Proof That I am not Riding Alone

by   August 7, 2019 with No Comments

Proof that I’m not riding alone – By David Freeze

Part 1

    Back in 2013, I decided to give long distance cycling a try. Maybe just a tad more than a try. I decided to ride from Anacortes, Oregon to Myrtle Beach. I knew I would learn a lot about myself, but I didn’t know how much these adventures would deepen my faith. I have included a short recap of three events, two of which assured me of God’s intervention. Or at least that’s the way it looked to me. You may understand why I never worry what might be ahead, danger included.

    In 2013, my flights were delayed to Portland and I missed a shuttle to Anacortes, the point where I would pick up my bike and begin the biggest adventure of my life. With the late arrival, I had to hire a van to drive just me from Portland to Anacortes where the bike was waiting on me. Previously, I was planning to get the bike on Saturday afternoon and begin riding east right away. With my late arrival on Saturday, the bike shop had already closed, and I picked it up on Sunday morning. The owner wanted me to try out the bike before I left the area, just to make sure everything was working right. He said, “Make sure you ride up the only hill in town. You’ll see it.” I was about to ride over 4,000 miles across our great nation, climb across the Rockies, the Ozarks and more.

     I struggled to climb this small but steep hill and had to stop to let my legs catch up about midway. Just an elevation increase of 500 feet had given me trouble. I was demoralized but then headed back to my room to pack the bike. I sat down, asked God to protect me, help me make the right decisions, provide strength when needed and simply to hear me say, “Lord, ride with me today!” The strange peace that came with saying that statement to Him was unbelievable. I left that room with a calmness that would continue all the way through nearly 12,000 feet of elevation in Colorado. To this day, I won’t start my daily ride, no matter the circumstances, without saying, “Lord, ride with me today.”

    A couple weeks later, on the same ride, I was in a vast national park on a Sunday and running out of water. Water is the key supply that matters most to a long distance cyclist. Without it, energy leaves quickly, the mouth feels like rough sandpaper and the tongue just sticks to the roof or bottom of the mouth. I was to this point, knowing that I had no chance of supply for at least 12 more miles, all uphill. I had a swallow left in one bottle. Yes, poor planning on my part, but the facts were that I would probably not die but the next three hours would be miserable unless something happened.

     I stopped to say my prayer again and ask for Him for help. This park was nothing but wilderness in the area, no place to stop until I saw the sign for a rest area ahead. Rest areas out west don’t have water, at least any potable (drinking) water. My hope was that someone might stop with available extra water. No cars were passing me, and I did feel more alone than I should.

    At the rest area, no one was around. Two portajohn style buildings and a trash receptacle were the only amenities. I sat for a minute wondering what to do, knowing that this would be the best chance to find help until I reached the campground 12 miles ahead.

     Just then, I looked up to see a white surveyor’s truck pull onto the grass next to the parking lot. When the driver got out, I walked over to ask him about water. It took no courage to do this because the situation was soon to be serious.

      Remember that this was a Sunday, less traffic than other days, and that I was out of water. The surveyor told me, “I never work on Sunday, but we needed some data today and I’m here to get it. I don’t have any water. No wait! This isn’t my truck and this truck does have some bottled water in it. You are welcome to what you need.” The surveyor had driven this truck because his normal one was not available. I got the water I needed, thanked him and rode on ahead nearly 12 miles to the campground where my supplies were topped off.  

                                                                 Continued……

Dairy Ice Cream?

by   August 5, 2019 with No Comments

Dairy Ice Cream, No Cow Needed: These Egg And Milk Proteins Are Made Without Animals – Earlier today, I ate a scoop of chocolate ice cream – creamy and pleasantly fatty feeling in my mouth. This would hardly seem newsworthy, except for the high-tech ingredient that made my frozen treat go down so smoothly: dairy proteins produced in a lab, no cows needed. (WFDD – Public radio story)

Feeling Refreshed

by   August 3, 2019 with No Comments

Feeling Refreshed – By Doug Creamer

            It was wonderful to get a break in the summer heat last week. The Canadian front pushed the heat and humidity south and we had a wonderful week to be outside. I was outside almost the entire week. Although I was pulling weeds, I can’t deny that I loved being out there. I have noticed that the heat and humidity have returned, and I will retreat to the cool of our home. It’s August in the Carolinas; heat and humidity are here to stay.

            I was outside working in both the vegetable and flower gardens. I made it out early some mornings and stayed out late into the evenings. When the air felt so refreshing, I didn’t want to come in. I am blessed in my yard to have the woods on the west side. By late afternoon, we have shade across most of our yard.

            It’s been hot since school let out. I haven’t had any desire to work in the yard…that is, until last week. When I got out there I knew I was going to have to do the one thing I really don’t like doing…pull the weeds. The air felt so fresh and clean, I didn’t care. We pulled so many wheelbarrows full of weeds out that I lost count. As we cleared an area, I got some mulch and put it down. Some parts of our yard are looking quite good.

            Don’t misunderstand; there is still plenty that needs to be done. Good gardeners are never finished. There are plants that need to be moved, removed, planted, pruned, etc. There are always plans and dreams of how you want things to look. We have lived here long enough that we have started to rip out things we planted. A gardener’s work is truly never complete.

            You might think I was tired after working outside all week. Well, I have to admit that there are a few muscles, especially in my arms and back, that are complaining, but I am feeling surprisingly refreshed. I think getting a break from the heat and humidity has actually helped me feel better. I also get a certain joy out of being outside working in my yard.

            Life has a way of wearing us down. It is important that we discover ways that we can be refreshed. I know we can be refreshed when we go on vacation, but the reality is we have to work to pay the bills and keep the lights on. How can we be refreshed when life seems to go at breakneck speeds? We all have so many demands on our time. What can we do within our daily routines?

            First, it’s important to discover for yourself what makes you feel refreshed. For my little sister, it’s going for a run. She feels better after she exercises.  Some people need to soak in a tub. Others might like to escape into a good book. Still others might curl up and take a nice nap.  Knowing ourselves is a key to refreshment.

            Second, I believe music has a way of touching our souls. I know the music of our youth has the power to awaken something special in each of us. But the kind of music I am talking about here is the kind that lifts up the Lord. Again, there is such a wide variety of music styles that honors and lifts up the Lord. If old hymns stir your soul, go for it. There is so much new and various styles of worship music out there; find yours and run with it.

            Why does this work? When we lift up the Lord, He is drawn to us. When we are in His presence, we are going to be refreshed. No matter how tired and weary we might feel; one touch from God can completely restore us. When our spirit connects with His Spirit, we will be changed, renewed, refreshed, and restored. Music has the power to move us if we will open our hearts to Him.

            I want to encourage you to seek the Lord for a refreshing touch this week. I believe that God wants to draw closer to you and renew you. I know life is busy and hard, but taking a few moments to do the thing that helps you feel refreshed is important for your wellbeing. Add to that music that honors and lifts up the name of Jesus and you will be refreshed. God wants to be closer to you. When you open your heart in worship to Him, you will sense His presence in a beautiful and wonderful way.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

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