A rainy day camping is better than a sunny day at work!

You may see a rainy day while you are camping as a disappointment. However, that rain can make you enjoy curling up on a couch with a good book. Or perhaps you will choose to spend the day playing games inside the camper and use it as a family bonding experience. Another idea, however, is to outfit the entire with hooded rain ponchos and head out for a hike as the rains begin to fall. Pay close attention to the different sights, sounds and smells of the field or forest covered in a fresh rain bath.

Some people find foggy weather gloomy and depressing, I prefer to see it as mysterious and secretive. If you try, you can learn to appreciate the mysterious silence that is the fog and may even find yourself looking forward to getting lost in it. Marvel at how you can only see a short distance in front of you and that many things just seem to disappear before your eyes…

And, is there anything that makes a toasty fire more delicious than a bitter cold north wind and sharp biting ice crystals hitting you in the face? We almost have to experience weather like that to truly appreciate its opposite—a crackling fire in a cozy room with a comfy chair and a window for you to watch outside. We can learn to appreciate these days for the pleasures they help us to enjoy. Likewise, we can enjoy the time spent outside in weather like that, whether it is attending to pets, accomplishing other outside chores or engaging in a cold weather sport, such as snowmobiling or skiing, for the experience awaiting us at the end.

If the thought of snow, in general,makes you cringe because of the shoveling you have to look forward to, think back to a favorite snowfall from your past, perhaps your childhood. I remember a time when I was in college and we lived in an apartment across the road from a gravel pit. One of the small pits they had dug had filled with water and become a pond. Every winter, the pond would freeze over and we would grab our ice skates and head out there as soon as the workers would leave. I have wonderful memories of skating there at dusk on a weekday afternoon when large, fat snowflakes were falling and landing on the ice and my eyelashes. This memory never fails to put me at peace and help me to appreciate even look forward to our next snowfall.

The one thing you can count on in a Wisconsin November is the color gray. In my work as a therapist, I see more people coming more depressed than any other time of the year. Even people who are not diagnosed with depression!

When I complain to my weather-loving husband, my cross-country skier husband says “I just look at November as the predecessor to a winter full of snow!” He walks around the house actually excited that the skies are gray. Even his persistent enthusiasm cannot lighten my mood so if anyone has other ideas about how to appreciate November, I would love to hear them.

And, finally, remember, it’s weather. In most places, if you give it an hour or two, unless you’re talking November in Wisconsin, it will change anyway! For more information about camping, browse additional camping ^[5] articles at Woodall’s main site.

reprinted with permission

The bottom line, in a Christian worldview, is that humans are sinful, we need a savior, and our salvation is in Jesus Christ, not human reason or anything else.

On the other hand, logical reasoning is useful, it should be highly valued, and “critical thinking must be a part of every Christian classroom if we are to maintain our integrity” (“Critical Thinking and the Christian Perspective” by Wendy Dutton, Thomas Hart and Rebecca Patten). For living by faith as a Christian, one useful approach is to combine critical thinking — “the art of taking charge of your own mind [which is valuable because]… if we can take charge of our own minds, we can take charge of our lives” with Christian thinking: “Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God — what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect” (Romans 12:2-3).

Christian thinking requires that we take on the mind of Christ. This is done by learning and understanding the Bible, having a Holy Spirit empowered prayer life, longing for community with other Believers, and ministry that is modeled after Christ’s example which was motivated by love. If our theology and Christian lifestyle is based solely on the aspiration of spiritual truths inaccessible through intellectual means, then we miss an important part of our createdness as image-bearers of God.

In the New American Standard Bible, the word “think” is found 39 times in 37 verses which is an indication that thinking is a part of our existence that God did not intend for us to ignore. Not to mention, we are exhorted if not commanded to study (Ezra 7:10), teach (2 Timothy 2:2), learn (Ephesians 5:10), and examine (Acts 17:11) the scriptures which requires the process of critical thinking in order to train the mind to see the world through the lens of the Bible.

Perhaps the most important reason for Christians to think is this: it is the way we think that influences our actions and develops our character. Our thought processes defines who we really are; therefore it is imperative that we think the way our mouths profess us to be.

Paul’s instruction in Romans 12:2 to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” is not a one time occurrence it is a daily renewal through the study and meditation of the Word of God. That is the way it happens. That is how we learn not only to think but to think as God does.

My dad says, “If you’re not feeding yourself with the Bible all the time, you will be thinking like the world.” In our age of experiential churches and postmodern culture, I would like to amend this quote this way: “If you are not feeding yourself with the Bible, you won’t be thinking at all.”

Dountonia is BellaOnline’s Baptist Editor

In Romans 12:2 Paul challenged the church at Rome with these words, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

This challenge applies to Christians living in the 21st century as much as it did to the church at Rome. Our reading materials and TV certainly appeal to all of us to conform to the patterns of this world. The challenge to us is not to yield to that appeal but to seek to renew our minds through filtering out what we allow our minds to absorb.

Earlier in Romans 8 Paul reminded the early church that our sinful nature has our minds set on what that nature desires and is hostile to God. However, as Christians we are admonished to live in accordance with the Spirit and have our minds set on what the Spirit desires.

How do we do that? One of the most effective ways is to spend time in the Bible where we can learn of Christ’s own words and those of the Apostles, memorizing many of them. This will enable the Holy Spirit to recall these to our minds when we need them.

Another way is to control what goes into our minds. The old saying regarding computers applies here: garbage in, garbage out. This takes self-control that we are admonished many times in the Bible to practice (2 Peter 1:5-9).

So, if you wish to renew your mind, take an inventory of what type of material you are reading or watching on TV. Spend more time in the Bible and practicing self-control. Memorize Philippians 4:8 for starters.

According to a Yahoo search, Americans spent 92.27 billion dollars on gambling in 2007. You may not be one of those who contributed to this amount, but many do. A host of opportunities are available for those who wish to.

Many also gamble in another way, that the Bible is not relative to their lives in the 21st century. Society sometimes describes those of us who do as uneducated and perhaps even to be pitied.

While statistics indicates that many possess one or more Bibles, the number of those who read them as a manual for their lives is dwindling.

Many of those who will say they do not believe the Bible have neither read it nor studied it in order to make an intelligent decision on their own. They have succumbed to what is being taught in our public schools and universities by those who probably have not studied it either.

Here’s my challenge to those of you who are gambling that the Bible is not relative to your lives today. Take the time to read one book of the Bible, the book of Proverbs. Ask yourself if many of the principles of life recommended by King Solomon would not help you live a better life. Verse 7 of chapter 1 would be an excellent one to memorize: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

Long Term RV Boondocking on BLM Land

With the growing popularity of boondocking, the BLM has begun to establish areas for longer stays, particularly in Arizona. The permit fee is around $140 now, but this allows you to stay up to six months, and you’ll have pump stations, dumpsters and water available. That’s cheaper than paying property taxes or rent for a lot to park on.

Boondocking Communities

Ask around when you are in the desert southwest, and you’ll find there are whole RV communities that form every winter. There are temporary towns like “Slab City” in California, complete with bookstores, grocery vendors, and other businesses run by RVers. When summer returns, these boondock communities disappear, and reappear again the following winter.

Perhaps the largest gathering of RV boondockers is in Quartzite, Arizona. Up to several hundred thousand people spend at least part of the year boondocking here. Quartzite is near the California border, on Interstate 10, only 20 miles from the Colorado River. It’s surrounded by BLM lands, and it’s famous for gem shows and swap meets, and the multiplying of its population each winter.

Other RV Boondocking Opportunities

Look, and you’ll find “hidden” places where you can park your RV for a week or a month in the desert southwest. Some are free, and others just inexpensive. For example, the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area, north of Bowie, Arizona, costs $3 per night, but has nice hotsprings and plenty of wildlife. You can get an annual permit for $30, but you’re limited to two weeks per month (permits are sold at the BLM office in Safford). Outside of the fenced area you can stay free, but then you don’t get the hotsprings and shaded picnic tables.

There are many other areas like the Hot Well Dunes for cheap or free RV boondocking. The Bureau of Land Management can tell you what’s available under their jurisdiction. The Woodall’s campground guide lists campgrounds that are free. Also, just keep your eyes open for other RVs parked out in the desert or forest, and ask around.

About The Author

Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled the U.S. and Mexico alone at 17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. To read their stories, tips and travel information, visit: www.EverythingAboutTravel.com.

SmartCentres, which owns the Kamloops, British Columbia shopping centre, installed large new signs on the lot reminding customers there is no overnight parking for RVs or trucks. (Credit: bcnews.ca)

Besides being a big-box retail store, Walmart parking lots across North America have generally been hospitable to the traveling camper.

But, anyone hoping to stay in the Kamloops, British Columbia, Walmart parking lot for an extended period of time can expect to be turned away, reports Kamloops This Week.

This past summer the company SmartCentres, which owns the shopping center, installed large new signs on the lot reminding customers that overnight parking for RVs or trucks is not permitted.

Sandra Kaiser, vice-president of corporate affairs for SmartCentres, told KTW the no-overnight rules were always in place, but not enforced stringently until recently.

She said the measure is not meant to crack down on someone staying a few hours or even a night, but is intended to address RV owners staying for days and weeks.

“More and more campers were coming and staying for longer periods of time, to the point where we were losing parking spaces that we have to provide to our tenants,” Kaiser said, adding the company had received complaints from tenants in the shopping center.

She noted overnight stays made it difficult for maintenance crews to clean up the lot.

Kaiser said maintenance crews are politely reminding campers they can’t park in the lot long term.

Walmart manager Tim Labermeyer said he’s heard from some customers who expected to park at the store overnight.

However, he pointed out many of the Walmart lots that allow overnight parking are owned by the retail giant.

The Kamloops Walmart leases the property so, in this case, it is not a decision made by the store.

“We have to abide by their (SmartCentres) rules,” Labermeyer said.

Staying in a Walmart parking lot. (Credit: rvonthego.blogspot.com)

He suggested Thompson Rivers University students using the lot during store hours for free parking was a bigger issue than RV parking.

The Kamloops location isn’t alone in banning overnight stays, as a growing number of Walmarts in the U.S. are starting to turn away RVs.

For a list of Walmarts where overnight parking is prohibited, click here.

Ask the local IGA store in Hinton, Alberta, how to treat visitors. That IGA invites RVers to camp overnight free on their parking lot and places large signs along the highway to make sure RVers know they are welcome.

Overnight Parking Etiquette

Some of the most respected RV consumer clubs have joined together to support your right to park on private businesses’ parking lots overnight under the following code of conduct. The code pertains to establishments that permit “dry camping” on their lots. Dry camping means camping without the use of external hookups for electricity, water supply, or waste disposal.

Industry-Sanctioned Code of Conduct (RVers’ Good Neighbor Policy)

Stay one night only!

Obtain permission from a qualified individual.

Obey posted regulations.

No awnings, chairs, or barbecue grills outside your RV.

Do not use hydraulic jacks on soft surfaces (including asphalt).

Staying in a Walmart parking lot. (Credit: mybirdie.ca)

Always leave an area cleaner than you found it.
Staying in a Walmart parking lot. (Credit: mybirdie.ca)
Purchase gas, food, or supplies as a form of thank you, when feasible.

Be safe! Always be aware of your surroundings and leave if you feel unsafe.

If your plans include touring the area, staying for more than one night, or necessitate conduct not within the code, please relocate to a local campground. It’s the right thing to do!

Most of the complaints lodged regarding RV parking on business parking lots have to do with aesthetics and perceived abuse of the privilege. There are a variety of competing interests that were balanced to arrive at this industry-sanctioned code of conduct. As you can see, this Code of Conduct is nothing more than an RVers’ “Good Neighbor” policy.

Not following the code has serious consequences and is detrimental to the rights of all RVers. Already, some municipalities have passed ordinances to prohibit parking on private business property overnight.

The above Code of Conduct is also available in PDF format from the Walmart Atlas website.

You’re encouraged to print this letter and share it with others to promote these etiquette standards.

Worth Pondering…Don’t be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.

Each October, New Mexico skies are full of bold blues, imperial reds, and vibrant yellows. The event is the world-famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the largest hot-air balloon event in the world. This extravaganza takes place from the first weekend through the second weekend in October—this year’s festival is

Part of the reason for the success of the Fiesta are the cool Albuquerque morning temperatures in October and the Albuquerque box. (Credit: Raymond Watt, balloonfiesta.com)

from October 1-9—and attracts hundreds of hot-air balloonists from around the world. The balloons come in many colors and shapes with the special shapes category getting larger every year. There are balloons that look like cows, cartoon characters, automobiles, stagecoaches—and just about everything else.

A century after the release of Jules Verne’s balloon adventure novel with Captain Phileas Fogg, Around the World in 80 Days, internationally-acclaimed balloon festival was born in Albuquerque. It was 40 years ago! In 1972, and 20,000 sleepy spectators gathered at sunrise in a local parking lot to witness 13 balloons ascend. At the time, 13 balloons seemed really impressive. But in 2004, more than 800,000 spectators watched as more than 750 balloons floated into the beautiful blue New Mexico skies. The fiesta has amassed an international following, attracting pilots, spectators, and media from nearly 30 countries.

So, what’s the big deal about balloons?

Hot air ballooning is a spectacular and exciting event to experience. Before dawn, people start to gather. By 6 a.m. long lines of automobiles are jockeying for position in a stop-and-go traffic scene. Excitement fills the air. Weather permitting—and if the wind is not too strong—a rainbow of hot air balloons simultaneously lifts into the early morning air. The crowd is awed and “oohs” and “aahs” over every balloon! Each is a work of art. The number of giant painted bubbles gliding through the sky multiplies the viewers’ pleasure.

Mass Ascensions, a launch of all the participating balloons have been a feature of Balloon Fiesta since its earliest days and is one of the most spectacular display of sound and color in all of aviation. (Credit: balloonfiesta.com)

The launch field is divided into three sections of 11 rows of 12 balloons each. Think of a checkerboard. The launch begins with the outside rows on the north and south ends of the field—these two rows lift off at the same time. Usually the wind is from the north, so that works out well. Then they work in towards the middle of the checkerboard.

The excitement begins as the crews take the collapsed giant balloons from their storage baskets. Twenty to forty feet of fabric is stretched flat on the ground in exactly the right way. The blue-flamed burners that heat the air to lift each balloon are started. The heat of the flame from the propane tank is surprisingly intense and the noise made by the burner is expectedly loud. When finally, the signal is given for the balloons to ascend and they take off in waves of color, it is a magnificent sight!

Ballooning is popular in Albuquerque…why?

Albuquerque is popular with hot air balloonists because of the “Albuquerque Box.” In balloon language, a “box” refers to flight back and forth over the same area by using winds of opposite directions at different altitudes. It is a common phenomenon in valleys because of the flow of air down the mountains. With a box, balloonists have more flexibility in how they can control and navigate their balloons.

What is a balloon crew?

Balloons are big—and it takes a group of four or more people to help the pilot. Before the flight, the ground crew helps with preparing the balloon.

A special shape balloon, Well Fargo's Cent'r Stage. (Credit: balloonfiesta.com)

First they walk out the envelope for inflation, and then they help attach all the equipment to the basket. Once off the ground, the chase crew follows the balloon in a car or truck (the chase vehicle) so they can help retrieve the balloon and pack it up wherever the pilot lands. It can be a lot of work, but chasing can be fun!

Balloonists often need helpers—so ask around; you might just get a ride!

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
wwwballonfiesta.com
(888) 422-7277 or (505) 821-1000
4401 Alameda NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113

Worth Pondering…“How posterity will laugh at us, one way or other! If half a dozen break their necks, and balloonism is exploded, we shall be called fools for having imagined it could be brought to use: if it should be turned to account, we shall be ridiculed for having doubted”.
—Horace Walpole, letter to Horace Mann, 24 June 1785

Note: This is the first of a two-part series on Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

See part 2: Up, Up and Away: The Greatest Show OFF Earth

While we have always homeschooled our children, now that we are full-time RVers, we have found that Roadschooling (homeschooling on the road) presents some unique challenges as compared to when we homeschooled in a sticks & bricks.

Being on the road has given us a chance to visit some wonderful historic locations that we would not have been able to otherwise afford to go to without our RV.  We love to tailor our curriculum to where we are visiting; especially for history, writing, and science, but traveling full-time makes it difficult to always have, on-hand, the learning tools that we enjoyed in our house.  We have found having a laptop and printer on-board indispensable to our destination tutoring!

Of course, if you are going for a short trip, it would be very easy to find applicable information before you leave home, print it out there, and take it along.  There are some great websites that provide details and worksheets about states, historical destinations, and elementary hands-on science.  My children, for the most part, enjoy worksheets, so in addition to downloading interesting online worksheets, I also watch out for fun workbooks about where we are visiting.

History of Texas Museum

Last month when we were in Texas, I found a great workbook at the Bob Bullock History of Texas Museum gift shop.  Because I have multiple ages, I went through the workbook and marked each page that I thought the kids might enjoy with a post-it flag.  On the flag, I wrote how many copies of that page I wanted depending on which children it was age appropriate for.  A quick trip to Staples, and we were set for some fun (and inexpensive) learning about a new-to-us area.

Many students use the Internet for classroom research, and travelers use it to find out about a possible destination.  Roadschooling brings both of these together.  In addition to finding out about the surrounding tourist sights and searching for campgrounds, we like to find factual information on the historical places that we are interested in touring.  Last week we visited Tombstone, AZ, the sight of the legendary gunfight between the Earp brothers with Doc Holiday, and the lawless Clanton Gang at the OK Corral.  On our way to Tombstone, we searched for a website about the deadly match, and read about the gunfight aloud; we also learned a lot about the founding of the town, including the source of it’s name.  The kids had more interest in the location knowing a bit of it’s history, we had a better idea of how to prioritize our time there based on what details we found intriguing, and the kids had a jump-start on what they would need to know to earn their Jr. Ranger badges.

Homeschoolers tend to be bookworms (and we are!) but now that we are schooling out of an rv, we are greatly limited as to both space and weight.  We don’t have much room for books, but even if we did, the weight factor of hauling them around would be detrimental to our GVW!   I have never been a big library fan – I felt that if a book was worth reading, it was worth owning - unfortunately, this mind-set  just doesn’t fit in well with the r.v. lifestyle!  But how could we school without our books?  One solution was that we bought the older kids e-readers for Christmas.

There are over a dozen different manufacturers; we chose Sony.  (the following info is based on our experience with them, so it may differ if you choose Kindle, nook, or any of the others…)  If you tend to purchase a lot of books anyway, a digital reader can pay for itself very quickly.  Our family prefers classics, and many of these books can be downloaded for free.  In fact, you don’t have to have an e-reader to take advantage of free downloads; they can be read on your computer/laptop also!  It is easy to find books based on location or historic event with literally millions of books available for download!

magazine racks work best for our workbooks

For storing our traditional school books, we have found that it works best for us to have a container for each child’s books.  At first we used horizontal plastic boxes with lids, but we have found that, in the area we have set aside for school in this coach, magazine holders work best.  Each child has their own holders, and since the containers are vertical, the kids don’t have to dig theirs out from under others, and the remaining holders stay upright (instead of a row of slumping books), making it easier to keep those cupboards tidy.   We also use magazine holders for coloring books and info that we send away for from each state like tourist guides.

We do enjoy a certain amount of educational DVDs.  One of our favorites is Drive Thru History; they are generally location specific or about a certain person (thus you might want to watch about Benjamin Franklin when you are visiting Boston, his birthplace, or Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed).  My boys especially enjoy these as Dave is usually driving some cool or unusual vehicle, and he is rather comical.

We also have found other ways to impart learning into our ‘camping’ routine.  We tend to lean towards games that have some, however small :), educational value.  My kids like the game bananagrams, which is somewhat similar to Scrabble but without a board; great for spelling, and is very compact.  Math games, like Math Dice, are small, lightweight, and easy to adapt and play with multiple ages.

We have really been enjoying our roadschooling adventure.  At first it was a challenge for this bookworm mom to adapt to life without a library on board, but we have found some great alternatives that are making our journey a lot of fun and still educational.  We are also finding that learning can be extra rewarding when we take advantage of the educational opportunities that each of our travel destinations offer.  If you have some other roadschooling ideas, I would love to hear from you!

Safe Travels and Happy Learning!

Dana

However, some Christians do just that. They accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and then at some point fail to continue to grow in their Christian life. Although they have the Holy Spirit to assist them in their spiritual growth, they become complacent in following His direction.

Christ said, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26). It is important that we understand these words regarding the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. He will first bring Christ’s words to our attention and then cause us to retain them in our hearts and minds.

Our Attention
It is important to our spiritual growth that we know what Christ has said. The only way I know that this knowledge can be attained and brought to our attention is by spending time reading His Word. It is here that we learn (are taught) the words of Jesus. It is here we find the meaning of “the way” Jesus spoke of in John 14: 6. He has given us the Holy Spirit to help us obey His commands (John 14:21) and to grow in Him.

Our Retention
As we grow older, our ability to retain things that we once readily recalled seems to fail us. Yet God has seen fit to give us a Helper in this area. I am constantly amazed to hear stories of those with various stages of dementia who are faithfully witnessing to others as they recall and quote scripture.

God has promised that the Holy Spirit will remind us of His words (everything I have said) to help us as we seek to grow in our knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Christ gave us His own example of this retention in Matt. 4:1-11.

Are you growing in your Christian life? God has provided you a Helper to assist you in doing so. He is available to all of us who seek to follow Christ’s teachings by teaching us all things and reminding us of what Christ has said.

In the other article, “Entrepreneurs take niche goods, services to road for customers’ convenience,” three entrepreneurs are featured: an RV mobile repair business, a mobile car detailing service, and a mobile custom tanning and salon. The last does custom air-brush tanning. According to the article, what helps a mobile business succeed is finding the right niche or having high quality if you’re providing service in a broader specialty. Maybe the party bus in the first article is a niche that doesn’t jive with the market.

How does this apply to RVers who want to travel in their RVs rather than be based in one community? Having a mobile business isn’t as easy. For professions such as cosmetology that requires a license in each state, a mobile business would not work as well. Plus, a beautician relies on developing a clientele. Moving around frequently would not allow that to happen unless you came each year during a certain season. For example, some who cuts hair and spends each winter in the same snowbird park would be able to develop a clientele over time.

Another restriction is getting the word out. If you travel constantly, people may not see you enough to get familiar with you. Often customers need to see you or hear about you several times before feeling comfortable enough to buy from you. If you were parked at an RV park for a while, you would need permission from the owner, who might want a cut. And, you probably will need a local business license or at least a tax ID to run a business there.

The mobile businesses I’ve seen work provide services for RVs, such as mobile repair, repairing windshields, computer repair, and cleaning carpets. They may have a sign on their RV or their tow or toad, letting RVers know about their business. Some set up at RV events or at RV gathering places like Quartzsite, AZ in January. I’ve also met RVers who cut hair and give massages, but they do it by word of mouth since they are not licensed. Keep in mind if you offer services at RV rallies, you may be required to get a booth. There are always costs of doing business!

If you tow a cargo trailer or even have a toy hauler converted into some sort of workshop, there are more possibilities. Just pick a business that doesn’t need a state license and make sure you follow the state and local regulations for paying business license fees and taxes. Knowing lots of RVers or going to rallies or where they gather also helps. It could be a viable way to make a living on the road.

Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

reprinted with permission