if Columbus had never returned

A young Christopher Columbus had a dream, a vision that he could sail to the westby going east  As fanatical as it may have sounded, think of the wording, he wanted to attempt the voyage purely based on his dream, but found no takers, financial or other in his home land of Italy.  So travellinwst to Spain, he found a sympathetic, and willing backer in Queen Isabella of Spain, who would finance the entire journey, based on the promise of riches, and of dominating an eastern sea route to the west.  At the time, it was believed the world was flat, and no way could it be circumnavigated, and Chris was labeled a heretic, going against church belief and doctrine, and most thought him attempting a suicidal trip, one that would claim his life and his crews.  But Queen Izzy thought it worth the risk, we are not told if she believed the world round or not, but was willing to wager three ships, the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria, plus their crews to find out.  You better be right Chris, your life depended on it, but more importantly your reputation.  So setting out without a route, the Atlantic was unexplored, once outside the Mediterranean the edge lies looming, and with no time frame, and no agenda other than to find a trip to the East, he headed out.  What if the world was flat?  What if he had discovered the edge instead of a new trade route?  What if he found something else?  And what if he never returned to answer all these questions?

Setting out on my first ride in a new area often raises questions.  You tend to hear all the worst case scenarios, and often believe them more readily, truth or not.  They can range from bad roads, local Leroy sheriffs targeting motorcyclists, or out of state plates, gas availability, or riding into state with ethanol, or different foods available.  But what if your bike breaks, and there is not a Harley dealer at each exit?  What if the parts aren’t there you need?  What if I get sick?  What if I get sick?  What if despite all these things I have a great time and want to return?  What if I don’t return?  And for what may just be a first ride into a new area, or a cross country run, suddenly you are faced with mounting doubts, which can over ride any fun anticipated.  But despite all the warnings, and all the potential danger, jut like Chris we forge ahead, excited about what lies around the next bend, hoping we never find the edge that some people think exists.  The only boundary being our own doubts and fears, fueled by those who can’t, won’t, and shouldn’t go along.  They have found their edge, and the world they live in isn’t round.  But fenced in by fears...

Now Chris. C. ‘s journey was to be more exciting, and profitable than even he could have imagined.  And today many still argue of his claims of finding a new world, he never did find the route he was searching for, and some can vote him a failure on that basis alone.  So don’t be too hard on old Mr. C., or yourself when your ride doesn’t turn out as planned.  After being invited to a Jaycee picnic when we first moved to Durango, we followed the directions given, and when 3 miles became 10 miles with no houses insight, common sense would have told us to turn around.  So we didn’t, and ended up at Vallecito Lake, a beautiful destination that we would move to later that year.  A place we didn’t know existed, like Chris we had started off for one destination, but God led us on another, and Chris and us have been blessed by it.  Sometimes the dreams we follow take us places where no dream can vision, usually better.  And like most of us, if we were told the events or things we would encounter, we would make excuses, or listen to others, turning back and missing out on the blessings.  Of course, none of us would ever be like that...

Ever since I have been a Christian, I have been inundated by messages and questions pertaining to God’s will for your life.  And along the way as the casualties mount up, you wonder how did so many miss out?  Were they scared off by rumors of the edge, or were they misled by others?  But one thing I can confirm, is that pressing on will finally get you somewhere, and that as God guides, He provides.  And He doesn’t lay out His whole plan for you all at once, for various reasons, number one among them is that you would amend it.  Change it for what you want, as opposed to following Jesus.  You would make suggestions, and end up off the course God has laid out.  Life will throw many detours at you, and some will lead you astray, but some lead to blessings.  Like Vallecito Lake.  But you must be following your guide, the holy spirit.  But what if you get off the right road?  Some churches will tell you that once you get right with God, you are welcomed back.  But since Jesus never left you, He goes down those wrong paths, so you are still protected, and there to guide you back.  He is still planning your route, you just need to follow.  And if you reach the edge, still can turn to Him.  At that point it is your choice, the edge or Jesus?  Simple question, huh?  Simple answer, too.  So what are you waiting for?

So we are faced with the question, what if Columbus had never returned?  How would we know the truth of his voyage?  Would the next Columbus ever come along, or would the world still be flat to us?  Today we know it isn’t, his return and stories caused others to follow him.  When Jesus returned it was proof of what He had said He would do, and those who believe join the millions who have followed after Him.  Without Him we would have sailed off the edge, and sadly many do, choosing to follow anything but Him.  The course God has for you is one of joy and adventure.  Giving Him the glory, and you the blessings.  What may seem like a wrong turn to some, is right to God, but you need to trust Him, so you need to know Him.

It took a man of vision, and a Queen of faith to send Columbus out to the east to find the way west.  Faith.  Which is dead without works.  Use the vision God hagiven you today, and step out In faith and follow Him, n matter where the road takes you.  The safest place to be is where God wants you, and sometimes you will never know until you go out and test the waters, or the roads.  All roads lead to somewhere...you will never know until you get out and follow one.  You may be closer to the edge than you think...I don’t wish to live not knowing, do you?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

when too much isn't enough

Looking at the rear of the Rocket 3 I am currently riding, I noticed the license plate had some damage.  It took me a second, but then I realized-someone had wheelied this sucker!  All 800 pounds of it!  What was this guy thinking?  And I want to meet him-he is my new hero!  And looking at the feelers on the foot pegs, after I touched one in a corner, I examined both of them, left side worn, right side almost gone!  And this on a bike with a lot of ground clearance, this ain’t no floor boarded Harley!  My new hero had struck again, and now I really want to meet him.  What magazine throttle junkie had his way with this R3?  And do I have the guts, and the skills to follow in his footsteps?  Or take his line in the next corner?  When the bike had first arrived months ago we were talking how Triumph had taken the restrictors off this 2300cc behemoth, and how fast it should be-it wasn’t slow before.  With over a 100 ft. lb. of torque at idle, take that V-twin groupies, maxing out at 163, and with 150 hp to back it up, think of a freight train-seamless power, that is so smooth it is hard to keep below 90, or 100.  And with the handling to match, what was Triumph thinking?  If there is no substitute for cubic inches, they win.  Or like their ads state, “when too much isn’t enough.”  I will ride too much again today, and for less than $15,000, you can buy one.  If you have the guts to try...what are you thinking?  And you have to ask, what am I thinking?

Now with ABS, that works without you knowing it, upside down forks, and no vibration, this sounds like a Gold Wing on steroids, thankfully with no place to hang a plush animal, but if you did, what would you hang?  What animal has the strength to hold on at that speed?  Does it sound like I am having too much fun?  I wonder if the driver’s license shedder is an option?  If the cops ever catch me on this, it is the loser cruiser, the bus, or walking for me.  If...they can catch me...

Self control is the fruit of the spirit, I keep reminding myself.  But compared to trials of 2000 years ago, no apostle ever faced anything like this best, my wrist is learning that WFO is not the only position.  Cruising at 80+ shows only 3000rpm, with a redline of 6500, this sucker would be going 173 mph if you could hold on, thankfully Triumph thought to put an electrical cut off at 120, but I bet Mick knows how to by-pass it.  By the way, this is the same model that set the record at Bonneville last year...if Bert Munro was alive, do you think he would ride a Triumph?  Think about it, mate.  But it does take self control on more than a fast motorcycle to live life to its fullest.  Today I read that obesity is now a disease.  We know the cause, and the cure-both a choice we make.  And proudly I still weighed the same 12 months after surgery that I did the day I left the hospital.  It has taken self control, some self denial, and a retraining of what I eat, with no complaints.  No pizza, In and Out Double Doubles, no fries, or fast food.  And I don’t miss them, don’t even have a desire any more, but pizza still smells good, but not good enough to chance another stay in the hospital.  So now obesity, like alcoholism, is a disease.  Taking the responsibility from this self induced behavior, and relieving us from any responsibility.  Not our fault, what’s next, cancer?  But I didn’t smoke, it was second hand smoke,  again society gives us a waiver from responsibility.  If only we had a strong lobby in congress for speed laws, how many of my friends would still have their license today...it isn’t my fault, speed is a disease.  Not sure where I caught it, blame Honda, Kawasaki, and Triumph.  Maybe there is something to riding a Harley, no chance of disease.  Blame it on lifestyle, but please, we don’t want no stinkin’ social disease!

So maybe we should form a run at 100+ mph to Five Guys, sit in the smoking section, then off for a few beers before we ride home...hoping we make it OK.  Sounds foolish, but we live like that, and treat Jesus like that.  “I’m still alive, don’t be a downer,”  we hear, as more reject Christ’s invitation, and end up in hell.  We don’t wish to inflict more laws on you, we offer freedom, isn’t that why we ride?  So Jesus lets it be our choice, and I gladly accept the offer.  Unlike the racer who claim to have seen God when he overshot Turn 2, you don’t have to go to fast to see Jesus.  Wherever you are right now, you can ask Him into your life, helmet optional.  And many who don’t ride can be saved too, jealous?  Another ploy that God used on the Jews, when they rejected Him, the Jews are special to God, He made salvation open to all, including the gentiles, who Jews believed were only there to fire the fires of hell.  Which made them jealous, and many are turning to Jesus today.  Whatever your excuse, it will never be good enough.  Like winning racers, Christians have testimonies, losers have excuses.

You may never be overweight, smoke, drink, or indulge in the & Deadly sins of religion, but we are all born into it, Jesus is the only way out.  He gives us more chances than the cop with the radar gun, is fair judge, unlike politicians, and is patient so none should perish.  What are you waiting for?  What are you thinking?  You  have heard the story, seen the movie.  Now meet the man, Jesus.  You know, He just may be the man who can wheelie the Rocket, but uses grace and meekness, power under when He rides.  The road is the destination on many trips, but at the end of the road it is nice to arrive safely.  Heaven is calling, will you answer?  What are you thinking?  Who is your hero, Jesus is mine, and He really wants you to met Him.  In the wind, or in the air...one look at the rear plate and foot pegs will help you decide.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

no they can't take that away from me

Growing up I could never get enough compliments.  It was and still is nice to hear how good I look, how good my sons behaved, and how I love your latest ride.  These glowing words can fill your head with crazy ideas, and sometimes lead you to believe the rumors they may ignite.  It is one thing when I compliment my wife, another when another man does.  You can call me ugly, just don’t insult my kids.  So timing, and the one delivering the compliment, or insult are important, but so is the audience.  It is said that great students make great teachers, I tend to believe that.  Knowing your audience helps too.  I fall asleep in less than 5 seconds listening to someone talk about bird watching, but just let me hear the word motorcycle and my ears perk up. So somewhere between subject matter, the speaker, and the listener communication is formed.  But back to compliments...over the years they have never seemed to come when I needed them, especially when younger and trying to impress someone.  “My you’ve grown,” is one thing from your favorite aunt, but when applied by your adversary, in front of the girl you are trying to impress, sometimes you felt like “grown what?”  More zits, poorer?  Too tall works OK in the NBA, but not in horse racing.  I have also seen embarrassed men insult women when asking if they are pregnant?  When they are not, a lesson learned the hard way.  And on it goes...

Sometimes it is hard to be humble when you are so great, just ask some of the great ones.  In fact many you don’t have to ask, they’ll tell you.  Two quotes stick out to me, one from Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard.  She is an aging silent film era actress, who hasn’t done a picture in years.  When recognized, as “hey you’re Norma Desmond, you used to be big.”  She replied, “I am big, it is the pictures that got small.”  Try to work some variation of that line into a conversation today, I love it.  But another comes from another actor, to a National Champion motorcycle racer.  Steve McQueen complimented Mert Lawill by saying, “you will always be  know as a National Champion, you did it.  I only play different people, to me it is always acting.”  You decide, who made the bigger statement here?  How would you rather be known?

As much as we love to be complimented, and we all seek it to a certain degree, I become very embarrassed when someone says nice bike, nice story, etc.  I know it isn’t me, but the Jesus in me they see, and an early quote from an evangelist still sticks with me.  “The good things you see are things I have given over to Jesus, the bad are the things I am still dealing with myself.”  And I believe it to this day.  We are to represent Jesus as ambassadors here on earth, to be witnesses.  But often we have our own agenda, us, and seek our own glory.  Sometimes subtly, sometimes it is too apparent.  But once again fall back on the example of Jesus, who in all things gave glory to His Father in heaven.  So ask yourself, when you speak or act, who do you wish people to see?  Who do you represent?  Do you bring glory to God or to God’s glory, yourself?  If Jesus was your only audience, would you take the same attitude?  Are you playing a Christian, or are you living the role?  As much as Steve McQueen was the King of Cool, he only played parts in movies, off screen he was cool, and wished to be known as a motorcyclist who acted, not an actor who raced.  I like that, and how you see yourself, so will your audience.  Are you a Christian who rides, or are you a rider who is a Christian?  Depending on your listener, it can mean different things.  I prefer Christian rider.  I hope my witness of Jesus is better than my skills.  You figure it out, who am I bragging on?

So what do your words and actions say about Jesus?  Is He your agenda, or is it all about you?  Are you a Christian playing a role, or an actor playing a Christian?  Sadly if acting the world will find out first, and has no problem telling you.  So I hope my words point you to Jesus, and make you think about Him more.  It isn’t all about me, the thought scares me.  So keep it all about Jesus, and soon you will not be acting, but will be a natural, it will come from the heart.  And what is on the heart is reflected in our words.  God says that in the scriptures.  Words do mean something...

Some day in heaven we will hear “well done my good and faithful servant..”  Not rider, biker, teacher, preacher, mother, or father...but servant.  Who you serve is told by your words.  So take Steve’s advice, and no one will ever take away who you are in Christ.  Some only play the part, you can live it.  Let your life proclaim Jesus Christ, “He is big, it is me that got smaller.”  Cut, print.  By your words you will be known.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

once again for the very first time...once again for the very first...once agian for the very...

When younger we all looked forward to certain first events in our lives.  First new bike, first car, first motorcycle, first date, first house, and first job.  And we remember these first quite vividly, but how many remember their second bike?  Their second car?  Some never got to that elusive second date?  What was your second motorcycle?  What was your second address?  And who was your second boss?  Who’s on second?  No-he’s on first.  If you are honest in your assessments, you will have to stop and think, while the firsts come easier.  And whether you know it or knew it, all others would be compared to your firsts.  My new bike is bigger, 20” vs. 24” wheels, my first date was so immature, not me.  My first boss was so smart, or so tough, but my next one won’t dominate me as much.  My next house will be bigger, and not need as much work-until we move in.  And my next motorcycle will have more cc’s, more power and I will go more places.  So we always go back our first love,  never stopping to think that as we get older many new firsts still await us.  We live in a relative society-bigger, richer, fatter, skinnier, faster, and happier.  Or sadder.  But without something to base our future or current events on, somehow we don’t enjoy them as much.  We need something to compare them to, to show we are making the right decisions, that we are making progress.  Moving on.  And although many times we will relive fun times, it is that first time we remember the most.  Your first loves, and what made them so special.

This past year has been a year new firsts for us.  My first and hopefully only life flight and open heart surgery.  And a different outlook at daily things due to them.  This week will be my one year anniversary, and some firsts I have been enjoying-again.  Once again for the very first time, if you will.  Using my surgery date, June, 25, 2012 as my starting date.  I took my first walk with nurse Jackie, 25 of the longest feet I ever walked.  My first walk out of rehab with another nurse, Jessie.  My first Thanksgiving, and being truly thankful for all I have, big accent on the little things.  My first Christmas, and truly celebrating a new life in Christ, for He has given me a new life, and really touched my heart like no one else.   My first rides after surgery, my first anniversary in February, my first Easter, having a whole new outlook on resurrection.  My first birthday-I made it to 59, almost didn’t, and my first Father’s Day.  I usually am not big on such days, and for the past 8-10 years have been on cross country trips for them.  But this year was special, as I was here for my sons, a special gift of being a father, and they were alive to see me alive.  Andrew in church with us, and Christopher on tour in Barcelona, Spain, but both out enjoying life this year, as they should.  But a special first was last Friday having an ultra sound done on my heart.  My last one was the night I left rehab, which happened to be done by the same girl who greeted me when the helicopter landed.  Who not only couldn’t believe I was alive, I was described as the sickest patient they had seen who wasn’t dead, but told me my heart was perfect-no reason I should be in the hospital, and no further tests needed!  You have no idea how those words sounded!  And on Friday, I was shown during the test my new aorta, and the nurse was amazed.  “It is seamless, and if I hadn’t read your chart, and seen your scar I never would have believed it!”  Compare that one to my first one that night after landing-a miracle!  A first night I would rather forget, but a first night to base all others on, unforgettable.

We are warned in Revelation about the church that lost its first love.  We do the same thing with things, but also with Christ.  Some days we reach for the vitamins, and get the stupid pills instead.  Some days we get an extra swat with the stupid stick.  And some days we wake up just like we fell asleep-stupid.  And stupid hurts, but it doesn’t have to kill.  It can be a warning we are off track, or on track for more stupid firsts.  It can mean we seem like we are in a hopeless situation, but don’t need to despair as God is still there.  We wonder sometimes why when we try to live correct, and seem to suffer, while others who live life loosely prosper.  What’s going on here God?  But He knows, and sometimes we lose patience, thankfully He never does.  Up until the day we die, His holy spirit is still calling to us, wanting to save us.  What will it take for you to heed His call?  To return to your first love?  Why not give up trying to fill the void with other things, and get back with Jesus?  What does a spiritual ultrasound of your heart tell others?  Is your relationship seamless with Jesus, or can people see the difference?  Are the scars hidden rom view, where everyone can still see them, except you?  So Jesus offers you this offer, to the saved.  STOP!  Get back to where your first love is, and keep on.  Not stop or you’ll die, He has already rescued you from death.  Stop and enjoy the richer life He promises, and be around to enjoy the new firsts He has planned for you.

Once again for the very first time, come to Christ.  Be assured that He will guide you, but not force you.  He will encourage and not discourage.  And you will look back at what used to be trials, and find He has turned them into testimonies.  The last sense to leave you before you die is your hearing.  Why wait until it may be too late?  Answer His call today.  And enjoy the new firsts He has for you.  Looking back, looking ahead never looked so good. 

love with compassion,

Mikematthew25biker.blogspot.com

some day..in the future is right now

It’s automatic when talking with old friends to revisit the past.  The longer the period of absence, the more precious the stories become, and often more unbelievable.  Six inches grows to six feet, the top speed has increased by 20 mph, and that date with the unobtainable big blonde becomes more unbelievable.  And all the time the teller of these tales knows the truth, while so does his audience, but the truth doesn’t seem to matter, those were the good old times, and this is how many choose to remember them.  But too often we are both amazed and disappointed when we find out how the class clown has turned into a nerd, the class yuck is now worth millions, and the worst, how old riding buddies have quit riding.  And now you have nothing to talk about as that was your common denominator.  Whereas you both would share the latest issue of Cycle, tearing out ads to send in your 25 cents for decals, or the latest catalog of things you couldn’t afford, now he talks of the Blu-tooth in his Camry, while you were hoping to get together and ride again...one more time.  And so it is with friends from 30 years ago, who now have families, who have families, and quit riding.  Some under pressure from their wives, some from basic needs, and some just lost the battle to ride.  But yet they remember the stories of how it was,  but sadly don’t know how it is.  They remember the 750 Honda that blew everyone else in the weeds, but don’t get it when I say my Bonneville is the slowest bike I own, and faster than the old Honda.  They remember 200 mile Saturdays, then home for a date, and don’t get it when Theresa and I share about our cross country trips together.  They talk of finding that same bike they had 25 years ago and planning on reliving the past, and trying to freshen the memories, if only for one more ride.  But somewhere between the talking and doing, reality sets in, and quilting lessons and car seats have become more important than riding.  And they have made a choice to quit riding, “I can always get another bike,” but never do, and never did.  Leaving so many roads, times, and memories that could have been.

Going with the crowd, becoming the same as everyone else in the name of individuality, we all fall into into it sometime in our lives.  Things we never said we would do, become the new norm, and in some cases we even enjoy them.  In some cases we grow, some cases we grow up, but in all cases we change.  Hopefully for the better...and so a few years back I changed my outlook to life.  After many years of coulda, shoulda, and woulda, I started living I did, I am, and I;’m gonna.  And oh the difference it has made.  Like so many, we often have a great dal come our way, but money to cover it, but yet when we have both, don’t do it.  So now I do, for missed opportunities also mean missed blessings.  When traveling, if we see something, we no longer excuse our way out of it by saying “next trip, or later,” we take advantage of the situation and the blessing.  Because of that we have seen more things, met more people, and been blessed with so many happy memories.  I have ridden in helicopters at the spur of the moment, driven trains when not expecting, and been given numerous meals just because I accepted the offer when presented.  So when we meet old friends we get to share our stories of things we’ve done, rather than things we missed out on.  Not a perfect system, I have had bad meals, gone down roads I wish I hadn’t, and met those who I choose to forget, but at least I made the choice and never would have known how good or how bad if I hadn’t.  Not knowing is not the way to go through.

And not knowing Jesus is really not the way to go through life.  If we don’t say yes, we are really saying no.  And the worst thing we can say is “we’ll wait.”  Until I’m older, until the kids are gone, until my new marriage has time to work, or until I can afford to.  Not realizing that you are delaying, not waiting.  Waiting implies the right time, the right circumstance-delaying means putting it off.  Procrastinating.  Missing out on what God has for you.  Making excuses.  Perhaps the subtlest of all tools to get our eyes off of Jesus, or avoid Him altogether-delay.  And although there are many who proclaim this as their life story, no one, including others like them, wants to hear from them.  It is like the man waiting for next years Pontiac, only to find they went out of business-no wonder the old ones were priced so low.  Or holding the ticket to Game 7 he got a deal on, when their team was eliminated in game 6.  It is like waiting to buy the home of your dreams, being cheap over a few thousand, then missing out altogether.  Apartment living an be so much fun.  So many have excuses, I rather have Jesus.  You see I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.  Chances to be blessed, trusting Him, even if I choose wrong, He will bring me back.  Knowing He loves to bless me, and how when money is taken out of the equation, my faith somehow increases.  And do do my blessings-and my motorcycles!

Missing out because of delaying?  Trust Jesus now.  It is His riches, not ours that make it possible.  No way-He’ll make one.  No chance-take one, He’ll stand with you.  No money-His credit is impeccable-He always pays cash!  And will meet the need, despite us.  He promises us the desires of our hearts, when He is that desire-look out!  A wave of blessings are coming!  But sadder yet are those who once walked with Him, then turned away.  Making even more excuses and claiming Jesus doesn’t work.  When it is them that don’t.

So many choices today affect tomorrow’s actions.  If I hadn’t left Jersey, if I hadn’t moved to Albuquerque, if I hadn’t met Gerald, if I hadn’t ridden to San Diego, if I hadn’t met Theresa...I would not be as blessed today.  But if I hadn’t met Jesus, nothing else would matter.  Take that chance today, prove Him.  He’s up for it, are you?  Always wondered where that road goes?  Ride it, and tell others.  Who is this Jesus?  Master, savior, Lord, and best friend.  Tell others-your testimony.  You can have your excuses, I prefer my testimonies.  Sooner or later, you have to make the choice.  Don’t be among those who say “I wish I hadn’t waited.”  Don’t delay...as Dean Wormer told Flounder, “fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life.”  He should have added without Jesus.  What is your excuse?  This is my testimony!  Today is that tomorrow that was yesterday.  

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

when life becomes a commodity

Maybe you can help me with this one, I don’t get it.  Years ago when we were kids Coke came in glass bottles, and you paid a penny deposit.  When hurting for cash for that nickel Tootsie Roll, you went searching in the fields until your wagon was filled with pop bottles, then took then to the the store and redeemed them for coins, and then bought your candy bar.  For a while I actually thought they grew in fields, or that was where people stored them, as the lot on the corner of Princeton and South Ave. was always a guaranteed candy bar or two, particularly when finding a big quart bottle-5 cents all at once!  Just for you, no investment required, except for your wagon.  But as we got older, and pulling a wagon wasn’t cool, the soft drink industry was coming out with plastic one way bottles, OWB’s, or throwaways.  No deposit, and slowly a steady stream of revenue was gone for those who depended on deposit bottles for their income.  But when the land fills became over run with plastic bottles, we used to call them dumps, how trendy we have become, they decided to put a deposit on them, and now we either throw them away, forfeiting the deposit, or store them at home for the semi-annual trip to the recycling center.  Where on any Saturday morning dads came be found emptying the mini-van of their bottles and cans, and going home $20-30 richer, and creating an empty space at home to repeat the process.  But many times the ones who fill the recycling lines are older, poorer, and this may be there extra money for the month. We call them dumpster divers now, and we see them in all age groups, sadly many the same kids who once hustled for a penny, now hustling for a dime.  We have come full circle, with trash becoming a commodity, sometimes more valuable than the person.  We are still a throwaway society, but now have also become a recycled one also.  To the point so many new products are made from recycled items.  I almost bought some lawn chairs years ago until I found out they were made from recycled milk cartons-I just had to draw the line somewhere, even if it is imaginary.  I have yet to see any kid cruising for milk bottles yet, I must not travel in the same circle.

So we recycle, and you knew it was trendy when BMW bragged that they built their cars from recycled plastic, and they were designed to be recycled.  And as I see the old time junk man now being called the scrap metal recycler, each shop I ever worked in had one, now I know where BMW parts are sourced.  Are they still the ultimate driving machine?  Do we dare look under the fender to see if it says Coors on it?  How much for my old mag wheels?  Is it worth more dead than alive?  When will the 10 cent bottle be passed over and people start cruising for car parts to recycle?  Leaving again the kids needing money for candy...and we have come full circle.   Maybe that is what BMW’s original logo meant..and why we don’t see it any more.  Now I am not against being wasteful, but cannot look at my motorcycles as parts donors for the recyclers.  I am an organ door on my license,  but wait a minute, my motorcycles?  But yet, when I needed a part the other day for my old Suzuki, and it was discontinued, where did I go?  Motorcycle salvage yard-so maybe recycled parts do have a place in society, just not melted down and reused for furniture.  I shudder to see the time when I find Honda or HD stamped on the bottom of a chair.

Yet recycling is a big business today, but is not new.  Jesus has been in the recycling business for years, except He does it with the most valuable commodity on earth-people.  People that society has decided aren’t worthy any more, or who don’t fit in a mold, who have fallen into disarray or in jail, this is where He does His best recycling.  What you were is not as important as who you are, and He loves you just as you are.  No deposit, no return may work on bottles, but not on people.  Years ago Jesus made a deposit for us, He paid the price for our salvation, and today we anxiously await His return.  And the recycling He offers is in the form of being born again, a new heart for God, and then a life to follow after it.  But some reject His offer, not believing His claims.  Some just make excuses and call it religion.  But for those of us who have accepted His offer, it means life.  Not recycled, but made new!  We will never be used to be a part of anything else-we get to be just as God created us, and to worship and adore Him in our new state!  And when we truly come to Him, we see others in a different light-as God sees us, and we are able to love them, n matter how unlovely they may be.  For even as kids we passed over the dirty bottle for the clean ones, Jesus specializes in the dirty ones-in fact the worse off the better for Him to show His grace.

Maybe you have come to Christ, but feel dirty.  His offer is still valid, and will help you clean it up.  Still doubting?  His offer is still good, but time may be short.  For His return is imminent, and then the offer is no longer valid.  Today is the day of salvation, not some future date on the calendar.  Today.  Right now.  Life is more than a commodity, you are worth more than the $25 of chemicals in your body.  Turn to Jesus and find out how really valuable you are.  A price so high, no dollar figure could touch it, and no one could afford it.  That’s why we have Jesus.  So maybe you can help me with this, I don’t get it.  When all the proof is there, when Jesus is real, and can change lives, why haven’t you let Him change yours?  Your choice, a recycled life or a life recycling.  So much for reincarnation-how would you feel going from a BMW dashboard to plastic furniture?  Recycled?  You can be made anew in Christ.  The ultimate savior.  The one way to heaven, the only way.  Turn in your old self for a real deal today- and never worry about being turned into something you don’t want to be ever again.  Still wondering...I just don’t get it.  Glad I did years ago.  Hope you do too.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

1963-was it really only 50 years ago?

A very good morning to all of you who are over 50 years old and can remember -you made it.  A good morning to all you under 50, too, but with fewer memories.  Let’s go back to 1963, 50 years ago and take a look at the world as it was.  It was a great year for cars, starting with the split window Corvette, which lasted only one year due to poor vision from the rear, although 21,000 both coupes and convertibles were made, and today are collectible and pricey due to their uniqueness.  Give me a Marina Blue one with the 327 fuel injected motor, please.  1963 was also the year the SUV started, not by desire, but by design.  Willys, pronounced like “what you talkin’ about Willis?” had sold to Kaiser, and wanted to make an upscale 4WD station wagon, and the first Wagoneer was produced.  Crude by today’s standards, it was unique in its time, and was to be produced in the same package, although modernized and updated well into the 90’s. They started the craze, maybe now you can believe Chrysler Jeep’s ads about their heritage.  I sold them for awhile, and they were amazing vehicles.  But the first ones were crude, rough, and anything but what a soccer mom would drive.  Just shows how trendy they are, and that trendy isn’t cool.  Drive a Jeep, then decide-a 50 year old one! The grandfather of all SUV’s, but grandson of the original JEEP!  It was a great year for GM also, what year wasn’t in the 60’s, when they announced the Buick Riviera, their answer to the Ford Thunderbird.  Picture yourself with your lady on your arm pulling up in leather clad bucket seat luxury.  335 hp just waiting if needed, how cool sitting and looking at the dual gauged instrument panel.  A hardtop, that looked like it was moving while standing still, it was a classic then, and is today, although I prefer the 65, with hidden headlights, the last year of the original styling.  With one cool feature unseen on any other car, twin door handles, so rear set passengers could access them from the back seat.  A pure styling gimmick-does your car have one?  See?  Bill Mitchell, head of GM styling’s first great car.  Silver with silver interior please.  Classy no other car can duplicate today.

Things in Europe were getting back to normal after the Big One, WW2, and the word from England was the Aston Martin DB5, named after David Brown.  Why such a big deal?  To any kid going to see Goldfinger, after Pussy Galore we all wanted that car the James Bond drove.  His car had all the extras, but by itself it was a great British sports car.  Shown at the New York World’s Fair in 1964 it as called the most recognized car in the world.  Good show, keeping the British end up James.  There were two made for the film, one is located, the other rumored stolen, whereabouts unknown.  Where is Bond when we need him?  Too early for LO Jack, I’m sure Q had one already in place, probably built one for his grandkids the Christmas before.  And as Dr. Ferdinand Porsche continued to build his little two seater, it evolved into the first 911 in 1963.  Originally called the 901, but changed to 911 when Peugeot complained they had the trademark for cars with “0” in their name.  Light, with oversized brakes, this air cooled car was to provide the course for Porsche for many years, and is still produced in certain variations today.  I have bought houses for less than a 911 can cost, but without the excitement of hearing that little engine roar.  The ads tell you to drive one, your trousers will give the seat of the pants feel that you are part of the car.  So there you have it, five cars that changed the world in 1963, never designed to do just that, but cool has no definition or requirements.  Either you are, and everyone knows it, or....you drive a Rambler.  But cool was also in the motorcycle world, as 1963 was the first year of the unit construction Triumph, a big change for the iconic Brit band.  A line of demarcation for value, and identification.  There is old school, and then just school.  These vehicles are just school.  Cool.  Has it really only been 50 years?  Am I really that old?  Does that make me a classic, too?

Although 50 years have passed, we still have archives to check out how it really was then, pictures, ads, and road tests.  But most importantly we still have people alive to remember how it really was, before current historians rewrite history for theirown benefit.  And so it was 2000 years ago with Jesus.  Within 50 years of His death, most of the Bible had been written, and was being read.  Based on the earliest manuscripts, and then vindicated by historians, just in case God’s word isn’t valid enough, those who were around after Christ didn’t dispute them.  The Jews still had a problem with His being the Messiah they were looking for, but the growing and emerging church clung to them.  Those alive could not dispute fact that Jesus had existed, and that He had been crucified.  The rest they believed on faith, much as we do today, per His request.  But the apostles were still around, writing the New Testament, starting churches, and living for the Lord.  Contemporary to His time, if there was any falsehood to the gospels, they would have been challenged in this pre-Internet era.  But God had things under His control then, and still does today, for no matter how many have tried to dispute the claims of the Bible, they always fail.  God is not a fool, and since the book is about Him, will not allow it to be changed.  Jesus is God, deity, and despite some cults who claim otherwise, they will fall prey to their own pride and ignorance, just like God warns.  He knew then, and He does now, do you?  Seeing is believing, but God promises believing is seeing.  And 2000 years later His claims are still valid. 

We may dispute the correct brake  line color on a DB5, the proper leather grain on a Riviera, or how much did a 911 really weigh, but we do not deny their existence.  Many of us were there, we saw and remember them, we know the truth.  And so it is with Jesus, we know the truth, and it has set us free.  No other man could promise that, not even a car ad!  No pitchman could give more life to the gospels than Jesus did and still does.  He was a classic before the term was coined, and is still as contemporary today as 2000 years ago.  A timeless design, by God His father, for all times.

Being there is a good thing, it needs very little memory adjustment.  Read the book today, and rekindle that memory if it has faded.  Start a new one, giving in to His timeless love for you, or go deeper into the corner with Him, growing in Christ everyday!  Find out how real and alive a life in Jesus can be, and be captivated by His eternal and timeless love.  Jesus has never gone out of style, nor has His book.  The best seller for all time, if you can’t find one you aren’t looking.  And in heaven you can confront those who were there, and you will both be there.  Just like the Bible said then, and still does now.  Times and styles change, Jesus doesn’t.  Hey when you are that cool why should you?  if only GM had listened, we might now all be driving 4 door sedans today!  Jesus Christ-the unique styling of the Sting Ray, the luxury of the Riviera, the go anywhere of the Wagoneer, the cool of the Aston Martin, and the fun of the 911-all in one!  He is just what you are looking for...read all about it.

Some don’t remember the past, and are condemned to repeat it-now you know the future-no condemnation in Christ.  What’s in the garage of your heart?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com