Well, I just had my best weekend ever in Germany.  Here's the story of why:

When I joined the army, I though cycling was long gone for me.  I missed it all of the time though.  I would pray that one day God would give me a peace about riding again, but I didn't push him.  I knew that I had to start doing right with my money before I could ever feel any notion of peace.

So I get stationed in Germany, a bike crazy country, and lo and behold, my commander is a cyclist, the physical therapist is a cyclist, and the new optometrist bought a bike and is becoming a cyclist.  I would talk to them about races and war stories from the bike, but still wouldn't commit to riding again.  Once a week, my commander would ask me, "When you going to get your bike? I can't wait to ride with you?"  I would just tell him, "I don't know, Sir."  Then, change the subject.

So one morning, I'm sitting during our Thursday morning training, and my mind started to wander.  It hit me, that I've been giving faithfully for the first time in my life.  The student loan thing is now off of my credit report because it's been over a year that I've been doing the repayment agreement, and I'm not thinking about how to get money.  The thought that consumes me now is where can I give more God. 

So I prayed about it, felt a real peace,and went and paid cash money for a bike.  Now Dad, I know that you like to name your cars, but I never have gotten into that.  I however do name my bike.  This one, I have named, Bendicion, because I view it as a blessing that God has given me.

I picked it up on Saturday and rode for 2.5 hours, and then after church and watching a race on TV, I went and rode an hour and a half yesterday.  It is so beautiful out there on the other side of the gates.  It's got the hills, and I do mean HILLS, of central Missouri, with the farms and all.  It's awesome.  I love the smell of freshly tilled soil, and that smell was all over the place this weekend.  Did I mention how hilly it is.

The roads of Bavaria will never be the same again.  Once again, my thundering thighs are churnin', the girls eyes are a turnin', just to see this Adonis, that is bursting forth among us.

Believe it.