“That’s a great-looking dog.” You’d be amazed at how many conversations begin like that. So we talked a bit about Labrador Retrievers and dog hair, but this guy in the hotel lobby had deeper questions. It wasn’t long before he asked about the wheelchair, my injury, and the recovery process. He wanted to know about […]
Continue readingYou Find Hope In Unlikely Spots
Yesterday we encountered a small pocket of hope. Becky and I talked over lunch with staff members at Freedom House in Green Bay. Tucked away in an out-of-the-way corner on the edge of the community, this amazing organization is changing lives one family at a time. We see this everywhere we go on our journey […]
Continue readingHave You Tried Farming?
I’ve decided this tour might actually be a farming expedition. I know—bike riding to farming might be something of a mixed metaphor. I’m pondering Jesus’ words. Jesus said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, […]
Continue readingResponsibility
HAPPY MONDAY! One particular audience got me thinking about today’s word-of-the-week… RESPONSIBILITY Becky asked how I felt after speaking to a group of men at a county detention center. I realized I felt a huge sense of responsibility. My response surprised me, but as I reflected it made more sense. I spoke to guys desperate […]
Continue readingJuvenile Detention Center: Kids In Jail
Do we really need to put children in jail? Becky and I visited a Juvenile Detention Center yesterday. We talked to boys about hope and dreams. The discussion was no different from dozens of others with kids in schools all across the country. The boys were sometimes distracted and probably more curious about the bike […]
Continue readingA Familiar Figure In An Orange Jump Suit
Do you REALLY believe what you believe? Today I’ll speak to a group of inmates at the Marathon County Detention Center. Yesterday we talked to kids at the Juvenile Detention Center. I’ve addressed similar audiences before, and each time I experience the same haunting impressions. In June, 2009, I shared these thoughts. # # # As […]
Continue readingCan You Laugh At Yourself?
I spoke yesterday at a Rehab Celebration at Gunderson Medical Center in La Crosse. I talked about community, because rehab and recovery aren’t individual efforts. Like most meaningful parts of life, rehab happens in community. I offered three stories, including one I don’t share often. I thought you might appreciate a giggle wrapped around an […]
Continue readingWhere Was The Tipping Point?
Yesterday I spoke to a group of leaders at Dynamic Recycling in La Crosse. During Q&A time, we heard a great question. “On your Mississippi River trip, where was the tipping point? Where was the point when you knew you’d make it?” Interesting notion—where’s the tipping point? Where’s that instant where impossible transforms to inevitable? When […]
Continue readingHope Described
Hope … Knows there’s light when all that’s visible is darkness. Believes in possibility when confronted by impossibility. Expects order to emerge from chaos. Reaches out in the presence of isolation. Seeks joy when surrounded by despair. Accepts freedom even when buried by guilt. Moves forward despite fear. Perceives a remarkable future beyond the immediate […]
Continue readingA People Magnet’s Look At Hope
I think I like Wisconsin. On a lot of our tours Rich rides on roads with traffic. Becky worries about that, but what bothers me is that I don’t get to run with him. When Rich gets ready to ride, I get excited. At home I always get to go along, so it’s really sad […]
Continue readingMine
HAPPY MONDAY! A casual compliment prompts today’s word-of-the-week… MINE When you visit a church with a trailer and an 80 lb. people magnet, a lot of people ask what you’re up to—usually after they pet the dog. After I explained the basics of RICH’S RIDE to one guy he exclaimed, “Your ministry is really cool.” […]
Continue readingDoors: Knocking Down Or Knocking?
I believe God keeps His promises. Jesus said, “Knock and the door will be opened to you.” So yesterday we spent much of the day trying to get through a door we were sure should open, and I was a bit disappointed when it remained firmly shut. Clearly, the gatekeeper didn’t get the memo. In […]
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