Traveling Colorado-Million Dollar Highway

Today was that perfect day in Colorado.  Especially since it is February.  Blue sky, white clouds, low humidity, steady breeze and clean air.  Colorado is known for its 300 days of annual sunshine and mild temperatures.

There is so much to discover in this state.  About a month ago, my husband and I left our home in Loveland and did a 72 hour road trip.  In those 72 hours, we saw a lot of spectacular views on the western part of the state.

Driving south on I-25, we headed west on I-70.  I-70 can be treacherous and especially in the winter.  Traveling west of Denver to Grand Junction, I-70 passes over the continental divide via Loveland Pass at an altitude of 11,990 ft.  This is the highest point anywhere in the U.S. interstate highway system.  As you are traveling, your knuckles turn white from tightening your hands on the steering wheel.  You definitely need to keep your eyes on the road, as there are stretches of steep grades, twisting turns and other people driving like they are on the race track.

It is about a four hour drive from Denver to Grand Junction.  After you cross over the continental divide, the terrain changes.  As one drives out of the mountains, the surrounding views are of canyons and mesas.  

Grand Junction sets in a valley along the Colorado River.  With a population of 64,000, this small town offers a lot with the cutest downtown area and Colorado National Monument(a park with red sandstone monuments and canyons).  It was dinnertime when we arrived in the town.  We enjoyed a nice dinner at the Rockslide Brewery.  We ended the evening, walking and window shopping in downtown Grand Junction.

The next morning with the 15 degree temperature, blue sky and bright sun, we were ready for the road trip to Durango.  We were traveling to Durango via the Million Dollar Highway.  I had never traveled this pass before.  My husband has ridden his motorcycle on it several times.

I was looking forward to traveling through the smaller towns and seeing what makes America so special.

We headed east on highway 50 and the first town that we came to was Delta.  A small town of 9,000.  In the 1800's, it was a trading post.  I wish we had time to spend the day, as there are over 31 unique murals throughout this town.  Murals that gives a person some insight to the town.  

Olathe, Colorado is a much smaller town with a population of 2,000 and is known for its delicious sweet corn in the summertime.  

We passed through Montrose, which is known as the gateway to the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park.

A few days before we had traveled through these towns, the area had several inches of snow.  It did remind you of a winter wonderland as we looked out into the white pastures.

Going from small town to small town, it is always interesting to find out what makes that area so unique.  Another special town was Ridgway.  This town also has murals throughout.  One of the murals that I saw was the one of "True Grit".  This was the area where the original "True Grit" was filmed.  This movie starred John Wayne, Kim Darby and Glen Campbell.  If you are a John Wayne fan, such as I am, you will enjoy this movie.

Enjoying the scenery as we left Ridgway, we approached Ouray.  One knew from the moment that you laid eyes upon this unique town(population of 1,000), that there was something special about this area.  It is known as the "Switzerland of America", as it is nestled between the mountains.  It was named after Chief Ouray of the Ute Indians.  It was originally established by miners looking for silver and gold.  It had more than 30 active mines in 1875.

As we drove through Ouray and approached the beginning of the Million Dollar Highway, we were in awe of the scenery.  Before us were steep cliffs, narrow lanes, tight curves and no rail guards.  I was thankful that I wasn't driving and that there were not many cars/trucks on this road.  As we climbed the treacherous road, we would come across beautiful icicles that were frozen to the cliff.  

The Million Dollar Highway stretches between Ouray and Silverton.  It is about 25 miles, but it takes about 42 minutes to drive it due to the numerous turns and the one way road.  The sun glistened off the snow as we drove the winding road, and the snow covered tree limbs were at every turn.  With the clear sky one could see miles in the distance.  It was the perfect day to experience this winter scene.

Why is it called "Million Dollar Highway"?  Some say that it was the cost to build the road and some say that it was the amount of gold that remained in the roadway's fill.  Whatever the reason, it is definitely a road that one wants to experience the beauty that God has created.

As we rounded our last curve, I could once again breathe and not be afraid that another car coming the opposite direction would be in our path.

We drove another 30 minutes before driving into Silverton, which is nestled between two rugged San Juan Mountain passes, Red Mountain and Mika.  If you like snow, this town averages 163 inches per year.  In the late 1800s, it was a historic mining town. If you are looking for an area where there isn't a signal light and not much traffic, this would be the place for you.  In the past 10 years, the population has only grown from 633 to 734.  The town is known for the train that passengers love to travel in the summertime from Durango.  This is a great destination when the temperatures are in the 80s and 90s, but come those winter months, unless you like cold and snow, this isn't the place for you. 

As the sun began to set in the west and the spectacular colors of orange and salmon were appearing on the horizon, we came to our final stop at the adorable B & B, Country Sunshine, outside of Durango.

Million Dollar Highway

Silverton, Colorado

Has God Forgotten Me!

 As my eyes saw the early morning dawn with the pastel colors of blues and pinks before me, I knew that God was with me.  The birds shouted His name as the sunlight came over the horizon.

As I go through heartaches and misfortunes, I shout "where are you God?"  How often have we asked God "where is He when we needed Him?"  We live the life that we want and when things don't go the way we want them to, "it is God's fault, not mine".

As I stay in the word, I know that He has never forsaken me.  The question is "have we forsaken and forgotten Him."

Isaiah 49:15 reminds me "even if a mother should forget her child, my Lord, will never forget me...He has written my name on the palms of His hands."

Stay in His word and be still as you watch the morning sunrise or the evening sunset.  The clouds will etch the promises that He has given you and me.

Speak & Breathe Words of Life

 As I look out onto the white, fluffy snow and the frigid temperatures, the sunshine brings me warmth.  It is definitely the little things that do make a difference in life.

Also, what we speak and breathe brings life to others.  A smile and words of hope and encouragement can mean so much to someone.  Speaking words of life will also speak to your own soul.

Think back on the negativity that you have spoken.  To this day, I remember telling someone that I didn't love them anymore.  Those words have probably haunted me more than it has haunted them.  Satan would love to keep me in that dark time, but praise God, Jesus lives in my life and He has encouraged me to be an encourager to others.

Proverbs 15:4 - "Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit."

Proverbs 16:24 - "Kind words are like honey-sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."

Proverbs 18:4 - "A person's words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook."

Proverbs 18:21 - "The tongue has the power of life and death."

Once again the wisdom of knowing what to say is powerful.

It is easier to lash out negative words, phrases... to someone.  This is where we need to stop and breathe and ask the Spirit to speak for us.

I know that we should speak words of life to someone that we are upset with, but we should also speak words of life to someone who is dying.  Don't give up on them.  Only God knows the time and the place where that person's last breath will be taken.

Even God breathed life into man.  Genesis 2:7 - "Then the Lord God took some soil from the ground and formed a man out of it; he breathed life-giving breath into his nostrils and the man began to live."  God holds the key to our life.  Revelation 3:7 - "God has the key that belonged to David, and when he opens a door, no one can close it, and when he closes it, no one can open it."

What I am trying to say is that we can't give up.  By speaking and breathing the words of life, we are giving that person hope.  When someone is in a coma, the doctors and nurses encourages you to speak to that person.  They may be in a deep sleep, but their conscience & their soul is still here.

Some encouraging verses to speak are:

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.  God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."  1 Peter 2:9

"So be strong and courageous!  Do not be afraid and do not panic before them.  For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you.  He will neither fail you nor abandon you."  Deuteronomy 31:6

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb.  Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!  Your workmanship is marvelous--how well I know it."  Psalm 139:13-14

There are so many other verses throughout the Bible that shares God's promises.

By speaking these verses or positive words will this person live?  They may not live on this earth, but you gave them peace.  Also those words gave you life.

May these words also give you the eternal life that you need!  You don't want to waste the time that you have on this earth with others by bickering and destroying others.  Use this time to build up and to encourage.

The snow can represent so much, such as the hardships of life and the frozen ground covering up the seeds and roots that will grow in spring.  As the whiteness of the snow represents the purity, cleanliness and new beginnings that only Christ can give us.

Always remember the words that we speak are powerful!  Use those words to glorify Christ!

With Age Comes Wisdom

Last night watching a movie, the actress told a friend who was trying to make a decision that "with age comes wisdom".  That statement hit home with me.  I thought that is so true.  I can look back at the last sixty-seven years of my life and think "I wish I had known in my early years what I know now".

In my twenties, there were so many decisions that I made not realizing that I was altering my life as well as others.  When one has a rebellious spirit, you just look at yourself and what you think will make you happy.

For several years, I lived in a dark place with no peace in my life.  It was as if I was running from something and looking for something to feel a void in me.

It was during this time that I picked up my Bible and I began to read and truly thirst for the word of God.  I can almost remember the day that the scales came off of my eyes and I began to see and to understand the verses that I was reading.  

I wish I could say that I did a "180" in my life, but I didn't.  Being in God's word was important, but also having a good time was what I thought I needed in my life.

I am thankful that God was with me.  He never gave up on me.  Even though at times I would give up on myself.

Wisdom was the key that kept me going and searching.  

I can remember reading 1King 3:5, "that night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and God asked him, "What would you like me to give you?"  One would think "wow".  I could ask for money, a new car, a great job, etc.  Do you know what Solomon told God?  Solomon said "give me the wisdom I need to rule your people with justice and to know the difference between good and evil.  Otherwise, how would I ever be able to rule this great people of yours?"  And God told Solomon that He would give him wisdom and so much more.

These words were so powerful.  It made me stop and think about what I needed.  It wasn't riches and it wasn't having a good time, but it was the wisdom to make daily decisions.  Decisions that would assist me in walking with Him.

Even in James 1:5, the verse states "But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should pray to God, who will give it to him; because God gives generously and gracious to all".  

The book of Proverbs talks a lot about wisdom.  "It is better-much better-to have wisdom and knowledge than gold and silver."

Being youthful, I think of freedom; growing older, I think of being wise.

What is wisdom?  Why would I want to be wise?  The dictionary says that wisdom is "the quality of having experience, knowledge and good judgment; the quality of being wise".  Wisdom helps me to know what to say, as well as knowing when not to say anything.  

I need to apologize to a few people in my early years of life and to say forgive me for the decisions that I made.  The one thing that I do know is that God has forgiven me and He has restored joy into my life so that I can teach others about the new life that only Christ can give me and others.

I could go on and on and on about the insight that the Lord has given me throughout the years.  I asked and He provided.

May others take the time to be in the Word of God and pray about how scripture can set them free and that they will walk with Him as He guides them and gives them the knowledge that they need.  Trust Him so that He can help you make wise choices for your family, your job and yourself.  

Wisdom can make your life pleasant and lead you safely through your journey of life.

No matter what age you are, God can give you the wisdom that you need.  You don't have to wait until you have gray hair.  God is waiting for you to ask for wisdom now!  Don't wait!

Who Is Your Valentine?

Today with the weather reaching a high of 0 degrees, I am celebrating Valentine in my warm home.  There is snow on the ground with the wind slightly blowing.  

Did you know that Valentine greetings goes as far back as the Middle Ages?  And written Valentines began in the 1400s.  In the 1800s, friends and lovers began to exchange small tokens or handwritten notes.  It was in the early 1900s that valentine cards began to appear.

Valentine came about due to Emperor Claudius II executing two men, who were named Valentine.  They were executed on February 14th of different years in the 3rd century A.D.  Their martyrdom was honored by the Catholic Church with the celebration of St. Valentine's Day.

Here it is 2021 and Valentine sweethearts spend about $19.6 billion in expressing their love.  It is a day that is celebrated worldwide.  

So, who is your special valentine?  Who are you romancing with cards, flowers, candy and a great meal?

My special valentine is my husband of 34 years.  Our valentine day was very quiet and we are very thankful for our warm home.  We were suppose to be in Florida attending a wedding and visiting with friends.  But due to a medical issue with my husband, we were not able to fly out on Friday.

We had so looked forward to flying somewhere and being in warmer weather, but that didn't happen.

So today we celebrate our love for each other by being thankful for so much.  At times, we sometimes forget about all the things that we do have.  It is so easy to blame someone or something for messing up our plans.

Throughout the years, I have learned to enjoy life and to enjoy what happens.  I could spend all my energy for being upset or I can just enjoy what I have.  We sometimes forget about the little things.

Maybe you didn't have a romantic day.  Maybe you don't even have a special person in your life at this time.  But look at what you do have.  Look at someone who has meant a lot to you.  Someone who has respected you throughout the years.  Someone who has made a difference.

Valentine isn't just February 14th.  It should be celebrated all the time.  If you didn't reach out and wish someone a "Happy Valentine's Day", take the time this week and let someone know how special they are to you and that they are your "Special Valentine".

Celebrate all year long!

Did I Make a Difference?

 As I look out at the balmy weather(it is -1 degrees with a wind chill factor of -15), my mind keeps thinking about "can we really make a difference to others?"

My heart and mind keeps telling me "yes".  I have always felt that if we don't do or say anything, nothing will ever change or happen.

As a Christian, the Lord has provided the Holy Spirit to guide and to direct me.  But I then wonder "what difference did I make?"

We all live different lives and we all have made different choices in life.

I do reflect back on choices that I have made and how they have affected my life as well as others.  That is definitely a topic in itself.

By doing something, we make a difference.  After being with someone, I will reflect on the conversation and think "I should have said that" or "I should have done that".

After the resurrection, Jesus appeared before the disciples and he told them to go forth and to share the gospel and that He would be with them until the end.  Jesus didn't say go and make sure that everybody believes in me, but He said "go and share the gospel".  We have to realize that we can't change anyone.  Only Jesus can change them.  

Satan likes to play with Christians and he makes us feel guilty if  someone that we shared with didn't change their ways.  We feel that we should have said "it this way" or if "I had only said it sooner", etc.  Satan has his strategy.  He wants us to feel that all is lost.  But when we walk with Jesus, He will always be the winner.  Romans 8:28 tells me "that God works in all things for those that love God and are called according to His purpose".  Evil is prevalent in our world, but God is able to turn all things into good.  If you have been faithful, don't doubt how God will work.

I can always second guess myself.  Instead of beating myself up, I need to reflect on the positive.  

What did I do?  

I was consistent.  I was there for that person.  They knew that someone cared for them.

I was genuine.  I was honest with them.  I didn't hide the truth.  I shared Jesus with them and the hope that only He can give.

I was unselfish.  I was thinking about them and what they needed.  It wasn't about me.  I wanted them to have joy in their life.

Even on these cold, frigid days, I wonder if it will ever be summer again.  Our lives are like those wintery days and we wonder "did I make a difference?"  God will provide spring and summer to help me forget when I doubt.  There are people in our lives that didn't change.  But God will bring forth someone who witnessed me being faithful to that friend.  You may never know the impact that you had on others that were with you during this time.  

Matthew 5:16 says "In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven".  Be that beacon of truth and allow the light to shine from you.

You Did Make a Difference!