Becoming a contemplative photographer.....

I didn't really see it coming.  It came.  One day I looked up and looked back and realized, that yes, I had been moving into this process for a very long time.  Though not necessarily intentionally as in a goal for arrival, I think it has been a natural outlet for my soul.

Much like the beginnings of my spiritual journey take me back to the days of roaming and wandering the woods for hours and sitting at the mossy creek side up behind my Dad's campground (Trail's Inn), my photography journey started without me realizing it.  It is in looking back that I am able to recognize the beginnings of both these journeys and the path they have taken me.

I have had a camera in my hands since I was a child.  My very first camera was a Kodak Instamatic.

http://www.kodakcameracollection.com/cameras/KODAK-INSTAMATIC-Xxdashx15-Camera

 

My favorite part of that was the light bulbs.  In my high school days, in band we used those types of light bulbs for a special effects on one of our marching shows.  Everyone "popped" the wire at the same time at the end of the show. 

My first 35 mm was a Minolta XG1.

http://www.rokkorfiles.com/XG%20Series.htm

I could go on with the cameras I have had and used throughout the years, but that would make this post much longer.  I have primarily taken pictures of nature, architecture, and things that strike my attention.  But, I do take people pictures at times. 

In the past year or so I have noticed contemplative photography sites on Facebook of other people and started following them (such as Diane Walker's Contemplative Photography website or her Facebook page.  Their photographs and their words have spoken to me.  Additionally, other inspirational sites such as Shalem, Terry Hershey Fan Page, Alive Now, Weavings, etc. often use photography along with sayings to share a message.  I believe all of these have spoken to the deep place in my soul.  My soul not only listened, but started doing what it heard and saw. 

I really never set out to take contemplative photographs, to reflect my soul, or to allow others to reflect in the depths of their souls.  Yet, I know now that I am doing it.  And I'm glad.  Because I enjoy it and it is something that speaks to my soul.  It is one of those things that has grown out of my being.  Doing has come from being.  Being is always the root of doing because the well must have something to supply.  (This is one of those lessons that has been in the making, an ongoing learning journey and it flows from Psalm 46:10--Be still and know that I am God.)

I will note that part of my "a-ha" moment, realizing and recognizing that I have been on this journey came when a dear brother on the journey pointed it out to me.  My reaction was "oh".  Then, "hmmm".  That germinated and took root and helped me see, indeed, it was true.

At SOULfeast last week I attended a workshop "Visual Psalms" taught by Beth Richardson (a wonderful photographer, writer, singer, and all around creative person) and our assignment was to attempt to photograph the Psalms as we walked around the grounds.  I left our classroom, praying as I walked, and started taking some pictures here and there.  Sometimes I had an idea what Psalm or what portion of the Psalm might fit.  At other times, it was simply taking a picture of something that captured my attention.  Later that night I looked over the Psalms to match a Psalm or a portion of the Psalm with a picture that I had taken.  The first picture below fits the first category.  I knew when I looked at the mountains, that I thought "where does my help come from?".  And, I liked the idea of framing the picture with the archway at the chapel breezeway.  For the second picture, I enjoyed the roses.  There are SO MANY beautiful roses there.  These caught my attention because of the difference in stages and as I reflected on the passages and the pictures, it made me think of the different stages of waiting in life, etc.

Psalm 66:1-2-- I lift my eyes to the hills-- from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (NRSV)  (faith and trust theme)

Psalm 130:5-6--"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning." (NRSV) (petition theme)

When I walk and hike, things catch my attention.  There might not always be Scripture that goes along with it.  Sometimes I have found quotes that go along with the picture later, as in this leaf in the water back in the Fall. 

This one is of the creek at the North Chickamauga Gorge and I had read a verse that was on my mind:

 

(I created both of the above with the Textgram App on my phone.)

Sometimes, it is simply a moment with God.  Maybe just meant for me.  Maybe meant to share.  Sometimes I share.   Sometimes I don't. 

One doesn't always know what is for self and what is for others.  However, I do believe that most of what the Creator allows me to learn and experience is "for the sake of others", as Bob Mulholland reminded me of Christ's teachings.  And, I do want to live my life poured out for others.  However, that can only be accomplished if I regularly fill up at the well. 

Daily walks in creation, events such as SOULfeast, silence and solitude, music, ordinary things, etc.  There are many ways to fill up at the well. 

Thanks be to the Creator!

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

P.S.  Here are a few other resources not listed in the post above.

Visual Psalmists posted on Alive Now!
Sight Psalms

Other sites on Contemplative Photography:

Seeing Fresh:  The Practice of Contemplative Photography
Contemplative Camera

A book:

Eyes of the Heart: Photography as a Christian Contemplative Practice by Christine Valters Paintner

Preaching at St. Elmo UMC for the first time.... reflections and my sermon

Well, this morning was a wonderful time of worship and fellowship at St. Elmo UMC in St. Elmo.  But, getting there turned out to be a little more difficult than expected. 

 

Somehow I missed any news about there being a bicycle road race on highway 27 with lane closures today.  But, not to worry, I had plenty of time, so I just listened to some praise music, drove slower than the speed limit, and prayed no cyclist would hit an object and swerve my way.  That was working beautifully until we were forced to detour at Signal Mountain Road and get off the road.  No problem.  I saw cars getting on the up ramp, so I turned right off the exit, did a U-turn at an appropriate place and got back on 27.  Back to singing and praying.  Until the Olgiati bridge when we came to a snail's pace crawl.  It was then I noticed the detour signs. 

We were forced off once again at 4th.  No problem.  I went down to Broad St., took a right, and made my way into St. Elmo that way.  I will admit that the added detours did add a tad bit of stress to my morning, but they also added something new and exciting that I wasn't expecting.  And, it all worked out.

When I arrived at St. Elmo, I parked in the parking lot and made my way to the sanctuary where I found my contact Becky.  I also met the pianist.  I learned we had a connection from my days in Dayton, TN.  We shared a wonderful conversation.  Then I spoke with a couple in the back of the church.  It turned out that he was a retired Methodist pastor, living now in Flintstone, GA.    [Gulp!]  Making my way back to the front (after taking a picture from the back of the sanctuary "to check in", I greeted several folks.  Then, on the front row, I recognized the gentleman.  He was as surprised to see me as I was him.  It has been several years since he was in my Spanish classes at UTC.  We talked shop for a few minutes, catching up on where we both are now in our lives.  That was a wonderful surprise.  Then, a friend and fellow Costa Rican missioner who attends there came up to greet me.  Even with one person being gone to Nicaragua for a mission trip, I found that I did know several folks and I met several new friends too. (I met so many new folks today that I am hesitant to name them all due to the likelihood of leaving someone out.  That is why I haven't name anyone other than my contact person.)

Everyone was super welcoming and kind.  I am blessed to say that has been my experience at every church I've been to thus far.  Thank you St. Elmo today for your welcome and hospitality!

I enjoyed the opportunity to worship with you today.   I was blessed by the bulletin cover, the children's message, the pianist's playing during the offertory, the choir, the prayers, and the fellowship.

Here is the sermon I prepared to deliver this morning.  It isn't the exact sermon I delivered (it never really is), but it will give you a fairly close idea of what was shared. 

At least two things are not the same as what I shared in person and what is on "paper".

1. Since I wasn't sure whether or not I was to give the Benediction, I had one prepared.  It turned out I didn't need to offer that.  But I'll leave it with the sermon anyway.

2. What isn't written, but something I shared is a poem that I found in this issue of Alive Now.  The May/June 2014 Alive Now issue was on my bedside table and it caught my attention late in my sermon preparation.  The theme for the issue?  Hospitality.  I found a poem that (to me) fit, so I shared it.  It was "More Than Welcome" by Ann Freeman Price.  It is on page 8 of the issue.

Blessings on your day and on your journey,

Debra

"Finding What Is Lost"

St. Elmo UMC

June 29, 2014

Matthew 10: 37-42

³⁷ Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; ³⁸ and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. ³⁹ Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. ⁴⁰ “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. ⁴¹ Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; ⁴² and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”

LEADER: This is the Word of God for the people of God.

ALL: Thanks be to God.

At first read, this passage might seem slightly confusing.  You may be wondering why would anyone preach on this?  I began to wonder that myself as I struggled through sermon preparation.  This passage is a Lectionary selection for this 3rd Sunday after Pentecost (meaning this is one of the given Scriptures for this week in the collection of Scriptures for those who follow the church calendar readings).

As I spent time with the passage, the verse "Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it" struck me as a summary statement in that this passage is all about following Jesus.  It teaches us about themes of "hospitality" and "discipleship".

Before we get into these themes, let's first look at the setting and context in which these verses appear so we can more fully grasp what is going on in the bigger picture.

We look to the beginning of chapter 10 to get the context. Jesus is giving authority to and preparing to send his disciples out into the mission field to heal the people and proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.  Our verses today are the end portion of his instructions and exhortations that he began in verse 5.  In verses 11-14 he gave instructions on looking for a place to stay with someone who was willing to welcome them. If they weren't welcomed, he told them to move on.  Whoever welcomed them was welcoming him, and whoever welcomed him welcomed God.  Jesus also teaches them in these preceding verses that they will be hated and persecuted because of his name and that there will be strife among family members.  These aren't exactly the most encouraging words to hear as one is gearing up for a mission trip into the unknown.  But Jesus is laying it out there.  He does tell them to not fear (verses 26-31).

That gives us a little of the background in which our verses are found.  Now let's take another look at our verses for today.

What is Jesus saying here?  Could it be that Jesus is pointing out that we are prone to losing our way in living out the ways he has taught us, in following him? 

Though Jesus expresses himself almost rhetorically, he has made it clear that his teachings are for those with eyes to see and ears to hear.  So, here he is, telling people that they aren't worthy of him if they love father, mother, son, or daughter more than him.  Nor are they worthy if they don't pick up their cross and follow him.  They can only find their life if they lose it for his sake.  Welcoming is important for Jesus and in welcoming others, Jesus is welcomed.  There is a reciprocity of welcome.  Also, there is a reward for welcoming a prophet and a righteous person.  Lastly, giving a cup of cold water to a little one is lifted up as important. 

I thought of your mission team as I read these verses.  They just left the comforts of the United States yesterday and headed to Nicaragua to be with, to serve, to serve with, and to love the Nicaraguan people once again.  As you likely know, the team has gone with a variety of tasks in mind: VBS, visiting the disabled men's home, building homes, setting up medical and dental clinics.  

Being in Nicaragua will be challenging in some areas: the weather, the living conditions, the language.  But they go to share the love and light of Jesus and to welcome the other, sharing the hospitality of a relationship with Christ and themselves.  By putting aside their agendas, their wants, their needs, etc. for this focused time period and purpose, each person on this mission team is finding their life by losing it, by surrendering it.  They have heard the Savior calling and they have responded.

We don't all get to go on a mission trip to show that we can put into practice our discipleship and hospitality. 

Another way I see this particular congregation living out welcome and hospitality is in the acceptance of others.  I have been encouraged by the van and young people's ministries that I've watched over the years.  Thank you for these acts of welcome, hospitality, and following Jesus.

Maybe we aren't represented by any of the particular ministries I've mentioned so far.  We can explore how to follow Jesus through areas of hospitality and discipleship and seek to live them out more intentionally.

If we are honest with ourselves, we each have room to grow in our personal and community lives in the areas of hospitality and discipleship.  There is likely some aspect that we've lost or neglected. 

Because these themes can be looked at individually and/or as a community and because both are needed, let's consider at a few questions:

FOR THE INDIVIDUAL:

 

·         What would it mean to be a more hospitable person?

·         What would it mean to be a more welcoming person?

·         What would it mean to follow Jesus / to be on the path of discipleship as a person?

FOR THE CHURCH COMMUNIITY:

·         What would it mean to be a more hospitable body?

·         What would it mean to be a more welcoming body?

·         What would it mean to follow Jesus / to be on the path of discipleship as a body?

As you reflect on these questions, is it possible that hospitality and discipleship are lost areas for you?  If not "lost", then maybe neglected or ignored?  Let's consider some of the ways Jesus led by example and through teaching.

Jesus spent time at table fellowship with all sorts of people, not just the popular and desirable crowd. Jesus took time to walk and talk with people.  Jesus listened to others.  Jesus offered his time, his energy, his very being. Through his teaching ministry, he taught the disciples how to pray, how to heal, how to teach, and how to serve others, among other things.

In the passage today, Jesus mentions "welcome" and "offering a cup of cold water".  Throughout the gospels, Jesus shows us other examples of hospitality, from table fellowship to opening homes to welcoming the stranger and other in one's midst. 

Though Jesus doesn't offer specific examples of following him in the area of discipleship in today's passage, he exhorts us to lose our life for his sake and love him above all others.  By reading through the Gospels, we can learn what these mean.  Jesus exhorted his followers to follow him and learn by doing.  They learned to feed the hungry, share the good news, heal those who were sick, diseased, and spiritually ruled by demons.  They learned to pray, they learned the importance of getting away from the crowd, they shared their lives with Jesus.

We were reminded in the Opening Hymn, #407, Close To Thee, that our walk with Jesus is a life-long journey and that we choose how we walk it.  The first line of the refrain: "Close to thee, close to thee, all along my pilgrim journey, Savior, let me walk with thee."

Our closing hymn today, #338, Where He Leads Me, will remind us that we are to follow Christ wherever the Savior leads us. 

How is Christ leading you to walk with him?  Are you being led to be more welcoming and hospitable in one form or another?  Or are you being led to grow in some area of discipleship as you follow Jesus?

If you're not sure, ask the Holy Spirit to show you how Jesus wants to work this message in your life and through you, into your community.  As you listen, you will hear the Savior calling.

BENEDICTION:

Go forth now as God's servant, ready to welcome all and follow the path of Christ.  Draw strength as you remember that the One who calls will also sustain.  May the Holy Spirit be with you all the way.

De colores.... a fun find at a thrift store

Yesterday I took my daughter thrift store browsing because she was looking for containers for her room.  The very first thing she saw was this:

picture by Char

The first thing I thought of was "de colores" and I held on to that little guy the entire time we walked through Dwight's Swap Shop.  Note:  We had been to Dwight's Swap Shop before, but this time we walked through every room, nook, and cranny.  Wow!  We found all sorts of fun and cool things!

 

This colorful worm is a TY beanie baby.  Though it is an inchworm and not a caterpillar (no legs), it still works for me as an Emmaus/Chrysalis symbol.  And, inchworms do transform too, just not into butterflies.  They transform into moths.  But the symbolism of transformation and metamorphosis works just as well.

 

My daughter did some research on the computer to learn more about this little guy.  She found out that it was created in 1995 (September 3) and is now retired.  Its name is "Inch". 

 

I imagine this little guy is going to have all sorts of adventures with us.  He has already been taken out of my closet, been photographed by my daughter, and put back to rest in my closet.  I know he will be going with me on a Chrysalis weekend coming up in August/September and I believe he will be going with me in August to preach at New Salem UMC. 

 

I don't know how long this little guy will remain in my possession.  My daughter has already called "dibs" for when I'm done with him.  Even though she found (and bought) him for me, I think it's clear that Inch is on loan to me.  He already has another name.  I named him "de colores".  She named him "Professor Worm".

 

We know who will likely end up with the inchworm in the long run.

 

Blessings on your journey,

 

Debra

 

P.S.  In case you'd like to listen to and/or sing the De Colores song, here it is by Joan Baez:

 

 



"Mercy" by Matt Redman, a communion song

Today I heard a song on the radio (Family Radio, locally 91.5) that caught my attention in terms of it being a communion song.  The words "we will lift up the cup and the bread we will break" captured my attention right away.  I enjoyed the entire song, but didn't catch the title nor the artist.  However, I was able to search for it and find it this evening.  The song is "Mercy" by Matt Redman.  It is from the album, Your Grace Finds Me (2013).

If you play guitar, here is a link with lyrics and chords.

Here are the lyrics to the song:

I will kneel in the dust
at the foot of the cross,
where mercy paid for me.
Where the wrath I deserve,
it is gone, it has passed.
Your blood has hidden me.

Mercy, mercy,
as endless as the sea.
I'll sing Your hallelujah
for all eternity.

We will lift up the cup
and the bread we will break,
remembering Your love.
We were fallen from grace,
but You took on our shame
and nailed it to a cross.

Mercy, mercy,
as endless as the sea.
I'll sing Your hallelujah
for all eternity.
[repeat]

May I never lose the wonder,
oh, the wonder of Your mercy.
May I sing Your hallelujah.
Hallelujah, Amen.
[repeat 3x]

May I never lose the wonder,
oh, the wonder of Your mercy.
May I sing Your hallelujah.
Hallelujah, Amen.
[repeat]

I will kneel in the dust
at the foot of the cross,
where mercy paid for me.

K-LOVE link with lyrics.

A video:

What caught my attention most, as I mentioned was that this song lends itself to being a communion song.  Though my WO 510 course was Spring Semester, I still find myself thinking through many of the lessons we covered on worship.  Playing and/or singing a song during the communion time was something we covered in the course.  I am familiar with some solid communion hymns (in my opinion), but I haven't become familiar with many contemporary songs that could be used during communion. 

This was a pleasant find for me today.  Not only for possible worship planning purposes, but also for personal worship.

Whether you are already familiar with this song or not, I hope you'll take a few moments to listen to the song and worship.

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

Thoughts about sharing from Hagar the Horrible... "Look what I have!"

It has been a while since I've written about comic strips.  I haven't been reading the paper as often as I would like is one reason.  In this past Sunday's comics June 22, 2014), however, Hagar the Horrible (by Dik Browne) caught my attention.

The first scene in my newspaper was Hagar carrying a loaded sack of loot over his left shoulder saying, "Look what I have!" to a guardsman.  In the second scene Hagar holds out the sack in both hands toward a knight and proclaims, "Behold my great bounty!"  This goes on for two more scenes.  In the last scene, a monk is admonishing Hagar: "Brother Hagar, be sure to share your good fortune with others!"  Hagar replies: "That's what's I've been doing!"

ArcaMax website

For me, this was one of those "cause for a pause" moments.  It did make me chuckle.  But it also made me think.

Most likely, the monk meant something different than Hagar by "share".  Whether or not Hagar knew that difference or chose to get around the meaning of the word with his interpretation of the word..... well, unless we speak with Hagar, we will not know.  Did Hagar fulfill the letter of the law, so to speak?  Did he fulfill the intention?

If you want to stop reading now, I would understand.  I'm going to move from Hagar to personal.  Not you necessarily, but you might take it that way.  And you might not want that.  Who wants to be confronted with truth that might cause pain that might lead to healing and growth?  Ouch!  Well, I don't like the pain, but I sure desire the healing and growth part.... so here goes....

What about me?  What about those of us not living in color on the pages of a comic strip?  Do I, do we, choose to share with those around us in a manner that really doesn't impact them solely to say, like Hagar, "That's what's I've been doing!"?  Am I willing to open up the sack of loot and really share from my abundance with another or am I just showing what I have?

When you add into the mix that we are no longer a world closed off because of technology, this becomes even more penetrating to me.  Because of social media we can share our lives with one another all over the world.  Yet, what is "normal" and possibly even necessary in some situations in my portion of the world will seem crazy extravagant in others.   I think about that when I travel to seminary and stay overnight in the Bed and Breakfasts or the Asbury Inn.  I stay in those places rather than on campus because I don't want to drag all my bedding, shower curtain, etc. for two nights when I go for a weekend.  It costs a little more, but it's worth the cost.  Yet, to someone in another land and culture and situation, how does it appear?  Am I Hagar, just showing off the bag of loot?

Any time we can take a moment to reflect, a "cause for a pause", it is good.  I'm not going to write out all the ways of justification that I believe I "share" in reality what God has given me to others, because I don't think that's the point here.  For me, the point is being aware that God does give us riches, whether that is time, gifts, energy, money, etc. to share.... and we are to share that with others in such a way that benefits them.   Ah, that's the key.   Now, we may not always get it right.  I know I don't.  But that's the goal.

As it says in Ephesians (4:12), the purpose of the gifts are for building up the body (that means for the good of others, in community).

What "loot" do you have to share?

How are you sharing it?

If you're not sure what is in your "sack", ask around you.... others can help you see more clearly.

I'll close with this quote that I read recently.  It's by Frederick Buechner:

"Whatever you do with your life--whatever you end up achieving or not achieving--the great gift you have in you to give to the world is the gift of who you alone are; your way of seeing things, and saying things, and feeling about things, that is like nobody else’s. If so much as a single one of you were missing, there would be an empty place at the great feast of life that nobody else in all creation could fill."

 

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

"Waterfall"... the song... by Chris Tomlin (along with pictures of waterfalls and some reflection)

Last Sunday morning I was ironing my clothes for church and listening to K-LOVE on my phone.  I heard the song "Waterfall" by Chris Tomlin.  Like the water pouring down the rocks on a waterfall, the words in the song poured into my heart, mind, and soul.  They soaked grace into me.

I had only heard the song a time or two on the radio prior to hearing it that morning on K-LOVE. 

I made a mental note to look more into that song when I got the chance.  I even jotted down the word "waterfall" on a piece of paper so I would remember.

Waterfalls have a significant draw to me physically and spiritually.  I enjoy visiting them, taking pictures of them, and I've even preached about them. ☺

In this post, I want to share Chris Tomlin's song with you... the lyrics, the song itself, and maybe some background information.  We'll see.

It won't be too long.  This is a study break posting.  I need to get back to reading Church History. 

 

 "Waterfall"  Lyrics on K-LOVE



O God, my God I seek You
I wanna move when You move
You're more than I could long for
I thirst for You
You're an ocean to my soul
To my soul

Your love is like a waterfall, waterfall
Running wild and free
You hear my heart when I call, when I call
Deep calls to deep
Your love is like a waterfall, waterfall
Raining down on me
Waterfall, waterfall

O God my God, I seek You
In this dry and desert land
You lead me to streams of mercy once again
You're an ocean to my soul
To my soul

It's coming like a flood
I'm dancing in the rain
Everything I've done is covered in rivers of grace
Amazing

It's coming like a flood
I'm dancing in the rain
I lift up my hands
Your love never changes
Amazing


Waterfalls may not have the same effect on you as they do on me, so this song may not meet you where you are.  Almost anything having to do with water draws me closer to the Creator and I can see, hear, and feel the power when I'm up next to a waterfall.  Especially, the falls at Niagara.  One gets SOAKED on the boat tour.

There are other waterfalls that allow you gentle sprays or great views from below, above, or all along the path.

Regardless, the imagery of the flooding grace of a waterfall is simply powerful to me.

As noted, I've written and spoken about waterfalls twice already in sermons-- one for White Oak UMC (June 23, 2013) and the other for my assignment for my preaching class (November 16, 2013).  They are linked in the previous sentence, if you're interested. 

I even have a T-shirt that shares "Advice from a Waterfall".

 

A sampling of pictures I've taken of waterfalls:

La Paz Waterfalls, Costa Rica

Mabbit Springs, Signal Mountain, TN

Falling Water Falls (from top), Signal Mountain, TN

Niagara Falls

Amicalola Falls, GA

Helton Creek Falls, lower portion, Blairsville, GA

Helton Creek Falls, upper portion, Blairsville, GA



That's all the pictures for this post.  I hope I haven't overdosed you or overflowed you with waterfalls.

As I close, some of the lyrics that stand out to me are:  seek, long, thirst, deep calls to deep, streams of mercy, wild and free, rivers of grace.

There is so much freedom in the love, mercy, and grace of God. 

May you and I experience it daily.

Blessings on your journey,

Debra





2 Wheels Again!!

Motorcycle in shop 4/22/13

Motorcycle in shop 8/23/13

Motorcycle ready for pick up 6/16/14
 

At gas station

 

I got the call last week from Chattanooga State that my motorcycle was ready!  AWESOME!  But, it was a rainy day.  And, I was leaving Thursday morning for KY for an intensive weekend of CH 501 (Church History).  I knew I wouldn't be getting my bike just yet.  More waiting.  In the big picture, what was a few more days when I had been already waiting for over a year?!?!  That's right.  A year and about 2 months.
I took my bike to the students to get worked on at Chattanooga State.  It's a great deal.  They work on your bike and learn about it.  You pay only for the parts.  Well, my bike is an older bike.  Or, let's say "vintage".  It's a 1981 Yamaha 750 Maxim.  Because I hadn't been able to ride it due to my frozen shoulders, it sat under the carport for about 2 years without being ridden.

If you go back to a post I wrote on 8/28/12, "On Two Wheels again tonight!", you will see the joy in riding after my frozen shoulders.  Then, when I got back on the bike again in October, she leaked gas like a race horse and that's when I started looking into getting her into Chattanooga State.  It took until Spring to find a connection.

I had three different mechanics working on my bike, plus the instructors.  Ed told me when I picked it up the other day that my bike was problematic.  I heard that as 'what a great learning opportunity' for the students.  I learned lots about ordering parts and getting parts made here in town.  Maybe I'll even write about that one day.

But for now, here is how it felt yesterday when I got on my bike and left that parking lot:  AWESOME!  To be on two wheels again felt INCREDIBLE, WONDERFUL.  I was excited!  I was also a little nervous.  Add it up and I haven't ridden much over the past several years.  But, with the security that my bike is in tip-top shape, I was able to not be too nervous.

As I rode up the ramp and onto  Dupont Highway to head home, I let out a "yahoo!"  It echoed inside my helmet, but I doubt anyone else heard me.  Nor do I think they could see the ear to ear smile on my face.

It felt natural, you know... like riding a bike. ☺

I am grateful to my Dad for the motorcycle rides he took me on growing up as a kid, for the Enduro races held at his Trails Inn campground in the 70s that he and my uncles rode in, and for the opportunity to ride a little tiny Honda fat dirt bike around the farm property. 

I am grateful to my first husband for buying that Suzuki 650 on Long Island and bringing it back down south when we moved to TN.  I got my learner's permit in NY and rode that bike in NY and in TN until I sold it when I was pregnant. 

I am grateful to my current husband for his support of my interest in riding, though he did tease me quite a bit that he was paying Chattanooga State to keep my bike there as long as possible.  He often helped me acquire parts and made trips to the campus with me to deliver them.  Yesterday he took me to campus and took pictures of me getting my bike back and taking off. 

I am grateful to Chattanooga State for working on my bike and getting her in running condition!

As I rode her home, I stopped for some 100% gas.  After I had filled up, I noticed the repair tag was still on the rack on the back of the bike.  I took it off.  About that time, my husband drove up and asked how it was going.  It was neat to know he was near and cared enough to stop by.

I was a little nervous pulling out into traffic onto Hixson Pike from that gas station.  Gauging traffic on two wheels isn't something I'm used to.  I probably should have given that van a little more space before pulling out behind him.  Sorry dude.

Then, I was nervous about riding on the grated pavement.  I had avoided it last summer when I rode by going back roads around the neighborhood.  Because the grated road goes up and down a hill, I have been hesitant to ride it on two wheels.  But I took the challenge head on yesterday and did it.  It was a tad shaky and I won't say that I enjoy riding on that uneven pavement and feeling like I'm wobbling around, but it's doable and I did it.

My grin was still ear to ear when I got home.  Riding my motorcycle and feeling the wind while I ride is one of those spiritual connections for me.  It's not quite the same as my quiet times or getting into the woods, but it is definitely one of my Creator God connection times.  Maybe it's the wind connection. Or the silence.  Or the solitude.  Or a combination of all of those.  I don't know.  It just is.

What are your Creator God connection times and ways?  How do you live into taking and making time for that relationship?

Thanks for allowing me to share one of mine with you.

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

P.S.  I did notice a slight drop of gas on the fuel gauge when I turned it from reserve to on at the gas station and again when I got home.  This is something to watch, but hopefully it won't need to go back in the shop for a while. ☺