“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” Last time I said Jesus holds each child at the HOME OF HOPE in His hands. I said He cares for them one-at-a-time in some mysterious, miraculous way we can’t understand. Honestly, I wish He would […]
Continue readingMore TagCategory: Freedom Tour
About Looking Deeper
“What’s the story…behind the story?” Our pastor asked that question this weekend. I thought about these hand prints. There’s this whole wonderful story about the HOME OF HOPE and a community of rescued kids living in hope and freedom. I love that story, but Jeff’s question reminded me that this is much more than a […]
Continue readingMore TagNasty
Imagine being born in a stinky, nasty place surrounded by chaos. And then imagine, after you survived, powerful political leaders considered you a threat and wanted to kill you. Our neat little nativity scene is a bit misleading. It wasn’t all rainbows and smiles surrounded by a heavenly glow from the star. It was an […]
Continue readingMore TagAbout Taking Time
Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday. Ever since the turkey settled, we’ve been buried under an avalanche of one-time-only, gotta-hurry-before-they’re gone “bargains.” It’s all marketing, a scheme designed to create a sense of urgency and scarcity. These *holidays* reinforce the perception that there’s not enough for everyone. Better jump in before you’re left out, […]
Continue readingMore TagThe Big Reveal
I hope you’re excited to see what we’ve been up to. I also hope you’ll take a few moments to check it out and consider how you might join us. Just one nudge, if you’re an out-of-towner: Northern Colorado is a beautiful place for cycling. Last year folks came from at least 4 different states […]
Continue readingMore TagWhich Version Of Me?
Our small group talked about “integrity.” We’re working through Daniel’s story of faithfulness during a life in Babylonian exile. This week we focused on Daniel’s ability to maintain his integrity in the midst of challenging circumstances. The word “integrity” gets tossed around a lot. As a teacher, I wanted my students to understand that living […]
Continue readingMore TagFine Print
Becky came home with a new insulated travel mug. It’s a mug. Pour the coffee, pop on the lid, drink. It’s not complicated. So we laughed when the box included several paragraphs of instructions. Single spaced, double sided. In an impossible-to-read font. Those *instructions* give the impression that using a travel mug is an intricate, […]
Continue readingMore TagGet Going!
Occasionally I need a reminder. I suppose we could gather as many cyclists and supporters as possible, and ask them where we should go. Take a poll, pick the most popular option, and spend a bunch of energy building consensus. Of course, some folks won’t agree. Either they’ll decide to drop out or they’ll be […]
Continue readingMore TagI Don’t Wanna Start Over!
I’m updating the FREEDOM TOUR website. It’s learn-as-I go. Every time I want to do something new or different, it’s back to Google and YouTube and trial-and-error. It’s okay, though, because I enjoy messing with the details and figuring out how the code works. With this kind of problem-solving, it’s pretty common to start down […]
Continue readingMore TagCan’t Get It Outta My Head
Does a song ever get stuck in your head? Psychologists call it “Involuntary Musical Imagery.” A few days ago a quote reminded me of an old gospel-country song called LONESOME VALLEY. Since then I’ve had the first couple of verses on “involuntary mental repeat.” You gotta walk that lonesome valleyAnd you gotta walk, walk it […]
Continue readingMore TagWhich Gospel?
“Sounds like you’re following a social-justice gospel.” I was talking about the FREEDOM TOUR and my experience with cycling and faith. I said “cycling for a cause” can be a great way to explore and deepen one’s faith in Jesus. Got some interesting dialogue, including this curious comment about a social-justice gospel. Sounds a bit […]
Continue readingMore TagJustice…Or Peace?
Is it possible to stand for justice…peacefully? Can people on bicycles really claim to “make a stand for justice”? Shouldn’t we storm the brothels, blow stuff up Rambo-style, rescue the victims and take out the bad guys? We’re riding bikes. In funny-looking helmets and colorful jerseys. Not exactly what we picture when John Wayne rides […]
Continue readingMore Tag