Voeckler takes the Stage

The French are shining in this Tour.  One day soon they will wear the maillot jaune.  Voeckler not only wins the stage but also earns enough to earn the Polka-dot Jersey.  It would be a big win for Europcar to win the King of the mountain in Paris.  Congratulations to Thomas and Team Europcar. 

Étape 16 Pau > Bagnères-de-Luchon

 Water and mountains the Pyrenees bring a beautiful stage for us today.  The personality of the Pyrenees is different than the Alps.  The riders approach these mountain on the third week when their bodies are stretched to their limits.  Tired and wiry they drag their bodies over these mountains to Paris.  Each rider must have a reason, a goal, a dream or maybe just a hope.  If you are like me the Tour seems to be won by Bradley, but with these last stages ahead there is no sure thing, only hopes and dreams. 

Father, in your word you speak of being the living water and you called men of old up to the mountains to spend time with you, to seek you and speak with you.  Lord, today we still need to spend time on the mountain seeking your face.  Lord, we ask that on this day and in this place men and women will seek you.  We humbly bow before you seeking your love and grace to be pour out over these Pyrenees Mountains so that men and women will seek and find you.  You paid such a high price for our salvation, please do not give up now.  Send your Holy Spirit to each village on this route and let each house see that you are a God who loves them and has provided salvation as a free gift.  We pray all these things in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

Étape 16 Saint Paul-Trois- Châteaux to Gap

Yesterday I received and email from a friend reminding me of how the beautiful it is in this area but how sad it is to know how lost they are when they do not know the creator of the beauty that surrounds them.  Today we begin our day in the department of Drome (26) and they are know for their wines, a goat cheese called picodon, black olives and lavender. 

John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

Jesus, You are the vine and as we travel through the vineyards today remind us of this very fact.  Lord, without you we can do nothing.  We thank you that this is true even in France.  For the people of France to bear eternal fruit they must abide in you.  We pray that the people of France will be your branches as they abide in you.  We pray in the name of Jesus, the vine.  Amen