Étape 12, Saint-Jean-De Maurienne > Annonay Davezieux

Once more we are in the French Alps with a great day of climbing.  Today as they go let us take the time to pray for Camp des Cimes.  Camp des Cimes is holding their family summer camps during the month of July.  Pray that many will hear the gospel and that the Holy Spirit will be fee to change lives. 

Lord, thank you for Camps all over France that are sharing the gospel of Christ.  It is a wonderful opportunity to be able to come to a place like Camp des Cimes and see the beauty of your creation and meet you and to learn more about your grace.  Lord, we ask that you more in hearts.  Give wisdom and strength to those who are serving at camp sharing your love and grace.  Let many grow in your grace this summer at Camp des Cimes.  We pray all these things in the name of Jesus.  Amen

I hope you enjoyed the mountains today.  I was cheering them on up that last 5 k.  It was good.  I just wish they would make their moves a little bit sooner so that they could make up more time ahead of the other riders.  Looking forward to tomorrow.  We have a descent to the finish into Lourdes.

Étape 12 Cugnaux to Luz-Ardiden

Today we went up the mountains.  Two HC climbs today.  We found ourselves back on the Col du Tourmalet.  Last year Andy and Contador climbed sided by side, but today Andy was able to end the day ahead of the Contador by a few more seconds Thomas Voeckler keeps the yellow jersey but his lead has been eaten into by a few seconds.
I heard the statement that the climbers are willing to suffer to get over the mountain.  That phase has been bouncing around in my head and I had to ask myself am I willing to suffer to reach the goal?  Am I willing to suffer for Christ.  To be honest I don't have an answer yet. 

Lord, as they suffer up the mountain we search our own hearts and think about are we willing to suffer for You.  Are we willing to dig deep and go the extra mile when the road gets steep? Will we continue to go or will we quit?  Lord, give us the strength to continue when it is hard and the suffering begins.  Help us to see that the finish line is ahead and you are beside us.  Thank you for going with us up the mountains in our lives.  We pray all these things in the name of  Jesus.  Amen.