diddlee

Bravery isn't the dramatic, powerful act you often see in movies. Well, it can be but bravery often is a simple act that no one sees. Bravery is doing the right thing even when it costs us personally. It is doing the right thing when no one is there to see. It is doing the right thing even when it is unpopular. Bravery is telling the truth and taking that chewing out. When you are tired and want to let down and take the easy route, you must be brave and do what you are supposed to do. Bravery is reaching for a little more than you are capable of achieving and trying hard anyway. Bravery is sticking up for the little guy when everyone is bringing them down. Bravery is taking responsibility for your own choices in your life and not blaming circumstances or others with failure. Bravery is finding yourself where you shouldn't be and asking for help to get yourself out of it. It takes so much bravery to handle every day living because of a single fact. Life is short. Our expected li...

There will always be things you don't like about the world, about the people in it, about the things you have to do, and about people who are your family. This is because everyone pursues his own dreams or ideals. Lots of people don't give much thought to the other person. This isn't because they just don't care or because they want to bring you discomfort. It is just a fact that people serve themselves. In life, nature built in some survival instincts that cause mothers or fathers to love and nurture their children. It is hardwired into us and it comes easily for some people. The same is true of a family to some extend. The members of the family carry over these nurturing feelings to the greater group out of a sense of belonging and alikeness. That doesn't mean that people dissappoint you, even close family members. Sometimes we are being hurt by people close to us who never realize. It would be nice if we could read minds. That way we could sense these hurts and ...

So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:17 These words are said to be those of Solomon. Perhaps one of the richest kings ever to live on earth. He had everything you could have in that time of his life. And he was said to be wise. Perhaps that is why he undertakes the subject of meaning and happiness. Finding meaning in our modern world can be a challenge. I am referring to those who look for the meaning to be given by some outside agent. Currently we believe the world to be a product of 14 billion years of expansion that began with a "big bang". The fact that our awareness occurred was the result of a very unlikely series of events that, given the dimension and longevity of the universe, was perhaps inevitable. Inevitable, but not a particularly noteworthy event (except for us as individuals). The concept of our lives being this "inexorable eventuality of matte...

In the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, I found this quote which is reported to be from a king who was the richest and wisest of his time. My life has become twisted. This hasn't been this way always. For many years, life was great. We went along enjoying the things life was bringing. Everything seemed wonderful. Then at just the moment my children were to spring forward into adult life, everything took a turn. At this time of life when I expected them to be securing a future in college, they are squandering it as if life were without end. As though this time of their youth and vigor would be renewed endlessly. And all of this has added stress and care to every day and night. The worry comes from a deep concern that there is something I must do to work everything out. But when I heard this verse in church last Sunday, I felt its truth. Although I am finding it hard to put it into complete action, it is amazingly a fact. What has become twisted in these children's lives, I ca...

Chad called tonight. He says his wife isn't happy with his work schedule. He wanted to know if I wanted to switch places with him. I told him I would. It would be a good change for me. I will find a lot more to do in the morning than I have in the evenings. This could be my answer for finding study time, riding time, working on the trail time, and getting away from all the daytime stuff. With the changes I see coming, I can rearrange again in the near future. I am not sure this change will repair what Chad finds wrong with his work. I've offered a temporary change to let him try it. It will rearrange all the bike ride opportunities. Most seem to be on my week off as it stands now.

Even though Paul didn't make it, we rode tonight. The usual trip to Sycamore. Twilight is coming quickly now. Maybe one more week before it is too dark to get back in time. I believe I am getting a little better. The climbs up the mountain went better today. I am about half way to some quick climbing. maybe a winter of spin class will help me. Losing weight would help a lot too.

Rather than risk highway 148 with the failing light. We made a 19.4 mile loop over by the Drag Strip. Most of the route was good. Some of the hills slowed me down considerably. I changed the title again. There are lots of other things that I want to blog. This can be my online diary.

Yesterday I rode to Fayetteville with Paul and Eric. The trip was tiring. We covered 42 miles. I have felt better than in the past days. There is still something going on but I have a little more energy lately. Tonight, the club goes on a ride out toward Bull Gap. I don't know if I will be up to the whole trip but I plan on going. Thursday, Mother has a trip to Dr. Guthrie to remove staples.

David is 2 years old today. Wow. It won't be long till he's in school. Our week starts off quickly wih a trip to Cullman to celebrate with Paw Paw. We can get some grass cut. Do whatever needs doing and come back home. Maybe be home by 5pm for the ride. I hope so.