it's all over but for the voting

It is hard to believe, but Election Day is finally here. After months-way too many of rumors, lies, innuendoes, promises, attacks, accusations, and downright dirty politics, today we get to vote. And despite the fact that the liberal stations all say one thing, and conservatives say another, we know that the truth is out there. And despite what the polls have told us, and the political pundits have espoused, and the experts have predicted, we still have to vote. So get out and do it-it may be one of the last rights we still have left.

It may be my own pet peeve, but am I the only one sick of political ads? I can tell you what kind of loser, liar, miserable, low life human being their opponent is, but what do they believe? What have they done, and what will they do if elected? And for the incumbent, if your plans are so good, why aren't they in place now? Does anyone run on their record, or do they just hope that the other guy is worse? Do we vote for someone because they debate well, or because their wife is a good speaker? What do Letterman, Leno, and MTV have to do with truth? And why can't what happens in Vegas, stay in Vegas-and not go to Washington? Where does all the money come from-billions of dollars spent, what kind of stimulus package could this be for those hungry, out of work, or homeless? Maybe only a few days, but living one day at a time can feel like an eternity.

How about all those do gooders who are Green? And EPA heavy, keeping America beautiful? Why does it take so long to remove the litter of campaign signs after the election? And how many trees died for their campaigns? Does the Sierra Club follow that one? We hear claims the rich should pay more, from the crowd who demands equal rights for all. And racist undertones from the black caucus, when 90+% of blacks voted for a black candidate last election? No wonder racism isn't dead, but just a political tool. Perhaps the one reality we must admit to is that whoever wins, won by majority, so whether he is a jerk or a hero, the people have spoken. Are they the ones who are jerks or heroes?

Lastly I find too many prejudice Christians who would not vote for a Mormon, or a Muslim. We are electing a President, not a pastor. If we have economic woes, we need someone who is a good businessman. If social issues, someone who is adept at handling social issues. And today as we stand more divided as a nation than ever before since the Civil War, we need to be united as a country...we need a leader! We need to remember that we are Americans!

So even though today we vote for a new president, 37 years ago I voted for Jesus, I made him my choice to be my leader. Apolitical, He is for us, not what is good for Him. His campaigning, forgiveness and love. His stand on jobs-if you won't work, you shouldn't eat. Foreign policy, love thy neighbor as yourself. Crime, He's against it. Sin hurts, still does today. Clean air-as Christians we are shepherds of our planet, we shouldn't need rules when we have morals. And as for campaign speeches, He never accused anyone, Satan did. He stands for truth...He is the truth. He delivers on all His promises, and has the most accurate outlook on the future. His call on taxes was easy, if you owe it, pay it. Note it was the tax collectors who were the lowlifes and overcharged. And He lets you choose whether to follow Him or reject Him-telling up front the ramifications or rewards before you make the choice. And His kingdom goes on forever-you don't need to go through all the nonsense every 4 years.

Does anyone ever notice that politicians go one way with the truth, when Jesus is the truth? If we followed Him, would we need politicians? Yet God ordained politicians years ago to govern us, sadly we follow them just like many follow God, whatever is in their best interests. Then change when the situations don't work out the best for them. So vote today, preserve the right to choose our elected officials. But cast your vote for Jesus, or if you have fallen away, welcome back. His campaign needs workers, a great harvest is coming. Be part of the blessings-and then the promise that awaits.

And if you still choose to follow man instead of God, may I recommend the old Chicago political mantra-"Vote early, and vote often!" Today we will elect another president for the next four years-we already have a King forever!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot

ps-You do pray for our elected officials as the Bible advises, don't you? Remember to pray for your enemies, too!

of late I dream of Plasticville

If you were a boy growing up in the 50's or 60's trains played an important part in your life. From a small oval you could take down to the intricate display set up in the basement, you could be engineer, conductor, and brakeman all at once. For me Friday evenings spent with my Grandpa in his basement were train filled eves, as we spent time routing all the trains, seeing they got to their next station on time. But part of the realism built into any train set was Plasticville, a staple for any true train man or kid since 1947. These plastic villages that snapped together-no glue needed, helped you bring your hometown to your basement where your were the mayor, town council, and the biggest and richest business owner in town. From setting up a neighborhood, then around the corner the train depot and downtown, to the rich bucolic farmland, it was all within your reach, and your pocketbook. It was a place where a kid could be a man, and a man could be a kid again, all surrounded by O gauge tracks, plaster of Paris mountains, trestles, and Plasticville. It was home, and everyone was welcome...provided they liked trains and it wasn't your little sister. Somehow the appeal of trains hadn't quite bridged the gender gap yet-another trestle yet to be built.

But Plasticville gave your train set a personality. It added life and realism. The Fire Station with the doors that opened, the old train car on railroad ties used as a work station, and the train depot itself added realism. Later as you added the grocery store, power plant, the motel-complete with pool, and various styles of homes, you had a town and a place of your own. Plasticville may have been representative of anyone's hometown, but in your basement it was your hometown. Your rules, your trains, and your imagination-the only limiting factor on how great a town you would build. It was Mayberry with small town values, a bank with no guard needed, a firehouse where no fires occurred, and a motel with new guests every night-welcomed just like the sign said. It was a downtown where the grocery store still made deliveries, parking places with no meters, a town hall where the mayor was always in, and his door was open. A place where it was OK to be a kid, and adults welcomed them. Yes sir and yes mam were correct answers, and may I and can I were expected questions. It was the streetlights at night guiding you home, and the lightning bugs you gathered in jars. It was neighbors being neighborly, strangers being greeted and made welcome, and it was like no other place on earth, it just happened to be in your basement. A place to get off of the train of life, and find rest, peace, and solitude. It was heaven on earth..and of late I dream of Plasticville.

Adam and Eve used to walk with God in the cool of the day. Imagine if you would, just walking with God, animals all at peace, no bad weather, and no set of laws to guide you, just you and God. You could be yourself. A special time Adam must have looked forward to every day, and Eve too. But then they decided to go off on their own-and it all came crashing down. Sin entered their perfect world, by their choice. And although God offers them and us forgiveness through Jesus Christ, the remnants are there to remind us. We see the crime, the broken marriages and homes. We see the empty buildings where once business thrived, and empty stations where trains no longer deliver American made goods made in American factories. Who deposit their paycheck in an American bank, and pay their taxes to a fair American government. We have become consumed by ourselves, and when we hear God offers us rest, think it is a day off to sleep in. But His rest is from within, and affects the outside-not the other way around. He gives our soul rest, our emotions a break, and our bodies time to recover. Freedom from worry, fear, hunger, and life...He gives life to those on life support. His offer is free, but few accept it, although so many ask for it. It takes a recognition that the life I built isn't working. My Plasticville is in pieces, the fire burned down the fire house, and we no longer can set our watches by the train whistle-for it stopped long ago. It has left us frustrated for how things were, could have been, and how we wish they were again. Maybe that is why we long to go back to the garden.

Heaven awaits all who believe. Jesus tells us that if it weren't so He wouldn't have told us. Good advice, which only works if taken. So trust Him today...watch as while the trains in the world never run on time, that yours, like Jesus, is always on time, and is never late. He never hurried, yet was always on time. So take the time now to stop what you are doing, get onto a different route than the express. Don't complain about the many stops it makes, enjoy the Plasticvilles along the way. And when you come to a hill called Calvary, make that your next stop. Enjoy the view, and remember what happened there, it just may be the most important stop you will ever make. And it is OK to go back and take others...their Plasticville may be waiting for them there to be built. Is yours?

I can remember many times my Grandma calling us up for bed, and not answering. I was fast asleep, resting in my Grandpa's arms. Many times I never made the stairs, he would carry me to bed. Let God carry you up those steps today, resting in His arms. Knowing that all is safe and well in His world, and that tomorrow evening you will be back in Plasticville again, playing out your dreams as God sees that all your wishes come true. No glue needed, for like Jesus, He just snaps together and fits perfectly, and His love will hold you together.

All aboard for Plasticville! Next stop...His rest is up to you.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

don't cook tonight, call...

I was about 12 at the time the first yellow or white VW Bugs started appearing in Scotch Plains with Chicken Delight written on them. And they made a great impact on me, and while my friends were aspiring to greater things, I wanted to drive for Chicken Delight. The drivers were high school guys, at my age to be looked up to and respected, and if they were driving and were cool, that is what I wanted to be. The ads on 77-WABC told us "don't cook tonight, call Chicken Delight," and this Bug squad was the answer to many hungry caller's prayers, dispatched with hot fried chicken and mashies or fries, and Cole slaw. Brought right to your door. How cool my friends were when they pulled into their drive-we all knew what they were having for dinner. Sure beat whatever Mom made...and it was delivered.

But the chicken and fries that arrived in the insulated heated case in the back of the Bug where the seat should have been was anything but crispy. Soft chicken, although hot with limp fries, even the Cole slaw was warm. But it was good, with a flavor all its own. And if you liked your chicken crispy like I did, this was an exciting meal, just not a delicious one.

But things had changed by the time I could get my license, a new McDonalds had come to town, and a family of four could go out to eat for under $3. It was fast, so no planning was needed, and it rescued Mom from making dinner and it was like a night out. Sadly Chicken Delight suffered, no more Bugs. They went from 1000 locations to bankruptcy. No one wanted their chicken anymore, and with the Colonel doing it right, it was either that or a burger. It was you deserve a break today, have it your way, or a Gino Giant or Carrollburger. Quick tasty meat instead of chicken on the bone. and I never got to have my dream come true-driving for Chicken Delight. They delivered, now we went out instead.

Delivery and delight are not new to God. Psalm 1 tells us to delight in the Lord, and the Lord's prayer tells us how He delivers us from evil. Two concepts lost in our fast food world. We are to delight in the Lord, spending time with Him. Meditating it is called, just spending time and thinking on Him. He loves it. And Jesus was sent to deliver us from our sin. A good thing that we couldn't do on our own. He also delivers us from daily problems, large or small. Out of work, facing foreclosure, and divorce-He will deliver you. And bring you delight. But the key is listening to Him. A conversation is not a dialogue unless you listen. And He will direct your paths, and show you new ways you never thought possible.

Pizza is the only fast food readily available for delivery today. And like the old Chicken Delight, may taste different than at the diner after scraping the toppings off the inner box lid. it may not be a as hot and fresh, but it came to you. Jesus comes to us, hot, fresh, and willing to feed us what we need. 24/7. No delivery charge. And He is delighted to do it. So don't cook tonight, don't be a chicken, and call on the Lord. Delight in Him. Have it His way! You deserve a break today-His name is Jesus. More filling-tastes great. All the things the world promises, He delivers.

But still if for only one night, I would love to be out delivering in those white or yellow Beetles. The smell still fresh in mind, long after the food is gone. So "don't cook tonight, call Chicken Delight!" Yes sir! To be that cool high school guy driving by while all the other kids were watching. Now that was cool-rubbery chicken, limp fries, and all. Delightful, delivered. In person, by our Lord.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

would you buy a used ark from a guy named Noah?

From the "it's too good to be true file," comes a headline to me this morning, "Nissan to give discounts to Sandy victims." And although this sounds good, just add this to the numerous other discounts given whenever you walk through the doors of any car dealership. I love it when a huge sign says SALE!, aren't they in business to make sales, or is this a new idea to them? And there will be many new car sales because of the hurricane, but there will also be many new USED car sales after the storm. Creating a storm of its own, and inflicting more damage on those already hurting, and also the greedy. With thousands of new cars flooded or damaged on lots, where do they go? Are they crushed, or resold. What does the insurance company do with them, now that they are technically theirs?

They sell them at auction, to recoup some of their losses, which raises the question, how can they lose when they are supposed to pay claims? And making money selling the salvage? Simple, you pawn them off on the next unsuspecting victim, and it continues on and on. These cars will be sold with a salvage title, noting they are damaged, or in a storm, and have no warranty. The insurance companies even list the VIN numbers and will not insure these cars, and the manufacturer will not honor any warranties. No secret to anyone except the unsuspecting buyer. Such a deal...

Almost ten years ago when we had floods out here, many cars were flood damaged, and sold this way. The headlines even told of thousands of cars ruined at the port flood, it must have meant all but this one. I was with Mercedes Benz at the time and a few unlucky/greedy types would become victim to this. And when we ran the VIN, found no warranty available, and tried to explain, they got angry at us. We were trying to rip them off, while it was OK for them to try to rip us off. They would not admit to themselves or anyone else they had been taken, and when they tried to return the car, the store was gone-moved on. Buyer beware, but buyer didn't, ignoring all the signs, and warnings. Such a deal...

One that sticks out in my mind was a new S600, a $150,000 car that the customer claimed he paid $65,000 for, over eBay. He bragged on the deal he had made, so did the seller. He had the papers to show his ownership, which we never required, and had pat answers to all our questions-he had been coached by the seller. When he was advised he had been taken, he got out of control, threatened violence, lawsuits, and other such threats. He denied the car had been in a flood, even when we pulled back the carpet in the trunk to expose mud, and other flood debris. It would take $20,000 to fix, still a good deal, but not one with a salvage title. He left angry, with no recourse from the seller, and no warranty, and a $150,000 car that was unusable. He had to tow it out, which he blamed on us. Electronics and flood waters don't mix. I'm sure this car appeared on eBay again at a great deal for someone-just not the new buyer. Don't look a gift car in the trunk!

I have found that once we make up our mind, we are reticent to change it. Pig headed, stubborn, or as the Jews were called stiff necked. Let's just call it stupid, for it is, and stupid hurts, and no cure is found for it-at least not one that anyone will take. I get many forwards sent to me, and I generally delete them-most are just stupid, or argumentative, or are just lies. One I recently received sounded good, the author is well known and straight up, but as I read it, I couldn't believe the lies in it. Opinions based on denominations, and to enforce his actions, as opposed to being scripturally sound, and pointing us to God. He even quoted scripture-incompletely, and I was enraged. One because someone sent it to me, but mostly because they also thought this was correct theology, and wanted to pass it on. And just like the flooded car, this came to me tainted. A fact, then used to expose lies. If the first line is true, then it all is true proved wrong. It sounded good-hey, so what if their loss is my gain? And so it is reader beware! Look under the carpet!

Did you realize that a good part of the Bible, and all the New Testament warn about false teachers, false Christs, and the spirit of anti-Christ? Yet we make excuses for our actions, willing to debate with God on Judgment Day, as if He is stupid, and doesn't know what is going on. I even had a man quote me the other night about how God doesn't forgive-living in fear that he may die without repenting of his last sin. Truth is, when we ask for forgiveness, Jesus forgives us-past, present, and future. There is no record of it, He took it all! And according to the US of A Supreme court all "includes everything, and excludes nothing." ALL means ALL! Don't believe me, read it and ask God yourself! His warrantees are like His promises, yea and amen, and He cannot lie. Yet we trust someone we don't know over God we say we do? Is your conscience the judge of your actions? Are we excused or accused?

Good advice from Pastor Chuck, "don't trade what you know for something you don't." Stick with God, and watch the devil flee-along with his lies. Look to God, ask Him questions-some call it prayer. Seek Him in the little things, and soon you will trust Him in the big things. And if it sounds too good to be true, it can only mean one of two things-it's a lie, or it's all about Jesus. He can't and won't lie-you can depend on that, so let God be God, and all men be liars. Test me on what I write-quote Jesus and not me. And maybe, just maybe, you will let the truth set you free. Truth's name is Jesus. And truth will be known by what it produces. So will error and sin. FREE-now that's a deal we cannot afford to pass up!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

you are a stranger only once

 Listening to a man talk the other night about all his travels, it soon became apparent that although we had been to the same places, we had been to completely different places. After a few sentences it became apparent that his travel had been mostly for business, and a trip for him was a ride to the airport, a flight to another airport, renting a car, going to a nice hotel, and eating within the confines of it, or whatever places the desk clerk or concierge recommended. Strangely he had left home, but never gone anywhere. His peer group were all fellow travelers, and he never really got out and met the locals. He may have been to Illinois, to Chicago, but never was to Troy. If you think Denver is Colorado, you are wrong, try the western slope and see real Colorado. He had been to San Francisco, and even taken a taxi downtown, but most of his activities were based around airport motels. He was a business traveler, who complained his wife was overdue for a vacation, maybe he would take her to Vegas, or an extra day in Dallas, scheduled around his meetings. And the more he seemed to brag, I felt sorrier for him, he missed America, and didn't know it. He had seen the country from a first class seat on a 747, but never travelled first class among the people. He had been everywhere and nowhere, and with many free air miles to burn, would continue on his endless sojourn, never realizing he had never gone anywhere.

I always thought working in a motorcycle shop would be the best thing-all the bikes, discounts, and all the bikes. But as guys stopped in while out traveling, I became homesick for the road, for a motorcycle takes you places, away from airports, other tourists, and chain hotels and restaurants. Away from work, and all the things that you once thought were important. I missed the road. So I ride, a freedom that I continue to enjoy today. For some, a freeway exit instead of the name of a road. A step below this air traveler is those who frequent the interstates-never leaving home, with only an endless stream of homogenized motels and familiar restaurants to show for their travels. They may see America from the seat of a motorcycle, but they miss America.

I love this country, and all the small towns. I have had great meals at places called Mom's, and slept on great beds in locally owned motels. I have been given inside info on great roads, and had them call a friend if I needed a favor. Fellow travelers all, some just taking care of us who are passing through. Giving service that would rank them high in AAA, but owning or running businesses that AAA overlooks. The rating they are given is a better reference to me, it is one of the heart. Not of the wallet or airport visited. The only postcards you can have from these places are pictures you take yourself. And one night stands out, a hot summer night, among the cornfields of Illinois. A locally owned, older motor lodge, just blocks from the freeway, but decades away all the same. As we all sat in the humid evening on the porches, we could have been inside in the cool AC. But as the owner brought around cold lemonade, and pretzels and popcorn, and as we all sat and visited, the kids chased lightning bugs, and we all talked. Not of anything important, but just folks doing what folks do when they meet, we visited. And talked of our travels, and roads we took and places we ate. And sharing stories that others had told us, more impressed by their tales than any travel brochure that could entice us to travel. It was America, seen from a porch on an old glider on a hot night, not AAA rated-they don't have a high enough rating for places like these.

I watch people in church, as I do at other places. And you can tell those that are there, and those who are somewhere else. Or wish they were. Visiting the building, doing office work, day dreaming, or just passing the time until their next appointment. Singing the songs, but missing out on the worship. Hearing the scripture, but failing to meet the man who it is all about. For many church is just a religious hour on Sunday, a place to go so they don't feel guilty. But short change themselves, as they never get to spend time with Jesus. They fail to learn that He taught in the synagogues, but ministered out on the road. They think missions is going around the world, where it can really be just across town, or across the table. They see God through a denomination's eyes, never getting to know Jesus. They have been there, but have been nowhere, and don't get it. They are the weary traveler looking for the best AAA rated room, by-passing a warm welcome available to them. Been there, done that, even have the t-shirt to prove it-just never making the connection.

It is good to go to church, but it is of little value if your mind and heart are elsewhere. Just like the weary airport traveler, they become hardened rather than hearkened, missing the call of Jesus in their life, and missing out on great roads. Great times, and more to come. This Sunday try something different-just don't attend church, spend time with Jesus. Sing the songs to God, and let the words have meaning. Take your Bible, and turn to where the pastor is teaching. Let it take you other places, and make you look forward to the next service. Don't rush out after, meet those around you, let them be an encouragement to you-so you too can be one someday.

Next weekend take a trip on back roads, eat at local places, and stop and see small towns. Destination-wherever the road takes you. Walk the sidewalks instead of the malls, which after walking them to rehab, it doesn't matter where you are, they are all the same. And all inside, too. Get out and see life, roll down the windows and smell the cows-if you must be in a car. Turn off the radio, and turn on your other senses-and let God fill your day with pleasant memories. Chat with the waitress, and learn about the area. All it takes is the first step...your choice. How far you go and what you see is up to you...the same with your relationship with Christ. So many roads, so little time...and yes, so much more of Jesus to experience them with. Start living...the road you are on just got more interesting. For life is more than a freeway exit-it can be a road you never want to get off!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

CCC-complaint, cause, and correction

I listened yesterday as a man complained to this woman that "this was the third time I brought in my product, and you fixed it, and now it has the same problem again." And as she tried to console, or at least help this man, I was reminded how much I don't miss listening to customers whining and crying. Because they don't listen. After he left, she was going to do it for free, I spoke with her. I simply said "he has the same symptoms, but after listening he has had different problems." The key word here is symptoms. My back was sore and misdiagnosed as a pinched nerve, which really was my aortic aneurism. Same problem-not to me! My Striple wouldn't start the other day after a short ride. Jumped it ok, and when I got home, started fine. Battery? You would be wrong, it seems Triumph is recalling faulty voltage regulators, which affect the charging of the battery. If Mick hadn't called me that morning to tell me about it, I would have spent good money on a battery, and not fixed the problem. So here in these three examples we have two sets of problems, one-not properly diagnosing the complaint, or the symptom, and two, after misdiagnosis, not fixing the cause. Usually due to misdiagnosis. Putting a bandage on the symptom and hoping that will fixes the problem. My 26 staples and 12" scar had no bandage.

I was good at dealing with problems like this because I asked a lot of questions. "When does it make that noise?" "All the time," "will it do it now?" "No only when cold," and suddenly you got to the truth of the matter, and could fix it. And when we did we all looked good, the customer was happy, and told others. Sadly when we failed they would tell others, too-just twice as many. Bad news you always get.

And if it isn't fixed right, no matter how much you paid is too much. We had the motor rebuilt on the RMZ450, and they discounted it to us quite a bit. But today it leaks coolant and oil, and when I brought it to their attention, they got upset with me-"we gave you a discount." That I didn't ask for, I wouldn't have taken it if it meant a discount in performance to match. And I will never go back there, and if you want to know who, contact me. Seems the old saying about "taking care of those that feed you, fix your bike, and cut your hair" has more importance. Take care of them. Don't ask for a discount or tell them how to do their work. And old friends are just that, for relationships take time. And involvement. This first shot on the Suzuki showed me a lot. I will never return there-ever! First time your fault, second time mine, another old saying.

A lot of religious types out there today claiming to be Christians. Warning about the Mayan calendar end of the world date, do you have plans for December 22nd? Our annual Chocolate party is the 23rd? Remember May 21st of 2011-we are all still here, I am. You see Jesus Himself even warned that many will come in my name, but beware, wolves in sheep clothing. Such a deal they have for you. And some religions even take His name in their name, but deny His deity and mislead others, perverting the gospel for their own needs. Some claim you don't need Jesus, be a good person, and you'll get to heaven, only good is never good enough. Ever miss an A when you only scored an 89, a B+? So we are faced with many lies that sound true, knowing that truth is the basis of all lies. Just changing one word in scripture, like JW's do, can make a difference, again denying the deity of Jesus. Some call Him great teacher, prophet, and other accolades, but Jesus confronted Peter and asked, "who do you say I am?" And Peter answered, "though art the Christ, the son of God!" "What else could Jesus say but "you have answered well." An A+ answer, and even in a pass/fail test, he passed. Would you?

Who do you say Jesus is? Do you call Him Lord and Savior? Is it personal, is He your friend? Or are you stuck on what your church teaches, or believes, and mired in religion when you could have it all in Jesus? No religion, or even Martin Luther's Reformation started out to be less than what they had, they all promised greater things in God-and eventually went off in their own direction, becoming religious. Only in Jesus do you find the best, all other things are lies.

So what's your problem? Tell it to Jesus, talk with Him, and tell Him all the symptoms. His answer will deal with the problem, which often is you, and give you the solution. Now it is up to you to make the choice, to follow or to fail. Your answer will tell those around you who you say Jesus is. And in the matter of salvation, only 100% right passes, all others fail. "But they seemed so nice..." The truth will set you free, just like finding the cause will help solve the problem. We used a simple CCC system, complaint, cause, correction. Complaint is your symptom, cause is sin, and Jesus is the answer. The correction, the correct answer. Once you know the cause, it can be fixed. Sin is the problem, Jesus is the answer. And your answer is?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the rain, the park, and other things

My first encounter with a hurricane was when I was in first grade, circa 1960. Riding home on the bus, I had gotten within one block of home when a good sized tree fell on the bus. None of us was hurt, but the bus was in for some heavy repairs. And I remember never feeling quite as safe in one after seeing it fold up around me, and I learned a new respect for the trees I used to climb as a kid. During that same storm a huge Weeping Willow tree blew over behind our house, uprooted, and so big that it laid for years until they built the new housing development. It exposed a root system so big that it was over six feet tall just to climb over it and onto the tree to shinny up it, as it laid on its side. And left a huge hole where it once had stood tall.

I worked for the Union County Park Commission one summer, when the rains hit. We were cleaning iris beds, and other enviable tasks in Greenbrook Park in Plainfield, when a flash flood occurred. We actually rode the rising water in the creek a 1/2 mile, ending up waist deep in the middle of a field. Dangerous, but fun, again I saw the power of a storm, and yes, the next few days we picked up branches and other debris from the storm. Bus covers children, tree covers bus, but a storm covers them all.

I was 19 years old and working at a receiving platform for Sears in Watchung. The truck court was underground, with a long ramp going down to it. As the rains came in bunches, and it ran furiously down the side of the hills across the highway, where once trees stood, now only asphalt parking lots were, with nothing to hold it back, until it hit the center median on Route 22, then spilled over the top. On one side semi truck were tire deep in water, the other side cascading over, then down the ramp, and flooding the truck court. Lots of damage to goods, and we actually rescued some people from their cars, but a co-worker and friend Keith was drowned when his car got stuck and the waters engulfed him. Suddenly it wasn't fun any more. Surf's up, Keith went down.

I have ridden many times in rain, and endured two flash floods on one trip a few years back. One in Ohio had the water up over the engine on the Tiger. Pulling off the exit ramp it got deeper, then as I rode up the road, subsided. Pulling into a gas station, on higher ground, I got off just as the thunder roared, and the lightning hit the bowling alley next to me. So much for my safe haven...I've seen fire and I've seen rain...

Then on my return trip home I had just eaten at Lucille's in Weatherford, Ok. Great food, but storms to the west-where I was headed. It was windy, but the next exit it started to rain-hard. Pulling off, a group of us on bikes put on our rain suits, then headed out again. but I pulled off the next exit, blowing around was unsafe, and when a FedEx semi blew across two lanes, I took the hint. Again rain up to my tank, and riding slow, never stopping, pulled into the Route 66 Museum in Clinton. Where a HOG group from Arizona had found shelter, and did the museum until the rain stopped. The wind would take another 250 miles into Tucumcari before I could ride not leaning over.

We are told the rain falls on the just and the unjust. It isn't people specific, it just rains. But the God who controls it is, He hears our prayers. And acts accordingly, not dependent on us asking or demanding. The true power of prayer isn't in prayer, if it was the prayers would be longer, louder, more reverent, and perpetual. But the true power is found in the one who hears and answers them, the one who controls the wind, and rain. The one who is with us in the storm-Jesus Christ. It may not be the time to correct someone in the midst of the storm, but to remind them of the one who can still the storm. Who can walk across it in high winds and strong waves. The one who can answer is always stronger then the one asking. Sometimes just a HELP! is enough, and God isn't waiting for me to ask before He acts. Good thing, so much happens when I'm asleep.

So the hurricane news, although scary, doesn't scare me-easy enough to say when it's 85 degrees and sunny 3000 miles away. It doesn't scare me because the one I pray to has it all under control, He knows just what He is doing. Do we? Do we want to know? Maybe aligning ourselves with Him would change our prayer time. Worth a try, don't you think?

Stop, look, and listen for God-just like the old rail crossing signs. It took Elijah thunder, and rain to see God wasn't the weather-He was more than the situation. You don't need to be stuck in a cave, or gas station, or museum to find God. Jesus never left you, He is in your boat, on your motorcycle, and calming the storm in your heart-which makes a hurricane seem mild sometimes. Storms will come and go-talk to the one who controls them, and watch as He answers-the true power of prayer is in Jesus Christ. Is anyone listening? His love and power are designed to take the strain out of every day living, and to guide you through the storms.

Hurricanes Andrew, Katrina, Diana, and now Sandy pummel the shorelines. The only shore thing you need to know is God loves you. Your protector in the storm. The umbrella of love over my life. And to celebrate-I'm going riding. It just seems a sin to not enjoy the beautiful day God has given us. No rainbow unless it rains-a reminder from God of His love to a sinful generation. As in the days of Noah....now there is a man who knows storms!

love with compassion,

Mike

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