Salton pepper

Out in the desert east of San Diego, is a huge puddle that measures 35x16-miles that is. A sea in the middle of the desert, at 228 feet below sea level. A puddle, that except for rare occasions has no source of water, and is so alkaline that you cannot swim in it. It is called the Salton Sea, and for little over 100 years, this puddle has been a source of confusion for anyone connected to it. At one time 50 years ago, it was an outdoor resort, where the rich from Palm Springs would go, and mix with Hollywood celebrities at resorts, for swimming, fishing, and water skiing. Before it became alkaline. Today it is a modern ghost town, with ghosts of the past outnumbering the current inhabitants.

Since it sits so low, runoff from the Imperial Valley farmers would run into it, and along with it silt and fertilizers, which would eventually killed the sea-literally. In a strange twist, the fish grew so big, that in the heat they couldn't breathe due to the bad water, then wash up on shore. In one day about 15 years ago 7.6 million did in one day! Which just laid there and rotted causing two things-one an incredibly bad smell, but the other is that they became fertilizer, feeding the algae growing in the sea, which the fish ate, and then the fish start the circle again since they can't live in the water because of the high algae content. It seems they actually die of botulism-food poisoning, from their own carcasses! And the birds that migrate and live in the bird preserve, eat them also-and die! So often it takes a crew from the state park service to continually clean up and incinerate them. Only the tilapia, who can withstand the high salt content survive-at least one year. But cannot be eaten.

Today the few hearty inhabitants of the Salton Sea live in obscurity in Salton City, Niland, Salton Beach, and Bombay City. All that is left is what the salt has not consumed, and the few hundred who live here are there because they want to be. Either leftovers from its halcyon days, or those few trying to hide from the gangs in LA. If ever a Twilight Zone area existed, the Salton Sea is it. Which despite itself killing itself, lives on. Despite itself.

Jesus tells us we are to be the salt of the earth. But what happens when salt loses its flavor, like it has in Salton? Just like the sea, it will consume its own, and those whom it touches. While some teaching tell us to go out and spread that salt indiscriminately, only in the spirit does the salt retain its flavor, and true purpose. When led by the spirit, we grow and bless others, but on our own we become alkaline. We all know some well meaning Christian who when approaching us, we look to avoid. They preach, boast of the Bible, but they have a form of God, but not the true God. Maybe if their lives preached the Bible instead of using words only. They are missing the love aspect, and rather win an argument than see lives changed by Jesus. Just as their salt loses its flavor, and they become effective, they also force their light on others-a high beam when the low beam of love is called for. Secure in the knowledge they are doing what God commands-but couldn't be more wrong. Not what God ever wanted or called for.

If you are going on your own without God-legalism may be directing you. Stop going it alone, and follow Jesus. He alone changes lives, His salt has flavor, and you can follow His light. Only in the spirit will you be blessed and enjoy the fullness of Jesus Christ.

If your life resembles the Salton Sea, unlike it, your life can be recovered. Turn from your sin, turn to God, and follow Him. It is called repentance-not a u-turn, but a turn to Jesus. A u-turn just might put you back into the sea!

The Salton Sea area never intended to turn into a death trap. At one time it was alive and vibrant. Christian walks don't start out on a death walk either. One bad decision can send you the wrong way, but one right decision will restore you. Stay close to God, and follow Him and not your own understanding. Let Jesus season your life, and give life to your seasons. Just the right amount of salt and light to give you life!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

buy for love, sell for money

Since it is time to reduce the amount of bikes stored in my garage, I am starting to advertise them for sale. Does seven bikes constitute a collection? Sounds better if I say collection for sale. So my collection is for sale. And true, I have owned and do own some collectible bikes-at least to me. But I am quickly reminded of many things. And despite my honesty in the ad-buyers are usually impressed when they see my bikes for sale, many ads are misleading. I mean they are just flat out lies. So here is a real life primer as how to read for sale ads.

One-beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Not everyone loves lavender Hondas. Two-excellent means it may have been when new, before you ruined it. Low miles-I never rode it because it never ran. Original condition-just like when parked five years ago, not running. Rare when new-nobody bought this turkey then, or now. Highly collectible-it is collecting dust in my garage right now. Original-except for paint, tires, accessories, and rebuilding the engine two years ago. Owned by famous celebrity-remember the Jon Voight car on Seinfeld? Check your sources. Must sell by this weekend!-ad has been running for a month now with no responses. Bought new-aren't all bikes new once? One owner-at a time. Recent tune up-was that before you parked it five years ago? $$ or best offer-I am pricing this high so maybe some gopher will think he is getting a deal when he only gives me what it is worth after negotiating-plus 20%. Thinking he got a deal. Title in hand-mine are kept in my safe deposit box. no trades-tell me what you got. no tattoos-bike is unmarked. Just registered-for the first time in years. Current registration-I am broke after paying late tag fees. As is-bring a truck. Many extra parts-can't remember where they go, they did come on the bike before I took it apart. One of a kind-lost interest in repairing it right. Only needs slight work to make it perfect-figure on investing twice what you paid for it. Only worked on by factory tech-until it ran out of warranty and your cousin tried to fix it. Can be ridden anywhere-after repairs by factory tech. First buyer with cash rides it home-I don't take credit cards. No joy riders-it doesn't run. Fresh battery-hope it starts, now. Won't last long-bike is rusting away. At this price-what is scrap value today?

And I think you get the idea. Beauty can be in the eye of the beholder. And the same bike you never rode because you didn't like it, becomes a gem when you go to sell it. Makes me wonder if you or the bike has a split personality! Somehow the old saying of buy for love and sell for money applies here. So watching lecherous TV evangelists begging for money annoys me. One guy offers a 100 time return if you send $100 to him-hey buddy, how much are you mailing to yourself? If it's that good a deal, why aren't you taking advantage of it? And how does that play in the ghetto, where we have no money? If we all did that how would that effect inflation? If some evangelist-who by the way aren't they supposed to spread the gospel, tells you this-he lies! This ain't the gospel! His "send money" is found nowhere in the Bible. In fact God tells those who serve Him to take no cash, only what you have, and He will take care of the rest. Read the Bible, and then come see me.

Did you know that radio stations charge a higher percentage for evangelists who beg for money? Seems they get a higher take from people believing their lies, so the station works a higher commission with them. Beware-what God has is free-and if you pay anything else for it, it is robbery. Take note those who charge for seminars, programs, and other things. And ask yourself-if it isn't better than the gospel, why should I be paying for it?

Jesus Christ's ad is simple. "Looking for lost souls. All who ask shall receive. Priceless gift of eternal life-no charge. In exchange for your sin, He offers forgiveness, redemption, and a relationship with God. and eternal life in heaven." Do you know of a better deal? If you only had two weeks to live, would you like to have to work out your salvation? Be based on your good works? What if you only got an 89, and needed a 90 for heaven? And some cults/religions call that love?

Jesus paid the price-it is free indeed. Mercy and grace. Read the book-not the ads. His list-not Craigslist. For His list is the Book of Life. Join now and become part of His collection. Must have today-for today is the day of salvation. No trades. His offer is best! But only if you take it! He bought you for love-and no money can ever replace that!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

1978 Suzuki gs1000e-just over 23k original miles. looks like it is new and runs the same. has been ridden from Seattle in two day-over 1400 miles-runs as good as it looks. fully restored, or can be driven. has original pipes, owners manual and tool kit. hard to find bike, this was the grandfather of GSXR, and Wes Cooley won superbike championship with it. highly collectible-you will not find one as nice new plugs, wires, oil, tires, chain, sprockets, handlebars-tank repainted original down to pinstripes. you must see to believe-a new bike from 78 no trades, money talks. e mail and I will arrange appointment.

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great expectations

The first car I remember was my parent's 1952 Chevy. Blue, purchased before I was born, from Milam Chevrolet Company, "the Downtown Dealer," in San Antonio, Texas. 8-26-1952. I can still remember this two door, blue Chevy, that they owned until 1959, when my Grandpa bought a new 1959 Buick Electra 225, silver gray with red leather interior. He then sold his 1956 Buick Special to them. Cool car-two door, yellow and white, with huge, long doors. Which lasted until 1962, when they went into the automobile doldrums in the sixties with a string of Ramblers. Which was devastating for a young, car crazy kid. Fast and Rambler never were used in the same sentence. Nor was cool.

Some of my earliest memories with friends like Bruce and Barry was going to Westfield and looking at new cars. Sitting in the new Mustangs on the floor at Westfield Ford, under the careful eye of the salesman. Their dad had bought one there, and that seemed to give us visiting rights-not available at many other places. We didn't mean any harm, but still had danger written all over us. Up a couple of blocks to Norris Chevrolet, where Corvairs, Corvettes, and SS396's made us drool. But would always leave chanting "cheap Chevrolet , beep beep!" due to the fact we were chased out one too many times. Oh, to have those trips back today. I'd be happy to have a red 1965 SS327 Impala like Gary Aldingers. Cheap-not today. Lindemann Buick was for old people, as was Reilly Oldsmobile-except for the 442, these really were your father's Oldsmobile. And sadly today, like many of our fathers, Olds is gone, too. Rotchford Pontiac, GTO's on the lot to look at. We used to love all the Tiger ads and the freebies we took from the showroom.

And on South Avenue, Miller Rambler, with little reason for a car crazy kid to go into, and the Lincoln Mercury dealer, which had just gotten Cougars. They changed owners so often I can't remember the name. Yes, 1965, was a great year to be a car crazy kid, and the only real problem with it for an eleven year old was not being able to enjoy them for another six years-the driving age in Jersey was 17. But we sure travelled a lot of miles, and did a lot of burnouts in our minds while visiting these showrooms. And somehow, a romance with cars that seems missing today, was in every young kid's heart. No Toyotas, the VW was the foreign car, and you had to go all the way to Plainfield to see one at Union County Motors, and no one did burnouts in a bug. Yep, cars built in the US of A were king, and to enthusiasts today, the cars of our childhood still are. And sadly as far out of reach monetarily today, as they were age wise to us then. But that has never stopped us from dreaming, or desiring even a ride in one. Just to relive memories we never had, or to imagine what it might have been like. And I can still remember Scottie's brother Doug, whose friend had a 1962 Corvette. Who was cool to us young kids, he was in high school, and very old to us. One day letting us sit in his car, then driving to the end of Algonquin Drive, and turning around-a ride of maybe 1000 feet, but which seemed like a hundred miles at the time. It was blue, with whitewalls and spinner hubcaps. Why don't they build cars and memories like that anymore?
It has been said we look to the past because we have no hope in the future. And this may be legitimate. As the whole world continues to crumble around us, whether financial, wars, diseases, or as of this morning, earthquakes and tsunamis, it is hard to be excited about the future. But we have this blessed hope in Jesus Christ, and all these things only tell us that His time of return is near. There will be scoffers, who make fun of us saying "where is the promise of His return, I thought you said He was returning?" Not realizing, it is for them that He hasn't, since He is patient and wishes none should perish. But that for thousands of years His prophecies have been true-spot on, and Daniel warns us that all these things will happen to the last generation. How exciting that we may be part of that one-who never sees death, but who will experience the rapture?

What things do you say? Read Ezekiel 37, 38, 39. Daniel 7 and 12. And see how the events of the last days are portrayed, events talked about thousands of years ago. Foretold by God. Events no FX or mind can imagine. The end of the world maybe for some, but the beginning of life for Christians. And like Pastor Ray says, "I used to have to read the Bible for prophecy, now I can turn on the news."

As precious as the past was, the future will be even more exciting. But only if you spend it with God. Now is the day of salvation. Don't hesitate. As kids we eagerly anticipated driving the cars from the showrooms in our dreams. And that hope of expectation kept our dreams alive. Someday, we told ourselves, I'll have on. As kids we hoped for our own blue Chevy. Or red SS327. Or an orange GTO. Even a silver Mustang. Some still do. Are we looking forward with the same expectation for the return of Christ? I hope so-the news today will be the prophesies from yesterday. Foretold in love, by a God who wants to spend eternity with you. A message that has never gone out of style.

hot in cleveland

I was eating a late lunch at a Captain D's, outside of Cleveland, Tennessee that is. It was one of those days that despite all the humidity outside, you couldn't keep enough liquid inside. So after too many sweet teas, I was finishing my hush puppies, and finally took some time to come up for air. This side of the restaurant was empty except for me, and an adjoining table of six men. And I couldn't help but over hear what they were talking about. They were obviously with some church, and were interviewing the sixth man. The interviewers all were white, short hair, ties, and looked very religious. The man being interviewed was black, from Africa, you could tell by his accent, and dressed in jeans and a red shirt. They were done eating, and by the size of the interviewers, had probably eaten one or more of everything on the menu. Dinner talk was done, and now it was time to get down to business.

But something struck me, and as I eavesdropped, it became evident that this black man was out of their league. While the others were steeped in denominational tradition, and had their set of rules, this man had something different. And one of the interviewers picked up on it, and at that point saw beyond this man's skin color. He also saw that this man would not be a good fit for whatever position they offered him. And the more they talked, it was evident that although he could man many positions within the church, he was a threat. What if he invited or brought others like him in? What if his wife wore pants? What if brother and sister so and so-major donors, didn't agree with his doctrines? What if he taught from the Bible, showed love, forgiveness, and reached out to others with the gospel of Jesus Christ? How would that make the rest of us look?

For you see his skin color had nothing to do with his being different. While the other men were steeped in legalism, he was walking in the spirit. And that freedom that God promises when walking in the spirit was something that they weren't ready to deal with. In fact it posed a threat. They would have to change-all of them, not to be like this stranger, but to be like Jesus. In many ways, a stranger to them.

I left before I saw the outcome, but I could already tell what it was. This black man had a vision, and a purpose, and was in the spirit. The best way I could describe the others to you was like the night after they found Jesus' body was not in the tomb. All the remaining disciples hid in an upper room, door locked, because of fear. While Thomas, who wasn't with them, was still about God's business. And they called him Doubting? Just like these men, they feared what they should have not. And their pride would keep them from ever enjoying the fullness of Christ. And maybe even heaven. They had kept the rules of the church, with only one thing absent-Jesus. And without His love, would never fulfill the great commission.

Maybe this is the Mystery of Christ. He was able to unite both Jew and Gentile, while no other means could. He offered love, and showed the fallacy of living under legalism. He forgave, when others still pointed out others weaknesses. And like this African man, wasn't looking for a position in the church, but wanted to walk in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. And his own people, the church, rejected him.

We often talk about the fact that we don't know who or when someone is watching us. That day I was an observer, and got more from lunch than sweet tea. I saw the sweetness of Jesus portrayed in a man, but sadly not in a group of men. If your life is more representative of the church types, I suggest you try Jesus. Let Him heal your heart. Be part of the mystery of Christ revealed to a lost and dying world. Love the unlovely, don't wait for an apology to forgive, and reach out to others. Be the only Bible many may read.

And just like the blind man, who Jesus gave back his sight, when asked about it, said "I don't know if He is good or bad, all I know is I was blind, and now I see!" That afternoon I saw more clearly. The law brings death, the spirit gives life. Truly, where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. Even in Cleveland.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

when handing out brains, did you think they said trains?

Wherever I worked, I always had one rule. I let the business have the others. Seemed fair at the time. It was simple, take a message if I am busy, except for my wife and kids. Put them through-they have priority over everyone else. Even just a call to tell me they loved me, or to beg for more money, or to warn me what I would find out later when I got home, they always were allowed to get through. As it should be, for being part of a family should have its rewards. But it isn't always that way.

Suppose you have a friend, that every night before you go to bed, calls. And it is the same thing every night. For about 20 minutes they tell you how stupid their spouse is-hey they married you, maybe poor taste in spouses is their only flaw. Their job is worth more than they pay them-didn't they know what the salary was when they started? Or how they have certain needs that aren't being met. Important stuff sometimes, like the new motorcycle that just came out, and then time off to ride it. And then ask for advice, or help. And just as you begin to answer them, they tell you, "I'm tired," or "Batman is coming on," or "I'll call you tomorrow." And the only certain thing is they will-again. And you will answer-at least the phone.

Suppose you have another friend, case #2, where they talk for 20 minutes, then it is your turn. Time up, now they can talk again. And back and forth. And you wonder why are we talking like this? How can I get out of this? Sadly some people refer to this as conversation, when it isn't even communication. But even sadder this is how to describe most people's prayer life. Sound familiar? After complaining to God, then asking for help, they're done. They don't wait for an answer, and then go off wondering why their prayers go unanswered. And claiming God doesn't answer their prayers. If only they had listened. They have a monologue with God, but need a dialogue-where both speak, and both listen. You have obviously gotten through to God, He listens, but He expects the same of you, so He can guide you. But after you plead your case, you go back out the same as you came in. Worse only because you still have your problems, and didn't listen.

And since prayer is dialogue, listen for God. Let Him talk, then respond. Then listen again, just like you would in any civil conversation. Prayer is supposed to be interactive, not intra-active. God made the premise simple from two very obvious points. One-you can control your mouth, but not your hearing. Try not listening sometimes-it only gets worse. So listen, to God, then speak. You may find that He has been speaking to you longer than you think, Jesus advises those who have an ear, let them hear. You have two, what's your excuse? And two-God gave you two ears, but only one mouth, which can vary in size. So listen twice as much as you speak. Control your mouth, which you have the ability to do. You may be surprised what you hear. For you see, like my family, you always get through to God. But we don't always let Him into our conversation. We shut Him out of world. Which He just happened to create by the way.

So try this. Psalm 1 tells us about meditating with God. Not like Ohm-m-m, but think on the things of God. And you will find yourself thanking Him, and asking less questions, because you already have the answers. You will be guided, and therefore won't need an escape route, unless you take a detour from God, and then stupid will hurt-again. Also listen while reading the Bible, for God speaks through His Word. Don't understand, you will when you need too. So don't worry, and if you do, call Jesus. Read, pray, listen, repeat. Continuously. Get it?

Lastly, for prayer, like communication is very personal, and intimate, do it often. Not just when in an emergency. Or when you need or want something. Just as I always like to hear my from my sons, God loves to hear from you. And as you in your relationship with Him, you quit asking why. You begin to trust Him. Asking why can mean "I know better God, what were you thinking when you told me that?" Attitude is important, and trust will show through it. So trust Him, and get to know His voice.
And look forward to hearing it. For those who know it, know Him. And will get to listen to it for eternity. There are no unused minutes in heaven, and any plan that limits access to God on earth is a lie. So let God into your life. Ask, you will receive. But only, when you listen for his answer.

And if He answers no? Simply put, a yes is coming-but with something much better than you asked for. He likes to give good gifts, so let Him. So, pick up your prayer line right now. He wants to hear from you-do you want to hear from Him? That's not a busy signal you're hearing, and He won't put you on hold. Just a direct line, so be still-and know that he is God!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

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waattiffs

Decisions-I read once where the average person makes over 8700 of them a day. And since no one I know is average, above average I think is how we see ourselves, I hope you make the right decision and read on. And decisions are based on choices-sit or stand, car or bike, paper or plastic-text while driving or be responsible. And more often than not, we don't hear about our right decisions-unless we get caught. But I have found that this is another proof for a living, loving God who has everything under control. As I watch moms who cannot control one child, it must take an above average God to maintain over 6 billion of us. But imagine if we were left up to our own devices, what if....

What if Mrs. Davidson had told her sons, "stay away from that Harley kid. He is bad news. And get rid of those leather jackets!" What if they made a V-4 motor? What if Mrs. Honda had told Sochiro to ride the bus? Would we still wanna ride? What if Don Corleone really was in the olive oil business? What if he made you an offer, and you refused? And what if Sonny had lived, would he have been a good don? What if Fredo wasn't weak? What if the movie On Any Sunday was based on Saturday night racing? What if they called it Saturday Night Fever? What would have become of the BeeGees, would they be Stayin' Alive still? What if Henry Ford decided to stay working for the Edison Light Company? What if we all drove Chevies? What if there really was no substitute for cubic inches? And what if young Tom Edison had been more interested in girls than electricity? No movies, where did he take his wife for a date? Go Pros are in your future because of him. What if JFK had decided to stay home that November and watch the Redskins? Would we still have conspiracy buffs? Would we trust our government more-or at all? What if the Hokey Pokey is really what it's all about? What if everybody had an ocean, across the USA? Would we all be surfin' USA?

What if Marlowe had really found the Maltese Falcon? Would it still be the thing dreams are made of? What if Clemenza had left the canoles, and took the gun? What if Martin Luther, who liked to sleep in late, didn't? Would we have church starting at 6am? Or 6pm? What if one night old Chris Columbus thought he saw the edge? And turned back? Or if Ponce De Leon really had found the fountain of youth? How would that effect those of us who never grew up, would anyone notice? What if Lincoln really lived in Gettysburg, and had an address there? Would school kids be required to know it also? Or would 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue be enough? Note-Gettysburg is in Pennsylvania. What if we had won Viet Nam? Would our veterans be taken better care of? What if we won Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan? Does that make us the most powerful nation on earth? What if we exported things around the world that were made here? Would that help the unemployment rate? What if they voted other places like they do in Chicago-vote early and vote often? What if San Diego had a football team?

What if we used oil and gas that we got domestically? What if two guys from Jersey ran the government? Don't wonder how, just thank them for 32 cent a gallon gas. What if no one cared about Keeping up with the Kardashians? What if OJ really did it? What if letting air out of a tire really did make it weigh less, or by adding pounds weigh more? What if there was really a Santa Claus? What if he unionized his workers? Would they have to work Christmas-it is a holiday? What if the Easter bunny caught on, and wanted Easter off? What if Jesus had decided He didn't want to die for our sins? And we had to work out our own salvation based on works and good deeds. Who would be good enough?

What if Jesus wasn't the way? What if you kept your friends close, but your enemies closer? What if we lived by grace, and mercy? What if you didn't have to mess up to get mercy? Be glad God offers it still. What if motorcycles still shifted on the right and left? What if they truly found a cure for cancer? What if milk shakes had milk in them, and Taco Bell really used meat? What if Ray Kroc had only one McDonalds? What if the brothers McDonald had decided not to sell milkshakes? What if Ronald McDonald lived in an apartment, would we have Ronald McDonald condos? What if you really had it your way, and ate somewhere other than Burger King?

What if God hadn't so loved the world that He didn't send Jesus? What if we really did believe in peace, and realized it only is found through and in Jesus Christ? What if you really believed He was who He said He was? What if you wonder who the Anti-Christ will be more than believing in Jesus? What if this religious stuff is just that-stuff? And you live your life denying the truth? What if you really read the Bible-and believed it?

What if what they say about Jesus is really true? What if you deny Him? What if God really is in control? What if...the decision is yours. I hope you make the right choice.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew225biker.blogspot.com

you're 16, you're beautiful, and you're mine

My friend Guy, from HAMC, sends me interesting forwards from time to time. And although we come at life from slightly different perspectives, we have a common addiction-motorcycles. So when I got his latest e-mail on Saturday, I figured more interesting bikes. But was pleasantly surprised to find it was about Hollywood heroes. Not the Carlos Estevez, aka Charlie Sheens, or Lindsay Lohans of the world. But true heroes, who when it came time to serve their country during WWII, gave up their careers voluntarily and joined the Armed Services of the US of A. And not just bit players, but stars like Clark Gable, who was too old to fight, still trained and gave morale boost to the troops. A pilot, who would have flown over Europe if his age had not disqualified him. Jimmy Stewart, joined as a private and ended up Major Stewart, flying 20 some missions over Europe. George C. Scott-USMC. Men like James Doohan, aka Scotty, Charles Durning, Sir Alec Guiness, and David Niven, who all were part of the D Day invasion. Charles Bronson, Eddie Albert, Brian Keith, Tyrone Power, Lee Marvin, and Robert Ryan who all served in the Pacific theatre, some wounded and many awarded medals or Purple Hearts for their bravery. Men who didn't hide behind their "stardom," but rose above it. These men are heroes to me. The best Hollywood had to offer-and I wonder Hollywood-is Carlos E. the best you have to offer us?

Yesterday we gathered to what would have been Laiken's 16th birthday. I say would have been, for almost three years ago, she died and is resting in the arms of a loving God. A little girl, who when I first met her was only 10 years old, with leukemia. Who for the three years we were friends warmed my heart and became my hero. For like the men mentioned above, she had character. Which rose to the top under pressure. Whose love of life and of God showed through under the harshest of circumstances. She showed it when in Children's Hospital in Loma Linda, and Jim and I held her while they inserted a feeding tube through her nose. She knew it would hurt, this wasn't the first time, and as the tears flowed from her face, she squeezed my hand to ease the pain, just like I had told her too, and I saw a courage and character shine through. And even as my hands hurt from squeezing them, they in no way could compare to the battle she was facing-or the pain from it. To the last time I saw her conscious, while throwing up into a big yellow pot, being comforted by Grandma Rita, she looked up, saw me, and waved-with that big Laiken smile. But the leukemia didn't get her, and infection did. And when God finally said "enough-come on home Laiken," she did.

I know her mom Stacy still misses her, and all the things Laiken never go to do. No more cheerleading, first dates, or proms. She missed by months being the Big Sister she had wanted to be to Abigail. But God knew best-and all these earthly events pale compared to where she is, and what she is doing. Laiken gave when it would have been OK to take. She loved when the situation said different, and wracked with pain. She stood firm, when others around her fell vicitm to the pain she endured. She is my hero, a "shero" if you will. And when Stacy called to invite us, I at first said no. It was a tough week, and I didn't feel like visiting anyone. But then I remembered Laiken, and I had to go. Out of respect, and honor. But mostly love. The love of a little shero, who touched more hearts through cancer than most do in life. A true witness of Jesus Christ, not just going out witnessing. But yet when it came time, she went out, a witness of His love.

Perhaps the song with Ringo's voice says it best. "Now you're my angel devine, you're 16, you're beautiful, and you're mine." Words uttered from the mouth of God, on this her birthday.

It is said celluloid heroes never die. But true heroes, like Laiken continue to live on, and encourage us. For just a few shining moments she lit up many lives. And now she lights up heaven.

My shero, and my friend. A daughter I never had, but got to borrow. A young lady of character. Happy Birthday Sweet 16!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

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