It’s time to begin. When the starter cries, “On your mark!” the runners know it’s time. Time to focus. Time to separate competitors from bystanders, those who think about running from those who run. “On your mark!” means it’s time to step up to the line. January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. For the FREEDOM […]
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Justice, Community, and … Math?
Last time I suggested that God’s versions of community and justice are linked. We have a human tendency to categorize, to put community in one column and justice in another. It’s like the two-colored wristband…either the blue side or the green side is displayed. Language magnifies the issue. We use finite words to express God’s […]
Continue readingMore TagHow Should We Introduce You?
What do you want these people to know about you? Personally, I’m good with Old bald guy in a wheelchair or Monte’s buddy. Most hosts seem to want something a bit more formal. These days when I speak to a group the intro often mentions my connection to the FREEDOM TOUR. While I do many […]
Continue readingMore TagHave You Been The New Guy?
I’m not a go-to-the gym guy. I love riding my bike, but the gym doesn’t get me excited. My lovely wife, conversely, hits the gym nearly every day. Spinning, weights, classes – she enjoys all different kinds of fitness workouts. Gyms are abnormally busy right now. First week of the new year, lots of folks […]
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In The Aftermath
When you travel for Christmas, the drive home is always longer. You know the feeling, right? Same roads, same distance, but somehow the return trip, minus the anticipation and excitement, isn’t as much fun. The aftermath is always a bit of a letdown. I see it with the FREEDOM TOUR, all the months of buildup […]
Continue readingMore TagHoly Night Or Pie?
O Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining… I love the song. Hearing it this morning got me wondering about “Holy.” On the FREEDOM TOUR we gather at the conclusion around a pile of stones, a sort of makeshift altar. Each stone represents a burden carried by a team member and a commitment to stop […]
Continue readingMore TagAbout Signing Up
Why doesn’t everyone sign up? I’m thinking about (what else?) the FREEDOM TOUR, but we’ve all wondered. That amazing story, that worthy cause. It’s an incredible opportunity. If they’d only stop and listen it would be so clear. Whatever “it” is, it’s an offer no reasonable person could refuse. So… Why doesn’t everyone sign up? […]
Continue readingMore TagWhat’s In It For Me?
In our consumer culture, that’s what matters, right? We’re taught from childhood to get a good deal. Even if I endorse the notion of win-win, the central feature of any deal is what I get out of it. Great marketing highlights (exaggerates??) benefits. In a transaction-based world, people want to know: If I sign up, […]
Continue readingMore TagLots Of Pie And Bike Rides
Whew! What a weekend. Food, family, football. And pie. Lots of pie. And thankfulness, of course. But now we’re past all that. Done with turkey and thankful; now, on to the shopping! Seems like that always happens with big events. I notice it on the FREEDOM TOUR as well. We binge for a few days […]
Continue readingMore TagIt’s All Good (Or Bad)
Has to be one or the other, right? Ever wonder why? Ever wonder why you and I assess every moment, choice, or action as good or bad, up or down, worthwhile or waste of time? Ever notice the constant evaluation and judgement? Does it have to be good…or bad? Lots of folks traveled a few […]
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Ever feel lost? Yeah, me too. Happens a lot. And not just when I’m riding my bike. Yesterday I talked about maps and compasses and my affinity for turn-by-turn directions. If I’d had Bertha the GPS lady along on the Mississippi River ride, perhaps there would have been fewer wrong turns and panicked calls from […]
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