a special Labor Day message

When I lost my job over four years ago, I applied for unemployment. When called for an interview, I was put in a room with 20 others, and told we were not your basic unemployed. We all had made large incomes, and wouldn't need to be retrained. Although later history would prove that our jobs were gone forever. In a room of 6 figure incomes, I would say it was safe we didn't sign up for the money-I made more per day than UI paid per week. And in a room of achievers, with quite impressive resumes, we were unhirable. Such a deal for $450/week.

When I left Mercedes Benz, there were four of us making big bucks, and doing a great job. Experience, knowledge, and being trusted by our customers was the key to our success. But when I was told they could hire 2 1/2 people for what they paid me, it was obvious it was about the bottom line. A kinder, gentler type was needed, they thought, so they hired girls who worked at the cosmetic counter at Nordstrom's, but had good customer skills. Polite guys with ties out of college, and the rest of worked harder because of them. They were given a small workload, about half of the industry standard, and were made to look successful. I cannot tell you how many of their customers I got to remedy the problems they couldn't solve or caused. But money talks, and a fast nickel beat a slow dime. They never understood the values of the Mercedes Benz owner, and even though the cars continued to break, you now had someone who really cared-even though your car left the shop just as broken. And you wonder why things don't work as they should? Or could?

When I wanted to get into ministry, God gave me a vision. But before I decided to obey Him, I made a resume, and went on-line with various Christian job searches. And was utterly disappointed, and disgusted. No one was looking for a ministry to minister in-they were looking for a job. Father Al once told me of a man who wanted to work for the Flight 93 Chapel. His dream. But lost interest when he found out it had no pay, and no benefits. For he had no vision, only a requirement of an income. Ask your pastor, what was his vision, and what is it now?

Jesus encountered many like this in Matthew 25. Those who worked for the church, but not the Kingdom. Who had great resumes of accomplishments, but fell short in obedience to God. Who would brag to Jesus of what they did, only to be told to be gone, that Jesus never knew them. See also Galatians 4:10. Where their DD, men of the year status, perfect attendance, helping out at the church were good things, God looked at the heart. Why did they do what they did? And if really after God's own heart, why did they no obey what He asked? Just to love-as He loved us, and to love our neighbors, and enemies as we love our self. But how to do that? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give drink to the thirsty, and visit those who are sick or in jail. Not much glory in that. Except eternally. You see God isn't interested in what you accomplish, but in your obedience. One of the hardest things I had to adapt to was what to do with my time. I used to put 12 hours of effort into 8 every day, now I had free time. To spend with God, after doing what He asked that day, but to get to know Him better. Why go to seminary, when I could sit at the feet of the master? Why know all the books of the Bible, when I knew the author on a first name basis. You see, all the things we think are important, and worth boasting about are just pride. God doesn't offer you rewards for your accomplishments, but says "well done my good and faithful servant." Servants don't ask when, where, how, or to whom to serve-they just serve. And Philippians tells us that Jesus became a man to do what-serve!

He also says obedience is better than sacrifice. Why work hard, when you can work smart? Did you ever see an ad promising a big income for working smart? Maybe that was why I was put in the group at the UI office. We worked smart. The rewards always came monetarily.

Do I miss the big income? Not really. The long hours, and nagging bosses? No way. Today I get excited when I get a letter from one of the inmates I equip, who equip others in prison. I get excited when those in the hospital get released. When I see families reunited, and people turning their lives around for Jesus. The things that really matter cannot be gauged by dollars or sense.

Take a good look at your resume. It will not get you into heaven-only Jesus will. But it may keep you out. Trust God, and obey God. The disciples all were not qualified for what Jesus asked them to do, but in obedience they changed the world. Now what are your qualifications, again...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

can't find what you're looking for...

As a kid it seemed everybody's dad had some kind of work bench. Whether just hammer and nails, or a full blown lathe with tools, as a kid you wanted to work with it. But had to deal with the fact you weren't old enough, but someday you could. Soon, Mike, you're still young, late fifties,...It was a time when dads fixed things from garden hoses to screens. Nothing got thrown away, but saved, as it may become needed and valuable some day. And many of us carry on the tradition still, for when looking around my garage I find motorcycle parts I know I will never use. What is the demand for luggage racks for a 2000 Sprint RS? Mirrors for a 2006 Tiger? And I even have a space for parts from my 1990 Crown Vic, parts that should be thrown away, yet I can't seem to part with them. Is it me-or the parts? Or both?

Thanks to China and other nations who don't pay their employees a fair wage, we have numerous replacement parts available. Replace the part-cheaper and faster than fixing the old. But not as satisfying. We spend more time in line at Home Cheepo than replacing the part. What did you do Saturday morning, fix the faucet or wait in line?

Remember changing your own oil? Replacing your spark plugs? How about washing your own car? In many cases memories, now we have quick lube who can do it faster and cheaper-but not necessarily better. Spark plugs-every 100,000 miles-if you get them out! See you at the car wash-not as good as you used to do, but it gives you more time to wait in line to have these things done.

And what about the work bench? It still may be there, but the tools are long gone. Now it has beach chairs, dog leashes, and at my house add motorcycle parts. Somewhere under there is a work bench-just waiting for you. But today many are just a depository for junk we don't have room for anywhere else. Too many things, just not enough things to do. Add that to the list.

I have always found that maintenance is cheaper than repairs. Not that maintenance is cheap, but you can save time and effort, and money by being smart now. A form of maintenance. We all know the Jiffy Lube mantra about every 3000 mile oil changes, but what about our walk with God? Many approach it as a penalty for knowing Him, and an hour a week seems like eternity to them. Not realizing the decision you make for Jesus today will dictate where you spend eternity. We rather wait until our kids are in trouble, rather than instruct them now. Teach them morals-then you won't need as many rules. Put down the cell phone and talk with your kids. You might learn something. And you all may avoid problems later. Lead by example-you may find out you already are, and the example is not one you want your kids to emulate.

Use life to be a workbench. Jesus is all the tools you need. Many precious times are spent with Him just visiting. Or hanging out, with no particular plan in mind, just hanging with Jesus. And maybe your kids-or spouse. Let go of things from the past-so much is just clutter, pass it on to someone who needs it-maybe just give it away for free. And watch as your life becomes less cluttered and you are free from the burden of things. The freedom found in Christ now becomes part of your family. And everyday life.

But like the proper use of a work bench, it takes work. Effort, and a commitment. Anything done well does. Check out Jesus today. Start clearing off the work bench-you may find things you couldn't find and thought you had lost. Kids and family included. Along with self respect-which you will transfer to others in love.

Every tool has a purpose, and a place. Find your place in Jesus, and find your true purpose. The time spent today will have an impact on tomorrow. Maintenance is still cheaper than repairs-pay me now or pay me later.

Jesus already paid the price. Take full advantage of it now, before today becomes yesterday, and the bench of life cluttered with junk. Jesus Christ-the right tool at the right time-for all times!

And enjoy the day spending it with your dad.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

job-lessness

Let's start off with a multiple choice question, just to prove a point. The book of Job is about a-Job, b-the devil, or c-God? Times up. The answer in a minute. But first...

I get many prayer requests from well meaning people. From how can I afford a new prom dress, to how can I afford my next operation. With most somewhere in between, after they have tried to figure out the problem themselves, blamed someone else, and then finally turned to God. Often with advice, or giving Him a choice of which solution to choose for them. Note-our solutions generally involve no pain or sacrifice, and usually resemble more of the genie in the lamp approach. Love doesn't demand of itself. For instance I recently got a request for help with a ministry, I get a lot of those. We need this, we need that...if you are truly following God, it is His ministry and He will and already has provided all you need. Usually not the answer we want. With the request drawing attention to us, and away from God. If you cannot trust God, do you think He will put His precious children in your hands? So instead of trusting God, we appeal to our Christian family, who usually is so wrapped up in our own problems. And despite the situation, the request many times ends asking for money. Why not just ask God, isn't it His riches that He draws from, don't expect much if you are looking at my bank accounts. But in this request I saw two common misconceptions about God-taught by churches, but not found in the Bible. One-blame the devil. Was it not you who used poor business sense? If it is the devil's fault, why are you listening to him? Will he bail you out? Do you doubt God has everything under control? The other is money will solve all things-spiritual and physical. Wrong again-although many sent us money to help with my recent open heart surgery, no amount of money would solve the problem, it took God's hand on the proper surgeon. No attacks from the devil, but a time to trust God, and turn to Him, not from Him. And so I offer this advice-Godly advice, which works if taken.

First go to God, and only God. Job's friends ended up being more of a burden than a blessing. God is in full control, blaming the devil for your own stupidity won't solve anything. Too many talk to the devil, when they should be talking with God. And then listening. What would Jesus do? You have to ask? Many don't have a clue. How can you trust someone you don't know?

Throughout our summer ordeal we never doubted God, or that this was all about Him, although we were important players in it. Never blamed the devil, doctors, elevation, or ourselves-we trusted. We went beyond faith, we were obedient. Which leads to blessings. For although grace is all about God, it is still our choice to accept what He provides-or deny it, and wimp and cry, and blame others. We found great strength in our weakness, I was among the "least of them" and could only look to God and to no one else. I am glad I didn't. So we come back to the opening question, who is the book of Job about?

If you answered c-God you are correct. For the Bible, all of it is about God. Not Moses, not Joseph, and certainly not me. It is about God, who sent Jesus so we could be reunited with Him. He never left us-can we say the same? So next time you pray, or send a request, pray first. Knowing that a loving god has already begun the process, and He will put you on whose heart He wants to pray for you. To show is love and grace. He knows the answers, we obviously don't. So listen to God-a key component in prayer. And then obey. Without faith it is impossible to please God, without obedience you will never see the blessings He has in store. When He offered you salvation, did you accept it? Or blame someone else?

Look to the one who can control life and death, when Job finally did He was so much closer to God. It's that personal. He had riches restored, but the true richness came from His relationship with God. Why blame the devil when you can praise the Lord?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

just an old car with faded paint

While cruising through the auto park, I noticed lots of signs announcing the 2013's, and huge discounts on the 2012's. Amazing how just a few weeks ago they were worth so much more, but now must be cleared to make room for the same cars in different shades of gray at higher prices. But with so many used, excuse me pre-owned cars filling lots, you wonder why buy new. While the sales force is telling you what a deal you are getting on the latest new car, suddenly it is old and a liability when you go to trade it in. And there is no intrinsic trade value to sentiment, so you are left to either go with the higher payments, along with the new car, or endure another year with your old car, which looks much like the new ones. More times than not you will end up with the higher payments, after all new looks so much better showing off to your friends. And after you have shown all who care, and many who don't, you make the first payment and all the new is gone. Cycle to be repeated again in 4-5 years.

When our economy was booming, in the pre-Obama days, new cars were purchased every 2-3 years. Now the average age of the cars on the road is over ten years, and I am finally average in something, driving a 2001 and a 2003. And a 1995, and Uncle Buck-a 1990. So I am actually above average. Wonder how that will effect my trade-in negotiations? And so the games continue.....

Back to Uncle Buck. Most guys that ride have an older car for going to get parts, and for the monsoon season. Uncle Buck fills the bill. Big, comfortable, and with lousy gas mileage, he reminds me of why I ride. Paint fading, but a super clean interior, tires fair-do I sound like I am selling a used car, most look at him as just an old car with bad paint, but everyone seems to think he is cool. The same car your parents, or heaven forbid your grandparents would own, despite your urging for the red convertible, is now cool. I just don't get this generation and their affinity for sedans. Unless it is for easier access to the back seat. For kids, of course. But Uncle Buck seems to defy even the rudest Wal-Mart shopper when confronted in the parking lot, easily filling any space, allowing room for over $300 of Costco to fit in his trunk, and ride in luxury, set apart from the world outside. Such a deal. And he is paid for.

Sure the patina is faded, what is patina anyway? So rather than put money into him, I just drive him when needed. No payments, basic insurance, and a coolness not found in any other sedan. You drive a Toynismazhon? Sadly he is gray, a concession to style even 22 years ago. Get over it.

From time to time someone famous gets saved and explodes on the market. Stations brag about how he will bring more into the kingdom-neglecting God who got all of us there to start with. Taking a new convert, exposing him to the pressures of fame-aka pride, and then wondering why in a few months he is back to where he came from. Like the new car, once he has been seen by many, the new wears off, and he is just the same person. God warns of this, even telling us old friends are better than new ones. How the older should take care of the young. The best example I have seen is among mechanics-you still can't teach experience! But yet we give up the security of Jesus for a few fleeting moments of fame. Hey, I got to meet so and so. Pardon me while we all yawn together.

Uncle Buck is a survivor. Old enough to vote, and old enough to have his own place, yet he lives home with us. So stick with what you know, or who you know-Jesus, and don't stray to anything else. Somewhere in your walk, you will find you have matured, and can begin to share with others. Maybe it is the patina test-old enough to know better, but still young enough to enjoy it. So continue to ride, maybe keep the car a year longer, and don't fall into the traps society sets. Stay with God-He is staying with you, and watch as the memories and testimonies grow. And when shared with a younger one, they too look forward to the days you are sharing about. To some you may just be an old sucker with bad teeth, but to those of us who believe you are precious.

And if you are driving an old car with faded paint, remember the best view is over the hood-where you are going. And just like the best view is over the handlebars, the best is yet to come. With memories to prove it. You can either feed the payment book, or your memory book. Only one is an investment-let your own heart decide.

Stick with Jesus-after 2000 years a style that only gets better with age...such a deal He has for you!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

gas wars

Before OPEC became a guiding force in our daily lives, $2 would buy a lot of gas, and a lot of good times. I can remember my Dad commenting while filling his '63 VW at a Sunoco station across from a new Corvette, "how can he afford to drive that?" The year was 1968. The Vette was filling up with Sunoco 260, racing gas at the pump for 32 cents/gallon, while the VW was taking 23 cent/gallon 190, the lowest grade. And his fill-up would last more then two weeks, no comment on the Corvette. One measured in mpg, the other fun per mile. You choose.

When filling our motorcycles, it was hard to put in a dollar. And in a state where the law was full serve, it was always rumored the mob owned the gas pump jockey's union, they would come out and stand there while you filled up. The young guys in awe of your bike, the old guys not as impressed, as their memories of Vincents and Indians were faster. And the legend continued.

But these were pre-OPEC days, and no one thought much of foreign oil. Either it came from Pennsylvania crude, or Texas-a foreign country to those of us living in Jersey. And then one day when gas jumped to 35 cents, we all went into a panic. 35 cents! That's only 6 gallons for two bucks? It's gonna cost us another dollar a night to cruise! And at four guys in a car, come across with the quarter each of you! Which impacted our McDonald's intake, "just one fry this time please." And for the first time I filled up for over a buck on my Honda. And it really hurt when filling my R90S with 260, with its 6.3 gallon tank at 50 cents/gallon, that was-robbery. A meal at Mickey D's cost less. Never before in our lives had we seen such robbery-it had to be the politicians!

So we did the proper thing, and moved to Ft. Lauderdale. Where the seniors didn't get up till late, or at least off the golf course till noon, and the lines were shorter. Except on odd/even days, or at one station who passed out matchbooks-no matches, no match, or gas. And with great weather that January, we used a lot of 260!

But few remember or even know that the Arab response with higher prices was due to Israel. After the US of A support of our ally Israel in the Yom Kippur War, they turned against us. And have been bleeding us dry ever since. Such can be the cost of defending a friend. Something we fail to recognize today, and may quite possibly be the epitaph of the US. The Bible tells us that God will bless all who honor Israel, and curse her enemies. After some 4000 years you might think we get it, but we don't. Again-politicians. But God know, and continues to shed His grace on us, not holding the many responsible for the few. And so normalcy bias has set in-the since I never have seen it, it won't happen belief. Read history-it will.

So what do we do, despite our political lack of ethics? Drive less? Drive smaller cars? Or do we take a stand for right-Jesus? For God also says if we repent and turn to Him, He will heal our land. Anyone upset about healing? Again the politicians. Why is it that politics and virtue, especially Christian ethics are at odds with each other? And with so many Christians so wrapped up in politics, and worrying about who will be elected, it is no wonder. How about this, trust God. In Romans it tells us to pray for our leaders, that God has appointed, whether we agree with them or not. Good times, thank Him. Bad times, rejoice, His day of return is that much closer. And yet He continues to take care of us and bless us. Can we truly be a Christian nation if we don't bless God?

Turn to Jesus today. Stand with Him-He's already standing for you. Look to Him, not the situation. Don't go to man, go to Him, and watch as He meets your needs. But you need to trust Him, and the more you know Him, the more you trust Him. Not knowledge, not religion, a relationship with Him. A friendship. A covenant-a contract with no expiration date.

Gone are the days of trusting your car to the man who wears the star. It is time to trust the one who is the bright morning star. Who meets all your needs, and who is a friend of Israel. Will you back politicians, or Jesus? Many of us already have made the decision, and live worry free in Christ. Today is the day to take your life off empty and be filled with the Holy Spirit. The fill-up is on Jesus, and will refill you every day. All you need to do is trust. Maybe the easiest, yet hardest thing you will ever do.

And I will continue to ride, at 45mpg, smiling in their face. Living well used to be the best revenge. Living for Jesus is the best. Even for those who still ride just for fun of it. Do you think maybe we're onto something?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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what has two wheels and flies?

In the beginning, God created motorcycles. And He saw it was good, so He went riding. But soon man saw it was good also, and soon we after motorcycles we had scooters. Not quite a motorcycle, but by definition two wheels and a motor. Take that one if you believe in evolution-a much lesser type of motorcycle. Some people thought they were cute, real bikers found them annoying. Then soon as we got older, trikes came along. Add a third wheel, in the rear, make the handling unstable, remember the Honda ATC controversy a few years back, and soon they thought they were riding a motorcycle too. Then along came a Spyder, and sat down beside us-from Bombardier. And soon a whole generation of people were riding what they thought were motorcycles-but they weren't. Purchased in bike shops, but so were watercraft. You needed a motorcycle endorsement to ride one-but they weren't a motorcycle. But don't tell those that think they are-it is dangerous to wake up a sleepwalker, imagine one who is riding-at least they won't fall over if on three wheels!

But let's go back a few years, to when bikes had to be kick started. Men were men and Honda never called their little bikes motorcycles-they were developing the Honda philosophy! And the creative decided to put VW motors in trikes. Never my favorites. Creative, yes, but still not a motorcycle. And the even more creative or performance oriented used Corvair motors, more power! One ride would scare you back into your Chevy. But it still had three wheels. It took one Kenny Howard, aka Von Dutch, to put a VW motor in a motorcycle frame, restrict it to two wheels, and ride. Even Munch, with their Mammoth, had an NSU motor. At 1600cc, was as fast as a Z-1 at the time, but no one wanted it parked outside of their house. Defining the uncool motorcycle. If you want a car, buy one-if you want to ride, buy a motorcycle!

Yet the revolution goes on, where Honda remarked at their last Wing Ding 40% of the bikes registered were trikes. Is senility taking over this older crowd, or will we go to any length to keep their throttle hand from withering? I hope to never have to answer that one. I have no problem with those who trike-but please-do not try to convince me you are riding a motorcycle! Safety as you get older, tell that to an old friend of mine who used to kick start his old Bonneville-and he only had one leg! Balance-learn to ride. Running boards went out in the 40's!

Maybe we should blame it on the toy company who brought us the Big Wheel, showing kids at a young age that it is harder to fall off a trike. Robbing them of the joy of heading down the hill on their first two wheel excursion. These may be subtle, but not motorcycles! The truth is still the truth.

Contrary to popular belief, God did not create denominations, or religion. Man did it himself. Calling it truth, encouraging those not saved to think they are. See above for trikers who think they ride. Setting up their own set of rules, they brought God to their level, and just like on the Aqualung cover, believe in the beginning, man created God. For their own benefit. Just the opposite of the truth. And continue today with denominational doctrines, many times in conflict with scripture, rules made up to gain salvation-it is a gift and cannot be earned, and leading many astray. Nice people-just not Christians. Christian ethics, just not saved.

Some even use the name of Jesus, and are cultic, some deny His deity, yet quote from His word. Misquoting actually, never acknowledging He is the Word. You may know some like these, or be stuck in one yourself. Now is the time to trust God. Stand up for truth, and rebuke the lies. For many have fallen to these clever liars, but only have a type of Godliness, not the truth. Only one can claim He is the truth-is that who you follow? Or have you succumbed to denominational rhetoric?

An old joke asks what has four wheels and flies? A garbage truck. What has two wheels and flies? A motorcycle. Different style of flies. How do you fly? This is not meant to insult those who trike, but to remind them they are trikers, not bikers. And not meant to insult those who go to church, but to be encouraged in the truth-Jesus Christ. Don't fall into any convenient lies, and go along with the crowd. Seek the truth on your own. The first time you lean into a curve on two wheels it will take faith-don't stop there. Lean on Jesus! You won't fall. Enjoy the ride, with Him along. Many don't realize He rides. So think about it. After six long days of hard work, what would you do to rest and relax? Jesus and motorcycles-it just don't get any better. Trust Him today and find out.

Whether on two or three wheels, trust Jesus. Now if we could only get church folks to wave at each other like we do....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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the high cost of free advice

Since my open heart surgery I am amazed at the amount of free medical advice I have been given. With all this free advice readily available, why do we have an insurance crisis? Particularly when it is free, no appointment needed, and most times unsolicited. It seems everyone is an authority. From not knowing what open heart surgery is-it is not stints, to being told that I should have had a pig's valve installed-my valves were OK, to never hearing of an aorta, the old theory of open mouth, insert foot is given in many illustrations. Which leads me to one question for them, would you take your own advice? To which they reply, "I'm just trying to help..."rather indignantly. We may not have found the cure, but maybe the cause.

When I was a service advisor I would get occasional people who have researched their symptom on the Internet, and then proceed to tell me the problem, and how to solve it. My reply was always the same-"right click and have the Internet fix it." Without proper diagnosis, which can be extensive, how do you know if you have found the cause. The common theme being they didn't want to spend any money. Then why buy a Land Rover? Have at least another car because it will live in the shop. Your garage is for the loaner while you still make the payments. Lee Iacocca said it best, "you never put two #2's together to make a #1!" Or to quote Rodney Dangerfield, "look out for #1, and don't step in #2!"

I know a guy, well meaning whose name is Vince. He was hired as a crew chief of a race team, but thought he knew it all. And rather than doing his job which was running the team, tried to reinvent the wheel-and ended up with a flat tire. Which we already had plenty of, wonder whatever happened to him?

Lately I have watched as churches take worldly advice for spiritual problems. Giving God advice. I know one thing, you cannot solve spiritual problems with physical advice. But you can cure worldly problems with spiritual advice. I hear of one church "teaching" its flock how to witness. Use buzzwords, the four spiritual laws, and the Roman's road approach. Anything but the spirit, which changes lives, not you. Wonder whatever happened to that pastor, and his flock? We are to love-try being my friend and I'll listen long before you start preaching at me. I'm gone when you do. I even had one well meaning, but zealous man visit me in CCC, talking to me as if I was in sin, I finally had him banned from visiting. Jesus put it simple-if thirsty, give drink. Naked, clothe them. Hungry, share your lunch. And if stuck in a hospital bed or jail cell, visit. Which I was, fighting to survive. care about his religion, I was saved, and in the spirit. If only he would have listened. To which many have, and still do. Let the spirit guide, for not only was this man incorrect in much of his theology, but also in his approach. Pray for those who are like him-particularly those in pulpits. As I was reminded by a friend who has backslidden, hypocrisy is the most dangerous and destroying thing the world hates, from Christians. It's ok for them to be duplicit-just not us.

Have you asked the Holy Spirit to guide your day? Or are you still leaning on your own understanding? You can't do both. The tire may only be flat on the bottom, but it is still flat. Trust God. He will give the words, and preach the gospel daily, only using words when needed. A hug can tell more about Jesus than how much you gave to missions. Keep the agenda simple-only Jesus. And watch as God will work in your life.

For the rest of you, right click, and join the others who have gone astray. Remember-nowhere does Jesus say to go out witnessing-you can turn Him on or off. He tells you to be a witness, something no class, not preaching, and no doctrine can teach. Leave the switch on at all times. It takes the spirit. Without the spirit you will only have a form of godliness, but never fully know God. And if you are not for Him, you are against Him.

As for free medical advice, I have been released from all restrictions by my doctors, and as of Tuesday I am riding again. With only one doctor to go-my wife. But her love has helped me get to where I am, never neglect the influence of a loving nurse. Or wife.

And to all that ask, thanks, yes I am fine. In the spirit...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com