Growthtrac Community

[SAM]

It has been my experience, with the men in my life, husband, parents, grandparents, brother, and friends, that men like to do active, sometimes sweaty, sometimes dangerous things, and sometimes they like to do them implulsively.

I had the pleasure of hearing Lysa TerKuerst (Author of Capture Her Heart and Capture His Heart) speak a few years ago. She spoke about letting men be men. About not trying to conform them to a woman's way of thinking. Let them be dangerous once in awhile. It's in their blood. You'll have a happier husband if you let him be adventurous, grunt, flex his muscles, and scratch his butt.

Her husband had always dreamed of shooting a bow and arrow. Not just any bow and arrow set, but a titanium 100 pound one that would kill a big, big animal. She scrimped and saved for years to send him on a safari.
For Christmas one year she presented him with a much smaller bow and arrow set (as a hint) and the airline tickets. Then up on the screen she showed her husband with a smile from ear to ear, sitting next to a big boar he had killed, gripping a huge bow.

This year my husband wanted to take motorcycle lessons. He passed his test a few weeks ago. We've been out looking at bikes together. I just watch him drool, ooh and aah at the chrome and all the gadgets. We're saving up to buy a bike and hopefully can get one pretty soon.

[rdsmith3]

SAM

That is wonderful, for both you and your husband. Remember to include safety gear in your budget -- helmets, gloves, proper boots, jackets, etc.

I go on an overnight motorcycle trip once a year with my brother-in-law and some other Christian men. We have a great time, and enjoy good riding and good fellowship. It is a guy thing.

This year we were in northern PA, and we had beautiful weather and beautiful scenery, including the Grand Canyon of PA

http://rdsmith3.smugmug.com/photos/301162973_oCq3W-L-1.jpg

and Cherry Springs Vista
http://rdsmith3.smugmug.com/photos/301160948_ityYD-L-1.jpg

[SAM]

Wow! Those are awesome pictures. It makes me want to visit. It has to be gorgeous in the fall.

Yes, all the safety gear has to be budgeted as well.

I look forward to new adventures together. It has been a hard spring and summer for us with a torn tendon in my foot. We have not been able to do our walking or bicycle riding we like to do this time of year. Not sure how much longer healing is going to take, so motorcycling will be a new adventure.

[resecured]

Gosh Sam,

Shame on you for not telling us about your situation with your foot. You are always praying and uplifting us with our problems, so give us a chance to return the honor. How in the world did you tear the tendon? I've had a bone spur in my heel and that, my friend, is not fun. I can't even begin imagine a torn tendon and what pain that would cause.

I will be praying that God heals you quickly so that you and your H. can once again enjoy traipsing about. Most especially with Fall time coming. Hey, at least with the motorcyle, all you pretty much have to do is sit.

Keep us updated on your progress, ok?!

RD - gosh, those are beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing those. They look like pictures off of a postcard. How can anyone look at that and still not see God? My H. and I plan on driving up to Tenn. in Oct. to see the Fall colors of the trees. Never have been before but have been told it's absolutely gorgeous.

-RJ-

[SAM]

Yes, your prayers are appreciated. Don't know how I did it. The injury is usually seen in football and basketball players, of which I am neither. I am in physical therapy the last few weeks, and that is helping alot.

Yes, sitting on a bike is something I can do. My behind is getting bigger every day without walking, biking or being able to use my elliptical machine.

The most beautiful ride you can take in Tennessee, in the fall, is between Knoxville and Asheville, North Carolina on I 40. This is where the Smoky, Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains all intersect. The Blue Ridge Parkway is also awesome - although a bit nail biting.

http://www.nps.gov/blri/photosmultimedia/multimedia.htm
Go to the 2nd one down on the list (Parkway views) and take a peek at the slideshow.

[SAM]

Yes, your prayers are appreciated. Don't know how I did it. The injury is usually seen in football and basketball players, of which I am neither. I am in physical therapy the last few weeks, and that is helping alot.

Yes, sitting on a bike is something I can do. My behind is getting bigger every day without walking, biking or being able to use my elliptical machine.

The most beautiful ride you can take in Tennessee, in the fall, is between Knoxville and Asheville, North Carolina on I 40. This is where the Smoky, Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains all intersect. The Blue Ridge Parkway is also awesome - although a bit nail biting.

http://www.nps.gov/blri/photosmultimedia/multimedia.htm
Go to the 2nd one down on the list (Parkway views) and take a peek at the slideshow.

[SAM]

Yes, your prayers are appreciated. Don't know how I did it. The injury is usually seen in football and basketball players, of which I am neither. I am in physical therapy the last few weeks, and that is helping alot.

Yes, sitting on a bike is something I can do. My behind is getting bigger every day without walking, biking or being able to use my elliptical machine.

The most beautiful ride you can take in Tennessee, in the fall, is between Knoxville and Asheville, North Carolina on I 40. This is where the Smoky, Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains all intersect. The Blue Ridge Parkway is also awesome - although a bit nail biting.

http://www.nps.gov/blri/photosmultimedia/multimedia.htm
Go to the 2nd one down on the list (Parkway views) and take a peek at the slideshow.

[rdsmith3]

SAM

Thanks for the info on BRP and hope you recover quickly.

My father-in-law recently bought a vacation home in Tennessee, so one of these days we should make it down there. Even where I live in NJ the fall colors are beautiful.

[filmawny]

Reading all the posts about motorcycle fears and/or safety, I'd like to throw an idea into the mix. In the Philppines, motorcycles are one of the primary modes of transportaion, but...

With a slight difference. They have a compartmentalized side car for passengers and are called "tricycles". Why not consider a side car for the motorcycle? It might alleviate the fear factor and also be a fun alternative to the usual two on the driver seat ride. Just a thought....

[resecured]

We live right off the Natchez Trace Parkway so we have seen many motorcycles that have a wide back that houses two wheels instead of the traditional one. Really looks comfortable and maybe would make a person feel a bit safer riding on one.

If you've never ridden on the "Trace", you need too. Especially in the Fall. Stop by a place called French Camp and eat at the Council House. Yummmm! You can get a map of the whole Trace from their site. It shows all the stops, restrooms, etc. Be aware though, the speed limit is only 50 (53, if you're daring ) but relaxing and beautiful.

I never tire of driving on it no matter what the season. Also, deer and wild turkeys do show themselves quite frequently.

-RJ-