Johnny Shred.......

So, this is not KOG related, but I have had to many people say I need to post this here....

All the best KOGNation:

So, I have a confession to make.....
The last time I wrote a note (Quarter mile of hell), was the day I conquered Ogle Tree Gap Hill (aka the quarter mile of hell) I was so fired up after writing that, and there was plenty of day light, I just went and did it. And I DID IT!
Funny thing is, I had just gotten my bike back from getting a tune up, and my brakes seemed a lil tight, well, they for sure as heck were....they were not totally engaged, but slightly engaged the whole time I did the hill. When I got home and got under some real lighting, I spun the tire, and sure enough, there were kinda rubbing. It makes the journey all that much sweeter!

A few things that happened ......
As I got to the base of the hill, I called my old and best friend J.Brown and he prayed for me. I actually faced the sun, got on my knees and listened to the words he lifted up to God. It helped I know, and inspired me all the more.
As I get older and hopefully wiser, that hill signifies for me a milestone of life. It wasn't just the hill that I physically conquered, but as I allowed my legs to piston me up that hill, I left a lot of "stuff" there too. I did not realize it either, but the folks that live at the top of that hill have a "shrine to Jesus" up there and it is the first thing you see as you finish it.....what a great way to remind us that He is there with us during all of the hard times in our lives.

I left a lot of things there too...... I left the fat guy there, I left many hurts there, I left my theatre angst there, I left many fears there, I simply kept pumping up that hill, and it was if it got easier and easier, not physically, but without a doubt emotionally. It all just continued to fall off of me!

I spun around a few bends and saw a couple walking towards the hill (their turn around point) and I told them, I made it up the hill. They were shocked and told me they were proud. I know I was beaming, and all of a sudden it hit me. I really wanna go and watch a movie. So, on Saturday night, I let all of my cares go to the way side and I darkened the doors of the Cove Theatre. I said I would never do that again, but you know what...Time heals wounds, and it's a 3 dollar ticket. I even got the VIP seat in which one gets to sit in a lazy boy, eat all of the popcorn and drink all of the root beer and they come to you during the movie very subtle like and bring you your refills whether you need it or not. (yeah, that was my idea, so you knew it was awesome!) Anyway, I am past it, and that is a huge signal to me that I am no longer holding onto it. It was a little awkward to see the owner, but it all turned out to be great and I had a great experience. And, I owe so much of it to that damned quarter mile of hell. I really owe it all to JC who keeps me and does not forsake me, but He gives us milestones to allow us to "mark" our lives with I believe, and the hill is and always will be one for me.

I can't thank all of you enough for the emails, the support, the encouragement and so many of you for simply being there. YOU have filled my cup beyond capacity, and I can't thank you enough.


This is Johnny "Shred" Ward signing off and reminding you....Don't let the heat control the meat!