FREEDOM TOUR 2019 is open for business. Okay, we don’t really have doors, so technically you can’t “come in.” Details, details. It’s a cool sign. It’s 2019. Time to plan for those glorious summer bike rides. Yeah, I know it’s cold and snowy. But you know it won’t be long before trees are green and […]
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It Doesn’t Matter. Until It Does.
“It’s not about dollars.” We say that a lot about the FREEDOM TOUR, and we’re serious. We’re about building community, following Jesus, doing justice. I spoke recently with Jonathan Barrett, CEO of Project Rescue. He agreed…it’s about the work, about educating, supporting, and building a couple dozen kids into whole, healthy adults. “Doing that work, […]
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Show Your Work
Setting: A middle school math classroom Student: “I got the correct answer. Why didn’t I get all the points for this problem?” Me: “I already knew the answer. I want you to show me how you got there. I want to know your process, what you’re thinking.” Student: “That’s not fair!” Rinse and repeat that […]
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Just Do It?
Folks join the FREEDOM TOUR with all kinds of backgrounds. Some have done multiple tours and have tons of experience with group cycling. Others have never been part of a group ride. We love that variety. It’s a blast bringing people together and watching them become team. It’s a process, though, and we’re intentional about […]
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It’s Really Pretty Simple
Did you watch CNN Young Wonders? Five remarkable young folks are making a difference. They remind us it’s possible to change the world by simply by doing what they can, where they are, with what they have. One of them was asked for advice. Her reply: Start small. Invite your friends. Have fun. Simple, huh? These […]
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DQ Drive Thru
“Where’s Larry?” On a toasty day, the team stopped for some rest and water. As they enjoyed the shade in front of a strip mall someone noticed a missing rider. Larry has this tendency to travel his own path (some would call it “wandering”). So no one was especially concerned by his disappearance. As they […]
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It’s Not About The Hashtag
Today is #GivingTuesday. Sort of odd, in a way, to set aside a day to be generous with its own cool hashtag, but maybe that’s not the point. Maybe it’s like Thanksgiving, not a special day to be thankful but a day that reminds us to always be thankful. So maybe the purpose of #GivingTuesday […]
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It’s Too Crowded
“Nobody goes there any more, it’s too crowded.” Yogi Berra offered, in his unique style, a humorous review of a popular nightspot. As holiday shopping begins in earnest, Yogi’s upside-down analysis reminds me of my impressions of the crowds, lines, and occasional confrontations connected to the Great American Tradition known as Black Friday. “Nobody I know […]
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Fruit Salad
Are you a plum…or a banana? Oscar Wilde once said, “Be yourself, everyone else is taken.” Great advice for you and me as we navigate a world of often-picky fruit lovers. If you are the world’s finest plum and someone you love does not like plums, you have the choice of becoming a banana. But you […]
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Freedom And Fun?
The FREEDOM TOUR is a lot of fun. People sorta mock my personal tagline: It’s gonna be a blast! That’s okay. We work and train earnestly. We’re serious about our mission because it’s literally life-and-death for our kids. We care deeply about doing well as we follow a God-inspired dream. Lots of folks invest (time, talent, treasure) […]
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Seven years ago this week, we thought we crossed a finish line. After eight incredible weeks, Becky and I completed our 1500-mile journey along the Mississippi River. Countless friendships and stories. Forty speaking gigs. $60,000 raised for Convoy of Hope. We were ready to celebrate, rest, and head home. Done. God clearly had other thoughts. […]
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As Simple As 1, 2, 3
How are we supposed to choose? I think about that a lot as we plan the FREEDOM TOUR. Seems like I’m always wondering what God wants from us as we figure out how to pursue this crazy dream. I’ll bet I’m not alone. Even if you’re not riding a bike, I’ll bet you’ve wondered the […]
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