Why another Blog from a pastor?

Why this blog?


While I am a United Methodist pastor, this blog is not really about ministry or the church. This does involve spiritual reflection-- but it is of a less directed nature than what I share in the church I serve.


Bicycles (and later motorcycles) have been a source of freedom for me since I could first ride one. Because bicycles require movement to maintain balance, they are  a useful metaphor for movement in the Spirit-- and thus a way to talk about life in the Spirit.


Years ago, a friend compared the wheels of his bicycle to Buddhist prayer wheels. For me, riding a bicycle is something like prayer--it forms a stronger connection to "terra-firma," but in a way which incorporates wonder and joy. I still experience balancing on two wheels to be magical. Explanations from physics do not diminish my sense of wonder when poised on a bike.

Bicycles are also an extension of self. Riding a bike changes one's physical self-- and our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves are all interrelated. To touch one is to touch the whole self and all aspects of the self.

A short rant about touchscreens

I love my Nook Color. It's an android tablet configured to be an e-book reader. But after spending several months with it, I can't understand all of the excitement about tablets like the Ipad. Why do you want to spend so much time looking through your smeary fingerprints?


I have a small netbook (an HP Mini 1000) that is now running Ubuntu Linux. While the computer is very compact and travels well, it has nearly a full size keyboard. It can't do everything for me, but it sure does a lot.I'm also quite happy with the Unity desktop. It fits a 10" screen quite nicely without eyestrain.


 Is the need for a keyboard a middle age thing-- or do people not even see the smeary fingerprints?

Bicycles, Winter, and Spring

Somehow, I've resisted the urge to get a new bicycle. Instead, I've decided to shop at home. My old "pink" racing bike has become unsuitably uncomfortable to ride. I've installed a raised stem, and will be toning down the pink a little. (if this is at all possible)

I'm also making my Nashbar Hounder fixie a little more pleasant. It will have a better saddle, a rear rack, and mustache bars. This will be my grocery getter when complete.

My old GT Karakorum, resplendent in studded tires for winter, will also get a new stem, handlebars, and grips to accommodate middle age. (mine, not the bike's)

I'll post pictures when the projects are done. There is a lot to be said for shopping at home, both economically and environmentally.

Teaser for Transfiguration Sunday

Tomorrow is Transfiguration Sunday. As Jesus and his disciples went to the mountain, the disciples had a mystical experience of Jesus' divinity. Mystical experiences are not easy to put into words-- They leave us more in a state of wonder which does not need to be explained away.


What's important about Jesus' transfiguration is where it lead his disciples. (and leads us) We are called to love and serve the world as God would have us serve. God's world is a source of abundant goodness-- yet how we treat this world is not always so good.


Have you had a mystical experience? If you have, how does this experience inspire you now?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7sBnr8q3WI&context=C314e712ADOEgsToPDskIGVwxKSh_3ZPda8zUcNiaM

First Vlog post!

Open Source Church?

Why a new blog?

Lately, I find myself reflecting on the spirituality of life on two wheels. I am a United Methodist pastor with a passion for bicycles and motorcycles.  Stay tuned for further musings.