Holy crap, we leave on our bike trip in 3 days! YIKES!!
Up until now, the plans have been just ... well, plans. I've been dreaming of doing a trip like this for so long that it's never really seemed like something that would actually happen. I've poured over the maps practically everyday for the past month; I know them like the back of my hand. The distances seemed like nothing to me ... until I sat down with my parents today at lunch to discuss the route. Suddenly, spouting off the daily ride distances - 70 miles, 83 miles, 91 miles, 100 miles - seemed quite long to me, and for a brief moment I thought to myself "What the frick are you doing?! You can't be serious!!"
And yet I have never been more serious about anything else in my life. I know there'll be days when I don't feel like riding and can't stand the sight of my bike, but I also know that I love challenges. I'm a pretty stubborn person when I need to be, and quitting is definitely NOT an option on this trip.
3 days til departure. I'll post the nitty-gritty details sometime during that time span.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Good Friday Frustrations
"All of us must die eventually.
Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground,
which cannot be gathered up again.
But God does not just sweep life away;
instead, he devises ways to bring us back
when we have been separated from him."
2 Samuel 14:14
I happened upon that verse Wednesday night before I went to bed. All during my kindergarten class the next day, I couldn't stop thinking about it. Finally, I had enough sense to ask God why it was so heavy on my mind. Two names came to mind.
Amy & Randy.
I love these two dearly, and they've been constantly in my prayers ever since I met them at the hotel 7 years ago. About once a year for the past 5 years or so, I have invited Amy to church. This Easter was no different.
I know only sparse details about what happened during Amy's childhood, but I know it made enough of an impact to make her never want to set foot in another church. Still, I believe that my God can outlast human stubborn-ness.
Needless to say, Amy's answer to my question wasn't all that unexpected. A resounding "NO", followed by a "AND PLEASE DON'T ASK AGAIN."
Good Friday rolled around and there I sat in church, thinking about Amy & Randy.
It's frustrating to say the least. I know the difference that Christ has made in my life, and I know that the same would be true for them. I hear Amy talk about things she's passionate about, and she even fires me up about things I normally wouldn't think twice about. I know that she could have a tremendous impact among her circle of friends.
I get frustrated with her stubbornness.
I get frustrated that she can go from so open and talkative about things like God and Christianity and religion to so closed off to anything even remotely close to the topic.
I get frustrated with God.
I read verses like the one in 2 Samuel and 2 Peter 3 where it says that "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (9), and I wonder what's taking so long.
I get frustrated that it apparently "isn't working" and "nothing is happening." After 7 years of praying for them both, I just want to see human results.
Sitting in that pew, I just happened to look down and notice the bracelet a friend had given me. Inscribed in the yellow plastic was the word "HOPE". And Isaiah 55 came to mind:
Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground,
which cannot be gathered up again.
But God does not just sweep life away;
instead, he devises ways to bring us back
when we have been separated from him."
2 Samuel 14:14
I happened upon that verse Wednesday night before I went to bed. All during my kindergarten class the next day, I couldn't stop thinking about it. Finally, I had enough sense to ask God why it was so heavy on my mind. Two names came to mind.
Amy & Randy.
I love these two dearly, and they've been constantly in my prayers ever since I met them at the hotel 7 years ago. About once a year for the past 5 years or so, I have invited Amy to church. This Easter was no different.
I know only sparse details about what happened during Amy's childhood, but I know it made enough of an impact to make her never want to set foot in another church. Still, I believe that my God can outlast human stubborn-ness.
Needless to say, Amy's answer to my question wasn't all that unexpected. A resounding "NO", followed by a "AND PLEASE DON'T ASK AGAIN."
Good Friday rolled around and there I sat in church, thinking about Amy & Randy.
It's frustrating to say the least. I know the difference that Christ has made in my life, and I know that the same would be true for them. I hear Amy talk about things she's passionate about, and she even fires me up about things I normally wouldn't think twice about. I know that she could have a tremendous impact among her circle of friends.
I get frustrated with her stubbornness.
I get frustrated that she can go from so open and talkative about things like God and Christianity and religion to so closed off to anything even remotely close to the topic.
I get frustrated with God.
I read verses like the one in 2 Samuel and 2 Peter 3 where it says that "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (9), and I wonder what's taking so long.
I get frustrated that it apparently "isn't working" and "nothing is happening." After 7 years of praying for them both, I just want to see human results.
Sitting in that pew, I just happened to look down and notice the bracelet a friend had given me. Inscribed in the yellow plastic was the word "HOPE". And Isaiah 55 came to mind:
"'I don't think the way you think.
The way you work isn't the way I work,' declares the Lord."
I came to the realization that God doesn't operate on my time. Just because I don't see the results I want, it doesn't mean that nothing is happening. I don't know what's going on in Amy's heart. As the choir sang of Christ's ultimate sacrifice, my heart was overwhelmed with hope.
The hope that God's way is best.
The hope that Christ's death was not in vain.
The hope that the Spirit is actively working in Amy & Randy's lives.
The hope that I'll be courageous enough to continue speaking up when opportunity presents.
The hope that I will get to spend eternity with 2 of the people I love more than anything else.
The way you work isn't the way I work,' declares the Lord."
I came to the realization that God doesn't operate on my time. Just because I don't see the results I want, it doesn't mean that nothing is happening. I don't know what's going on in Amy's heart. As the choir sang of Christ's ultimate sacrifice, my heart was overwhelmed with hope.
The hope that God's way is best.
The hope that Christ's death was not in vain.
The hope that the Spirit is actively working in Amy & Randy's lives.
The hope that I'll be courageous enough to continue speaking up when opportunity presents.
The hope that I will get to spend eternity with 2 of the people I love more than anything else.
"AND HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT."
Romans 5:5
Romans 5:5
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Intoxicated by the Spinning Wheels
I don't know why, but the first bike ride of spring is my favorite day of the whole year. There's just something about taking the bike off the trainer the first time and doing all the little maintenance checks with so much anticipation for the ride to come that you forget what you're doing.
I feel like I'm 4 years old again: a little unsteady for the first couple feet off the trainer, without any sense of destination, exhilarated at the sense of freedom and the adrenaline rush that accompanies every sweeping kick of the pedals. My legs always feel strongest on the first ride. It's as if they're finally letting out a sigh of relief at finally being off the trainer. I feel like I could ride forever ... until I hit the first big hill.
I wish I could find a way to get paid to ride my bike around the country. Maybe I'll start a new industry; get some gov't bailout money for my start-up costs, and then stick it to the man.
I feel like I'm 4 years old again: a little unsteady for the first couple feet off the trainer, without any sense of destination, exhilarated at the sense of freedom and the adrenaline rush that accompanies every sweeping kick of the pedals. My legs always feel strongest on the first ride. It's as if they're finally letting out a sigh of relief at finally being off the trainer. I feel like I could ride forever ... until I hit the first big hill.
I wish I could find a way to get paid to ride my bike around the country. Maybe I'll start a new industry; get some gov't bailout money for my start-up costs, and then stick it to the man.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Poem for a Boy
Slow. Quick-Quick.
Slow. Quick-Quick.
The teacher counts the steps
As we waltz around the gym.
I hear her words only faintly,
For I'm captivated by your warm, brown eyes.
The bumbling conversation matches our graceless dance
As we try unsuccessfully to avoid stepping on toes.
Yet the space in between us grows smaller
With every measured beat.
Slow. Quick-Quick.
Slow. Quick-Quick.
My heart dances a two-step whenever you're around.
Mindless chatter before class sends my mind spinning.
I sneak a glance in your direction when the prof isn't looking,
Daydreaming about what might be.
Summers come and off you go back home,
Oblivious to the fact that
I fill my time with countless jobs trying to forget.
But try as I might, you're still there,
Waltzing across my mind.
Slow. Quick-Quick.
Slow. Quick-Quick.
I didn't set out for this to happen.
Helpless with these feelings,
Vulnerable to your love,
Smitten at the sound of your voice.
Piece by piece you've broken through my walls,
And revealed your beautiful self.
I sleep tonight to the sound of that first dance,
So long ago though so clear in my dreams.
And I long to dance all my dances
Wrapped in your strong arms,
For you have stolen my heart.
And I adore you.
Slow. Quick-Quick.
The teacher counts the steps
As we waltz around the gym.
I hear her words only faintly,
For I'm captivated by your warm, brown eyes.
The bumbling conversation matches our graceless dance
As we try unsuccessfully to avoid stepping on toes.
Yet the space in between us grows smaller
With every measured beat.
Slow. Quick-Quick.
Slow. Quick-Quick.
My heart dances a two-step whenever you're around.
Mindless chatter before class sends my mind spinning.
I sneak a glance in your direction when the prof isn't looking,
Daydreaming about what might be.
Summers come and off you go back home,
Oblivious to the fact that
I fill my time with countless jobs trying to forget.
But try as I might, you're still there,
Waltzing across my mind.
Slow. Quick-Quick.
Slow. Quick-Quick.
I didn't set out for this to happen.
Helpless with these feelings,
Vulnerable to your love,
Smitten at the sound of your voice.
Piece by piece you've broken through my walls,
And revealed your beautiful self.
I sleep tonight to the sound of that first dance,
So long ago though so clear in my dreams.
And I long to dance all my dances
Wrapped in your strong arms,
For you have stolen my heart.
And I adore you.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Best Song EVER!!!
Yeah, I feel You fallin'
Like the rain against my skin
And I hear You calling
Your voice like thunder in my head
But now I am stallin'
Cuz I'm afraid to let you in
Yeah, come break me down with Your mercy
Come break me down again
I'm Yours tonight
I'm Yours, You can break me down
Break through these walls I hide behind
I'm Yours tonight
Come and break me down
Won't You break me
I feel it inside me
I feel You underneath my skin
These walls could not hide me
They could not keep You from coming in
So now here You find me
Right back to where I began
Oh, come break me down with Your mercy
Come break me down again
Cuz I need your strength to feel this weak
I need your touch to fill my need
I need your strong hands to carry me
Take me, break me, set me free
Cuz I need your strength to feel this weak
I need your touch to fill my need
I need your strong hands to carry me
Take me, bring me to my knees
I'm Yours tonight
I'm Yours. You can break me down
Break through these walls I hide behind
I'm Yours tonight
Come and break me down
Come and break me down
Come and break me down
Yeah, won't You break me down
["Break Me Down" by Tenth Avenue North]
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Coaching is Awesome
I had the team party for my 7th/8th grade basketball team that I coach last night. As I was thinking about awards for each of the girls, I realized how much I love coaching ... and how much I love my girls.
I was always oober-competitive, but after coaching junior high girls for 4 years, something changed. Don't get me wrong - I'm still way too competitive and make everything a competition - but I want my girls to see the bigger picture. It's not all about the winning anymore.
When I was at Blaine last year, one of the PE teachers told me after a loss, "When you lose, don't lose the lesson." I don't mind losing as much anymore because I know that there's usually something that can be learned from it. I still do my best to coach to win, but I want my girls to learn that there's more to life than winning a basketball game.
I want them to know that winning games does not define who they are.
I want them to know that it's okay to fail ... but it's not okay to quit.
I want them to know how blessed they are to be able to run and jump and sweat and put a ball through a stupid little hoop.
I want them to dream the biggest dreams possible and then go make them come true.
I want them to learn respect - for themselves, for others ... even the refs.
I want them to be proud of themselves.
When we lose, I want them to turn it into a victory. And when we win, I want them to cherish it because they've earned it.
My girls struggled at the beginning of this season with being a team and taking responsibility. We lost a lot of games that we shouldn't have. If I had scripted this season, it would have been entirely different. But then I stop and listen to what they cheer and yell at basketball games, and I realize that this season was a huge success. We didn't win the championship, but I wouldn't change anything about this season.
I coach the greatest, classiest, funnest team. I wish I could coach them forever.
I was always oober-competitive, but after coaching junior high girls for 4 years, something changed. Don't get me wrong - I'm still way too competitive and make everything a competition - but I want my girls to see the bigger picture. It's not all about the winning anymore.
When I was at Blaine last year, one of the PE teachers told me after a loss, "When you lose, don't lose the lesson." I don't mind losing as much anymore because I know that there's usually something that can be learned from it. I still do my best to coach to win, but I want my girls to learn that there's more to life than winning a basketball game.
I want them to know that winning games does not define who they are.
I want them to know that it's okay to fail ... but it's not okay to quit.
I want them to know how blessed they are to be able to run and jump and sweat and put a ball through a stupid little hoop.
I want them to dream the biggest dreams possible and then go make them come true.
I want them to learn respect - for themselves, for others ... even the refs.
I want them to be proud of themselves.
When we lose, I want them to turn it into a victory. And when we win, I want them to cherish it because they've earned it.
My girls struggled at the beginning of this season with being a team and taking responsibility. We lost a lot of games that we shouldn't have. If I had scripted this season, it would have been entirely different. But then I stop and listen to what they cheer and yell at basketball games, and I realize that this season was a huge success. We didn't win the championship, but I wouldn't change anything about this season.
I coach the greatest, classiest, funnest team. I wish I could coach them forever.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
"My brain is short."
Eventually, this will be stories from my mom's & my bike trip around Wisconsin, but for now it's pretty much just pointless mumbo-jumbo and ramblings from subbing ...
6th graders are something else.
Yesterday one of the boys was ostracized for his love of lady bugs. It was honestly a little weird ... and I felt bad for him because he was just so clueless as he sat there playing with the little bugs on the carpeting ...
Today Sadiyo asked a question during Math that had just been answered. Everybody teased her, and she responded with, "What?! My memory is bad. My brain is short." Yeah, that made the students stop teasing her. I'll be honest - I joined in the laughter. I'm a great role model.
6th graders are something else.
Yesterday one of the boys was ostracized for his love of lady bugs. It was honestly a little weird ... and I felt bad for him because he was just so clueless as he sat there playing with the little bugs on the carpeting ...
Today Sadiyo asked a question during Math that had just been answered. Everybody teased her, and she responded with, "What?! My memory is bad. My brain is short." Yeah, that made the students stop teasing her. I'll be honest - I joined in the laughter. I'm a great role model.
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