the children of Israel for three days. God looks down on the suffering of His people and stays HIS original plan of punishment. HIS mercy triumphs! The prayers of David are heard and he begins to make preparation for his son, Solomon, to build the temple. David purchases property for the building site and he passes onto Solomon the promise of God that God will be in covenant with their lineage forever. David then begins to exhort the leaders of Israel to devote their heart and soul to seeking the Lord so that a place would be estblished for the ark of the covenant. I was greatly impacted by the revelation, God knows how many are with us and how many are against us. Being puffed up in our own pride brings suffering. God alone is the only righteous judge and HIS mercies never come to an end. My prayer for today is that I do not allow myself to be incited by the devil. To declare God's goodness even in the midst of judgement, that I exhort myself on a daily basis to make/build a place for the presence of God to dwell and that I pass onto my lineage the covenant promise of God. Provoke me to good works Oh Lord Most High!

Personal note: still in Arizona, going to a mining town today, celebrating an auntie's birthday, and promised sunshine and heat.YEAH!!!!!! Missing my grandchildren! I talked to the little dumplings yesterday, music to my ears. Love is so wonderfully expressed in the heart of a child.

Hot Manna Thoughts

Acts chapter 2 is full of life! As I read it this morning I was struck by several tidbits....I asked myself this question - What does it mean when the Holy Ghost falls upon mankind? From my study of this passage I believe it means there is a fresh empowerment with tangible mannifestations following. That is signs, wonders, and miracles taking place that we can see with our natural eye. The passage quotes from the book of Joel that men and women will prophesy, that there will be wonders in the heaven...wonders is always deduced by mankind to be positive signs, but what if it actually meant something like a tornado? (just food for thought) Then it says there will be signs on the earth...Lord, help me to be so tuned into you that I recognize the signs. Then the writer uses the words of David to exhort us to call up on the name of the Lord and to be saved...this is more than salvation, I believe it is God's eternal victory in every situation. David says...the Lord is always before us....HE is at our right hand and we will not be shaken, our hearts will be glad and our tongues will rejoice, my body (this fleshly body) will live in hope. It says that HE (the Lord) makes known to us the paths of life, the paths of life are the ways that will bring fulfillment to us....then it states so matter of factly that in HIS presence we are filled with joy. We are presented with choices everyday.
Today I choose to prophesy the goodness and the favor of God into my own life and the life of my family. I am laying hold of a new empowerment to do the signs of God upon the earth that I possess. Father God, let your power be made mannifest as I make myself available to you. Teach me to recognize the wonders in the heaven and the signs on the earth...give me your eternal wisdom. I will daily call upon your name, I walk in new found confidence today that you are always before me and at my right hand...I purpose today to find you present in my life...I will not be shaken, my heart chooses to be glad, I will use my tongue to rejoice in your goodnesss, my physical body will live in hope, you will make known to me your paths of righteousnes and I will pursue your presence so that I might be filled with joy.
On a personal note...we are in Bull Head City, Az, on a real vacation. Being refreshed in body, soul, and spirit. It is still not hot enough for me, but it is in the near future. Looking forward to following the Lord into HIS richness and grace. Blessings!

Thoughts on the Lord's Day!

Today is not really the original day that God called the sabbath. Today is, however a day set aside to rest from the everyday toil of life. It is also a day that the Lord has made and we have the awesome privilege to rejoice and be glad in it. We worship on Sundays and try to rest on Sunday giving one day in seven back to the Lord. I personally love Sundays, I love the church of Jesus Christ, I love the people that make up HIS bride, and most of all I love the presence of God. Popa and I traveled through a lot of wind yesterday...in fact almost every mile was windy. It was difficult at some points to keep the motorcycle pointing straight ahead....I wish the wind of the Holy Spirit would blow that strong in my life. I received an email from a friend this morning and she was talking about being righteous, God has been talking to me about righteousness and what it really means. God is looking for people who will live "right" before HIM in all of their ways. God heard Job's prayers for his three friends because he was righteous man. Take heart faithful people, God wants to blow across our lives with the wind of HIS Spirit, to release a new level of faith as we walk righteously and to help us enter into a sabbath rest.

2nd Blog of Thoughts in the month of May!

My husband and I are on a motorcycle trip down through California, into Nevada and Arizona and then on to New Mexico and Oklahoma, up through Kansas and Montana, into Idaho and then back to our home in beautiful Oregon. It is an adventure everyday. WE outran the rain as we left Oregon, experienced powerful winds in Northern California. Visited with a niece who recently adopted twin boys from Viet Nam! The provision of God is amazing. The boys are adorable and sweet and bring such delight to an entire family, fulfilling a mother's heart for offspring. Tomorrow we set out for Nevada and hopefully some hot weather....I would like to dry out these Oregon bones for a little while. We will be in church on Sunday in Bull Head City, Az. It is an amazing church with people who are in love with Jesus. Then we will be on our way to see my father-on-law for a few days. I am looking forward to doing some mining in New Mexico and to seeing some old friends in Oklahoma. I will blog when I can. Take care and I will catch you up to date on our journey as I can.

Thoughts away from home!

I read a short devotional yesterday morning out of Psalms and was challenged to believe that God really does want to direct my life. HE wants me to follow HIM! Seems simple enough doesn't it? Well, after many years of being a Christ follower it is still a challenge. As humans we are really good at the directors role, but the command is "Come follow ME!" Lord, help me to follow. I am always impressed by obedient children, Heavenly Father, help me to submit to YOUR ways and to love obedience. Your word declares that obedience is better than sacrifice. I want to obey. Ultimately, I believe God is really impressed only by our obedience to HIS will. May each of you find yourself with a willing heart to obey the Master! Peace and grace to you all.