Ice, Antidote, Siblings, and Other Precious Things...

So I finally got to see the Columbia Ice-fields with my wife and few of her friends this past weekend! Needless to say I was blow away by the shear majesty of the Athabasca glacier. As the pictures depict, I think I was a pretty crazy because I had to be the only dude on the ice wearing shorts! I think this is further evidence that I am truly adapted to being a Canadian now.

For those of you who have considered taking the H1 to H39 drive to Jasper… I highly recommend it. This is a journey where you will not only enjoy the ride but also the destination. I enjoyed our stops at Lake Louise, Lake Peyto, and especially the Athabasca! My only recommendation is that you take a decent car on your trip that can handle some of the steep climbs into the mountains.

In other news…

Stage 15 of the 2009 Tour De France is complete and Alberto Contador has made a powerful impression by attacking during the tail end of the stage and separating himself from 2nd place Lance Armstrong by a margin of 1 minute 37 seconds. This is big enough of a lead to all but guarantee a win for him in Paris.

I respect Lance Armstrong’s accomplishments. He has left a lasting impact on the world of cycling that is evident in the technology used in the sport, the way teams are run, and the training involved in getting ready for a race. Much like Greg Lemond during his time in the early 90s, Lance brought change to the cycling world and his contributions will be felt for years to come.

But now it is Alberto’s time and I think he deserves to win. He has proven that he isn’t scared to stand up to his rivals even though they might be his idol Lance Armstrong. He has won the Giro and the Vuelta. He is the real deal!

And...

I’m working on my first sermon in a few years. I will be preaching this Sabbath at the Canmore Seventh-Day Adventist church and the title of my sermon is “The Antidote”. I ask for those of you out there who know the valley of decision that I am to pray for me as I take this important step to answer an important question...

Also…

I’m praying for you younger sibling and all my family as well. May God bless you with a long life filled ith promise and purpose!

Really finally…

I love you my dear wife and I’m praying that the plans that we are making will be fulfilled. I AM blessed to have such an amazing person in my life! I AM the lucky one!

Fall Fitness 2009...

My boss reminded me yesterday that our location would not be open today till 1 pm due to Westerner Days (as far as I know it is Red Deer's own little version of the "Stampede"). I was happy about this because it meant I'd have a free morning and this would be short work week. A short work week means more opportunity to get other things off the ground.

This summer has flown by and fall is really just around the corner. The transition from our wedding through to the campmeeting has practically eaten up the summer. While I took some time to recover, it is now time to get down to business and and really focus on what comes next. I cannot really say anything more on the subject until I have some concrete plans but I'll be sure to do so once I do!



I've been keep track of this year's Tour De France mainly because Lance Armstrong is back racing. I've kept track of Lance's racing career since about 2002. I have a number of books authored by him and others that cover his story. He was one big reason I got back into cycling in back in 2006. During that turbulant year between 2006 and 2007, I must confess that the happiest moments I experienced were on the back of my bike and I gobbled up everything that was Lance.

Lance is doing well and even if he does not win the overall tour I think he will place high in the general classification. That is pretty amazing for a 37 year old rider who has not ridden for 3 years. This year there are others who deserve to win including Alberto Contado and Levi Leipheimer who both ride for Lance's Team Astana. I would be happy to see both do well.

There is a hunger in me that simply wants to be back on the bike and also back on the road of health. I made great strides when I first moved out here last year but a few things have stalled that progress. I believe more than ever, I need to be strong and healthy.

ANYWAY! =) More later! Oh... and a quick shout out to the siblings! Love you and miss you!!!

Just Call My Name...

So the last two weeks have sort of been chill for me. I haven't done much except enjoy a few DVDs and surfing the net during my time off. The weekends I've spent with my wife and even those have been a bit low key. I guess we're in recovery from the buildup and execution of our wedding.

Meanwhile the world has truly suffered a great loss with the death of Michael Jackson. Whether one turns on the TV, radio, surfs the web, or grabs the newspaper he is the source of all the headlines. While I think it is right to acknowledge and pay respect to the man and his talents, I find it equally sad that there are people out there who are exploiting him even in death.

I was also a bit more saddened when he was brought up amongst church members recently and a certain pastor's wife complained that on the night following his death she couldn't find a channel which was not broadcasting something about it.

"I wish they woudn't broadcast that crap!" She said disdainfully." Why are we paying so much attention to a sick and disgusting man."

I kept silent mostly because I was truly horrified at the way she said those words. I have no relationship to Michael and I am certainly not a hardcore fan but there is no reason to be this disrespectful of any human being. Whether this lady realizes it or not Michael is a member of the human race and thereby is also a child of God. If anything his passing is a stark reminder that death comes to us all and the results of sin scar everyone. Some of us are fortunate to hide these scars within. I believe it is poignant that Michael wore his on the outside and we as a world were often repulsed by them.

My parents were very conservative when I was growing up. I could only listen to the Heritage Singers and other religious groups. But the one pop song they allowed me to listen to was We are the World. The lyrics spoke of hope and a longing to join together to heal wounds. As Christians we know that this will never come to fruition before our Lord's return, but while we are here, it is something worth striving to be a source of healing to those we come into contact with. I believe my parents realized the intent of this song and respected it.

There is a video posted on Youtube which captures the recording studio session where Michael lays down his tracks for We are the World. The tape is raw and unedited. In it we see a young man who is full of joy, life, and indeed hope. There is also an uncanny sense of innocence coupled with the willingness to work hard and a desire to please. I saw the same energy in the kids I worked with during my time at WBFM in Brampton, Ontario. There is indeed a thin line that seperates us all.

I have often wondered why God made the penalty for sin so harsh. Death. But recently I realized that even in this God shows his mercy. Death is peace. No longer does this man have to suffer from the demons that have troubled from within and without. He is also spared the further horrors that he would have brough upon himself through the numerous plastic surgeries that he self inflicted. I honestly believe he would have continued to walk down that dark path were he to continue living. No one wants to grow old and face the march of time in the mirror. Especially a person who never truly believed he was beautiful.

Rest in peace child of God. Those of us left behind soldier on. Maybe the best lesson we can learn from you is that while we are here, despite our pain and suffering, let it be our purpose to uplift others to a better and brighter place.

Just like you did.