Please check out the first post in ‘The Blind Sightseers Through The Archives Tour’, and join me and Sarah on a brobdingnagian adventure!! ๐ช๐ผ ๐คฃ
Hi friends! Welcome to the first post of this monumental, inconceivable and definitely memorable blind sightseers through the archive tour!
Nancy (from Nancy Loderickโs Blog) has requested to see more of โThe Blind Sightseersโ adventures and escapadesโฆ Well iโm never bored of posting our amazing memories (new & old) as itโs easy to forget just how blessed we are (and have been). Iโll be sharing a post (or 2) each week (nearly 100 posts of travels) so you (and Nancy) can join us on our monumental adventures. This new endeavour is going to bring back some amazing memories for me and Sarah, and i hope it brings lots of smiles, laughter and interest during 2022โฆLetโs start in 2014, the year i got my first passport at 38 years old! ๐ฒ
Wow, the time has comeโฆMe and my lovely wife Sarah are off to Florence, Italy to visit theโฆ
For the last 18 years since meeting my โT1D Warrior Wife Sarahโ, iโve always wanted to be a โSarahโs Walking Warriorโ and raise money for DiabetesโฆSo here is the 4th โBlind Steveโ fundraising challengeโฆ๐ช๐ผ
Support Blind Steve in the Diabetes UK โ One Million Step Challenge
Diabetes is relentless and simply never stopsโฆBut neither do I!
For the last 18 years iโve seen first hand how my lovely wife Sarah battles, struggles and copes with herโbrittle Type 1โ diabetes. Sheโs such a warrior and is truly my inspiration onperseverance, determination and drive to keep fighting.
So last week, when I heard of the โOne Million Step Challengeโ i had to sign up straight away. Iโve always wanted to fundraise for Diabetes UK and show Sarah how much it means to me too, and this is my chance!
WordPress kindly notified me of this 10 years of blogging award badge, so obviously i’m celebrating this achievement! ๐ช๐ผ ๐
But seriously…I only have you guys to thank! I can’t believe the warm welcomes, the encouragements, the support, the prayers, the laughs and the cries…I could list much more but i wanted to keep this short, lol! ๐คฃ Oh and never mind the fat that you’re still here reading, liking, and commenting…I can’t believe you’re not bored yet, lol?! The journey i share with you guys is ineffable and i wouldn’t change it for the world…Well except to meet you guys face to face! ๐ช๐ผ ๐
The more i think about the last 10 years, the more i think about writing…So i’ll just stop here and say a huge THANK YOU and God bless all of you!! ๐ ๐
๐ Prayer 4 2day…
I do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:9-14)
Todayโs training was to try (for the final time) to add an extra loop to my trusted 2.5 mile trail. I told Sarah roughly where iโd be in case i fell down a hole, got ran over or simply just got lost. She said sheโd check my location on โfind my friendsโ if iโm too long, lol! ๐คฃ So here i goโฆ
I walked off my route and down to the furthest point of my walk and launched my iPhone maps app. I knew there was a road that went in the general direction of home but i didnโt know how i get there or if there was a pavement (sidewalk) next to the roadโฆI also knew thereโs a train line very close and i wouldnโt survive being run over by a train but i might survive being run over by a car though, lol. As iโฆ
Hi FitBlitz Friends! For some reason the video below was recommended by YouTube yesterday (not sure why it thinks i like walking, lol). As a stats man i love all of the benefits given, and as walking is now my main form of transport since losing my sightโฆAlways wondered why God was building my legs up through football, cycling and weight training (yes i think i was the only one who loved leg day) when i was fully sighted, lol?! Now i have to carry everything in a backpack and walk everywhereโฆAnd now iโve never felt better in my whole life!! ๐ช๐ผ ๐
Oh yes this was meant to be a quick post showing you a great video, lol, i could ramble on for ages! ๐คฃ
Franklin D. Roosevelt wrote, โA smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.โ Itโs a simple but wise saying that reminds us about the importance of hardships in our life. Without challenges, we never learn new skills or gain the spiritual strength needed in order to endure. This is why the apostle Paul teaches us to โcelebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hopeโ (Romans 5:3-4). Everyone faces difficulties. For some, it might involve financial challenges or the loss of good health. Others might know the pain that comes with the breakup of a family or the death of a long-held dream. The question is not if one of these things will happen to us but when. Rather than spend time worrying, we put our faith in God.
Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, July 10, 2022.
Hi Friends! For our 15th wedding anniversary (7th July 2022) we decided on visiting the ‘Breadsall Priory Marriott Hotel & Country Club‘ for 3 nights in Derby, UK, and wow was it a special time. When i was 12 (35 years ago ๐ฒ) i used to do my morning paper round in Breadsall village, but i’d never visited this place even though i lived in Derby for 30 years! Oh and it has an indoor swimming pool for Sarah…She absolutely loves swimming, so her goes…๐ย
The Bear Cafe…๐
When we arrived in Derby after a 3 hour journey on a train, a tube train and then another train…We walked straight to the BEAR cafe as they do the best croissants and strong coffee. When i say ‘Best’ i don’t mean it’s at the top of the ‘Blind Sightseers Gastronomic Leaderboard’ that is still the phenomenal croissants we had in Amalfi, Italy…I mean the best in Derby that we’ve had so far, lol! ๐คฃ I was just so pleased to put down my massive backpack (the one use for rucking) and i think i’d filled every pocket and pouch! ๐จ
Welcom to Breadsall Priory…๐ฒ
Info taken from Marriott’s website: “Experience a majestic sense of arrival as you drive down the mile-long approach surrounded by rolling Derbyshire countryside. Steeped in rich history, Breadsall Priory Marriott Hotel and Country Club dates back to 1266 and is the oldest Marriott in the world. Bordered by the Peak District National Park and its natural beauty, we are also conveniently close to many local attractions, including Chatsworth House and Kedleston Hall. Sleep well in our sophisticated rooms, work out in the gym, spend time relaxing at the spa or taking a dip in our heated indoor pool. Perfect your swing on one of our two golf courses, including the Championship Priory Course which offers challenging and varied play. We have two fantastic restaurants on site, Cast Iron Grill offers fresh, locally sourced best of British dishes including Afternoon Tea whilst the Tempo Bar is the perfect setting for a coffee.”
Yay we’ve made it…๐
Exiting the taxi (and making lots of wow noises) we made it to the front desk. The kind lady then walked us to our room…How easy does that sound? I think it was the most convoluted walk i’ve ever done, a maze would’ve been easier, lol. The lady (and Sarah) were fantastic at telling me about the stairs up, then down, then up and then down you get the point, it felt like we’d walked around the hotel 10 times until we finally arrived at the room…Good for the step count though! ๐คฃ
Room 170…๐ฒ
The room was fantastic and overlooked the 18th hole (not sure which one of the 2 golf courses it was) and we quickly made ourselves at home and unpacked (can’t believe i didn’t take any photos of the actual room). The room phone started ringing and after we zoned in to the noise and located it…We picked it up. It was Charlotte (a super kind lady) and she said that she’d give us a walking tour of the whole place as she knew we were blind…Wow how kind is that?!
Charlotte first showed us the rear door of the hotel which was about 30 steps from our room and it led outside to a lovely arch which was right outside the other window in our room (see photos below) and to a small car park which led straight to the ‘Tempo Bar’, ‘Gym & Swimming Pool’ and a much easier wide road that led us around to the front of the hotel…Wow our room was at the very end corner of the hotel and was perfectly located for us to be near the pool and gym…Fantastic! ๐ช๐ผ ๐
The Gym & Swim…๐๐ปโโ๏ธ๐๐ปโโ๏ธ
The indoor pool was the main reason for booking this hotel as the swimming pools at home are far too busy for us blindies. Charlotte introduced us to Gemma (she was amazingly helpful and kind for the whole 4 days) and she too gave us a guided tour around the whole place. We were amazed at just how big it was…The swimming pool was nice and large, and next to it was a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room…Sarah loved all of them, lol. Then up the stairs (my domain, lol) was the large cardio room (see photo below), large weight machines room and also a free weights room too! We absolutely loved this place and went every day at 6am (when it opened) and we were the first people in, it was like we had hired it all for ourselves, fantastic when you can’t see and having the feeling of freedom as we didn’t bump into anyone, lol! ๐คฃ
he empty cardio gym
Once Gemma had shown me an easy way to use the treadmill, i was armed and ready for action. I would leave Sarah to get changed for swimming and as i’d memorised my way to the treadmills, i would hit the big start button, and i had up and down buttons on the handles for incline and speed which i kept changing to increase the intensity! Then i just kept walking until Sarah would come and tell me to stop as she’d finished and…I never knew how long Sarah would be, i just hoped she’d be back before i collapsed, lol! ๐คฃ
We went at least 2 times a day, and i think Sarah even went 4 times on the Saturday. It was so accessible and felt like it was made for us, we hav’nt experienced anything quite so good like this. Gemma was even motivated by us going all of the time, and said that next time we come (and we definitely will) she’ll be working out even harder! ๐ช๐ผ ๐
Cast Iron Grill…๐ฅฉ
after FitBlitzing it in the gym and swim we were really looking forwards to the evening meal at the in-house restaurant, we had a lovely walk around the grounds as the restaurant was at the front of the hotel …But first a quick toast for our 15th wedding anniversary!! โค๏ธ
We both skipped the starters and headed straight for the sirloin steaks…Wow they even came with chips. I
โข๏ธ HEALTH WARNING… Ding, Ding, Ding…Boom! ๐
Yay it’s the sound of the ‘Blind Sightseers Gastronomic Leaderboard’ bell, and it’s not for the steak! It was the stupendous ‘Bearnaise’ sauce. It was simply amazing and was the tastiest bearnaise sauce we’ve ever tasted…And Sarah is the sauce master as she’s pretty much tasted every sauce going, lol! ๐คฃ
As you can tell i’m enjoying the meal, and it wasn’t long before all of the food had vanished…Now it was time to choose dessert…It was at this point when the waitress turned up with a large tray and set it down on the table. She then said “Happy anniversary”. Sarah & i were both stunned as we didn’t even know that they knew it was our anniversary?! We thanked her profusely then Sarah described it to me…Mmmm chocolate! ๐
It was absolutely delicious and of course i had to eat Sarah’s brownie too (after she’d had a tea spoon) as we didn’t want her blood sugar to spike too much! Oh and the funny photo below shows just how sweet it tasted!! ๐คฃ
We were completely blown away by the kind and considerate staff in the entire hotel, as they’d really taken our sight loss to heart and were bending over backwards and going the extra mile for us to make our stay as accessible as possible…We really can’t thank them enough. We walked around the grounds some more to finish off our anniversary…
And then just when we’d arrived back to our room Sarah found this for usโฆ๐ฒ
I’m not sure what more i can say about their kindness?! We will keep the card in our memory box, but i’m sorry, the handmade chocolates didn’t last the visit, lol! ๐คฃ
The Secret Garden…๐ป
On day 2, 3 & 4 (same amazing routine each day) we woke up at 5:30am and got to the leisure centre for 6am, Gemma was turning everything on and was impressed that we’d got up early and were the first to arrive. We had a fantastic time and Sarah loved having the pool to herself to finally swim without any interruptions or people in the way…And i took to walking on a treadmill instead of the treacherous trail at home, lol! ๐คฃ Then after we had the great breakfast we had a look around the ground and found the secret garden and a lovely bench to enjoy it! ๐
The Bench…โ๏ธ
The sun was blazing down for the whole 4 days which made the bench a perfect place to sit. Nobody walked past or even came near so it felt like nobody knew about this place…This worked great for us as it was like our home away from home. ๐
After my attempt at ‘Photobombing’ we went for a little walk around the whole grounds (well as far as we could go without getting blasted by golf balls) and just enjoyed being away in this stunning place. ๐
The Flowers…๐ป
I then heard lots of wow noises coming from Sarah as she asked me to take photos of her with some of the stunning flowers!
Then once i’d peeled Sarah away from some of her fave flowers, we carried on enjoying, making wow noises and soaking in the lovely sunshine…Until we found something interesting…?? ๐ค โ๏ธ
Blind Chess Anyone…?
As we walked towards the building and around one of the sides, we found some large garden games. Sarah said “You’re going to love this” as she walked me up to the chessboard on the ground and lifted one of the pieces up for me to figure out?! I could just about make out the knight but believe it or not, i still need the pieces to be bigger…Maybe as big as me to be able to have a game, lol! ๐คฃ Sarah then said “Quick let me get a photo of you and you can show it to your bloggers…Another fantastic idea from my lovely wife, hope you enjoy! ๐
my new niece jessica…๐ฒ
Kelly with baby Jessica! ๐
As this was a 3 night stay for our 15th wedding anniversary, we wanted it to be low key as we didn’t have time to visit everyone whilst we were up near Derby…But we thought it would be a great way of seeing my new niece for the first time (if they could come to us for a quick visit) they did, and we had a lovely couple of hours catching up with Paul (my brother), Kelly and my new niece Jessica…
Happy 13th birthday Ella…๐
On our 4th day (Sunday) we had to check out of the room at 12:00, so we just had time for a gym & swim, a walk around the grounds and my friend Rob and his family to come for breakfast and celebrate Ella’s 13th birthday with us. We had a great time (no not just the breakfast, lol) and when we were travelling home later that day, we were sent the picture (above) of Ella and her new cute rabbit!
Wow what a lovely 15th wedding anniversary…โค๏ธ
I’ve had such a lovely time putting this post together and remembering just how much fun, love and laughter i shared with my stupendous wife Sarah…I can’t wait for her to read this and see the photos…I hope you all and Sarah enjoy the ‘Blind Sightseers’ latest adventure?! ๐
Oh i almost forgot…I bought Sarah the bouquet of sunflowers etc as she has worked at MS (multiple sclerosis) Society for a year, and i thought i’d finish this post with sunflowers and smiles!! ๐ป ๐
A Christian minister was dying. He had a young sister whom he tenderly loved, and in whose welfare he felt the deepest interest. She came to pay the last visit, and receive from his lips the last words of advice. The words of a dying minister, realizing the value of the soul, and the solemnity of eternity, are important words. Taking her by the hand, and fixing his eyes upon her with a loving look, he said: “Keep close to Christ!”
What could he say of more import? Her life-lesson was comprised in four words: “Keep close to Christ!” She had come to Jesus, she loved Jesus, she found happiness in Jesus; but the dying brother knew . . . the deceitfulness of the human heart; the power of the world’s fascinations, and the craft and subtlety of Satan, therefore he exhorts: “Keep close to Christ!”
May the Lord give us grace to get near to Him; and then give us more grace, to keep near to Him; for alas! how many of us, like Peter, follow Him afar off! What must we do, to keep close to Jesus?
We must keep close to His Word. Here He . . . reveals His mind, displays His love, and exhibits His beauty!
It is a revelation of His deepest, sweetest, kindest thoughts!
It is an exhibition of His infinite, eternal, deathless love!
It is a mirror in which we may see His unparalleled beauty and excellency!
No one can keep close to Jesus who does not daily, seriously, and prayerfully read His Word. That Word . . . received into the heart by faith, digested by meditation, and reduced to practice in the life, will bring the soul and Christ together!
For the more we know of Christ, the more we shall love Him; the more we shall prize, pant for, and seek to enjoy His presence!
Blessed Spirit, help us so to read the Word, as always to find Christ in it; and by it endear Him more and more unto us, and bring us into closer fellowship with Him!
“Diabetes is relentless and simply never stopsโฆBut neither do I!” – Blind Steve ๐ช๐ผ
Hi iChristian Family!!
The blindman is off the sidelines againโฆAnd while God gives me the strength in my legsโฆiโll use them for doing crazy fundraising challenges to help others! I really didn’t want to fill this blog with annoying fundraising asks, as my last fundraiser ‘Trail Marathon‘ was only in April 2022…But you know me…And when i stumbled across this ‘One Million Step Challenge’ and found it was for Diabetes UK i just had to do something!
For the last 18 years since meeting my ‘T1D Warrior Wife Sarah’, i’ve always wanted to be a ‘Sarah’s Walking Warrior’ and raise money for Diabetes…So here is the 4th ‘Blind Steve’ fundraising challenge…๐ช๐ผ
Below is the story taken from my fundraising page…
Support Blind Steve in the Diabetes UK – One Million Step Challenge
Diabetes is relentless and simply never stopsโฆBut neither do I!
For the last 18 years iโve seen first hand how my lovely wife Sarah battles, struggles and copes with her โbrittle Type 1โ diabetes. She’s such a warrior and is truly my inspiration on perseverance, determination and drive to keep fighting.
So last week, when I heard of the โOne Million Step Challengeโ i had to sign up straight away. Iโve always wanted to fundraise for Diabetes UK and show Sarah how much it means to me too, and this is my chance!
I realise this challenge has already started (running from 1st July to 30th September 2022). Requiring participants to walk a million steps over those three months. My cunning plan is to start the challenge on Monday 1st August and try and walk the one million steps in two months instead! This works out at over 16,000 steps each day, for the 61 days, without a rest
Type 1 diabetes never gives Sarah a rest, so I donโt want to have one either during my fundraising challengeโฆThe nature reserve trail is going to get a pounding again, lol! ๐คฃ
Quick Factoid…
Did you know someone is diagnosed with diabetes every two minutes? As many as 4.8 million people are living with diabetes in the UK right now.
So if youโre feeling inspired…Please hit the donate button and support my stepping challenge. Every step and every donation counts. Join me and let’s help everybody living with diabetes. For all the mums, dads, wives, husbands, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, grandparents, and best friends, creating a world where diabetes can do no harm.
Let’s get this party started!! ๐ As 1 Million steps is around 500 miles, i’ve already donated 5p per mile (ยฃ25.00)โฆIt’s going to be a really tough challenge and it’s the furthest i”ve ever walked…But i’ve got to do the steps now!!
Every penny given will go towards Diabetes UK care and support services, advice and guidance, and pioneering research. Together, we’re changing the world for people with diabetes.
In 1967, the popular rock band, The Grassroots, released a song entitled โLetโs Live for Today.โ It epitomized the growing culture of the โ60s hippie generation. Since I look at health through a Biblical lens, I see a correlation here between healthy and destructive choices. Please indulge me.
Young people today believe the older generation doesnโt understand what it was to be young. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The โ60s Hippie Generation enjoyed a โfree love philosophyโ too. Donโt worry about tomorrow, grab hedonistic pleasure today! Looking back, what seemed like a good idea at the time turned out to be nothing but waking up the next morning with regrets, guilt, or a splitting headache, bowing before a porcelain god.
This โ60s philosophy of allowing others to live the way they want without boundaries became harmful. It morphed into an โIโm okay, youโre okayโ attitude. This produced apathyโฆ
Hey iChristian family…Of course this is for you too!! ๐
It’s much easier for me to Reblog rather than do a whole extra post…Sorry if a little inconvenient, i know it’s not ideal! ๐
Hi FitBlitz family! As iโm sat here typing this during this โEuropean Heat Waveโ with a desk fan blowing my head off trying to stay coolโฆI was thinking about all of you guys and hoped youโre managing in the heat? I know we like to โFitBlitzโ it on here but iโve stayed in for the last few days while itโs been super hotโฆI love rest days too, lol! ๐คฃ
Sarah in our fave place in the worldโฆSouthern Palms, Barbados! ๐
It should reach 40หC today here in Surrey, England, UK, and unfortunately the โBlind Sightseersโ donโt have the amazing Barbados beach or the Sharkeyโs Tropical Cafe to enjoyโฆWhich reminds meโฆI have about 100 posts of the Blind Sightseersโ escapades and adventures i could post again, this time with extra trips and travels?! Is this something youโd like to see? ๐ค
Sarah at Sharkeyโs Tropical Cafe in Barbados, drinking a lovelyโฆ
There are usually two sides: the one dangerous, the other safe; the one is uncertain, and the other is sure.
It is always the wisest to be found on the safe side!
Look at the unbeliever: He denies the Bible to be God’s book. He walks by his own reason. He gratifies his senses and his lusts. He lives in sin. He must soon die. He has no Savior. He has no true hope. If the Bible is false, then he is safe. BUTif the Bible is true, then he is damned forever!
He is certainly not on the safe side!
There are many things in the Bible which he does not like. He is prejudiced against it. It never prophecies good concerning him, but always evil. It requires him to change his present sinful course, but he loves it. He loves sin, and the Bible condemns it. He gratifies the lusts of the flesh, and the Bible bids him to mortify them. In a word, there is as much opposition between the Bible and him, as between: light and darkness, holiness and sin, truth and error. Therefore he hates it!
At the best, with him all is uncertain, unsatisfactory, and vexatious. He is certainly not on the safe side!
Now look at the true Christian: He believes the Bible to be from God, he has examined it, he has evidence of its inspiration in his heart, he fully believes it. What the Bible says of himself as a sinner, he knows to be true. What it says of Jesus as a Savior, he has proved to be a fact. As guilty, he has applied to God for pardon, and obtained it. As impure, he has sought the cleansing operations of the Holy Spirit, and has experienced them. His guilt is gone, therefore he has no slavish fears. His soul is justified, therefore he has peace with God. He approves of the inspired precepts, and regulates his life by them. He carries his cares to God, and is sustained under them. He realizes that God is his Friend, his Father, and his everlasting Portion! He is peaceful. He is often happy. To him death has no sting, and eternity has no terror. He knows Jesus as his Savior, and trusts in Him. He knows God as his Father, and walks with Him. He knows the HolySpirit as his comforting Teacher, and listens to Him.
He is, perhaps, more tried than the unbeliever–but he has supports, consolations, and pleasures, of which the unbeliever knows nothing. He lives . . . to bless others, to honor God, to prepare for a glorious immortality.
He would not change his worst day, for the unbeliever’s best day!
He is on the safe side!
If the unbeliever should be right, then the Christian is no loser.
But if the Christian is right, and he is–then the unbeliever is the biggest loser, aninfinite loser!
Reader, on which side are you? There is but one safe side.
There is no safety for a sinner now, but at the Cross!
There will be no safety at death and judgment, but in Christ!
He who is on the safe side now, will be on the safe side then!
There will be no changing sides then!
“But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit upon His glorious throne! All the nations will be gathered in His presence, and He will separatethe people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at His right hand, and the goats at His left. Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world!’ (the safe side) Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons!’ (the perilous side) And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life!” Matthew 25:31-46
From ‘Sight Village’ To ‘Supercars’, what a journey…So Far!! ๐ช๐ผ ๐
ย This weekend we’re celebrating a brobdingnagian 18 years since the ‘Blind Sightseers’ first met at Sight Village, Birmingham, UK. We’ve been simply stunned how God has joined us together with the incredible love we thought we’d never find, taken us to places we thought we could never go…And He always gives beyond anything we can imagine…And it’s not over yet??!!! ๐ฒ ๐
Our Journey in Photos…๐
2004; Two Souls Entwine…
2005: Weymouth, UK…
2006: Heacham, Norfolk, UK…
2007 – The Big Day!
2008: Old Hunstanton, Norfolk UK…
2009: VIP Hot Air Balloon Flight…
2010:..3rd Wedding Anniversary…
2011: Friday Street, Surrey, UK…
2012: Castle Rising Castle, Norfolk, UK…
Me & Sarah Worshiping with music to the Lord
2013: 6th Wedding Anniversary…
2014: Florence, Italy…
2015: Saint Kitts, Caribbean…
2016: Caribbean Cruise…
2017: Greek Islands…
2022
2018: Tough Mudder & Barbados…
2019
2019: The Unimog, Bonaire & Barbados…
2020: Trail Snow & Ultra Step Challenge…
2021: Doughnuts & Football…
2022: Lamborghini & Ferrari Drive…
Sarah in the Lamborghini Gallardo 5.0L V10 in 2022 ๐
Steve (me) in the Ferrari F430 Spider 4.3L V8 in 2022 ๐
Hi FitBlitz family! I know 26หC is positively cold for most of you, but here in England itโs really hot for summer, lol! ๐คฃ I was certainly well equipped as i took out my massive backpack for a ride again today, and i fill it with all kinds of things that i donโt needโฆI just need a tent and could stay out for days, lol! ๐คฃ
I just had to take a photo of the โMountain Of Manureโ in the top image, as my foot sank a little further than expected at that point of the walkโฆSo i stopped, stamped my feet a few times and took this shot for you all, lol! ๐คฃ
As i was stomping around the nature reserve trail today, drinking water whilst running with sweat i decided to keep stopping and take some nice sunny photosโฆIโm sure my body had holes in it as theโฆ
No condition can possibly be more dreary, than to feel that no one lovesย or caresย for us!
There is something peculiarly sweet and pleasant, in being the object of another’s love. Even the love of aย poor childย is sweet. But to be loved by one who is most wealthy, most exalted in station, and most honorable in character–must be peculiarly delightful!
How, then, should we rejoice; how happy should we be–who areย loved by the Lord Jesus!ย Especially when we consider:ย on the one handย . . . ย how despicable, ย how poor, ย how worthless, and ย how unlovely WE are!ย And, on the other handย . . . ย how glorious, ย how wealthy, ย how worthy, ย how lovely JESUS is!ย
To beย loved by Jesus, is to be preferred before the possession of a world!
Think of . . . ย the glory of His person, ย the vastness of His possessions, ย the number of His angelic attendants, ย the unlimited sovereignty which He exercises, ย and the excellent character He bears!
Also bear in mind thatย He knew what loving us wouldย costย Him–how He would be treated by us and by others, for our sakes!ย
Yet He fixed His love upon US!ย
He loved US,ย just because He would!
He passed byย othersย more dignified in nature, more exalted in station–but He chose US!
He did not, could not, NEED us–forย He was infinitely happy and glorious without us!ย
Hi FitBlitz family! Well there is 1 good thing about going out in the intense heat and dripping with sweat for the past 2 daysโฆThe trail was empty!! I couldnโt believe it as it was perfect for me not to have cyclists, runners and ferocious dogs coming at me all of the time. ๐คฃ
This week (after getting back from an amazing trip to the Marriott Breadsall Priory Hotel & Country Club) iโd decided to switch up my walking againโฆIโve pulled out my First Tactical 60+ litre (with all the pouches) backpack, and it feels like wearing power armour (from Fallout 4 PS Game) as it wraps around you. The wide hip belt itself has 4 pouches on including 2 water bottle pouchesโฆIโm so grateful for these especially in this incredible heat! ๐ช๐ผ Sorry i could go on for ever talking about just how many pouches, pockets and compartments itโฆ
My lovely wife Sarah in front of the Breadsall Priory in Derby, UK
Hi FitBlitz family! Itโs been very quiet over here as โThe Blind Sightseersโ (me and my lovely wife Sarah) have been away celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary, at the amazing Breadsall Priory in Derby, UK! โค๏ธ So please be patient with me as i sort through the photos to try and create a post for you..And us, lolโฆIt takes me ages but iโm working on it!
Donโt be fooled thinking it was relaxing though, lolโฆWe had lots of FitBlitzing fun, fitness and foodโฆThere was a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, steam room, free weights room, weight machines roomโฆAnd most of all (for me) a completely empty cardio room (yes i was the only one in there every time) for me to do my walkingโฆPerfect!! ๐ช๐ผ ๐
Hi all! Each time our wedding anniversary comes round, i canโt believe how much our marriage has grown more and more fruitful. Our love keeps blossoming through every season…And i always thank God for my lovely wife Sarah!! โค๏ธ Oh and i just had to show you the wedding cake…Unfortunately i didn’t have one made again for this anniversary, lol! ๐คฃ
Our Wedding Cake…Mmmmm! ๐
Striving to be a Godly husbandโฆ
I strive daily to love Sarah biblically and extravagantly, but to love her biblically i always first ask โWhat is Godโs love for us like?โย
God’s Word…๐
Husbands, you must love your wives so deeply, purely, and sacrificially that we can understand it only when we compare it to the love that Jesus Christ has for His bride, the church..
โLove is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never failsโฆโ โ1 Corinthians 13:4โ8
Our Prayer…๐
Father God, Thank You for the gift and design of marriage. Nothing has brought greater joy to me than the spouse You created for me. Because You designed my marriage and are the author, perfector, and the foundation of marriage, I bring us before You today to bless this bond. In a world that has twisted what marriage is intended to reflect, in a world that tries to tear at the very fabric of our union, we ask that You continue to keep our eyes wide open to the enemyโs tactics, strategies, and distractions. May we always fight for our marriage and each other. Today, we come before and ask that You bless our marriage…Amen.
A Godly Marriage Post…
The post (below) on marriage is beautiful and is writen far better than anything i can come up with, lol…So i hope you enjoy it as much as me! ๐
Marriage is meant to beย a miniature of Heaven–a fragment of the celestial blessedness, let down into this world.ย
Marriage is meant to beย a little sanctuary, into which husband and wife may flee from earth’s storms and dangers, where in love’s shelter, their hearts fed with affection’s daily bread–they may dwell in quiet peace.ย
Marriage is meant to beย a shelterย in which, covered from the frosts of the world and shielded from its cold and tempests–two lives may grow together into richest beauty, realizing their sweetest dreams of happiness, blending in whatever things are true, whatever things are pure, and attaining the finest possibilities of godly character.ย
Marriage is meant to beย a holy ark, floating on the wild floods of human life–like Noah’s ark on the deluge, bearing to Heaven’s gates, to the harbor of glory–the lives which God has shut within its doors.ย
A godly marriage isย a little nook in the very heart of God, where faithful souls are held close to the Father’s heart, and carried safely, amid dangers and sorrows, to the home above!
Hi FitBlitz family! Yesterday was a messy day of me fighting my body โMr Lazyโ and only just managing to stay on my feetโฆBut today i took the fight to him! I โFitBlitzedโ him with a flurry of 20 miles (yes 20, i canโt believe it either) and after 5 and a half hours of bombardmentโฆhe was knocked out for the count,lol! ๐ช๐ผ ๐คฃ
It was a gruelling (yet beautiful) walk today, and it all went well without any dramas, accidents or animal attacks, yay! I managed to take a few photos on my travels and i was pleasantly surprised when i returned home having managed 20 miles without passing out, lolโฆThatโs not too far off a marathon!! ๐ฒ
Letโs โFitBlitzโ 2022 together!! ๐ช๐ผ
Motivational Quote:..
Jess C. Scott
โA fit, healthy body โ that is the best fashion statement.โ
Please click the Grace logo for more devotionals! ๐
Go to Him just as you are, and receive from Him all you need!
(James Smith, “The Pastor’s Morning Visit”) “Come unto Me!” Matthew 11:28
Jesus calls you to His throne of grace. He is there waiting to hear, relieve and bless you. You are toย go to Him just as you are, and receive from Him all you need.
He will give you: ย ย wisdom, to direct your steps;ย ย ย peace, to keep your hearts;ย ย ย strength, to do His will;ย ย ย righteousness, to justify your souls;ย ย andย rest, unspeakably sweet.ย
He is glorified in bestowing these blessings upon you. He calls you this morning, this moment–to receive all you need, without money and without price. What a precious Savior is Jesus! What a kind and tender Friend!
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
“Come!” He says, “Come to Me!ย
Do not go toย SELF, to theย world, to theย empty cisternsย which creatures idolize; but come unto Me, and I will do immeasurably more than all you can ask or imagine! Your sins, I will pardon;ย your graces, I will revive;ย your comforts, I will restore;ย your holiness, I will increase;ย your efforts to glorify Me, I will crown with success;ย I will bless you, and you shall be a blessing!”
Hi FitBlitz family! I canโt believe how much i was yawning this morning, i couldnโt even drag myself to get my walking (fighting) gear on, lol! ๐คฃ But with thanks to you all (i knew i had to write this post and youโd be holding me accountable) so i forced my way out on to the trail! I was fine once i was on the trail and i flew around at over 4 miles an hourโฆYay i have a motivational Monday post for you, and hopefully you wonโt nail me too much for trying to be lazy, lol! ๐คฃ
Letโs โFitBlitzโ 2022 together!! ๐ช๐ผ
Motivational Quote:..
Jim Rohn
โYou can either suffer the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.โ
Please click the Grace logo for more devotionals! ๐
Our great lesson!
(James Smith, “The Pastor’s Morning Visit”) “I willย instructย you.” Psalm 32:8 At best we know but little, and we are slowย to learn.ย But the Lord has promised to instruct us.ย The Lord’s teaching always produces . . . ย humility, ย self-loathing, ย confidence in God, ย zeal for His glory, and ย heart devotion to Him!
The Lord’s teaching always . . . ย brings us to the feet of Jesus, and ย delivers us from the present evil world.ย
Under Divine instruction we learn . . . ย the true nature ofย sin, ย the vanity of theย world, ย the emptiness ofย creatures, and ย the fullness and preciousness ofย Christ!
Is Godย willingย to instruct us?ย Then let us beย earlyย andย oftenย at His throne of grace, praying, as the Psalmist did,ย “Showย me Your ways, O LORD, ย teachย me Your paths; ย guideย me in Your truth andย teachย me; ย for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.” Psalm 25:4-5ย
Then shall we exclaim, as Elihu did,ย “God is exalted in His power.ย Who is a teacher like Him!”ย Job 36:22ย
The Lord will teach us to profit, andย sanctifyย us through the truth He imparts.ย
Christ isย our great lesson, and to know Him rightly is life, peace and joy!
Is Jesus your Teacher? Then . . . ย sit at His feet, ย treasure up His Words,ย ย and show forth His praise!ย
He says, “Learn of Me.” Learn to . . . ย ย knowย Him, ย ย loveย Him, ย ย obeyย Him, and ย ย liveย upon Him!
“Teachย me Your way, O LORD;ย leadย me in a straight path!” Psalm 27:11ย
Hi FitBlitz family! Yay, as you may be awareโฆIโm celebrating again for losing 6lbs in June! Also i managed to smash the 2 challenges set by my apple watch! ๐ All of my extra focus on walking more and eating more on point has payed off. ๐ช๐ผ
But thereโs no time to slack off nowโฆLetโs โFly in Julyโ and annihilate Julyโs challenge badge, and hopefully iโll lose another 6lbsโฆAd Victorium! ๐ช๐ผ ๐
June Challenges Smashedโฆ
Julyโs ChallengeโฆLetโs Do This!! ๐ช๐ผ
Average 5.4 miles a day in July!
Motivational Quoteโฆ
โI will beat him. I will train harder. I will eat cleaner. I know his weaknesses. I know his strengths. Iโve lost to him before, but not this time. Heโs going down. I have the advantage because I know him well. He is the old me.โย
July 30, 2022 
iChristian 
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