only the captain speaks in the huddle

Today is back to normal for those who had an extended Christmas Holiday vacation. After all the excitement, family time, arguments, and happy memories made it is time to resume what is normal the other 50 weeks of the year. Yet for two weeks, really taken down to a 24 hour period, which is really then reduced to Christmas morning, we are already waiting for that day again. I saw an ad the day after Christmas warning those greedy shoppers only 364 days until Christmas-don't delay! The trash man has not even taken the vestiges of this year, and already they are spending or planning next year's event. Never fully gaining the enjoyment God has provided in the one they just had, or could still be enjoying. Yet in our impatience with the arrival of Christmas, we fail to rest in that time and enjoy it, missing many blessings that God has provided for us via His Son.

The ads are already out for baseball on TV, another snoresville for me. Right up there with golf, tennis, and other sporting/boring events. And after listening to an NFL referee and his viewpoint on the game, I can now add NFL football to the list. His take on the actual game was very simple, "five seconds of excitement, followed by 30 seconds of rest." And if you stop and think about it, he is more accurate than our NFL driven minds will let us admit. Football is exciting, isn't it? Why it only takes 3 1/2 hours on TV for 60 minutes of playing time. And the last two minutes can take a half hour. And why are the highlights over in 30 seconds? 15 seconds for you Charger fan types. Could it be this man has hit it-5 seconds is all you get? And we call it entertainment!

Using their math, an average of 60 plays on offense a game x 5 seconds=300 seconds, or 5 minutes. Double that for both teams, and for 50 minutes of playing time, no one is playing. So what are we really watching? Men gathered in a huddle, or on the sidelines? Or are we really waiting for that 5 seconds? And is it really worth all the waiting? Consider the times they test the running backs on-for 40 yard dashes. If they can go 40 yards in less than 5 seconds, why do they average less than 4 yards in 5 seconds? Shouldn't they test them in a real game situation of 4 yard bursts, how long did it take them? Yet in that 5 second burst more energy is used, and it takes more than 30 seconds to regain it. And these guys are in shape. Maybe that is why it takes so many weeks to get ready for Christmas, than more weeks to get over it, or for some to recover from it. What kind of shape are we in? Do we really want to live our lives like that, so why do we?

Many underestimate Jesus and what it took Him daily to do to do what He did. For thirty years He was in training, and like the priests, at age 30 began His ministry. But really was ministering all the time, and even during the three years was in training still. "Jesus," you asked, "training? He was God wasn't He?" Yet we find Him constantly spending time in prayer, asking His Father "what do you want me to do?" In scriptural terms, "thy will, not mine." Giving us the ultimate how to pray lesson, but do we listen? Are we willing to spend hours in prayer, time well spent with God, listening like Jesus did so we know what to do today? Are we willing to spend that time for the 5 seconds God may need of us that day? Are we using the resting time well, resting in God, or are we consumed with ourselves? Jesus only did what His Father asked Him to do, where are we in that conversation? In our prayers?

Christmas has come and gone, and will be here again in about 358 days. How will you be preparing for the celebration of the birth of Jesus? Will it be resting in Him, waiting on Him, or planning your own day? Only God knows what is going to happen today, how can you plan for something you don't know may happen? Perhaps asking Him, then listening, then obeying what He asks may be the best thing to do. His will, not ours. His day-not ours. Take that time between plays to spend with Him in the huddle. Only one person speaks in the huddle, the man in charge, the QB who calls the play. Who is speaking in your huddle? Who is in charge? Who knows and wants to prepare you for it? Are you even in the huddle?

The best play only works if executed in obedience. Every man must do what he is expected or trained to do on that play. Will you be ready for the 5 seconds God may have for you today? What if it is hours you are needed, will you be rested? Will you be prepared? Will you be ready? It all depends upon who is calling the play in the huddle.

There are 8760 hours in a year, and it comes down to a few on Christmas morning. All the waiting, planning, shopping, cooking, and excitement come down to that few hours. Just like Jesus' life came down to the final few hours on the cross-for us. And it was well worth it. Spend your time waiting on Jesus. Listen for the play He calls-the time spent with Him will make all the difference in how you spend the rest of your day. He spent 30 years for 3 years of ministry, for six hours on the cross, a team spends 30 seconds in a huddle for a 5 second play. How much time are you spending with the Lord today?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

scars and stripes forever

Every morning before I shower I have gotten in the habit of looking at my scar in the mirror. I don't need my glasses for this one, as it is 12" long, and being keloid looks like Dr. Frankenstein himself sewed me up. And at first it was tough to look, being as it was a life or death surgery performed on me. But as I watch in the mirror, I am filled with joy of the reminder that God has chosen to bless me with. You see He performed a miracle in me this summer, and when people see me it is hard for them to comprehend what I went through. I hardly can comprehend, so don't try-just give God ALL the glory. But to prove, and remind, and also serve as a testimony, He has given me this scar. And I consider it a badge of honor, a personal remembrance of how He never left me, forsook me, and how He healed me. One description of me was "you were the sickest person we ever saw who wasn't dead." And from being life flighted, to the surgery, to the amazing recovery, when Dr. Walinsky called me yesterday, and reminded me I was a miracle, it was special. He performed the surgery, telling PJ it was the hardest one he ever performed. I had four unique complications, any one of them could have been deadly, together they place me as unique in medical history, no one else recorded has ever had them. And I am here to testify of God's greatness-and you wonder why I love my scar?

On my last visit to my San Diego cardiologist, he remembered me as "the disaster." He told me I was lucky I wasn't dead. Yet luck played no part in any of this, and Dr. W when told of his statement, was emphatic I am a miracle! Living proof of the healing power of Jesus Christ! It is hard for even the hard core atheist to doubt my story, so personal are our testimonies.

So this year I am alive for Christmas, and having a great Christmas season. I came close to death, but the peace that surpasses all understanding wants me here. Grace, He calls it. Not so much for me, because death meant heaven, all the hospital staff knew I wasn't afraid to die. Had the DNR and all to prove it. Which Dr. W tore up, telling me "after all the work I put into you, I'm not ever giving up on you!" God also had the right surgeon in mind, too. But the grace God has shown me is for my family-this Christmas my wife is not a widow-I'm alive! My sons have their father with them-I'm alive! And the testimony I had told Theresa I would only share once, I have been able to tell over and over, and encouraged people to seek God!

I even got to visit with a man close to death, his heart was wasted and on dialysis. After visiting and praying with him I got an e-mail that his signs became normal-not because of my prayer, but because of Jesus Christ, who isn't done with me yet, and wanted to bless me even more-and the families and people associated with this man. So I wear my scar with great affection, a reminder that God is a God of mercy and love. And now I better get it why Jesus will wear His scars in heaven. Not so we can recognize Him, but always to remember what He did, so we can be there in heaven with Him. His stripes will remind us of what He took in our place. And suddenly the ugliness of what He endured become beauty marks-what an expression of love. Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for another-He's alive and so am I!

So Merry Christmas-it is for my family. May it be for yours. This will be the last story I send this year, number 203. I will be taking some time to spend with my family, my first ministry, and to relax and rest. And put miles on the 2013 Street Triple I have to ride. Only God knows what lies ahead, and I want to be ready. And if you note the date, sorry Mayans, our God is in complete control. And He has a first name-Jesus. All yours scars were in vain, His brought life, abundantly. And today I have my own personal scar to remind me, and encourage others. Truly ALL things work out for those who love the Lord, and are called to Him. My prayer is that you hear the call....and someday see His scars and stripes...forever.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot

the firsts of Noels

Christmastime in New Mexico is a wonderful and festive time of year. The smell of green Chile dishes arise from many kitchens, and luminarias-paper bags with lit candles and sand line the streets and driveways of many neighborhoods-greeting the new born savior. And in 1975, my first Christmas knowing Jesus, I was a new New Mexico resident for all of three weeks. With big plans for Christmas, going to California and spending it with friends from high school and my room mate John. It was also to be my first Christmas away from family-a lot of firsts for a 21 year old. But a few days before Christmas the rules changed. Mr. Hansch, Eddie's dad and who we were going to stay with in Costa Mesa died unexpectedly. Brennan was ok in Santa Monica, and John was able to get a flight to Memphis at the last minute and go back to be with his family. And I was left in Albuquerque all alone as I knew no one yet. A time that appeared sad but ended up being joyous. For my new friend and family member Jesus spent it with me-just us alone. A special time I will never forget, nor try to put into words, it was that special. A lot of firsts all at once, and I would do it all again.

My second New Mexico Christmas was two years later, with more firsts. It was the first Christmas with my new best friend and wife to be Theresa. Again without family, a first for her, but we would start a new tradition, us together which now is celebrating the birth of Jesus for the 35th year! Two Christmases both with special gifts from a loving savior, truly it is the most wonderful time of the year.

After a brief hiatus to Colorado, we were back in New Mexico six years later, and now with a family of our own. I believe that kids truly bring out a special part of the holidays, and this year my two sons did. Christopher was 5 this year, and was known as the dinosaur kid. In kindergarten he knew them all, and aided by shirts made by my mother, wore one everyday. And that year we found a 6' tall inflatable Godzilla, his hero, and on Christmas Eve took almost an hour to blow it up-by mouth. Never thinking as we sat in our bedroom that it wouldn't fit out the door, or down the hall. So...while most of you were hanging the stocking by the fire with care, we had to deflate most of it, drag it down the hall, and then blow it up again. But all was worth it as he loved it and again Christmas was very special, with another new friend spending it with us-Godzilla. It seems our family embraces all of Christmas from God to Godzilla, two kings, one of the monsters and one the King of Kings!

The Christmases we celebrate today were strongly influenced by the story "Twas the night before Christmas" written about 100 years ago. Before then it didn't have quite the structure it has today. Add a dose of Hollywood interpretation via some classic films. and an ad campaign by Coca Cola in the thirties giving Santa a face, a suit of red, and a personality, and we arrive at today, aided or hindered by pre-Christmas sales, ads proclaiming us unloving if we don't over indulge our spending, and cities afraid of Jesus, passing laws to prohibit singing of carols and nativity scenes, not even mentioning the name God. Strange how they are afraid to say God, but in the same public setting will use His name in vain. That isn't illegal. I pray they soon come to know Him, and find the true meaning and message of Christmas.

Many families have Christmas traditions, and new families are just starting their own. Keep Christ in your Christmas, for without Him it is just a mess, like most other days of the year without Him. Let it be personal, give gifts in love, it isn't giving if you feel you need to, and gather when you can with friends and family. But most important, spend time with that special one, Jesus. After all it is His birthday, and what kind of party would it be without the birthday boy? So give gifts to others in His love, as He has given to us. Remember those in jail, or in hospitals, or homeless. Take time to share His love with all you see....and if in New Mexico, have some green Chile chicken enchiladas on
Theresa and I.

For "although it's been said, many times, and many ways...Merry Christmas to you!" And Happy Birthday Jesus...." What firsts will you celebrate this year? Start a new tradition with Jesus today, the best friend, best gift you will ever receive. Merry Christmas to all who read this and to all those you hold most dear!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

and may all your Christmases be white...

I have had the pleasure of celebrating Christmas in five different states. New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Colorado, and California have each given me a different perspective to the holiday where we celebrate birth of Jesus. Each with its precious memories and each one letting us look back with thanks and look ahead with fondness of next year. For the first 20 years of my life, most were spent in New Jersey, with an occasional one spent in Pennsylvania with my grandparents. Christmas was always a happy and special time at our house, lots of decorations, and on Christmas Eve presents to open, from the family. Followed by piling into the car and driving around and looking at the Christmas lights and the decorations. It was always cold, and it is hard to remember a time when it hadn't snowed, giving us a truly white Christmas. It was so much fun to watch it snow on that Eve, watching as the snow piled up, and feeling safe and secure inside, with only the walls and windows keeping the 60 degree temperature difference from invading the warmth we felt. And then on Christmas Day more presents, and lots of food. Happy times I look back on, and sometimes wish I could go back to. Times as a kid when your only worry was if Santa had peaked, or someone had ratted you out, you had tried, but sometimes it was hard to nicer than naughtier. And then up to Pennsylvania, where more presents awaited, from my Nana and Pappy, and it seemed every toy from the Sears Christmas catalog was ours for the keeping-with a whole week off to enjoy them before having to go back to school. But it was the white of the holiday that made it special, and the decorating, the smell of the tree, and cookies. I will always remember my Nana and her obsession with stencils on her windows that looked like snow-mine never came out like that. Her silver tree with the revolving light of blue, yellow, and red. It was the 60's and the only green trees were real, but fake green was coming. At my Grandma's house she had two trees, one green and the other silver-with only blue balls on it. Both homes I wish I could duplicate, but there is always something special about going to Grandma's, in the snow.

Jesus became the reason for the season to me in 1975, and after moving to Albuquerque and my first non-white Charismas, drove back to Jersey with Garcia and his sister Geralyn. My first time home after being saved, and it was all different-going home always is after you have moved out and moved on. But that first time back I shared Jesus with Richard and he accepted the Lord in his car. That night I went to a Catholic service at midnight with Richard, not knowing what to expect, but having my heart filled when the priest's opening line was "Happy Birthday Jesus!" And with it white and cold outside, all was well inside, both the service and me.

Other visits back would bring more memories, the first time Andrew had seen snow, and cried-he didn't know it was cold! And one time showing up unexpectedly at my parents the night of the 23rd! My mother standing there mouthing words with no sound she was so excited. And both my parents telling me later it was the nicest gift they had ever been given-a Christmas to remember. And many still were to come-some white, some not-but all centered around Jesus. Who loves to give-not just on holidays. So this year will be very special to my family, for Jesus has given us the gift of life. I should be dead, but have been shown mercy, and this Christmas will be different. Although my dad passed away, I know where he is-celebrating. And the best gift I can give is being here for my family-God's grace. This Christmas my wife is not a widow, and my sons have their father here to celebrate with. One more year...and many more memories.

So to you I wish a very Merry Christmas to you and all those you hold dear. Treat it like it may be your last, and look back on the old ones and look forward to the new ones. Each year in Christ brings new hope and new reasons to celebrate. Whether in wintry Jersey, or balmy So Cal, remember wise men still seek Him. I have been to Bethlehem and Nazareth, both in Pennsylvania, and let me tell you, Jesus is there too. So God bless us each and every one-and if possible, and may all your Christmases be white!

You know, I think there is a song, or maybe a movie in there somewhere. Truly with Jesus, It's a Wonderful Life!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

personal preference

To me a motorcycle with a duffle bag bungeed to the rear seat is one of the most beautiful sights. I don't care what brand, what style, or even origin of manufacture, any bike ready to go out and ride for a trip is my kind of ride. Short trips-maybe a few days, or a real ride, 3-4 weeks, and when loaded just have a special appeal to me. The call of the road, the quest for adventure, and the freedom it represents get all my senses going into overload. Nothing else compares, except maybe my dog's affection to walking. Mention the word, and she is awake and ready. And all walks are good to her...just as getting on the road is good for me. Maybe that is why dog is man's best friend.

Simple is good when travelling, and we have over the years learned to pack light. We don't need to carry extra parts-today's bikes don't break, and the 2013 Tiger Explorer I am currently riding has shaft drive-no chain to worry about, tubeless tires-no tubes to go bad, a tire can be plugged with less hassle, and even has a ride by wire throttle-no cable to break or bind. So why aren't we out riding more? Less time packing means more time riding.

I marvel at what many riders take on a trip. Bags, trunks, and more bags bungeed to the top trunk. Even little accessory bags tied to forks, or any place else they can be fit. Using the idiom that there is no place like home, they take as much home with them as they can. I travelled to Canada with a guy once who took all the Harley parts he could stuff in his bags, including oil, just in case they didn't have any there. Guess what things he never needed to unpack? But I guess it gave him a sense of security...all the way down to a tool kit, and first aid kit! His only problem on the trip, a muffler style hose clamp, a $1 item bought along the way. He never thought to pack one, I guess. But yet we go out everyday, with a preset list for our daily journey, or routine, taking along what we think we will need to get by. Be prepared the Boy Scout motto says, but can we be over prepared, or wrongly prepared? Bruce had all the essentials, he thought, but still had to visit a dealer. And borrow a nut driver. I carried no tools, and had no problems. Go figure....

Today many packing lists consist of a cell phone, credit card, and AAA card. No dimes needed for phone calls, no tool kits. Nothing left to fix-and if it does, you need to be towed to a dealer. So why worry...enjoy the ride. And we pack for 4 day intervals, no matter the distance or time frame. And what you don't carry can be readily bought at a Wal-Mart, more accessible than many McDonald's along the road any more. And so we set out, hoping we are prepared, but never quite knowing until a situation arises...if only I had brought such and such. Or maybe if you had just stayed home...perish the thought!

Where God guides He provides we have heard over the years. And despite all the fund raisers, telethons, book sales, special offerings and the like, we find a false hope in God. "If I get the finances, I can go on that missions trip," we hear. And send out letters to those who have less money, when they should go directly to God. If He wants you to go, no amount of fund raising will help. If He gave you the vision, He will fulfill it. Or don't we remember Jesus telling His disciples to take no money, just what you have on you. God will provide a place to stay, food to eat, and all your needs along the way. Better than AAA! But yet we go out on our own, and fail. Blaming God, if only He had known. When really it is if only we had trusted, then obeyed. And if it works with touring, just imagine how it can work with such mundane events as daily life?

So trust God. If you aren't you are trusting someone or something else. Years ago a couple lost everything in a fire, including money hidden in their home. "We planned for a rainy day, but not a fiery night," he explained. We buy insurance, hoping we never get sick and have to use it. We buy extended warrantees, hoping to never use them. Yet we turn from God, hoping we never have to use Him. And when we do, then advising Him on how to handle the situation. Presenting out case to Him, bragging on why He should help out, and the time frame. Forgetting He already knows, and knew what was going to happen, and has the solution worked out. ALL things work to good for those who love Him...not just the pleasant things. ALL!

Over the years, and miles, I have found Him better than any insurance policy. He even prevents things from happening-remember Him next time you stop just in time. He has provided shops to open when closed, free meals, help when needed, and held things together until we noticed the problem. He keeps His word, do you keep His? Today ask Him what to take with you, He already knows what you need. Travel light, without the clutter of worry or sin. And don't go alone, take Him with you. You may find Jesus loves to ride, He spent most of His ministry on the road, and never had a worry about packing, money, or food to eat. Turn to Jesus and keep your eyes on the road, and all around you, without fear or worry.

If Adam had never sinned, imagine how different the ride would be today. In Jesus, you don't have to wonder. My personal preference for travelling is Jesus. What's yours?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

.

how will you know when you get there if you don't know where you're going

The few times while riding with someone who had a GPS and they led, we got lost. At least as far as they were concerned, but I was OK, I still had gas, and a few times just decided to change destinations. Avoiding the "I'm lost" cliff. There is a reason they tell you to arrive with a full tank. Years ago when we were younger and moved to Durango, we were invited to a Jaycee picnic. We decided to go to meet new people, and followed the directions given. When we came to a fork in the road, we took it, just not the right fork. And we ended up 27 miles out of or way at Vallecito Lake. A road and also a destination we might not have taken, based on time, gas in tank, other plans, or just not in the mood to go there. But it turned out to be a blessing, as months later we moved there. A beautiful area, 8300' altitude in the middle of a national forest, with only 72 residents on 22 miles of shoreline. Whether you blame it on poor directions, poor following, or lack of a GPS in those pre-GPS days, we were blessed to just follow the road. Discovering we really didn't want to go to that picnic after all. And that God had something better for us.

We have taken many trips like that over the years. Following roads just to see where they go, all without the benefit of GPS, or a map. It upsets me when I hear the stereotype that men don't ask for directions-I don't because I like to go new places, and I'm not afraid to. What's your excuse? And what is your result? Where you end up is based on where you were going, or where you go. Or who you go with, or better yet follow. We don't do group rides either, I call them crowd rides. You quickly find out most do not know how to ride, and can hide that fact when riding with their unskilled peer group. The best example we were ever part of was a group ride with Torches Across America, joining up with 3200 others on 9-11 to go into NYC, past ground zero, the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, then a feed and ceremony in Brooklyn. A great ride, exceptionally safe and well organized until the leader took a sign that said "Brooklyn." Our destination was Brooklyn, but we were going via the Holland Tunnel, the other fork in the road, that the Port Authority police had shut down for us. Wrong turn, and for an hour while the police tried to shut down the tunnel again, over 18 miles of motorcycles sat and waited. We did eventually make it to Brooklyn. All without the help of a GPS!

"Ride your own ride," we tell people. It is safer, and can be more exciting at the same time. Be yourself was the old 60-70's cry, a today many of us still try to be ourselves. But too many do not allow Christ in their lives the same luxury. While we are busy trying to find ourselves, we put Jesus in a box, or on a GPS. Not allowing Him to ride His own ride, which is much better than any we may be on. Restricting Him and not allowing Him to fully bless us. Too many have become entombed in religion-which means bound by, and know when to sit or stand based on denominational tradition, but don't know Jesus. Ever been told no when inviting someone to church? Wonder why? And in this season of many CEO's-Christmas and Easter only Christians, no wonder they feel uncomfortable. I gotta dress up-OK by the girls, ties are a burden to me. We have to act pious-what church do you go to? And we feel guilty if we don't put money in the offering-others are watching and we want to appear Christian. What stupid teaching did you adhere to? Rather than going to church, be reminded we are the church. Look at your life-why would I want to be like you? Let alone spend my free time with you and others like you? Where is the freedom Jesus speaks of, yet all your church does is tell me all the rules-spoken or worse yet, implied. They try to exercise being themselves, but yet do not allow Jesus the same freedom-the same one who died so they could be free! And you still wonder....which makes me wonder, and why I don't do many church visits anymore. How many of you would sign up to spend a weekend in jail-voluntarily, yet sign up to be bound up by religion? I love the freedom of knowing Jesus, of setting off knowing He is with me. He guides, and leads, and prepares a way, and if I get off of it or miss a turn, He is still there. He never left me, but often I leave Him. He know s not only the way, but the way back. It takes a commitment to follow, not just when it is convenient, but when it isn't. Faith is great, but only when it leads to evidence-remember faith is evidence of things not seen. Obedience is the sum total of faith...so why don't many allow Jesus to lead? They trust a GPS, poor directions, religious dogma, and Oprah rather than Jesus. Nostradamus was a great prophet, but not one of God. If alive in Biblical times he would have been stoned-either you were 100% or dead. Only those of God made the short list.

So rather than follow a computer-GPS, when you should or could be looking at the road, follow the ultimate GPS, God's Perfect Son! Let Him out of the box, and into your heart. Enjoy the freedom in the spirit, instead of the futility and burden of religion. Allow Jesus to be who He is in your life, and go down roads otherwise passed by. Take the fork in the road, sit at the counter and eat. Stand up and sing at church, and tell others about Him. Let the fruit of the spirit shine from within you, and maybe rather than asking, others will be asking to go with you...to church! You can keep your rules, I will keep my freedom. You can have your religion, I'll stick with Jesus. For whether in a group or alone, you are never alone with Him. Come to think of it, maybe I have been group riding with Him and never fully enjoyed it...just think, even more freedom of the road in Christ. Now what real biker would say no to that?

Quick, answer me, what has the law or legalism or religion added to your freedom? And you wonder why I rather follow Jesus? What GPS are you following? If you weren't ever lost, you never would have to be found...So this Christmas, when opening boxes, open one and let Jesus out. Enjoy a gift that keeps on giving. You see, there's this road I know...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

and some day when I settle down, all my friends will be around

The Eagles sang "I might live my life upon the road, just trying to add to what I know.." and over the years we have added many miles, meals, friendships, and experiences to what we know. Some friends we only see once a year, planning our journey around them, and some we see once every few years. But as change is a constant in every life, so many changes have happened this year, and the past few that so will our travel plans. From places to eat closing, old roads being replaced or rerouted, and old friends moving on, or moving out, many places will have a different persona when revisited again.

In a year of surprises, our next visit with some will be much different. We miss Mary FNY this Christmas season, as for the past few years she has been our companion. And the perfect hostess when we visited her in Long Beach, NY, two summers ago. But all has changed in her life-first a grand daughter who will keep her closer to home. But she is now without a home to go to, as Sandy has wiped her out among many others. Her Suzuki and Mustang towed away, victims. And as we think of her, we are reminded of thousands like her...and we will miss her, and hope to be guests in her home again soon.

Scotch Plains will be different on the next visit. My Dad died in May, and after years of it not being my house anymore, it was referred to as my parents. now we call it my Mother's, and this Christmas will be her first without her husband. Somehow it will be different without him there, her best friend of over 61 years gone. And one less reason for me to go to Scotch Plains...mostly memories now...and the new neighbors wouldn't know who I am anyway.

Andrew has lost friends again this year, at way too young an age. And I think of his best friend Cole many times, almost 5 years now. He was a tough, crazy kid who loved to ride. But who always gave me a hug, and was not ever embarrassed to tell me he loved me in public. He used to call me "Prayer Man" and once told me I was the only one besides his aunt who could make him cry. His tears with me were always from the heart, a bigger man than any of his friends could imagine.

Durango will never be the same to me after this summer. After being life flighted, Dal took Theresa to Albuquerque, a short 250 mile drive, and came down to see her, reminding me "I'm only here for her," and it was the right thing to do. Love will do that. At 76 he has been without his love, Ann for over 8 years now, and talked of girl friends-now he is remarried and living in Texas, where he is from. Only Dean remains in Durango, and he is more than enough reason to return. So Texas will be on our next long trip, to see Dal and the new Mrs., and Dana and her family, and Warren and his. Friends for over 30 years, when we go years between visits, we just pick up where we left off. Friends can do that-just be themselves. And all of these were, are, and continue to be my friends. I will also add Don Wurth, Sr. to that list. Jacob's grandpa, and Donnie's Dad. Although I knew him very little, I still have a great affection and respect for him. I know Donnie misses him, but will carry on and assist his mom as needed. Families do that for each other-they can be friends too!

A lesson Job would learn. After being verbally accosted and accused by his friends, Job fired back at them. All they could see was his sin, not God at all. But Job knew God, so could ask them "have you ever questioned those who travel, have you paid no attention to their accounts?" Job 21:29. Trying to help, but not helping at all. Causing more pain, and pushing the limits of friendship. Men coming to see him from afar, but who should have stayed home. But recorded here for our benefit, so we don't follow them in their footsteps.

The Eagles also sang "and some day when I settle down, all my friends will be around... "And I hope you are, for the greatest lesson I learned this summer was you have no choice in when or where, or even how you will die. I should have, but didn't, that's God's grace. I was with Jesus while alive in the spirit, and can't wait until I am again. I want to go back to that time and be with Him. But until I do, when He says so, I have many more miles, and many more friends to make. And places to go that I would never expect. Me, life flighted? I never would have even imagined that! So when God talks of heaven, "eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor mind imagined the things of God," it means here on earth for us too. We can enjoy all that he has for us while alive. Some will die, refusing Him, and hell awaits them. The sad thing is they didn't have to, their is no rescue from salvation, only from sin. Jesus came to rescue us from it, to be redeemed. God sends no one to hell-it is their choice. And if you choose to deny Him here, He will honor your request in heaven-He doesn't push Himself on anyone.

If you are reading this, and have said yes to Jesus, heaven awaits. If not, choose Him today. He is merciful, loving, and forgiving-and patient that none should perish. I want all my friends to be around.

Don't wait until an helicopter ride interrupts your ride, or your vacation. I tell people Jesus rides with me, and I am glad He was with me this summer. At home or on the road-don't leave earth without Him! All my friends, and that includes you-Jesus hopes you are around. And so do I...forever.

Puts a whole new perspective on my travel accounts doesn't it? Now do I have your attention? Does Jesus? Let's ride!

love with compassion,

Mike

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