less filling. tastes great? this Bud's for you!

Frank C.'s choice of painkillers was alcohol. And his pain was so great that he used to mainline vodka directly into his stomach to get his buzz. The most extreme alcoholic I ever saw, and yet I know Frank didn't set out to be one. A gifted musician and good friend, he started with just a few, and escalated from there. When I last saw him he was a lost, lonely, and broken person. And my heart still breaks for him.

No one sets out to be an alcoholic-"I can control my drinking they say." And finally when their family and careers are in ruin do they listen. I was reminded of this fact today as another good friend, a brother, has succumbed to drink. And so far it has only cost him his family, his wife is filing for divorce and taking the kids, and his business, which is doing great in this economy will also suffer. All because he just had to have a drink.

Thirty years ago Theresa and I gave up drinking-pouring a full quart of Cuervo Tequila and a case of Busch beer down the sink. No waiting until it was gone-we stopped NOW! And haven't touched it since. The first reason was it was hurting our Christian witness. We cared more that someone would see Jesus in us than the freedom to drink would give us-and we can drink-we choose not to. I also want nothing to get between me and God, our relationship is that important. And like I told my son Christopher the other night-I want nothing to come between us. How would both of us feel if he needed me and I had been drinking and couldn't help? A question I never want to answer. So I don't-drink. And any one of the above reasons is good, and the rewards great.

As I sat in court supporting a couple whose son is on trial, alcohol induced problems, I talked to another man, Eldon, who was going to court. A Christian man, who only drank once, and got caught for a DUI that has ruined his life. Professionally his underlings can't look up to him, he had been demoted. The court knew of him, and now his reputation is damaged-they can't believe he got drunk. Imagine what his witness is like to those lost? Thank you sir, may I have another? Will we ever get it?

And as I deal with men and women whose families, careers, and lives are in ruin, I wonder is it worth it? Not for me. And like I shared with a girl at the Honor Run, she asked if I could drink in my club? Are there rules? My answer-no rules, I can if I want. I can also cheat on my wife, do drugs, and break any laws I want to. My answer was simple-and is simple. I CHOOSE NOT TOO! It is a choice. And based on basic business principals, I.e. if your opponent is drinking-don't. It gives you an edge. As Larry Peoples, hit man and now saved by the grace of God tells girls-DON'T! Don't put yourself in a position where you can be taken advantage of. Good advice from a man who killed 28 for profit, and 7 for revenge. But now saved by grace.

You only drink to get a buzz. Sorry-no excuses. And the breweries know it. Six packs replaced by 12 and 24 packs. Liquor by the half gallon, wine by the case. And eventually it leads to ruin.

Have you ever met a person who was a total loser, then becoming a drunk saved his life? Or made it better? Or just had a few before bed? Or killed a bottle of wine with dinner? Stop the excuses and turn it over to Christ. I did 30 years ago with no regrets. No hangovers, no DUI, no ruined relationships or careers because of it. Today I love the sinner, but hate the sin. I do not condone it, but will not condemn you either. You will be caught in your own sin-just like the Bible says.

Good Lord it's morning-or good morning Lord tell about last night. I like falling asleep with God, and then seeing him first thing in the morning. Beer didn't make Bud wiser, just richer. Start your own savings plan today with the money you used to drink with. Could just be enough for that new chrome thingie you desire for your Harley-or the new ride you desire. Ride safe and sober. Stupid hurts, don't let it kill and destroy. Self induced stupidity is the worst. Let your friends accuse you of self proclaimed smarts. And you can be there for them, just like Jesus-when you are needed. Do not be deceived-bad company corrupts good morals. Be a good company-and stay in good company, with Christ.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

season's greetings

While you were sound asleep last week, a major change took place and you may not have realized it. Summer ended, and fall began. Although here in So Cal with 100 degree heat we may gloss over it, other states with real seasons have noticed. Trees change, leaves fall, we go to bed earlier because it is dark-although it is only 900pm it seems like midnight, and it is just as dark now when we wake up. But fall can also be exciting-baseball winds down, and the World Series is only a month away, Monday Night Football begins, hockey and basketball are to start soon, and the riding season gets shorter for many. But let me take you back to a season of an 11 year old-back in the day as they call it now, or old school, because no one wants to go to a new one.

As much as you wish it wouldn't end, summer does. No more late nights out under the streetlights talking or sleeping out, school has begun and your mindset has changed, slowly. School means seeing friends you may not have seen all summer, seeing who is in your class, and the ever important decision of who to sit next to, if it isn't assigned. Boys have grown taller, and girls have grown-elsewhere. And for the first time you notice, hopefully without getting caught. Classes jockey for kickball supremacy and new friendships are formed.

But for young, and old car nuts, fall means new cars. And back in the day, it was a special event. When people used to buy a new car every other year, trading they called it, the dealers would cover the front windows, and the new cars world come covered on trucks, then covered in a yard until the special unveiling. And special it was, as there would be spotlights, school bands, food, and even the mayor might speak, as the new cars of your dreams would be uncovered. No spy shots or internet-you would truly see them for the first time that night-and would die to have a new one. In 1965 that meant Mustangs, Chevy Impala SS with their new fastback styling, and GTO's. Engines with 426, 396, and 389 cubic inches, and power to match. Cars with more horsepower than you could handle-or so the ads would say. Cars with Flash o Matic transmissions, Get Away Power, and Vibra Fonic sound to listen to the Beatles and the Four Seasons. The old was old, and the new was new, and we looked forward to it all, even though summer was gone. And even though the owners of that new convertible would have to wait to put the top down till spring, they could listen to all the someday to be oldies with the top up. And GM was in jeopardy of being broken up, as they had over 50% of the new car market. Cool guys rode Triumphs, and cops rode Harleys. The nicest people were on Hondas, and you could Solo Suzuki-whatever that was. You looked forward to tomorrow because all the promises of today wouldn't fit into it.

In 1969 Honda blew our minds with a four cylinder 750 with a front disc brake-these were only found on race bikes. Triumph and BSA tried to sell faster, but uglier triples-the Trident and Rocket 3. Harley soldiered on , but with a 1000cc Sportster-still the fastest thing on two wheels. SS396s ruled, GTO and Boss Mustangs were the hot set up, and $2 to cruise all night was in-check the gas and fill the oil for many of my friends. It was also the year the Mets won the World Series, and the Jets were to win the Super Bowl, upsetting both worlds forever. We had walked on moon, and the Aquarian Arts Festival had transformed a generation-Woodstock for you not in the know. And as the fall season began, high school, and a whole new set of rules, and girls.

Seasons. Your life is seasonal, and many seasons are undefined. Some you know are coming, and many arrive unannounced. They may have begun suddenly, and they have no ending date. When I lost my job last year, I met with Miles, and we talked of seasons. I am in a season now of no income, but ministering more than ever. And loving life more than ever. A season, that if it ends, I wish to look back and say I enjoyed it. But for many, unemployment has meant hardship. No paycheck, foreclosure, and bankruptcy rear their ugly heads. But for those of us in Christ, this is a season to get out and share the gospel-not that it isn't all the time. But if God has allowed you time off, use it for His benefit. Visit nursing homes, get involved in a Bible study, and go to the church-see how you can minister, believe me, there is always something there that needs to be done. Be part of the solution-as we used to say, and not part of the problem. Spend time with your kids, the time you needed with them has been afforded you now. Someday soon they may not want their uncool dad to hang with them. Spend time with your wife-have intimate times together and do things around the house for her-while she gets used to you being in the way. Don't look at yourself in your misfortune, but in the time God has given you to grow, to be more of the man He desires of you. Hope is a season that has no end. Take time to ride-roads are empty during the week, and maybe meet others in your situation-minister to or with them. Let this be an exciting time like new car announcements-or like when you first saw the new Z-1! Or R90S! Let it be a time that you can't wait until the next day, so you can start it all over again. This can be the best season of your life-don't blow it! Thank God for it and be blessed.

But Mike, I need a job. No, you have needs, and need an income. God will provide, unless you think He doesn't know what is going on. Maybe your faith in the economy is more than your faith in Him. Use this time to change that-and be blessed. In your life you will encounter, and endure many seasons. But one season will endure forever-those who have given their lives to Jesus. And when you have, all the other seasons are better, and the new ones more exciting. He adds life-abundantly. And you don't have to wait for the new cars to arrive-or spring to enjoy the top down and wind in your hair. Life in Him is exciting-right now! In the day for Christians is happening right now! Don't miss it! For another season is coming-read 2Peter 3, and really get excited.

If you still get excited over a 4-speed, dual quad, Positraction 409, stay excited, Drive it more, and listen to those 4 barrels open up. If your old Bonneville still excites you, tickle the carbs until your shoes are wet, clear the clutch, and start it on the first kick. Feel the wind in your face, and God in your soul. Get out and enjoy the season-for we do no know what tomorrow may bring. Make today the best day you ever had, and allow God to share it with you. He may have allowed this season just for the two of you to spend more time together! See the USA, with God today! Heaven awaits. Enjoy your seasons of the soul, today.

love with compassion,

Mike