“Notes don’t lead to learning.” It was a common statement in my classroom. I encouraged students to take notes, the more the better, but I always tried to be clear that notes and summaries don’t create learning. Only one thing creates learning – choosing to do the hard work of understanding. And that doesn’t happen […]
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Jobs Or Roles
We recently hired a local company for a small home improvement project. The two guys who did the job were remarkable. My construction experience helps me recognize people who care about their work. These guys weren’t just doing a job. Everything about their approach told you they took pride in both the process and the […]
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More About Foundations
THE FREEDOM TOUR isn’t about fundraising. That statement might surprise you since we support a group of kids rescued from human trafficking. Obviously, that support requires money. But when I ask you to join us, I hope it’s not a fundraising appeal. I hope it’s an invitation to follow Jesus’ call to seek justice for […]
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What’s It Built On?
My friend Rob talked about foundations last weekend. His church recently completed a new building. Rob described his frustration with the foundation phase of the construction process. So much time, effort, and money spent on a part of the building no one will ever see. Rob spoke about Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish […]
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Going Together
Yesterday I entered my miles for the HOPE & FREEDOM CHALLENGE. Since I’m still cranking my indoor trainer, I had this initial thought that my paltry 15 miles didn’t amount to much. At $1 per mile, $15 doesn’t seem like much compared to the huge need of the kids we support. But then I looked […]
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Examples
A reader asked if I could provide some examples of my theory concerning needs versus preferences. Remember the first day of class, the ritual of calling role? The simplest way is for the teacher to read the names and have the students respond, right? Works great for most students, except maybe that kid with the […]
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A Theory
I’m grateful to live where I live. Lots of reasons. Great weather, mountains, amazing bike paths. But I’m especially grateful that my community goes above and beyond to make it easy for me to get around. There aren’t many places I cannot go because of my wheelchair. It might seem sort of self-centered, but I’m […]
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Scattering Seeds
A few more comments to follow up on the last two posts about legacy & making a difference. After my talk on Saturday, people were gracious – as always. All sorts of comments about the impact of the story and how I’ve touched so many people along the way. I appreciate the kindness. But comments […]
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More About Legacy
I met this gentleman in 2011 when I spoke to a group of homeless people at a church in downtown Jackson, Mississippi during the Mississippi River ride. This picture was taken a year later. We were invited back to speak to some members of the congregation and this fellow walked up and told me a […]
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Legacy
I’m speaking to a group of men this weekend. Telling a bit of my story, talking about the FREEDOM TOUR, and I think I’ll talk a little bit about legacy and the impact we make. We spend a lot of time wanting to make a difference, trying to connect the dots between our actions and […]
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Anyway Video 2013-2023
For 11 years, our friend Kristen Orphan has generously allowed us to use her beautiful version of ANYWAY as the FREEDOM TOUR theme song. The first time I heard the song, one particular line struck me: You can chase a dream that seems so out of reachand you know it might not ever come your […]
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Remembering Rolling Fork
In 2011, near the end of our 1500-mile Mississippi River bike ride, we were invited to visit the small community of Rolling Fork, Mississippi. The wonderful people we met there have always been a special memory. So our hearts were broken by images of the horrific storm that devastated Rolling Fork last week. Like so […]
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