Spring Break 2010

I normally avoid going any where special for spring break because it is usually crowded and busy. This year however we took the plunge and decided to go for it and take the kids camping at Mt. Nebo state park. I had never been there and Steve had not been since he was a kid. So, we really did not know what to expect. We left here on Tuesday morning at 9:30am in our caravan consisting of Steve on the bike, pulling the trailer, and Tiffany, Hunter, Buck (our dog) and myself in the car trailing. We decided to go up I-40 to Exit 88 Pottsville and get off. We turned left and went over the bridge and then right at the stop sign. We pulled into the shell station and noticed we were right in front of our road. We made a turn right out of the shell station and headed toward Dardanelle. Next stop sign turned left and headed straight into Dardanelle. There were signs for the park and we turned right up the mountain. There were 57 hair pin switch backs up the mountain. I was a little nervous being the 1st time Steve had pulled the trailer with the new bike. It was a beautiful day to ride. No problems pulling the trailer, even in the switchbacks. We arrived at the campground and there were only four campers there. Great! We picked our spot, #19, next to the pavilion and bathhouse. It was close enough to the playground so that the kids could play and we could see them from the camp. We set up camp which consisted of a Cabin Tent, grill, 2 airbeds and Buck's dog box. As this was our first camping of the year we had to go to town to get some things we forgot and about a mile down the road we had to stop for a Tom turkey who was strutting for his two lady friends. He was all flared out with his wingtips dragging the ground, awesome! We started a campfire and roosted some hotdogs and marshmallows to eat. It was fun letting the kids play with the other kids on the play ground while Steve and I just relaxed around the fire. We took the kids to Sunset point around 6:30 and watched the sun go down around 7:30. It was so pretty and a great place to just relax and on the way back we saw four herds of deer feeding along the highway. The kids went to bed around 8:30 and Steve and I set up looking at the stars. Wednesday morning it looked really bad, cold and cloudy. So we went on a hike to get our blood pumping. By the time we were done with the Rim trail hike (2 1/2 hours later) it was nice and warm. Steve took a ride around the mountain then we all laid down for an afternoon nap. That afternoon it got colder and windy so we built a large fire and grilled steak and chicken for supper. We tried Sunset point again but it was to cloudy. We played Uno with the kids till 9 and they went to bed. Steve and I sat around the campfire awhile and went to bed right before the rain hit and it rained it rained hard all night, but no thunderstorms. It was nice because I sleep great in the rain. Thursday morning it was foggy and still sprinkling rain so we loaded up for home. We had everything down and packed in record time, just as we got the tent rolled up and were packing it in the bag it began to rain hard. We got the kids and dog in the car while Steve put on his leathers and my helmet, which he usually wears when it is raining. We then headed down the mountain and through the switchbacks which was excellent. We went back a different way back going down Hwy. 7 to Hwy. 10 at Ola then Hwy. 9 at Perry through Williams Junction and at Crows Landing we took Hwy. 5 home. Steve got wet all the way to Ola but once we got on Hwy 10 headed to Perry it dried out some. We stopped in Perryville at a little café called Ezell's, the food was excellent and the atmosphere homey which made for a nice break. The last half of the ride was excellent with mostly sunny skies and a nice warm up that allowed Steve to dry out pretty quickly. We had a great time with no TV, cell phones or computers, just nature and each other, Praise God for these times together.

 
 

That's not what I want to hear!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

9:35 PM

That's not what I want to hear! This week I have thought about this statement a lot. Let me tell you the story behind it. We have two 4 year old little girls in our church and one of them was sitting with my mom Sunday morning. While Steve was preaching she wanted to read a book. So naturally mom gave her a Bible. The little girl after a few minutes made the statement. "He's not reading what I want to hear." Of course we as adults laugh at the story but how many times have we said that to ourselves. I know I say it all the time. God does not tell us what we want to hear, he tells us the truth. In the last days many will look for teachers that will tell them what they want to hear. Hello! we are there now. Many men of God have watered down the truth so the people can feel good about what they hear. Most of the time if I feel good about what I hear one of 2 things is happening. I am in God's will or the preacher is not telling me the truth of what God's word is saying. Lets face it the truth hurts and I am not always in God's will. So next time when you think he is not saying what you want to hear, think about why!

Jessica Hudson

Spring Time Busy Time

Thursday, March 11, 2010

9:25 PM

I feel that now that spring has sprang I find myself very busy. Between two school age home school kids, church activities, and motorcycle events heating up I meet myself coming and going. I am sure I am not the only one out there like that. So what do we do about life that is too busy? Well I for one keep a really detailed calendar with all my events. Knowing what you have to do every day keeps you focused. I also pick and choose things to get involved in and some to say no to. It is hard to say no, but you have to so that what you are doing is on track of where you want to be. I also refocus weekly on what God wants me to do. This takes prayer and much patience to listen to what God says, but when I do then things just fall into play. I don't know whether these things will work for you or not, but give them a try and spring time might be a little more enjoyable.

Jessica Hudson

Swamp Riding

The weather was clear and cool Saturday morning here in central Arkansas as the Heaven Bound Bikers put their kickstands up and hit the road. The four riders left out with Road Captain Larry Davis in the lead, with full leathers and facemasks on going east on I-30 through Little Rock to I-440. The riders took the Scott/England exit onto Hwy. 165S, and then turned onto Hwy. 79N and then Hwy. 49S and then onto Hwy. 362 which took us to the Louisiana Purchase State Park.

The riding was great and our first stop was at Union Valley Cemetery were Larry's family is buried. This is a very old cemetery and Church, way out in the middle of a bean field just outside Coy, AR., which is well maintained despite its location.

Our next stop was at Papa Joes quick stop in Coy. We give this place four stars, the people were friendly, the restrooms were very clean and in good operating order, and they parking lot is concrete with lots of room to park. You can get gas there and they have hot food and your usual snacks.

From there the riders moved on down to Stuttgart, AR., the home of Max's Prairie Wings and Riceland Foods. Ducks and rice are Kings in this southeast Arkansas town, Max's Prairie Wings is a must stop and shop for waterfowl hunters. While in Stuttgart, we stopped for lunch at Gracie's Central Station by the old Wal-Mart. It was an excellent choice, they have a varied but simple menu, and it was very clean with a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. The food was good, having generous portions, with the riders trying out the burgers, Philly-steak sandwich, and patty melt, all came with home cut fries and all the fixings. The waitress was Becky who did a good job and the prices were fair. To get directions call 870-672-4848 (it was off our route, which is why you need to call for directions).

With full bellies, the riders were now ready to head straight on into our destination, Louisiana Purchase State Park. Heading on up Hwy. 79 the roads were pretty good except between Roe and Clarendon were they are building a new road and the existing road is rough for about 10 miles. You will cross the White River in this area and it is beautiful delta wet lands.

Turning off Hwy. 79 onto Hwy. 49S we traveled down to the state park turning onto Hwy. 362, be careful as this is a country lane with pea-gravel and tractors do use this road leaving clods of dirt and mud. It is about 2 miles down through a swamp to the end of the lane were the state park is located at a turnaround. Jessica commented that it reminded her of the movie "Deliverance," however we did not hear any banjo music. There is no visitor center, and the facilities consist of a port-a-potty and no picnic area, however remember it is the journey that counts not the destination. The park consists of a long winding interpreted boardwalk to the monument marking the initial survey point for the Louisiana Purchase. The baseline established here runs through modern day Little Rock, AR., and is where Baseline Rd. gets its name having been partially built on this baseline. For more information visit www.ArkansaStateParks.com

It was time to saddle up and head back, the riders route took them up Hwy. 49N to Hwy. 70 were they made a short jaunt east to Brinkley for gas and then back west to Little Rock. Hwy. 70 parallels I-40 from Little Rock to Memphis and is a great route for taking it easy and just enjoying the ride. Coming out of Hazen we stopped at the Dairy Bar for a break and soon found out on Saturday afternoon this is a hopping little place, if you need to you can park in the gas station next door which is along the drive way for the Dairy Bar. Homeward bound there would be no more stops till the group arrived at Hwy. 5 Baptist Church in Bryant, AR.

Traveling together is great, I never travel alone, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (ESV) Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. I always have my Savior Jesus Christ with me and usually at least one brother or sister in Christ. Who travels with you? Do you have a constant companion, a Savior with you?

 
 

Keep The Wind In Your Face!

Till the next pit stop,

Steven W. Hudson

The God of Comfort

I heard a sermon this week about the God of comfort and thought to myself "what kind of comfort have I experienced from God?" I think of when I was having my five surgeries and was so scared of the outcomes. God gave me comfort in so many ways: giving me praying parents, giving me a pastor who was always there, giving me nurses and doctors that had a gentle touch and a smile. All these things I know were God giving me comfort. I also think of the days and weeks after my husband left me. I found comfort from God's word that felt as if God himself had his arms around me holding me. I think of the times when people say derogatory things about me or my husband. I can see the comfort God gives me thru my friends at Hwy 5 Baptist Church and the Heaven Bound Bikers. These people seem to look past all my faults and tell me that no matter what people say God is with us. I can now see how Paul felt when he wrote to the Corinthians that they gave him comfort in his affiliation by their faith in God. Hhave you experienced comfort from God? Can you think of a few hundred ways God shows you comfort every day. I am so thankful that God knows just what kind of comfort I need, and just at the right time. Praise God in your affiliations because you get to experience the true comfort of God.

 
 

God Bless and keep the wind in your face!

Jessica Hudson

SPRING SHINE, SWAP, AND RIDE

 
 

The ABATE District one swap meet and bike show was last weekend, having a booth there one could clearly see that Saturday was a great success. It is the first big event in central Arkansas and for the most part signals the beginning of riding on a regular basis for the year. However, we ride all year and so far this year there was only one period of a couple of weeks were we could not ride. The swap meet allows one to see people you have not seen all winter and to make some new acquaintances as well. We talked about bikes, rides we have planned, looked at bikes, accessories, and gear. Good deals abundant all around and the ride up was clear, crisp, and exhilarating.

This was a good reason to start getting the bikes cleaned up for the good riding times to come. A little washing, a little chrome polish, a little wax, and a little Armour All and the girl is looking like a new bike. It takes the owner to get the bike in proper condition, it takes love to make her the best she can be.

People are the same way, Romans 3:23
says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" this is like a bike after a long winter, it is covered with dirt and grime, it falls short of the beauty and perfection it was meant to be. The bike needs someone to clean it, repair it, and polish it just as mankind does. We can't clean our selves, fix ourselves, or polish ourselves to the perfect state we are meant to be.

The only person who can do this for man is Jesus Christ because He loves us and He has bought us. Luke 5:30-32 And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" And Jesus answered them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." Luke 4:18-19 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."