Home Again

Off the road after 23 days. Easy to type, but hard to deal with! I miss the road!
The last week has given me time to process. What did I learn?
1) God is so very good to this child of His. He and His people watched over me with diligence, tenderness, and love.
2) We live in a beautiful country. Any creativity we exhibit is a reflection of a God whose spoken word produced magnificence.
3) The time away energized my spirit. Any years I have left must be dedicated and devoted to living God's way.
4) Encouraging friends in the Spirit has to be the best use of my time. Praying with other believers provides a profound connection to the Father.
5) I am blessed with friends and family at home who strengthen my heart.

Road trips aren't for everyone I know, but I can't imagine why not. My Dad once told me he walked into my bedroom when I was little and found me with arms wrapped around my knees very late at night. "Why aren't you asleep, Brenda?" "How can anyone sleep when there is so much to think about?" I am thankful for a Dad who thought that was a cool answer from an 8 year old! He would have loved my road trips ---- so much to see and think about!
I am having a hard time adjusting to "life off the road." But, the same God who nurtured me day after day on this trip will lead me. What a great hope.
My friend Roberta has a license plate that reads " Soli D G" It is shorthand for Soli Deo Gloria ---- ALL glory to God. SDG is a great three letter summary for Road Trip 2010.

Ring, Ring

When I took this pic, I intended it to be the visual for a post about the sadness of entering Canada and finding my phone totally useless. The rain was a perfect background to express my tearful response ---- and my phone's, as well. I decided the Cruiser, the phone, and I are a mighty traveling trio. We are powerful until proven powerless by the bridge between Detroit and Windsor.
However, as I begin the goodbye to this road trip 2010, this represents a heart full of thankfulness. My face breaks out in a smile as I think of the hours spent talking to family and friends for 5000 miles. Of course, in Ontario I tried to respect the "no phones while driving" prohibitions. There was one slight slip as I sailed above the speed limit and happily talking away passing a sitting Ontario highway patrolman. I think he showed grace to this lone star lone traveler.
On those days of sheer exhilaration, I shared my joy with my dear ones. On days of fear and excruciating weariness, I heard words of encouragement from my dear ones. Gratefully, there were many more days of true joy.
I want to give a special "shout out" to Mr. Meek who was there each and every day, patiently listening to my play by play accounts. Thanks, friend.
And a profound thanks to all of you who emailed, posted on my FB wall, prayed, and vicariously traveled with me. I am a stronger person because I experienced the hand of God and the expression of His love through you all.
Tomorrow I will wrap up, but will have to take that last pic ----think hanging on to the Selah sign is probably most appropriate!

Too Beautiful To Capture

Ironically, there is no pic to this post. And, it is all about extraordinary vistas and landscapes. I left Green Bay, waving goodbye to Roberta, heading toward home. Driving through Madison, WI, I lifted my hands in prayer and asked the Lord to send revival to this town which so celebrates liberal thinking. I may not be watching Fox, but my heart still beats with a definite conservative cadence! That city is exceedingly pleasing to the eye.
But then I crossed Old Man River and entered Iowa. The broad expanses of hills, fields, and trees made my heart sing. "Oh, I wish I were a painter." There was no way for my little camera to capture even the slightest hint of what my eye could see. I stopped to sing my own praise song.
A brief stop in Ankeny to visit with an old friend gave me the extra energy I needed to push toward Kansas City.
The sun was going down as I entered Des Moines. The gold cupola of the State Capitol brilliantly shone. I must admit I had a visceral response to this sight. It reminded me of the 5 winters I spent in this beautiful town, and the years before that in sales meetings for my company, Principal Financial Group (based in Des Moines).
Liberty, MO's Fairfield Inn had a room and bed all ready for me after this long day. 14 hours of traveling were exhilarating but a tad exhausting.
My eyes, my heart, my mind, and my soul were fed on this day as the trip came close to an end.

July 4th in Door County

Walking through a back courtyard, I spotted this patriotic scene ---- isn't it great? The flowers seem to add the white touch to the red and blue of the chairs. And don't you love the umbrella?

As I put my itinerary together I pondered...."where will I be on July 4th?" I think back to many outstanding celebrations....on the shore of the Pacific Ocean with three young children romping in the waves as the fireworks boomed overhead; on the capital hill of Iowa listening to a military band and watching veterans spontaneously stand up all over the lawn; joining a family reunion of total strangers who warmly invited my friend Vicki, her mom, and me to "come sit with us and watch the fireworks!"

This time I was on the Door County peninsula, surrounded by Green Bay and Lake Michigan. We watched bursts of color and heard blasts of sound as we enjoyed the peacefulness of the woods and the water. This one will get a special star in my July 4th memory book.

As I traveled, I so appreciated our country. I watched very little TV, but prayed a lot for our leaders and fellow citizens. My son, Jeff, once told me "We need to see you praying for our leaders." Jeff, I took your counsel and spent much more time lifting up than I did putting down.

I am a proud American --- I am a thankful American --- I am a prayerful American.

Pearl of Great Price

The book of Proverbs talks about a good wife as a pearl of great price. Bob Roloff found one and loved her for 50 years. One week after that joyful celebration, a tanker truck ran over his car and his earthly life ended leaving Roberta and their son Kevin.

Their story was one of true love, lifetime partnership, and serving God's kingdom together.

We met at a Guideposts meeting. She was encouraged and strengthened by Mr. Fred Smith (that is the way she always addresses him). I am a legacy friend - and proud of it.

Her four nights of hospitality overwhelmed me. What a way to end this extraordinary trip ---spending time talking about the hand of God in our lives. It was the most natural conversation...nothing stilted, nothing staunchy....just two friends talking about their mutual friend, the Lord Jesus Christ.

In her loss, she feels the comfort of the Spirit. In her loss, she sees the ways she can comfort others. In her loss, she senses purpose and hope.

We ate, we laughed, we shopped then we ate some more, laughed a lot more and filled the back seat of her car with more Door County bags. We were most patriotic on this holiday weekend - we left money and greased the wheels of the peninsula economy. Oh, did I tell you we ate? It will be worth the hard work to eliminate the extra pounds I brought home...I got them eating some great food.

Door of Opportunity

Door County, WI ----a little bit of heaven on earth.

Forty paces from Roberta's back porch to the water's edge --- and then total privacy. It is hard to believe this very lake flows around major cities, three states, and roads of every sort. People, people, people surround Lake Michigan, but not at Roberta's house in Door County. This stretch is private, personal, and unspeakably gorgeous.

A friend made an apt comment...."Just think what the new heavens and earth will be when the beauty of this earth is so great." Hard to imagine anything more spectacular. I did my own share of praising Jesus as I walked along the shore, up and down the woody paths.

I am so grateful for my friend's generosity - and her gift of respite from the road.

God does good work, doesn't He? And His people kindly share the bounty of the beauty.

Passing the Baton of Faith

Nancy Leigh DeMoss is passionate about building a movement of True Women who will pass the baton of faith.....the Lord has given her a powerful platform and message. Her conference in Fort Worth October 16th and 17th is an opportunity to be deepened spiritually. Check for details at http://www.reviveourhearts.com/.