Yesterday while changing the sheets I felt the rectangular shape inside the lining of my pillow. Several years ago I put a picture inside the lining of my pillow. (I honestly don’t remember exactly when I did it.) Yesterday when I was changing the sheets I decided to open the pillow liner and see which picture it was. Lo and behold, it was was our son Joshuas “Identi-Kid” 2009 id from elementary school. No, it hasn’t been in my pillow liner for that long. I guess I picked that one because as an id, it’s thicker and would last longer than a normal picture.
You might be wondering why in the world I did that and it’s still in there. Hear me out! I strongly believe in prayer! You could even label me a“radical prayer warrior”. You wouldn’t be far from the truth. Truth be told, when I wake up at night and feel that picture, I pray for our son.
Just yesterday I saw an Instagram video story of him and a friend in Florida in the Atlantic Ocean. He’s helping a friend move back to Charlotte. You know Hurricane Idalia is brewing off the gulf coast of Florida. I showed my husband Ron the video and asked if it was Joshua and his friend and he said it was. I texted him and said, “I saw that video. Isn’t the surf rough? Looks very rough!” I was relieved when he responded, “Yes it was rough but it was fun.” I texted back, “Y’all are crazy! Be safe!” He replied, “You know it!”
He is ALL boy! I could tell you some nerve wracking stories. Some good and some I want to forget. Always seeking one adventure or another. As a mom of course I worry. Over the last twenty five years, I’ve learned that worrying does nothing but prayer changes things. He told me this summer that I’m a little over the top. I bet deep down in that tough guy but sweet heart of his, he’s glad he’s got a praying momma.
Im going to keep that picture in my pillow. When I feel it at night, I will continue to lift up a prayer for our son. As parents we can’t always be there physically but our Abba Father sure can. I found the perfect little sign a while back. It says “Give it to God and go to sleep”. It’s the perfect reminder for me.
My sign and daily reminder.
If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!
I can’t let this weekend end without giving a BIG shout of PRAISE to the LORD! Yesterday 8/26/23 marked my brother Forrest bone marrow transplant birthday #3! Thank you God for this walking miracle! He is a true testimony that God can bring you through the darkest time. It was a tough experience that I can’t begin to even fathom BUT GOD brought him through. Hallelujah! He and family cling to Psalms 91. Today he is doing well and encouraging others going through this same ordeal. He shines the light of the Lord in the darkness of their trials, bringing hope. We are so proud of him and thank God for bringing him through!
Excuse me while I have a praise session…..🙌🙌I will sing of ..all you’ve done, I’ll remember how far you carried me. From the beginning …til the end…. You are faithful, faithful til the end🙌 Thank you Lord for answered prayers!
What a fun adventurous morning with friends kayaking down the Catawba River. My friend Leasa and I had been wanting to kayak on the river side of the Wylie Dam. Today was the day. We met our friend Tami and her husbandTerry, bright and early at the dam.
It was a perfect clear sunny morning, only about 73 degrees with a light breeze. Leasa and Tami took one truck to the stopping point down the river. Terry and I paddled around for about 45 minutes until the other two came back. It’s been a while since it’s rained and the water was low. I didn’t realize how rocky it was out there until I was out in the middle of the river. Kayaking with my low vision is a little bit tricky. Being the first one on the water, it was slightly unnerving to realize I could not see where I had gotten in and noticed all the rocks. Oh Lord have mercy and where was Terry? I didn’t see him at first but then I saw his red kayak and thank God it was red. I can see that color better.
Once Terry was close by, I explained I was wearing my old cochlear implant processor. I can’t hear well with it but I can hear some. I could hear water coming over the dam but couldn’t really see it. He told me to follow him. He was my GPS/ navigation system around the rocks. I stayed out of trouble following him. There is just something about the water and being in nature. It was simply peaceful.
Photo credit Terry Peoples
Tami and Leasa finally got back and we all set off down the river. Tami and Leasa would tell me different things we were passing. Tami spotted a few turtles and Leasa spotted a bird. There was even an outdoor church setting along the river. They warned me when more rocks were coming up and I would paddle behind then. Down the river, over the rocks, through a few rapids and under two bridges we went. I did run into a few rocks and it made me laugh out loud. I had so much fun.
Photo credit Terry Peoples
It is neat to know a little bit of the areas history. The Catawba Indians used to trade along the river. There is a really nice paved walking trail called River Walk right beyond where we got out. There are a few signs that tell you the history of the Indians in the area.
I’m thankful for a fun experience with friends today. Great friends who are mindful of your limitations and want you to experience all the aspects of fun times are true gems. God has blessed me with quite a few and I am forever grateful. I can’t wait until our next adventure. So thankful Tami’s husband came along to make sure we girls stayed safe on the river. Leasa somehow managed to fall out of the kayak when she hit some rocks but Terry helped her. Tami and I completely missed her spill. Too bad it’s not on video. Until next time…..
If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!
Have you ever stopped to think about the influence you have on others, be it good or bad? Think about it. We all Impact someone. Our decisions, choices, words, actions, attitudes, perspective etc have the ability to impact others around us. Whether we like it or not, we do influence not only family, friends, coworkers, neighbors but even the people you pass in the store.
You might be thinking; I’m too young , too old, too small, disabled, sick, etc. There are so many excuses we can come up with to explain why we can’t make a difference. I totally understand this. I recently came across an African proverb that really made me think. If you think you’re too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent the night with a mosquito. That’s kind of funny but thought provoking and true. Something so small and insignificant can leave a real mark.
Let me give you an example. Years ago when I was doing some volunteer work in college, a little girl battling leukemia gave me the biggest lesson on empathy. We were drawing pictures and her person had no hair. I drew hair on my person. The little girl pointed out that she didn’t have hair anymore because of her chemotherapy. That one small experience has impacted me for life. I seriously try to think about how things influence those around me. I want the best for everyone. Sensitivity is not a flaw. It shows you’ve been wounded by life and desire to help others avoid it.
The word influencer has become a popular thing on social media. Our son is friends with several social media influencers that have millions of followers. I’ve seen lots of what they post: Some good, some not so much. I really don’t get it. I wonder often if they realize the impact they have on the younger generation. You would think with tons of followers seeing what they post, they would think twice before sharing. I guess that’s maturity speaking. I can hear them now saying, “It’s all in good fun.” I was young once and thank God there was no social media back then. Ecclesiastes 10:12 gives fair warning, “The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, But the lips of a fool shall swallow him up;” (NKJV)
When I was growing up we used to sing a song called “Pass it on” at camp. I remember the nights we would have a big bonfire and circle around singing: It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around can warm up in its glowing. That’s how it is with God’s love, once you’ve experienced it. You want to spread to everyone, you want to pass it on….
What are we passing on? What are you influencing? Let’s make it good. Let’s keep it positive. I’ve been told by a younger person that I’m all sunshine & rainbows and a bit over the top. Gotta love it. At least it’s positive. Seriously! I don’t care.et’s be purposeful and mindful of our influence. People are watching whether we realize it or not. Let’s make a difference.
If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!
The word unwavering seems to be stuck in my mind lately. To be specific, unwavering faith. What would it take to have resolve to take God at His Word? Is there really any reason not to?
I am a part of a few prayer groups. We share prayer needs and pray for each other. Lately there have been some amazing answers to prayers. It is so encouraging! We give all glory to Jesus!
Truth be told, it is easier to pray and believe for someone else’s needs than my own. I’ve had people tell me before that I need to be realistic. Come on now! Our son, Joshua has told me, “Mom this is just the way it is”. I beg to differ! Faith is not realistic. According to Hebrews 11:1, faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see. Therefore, faith is not realistic! It is believing God and taking Him at His Word.
Faith stares circumstances in the eye, believing God. Faith digs your heels in the “Word of God”, meaning you read it and believe it! Stand on His promises not the facts. Now you do need to open your Bible and spend time reading it and praying. The Holy Spirit brings revelation as we read.
Faith moves mountains! I reminded a friend of that today. She shared a praise report on something we’ve been praying for for over a year. Breakthrough is happening and it’s simply amazing.
Every morning I start the day in prayer and studying Gods Word. Recently I was reading in Romans 4:17-21, “(as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be. And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.”Romans 4:17-21 (NKJV) Wow! God’s Word is amazing! These particular verses speak on Abraham’s unwavering faith. The circumstances screamed NO WAY! But God said otherwise and the rest is history!
Why don’t we take God at His Word? Facts and circumstances shout at us. It’s impossible! In my own life I’ve been dealing with hearing and vision loss as long as I can remember. God has taught me so much through the hardship and difficulties. I’m 54 and it does not look like anything will change BUT I BELIEVE MY GOD IS ABLE! You can call me crazy, I don’t mind. I choose to believe!
Don’t put God in a box! “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, “to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV).
Will you join me in prayer, believing God for His perfect Will. When my son was just a little boy he used to sing, “My God is great. So awesome and so mighty. There’s nothing that my God can not do”. Precious memory and oh so true. Let’s join together with unwavering faith to believe God for the impossible. There is nothing too difficult for God!
I would love to pray for you. Feel free to add a prayer request in the comments. Let’s unite in prayer and watch God move. If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. Speaking engagements are always welcome. It God opens a door, He will give me what’s needed to walk through it. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!
Sometimes life throws some awe struck moments when you gasp at unexpected surprises. One of those moments came yesterday. For months we have had a bird that builds a nest on our bakers rack on the front porch. In the Spring, I was cleaning and rearranging the porch and found a nest in a wall planter. I figured it was from last year so I threw it away and moved things around. The bakers rack is in the exact area thot planter was previously in. Yesterday we found nest number four! This is a messy little momma and has made the top shelf of our bakers rack her nesting place.
I don’t know much about birds. Each time she’s hatched her young, we figure she’s finished with the nest, to discover another mess in the making. She’s an unwavering little momma, determined on having her nest there.
Yesterday after book club meeting, mom and I went by Hobby Lobby. I saw the birdhouses were 66% off. Looking over the selection I picked a nice bigger one. I wasn’t even sure if the bird was still around but if she was it would be much cleaner for her to nest in the birdhouse rather than make a mess for us to clean up. Arriving home, I took the birdhouse out to the porch. As I reached to move the decorative watering can, I startled little momma and she flew up startling me! I can’t see her when she’s sitting on her nest because she’s the same color and it all blends in.
Later when Ron got home I asked him to see if she was on her nest and try to get a picture. I wanted to zoom in and see what she looked like. Technology is marvelous when you cannot see well. Ron took the picture and sent it to me. Zooming in, I took a screenshot then posted it online to find out what kind of bird it was. It turns out that it’s a mourning dove. To think that dove has been nesting on our porch for months made my heart so happy. My eyes filled with tears as I thought of the biblical significance of a dove. The Holy Spirit and hope came to mind.
Truth be told, I can’t live without the hope God gives me. Living with low vision and hearing loss can be utterly frustrating. People do not understand and that is okay. Some understand hearing loss and some might understand low vision but combining them together is puzzling even for me. I see some and comprehend some. Some times the “wheel of fortune” life experience of trying to fill in the blanks is draining. I need to learn from our little momma dove. Each time we threw her nest away thinking she was finished, she just built another one. May I have her unwavering resolve to try again. When I’m trying to listen and miss chunks of the information…try again. When people don’t care to understand.. . try again. When I make so many typos sometimes in text that friends say they understand my “Code”… laugh and try again. When I use voice to text and AI can’t understand me and I’m talking clearly…. try again. I don’t need to worry about tomorrow. God is already there. God cares about every little detail, including bringing joy and encouragement to my heart by discovering a dove nesting on our front porch. Thank you Lord for hope that is renewed everyday. You are faithful.
If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. Speaking engagements are always welcome. It God opens a door, He will give me what’s needed to walk through it. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!
Smiling BIG as I type this blog. Most people probably won’t get it, but that’s okay. I live with low vision and hearing issues and it can be confining. You might be wondering, how so? Since I can’t see far I am limited in independence. When I want to go somewhere I have to wait until it’s convenient for someone else. My family and friends are great but I don’t really like to ask. I’ve learned to be content. Sure, there is Uber but you need to know the make of cars and see the license plates. I couldd just envision myself getting in the wrong car, so I will pass on that idea. I’m not sharing this for pity or anything like that. I’ve learned to appreciate what’s important in life and be content. It can seem confining though, almost like a “bird in a large cage”. That gets me back to my BIG smile.
A few years ago I rediscovered kayaking while at the beach with some friends. I learned as a kid at camp. At the beach we kayaked in the intercostal waterway in both a two person kayak and a one person kayak. Both are fun but I love the adventure and independence of being on my own. I can see enough to do it. Sure I have to be cautious, but that’s part of the fun.
A few weeks ago, my husband Ron bought us two Pelican sit on top kayaks. I was so excited and couldn’t wait to try them out. Early last evening we took them out to Lake Wylie and he set me free! Have you ever smiled so deeply it was from your heart? I laughed and smiled and laughed some more. I paddled ahead of him, lost sight of him and circled back until I found him again. ( He could see me.) He even enjoyed it and wants to go again. Our son Joshua said he wanted to go with me soon. It was pure bliss to be free on the water with the sun setting and the beauty of Gods creation. I wore my old Niada cochlear implant processor so I could hear any approaching boats, then I would watch the water for wakes. It worked out great! It feels like Christmas in July. So thankful that my husband wants me to experience what I enjoy and do it with me. Here’s to hopefully many more adventures.
Me and Ron on our evening paddle.
If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. Speaking engagements are always welcome. It God opens a door, He will give me what’s needed to walk through it. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!
Every once in a blue moon the “Fireball” in me arises. It’s been almost two weeks since my last blog. Many ideas have been swirling in my head but I never sat down to get them in writing. Maybe one day soon I will share. This topic I’m about to dive into is a personal one and opinions vary on the issue. Tempers can also vary. Just being honest. So what is this topic, you might be wondering….. disability income. You can take this with a grain of salt and read on.
I have been receiving disability income for years but not because I don’t want to work. On the contrary, I would love to be in the work place earning an honest living. Working and being able to accomplish something that meets goals is a self esteem builder. However, some people just don’t have all that it takes to be in the work force. It has been a frustrating journey for me. I graduated with honors from college in 1992. I won one of the two senior of the year awards in the Department of Health, Recreation and Safety. They could not decide between me and one other senior so they awarded us both. (My framed diploma and Senior award have been collecting dust in the attic for 30 years.) I had an awesome “college career” but the professional one has been disappointing.
For several years I worked as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in a subacute hospital. I quit that job and began working for my fathers business doing clerical work part time. He had bought a video magnifier so I could do the clerical paper work. Years down the road, Dad decided to sell his business and retire. The new owner let me go because he didn’t have my position at his other location.
Around this time my husband Ron met a legally blind man who told him about Social Security disability income. Let’s just say, you would have liked to have been a fly on the wall when he ran that idea by me. I said, “No I’m not doing that!” Was it a matter of pride? I don’t think so. I worked my tail off in college to expand my brain. Sure, I can’t see or hear well and I can’t drive, but I can think. I have a mind and know how to use it. It was a HOT topic with me but I finally gave in. It sure was a battle though. We had people that actually asked Ron why I didn’t work. It would take the right job, the right employer and the right circumstances for it to work. Do you know how difficult it is to align those things? My disabilities are not easily visible. I look normal. (At least I think so.😂 However some one might disagree.)
A few years ago, God laid it on my heart to write my autobiography. I marvel at how that came about. God has taught me so many things through the struggles and surrender. I will honestly say He gave me the encouragement and grit to push through and get my story into words. There were many hurdles and many tedious hours of typing with the computer zoomed in large. Am I proud of the book and accomplishment of writing it? Not really because I know I did not do it on my own but God divinely helped me. It’s been a God given gift to put things in writing. If you only saw the process , you would surely shake your head in wonder at the resilience it takes. I’ve sold a few books (a couple of hundred) and spoken at a few gathering. Self publishing through Westbow Press and blogging for the past two years have cost me a “pretty penny”. I’ve given away some books to simply encourage others to never give up and get the word out. I hope to one day get out of this what I have put into it. The eternal rewards will far outweigh the earthly ones. In truth, that’s what it’s all about.
It really burns me up when people suggest disability income when things don’t look so bright. It should not be the first choice in challenging circumstances. Seriously! If someone can work, don’t ever suggest disability income. It is like clipping someone’s wings. It is a knock to someone’s self esteem. It might look rosy short term but in the long term, it takes its toll. There is something about working and doing a good job that builds self worth. If someone has lost some abilities but still has enough to manage, encourage them to FLY! Don’t you dare clip their wings and deflate them by suggesting a hand out when they have the capability to soar with Gods help. I’ve heard the suggestion too many times over the years and I simply disagree with it. Don’t get me wrong, social security disability income has been a blessing for me even though I’d rather have the ability to work. Some people like me just have a lot stacked up against them. At last evaluation I can see 20/400. Did you catch my wording? Can see.. I can see some thing. Don’t take that away. Disabilities do not define who you are! Don’t ever forget that!
Speak life and encouragement to people. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 16:24, “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” (NKJV). Try it! Don’t take my word for it, God’s Word says so.
The “Fireball” in me is finished with my “Soapbox Speech of the day”. If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. This was not my usual blog but there comes a time when you need to speak up. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. Speaking engagements are always welcome. It God opens a door, He will give me what’s needed to walk through it. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!
As I think of blog ideas, I actually type the title then come back to it as more comes to me. During my daily Bible reading if I come across scriptures that fit a title,I add those in and wait for more to come. Truth be told, I originally titled this blog “ When Breakthrough Comes” but I’m still waiting….. so….”Before Breakthrough Comes” is going to have to do.
Life seems like a waiting game. We are always waiting for one thing or another. Whether it be losing weight, finding the right job, waiting for a good report from the doctor, healing, salvation of loved ones, peace…. The list can go on and on. What do we do when waiting for that breakthrough or goal to finally happen?
Move forward. We have to start somewhere and there is no time like the present to get started. Keep your eye on the prize. Never lose sight of what you’re hoping for. “I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds.” Psalms 77:12 NKJV
Difficulties are greet teachers. Romans 5:3-5 tells us, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.” NLT Sometimes you’ve just got to push through. You can find the strength to press through discouragement and pain. Things worth accomplishing in life usually aren’t easily attained. You will have to work for it and be consistent. Faith is active. This applies to the physical as well as spiritual.
For illustration purposes and your amusement, heres a little recent story. Last week my husband Ron got me back in the gym. It has been over five years since I worked out consistently at the gym. Sure, I’ve been active on and off but not consistently trained in years.
On my first day back it wore me flat out. I was excited I could see the scale, although I did not like the number. I haven’t been able to see a scale in years. I could also see the time on the cardio machines. With this being day one, I didn’t do that much, some cardio and some weight machines. I came home and slept for two hours. A side note, it was a new environment and with the combination of low vision and hearing issues I was drained afterwards. Slow and steady, I need a balanced approach. I didn’t get here overnight and wont get back in shape overnight either. My first week I had a couple of gym days and one kayaking day. (Great upper body workout. ) That was plenty for week one.
This is week two and we’ve already stepped it up a notch. Two gym days have been cardio then weight machines. I’ve added in some three plus mile walks as well. Ron has me doing three sets of fifteen reps each on the machines. Let me tell you, there are no shortcuts with these exercises if I want the right outcome. Ron told me to do a full extension with the weigh, all the way, not just part of the way. Slow and full extension. Whoa… doing it right I felt my muscles burn that had not been used that way in far too long.
I was tired and ready to stop. Ron said, “ I want to show you one more thing.” If you know my husband there is no such thing as just one more thing. It ended up being three. The last exercise he gave me two weighted kettle balls and had me doing something for my legs. He said I wasn’t doing it right but I was copying what he was doing and told him so. He changed his form so I did too. Life application, copy what your teacher is doing. If you’re teaching set the right example. There are so many life lessons to gleam from training your body for results. It takes time and you’ve got to be consistent and put the work in. Slow and steady, breakthrough will come.
When it comes to faith and spiritual breakthrough these same principles apply. In my heart and spiritual vision I see healing coming. I had titled this “When Breakthrough Comes”. When I typed that title I meant healing and deliverance. I’ve been in this place for a LONG time and I BELIEVE God still heals. My neuro-sensory nerves and optic nerves need a touch from God. Why He has not yet, I do not know. Is the wait discouraging? YES! Is it frustrating? YES! Can God still heal? Absolutely YES!!
A group of friends and i have been praying for another friend from church. I do not know exactly what her health issues are. I just know she has serious health issues with her lungs and heart. Yesterday there was a remarkable praise report. Our friend’s lung capacity has increased 25%. That is answered prayers! Hearing praise reports like this encourage me to never give up believing in healing. Never give up and keep believing for breakthrough for things that SEEM IMPOSSIBLE! God is able! As I type this tears are streaming down my face and I softly sing: You deserve the glory and the honor. Lord we lift our hands in worship as we praise your holy name. You serve the glory and the honor. Lord we lift our hands in worship as we praise your holy name. Lord you’re great, you do miracles so great, there is no one else like you….there is no one else like you…. Lord you’re great, you do miracles so great. There is no one else like you…. There is no one elselike you.
As you and I wait for our breakthrough, keep believing. Keep looking to Jesus. Faith is active. You’re going to have to do something even if it just crying out to God for help. He will meet you where you are. Step forward. Keep. moving. You are never alone. He’s got you. “You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples.” Psalms 77:14 NKJV
If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!
Amazed at the beauty of the lake (Photo credit Leasa P)
Yesterday I FINALLY got to try out the “new to me” kayak. Someone gave me a used Equinox 12.0T two person kayak back in April and I’ve been waiting patiently for someone to go with me. Not knowing the ins and outs of this particular kayak, I wanted someone who knew the sport to come along. Yesterday was the day.
My friends Tami and Leasa were my “Ubers on the water”. With my low vision and hearing combination it’s safer for me to go in the two seater. Tami and her husband have gone for years so we wanted her to come along for our “trial maiden voyage”. I bought life jackets and whistles. Weather was perfect and very few boaters, so all went fairly well.
We put the kayaks in at Nivens Landing in Tega Cay and paddled down to the dam on the south end of Lake Wylie: part of the Catawba River basin. I remember this stretch of the lake pretty well. We used to sea-doo in that area for years. I saw houses that I called “landmarks” to me simply because I could see them and it helped me to know where I was on the lake. We also passed a small island that I had completely forgotten. Tami and Leasa saw a big bird at the top of one tree on the island. There must have been a nest up there. Oh the treasure they have of good vision.
My Ubers 😎
As we got closer to the dam we could feel the suction of the water. I’m assuming the dam was opened .We decided to turn around and head back toward where we got in. Once we reached Nivens Landing, Tami was surprised at the amount of water in our kayak. In her one seater, holes go straight through the kayak and are not plugged. In my two seater all the plugs were in. I’m assuming as water got in from paddling or wakes, there was no place for it to drain out. The thought of that is slightly unnerving and paddling without any plugs in is downright intimidating. We will try it again on the other side of the dam that is popular for tubing and kayaking and decide whether to keep it or not. I’m going to do some research.
It is such a joy to be out on the water. I always feel so close to God in His beautiful creation. Being mindful of my limitations, I watch the surface of the water for wakes and know when engine powered vessels are passing. I also wore my old Niada cochlear implant processor. It doesn’t work well but I can hear some voices and environmental sounds with it. Of course I could also smell gas when boats and jet skis passed by. With my low vision and hearing, I use every bit of the working senses I have so I can enjoy the treasure of nature.
Truth be told, having to go in a two seater makes me feel like a “bird in a cage”. ( Perhaps that should be my next blog topic. You would be surprised at how confining limitations can be.) Going with a partner, I have to match the paddling, speed and direction. Yesterday I just copied Leasa’s paddling and knew which direction she wanted to go. Going solo I would be free!
Today my husband Ron and I looked at some one seaters. We wanted to see the drainage holes and compare the weights. So many pros and cons. As we research we will find the best fit. I believe I have found a hobby that I truly enjoy. Now if I could just get Ron onboard. He prefers things with engines. I’m thankful friends enjoy going and there is always hope Ron will eventually like it. This girl can dream.
If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!
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