4295 Miles!

Billboards!

2009-07-29T17:47:00.000-07:00

This is the final final post for 4295 Miles! There will be No MORE! However, if you are interested I am going to start a new blog. I'm going to do another blog beginning Saturday, August 1st. Many of you have asked if I would keep this blog going so I have succumbed to the pressures and will go with the small crowd's request (I'm a pushover). The new blog can be located at bi11boards.blogspot.com. Each "l" in bi11boards is a "1" (one). I had to do that because billboards with the normal spelling was already being used by someone who got to it faster than I.

bi11boards will be a trip through Proverbs and there is some homework. On the 1st of each month you'll have to read Proverbs 1, on the 2nd you'll read Proverbs 2, and so on through the month. Of course I won't know if you read the chapters or not so you can read the posts either way. I'm sure you'll get more out of the posts if you read what God says in the Proverbs first! After all, he is the Author!

I appreciate the encouragement to do this but I know the real reason . . . it's cheaper than buying a devotional book, right?

See you at bi11boards.blogspot.com.

Chicken!

2009-07-25T17:12:00.000-07:00

"Now, the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, he gives freedom."

-2 Corinthians 3:17

Some of you may remember that Dan and Cindi Webber gave me ten chicks for my retirement. My assortment includes two Red Sexlink Chickens, four Rhode Island Red Chickens, three Barred Plymouth Rock Chickens, and one Speckled Sussex rooster. It turns out that we also have one more rooster that, I think, is a Rhode Island Red. All ten of these chickens have been handled, passed around, petted, and hugged by six grandkids. Some have even been named. I named the rooster Solomon because of his many wives. Now that we have another rooster, Gideon, Solomon has to share. I'm not sure how he feels about that but he'll get over it sooner or later. The grandkids have been naming the hens and so far only two have been named: Freckles and Caramel. I realize that those are not biblical names but Freckles and Caramel really don't care. Neither do the grandkids.

Anyway, Thursday I called Dan to find out whether or not he had allowed his chickens (from the same group) to go outside. The outside I'm talking about is outside without being in a wired and protected area. It's the outside of hawks, dogs, and wide open spaces. He said that he had turned his loose from time to time so I decided to give my chickens some freedom as well.

Then the fun began! I opened the chicken coop door and thought I'd see a ten-chicken mass exodus. Not exactly. For a short time they stood and looked at the open door. When they did decide to check things out Solomon showed his masculinity and stepped up to the door and looked outside. About three seconds later he turned and ran full speed to the other end of the coop. Again he came to the door and ran to the back. Several more times he came to the door, looked at freedom, chickened out and ran for it!

Soon some of the hens did the same thing. It must be a The Sky Is Falling kind of chicken instinct but they all did it. Maybe they knew what could be out there and were simply trying out their speed in case it was needed out there in the wilds. I laughed and thought they would never exit the coop.

Finally, Solomon emerged from the coop and stayed on the front step. A hen joined him but they would not leave the step. Solomon cautiously peered over the edge of the step until he finally had enough courage to take the leap. As soon as he took the plunge for freedom others followed.

Some of the chickens just would not come out so Trey, one of our grandsons, decided to help. He would go into the coop, pick up a chicken and take it outside. Several times he took one chicken out and two would run back inside. This was getting funnier and funnier as the chickens would run inside to the shelter they had known since they moved in on Monday, April 20th.

Today is three days since the herd was given freedom. Since Thursday things have changed a bit. The herd now goes farther from the coop but they still stay close retaining their herd status. Maybe they somehow know that there's strength in numbers but they're still a bunch of chickens, right?

This reminds me of some of us who call ourselves Christians. Sometimes God throws open a door and we stand back and look at it. Even as we get closer to the open door we still just stand there and look. Remember Moses in Deuteronomy 34? Moses went up to Mount Nebo and climbed Pisgah Peak. From there he saw the whole Promised Land. God said to Moses in verse 4b, "I have now allowed you to see it, but you will not enter the land." Sad, isn't it? The problem for Moses wasn't that he wouldn't go through but he couldn't go through. What makes it worse is the fact, according to verse 7, that, "Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever." He was in great shape too!

Wouldn't it be something to be in great shape at 120 years of age and have God open a door to a brand new adventure? Sad thing is, for many of us, even if we could go through we wouldn't. What if the age was 18, or 24, or 37, or 49, or 61, or 80? Would we still stand at the door of security and safety and say no to the freedom and adventure God reveals?

Think about it. As a teenager, David's door was opened when he went to the battlefield. He ran through it. Nehemiah's door was opened when he took on a project of mammoth proportions and he wasn't even a general contractor: he was a king's cupbearer! He went through the door and rebuilt walls and gates. Gideon was hiding in a winepress when the angel of the Lord called a coward to become a commander. Timidly and with testing he went through. Paul was blinded but still went through his door. Elijah was an army of one but went through. Noah had to build a boat for a storm that was in the forecast. He probably didn't have a clue about what rain was but sink or swim he went through. Mary was a teenager when her door opened to the voice of, "Fear not, Mary . . ." She stepped through and in a barn one evening presented the world with the Savior.

So what's your door? Is there an open door before you right now? Maybe it's a move, or a job, or a mystery. Maybe an adventure, or a relationship, or a difficult challenge. Are you gonna stand and look at it? Are you gonna turn and run for the safety of the comfort zone where you've lived for so long? What's it gonna be, a great adventure or business as usual?

The truth is, God sets before us open doors from time to time and we back off. The thrill of the adventure is pushed aside and in its place we take, everyday, routine, boredom. Maybe it's easier, safer, and makes more sense to go with the common routine of everyday life but that's not always God's plan. All you have to do is read the Bible and you can see the men and women who went through God's open doors. They were anything but routine! They were giant slayers, wall-builders, fire-walkers, lion-tamers, boat builders, water-walkers, miracle workers, loners, and run-of-the-mill folks who took Door Number One!

Jesus said to his disciples, "You are truly my disciples, if you keep obeying my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32).

Paul taught in 2 Corinthians 3:17, "Now, the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, he gives freedom."

There you have it! God opens the door, freedom to do his will is out there, and we stand and look! C'mon, what's it gonna take? Begging, a push maybe, or a tackle and drag? Well it's not going to happen that way. It has to be an individual choice. Otherwise . . . you know, it won't happen.

Is the door open? What are you gonna do?

Chicken!

That's All Folks! . . . but just like the movies, we've got to roll the credits!

Comments of Encouragement, Prayers, & Humor!

(Not in alphabetical or any other kind of order.)

Marsha Hall, Rebecca Holder, Vicki Colquitt, Mike Dorough, Sharon Reid, Bill Goodling, Carly Decker, Margaret Shettel, Jan Jernigan, William Ricketts (Billy to me), Todd Anders, Sarah Milliner, Ericka Warren, Jessica Stephenson (Jess the Mess), "Piano Player", Beverly Miner, Summer Anders, Arlan Zimmerman, Doug Canup, Dwaine Flemmens, Thomas Weldon, Judd whose wife works with Sarah, Cheryl Waddell, Cindy Roberts, Carol Franklin, Jake Brindle, Nancy "Game Plan" Miller, Reg Gattie, Cathi Miller, Betty Bennett, Tom & Dottie Edge, Amy Frierson, Susan Bogardus, Evelyn Myrick, Connie Carmony, Tracy Thompson, Lesley Scott, Christy "Purple" Price, Alex Thaxton, Linda young, Lyndie Miller, Michael Shane Ash, Lori Gudde, Robert & Becky Konemann, Jeff Parham, Tierney (Duluth MN), Deborah Ingram, Jerry Haas, Sam Brittain, Jennifer Goins, George Paul, "Super Mom", Evelyn Hanes, Janet Swanson, Carol "Super Cooper" Brannon, Patti "TeaTime" Warren, Carey Stiles, Melissa Pepin, Bob Wentworth, Lisa Peacock, Richard Frierson, Judy Carter, "ana's world", Bill Carroll, Janice Ray, Pam Whitfield, Greg Ingram, Debby Weldon, Troye Sadler, Melissa Bone, Gail Mauldin, Kelly Brown, Thiago Gonclaves, Scott Willis, Peggy Ricketts, Sam Cash, Paul Miller, and Kimberly Dobbs (and anyone I missed).

Best Sci-Fi Comments!

Todd Anders (Lexington, Kentucky).

T-shirts!

Doug & Paula Canup.

Surprise Pre-Paid Lodging!

Carol Franklin

Thule Luggage Carrier!

Billy Ricketts (We could not have transported all our junk without this).

Lodging!

Dwaine and Sarah Flemmens (Red Lion, Pennsylvania).

Jim and Joyce Goins (Xenis, Ohio).

Doug, Cindy, and Keith Dunkelberger (Bradford, Vermont).

Dave and Kim Clifton (Van Wert, Ohio).

Surprise Visitors Along the Way!

Carey, Chris, Ryan, Trey, Drew, and Maddie Stiles (Lone Prairie, Minnesota).

Lydia Parham (Lone Prairie, Minnesota).

Katie Milliner (Boston, Massachusetts).

Visitors Along the Way!

Sarah Milliner (Minneapolis, Minnesota).

Jim and Joyce Goins (Markle, Indiana).

Jane Clifton (Markle, Indiana).

Jennifer Goins, Lori and Carver Gudde (Astabula, Ohio).

Cathi Miller and Margaret Dixon (Findlay, Ohio).

Barry and Sarah Milliner (Portland, Maine and Boston, Massachusetts).

Carly Decker (Boston, Massachusetts).

David and Judie Goins (Duluth, Minnesota).

Paul Miller (Boston and Salem, Massachusetts).

Donnie and Linda Shettel (Red Lion, Pennsylvania).

Bill and Joanne Goodling (Red Lion, Pennsylvania)

Cool Artists!

Dennis Roghair, World Champion Chainsaw Artist (Hinckley, Minnesota - Located between Taco Bell and the Dairy Queen).

Wallace "Wally" Keller, Iron Sculptures (Mount Horeb, Wisconsin).

Great Food!

Stephen Prosser (Fountain City, Wisconsin - served us rhubarb crisp and ice cream for breakfast. Also bought us lunch after riding with us for twenty-five miles).

Donna Biggins (owner of Brass Rail in Grandy, Minnesota).

*Lisa Kostopoulos (owner of "the good table restaurant" - Cape Elizabeth, Maine).

Shafer-Saloon & Pizza Grill (Shafer, Minnesota).

Gateway Cafe (Plummer, Idaho).

Doxie's Diner (Wilber, Washington).

Greg and Rochelle Parl (Chevron Station, Twisp, Washington).

VIPS Family Restaurant (Watseka, Illinois).

See blog posts because I'm sure I missed many others like Eugene's Pizza in Glasgow, Montana!

Carman's Ice Cream (Chocolate Peanut Butter) & Gingerbread Waffles!

Nelda Flemmens.

Dwaine and Sarah Flemmens.

License Plate Contributors!

Bill Goodling (Pennsylvania).

Jane Clifton (Ohio).

Todd Anders (Kentucky and Florida).

The Guy on the 2nd Floor Porch (Maine).

The Guy at the Yard Sale (Vermont).

Bike Shops You Should Check Out!

Pro Cycle (Mount Horeb, Wisconsin).

North Division Bicycle Shop - Michael Conley - owner (Spokane, Washington).

Bicycle Butler - Tim and Kathy Arnold - owners (Spokane, Washington).

*The Bike Shop - Sarin Molnar - owner (Okanogan, Washington).

Knicker Biker - Travis Feller (Great Falls, Montana).

Bill's Bike Shop (Mendota, Illinois).

Bicycle Mechanic - Tom Connolly (Harris, Minnesota).

Competitive Gear (Erie, Pennsylvania).

Best Bike Shop of Them All!

Sunshine Cycles - Jimmy Marbut - owner (Athens, Georgia).

Great Directions and Routing!

Jim Goins (Xenia, Ohio).

Barry Milliner (Bogart, Georgia).

Noma Wyllson, Support Specialist, Tonasket Police Department (Tonasket, Washington).

Lee J. Turner, Postmaster (Shafer, Minnesota).

Ron and Marjoe Richards (Coulee Dam, Washington).

Chris and Debby Weldon, (Snoqualmie, Washington).

Seattle Tour Guides!

Chris, Debby, and Thomas Weldon.

Best Rainy-Day $4 Sweatshirt in America!

Heidi Henkes - The Marker on Main (Cochrane, Wisconsin).

Total Ride Planner, Driver, Packer & Unpacker, and Everything Else!

Margaret Shettel

Assistants to the Total Ride Planner, Logistics and Lodging!

Carey Stiles

Sarah Milliner

Team!

Jonathan Wentworth.

me.

Support Team!

Prince Avenue Student Ministries (Bogart, Georgia).

Prince Avenue Baptist Church (Bogart, Georgia).

Special Creative FX!

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

Home!

2009-07-22T19:35:00.000-07:00

"Home is where the heart is."

-Anonymous

We are home. I am thankful for a safe trip. We left Little Rock, Arkansas at 8:15 A.M. and arrived at Prince at 8:40 P.M.

It was a good trip even with ten of us and all our luggage, souvenirs, and snacks jammed into a twelve passenger van. Needless to say, we know how to pack and those kids know how to ride. I really am grateful to Donnie, Corinne, Chris, Chris, Katie, Caroline, Olivia, Preston, and MacyAnn for the flexibility, cooperation, ministry, patience, service, and commitment to the Lord. We had an excellent week in Monticello working with Pastor John and the church family. To them all we can say is thanks, thanks, thanks, and we'll see you next year!

The highlight of the day was meeting Mitch and Sarah Lawrence at Chick-fil-A in Olive Branch, Mississippi. We met them for lunch and had a short but great time catching up. Please pray for Sarah who had a job interview today. We are asking God to guide and bless her as she seeks an elementary school teaching position there in the Memphis area.

That's all I'm going to write tonight. It's late and I'm tired. I'm also ready to sleep in my own bed!

I will do one more blog tomorrow and that will finish 4,295 miles. By now it's more like 15,295 miles and they have literally been a trip!

Talk to you then.

Creativity.

2009-07-21T19:06:00.000-07:00

“You are created in the image of the Creator therefore you are creative.”

-Barry

“Color outside the lines.”

-Anonymous

"In the beginning God created . . ."

-Genesis 1:1

"So God created people in his own image ; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them."

-Genesis 1:27

I am in the van and we are presently about 101 miles from Little Rock, Arkansas where we will stay this evening. We’ll be at the home of Brandon and Julie Barnard. They won’t be there but have given me a key to their house! Brandon is with a group of students on a mission trip and Julie is in Athens, Georgia with her sister, Jennifer, who is expecting any day now.

I just spoke with Pastor John at First Baptist in Monticello and asked about Daniel. John said he was sore yesterday and feeling better today. Same thing with Chris, he’s a little sore but doing fine.

This morning, before heading east, we went to Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo. It’s one of those tourist places where people go to take photographs of family and friends. The tourists don’t know why they are there except that it’s a cool place to take pictures. I will, therefore, tell you a little about Cadillac Ranch:

The Cadillac Ranch, located along the tatters of historic Route 66, was built in 1974, brainchild of Stanley Marsh 3, the helium millionaire who owns the dusty wheat field where it stands. Marsh and The Ant Farm, a San Francisco art collective, assembled used Cadillacs representing the "Golden Age" of American Automobiles (1949 through 1963). The ten graffiti-covered cars are half-buried, nose-down, facing west "at the same angle as the Cheops' pyramids."

In 1997, development creep forced Marsh to move the entire assemblage about two miles further west. The line of cars is far enough out in a field to allow for suitably bleak photography. The distance from any authority also encourages ever-mutating layers of painted graffiti, which Marsh doesn't seem to mind.

Stanley Marsh was a very creative person. So are we! God has given us creative spirits and minds just by his very nature. We are created in the image of the Creator therefore we are creative! Because he is creative, we too can be creative, it’s in our spiritual genes. It’s also a choice. We can choose to be creative or we can sit around saying things like, “She’s got more creativity in her little finger than I’ve got in my whole body!” That’s just an excuse. Your creativity may not be like her creativity but you’ve got it. Quit making excuses and look at the things you love to do and choose to be creative with them.

Get the Crayolas, a coloring book, and color outside the lines like crazy!

Today!

Amarillo.

2009-07-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

We are now 241 miles from Amarillo, Texas, where we will spend the night. The girls will be staying with Les and Denise Simpson and the guys with Ray and Kim Allen. With the time change we should arrive in Amarillo around 7:30 this evening. Donnie is driving, I am working on this blog, and the other eight are sound asleep. Surprise, surprise! The good news: if they are asleep we don’t do many restroom stops.

We pulled out of the parking lot at First Baptist Church in Monticello around 6:20 this morning. Daniel was awake and came to see us off. He would have been mad if we had taken off without waking him so that’s what we did.

Daniel and Chris, our four-wheeler turnovers, were both feeling fine this morning with the exception of Daniel’s left hip. He said his hip was sore but other than that he said he was feeling okay.

Because we’ll probably get to our beds late this evening I’m going to get some help from the Utah Crew. I’m going to ask them the most important thing God taught them and the most exciting thing that happened:

Preston Willis - Preston said the most exciting thing for him was the ATV accident (It probably wasn’t for Daniel and Chris). What he learned, through the accident, was God has a plan for our lives and that he will continue to use and bless us until the plan is completed. It was obvious to Preston as he witnessed the accident that God is not yet finished with Daniel and Chris.

Caroline Clark - Caroline thought is was pretty cool that when the skit crew (Caroline was part of that crew) did the serious crucifixion and resurrection skit on Thursday and that the children saw that Jesus really died and went through great pain for them. Caroline said she learned that it’s not all about fun and games but more about ministering to the children there.

Corinne Rogero - Corinne said that the most exciting thing of the week was finding out that Daniel hadn’t even broken a bone despite the fact that the four-wheeler pummeled him as it rolled over. What she learned was that just because something seems right for you to do, it doesn’t mean it’s God’s will for your life. He may have something else planned for you that’s even better.

Donnie Brown - Donnie thought that the most exciting thing was the overwhelming friendliness and love of Pastor John, Echo, and the church family at First Baptist. God has taught him, through the experiences of the week, that we must trust God more. Even though things don’t always go as we would want them to we can still learn through those times.

Chris Rogero - Chris learned from climbing a rock formation that we cannot put God in a box and that God is all-powerful. The sight from the top of the rock was breath-taking and spectacular.

Katie Milliner - For Katie, the most exciting thing was that VBS was smaller making it easier to get the children focused. God confirmed the fact that he works all things out for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose.

Chris Stiles - His most exciting thing was riding to the hospital in the back of the ambulance. He learned that nothing is impossible when God is on our side.

Olivia Ricketts - She said the most exciting thing was when two little pre-school girls in her class accepted Christ. She learned to trust God no matter what the situation.

MacyAnn Holland - She, too, said the most exciting thing was the two girls in her preschool class that trusted Jesus. She learned that God allows us to go through different difficulties to teach us what he wants us as individuals to learn. She also learned how the body of Christ should love one another and God orchestrates and has a plan in everything

For me every day is a brand new lesson. I’m thankful for every bonus day God gives me and want to take in all he wants to teach me. Out here in Utah I was again reminded of the absolutely incredible Creator we worship. Everywhere we went and everything we saw cried out, “We have a Creator, a Designer, and we want to declare his glory” (Psalm 19:1). Over and over, God continues to teach me the real meaning of awesome: Deuteronomy 10:17. My most exciting part of the week was being back again with my extended family in Monticello, Utah.

We’re now 123 miles from Amarillo!

We just ate supper with Les, Denise, Faith, and Meredith Simpson and Ray, Kim, Bailey, and Karley Allen at Blue Sky in Amarillo. The burgers were great and big and the fellowship was even better.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

-Romans 8:28

We are now in Amarillo!

ER

2009-07-19T21:20:00.000-07:00

"Don't talk too much, for it fosters sin. Be sensible and turn off the flow!"

-Proverbs 10:19

"Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent; when they keep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent."

-Proverbs 17:28

"If you keep your mouth shut, you will stay out of trouble."

-Proverbs 21:23

Another exciting day in Monticello. After a great service this morning, a great lunch with our Utah friends, and a trip to Moab, I received a phone call from Preston Willis. He told me that Daniel Washington and Chris Stiles had rolled one of the four-wheelers somewhere up in the Blue Mountains. Of course, we headed back to Monticello, driving the speed limit, to see what exactly happened.

Just so you'll know and to dispel the rumors that are already flying I am doing this post.

We just got home from the San Juan Hospital and Daniel and Chris are fine. Both are scratched up and will be sore in the morning but all is well. Preston Willis and Corinne Rogero were riding on the other four-wheeler and were not involved. Both of them are fine.

At first it was thought that Daniel had a fractured left arm, possible three broken ribs, a chipped hip, and lots of scratches. After an close examination, one CAT scan, x-rays, and blood work, Dr. Paul Reay, said that Daniel had God watching over him. Daniel has no broken arm, no broken ribs, no chipped hip, and lots of scratches, bruises, and cuts. Dr. Reay said he's seen many people come in with all the scratches, bruises, and cuts as Daniel and they usually have broken backs or legs. Daniel and Chris kept their guardian angels working overtime today and we thank God for that. You may hear reports other than this but they are stretched or rumors or embellishments of facts already given.

The four-wheeler did not do as well. After tumbling end over end down two thousand feet of mountain slope it came to rest on all four wheels and is in very bad shape. Pieces of the four-wheeler were strewn from the accident site to the final resting place. Everyone here is so thankful to God that Daniel and Chris were not on the four-wheeler during the descent.

This is Daniel's second trip to the San Juan Hospital this week. I think he's collecting pictures of all the doctors there and now has two: Dr. Curtis Black and Dr. Paul Reay. That scares me because, from what I've heard, there are four other doctors Daniel has not yet seen! If he tries to collect photos of all six doctors he's in big trouble. Seriously, we don't know about the other four doctors but both doctors Daniel had were incredible. Dr. Reay and the crew of nurses were encouraging, extremely patient, and very thorough. Daniel and Chris were blessed having Dr. Reay and his crew on call.

Donnie Brown had to go to the emergency room as well. He is dealing with an infection in his legs due probably to the high altitude and low red blood count. Except for his mental problems, Donnie is doing well, taking antibiotics, children's aspirin, and has permission to travel. We head home tomorrow.

That's about it for this episode of Monticello ER. We are hoping no more episodes of Monticello ER will be filmed on this trip. Of course, if this episode gets high ratings we may do several more.

Today the high ratings go to a very merciful and gracious Father who watched over our two guys on four wheels on one mountain path today.

To God be the glory.

Love.

2009-07-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

"Love is a verb."

-DCTalk

"You can give without loving but you cannot love without giving."

-Anonymous

"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

-Jesus, John 13:35

We slept late today, ate a great breakfast prepared by John and Echo, and went to Blue Mountain for a hike of maybe three miles. The three miles were certainly beautiful miles and we had a super time. Once again, we were hiking through another part of God's incredible creation.

Lunch was back at the church and then we headed for Needles Overlook, an overlook into more of the Father's playground. I will not say much about this but will let the photos do the talking.

I will ask you to pray for me because tomorrow I will be speaking in the morning service here. Since I have not thought of anything else to write on this blog tonight I will give you a preview of tomorrow's message. As you read, don't forget to pray for the service. This will be the RQV (Really Quick Version).

In 1 Corinthians 12, the Bible lays out spiritual gifts and the Body of Christ. The gifts are described and compared to the human body and the parts that make it work. At the end of chapter 12 the gifts are once again listed and in verse 31 we are told, "In any event, you should desire the most helpful gifts" (v 31a).

In verse 31 we also find a transition from spiritual gifts to what is considered something much better, "First, however, let me tell you about something else that is better than any of them!" Better than any of what? Better than any of the spiritual gifts! What could be better than spiritual gifts? Take a look at chapter 13 and you'll see. "There are three things that will endure -- faith, hope, and love -- and the greatest of these is love" (v 13).

Some thoughts about love from 1 Corinthians 13:

1) Love is better than any spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31). When followers of Jesus focus on spiritual gifts more than the Giver it's like not seeing the forest for the trees. A genuine gift of the Spirit will point people to Jesus not to the Christians. God's love through believers will draw attention to Jesus.

2) Love should be from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith. "The purpose of my instruction is that all Christians there would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith" (1Timothy 1:5).

3) Love should be continuous and observable. "Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8).

4) Love is interested in others. "Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing" (Philippians 2:4).

Love isn't always easy. In fact, sometimes it's next to impossible. It is commanded, however, and made clear by Jesus that loving God and loving people is the greatest of all commands. "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:37-40).

Jesus also said to those of us who follow him, "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples" (John 13:35). Do you want to show the world who we really serve? Love each other!

Sound to me like the greatest platform for evangelism, missions, ministry, service, and worship is LOVE! I've heard this little poem many times:

To live above with those we love,

Oh, that will be glory.

To live below with those we know,

Well . . . that's a different story!

When we really fall in love with the Father it won't be hard to fall in love with the people he loves!

Love is a verb!

Finish.

2009-07-17T21:27:00.000-07:00

"The world is full of starters and quitters but very few finishers."

-Barry

VBS at First Baptist Church in Monticello, Utah is now

history. Our attendance today was fifty-seven, which is great for a last day attendance. Parents visited for the closing session and stayed for a hot dog lunch. We are finished now.

Once again we have increased our circles of friends for which we will forever be grateful. Some of our new friends have also become new followers of Jesus. This week has certainly been an investment in eternity. It's been a privilege to have been a part of it.

After lunch we did quite a bit of work in taking down all of the decorations and preparing them to be taken to a church in Cortez, Colorado. The decorations, including one large train engine built by Daniel Washington, will be used again in VBS next week.

The house painting project is very close to being complete. Tomorrow morning we will finish.

I don't know about you but I love to finish things. Years ago in the student ministries at Prince Avenue I had the students make a list of their "Ten Wildest Dreams." One of my dreams was to go to Russia. Finished. In fact, three times. Another dream was to ride my bike across the United States of America. Finished! I would like to write and illustrate some books for children. Not finished, but started. There are more, some that have been finished and others still be to be finished and/or started. When I get home from Utah I have a list of things that need to be finished around the house. These I will prioritize and tackle one at a time until they are finished.

I'm not sure what drives me to finish, maybe it's just plain old stubbornness. A more spiritual term could be determined. Either way, I am one or both of those.

Finishing is important but to finish requires determination, focus and priority. I don't really want to be a Jack-of-all-trades. That sounds good but it doesn't help a finisher because there's no way to focus and often too much to do. When you think about it, God in the Scriptures, generally called his followers to do one thing. That's one of the reasons they were finishers. Look at Moses, he led the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. Noah built a large floating zoo. Gideon defeated the Midianites. Esther protected the Jews and generations to follow. Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. Even Paul, in his final letter to Timothy said, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful" (2 Timothy 4:7).

He also said in Philippians 3:12-14, "I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward the day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all that I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven."

Paul was a man of determination, focus, and priority.

The Bible, describing the crucifixion of Jesus, tells it like this, "Jesus knew that everything was now finished, and to fulfill the Scriptures he said, 'I am thirsty.' A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus tasted it, he said, 'It is finished!' Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit" (John 19:28-30).

To the enemies and followers of Jesus, it was finished . . . over, done, ended, dead, never to be again. But for those of us who know Jesus, it was the beginning. It was a fresh start of a new life in Christ. It was the reason Jesus came. He lived his life and finished for us. He too was determined, focused, and had as his priority, the world . . . you and me. Aren't you glad he finished?

What do you have that needs to be finished? Maybe some dreams, maybe some goals, maybe some projects? It's never too late you know. Focus on the dreams, goals, and projects that honor and glorify Jesus and go for it. Just do it.

He finished.

You should too.

Resurrection.

2009-07-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

We had fifty-seven in VBS today. That's been our highest attendance for the week. It has been a good week and it's hard to believe that tomorrow is the last day of VBS. Tomorrow will be a very busy day. After VBS there is a hot dog lunch for the children and their parents. After lunch we will also remove all VBS decorations, pack all decorations to be shipped or transported to another church, clean the church building, and set up everything for the Sunday service.

Our crew today did a number of things including rock climbing, four-wheeling, swimming, and house painting. Needless to say, the last option was the least popular but we will still finish the painting before we head home Monday morning. We were hoping to finish today but we ran out of paint. Maybe that was a forced rest!

Yesterday, part of our study was the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The drama crew (a rather scruffy-looking crew indeed) did a skit presenting the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. There were no words, only music and the acting. It was an emotional skit and, I believe, made the children much more attentive to the Bible study afterwards.

When Jesus died on the cross it must have been a frightening time for believers and non-believers alike. The curtain in the temple was ripped from top to bottom, people were raised from the dead, the whole country became dark in the middle of the day, rocks popped as they broke apart, and the earth quaked and shook violently (Matthew 27:50-53). Just one of those things happening would be frightening enough but all of them at the same time . . . sounds like terror to me!

The days that followed were equally frightening, especially to those who murdered Jesus. They were very frightened about what Jesus had said, "After three days I will rise from the dead." They even posted a guard so the disciples would not steal the body. But their plan backfired because, after three days, the body was gone and the guard was sill there.

Seems like people still want Jesus dead but that just ain't happening (pardon my ain't). The resurrection stands today with more proof and power than most historical happenings. Even non-religious historians have written of the earthquakes, darkness in the middle of the day, dead people walking, and Jesus being alive after his execution.

Flavius Josephus, a Roman citizen and author, wrote these words about Jesus, "He was the Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day . . . (Antiquities of The Jews, p. 379).

For those who are not followers of Jesus and for those who do not believe the Bible, there you have it! Even without the Bible you still cannot get away from Jesus, the crucifixion or the resurrection! Isn't that great!

He is risen!

He is risen indeed!

Busy.

2009-07-15T17:20:00.000-07:00

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

-John 3:16

We are over the halfway mark now with only two days of VBS remaining. Today we presented the gospel to every student. Some students indicated that they would like to talk with someone this week. Others students indicated that they wanted to trust Jesus. Tomorrow and Friday are the days we will use to follow up on the cards that were turned in today.

After VBS and lunch we returned to the two big projects we have: painting Pastor John and Echo's house and staining their deck. We also had a crew shampoo some of the carpet in the church building.

As I said before, we are halfway through the week now and I can see the crew is heading for the empty mark on the physical fuel tanks. We have worked hard, we have been at VBS early, and we have probably stayed up later at night than we should have. I believe that may be the way most of us live all the time: running on empty. Somewhere along the line we've bought in to the philosophy that being busy makes a person successful and . . . if you're really busy at doing Christian stuff then you're really spiritual. Busy does not make a person spiritual any more than sitting in a garage makes a person a car. It just makes you tired, and sometimes crabby, and irritable, and sometimes very unspiritual. Busy simply is not the answer! Write it down!

While reading Mark 2, Jesus seemed to have a hard time finding rest. He had just healed a paralyzed man who was lowered through a roof by four good friends and afterwards he was taking off for some time alone at the lake. Well, what happens next? The whole crowd followed him and Jesus found himself teaching again.

Another time Jesus healed a man's hand, ticked off the Pharisees (what's new?), and headed for the lake again . . . and a large crowd from Galilee followed him again. He absolutely could not get away! Even when Jesus went home a crowd followed him!

When Jesus was talking with the Pharisees he told them, "The Sabbath was made to benefit people, and not people to benefit the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27).

Thinking about the world today makes me ask, "When do people slow down any more?" Jesus wanted to slow down but had to work at it while today's society could easily do it but chooses instead to be extra busy. We are burning the candles at both ends and then we are surprised when the light is quickly gone.

Gordon McDonald said, "Sabbath means a deliberate acceptance of personal rest and tranquility within the individual life. Sabbath means a rest that brings peace into the private world." He also said, "We must accept this peace as a gift and take the time to receive it." Boom! . . . there's the answer, take the time!

In Mark 1:35, the Bible teaches us, "The next morning Jesus awoke long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray." Jesus knew the value of take the time. He took the time often to be with the Father alone. He had to work at taking the time but it was so valuable to him that he made it happen. Read Mark chapters 1 and 2 and underline every time crowds surrounded and/or followed Jesus. He was busy, busy, busy. He also knew when to take the time . . . and he did.

Do we?

Work!

2009-07-14T17:19:00.000-07:00

"Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper and be satisfied."

-Proverbs 13:4

"Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty."

-Proverbs 14:23

"Commit your work to the Lord, and then your plans will succeed."

-Proverbs 16:3

"Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty."

-Proverbs 21:5

Fifty-six children in Vacation Bible School today and another really great day. Keep us in your prayers.

After lunch we went to work and everyone worked hard until suppertime. Together we prepared Pastor John and Echo's house for painting. We will paint tomorrow. The deck now has two fresh coats of stain . . . and so do most of the students! A new exterior baseboard has been installed on the house, covering a new foam seal and insulation. It's been a very busy day and, from what I see, most of our crew will gladly welcome bedtime.

I could recommend each student honestly and positively. In fact, I would highly recommend each student to a potential employer.

Today I read "Checking Up On Your Job." It's a devotional by Charles Swindoll, one of my favorite authors and preachers. I'd like to share it with you:

"A young fellow rushed to the gas station to use the pay phone. The manager overheard his conversation as he asked: 'Sir, could you use a hardworking, honest young man to work for you?' [Pause] 'Oh . . . you've already got a hardworking, honest young man? Well, thanks anyway!'

"The boy hung up the phone with a smile. Humming to himself, he began to walk away, obviously happy.

"'How can you be so cheery?' asked the eavesdropping manager. 'I thought the man you talked to already had someone and didn't want to hire you.'

"The young fellow answered, 'Well, you see I am the hardworking young man. I was just checking up on my job!'"

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you disguised your voice and called your boss to check up on your job? What kind of answer do you think you would get?

"And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father" (Colossians 3:17).

Rejoicing!

2009-07-13T21:34:00.000-07:00

In the beginning . . . fifty-four children in VBS today. That's a good start for us. We are all excited about the number of children we taught today. God is good.

The challenge for today was, "It All Comes Back to Jesus: Follow Him." Our focus for the week is Peter. You know him, he's the one who was always expected to do the unexpected. Peter, even as a follower of Jesus lived from one extreme to another. You just never knew what the guy was going to do. Whether it was denying Jesus, cutting off someone's ear, or preaching powerfully at Pentecost, Peter was not one to easily figure out. Sounds like a number of the kids we have this week. In fact, it sounds a lot like us. This week will be great for all of us - children and VBS staff alike!

The San Juan Hospital now has some special memories for three of us. Daniel Washington, Chris Rogero, and I went there before lunch. Daniel had a lump on the inside of his lip and Chris had an ear infection. We went to he hospital for appointments set up for them by Pastor John. After doing the necessary paperwork and examinations, the three of us were ushered into a room with a "Dr. Black" sign on the door.

We met Dr. Curtis Black and a nurse, Emily, and immediately begin having fun. I'm serious, we had a fun time with Dr. Black and Emily, especially with Daniel and his problem. I am convinced that Dr. Black is one of the best doctors I have ever met when it comes to making folks feel at home and at ease in an Emergency Room. Emily was the same way! I have a good feeling they both are more than excellent in their medical professions as well.

To make a long story short, Chris was already on the recovery route, headed toward feeling better soon. Daniel, according to Dr. Black, had an infection that required a procedure that "would be less than pleasant." The lump would have to be opened and cleaned. Everything went well and we soon were on the way back to church. Daniel, this evening, is feeling much better and tomorrow will most likely act as if nothing ever happened. Now, we all are on the laughing end of the whole ordeal.

Today we went to 11,200 feet as Pastor John took us up to Abajo Peak. From there we could see for miles. Within our view were mountains in Colorado, Blanding which is twenty miles south, and Loyd's Lake right outside of Monticello. We enjoyed the 68 degree weather, cool breezes, and super scenery too. I sure am thankful for digital cameras because I could never afford to have film processed for the number of pictures I took today.

From Abajo Peak we went to the top of Blue Mountain for supper. Supper was potatoes, baked beans, and beef barbeque cooked over an open fire. Mike and Joan Wilcox brought two of their horses and the kids rode til dark. Edwin and Karen Taylor brought some games that we have never seen before and we all tried our best. Pastor John brought horse shoes but the thing we enjoyed most was the sittin' around, talking, and laughing.

This was a full day. I know there are way too many pictures but you haven't seen anything yet! I could do a blog of nothing but photographs and still not tell the whole story of today. Remember, our goal is to get home physically tired but spiritually refreshed with all of this trip wrapped up in unforgettable memories. "This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24).

This is the day the Lord has made. He is the designer and creator of our days. I've seen a bumper sticker, "Twenty-four hours a day: God's gift to me." He makes our days and fills them with himself in many, many ways.

This is the day the Lord has blessed. Our day was blessed. It was blessed during VBS. It was blessed at the hospital. It was blessed with the view and fun on Abajo Peak. It was blessed at the supper on Blue Mountain. God blessed our day and for that we are extremely thankful.

This is the day the Lord has recorded. "Every day of my life was recorded in your book" (Psalm 139:16a).

This is the day the Lord has directed. "Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed" (Psalm 139:16b). We may make the plans but God still directs the days.

And I would like to believe that . . . this is the day the lord has enjoyed. I certainly hope and pray that we, in some way, brought joy and pleasure to the Lord today. We have worked and we have played. We have taught and we have learned. We have given out and we have taken in. As a Father, I know the joy I experience when my kids are enjoying the things I enjoy. Perhaps our joy today brought joy to him as well.

God willing, tomorrow will soon be another today!

TEAM

2009-07-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

"It all comes back to Jesus: Follow, Worship, Live through him."

-VBS Slogan, First Baptist Church, Monticello, Utah

"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him."

1 John 4:9

The morning went well with Sunday School at 9:45, followed by the Worship Service and a lunch you wouldn't believe. Good stuff!

Outside, with a hint of rain, we set up the VBS tent which requires quite a bit of work. We have set up that tent for over ten years now so each year we get a little better and the tent goes up much faster. Well, the tent is now up, the VBS meeting is finished, and tomorrow we begin. At 8:30 in the morning we will register children, at 9 the horn will sound, and VBS 2009 will be under way. We have prayed about and are looking forward to a great week-long Bible study. Keep us in your prayers.

The Georgia mission team will serve in the following areas:

Donnie Brown - Skits and Drama

Caroline Clark - Skits and Drama

MacyAnn Holland - Pre-Kindergarten

Katie Milliner - Kindergarten

Olivia Ricketts - Pre-Kindergarten

Chris Rogero - Skits and Drama

Corinne Rogero - Skits and Drama

Chris Stiles - 1st & 2nd Grade

Daniel Washington - Skits and Drama

Preston Willis - Recreation

me - 5th & 6th Grade

When we travel to a church to do a mission trip we are always ready to do whatever is needed. Our goal is to assist the pastor and church as required. Whenever we've served here in Monticello we have found out where the needs were and plugged in those students and workers who fit. Sometimes we move students around but most of the time the fit is good and the VBS team works effectively and with great results. I believe the 2009 Ministry Team will do the same.

"The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one body. So it is with the body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:12).

I am always amazed by what happens when I take a group of students somewhere to minister to a pastor and a church. First of all, it seems like the students who are involved are never the group I would intentionally put together. There are always students I wish would go but don't and there are students I would never expect to go and they do. It's an unsolved mystery.

Second, the groups who do this stuff always work out and get the jobs done. It never seems to fail and we always go home having accomplished more than expected. This week we plan to do VBS and several large projects. Normally I would look at this week as three weeks worth of work. We will finish in a week, I am confident of that.

Finally, every group heads home physically worn out and spiritually refreshed. This group will be worn out because of all they've done. When we drive out of Monticello next monday morning this crew will be sleeping before we reach Colorado, seventeen miles to the east. They'll be tired but they will be refreshed because they've done a lot of work and invested another week in eternity. That's the way it works! Happens every time.

No two students will do exactly the same things during the week. Each student is different and it's those differences that make us one. It's those differences that make us a team.

Together Everyone Accomplishes Much!

UTAH!

2009-07-11T20:47:00.000-07:00

"Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

-Luke 18:16b

"You can't make it too tough for me to complain."

-Miller Huckabee, Prince Mission Trip Motto

We have arrived! Around 6:30 this evening we pulled into the parking lot at First Baptist Church in Monticello, Utah. Our trip was long and crowded but our mission trip motto is still, "You can't make it too tough for me to complain."

This morning the guys departed the home of Ray and Kim Allen. We had a great time and breakfast with them before picking up the girls who stayed with Les and Denise Simpson. Our ride today included sixty miles of Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. We ate lunch at Blake's Lotaburger in Farmington, New Mexico as we sought another different place to eat. We then did the final part of our 1,800 mile journey and, after a good night's sleep, should be ready for the week ahead.

After supper at Wagon Wheel Pizza in Monticello, we are now back at the church and getting ready for some sleep. The girls are in a camper that is located next to Pastor John's home. The guys are located in another camper across the parking lot. Staying on campus will make things much more convenient this week as we serve here.

Our projects this week include erecting the VBS tents tomorrow, decorating, preparing our studies, assisting church members with Vacation Bible School (probably 85 to 110 children), painting Pastor John's house, staining the deck, and whatever else needs to be done. It will be a week where we'll find ourselves physically tired but spiritually refreshed when Friday afternoon rolls around.

This week is a week for children. When the children come we want them to be so excited about what's going on that they can't wait for the next day. We want them to love VBS so much that they'll want their friends to come as well. My prayer is, especially for the Prince crew, that we will love the children as Jesus does. In Luke, Jesus has some words with his disciples about the place children should have in the hearts of all Christians:

"One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch them and bless them, but the disciples told them not to bother him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, 'Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you, anyone who doesn't have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God'" (Luke 18:15-17).

This week, speaking for the VBS staff, our earthly priority will be children. Our goal is to love them into the Kingdom of God. We plan to do that by Bible study, stories, crafts, games, songs, and relationships. When parents bring their children we want to see Jesus touch and bless each child. Personally, working with children takes me out of my comfort zone. I know, however, that children are ripe for spiritual harvest. They have a faith that we as adults lose somewhere between childhood and being smarter and wiser!

Children also love games, crayons, glue, laughing, fun, snacks, and people who have time for them. So this week, as we take time to "Let the children come," would you please take time to pray for us? You can be a huge part of what's happening here if you will pray.

As a child, my first contact with my life-changing Bible verse was the result of a couple in New Freedom, Pennsylvania who had time for kids. Ralph and Ruth Carman had such a desire to teach and reach children that one night each week Ralph would take the milk out of his milk delivery truck and use that empty truck to pick up children for a Bible study in his garage. What kid wouldn't want a ride in a milk truck? After my first ride, Ralph's wife, Ruth handed me a white cut-out of a snowflake. My snowflake contained these words, "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow" (Isaiah 1:18). If my memory is correct, Isaiah 1:18 is the first Bible verse I ever memorized. A seed was planted. Why? A couple had kids on their hearts, a milk delivery truck, and a handful of snowflakes.

I'm eternally grateful.

Cattle!

2009-07-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

"Praise the Lord."

-Psalm 148:1a

Willy Nelson sings it and we're doing it, "One the road again!" Today we were on the road again from Little Rock, Arkansas to Amarillo, Texas. It was a great travel day as we mooved our herd this morning to graze on free meals without beef at Chick-fil-A in Fort Smith, Arkansas! We created our own stampede! We should have gone from Chick-fil-A to Chick-fil-A to Chick-fil-A today for a day of free meals! You'll have to admit, the cattle did great jobs with their meal-winning wardrobes. I am udderly amazed! Sadly however, we started our day speaking out on behalf of cows and ended our day eating them! Oh well . . .

This evening we are staying with Les and Denise Simpson and some neighbors in Amarillo. We just ate supper with Les, Denise, Faith, and Meredith at The Big Texan. Afterwards Les treated us to ice cream at Braum's. I am fuller than I should be. We are all fuller than we should be.

The Simpsons were members at Prince when Les worked for the Athens Newspapers. They moved away around 2,000, moving to Augusta, Georgia and then to Amarillo, Texas. (The Simpsons can only live in cities that begin with the letter A.) For those of you who know them, all is well with the Simpson family in Amarillo.

This is another quick post because sleep has been a slim commodity lately. Also, I have tried to find something real spiritual to write about cows, cattle, beef, and such but was not able to do so without adding some distortion and stretching of some cattle-related scriptures. I probably was trying to find some verses that focus on cattle and then I could mention the Lord. My focus would have been wrong if I had succeeded in doing that. So, instead, I found a chapter that focuses on the Lord but mentions cattle. It's one of my favorite Psalms:

"Praise the Lord.

"Praise the Lord from the heavens,

praise him in the heights above.

Praise him, all his angels,

praise him, all his heavenly hosts.

Praise him, sun and moon,

praise him, all you shining stars.

Praise him, you highest heavens,

and you water above the skies.

Let them praise the name of the Lord,

for he commanded and they were created.

He set them in place for ever and ever;

he gave a decree that will never pass away.

"Praise the Lord from the earth,

you sea creatures and all ocean depths,

lightning and hail, snow and clouds,

stormy winds that do his bidding,

you mountains and all hills,

fruit trees and all cedars,

wild animals and all cattle,

small creatures and flying birds,

kings of the earth and all nations,

you princes and all rulers on earth,

young men and maidens,

old men and children.

"Let them praise the name of the Lord,

for his name alone is exalted;

his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

He has raised up for his people a horn,

the praise of all his saints,

of Israel, the people close to his heart.

"Praise the Lord " (Psalm 148).

There's the beef! Praise the Lord.

Whew!

2009-07-09T20:05:00.001-07:00

"We wouldn't worry nearly so much what people think of us if we knew how seldom they actually do."

-Adolph Coors, from a comment by Sharon Reid

The Utah Crew met at Prince this morning and headed west at six o'clock. The first challenge was to get all of the luggage into a rental van that was smaller than expected. We did, miraculously pack the luggage and the ten people in the van and had a great day of travel with Donnie Brown at the wheel.

Right now we are at the home of Brandon, Julie, Caleb, and Charis Barnard in Little Rock, Arkansas. They are hosting us for the evening and we are extremely grateful. Even though they are leaving for vacation tomorrow morning they are still hosting us. We leave here at 7 and they head to Florida at 8:30. I'm not sure which is greater, their hospitality or their insanity.

Either way, we sure do appreciate them very much.

Our trip today took us from Georgia, through Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and into Arkansas. After arriving in Little Rock we went with the Barnard family to Cheeburger Cheeburger for a time of great food and super great fellowship. It was so good for me to catch up on what's happening in the lives of Brandon and Julie.

After supper we went for a tour of Fellowship Bible Church where Brandon is the lead youth guy and one of the three teaching pastors. While we were there, Brandon introduced us to Jungle Pong and we, of course, had to play about four games!

It is now 12:38 A.M. Am I usually up at this time of the night? No, hardly ever. And I'm not the only one up. Most of our crew is wide awake, sitting on the dining room floor at Brandon and Julie's house, making cow costumes! That's what I said, cow costumes. Why? I'm glad you asked. They, the girls and some guys, are making cow costumes because anyone going into a Chick-fil-A tomorrow (today) wearing a complete cow costume receives a meal free. Tomorrow should be a real mooooving experience as we roll down I-40 with a van loaded with cow-like students. I'm not sure if the free meal thing is worth it all because I think they've spent more at Wal*Mart buying cow stuff than the meals would have cost. But they are having fun and I should get some great photos for tomorrow's blog. I'll just have to think hard to come up with a devotional that includes cows.

So what's the lesson I've learned again today? I am reminded once again of the value of friends. The Bible says, "As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend" (27:17). I'm not sure any of us are any sharper because of today but we are a bit closer. We've traveled together, eaten together, laughed together, prayed together, and still love one another after being packed in a van for almost 10 1/2 hours. That in itself is a study in sharpening iron. We've had a great day as friends.

It's hard to think clearly any more about this post since there are seven students beside my table, on the floor, making cow costumes, and telling cow jokes. Tomorrow's free Chick-fil-A meals are coming together but these kids are falling apart. The laughter is loud and the memories are coming together. Unfortunately, this post is coming apart. I will close with this spiritual gem: "A cheerful heart is a good medicine . . ." (Proverbs 17:22).

Perhaps you can apply it in some way to your day.

Timing.

2009-07-09T01:30:00.000-07:00

"Loose lips sink ships."

-WW II Poster slogan

"Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time."

-Proverbs 15:23

It's 4:35 A.M. on Thursday, July 9th. In less than an hour a crew of ten of us will leave for Monticello, Utah. Our goal is to assist Pastor John Williams and the folks at First Baptist Church in a week of Vacation Bible School. Yesterday was a hectic day so I put this off until the last minute, not knowing the last minute yesterday would become the first minute today! You probably have heard the quote . . . "Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part." Yesterday was my lack of planning. Because of that I am making this short and using another proverb.

I spoke with a friend of mine in Amarillo, Texas last night and he told me that he had chaperoned one of his church's mission trips and on the way home people were ready to kill one another. That can certainly happen, even among Christians. There have been times when I've seen that happen. My goal, of course, is that it will not happen as we travel. That's why I have chosen Proverbs 15:23 as a verse for today: "Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time."

Another translation says it like this, "A man has joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good it is."

Here we go again! It seems like every way you turn in Proverbs you bump into "tongue-tamers." This one says, "Say something good and do it at the right time."

What we say can totally ruin an otherwise really good day for someone. Did you ever have that happen to you? Everything's going fine and all of a sudden Mr. or Mrs. Caustic Tongue drops a line on you that makes you feel lower than a snake's belly! There are those among us who think sarcasm, negative remarks, and gossiping are spiritual gifts! They're not! Maybe another spirit but not the spirit of God.

Today, let's decide to be bearers of joy, "A man has joy by the answer of his mouth . . ." Let's say things that encourage, things that cause joy, laughter, and smiles. And let's watch our timing too . . . "a word spoken in due season."

A person with a sensitive heart will be sensitive with his words. He'll not only know what to say, he will know when to say it and when you put the two together you'll have a word spoken in due season: " . . . it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time."

Remember, the tongue is a multi-purpose tool and can be used to build up or tear down. It can bring discouragement or joy. Let's use it to spread words of joy, encouragement, and love today and every day that follows.

See the photo above? In a Friendly's Restaurant, somewhere in the midwest, our waitress took Proverbs 15:23 one step further, "A waitress has joy by the answer of her bill: and a word written in due season, how good it is."

Spoken or written, right words do right things.

Words.

2009-07-07T17:07:00.000-07:00

"When you set your priorities you are literally writing history in advance."

-Tom Skinner (1942-1994)

"Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men's blood."

-Daniel H. Burnham, on devising Chicago's plan of 1909

"Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up."

-Proverbs 12:25

I am right now preparing and packing to head to Utah. I will leave Thursday, July 9th and return on Wednesday, July 22nd and will be traveling with a group of ten friends to assist First Baptist Church of Monticello with their annual Vacation bible School. The following crew will head west with me: Donnie Brown, Preston Willis, Chris Stiles, Katie Milliner, Corinne Rogero, Chris Rogero, MacyAnn Holland, Caroline Clark, and Olivia Ricketts. We'll stop in Little Rock, Arkansas and Amarillo, Texas as we travel to a from Monticello. Please keep us on your prayer list.

Whenever I travel anywhere with a group I am always reminded of the importance of encouragement. Words are so important as we travel. They can make or break the trip.

Proverbs is loaded with little sermons on words, our talk, our tongues, and the results of right or wrong usage. We are warned often of lying lips, tale-bearers, false witnesses, words of the wicked, and grievous words.

Proverbs 12:25 reminds us that it doesn't take a bunch of words to encourage a person. In fact, scripture doesn't even use the plural but says a word (singular) will get the job done!

Look at that verse again! A discouraged, down-trodden, defeated heart is what we have here. It's a worried heart. It may be a high school kid who just flunked Spanish, a girl who just broke up with her guy, or a student who just found out that dad's leaving. We see them every day. People like this often become the objects of our ridicule or joking. Sometime we simply avoid them because we are afraid we'll say the wrong thing, ask the wrong question and make matters worse. They need encouragement!

A little encouragement goes a long, long way! According to scripture, an encouraging word can turn things around, make a bad day good.

You know, we have a tendency to dwell on the negative side of every issue in life. I don't know why but we do. Maybe we're programmed to do that, after all, most moms and dads will overlook three A's and 2 B's to point out that one D on a report card. The news is 99.9% bad with murders, muggings, and armed robberies. Newspapers are mostly "printed TV" echoing all the bad news of the day. So anyone who really needs encouragement usually finds it away from newspapers, TV, and sometimes, even people!

We who know Jesus should use fewer words, spoken from sensitive hearts, and give encouragement to those whose hearts are heavy. Here are a few things that come to mind as I think of ways to encourage others:

1. Smile, that may be all it takes to cheer someone up. There's nothing wrong with a hug either. After a smile and a hug, a word may not even be necessary.

2. Teddy Roosevelt said, "Speak softly and carry a big stick." We ought to "speak softly" and do it from a big heart. Words formed in big hearts are generally well-placed and can become a huge part of a much-needed healing process.

3. If you don't know what to say, don't say anything! Grab a hand, give a hug . . . those things speak volumes.

4. Listen. There are few good listeners in the world today. Listeners are rare treasures to anyone but especially when someone just wants to unload.

5. Be available . . . whenever! Even 24/7!

As I read the scriptures, I am constantly reminded that Jesus was always an encouragement to those with heavy hearts. He was always lifting and encouraging, always a healer, always a listener, and always used his words wisely.

That's one of my goals for Utah. In fact, that's one of my goals for life.

To encourage like Jesus.

Today.

2009-07-06T20:00:00.000-07:00

"Then the Lord answered me and said, 'Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, that the one who reads it may run. For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal, and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; it will certainly come, it will not delay.'"

-Habakkuk 2:2-3

"If your vision is for a year, plant wheat.

If your vision is for ten years, plant trees.

If your vision is for a lifetime, plant people."

-Chinese Proverb

"Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing."

-Albert Schweitzer

"When we forgive and forget, that's one thing. When we remember and choose to forgive, our memories can become memorials to the grace of God."

-Ed Young Jr.

Okay, I am going to continue the blog at least until I get home from Utah. That would be July 22nd. I have had so many folks tell me I need to keep this going but let me remind you, I am no longer pedaling across the United States. In fact, I'm at home working in my yard, running errands, and building a fence for our chickens. Today I went for a short bike ride, got the oil changed and tires rotated on our Explorer, and watched a little bit of the Tour de France. Tomorrow I plan to ride in the morning, clean the garage, wash the car, watch the team time trials in the Tour, and get some stuff ready for Utah. How exciting is that?

Today was what most folks would call ordinary. Nothing unusual . . . no mountains to climb, no big chunk of miles to pedal, and no scenic photos to load. Plain vanilla day. But aren't most days ordinary? Tomorrow most of us will do just about what we did today. There may be some variety but for the most part tomorrow will probably be a copy of today. Right?

We are not even promised tomorrow. James 4:14 says, "How do you know what will happen tomorrow? For your life is like a morning fog -- it's here a little while, then it's gone."

Hebrews 13:8, I believe, let's us know of the uncertainty of tomorrow, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." I thought about that verse for some time and wondered why it wasn't written with, "yesterday, today, and tomorrow." I believe now it's because, as followers of Jesus, we've already experienced yesterday, and we have today, and forever is promised, only tomorrow is in question. As Christians we experienced Jesus the same yesterday and today as we will forever. Tomorrow we can't be too sure of.

I just heard a guy from Mayfield, Kentucky sing a song on YouTube. His name is Kevin Skinner, he's 35, plays the guitar, and you need to hear him. At first, like the judges, you won't expect much but check him out, give him a chance, and you'll be blessed as I have . . . even if you don't like country music. His song is a Garth Brooks song. I think the title is, "If Tomorrow Never Comes." The final words of the song are: "Tell that someone that you love . . . what you're thinkin' of . . . if tomorrow never comes."

There's a quote we've all heard from our moms, especially during the homework years, "Why put off until tomorrow what you can do today?" Too many of us have turned that thing around and said, "Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?" But what if, as Kevin sang, tomorrow never comes? Then what?

We all have things we need to do today. People we need to hug, people we need to thank, notes we need to write, cards we need to send, calls we need to make, apologies we need to make, people we need to forgive, and loved ones who need to hear "I love you." You know how it goes . . . our intentions are good but we simply don't get around to it today. Let me remind you, even the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Intentions without actions mean nothing. Do something.

Want to change your days from ordinary to incredible? Do what you're planning to do, today. Do what you need to do, today.

You'll not regret it.

Freedom.

2009-07-05T19:29:00.000-07:00

"Freedom isn't free. Freedom is bought by soldiers. The price they pay is blood."

-Colonel Michael D. Steele, United States Army

What an emotional morning. I have said before that I am as patriotic as a person can be and anything patriotic gets me teary-eyed. The music, media, and message this morning at Prince Avenue rang my bell. I was ready to re-enlist! Everything from the visit by Uncle Sam to the powerful message by Colonel Steele was spiritually incredible and challenging.

I have known Mike Steele since 1980 when he was an offensive guard on the 1980 National Championship Georgia football team. He, as a college football player, was one of my heroes. He was not a hero however because of his football abilities, he was a hero because I knew of his stand for Christ on the team and the campus of the University of Georgia. He is still one of my heroes today because of his commitment to Jesus and the United States of America.

I believe the service was extra meaningful to me this morning because of the ride I just finished. I saw America the way few people see America. Riding a bike slows everything down quite a bit and riders see things many people miss. They also smell America whether it's the smell of pines in the Washington mountains or the salt air of the Maine coastline. America is also heard in a different way by a cyclist: streams trickling down a mountain, trains rolling by on the plains of North Dakota, or tractors in the fields of Ohio . . . it's a different America by bike, that's for sure.

I am a changed person because of what I've just done. I'm different and I hope it's in a good way. For one thing, I've fallen in love with America all over again. I can't totally explain it but I know I have. I have always felt like America is the greatest country in the world but the feelings are much deeper, much stronger, now. I know America is not perfect but it is great and I don't care what the naysayers have to say, they will never convince me that there is another country on the face of this earth that even comes close.

I have experienced, first hand, the absolutely amazing creation wrought by the hands of Almighty God. "Only fools say in their hearts, 'There is no God'" (Psalm 53:1). A person would have to be a fool to ride through any part of America and deny the existence of a Divine Designer. "In the beginning the Word already existed. He was with God, and he was God. He was in the beginning with God. He created everything there is. Nothing exists that he didn't make" (John 1:1-3). America blew my mind over the last two months and my love for my country and the Designer will never be the same.

People! Let me tell you about people . . . the icing on the cake, that's what people were to the ride. I have always been a people lover but I guess God has sort of enlarged my heart. We have crossed paths with some wonderful folks who will never be forgotten. I could not even begin to list all the folks we have met who enhanced the pedaling from coast to coast. We've been encouraged by many people along the way. We met as strangers and departed as friends. From a Chevron station in Twisp, Washington, to "the good table restaurant" in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, God has blessed us over and over with new friends, laughter, encouragement, and memories that will last a lifetime. Every person we met is someone for whom Jesus died. Since he loves them and places extreme value on them, I feel like I should do that as well. And guess what . . . it is a fun thing to do!

I believe God has revived me spiritually too. Every day was interwoven with time alone with the Father. Pedaling across America has a way of providing time to do that. Riding through his creation is very helpful too. It seems like everywhere I looked I saw his signature. "The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship" (Psalm 19:1). He's everywhere!

As I pedaled I often sang to myself, or prayed, or quoted scripture, or simply thought about God and all the beauty, variety, and mystery of the creation and the Creator. I was allowed to overdose on the things of God and it was good. Getting back home I was reminded of how quickly I could fall back into the routine of being busy. I thought about a quote I had taped over my computer for years: "Beware of the barrenness of a busy life." I don't want to go back there. I want to make sure I take or make time to hang out with God for days at a time. I am choosing to live the rest of my life out of the ruts of the routine.

Chuck Swindoll, in one of his books, wrote about the Trans-Canadian Highway. He told about how in the early years of its development it was a mud road. In the winter the road would freeze making it a road of frozen ruts. Someone, during those years, put up a sign at the Canadian border, "Choose your ruts wisely, you'll be in them for 200 miles!" I believe God wants us to be out of the ruts. A rut is, after all, a grave with both ends kicked out! But God is the God of coloring outside the lines, living outside the box, staying out of the ruts, and expecting the unexpected. I have been challenged to do things I cannot do, live beyond my possibilities, and blindly trust the God I cannot see.

It's been a ride! One I'll never forget. I rode across the greatest country in the world, hanging out every day with its Creator. That's a little bit like taking the trolley across Walt Disney World with Walt Disney. But this is bigger than that, much bigger! Universally bigger! The Creator of the universe taking time to hang out with a rider on a bicycle, somewhere in the mountains of Washington, the plains of North Dakota, or wherever. He had time for me. And . . . everyday he said, "Let's do this again tomorrow."

I don't want to lose that. Ever.

From the mountains, to the prairies, to the oceans white with foam . . .

God bless America,

my home sweet home.

Home!

2009-07-04T16:20:00.000-07:00

"Jesus said to the people who believed in him, 'You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"

-John 8:31-32

"Now, the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, he gives freedom."

-2 Corinthians 3:17

"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law."

-Galatians 5:1

"One man with courage is a majority."

-Thomas Jefferson

The bike ride is now finished and we are back home in Statham, Georgia. Today is a great day to complete such an endeavor: Independence Day, The 4th of July! I pedaled my bike across the United States of America and did it in total freedom. What a blessing that I trust I will never take for granted.

Yesterday we stopped at the home of Todd and Summer Anders in Lexington, Kentucky. Todd and Summer have a U. S. map at their house and followed the ride with a red piece of yarn. We finished taping the yarn to the map and I was once again reminded of the freedoms we enjoy. Jonathan and I pedaled across the country freely going from state to state and town to town. No border guards, blockades, or fear stopped or detoured us. Now, by car, we enjoy the same freedoms as we travel home. We are free.

Someone said, "Freedom isn't free." I will forever be grateful to the men and women who serve and protect us every day. Reader's Digest, this issue, reported that enlistment in the United States Armed Forces is higher than it's been in years. I would like to believe that the enlistment is higher because of patriotism and obligation. I would like to believe that there is a group of young men and women who simply love America so much that they would be willing to fight for and, if necessary, die to protect and preserve freedom. Let's not forget them and the sacrifices they make.

Our "Freedom Ride" is finished and the memory banks are full. The physical portion of the ride is history but we'll be thinking about this trip for a long time into the future. Many people have congratulated Jonathan, Margaret, and me but we would rather have the glory go to Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. We can never thank him enough for the people we've met, the friends we've made, the things we've seen and done, and the lessons we've learned along the way.

It's hard to know how to finish what began over seventy-five days ago, involved fifty-two days of pedaling, covered over 4,000 miles of America on a bike and over 12,000 miles by car (12,761.6 miles), and taught me so much about the Creator and his creation.

Maybe Jack Knowles, a writer for the "Hillsboro Sentry Enterprise" in Hillsboro, Wisconsin described our ride best when he wrote about Jonathan, Margaret, and me, " . . . Shettel's 'Ride Across America' business card shows him on a bike and includes the website address. At the bottom of the card, however, is a Biblical phrase from the 12th chapter of Hebrews that reads: 'Looking unto Jesus.' You get the feeling that Jesus is most certainly looking unto him, too. . . . turning the traveling trio into a foursome."

Remember when King Nebuchadnezzar threw Shadrach, Mechach, and Abednego into the blazing furnace? There was a little discussion about halfway through the torching that included the king and his advisors: "But suddenly, as he was watching, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisors, 'Didn't we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?'

"'Yes,' they said, 'we did indeed, Your Majesty.'

"'Look!' Nebuchadnezzar shouted. 'I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire. They aren't even hurt by the flames! And the fourth looks like a divine being!'" Check out Daniel 3:24-25. Nebuchadnezzar soon realized that the divine being was the God of Shadrach, Mechach, and Abednego.

We were never persecuted and never pedaled through any flames. In fact, the first time we even saw a temperature close to 90 degrees was today when we got home. But flame or no flame, my desire was for folks to somehow see four of us on the road across America.

Not three.

KENTUCKY!

2009-07-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

“We who came home must never forget those who could not.”

-Inscription on a memorial, Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

-George Santayana, 1905

"INTEGRITY FIRST, SERVICE BEFOR SELF, EXCELLENCE IN ALL WE DO."

-United States Air Force Core Values

Before heading south on I-75 today Jonathan, Jim, Jennifer, Paul, Lori, Carver, Katie, Carly, and I went to the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. That is a big, big place and a person could really spend a week there and still not see everything. I used much of my time to visit the planes on display outside. I also visited the memorial park where I spotted memorials for all of the units in which I served: Eighth Air Force, Strategic Air Command, 301st Bomb Squadron, and the 376th Bomb Squadron, all at Lockborne Air Force Base in Columbus, Ohio.

We finally departed Jim and Joyce’s home in Xenia around 3 o’clock (late) and arrived at Todd and Summer Anders’ home in Lexington, Kentucky around 7:00 P. M. Next stop, Steak-N-Shake with the whole crew: Todd, Summer, Dakota, Rider, Scout, Indiana, Ireland, Jonathan, Carly, Katie, Margaret, me. Back at the house we watched fireworks until 10:00 P. M.

We are now headed down I-75 to London, Kentucky where we will camp at a Hampton Inn. Margaret is driving and I am writing this post while going down the road to our motel. Talent and technology! What can I say?

I just asked Carly about the highlights of the trip for her and her first response was her visit to Fenway Park. "Seeing Michael Chiklis, from the TV series 'Commish' was cool," she said. She also said, “Seeing the Apollo space craft at the Air Force Museum was great.” Her favorite thing to eat was her cheeseburger at Twister in Maybrook, New York and Carman’s Ice Cream at Dwaine and Sarah’s home.

Jonathan’s highlights include putting our tires in the Atlantic Ocean, the Air Force Museum, seeing Rachel and her dad, and touring the U. S. S. Constitution. His favorite food (he loved everything he ate) was Carman’s Ice Cream and Mom’s gingerbread waffles.

Katie said her favorite thing was flying with Carly and “surprising Papabur and Nana.” Touring Fenway Park was great for her and so was hanging out with Jim, Joyce, Lori, Paul, Carver, and Jennifer. She also loved meeting Uncle Donnie (my brother). Katie’s favorite food was breakfast at First Watch this morning. Of course she also loved Carman’s Ice Cream and gingerbread waffles.

Margaret’s highlights for the last week included seeing Jonathan and I dip our tires in the Atlantic Ocean, being surprised by Katie, Picking up Barry and Sarah in Portland, and visiting with her family in Ohio. Margaret’s food favorites were all the different foods we’ve eaten with friends and family.

When I asked about lessons learned, Carly said, “I learned I need to read more, not only to gain wisdom and knowledge from God’s Word, but also about things like the history of our nation.”

Katie told us, “God has shown me how much my family means to me after not being with them the last few months.”

Jonathan’s response, “God’s really shown me how everything in life is planned out and if I will trust in him everything will work out just right. There’s a lot more but that’s the main thing I learned.”

Margaret said, “You know that verse, ‘I know the plans I have for you . . .’ that’s it. That's what I learned.”

“‘I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart’” (Jeremiah 29:11-13).

We’re about seven miles from our motel and Margaret asked me if I was going to answer all those questions myself. I said, “No, I’ve been answering those questions the whole trip.”

God is good . . . all the time. All the time . . . God is good!

Lord willing, we’ll be home tomorrow.

OHIO!

2009-07-02T19:19:00.000-07:00

"Lord, you have brought light to my life; my God, you light up my darkness."

-Psalm 18:28

"The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like complete darkness. Those who follow it have no idea what they are stumbling over."

-Proverbs 4:18-19

"Either we are overcomers -- or over come!"

-Warren Weirsbe

Thanks to Jane Clifton (Ohio) and Bill Goodling (Pennsylvania), I now have license plates from Ohio and Pennsylvania. The only two states I don't have are Idaho and Wisconsin. We still have two days to travel so there's still hope.

I just had a massage from Paul Gudde who is married to my niece, Lori. Paul is a massage therapist and works and lives in Columbus. I could have used Paul every other day on the bike ride, maybe every day! He, Lori, and their son Carver are here with the mob in Xenia, Ohio for the night. It's another family reunion! We are at the home of Jim and Joyce Goins. For those of you who don't know, Jim is one of Margaret's brothers.

We had a great supper this evening and, as usual, most of us ate more than we should have. So you will have some idea of who's who, take a look at the photo of the crew around the table. I'll go around the table clockwise, beginning with the little guy on the corner, Carver Gudde, Joyce, Jennifer Goins (trying to hide), Margaret, Jim, Jonathan, Jane Clifton, Katie, Carly, Lori and Paul Gudde (Lori is doing the hiding thing too). Lori and Jennifer are Jim and Joyce's daughters.

Today was another travel day. To be in good shape for the trip I ate a healthy breakfast of Carman's chocolate peanut butter ice cream and a banana (dairy and fruit). After breakfast, we figured out how to pack the Explorer so Katie could sit in the back seat without being under suitcases and laundry bags. Finally, around 8:30 we pulled out of Dwaine and Sarah's driveway, headed directly west on the Pennsylvania Turnpike through West Virginia and into Ohio. We drove from Red Lion, Pennsylvania to Xenia, Ohio, about 470 miles. I really believe it's easier to pedal a bike for a whole day than ride in a car for that long.

It's July 2nd already and in two days we'll be back home. It's been a long time since we've been home and I'm ready to be there. Tomorrow we'll see Todd and Summer Anders and their crew and finally on the 4th of July . . . we'll be home.

On July 9th I'll be headed to Monticello, Utah to help with Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church. Pastor John Williams and the church family in Monticello are very special to me and I'm excited about seeing them again. Please pray for me and a crew of eight or nine others as we travel and serve from July 9th through 22nd. V. B. S. will be held July 13-17 in the mornings. Sometime July 22nd I'll be home again. Then I can hang around for a while.

So . . . your prayers are appreciated. They work too. Many of you have told me through email, texting, commenting, and over the phone that you've been praying for us. Some of you have called and prayed with me over the phone. If you could continue praying as we travel and as we go to Utah, I would be most grateful. Thanks so much.

"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. I always pray for you, and I make my requests with a heart full of joy because you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again" (Philippians 1:3-6).

Pray without ceasing.

PENNSYLVANIA!

2009-07-01T18:47:00.000-07:00

"This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it."

-Psalm 118:24

"Always eat your dessert first!"

-Anonymous, probably some mom who really knew how to raise healthy kids.

Margaret drove 399 miles today. I was lazy and navigated from shotgun. We left Boston this morning and arrived in Red Lion, Pennsylvania this evening.

When it was time for lunch we decided a quick lunch was what we needed. We mentioned an Arby's and a Burger King near the interstate but Carly said, "I was hoping we'd go to one of those hole-in-the-wall places like you guys did when you were riding your bikes." So we did. In Maybrook, New York we found Twisters. I'm sure it's not a chain or a franchise but it was very good. The cheeseburgers were so good I ate mine and half of Margaret's (with her permission). Katie had two hot dogs and she said they were wonderful.

Today I committed the unpardonable sin: I bought Citgo gasoline. I did not have a choice because we were on the big E of the fuel gage. I have often said, "If I ran out of gas at a Citgo station I would push my car up the road five miles to another gas station to fill up." Well, today I didn't do that. Ever since Hugo Chavez publicly stated that he wanted to bring down the United States, I have said I will never buy Venezuelan-owned Citgo again. Anyway, I am sorry. Please forgive me. I feel like Benedict Arnold.

We are now in Red Lion, Pennsylvania at the home of Dwaine and Sarah Flemmens. Along with Dwaine and Sarah, we met a crew of others here as well. Another high school friend, Bill Goodling and his wife Joanne arrived. Bill brought a personalized Pennsylvania license plate for me (VR-JONBL). Now I only need Idaho, Wisconsin, and Ohio plates.

Nelda Flemmens, Dwaine's mom and my other Mom for many years, came up the street. Mom Flemmens was the one who got me hooked on gingerbread waffles and Carman's Ice Cream (chocolate peanut butter) for which I'll be eternally grateful!

Donnie, my stone-age brother who does not own a computer (I hope he reads this), and his wife Linda came. Donnie is retired from the post office. He is "postal" but has been that way all his life.

Doug. Joanne, Krista, and Kayla Flemmens stopped by and brought the much sought after Carman's Ice Cream. Doug is the oldest son of Dwaine and Sarah.

Of course, the rest of the crew you know: Carly, Katie, Jonathan, Margaret, and me! Needless to say, along with the waffles and ice cream, we have laughed and laughed all evening. It was a good and healthy evening for all of us!

I'm going to make this very short tonight because I, along with the crew, ate too much, talked too much, and laughed too much. Because I was surrounded by friends and family this evening, one verse quickly comes to mind, "A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need" (Proverbs 17:17).

I am thankful for family and friends. I am blessed . . .

. . . even though I bought Citgo fuel today!

I am having two more scoops of Carman's chocolate peanut butter ice cream before bed. I'll probably have it for breakfast too.

Good night.

Boston.3

2009-06-30T17:35:00.000-07:00

"From here to there to Scully Square. When I get back, I'll pull your hair."

-Our driver for Upper Deck Super Tours, when he was a kid, kids used this rhyme to choose who would be it for tag

"If at first you don't succeed . . . try playing second."

-Our guide at Fenway Park

"If at first you don't succeed . . . skydiving may not be for you."

-Our guide at Fenway Park

Because today was all tourism, I'm using a few of pictures of over three hundred pictures Sarah and I took. It was a good day but this tourism stuff is more tiring than pedaling across the United States of America. It's much busier too. Anyway, I'll let the photos speak for our day in Boston.

Jesus didn't have a camera but he sure used pictures to explain the principles of right living. In Mark 4:30, "Jesus asked, 'How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it?'"

In verses 33 and 34, Mark says, "Jesus used many such stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they were able to understand. In fact, in his public teaching he taught only with parables, but afterwards when he was alone with his disciples, he explained the meaning to them."

Matthew 13:34 - 35 says, "Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these (see verse 33) when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables. This fulfilled the prophecy that said,

'I will speak to you in parables. I will explain mysteries hidden since the creation of the world.'"

What were the results of the stories Jesus told? Look at Matthew 13:53-54, "When Jesus had finished telling these stories, he left that part of the country. He returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was astonished and said, 'Where does he get his wisdom and his miracles?'"

I often wonder why we as church people feel like we need to always go deeper all the time. Jesus even taught that the way to the Kingdom was easily found only by those who came as little children. Wow, is it that easy? Can that be right? Doesn't he mean we need to believe and think as theologians? Certainly not as children! But that's what he said, "I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, anyone who becomes as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 18:3-4).

Kids love stories. So do we. Think about the last time a principle of God really stuck in your heart and/or mind. I'm not a betting person but I'd venture to say a story was involved. Think about the last time you sat on the edge of your seat (or pew) in a church service, glued to the teaching. Was a story involved? Some of you, maybe many of you, answered yes to that little quiz, right? Stories stick!

I've heard of people criticizing preachers or teachers because the teaching was full of stories. Sounds like Jesus to me. Next time your pastor or guest speaker tells a story, maybe you should listen for the Biblical principle or application instead of looking for the deeper teaching. Most people who need more and more teaching usually don't do what is taught anyway. (The Pharisees knew very much about the Scriptures. Jesus blasted them in Matthew 23.) I guess my Biblical pet peeve is that we Christians don't do what we've learned no matter how deep we've gone. "Jesus took the complex and made it simple. We take the simple and make it complex" (Anonymous). Maybe we should work on the doing and forget about the depth.

I have taught students for years that we could quit studying the Bible today, do what we already know, and change the world around us. That would make a great story! It would make a great picture too.

Just do the Bible . . . the simple stuff.

Boston.2

2009-06-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

"Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had."

-Philippians 2:5

Surprise, surprise! When will the surprises end? Today the crew went to Logan International Airport to pick up Carly Decker and we did. Because of the traffic in Boston and because of being in downtown Boston we decided to take the subway system. Great idea and it worked well. At Logan International we waited and welcomed Carly when she arrived. Then the surprise . . . Katie, our granddaughter had come with Carly. Another reunion, another surprise! We have had a number of surprises and they have made the whole trip more special.

This was a tourist kind of day and we sure have done some tourist-ing. We did it the easy way too by purchasing tickets for Upper Deck Super Tours. All we did was get on board and someone else did all the driving, all the honking, all the parking, all the squeezing in and out of traffic, and and all the talking to us about Boston for the whole trip.

There is lots of history here. We visited John Hancock's grave, Paul Revere's grave, and the grave of Ben Franklin's parents. We saw Boston Commons, Chinatown, the Old State House, the Federal Reserve Building, Boston Harbor, Trinity Church, Old North Church, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Longfellow Bridge, Bunker Hill Monument, the Theater District, and Dunkin Donuts on every corner. (Dunkin Donuts here is like Starbuck's in Seattle!) I suppose the place that meant the most to me was the old cemetery where we saw the graves of great revolutionaries who fearlessly put their lives on the line to make us free. For me, it was a short time of standing on hallowed ground. For these men I am grateful. These men thought of more than themselves when they did what they did.

We finished the day, the seven of us (Barry, Sarah, Katie, Carly, Jonathan, Margaret, and me), by going to supper at Legal Sea Foods. The food was great and we had a fun time. On the place mats in Legal Sea Foods I noticed the restaurant's pledge. It begins with "We Pledge:"

To inspect and prepare the freshest, highest quality fish and shellfish.

To assure you of a clean and comfortable environment.

To promote diversity and respect for all human differences.

To provide prompt, friendly, and courteous service by a knowledgeable and highly-trained staff.

To be sensitive to special dietary needs and provide a list of ingredients upon request.

To deliver all foods and beverages, prepared to guest satisfaction, in a timely and efficient manner.

To feature a wine list that represents the best overall value in America.

To respond in a rapid, sensitive and non-confrontational manner to requests that will enhance your dining experience.

To provide you with an experience that will encourage you to return.

The Pledge was then signed by the company president, Roger Berkowitz.

I thought about that pledge as I read it and wondered how many Christians have some sort of pledge, some purpose statement, or some Biblical guidelines by which to live. What about churches? Do churches have some list of standards by which to live and interact with those outside the church? What if our purpose was to provide encouragement, purpose, love, and hope to enhance the living experiences of people who live around us? Even other Christians need that!

Philippians 2:1-4 sure could be the foundation of a Pledge for believers.

We pledge:

To encourage you.

To comfort you.

To provide spiritual fellowship.

To be tender-hearted and sympathetic to you.

To agree wholeheartedly with you, loving you, with one heart and purpose.

To be generous with all we have and are.

To make you a priority.

To be humble servants with willing hearts.

To think of you as better than ourselves.

To be sincerely interested in you and what you are doing. We'll even listen more than we'll talk!

To provide you with an experience that will encourage you to return.

I know what you may be thinking. That all sounds good but how do you do it? The secret is in verse 5, "Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had." That's it, that's the secret. Since attitude determines actions, if we change our attitudes that will change our actions. And, if our attitude becomes like that of the Lord Jesus the actions will do likewise. It's sure worth the try.

Someone once said:

"To live above with those we love, oh that will be glory.

To live here below with those we know, that's a different story!"

We all have folks in our lives who we have to love. We really don't want to love them, or maybe even like them but . . . if we adopt a pledge based on the attitude of Jesus, all that will change. Sure, we all have our list of hard-to-love-people, right? What if . . . we pledged? Is it worth the try? I believe it is.

And . . . when you think about it, you may be on somebody else's list.

Boston

2009-06-28T18:27:00.000-07:00

"Kindness is a sincere desire for the happiness of others; goodness is the activity calculated to advance that happiness."

-Jerry Bridges

"God gives us dreams a size too big so that we can grow in them."

-Author unknown, texted to me by Ericka Warren

"The red Sharpie line now goes completely across the United States of America."

-Barry

Barry, Sarah, Jonathan, Margaret, and I are now in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts. We just ate supper at Maggiano's Little Italy and I feel like I should probably ride my bike back to Washington state! I ate way too much!

Today was a good day but riding in a car on I-95 and in Boston makes me want to get back on my bike, find some back roads again, and pedal home! The pace is much slower on a bike and out in the country!

On the way to Boston we did some sight-seeing in Kennebunkport, Maine and Salem, Massachusetts. In Kennebunkport we ate lunch at Allison's Restaurant and went by the Bush residence. In Salem we ate ice cream with Paul Miller, walked around in Salem, Massachusetts (witch trials) and arranged to meet Paul for supper tomorrow here in Boston.

Now, here in the big city, with traffic noises down below and lights flashing outside the window I am reminded of an illustration Jesus used in Luke 15:11-24. You know what it is . . . a boy goes to his dad and insists on getting his inheritance now. The kid gets his share and takes off for a spending spree in what I believe was done in a nearby city. The Bible says the kid, ". . . took a trip to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money on wild living." Sounds like what a boy could do in a big city, doesn't it? I'm just imagining this, but where else would he go to spend what was most likely a large sum of money on wild living?

The young son has his day, flashes his cash, and is soon surrounded by fair-weather friends and good looking girls. When the cash runs out, so do his so-called friends. Now his money, friends, and pride are gone and he has nothing left, nothing at all. So a Jewish boy asks a farmer if he could be a servant and feed the farmer's pigs . . . a Jewish boy feeding pigs. This kid was so far down that even pig slop looked good enough to eat.

"When he finally came to his senses . . ."

He realizes he blew it when he left home and took off for the bright lights, loud music, and wild living of the big city and decides to face the music, eat humble pie, and head back home. Home. That's right, home.

The kid doesn't realize it but his dad is waiting on the front porch for this very moment. Dad is waiting to see his son walking down the lane toward home. When dad sees the kid, the Bible says, dad " . . . ran to his son . . . ." Because of his love for his son, this dad could not contain himself so he ran full speed to embrace and love his runaway boy. And the boy? After the hugging and greeting and loving he found everything he was looking for . . . when he got back home, when he got back to his Father.

I'm headed home. Fortunately I'm not headed home after blowing it in a big city. I'm not headed home after a disagreement with my dad. I'm headed home after a great adventure, the trip of a lifetime. But let me tell you something, everything I need is at home. There's nothing here in the big city or anywhere else that I need or even want. I'm ready to be home. My Father has provided everything I need . . . at home.

Eternally, I'll one day go home. When I do, waiting at the end of the lane I'll meet my Father who will welcome me with incredible, unconditional love unlike anything I have ever experienced. I'll never have a need again . . . when I get home. When I get to the Father.

Doesn't matter where we are, he's waiting for us.

All of us.

Pedal Day 52 - Photos!

2009-06-28T03:58:00.001-07:00

Technology finally cooperated so here are some photos from yesterday's finale!

1 & 2 - Jonathan and I doing the traditional front-tire-in-the-ocean thing. We are happy campers (well, riders).

3 - Nancy & Cliff Kenney, owners of Cottage Designs in Ocean Park, Maine. You must go there. You don't even have to buy anything, just go to meet Nancy and Cliff.

4 - The bikes loaded and ready for a tune up and some rest. Jimmy and Sunshine Cycles, we're headed your way.

5 - The "Tourist Poster Child" at L. L. Bean.

6 - Downtown Portland, Maine.

7 - "King Lobstah" in the harbor, Portland.

8 - In the harbor, Portland.

9 - The foggy Atlantic Ocean at Cape Elizabeth.

10 - Waiting for our seafood at The Lobster Shack at Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

11 - Barry and Sarah came up here for two reasons: 1) to see us and, 2) to celebrate their 20th anniversary.

12 - Jonathan and the lobstah he's dreamed about for fifty-two days!

"Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise" (Philippians 4:8).

Think!

Pedal Day 52 - Finish!

2009-06-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

"The best things in life are the people we love, the places we've seen, and the memories we've made along the way."

-Plaque in Cottage Designs, Ocean Park, Maine

"Enjoy the journey. Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life."

-Plaque in Cottage Designs, Ocean Park, Maine

The bikes are now loaded on the Explorer waiting for the ride home to Georgia. Like horses that have been ridden hard, they are now headed for the barn for a well-deserved grooming and rest. My bike will go directly to Sunshine Cycles in Athens for a major tune-up when I get back. I have a feeling Jonathan's bike will show up there as well.

Our ride this morning was about ten miles longer than expected thanks to Maine D.O.T. (They don't spend a whole lot of money on road signs here.) and Google.maps. It was still a good ride even though it got us to the ocean about an hour later than planned. Ocean Park is the town where we finished the ride.

At Cottage Designs, a great gift shop in town, we met Nancy and Cliff Kenney who own the shop. They were very interested in our ride so we talked for quite some time. They gave us a super welcome to the Atlantic Ocean and Ocean Park, Maine. Thank you.

Jonathan, Barry, and I cleaned the salt water off of our front tires, loaded the bikes, and came back to the Wyndham Hotel in Portland to get cleaned up and off to lunch and whatever else we decided to do today.

Today we visited the L. L. Bean Outlet in Freeport. Wow, is that a big place! They have anything a person could imagine too: canoes, bikes, shoes, knives, guns, shirts, candy, rope, whatever! We did buy a few things and the prices would make you envious.

This evening we went to The Lobster Shack on Cape Elizabeth. It's a small, small place right on the ocean but the crowds are large and the food is some of the best we've had. Jonathan has been talking about lobster for the whole trip and tonight he met his match. He and Barry took on the challenge of eating lobster and they enjoyed each and every bite! I think when we get home we may all sign up for Weight Watchers!

Sometime tomorrow we will drive to Boston for a few days and then zigzag home through Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky (and all the states in between).

Today I thought about the ride and all the things for which I'm thankful. There are many things on the list. Everything from pedaling through God's creation to the people we've met. There's also food, fun, mountains, oceans, wildlife, snow, your comments, and the list goes on almost without end! It will be an extremely long list whenever I do it.

"No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Sorry, no photos this evening. The technical stuff is not responding. I'll try later.

Be thankful. I am.

Pedal Day 52 - ATLANTIC!!!!

2009-06-27T08:52:00.000-07:00

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish."

-Hebrews 12:1-2

At somewhere around 9:50 A.M. Jonathan and I dipped our front tires in the Atlantic Ocean at Ocean Park, Maine. I will give you all the details later today after we go to lunch, do some sightseeing, shopping, and go to supper (We sure do eat a lot, don't we?). You are loved and appreciated!

Pedal Day 51 - MAINE!

2009-06-26T13:58:00.000-07:00

"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."

-T. S. Eliot, texted to me by Ericka Warren

"Worship is not just what I do at church -- worship is what I do."

-Rick Warren

"And I suppose that if all the other things Jesus did were written down, the whole world could not contain the books."

-John 21:25

"Wow! I believe all those books are in heaven . . . and if they aren't, I'll ask Jesus!"

-Barry

We're in Maine, less than 23 miles from Old Orchard Beach where we'll put our front tires in the Atlantic. I can smell the ocean already! Needless to say, I am thoroughly excited and a bit overwhelmed. We are with Sarah and Barry in Portland (Maine) for tonight and tomorrow night. We'll do some sightseeing and eating before we head Boston on Sunday. I think Paul Miller is going to meet us in Boston and be our guide to good food and sightseeing. We are looking forward to seeing him and having a super weekend.

Jonathan and I started pedaling around 7:00 A. M. and arrived in Sanford at 12:05 this afternoon just in time to meet Margaret at Jerry's Cafe. We pedaled 63 miles today. After we ate lunch we packed up the bikes and gear and headed to Portland.

The roads today ranged from extremely smooth to brutal! We are not sure whether or not to award the Worst Roads Award to Illinois or New Hamphire. Even Maine gave us some major craters!

Our license plate count went up by one today. We found a New Hampshire tag. We also found a Maine tag but it was so beat up we didn't take it. We are getting picky, aren't we? We still need Idaho, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Maine!

This evening we ate at "the good table restaurant" in Cape Elizabeth. We had the best time of any meal on the ride. The owner, Lisa Kostopoulos, and our waitress, Mellissa were absolutely the best anywhere. Lisa kept checking on us and talked with us about our trip. (Barry had to correct her New England pronunciation of Vidalia.) Mellissa kept us in stitches while she served our table like we were the only people there. And . . . to top things off, the food was incredibly good! If you ever get to Cape Elizabeth, Maine, you must eat at "the good table."

I believe the reason we had such a great time is that Lisa and Mellissa love people. I'm sure business is important to them but I came away feeling like we really mattered. It seemed important to them that we had not just a meal but an enjoyable dining experience. We did! Lisa and Mellissa made our day and we want to say thank you!

When I think back over this evening's experience it all reminds me of Romans 12:9-11, "Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the lord enthusiastically."

People from all professional backgrounds could learn much hanging around "the good table." The folks there love what they do and do what they love!

It shows!

Oh . . . the bottles on the table? Root beer!

Pedal Day 50 - NEW HAMPSHIRE!

2009-06-25T14:49:00.000-07:00

"Failure to plan is planning to fail."

-Anonymous, texted to me by Christy "Purple" Price

"An infinite God can give all of Himself to each of His children."

-A. W. Tozer, texted to me by Ericka Warren

We pedaled 67.6 miles today and are now in Ashland, New Hampshire. New Hampshire may be tied with Illinois for the Worst Roads of the Ride Award. Route 4, especially in towns was awful. New Hampshire did redeem itself when we got on Route 104. Tomorrow we will decide whether or not Illinois or New Hampshire will take home that coveted Worst Roads award. New Hampshire did not have a "Welcome to New Hampshire" sign so you'll just have to take my word for it.

Last night at Doug and Cindy's home we ate lasagna and a super, super salad. We also had peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream. After pigging out at supper, Jonathan and I weighed ourselves. On the trip Jonathan has gained five pounds (muscle) and I have lost seventeen pounds (the other stuff)! Wow! That's one pound more than a regular bowling ball!

We stayed his morning Cindy was in the kitchen early preparing a breakfast that was above and beyond the call of duty. Breakfast gave us a lot of nutrition for the pedaling today. We sure did have a great time with these Veridians (Vermont and Florida residents) and are looking forward to seeing them again in Watkinsville in August. We are thankful for and to Doug, Cindy, Keith, and Matthew and their two vicious watchdogs, Chloe and Hannah.

Before leaving Bradford, Doug and I walked out to the barn and he gave me the tour. There's just something about barns. I believe I am fascinated by the timbers and connections of barn structural systems. I think I would like to remodel a barn into a residence one day. I guess I'd better get home and finish the house we live in before I start a barn.

Tomorrow we plan to ride to Sanford, Maine. The ride will be about 61 miles. We hope to start pedaling at 6 A.M. and get to our destination around noon. After we arrive in Sanford, we will drive to Portland to pick up Sarah and Barry (our daughter and son-in-law). We'll spend the night in Portland, return to Sanford on Saturday morning, and pedal to the Atlantic, 22.7 miles east. I'm excited.

I know many of you have been praying for the three of us. For that I am eternally grateful. Your love, prayers, comments, and encouragement mean more than you'll ever know. If this blog ever becomes a devotional book, your comments will surely be included.

Some of my favorite prayer promises in Scripture are:

Matthew 21:22, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

John 15:7, "But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Alway be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Jesus Christ."

Colossians 4:2, "Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart."

Ephesians 6:18, "Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere."

. . . even when they are pedaling! Thank you.

Pedal Day 49 - VERMONT!

2009-06-24T20:02:00.000-07:00

"Before you criticize someone, walk a while in his shoes. That way if he gets angry, he'll be a mile away and barefoot."

-Anonymous, from the home of Doug, Cindy, Keith, and cousin Matthew

We are now at the home of Doug, Cindy, and Keith Dunkelberger in Bradford, Vermont. Their home is 220 years old and was used as part of The Underground Railroad. They have completely restored the house to something that belongs in Northern Living magazine. We are staying here for the evening and right now (11:10 P.M.) we are sitting around the kitchen table talking. I am being somewhat unsociable doing this post but know that it has to be done or I'll be in big trouble. Tomorrow I will put photos of this house on the blog. You'll enjoy them. By the way, Cindy is the sister of Kathy who works with Sarah in Dr. George's office in Athens.

Bradford, Vermont is, for you geographically in tune folks, the home of the first world globe! Also, Vermont is the only state in the union that has no billboards! Let's hear it for Vermont!

Our ride today totaled 76.11 miles. The wind was the same as always but we've only got three more days to put up with it. Wind wasn't the only challenge though . . . let me tell you something you probably already know . . . Vermont is not flat. We knew that the Adirondacks would be a challenge but . . . welcome to The Green Mountain State of Vermont! Whew! We are finished with them now and the only mountains between us and the Atlantic are the White Mountains of New Hampshire. We'll be in New Hampshire tomorrow and I'll give you a White Mountain report then.

Right now I feel like we are in some kind of a space mission program. In Washington we had Chris and Debby Weldon giving us instructions and directions. They handed us off to Beavercreek Central to be guided by Jim, Margaret's brother. He still keeps an eye on our progress and route. Now we are under the directions of our son-in-law, Barry Milliner, who is landing us in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. We are right on course and should make our touch down on Saturday as planned.

We know that we have a higher authority guiding us. Today I was reminded of the importance of following his guidance. When Jonathan and I pedaled into Vermont we were immediately impressed with the highway before us. We passed from construction to four lanes of smooth concrete with shoulders wide and clean. As we pedaled by a sheriff sitting in his car we were reminded that law enforcement is always there for our protection.

About four miles into Vermont a motorcycle rider pulled up beside Jonathan and said, "You know it's illegal to ride on here!" We did not know and since it is not an interstate, thought he was wrong. When we came into the state there were no signs prohibiting bikes or anything else so we kept pedaling. There was lots of traffic but that didn't bother us because of the wide shoulder. At the next exit we looked for signs prohibiting bikes but saw none as we passed by. Just to be sure, because I didn't want to ride on Route 4 if it was illegal, we pulled off at the next exit and saw the sign prohibiting bikes, walkers, non-motorized vehicles, etc. Looking at the map we decided we would take Route 4A that runs parallel to the four lane. Route 4A is two lane, shady, not bad for riding, fairly flat, with almost no traffic. Maybe we pedaled a mile or two more but what we gained was far better.

Okay, you ask, what's your point? As part of my devotional this morning I read Romans 13:1a, "Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there." Sure, I would have rather stayed on the newer, smoother Route 4 but legally that couldn't be. Route 4A was better for us anyway!

"I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11).

Take the right road!

Pedal Day 48 - Four!

2009-06-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

"To every man, there comes in his lifetime that special moment when he is tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique and fitted to his talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared and unqualified for the work that would be his finest hour. "

-Sir Winston Churchill, emailed to me by Billy Ricketts

"Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway".

-John Wayne, emailed to me by Billy Ricketts

Four days to go if all goes as planned! Three states to go after tomorrow: Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine! Jonathan and I have been saying to one another all day, "We're going to Maine!"

Once again the wind beat us up today. It has no mercy. Relentless would be a good word for the wind here. Tim, the owner at Shamrock Motel & Cottages, told us this morning that the wind usually would be blowing in the other direction. That would be at our backs! For some reason it is at our faces all the time. But we still know The Master of the Wind and we can still thank him for the wind, whichever way it blows. One of the good things about the headwind is that it's a constant air conditioner blowing cool breeze over us all day long!

Shamrock Motel & Cottages was a great place for us to stay and get some rest. Jonathan, Margaret, and I decided to do just that this morning so we didn't begin today's ride until 11:00 A.M. This also gave us some time in our cottage to do some route changes, figure some mileage, and just sit. We did leave at 11 and by 6:30 P.M. Jonathan and I pedaled 73.97 miles and made it to our target on the map, Ticonderoga, New York. We are thrilled! According to our calculations we now have 250.3 miles to go. That's an average of 62.5 miles per day but we'll try to do more miles than that tomorrow, Thursday, and Friday so we can make Saturday a short and easy pedal.

New York sure is green and beautiful. I guess whenever most people think of New York they generally think of New York City, Times Square, Wall Street, and Broadway. Today's ride took us through a totally different New York with some absolutely beautiful scenery. I'm so glad we got to see New York from our bikes. I now have a whole new appreciation for the state. I'm especially impressed with the roads we've ridden and the drivers have been very kind as well. New York gets an A+ from me as part of this cross-country bike ride.

Yesterday was a tough day. I was worn out after 44.88 miles. Of course I did a dummy thing and didn't eat breakfast. Then the wind beat up on us and we met some tough climbs. As I said yesterday, we had considered taking the whole day today as a rest day but something inside of me wouldn't put up with that. When I set a goal I have a hard time "unsetting" it. Some would call me stubborn (Margaret) but I call myself determined. Either way, stubborn or determined, I would have had a hard time taking today off.

Even as Jonathan and I started today, I was hoping that this day would not produce the same results as yesterday. This morning had the same wind, more mountains, and more miles on the schedule so I was concerned. Starting at 11:00 didn't help either because we had less hours to pedal. I was glad and surprised when we covered the necessary miles to get us to Ticonderoga and we weren't worn out! As I pedaled today, several verses came to mind:

" . . . the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).

"'My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

"That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day" (2 Corinthians 4:16).

I can testify to that dying bodies thing. There were several times on the ride when I was sure the numbers on my heart monitor disappeared . . . went to all zeroes . . . flat-lined! Yesterday, I know I was dead man riding! But how could I ever neglect the spirit within me? If I had listened to my body I would have quit the second day of the ride when we were in the cold of snow-covered Washington Pass. My body told me I was finished yesterday but my spirit told my body to shut-up, quit belly-achin', and pedal! I'm a much stronger person in my spirit than I am in my body! That doesn't bother me at all because I've learned a great secret about all this muscle stuff and strength and pumping iron: I can't do much of it. So here's my secret, every weakness I've got is a receptacle to hold God's perfected strength. The more weaknesses I have the more of God's strength I can hold. It's a swap: God's perfect strength for my weakness. Who wouldn't want to make that swap?

Now when my weaknesses kick in and my body doesn't want to pedal, the spirit kicks in and says, "Just do it. The joy of the Lord is your strength. His power works best in your puny weaknesses."

If you're dealing with any weaknesses today. Just look at them as storage boxes for perfect

strength. His.

Then just do it!

Pedal Day 47 - Motels.

2009-06-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

"To infinity and beyond."

-Buzz Lightyear, texted to me by Ericka Warren

"Home is where the heart is."

-Anonymous

We weren't trying to get to infinity, only to Long Lake, New York. We did not make our goal today. We pedaled 44.88 miles as we battled the wind all day. We are now in the Adirondack Mountains so the wind and the climbs made things tough. I am tired! Jonathan and I were riding between Inlet and Raquette Lake discussing whether or not to call it a day and hope for less wind tomorrow when we spotted a brown Explorer headed our way. That was it for us. We loaded the bikes and headed for Long Lake with Margaret. Tomorrow we may take a whole rest day. We're not sure yet. We'll let you know . . . tomorrow!

Margaret hit a home run with lodging for this evening. Somehow she found Shamrock Motel and Cottages. She got a cottage with two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen & dining & living area (all one room), and an enclosed porch overlooking Long Lake. This may be my favorite place of the trip! I like it because it's simple, out of the way, quiet, and just us!

Margaret is a very picky person when it comes to lodging. She says she has never found a perfect motel. If she had her own, I'm sure it would be perfect.

If Margaret had her own motel, or hotel:

1. front doors would open automatically. Have you ever had to push or pull one of those motel luggage carts through a door that you open on your own. Those carts are demon possessed with minds of their own! They purposely allow luggage to get caught as the door closes always dislodging something fragile.

2. "Save Our Environment" signs would disappear from all rooms. She says, "I'm not going to reuse the towels and sheets. What do you think I stay in motels for anyway? So I don't have to wash towels and sheets. And, flat sheets should not be used for the bottom sheets. Sheets should be so tight that you could bounce a quarter off the bed!" Sounds like basic training to me!

3. first impressions would be a high priority. You don't get a second chance to make a first impression so from the driveway to the room everything would be just right. Soft music would be playing in the lobby instead of CNN. The receptionists would be courteous and kind. There would be no cigarette butt disposal units at the front door and employees who stood out the smoking would immediately be looking for other jobs. Guests would not be allowed to smoke in front of the motel but would be given a place to smoke behind the motel by the dumpster.

4. individual room doors would close quietly instead of making sound equivalent to a sonic boom. Room doors would also be equipped to stay open while the luggage is carted into the room.

5. coffee and tea would be available in the lobby 24/7.

6. receptacles would be located in convenient places instead of behind the TV, beside the sink, and behind the night stands. There would be more than one receptacle available per room and you would not have to know yoga to get to them.

7. high speed wireless internet should not be advertised if you have to go to the lobby to use it. Also high speed wireless internet should not be advertised when it's not!

8. smoking rooms would not exist. That stuff stinks and smoke can't read. It comes into whatever room it pleases, even non-smoking rooms.

9. front desk employees would wear business attire. Another first impressions thing!

10. elevators would not be an option. It's ridiculous that a person has to pay to carry luggage up two flights of stairs.

We've stayed in all sorts of places on this trip. I get excited when we stay in one place two nights in a row. We actually stayed three nights in a row in Minot, North Dakota. We stayed in a house one night. One thing I am now looking forward to, when the trip is done, is getting home and sleeping in my own bedroom. The last time I slept in my bed was Wednesday, April 22. I may have to introduce myself before I sleep there again! It's going to be a great sleep! I already know that. When I think about it, home is Margaret's Bed & Breakfast! It's the place that's just right for me . . . the perfect lodging. I love it there more than any other place on earth! It's my home!

Homes, like churches, are people not buildings. Our home happens to be located in my favorite place. It's always been located in my favorite place because location is not important to a home. Our home has been in at least fifteen locations but it's always been home. Even though the home sites have changed the foundation has not.

Jesus said, "Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the flood waters rise and the winds beat against the house, it won't collapse because it is built on rock. But anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against the house, it will fall with a mighty crash" (Matthew 7:24-27).

"But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15).

Pedal Day 46 - Century.6

2009-06-21T18:16:00.000-07:00

"The grass may be greener in the other fellow's yard but someone still has to mow it!"

-Anonymous

"The early bird gets the worm but the second mouse gets the cheese!"

-Anonymous

"Whoever said 'Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me' was a liar!"

-Anonymous

"Always eat your dessert first!"

-Barry

"Ice cream is healthier if eaten as a breakfast food."

-Barry

A little rain started our trek from Sodus to Boonville, New York today but the rain didn't last long at all. We pedaled for ten hours and covered 113.1 miles. That took a big chunk out of the remaining mileage of the ride. We have six days of pedaling left and hope to be on the beach next Saturday . . . the beach at the Atlantic Ocean!

Our ride today was very hilly. We arrived in Boonville tired but very pleased to have pedaled what will most likely be our last century of the trip.

At Bonnie Castle Farm Bed & Breakfast, Georgia Pendleton made breakfast for us before we began riding. Georgia has lived in that house since 1963 when she, her husband Eric, and their children moved in from Long Island. They wanted to raise their children away from the big city. Seems to me like they made a fantastic choice.

At lunch time we found ourselves in Mexico (New York). Going out of town we noticed Pelican Pam's Subs & Salads. We gave it a try and found the food to be very, very good. We met Pam, Cynthia, and Laurel and found them to be very friendly and fun. We talked about the trip and how the most fun has been meeting the people along the way.

Jonathan, who almost always orders a meatball sub when given the opportunity, ordered one at Pelican Pam's. After he finished he told Pam and Laurel, "This is the best meatball sub I have ever eaten. I want two more but don't have any room for them." I had the Chicken Ceasar Salad with great tasting chicken. It was pretty big. I could not eat all of it.

Supper was at a small drive-in in Boonville. The interior is another one of those interiors that would make a great student ministry hang out: lots of Coke stuff and fifties memorabilia including the tables and booths.

Tonight our residence is the Headwaters Motor Lodge. Margaret gives it a low score on her motel scale and would not stay here again. Of course, it's the only place in Boonville so we really didn't have much choice. The good thing: after we fall asleep we won't know where we are anyway!

Jonathan and I were quite amused when we saw a road sign with a question mark. All we had to do was turn right and we would have been headed to ?. Reminds me of the folks who don't know where they're going. Any road will get them there, even ?.

Lots of folks never think about where they're going for eternity but ? won't cut it! Eternity is one of those things a person had better know and be sure about. You don't get a second chance once you're there.

Jesus was talking to his disciples one day about the way to the Father. The disciples just didn't get it at times and this was one of those times. Jesus told them, "Don't be troubled. You must trust God, now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father's home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know where I am going and how to get there."

"No, we don't know, Lord," Thomas said. "We haven't any idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?"

Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me" (John 14:1-6).

Whether you're pedaling across America or headed for eternity, ? isn't the way you want to go. Not everybody is pedaling across America but everybody is headed for eternity. Do you know the Way? Are you sure?

Turn right at ? and go three miles? Foolish.

Pedal Day 45 - Soaked!

2009-06-20T16:28:00.000-07:00

"It doesn't take much of a man to be a Christian. It just takes all that there is of him."

-Anonymous

"As we begin to talk to God and hear him speak to us, life may never be the same."

-Bruce Larson

"You cannot hide Christ if once He comes within. If the light is there, it simply must shine."

-G. Campbell Morgan

"Salvation is free but not cheap."

-Billy Graham

"He must increase but I must decrease."

-John 3:30

Rain, deluge, wet, immersed, saturated, swamped, flushed, torrents, whitewater, inundated, flooded, baptized, soaked, marinated, and anything else that has to do with a lot of wet! From 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Jonathan and I pedaled in the rain and a high of 58 degrees. We got soaked and somewhat chilly! But we still pedaled 74.64 miles and we're still on target for reaching the Atlantic next Saturday, June 27. The roads of New York, once again, provided good, wide shoulders for riding. This was even more appreciated since we were riding in rain.

We are now in Wolcott, New York, on the shores of Sodus Bay, Lake Ontario. We are at Bonnie Castle Farm Bed & Breakfast overlooking the bay. We just ate supper at Skipper Landing nearby. Very good.

The best meal of the day was at Gullace's Ice Cream & Cafe in Bloomfield. Pedaling in the rain, Jonathan and I were cold, hungry, and wet when we arrived. As we waited at the window to order we were told that Gullace's has an inside dining area in the back where it's warm and dry. That's where we went immediately! We both ordered burgers and agree that these were the best hamburgers we've had since the ride began. THE BEST! Not only were the burgers good but the service was super, everyone was very friendly, and I got the feeling that they really cared about us and the food they set before us. Fran, Hayley, Amanda, and Meagan . . . thanks. Your food can only be topped by your warmth, hospitality, friendliness, and attitude.

We are on a countdown now. If we stay on schedule we will arrive at the Atlantic Ocean next Saturday. Seven more days of pedaling. Googlemaps.com tells us we have approximately 469 miles to pedal. That averages out to about 67 miles a day. I'm getting kind of excited. I told Jonathan and Margaret at supper, "Lake Ontario is big but next Saturday we'll be next to a much larger body of water . . . the Atlantic Ocean."

One of the interesting things about today was the ride through Palmyra and Hill Cumorah. Both of these places are very important to Mormons. Much of the history of the beginnings of the Mormon faith and Joseph Smith, its founder, lie within these hills. A gold statue of the angel Moroni stands on the hill overlooking Route 21 where we pedaled. As I passed the Hill Cumorah I had feelings of sorrow for the followers of Joseph Smith. Most of them are sincere people but they are sincerely wrong.

The Book of Mormon says in 2 Nephi 25:23b, ". . . for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do."

The Bible in Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "God saved you by his special favor (grace) when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it."

I am thankful for the gift of salvation. As Billy Graham said, "Salvation is free but not cheap." I know me better than anyone on the face of this earth. Only God knows me better than I. Both of us know that there is absolutely nothing I could ever do to earn salvation . . . nothing. I am a recipient of salvation only because it's a gift that Someone else purchased. If my free gift of salvation depended on all I can do I would be totally without hope. And . . . how would I know when I did all I could do? Me making it to heaven based on all I can do? Not a chance! None!

My only hope is in the Gift!

Pedal Day 44 -Invest.

2009-06-19T18:02:00.000-07:00

"A bike is only as bad as its worst rider."

-Anonymous

"If you worried about falling off the bike, you'd never get on."

-Lance Armstrong

"When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a bicycle. Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked him to forgive me."

-Emo Philips

"Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did."

-Newt Gingrich, Facebooked to me by Cheryl Doyle

"The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking spaces."

-Author unknown, Facebooked to me by Cheryl Doyle

No flats today! The new tires are working!

No license plates either. I still need Idaho, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York!

Maybe the folks here use a more secure system to fasten their plates to their cars.

Small towns, farms, and green fields all day. The roads in New York, where we are riding, are smooth with clean and wide shoulders. Great for biking. The weather was great, overcast, changed to sunshine, and a high of 73 degrees.

Jonathan and I started pedaling later today than any other day. We began around 9:45 this morning but still managed to cover 72.8 miles. We rode all day on New York Route 39 and finished the day in Castile, New York. We are staying in Mount Morris because this is the closest town with a motel.

We have learned that towns in this part of the country are all between two hills. We zip down into a town and slowly climb out, zip down into a town and slowly climb out, etc. In between towns we usually have somewhat flat terrain before another zip and climb. Maybe these hills are the preparation and training we need for the Adirondack Mountains. We will see.

Today we did the zip and climb thing through Forestville, Perrysburg, Collins, Collins Center, Springville, Sardinia, Arcade, Yorkshire, Eagle, Bliss, and Pike. Some of the climbs were rather steep. Whenever Jonathan and I saw a sign for a town ahead we looked at one another and one of us would say, "We're going to Maine." The down hills are nice but we pay for them going out of towns. Doesn't matter though, we've still got to get all the hills behind us if we plan to see the Atlantic Ocean next week.

Jonathan said today, "New York is a surprise to me." He told me that all the green farmlands, hills, and trees were not what he expected. He said, "I'm thinking New York City." The part of New York where we are riding is certainly beautiful, certainly not New York City, and there are places where you can see forever! We were also surprised by the many wind turbines we saw along today's route. They were not doing much turning, however, which was good for us but bad for producing power.

As we get closer to the Atlantic Ocean we talk more about what we'll do when the ride is finished. Jonathan has said since the beginning of the ride, "When I get to Maine I am going to eat some lobster." We talked about that again today and I told him, "Well, you certainly haven't blown any money for food on this trip yet . . . go for it!" He also wants to go to Middleburg, Pennsylvania after we get home to help New Hope Baptist Church for a week or two.

We should be home July 4th and on July 8th I will head to Monticello, Utah to help First Baptist Church and Pastor John Williams do Vacation Bible School. I'll teach the 5th and 6th grade crew. I have taught that bunch for at least ten years now. The week with them is very special to me. When I get home from Utah I will probably do some catching up on my to do list, I think! Always something out front that I want to do. Some things are big, some are small but there's a new adventure on the drawing board.

When a dream becomes a memory it's easy to just quit, hang it up, sit on the couch. Lord willing, in about eight days I'll be dipping the front tire of my bike in the Atlantic Ocean. Fifty-some days of pedaling will change from an adventure to a memory. It will be over. I can talk about it, laugh about it, look at the pictures, even read this blog but I cannot get it back. It will be a done deal! History. Hopefully I've done some things that are eternal along the way, maybe planted some seeds, encouraged someone who was down, shared the love of Jesus . . . something. I'm reminded again:

Only one life so soon is past,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Jesus, in his sermon on the mount taught, "Don't store up treasures here on earth, where they can be eaten by moths and get rusty, and where thieves break in and steal. Store up treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be" (Matthew 6:19-21).

Completed dreams will become memories, invested dreams will become eternal.

Invest.

Pedal Day 43 - NEW YORK!

2009-06-18T18:31:00.000-07:00

"The only things we can keep are the things we fully give to God."

C. S. Lewis, given to me by Margaret

"Put yourself on the bottom shelf!"

-Anonymous

"Things that are healthy grow naturally."

-Rick Warren

"What's going on in the local church is the most important thing on planet earth."

-Bill Hybels

New York and PENNSYLVANIA too! We pedaled in three states today: Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. We went from Ashtabula, Ohio to Dunkirk, New York. Our miles today totaled 80.79. Not too bad for rain, one stop to put our fingers in Lake Erie, one flat (Jonathan), one bike shop stop, one lunch in Erie, and several photo stops! Today was a hard day, mostly because of the rain and flat tire. Poor Jonathan has had three flats in three days. We did remedy the flat tire problem today with a stop at Competitive Gear, a bike shop on Route 5 in Erie, Pennsylvania. We had just met Margaret for lunch at Diamond Cafe where Jonathan got a Pittsburger that was a much larger burger than he expected. After asking the waitress, "How do you eat this thing?" he did not have any problem putting it away!

Back to the bike shop . . . Jonathan and I both decided to get rid of the tires we've been pedaling and invest in tires that will hopefully take us the remaining 596 miles to the Atlantic Ocean without any more flats. We were thrilled when Seth and Jim said they would put the tires on our bikes immediately, which they did. Jonathan and I are now counting on no more flats!

Riding the last miles in Pennsylvania and the beginning miles of New York I was made aware of the many vineyards in this area of the country. I had no idea. We passed several wineries and one that even offered free samples. We weren't interested in the samples because we were seriously looking for an ice cream drive in! We did not find one.

Speaking of ice cream . . . Carman's Ice Cream in Loganville, Pennsylvania is, without a doubt, the best ice cream in the world! THE BEST! After we finish the ride we will stop by Loganville on the way home and I'm going to get one pint of Carman's chocolate peanut butter ice cream and eat it all by myself. I may get a second one as well. I'm going to eat it slowly and let my taste buds surf the flavor of the world's greatest ice cream and my favorite flavor! If I can figure out how to do it, I'm going to bring about twenty gallons home with me too!

Okay, for the life of me I cannot find one verse in the Bible that has to do with ice cream, not one! I'm sure there will be chocolate peanut butter ice cream in heaven though and I'm sure the Carman family will be scooping it out. You and I will eat all we want and never gain one pound! Good stuff. Still, there's no way I can use ice cream as a spiritual illustration. I can use taste, however. Carman's Ice Cream wouldn't be so great if I didn't have taste. It would just be a mouthful of cold, plain old cold . . . no flavor. Because I have taste I can overdose on that cold stuff when I put it in my mouth. I can appreciate the flavor and all the work that has been done to make it so enjoyable.

Same thing with God. "Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in him" (Psalm 34:8)!

"You must crave pure spiritual milk so that you can grow into the fullness of your salvation. Cry out for this nourishment as a baby cries out for milk, now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness" (1 Peter 2:2-3).

I love Carman's Ice Cream. That's probably why the Lord moved me out of Pennsylvania and many states away! It would be an unhealthy environment for me to live close to Carman's. I would be eating ice cream for breakfast, lunch, supper, and evening snack before going to bed! I would even branch out and try more flavors. If you ever taste it, trust me, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about!

Once a person really tastes of the goodness of God, a strong desire to indulge develops. You can't get enough. You read about him, hear about him, sing about him, and share things about him but you still can't get enough. It's like wanting to lick the bowl! You know what I mean. "Taste and see that the Lord is good . . ." Pig out! Over eat! Be embarrassing. Slurp. Lick the spoon and the bowl. Ask for seconds, thirds . . . whatever but taste! You'll not be sorry. Put those taste buds to work right now!

Don't be a Wait Watcher!

Pedal Day 42 - Finish.

2009-06-17T17:17:00.001-07:00

"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted!"

-Albert Einstein, texted to me by Ericka Warren

"Come apart and rest a while (Mark 6:31). When you don't come apart you fall apart."

-Carly Decker, texted to me

"Choice never affects one single person alone. It goes on and on and the affect goes out into geography and history. You are a part of history and your choices become a part of history."

-Edith Schaeffer

"You can run the race with patience because it's fixed!"

-Barry

Eighty-five miles today from Amherst, Ohio to Ashtabula, Ohio. It rained and was windy most of the day but the towns and trees along Lake Erie shielded Jonathan and I from the wind (not the rain). We did get extremely wet but that's all part of the ride. Later in the afternoon the sun came out so we took off our wet rain gear and pedaled east.

Along our route we met Margaret, Jennifer, Lori, and Carver at Wendy's for a quick lunch. This evening the whole crew met Lori's mother-in-law, Beth Gudde, and we ate pizza and salads at the Covered Bridge Pizza.

Jonathan and I pedaled along Lake Erie most of the day. That's a big lake out there! It looks like another ocean! With all that water and the rain, a person would expect our bikes to be sparkling clean. That's not the case at all: the bikes are filthy! We do need to clean and lubricate all the components that make them move forward so we can easily move east toward the Atlantic. If we stay on schedule (and we still are) we will arrive at Old Orchard Beach, Maine, sometime on June 27th. Googlemaps.com now says we have only 680 miles to go. That's only fourteen miles longer than Montana! It took us ten days to cross Montana and we now have ten riding days remaining. It looks like we can complete the ride by averaging 68 miles a day. We'll see!

The ride today took us smack-dab through Cleveland, Ohio. I felt as though I was riding through some huge canyons as we pedaled through the skyscrapers of the city. We did pass through Cleveland Lakefront State Park, by the Cleveland Browns Stadium and Burke Lakefront Airport, all of which are very neat and interesting.

Things are so different here in the east compared to the northwest. I told Margaret today, "It's ironic but we're meeting fewer people here where there's so many more people. It's so much busier here, especially in the city." Reminds me of the quote, "The hurrier I go the behinder I get!" That says something to me about how much easier it is to build relationships when the culture is not so busy. When we get so busy that we have no time for people, we're too busy.

In Mentor, Ohio, we stopped by Cycle Sport and Fitness. I bought two more tubes and some emergency tire patches. Jonathan bought some extra tubes and new brakes. Jonathan had another flat this morning and when he took the tube out of the tire a piece of glass was still stuck in the tube. We put a patch on the hole in his tire, replaced the tube, and were on our way in about ten minutes. We are getting pretty good at those tube changes!

When we started riding people would ask us, "Why are you doing this? Is there a cause? Are you raising money?" Our answer was always, "No, it's just something we want to do." But the more I pedaled and the more miles I covered, the more I realized I'm doing this to somehow bring glory to God. Tomorrow we will probably finish the day in or near Dunkirk, New York. That will mean that Jonathan and I will have been in eleven of our fourteen states of the ride! And . . . after New York, we'll have only three states to go. We have pedaled through much of America and have overdosed on God's color-outside-the-lines-creation! You name it, we've seen it: the Pacific, mountains, prairies, valleys, waterfalls, snow, sleet, rain, sunshine, wildlife, two of the Great Lakes, farms, ranches, cities, wheat fields, wild flowers, sunrises, sunsets, towns not shown on most maps, streams, creeks, rivers, the Mighty Mississippi, rolling hills, bluffs, big skies, and people of all kinds! We've seen it at a speed that allows us to take it all in . . . and we do . . . and it spells GOD!

I figure, if I handle this right, just finishing can in some way bring glory to God. One of my favorite quotes is, "The world is full of starters and quitters but not many finishers." I want to be a finisher. I want to finish because I believe it will honor the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Ten days from now, God willing, I should be standing on the beach by the Atlantic Ocean. When I do, remember, I am there because of Him.

"So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step" (1 Corinthians 9:26a).

" . . . I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up into heaven" (Philippians 3:13-14).

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful" (2 Timothy 4:7).

"And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish" (Hebrews 12:1b-2).

Finish!

Pedal Day 41 - Litter.

2009-06-16T17:11:00.000-07:00

"All children are artists. The problem is how to remain artists once they grow up."

-Pablo Picasso, texted to me by Ericka Warren

"Who, being loved, is poor?"

-Oscar Wilde, texted to me by Ericka Warren

93.53 miles today from Findlay to Lorain, Ohio. We are staying in Amherst, Ohio, a few miles southwest of Lorain. Jonathan, Margaret, and I are at 5 Corners Bed & Breakfast, the first bed & breakfast of the whole trip for us. We just finished supper at Quesadilla Mexican Restaurant downtown. Jennifer Goins, Lori Gudde and her son Carver ate supper with us. Lori and Jennifer are our nieces and both live in Columbus. They drove here today to meet us and hang out with Margaret tomorrow as we travel through Cleveland. It will be another fun day for Margaret and the crew.

I forgot to tell you yesterday that Margaret's cousin, Cathi, and her aunt, Margaret, came to visit and eat supper. They drove from Ypsilanti, Michigan and met us in Findlay. This trip has become a series of family reunions. Isn't that great!

The wind was once again wild. By this point you probably know that the wind has been our greatest obstacle. Just remember, "We're going to Maine." According to Googlemaps. com, we've got 774 miles to go. That's only 108 miles more than crossing Montana, so c'mon wind, give it your best shot . . . we'll run over you!

Speaking of running over something . . . Jonathan found, in the millions of square feet of Ohio road surface in Ohio, a thumb tack! What are the chances of that happening? Right in the center of the tire too. Maybe he should consider playing the lottery!

Now I've got lottery tickets on my mind and that leads me to the First Annual S.L.O.B.S. Awards. These are awards I'm presenting to those who should Stop Littering Our Beautiful States. Lottery tickets happen to be part of the litter we've seen as we've pedaled.

I'll give the S.L.O.B.S. Awards starting at the bottom and going to Number One:

S.L.O.B.S. Honorable Mention - Banana Peelers. This group will only receive an honorable mention because the banana peels and apple cores are biodegradable and will be gone quickly.

S.L.O.B.S. No. 6 - Capri Sun Drinkers. Probably kids whose moms handed them a Pop-Tart and a Capri Sun as they were pushed out the door and sent to school.

S.L.O.B.S. No. 5 - The Gamblers. The lottery tickets are tossed out of the car windows after discovering the buyers are losers. Why don't they simply bypass the convenience stores and throw the money out the windows? Then Jonathan and I could find more than thumb tacks and license plates!

S.L.O.B.S. No. 4 - Dew Drinkers. The soda bottles and cans are out there in every state but most of the bottles and cans we spotted were of the Mountain Dew variety. Why don't these guys Do the Dew at home and toss the bottles into their own back yards?

S.L.O.B.S. No. 3 - Pamper Moms. What is with these women who change their babies pampers, neatly wrap the contents into grenade size packages using the little sticky tabs, and then toss them out the car window for others to discover? Hellooo! Those things would be considered hazardous material if hauled by the trucking industry. And they are freely being thrown on our roadsides! Punishment for this should include a large fine and a recycling sentence where Pamper Moms are required to unwrap each grenade and separate the contents into three different containers marked plastic, paper, and the other stuff. The plastic and paper could be recycled. The Pamper Moms could keep the other stuff for their gardens.

S.L.O.B.S. No. 2. - Smokers. The smell is bad enough with this crew. Pedaling along the highway I can tell which cars carry smokers by the smell. Even with their windows up the smell is still there and the odor too. They can't hide. But why do they have to throw the cigarette packages, little boxes, and butts out the windows? We have places where cigarette packages can be placed when empty. The smart smokers would place their full cigarette packages in those same containers.

And now (drum roll please), the winner of the 2009 Stop Littering Our Beautiful States Award goes to . . .

S.L.O.B.S. No. 1 - This Bud's for You Crew. The beer drinkers are at the top of the list, laziest, absolute worst S.L.O.B.S. of the American highway. We have seen cans, bottles, and even the cardboard containers strewn from Washington to Ohio. I'm sure we'll see them the rest of the way as well. These are probably tossed out by underaged kids who don't want to get caught with the stuff in dad's car. It could also be adults who are too lazy to take the trash home and put it in the trash can before they go plop down on the couch, grab the remote, watch the game, and drink three more. Bud Lite drinkers are the worst offenders based entirely on what we've seen along the roadways just in case you were curious. Maybe we should consider a litter tax of something like ten bucks a can. Just a thought!

Litter, one piece at a time, is little stuff. One beer can, one cigarette package, one Dew bottle . . . little stuff. One Pamper grenade? Now that's a different story! That's in the same category with roadside car bombs! All of the rest, however, is small stuff! When you get a whole lot of this small stuff together you've got a big mess and this big mess makes everything look bad, dirty, trashy, and even stinky.

Life is exactly like that. The little stuff you allow in your life soon becomes what your life is made of. If the little stuff is bad, life becomes bad. If the little stuff is dirty, life becomes dirty. If the little stuff if stinky, life becomes stinky. BUT . . . if the little stuff is godly, life becomes godly. Remember G.I.G.O.? Garbage In, Garbage Out. When the pressure is applied, what's inside is what comes out.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do" (Proverbs 4:23).

Everything!

Pedal Day 40 - Rest!!!

2009-06-15T13:03:00.000-07:00

"Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation (or God's), for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company."

-George Washington, texted to me by Ericka Warren

"She got her looks from her father. He's a plastic surgeon."

-Groucho Marx, texted to me by Ericka Warren

"You ask me if I keep a notebook to record my great ideas. I've only ever had one."

-Albert Einstein, texted to me by Ericka Warren

"When I was younger, I could remember anything, whether it happened or not."

-Mark Twain, texted to me by Ericka Warren

"I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination."

-Jimmy Dean, comment from Tracy Thompson

Jonathan and I had to do some sail adjusting today. Winds! All the flags and windsocks were blowing in the wrong direction . . . west! We, of course, were pedaling east. We now have a saying when the winds get strong or the hills get steep (no hills in this part of Ohio): "We're going to Maine!"

Because of the wind, Jonathan and I have become pretty good at drafting. On these windier days we've been riding one mile shifts. Jonathan will ride a mile on the front and I will draft. At the next mile we simply switch positions. It's like pulling for a mile and resting for a mile, pulling for a mile and resting for a mile. It does remind me of an Iditarod Dog Sled Race bumper sticker: "If you're not the lead dog the view never changes." Seriously, it does help it keep our pace higher and stronger and, by switching, the view does change.

Leaving Van Wert this morning we pedaled by The Brumback Library. It was established in 1901 and was the first county library in the United States. Looks like a castle, doesn't it? Add a moat, drawbridge, some banners, and "It's A Small World After All" and it could be an exciting part of Walt Disney World in Orlando!

The whole day was flat and windy. It was a rest day and we planned to pedal about 52 miles. Instead we did 56.9 miles into the wind which made it seem like 100!

Our total mileage now is 2,698 miles through eight states and part of Ohio. A red line from my Sharpie is snaking its way across my U.S. map. I am amazed at how far we've come. It doesn't seem possible. If I had not pedaled all of it I'm not sure I'd believe it.

I suppose our biggest challenge of the whole trip has been the wind. It's totally unpredictable, fickle, and mysterious. It can push you on the back one day and stab you in the back the next. It can lengthen a short day and shorten a long day. One very positive thing I have learned about the wind on this trip: it's making Jonathan and I stronger riders. It is reminding us that our focus should be Maine and not the wind. It also gives us greater joy when we reach our daily destination, knowing we have worked hard and beaten the wind for one more day. If it's between us and Maine, we're going through it! And . . . I still know The Master of The Wind. I thank him for the wind whichever way it's blowing. The strength of the wind is never greater than the strength of my Father.

"Don't you know that the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait upon the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not grow faint" (Isaiah 40:28b-31).

I'm going to Maine!

Pedal Day 39 - Ohio.2

2009-06-15T03:53:00.000-07:00

"If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there!"

-Anonymous

Since we did some route changes yesterday to pedal to Van Wert, there will be some minor changes in today's route. If you were going to try to touch base with us today, here are the changes in today's route:

We are leaving Van Wert around 7:30 this morning and going to Findlay. We will ride on Route 224 through Ottawa and then to Findlay where we'll spend the night. This is one of our rest days so we will ride only 52 miles.

Even though we changed our route yesterday, we are still on schedule to get to the Atlantic on June 27th. Six states to go!

Thanks for your prayers and support.

Pedal Day 38 - OHIO!

2009-06-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

"The first step is the dream."

-Anonymous, The Children's Garden, Van Wert, ohio

"The beginning is always today."

-Anonymous, The Children's Garden, Van Wert, Ohio

"WHAT THE caterpillar CALLS THE END OF THE WORLD, THE MASTER CALLS A butterfly."

-Richard Bach, The Children's Garden, Van Wert, Ohio

Century.5 = 109.03 miles today! We found an Indiana license plate too! We didn't even have to use a screwdriver to get it!

We did some major route changes for today so we could be in Van Wert, Ohio this evening. Jonathan and I departed from Lucerne, Indiana around 7:30 this morning and arrived in Van Wert around 6:30 P.M. The winds did not cooperate again but did subside somewhat. The road surfaces, generally speaking, were smooth with good shoulders. The weather was super with sunshine and no rain. And . . . we can check off another state on our march to the Atlantic.

Along the way today we met Donald. He is from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and headed home. He rode his bike to California some time ago and is now headed home. Unlike us, Donald carries all his gear with him. Jonathan and I are spoiled, thanks to Margaret. We carry nothing but our snacks, two tubes, a spare tire, maps, an air pump, water, and tools. Donald probably has 40 to 50 extra pounds of equipment to pedal up the hills as he rides. We put all of our stuff in the Explorer and ride light. Yep, we're spoiled.

When Jonathan and I arrived in Markle, Indiana we met Margaret, Jim and Joyce Goins (Margaret's brother and wife), and Jane Clifton. We sat and sipped Blizzards while we talked about the trip. It was so good to see them. The reason we changed our route today was so that we could work out a meeting with Jim, Joyce, and Jane. I didn't know we would get to see them so soon on the ride. I am so glad we did. We were also able to visit with them at Dairy Queen and later in Van Wertl.

In Van Wert, we met Dave and Kim Clifton. Along with Jim, Joyce, and Jane, the whole crew went to Pizza Hut and had a great time talking and laughing. Afterwards we visited The Children's Garden and then came back to Dave and Kim's home.

We are staying at Dave and Kim's house tonight! A real house and we get to stay here! Can you believe that? The last time I stayed in a real house (ours) was April 22! I'll probably get up in the morning looking for the lobby and continental breakfast!

This has been a day of family, friends, and fun. On the Dave Ramsey Show, he's the money guy on talk radio, he is often greeted by callers with, "How are you today Dave?" His response is always, "Better than I deserve." Well, today was better than I deserve.

Better than I deserve is also called grace, isn't it? I know what I deserve in life but my heavenly Father is the originator and designer of grace and he's very generous with it too. In my lifetime I have been blessed over and over with what I do not deserve. I consider myself one of the richest men in the world. I'm talking about riches that cannot be lost, taken from me, or destroyed. I'm talking about things like relationships, family, friends, laughter, peace, love, joy, and memories. I have overdosed on God's grace today. Today was an absolute triple-dip!

Jesus told Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:8b, "My gracious favor (grace) is all you need." It worked for Paul. It works for me. It works for us all. Let's not take it for granted.

I am blessed . . . better than I deserve!

Pedal Day 37 - INDIANA!

2009-06-13T16:52:00.000-07:00

"If you can't write it down and sign it, don't say it!"

-Anonymous

"Before you say what you're thinking, ask yourself three questions: Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it true? If you can't answer "Yes" to all three questions, don't say it!"

-Anonymous

"It's better to be silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt."

-Anonymous

"Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent; when they keep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent."

-Proverbs 17:28

Seventy-six miles of headwind today. The wind cut our ride short. We were hoping for a little over a hundred but ran out of time and energy. Our plans are to make up the miles a few at a time over six or seven days. Our route was flat, flat, flat but the wind made it feel like it was uphill all the way.

We are in Indiana. We arrived around eight this morning. We also crossed over from the Central Time Zone to the Easter Time Zone . . . makes me feel closer to home!

There was no "Welcome to Indiana" sign on our route since we decided to save some time and miles and go down some dirt roads instead of the paved highway. Instead of a welcome sign we got a Newton County, Indiana warning sign stating that with our bikes we could weigh no more than five tons gross! Later we found a "Road Closed" sign blocking our route so we did what we did at the last two roadblocks, went on through. I think those signs apply only to cars. This one stated, "Bridge Out." When we got to the bridge it wasn't out. In fact it was still there over the creek. The sign blocking the road, "Condemned." Well, it looked good to us. We did some math and decided the 330 pounds of bikes, Jonathan, and me wouldn't even cause the slightest crack!

Indiana is another state where dogs can drive vehicles. Some dogs, however, are required by law to have booster seats! And . . . no interstate driving.

While we're on the subject of dogs we had a slight encounter with a Rottweiler today. As we pedaled by this yellow farm house I saw this black blur locked on us like a Tomahawk missile on a slow jet. No barking, just heavy breathing: I think I felt the warmth and slobber on my leg. Luckily for us, this guy wanted to play and decided to run with us for about half a mile much to the chagrin of his owner. If we would have called him, he probably would have come home with us. I sure hope we don't run into any of those puppies that are mean and hungry! We did find out they aren't very fast for a long run.

Today we pedaled to Lucerne and now we are staying in Wabash. Lucerne has no motels. It really doesn't have many houses either. Before we arrived in Lucerne we pedaled through Royal Center (Pop. 832) where a parade was going on. The two main streets through Royal Center were closed due to the parade but an Indiana State Trooper allowed us to cut in and pedal out of town. For about two blocks Jonathan and I pedaled behind an ambulance from a neighboring community. I'm sure people thought we were just part of the parade so we waved, smiled, and pedaled. The kids kept yelling, "Where's the candy?" If I had known we'd ride in a parade today I would have bought a bag of Tootsie Rolls!

Right outside our motel there is a car show going on. Every now and then I hear some serious revving of the V-8's as the drivers start the engines to take their cars home. I walked over, took a bunch of photos, and did a little coveting! There are some very nice old vehicles out there. Does that make it okay to covet?

It's been a good day even if we did not make our miles as planned. We had a good, safe ride and are now about to get some rest.

One more thing: I thank you for your comments. They are fuel for my pedaling. Always encouraging, positive, and even humorous, your comments are just what I need as I finish each day. I wouldn't miss them for anything. I've had a number of people tell me that this blog needs to become a book. Some of you have even said it needs to continue after I finish. Well, you could write some books as well, especially books that would be found in the encouragement section in places like Barnes & Noble and Borders. Anyway . . . many thanks!

"Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up" (Proverbs 12:25).

"Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time" (Proverbs 15:23).

"I'm eager to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. In this way, each of us will be a blessing to the other" (Romans 1:12).

I've shared with many people that my mom and dad were some of the most encouraging people on planet earth. Mom always encouraged me to draw, paint, and build. Dad always encouraged me to do what I love and love what I do. I really believe that if I had gone to my dad and said, "Dad, I want to build a bridge to the moon." he would have replied, "There's some wood at the end of the driveway, when you run out, we'll go to Shrewsbury Lumber Company and buy all you need. Oh, the toolbox is in the back of the truck." I never had a desire to build a bridge to the moon but I did build enough projects for six kids. And . . . I never ran out of supplies or tools. That's encouragement.

Thanks Mom and Dad for your encouragement.

Thanks for yours too.