June 24, 2024 - Another Bike Adventure

    This last year has had its ups and downs to say the least. A good friend of mine—Wesley Massey—passed away last year. He died from a fentanyl overdose, supposedly. No one is exactly sure how he died; not even his parents. I broke up with my girlfriend, Johanna, this past year.  I've lost three electrical jobs with Armstrong, White Sands, and Baracco. My brother, Jace, had a bad stroke and is now in rehab doing his best to recover. I guess I should mention that my folks continue to smother me in different ways and try my patience. I feel as though I'm not growing as a man or in my electrical career. Loneliness may pose a problem, but the daily grind—doing the same thing day in and day out has driven me to the point of burn-out. I've had a couple of psychotic breaks this last year, and if I keep on this path, I'm afraid I will be driven to a deep, dark depression.

    On a very positive note, I have grown closer to Jesus, and I truly believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I want to use my talents, career, and gifts for the Lord's honor and glory. I still want to be a great electrician, I want to continue with Cycles of Hope, I want to continue writing uplifting, Christian songs and poetry for The Sunrise Hope, and I want to continue to give to various charities that help people in need. I just feel like at this juncture, I need to go on a long journey, take a break from the daily grind, seek the Lord, and embark on an adventure. So, I just finished The Rising Son musical and book, and now, I'm about to drive up to Washington D.C. to start the Lewis and Clark Trail in Georgetown. I don't know what the open road holds for me, but I know this adventure will make me stronger physically, mentally, and spiritually. Who knows, it may turn into an even longer journey. I was thinking about completing the Lewis and Clark Trail, staying in Oregon throughout the summer, fall, winter, and spring, and then next summer embarking on the PanAmerican Highway from Alaska to Argentina. I will pray about this along the Lewis and Clark Trail, to see if this is what the Lord wants me to do. I just feel like this type of epic adventure is what I need to free and refresh my mind. Maybe it will lead me back to a mountaintop of life. I pray to grow closer to the Lord, and experience the joy of independence like I have never experienced before. Perhaps I can pick up a job in Portland, Oregon during the winter season. Perhaps I will meet other Christian brothers and sisters as well. I need help. I need to have faith and wait on the Lord. I just know that God will help me mount up on wings like an eagle. I've got a long way to go, but I'm excited. I've got to break away from my parents; at least for the time-being. I still yearn to follow the Lord, but in order to grow as a man, I've got to get out from my parent's nest. It's time to fly solo.

    After this adventure is said and done, I'm thinking about moving up to the Northwest for a while. I want to pursue a job as an electrician, making better pay than what can be made in Pensacola, FL. But for now, one step, or should I say, one pedal stroke at a time. I can't wait for the journey, the challenge, the joy, the adventure, the sights, the sounds, the smells of the open road, the people and places, and for the welcome freedom. 

    Lord, please help me along this journey. Be with us all each and every day. As I follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, let me learn and grow spiritually and as a man. In Jesus' most precious name, amen.