“Do you want to get well?” The guy’s stuck, sitting by the road, paralyzed for 38 years. Of course he wants to get well! Why would Jesus asked a disabled man what seems like a silly question? Not so fast…Jesus doesn’t ask silly questions. As a counselor, I was taught that most people don’t really […]
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The 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 […]
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About Boundaries
Becky asked if we’re setting boundaries or building walls. We’re doing lots of planning and dreaming right now, about the FREEDOM TOUR and about life. Like most good questions, this one stuck and rattled around in my brain. As I realized the depth of Becky’s question, I listed some important differences between walls and boundaries. […]
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About Ten Years
Perhaps you’ve noticed I post less frequently. Or perhaps you haven’t, which is part of the reason for this post. I’ve been wondering if this blog still serves a purpose. It’s not that I have nothing to say. I guess I wonder how necessary, or useful, it is for me to say it from this […]
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Which 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 […]
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Fine 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, […]
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Get 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 […]
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I 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 […]
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Can’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 TagPrayer And Change
“I’m crazy enough to believe that the prayers of a few hundred people have an impact.” I said that in the middle of this big circle of riders and volunteers before the start of this year’s Freedom Tour Prologue. I believe it, too. Prayer matters. God hears our prayers and wants conversation. The spirit intercedes […]
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Justice…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 […]
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Two Grand
On my last bike ride, the odometer clicked past 2,000 miles for 2019. That means I’ve cranked more than 39,000 miles since my first two-block ride in 1999. Depending on your perspective, that’s either a lot of miles or it’s not a big deal. Either way, this milestone offers an opportunity to reflect. I didn’t […]
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