Friday, May 30, 2014

so...what's new?









What a great opening line, huh?  “What’s new?”  Original too.  But what if when you asked, what if I really told you, what if you really hadn’t meant to ask?  And what if you really had to listen to me?  Let’s change the subject.  Or curious?  Well, for all who have asked, here’s what’s new this week. Remember, you asked.
Saturday-After riding to Torrance,we had a birthday lunch courtesy of King’s Hawaiian for me.  We sat next to a man and his son, who through the whole meal never talked to each other, the 7 year old with headphones on and i-pad, his father on his i-phone.  When they got up to leave, he talked to Theresa more than he had to his son.  The night before the 22 year old had killed six at UCSB, I wonder did he and his father talk?  Or social network?  Too late now for him and six other sets of parents to know.  Hug your i-pad kids, warm, just not fuzzy.  Also survey tells us that 90% of medical advice on line is wrong.  Seven people dead, can you here me now?
Sunday-Great old car show at Fallbrook, then lunch.  Where we found the Bonneville leaking-rare leak, shift shaft seal.  So stopping at Temecula Motorsports, I asked to borrow a screwdriver, funnel, and rag from service writer to top off the oil.  Who sent a tech with it. Who later lent us a ramp and helped us load it into the truck. When in need, call a biker, I always say.  All for free, at a non-Triumph store.
Monday we rested.  23 months since my open heart surgery. Thought of the VA reports, and how I have been telling people for years about the horrible conditions.  Sad it takes politics to get attention.  Thaks to all  who serve, who served, and their families...
Tuesday-After the truck quit running and we were rescued on the way to Dustin Arms, I taught.  After having to referee a fight between two people.  One cussing the whole time, in between thanking me for giving him a pair of gloves he needed.  Teaching on loving the sinner, hating the sin.  Then praying-one needed foot surgery, she can’t walk, one is 28 with no wife, no job,all alone, and a 4 month old baby, the other just got a restraining order against her husband.  Later counseled with a girl who has 4 kids, by 4 different husbands, and is dating a man who she just found out is married.  Blank looks when I asked if when God answered and they didn’t like the answer, would they still trust God?
Wednesday-Volunteered at The Pantry, where we give out clothes, counsel, and pray with homeless and down and out people.  50-100 people in 2 1/2 hours.  We try to be an encouragement to them.  Prayed with one gang member who was in tears when we were done, all he wants is to be happy.  Now he knows at least one person cares, showing him the compassion of Christ.  Later a man dressed as Superman came in cape and all, not a costume, he needed boots, we were out.  Probably in his fifties, his wife got some clothes and they left.  He got a shirt, probably for his Clark Kent side.  Later helped a girl, who was looking at men’s pants, when I pointed her to the woman’s pants, she told me “I only wear men’s, I am transgendering.”  I told her it was OK, many guys grab women’s pants, just bigger in the seat, she gave me a look and left.  Later in church that night Evan Wickham led worship, so neat to see him and his dad John, our worship pastor play together.  “Bless the Lord all my soul” brought back precious memories of how God saved me when I had my heart problem.  Has it really been almost 2 years?
Thursday-Wrong book arrived I ordered online for Theresa’s Bible study. Seems they ran out, so went to back up supplier who sent a used one.  They offered me a 50% discount for something I didn’t order and didn’t want, how nice.  We got it taken care of, and the right one is coming from Calvary Chapel Albuquerque, who I should have called in the first place.  Got all my money back too.  Volunteered again, couple that were to open no showed, and over 30 crowded the alley.  It is the end of the month, and money if any is gone.  Needs are greater then, as the booze or drugs have worn off, and reality is much harsher when sober.  When someone came by to drop off clothes, he told me to be tough.  I told him I rather err on the side of grace, and not lose my blessing, or them theirs.  He was a pastor, I was the tougher it takes more love to stand there and be strong than to fight back.  Maybe Jesus had something there.  Listened to a newly homeless woman told of how she had a hysterectemy , and the doctor forgot to send in her disability.  Later Theresa had her hair cut, and talked with her sister who is anorexic/bulemic. And is off her meds for depression, and probably going crazy.  Like clinical crazy.  She has no idea how it is harming what is left of her marriage, and her kids.  I wonder if she ever thinks which child will find her dead?  Heard from Penny, Glen is through with chemo for now for brain tumor, more tests later. 
Friday-I slept in until 7am.  I think I will rest today.  Maybe go for a ride.  Spend some time with the Lord.  So...what’s new you asked, that’s it.  But in many ways it is business as usual.  In every instance we have seen God work in our behalf when we let Him intervene for us.  Without Jesus this would be a week of being worn down, but I find truth in the words of Paul, of how we are “always bearing in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus might be manifest in our body.”  And “wherefore we always pray for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the pleasure of goodness, and the work of faith with power.”  And “for ye will have the poor with you always, but me ye have not always.”  Hopefully some were blessed and saw Jesus in us.  God has given us the right and responsibility to be ambassadors of Him on earth, His representatives.  Doing what needs to be done, when it needs to be done.  By the spirit, and not on our own understanding.  Today He has plans for you, untold, because we would probably argue with Him, or try to negotiate a better time or arrangement.  but His plans are for “ I know the thoughts I have towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”  And so we go out every day knowing not what will happen, but that Jesus will guide us through it, and bless us.  So I thank you all for your continued  prayers, asking you add these mentioned to your prayer list, so when God answers, you know who and that He did it and can give Him praise.
And God has honored all our requests this week, the Bonneville isn’t leaking anymore, no it isn’t out of oil.  All is well at the Pantry, be there again Wednesday.  Theresa got her books, and we are still here available for whatever God has us called to.  Just another week, nothing special except Jesus is still in it, and as we patiently, or impatiently wait for His return, we carry on.  Knowing what lies ahead, just not sure of what lies between us and getting there.  So that’s what’s new this week, hope you will find peace and comfort in the Lord as we do, let me know of any blessings He sent your way, or of prayer requests.  Just another day....you must have just another God, mine lives.  So I can face tomorrow.
love with compassion,
Mike
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