loud cards save lives

It has been said that the best way to make a million in racing is to start with two. And the other question of how fast do you want to go is the answer to how much money do you have? And for many of us with desire, but no funds, there is always a substitute. From the time we were kids, we put baseball cards in your spokes. Cheap horsepower-or at least what sounded faster. At the time anyone with a nickel could buy a pack of them, chew the gum and learn about the players themselves. For instance, did you know that Elio Chacon earned himself the name of "Little Hot Dog" for his colorful clothing he wore while playing in the Venezuelan league? And today with everything being collectible, how many valuable cards gave up their value so we could sound faster? And cooler? Looking back, maybe that horsepower wasn't so cheap, but I would do it again given the chance. In fact, Dick keeps threatening to put cards in Theresa's spokes-if he can find the right player we just might let him!

And as we get older, we found that fast cars were fun, but loud cars got attention. The illusion of speed that so many bikers fall into today. Sometimes from the wrong sources, aka the police, but if you couldn't go faster, at least you could be loud. The theme of many motorcycles today, who seem to miss the message that an exhaust doesn't have to be loud to sound good-just ask my friend Steve Harper. Harp builds exhaust systems, and has for years for anything from Baja racers to Land World speed Record holding cars-tuning is the secret-not the volume. And depending on your money situation, you can go as fast as you want. Silence can also mean faster, and a well tuned exhaust will make its own kind of music. But somehow it can never replace the sound of baseball cards in the spokes of my Schwinn. Certain things are perfect from the get go, and should be left alone. Or at least in memory, protected from reality. But as long as there are bikers, racers, and kids looking for more of a thrill-louder pipes will be the number one antidote for mediocrity.

God's gospel is like that, too. No need to improve on it-it is perfect just the way it is. But yet I see and hear in many churches, pastors getting away from it. Too many churches turning to 40 days of this, or somebody's prayer, or the perfect truth this-when the Bible not only does a better job, but is written by God, not some man. And God warns of these things-not that they are so bad, but when taken on their own can take on the spirit of antichrist. Not the person, but something that takes the place of Jesus. Instead of-the truer meaning. How many follow Rick Warren and his writings-not knowing of some questionable statements not found in the Bible within? I talk to men who have made their gospel the search for the ark, and made it more important then the God who caused it. I hear and see young people get off on 2012-when the Bible tells us not even Jesus knows of the return-let alone a barbaric, cannibalistic race that doesn't exist anymore. There is no salvation in these beliefs-or for those that follow them-without Jesus Christ. Even the 10 Commandments have no salvation in them-only Godly advice on how to have relationships with man and God. You see, it is not how much you miss salvation by, just that you miss. That is the devil's plan. I have found that God's plan is simpler-and has no failure rate-except not to follow it-your choice. And just like we thought baseball cards made us kids go faster, soon they wore out and we were on to something else. Usually quitting when all you had left were the ones of players you liked. Jim Hickman , Tom Seaver, Elio Chacon, and other Mets never made it into the spokes of my bikes. I still have Elio Chacon from 1962 to prove it.

Be reminded-the entertainment value of the Da Vinci Code, the New Age, and other false religions will soon fade into obscurity-but not before they have made many captive or a casualty. I have found if you want the best-go to the best. Spend your money well, get what you pay for, and better yet what you desire. And even better yet, what you need. Jesus paid that price-a simple gospel for a simple people. Only outside of God do you find a system so warped and untrue that is designed to make you fail. So maybe today may be the day to take the cards out of your spokes, to put on a tuned and quieter exhaust and listen to God. Those who have know the falsehoods of loud exhausts-and how they only irritate many others. Leave the cards in the spokes in your memories-the worst thing you can do is try to replay your childhood as an adult-but that doesn't mean you have to grow up.

Come to Jesus as a child. Let him tune your life-and give it a sound it never had before. The old saying-loud pipes save lives may be true. Loud cards may have saved a few lives too, but no question-only Jesus Christ saves souls. A crew chief and engineer who knows all the hi-performance secrets to tune your life for the best. Short track, mile, TT, moto-X, or on the high speed banks of Daytona-His tune is always right for you. No matter what track you are on-He knows the specs-and He should, He wrote them.

And a simple truth I still marvel at-how He doesn't use volume to get your attention-just love. Unlimited horsepower from the ultimate source. And when it comes down to it-you can't beat love. And unlike the cards in my spokes-doesn't wear out. Now what was that about loud pipes?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

you've lost that lovin' feelin'

First off, I hope you all had a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Even without jobs, finances, and health we still have so much to be thankful for. Some of the talk this Thanksgiving turned to the state of the motorcycle economy, and how it is effecting the motorcycle community. Within the last 60 days the Love Ride has been cancelled due to low interest. Are things that tough in Hollywood that they can't come up with the $60 fee to ride in it? Seems so, as they had only about 10% response, this to a ride that has over 20,000 riders annually. I can see it now, WILL ACT FOR FOOD signs on Hollywood Boulevard. Leaning on their $100k custom chopper.

It also meant the end of Buell Motorcycles, as Harley pulled the plug on them, and has MV Augusta for sale. Seems their profits were off 83% last quarter, and their stock prices are reflecting it. I used to think the business of Harley Davidson was to make bikes, but realize now it is to make money. And that non-producers are expendable. And that the unions have taken over some plants, and forcing them to close. Dealers who had spent mega bucks to build large dealerships with freeway access are closing, and sales are off industry wide 50%. I hope that they learned from the auto industry-I would hate to see the government take over the motorcycle industry too. They did such a stellar job with cars, but a discount check of $4500 to buy bikes would definitely stimulate our economy.

And within the motorcycling community, we notice our numbers shrinking. Posers, who bought into the lifestyle, and actually rode 20 miles at a time, are gone. Their bikes are for sale, and some good deals are to be had. If you have the cash. I also notice that along with rally numbers down, the biker community in whole is down, the exception being the Toys for Tots Ride that had record numbers two weeks ago. Patriotism and motorcyclists still go hand in hand, and I hope always will.

But I also see some hanging on, when they should be moving on. Stuck in a rut-as my friend described as a grave with both ends open-hanging on to whatever vestige of what was still is. Tough decisions, when to move on, or when to change. And when I see churches losing attendance, and still living the same way, I wonder-do they get it? Are they listening to the spirit? And I wonder sometimes if I am. Decisions, as you get closer to God, don't necessarily get easier, but the access to the answers does. The key is being in the spirit. I see clubs losing their way, but not changing-becoming social clubs and missing their initial calling. Members being intimidated into participating, not realizing you cannot legislate a ministering spirit. And it is not they missed God, but became legalistic-becoming performance based, and cliquish-not allowing the spirit to guide them. Or in a more business-like analogy-they lost their purpose for being in business. And I know some who never got it at all. But talk a good game. Until asked to perform-then the excuses fly. And are so prevalent that they become truth-at least to them espousing them. Their emperor having no new clothes, but the club line says he did.

You see I wonder, why Pastor Chuck can still have three services of over 3000 each, but some can't get 30 people to a meeting? Why do the Black Sheep get 200 people to a breakfast once a month, and some clubs only have 3 or 4 patched members? I was told it is that there are too many things to do in southern Cal-tell that one to Pastor Chuck-or better yet tell it to God! No excuses-if God calls-GO! If He says stay-STAY! And if He says wait-WAIT! But listen to God, and not to our own desires. Quit planning, and start doing!

Remember this-as any company who has failed knows-it comes down to product. You put out a good one, you got customers. A lousy one, and you are gone soon. Is God in charge of your product development? And it also comes down to marketing-as Harley has proven. But what do you do when the image fades, and reality looks you in the eye?

But always leave things of God to God. No formulas, plans, or campaigns. Let the spirit guide. Look at what it was able to do with 11 itinerant, untrained heathens. But for Jesus in their lives, would have never been known by history. But in the spirit are main characters in the best selling book ever written. No excuse makers, no club issues-just Jesus! Do you think maybe there is something there for you? Remember God is recession proof, has never been out of work, never needed a bailout, and is just waiting for you to call on Him. We will know by your walk if you do.

The last person off the Titanic still went down with it. Today ask God, bravely-"where do you want me to minister?" And get your riding clothes ready. You see the spirit never stopped moving-we did! No more excuses-follow God now, and enjoy a life of excitement, and blessings. Or let's hang on to what we've got-even though it may not seem like a lot. It is your choice-but God's desire you follow Him.

Moving at the speed of God-are you? Only in the spirit will you discover the truth. Let the blessings begin!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

and the survey says...

I had a beard for about 12 years when my kids were growing up. When I decided to shave it one day, Andrew walked in and looked at me. "Something's different Dad, what'd you do?" And after a a few seconds of looking at the quizzical look on his face I answered, "I shaved my beard off." "No, that 's not it, " and he walked off. So much for the truth being as plain as the hair on your face. Today many truths have been relegated to the opinion section of our minds, and hearts. When an overwhelming sense of common leaves a void, and we must make a decision, we go to opinions. Should I buy the bike? Asking friends who just bought new rides, but wisely neglecting to consult with his wife-who is still waiting for the new carpet she was promised five new bikes ago. An opinion poll of concerned riders-imagine the response if he asked motorcycle salesman! How could he say no then? 100% of Harley dealers believe you should by a Harley. The proof is there. Why ask anyone else?

And even the word all takes on a different meaning. All my friends have new bikes. Well I know two of the 40 riders in the chapter have new rides, at least in the past two years. Probably used the same line on his poorly carpeted wife. All used to mean all. "Do I have to eat all my Brussels sprouts?" "Do I have to answer all the questions correctly to get my license?" Until it was questioned, and back in the 1970's the US Supreme Court gave a definition of all. All includes everything, and excludes nothing. Simple enough, but think about the important court cases that could have been heard while they were doing fifth grade vocabulary. I wonder if someone had the smarts to call their fifth grade teacher, who just looked it up in their Funk and Wagnall's. Might even make a good show, Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader? No, but I know all the words to Mariah Carey's songs. Good, we'll put you in charge-that word all again.

Imagine if you would, the polls taken about Jesus the day He rode into Jerusalem. 88% per cent say He is the messiah, 10% deny it, among evangelicals. Good politicians would get on board. But only a week later, the latest poll shows only 6% believe Him to be the messiah. 90% opposed. Imagine Peter running to Jesus at the Last Supper, "Jesus, have you seen the latest polls? Now what do we do? Should you change your strategy?" At that point, things didn't look good for our intrepid savior. And soon, the polls would swell to near 100% of those who didn't believe Him. How quickly public opinion changes, while the facts still remained the same. Jesus never changed, just the situation. And depending on when you were polled, would have a major influence on your life, and many others. You see, sin will always be sin, no matter how many say it isn't. God doesn't operate by vote, poll, or proxy. He spells out the truth-no pun intended. And those who believe the truth know Jesus. And where sin abounds, grace abounds even more.

A few days later, a group is polled at the tomb of Jesus. Do you believe He will rise again after three days? It's been two already? 50% said yes, 30% not sure, 15% said no. Good thing Jesus doesn't love just those who love Him! You see He loves even those who weren't sure or didn't believe. It took an empty tomb to convince the others, and get a 100% yes to His resurrection. What will it take with you?

The tomb is still empty. And the truth still sets you free. If God asked you today "who do you say Jesus is," how would you answer? The correct answer is still He is the Son of God. And 100% of those going to heaven know that. And 100% of those that don't believe are going to hell. Maybe that is why Jesus encouraged little children to come to Him. And why wise men still seek Him. Those of all ages who believe find the truth in Him. And like those children, it helps to be smarter than a fifth grader. All who believe will find comfort in Him.

Just a note-the latest polls show of scripture 100% of all born are born into sin. And 100% will die. What happens in between will decide your eternal destiny, what will your vote be? Inquiring minds want to know. Jesus Christ-the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

are you a daily driver or a trailer queen?

Going to car shows, you often hear the word classic referred to anything on display that is older than you. And there is truth that some of us/you are classics, but the term is way overused. We have Classic Coke, I learned history from Classics Illustrated, and my dad had a Rambler Classic 770. All classic, by name, but maybe not by definition. When referring to Classic cars, note the capital C, the Classic Car club of America has noted certain cars built from 1925 to 1948 as Classics. You won't find the old Maverick you drove in high school, or the 57 Chevy that everyone seemed to own at one time. Popular cars, that evoke a certain charisma, and allow us to relive precious memories, but they are not Classics. Cars such as Hispano Suiza, Horch, Stutz, and Pierce Arrow head the list. The three P's-Packard, Peerless, and Pierce Arrow have many models-not all-listed among them, as cars are judged on an individual basis, by body, chassis builder and even ownership. When cruising these shows many cars may make us misty eyed, or bring a smile to our faces while looking at them, but the Classics are the royalty here.

And although they have their place, royalty among a group of commoners, it is the classics-small c-the ones that rekindle memories are the real classics to me. Learning to drive in my parents 1966 Rambler Classic 770-a four door sedan with a six cylinder-not the car of my dreams, but the car of my memories as it was the first car I ever drove legally on the street. Traded for a new Pinto-at least it had the 2.0 motor, with an automatic, it has memories, that let's just will remain buried, which is where they belong. My first car I owned, a used 1969 BMW 1600, bought from my dad when he bought a new one. The first Rabbit in 1975, which ran so bad VW had it more than I did. From MG's-two of them, to Chevies, to Fords, each one is filed in my memory, and is used as a bookmark to fill in the time period. For instance, we owned our 1984 T-Bird when we lived in Farmington. The 87 Escort, bought when we had no money-a price leader with no options, that survived being stolen, abused, driven hard, and finally traded with 115,000 miles on it for our first Ranger. Used to take us to Baja, when we were involved with professional Off Road Racing, SCORE. Each vehicle, a classic in our memory, that when used up either got sold, traded, or given to someone else to begin their memory lane with. Cars that when the memories of our lives are rerun, are bigger and better than they ever were in real life. A testimony to just being there, at a time when they were needed.

There was a group of religious men, Pharisees, at the time of Jesus, who were Jewish, and were charged with keeping the laws-all 613 of them. Try that someday for joy, all of you who don't live in the spirit. From ceremonial washing, to not letting their robes hit the ground, to not touching one who wasn't holy, they lived a life they deemed superior to all others. But sadly, their position, and their egos, were their own self prescribed prison. Trying to keep all the laws, and if you broke one God said you broke them all, is impossible. I've tried,and have gone as long as 10-15 minutes before slipping up. You see just as there are Classics, there are people today with an attitude of a Pharisee. They are superior to us-having titles as Most Excellent, or my favorite, reverend. Try that one on Pastor Chuck sometime and see the response. And it is sad because, these titled men never see the joy of being in the body like Jesus did. Their position keeps them from standing in line to eat at a pot luck. Or visiting men in the hospital without any fanfare. And their audience showering them with faint praise, respecting the title more than the person. Like a Classic, on display, ceremonious clean, and never used as designed. Both car and person missing out on the joy of holding a baby, or riding to a drive in and hanging with our friends. Menial tasks we take for granted, but events that are the basis for precious memories.

Yesterday I had one of those memories. Our senior Bible study has a lunch date each month to celebrate birthdays. Sitting with a couple, there was a divider between us and a lady, who I later found out was listening to us talk about Jesus. When I got up to leave, I said "please keep me in prayer." As I walked past her, she stopped me, and said she had heard my request for prayer, and did, and would. She also gave me a Christian newspaper, telling me to read it, as God has something for me. I thanked her, and told her how she was a Lazarus that hadn't stepped over me that day, and introduced myself. She smiled as she said her name was Emily Lazarian-and she was a Lazarus. Her last name meant from the family of Lazarus. A classic moment, just two people who love Jesus, in a coffee shop, but with a true Classic in common-Jesus Christ. Try scripting that one Hollywood.

Today you may only be a used Mazda in your own eyes, but to Jesus you are a Classic, a one of a kind, built for a purpose. So start acting like one-but do it among us non-classics. The mission field is where the action is, and where the memories are made. So get out and drive often-driven by a spirit of love that has you listed as a true classic too, the book of life. Here's to all you four door sedans in my life, who if you were a red convertible never would have made such an impact. We call you Classics, Jesus calls you friends.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

a travel tip from David

Uncle Jed Clampett's not so bright nephew, Jethro Bodine went to Oxford. Needless to say his self effacing Beverly Hills neighbors were impressed when they heard that. But they changed their minds quickly when they found out it was Oxford, Tennessee-back in the hills. he wasn't lying, he did go to Oxford, the school was by the low point in the creek, where the ox would ford it. If you don't get, you may have gone to the wrong Oxford-it's up to you to figure out which one it was.

So often when watching the Travel Channel they will mention a place, and Theresa will ask "have we been there?" And I can see why neophyte travelers would get confused. Mention the Ohio River Valley, and they don't realize you can ride it and never be in Ohio. Jackson? Is that New Jersey, Mississippi, Tennessee, or California? Been to all, actually spent nights in two. You can never leave Pennsylvania and visit both Indiana and California-both towns in the western half. Been to Milwaukie, Oregon and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Been through Portland in Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Maine.

And going there is different than saying I have been there. You can go to Oklahoma City and stay 20 miles outside of town in a Motel 6, and say you have been there. So when talk turns to where you have been this year, I always ask qualifying questions. Like, San Antonio, been on the river walk? Huh-didn't realize there was a river. Wonder if it has a low spot with a school called Riverford? And like many tourists, they take the chamber of commerce tour, and miss all the non-tourist stuff-really missing the personality of the area. Staying at a Motel 6-it's cheap and we have kids, and eating at McDonald's-same lame excuse. I have found when asking where to eat, the question is important. I have never found a clerk who won't recommend his motel's diner, but when asked where he would go quickly changes his mind. Not that they can't have a good meal there, but we would never have learned about El Chollo, The Golden Rule, or Petey's if we didn't word our question right. And many others, like the Mexican restaurant in Salinas whose name I can't remember-way off the main road, but some of the best we ever had. Sometimes you just need to ask-a Big Mac will still taste the same no matter what time zone you eat it in, but you may miss a local delicacy because of your fear of the unfamiliar. And with each anticipated new meal, a chance to go places never gone before-hopeful dining. And I have never been disappointed. Does going out to eat afterwards count as satisfied?

Christianity is like that. Unlike any other religion, it gives hope and an assurance of where you will go when you finally die. Sorry Mormons-your heaven isn't real, and you have no promise of it. Jehovah Witnesses-no hope, how would you like to be 144,001 in line when they cut it off? And what about those who have no belief in heaven? Why would anyone want to be a Muslim, when they have no promise, and all this coming from a God who has not one characteristic of love? Imagine believing in reincarnation, and being faced with the threat of coming back as a cockroach? It seems there is no level that people will sink to just to avoid the promise of heaven. But it really Jesus they are avoiding. And why when faced with Jesus, why will deny Him? What has He ever done to you? What part of love don't you get? What part of a hope and future don't you like? I have watched people wait for an hour in line to get a free room, but leave when offered a $20 suite when the rooms are gone. Only God is the real deal-and grace is truly free. I have seen good people believe wrong things, or fabricated gospel, sounded good, living their lives in chains-instead of accepting the truth of the Bible. And sadly, it is their choice. God sends no one to heaven-Jesus is the way out! And God grieves when even the vilest sinner goes there-such is His love. He doesn't want anyone to go to hell! But doesn't force you into heaven. Love isn't love if forced upon you-it must be given freely-and remember the accuser-Satan, will tell you different. So check it out with God, in His word. Don't believe all the travel brochures about other religions, and false promises. Go to the source, and get the truth.

You see I have been to paradise twice, once in Pennsylvania and once in California. And neither one was. I have been to Canaan, too-even New Canaan-not what Joshua was looking for. You see to plan a great trip, you need a reliable map. And you need to know where you are going. That is why God made it simple when He said Jesus is the way-the truth-and the life.

Great food, good memories, and always room at the inn. Book your place in heaven today-give your life to Jesus. Rooms still available-but don't hesitate. A place of Hope. And yes I have been there too, Arkansas and New Hope in Pennsylvania. Trust God, and not your neighbor-and if his name is Jethro, offer him hope. He needs it!

love with compassion-there is no place by that name, it is only found in Jesus,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

of the Jetsons and Jesus

Lately Theresa has been rolling her eyes at me more than usual. Being hobbled by my accident, I go from chair to sofa to chair-unfortunately watching too much TV. And most of the time despite 150 channels nothing is on. But I found a great channel, Boomerang, which is all the old Hanna Barbera cartoons. Commercial free, too. Top Cat, The Jetsons, The Flintstones, Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, and Quick Draw McGraw. Good stuff. And despite my best attempts to assure her I'm not losing my mind-it's been gone for years, no one noticed, I tell her how they are for kids, but are sophisticated enough for adults. For instance, George Jetson called someone a sadist. How many 10 year olds in 1962 knew what that was? Or the world's longest word-antidisestablishmentarianism-George did.

So I live in a 45 year old world of fantasy sometimes, and it is not all that bad. And they are adult oriented. Top Cat for instance. A take off from Sgt. Bilko, all the way down to Benny the Ball as Doberman. Fancy who talks like Cary Grant. The Flintstones, a take off on the Honeymooners-yubba dubba doo! And I find comfort in the world of blue dogs who can play guitar and sing like Huckleberry Hound-"oh my darlin, oh my darlin", Yogi Bear and Boo Boo, bears stealing pic-a-nic baskets, while wearing hats, Quick Draw and Babba-a horse that talk to a baby bull-"I'll do the thinnin' around here-and don't you forget it!" and a gang of cats-TC, Benny the Ball, Fancy, the Brain, Choo Choo. The gang, not a gang. We had gangs then, not like today-these were all the guys we hung out with-not organized crime. From sun up to sunset, pals all day. But there was always some yuk, usually a fat girl with glasses, bad teeth, BO, and a high IQ who would spoil the gang's fun by saying "it's all made up, there are no blue dogs, or cats who can talk." Whaddaya mean the Jetsons aren't real? What, no daughter Judy? No his boy Elroy? Jane wasn't his wife? You mean those stories aren't real? The ones we have tried to copy for years? But deep inside we knew it, but somehow hearing it, especially from her, put holes in our belief system. And the fact she always found joy in making us as miserable as she was, just added to it. Where was Ranger Rick or Officer Dibble after she had stolen our pic-a-nic basketful of joy?

And as a Christian, I still have people asking me, "do you believe that made up stuff about the Bible?" I was reminded yesterday by Kerry Lyn, about misconceptions about God. Earlier she had become a member of an Aryan hate group, someone had told her that they were the superior race, and God hated all others. And since the person telling her this had authority, she believed it. It was only years later when opening her Bible and becoming a Christian did she realize the lie she had been told, and believed. And turned her life over to the truth of the Bible-Jesus Christ. And I see many others like this also, who have been lied to abut the things of God, and become hateful because of it-and end up hating themselves. From the lies of many ways to heaven, to denying that Jesus truly is deity, they prowl on those weaker than they, showing them a false love, and leading them astray. Only in the spirit, when told the truth, do they wake up to Jesus, and are set free by THE truth. Sorry, nice people don't go to heaven, saved ones do. And only in Christ Jesus is their salvation. God made it easy so you don't have to study, or learn religious dogma, or follow a set of instructions/laws that are doomed to make you fail. It is based on grace, a gift from God, and cannot be purchased.

So next time someone questions your faith, compliment them on theirs. With all the things God shows us everyday, with the Bible being proved over and over as accurate-just ask Josh McDowell or Lee Strobel-two atheists who when setting out to disprove God-were overwhelmed by the evidence of Him, and gave over their lives to Him. It takes faith to believe a lie like they did, as there is no evidence. In fact, it is easier to believe in a blue dog that can sing. Or a horse who can play guitar-KABONG!!

Jesus Christ-like Top Cat, he is the indisputable leader of the gang-He's the boss, he's the pip, He's the championship, He's the most tip top! And some good advice from Quick Draw-"and don't you forget it!" From
Astro-"rall right Reorge!" You see, even the cartoons declare His glory!

Gotta go-Jonny Quest is coming on.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

not my first choice, but always the right choice

We started the day in the rain in Tulsa. After a short ride on old Route 66, the four of us were cold, wet, and hungry. This was the last Torches to be, and four of us-Joe, Steve, Barr, and Myself had broken from the pack, which we would hook up with again in Branson that night. Joe was a local, and this was our third Torches together, and the guy who Theresa had left in charge of me. A great guy to travel with, and we had each other's backs. Steve I knew from CMA, and Barr had just come back from Iraq, where he had spent the last 18 months trying to build a police department in the Bath province. Needless to say his stories never were shown on network news, the war may have turned out better, and after being with him, the war was somehow closer and realer than CNN led us to believe. Note-we were winning. Joe was leading, despite the fact he had cut off the mufflers on his Shadow, and we made him ride in the back the rest of the way. The noise was unbearable. So through the steady downpour, we followed him onto a gravel parking lot, uneven with lots of puddles, outnumbering the gravel areas, and somehow found ground level enough, and secure enough to park our bikes on. He had mentioned he had never been here, but being a trucker noticed it had a great lot to park in. So the four of us, rain suits, helmets, and all entered into the Hiway Cafe, in Vinita. A small, cinder block building, in the same shape as the parking lot, it was warm inside, and we were greeted by Beverly, who had a coffee pot in each hand, telling us to sit just like we parked, wherever we could. A great sign as my co-riders run a 50-50 blend of caffeine in their veins, and her smiling face, or was it the coffee pots, brightened their day. We took a corner booth, and laid our wet clothes out on two tables nearby, the four of us equivalent to 40 pounds of sand in a five pound back in that booth. Being watched by two even bigger locals, 100 pounds in a five pound bag, in a booth nearby. Now I can't say this was a meal that I would go out of my way to return for, but it was memorable none the less, as it was just what, where, and when it was needed. And even the locals opened up to us, some vets, who thanked us for what we were doing. Even showing pictures of grandkids, and telling us stories about them. We entered empty and cold-but we left full and warm. The timing was even perfect, we were leaving as the local lunch crowd was pouring in, each one saying hello to Beverly, and sitting at their regular station-somehow not giving orders, but somehow Beverly taking them. "My regular" or "the special" being the rule of the day. In a town where Clanton's was only two miles down the road, with much better food, God had given us what we needed, and blessed us with it. The meal we needed. At a place not my first choice, but the perfect place. Goldilocks and friends would have missed it, as it was "too" something for them, not realizing God is always right, and right on time.

Today your storm may not be as wet and wild as ours, but a storm none the less to you. And just like the disciples on the rough sea in the midst of a storm, Jesus is on the way. But you must first recognize Him, then invite Him into your boat-your life, or situation. And you will find He has the same calming effect He did to the waves that day. Or that morning. You see He walked on the waves, and into the boat-didn't rush, or push His way on board. And when He does, the storm ceases, as He takes you through it. The fifth rider in our group that day. The perfect answer, we sometimes forget to ask.

That morning, the food wasn't the best. The ambiance was old newspapers, and wet floors. Beverly-just say she wasn't Florence Jean Castleberry from Alice. But the Hiway Cafe was the perfect place God wanted us, as we were blessed, and also a blessing. Manna in the form of bacon and eggs, with lots of coffee. Hospitality that overcame any uneven table or dirty fork. Where good morning wasn't a description, but a blessing waiting to be bestowed on you. And what you left with.

As you are getting ready to go out today, don't neglect the blessings before you. The cat you shoo away so she won't get fur on your sweater, or the dog who wants to sit and wag her tail by you. They are signs from God of His love, a simpler type, a friendlier world, where disposition is more important than position. Where a waging tail is better than a wagging tongue. And a smile with greasy eggs, potatoes, and bacon beats no smile with gourmet quality food.

Looking for Jesus-we weren't, but found Him that morning in a cafe in the rain. Doing what He does best-feeding His children. We got hungry again later, but the meal He fed our souls lasted all day, in fact three years later I still recall it. Looking for love in all the wrong places? Try Jesus-in the midst of your storm, the perfect meal for stomach and soul.

Don't forget to leave the tip.

love with compassion,

Mike

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