Dear friend,

Sure enjoyed our bicycling trip on Friday. It was fun to get out and I think that God really blessed our day. We avoided the two rain storms and had perfect weather. No flat tires, no mishaps along the way. Then Chipotle. The Lord is good.

I was proud of you on the trail, young man. You set a personal best for distance. You didn't quit until we made our goal -- even though you could have when we got back to North St. Paul. There is no reason why you can't keep making progress on your fitness goals. Don't give up until you achieve them!

But I am also proud of you for other reasons. You are courageous. It takes courage to fight against the same-sex attractions that surface in your soul and you are doing it. It takes courage to open up to your Pastor and you did it. It takes courage to ask for help and you are doing it. May God continue to grow your courage and I pray that it will yield a great reward!

Yes, there will be challenges ahead. But you can allow each one to push you toward God and not away from Him. You will find Him patient, encouraging, fatherly, wise, forgiving and strengthening in everything that you bring to Him. What great help we have as Christians!

God's blessings as you press on. Keep the wheels turning . . . on the bicycle and in your journey!

Dave O

. . . He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6