the girl who watched Sky King

Growing up in the sixties, Saturday morning had a specialness to us kids that it doesn't today. For four great hours, we had shows like Crusader Rabbit, Fury, Andy's Gang, and my favorite-Sky King. Schuyler King, or Sky to his friends and niece and nephew, owner of the Sky King Ranch, lived in the west-far away from us in New Jersey. And was a true westerner, from his cowboy boots to his cowboy hat. But we never thought of him as a cowboy, because he had Jeeps, and drove mid-fifties Chrysler station wagons-like the ones the recent Chrysler cars are based on. But what put the "sky" in Sky King was he was also a pilot, and flew his own plane-the Songbird. Two different Songbirds were used, think of it as early Sky and later Sky. I liked the later one-the Cessna and flew it many hours in my imagination.

And Sky was a hero to us. He was always bailing his nephew Clipper, and his niece Penny out of trouble. And I always wondered, how could two nerdy, clean cut kids, ever manage to get into so much trouble? The bad kids must have been really bad. Or maybe they didn't have an uncle who flew. And with so much crime in such a non-populated area, it could make a major metropolitan area seem calm on a pay weekend. And when he wasn't busy rescuing them, he was catching spies who were building nuclear devices in Arizona, bank robbers who still said "stick 'em up," and stopping cattle rustlers. Which makes you wonder, who ran the ranch? Restricted to 24 hours a day, all this crime activity left very little time for ranching. But Sky King was committed to people, and was everybody's friend. Even the crooks at the end of the show, ended up respecting him. Nobody ever beat Sky King, and unlike Superman, he could handle kryptonite, too. Didn't have to change outfits,or keep his identity a secret. Everyone knew Sky-you might say that Sky was perfect, and that was his only flaw.

A friend of ours-we won't mention her name, loves Sky King, too. In fact, when I think of Sky, I think of her. She is always cooking for someone at church who is sick. She does camps for kids on weekends, and is very involved in women's ministry. She somehow finds time for her husband, and when they can, visit their house in Arizona-where we are welcome guests, whether they are there or not. And somehow, she finds time to visit and minister to the seniors in nursing homes. A true woman of God, much like a Sky King to us mortals. And I won't mention her name, because it would embarrass her. But she loves Sky King, and maybe he was an influence on her in her earlier life. She is my Sky King.

But today she chooses to serve a different Sky King-one who is not only king of the skies, but of the universe. His name is Jesus, and like Sky he helped the poor, fed the hungry, visited those in the hospital, and took in strangers. He even showed compassion on those in jail. But unlike Sky, He could also raise the dead, and heal the sick. He could give eternal life, as a gift if only you would accept it. He is a true King, in fact the King of Kings, and someday will return in the clouds to take us home. And from Sky King to King of Kings, this woman still follows a true hero.

True heroes are few and far between today. Tiger failed, as did Kobie. Kickers miss field goals, and home run hitters strike out. But Jesus never fails-how's that for a hero?

Sky King never failed his friends-and Jesus never fails us. So don't be afraid to call on Him in any situation. And if you happen to hear the sound of a small plane's engine, out of the clear, blue western sky-it just might be Sky King. And if you know the girl I'm speaking of, you'll know that she is eagerly awaiting the return of her true sky king. While helping strangers, going to Bible studies, visiting those sick, and ministering to her husband. And like Sky King, is always ready to help.

Waiting-the in-between of asking and receiving. Wait with Jesus-He is well worth it. And always on time. Just ask the girl who watched Sky King-she is waiting too.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

close encounters of the third kind

I can't believe it was almost twenty years ago we took place in a focus group that Chrysler was sponsoring for a new car they were coming out with. We would look and sit in other competitor's cars, and comment, telling them what we liked or desired in a new car. And we got paid for it! It was mostly Japanese sedans, and in all cars the labels were cleverly covered with tape, hiding the brand of the manufacturer. And you noticed a funny thing, without labels, you couldn't tell a Nissan from a Toyota, or a Honda-they all looked the same, down to the color in the interior molding. Shapes of instrument clusters and seat patterns-they were all so similar you could not tell them apart! Without the power of advertising you could be looking at buying virtually the same car! I had never realized the importance of logos or corporate labels identifying a car before. And as a contrast, the two US branded cars were so unalike you could tell instantly who built them.

For comparison, a few weeks ago I pulled into Biggs Harley to get the new Thunder Press. They were having a special event, and were parking new bikes outside under the tents. When I pulled up on the new Triumph Thunderbird from the press fleet I was riding, they all looked up. Some nodded, some waved until I parked next to their Harleys and suddenly they realized I was on a non-HD. And their attitudes changed, suddenly the smiles and friendliness left their faces, and I felt like an outsider. And their faces changed expression again after I took off my helmet and they recognized me, then all was all right again, one guy even commenting what a good looking bike. But I thought, what if I was a potential customer, and greeted like that? Why would I shop there? A few years ago this was acceptable practice from some dealers-but now that this dealer's sales went from 80+ new bikes a month to 15, I was astonished they still took that attitude. And these guys know me, and know better! Again, a label on the tank made all the difference-this time the importance of not covering it up!

A few years back Dick invited three of us to talk to his high school group at his church. Four of us including Dick showed up, on our bikes, and we were to share for about 20 minutes to this high school group. But a funny thing happened, after twenty minutes, two of us hadn't shared yet. And the kids didn't want us to stop. And after we all shared, we took questions, and gave counsel, and then at around 10pm, they told us we had to leave, they were locking the church on this Wednesday night. So we took it out into the parking lot, and at around 1130pm, we finally broke up after praying. Four bikers, on three brands, from three towns and four different churches-the only common denominator being Jesus Christ. No labels to cover in case we upset someone with where we go to church. No labels covered so our different brands could interfere, and no age barriers-we were family in Christ, and reminded me that we should act like it.

On a night where none of us figured on being out that late-Willie still had a two hour ride back to Fountain Valley, we had church. Not organized, but in the spirit. We sang, prayed, counseled, listened, laughed, and loved with one another-almost three generations worth of Christians-men and women.

How is your label influencing your walk with Christ? Are you a Christian in Jesus, do you belong to a certain denomination, or are you bound by certain non-spiritual laws? Getting more Jesus but enjoying it less? Keep the main thing the main thing-Jesus. Be an example of Him inside and outside your church. Let nothing stand between you and Him. Nothing. And live in the spirit-and enjoy a freedom in Christ you never knew before.

Let your heart for Jesus be the only label anyone sees, and don't cover it up. Don't hide your light-let it shine!

Triumph riders need Jesus just like Harley riders, just like BMW riders-note they need Him more, just kidding. Stand out from the crowd by your love-the best and only witness Jesus asks for. Hey, if bikers can get along, what about the rest of you?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

LOGOS-not logos

Cruising down the street the other day I passed a man with no designs on his shirt. And when I passed him by, he had none on the back either. And I'm thinking, what is this guy's problem, is he too cool for graphics? Who's sponsoring him? Or is he starting a new trend-a plain shirt with no graphics? Is that style or what?

Whether we want to admit it or not, the shirts we wear and what they say tell us a lot about ourselves. Just watch the next NASCAR winner, and as he thanks all his sponsors-Joe Blow Racing, Slimey Oil, Diet drink this or that, and always his mother, some guy in the background is busy handing him hats with the sponsors name on it for him to have on for the cameras. Years ago when I was involved with racing, the big sponsors didn't care if you won or lost. They were concerned about air time for their logo, and so if you crashed in turn one on lap one, but it was shown over and over-they were happier than if you had a podium finish. Extra points if it made crash of the week. And you thought it was racing-really it is just 200mph billboard.

And what you ride effects your attitudes also. On a cruiser, I can be Marlon Brando in the Wild One. Put me on my Scrambler and the Steve McQueen in me comes out. Or on a Daytona and I am Kenny Roberts, leading the pack at Daytona. Just don't put me on a dirt bike-I'll crash. So what we ride and what we wear really helps our image of who we are.

As Christians we are image conscious too. And some want to appear perfect, and some even pray that they want to be like the Lord. And it is a good thing that God doesn't take us at our word. For we really want to have a closer relationship, and gain some more of Jesus' attributes. Personally I don't want to be God. He has lousy hours, a poor customer base, and it is a full time job just being me. But Lucifer, or Satan, wanted to be like God. Read in Isaiah 14 the five I's, and you can see what can happen. He dared to be like God, to be equal to God, and even to be God. Where is he now? And just like some religions today tell you that you can be God, stay away from them-they are cultic and evil-Satanically based and not of God. And some fall into this trap, while others rush in, not realizing the cost to them.

Stay close to God, and he'll stay close to you. Good advice. And next time you feel like being God, or like Him, give me a call. I have some nine inch nails and a crown of thorns for you to try out. Makes walking on water seem like just another day at the beach.

Desire to grow in Jesus, and He will give you your hearts desire. No t-shirt or contingency plan is better than what awaits us in heaven. And today remember if it isn't in your heart, don't put it on your shirt. Today I am wearing a Triumph shirt, motorcycle that is. If you are what you wear, then I am a Triumph. But better yet, I am triumphant in Jesus. There is a difference. And I'd love to tell you about Jesus in my life.

Try that sometime. T-shirts for Jesus. And you wonder how to share your witness, when all the time it is on your shirt. Just make sure before you do it is in your heart.

Styles change, aren't you glad the gospel never does.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

travel hints not found on the travel channel

It's that time of year again, that in between our few and far between rain storms we begin our trip planning. We love to tour on our motorcycles, but have an aversion to being tourists. So before we make plans, we study maps-one large print atlas on each floor of our house, plus one in the garage for emergencies-read biker and travel magazines, watch the travel channels, and reread local biker publications from previous years trips. And of course pray, as without God's leading, a vacation can just be another trip-and we want to be blessed!

And a key to vacations is vacating. The house can always go another year without paint, and the honey-do list is always there, get out and enjoy this beautiful land that God has given us. Daily routines can be so-routine. Break the habit, and trust God. And be blessed!

And since I don't like being a tourist, I read up on the areas we travel in. Impress your hosts, as you pronounce local roads and restaurants properly. Florida the state is pronounced different from Flor-ee-da Road in Durango. I have also found that certain trip advising web sites can be helpful, once you learn to figure them out. If a place is consistently rated poor, I stay away. But a clinker here and there, just shows the person had a rare bad time, and is taking it out on the business. You learn biker friendly can man bigger portions, and a place to park your bike. It can also mean higher prices, and a place the locals avoid-look for local plates in the parking lot before having a local food plate in front of you. Chain motels may have bargains, and join the club to accumulate points for free nights, but don't miss out on great mom and pop motels, character at a discount. Remember that historical hotels are great, but that the rooms are smaller, and amenities may be at a premium. Remember-it's historical, not necessarily luxurious. And you may have to walk upstairs instead of taking an elevator.

Don't ask the clerk where good food is. Don't. Ask them if you had to go out for the best meal in town, where would they go? The answer will vary, usually not the attached restaurant. An exception was the Comfort Suites in Green Bay with a great Italian restaurant in house. And in diners, we like to sit at the counter, and visit with the waitresses. Learn about the area, and take advantage of their knowledge. Also I avoid any chain diners. Dog food compared to real home cooked meals-especially breakfast. At the only diner in Iola, Wisconsin, I sat next to a farmer who had three platters in front of him. I didn't realize I had ordered what he had, basic eggs and pancakes, but real size portions, for real hard working men, and bikers. The locals were eyeing me carefully as I attempted to finish the food, and when I did got many smiles and a thumbs up from the farmer next to me, who hung around to see if this biker boy could finish a real meal. They didn't know I skipped lunch and dinner that day. And I always leave a generous tip, in case I go back I like to be remembered for my generosity rather than my eating capacity.

And as Christians, we are to remember we are just passing through-sojourners, just a tourist on earth. And some treat it like we are, but some don't get it. They don't spend time in the word, learning and developing a relationship with God, who is not only the perfect tour guide on earth, but prepares us for heaven, too. Remember He is infinite, but also infinitely local. We can avoid so many local problems if we know how to handle situations, and Jesus walks us through them. Maintenance in a relationship with God is better than having to ask forgiveness later. And when hanging with other Christians-locals, get to trade testimonies, and minister to each other. Think of it as a lifelong vacation, travelling with God, and watch as horizons get closer, dreams get bigger, and you grow with the God who created the universe. The best travel partner, and also the roads you are on take on a special meaning with Him.

Planning your trip can make or break a good time, but God will always be there for times when you don't. AAA can get you maps, but only God can give direction. Follow Him on your trip today, and as you anxiously anticipate tomorrow, remember He knows the road ahead today, too. And what may appear to be a detour, just may be the best ride of your life. Sit at the counter with God, and visit. Talk with Him as you ride, best place with no interruptions. Sleep in places where you can hear the trains, and also the frogs and crickets. Take roads you never took before-for that is the only way to go where you have never been before.

The blessings aren't always at the end of the road-the best ones are on it. Travel long and safely, in Jesus. We are strangers only once, after that friends.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

on any Saturday

We celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary this past weekend, thanks. Spending two nights at the Santa Paula Inn, we rode in beautiful weather, and toured as far north as Solvang in between. Breakfast at Logsdons, watching the planes land at the Santa Paula Airport reminded us of how Steve McQueen lived his last days there, and how the sound of the single engine planes was almost like music. And how as we stood by the runway, no cops or fences, we were at peace just watching. And of course, now I want to move there, again.

The Santa Paula Inn is an old hotel, built almost 100 years ago. Renovated within the last ten years, it is a bed and breakfast, very reasonably priced and you can walk to downtown-because you are downtown. Where you are transported back 50-60 years to a time before malls, when local merchants fought for your hard earned dollar. And eating dinner at the Mupu Grill-best steak in years, we noticed for a Saturday evening things were quiet. As in many other places, we figured it was the economy, and there is some truth in that. But as the sun went down, and it became around 630pm, something magical happened. The town came alive. In a small town where the rumor might be they roll up the sidewalks after dark, Santa Paula came alive. The stores had customers, the chairs in the bellezas, or beauty salons were full, and the sidewalks were alive with people. Like the old song, "They Only Come Out at Night," the town was alive. Kids on skateboards and bikes, and it felt like Saturday morning, instead of Saturday evening.

And to this culture it was. For Santa Paula is a farming community. Lemons, oranges, and other citrus form the economy here. Hard working folks, who after working all day Saturday, got paid, and were off to do their shopping. Sunday, their only day off was tomorrow, so tonight they were busy getting ready for it. And since it was Valentine's Day then, even the lowliest farm worker was carrying a bouquet for his sweetheart. A simpler lifestyle, but a harsher one. Hard work with little reward, but a greater appreciation of a day off.

We sometimes think that working hard is the key to success. And that evening I was reminded that these wage earners were restricted by the hours they can work, and no matter how hard they toiled, were limited to what they could earn. Years ago, I decided to work smart, instead working hard. And a funny thing happened, I got more done, enjoyed it more, and had more free time. And even though co-workers saw it, still didn't change to my way of thinking. Where they could only do 8 hours work in 8 hours, I could do 12-15, and was less tired, and made more money. Working smart is definitely better than working hard.

Our relationship with God is like that also. We don't live smart, but think we have to perform. More church time, more prayer, and just give me 15 more minutes to read my Bible each day and I'll be a better person. And if that doesn't work, well there are so many programs available, seminars, and retreats-I'll take advantage of them. But really they are taking advantage of you. It was not hard work that saved you, or makes a relationship with Jesus worthwhile. It is obedience, living smart. Walking by faith. Trusting God, and as you get to know Him, enjoying life more. Finally realizing God is not impressed with your hard work-He won't love you any less, or any more-He wants you spend time with Him. Living smart.

God calls it living in the spirit, not under the law. The same law Jesus fulfilled by His death on the cross. How grace is the best way, and that grace is a gift. And mercy comes with it. Trusting God is living smart. And the fruits begin to appear, or sometimes the chaff disappears-blows away. As you get closer to God, stress, envy, lust, and other sinful displays of your old nature disappear. Ever met anyone who worked harder and had less stress? But Jesus puts it simple-take my yoke for it is easy. Yes, you may struggle-amen to that. And everything will not go your way-but it will go God's, and when you go God's way you will prosper. And truly walking in the spirit you will begin to appear careless, when really you are carefree.

Did you ever realize Jesus never hurried? He was never late. He didn't faint from hunger and thirst after 40 days in the desert. Try that, when some of you can't make it until break time for your next Starbucks. Trust God!

Remember it is not the problem, but how you handle it that is the important part. And Sunday morning at the Santa Paula Inn we were reminded of that. Usually a very quiet inn, it was alive at breakfast, and our room was next to it. Finally when it became too loud, Theresa talked with Christine, the manager, who gave us the deluxe suite the next night-at no additional charge. She made a smart decision, and we will be coming back because of it.

Start your day today by making the first decision your smartest-trust God. He knows your steps for the day, and has already planned a way for you to be blessed. Live smart, pray smart, listen smart, love smart. And follow Jesus-now that's smart. Blessed is what God calls it-because it is!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

unequally yoked

Why is it that when a girl goes out with her girlfriend, we understand who she means, yet if a man goes out with his boyfriend we think he is gay? And maybe you can explain why men have mistresses, but women have lovers, when it is the same sexual experience for both. Or maybe it is more than sex...

Years ago Triumph ran an ad that gave some insight into why we do things, but possibly raised more questions than it answered. It depicted a very pretty women, blond like Bo Derek, wistfully watching as a man was looking at his motorcycle, with his helmet in hand. It showed a moment of intimacy between the bike and the man, and the look on Bo's face said as much as her words. "I wish he looked at me that way..." and we wonder what is the problem with this guy-Bo Derek or a motorcycle? Give her a helmet and take her with you. And after reading how great the new Triumphs are, her final line is "if only she was another woman, at least I could compete..." And we soon realize that all is not fair in love and war-or motorcycles.

And it doesn't have to be motorcycles that causes men to have affairs, or women lovers. Watching a history of Harley Davidson on TV they told how the early Davidson brothers were 7/24 workaholics, and even on Christmas, the wives were content if their husbands were home by 830-pm, not am! And certain things have always captivated men's hearts and souls-some are devoted to sports, working out, or an organization. They devote themselves to it 24/7, and live and breathe it, unaware that not everyone shares their warped devotion, and finding fault with those that don't. A narrow, selfish mind, that believes they are right, and the rest of us are wrong-we just don't measure up unless we do it like they say, by their rules, and within their organization. The Greeks have a saying, fish start to stink at the head, and they never get a whiff of the stink they leave behind. Praising its leaders, and never questioning them-that would be so unloving.

And when this obsession comes between you and God, sin enters. Soon you follow the organization's corporate line, and disregard church, the club becoming your new place to worship. And when your church misses you, you find them not worthy, and nosy and pushy. And that you know better, they are all misled-somehow you missed all the rhetoric and found your social salvation in this ministry. Now not all club affiliation is bad, until it gets between you and God. Until it is your new gospel, and you start making excuses.

Not all affairs are sexual, many things can come between two people in a relationship. A mistress is not necessarily a woman, but something even more dangerous. I have watched over the years as a man so devoted to his ministry, has found fault with all others, and those who go on to better things. And when he marries, his wife unknowingly has to fight with this inanimate mistress. He doesn't get it, and she has no say. Oh, she can join in and accompany him, but it is all about the ministry, or organization. We celebrate anniversaries and birthdays at their events, and it is always ministry first, her second. And like the Triumph girl said, " if only it was a woman so I could compete." A relationship never fully developed between man and wife, because she never had a chance. He chooses a mistress, when all she wants to be is his lover, and loved.

And so it is with God, too. He's God, and not a competitor. He never loses, but we do when we make bad choices. And we don't realize how they effect others, because we are so narrowly focused on anything but God. We try to adapt God to our life, rather than adapting to Him. And He wishes we would look to Him like we look to our mistress-a spiritual mistress bringing sadness, instead of Him bringing joy. Some finally do, but it is the broken lives that they leave behind that didn't have to happen-organizations, motorcycles, and the world make poor substitutes for a relationship with God. Yet we wallow in the excuses we make for not choosing Him, or worse yet think we have, deluded by the world's interference in our lives.

I can see another ad, with the same girl riding up on her own Triumph with her husband. Both enjoying life, and full of joy. All smiles, as she doesn't have to compete-and her husband looks at her in admiration-and she looks back the same way. And in the distance, the other guy looks back and says, "if only she had looked at me that way...if only she could have looked past her selfish desires..." He still doesn't get it.

Choose Jesus today, and never look back. Look at Him first, then you find you enjoy your riding more. Make Him first in your marriage, putting your wife above everything but Him-remember she is your first ministry, and watch as you two minister together in a life full of love, guided by God instead of some club's rules. The freedom to grow together, and depend on God, instead of some organization and its rules. Experience true freedom in Jesus, and remember the reason men and women stray is that they don't get it at home. Put love first in your marriage, then all other things. No mistresses, female or other. No lovers, but your own husband or wife. Minister together in love, independent on each other. You cannot legislate love-why are you still trying?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

may I take your order?

Driving home from Orange County the other day in the truck with Andrew-it was raining, I wanted a burger since we had had no lunch. Seeing a McDonalds I ran in. And saw the Value Menu. For the same price as a burger, I could get a double cheese burger. And two small fries were bigger and cost less than a large. And the drinks on special were 44oz. for 79 cents, much better deal than the regular 16oz. for $1.29. So my budget conscious-cheap-mind went for the specials, actually saved me money-but I still didn't have the burger I went in for.

And while waiting in line to order, noted by the menu I could have had a hamburger, an Angus burger, a quarter pounder, fish sandwich, McRib, or three types of chicken-with or without cheese! These people are McNuts. "Yes we have them too for our cones-but they're extra. Unless you order the value meal...." AHHHH!

And it is no better at any other fast food joint. Did you know you can get a chicken sandwich on a baguette at Burger King? Chili, salads, and baked potatoes at Wendy's? Carl's has salads, $6 burgers, and chicken or fish sandwiches. And they call these burger places? Add chicken nuggets-we learned long ago not to ask which part of the chicken is a nugget, and I'm confused. And I feel for the young high schoolers working the counter. Or the bi-lingual, who when asked if they spoke any foreign language wrote English. And you have to order your food three times to get it right, all the time the volume of your voice getting higher-as if they understand yelling better than a calm voice, which you had when you went in for a burger and got conned into making so many choices!

My wife wanted a chocolate cone dipped in chocolate, so we went to DQ. Between the Blizzards, Mr. Misty, Dilly Bars, various Buster parfaits and sundaes, they had one line for cones. When I asked the high school girl for a chocolate cone dipped in chocolate, she looked at me and then the menu. Not seeing it, she asked another employee. Who said they only come in dipped vanilla. So I told her, just use chocolate instead of vanilla, it's ok. And she looked again at her fellow employee and asked "is that OK?" Maybe it is rocket science after.

My friend Eddie used to work at Fred's Deli. We used to order a roast beef on a hard roll with lettuce, tomato, and mayo-for 75 cents. Extra meat at no extra charge if Fred had gone home. Simple order, simple sandwich. Now you get choice of breads, and I still can't figure out what a baguette is, but it sounds like a f------, and I think I may have insulted a guy taking my sandwich order the other day when ordering a baguette, because he may have been a f---. All I wanted was some roast beef on a hard roll! Help!

When traveling we encounter so many different types of churches-there are Freewill Baptist, Baptist, Southern Baptist, and I even saw one in Mississippi called the Burnt Out Missionary Baptist Church-yeah, I bet they draw them in. But between Catholics, Roman or Jesuit, Episcopalians-my friend calls them Catholic light, Presbyterians-check my spelling, and so many other denominations-I'm confused. And I have to ask what they believe. And just because they have the name of Jesus, or Christ in their name doesn't mean He is the same one as in the Bible.

The gospel of Jesus Christ was never meant to be like that, for the gospel is simple. You are a sinner by birth, you need a saviour, and his name is Jesus. Believe in your heart that He is the son of God, repent, and you're saved. That's it. Confess with your mouth and believe in your heart. In less time than you can order lunch at Burger King, you can find salvation in Jesus Christ. Remember that next time you try to share Jesus with someone at lunch.

Next-I'll have salvation in Jesus Christ. Supersized? You mean He comes in anything less?

Can I get a chocolate dipped cone with that? And it's to go-get me out of here!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com