The Bike Ride Journey - In Conclusion

  We just got back from Irvine (southern California) tonight from our oldest Granddaughter's graduation.  Pictures posted at the end of the conclusion below. 

    

The Journey - Conclusion

        This has been the story of a bike ride.  But it is more than that.  It is a journey on which God has taken me and through the process of this journey He has taught me many things.  I learned how really weak I am, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  How I am just like the children of Israel, grumbling and complaining, even though the Lord was with me every step of the way.  This experience taught me how important it is to come along side of other Christians in need, and how encouragement from others lifts the soul and allows one to soar as if on eagle’s wings.   I learned that when we pray in the will of God, He will give us what we want and need.  It has taught me, at least for this instance, what the will of God was.  I learned that God is Holy; God is Great and to God Be the Glory.  The glory does not go to me for my longs months of tortuous training and perseverance or even for completing the three-day bike ride.  The glory goes to God because of what He accomplished through me.  I have learned that I must be obedient and be a willing vessel for the Potter to mold and shape, as He will.  I am learning that I must obey and not argue about everything He asks me to do.  I haven’t succeeding completely in the latter, but I am working on it.  I also learned that even though we may feel that we are not suitable or up to the challenge to complete the Lord’s tasks, I know that when God calls us, He equips us.  Even me! Most of all, I have learned that I cannot hide my light (that which God has done in my life) under a bushel (Matthew 5:14-16).   I have to tell the story so that others may see His mighty works.  I have no idea why God chose me to make this bike ride.  I do know that for every rider in the various bike rides during the eighteen months, there was a special story.  The riders represented many states in these United States, and some even rode more than one ride.  Some rode because they thought it would be challenging, or fun, or because they had always wanted to be part of a ride such as this one.  Many rode to raise money for Focus on the Family and God called many specifically and for His purposes.  My story is no more special than the stories of the other riders.  But mine is special to me because it belongs to me and to the Lord and because it was a significant emotional, physical and spiritual event in my life, the likes of which I may never see again. 

            As with all human beings, we tell a story based on our perspective.  Most of us have been with family members who had been in the same room when a certain incident occurred.  Later, when re-telling the story, perhaps everyone but one person remembers it the same way.  But there is usually one who remembers the story differently, based on their personality, the dynamics of the family, their mood at the time or various other (dimensions; aspects) which enter into the equation.  They may have remembered an entirely different story than the rest of the family remembers.   I tell this story as I have remembered and to my best ability I have recorded it, based on my perspective.

        I think that this story is not only one for Christians to read because it shows the power of God in our lives and what can be accomplished by the Holy Spirit guiding us, even when we are braced with our feet pushed out in front of us like a stubborn donkey. But it is also a story for those who do not know Christ because it shows them just what they too can accomplish when they know Jesus and also shows them the thrill and joy of knowing Him.  I waited almost ten years to write this story and did so only because I felt that God wished me to put to paper my experiences with Him.  At this writing, At the outset, I didn’t have any idea whether or not anyone will ever read this story.  It may be just for me.  I dedicate it to the power and glory of my Lord God, my Savior Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit who resides in me.  My thanks also go to all those who helped me along the way by riding with me, encouraging me and just being there for support.  The words of the old hymn sums it all up for me.  To God be the glory great things He has done! Amen









Barb, Taylor, Bob
Taylor graduated from high school in Irvine, California

In the photo below, look what Bob and I started - population explosion.
We're missing our son's wife Morena and our youngest daughter's husband Danny.





Barb and two month old Samuel (He's already over 16 pounds in two months.)

Thank you all for following my story.  I appreciate having an outlet to share this with someone. I feel that I don't have anything more to add or share so this will be my last post.

I will continue to follow many of your blogs - keep up the good work.

Barb