Folks often refer to Monte as a “working dog.” After reading his thoughts from five years ago during our Mississippi River journey, I’m not sure he’d agree. # # # One thing I really don’t get is the idea of “work” and “play.” Rich and Becky always talk about them like they’re different, but they […]
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It Looks Different From The Bridge
The Mississippi River taught me about dreams. About halfway through our 1500-mile journey I crossed OLD CHAIN OF ROCKS BRIDGE in St Louis. The view from that historic bridge prompted these thoughts. I’m noticing a lot about the river as I live with it. I’ve lived in the Midwest a lot of my life. I […]
Continue readingA Different Look At Detours
Detours are part of life…and following dreams. Five years ago I encountered that reality on my 1500-mile journey that was supposed to follow the Mississippi River but often didn’t. # # # Thursday and Friday of last week I scarcely saw the river. I trust that it’s there, that I’ll meet it again at some […]
Continue readingA Room Filled With Hope
Better than that…imagine an NFL stadium filled with hope. Last Friday, everyone in US Bank Stadium was dedicated to hope. While our event didn’t quite pack the place with people, A NIGHT FOR HOPE filled the venue with stories of encouragement and hope. Doug Kaufman and HOPE360 brought storytellers from around the country to network, share our stories, and […]
Continue readingMonte’s Thoughts About Trust
During week 2 of our Mississippi River ride, Monte offered some thoughts about trust. Trust was a big deal on that journey. We were finding our way each day, trusting that God had a path prepared for us and that we’d discover it if we just kept moving. It’s a lesson I don’t always carry […]
Continue readingWhich Dream Should You Follow?
The Mississippi River inspired me. As we followed the river, watched it grow and change, I was able to use it as a metaphor. Here I talked about the tenuous, fragile nature of dreams. We crossed the Mississippi three times during the first day. I recall thinking that it was a bit disappointing. Even thirty […]
Continue readingHow I Remember The Hills
Becky and I are in Minneapolis today for an event called A NIGHT FOR HOPE. We’re excited to be part of an event dedicated to promoting stories of encouragement through HOPE360. I’m looking forward to connecting with inspirational people from around the country. Plus, we get a VIP tour of US Bank Stadium, the Minnesota Vikings brand […]
Continue readingThe Courage To Take The Next Step
“I’m not sure where this thing is going.” My friend and I talked over lunch as he shared uncertainty about the direction of his ministry. “There are so many moving parts, so much that’s beyond my influence, that I can’t really see how it’s all going to play out.” Ever been there? (I see those […]
Continue readingMonte Writes About Busy
Monte became a blogger on the Mississippi River ride. Turns out he was the most popular feature on the blog, which was sort of hard on my ego. Anyway, he shared his wisdom each week, and I thought it was worth re-posting. So here’s Monte’s first blog from September 15, 2011. # # # Hi. […]
Continue readingHow To Engage Others In Following Dreams
There are two ways to engage people in a God-sized dream. You can get behind them and push or you can get in front and inspire. It’s the choice between management or leadership, motivating by fear or leading by faith. If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to gather wood, divide […]
Continue readingWhy You Should Remember
I find the trail by riding it, then I look back and discover a path. There’s a lot of recent conversation about “Never Forget.” More important, I think, to remember. Remember acts as a sort of curator, sorting, cataloging, and displaying the past. Remember seeks patterns and distills lessons. Remember allows us the perspective of time to separate wheat […]
Continue readingWriting A Story We Didn’t Understand
It’s important to celebrate. Today’s a big-deal anniversary for us. Five years ago on September 12, 2011 Becky, Monte, and I met some friends at Lake Itasca, Minnesota. We snapped a few pictures, prayed, and took off on a 1500-mile handcycle journey along the Mississippi River. When I cranked away from Lake Itasca that morning, […]
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