Friday, December 31, 2004

20.3 Miles!

Yes! I got to ride today! God is sooooo good to me! http://www.tourdepants.com Happy New Year, and please be careful. Not everyone is as nice as God.

Tuesday, December 28, 2004

Workin' Woman, Twinkie, and Me.

My beautiful Bride, Workin' Woman, (www.workinwoman.blogspot.com) and I are going to take a little walk with Michael the wonderboy .I didn't ride yesterday, but I did begin writing a new book. It's sort of a testimony to God for all he's done in my life. I call it "But God..." and so far it's pretty good. My wife said so. I also plan on updating the Tour De Pants site today as well. (www.tourdepants.com ) Stop back by whenever you feel like it, and as always, thank you for coming.

Monday, December 27, 2004

The Snow Is Over.

Time to get back to work! Yes, you read correctly, it did indeed *Snow* in Houston on Christmas Eve! Galveston Island even got four inches! For Y'all in the north that's nothin' to write home about, but for those of us on the GULF COAST it's just plain weird! May God's peace rest on the families of over 21,000 people that lost their lives in the tidal waves that followed that level 9 quake. My prayers are with them, I hope against hope that they knew our Lord and King. Life is so fragile.

Michael and I are going to ride today, I'm not sure where, but we will ride. Praise God for his daily provision!

Tuesday, December 21, 2004

Early Morning Praise

What an awesome God we serve! Read this slowly, and let it settle in way down on the inside of you...GOD, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.

Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I'm not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook
makes me feel secure.

You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.

Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of GOD
for the rest of my life.
That, was the Message version of Psalm 23. Like I said already, what an awesome God we serve!

Sunday, December 19, 2004

It's Alive! Bwaaa Haaaa Haaaa!

Yes boys and girls, with God's grace and provision, The Tour De Pants lives! Please feel free to visit any time! http://tourdepants.com I look forward to your feedback. God bless each and everyone of Y'all! Ritz.

Friday, December 17, 2004

Kicked Off Crazyguyonabike.

I was told today by the owner of the site, that I either needed to go on a Real tour, or find some place else to post my story. I was getting 200 hits a day and up. Oh well, God will provide. After several inflamitory E-mails, I feel that I must in all fairness,say something here. Mr Gunton did Not, I repeat, not "Kick me off" his site. But the Jist was to either tour, or post somewhere else. OK, I'm posting somewhere else. Of course there is here, This is a nice place, and now there will also be: http://www.tourdepants.com as well. I have to pay for the site, but there is more creative liscence allowed that way. It should be up and running soon, please stop by.

Thursday, December 16, 2004

A Good Day For Rest.

It's raining and cold outside, not very conducive to bike riding, or even walking. It's a kind of nondescript day. The kind that makes you want to stay in bed and pull the covers up over your head. Every once in a while, I think it's important to recharge your batteries. Even Christ told us to rest. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 NIV. Do you ever get to the point that you just want to throw your hands up in the air and cry? Maybe that's just what you should do. Listen, I want you all to know that that's a wonderful idea, properly executed. It's not running away from your problems... It's giving them to someone else. Someone that is more than able to deal with them, and to provide you with rest. Rest, Isn't it a beautiful word? Father, I love you, and I'm sorry I've been holding all these problems, trying to deal with them in my own strength. I know you are there, just waiting for me to let go of them. You love me so much that you sent your only Son to die in my place, so I wouldn't have to face the punishment that my sins deserved, death. Thank you Lord for loving me so much. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness. I pray that anyone reading these words would come to an understanding of who you really are, and how much that you love them. I pray that they, as I, learn to lay problems at your feet, and once surrendered we all learn to leave them there. In Jesus' Holy name, Amen.

Wednesday, December 15, 2004

At the mercy of a three year old.

All charged up and ready to go this morning, Michael in his favorite overalls, me in my sweats, headed out for a morning ride around the neighborhood. The air was crisp and clean, the way it only seems to be in the winter. The big orange ball in the sky was glowing with it's full brilliance. Although the sun was definitely doing it's job, the temps were still in the 40 ish range. Quite chilly for Houston. Three and a half miles into our ride, little man decides that he wants to go home. Not wishing to subject my ears to the high pitched whining that is universally associated with toddlers, I caved. So, now we are home, he in his toy box, me at the computer. Romans 12:18 tells us that as far as it depends on us, we are to live at peace with all men. Hmmm,I wonder if that applies to three year olds as well?

Tuesday, December 14, 2004

Feelin' Funky

Have you ever just felt like... Yick! That's the way I feel today, my energy is down, I know I'm not sick, but I feel cruddy. Thank God that the way I feel doesn't change who he is. I'm still a born again child of God. I'm still saved by grace. And no matter how I FEEL, God is still on the throne!I'll get back to Y'all later. Peace. (Edited @ 6:44 pm) It's now evening and I'm feeling better, I still haven't ridden, and it does not look like I'm going to get to either. The news just warned of a hard freeze (Low 20's) tonight. Although, being the optimist that I am, I put the lights on my bike a couple of hours ago. Maybe not. The heater and Wheel Of Fortune becons. Let's try this whole thing again tomorrow. God bless you all.

Saturday, December 11, 2004

God Willin'

You know how I said I would ride today, God Willin'? Well, He willed! Man, it was fun too. 28.9 miles with my precious son in his trailer behind me. Cool! I probably won't ride tomorrow, by the time Church is done, and we get home from the Sunday meal out... I'ts like 3:00 or 4:00 pm. We'll see. I do have lights. Go and bless someone!

Luke 2

The best story ever written, excluding the death, burial, and ressurection of course. Hey Damon, thank's for the comment. See: http://thetourdepants.crazyguyonabike.com . This story in the second chapter of luke, is the primary reason behind Christmas. In all the glitz, glamor, and hoopla that Christmas has become, It's easy to lose focus. God told us in his word, all about joy, and being joyful, but he also told us a story of the Creator of the universe, God almighty. YHVH, (Yod Hey Vov Hey) Who put aside his Diety, stepped down from his throne, and put on a "Human Suit" so he could tell us directly of his love for us. Re-read Luke 2 today. Open your heart to what God might be trying to tell you through the Holy Spirit. See this "Season" with new eyes.I wish you all a very merry Christmas. I didn't ride yesterday, but God willing today I will, I'll have my little mini-me (Michael) with me, and there's just no tellin' where we might end up. Love each other, and make a concious effort to let people around you see it. As a great theologian once said... "You may be the only Jesus some people ever see."

Thursday, December 09, 2004

Praise God in the highest! 26.1 miles!

Yesterday I was Dad, Husband, and househeeper. Alas, no miles... But! Today I got to be Lance armstrong! Well, that is if he were 100 pounds heavier, much older, and much slower. I did get to ride 26.1 miles today, and there was a lance-esque moment on the ride. At one point of paticularly hard pedaling, I looked at the computer to find 26.8 mph staring back at me! Yippeeee! That's on low pressure (65 lbs) tires, and those tires are 16" and 20" in size. Then just to put a cherry on top, like my God always does... I come home to see that the new Campmor Christmas catalouge has arrived! Yeah, I'm pretty excited by the little things. Thank you Lord, for just being who you are. See today's photos at: http://thetourdepants.crazyguyonabike.com .

Wednesday, December 08, 2004

Good morning!

This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Tuesday, December 07, 2004

Here comes the sun.Doo Unn Doo Doo

And I say, it's alright! Yeah man! Another beautiful day in Houston Texas! 16.9 miles with little Michael in his trailer. Pure bliss! As always, the photos are at the other page... http://thetourdepants.crazyguyonabike.com A child has a way of bringing out the nicer part of people, or maybe it's just that it's Christmas time. Everyone we met today was very nice. What a pleasure. Since I really don't want to type every thing twice, I'll only put those "inappropriate thoughts" here. I suppose I can understand why Mr. Neil Gunton would like to keep Evangelism to a minimum. It is, after all, a web site for Bicycle travelogues and not the the ramblings of a forty year old born again child of God. Just in case you didn't know it... That's what this place is for! I praise Jesus for all he bestows upon me. I praise His Holy name. Grace, the unmerrited favor of God, is so awesome. I'm just so in love with Christ, my mind can't comprehend just how His love works. I mean, no matter what I do, or have done. I can't make him love me any more or less. I do the things I do in Jesus' name not for reward, but simply because I love him! Fall "in love" with Jesus today. You will never regret it!

Monday, December 06, 2004

Two feet, Not two wheels.

The wet stuff, required for most living things, is being abundantly supplied at this very moment. Instead of veging on the couch (remember I'm trying to lose weight) Michael and I decided to walk to the fire station again. Maybe this time we could catch someone there. Dressed in our comfy clothes, and armed with umbrellas we stepped out the door, ready for our next big adventure. It was raining when we left, so no big surprise there. There wasn't any sight of lightning, and no sound of thunder, so we were fairly secure in the knowledge that we would be safe. Of course, as always, we had the providence of God with us. Michael met his Hero de jour, a volunteer fire captain named Matt Mitchell. There, upon little man's insistence, we got the full tour. Mr. Mitchell opened everything that was closed on every truck, every wall, every nook, every cranny, and calmly described the contents therein. Cool Guy. Some people just don't have what it takes to deal with an inquisitive three year old. We finished up our walk with a stop at the .99 cent store and after getting dinner fixin's headed home, 4.45 miles in all. Good job, little walkin' buddy!

Correcting an oversight

Y'all remember yesterday when I told you about P.E.D.A.L? I forgot to mention the web address to the fantastic site. You can get there by clicking on http://www.geocities.com/pprayers and if it's not too much to ask, Please sign Rev. Hans guestbook. Ministry is often a thankless undertaking, and people all too often, forget to encourage their Pastors and Clergy leaders. We all know where their real reward will come from... but it's nice to lift them up for the shephearding they provide for us all. Please be kind to your Clergy, and remember... They are flesh and blood humans too.

Sunday, December 05, 2004

Hey, Hey, Hey...

Does anyone remember Fat Albert? I see that a movie based on the original cartoon is about to come out. Can you imagine if everyone had an adjective in front of their name? I think it would be a very different world. I mean, if you met a man in a business suit, who had a pleasant manner, nice smile, firm hand shake, and while he was shaking your hand he says through his toothy grin, "Hi, I'm deceitful John" Would you really vote for him to run your country? I'll bet even the most simple minded among us would know that it is most likely not a good idea. Or take this example, what if after years of loneliness, you met a woman (or man as the case may be) that you have seen at church, always dresses modestly, is a regular tither, and a friend introduces you to her and says, "Hey Brother, I would like you to meet unfaithful Jane."(Or Jimmy, as the case may be)
would you, thus informed, say to yourself, "I think I'd like to marry this person!" Probably not.

Yeah, if only. You can have something like that though... It's called discernment. It is one of the many gifts of the Holy Spirit available to those who ask. I saw an acronym I really liked on a Christian site yesterday... P.E.D.A.L. It stands for pray every day and listen. Man! That's powerful stuff, especially to us bicycle oriented folk. It's time for me to get ready for Church. God's blessing on each and every on of you!

Friday, December 03, 2004

No miles, Just smiles.

I know, I know, that sounded too corny. Hey, it's all I could come up with on such short notice. Please call next time before you come over. (Just kidding) You guessed it, I did not do any riding today at all. Instead I had the glorious pleasure of having a cavity filled. So, maybe tomorrow I'll have more to add, as for now... I think I'm just gonna go lay down. Y'all be blessed.

Team 'Bent

A great place to go and meet other 'Bent riders in the Houston area. How's that for a shamless plug?
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/teambent This is a great resource, come join us!

11.3 Miles of happiness

Yesterday was really cool, I mean in an awesome sense, not temp wise. Well actually, it was kinda' chilly. Michael and I went for a little pedal around the block, at his request mind you. I love that he gets into riding as much, if not more, than I do. I posted some decent photos on the tour de pants page: http://thetourdepants.crazyguyonabike.com and I have to tell you, I really am enjoying this. I sincerely hope that you, dear reader, are gettin' something out of this as well. It's my goal to encourage, inspire, and motivate all who chance upon these pages. Not only to try to live a more active lifestyle, through my tales of cycling, but to also exhort all to become closer to God, our Father. You know, the thought comes to mind that there may be some of you reading this right now, that for one reason or another, feel betrayed by God.

People and circumstances will often let you down, as much as we don't want to believe it, it's true. First hand experience has shown me that God is not the source of those heartaches. Christ himself, told us... "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 NIV. Before you give up on God, try giving things up to God. When people hurt you, leave it at the foot of the cross. You can talk to God like a father, he is after all, our Daddy. Spend a little time with Him today. You don't need a degree from a seminary, you don't even have to have been a regular church member. Try the honest approach, pour your heart out like you would to your closest friend. You'll find that God is closer than you think, and he always has your best interests at heart.

Morning Praise

My heart is yours Lord, you alone are faithful. You alone are true. Thank you for the Gift of your Holy Spirit. Who leads us in all things, by your grace.I love you Lord.

Thursday, December 02, 2004

Thanks to the Googlites!

Guys and Girls at the adsense place, thank you. I don't know if I finally got the code to go to the right place, or if you supermen and women did the job for me. Either way I'm happy! And... I'll be even more content once the "Crawlers" get done customizing the content! Remember guys, Bicycles, Christian books, Inspirationals, Bike sites, Bike parts, Living healthy, and on and on ad nauseum. Read a little, You'll pick just the right stuff I'm sure. Thanks again! :)

Wednesday, December 01, 2004

Let' s try this again, shall we?

The day did actually come to an end without a ride yesterday. Today, however; looks to be quite promising. The forecast is 42 degrees and partly cloudy. Yee Haw! Not only that, but my Lovely Wife is off today. With that said, little Michael will either be in his trailer and riding with the two of us, or I'll be riding while Momma and Michael have fun at the house. We'll see. Update It's now 2:10pm and I had a great ride! I rode over to visit my Mom and Grandma. The Stats... 20.6 miles in 1 hour, 35 minutes, and 50 seconds. Average speed of 12.8 mph. I maxed it out at 22.3mph. YEAH BABEEEEEE!!!!!!


Click Here