Episode III: Summer in the Ozarks

Episode III: Summer in the Ozarks is now online. It includes a discussion of the 2007 Ozark Race Days and the 2007 Ozark Empire Fair, plus a Taylor Hicks concert report from Frickin' Betty G and listener e-mails.

The Ride (continued)

Act II: Are you calling me fat?

"THIS SUCKS!!!"

There was no one around to hear the cry of Jon's heart.

A few months prior Jon had decided that he needed to challenge himself. He signed up to participate in a bike ride well beyond any distance he could fathom completing. As his pen met the paper of commitment he gave no thought to his current affinity for laziness or the fact that Thanksgiving and Christmas still clung to his midsection like a baby three-toed sloth. He was going to get out do this thing.

The slight breeze that had just been assisting Jon's Excalibur forward was now destroying his momentum. In a matter of moments the joy that was a nice evening cruise had become a crucible of agony. Every turn of the crank arm, every slight elevation, every slip of the hand sucked the life out of Jon as he began to curse the same hills that had brought him so much joy a short time ago.

The thoughts now racing through his mind, although true, did not ease the pain shooting through every inch of his husky frame. At the very moment that he crossed a dangerous intersection failing to look for cars something occurred to Jon. He realized that his current situation was only distracting him from his goal, finishing out this ride would prepare him for what lay ahead. He refocused and through the storm of pain pressed on. This time borrowing from Styx, Jon praised Jesus again.

You hands
Build me up when I'm sinking.
Just touch me
And my troubles all fade.

Toilet Papering of Lindy Massey Photos

From Chris and Summer Bryant

Ruminate with Kit & Jon

1. If I were to get involved with dog fighting, I wouldn't just jump into it. I would do my research.
2. If I could I would grow an afro.
3. HELLO CLEVELAND!!!

Leadership Retreat 2007 Photos

From Chris and Summer Bryant

The Ride

I don't know if this is a first, but I'm about to introduce you to a Blog Trilogy. In this first act I will introduce you to the characters, set the scene, and introduce a story line. In part two the main character will face some conflict, and then everything will be wrapped up in the denouement.

Act I: How'd you get so far close to me?

He felt all 85 degrees of sunshine bathing his neck as he lowered his bicycle from its perch. The tires had been filled with air, work was done for the day, and all that remained was a quick drink of water before Jon set out on his journey to enjoy the back hills of Springzark.

Newton's 23rd law of physics clearly states that a 270+ pound human being should not enact force upon their bodily joints without first considering those joints will most definitely enact a force upon said human being at a later point in time. Knowing this fact and with a quick chuckle, Jon clicked his shoes into the pedals and said goodbye to his companion, Fritz the Jetta.

1/16th of a mile into the ride Jon made a right turn onto Farm Road 186 and was greeted by a quick descent into bliss. Shade trees covered the route and the rush of wind in his face gave Jon the feeling that he was, "KING OF THE WORLD!!!" The ride couldn't have been better. The uphills were slightly challenging, the downhills were a treat, and the weather was just right. Jon, inclined to sing, borrowed a tune from the Beatles and offered it as praise to his creator and Lord Jesus.

The sun is up
The sky is blue
It's beautiful
And so are you

Reaching the halfway point Jon took a drink from his water bottle, rejoiced that God's providence had brought him to this point in his life, and with an eager twinkle in his eye prepared mind, soul, and body for the next step in his adventure.