travel hints not found on the travel channel

It's that time of year again, that in between our few and far between rain storms we begin our trip planning. We love to tour on our motorcycles, but have an aversion to being tourists. So before we make plans, we study maps-one large print atlas on each floor of our house, plus one in the garage for emergencies-read biker and travel magazines, watch the travel channels, and reread local biker publications from previous years trips. And of course pray, as without God's leading, a vacation can just be another trip-and we want to be blessed!

And a key to vacations is vacating. The house can always go another year without paint, and the honey-do list is always there, get out and enjoy this beautiful land that God has given us. Daily routines can be so-routine. Break the habit, and trust God. And be blessed!

And since I don't like being a tourist, I read up on the areas we travel in. Impress your hosts, as you pronounce local roads and restaurants properly. Florida the state is pronounced different from Flor-ee-da Road in Durango. I have also found that certain trip advising web sites can be helpful, once you learn to figure them out. If a place is consistently rated poor, I stay away. But a clinker here and there, just shows the person had a rare bad time, and is taking it out on the business. You learn biker friendly can man bigger portions, and a place to park your bike. It can also mean higher prices, and a place the locals avoid-look for local plates in the parking lot before having a local food plate in front of you. Chain motels may have bargains, and join the club to accumulate points for free nights, but don't miss out on great mom and pop motels, character at a discount. Remember that historical hotels are great, but that the rooms are smaller, and amenities may be at a premium. Remember-it's historical, not necessarily luxurious. And you may have to walk upstairs instead of taking an elevator.

Don't ask the clerk where good food is. Don't. Ask them if you had to go out for the best meal in town, where would they go? The answer will vary, usually not the attached restaurant. An exception was the Comfort Suites in Green Bay with a great Italian restaurant in house. And in diners, we like to sit at the counter, and visit with the waitresses. Learn about the area, and take advantage of their knowledge. Also I avoid any chain diners. Dog food compared to real home cooked meals-especially breakfast. At the only diner in Iola, Wisconsin, I sat next to a farmer who had three platters in front of him. I didn't realize I had ordered what he had, basic eggs and pancakes, but real size portions, for real hard working men, and bikers. The locals were eyeing me carefully as I attempted to finish the food, and when I did got many smiles and a thumbs up from the farmer next to me, who hung around to see if this biker boy could finish a real meal. They didn't know I skipped lunch and dinner that day. And I always leave a generous tip, in case I go back I like to be remembered for my generosity rather than my eating capacity.

And as Christians, we are to remember we are just passing through-sojourners, just a tourist on earth. And some treat it like we are, but some don't get it. They don't spend time in the word, learning and developing a relationship with God, who is not only the perfect tour guide on earth, but prepares us for heaven, too. Remember He is infinite, but also infinitely local. We can avoid so many local problems if we know how to handle situations, and Jesus walks us through them. Maintenance in a relationship with God is better than having to ask forgiveness later. And when hanging with other Christians-locals, get to trade testimonies, and minister to each other. Think of it as a lifelong vacation, travelling with God, and watch as horizons get closer, dreams get bigger, and you grow with the God who created the universe. The best travel partner, and also the roads you are on take on a special meaning with Him.

Planning your trip can make or break a good time, but God will always be there for times when you don't. AAA can get you maps, but only God can give direction. Follow Him on your trip today, and as you anxiously anticipate tomorrow, remember He knows the road ahead today, too. And what may appear to be a detour, just may be the best ride of your life. Sit at the counter with God, and visit. Talk with Him as you ride, best place with no interruptions. Sleep in places where you can hear the trains, and also the frogs and crickets. Take roads you never took before-for that is the only way to go where you have never been before.

The blessings aren't always at the end of the road-the best ones are on it. Travel long and safely, in Jesus. We are strangers only once, after that friends.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

on any Saturday

We celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary this past weekend, thanks. Spending two nights at the Santa Paula Inn, we rode in beautiful weather, and toured as far north as Solvang in between. Breakfast at Logsdons, watching the planes land at the Santa Paula Airport reminded us of how Steve McQueen lived his last days there, and how the sound of the single engine planes was almost like music. And how as we stood by the runway, no cops or fences, we were at peace just watching. And of course, now I want to move there, again.

The Santa Paula Inn is an old hotel, built almost 100 years ago. Renovated within the last ten years, it is a bed and breakfast, very reasonably priced and you can walk to downtown-because you are downtown. Where you are transported back 50-60 years to a time before malls, when local merchants fought for your hard earned dollar. And eating dinner at the Mupu Grill-best steak in years, we noticed for a Saturday evening things were quiet. As in many other places, we figured it was the economy, and there is some truth in that. But as the sun went down, and it became around 630pm, something magical happened. The town came alive. In a small town where the rumor might be they roll up the sidewalks after dark, Santa Paula came alive. The stores had customers, the chairs in the bellezas, or beauty salons were full, and the sidewalks were alive with people. Like the old song, "They Only Come Out at Night," the town was alive. Kids on skateboards and bikes, and it felt like Saturday morning, instead of Saturday evening.

And to this culture it was. For Santa Paula is a farming community. Lemons, oranges, and other citrus form the economy here. Hard working folks, who after working all day Saturday, got paid, and were off to do their shopping. Sunday, their only day off was tomorrow, so tonight they were busy getting ready for it. And since it was Valentine's Day then, even the lowliest farm worker was carrying a bouquet for his sweetheart. A simpler lifestyle, but a harsher one. Hard work with little reward, but a greater appreciation of a day off.

We sometimes think that working hard is the key to success. And that evening I was reminded that these wage earners were restricted by the hours they can work, and no matter how hard they toiled, were limited to what they could earn. Years ago, I decided to work smart, instead working hard. And a funny thing happened, I got more done, enjoyed it more, and had more free time. And even though co-workers saw it, still didn't change to my way of thinking. Where they could only do 8 hours work in 8 hours, I could do 12-15, and was less tired, and made more money. Working smart is definitely better than working hard.

Our relationship with God is like that also. We don't live smart, but think we have to perform. More church time, more prayer, and just give me 15 more minutes to read my Bible each day and I'll be a better person. And if that doesn't work, well there are so many programs available, seminars, and retreats-I'll take advantage of them. But really they are taking advantage of you. It was not hard work that saved you, or makes a relationship with Jesus worthwhile. It is obedience, living smart. Walking by faith. Trusting God, and as you get to know Him, enjoying life more. Finally realizing God is not impressed with your hard work-He won't love you any less, or any more-He wants you spend time with Him. Living smart.

God calls it living in the spirit, not under the law. The same law Jesus fulfilled by His death on the cross. How grace is the best way, and that grace is a gift. And mercy comes with it. Trusting God is living smart. And the fruits begin to appear, or sometimes the chaff disappears-blows away. As you get closer to God, stress, envy, lust, and other sinful displays of your old nature disappear. Ever met anyone who worked harder and had less stress? But Jesus puts it simple-take my yoke for it is easy. Yes, you may struggle-amen to that. And everything will not go your way-but it will go God's, and when you go God's way you will prosper. And truly walking in the spirit you will begin to appear careless, when really you are carefree.

Did you ever realize Jesus never hurried? He was never late. He didn't faint from hunger and thirst after 40 days in the desert. Try that, when some of you can't make it until break time for your next Starbucks. Trust God!

Remember it is not the problem, but how you handle it that is the important part. And Sunday morning at the Santa Paula Inn we were reminded of that. Usually a very quiet inn, it was alive at breakfast, and our room was next to it. Finally when it became too loud, Theresa talked with Christine, the manager, who gave us the deluxe suite the next night-at no additional charge. She made a smart decision, and we will be coming back because of it.

Start your day today by making the first decision your smartest-trust God. He knows your steps for the day, and has already planned a way for you to be blessed. Live smart, pray smart, listen smart, love smart. And follow Jesus-now that's smart. Blessed is what God calls it-because it is!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

unequally yoked

Why is it that when a girl goes out with her girlfriend, we understand who she means, yet if a man goes out with his boyfriend we think he is gay? And maybe you can explain why men have mistresses, but women have lovers, when it is the same sexual experience for both. Or maybe it is more than sex...

Years ago Triumph ran an ad that gave some insight into why we do things, but possibly raised more questions than it answered. It depicted a very pretty women, blond like Bo Derek, wistfully watching as a man was looking at his motorcycle, with his helmet in hand. It showed a moment of intimacy between the bike and the man, and the look on Bo's face said as much as her words. "I wish he looked at me that way..." and we wonder what is the problem with this guy-Bo Derek or a motorcycle? Give her a helmet and take her with you. And after reading how great the new Triumphs are, her final line is "if only she was another woman, at least I could compete..." And we soon realize that all is not fair in love and war-or motorcycles.

And it doesn't have to be motorcycles that causes men to have affairs, or women lovers. Watching a history of Harley Davidson on TV they told how the early Davidson brothers were 7/24 workaholics, and even on Christmas, the wives were content if their husbands were home by 830-pm, not am! And certain things have always captivated men's hearts and souls-some are devoted to sports, working out, or an organization. They devote themselves to it 24/7, and live and breathe it, unaware that not everyone shares their warped devotion, and finding fault with those that don't. A narrow, selfish mind, that believes they are right, and the rest of us are wrong-we just don't measure up unless we do it like they say, by their rules, and within their organization. The Greeks have a saying, fish start to stink at the head, and they never get a whiff of the stink they leave behind. Praising its leaders, and never questioning them-that would be so unloving.

And when this obsession comes between you and God, sin enters. Soon you follow the organization's corporate line, and disregard church, the club becoming your new place to worship. And when your church misses you, you find them not worthy, and nosy and pushy. And that you know better, they are all misled-somehow you missed all the rhetoric and found your social salvation in this ministry. Now not all club affiliation is bad, until it gets between you and God. Until it is your new gospel, and you start making excuses.

Not all affairs are sexual, many things can come between two people in a relationship. A mistress is not necessarily a woman, but something even more dangerous. I have watched over the years as a man so devoted to his ministry, has found fault with all others, and those who go on to better things. And when he marries, his wife unknowingly has to fight with this inanimate mistress. He doesn't get it, and she has no say. Oh, she can join in and accompany him, but it is all about the ministry, or organization. We celebrate anniversaries and birthdays at their events, and it is always ministry first, her second. And like the Triumph girl said, " if only it was a woman so I could compete." A relationship never fully developed between man and wife, because she never had a chance. He chooses a mistress, when all she wants to be is his lover, and loved.

And so it is with God, too. He's God, and not a competitor. He never loses, but we do when we make bad choices. And we don't realize how they effect others, because we are so narrowly focused on anything but God. We try to adapt God to our life, rather than adapting to Him. And He wishes we would look to Him like we look to our mistress-a spiritual mistress bringing sadness, instead of Him bringing joy. Some finally do, but it is the broken lives that they leave behind that didn't have to happen-organizations, motorcycles, and the world make poor substitutes for a relationship with God. Yet we wallow in the excuses we make for not choosing Him, or worse yet think we have, deluded by the world's interference in our lives.

I can see another ad, with the same girl riding up on her own Triumph with her husband. Both enjoying life, and full of joy. All smiles, as she doesn't have to compete-and her husband looks at her in admiration-and she looks back the same way. And in the distance, the other guy looks back and says, "if only she had looked at me that way...if only she could have looked past her selfish desires..." He still doesn't get it.

Choose Jesus today, and never look back. Look at Him first, then you find you enjoy your riding more. Make Him first in your marriage, putting your wife above everything but Him-remember she is your first ministry, and watch as you two minister together in a life full of love, guided by God instead of some club's rules. The freedom to grow together, and depend on God, instead of some organization and its rules. Experience true freedom in Jesus, and remember the reason men and women stray is that they don't get it at home. Put love first in your marriage, then all other things. No mistresses, female or other. No lovers, but your own husband or wife. Minister together in love, independent on each other. You cannot legislate love-why are you still trying?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

may I take your order?

Driving home from Orange County the other day in the truck with Andrew-it was raining, I wanted a burger since we had had no lunch. Seeing a McDonalds I ran in. And saw the Value Menu. For the same price as a burger, I could get a double cheese burger. And two small fries were bigger and cost less than a large. And the drinks on special were 44oz. for 79 cents, much better deal than the regular 16oz. for $1.29. So my budget conscious-cheap-mind went for the specials, actually saved me money-but I still didn't have the burger I went in for.

And while waiting in line to order, noted by the menu I could have had a hamburger, an Angus burger, a quarter pounder, fish sandwich, McRib, or three types of chicken-with or without cheese! These people are McNuts. "Yes we have them too for our cones-but they're extra. Unless you order the value meal...." AHHHH!

And it is no better at any other fast food joint. Did you know you can get a chicken sandwich on a baguette at Burger King? Chili, salads, and baked potatoes at Wendy's? Carl's has salads, $6 burgers, and chicken or fish sandwiches. And they call these burger places? Add chicken nuggets-we learned long ago not to ask which part of the chicken is a nugget, and I'm confused. And I feel for the young high schoolers working the counter. Or the bi-lingual, who when asked if they spoke any foreign language wrote English. And you have to order your food three times to get it right, all the time the volume of your voice getting higher-as if they understand yelling better than a calm voice, which you had when you went in for a burger and got conned into making so many choices!

My wife wanted a chocolate cone dipped in chocolate, so we went to DQ. Between the Blizzards, Mr. Misty, Dilly Bars, various Buster parfaits and sundaes, they had one line for cones. When I asked the high school girl for a chocolate cone dipped in chocolate, she looked at me and then the menu. Not seeing it, she asked another employee. Who said they only come in dipped vanilla. So I told her, just use chocolate instead of vanilla, it's ok. And she looked again at her fellow employee and asked "is that OK?" Maybe it is rocket science after.

My friend Eddie used to work at Fred's Deli. We used to order a roast beef on a hard roll with lettuce, tomato, and mayo-for 75 cents. Extra meat at no extra charge if Fred had gone home. Simple order, simple sandwich. Now you get choice of breads, and I still can't figure out what a baguette is, but it sounds like a f------, and I think I may have insulted a guy taking my sandwich order the other day when ordering a baguette, because he may have been a f---. All I wanted was some roast beef on a hard roll! Help!

When traveling we encounter so many different types of churches-there are Freewill Baptist, Baptist, Southern Baptist, and I even saw one in Mississippi called the Burnt Out Missionary Baptist Church-yeah, I bet they draw them in. But between Catholics, Roman or Jesuit, Episcopalians-my friend calls them Catholic light, Presbyterians-check my spelling, and so many other denominations-I'm confused. And I have to ask what they believe. And just because they have the name of Jesus, or Christ in their name doesn't mean He is the same one as in the Bible.

The gospel of Jesus Christ was never meant to be like that, for the gospel is simple. You are a sinner by birth, you need a saviour, and his name is Jesus. Believe in your heart that He is the son of God, repent, and you're saved. That's it. Confess with your mouth and believe in your heart. In less time than you can order lunch at Burger King, you can find salvation in Jesus Christ. Remember that next time you try to share Jesus with someone at lunch.

Next-I'll have salvation in Jesus Christ. Supersized? You mean He comes in anything less?

Can I get a chocolate dipped cone with that? And it's to go-get me out of here!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the shadow knows

My old friend, and fellow Christian brother, ex-professional hit man, Larry Peoples told me once, that among hit men and others in organized crime, there was an unwritten rule-you never messed with a man of God because something bad would happen to you. And after killing 28 for profit, and 8 for revenge before he got saved, I would take it on good authority he knows of what he speaks. Sadly, those in the world don't have the benefits of his wisdom in this area. For the third time in my life, I have been handed a seemingly adverse decision, based on lies, rumors, gossip, and hate. But God in His infinite wisdom, as He did in the other two instances, has turned it to joy. I had a man start rumors about me once where I worked, he accused me of the things I had caught him doing. It was only after I went on to far better things in my life, did I get word that the owner of the company realized he had made a mistake, and was sorry for it-as this other person cost him not only money, but reputation as well. There is a price to pay for believing a lie.

Paul writes that our lives are an endurance race, not a sprint-and if you know me you can tell I wouldn't make much of a sprinter, I tell people I am built for speed-slow! And in an endurance race, you must overcome obstacles, and persevere, realizing that as important as a day is, when you look at it in an overall life, it isn't quite as dramatic. And I learned from off road racing that going fast is not the best way to win-but going less slow, and getting the most out of each section that it has to offer.

And as a long distance touring rider, I also get a perspective into this. It takes more than a soft bottom and smooth bike to ride long distances-it takes a heart to persevere. A lot of long distance riding is mental-and if you want to skew your chances of enjoying it, you ride with someone who doesn't have the heart you do to do it. Works in ministry, too. That is why you follow God, and not an organization or a philosophy. Be true to the calling, the vision God gave you, and He will fulfill it. He completes all good works., rescuing you from the box that other well meaning people put you in. For you can only ride as fast as the slowest rider. And you don't lead from the rear-but from the front. And speed doesn't always kill, but it can cause suffering. And God knows this, as do many long term Christians-they have endured the battles, and the controversies, and continue to live for God-understanding that it is the destination that we are looking forward to, and not making the ride our main focus.

And that is why so many of us follow the course God has laid out for us, and not someone else's trip plans. Admitted there are times of loneliness, and wondering where God is-the loneliness of the long distance rider is a good analogy to a seasoned saint, for growing in God takes trust-faith the Bible calls it, and the best definition I ever heard for faith was trusting God when there is no evidence of Him.

If you know the course you are on is of God, stick with it. Do not let other well meaning people deter you from it. Keep your eyes on the cross-not at the situation. And keep trusting God.

And keep an eye on your shadow. If it is in back of you, then you are facing God. But if there is no shadow, you are in the center of His light, living in the spirit, and there is no shadow at all. Riding, living in His spirit. Realizing that you may be on the right road, but not following the right direction. Seek God today, and watch as your a bad situation, at least for now-brings out the best for you in the long run.

God knows what's best! Do you trust Him? Follow Him, staying in the light. Oh, and those who seek to rob you of your joy- remember God protects His kids.

Satan accuses, God builds up. Enjoy the ride-I encourage you heartily-in Christ Jesus, of course.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

life at the line of scrimmage

Congratulations-we all made it through another Super Bowl Commercial Extravaganza, which this year fortunately kept getting interrupted by a great football game. As a Christian, don't you love it when Saints win? And I enjoyed the game, because I didn't watch any hoopla the week before, you know all the false predictions from old players struggling to put words together to form a sentence, and inside info on the woman who walks the dog of the coach's neighbor who used to know his wife in high school-important stuff like that. But on NFL channel, while surfing I watched Super Bowl 3, and was more impressed to watch Joe Namath than ever before-and his team.

Unlike today, where all plays are called from the booth, by a coach, Joe called his in the huddle. But I bet you didn't know he changed 50-80% of them at the line of scrimmage. After reading the defense, he would change the play to meet the situation. And with a great deal of success. But it took communication and trust from the other ten guys on the field with him. And because of this, they grew together as a team. I wonder how many lineman seeing the same thing Joe did, smiled in their helmet as he changed the play at the line of scrimmage, knowing just what to do and why. How many receivers after telling Joe in the huddle, when they show that formation, I can get a step on him on a slant pattern. And Joe filed it away, and then called the play-and as a team they put it into motion. Not always with success, for their competitor was equally as strong-it came down to execution-and who wanted to win more. But trust for their play caller, and from him too.

As I watch today, I wonder why do so many teams continue to run off left tackle, when they lose yards each time? Don't they get it? And I am amazed at how many of us approach God the same way. Same church, same service, same songs, and the same boring message. No wonder your mind wanders, and soon your body, and you quit church. God has a plan for your life-and doesn't reveal the whole thing at once. If He did, you wouldn't follow it anyway, because the road will have many bumps in it-life 101. And you would exit at the before the next bump, not realizing the exit has worse dangers in it. But His daily bread, that He gives you fresh each day, keeps you in the huddle-church-and in contact with Him. Then as you go about your day-approaching the line of scrimmage-and situations change, He allows the flexibility in His spirit, to change, not your walk, but to adapt to what is in front of you. To stay in communication with Him by listening-funny how we expect Him to listen to our prayers, but fail to listen to His replies. And as we adapt ourselves to the situation, we find the play called in the huddle may not have worked, but the audible did-so we listen more.

And we find ourselves trusting Him more, and also knowing His character-so when a similar situation comes up, we know how He wants us to react, and we do because of our relationship with Him.

But there are three key ingredients to each play called in the huddle. Mercy-God will not give us what we deserve based on what we have done-a good thing. Grace-He will give us what we don't deserve-a good thing also. But in all things He shows us love-not because of who we are, or what we have done-but because of who He is, and what Jesus has done.

Start your day in the huddle every morning-it's called prayer. Listen for that audible voice, that just like Joe's could be heard through the crowd, and his teammates knew-God's voice comes through loud and clear despite your surroundings when you know it. And He tells us as He is the great shepherd, and we are His sheep, we will hear His voice. And stay in the playbook-the Bible!

Jesus Christ-son of God-on three-ready break! Remember we are all just one play away from victory-heaven!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

at the end of your rope

Rats, informants, snitches, finks-many names that describe a person who you trusted but ratted you out.
And always for personal gain, and sometimes creating a lie to cover for their iniquities. The number one fink that ever was is Judas Iscariot, treasurer, disciple, and accuser of Jesus Christ. A man, who for 30 pieces of silver, sold out our Lord, an innocent man, and ended up hanging himself from a tree, the branch broke and his guts spilled out. A perfect ending for a man who spilled his guts about an innocent man.

Growing up my friend Ricky used to always say something like "what did your mom do when she found out you were doing..." in front of her, knowing full well she didn't know. But my mother was cool, and never said anything, not wishing to fall into the trap, or take me with her. And sadly today, 40 years later, the Rickys of the world still exist, causing trouble within clubs, families, and even trying to get between friends.

Proverbs tells us, paraphrased, that a story told sounds true until the other side of the tale is told. Good advice, in fact out judicial system is built on it. And lately, I for one am glad. For you see, not everyone who comes in the name of the Lord, is of God. Colors, church attendance, knowing officers in a club do not get you out of your lies. Soon, for some reason not soon enough, they get found out. But after they have done damage, and moved on to another group of people. The sad thing is we see them coming, but for some reason think we can change them, when it is only God who can change a heart, and all changes in actions start from there.

But sadder still are those who continue their gossip, for that is what it is, and continue the trail of hurt and destruction. Sadly, protected by well meaning, but wrong men, who rather keep peace, than expunge the one causing turmoil. Wise is the man who realizes that a little leaven-the Bible uses this term for sin-soon goes through the whole loaf. If only they had the integrity, guts, or even love to stop these people in their tracks before they spread their cancer, but often in the name of getting along with each other don't. Mistaking unity by thinking it is agreeing with each other, when in truth it is agreeing with God. Perpetuating lies, but never vindicating the innocent one who has been injured by the slander.

God uses these events to prove what our character is made of, and sometimes to move us out of bad situations. It is called love, and when tested, we need to respond in love. Realizing that the same Jesus that died for me, died for my aggressor. The same Jesus that could have rescued Judas, but he was too proud to ask. Don't you be-ask forgiveness now-it feels pretty good, and gives us an unjaundiced perspective than sin can't. And for those of you who persecute those walking with God, that same forgiveness is for you.
Bask in God's mercy and grace today.

Don Corleone, set an example for us to be wise as serpents, when he stated "it was Barzini all along." May we have his insight, but better yet the love of Christ. Someday He will judge the sinner, I choose forgiveness-I hope you do to. And to those who have wronged me, I hope God changes your heart, too. The phone rings both ways. God changes finks,too.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com