There is simply a beautiful story to be shared about an ordinary couple (by their own definition) and their extra-ordinary God.
And I’m not just pedaling a book.
I’ll be honest with you, though, I do remember the first time I did pedal something…
I was five years old. Dad said no to training wheels as he oiled the chain of my new little red Schwinn in the garage. I wasn’t too happy about that.
As I pushed it up along the gravel driveway to the gate that led to the fields and the woods behind the barn where I loved to play, he walked beside me. I didn’t say a word. Not then. Then he said, “Go ahead, you’ll be fine. Get on. I’ll hold the seat and keep it steady.”
Although I sometimes didn’t do as my father said, I did that day, and stepped over the frame to tentatively put each of my feet on the pedals. Then he said,
“Just start pedaling, press down to go forward and push back on them if you want to stop. I won’t let you go.”
That’s what I did, and I pedaled all the way across the long, wide section of grass he’d mowed with the tractor, on past the barn and kept going right up to the edge of our property. I would have gone further but the neighbor’s fence got in the way. It was as far as I could go.
When I turned back to tell Dad I loved my red Schwinn and I loved the ride, I couldn’t. Not then.
He was still standing back where we’d started out together, waving and cheering.
Although my dad let go, trusting I’d do just fine, he knew God never would. And He never has. You know what I’ve learned? I’m just along for the ride.
It’s not about us, Nancy and Marc continually reminded me in the telling of their incredible story. “He’s a big God using our small things for His glory. Everyone has a story to tell, so share yours boldly for His glory!” ~Nancy Erickson
I hope you love this book as much as I’ve loved writing and hearing each and every word they shared along the way. ❤️ Now you can go on that ride with the Sunlight and Fresh Wind against your face… Just start pedaling, press down to go forward and push back if you want to stop, He won’t ever let you go.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine. Ephesians 3:20
Sending loads of love and congratulations! Thank you so much Deb. 💕
Deb, enjoyed your story of your first bicycle ride. Your dad was a wise man. He had you covered. You learned to ride due to your confidence in him.
Congratulations on the publication and upcoming Open House book signing. ❤️📗
Thank you. Victoria, pretty intense time. Thanks for your support. 🥰💛
Grateful to you for sharing. ❤️❤️❤️
Hazel and Gabriel, Your words always lift me up, like pure glory…hmm. 🙏🪽💛
It’s like I can’t keep quiet…💛💛💛
For very good reasons! ❤️
😃🥰
😘
Ah, lovely. 🌷And congrats again!
God goes through our need, not around it, to redeem it”
This is a profound statement that speaks volumes about the heart of God! There are all kinds of folks in the Bible who all needed redeeming, and I can see myself in most of them.
I bet being in a Deb Farris led Bible story is like this: “I know that …I know that ….I already know that, Deb.” BAM! Then you say something that explains God from a fresh angle most in the class haven’t seen or considered.
Congrats on your latest calling, Deb. And kudos to Todd for supporting you. 🤗
Also, congrats on your new book.
It’s great to read another one of your story-based posts. Stories are the best way to get any point across.
Talk about encouragement! Wow, David, I’m saving this, putting it in my Bible. Thank you so, so much. Marc says when we get to heaven there will be no sermons. Everyone will be sharing stories about how Jesus changed their lives. I love that. ❤️❤️❤️
True story: I just went to comment on your latest post and realized I never hit “send” on this comment, from an earlier post—when you talked about the book being delivered to your home.
I figured God wanted me to send this one, because it’s still true. One of your strengths as a writer is the reader doesn’t always see what’s coming. You surprise us with an “ah ha!” moment, when everything comes together. ❤️
I knew what you were responding to. I do that all the time. I often catch up on several posts by writers I love and write a sort of summary comment. I know I’ve apologized to Bruce Cooper for that. 😆
Oh, I might have misunderstood what you meant…Sorry. Sometimes I might not even remember which specific post the comment corresponds to. When we’re in sync, it all blends together in the end. 🤔🙄🫣🥰
And, one more thing, I’m saving this comment too. ❤️