three piece patches,-Father, son, and Holy Spirit

It is called prospecting, and to anyone whoever wanted to join a motorcycle club, they know exactly what it means. A probation of sorts, to prove to the club that you are worthy to wear the colors they represent. To be accepted by the members, for membership, sometimes only 75%, but usually 100%. And for that probationary period, you will be little better than a slave, and indebted to the one who nominated you for membership. And depending on the club, those commands can be disgusting and even lecherous. And even illegal, in an attempt to break you, and find how you respond. Will you defend the club? Will you give allegiance to it, even over your family if needed? In 1%er clubs will you do time or even murder for the club? And for that period of from six months to a year, they own you. And you ask yourself, is this really what I want? And when the answer is yes, you endure the humiliation, earning the full patch colors, and are no longer a prospect. You are a full member, with all the rights and respect of the older members. You are in-you made it!

Not all clubs are clubs. Some are MM instead of MC, motorcycle ministries instead of motorcycle clubs. And their rules and requirements to wear their colors may be more relaxed, but the colors still mean the same. It has been said that if it is not in your heart, don't wear it on you back. And among the tougher clubs, it can mean danger, and even your life. It is a commitment made, and honored, and respected. A relationship based on a long term involvement, not just a season to check it out. And some clubs policy toward leaving it are two ways-death or dishonor. Thus insuring a tightly knit brotherhood among its members, and also honoring club business. To put it bluntly, seen on a red and white shirt-"Snitches are a dying breed." Gossips take note-you may be one sentence away from becoming a snitch.

Some social, non-motorcycle clubs, have less strict rules of membership. And as people come and go, so does the flow of the chapter. Leadership comes and goes, and I have seen clubs like the Jaycees, or Rotary, or Knights of Columbus rise and fall based on the quality of its membership. How much commitment will they make? Do they understand the vision of the organization? Some like the Masons even have levels to attain, and have been compared to cults, because of some of their beliefs. Whatever the club, be sure to check them out first, believe they are checking you out!

God's rules for membership-which He refers to as having your name written in the Book of Life are simple. Repent, realize you are a sinner, confess Jesus with your mouth and believe with your heart and you are saved. No prospecting, no club rules, or initiations. Although Baptism is encouraged, it is not necessary for salvation. Jesus paid your dues, and you are a full member of God's family. He makes the gospel so easy, that even people like me can accept it. But when we come to religion, and denominations, man makes it difficult. Religion which means binding, like being tied up or tied down, and denominations, adding your insight or touch to what Jesus has already done, and what God has already said, making them just a little more unique, or at least better in their own eyes. "Won't you join our denomination, you will be better off," they say. Looking to gain numbers, even robbing from other churches, when they should be reaching out to the lost and dying world. If your church is more about numbers than Jesus, maybe you should be prospecting for another. If you are not being fed, look for a place that will feed you-spiritually. Check them out, maybe put them on probation. But never put God on probation. He has already proven Himself, all the way to the cross, and then His resurrection. Competition should be for saved souls, never to satisfy a church role requirement.

Do not buy into the lie we are all God's children. Read John 1:12, to all who received Jesus were given the right to be called the sons of God-not by man's rules but by knowing God-personally in Jesus. Those born of God-born again, of spirit and body.

Groucho Marx once said "I would never join a club that would allow me to be a member." God's membership is open at all times, in fact He tells us today is the day of salvation. If you aren't saved, maybe yours. Ask Him into your heart today. And when He comes into your heart, just don't wear Him on your back-you'll want to wear Him on every part of your body! And you will be part of a group of believers, a church, whose founder gave His life for the club-for while we were yet sinners, Jesus died, for us-at just the right time. The right time is now-will you join us? We'd love to have you. No lines, or waiting period. Prospects welcome.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

dad, I think we need to rethink my Christmas present again...

Theresa and I are still recovering from Saturday night at Calvary Chapel Escondido and our annual Harvest Celebration. a safe, fun, and crowded alternative to Halloween, we again had thousands from the community come for a night of free games, candy, fellowship, and to visit our motorcycles. For the eighth year we brought our bikes down for kids and adults to sit on, rev the motors,and enjoy. From 19 months to well into their 70's, our group of men, women, and children showed what fun motorcycles are, and watched as kids brought their parents, and husbands brought their wives. And found out how that Jesus and motorcycles are a perfect match.

But one woman, reminded me that the two most misunderstood people on earth are Christians and bikers, and I just happen to be a Christian biker-double whammy! As she stood by-talking on her cell phone, glaring at her son, while motioning to get off, who was sitting on Woody's Gold Wing-now there is an outlaw bike, I took the opportunity between her phone calls to ask her if she would like to sit on one with her son. "I hate motorcycles," she told me. And went on to tell me all the usual reasons-lies, excuses, and gossip. Three perfect characteristics of the chronic cell phone addict. I didn't respond-these types are too narrowly focused on themselves to hear, but this is what I would have said.

It is true, we lane split. The CHP advocates it. And my first question is, why would you want to get into a 15mpg mini van, after a stressful day at work, and talk on your cell phone-illegally, Miss Safety Advocate, and spend the next 45 minutes stressed out in traffic? When I can get home in half the time, not stressed, or even better, take the long way home-by choice, and arrive relaxed and happy? And with kids in the car, don't you think time well spent is talking to them, instead of gossiping on the phone, while parking your kids in front of a DVD screen? With the only conversation telling them to shut up, so you can hear? Health food for you, drive thru Mickey D for them. And yes, cars are dangerous. I got hit last year by two women who weren't paying attention to driving, hit anyone lately? Don't worry, your selfish actions will cause damage, or may have-you just don't hear about it.

But right next to you, was a ten year old boy, writing a prayer request in our book. For his mom, who is in a wheelchair. Bone disease, and needed prayer-do you think she would interrupt your precious phone call? She didn't have to interrupt us-we went to her, with her son, and prayed with them. To us trendy is serving, while we ride, or in between rides. Oh, and we served that night, and many others, as couples, husband and wife. When is the last time you ministered like that? Or with your kids? Those of us who ride are a big family. And a happy one-did you ever see a motorcycle parked in front of your psychiatrist's office? Riding with Jesus is our drug of choice.

Why are children attracted to bikes? They see the fun, the challenge, the adventure. And they get shown respect-how often do you show respect to others who don't share your viewpoint? Or hairdresser? Or church? I could go on, but you get the point.

And unlike the good church goer who only invites people to church, so the pastor can do his job of getting them saved, we go into the biker world, and others, taking the love of Jesus to them. Showing love and compassion to those hurting and less fortunate. Via toy runs, biker rallies, and fund raisers, I have found it true that if you have a problem, call a biker. We call it respect, and it is earned. And shared among our brotherhood. Jesus calls it the gospel.

That is what I would have said, only because she rudely denied our invitation. But it hard hearted people like that we continue to pray for. And will ask you again how we can serve them, and maybe ask their designer jeans to grace the seat of our bikes. And we hope they say yes-for a whole world is inviting you to be part of it. Where truth, brotherhood, and respect is found-and on two wheels. Freedom you can't explain, but want to share. And it is only found in Jesus. Two wheels is just one of the ways-and I think the best way to get there.

Bikers and Christians will always be looked down on-it's the freedom we have that the world can't handle. Wind in your face, and the road your home-exciting. and with Jesus to guide you, how can it get any better?

Maybe if you hang up, we can show you. As for now, it is only the cool who ride, and even the cooler who know Jesus. Ask your son, maybe the smile on his face while sitting on Woody's bike says more about us than it does about you. Ask Ethan, and is that maybe a smile on Miles' face? One smile the product of truth, the frown, the product of error. Your choice, as for me and my family we will ride-with Jesus!

Perhaps Pastor Josh's son, Jacob said it best. While twisting the grips of the motorcycle he was sitting on said, "Dad, I think we need to rethink my Christmas present this year!" Out of the mouth of babes-a biker is born-again!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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time-it keeps on ticking and takes a licking

It has been noted that as we get older, time seems to fly by faster. I used to think that maybe it was the time going faster, but now I am beginning to realize it is me getting slower. Some things about time haven't changed, but I have. Things that don't change-there are still only 24 hours in a day, and 144 in a week. If you sleep seven hours a day, you sleep a full two days a week. If you work a normal 50 hour work week, you spent another two days. And leaves you with only three days left in the week to catch up on the important things in life, like God and riding. And your family. And a good way to combine all of them is to ride to church with them. Only 90 minutes out of your week-but time we find so preciously unavailable.

Years ago I knew a man who worked for the Sweetwater School District. They had an incredible vacation plan, and after a few years on the job, got three weeks off. And they had 14 paid holidays off each year, including one of your choice. He laughed when they told him Valentines Day was one of the 14, he didn't have to use it for his personal day. Which left him working only 47 weeks a year, and getting paid for 52. Such a deal, sign me up-add in early retirement at 55, with full pension, and I'd be there. Except that...

Prisoners in the state of California get one day off their sentence for each day served. You can actually be guilty of manslaughter, get a seven years sentence for killing someone, and be out in 3 1/2 years on good behavior. About half the time it takes to get through college. And if you go to college while in prison-online, you can achieve both in record time. Who says crime doesn't pay? Maybe it's the hours, but that's another topic.

The fact is that time is the only true finite commodity, even in California where it used to be land, but with the big one coming, and people rushing to buy oceanfront property in Yuma, even that is shrinking. So time is the only finite commodity, and it is ticking fast. So maybe we should look at how we use it, to get the most out of it.

We have always left on vacations on a Friday night. It is easy to ride 300-350 miles after getting home, and it gives you another day on the road, unlike those who get a head start leaving at 2am the next morning. I never did get that. And who are worn out by noon. I like starting fresh that first Saturday, away from home, and have never had a vacation that started too early, just ones that ended too soon. And in California, we don't have three day weekends, we have four or five day weekends, as if you have the next Monday off, you are out of town Thursday. To beat the crowds, which are all on the road with you doing the same thing. But it is still time off. Yes-we do have three day weekends, they are just a normal two day with Friday afternoon off early, like about 10am in the morning.

And a few years ago a friend, who I now have no respect for, made fun of me for counting the days until our next trip. When I reminded him of only 28 days left until I left , he said "yeah, but only 45 until you get back." And of course, the great countdown began. And it always seems on the last Thursday off, you start to get back into your work mode. You remember the things you need to do at home, and the catching up at work-true, no one will ever do your job as well as you. And you begin to internally melt down, and lose a great California four day weekend as far as time goes.

There is a difference between waiting and delaying. I wait for Christmas, but nothing I can do will delay it. What day is it on this year? Same as last, the 25th. Not so easy with Thanksgiving. But yet our minds hurry as the vacation, or holiday approaches, and we don't enjoy it-they pass too fast. So some of the best advice I ever got was simply put-Jesus never hurried. He was never early, never late, always on time. And never had the stress we put on ourselves. He tells us to enjoy everyday, don't worry abut tomorrow, for it has problems of its own. But how many worry about this weekend, and end up messing up Friday?

On trips, some delays, have turned into blessings. While other times rushing got me into a situation where I had to wait. Sometimes you just can't win. But trusting God, you can win every time. You may get behind a slow old truck on a country road, but get to see what you might have missed at a faster speed. The beltways don't always save time, everyone takes them, and that is where the traffic jams first. Sometimes just pulling over and having a Coke and watching the traffic is the best way to spend a half hour-better than wearing out your clutch hand in traffic.

So trust God, don't hurry, and enjoy life more. You may even sleep better, but not necessarily more. You get to see things from His perspective, and spend time with Him-always a good thing. Jesus loves to ride, and on any road with you. But He also knows some great back roads, some neat cafes, and provides the time you need. Time with Him is like a day off-a better deal than even the school district. Everyday can be a holiday, and you cannot beat His retirement program.

Remember the beginning of Easy Rider, where Wyatt threw away his watch? I don't wear one either, so I'm never late. But don't wait to come to Jesus. You never know what tomorrow brings, and you may be wasting a special road with a special person. There will be no watches in eternity-I think I may have gotten a head start. No lines either, and everyday is today.

It is almost like my wish coming true-I wish there were only two days in the year, Christmas and Saturday. So enjoy the time you have-with Jesus, and watch as everyday is Christmas, and you get to ride every Saturday. Let's see, 365 days in a year, 183 Saturdays, that six months-of riding! Every year! I wonder, does Valentines Day still count as a holiday if it falls on a Saturday? So be ready like Ted. You never know when the weekend will strike.

Jesus is waiting for you-don't delay!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

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first aid for, and from the heart

Having never been in a tornado before, when the sirens went off that night in Red Wing, we had a clue, but until Theresa confirmed it with the desk clerk we weren't sure. Or sure what to do. I knew I didn't want to lay in the bath tub with a mattress over me, so we were advised to go to the lowest part of the building, where we met other guests. One older couple, retired Minnesota farmers, were there. He waited patiently, as he said they mostly pass. She worried patiently, just to make sure it did. And in the midst of a thunder storm that lasted for five hours, we all stood in the hall of a basement for a half hour, while the loud sirens continued to blast away. Fortunately no tornadoes, but I think my hearing was affected. Could you repeat the question please?

Now as foolish as it may seem afterward, the warnings were there, and we would have been even more foolish not to heed them and ended up in Munchkinland, or worse. But even before the sirens blew, we had been in prayer, like thousands others, about the storm. Not knowing if or when, we went to God, and found comfort. Never a bad thing, and it should always be the first thing.

A few days ago I forwarded a prayer request from a friend about a little boy who had stapled his heart by accident, and to pray for him and his mother. Via prayer chain. Which so many of you did-my thanks. I am careful to send forwards, as I get many prayer requests each day, and although I amen or pray for them, don't wish to overburden you, and get an important forward dumped, thinking "oh no, not him again." And my response to this one was overwhelming. And I wish to make this the only answer I have to date. I don't know-I never heard back. But a few things I did hear in response to my request bothered me. A few well meaning people, forwarded me a response that this was a hoax based on a Snopes investigation. And although it may be true, I wonder about those that run to Snopes first instead of God. God knows more, even the false claims, but I have found even a quick prayer ends in thanks, never a bad thing to God. It's called worship. And it leads to other prayer, and others praying. You see, scripture tells us that one day in his house is better than thousands elsewhere. And all things, work to good to those who love God. It also tells us a lot about a caregivers, or prayer givers heart. They seek God first, because they know Him well, and don't have to research Him. They know Him, and go to Him first. They don't have to ask, "what would Jesus do,"they know. And they don't have to ask Snopes. It's called love and trust-which go hand in hand.

I checked a Snopes report forwarded to me for the first time last week. And found that what Snopes said was slightly skewed from what was told to me, to politicize their opinion-beware-people that use scripture or twist truths for their own agenda. You can never go wrong with God, and even though we may occasionally ask in vain, God never hears in vain-He only hears one of His children calling out to Him. And what loving parent doesn't love to hear his child's voice on the other end of the line?

And one other interesting note-the same people that always quote Snopes to me, very rarely do I find my prayer requests on their prayer lists. But I always seem to get theirs on mine. Makes me wonder, what does Snopes say about me?

So, if you are one who must right click to find truth, I heartily recommend Jesus instead. He offers more than insight, or opinion. He offers truth. And salvation. Something legalism cannot do for you. Nothing the law could ever offer. Right click that one. And while you are at it, see what Snopes has to say about Jesus? And John 3:16. And let me know.

Keep us in prayer, and if I hear anything about this little boy and his mom, I will forward it. As for now, you did right in going to God-think of it as FIRST aid, never stop, as He advises to pray without ceasing. It tells me a lot about who Jesus is in your life, and may be the testimony that wins others to Christ-your kind and thoughtful words expressed in love. For the rest of you, hang up the phone, and call upon Jesus.

Sent from my heart, not my i-phone.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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the ride of your life

It's late October in 1959, and the first frost heaves have graced the season. You haven't ridden for a week, and can't wait to get out on your new Bonneville to see the colors changing this weekend. 650cc of power, and with dual carbs can take you to over 100mph, you are excited. As you sit on the bike, turn on the key, and tickle the carbs, the smell of premium fills the garage, and soaks your boots-the ones your new wife says "stay outside". Kicking it through to free the clutch, you get it started on the second kick, and as it settles into a lumpy idle, your right foot pushes the shifter down, you let out the clutch, and accelerate through the four gears-knowing the drum brakes will haul you down when you need to stop. And life can't get any better!

It's spring of 1969, and the Honda dealer called-your new CB 750 is in. So taking off work early, you get there helmet in hand that afternoon. 750cc! Wow! 60 horsepower, and the magazines have seen them do over 100mph and less than 13 seconds in the quarter! A full second and a half faster than your old Bonne! How can you hang on? So after pretending to listen to the salesman tell you about the OHC engine, the powerful front disc brake, and Honda engineering-you can't wait any more. You lift the choke, that activates all four carbs, push the starter, and the sweet sound of four exhaust pipes comes to life. Adjusting the mirrors, you nervously go into first, then through fourth, forgetting momentarily about fifth, and as you see the speedo approach 80, back off-grabbing the front disc lightly so as to not go over the handlebars. And life can't get any better!

You've had your 1978 Suzuki GS 1000 for a month now, and can't believe the bike. It is faster than anything else on the planet, runs consistent mid-11 seconds in the quarter, and will go over 140mph! In stock form! And has twin front discs, and one on the rear-it even stops from those speeds! And after pushing the starter, the only problem is waiting for the bike to warm up-it has new EPA mandated, non-adjustable carbs, and takes forever to warm up. But the wait is worth it, and the rush when accelerating, and braking is worthwhile. Wait until I get a Yosh pipe on this! This is the same bike Wes Cooley won the Superbike Championship on-and life can't get any better.

It's a summer evening in 2009, and you are waiting for your grandson to come over on his new 2009 GSX-R 1000. 1000cc, almost 200hp, and even the slow ones have been into the nines in the quarter. You are concerned for his safety-this thing is faster than any race bike when you were growing up. And as he pulls in, it takes over the garage. With full fairings, rear set pegs, and ground effects, it looks like the 180mph motorcycle it is. Radial brakes that allow stoppies, and radial tires to increase the handling, and a fuel management system to control all the power. Pulling off his full face Arai, the grin he has is ear to ear. "Wanna take it for a ride Grandpa?" And as you carefully pull out of the driveway onto the street, you have the same grin inside your helmet, masking the fear of all this power. And as he pulls up next to you at the first light, you look over at him on your GS 1000, and realize-life just can't get any better.

And for you, as you learn to ride the new bike, he has to remember how to ride the old bike. Power, brakes, and handling have come so far in 30+ years-but the fun of riding a new motorcycle will always exist. And although you are called "Old School," you don't mind, as the film in your memory vault of riding memories has another chapter to enter, even today. 50 years of riding, and it is still as much fun as it was 50 years ago. Technology hasn't added a thing, or taken away anything either-twisting the throttle still opens up the fun zone-just much faster now than then. And it's a good thing brakes have gotten better too!

A life in Christ is like that, too. Each year gets better, and although the challenges will always be there, so will God-and so He has been. He never changes, and unlike the improvements on your new bikes, He started out the best and stayed that way. He always starts on the first kick, and stops just in time. He runs smoother than anything on two wheels, yet when the throttle of life in Him is opened, always delivers more excitement than expected. And after all the years, the same joy is there that was there that first time you asked Him into your life.

And like your riding, their have been rough roads, and bad weather. You needed some maintenance in your life that was not expected, and sometimes didn't brake soon enough when the signs said to. And even though you may have strayed, your old friend God was always there to welcome you back-open arms. In springtime, you celebrated with Him as life was ahead of you, in summer enjoyed the good times, and in fall enjoyed looking back. Now it's winter, and although the weather is cold, He is still keeping your heart warm.

Today, get out your old bike, and go for a ride. Put your film vault on good times, and as you ride remember all He has done for you. And as you ride, anticipate the good times yet to come. Each season, like each new bike, has its own blessings. Let Jesus be a part of all of them-and never ride alone. So many roads, so little time-and so much Jesus to enjoy!

And life just can't get any better!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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leader of the pack

Some guys are fast, and then there are those who go fast. My friend Bouke was fast, it came natural to him. He had an uncanny knack to get the most out of any motorcycle he was riding, whether on the street or on the track. Those who he beat on the track thought he was crazy, and those on the street thought he was nuts-what he was, was good. Consistently good.

He raced flat track, back in Pennsylvania, in the years before moto-x, where real men wore steel shoes, and turned left, who rode motorcycles with no front brakes, and when they could find the occasional TT, would do it with jumps and left turns thrown in. He would also race 1/4 miles, and on the occasion when he was beat, would sell his bike and build another. This being the early seventies, he rode anything from Bonnevilles on the track, to Mach IV, then up to the Z-1! And where the rest of us would have been happy just to ride one, he would hot rod each one, making it that much faster than anything else. Maybe he was crazy, but he was also fun crazy.

We would ride with him, and of course when the road opened up, so did his throttle. He was a local legend, and when the three of us got busted for going 111mph, the NJ State Police Captain only gave us tickets for improper registration, based on the fact Bouke had no license-in his other pants, and the plate on his Z-1 was from another Triumph, that now had a Trackmaster frame and was only used for the track. But the cop was impressed with how we rode at that speed, and how he could now brag about giving a ticket to Bouke.

He was so well known, that when we had a Big Mac attack, and rode by the local McD's, the lot of SS396, Boss Mustangs, and Road Runners would clear out-just in case he challenged them, and they knew he would embarrass them. He also had fast cars, and he was the legend who drove his 1962 Corvette through the Grand Union when the brakes failed-truth be told it was to much speed and too short a distance.

Also he was a local, and once when the three of us, me and him and his old lady rode to Scranton, about 300 miles round trip, he thought I was nuts. And he never could understand how we had ridden from Florida to NJ, and he thought we were crazy. Too each his own. Somehow we kept him honest with distance rides-he was always more interested in mph than miles per day.

As people got to know us as his riding buddies, and his friend, their attitudes changed towards us. Some would show respect, but others would challenge us. Just being known in the same context as him changed us. And the perception the riding world had of us. The cops already were an adversary...

When I first got saved, I was going to change the world, until I failed miserably trying to do it myself. Once I learned it was God that built the church body, I quit doing it, and tried to concentrate on what he wanted me to do. and as life got simpler, it also became more fun and challenging at the same time. He doesn't give us more than we can handle to do, and equips us to do His will. His success is based on obedience rather than volume, you might say one good deed He asks is better than a dozen trying to impress Him. I mean, what can you do to impress the creator of the universe?

I also find I work much better in the background, where I can do God's will without attracting attention to me. I still laugh-although it isn't funny, when I hear of a celebrity coming to Jesus, and he wants to change the world. Only when he remembers it was Jesus who changed the world, does he grow in Christ. No book tours, TV appearances, or celebrity recognition can get you closer to God-in fact they will only hinder your walk. and thus the attrition rate is high-it is all about Him-not all about you! And only as you realize life is an endurance race, rather than a sprint, do you alter your speeds, and your attitudes. And as you let Jesus be Lord, then do you enjoy all the things god has for you, and you are able to minister more effectively.

You see, the riding community thought it was by association with Bouke that made us cool, and I will admit it helped. But the true desire to ride was there long before he ever entered the scene. The church may think you are a good brother or sister, but only God knows your heart-remember it was Him that changed it, so why don't you try to please Him in obedience rather than the person next to you next Sunday. Just show them love-that is what impresses God, and also will impress them. Remember it is the truth that sets you free, not the perception of Christ in you.

Last I heard, people still talk of Bouke, some 40 years later. A legend, but there is always someone faster who will come along. Records are made to be broken, and legends made to be challenged. Jesus Christ is the truth-the way-and the life. Record-perfection, here and in heaven. Truth-some has challenged, and all have failed. Next time you feel Christ like, pick up some nine inch nails, find a cross, and give us a call. Jesus did His best work on the cross-suddenly the rest of us are so insignificant.

Look to the cross-and you will find you don't look so often in your rear view mirrors. Set your sights on things on high, and follow the truth-not the legend. And you'll appear to be careless to a dying world, when what you really are is carefree in the spirit!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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it could never happen to us, could it?

Just a short generation ago, Made In America meant something. And where you bought it did too, and Sears was the largest retailer in the US of A. And had been for many generations. Outliving its main competitors, Woolworth on the lower end, and Montgomery Wards-or Monkey Wards as it was affectionately known, they sold high quality products, at a fair price. Very rarely discounting. And for almost 70 years were the mainstay of quality in America. True, the vacuum they sold you may only last 20 years before they could sell you another, but you told your friends and family, who would shop there, and more than made up for the many you buy now in the same 20 year period. Repeat customers, who bought other items, not the same one over and over. Craftsman tools-still guaranteed for life, and if you find an old broken, rusty one at a flea market, buy it-and then they will replace it for free-still! Tools that would not wear out after the first two uses due to substandard standards in the third world country they were built in. Made for life, not just to complete the job at hand. And long before they boxes showed Made In America, they showed cities in the states where they were made, by people who bought local, long before all the money went overseas, to some nameless corporation that you couldn't pronounce. Shoes made with pride in New England factories. Sheets and towels made in the Carolinas-remember Dan River? Clothes made in small towns throughout the northeast, in mills manned by women like my Nana. Pride sewn into each garment, as it had her name on it. Cotton from the south, and plastics from Delaware, we never had to go out of our country for anything-for God had shed His grace on us from the iron mines in Michigan to the cotton fields in the south. Cars manufactured in Detroit, assembled from parts made in places like Muncie, Tonowanda, Meridian, and Saginaw. Designed, engineered, and built in America. And parked in the garages of homes, where the lumber came from US forests in the northwest. Watching TV sets made in places like Indianapolis, Chicago, and even Los Angeles. Instructions that came in English, and phones answered at the stores by a person, who would direct your call-not some choice by a computer. A person, who cared, and if couldn't help, got you someone who could-and would.

And as I travel the great US of A, I see these same cities now in ruin. The factories gone, the jobs overseas. Where the mills were, now are warehouses full of off shore products. And sadly, the only thing we cannot import, and don't, are jobs, to replace the ones we sent out of the United States, all because it could be done cheaper-but never better. Built to a price, instead of a standard, until price became the standard. And Wal-mart, who once bragged about selling Made in the USA products, became a leisure activity of China. Lower your price, and you have to lower your standards, just to be competitive and stay in business. And when you start to compromise, where do you stop?

And we watch today as a company's stock rises due to high profits, saving money by not hiring people. Or moving to Mexico where SONY pays people 80 cents an hour to build big screen TV's. We have truly lost our way-and truly, the love of money is proving to be the root of all evil. I rather pay too much than too often.

Ever since the beginning, God has had a consistent quality-love. And perfection, one that He desires, but without Jesus in our lives we can never attain. And He chose to market that through His family, His believers. And they were found in local churches, in congregations who used to make pasties for the mill workers. women who would sew, knit, and crochet for the less fortunate. Food pantries for the hungry, and wise counsel for the hurting. And not just in churches, but from public officials, before the freedom of religion became freedom from religion. When sorry meant repenting of sin, rather than saying sorry because they got caught. Where character counted, and towns got together to pray, to support each other, and to console those who were hurting. Where if one was hurt, we all felt it-but when one rejoiced, we all celebrated also.

But sadly, when God was removed from schools, they went in the toilet. When the Ten Commandments are removed from a court, the justice suffers. And just like a town that loses its factory, the people slip into poverty-except it is a moral poverty, one harder to escape from then anything financial.

Today I encourage you to take the advice of Jesus. Feed one who is hungry. Visit one who is sick. Write to an inmate. Give a drink to one who is thirsty. And welcome a stranger, make them feel welcome in your neighborhood, church, or your home. Jesus said "whoever does this to the least of these, does it to me." Take care of needs here, before we have missionaries to the US of A, because we have exported all of our ministries off shore. Shop local, live local, love and minister local. For just as a man who doesn't care for his family is worse than an infidel, those who don't accept the call here, may have a long wait before it comes from another place. We will have become the infidels. Do you see China or India exporting missionaries to us? Did you ever think Hyundai would make a luxury car?

But by then it will be too expensive, no matter the price. For now, the only thing you should export is love-to everyone you meet. No matter where they were made. And remember, wherever you are is local.

love with compassion,

Mike

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