hucklebuckle religion

Do you remember playing Hucklebucklebeanstalk in elementary school? It was a popular game up until about the fifth grade, when somehow the joy of looking for a missing object just didn't light our fires anymore. If you aren't familiar with it, while you were sitting at your desk, with your heads down, like when you were being punished, one of the more favored pupils, aka the pet, would take a common classroom item, like an eraser, or bean bag, or whatever, and hide it. Then in complete silence, the rest of the class drones would hover around the room, searching for it. When one did-usually another teacher's pet, they would sit down, again silently, until a few others found it, just in case teacher's pet #1 had found another hidden eraser. But before they sat down, while you were cruising for the hidden item, the hider would give clues like hot, cold, or you're very hot or cold. Maybe this explains why cold weather doesn't bother me. They were the only ones to break the eerie silence. And of course the finder, when they had returned to their seat after locating it, would yell, "hucklebucklebeanstalk!" alerting us other wandering fools they had found the holy grail of the game. Bored yet, I guess by the fifth grade the charm, allure, and excitement of finding a chalkboard eraser wanes so that other intense games, but not as quiet, as kickball, take its place. But for a rain soaked Jersey kid, this was recess far too often.

I am on my ninth new Triumph this year, and all have one thing in common-a clock. And it seems no two are alike when it comes to setting it, and until you do it blinks like many people's VCR used to at 12:00. Which amazes me-one that these tiny numbers get your attention more easily than the bigger ones in a digital speedometer, and two, how they can build such great bikes, but such lousy instruments. Sadly, all bikes are into this info game now, and when I figured out the latest one, I almost shouted "hucklebucklebeanstalk!" Which was much nicer than what I had been previously thinking. Note-it is easier to set clock while parked than at 80mph. I'd rather hucklebuckle horsepower!

But so much for the newer generation that has to know everything. Who because of the internet has access to more info that is unusable at any given time. And now due to i-pods, can be on the side of the road and Google "how to set clock on motorcycle?" and get the answer. But as info driven as we are, there are more things we can never know. But yet, as news of the day points toward the Rapture, the interest among Christians of who is the Anti-christ rises. Why, do some who claim to know Jesus, wish to know who will be the worst man ever on earth? If they truly believe Jesus will rapture them, why do they spend time wondering who it will be when it will never effect them? Maybe the warning of who you seek you will find hasn't sunk in yet. You have found the savior, quit looking!

But for generations, the elect, and some who think they are, still look. But only God knows when Jesus will rapture us, which keeps the devil on his toes. For since he doesn't know either, he has to prepare an antichrist for each generation. And he must be ready at any given time. And then he gets to mislead anyone he can by making that generation wonder who it is. Or was, or might have been. Which may explain in recent years the plethora of wretched individuals released into humanity.

Now just suppose you did know, which you can't do unless you get left behind. Will it matter? You have a far greater chance, 100% of being wrong, and ruining your witness. So keep the gospel simple, and be more concerned about Jesus' first appearance. For if you blow that one, you really won't like His second. Focus on Jesus, keep Him the main thing, and let God handle the time and place. For whether by the rapture or not, you will go to heaven when you die if you are saved.

Quit walking around in silence like we did as kids playing Hucklebucklebeanstalk. We know the truth, and who He is. Let Jesus change someone else's life like He changed yours. Hallelujah instead of hucklebucklebeanstalk! For what you have found has never been hidden, and let the lost wonder who will be their king.

Oh, and the clocks on bikes-what exactly does the time 1724 mean? I chose the 24 hour clock, whoever heard of a clock only working for 12 hours anyway?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

looking forward, but not ahead

We call them wish lists, or for you cinematically influenced, bucket lists. They are things we wish to do, want to have, places to visit, or desires to fulfill before we die. Or are too old and feeble to enjoy them. And although it is fun to dream like that, sometimes the reality of attaining those wishes isn't quite as much fun as the anticipation of it. Perhaps Sam Clemens, aka Mark Twain said it best, "the only thing worse than not getting your heart's desire is getting your heart's desire." And I think we have all been there, on both sides of the equation at times in our life.

The advertisers somehow keep us on the edge of our seats waiting for next year's bikes to come out. Thanks to the internet, we have spy photos, and spy shots, with computer enhanced drawings of what the new GSCBKH RocketCycloneLow Rider will be. And thanks to their enchanting words and photos, somehow our old bikes seems just that-old. What was last years dream, is now this years how do I sell it to get the newest one? And in a market where Harley's new models are mostly colors, the Japanese shave .001 seconds off the 1/4, and Ducati comes out with another narrow focus ride that once you've shown all your friends you park and ride something else, we line up for the latest and greatest. All at a higher price, while our old had to have it last year dream loses value. With a simple formula-lust, buy, sell at a loss, and repeat. At least we are all consistent.

I almost broke that mold once, having owned my FJ1100 for almost 10 years. A record for me. But after buying my first new Triumph, they have a 2 year, unlimited mile warranty, I figured every two years I would have a new bike, and never be out of warranty. But like I found out, while looking ahead, I was missing the joy of riding what I had, and finally broke the habit after six years. Thanks to no money, and a reduced ego, I began enjoying what I had even more, and found out high mileage was more of a bragging right than a new bike. And I still stick to that today, as my highest mileage bike is my 2006 Tiger with 67,000, and my lowest my 2006 Scrambler with 19,000. Theresa's Bonneville with 67,000 is still highest, but I added the first 26,000. Still, how many women do you know have ridden over 40,000 miles in the last five years? High miles, means more memories, and of course more maintenance. And I still find oil changes and tires less expensive than paying more my latest gotta have 900 for 60 months. You do your own math.

Long term relationships take time. Like, duh. But they also take a commitment, a commitment of more than your monthly payment. It takes a commitment, an investment of time and emotions-for riding a motorcycle, like a relationship with God, is a personal thing. God, wife, family, motorcycle. Keep them in order, and you should do well. Get them out of order, and maybe that is why you see so many low mileage, late model bikes for sale-due to a divorce. And when it is too late, start the process all over again. And some never get it, like my friend, Rick the attorney. Who on his latest divorce tells me "I'll never get married again, every five years I'll just find a woman who hates me and buy her a house."

Where are you with Jesus today? Right now? Are you still in love and excited, or has life interfered with your relationship with Him? Are you reduced to weekly church attendance, or are you still in the word? Or do you look for excuses not to spend time with God? Jesus tells us that when we avoid Him, or put anything ahead of Him, we have lost our first love. Do you look at Him like you do your latest ride? Do you anticipate reading your Bible and fellowshipping like you do your new bike? Do you look at Jesus the same way you look at new motorcycles?

Have you lost your first love, or just misplaced Him? Truth is, the world will invade, but the choice is always ours. God will not force His way into our lives, and it is us who turns on Him-never the other way around. And when the dust settles, or the ride is over, He is still there, patiently waiting-lovingly, for us to return to Him. For His list is very simple and short-He loves us, and doesn't want to share us with anybody, or anything. Remember to include Him in your latest Wish List if He isn't on top of it already.

God wants us as we are. Would you buy a used bike that? That is love, and trust. So run to Him. His latest model may be almost 2000 years old, but how do improve on perfection? New models, New Age, or a new gospel? Don't buy into it. Stick with the what you have-Jesus.

Has it been awhile? Pick up the word and let the scripture touch your heart once again. Tune up your life and go to church. Today is the most exciting time to be a Christian with the rapture imminent. Make today the best day of your life, and then repeat it tomorrow.

And for you other high mileage guys, treasure the memories and testimonies you have over the years. The encouragement means a lot to me, and to others. For Jesus promises your cup, or bucket will overflow with blessings when you follow Him. And in terms of roads left to ride, you better start today. I look forward to heaven, and being with Jesus, but am content to enjoy the blessings of today. On last year's bike. And last year's wife. And my forever Lord and Savior.

Cheaper than a new house every five years.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

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pure religion-hold the cream and sugar

I would like to go on record as not being a coffee drinker. Long before it became trendy to pay 10 times too much for your trendy cup of Joe, I didn't like it. Seems I never had trouble getting up, or staying up, so I never started drinking it. And yes, I did try it once. Love the smell, but when it didn't taste like it smelled, that was enough. And I am not anti-coffee, as I used to sell both Maryland Club and Folgers-and did quite well winning awards for selling both. I guess when it comes down to it, I don't agree with the trendiness of selling something that costs less than a nickel a cup to make for $4! I don't like sitting indoors, or out where people vegetate while nursing their cup for the afternoon, when they could be riding. But mostly I am against the attitudes I find there, yes I have walked into Starbucks with other friends who need their dose of trendy caffeine to function. What I miss is the Coffee Shop, or Shoppe, depending on your income level.

Long before high priced lattes, and designer sandwiches and croissants, we had coffee shops. Before you even sat down, the cup and saucer had hit the table, and it could be had with toast or a muffin. Some would even have a small breakfast menu, eggs and bacon with toast, but the idea was this was a short trip, and that your time was important to you. Waitresses called you honey or sweetheart, coffee with breakfast got you out for under $2, and you always left a generous tip. You had a relationship with the waitresses, not that kind, the kind where you knew about each other's families, and no small talk was allowed, you didn't have time for it. Real men took their coffee black, the decaf pot always had to be rebrewed due to sitting so long, and only an occasional oddball, like me, would order tea. And you got a bag of Lipton, there again no designer, caffeine free, green tea that was healthful. Just like the 500 calorie donut, you drank it because you wanted it, not to make a fashion statement.

Regular, decaf, or instant-those are your choices in life it seems. Black with strength, or a latte-milk with coffee added. But for some reason, coffee must be had. Only the most hard core drink instant, if it tastes like it smells I really wouldn't like it. And it seems that coffee, or its attitude has invaded the church. Where once you went to church to fellowship, worship, and learn about God, now it has become trendy. I know people who insist on a certain church brand-because of the music, or the pastor is popular-did you read his latest book? Saw him on Oprah. They take their religion light, like latte, don't bring Jesus into it, it changes the flavor. I just want enough so that I feel my obligation is fulfilled, even though I may not be. Check out their designer Bible covers, clean and neat from not being opened-it may crack the vinyl. Besides, who has time to read it-that's why I go to church. How much can God expect from me anyway?

We also have instant Christians. No time for God, so they listen on the radio, when nothing else is on. They may read the trendy books on the newest rage, and tune God in when needed, which is not very often. Church-when I have no other plans, and if it doesn't interfere with anything else. A quick trip with Jesus, never getting the flavor or the aroma, that knowing Him personally brings. A cup here, a cup there, but never enough to stimulate.

Decaf Christians are similar. All the church, but not the Jesus. I believe in God. He drives a BMW, so I should too. The Bible, some old book, for weaklings. Don't talk to me about religion, I'm not for it. And never get to know Jesus, who didn't like religion either, and died on the cross so they could be free from their sin. Decaf-no flavor and no life. And just like the formaldehyde it is decaffeinated with, they ae being embalmed because they are spiritually dead-they just don't know it.

But true Christians, those that call Jesus Lord, take it black. Nothing else in it that can contaminate it or change the flavor. Jesus is all they desire, and all they want. Their Bibles are worn, and the pages covered with notes. They know all about Jesus because He is personal. And like the waitress, He knows what they want before they show up, and He has it ready for them. Great service, great coffee, and a great relationship. Nothing religion can offer interests them, and they desire a blend that only Jesus can provide. Black and strong, and hot. Fresh, just like the gospel. And like the spirit, the pot is always fresh.

Don't settle for a trendy religion, when Jesus is available. Better than any religion, He brings freedom. And you will love the flavor. Take a few moments to soak in the aroma of His love, and then spend a few minutes with Him. Find a church that is like a coffee shop, and not a Starbucks. Get to know your fellow brothers and sisters, and stick around and fellowship while having another cup.

Jesus Christ-everything you want from a God-and more. And I don't recall Him ever drinking a latte! Let the relationship you have with Him be just like your coffee-black, strong, and with nothing to change Him. God got it right the first time-He needs no additives, or a trendy place to serve you. Stop and thank Him now-the pot is on, and He has a mug with your name on it. At the coffee shop/church of your choice.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Sundays will never be the same

My old roommate Bill met him at the carwash. Him being Billy Disch, aka the Wildman. He was a few years younger than us, still a senior at South Plainfield High School, but with a love of riding like us. He had a 1972 Mach 3, pained gloss black and nasty fast. Along with Bill's CB750 Dunstall cafe racer, and my R90S, we lived for weekends so we could ride. Saturdays meant heading west, and riding the hills in Pennsylvania. The country was perfect for riding, with great roads, and very little traffic. And since it was Saturday, it meant no time frames, no predetermined routes, and no time to be home-if we got back at all. Sometimes it meant sleeping along the road, or at new friends place. Or sometimes just getting back home at 3am, exhausted, but up and ready to ride by 8am on Sunday. I seemed that 1973 was a Golden Era to be riding, as friends had Z-1's, Nortons, Triumphs, and other iconic bikes at the time. And we would meet them along the road, bench race, then follow them on roads new to us, then pass the adventures along to the next group we would meet. But Saturday riding couldn't be beat. The freedom of nowhere to go, and nothing to do, opened up the doors to adventure of anywhere to go, and anything to do. And we did. Later another Bill would join us on his CB450, and fit in, and also my friend Gene, on his R75/5 would join us.

Gene loved to ride more than any of us, and even when his music career took off, if he got in after 3am would still be the first ready to ride by 8am the next morning. Nothing kept Gene away, and while we had always headed west to Pennsylvania, he took us north,then east into Connecticut and upper New York state-new territory to us. Ride to live, and live to ride-we did. And given $20 could ride anywhere, and do anything we wanted all weekend. And then OPEC shut off the gas tap, and challenged our world. Sundays would never be the same.

You see gas stations would be closed on Sundays-the traditional family day to travel, and the latter half of our weekends. So rather than half our weekend end when the gas stations shut down on Saturday, which was usually around 9pm, we all made sure we had a full tank by then, anticipating Sundays ride. And suddenly where freedom had reigned, now we had rules, and boundaries. We could only ride as far, round trip, as the smallest tank would go. Which happened to be the Wildman's Kawasaki, which coincidentally not only had the smallest tank, but got the worst mileage. So he would set our boundaries, and when he got to half a tank, we would start home. Which forced us to take roads we had never taken before, roads we would have passed up, so we could get out of Jersey. And we found a great set of roads, west of Piscataway, just waiting to be ridden. Not as good as Pennsylvania, or Connecticut, but new places, and new riders to meet-all with the same burden of riding only as far as your tank would get you. And I know there were times the Wildman would coast home, hoping he had enough gas to get to the stations when they opened on Monday morning before he went to school. But somehow we never ran out, although the threat was always there. Adding a suspense to the ride-unnecessary, but making the roads and miles we did ride that much more important. And valuable. It seems we don't truly miss something until it is gone, and Sunday gas seriously cut into ur lifestyle. But out of the adversity somehow brought us all closer together, as riders, and as friends. Adversity has a way of doing that, but only if you can see the opportunities rather than the disadvantages it brings.

I miss those riding days, and today only have one riding partner, my wife. And whether behind me, or on her own Bonneville, we go places, eat things, and have great experiences-from coast to coast. And since becoming a Christian, I appreciate the road more. and also the places it has taken me, and will take me. Saturdays mean the same as they did in '74, ride all day, and stay out late, or jut stay out if you want. But Sundays mean a desire for fellowship, at church. At we have been so blessed by visiting other churches across the country. We have met pastors, clergy, and other Christians because of our commonality-Jesus Christ. Add motorcycles into it, and you have the spirit of the road, and the Spirit of God mixed all together. And having my best friend to ride with makes it all wonderful. Talks of things we saw, over meals we would never try at home, and staying in places we have never heard of, have broadened our horizons, and also stretched us. We get to see that so many others love Jesus, and that the way they worship may be different, but just right for them. As long as the main thing is he main thing-Jesus, then it's all right.

New roads, and new friends not yet met. Take to the road today. Let God stretch you in ways you never have, or thought you could. Make new memories, and when you are asked "how did you find this place?" remind them you didn't on your own. It was riding with God who takes you the best places. Get out and experience all that the Lord has for you. Let Him fulfill the desires of your heart, one ride or one mile at a time. But get out.

I miss my old friends, but I think I miss the memories more. And with so many roads, and such little time, I don't want to waste any of it. Let God bring on the blessings. And share them with new friends. You never know, there just may be a couple wishing to do what you are doing, but just need the chance, and encouragement. Don't let the destination be all the trip is about-enjoy what God has planned for you on the ride.

And even if the smallest tank rider has to lead, God will show you places you didn't know about. In your own backyard. And who knows, maybe Bill, Geno, Bill B. or the Wildman may be at your next stop. Stranger things have happened, but that's another story. Ride to church, and after. Sundays will never be the same.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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Get Smart-or get left behind

In a true example of comedy being the purest form of truth, in the arena of world politics we are seeing the world of Agent 86, Maxwell Smart, of CONTROL, being played out. And of course, his nemesis, KAOS. I don't think that I am the only one who notices that the world is in chaos, and that the more it spins out of control, the scarier it can be. It seems that whether it is centered on the middle east countries in rebellion, extreme weather, people being tortured for their beliefs, people with a distrust or actual hatred for government, the world hungry and bankrupt, and lie upon lie being fed to us, we are MAD! And rightfully so. When so many are out of work, without out hope and destitute, and so many athlete/entertainers complain about only making millions-we have had it. When politicians take party stances as opposed to doing what is best for the US of A, we vote them out. But just get more of the same. Does anyone get it that mankind does not have the answers? That maybe government is the problem, and not the solution? That maybe God does? Have you asked Him lately? Does it take chaos and being out of control to find that out? So many looking for something to save them, when really it is a someone who does-Jesus Christ!

I was not much of a fan of Get Smart. Although it was brilliantly written and conceived by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, I found it unentertaining 45 years ago. Except the beginning, where Max had the Sunbeam Tiger, and later the Karmann Ghia. He also drove a Ferrari and a Shelby, and finally an Opel GT, a poor man's Corvette. But today, they look like geniuses compared to world leaders when compared to them, and looking back, maybe Max and 99 were onto something. They were the precursor, or prophets of government ineptitude, and foretelling the fall of civilization-as we know it. The failure of man and his institutions was played out right before us. And we laughed, but now we cry. And maybe we need to remember how far we have fallen-so we can get up, if there is still time.

Pastor Chuck said it best last night, "I used to have to read the Bible to read about Bible prophecy, now I just turn on the news. " And as the Muslim nations unite against their enemy Israel, we see-but not on network news, the thousands being killed and tortured. Try Al Jazeera on the LINK network. Channel 375 on DISH. Mideast news from the Mideast. As all the conditions are being met for the rapture, where Jesus removes all the Christians from the earth, somewhere the Anti-Christ is alive and well. Waiting. And he will feed the people-not just with food, but with lies. And unite the world in a pseudo peace for 42 months. Then will show his true colors as he enters the Tabernacle in Jerusalem, and pronounces himself God! And those who will have taken the mark, will be his subjects, but those who stand against him and don't, still have a chance. For God warns, whoever takes the mark of the Beast-Satan himself, is doomed to eternal damnation-HELL! Be wary, for the seeds are planted, and like Chuck said, you can see and hear it on the news. Time to get smart.

Max and 99 worked for CONTROL, but were actually in chaos. So is our world. And it is only fitting that some of his iconic lines can be a warning to us today.

"Sorry about that, Chief." Repent, turn to Jesus. Did you know that in times of trouble, the church grows? And that many in this war torn Mid East are being saved? Pray for them!

"Would you believe...the words of Christ?" It doesn't take understanding, just a little faith. With all the evidence you see, what if the Bible is right? How much time is left?

"I told you not to tell me that." What part of The Truth don't you like? Have I made you my enemy by telling you the truth?

But mostly don't get left behind. For if God tarries one day or one year, knowing Him now is always a blessing. And He will guide and protect you in the tough times. Blessings we call them. Don't let your legacy be "missed by that much!"

Leave the chaos behind, and let God be in control of your life. 45 years ago, Get Smart warned us of the eternal battle of KAOS and of CONTROL. Maybe today is the day we get smart with Jesus.

"Would you believe...?" Yes, I do. And you thought there was nothing educational on TV.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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no one to blame but yourself

Whether you wish to admit it or not, we have become a society looking for someone to blame. That is everyone, or anyone, except ourselves. The kicker misses a short field goal, to win a game that is 45-43. And they blame the kicker for the loss. What about the 45 points the defense let the other team score? Yet, his muffed field goal is all that makes the news. Same in baseball. One pitch changes the game, and they will show it from every angle. What about the other six runs they let score against them? If they hadn't let them score, they wouldn't be in the situation they were when one run counted. Truth is they all counted-the same. Just some are remembered for the moment.

And some actions may be punitive and vindictive rather than motivating. I had a teacher in sixth grade, Miss Bevelheimer. With a name like that, she just didn't give the same impression as Molly Pitcher, which she wasn't. She gave me a C once, because I did B work, but could have done A. And the lesson I learned was contempt. And that a B doesn't always equal a B. Which may explain why she was a Miss-" Marriage? I like you very much, but I don't love you, so let's just be friends. Meet me at my parents for dinner? CLICK! "Hello. Hello." And all isn't fair in love and sixth grade.

Or life for that matter. While the winning team is celebrating their win, there has to be a loser. The guys who scored all the points in victory are winners. Using words such as perseverance, endurance, and how winners never quit. Some may even admit they just got lucky. As if there was such a thing. How they hung tough. All based on one failure by the other team. One pitch, one kick. But what about the rest of the story? How important is timing? What made them an A when they really did C work?

God holds us accountable for all our actions. When caught in sin, all the good things we did don't matter. "But God, I got all A's in life. So what if I blew the entrance exam-to heaven?" Like the rich man when asked what it takes to get to heaven, we let things get between us and God. The rich man's problem was money-it meant more than God. To athletes, victory can be the only thing, and at a price. With us it can be simple disobedience to what God says-it is called sin. And it is our fault. Not God's! But He has given us a way out of it. Jesus. Be forgiven and go on. don't go back and pick up where you left off-keep going. They don't have do over's in the pros, and you don't in life either. It is not a second chance God provides, but a new life. And once you cast all your sins on Jesus, you are forgiven-now, and in the future. They don't exist. No replays of missed opportunities, or of sin. God's scrapbook of you is full of blessings, which He keeps as a book of remembrance. Scrapbooking is not a new concept in heaven. And He is a pass/fail God. Ask forgiveness, and you get it. You can't earn it, and it isn't people specific. He sees all sin as sin, do you? The law may demand you do time, God forgives. Any questions?

He also sees all forgiveness as forgiveness. Do you? How you do will influence your view of victory, or failure. I can promise you we all will screw up today, how we handle it tells us a lot about who Jesus is in our life. Don't expect an A, or an F. Expect love and forgiveness, and pass it along. There will be plenty of chances for both again tomorrow. You don't make heaven based on your career statistics, only by being forgiven. Will you forgive someone today and show them the way? For while we were yet sinners, God forgave us. Now if I can forgive a foolish sixth grade teacher, the rest should be easy.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

Lesson learned from the Bible Zone.

1500 calories never tasted so good

My old boss at Coke, Terry Young, had this whole calorie thing figured out years ago. If you had a TAB with lunch, the calories you saved by drinking a diet soda could be used other places, like extra fries or "just make that cheeseburger a double, please." And since we have this new law which shows the caloric content of all foods eaten at your favorite restaurant, you can make the numbers work for you. And once again, have the government prove that we know better what we want without their help.

One of the first surprises came by now being told that salads have as many calories as burgers. For years those of you who have suffered by eating a salad, and acting like you were someone special while passing judgment on the burger crowd, now are finally exposed. Looking at menus recently, I find burgers and salads about the same in calorie content, with the edge going to burgers in the flavor category. And some salads, the better tasting ones, have more. And I can see it now, burger sales increase, while salad intake decreases, and we all feel much better about what we eat. Maybe the government is really here to help us after all!

A few years back, we stopped at a Steak and Shake-our favorite chain in the Midwest. Once we see them in Oklahoma, we know we are on the edge of junk food civilization, and that White Castle, Primonti's, and sub shops are all within reach of our caloric desires. But this time, we were going to outsmart them, by going to their light menu. Instead of ice cream in the shake, I had the low calorie version. Which by the way was pretty good, until I found out I had saved a whopping 60 calories by going light. And light on calories also meant light on flavor-why do the best things that taste so good have so many calories? There was no way the light shake was worth the 60 calorie sacrifice-I was ready for my next visit. Think I'll splurge and have a Diet Coke with it!

Now that we are armed with all this worthy knowledge, we know what any school kid has known for years-it's about the portions. Eat smaller ones, but eat them more often. Look at the Nutrisystem portions-good food, tastes good, but they are child sized. Still hungry, eat a rice cake. Just don't have a large salad with it. Fill up on water, still the best diet drink, unless you live in So Cal with our pool tasting, non-refresher diet drink, and feel good about yourself. And feel less guilty about the Hershey bar you eat before falling asleep to congratulate yourself on your caloric discipline. And wake up hungry the next morning, and start all over. Let's see, how many calories are there in Trix?

I know people who base their God intake the same way. I went Sunday, so I am free to indulge as I want the rest of the week. And many do, but suffer. For like milkshakes and Big Macs, once you get a taste for God, nothing else satisfies. You want the real thing, and in the biggest portions you can get. And I know guys who are out 3-4 nights a week at church activities. For unlike our food intake, you cannot get enough God in you. Fill yourself on manna today, and you are still hungry for it tomorrow. For knowing Jesus is like finding a new favorite restaurant, and you have to go through the entire menu a few times before you settle on your favorite. Let's see, I'll have some Revelation today, Psalms for dessert, and finish it off with prayer while falling asleep. Wake me up to the gospels, and keep me nourished during the day by Proverbs. Hey, and I'm feeling really hungry today, bring on a portion of Leviticus. Let's live it up!

Feed the inner man, and you will find you are also feeding the outer man. And before they add laws about scriptural intake, get all you can. For we are one of the last vestiges of Bible reading freedom in the world. That big meal called church you pass up, ask people in Egypt, Iran, Sudan, China, India, and other countries-where Bibles and Christians are against the law, how much they would love to share a meal of scripture with you. So enjoy much, and enjoy often. No laws, if any, give you the freedom of choice that God does.

So get out and feed at the church of your choice. Make mine big portions of Jesus mixed with love. Eaten with lots of my friends, with singing and lots of fun. For like most of us, we don't care about the calories, only the experience and the taste. And nowhere but Jesus will you ever be filled!

Maybe that was why Jesus was always feeding large crowds-He liked the food and the people! And His portions were always the right size! SUPERSIZED!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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