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Authentic Blend of 23 Flavors
True statement: Dr. Pepper is one of the tastiest palette teasers there are - maybe it’s the authentic blend of 23 flavors, I dunno. With that said, it has been the goal and dream of Jacob and I to enjoy DP on a regular basis and during each water break as a way to “refuel” - casually as a thirst quencher but more specifically aimed at a sponsorship. If you happen to know anyone that is close to Mr. Dr. Pepper please let him know about us. Thanks - Cody and Jacob *Derson duo*.
Aside from the fact that I’m now once again addicted to Dr. Pepper, I thought the title would be fitting seeing as how I just turned 24 and have been pondering how my 23 years of life has holistically evolved into who I am now or metaphorically, how each year has concocted a perfect blend that’s one of a kind, like former CEO of Dr. Pepper W. W. Clements called a, “different drink with a unique taste all its own”. That just happened. I related Dr. Pepper to my life. You should really do yourself a favor and drink one while you read this. Set the mood.
When I think about Venture’s mission statement, “Discover your soul, Benefit the world” I ask myself how it’s all unfolding? What’s God revealing to me through this process? What kind of manna can this group of individuals offer me? Here we are just over half way across America and I think I’m finally starting to get it. I’m starting to see how these “23 flavors/years” tie together and what my role in this global community is: to consciously and intentionally seek His face (Psalm 27:8), help the least of our brothers (Matthew 25:40), and to give a voice and response to those who are afflicted and in need (Proverbs 31/James 1:26). The other half of the “derson” duo, Jacob, in one word so creatively described the Ride:Well Tour as “Intenselyworthwhile”. I’m starting to so the intricacies and details behind my “story” and seeing the numbers fill up colorfully on this paint by number God has so craftfully put together for me. Intenselyworthwhile is a fitting contraction.
It’s hard to think beyond the Ride:Well Tour. The “real” world. A place away from creative social soul searching experiences. An atmosphere where sacrifice and selflessness are not often a subconscious motivation and rarely a thought entertained. That’s not the case here. I see individuals that are selfless - sacrificing - and broken for people. I see Jacob who the doctors advised to go home when he swelled up like a zeppelin. I see Erin Morris go through a helmet a week, stitches, and ER visits after her more than occasional kiss with asphalt, I see Erin White and Lisa Rudzik fighting unbearable knee pains. I see others fighting total body cramps, loneliness on the road, frustrations of broken spokes, flat tires, bike malfunctions, issues at home, and heat exhaustion. I see a group of people who “endure the pain, to embrace the gain”.
You want a real authentic blend of 23 flavors, here they are:
Lisa Ralph, Deb Go, Bethany Stallings, Jen Tyler, Tyler Sevlie, Jacob Childerson, Anthony Catalano, Seth D. Willard, Lyzz McCormick, Erin White, Lisa Rudzik, Erin Morris, Josh McNeilly, Brian Elliot, Criselda Vasquez, Erik Peltarri, Drew Nelson, Brady Miles, Aaron Smith, Josh Iniguez, *All the Blood:Water peeps*, Jesse and Bri Olson, and Andy Black. Soooo that was more than 23..more like a Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper, or it’s like adding a Cherry or Watermelon shot at Sonic....which is a delicious possibility...do yourself a flavor and try that next time. ;)
Here’s to you Mr. Dr. Pepper,
Cheers.
Aside from the fact that I’m now once again addicted to Dr. Pepper, I thought the title would be fitting seeing as how I just turned 24 and have been pondering how my 23 years of life has holistically evolved into who I am now or metaphorically, how each year has concocted a perfect blend that’s one of a kind, like former CEO of Dr. Pepper W. W. Clements called a, “different drink with a unique taste all its own”. That just happened. I related Dr. Pepper to my life. You should really do yourself a favor and drink one while you read this. Set the mood.
When I think about Venture’s mission statement, “Discover your soul, Benefit the world” I ask myself how it’s all unfolding? What’s God revealing to me through this process? What kind of manna can this group of individuals offer me? Here we are just over half way across America and I think I’m finally starting to get it. I’m starting to see how these “23 flavors/years” tie together and what my role in this global community is: to consciously and intentionally seek His face (Psalm 27:8), help the least of our brothers (Matthew 25:40), and to give a voice and response to those who are afflicted and in need (Proverbs 31/James 1:26). The other half of the “derson” duo, Jacob, in one word so creatively described the Ride:Well Tour as “Intenselyworthwhile”. I’m starting to so the intricacies and details behind my “story” and seeing the numbers fill up colorfully on this paint by number God has so craftfully put together for me. Intenselyworthwhile is a fitting contraction.
It’s hard to think beyond the Ride:Well Tour. The “real” world. A place away from creative social soul searching experiences. An atmosphere where sacrifice and selflessness are not often a subconscious motivation and rarely a thought entertained. That’s not the case here. I see individuals that are selfless - sacrificing - and broken for people. I see Jacob who the doctors advised to go home when he swelled up like a zeppelin. I see Erin Morris go through a helmet a week, stitches, and ER visits after her more than occasional kiss with asphalt, I see Erin White and Lisa Rudzik fighting unbearable knee pains. I see others fighting total body cramps, loneliness on the road, frustrations of broken spokes, flat tires, bike malfunctions, issues at home, and heat exhaustion. I see a group of people who “endure the pain, to embrace the gain”.
You want a real authentic blend of 23 flavors, here they are:
Lisa Ralph, Deb Go, Bethany Stallings, Jen Tyler, Tyler Sevlie, Jacob Childerson, Anthony Catalano, Seth D. Willard, Lyzz McCormick, Erin White, Lisa Rudzik, Erin Morris, Josh McNeilly, Brian Elliot, Criselda Vasquez, Erik Peltarri, Drew Nelson, Brady Miles, Aaron Smith, Josh Iniguez, *All the Blood:Water peeps*, Jesse and Bri Olson, and Andy Black. Soooo that was more than 23..more like a Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper, or it’s like adding a Cherry or Watermelon shot at Sonic....which is a delicious possibility...do yourself a flavor and try that next time. ;)
Here’s to you Mr. Dr. Pepper,
Cheers.
Add a Comment
6 Comments
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Comment by Andy on July 16, 2009 at 11:04pm -
Cody, it's not too hard to get free merch. Make a vid or something. Or just sell out the Team Twitter with a shout out. That's what I did ;-] Thanks for mentioning me, bro. I still ride almost every day, if I'm not running, albeit not as far, but I'm there with you in spirit. And wow, I'm reallllly thirsty :P
@Josh hahahahaha
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Comment by Lisa on July 16, 2009 at 8:43pm - well if you DB is as good as us, perhaps I will try some...
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Comment by Venture Expeditions on July 16, 2009 at 4:22pm - That's quite a flavor burst...
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Comment by Josh Iniguez on July 16, 2009 at 4:30am - Mmm. It's 4:30am but I think I'll grab a DP anyway!
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Comment by Erin McDermott on July 15, 2009 at 11:16pm - wait so why did you say you were bad at writing blogs? this is hilarious. and jesse is right, you are getting it. it's awesome to hear what you are learning and how this "intenslyworthwile" bike ride is shaping your life. perfect word to describe the tour, by the way. mad props to the other "derson" brother.
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Comment by Jesse Olson on July 15, 2009 at 10:38pm - Your getting it...
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