Five years ago we stopped at Lamberts Cafe In Sikeston, Mo. Lambert’s is famous for home-style meals and “throwed rolls.” When you want another roll, you raise your hand and the server tosses it across the room. Monte loved Lambert’s, because lots of folks fumbled their rolls. He wrote about our time in Sikeston. # # # […]
Continue readingDoes The Process Matter?
Results-focused thinking is dangerous. Five years ago we were riding along the Mississippi River near Cape Girardeau, Missouri. A post called Traveling Well contrasted two rides and prompted some thoughts about current events. “It’s about the journey, not the result.” Thursday’s ride was about as routine as it gets. Straight roads, wide shoulders, a fair amount […]
Continue readingHaunting Memories
Four years ago we took a bike ride to Washington DC. We had a great time but I’m still, in many ways, haunted by what I learned during that trip. At the conclusion I visited the MLK Memorial and wrote a post titled I Can’t Un-Know. I’ve heard individual stories from victims of human trafficking, […]
Continue readingWhen Push Comes To Shove
I hope I never diminish my dreams by settling for practicality. I wrote that four years ago in a post titled Abraham and Martin. I’ll adapt my words from that post. # # # Becky and I visited the Lincoln and MLK Memorials following our 500-mile bike tour to benefit International Justice Mission. I admire both men, and I […]
Continue readingMonte Talks About Jobs
About halfway through the Mississippi River journey, Monte reflected on the notion of a job. # # # Last week I told you we’re involved in something called a “project.” I don’t really understand; I don’t think dogs do projects. But I it sounds like something I’d like. Rich and I don’t go to school […]
Continue readingDay By Day
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos won the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize. You and I, and most of the people we know, won’t win a Nobel Prize. But every choice we make impacts others, often in ways we never see. Jon started walking a few years ago. Then running. Last week he ran a marathon. Rustin […]
Continue readingMonte Writes About Work And Play
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 […]
Continue readingIt 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 […]
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