Its Dega Baby (part four)

Sunday morning we were up fairly early. My son had a plan for breakfast. We were going to Buc-ee’s. Back in the car, out of the campground that was still quiet, and off onto the interstate. The trip didn’t take too long and soon we fund ourselves pulling into the parking area. He said he would fill up the gas tank as we got ready to leave.

 This place is amazing considering its a gas station…on steroids. I’m fairly sure you can find just about anything in there. Food, drinks, clothing, souvenirs, toys all waiting to be chosen. James got our food, some snacks, and a couple not quite energy drinks for him. He also purchased a shirt for me. After filling up the car we were headed back to the campground.

Once there we made our way carefully, to the unofficial souvenir tents. Talladega was much colder than I had planned on it being. I had not brought anything warm. My son purchased a hoodie for me and a hoodie and shirt for him. I purchased a shirt for myself. James looked at me funny but I told him I could afford that since he had purchased the hoodie and everything else up to then. We spoke briefly with the folks that own and run a food truck, sweet people and oh so good food. Then we headed back toward the camper.

 Remember how I said it had rained heavily the night before? Everywhere we walked, we walked carefully. The grass was soaked and the roads were mud. I made a comment on how I knew some Jeep owners who would be loving those roads. My son commented that he didn’t see that happening. As we walked and as I was watching where I was putting my feet I stopped suddenly. Pointing to the ground I asked my son, “Is that real?” There on the ground, soaked and covered in mud was  twenty dollar bill. Yes, I did pick it up and put it in my pocket. When we were one row of campers away from where we parked we watched a used to be white pick up truck challenging the mud hill. They made it, but it wasn’t easy. My son looked at me and admitted, “You called it”. Once at the camper we hung around until time to go to the track.

 When we headed out we had approximated a quarter to half mile of campground to cover, then cross the highway and another half mile or so to our seats. That track is huge. Our seats were lower for this race. I didn’t count but we were maybe eight rows or so up from the track. Higher is better but these were fine. The race was good, there were many lead changes. My son’s favorite lead for a lot of laps. My favorite lead some as well. There was one crash were the driver ended up being taken to the hospital with a severe back injury. The last lap, coming out of the final corner all heck broke loose. Cars spun, cars slip on their side, cars were on top of cars. My son’s favorite spun out but mine came across third. So there is that.

 Walking back we ended up at one point waiting off to one side allowing a group of guys move on ahead of us. Their shouting was loud and they seemed to be on a mission of some sort. We made it across the highway and maybe three quarters of the way across the campground when off to our right was a family and their dog. My son nudged me and said, “go ahead” he knows me and dogs. I looked at him and told him I was too tired to worry about a dog. All that walking was wearing me out. Not to mention the excitement of the race. As we walked on suddenly someone pulled up on a golf cart asking if we needed a ride. She would not take no for an answer so tired me and James got a ride back to the camper. Then our hero was off on her mission to save another tired camper from their long walk. As we entered the camper my son only half joking said that I was being taken care of, first finding that money and then a ride.

 We had thought that after the traffic of thousands of people leaving the track dissipated we would go out in search of food. I had been munching on trail mix, and there was that partial plate of left overs from the Cracker Barrel. This is what my son ended up finishing off as I wasn’t hungry. I removed my contacts and called it a night. The night before there had been partying even in the rain. The alarm in the truck next to us had gone off a couple times. The vehicles traveling the interstate thought it funny to make as much noise as possible. I was tired. While I dreaded the long drive, I was ready to head for home.

At one point, I had resigned myself to thinking I would never be a mother. God waited until the perfect time to give me James. He is an amazing son, not perfect, but part of his actions is an attempt to get me to do more on my own. If I try and can’t then he will step in and do what ever needs to be done. With the exception of one shirt, he paid for everything.

More importantly, God knows our needs. I bought one shirt because I had thought Alabama would be warmer. It probably would have been if that cold front hadn’t passed through. There was the concern that the race would be rained out and then ran on Monday. Instead the sky cleared and the day was amazing. It was cool, but mostly sunny and the race was run as scheduled.

 When I had spent most of the money I had with me, I was given the twenty. When I was tired, a ride appeared. God knows our needs and He will provide in His time and wisdom. He may send someone to help. Which is why I try to live by the thought, if I can help, then do so, because God may be using me to answer the prayers of another.

Its Dega Baby (part 3)

The traffic for the Xfinity race usually isn’t as bad as the cup race. This was the case Saturday night. It did not take long before we were out and about seeking an evening meal. Thankfully my son has a great memory and kind heart. After traveling up this road and down another, a few turns and soon we found ourselves at Cracker Barrel. It appeared fairly busy but we were still taken to a table immediately. Settling in with menus we made our choices and waited. A server came by and took our drink orders. Moments later the server for our table appeared. We explained that our drink order had been taken but we were ready to order.

While we waited the restaurant filled quickly. Turns out our server had already been there since eight that morning and it was nearing seven at night. Even after all that she was still very sweet and efficient. The food was good and hot and plentiful. We took a lot of mine back to the camper for later. As we finished eating my son said we’d better head back as a storm was approaching. As we left the restaurant we found that it was already raining.

 The trip back was not anywhere as easy as the trip out. With rain, wind, super bright headlights glaring in our eyes seeing clearly was a challenge. I give thanks to God that I was able to help make sure my son did not miss any roads he was looking for in that mess.

 Finally, safely back at the camper we tucked ourselves in safely. Outside across the campground, in the rain and storm, people still partied. Campfires burned, port-a-potties were ignored, and drink flowed like rivers. But we were inside out of the goings on outside. We did notice that vehicles from the fire department and local police had begun patrolling the roads, possibly requesting campers to call it a night.

 It rained all night. It wasn’t a severe storm, bringing all the effects that severe storms come with. But I knew what we were going to be facing come morning. Muddy roads, wet grass and enough flattened beer cans to overwhelm a recycling center. Inside though we were safe, well and dry…in all its forms.

I think that, sometimes when we travel, we face things that make that journey difficult. With my son trying to drive it was all the various things combined to make seeing difficult. In life though we may face struggles and difficulties that appear to make succeeding in our quest impossible. We may face illness, ours or family or friends, physical or mental, financial difficulties, social struggles..the list goes on into infinity. Yet, we try to find the strength to battle on against what seems intent on preventing our success. Possibly wondering if the struggle is worth the battle. Possibly feeling as if there is no way we can win. Possibly feeling alone, abandoned, forgotten in the fight. The important thing to remember, that as children of God, we are never forgotten, never abandoned, never truly alone. If we look, if we listen, if we pay attention, there are always signs that He is with us. He may not take us out of the storm, but give us strength to pass through. He may not take away our pain, but will give us the comfort to endure. I have found this true in my life, it is my hope that others will realize the same.

Its Dega Baby (part two)

My alarm went off at 4:30 Saturday morning. As has become usual again my sleep was hit or miss and I had just fallen into a good sleep when the alarm sounded. Dragging myself from my comfortable bed I began preparing for what was going to be a long drive. From here in North Carolina to the Talladega Speedway in Alabama is around six hours give or take depending on what we may meet on the highway.

 I had made sure that all the food for the dogs and cats was prepared and set out so that my great nephew only had to come in, select and feed. My son pulled the camper out into the driveway and I helped him get the water tank filled. Turning off the water, we then managed to get Molly into the kennel and Bella outside. Let the barking begin. Double checking we had everything, doing a quick pre-trip for lights and tires, I took my place in the car. James attached the extended mirror and started the car. At moments before six in the morning, we pulled out of the driveway. We were Dega bound. Almost. We did stop at a local gas station so James could get an energy drink and me a green tea. Then, we were Dega bound.

 At that early hour we managed to get on our way with little problem. Most of the traffic was headed in the opposite direction. We drive steadily without problem until somewhere in South Carolina where James stopped to fuel up at a truck stop and get us something to eat. It was some sort of breakfast wrap which was actually pretty good. At some point after crossing into Georgia and out in the middle of nowhereville, we passed a deceased critter on the side of the road. I told James it was an armadillo while he argued with me that it was a possum as armadillo were not in Georgia. Yes, yes they are. AS we drove he suddenly slowed and began not quite shouting for something to get out of the road. A very large, slow moving until he saw the car, ground hog. Not a quarter of a mile on a large, black squirrel pulled the same stunt. At some point before Alabama he fueled up one more time. Dragging that camper was murder on fuel mileage.

 When we arrived at the camp ground and got his sticker of permission we began looking for a good spot to park. It was obvious it had been raining as the roads through the campground were mud. Making his way carefully we moved to the very back of the campground, hopefully to a bit quieter and out of the main party crowd spot. The bad thing was that the interstate ran just across the way.

 Parking and securing everything we headed for the unofficial souvenir tents. Mainly because of the hotdog stand ran by a lady that my son has seen often enough to be remembered. That and the food is good. Purchasing food and drink I glanced around at the offerings before we headed for the track. The ARCA race was already underway.  The tickets my son purchased for the races were at the far side of the track. If you have never been, Talladega Speedway is a BIG track. Finding our seats we enjoyed the food and the races. While it did not rain, it was cool. I was hoping for warm, my hopes were in vain.

 After the races were over, we made our way back to the camper. All the long way back across the track, across the highway to the campground and all the long way through the mud to the camper. The partying had begun. I still say that Talladega is Alabama’s Mardi Gras complete with beads. We waited for a while before wandering forth in search of sustenance. But that is for part 3.

I’m thinking here, life, is a journey. We are all headed somewhere. Our final destination depends on the choice we make in life. There is something that Christians need to realize and remember. Our journey is not, will not, is not supposed to be easy. There will be hills and storms and struggles. There will be things to prepare, things to dodge, times we need to stop and rest and refuel. It may or may not be a long journey. Our life time, is in God’s time. We may live to be 100 or nowhere close. The important thing is to be ready for when He calls us home. We can make our plans for tomorrow, only for tomorrow to not come for us. I always try to remember to say, If Lord willing, I hope to do or go or see..I always hope, that for the days I am given, I seek and find ways to be like Christ. To show compassion, to encourage, to walk in kindness, to show love.

Its Dega Baby (part one with an added question)

Wow. I am still tired. I am so very sore. There is still a roar of engines vibrating in my head. But oh what a weekend. My son took me to the races in Talladega, Alabama. This was not a spur of the moment, get up let’s go event. With me being the main, but not only, caregiver for my parents, there are many logistics to something like this happening. One of my son’s most disliked words was involved. Planning.

For a while we were not sure we were going to be able to go as my son’s car was acting up. It needed inspecting but something in the wiring was preventing it from passing. He finally managed to track down the issue and get the wiring swapped out fixing the car. Once that was done it was my turn to set things in motion.

 I spoke with my brother, my sister-in-law and my niece and nephew about making sure if my (our) folks needed anything, someone would be at the ready. I made a run for groceries that mom needed and made sure I had enough pet food for here. My great nephew would take care of my dogs and multitude of cats. On Friday, I packed and I cleaned. My son had to work that day but I wanted to be ready when he came in so I could put my things in the camper. Including blankets because I know how he is with the air conditioning.

 When he got in he, with a little help from me, got the camper hooked up. We would be leaving no later than six but hopefully earlier Saturday morning. He was tired and wanted to rest for the long drive ahead so he would fill the water tank right before we left.

 After a quick meal we both called it an early night. Departure time was at early-thirty.

So now, looking back at this, I wonder. When you plan an event, how much planning goes into your adventure? Are you going camping? Are you going on a cruise? Do you need to book a flight, a train, a bus? Are you going alone, with family, with a group?  How much packing needs to be done? Where are you staying? If you are driving, how many stops along the way? If you are traveling to other countries, do you have your passport, some are now requiring visas, what about current currencies?

 Another question, have you planned for where you will spend eternity? There is much less planning required and involved. Jesus calls to us through the nudging of the Holy Spirit. Accept the call. Believe in Him, His birth through a virgin, his life, death on a cross and resurrection. Commit your life to Him. Then your name will be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and your eternity is set. No packing needed.

Saving Grace

Freshly back from a weekend away, too tired to create so here is one from 2011.

Saving grace, beautiful grace

Some can tell you the exact date, time, age they were when their life was changed. I can’t do that, but I do remember the day I was Baptized. It was in the Baptist church at the bottom of the hill. We had been attending there for a while, it was close to home, small church, friendly. I remember the feel of the water in the church’s baptismal pool and the feeling of going under that water. It felt like I was drowning, going under water…but coming out of the water, everything was different. Even I didn’t know how much.

All through my life I was in and out of church. It was church, you go, you listen, you hopefully learn..what I didn’t understand then was there is a difference in being able to recite Bible verses from memory, and holding them in your heart, treasuring them, living them, feeling them. There is a difference in going to church and sitting in a pew, and being church. Knowing who Jesus is, reading the accounting of His life, and having a living, moment by moment relationship with Him.

There have been many times in my life that I should have caught on. I was electrocuted when I was 18-19 years old. A citizen’s band radio nailed me. The thought was that lightening may have struck my antenna, but there were no storms anywhere at the time. Not even miles away. The radio had been worked on prior to my bringing it home, so the thought was that something in the radio shorted out right at the time I put my hands on it. I still carry the scars on my fingers where I was burned. Its a weird feeling, electricity coursing through your body. One I never want to experience again.

 I have been married before, some of you who know me, know this. It was not a good marriage. While I ponder from times to time how much of what happened I can carry the blame for, being that I should have known better than to marry this person to begin with–I do not dwell on it. During the marriage I suffered various forms of abuse even so far as to be shot at pretty much at point blank range. I learned then not only was I being watched out for, but that I could do a pretty good dive through a second floor window and shimmy down a tree to escape. Sort of like in the movies..During that marriage I began to drink heavily, wine my choice. On the bus ride home the desire for alcohol was taken from me. Even when I tried to drink a time or two after I got back, I had lost the desire. I have not drank alcohol to amount to anything in 28 years, none at all  in 20 years.

 I have been in a couple of pretty bad accidents with only minor injuries.

 I was almost electrocuted again when a steam pipe burst directly over the head end of a machine– where all the electrical parts are. I should have realized then that the Lord looks after the weak, the meek and the mindless.

 I have always believed, but never had a close actual relationship with the Lord.

 Until cancer.

 When I was diagnosed with cancer everything changed. When I was praying and whining that I didn’t want to do cancer. I didn’t want to go through that. When I felt the Holy Spirit chastizing me for not wanting to do it after all that had been done for me, my attitude changed. I knew, that no matter what was to come, I would not be alone.

 While my cancer was caught early, it was still a difficult time. It was a constant thorn in my side. The confusion, the tests, the surgery and follwoing treatments. The exhaustion that had me wanting to find somewhere to just hide. Through all of that, I was able to write about my experiences and share them. I received lots of cards and letters. It was helping people, bringing people together. It was making a difference.

 Every day that I could, after I got home from work, I would walk. There was always something new and special waiting on me. Different flowers, birds, bugs. I developed this love for finding and capturing life with my camera. Finding the gifts and blessings left for me by the Savior that walked with me distracted me away from the cancer battle. They brought a peace. The walks were always along the same path. When I took those walks, there in the peace and quiet of the woods, away from the noises of modern life, I could feel the presence of my Lord with me. Giving me the strength I needed, the peace and calm I craved. There with Him.

 I am not a perfect person. I make mistakes. I am most times content to be here alone. My personality quirks not fully fitting in with those around me..(I’ve seen the looks)  There are days when my strength is nearly depleted and my peace crumbling around me. There are days when I wish that I had a close friend to confide in. I have always kept quiet on those days. I was told recently that was wrong. That showing our human side, the times we are weak, tired, that gives others a chance to be there for us. It does not mean we or our faith is weak.

 There are days when life is difficult. It is the same for me as for anyone else. The difference is, I have my Savior and His live to give me peace. Even if it is int he form of a friend reminding me that our friends and family are there for us even in the rough times. The other times, I see Him around me. Not just in the smiles and laughter of children and the playful puppies and kittens.. but in the beauty of the flowers and the bee and butterfly that are attracted to them. I see it in the life around me, the music of nature, the colors and the feel of the day. When life gets hard, I’m lonely of sad, when frustrations and anger begin to form, I know that I can spend time praying, walking with my Lord, and the calm will return.

Until the end of the age

even until the end of the age

This is copied from 2014, no edits or changes.

I was sitting here thinking. I will admit that usually that statement comes with a warning, but not this time. I was thinking about today and what it means. The following are my thoughts and beliefs, the way I feel on the topic.Easter Sunday, also known as Resurrection Sunday. A very special and holy day for Christians. Why? Because that is the day we know Christ Jesus to have arisen from the tomb. What makes that belief special and note worthy? It means that we as Christians serve a living Savior.  Now I know that there are those who do not believe, who will never believe no matter what is said or shown to them. Many of us however do believe.Before you start, let me say this. The problems with Christianity is not Christianity. the problems with Christianity…is man. It is now and it always has been. From the very beginning man has tried to change the message to suit his plans and desires. That has resulted in a convoluted and corrupted message. Christianity and more importantly Christ Jesus is love. His love so great that he was born to die. His death the final payment for the sins of man. His resurrection from the grave the defeat of death. This I believe.In the Bible, we are given countless examples of Christ’s love. He preformed many miracles in healing the sick and lame, he taught the meaning of love and showed by example. Instances of people raised from death, feeding the thousands, forgiving the sinner. No, wait…. not just forgiving, but walking with them, talking with them, sharing a table with them. It did not matter how the religious looked at Him or thought of Him. He was doing what he had came for, love.One of the instructions that He gave was to love your neighbor, who is your neighbor? Everyone. Jesus himself did not cast judgement on the sinner, he reached out to them, forgave and instructed them to go and sin no more. So why do we, mere humans, think it is our right to cast judgement when Christ himself would not? But from the beginning, that is exactly what we have done and continue to do. Even if what is going on is a sin, we are not to hate the sinner. How would we ever get them to listen to what is right, if we continue to shout at them, judge and condemn them?He loved us.He was beaten, whipped, spit upon.He was nailed to a cross where He died.Placed in a borrowed tombyet death could not hold him. There were no chains, no locks, no rocks that could hold him.On the third day He arose….alive. He IS alive.and He is with us, even until the end of the age.

Not Alone…Ever

The following was written in 2020. Usually when I use one of these I change, edit, update before sharing. This one I am leaving as is. I did however add a paragraph at the end.

“I just finished watching the video of our church service. It really hit home. Not just because of the reminders of how God is our refuge and strength through what we are dealing with today, but a couple other things.

Many times you have read my posts of were the loneliness bears heavily on my spirit. Many times you have reminded me of what I knew. I am not alone, as a child of God, I am not, and I knew that. But when you stand in an empty house, or alone on a wooded path, you can feel very alone. You can feel forgotten, abandoned, almost useless and unneeded.

A part of the message given to Pastor Scott to share reminded me, of how I have not been alone, and will never be alone because as a child of God, the moment I became a child of God, He came to live within me, indwelling inside me, never leaving. Will be there with me until that last breath and I am called home, and He will be there to greet me when I stepped through that doorway into His Kingdom. I knew this, but sometimes when things get difficult, you need that reminder.

But it also, there toward the end, when he shared about the family who had lost a loved one to the virus, when he talked about no one being able to be there with them at the end, something that has haunted me from the beginning was brought back to the surface.

When my husband passed away, he was in that truck, so far away in Indiana, alone. He was found slumped over as if trying to tie his shoes, the truck idling, waiting for a run that would have brought him home. Instead, he was called home. And all this time, even though I have said the angels were there to guide him, he was alone. When my brother was called home, even though it was long before Covid-19 and you were allowed to visit, none of the family were there when he left us. That has haunted me. But now, my heart is lighter at the words shared, the message delivered, they were not alone. Our Lord was there, to take their hand, lift them from that damaged earthly vessel and walk them home.

In my heart now, instead of seeing them alone, I see them smiling, I see them healthy, I see them joyous as they see our Savior face to face and walk with the saints gone before.

Today, my heart is lighter, something I knew, something I have been reminded of often, suddenly has been given a new light and sealed in a very clear way in a once troubled heart.

Listen, please listen when you hear someone speaking, someone you know is speaking truth from God’s Word and not a misguided message. Because you never know, what message may be meant for you, to help, to heal, to draw you near as you may never have been drawn before.”

God sees us in our times of need. He reminds us that He is with us and cares for us. Our family has been dealing with some health issues my dad has. Someone yesterday called the county police and requested a well check on my dad. The officer who came out was perfect for the situation. He had dealt with similar in his family. He was professional yet kind. His first name, was Michael. My later brother’s name. Our Michael could not be with us, so God sent another in his place. Letting us know, He is here, He knows our needs. We are not alone.

Serious Lack of Respect

Will I be able to write a calm post over this? Well, let me try. I’ll either get it right, or I will rant..we’ll see. (Links are at the bottom)

People, not all of you, but some, how, why and when did you become so clueless? Let’s add a few more, reckless, irresponsible, ignorant? I would go on, but I think you get the point. What I am going on about? At what point, did we start thinking it was okay to treat wild animals the way we do? Where is common sense? What has happened to our understanding of leaving wild animals alone? Folks, they can and will hurt you. Did your parents when you were a kid tell you look but don’t touch? Same premise.

Some of you have become so bad that there is at least one instagram page with videos showing your lack of respect for wildlife and your own safety.

Common sense tells us that you shouldn’t even approach someone’s pet, without requesting permission and making sure the dog, cat, horse, snake, what ever is receptive to the attention. Since a domesticated animal can and may show aggression at unwanted attention how much more so a wild animal. A wild animal’s main thought is to protect itself from any potential predator. You are an unknown, you are a potential predator. They can and will if given the chance, hurt you.

Now, think on this, if they will fight to protect themselves, how much more so will they fight to protect their young?  For those people who thought it a good idea to pull those bear cubs out of a tree just to take selfies, you better be thanking God that the mother bear was not there. Your fun would have ended very abruptly and more than likely painfully. Mothers of any species do not play when it comes to protecting their young. Sad yet is because of your actions one of the cubs was separated from the rest and is now in a rehab facility. Because…of..you, and your desire for selfies. What you did was show a serious lack of respect for wildlife. You got by this time, next time you might not fare so well.

https://www.instagram.com/touronsofyellowstone

https://www.wral.com/story/on-cam-nc-group-pulls-bear-cubs-out-of-tree-for-selfies/21387100

Take Stock

good morning all-dawn begins pushing away night, a time of rest for most, a time of fear for others. As we go about this day may we remember our blessings, may we seek out those in need of our caring, concern, compassion and may we act on their need. Fire without fuel will not burn, a sailboat without wind will not sail, seeds without water will not grow- may we be the tool needed to make a difference for those in need. Be blessed in all things..

I shared that in 2012. I wondered, how does one expand on that?

Imagine if you will, the individual who finds themselves suddenly homeless. Not necessarily the addicted or those with mental health issues, but the person who lost their job, then their home. The child whose lifestyle was unacceptable, or for some other reason the parent no longer wanted to parent, so they were pushed out. The family whose home burned to the ground. There is an unending list of why one would find themselves on the street. There are not enough shelters to provide a safe place. There are those who do not/can not follow the rules allowing them to stay. That leaves the streets. We know, that the streets are not a safe place.

Some will manage to get a tent, or construct one out of what ever can be found, and try and find somewhere to live. Many times too many will gather in one place which forces their encampment to be dismantled and the homeless once again to move on. Some sleep in doorways, some in bus shelters, some on the cold ground. Their sleep coming from sheer exhaustion. But is it rest?

Many often go hungry. Unless there is the generous, compassionate soul who provides a meal. Unless the hungry drives one to scrounge in garbage cans for discarded anything.

Health care is a far away dream.

Take stock of your blessings. If you awaken in a comfortable bed, in a safe home, with food waiting to be prepared. That doctor’s appointment that you may have complained about messing with your routine, consider the possibilities. We may not have all we want in this life, but many of us have all we need. Maybe, we should remember. We definitely should seek to be the difference and show compassion and love to those who struggle.

Time

When time runs out..

When its morning and you should be preparing for work, school, appointments of various type, only you’re moving slow, distracted by other things that seem more inviting than yet another responsibility. You were delayed by a myriad of other things in life..and you must rush out the door because time ran out.

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When you barely get a bill paid on time because, you had to wait on payday, you forgot, you allowed time, to run out.

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When you’ve gone through life living it your way, not spending time, not calling or speaking with someone you love then suddenly you can’t any more because their time ran out and they have gone on.

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Don’t miss out on special things, important moments. Our children grow so quickly. Our lives move forward and days pass without realization. Family members age..time will run out.-

Don’t have regrets.. remember those you love and tell them so.

Remember too, our life has an expiration date. We do not know the day or time, but it will come. We may live to see the return of Jesus, or we may go before that time. We do not know, nor is it for us to know. What is important, is that we are ready when that time comes. Don’t let time run out.