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				Armstrong's Right... It's Not About the Bike By Aimee Zahora Experiencing a long, demanding bike race -- and the training that led up to it -- brings to mind the training and commitment we must make to life! ance Armstrong wrote a book called It's Not About the Bike, where he detailed his struggle with cancer and recovery from it. He's a survivor of testicular cancer. Seven-time consecutive winner of the Tour de France, one of the most grueling annual cycling races ever, Armstrong tells a story that is both compelling and inspirational. The book will touch your heart; it's about life and choosing to live. 100 miles -- 10 hours Last year I had an opportunity to discover the fulfillment that comes with cycling. On September 25, 2005, I rode 100 miles in the Apple Cider Century, which took place in Three Oaks, Michigan. The first 45 miles were sunny with beautiful, tranquil scenery to enjoy -- including apple orchards, vast stretches of farmland, vineyards that filled the air with the sweet aroma of Welch's grape juice and breathtaking waterfront properties along Lake Michigan. The remaining 55 miles it rained -- not a pelting rain, but not a drizzle or a sprinkle either -- more like a steady, consistent good-for-the-grass rain. Successfully riding 100 miles in one day on a bicycle brought about a tremendous feeling of accomplishment. After all, sitting on a bike, pedaling for 10 hours is not exactly comfortable. Everything ends up sore. But, it's not about being sore and, as Lance Armstrong wrote, "it's not about the bike." What's important about the experience is what led up to the day of the ride. I committed to the Century ride when I bought my bike in April and registered for the event. Six months of training -- with a plan to focus on frequency of riding, distance and speed -- required dedication and perseverance. It's about living Cycling is a rewarding sport -- it affords quality "think time" and an opportunity to enjoy God's creation, while releasing stress and tension. But as beneficial as it is, it's really not about the bike. It's about living. There is a much greater reward in living God's way of life. There's a parallel spiritual analogy to consider, because God's way of life, too, requires training, dedication and perseverance. We commit our lives to God at baptism. As we strive to be more like Jesus Christ, we must train our minds to think like Him by spending a great deal of time studying the Bible, communicating with Him through prayer, fasting, and fellowshipping with like minds. Having a plan for becoming more like Christ keeps us focused when we become distracted, tired and discouraged. When we persevere through trials, we demonstrate our dedication to Christianity. Not only are we strengthened physically and mentally, but we also receive blessings of peace of mind and contentment. No, it's not about the bike. It's about Deuteronomy 30:19, "I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice, and cleaving to him; for that means life to you and length of days, that you may dwell in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers" (Revised Standard Version). It means choosing life. Recommended reading For further information on living God's way of life, read our booklet Making Life Work. Free Literature © 2006-2009 by United Church of God, an International Association All rights reserved.

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Other Articles by Aimee Zahora
Origin of article "Armstrong's Right ... It's Not About the Bike"

God's way of life:

• _The Importance of Right Friendships
• _How Can We Make Life Work?
• _Key Elements of the Sinai Covenant
• _The Godly Way of Life
• _Introduction (bsc11)
• _Are We Our Brother's Keeper?
• _God's Way -- An Adventure Abroad
• _Christianity--A Way of Life
• _Inside This Issue...
• _Living God's Way Works
• _Virtual Christian Magazine: How to Be a Part of God's Team

• _Surviving the Storms of Life
• _Transforming Your Life - Table of Contents
• _Freedom of Choice or Freedom from Suffering?
• _Is Life Only About Fun! Fun! Fun?
• _Advice From Death Row
• _What Parents Wish Their Teens Knew
• _Wise Advice for Wise Decisions
• _Where was God?
• _Are You Up for the Challenge?
• _Freedom of Choice
• _How to Make Right Choices
• _Choosing Your Future

• _A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken
• _Flexing the Muscle Memory
• _"How Long, O Lord?"
• _Staying the Course
• _When It Seems God Doesn't Hear or Answer
• _The Hope of Glory
• _Lessons Learned From Little League
• _Courageous Olympic Moments-and the Race We Run
• _I Hated You, Coach Ioveno
• _The Christian Battle
• _The Lesson of "A Message to Garcia"
• _Perseverance: Staying With It to the End
• _"Son, You Never Quit"
• _Piggyback
• _Against All Odds
• _Let's Keep on Going!
• _Climb Every Mountain
• _Overcoming Adversity Requires Perseverance
• _Never Give Up!