life after religion-renewing lost horizons

Looking out my window this morning, I am reminded how much boundaries play a role in our lives. Watching Dee Dee walking a cat and two dogs on leashes, listening to the neighbors small dogs bark from behind the fence, and noticing fences between our homes, we all are bound by something, and may not realize it. From the time we are born, we are bound. We look from our crib, and wonder what it is like on the floor. Later we look past the door, and wonder what it is like outside. We then want to cross the street, and wonder what it is like across Westfield Road. And it continues as we get older, another boundary to cross and conquer, wondering what is on the other side, and increasing our desire to not be fenced in. Sometimes for our own good, yes-but bound none the less.

When Bill and I first got our motorcycle licenses, the main direction we took was west out of Jersey. Late summer afternoons riding into the sunset-and no matter how fast we rode never quite caught up to it. It was always out of reach, so we continued on, without boundaries, excited about the new roads to ride, places to eat, and hopefully girls to meet. But first the road on the horizon laid ahead of us. And it still does today, and my heart more than ever wishes to ride places I have never seen yet. To wander down roads just to see where they go. To find a bench at the edge of the beach and watch the sun set. To eat breakfast from a skillet overlooking a mountain stream, and to end up in a small town not on any map, and feel right at home. I wish to ride into every horizon, form sun up to sundown, and all the horizons in between-for God has given me a desire to see this wanderful, and wonderful world He created. And with Him along to guide, the best is yet to come.

And being a Christian is the best way to see it. For we see it through God's eyes. For like the pamphlets and brochures I get, they are man's viewpoints-what they think I would and should see about them. But with God it is different. Jesus was against the religious types-the word religion means bound. And He came to set us free from the laws and Pharisee types who wanted to control us. He talked freedom in the spirit-where we could ride the horizons, and see life through His eyes. He guides us through life's roads, adding life to the road, and bringing an intangible into the ride-Himself. So often we see eagles, bears, or other scarcely seen things, just because He points them out to us. So often we see things that others miss, just because we are looking, and just because we let Him show us. Sadly religion is not like this,, and so many I meet think of church as rules to obey, and fun not to have. They are right-religion stinks. But that is not God! Don't confuse the two, and don't get sour on God just because of a bad church/religious experience.

If you are still looking at God from behind a barrier, or in a religious arena, remove it. Look to the horizon He has given you, and let nothing get between the two of you. Put those behind you who seek to contain God, and control you, and seek God only. And then follow Him, trusting Him. And you will find that God's ways are different. That God's ways bring joy, and a peace that only comes from Him. He is that peace. That the boundaries that others are trapped behind are now gone, and you can see the horizon, and have a new desire to see what is over it. And now have a way, and a person to go there with-Jesus Christ.

Jesus spent most of His time on the road. He may be the original and most famous nomad ever. He knew what was over the horizon, and wanted everyone to see it, and for everyone to be there with Him someday. He knew heaven awaited those who believed, and that religion would try to take them off course. So He showed the way, and today wise men still seek Him.

It has been said a rut is really just a grave with the ends open-a way of escape. Get out of your rut today. Do something again for the first time. Get closer to God, and spend time with Him. You will see roads that you passed by, never knowing they were there, or where they went. Seeing things God's way-but at your pace. With Him pointing things out to you that you missed before-things out of bounds to religion, but available in Christ. And just like God walked with Adam in the afternoons in the garden, you can ride with Him-and do it all day! Not just when the son sets!

There is a new horizon that God has laid before you for today. Let Him take you there. It may be miles, or it may be inches, but it is a place with no boundaries, a place of freedom, and a place of peace. A place where you can put your feet up, and watch, look, and listen. And taste and see that the Lord is good. A place that must be experienced, for no brochure, pictures, or words can describe it. It's that personal.

The choice is yours-bound by religion, or free in the spirit? Twist a throttle with God today and let God be the Captain Kirk of your enterprise. Go boldly where no man has gone before. Eat and see the things of God firsthand. Then tell someone else-for He who is free in the spirit is free indeed! You know Toto, I don't think we're very religious anymore! We're out of bounds! With God! Hang on for the ride of your life!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

---

what good is grace if you don't enjoy it?

The times they are a changin'. And more than a Dylan song, it is prophetic. Right has become wrong, wrong has become right, and no one seems to know the difference between the two. Or for that matter really care, they only care if they get caught, then the finger pointing begins. Sadly we are all guilty of it, but with the biased media, lack of morals, and personal integrity lacking, we all too often are left to fend for ourselves. To feel alone, and to feel like no one cares. Even sadder is the truth contained within that statement.

The old saying "don't bite the hand that feeds you" used to refer to not turning on those who meet your needs. But today it is also a warning, for you don't know where that hand has been. And just like our dog Clemenza licking Mary's face, she was happy and saying "look how she is kissing me," until reminded that the dog drinks out of the toilet. You really don't want to know where her paws have been. Gone are the days of dogs licking faces, kids riding in the back of trucks, strangers helping strangers, and having someone in authority to go to. If "hi I'm from the government and I'm here to help" sends chills down your spine, welcome to America 2012. Former land of the free, and home of the brave. Not the people, just those who are in power to govern. Which we elected. Remember that old saying, "first time your fault, second time mine.." might just make a great campaign pledge!

God initially had no sin in the Garden, but then our ancestors couldn't keep it together. So God sent Moses, a murderer, and Jew to rescue them. But they didn't like the food, didn't like the 10 Commandments, and soon didn't like Moses either. And would rather go back to being slaves instead of trusting God, just because the food was better in Egypt. That would make an interesting series on the Food Channel! And after enduring judges, kings, and not-so-benevolent despots, we are now in the era of Grace-God's grace. Our sins are forgiven, He promises to take care of us, and we don't have to work for our own salvation, God offers it as a gift. Yet so many people are afraid of this freedom, and rather than live under grace, seek laws to live under it-or to enforce freedom. And with laws come courts, then policemen, and then finally attorneys, and we find no freedom in any of that. And yet grace just waits patiently for us to repent and turn to it, God calls it mercy. Not much of that in courts these days. When is the last time a law worked for you? Which leaves grace. What part of free don't you understand?

As we watch the Biblical prophecies unfold in the news every night, it is evident that government and man's rules just don't work, and won't work. Right now there are so many laws in the US that they quit printing the book listing them, and rest assured the US of A feels even the most patriotic citizen only breaks three laws daily-without even knowing it! And we need more laws, and more lawmakers? Maybe Barney Fife was right, "first rule is obey all rules..."

God's grace is free. It is so expensive that no one could afford to pay for it, so He offers it as a gift. Turn away from sin, turn to Jesus, and He forgives, and offers you a better way. And as depression, escalating food and fuel costs, and lack of enforcement of civil laws increases, the only safe place to be is in Christ. Our Rock, our Fortress, and our deliver. The Israelites called Him Jehovah Jireh, my provider. His grace is sufficient.

Need more grace, seek God. Mired in troubles, take the burden to Jesus. Alone and scared, with Him you are not. If needed He can send thousands of angels, some are watching you right now, and you don't even realize it. He cares for you that much. But what do you do when Apollyon, the destroyer aka the devil attacks? Turn it over to God. It is His battle, and He never loses! It takes trust, just a little, and today we face a battle that is not only at at our doorstep, but has found its way in. Please pray for us that God will prevail soon against the evil that confronts us.

As we sit each night overwhelmed by more tragedy in the news, and a lack of answers via politicians, look to God. While others seek solace in politics, none will be found. It takes Jesus. So vote for Him-choose Him right now! No need to cast a ballot, open your heart. God vs. man, a battle for the ages, and of the ages. I choose God, for I trust no man-only because they cannot be trusted. All it takes is a little faith.

The best definition of faith I have ever heard is trusting God when there is no evidence of Him. Feel like that right now? Let me agree with you in prayer, that God will show you grace. He knows how to solve the problem, will you let Him?

And pray for us also, we all need God. And in the depths of our problems He is with us. No need to fall asleep in fear, or wake up in fear. No need to fear during the day! Out of darkness into the light! Perfect love which casts out all fear! Remember that He loves you and He promises to stay with you.

The hand that feeds you! From a heart of love. Let's pray.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot

for man does not ride by bread alone...

Ride to eat, and eat to ride. Not a bad philosophy to live by. And when you consider the fun that goes with it, a great way to spend time, on and off the bike. And fun can come in many different ways. Take Oreos and milk. Not just Oreos, for it is a meal unto itself. Cold milk, cold Oreos that are kept in the refrigerator-oooooh! But for those who are lactose intolerant, and who have never tasted chilled Oreos, just warm Oreos are ok too. We understand. Twinkies though can be had with or without milk, or warm or cold. Again I prefer the chilled ones, and with milk when available. And they are thoughtfully packaged in a 10 pack, the perfect sized compliment to any meal, or that pre-dinner snack when the affects of a 2000 calorie burger and fries has worn off. Fun to eat, fun to anticipate, and fun just thinking about it!

San Luis Obispo, aka Nabisco by my mother-in-law, has a great Thursday night Farmer's Market. With live bands, fresh produce, and lots of food, there are many ways to have fun. Do I butter my mustache with the broiled corn on the cob first? Or get my fingers sticky with the pulled pork sandwich? How much fresh lemonade can I really drink? And why not start this roving meal with a huge cinnamon bun? Ah, the decisions we are forced to make. And all it takes a good hand and face washing to get rid of the tastes, hours later. All done without a fork in sight! Just like Oreos and Twinkies-eaten with your hands. Real food eaten like the pioneers did.

The past two weeks I have had a 2012 Speed Triple R to ride, and when forced to take it back at 1000 miles, ok 1200, I decided to ride my 1978 Suzuki GS1000. Which 35 years ago was the Speed Triple of its day. After wheelies, stoppies, and going faster in turns than I ever had, I had to change my pace on the Suzi. Until it changed my pace-and started leaking oil at the head gasket, and running bad-no power. And it bummed me when I found out it would take $700 to fix, it might as well have been $7 million. So I prayed, after a short time of trying to figure it out. Even had Herm check the points and timing. Just in case God needed any info for His diagnosis when I finally gave the problem to Him.

Waking up the next morning, the Suzi was still down, and so was I. But God reminded me of how in the past on carbureted bikes, you could drain the carbs, and any water and dirt would flow out. So I did, and surprise, after seeing dirt and water in the gas, and a shot of brake cleaner to remove any residue, the carbs were clean and the bike ran great. In fact better than ever before. I had been making excuses for its age, when age was not the problem. Something I need to remember as I get older too. God's idea was the right one. So I just had to take it for a quick ride-it ran so good now. So wiping off the oil residue so it wouldn't coat my jeans again, I went for a ride, ok a 70 mile I'm having fun and checking for the leak ride. But the oil leak was gone! Not a trace! God had healed my bike! And 650 miles later, it still is not leaking! Praise God! Glad to know that He can fix things too, as well as lives!

And the fun is back in riding. Not that it ever fully left, but the worry that the leaks had caused had robbed my happiness. But not my joy, for God gently reminded me that when He is present, there is joy. To look to Him, and not the situation. And how He has prepared good works for us in advance. To some, a broken, old bike. To me, an expensive problem. But to God, who knew it was going to happen, a way to show His love, grace, and mercy to me. Already planned and the fix ready, He was just waiting on me!

Walk in faith with Jesus today, fully expecting His grace and mercy to be there when you need it. In fact so many times it is there, we don't see it, as God is always protecting His children. My own understanding was how much and how long would it take. God's answer was grace. Love. Compassion, and joy. So live life fully expecting God to take care of your problems. Seek Him first, not after the pain of worry has ruined your day. For I have found that no matter what I ride, when Jesus rides with me, the joy is everywhere. So I look to Him in everything.

Which includes Oreos and Twinkies. And the next ones will be a special thanks, and a remembrance of what Jesus has done in my life. Communion, if you will. Oreos for the bread-His body. And milk, for His blood, spilled for us. In remembrance, for it is not what you eat, but why, and with who. It is still all about Jesus, and we should all pay Him honor more often. Fun with Jesus we'll call it, communion with the living God. Praise and worship with Oreos and milk. I wonder if He likes His cold like me?

Either way-it's all about Jesus!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot

---

who says there is nothing on tv?

We started the night looking for something to watch on TV. And after going 0-for-210, settled on the Home and Garden Channel as a good background to catch up on our reading. The show House Hunters was on, where some poor soul gives his budget amount to a realtor, who immediately shows them houses over their budget, and then watches as they squirm looking at homes that sorta meet their criteria, but fall short in some area. And that cost more than they can afford anyway. Like we can do without indoor plumbing, or we don't need a dining room, we can eat on the sofa with the plates on our laps like in school. I have watched as the more skillful agents take all the joy out of home purchasing, all within a half hour time frame. Some are so bad you cannot turn away, like hearing the brakes squeal and waiting for the impact. So you have an idea of what else was on TV that night. But stay on it did, for it was about to get interesting, for this agent was to meet his match.

She was unattractive, rude, offensive, demanding, had no sense of style, and was wearing the ugliest shirt I had ever seen. My first thought was if this was the best shirt on the rack, how bad could the others have been? But it might have been the perfect shirt for her, as it was her best quality, if bad taste qualifies as a quality. In every house they looked at she found fault. The yard wasn't big enough for her to graze in. The pantry was too far from the bedroom. Or the paint clashed with her shirt, and rather than part with the shirt, she would be pressed into painting the walls. Oh, the problems of middle America. She was also the perfect wife, berating or belittling her wimpy husband the whole show. I'm not sure which dating pool he got her out of, but if she was the best, like shirts and agents, the others must have been terrible-or worse, because she was. She could have been the poster girl for why men stay single! A one woman team of annoyance, setting out to do all the agent didn't do to compliment him on making a home purchase a nightmare. And she did-I think we truly had a lose/lose situation, wait till she meets her new neighbors.

But style is personal, or maybe more precisely lack of style. It takes a trained eye, or more precisely an eye that can see the potential to make a good buy. Whereas he can see an old car with faded paint that needs a good detailing, the trendy woman with him only sees an old car with dirty carpet. And where the trendy wife is already bored with what she is wearing, anticipating the next trend so she can be stylish, and seen and envied by her public, her husband sees the old car as a labor of love. As a romance promising all the things his wife can't or won't deliver, such as peace of mind, companionship, and something to look forward to that fits in the garage. He sees the potential, she is miserable that someone may see her near the car-or worse yet her husband. She has no future because she has no right now! And as he spends more time with his new/old car, he will get more satisfaction out of the time and energy he puts into the car than the time spent listening to her complain about her new hairdo-by the way, don't touch it! Don't even ask her to go for a ride, no helmet will ever touch this head! Miserable, and hoping to add you to her list of things not up to her standards, she never will know the love her husband has for her. It is all about her-and I think I just saw her on this show.

Your talent is exceeded only by your potential. And true potential is never realized except in Jesus Christ. While others see the old car with dirty carpets, Jesus sees the heart. He shows us that changing from the inside out produces real change, and a beauty that shines deeper than any detailing. A beauty that comes from the heart, and a beauty that desires to be shared with others. He makes us new creatures, and tells us "behold-pay attention, the old person is passed away!" We may look the same, but we aren't, as we have passed from death to life. Before you were just painted up to look natural like a corpse, now you need no makeup to hide behind-it is in you, and part of you! You have a future, but more importantly a today! And a today to enjoy and share with others. And while you old friends just see the dirty carpet, you are a new creation! And the dirt in them is more evident than ever before. They need Jesus!

A man once told me the best view of his motorcycle was from the seat looking over the handlebars. And I agree. I can see where I am, but also where I am going. and it matters not which bike I ride, the view will always be ahead-never back. Maybe that is why those of us Christians who ride have a better insight into Christ-for motorcycles and a life in Christ don't have a reverse! We only have a future! Old carpet, bad paint, leaky gaskets, and all. Bad paint on walls, a yard that needs mowing, and fences to mend. It is all external, and will only change from the inside after we make the decision to change. And a worn out Bible like a worn out motorcycle only testify to the many miles both have travelled together. The problems encountered and the victories won. Something perfume, new styles, a haircut, or clean carpets can't duplicate-for we have a relationship! With the living God! Forever!

Don't let the world or others steal your joy. Ride with Jesus. Shop with Jesus. Hang out with Jesus. And find as He changes you, you want to change to be more like Him. And enjoy the fact that people will notice you more than the clothes you wear or the bike you ride. "There's something different about you, Mike? What happened?" Let me tell you about my Jesus.

From houses to blouses, and from bikes to yikes, Jesus Christ changes lives! Let Him change yours today! It just may affect the way you look at TV!

If only buying a house was this easy.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

that's incredible!

What an exciting day it was when cable TV first became available in Bayfield. After years of living at the lake, where we got five channels-really four when it came to choices, as one was the local station out of Durango, and would show all the popular shows from all three major networks. On Friday eves we could watch Dallas twice, repeat Miami Vice, and know how the show ended. And we somehow got by, for free, before we were inundated with over 200 channels with nothing on. I am not sure how I feel about paying for something I don't care for, at least with broadcast TV, it was free into my living room. And in a time when the networks were at their peak, it was Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, Dallas, The A-Team, and other such cultural giants of entertainment. But on ABC, they had a show called That's Incredible! A show where they interviewed people and their incredible gifts. Hosted by Fran Tarkenton-Hall of Fame quarterback, John Davidson of Hollywood Squares fame and he of the perfect hair, and also Cathy Lee Crosby, she of the perfect body, it brought incredible feats and talents by normal people into our homes on Monday nights for four years. Most were stupid like the man who could swallow his face, or catch a bullet in his teeth, but one stood out above all others. A story about a man born retarded-and the woman who raised him.

Grandma had found this baby when no one else wanted him. He was blind, and couldn't walk, so she would tie him to her apron strings, and pull him around until he learned to walk. As he grew, her love taught him many things, and one was to play the piano. He had trouble communicating, but when at the piano could play magnificently-despite no lessons. But what touched my heart was when she asked him to describe love, and he played and sang The Lord's Prayer. This seriously handicapped man, had the spirit of God in him, and as he played he truly was incredible. God had done something in his heart without benefit of human interference. And how blessed I am to think of this today. And a reminder that Jesus Christ changes hearts-not us, not TV, not the church, and not religion-it is God who uses all things and somehow despite our well meaning interference, uses them changes hearts.

I had not seen Sara, our friend's daughter for some years. She was born with a chromosomal disorder, and appears to have Downs Syndrome. At 16, she is forever a five year old, and when visiting at our house with us, said she wanted to go to church. She brought it up, we weren't even talking abut God. Her parents don't attend, but they let her go with us. And when Theresa asked her why she wanted to go, she said "Jesus." And when asked where Jesus was, she said " in my heart!" And all I could think of was God-and how incredible He is! And how precious the least of these are to Jesus...

But just as abruptly as she came into our lives, she moved back home from a group home. It looked hopeless for her to get to church, because now she lived over 25 miles from us-the other way. But as God always does, He provided a way, via Kelly, who she loves, and who was willing to take her to church, and then her dad would pick her up. Thus giving her parents the chance to see church through Sara's eyes, and Jesus in a whole new way. It is called love. Which doesn't include religion. But when we thinking God had abandoned Sara and going to church, He had a better plan, and Kelly had offered to help. After talking to Sara's dad, he said please have her call, it would be OK to take Sara to church with her. But before I called Kelly, God told me Sara needed an Annie Sullivan in her life, just like the lady who was special to Helen Keller. And a special grandma just like the blind and retarded man. And God was calling Kelly-she was that special one. For He had placed Sara on her heart. And God knew just what He was doing!

For Kelly's heart is totally in love with Sara, and her girls love her too. Sara is growing functionally after being around "normal" kids, playing ball, the rope swing, and doing all the things we were told she couldn't do. She is learning about Jesus, and tells everyone who ask, and some who don't, that Jesus lives in her heart. For where the devil meant to cut Sara off from God, God's plan included us, and Kelly. And all I can say is-"God's Incredible!" Love triumphs where the world fails.

Stuck with reruns on TV-try God. Wednesday nights have life to them at church! The worship is great. The fellowship awesome, and the teachings incredible. But the time of worship after is-well you have to be there! And right along now on Wednesday nights is Sara. A "least of these" people to the world, but so precious in God's sight. Who loves her so much, He brought Jesus into our lives, and blesses Kelly with her. Three people with nothing in common but Jesus. Who normally would not even meet, or run in the same circles. But God placed a special channel on our dials called love, and wants to share it with you. To God this is standard procedure, to us it's incredible! I hope that soon a Sara will bless your life, and send a Kelly along to help. A script that only could be written in heaven-and played out in the hearts of those who believe!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

...with powers and abilities far above mortal men...

When Sue Perman, a secretary for the editor at a large metropolitan newspaper, was asked about her boss's schedule, she replied, " I plan it daily." Upon being asked which date boot camp reminded him of, the young man replied after some thought, "March forth." Just some bad puns to get you going this March morning, that here is starting out like a lion, and by lunch time hopefully has turned into a lamb. There are many old sayings, old wives tales, or traditions that we live by, sometimes without knowing it. It is hard to find someone who claims not to be superstitious, yet we all have our own beliefs or opinions in all matters. And "I don't care" counts as an opinion-so don't go there.

Growing up in the 60's I remember when long hair was going to be a curse on America. In the 70's it was disco(some truth in that one), and in the 80's it was all about me. Did that mean that if we all got together it was all about us? No one ever asked me. And in the 90's I was too busy raising kids, so I'm not sure what was going on. Under the influence of children is my plea, and I'm sticking to it. Been there, done that, have the bruises to prove it. The t-shirts are long gone. I learned that is why you have kids while you are young. And if they ever leave the house, there is a special time after for you and your wife-your time. Sometimes even referred to as our time, if the two battle scarred make it through, and still are able to do things together.
Thankfully we did, but at one time I read how the 40's were a major cause of divorce. A time that after the kids were gone, you two had to actually have a two way conversation, and it took awhile to talk without interruptions, arguments, and insults being hurled your way. Thankfully the five years when your kids were between 15-20, when you were the stupidest people on earth has passed, and the two of you can reunite in love. Compare wounds, go over any notes about key battles, and go onto "your" time in your life-as long as you agree with each other. A special time when your career has reached its potential, you have a little money to do the things you want, and now have the time. Just like you planned it. And so we did for a few years, actually they may have been the best years of our lives, and then I got laid off. Like is so prevalent today, it doesn't matter at what level, who you work for, or how long, no one is immune from it. And at that point, all your plans change, it is harder to find work, the kids may have to move back in, and the future that seemed bright at one time, now only shows dark on the horizon. It would take Sue Perman and her ability to plan it daily to get your life back to where it should be.

I have asked men who are out of work a revealing question. "Do you miss the job or the paycheck?" I cannot remember anyone who missed the job. It is all about the paycheck, "so we can meet our needs," I am told. God tells a different version, and even the strongest of Christians forget it when they are faced with no income. His version is He supplies all your needs according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus. It is not all about us, but all about Jesus! So...why not ask Him what He wants you to do, instead of going instantly into worry? He knows your needs, and your desires, so why not turn to Him? Go out and minister to others in need. Stop by the church to see what things need to be done, and seek God 100%-maybe for the first time ever. Unlike the advice I read today, that if you are unemployed you should spend 35-40 a week in job searching and preparation, seek God first. He knows much better than you, or some worldly commentator. He knows what lies ahead, and when He says He knows the plans He has for you, they include HIM! How can you fail if you side with God? Isn't that super, man!

And for the past four years that has been my testimony. I have no other choice, but it always isn't easy. Seems everyone knows how to run my life better-sound familiar? And you may have to change your lifestyle, as God changes your life. Actually you get to. But now I get rewards via blessings that far outweigh any paycheck or reward I ever earned while working-I am in God's will, and because I seek Him first, I have a peace that surpasses understanding. While He meets my needs in ways I never could imagine. Ways not learned in school-unless it was Sunday School. And while to some I may appear careless-especially to those who misquote scripture-it says if who won't work, not don't work, holier than thou one-instantly seeing things through the eyes of the world, but I am really care free, for I have cast them on the one who careth for me. And He takes care of my needs according to HIS riches, not my feeble savings. Or embarrassing income.

So don't wait for unemployment or other disaster to start to follow God. Do it today, avoid the panic and rush later. It works. See above. So I will leave you with a question for all you Bible students. And those who claim to know it all. "Who were the first three who left the tomb when Jesus told Lazarus to come 4th?" Think about that one a minute, I even stumped Ray one night. And we both laughed. Be secure in knowing that to God you have always come first-can we say the same about Him?

Look up in the sky...it's a bird...it's a plane... it's...time to look up to God!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

---

finally, the wait is over

Daytona Speed Week is almost here, next week in fact. And to the many who live where winter is a season that only lasts 6 months, it is a cause for celebration, and a time to pack up the bike in your van, and head south to Florida. It used to be about the racing, with the 200 being the showcase event, but in recent years it has turned into a full on rally, and depending who you talk with the number of people attending is 500,000! More than the population of Albuquerque, or even Wyoming! That is one heck of a lot of bikers-and bikes! And after 5 long months of winter and no riding, the adrenaline flows, the bikes are de-winterized, and so are the riders-and they head south! Finally, the wait is over.

In 1974 on my first hiatus from the Garden State, I lived in Ft. Lauderdale, and went to Speed Week. Just a short trip, 2 days, but I remember all the bikes and the smell of castor and excitement that filled the air. If you rode, the high got you. If you didn't, either you were dead, or caught the fever, if not the disease. And for those who attend faithfully every year, it is a time of old friends, traditions, a ride on the beach, and a sure sign that spring is coming-at least in Florida.

And the most popular route south is the I-95 corridor, that when not being used to escape the wintry northeast, is usually a road to avoid. But on our first trip south in 1974, it wasn't completed yet, and so we spent most of our time on US 1, and also US 301. Two lane roads, and in cities sometimes 4 laners, as they call them in the country. And the 1300 mile ride would take 3-4 days, even if the weather was nice. Not at all like today where you can get on and only get off to get gas and food, then back on again, set the cruise control, and nap. Back then it took patience, a strong clutch hand, and a wide eyed willingness to persevere to Daytona, knowing that great weather was just around the next traffic jam. And the farther south, the better the weather-by day. But some of the coldest nights happen in Florida in winter. A biting cold that leather can't keep out, along with fog and sometimes frost that make you think that maybe you brought NJ with you. But the days more than make up for it.

Going through Georgia from Atlanta to Savannah last summer, I came across a new section of US 1. By-passed when I-95 was built. A section that I remember them building 40 years ago, and I remembered how the smells of the paper factories, and of endless miles of praline stands lined this two lane exodus road. Crowded, with all of us the same dream-warm weather, but some of us the promise of a new life, or at least Daytona! But that road last summer looked nothing like I expected-it was 4 lane, wide, smooth, and mostly empty. Only the old signs and old buildings left to decay in the sun reminded me of a ride back then. And as I tried to explain it to Theresa, you could tell as she looked a vacant highway, she had no idea of what the trip was like back then. Only the photos in my memory bank are left to remind me. Maybe it was the 100 degree heat, or the emptiness of the road, or the questioning of a 40 year memory, but I seemed to be the one out of place here. But yet, the pictures are still so fresh in my mind.

Would I want to go back to that time? We need to ask ourselves that question sometimes. As we get older, and the body doesn't heal as well, as the 401k turns into a 201k, and as the dreams we once had have turned to a survival script, were we really better off back then? Would I really like to relive 40 years ago-but by today's rules? And by knowing what is behind me, does that comfort me as to what is ahead? Or are some memories better off left where they happened, with only today's memories to look forward to, some day?

Christians who study the Bible are not surprised by today's headlines. The season of the rapture is upon us. A time that we will be rescued out of here by Jesus is upon us. No freaky religious people predicting the date, but we are told we will know the season. And that season is here. Just like we looked forward to Daytona and a rescue from the winter of Jersey, we look forward to being taken out to heaven soon. But some signs are distressing, and we take an attitude that because we are God's that we shouldn't have to endure this season. And I talk with many whiners, who doubt God, although they freely use His name at church. Truth is, tough times are a sign-so be glad, we are that much closer. Wars, and rumors of wars, sound familiar? Pestilence, disease-take a look at Africa. Economic turmoil, gas expensive, and food following it-just one trip to the pump will confirm that. Families breaking down, or being redefined, in 1960 only 2% of children born in the US of A were out of wedlock, now it is 44%! More evidence? As we hear about church vs. state, and man vs. God, we also see the time when the largest revival in history will take place-and we are there! That road to heaven goes right through you-2 or 4 lane, north or south, east or west, so get on it and go!

Jesus is coming. Whether you believe or not, He is coming. The signs are there, His people are telling you, so what is keeping you? Are you stuck in traffic on US 1, or cruising on I-95? No matter, God knows where you are, and has you there for a purpose. Bike Week is only a temporary destination, then we go back home. Heaven is a one way trip-we won't want to go back! We are finally home! So live your life accordingly!

And if the road you are on is rough, you are probably on the right road. God will see you through, so stay the course. The most blessings belong to those who persevere-just ask those who made the trip south many years ago. And make sure to tell those you meet about the road ahead, and where it leads. Jesus saves! Are you saved? Soon the wait will be over.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthw25biker.blogspot.com

---

---