heaven-it's not what you think

Although Tom and I had worked together for 8 years, we never really got to know each other. We both knew Jesus, and that and Coca Cola were all we had in common. But when I lost my job, he invited us over for diner that Saturday night before I took off to start our new life in California. Losing a job can be can be a life shattering experience, but Tom was faced with even more challenges. Kevin, his only son, 12 years old, had bone cancer, and had had a leg amputated. But Kevin was full of life, and had fooled more than one person into answering the door when knocking on his plastic leg. And that night he was pushing my kids around in his wheelchair, doing what he did best, being a kid. I never saw Kevin again, and an early morning phone call from Tom was the last I talked with him. Kevin was in the hospital, the cancer had spread throughout his whole body, and he was facing death. The family knew it, but the day before he died, Kevin was overjoyed. He kept telling everyone “I’m going home, I ‘m going home...”which they didn’t get at first, for they knew the cancer was fatal. He would never leave the hospital. It was only after he died, that Tom and Rosie knew what he meant-he was going home to heaven. To be with Jesus. And Tom called me to share that. Now when Kevin had his leg amputated, Rosie lost her sight, which she regained after Kevin died. She never go to see her son without both legs-God had spared her that.

A few days before Lee died, I asked him if he was afraid of death. “No,” he answered, “just worried about who would take care of Sue,” his wife. I asked him, “who is taking care of them now?” and that big old Lee smile covered his face-he knew that Jesus was, did , and would. No words needed, because there weren’t any. The peace filled the room.

Today marks five years since Laiken died. And although I have some great memories of her, I realized I had never seen her well. In fact, almost all of our times spent together were in hospitals. I never got to know the Liaken as cheerleader, or riding her bike. Or just being a kid, I saw her through isolation walls, and plastic gloves. I saw her much like Kevin, with joy that I can’t put into words, for there aren’t any. I see a smile that fills the room, and a little hand always reaching out to me, a little girl who now is home, just like Kevin, and Lee, and others who call Jesus Lord. And tonight Stacey is having another get together to remember her, the first one I will miss. But I won’t miss Laiken, and I won’t miss Stacey and Jim, or Abigail either. I will miss being there, watching as Abigail grows up, as Laiken’s friends are graduating from high school, meeting boys, and getting on with life. And while it may seem she was robbed of all these things, she is with Jesus before all of us, which when we get there will make us look at things differently-on earth as it is in heaven. Fortunately not in heaven as it is on earth. She went right to the front to line, with Kevin and Lee.They have placed their trust in Jesus, and they will be in my thoughts and prayers all day, as they often are, no date or day needed to remember Laiken. Only time that will pass until we see God face to face in heaven, and our friends will be there. It may seem like eternity until we get there, it will take eternity to give thanks.

But heaven is not what you think. “Eye has not seen,” scripture tells us, so any pictures, drawings, or ideas it’s not. “Ear has not heard,” it goes on, for no one can tell you about it. Ask Moses when you see him, how do you describe an infinite God using finite words? “Nor mind imagined,” whatever your wildest dream of heaven is, it falls short, it is far better than you can even dream or imagine. So don’t try. Just look forward to it. And encourage others in it. When I was sick this last summer, I spent time with Jesus, in the spirit. I cannot tell you if I saw heaven, but all I could see was Jesus. And I cannot describe it-or Him. For there are no words to describe an infinite God to an infinite world. It goes way beyond feeling, and the peace is indescribable. The best words are God’s, from the fruit of he spirit. LOVE-not an emotion, but the person of God. In His presence. And He is here now, giving us life until we enter into eternal life. My feelings have been know t let me down, aren’t you glad that God is more than an emotion? JOY-His presence, not the absence of pain, with us through the trials. With us on our journey back home. And PEACE-not a situation, He is our peace. The Prince of Peace. A person. So get to know the person if you want any glimpses of heaven. As for me, the only way I can describe it is, “I want to go back.” So when I meet others who ask, “aren’t you glad you’re not dead?” I answer “NO.” For I want to go back, to be with Jesus. But I am also thankful I am here for now, to encourage others. To be where God wants me. And I know that Kevin, Laiken, and Lee would say the same. Somewhere I can see Kevin pushing Laiken in that wheelchair, laughing and carrying on with Lee watching. Smiling. And God smiling too, telling us all is good, all is well with their souls. Heaven will be fun, not because we will be there, but because Jesus is there. Much better than I could ever imagine.

So take comfort in the words King David did, when told of the death of his son Absolom. “He cannot come to me, but I can go to him.” And we know this to be true, because God sent Jesus to be with us, so we can. So look forward to heaven in all you do, just as the example Jesus gave His disciples, “On earth, as it is in heaven.” Not the opposite that we try to make it. The only things I desire of earth in heaven are my family and friends. You can keep the rest. I want to go back, for you see heaven-it’s not what you think! It’s even better!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

with ten miles behind me and 10,000 more to go

James Taylor and his wonderful voice burst onto the scene while I was in high school. With hit after hit, and beautiful lyrics, some of us who were hard core rock fans were drawn to him. His songs seemed to work better on the stereo when having a girl over than Radar Love. Somehow the lyric “been drivin’ all night my hands wet on the wheel...” never inspired a hugging and kissing scenario for me, although this song would drive Por Favor nuts. To each his own. Then he went and married Carly Simon, and her album with her blue sweater drove many the adolescent boys crazy. This guy had it made, music, fame, and Carly. But there was always one line in Sweet Baby James that has stuck with me through the years, “with ten miles behind me, and ten thousand more to go...there’s a song that they sing when they take to the highway..” And when leaving town on every long trip, I sing this to myself when first hitting the highway. For it always seems to be a highway that leads me out of town to wherever I may end up, with the road the real destination. And just as all journeys begin with the first step, all rides begin with the first mile. Also with an anxiety, an unbelievable sense of I am free to do and go wherever I want for the next 14-37 days. It is just me and my wife and the motorcycle-let’s see how far our dreams can take us. And for the past ten years they have taken us to 48 states and Canada-all on two wheels. Some trips shorter than others, the longest 37 days, 31 states, and over 11,000 miles. From deserts to amber waves of grain with purple mountain’s majesties separating them, it seems no end to the roads and the memories that we set out on. But as many miles as we have ridden, and all the places we have seen, the map is still covered with roads we have yet to try, to places we have yet to visit, and people we have yet to meet. With 10,000 more to go...

The first ten miles are often the toughest, as you go through the mental check of all the things you needed to do so you can leave. Cat and dog taken care of, mail stopped, neighbors watching the home...did I forget anything? And as the miles add up, the cares get left behind, anything will have to wait until we return. The road is our home now, and every night a new bed awaits us, promising a good night’s rest, a time to review the ride of the day, and plan for the next day’s. Home will be wherever we rest that night, and 10,000 more to go. And it seems that this freedom is best explored on two wheels, with a best friend. Over the years I have ridden cross country with groups, with a friend, and also alone. I prefer alone, with just Theresa, the old rule you only go as fast as the slowest rider applying here. We go our own pace, and there have been times 250 miles took all day, while other times riding 600 miles to a destination, had us on the road for another 250 after an early dinner. The road has become a home, and a destination to us, a place we feel most comfortable on, a place that takes us places greater than our imaginations, and memories stirred years later when looking at the pictures. But 10,000 miles? A dream to some, a curse to others, so we ride alone.

The Greeks felt that 10,000 was the largest number possible. Infinity to us, and we find in scripture 10,000 referred to many times in the New Testament. Speaking of God’s riches for us. And it seems every time we are blessed, we have to rest, soaking it all in. No way He could ever surpass that, but we have learned that only God can, and will, and does. We have taken the scripture to heart, He gives you the desire of your heart, He plants it there, and then fulfills it. Ten thousand of them! And so I often look back and thank the Lord for all He has done, sometimes exhausting my dreams, and realizing that I have only travelled 10 miles with God, and I have 10,000 more to go. Heaven is infinite, 10,000 times 10,000, all with the Lord. But it takes a first step, the first ten miles, and Jesus is the way. As a new Christian things all seem new, and we are told how wonderful it all is, and sometimes how good things will be. And then trouble hits, and many turn back, or away. Just a short trip with Jesus, with so much more to go. They don’t trust their riding partner of life, and stay within a local range, never seeing what lies over the hill, in the canyon, or past the fields. They turn back just as the roads get challenging, missing the blessing of riding them, and seeing God getting them through. Missing out on life’s ride with Jesus, or worse yet, leaving Him behind when they do, planning to the exact mile their trip, never leaving home, and never seeing the blessings God has for them. Ten miles behind them is all their ride, for their journey is seen through their own eyes, instead of God’s.

To those who believe, I urge them to take to the highway, just as James sang on Country Roads. Not just escaping the urban blight to a more bucolic road, but the whole country. Wake up in another time zone, eat a local specialty for breakfast, watch a travel show and say “I’ve been there.” But James also sings, “sail on home to Jesus..” and that is what really makes the trip. Without Jesus they are just roads, with Him they are destinations. Places to go until we meet in heaven, where ten miles is just a stroll, and 10,000 is an afternoon’s ride. God has endless blessings for us, we just need to trust Him. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring sometimes because we don’t know where we will be tonight, or tomorrow. Start your ride with Jesus today, take to the highway won’t you good girls and boys. Jesus spent most of His ministry on the road, could He have been a biker at heart? Laying the groundwork for us today? You’ll nevr know until you do, with ten miles behind me, and 10,000 more to go, make it one with Him. And each night a special destination planned for you. But you will never know all the blessings until you get out and go with Him. And at the end of each day, you’ll know where you are supposed to be, promising a good night’s rest. Like the ad says, “He’ll leave the light on for you.” For when we’ve been there 10,000 years, there will be no less days to sing God’s praise. Now that’s a ride I don’t want to miss. Like the sign on our front door says, “we ride, therefore we aren’t here.” Reminds me of an empty tomb, maybe there is more to Jesus and riding than you think!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

roads, rides, and the ones who ride them

The bumper sticker read “Those of you who think you know everything upsets those of us who do.” To which I say amen, quietly of course where no one can hear me, for I have found that the more I learn, the more I don’t know. And I have real life experiences to prove it. Years ago BH wanted to race from 60 to top speed with his CB750, with some engine work, against my R90S. I smoked him, but against Bouke and his Yoshimura Z-1, too many times I chased his tail lights until they disappeared. A lesson for both of us. When Chuck got back into riding, he bought a Heritage Soft Tail, bragging to me how fast and smooth it was. Until he rode my Sprint RS, and told me that now he understood why I can ride faster than him. I don’t know any real biker who has never gone 100 mph, but I have gone 100 miles in one hour. Twice. Fast, but yet when Mickey told me about riding back to the shop from Havasu in 2 1/2 hours, that’s 300 miles, and that he averaged 120, I believed him. I know the bike, having put thousands on the same Sprint GT as him, I know the roads, and I know Mick. He didn’t set the cruise at 120, there are places 80 is fast, and places 155 begs for more. 120 was just an average ride that day.

I was so impressed with the Street Triple when it came out, I bought one. Fast, light, quick, and with great handling, I can see why the magazines love it. Then the next year the R model came out, better in all ways, if only I had waited a year. For you see, no matter how many roads you ride, you always find new ones to excite and invite you. No matter how fast you have been, there is always the legendary 150 mph Sportster out there, and no matter how many bikes you have ridden, they keep coming out with new and improved ones each year. What’s a biker to do? Simple advice dictates, let’s ride! And to you who think you have ridden every road, or every bike, who think you have gone fast, or far, it upsets those of us who have ridden more roads, more bikes, gone faster and farther. And so we invite you along for the ride. Follow us to more rides than you ever thought possible, and then have others follow you. If they can keep up with you, but then can you keep up with us? Lately the blank expression from those who ride is when they ask where we went on Easter Break. Central California, and they think Bakersfield and Fresno-you may yawn now. But I mention Exeter, and the expression is one of huh? We found it on a trip from Springville-now I got ‘em. Maybe. But when I mention the Carrizo Plain, to many if it ain’t I-5 they’re lost. And dirt roads ain’t I-5, although some in LA may have you thinking the opposite. So to those of you who have ridden everywhere, have you ridden the Snake? And tell me, what roads can you introduce me to? I’ll do my best to keep up, I’m not Mickey fast anymore.

The gospel and its simplicity continues to amaze me. While others seek more meaning from life, I tend to seek more of the one who gives life. Better roads, more curves, and more excitement, with just enough straight and narrow to make me want more of the Lord. But how do you find this road, this God, how will you know? Did you know that before you became a Christian God went out seeking you? His Holy Spirit was with you were in bars, in jail, and in trouble. At speeds faster than the cops caught you at, He was hanging onto you, not for the ride, but to give you the ride of your life. He was following you, daily reminding you of your need for a Savior, for Jesus. And then a remarkable thing happened, you decided to follow Jesus. And the ride of life just got better. Maybe not smoother, but now you had a real suspension to handle the curves and bumps. You had a seat that could go for miles, and a God who wouldn’t ride too fast you couldn’t keep up, or one that went off and left you. He doesn’t putz along so that you look for ways to get off and lose Him. But there are times that we ride off and leave Him. Aren’t you glad that Jesus never leaves you, or forsakes you? On an unknown road, He knows the way home. Detour! He knows an escape route. Bored, He will give you excitement, and hot and tired, He will provide rest. You never travel alone with Jesus. The important thing is you let Him lead, that you follow. Or to put it simple enough for a bumper sticker, “when you were lost He followed you, when you are saved you follow Him.” The gospel in 14 words. More time for riding.

You may never ride as fast as Mickey, or as far as me. You may be faster and have more endurance. But remember who to follow, Jesus. Those of you who think you know everything, wise up, get to know Jesus who does. And is happy to enlighten you, maybe even change you. Make you a better rider, take you farther than you have gone, and on better bikes. Follow Him, He not only knows the way, He is the way! But you will never know until you invite Him along. Start the ride with Him today. You may even find the Carrizo Plain, the Snake, Highway 33 in Wisconsin, Route 32 in Pennsylvania, and CA 166. Or the back way from Springville to Exeter. Great roads, and like great roads and rides, they must be shared. Not all roads lead to familiar places, but they all lead somewhere. Sometimes the road is the best destination, to people and places you find along the way. Who you follow is your decision. The road you take is up to you. The best roads and rides never happen by accident, neither is meeting Christ. He has been waiting for you patiently-why waste time arguing when you could be riding? With Him! The more I get to know Jesus, the more I want to know Him. Increase your average ride today. The God I serve is way above average. Consider this an invitation along for the ride.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com.

don't grow up today

"Mom do we have to come in?” we used to cry as kids. “Can’t we stay out and play some more? Just one more inning?” And of course the answer was usually no, for this was not her first attempt, but her final at getting us in for dinner, or to go to bed. “Can’t we stay out at least until it gets dark?” And still it would take more than another request until someone else’s mother, then their father called us in from the dark. We were kids, and our main purpose in life was to play, and we spent all our waking moments trying to fulfill our obligations to it. But unimportant things like school, homework, dinner, and more homework were daily deterrents to achieving this goal. So any excuse was a good excuse to want to stay out and play more. And the games we played were simple. All it took was two gloves and a ball to play catch. Add a third and we could play three way catch-not as much fun, or running bases. Still simple enough, and fun. For football all it took was a ball, and two people. Add a third and one would play defense-just like the pros. Not enough kids for two teams in kickball, there was always flies up. And if an older brother wanted to get involved, many summer nights were spent shagging fly balls until it got too dark to see. All games that required two or three people, a ball, maybe a glove, and the desire to have fun. We had no need to be entertained, we entertained ourselves. Again, we had fun, and came home tired, dirty, sweaty, and sometimes scraped up after contact with the pavement. We were kids, did we really have to grow up?

Remember when a neighbor got a new TV, or a refrigerator? “Can we have the box?” we would ask, and soon the empty box that sat in the front yard to announce to the neighborhood of their recent big purchase was dragged down to ours, and turned into a fort for playing cowboys and Indians. Or a pillbox to defeat the Nazis playing war, and even a spaceship for going where no man had gone before. It could become a race car, the possibilities endless, with only our child like imaginations limiting our fun. Sometimes a simple stick could make a serious rifle, a bigger stick a BAR. How many of us survived nearly putting an eye out playing with them a swords? And when it came to bikes, how many future collectible baseball cards gave up their collectability to serve as noise for the spokes? Making us sound like a real motorcycle, the faster we went, the louder, just like the real motorcycle most of us had never heard. Performing gravity, and death defying leaps from the sidewalk curbs, we went 100mph in our minds. Add a little gravel, and we were soon skidding sideways, wearing out our rear tires, long after we would run out of baseball cards. “Do we have to come in? Can we stay out until dark? PLEEZ!” And off to the bathtub we would go, then to bed. Exhausted, maybe a bit scraped up, and we slept well-dreaming of the next neighbor and their new TV so we had a box to play in, or the next afternoon after school, when all the stress of study released us to the world of play once again.

Being home in the afternoons I miss the sound of kids playing. We have kids in the neighborhood, but it seems that organized activities are now the norm. Playing in safe environments, with no chance to play in boxes, they are responsibly recycled, to stay out until dark, or to add horsepower to their bikes via baseball cards. Now we save them, they may be collectible some day. Bikes are not left in the driveway with fear of Dad backing over them, but locked up behind locked doors. And all the fun we had outside is now inside, where kids play video baseball, with the sound of crowds coming from the Playstation. They are Ivan Stewart jumping their truck on a big screen TV, no way you could ever play in the box that came in. And if more than two or three boys are out playing catch, someone gets nervous and may call the police-what are those boys doing? Are they a gang? Better keep an eye on them. But soon some mother, if she happens to be home, and not at work, is hit with the question,”do we have to go out? Can’t we stay in and finish our video game?” Why, we might even get our Nike Airs dirty! Remember when no one wanted their shoes to look like new? And as Mom sets the timer, and your friend’s mom comes to get him, no one rides home a few blocks anymore, you wonder why kids are so unhappy? Why do they dropout, when maybe they are forced out? School grounds locked, guards in the hall, and signs saying “NO TRESPASSING!” everywhere. So they retreat to the confines of their room, just them and a video game-no gloves, balls, or bikes to be had. Don’t get sweaty, and please don’t get dirty. Germs are everywhere. And fun isn’t.

So I like simple, and still do. A chance to exercise the body and mind. To go places we want, as opposed to being controlled. And sadly, most of this is about control. Not having to deal with the responsibility of raising kids, just sending them off. With others to leagues, teams, and other scheduled activities so we know where they are. So we can go out and play. Showing off our new Nikes, to the others at the juice bar at the gym. No kids allowed, just fun sucking adults. Would someone please buy a new refrigerator just so the rest of us can have a space ship to play in? Can I buy one of your collectable cards, just to add some horsepower to my spinning bike? Can I please go out after school? Until dark?

The gospel is simple, so people like me can get it. Man sinned, Jesus came to save us. He died on the cross, then went to heaven, leaving an empty tomb. And if we believe with our heart, and confess with our mouth He is God, we can too. One to one gospel, straight to the point. All Jesus and no filler. Yet the church, us, has decided over its history to make things more difficult. Like a country club, it has excluded those it feels are not worthy. Don’t dress right, or aren’t religious enough. When you get as good as us, then you can come in, and maybe join. If you’ll agree to tithe. So we all can see how much you give, so we know how religious you really are. After all we have standards...And do you really wonder why some say no when invited to church? When Jesus warns of the rich man getting prominence in his seating, yet all week tries to do the poor guy in by his laws? So many religions keep their flock under control, just like their children, can’t let them explore Jesus for themselves. That old time religion, it was good enough for Brother So and So...it’s good enough for me. Yet neglect how unhappy Brother S and S was, how hard it was keeping up with all the rules, and making sure he never missed a meeting. And then along comes Jesus...

Promising freedom in the spirit, and upsetting the religious types. Showing love rather than demanding it, He hung with hookers, junkies, and even bikers. But also with kids, because kids are cool, and still had a desire for life. They have imaginations, dreams, and desires not yet squashed by the world. They have faith, and want to know the truth? Will you parent show them? Can’t they stay out and play one more hour? Yet those in control, who seek to control, are really out of control. They wouldn’t know what to do with baseball cards and a bike. Playdough, I might get my hands dirty. Drawing, without a laptop? Dad, can you put down your cell, I have some questions. Who is this Jesus they talk of? Why can’t I go to church with my friends? They let me play, and be a kid...I am a kid right?

So we are to come to Jesus as children. Seeking Him, and not more rules. Not more controlled activities. Maybe just a couple of kids out playing catch. With Jesus. One to one, just the thing we fear most. For there is a safety in a crowd, and more to blame when we don’t get our way. Long after our words are forgotten our actions will be remembered. Spend time with your kids today. Let them be kids-it’s hard enough without your help. Play out on the field, maybe get dirty. wind up the Schwinn and pedal your heart out, come home tired and dirty. And happy. Be a kid. Jesus was one once too. He remembers, and wants you to be one too. In Him. And you just may find you get to go to church, rather than having to. “Mom, can I go Wednesday night?” And if you happen to see an empty box out front, even better. It makes a great space ship, race car, fort, or even an empty tomb. Jesus loves the little children, we never get old if our hearts stay young. He was fun long before entertainment. Don’t grow up today.

Or to quote Dennis the Menace, “not a bad party, I busted two balloons and a window.” Life is for the living.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

while waiting patiently for the light to change

Cool is not something that can be defined. It is sorta like demanding patience-right now! Or bragging about how modest you are. Once you verbalize it, or tell someone how cool you are-you aren’t. Cool goes far beyond anything tangible, it comes from deep inside, but can be manifested in the physical. For instance, Christopher and I are sitting at a light on out Bonnevilles, where right in front of us is a new one, with the paper plates still on it. Shiny and beautiful-the bike, the rider thinks he is too, as he is shiny in his new leathers, and exercising his wrist waiting for the light to change. People in cars are looking, as they do at Bonnevilles, and this guy is digging it. The light turns green, and he takes off, and half way through the intersection, the bike bogs down, and wants to quit, starving for fuel. As I pull up next to him, I point at his petcock, and he gives me a blank look. As he pulls over, I pull next to him, reach over and turn his fuel on, and the bike stumbles to life. As it does, we ride off, watching as this rookie mistake has taken all the cool out of his ride. No shiny leathers, not even his cool bike could cover for his rookie mistake. He may return to being cool again some day, but for now anyone who has seen him, or hears of him, knows how uncool he really is. We have all been there, and it seems the bigger the crowd, the bigger the embarrassment. Funny how one simple twist of his left wrist, turning on the gas, had such a profound effect on the twist of his throttle wrist. A lesson he probably will never forget, and if accused will deny. But we know-because we were there. And also because at one time or another, he was us.

Now if he had just turned it on himself, and rode on, that would have been cool. Blame it on the new bike, or the dealer, but when a fellow biker has to do it, that ‘s just not cool. You cannot teach experience, you have to experience it for yourself. Just like cool cannot be described, either you have it or you don’t, grace works the same way. You cannot describe grace, it is something that must be experienced. First hand. And walking in the spirit is the same. I don’t always realize when I am walking in the spirit, but like the man losing his cool, I know when I am not in it. Grace works the same. I can see the grace of God when I trust Him, and let Him lead me, but when I make one wrong turn, grace goes on, without me. But fortunately God’s mercies don’t, and they beckon me back to the right course. Sometimes as simple as turning on the gas, when I repent and turn back to Jesus, the ride continues. But sometimes it takes some time spent on the side of the road, before God can get your attention. It may take a call for help, or to a friend, but grace is not an isolated event. Or experience. It takes two-you and Jesus. Getting your eyes off you, and onto Him. Alone it ain’t grace. But God is always there to offer it, it is up to us to take it.

After Jesus was crucified, He appeared to some men fishing, Peter among them. At the fire, after he had recognized Jesus, Jesus asked him three times, “do you love me?” The same number of times, Peter who did, and does, denied Him. Jesus didn’t deny him, although Peter had denied Jesus. He forgave him, showing mercy and grace. Giving Him an assignment, to take the gospel to the lost. Now that’s cool. Because Jesus is cool. And both He and Peter had a special time together. So special it is recorded in the Bible for others to see. And learn from.

You may be stumbling along today, out of gas, or maybe with it turned off. Things you cannot do alone will face you. It takes Jesus to get through the day, and He is always available. His mercies go with you down the wrong road, just waiting to be asked the direction back. He is the way! Not sown on any map. He is also very cool, not revealing your sin to anyone else, and once it is confessed, He forgets it. But somehow allows us to remember, so we don’t leave the gas off again. But when we do, He is there again to help. If only riding were so simple.

So Jesus is cool. So cool He defeated death. So cool He rose again. So cool He offers it to you. He calls it love. And He is patient-right now! Waiting for you to come to Him. And He never brags on Himself, but always points to His Father in heaven. Way cool. Cool is a lot more than just escaping the flames of hell, cool is a person. Peter found that out, way before cool was popular. Now you do. The question is, how cool are you? Trust Jesus, for without Him you’ll never know. But somehow those around you will know you aren’t. He is waiting patiently for you. What will you do when the light turns green?

Cool? or ....

You did remember to cancel your turn signals after the turn, didn’t you?

be cool, love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the first Harley stoppie

As we sat at the intersection, the sound of screeching brakes got our attention. Off to the left, we saw a Harley in full rear brake lock sliding sideways, out of control, then backing off as he started to slide, sending him into a minor tank slapper. Fortunately stopping before entering the busy intersection. And from our vantage point, it was evident no front brake was involved, just the simple use of proper braking would have prevented this potential accident. but sadly die to belief in an urban legend of going over the bars by using your front brake, once again had created a dangerous situation. And we missed the opportunity by him not braking correctly of seeing the first Harley stoppie. But all were safe, and he will ride again to brake incorrectly. But at least he is still riding.

With the advent of ESP on cars a few years back, and ABS before that, we now have braking control to prevent skids, and traction control to prevent skids. Where as before we would power through a skid, staying on the throttle, now unknown to us, a computer disables the throttle, or applies the brakes in milliseconds, so we can attend to more important things like texting and using our cell phones while driving. Smarter cars, sadly we cannot say the say thing about the nut behind the wheel-or handlebars. And so as we left the intersection, we commented again on “don’t panic in a panic situation.” Which here was about to cause more damage than what action was needed-use your brakes properly-fronts stop about 70% of your vehicle-Harleys, too, and don’t panic. I have personally seen or attended to too many accidents because of no front brake, and then skidding, then backing off the brakes when skidding, going into a tank slapper, and crashing. Not too late for this guy to learn...

Without electronic enhancements such as traction control or ABS, we used to have power under control. When we would slide, stay on the gas, and power out of it. When braking, go with the skid, then straighten out. Yet so many panic in a panic situation, that now we can’t even power slide for fun anymore-or leave long tire marks on the street from doing burnouts-or from slamming on the brakes. We have given over control, because we were not able to stay in control. We are still out of control, just now it won’t show as much. And our choice is gone-in the name of safety, when all we really needed was to learn to drive properly.

When I was life flighted last summer, had the sack around my heart drained, had open heart surgery, and then my aorta replaced, no one asked me-they told me, this is what we are going to do. And I am glad the surgeons didn’t panic in a panic situation. The only thing left in my control was my attitude, and I was thankful and humbled by the situation. Unable to offer any advice, the doctors and nurses did what was needed without my interference. Sadly the nurses told us of how some curse them, blaming them for their operation, or situation. Anyone’s fault but theirs, we need someone to blame-not us. And whereas the Bible calls it meekness, power under control, God also calls self control a fruit of the spirit. Your choice, self control, a fruit of the spirit. I probably surprised more than me by the way I reacted-but God knew, and now you do too. My choice was to follow Him, instead of my own understanding. Sadly I know of two men, both pastors, who have been there for many over the years, yet when faced with decisions of their own, don’t follow the same advice they would give. The only power they use is to panic, to go into a self pity mode, become depressed, and cause more damage-not only to themselves, but to their families also. Panicking in a panic situation causes more harm, when the choice they should have made was to follow Jesus. “But you don’t understand,” I’m told. And your right, I don’t. And you obviously don’t either by your actions. So why not trust someone who does, when Jesus stands there the whole time offering to take your burden, because He loves you. Leaving the choice up to you-stopping in time or skidding to a stop out of control!

In addition to my advice of not to panic in a panic situation, is do not make any decisions during a high or low emotional time. Why add stupid to any situation by your emotions. Again, I may not understand, but prefer to use my freedom of choice in the spirit to choose God, and follow Him. Your feelings will let you down, He never will. So next time you are in a situation where you can panic, look to God. In that instant where you lose control, He already has things under control, just waiting for you to let Him. Use all the resources He makes available to you, including your front brake. And if you already do, you know the impact it makes on stopping, just like twisting the throttle increases power.

Today you will enter an intersection where your own understanding will not be enough, feel free to call out to God. Better yet before you leave the house, ask for His guidance. No need to skid through life when you don’t have too. Unless you want to, which is your choice. Just not when you don’t need it or expect it. Meekness-power under control, not a new idea, but God’s plan for you. Get your motor running, set out on the highway, looking for adventure, and whatever comes our way. Make sure to take Jesus with you. The impact He can make on your life is better than any accidental impact you wish you could have avoided. Leave crossing it up for those who flat track. Life should be fun, so enjoy it. And I am still looking for the first Harley stoppie!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

terrorarium!

Some things just seem to go with the territory, and being the only grandson often meant rewards. But on one afternoon, I paid the price for disobedience. I had been told by my Grandma that if you ever see Murphy’s tail wagging, don’t mess with him. Murphy was their cat, who spent most of his time alone, and ran the house, all good cats do. But when I saw him, I just had to pet him, surely he wouldn’t hit me. But as I stroked his back, it went up and a big, black paw came out, catching me across the hand, causing it to bleed. So trying to hide my injury, I went upstairs, but my Grandma had heard the whole thing. Then seeing the tears, and the scratches, rather than getting sympathy, I was simply told, “you were told not to touch the cat when his tail was wagging.” And out came the mercurochrome-the universal, healing, germ killing, pain inflicting remedy. Many trips to the doctor had been averted due to this red liquid, and again I was saved. But not from being busted, and would wear the scars for years. To Murphy, it was just another day in the basement, no sympathy from him. And I had found a new respect for petting an annoyed cat. And about warnings.

After the goldfish in the aquarium fad ended, with all the fish dying, a new fad came along. newts, those cute little lizards that could magically change color and hide, were the in thing. And having an available aquarium, turned it into a terrarium, a home for newts. With Norton the newt, we anxiously waited for him to turn colors, yet never did. But we also found Norton to be a girl, and soon we had a newt colony. A family of newts in a one bedroom terrarium. And as our reptile attraction grew, I brought home a huge toad, but where to put him. Not knowing about the wild animal kingdom, he took up residence with the Norton family, for a few days. When we got back after a weekend away, only the toad was left in the terrarium-it had been turned into a terrorarium! The toad had feasted on all the newts, and gotten huge. Not knowing their affinity for newts, we had sentenced the Nortons to a cannibalistic death. And the toad went back to the pond-the terrorararium back on the shelf. And never mentioned again. Except to warn other newt owners.

How many times did Ralphie hear “you’ll shoot your eye out,” and then think he did. The warnings were there, mort to protect than rob him of any fun, but they were real. For just as cats scratch, and toads eat newts, icicles can fall from houses and take out your glasses. I am sure he had a new respect for his Red Ryder Rifle after that, just as I did for Murphy’s claws, and newts did for Mr. Toad. Yet so many times we hear the warnings, and ignore them. Those of us who were victims must have done something wrong, but it will never happen to anyone else. Not to me! Which is a psychological term called normalcy bias-in other words because it has never happened, or I didn’t see it, it cannot be true. And many live their lives that way, some even denying the threats when they are most evident. But in our 20/20 hindsight we can always look back and see they were there, just ignored. In Jewish history, the Jews were referred to as a stiff necked people-stubborn. And many who turned to Christ, still went about their old life styles. And soon some religious types came up with their own rules, telling those caught in sin after salvation, they were going to hell. You blew it, and now God will get you. Never taking into account God telling them that their sin caught them, not God. And that forgiveness is one time-forever. Past, right now, and again tomorrow. God knows we live in a fallen world, and is there to catch us when we fall, not punish us. So when Paul addressed the Corinthian church, he encouraged them, rather than attacking them. He warned them that sin will hurt, maybe even kill, but God forgives. He told them to turn back to their first love, Jesus, and get on with life. Quit now-and go on. Not quit now or you’ll die. He offered forgiveness rather than retribution. Just as Jesus does.

Screwed up again today? Don’t worry, it is still early. But if you have, Jesus is up earlier, and already forgiven you. Get over it, change your direction, and follow Him. Like He says, “pick up your cross and follow me.” Unclench your fist, and open your heart to Him. And as we get closer to Him, we look at sin, and sinners differently. And we forgive, as He forgives us-for everything. But He also expects us to learn from our lessons, thee hardest ones are the toughest ones. Don’t pet the cat, don’t put the toad in with newts, and be careful with guns. You may only get a scratch, but some 50 years later I can still remember Murphy’s claws. I remember coming home to a newtless terrorarium. And we all will remember Ralphie, and the best Christmas ever. Love covers a multitude of sins, let the covers stay on. No need to go back, look ahead. Look up, and then follow the lead of Jesus. Sin, like stupid hurts. It is supposed to so we don’t do it again. So learn from Paul’s letter to Corinth-they never did. Heed the warnings, better safe than sorry. Just ask the newt family. Be thankful God is patient, and your sin hasn’t caught you yet. don’t turn, and it will. But when you do-it is forgiven. Erased from God’s memory. And you can start over each morning with new blessings and mercies.

The more pain the better the lesson learned. So learn from Jesus-who endured all our pain on the cross. And be like a cat. When one gets burned on a hot stove, all the others avoid it. The warnings are there, but so are the blessings. It is your choice. Stupid still hurts. No need to remind me today. “O-o-o—h-h fudge!”

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com