After three tours totaling over 10,000 miles, Tim and Debbie Bishop have discovered wisdom and truth from the seat of a bicycle. In Wheels of Wisdom, the authors share the life lessons they learned on the open road.
When you're looking for enlightenment, you can find it almost anywhere, be it from watching two herons saunter across a Florida road, pedaling to a dead-end in a Kentucky tobacco field, or observing eagles flying overhead in Montana. In each lesson of this book, you'll find practical insights, inspiration, and encouragement--along with personal reflection questions that will help you:
- Adopt the right mind-set - Conquer fear, worry, and inaction - Overcome obstacles - Relish life's journey
Certain principles are universal whether you are bicycling across America or chasing your own lifelong dream.
You may be continuing your education, connecting with new people, looking to change jobs, or simply wondering about your future. Wherever you are in life, Wheels of Wisdom will give you a fresh perspective and new motivation for your own adventure. Not only will you encounter meaningful truth as you travel vicariously to new places and meet new people, you'll also experience some genuine "God moments" and have some fun on the way.
So, pack up your dreams and passions and come along for the ride. It's time to learn on the open road!
After a thirty-year career in business, Tim Bishop left his corporate treasurer position, married his dream girl, and embarked with her to parts unknown—on bicycles. Ten thousand miles later, the first-time newlyweds have written four books about their cycling adventures. Their devotional Wheels of Wisdom won four first-place book awards. Publishers Weekly dubbed it “a road map for life.”
Tim volunteers as a coach for a ministry that reaches people who are dealing with challenging life issues. In addition to writing inspirational content, he has also penned the business book Hedging Demystified. A graduate of the University of Maine, a CPA, and a three-time Maine chess champion, Tim and his wife, Debbie, live in Middle Tennessee. Connect with him at TimBishopWrites.com.
You don’t have to be a bicyclist to love this book! Written by a husband and wife team, you will feel as if they are sitting in your living chatting with you.
You’ll enjoy being with Tim and Debbie Bishop on their adventures as they cycle the United States. They take turns writing each chapter which include a great lesson along with scripture verses. Each chapter offers questions for personal reflection, making this a perfect book to use for personal devotions or a small group study.
Lots of stories, some funny and some not so funny, they don’t hold back on their experiences or the emotions involved. This is a great book for the Christian looking for a different kind of devotional, or someone who loves stories and may never go on a cross country bike ride.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Tim and Debbie Bishop take Peter-Jenkins-Walk-Across-America style storytelling and combine it with old-fashioned wisdom to create a devotional that's practical, entertaining, and biblical.
Comprising 52 chapters - one for each week of the year - Wheels of Wisdom offers tales of the Bishops' experiences bicycling across America. A couple with a thirst for adventure, Tim and Debbie Bishop have completed three cross-country cycling trips - Honeymoon on Wheels (3,529 miles in 61 days), the Mom-to-Mom Tour (2,654 miles in 47 days), and TheHopeLine Tour (4,344 miles in 102 days).
Sometimes warmhearted, occasionally funny, often touching, the Bishops' stories are each linked to a devotional concept and a Bible verse. Each chapter concludes with three thought-provoking questions. Wheels of Wisdom is good reading for an individual Christian, a group sharing life together, or a couple seeking an unusual way to reflect on their Christian journey together.
While I doubt I have the stamina, pain tolerance, or rock-hard behinds that the Bishops apparently possess, I have gained a bit of their wisdom in the pages of their work.
May they write more, quicker, and for a rapidly expanded audience.
Called by Publishers Weekly “a road map for life,” Tim and Debbie Bishop’s award-winning WHEELS OF WISDOM reveal hard-won lessons on life, love and spiritual growth — gained from more than 10,000 miles cycling together as a married couple. Highly recommended!
Thanks to NetGalley and Independent Book Publishers Association for an ARC. These are my honest opinions.
I love reading a good devotional. Some of my favorites are the short ones. I am a mom of a 3 year old and its hard to get quiet time in. That being said I was excited to be sent this from the authors for my honest review, but honestly I just couldn’t get into this book. It wasn’t bad but it just didn’t go deep enough for me. Maybe in a different season but in this season of life I wanted something more.
I honestly struggled on what to rate this book. I want to give it a 3 stars because it’s not a bad book but I just couldn’t see myself finishing this read. It just felt lukewarm for me.
Here is the blurb about the book from goodreads:
Looking for more out of life? After three tours totaling over 10,000 miles, Tim and Debbie Bishop have discovered wisdom and truth from the seat of a bicycle. In Wheels of Wisdom, the authors share the life lessons they learned on the open road. When you’re looking for enlightenment, you can find it almost anywhere, be it from watching two herons saunter across a Florida road, pedaling to a dead-end in a Kentucky tobacco field, or observing eagles flying overhead in Montana. In each lesson of this book, you’ll find practical insights, inspiration, and encouragement–along with personal reflection questions that will help you: – Adopt the right mind-set – Conquer fear, worry, and inaction – Overcome obstacles – Relish life’s journey Certain principles are universal whether you are bicycling across America or chasing your own lifelong dream. You may be continuing your education, connecting with new people, looking to change jobs, or simply wondering about your future. Wherever you are in life, Wheels of Wisdom will give you a fresh perspective and new motivation for your own adventure. Not only will you encounter meaningful truth as you travel vicariously to new places and meet new people, you’ll also experience some genuine “God moments” and have some fun on the way. So, pack up your dreams and passions and come along for the ride. It’s time to learn on the open road!
Tim and Debbie Bishop married late in life, for the first time, in their 50s. As one would imagine, after so many years of being single, a person becomes very set in their ways. Imagine then, taking a honeymoon tour on BICYCLES, coast to coast. WOW! I mean talk about refining by fire, right?
Wheels of Wisdom covers three cross-country bicycle tours Tim and Debbie embarked on, and we can glean their knowledge, not only of helps, hindrances and wisdom for short or long bicycle tours, but also their insight and intelligence from a Christian perspective.
There are six sections and 52 lessons in the book. The introductory page to each lesson explains the gist of the lesson and includes a takeaway area for you to write your notes. The 52 lessons are perfect for use as a devotional for the year, using one a week. Plus, they each end with an applicable Bible verse, along with questions, under the title “Personal Reflection.”
There were many little nuggets of truth and not a few ideas I have decided to follow and to implement in my own life. I enjoyed not only the truths I found within the book, but also the glimpses into Tim and Debbie’s lives as they navigated their way cross-country in all kinds of weather while encountering their odyssey’s inevitable challenges.
The entire chronicle is heart-warming, thought-provoking and inspirational. As I said earlier, there are many nuggets of truth. One kernel of truth Debbie relayed from a church marquee said, “A closed mouth collects no foot.” Another from the last lesson, spoken by someone they met, “Bless me into usefulness.” Both are great reminders for our journey through life!
Tim and Debbie alternately share their thoughts, feelings and observations in separate chapters. As readers, we come to appreciate the challenges they faced and the understanding and knowledge they impart.
I received a copy of the book from the authors. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
A powerful book full of Tim and Debbie Bishop's cross-country pedaling experiences and God words of love, wisdom and encouragement one needs to face up to challenges and find peace and joy in his or her daily life. A book for all ages and walks of life.
Wheels of Wisdom - Life Lessons For The Restless Spirit: Book Review Certainly, you don't want to begin in a trek across the open frontier, whether by bicycle or on foot, without the bare necessities: a compass, food, water, and protection from the elements. However, you may also want to consider packing wisdom, encouragement, perseverance, and hope. Wisdom will help you make good decisions, encouragement will sustain you, and perseverance will keep you moving forward. Hope seals the success of a journey across any frontier, because it convinces you that safe arrival at your destination is possible.
As Director of Rescue for TheHopeLine, the authors have the opportunity to serve and oversee others who serve many people who lack bare necessities and are struggling to move forward. Each year, TheHopeLine engages tens of thousands of people around the globe. In the authors role, they've learned three things about the need out there: First, people are struggling regardless of location, age, occupation, ethnicity, religion or income. Second, everyone needs help sometimes.
This book is neither a theological book nor an adventure journal, though it contains elements of both.
The authors come at life from a Christian perspective. We know that not all people are in the same place in their spiritual journey - or even believe such exist.
The authors "honeymoon on wheels" occurred in the summer of 2010 shortly after they were married. They were first-time newlyweds at age fifty-two. They shared this journey in their inaugural book, Two Are Better: Midlife Newlyweds Bicycle Coast to Coast, a memoir that describes how God brought them together and then the celebration that followed on their self-supported tour from Oregon to Maine.
In 2012, they cycled from Florida to Maine on their Mom-to-Mom Tour.
Then, in 2014, the authors embarked across America yet again when they cycled from Oregon to Pennsylvania. They dedicated that tour to raising awareness and funds for a cause that is dear to their hearts. Hence, the name TheHopeLine Tour of 2014 came to be.
They share in the book that speak to recognizing your purpose and calling. Discerning right from wrong is important, but it's not always easy.
All of us were created with unique qualities, and we were not cut out for just anything.
Truly wise is a person who thinks before he speaks and says something that sticks with you.
Not all of us are wired to bicycle seventy miles a day. Have you ever asked yourself, What was I made to do? We all have unique gifts and desires. Once you discover your special attributes and devote your time to utilizing them, you'll experience deep joy and fulfillment as you live out a facet of God's calling on your life.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. JEREMIAH 29:11
When you travel to parts unknown, you need a reliable map. And when you feel you're losing your way through life, it's time to consult the road map for life - and to follow what it says.
Francis Marion National Forest was the setting for a beautiful ride on the Mom-to-Mom Tour after we left Moncks Center.
When Debbie became a Christian and finally allowed God to guide her through life, His Holy Spirit kindled her heart and stimulated her mind as she read the Bible. She could ask and to shed light on challenging passages. Studying the Bible with others has also helped illuminate its meaning for Debbie.
Just like the bicycling maps, the Bible offers more than she realized at first. No wonder it is the best-selling book in the world. The Bible has become her daily dose of wisdom, hope, and encouragement.
The Bible contains instructions that can guide you wherever you go in life. Debbie shares she is going to follow His Word as best she can, one step at a time, so she will never get lost again. Won't you join following the Bible?
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. PSALM 119:105
When you're off course, you need to take great pains to get back on course or else you will jeopardize the achievement of your ultimate goal. And, sometimes, shortcuts will only get you further off course.
Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. PROVERBS 4:25-26
When was the last time you took a shortcut and got off track in your personal life?
You've heard it said, "Haste makes waste." Well, it's true. Take the time to do things right the first time.
As Time and Debbie headed into town, he said to Debbie, "His rear tire doesn't feel right. It's squishy."
He wrestled with the heavy, bulky bicycle and then decided to remove the panniers,because he couldn't balance the bicycle and work on it. Debbie located the tools and handed them to him. A young man who had heard their commotion from an open window emerged from the house on the corner as he removed the rear tire.
"Do you need any tools or any help?" he offered. He was wearing a T-shirt with a logo for a Christian school, which he found reassuring, he'd volunteered for years helping a Christian school with their accounting,
When they arrived in town, they pulled up to a convenience store for a break. When he looked down at the newly repaired tire, it was flat ... again. Maybe the young man at their last stop would have performed the repair more proficiently than Tim had.
Sometimes we travel through life too fast.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. PSALM 103:10
Do you find yourself having to repeat chores because you hurried through them the first time?
What you value most will either advance you toward your goals or prevent you from attaining them. The wrong values and priorities can derail your trek.
We'd traveled the Hi-Line for four days on our honeymoon tour.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. MATTHEW 6:21
Unexpected developments can lead to discouragement.
Rather than losing hope, be encouraged. You can get moving at a healthy pace once again.
It's important to remember these two words found throughout the Holy Bible: "Fear Not."
Fear not, for I am with you: be not dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. ISAIAH 41:10
How can you continue to move ahead and work through your fear rather than allowing it to control you?
When we dwell on problems rather than seek encouragement and solutions, it's hard to move forward. Negative thinking will kill our efforts every time.
Debbie and Tim were both determined to move on, wiser and better prepared.
Sometimes, God sends us help when we're having trouble helping ourselves.
Debbie wondered what caused their Good Samaritans to pass their way precisely when they needed them the most. What caused them to stop?
It's confronting to know God sends the perfect helpers at just the right time. You needn't be afraid or worry when you trust in Him. Simply enjoy the ride!
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. LUKE 10:33
How did you describe it at the time: as a chance encounter or a divine appointment? How about now?
When you experience a miracle, it's time to let others know about it.
Debbie have been amazed by the healing power of God. When she asked God to take away her bulimia back in the early summer of 1986. God hears our cry for help and healing.
Sometimes, we are healed instantly, and sometimes, it takes time. Since she became a Christian, she have had to wait a long time for some prayers to be answered. Throughout her thirties and forties, she prayed for a husband. Tim and Debbie did not get married until they were both fifty-two.
One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see. JOHN 9:25B
When the riding gets rough, don't lose sight of the big picture. Difficult circumstances are usually temporary. You'll find relief on the other side and have a better appreciation for the blessings in life.
Encouragement feeds a soul in pursuit of worthy goals. You'll find it in most unexpected ways.
And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. MATTHEW 28:20B
Think of three different forms of encouragement that you received in the last week.
After dinner, Debbie and Tim had joined about four hundred people of all ages already gathered in the large auditorium for worship, the program, and prayer. It was powerful. The praise band led them in worship.
Finally, a humbly prayer warrior prayed that God's extravagant would ignite a mass movement of faith in Jesus across the nation.
God makes a promise in 2 CHRONICLES 7:14 - "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Tim and Debbie Bishop have coauthored four books about their midlife launch into marriage, cross-country bicycle touring, and other matters of faith and inspiration.
The Bishops serve as volunteer for Hope Coaches for TheHopeLine, a nonprofit organization that seeks to reach, rescue, and restore hurting teens and young adults.
Since TheHopeLine receives its support entirely from private sources, it is often in need of funding to sustain its important work.
Thanks for Wheels of Wisdom I vicariously enjoyed a bike tour without the blisters and sore back. Tim and Debbie Bishop took me to states I never visited and showed me sights I'd never seen. I learned about God and myself. What a great adventure.
Although Wheels of Wisdom: Life Lessons for the Restless Spirit masterfully penned by Tim and Debbie Bishop is avowedly not a theological book, the inspiration one gains from reading it will allow him or her to experience the wondrous presence of God. Tim and Debbie Bishop, after remaining single until 52, married one another. For their honeymoon, they embarked on three fascinating bicycle tours across the nation—totaling over 10,000 miles. The valuable lessons they learned about God, life, nature, and humanity (including themselves) are detailed in this work.
Instead of traditional chapters, the authors composed 52 “lessons,” with 3 “personal reflection” questions at the end of each “lesson.” The “personal reflection” questions enable the reader to delve deeper into the ideas engaged by each lesson. At the beginning of each lesson, the writers provide powerful words of inspiration to engender an alluring context. As I was reading the book, I found myself constantly highlighting the beginning inspirational words, and these words offer some of the most rewarding takeaways.
Debbie Bishop offers excellent advice for those needing to discover their vocation or remain committed to their calling. She encourages readers to endure the hardships that will inevitably emerge as they walk in their callings, understanding that these hardships are “part of the process” (p. 9).
One feature of their unconventional—to say the least—honeymoon I appreciate the most is how it exposed to them how much they have to be thankful for, especially how blessed they are to have found one another at this late stage of their lives. An enthralling romanticism surfaces as the intense connection between Debbie and Tim becomes more and more clear through what these bicycle tours teach them about their embryonic marriage and the possibilities available to them through their marriage.
For those contemplating marriage, they should read this book to observe how a lasting intimacy, as the one the Bishops possess, requires more than what’s physical; an immutable intimacy reveals a profound spiritual bond. Unfortunately, too often, couples thinking about marrying or newly married overlook unearthing the spiritual imperatives of a healthy, fulfilling marriage. The Bishops, however, challenge these couples to create more mature visions of their own unions.
Both authors emphasize the significance of a willingness to change as critical to a successful marriage. In any relationship, individuals must demonstrate a willingness to change for it to remain satisfying and productive. Tim and Debbie employ their differences as vehicles for loving and appreciating one another more. This lesson about honoring differences is timely for our nation, considering Americans are increasingly become more hostile, even bloodthirsty, over their differences. Our differences should unite us—just as they unite the beautiful couple, Tim and Debbie Bishop.
In short, I highly recommend this fascinating book. Tim and Debbie Bishop and their uncommon honeymoon experiences extend to us a hope of what’s possible when we refuse to lose hope, when we devote ourselves to love, giving it and receiving it, and when we invite God into our lives as our supreme guide and comforter.
You have to admire 52 year old newlyweds married for the first time going on a bike riding honeymoon traveling over 10,000 miles raising money for a Hope Line for troubled teens. They seem like nice people with their hearts in the right place.
But this is painfully predictable writing, where if they encounter headwinds one day, they will find some way to pontificate about it. Then there is a scripture tacked on. 52 chapters of that much formalistic repetition takes a toll.
The book needed an editor in the worst way. Their intentions were noble, but they mentioned the Hope Line so often, by the third chapter any mention would cause me to break out in a rash. Less is sometimes considerably more.
Another example of an editor missing in action:
He was clearly a lost puppy, one who looked hungry and in need of love, if not downright pathetic.
I have read this sentence ten times and I can’t imagine how it saw the light of day.
But a section on roadkill wins the day for unintentional humor:
The round blob of guts, gore and raw meat lay on its side, its eyes wide open.
Object lessons such as those remind us we must look at our surroundings to stay safe no matter how much we desire a treat along the way.
The biggest issue is some painfully wrong advice. Asking your husband to blow a whistle on you every time you have a bad attitude is terrible advice; it’s just wrong. I would hate to see a young naive couple believe this would be helpful in their marriage.
The bike ride was a cool idea, but there is no wisdom here.
I have always been a restless soul! I’m always daydreaming about another place to go. I love the premise of this book because I feel I’m along for the ride. I personally have found their personal memories inspiring and encouraging. This sweet couple has taken travel and related it to problems of everyday life. I enjoy the trips they have taken me on, as well as the Personal Reflections of this book. The scripture references and adjoining Parables beginning each chapter bring our own journey to a clearer view. Every chapter reminds us of a common destination as well as the wisdom needed along the way. I’d like to highlight lesson 42. Titled “It’s a God Thing” which actually took place in my home state of Ohio. After the memoir and into reflection number 1, he states, “think of someone who needs encouragement!” I would summarize this book as an encouragement!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley for my unbiased opinion of the book. This is a story about Tim and Debbie who bicycled all over the country after they married for the first time for each in their early 50’s. First a newlywed tour and then again for HopeLine tour to raise money for Teen suicide prevention hotline. Then from Florida to Maine on the mom to mom tour. The book takes the best-learned experiences from all three tours and condenses it into one. I thoroughly enjoyed this faith-based approach to life and your struggles. It helps you realize you are not ever alone. God is always what your focus should be on whether if its just you or as part of a couple. I look forward to reading more books from this god driven duo!
I appreciated Tim and Debbie's reflections on their bicycle travels, faith, and life together. While I would prefer to keep the focus on God's love and grace that are available for all, without the forceful decision to make between two future destinations (heaven or hell), I enjoyed the thoughtful stories and deep questions in each reflection. Some I found more helpful than others for my life. I certainly appreciate their commitment to HopeLine and helping youth find hope, peace, and community in challenging circumstances. It's worth a read for personal reflection. (And the photos added a lot!)
What lessons about life and God can you learn biking 10,000 miles and three tours? Tim and Debbie Bishop have written 52 lessons in their well-crafted book (one for each week).
Tim and Debbie alternate writing different chapters in the book. Each chapter includes a well-crafted title, a pull-out sentence lesson, then a short entry, ending with a Bible verse and a series of questions for the reader called Personal Reflection. The whole package is thoughtful and well-done--whether you are a biker or not, you will gain spiritual lessons from WHEELS OF WISDOM. I recommend this book.
I took my time reading this book. Because I could. And sometimes I would forget to return to it but was always gratified when I did. A married couple, the Bishops, are bicyclists who write of their adventures. From their experiences, we can learn lessons to help us in our own lives. Sometimes life is wonderful, just the way we planned; often, it is not. We can all benefit from things the Bishops write about, though.
I loved this book and the many messages in it! I Have always thought things seemed to go my way when I had positive thoughts and didn't worry. When things just fall into place and line up the way they should it has to be fate or a better word Faith!
As a cyclist I found this book extremely interesting, but it was also very rewarding to read the insights if Tim and Debbie. The devotional stories of God in their lives and events makes for great reading each day.
An interesting prospective of life's challenges, pleasures and unforeseen. I enjoyed the short chapters with a specific topic, the bible verse and the challenge questions. This would be a discussion for a ladies church group and/or a book club
This book was filled with great insights, inspiration and lessons. I appreciated the open and honest way things were presented. The practical, realistic approach made for a good read.
The author wrote a great account of the personal journey they embarked on. The honest and detailed writing made it easy for the reader to feel invested in their journey.
I liked reading about their trips across the country. I would never have imagined doing that myself before reading this book. Reading about is probably enough for me, but now I know something about how to do it.
If you are thinking about taking a trip like that, this book has a lot of tips and advice in it. You could avoid a lot of problems by reading about the troubles they had and how they solved them.
Good for reading at the doctors office or any time you don't want to get into a novel.
While Wheels of Wisdom might look like an average-size book, it is divided into 52 chapters, convenient for a year-long weekly devotional. It certainly won’t take an eager reader that long—you’ll be excited about the lessons and want to read more. Please don’t read more than one a day.
Tim and Debbie Bishop, veterans of long and cross-country bicycle trips, share their three-month plus journey to raise awareness and funds for a special nonprofit they passionately support. More about that later. And to get to know Tim and Debbie, I encourage you to read their earlier book, Two Are Better Than One.
Wheels of Wisdom feels a like a personal cheer and a virtual bicycle trip in one. Each short lesson is a leg of their trip with a theme, a lesson and a Scripture verse, and a brief question section, Personal Reflections. The Lessons are written by either Tim or Debbie, sharing their experience of the day, a revelation, or one of those “God things,” like in Lesson 42 when they met a waitress whose son needed not only encouragement but also the ministry that TheHopeLine provides.
The Personal Reflections questions are purposefully challenging. From Lesson 28 when Tim and Debbie were about to face a test, they ask the reader to consider a first-time experience and whether it was easier the second time. Try a test run if we’re anxious about a new experience we’re about to undergo.
I found Wheels of Wisdom a truly multi-layered piece of encouragement and personal encouragement. Those who enjoy different ways to bolster themselves and their faith journey will find much to appreciate from Tim and Debbie’s story.
Find more information about TheHopeLine, a ministry that provides interaction and support for those struggling with emotional and physical issues with relationships, addiction, depression, or suicidal thoughts. www.TheHopeLine.com
Small doses of common sense mixed with keen insightful wisdom. This would be a great way to characterize this book. The Bishops use the backdrop of three long bike tours across the United States, either from west to east or from south to north, to share truths they have discovered along the way.
The reader is taken on a splendid ride around the country seeing the wonderful sights and experiencing interesting people along the way. The Bishops have a winsome way about them and it comes across vividly through their writings. Their passion and heart for youth is contagious. Their excitement about life and living is refreshing.
This is a book you will enjoy reading. Take it a day or a week at a time (there are 52 chapters) or read it all at once. Regardless, take the time to think through what you are reading. Reflect on your own experience and gain from that of the Bishops. Their insight will make the road you travel much less bumpy and a whole lot more enjoyable.
Tim and Debbie Bishop have biked across the United States. Married in their 50's, a Christian couple and one overcame addiction and an eating disorder. This book gives their riding detail along with lessons on life. Bible verses and questions to ponder.