Week 373

Positive post Sunday, April 21, 2024…. Week 373.  I’m grateful God’s plan for me included reaching yet another milestone yesterday, a milestone that unfortunately I have achieved several times before. 

Yesterday was the 1^st day I rode my bike on the street with some of my riding buddies after my open-heart surgery 8 weeks ago.  Although I’m experiencing an extreme case of Déjà vu after having to slowly return to cycling following a previous open-heart surgery, 2 bike accidents and being hit by a car while riding my bike, I am so grateful to be “rolling” once again.  The good Lord is clearly not ready to call me home.  I am blessed to have the opportunity to continue to serve others in His name until he does so.

My deepest appreciation to my cycling brothers who were able to join me during my 1^st slow and cautious ride back.  Ryan Stinson, Joe Sousa, Byron Pettibone, Joe Martinez, Jeff Padgett, and Scott Welsh, I’m so honored that you took time out of your regular riding times to shepherd me around the streets of Redlands.  Thank you (and the rest of our riding crew) for your continued support and prayers during my recovery.  Hard times will always reveal true friends and I am so blessed to have true and amazing friends to ride with.  And when we ride, we are not alone, Mathhew 18:20 – “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” 

Although we all face challenges in our lives, perhaps me more than others, we are all blessed to have each other to lean on in our times of need.  I know we like to joke around and tease each other while riding, but when any of us or our families are in need, we are there for each other.  I appreciate and respect each of you.  Your support and encouragement both on and off the bike motivates me to, as Jesus did, pick my cross back up and continue down the path God has planned for me.  And remember, we are not alone when we are enduring our greatest challenges, Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”

Please know that, along with our good Lord, I am always here for you and your families! 🙏❤

What cross are you carrying in your life, and who are those friends that support you and encourage you to keep moving forward regardless of the challenge?

How do you appreciate and support your family and friends with the challenges they are facing?