scars are tattoos with better stories

I was finishing my Coke route at the Shur Valu in Bayfield, loading up the empties, when I pulled down the bay door on my bottle truck. I had failed to notice the broken top on one bottle, but my right arm didn’t, cutting it so fast I didn’t feel it, but saw the blood running down it. Going into the store, I was given a roll of paper towels, and applied pressure like I learned in Boy Scouts, called the warehouse, and waited 25 minutes for someone to arrive to take me to get sewed up. Bayfield for all its 631 inhabitants had no medical facilities, so to Mercy Hospital in Durango, Bailey took me. As the blood continued to seep past the roll of paper towels, Bailey showed great courage in not looking, perhaps the greatest example of tunnel vision I can offer. And he was to drive me back so I could finish my route, this time with more color in his face, but at the hospital when Terry Young, my boss met me, he almost fainted when they unwrapped my arm. The skin had spread wide open, and the 8" cut looked worse than it was, skin is elastic and it had stretched with no pressure on it, exposing all the things skin is designed to hide. But some 32 stitches later I was back in Bayfield, finished my route, with a story to tell Theresa that night. Today I have an 8" scar to show what happened, but in this pre-tattoo era, I had learned that scars are tattoos with better stories.

After my open heart surgery, my diet was restricted, and today I still maintain a low sodium diet. But I had been on a low carb, diabetic diet, interpretation no flavor, and so-called healthy food was hard to find. Ask the restaurant for a nutritional info sheet, look under sodium, then go into shock! But we had found a few places who would cook to order, and at the Outback in Rio Rancho, I had finished my meal of steak, no seasoning, and lots of broccoli. LOTS of broccoli! And still being unsteady, Theresa walked me to the men’s room, the joke of me being a 200 pound toddler was true, as I still couldn’t take care of myself, imagine a 4 year old mentality in a 200+ pound body, still medicated-she had her hands full. But while in the men’s room, as I was leaving, a man had lifted up his shirt to inspect his new tattoo. He was all smiles as he looked at it from different angles, so I stood next to him, and lifted up my shirt! Exposing my 12 inch scar, the five drain hole scars which looked like bullet wounds, and the two pic lines-one a scar, the other still I my left arm. His eyes got huge, I don’t know how much he paid for his tattoo, but my half a million dollar scar had his beat-and that without even hearing the story and the miracles behind it-just standing for me was a miracle! My scar was definitely better than his tattoo-no way he could match my story. And I hope he never has to.

I go through periods of loneliness sometimes, deeper than just missing someone. And when asking God about it, He explained I was having a Moses moment. His explanation was simple-when Moses came down off the mountain, how could he explain an infinite God to a finite people? How would they believe him? So God gave him laws written on tablets to show he had been in the presence of God. Physical evidence that could not be denied. And He further went on to explain when Mary was pregnant, it was a true miracle of the Holy Spirit. But how would they ever know it was the Holy spirit, or that she was pregnant? So God gave her His son Jesus, to prove to a world awaiting their savior that this was Him. That Jesus is the one. Again physical evidence of a time spent in the spirit, in case no one would believe her experience. NO words could take the place of one glimpse of Jesus. And the scripture God had given me months before, of how Mary “pondered these things in her heart,” became real to me. He had given me this scar, this ugly scar to show the miracle He had performed in my heart. And today this ugly scar to me is beautiful, and sometimes I just gaze at it and cry-because I know the miracle God performed, and the miracles He still performs today. I have physical evidence of a divine visit, of a divine touch of God...a scar that tells a story no tattoo ever could. Like Moses and Mary, I have been touched by God. And have physical evidence to prove scripturally that God writes His laws of love on your heart, and not on tablets of stone. He is that personal. OH, and the law-it’s love. Whose name is Jesus.

You may not have the physical proof I do, but we walk by faith, not by sight. I am able to do both, with a testimony none other has. That at first I only wanted share once, then get on with my life. But God has allowed me to share it over and over, and seen lives touched. Different than a tattoo, which is about the person wearing it, my scars are all about Jesus. We always knew that, and I wear them today, as a reminder of in the darkest hours of my life, Jesus never left me. He was there holding my heart in His hands, and left a scar to prove it. Because of it, some believe by seeing, blessed are those who have not seen and believe. If God has touched your heart, share it today. Encourage someone in their trials. Knowing that whatever you are going through is just a testimony in progress. And I bear the scars to prove it. He is that real. The size of my scar in no way compares to the size of His love. Today that hospital bed is empty, just like His tomb is-we are both alive! Now do you believe? What are you pondering in your heart?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

older but not old, the mystery of the ages

Somewhere between here and there it is easy to get confused. When I had my birthday earlier this month, I told people despite my age, I didn’t feel old, but felt older. Now to a generation lost on the meaning of words, those who live in txt.land, this may have meant nothing, but to those of us to whom words mean something, it meant something. How’s that for simple logic. I was older, just not old. And I began to realize how trapped in numbers we get everyday. Not more trapped, just trapped. ESPN was bragging about how this 21 year old had hit for the cycle, the youngest ever. I remember turning 21 and being faced with adult responsibilities, yet looking back 21 seems so young, I was only 21 when I left home alone on my motorcycle and headed west. But 21 is young for a ball player, for later I watched a show about Reggie White, who died after years in the NFL at the young age of 33, old by NFL standards. As I look in the garage at my 1978 GS1000, at 35 years old it is old by motorcycle standards, but not to me, I remember them as new. We just sold Uncle Buck, our 1990 Crown Victoria, and he was older than the ball player who hit for the cycle. Yet caught in a time warp, just an old used car, but not old enough to be collectible. But some old car shows are now allowing old cars from the 80’s in the show, and I get confused, what is old? What is young, and what is old? Did I become used along the way, and when do I get my collector status? Maybe it is like my mother, who once threw out some wine given to them as a gift because it got older. My parents were never drinkers, so maybe it is the eye o the beholder. Man oh man on Manishevitz!

When I was growing up I always wanted to be 12, until I had to pay more at the movies. All of a sudden my 50 cents was no good to get me in, and the $1.25 admission fee was 25 cents more than my budget, which used to include popcorn and a drink. What was I thinking? Remember the urban legend about insurance going down when you turned 26 years old? Missed out on that one, too. So it seems I fall into the Goldilocks Syndrome, I ‘m either too hard, too soft, too hot, too cold, too young or too old. What I find I am more than anything else is normal. And I can’t remember making that a goal as a younger, not a young man. Maybe an old Alfred P. Sloan quote, the architect of the original GM make sense, “you can’t sell a young man an old man’s car, but you can sell a old man a young man’s car.” Which I used to believe, but look around today, kids driving 4 door sedans, moms in SUV’s, which are really station wagons, the last thing we would ever tell our dad to buy, and suddenly they look old. With parents starting kids early in kindergarten, and learning to read so they can attend, youth is no longer wasted on the young. Maybe it is like Landon assures me, “I’m 4 1/2!” Not 4, but 4 1/2. That 1/2 makes the difference. He glad he’s getting older, just not old, yet. So maybe we all live in this time/space continuum never fully realizing who, what , where, how, or why we are. Age defines us, or really numbers do. So who are you really?

I also find that most problems change when taking the money factor out of them. We need money for food when hungry, no-you need food. Money is just the form of payment. We give out free food, it is called a gift. We meet needs as needed, the true definition of teamwork-if it needs to be done, do it. Yet so many are in my pockets, or trying to get in them, and the prices only get higher, just like my insurance premiums, they never come down. But true ministry is not like that, which often stuns those not in it. Deluged by phone calls, letters, and sadly cries from some pulpits, some give because they want to, some under guilt, and some because they were taught that way. But true ministry meets the needs of others, and is dependent on Jesus Christ. Sending out His disciples, he told them take no money, or food, He’ll provide. And if someone refuses you, they are really refusing Him, shake the dust from your feet, and take your blessings and go on. In either case, money never changed hands. But Jesus spells it out in Matthew 25, talking to a group of church types, who wondered where they had seen Him, really they wondered where He had been. We did signs and wonders, we prophesied, and in today’s vernacular we did book tours, special offerings, sold trinkets, and t-shirts. All the same things that Jesus once cleared the tabernacle from-money grubbers using God to further their business. Which is why I avoid any business that shows a Christian symbol in its ads. True ministry is just the opposite, go out into the world and share with the lost! Meet needs. But the answers Jesus gave were simple in regards to ministry-if thirsty, give a drink. if hungry, share some food. Naked, clothe them. If in jail or the hospital, even housebound, go and visit. But my favorite, includes both evangelism, discipleship, and the love of God all in one. It personifies Jesus Christ-when you see a stranger, welcome them, take them in. We were all strangers once, some stranger than others, and He took us in. And at what price-don’t even ask! You couldn’t afford it. No FICA score or line of credit needed.

And in three years, starting at age 30, the year a priest went out to work, He did more in that time than all others can do today by themselves, but we can do more with Him-another free promise. So no matter how old, how broke, how rich, how pretty, or how cool you think you are, Jesus still wants you, and has a ministry designed for you. And one you will enjoy and be good at. No fees necessary. Where He guides He provides. I wish I had had that promise on some of the decisions I made on my own! Looking at my bank account, it has all the zeroes, just nothing in front of them, why do others ask me for money, when many of us just don’t have it? Doesn’t scripture tell us we can do ALL things according to His riches and glory? Not our own! So maybe somewhere between here and there we do get confused. That isn’t Jesus, and that isn’t ministry.

“Silver and gold have I not,” Peter said as he healed the cripple in Jesus name. Revelation even tells us that the heavenly highways are paved in gold. Investing in asphalt? Maybe invest in Jesus instead. Send it ahead, as the saying goes. Don’t get caught up in the numbers of life, instead let life work for you. Every age has its good points, and bad points. But blessings are in every day with Jesus, maybe you just aren’t looking. Or asking. Or better yet, listening to His answer. When He says no, it is because it is out of His will, and He has a better yes coming.

And as far as numbers go, a friend bought a new car, “0-60 in 6 seconds,” he bragged. Pointing at the Street Triple, I said “3 seconds.” Fast, and faster. He was younger, I am older. You decide. Jesus said He will drink no wine before it is His time, and He calls us home. Good enough for me, some of us need to grow in Him a little more, and with so few workers, the harvest grows everyday. “Ya pays yer money and ya takes yer chances,” not with Jesus. He wants you, and needs you. Somewhere between here and there you are part of His perfect plan. Don’t miss out, check Him out today. Don’t be like that 12 year old who only the day before had money for popcorn and a soda, and now can’t afford to get in. The price of admission is always the same-one soul, yours. The best deal you will ever make at any age. Even Goldilocks found rest in the perfect bed, find yours in Jesus. I may get older, but I refuse to grow up.

love with compassion,

MIke

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

read now, ride later- or I didn't know I had a sixth gear

Among the many unused, but useful items is the owners manual. A book designed to answer all the possible questions you may have about your new motorcycle, such as where does the key go? Why won’t it start? Why won’t it go? What does the red oil light mean? When does it need service? How fast should I go during break-in? And a list of others, often accompanied by pictures or photos, just in case the purchaser has never seen a key, a tire, or maybe even a motorcycle before. And in today’s modern economy, when a vehicle is purchased, a pre-delivery check is gone over. Showing all the things a new owner should know, and when with Mercedes Benz, they even gave a 2 hour course at night to go over the manual, they had started putting it on DVD, hard to read while driving. And the cars had become so complicated. But during the pre-delivery, so many are so excited to get out and ride, they neglect to listen, big surprise, and could have avoided simple problems if they had. Such as turn on the gas or you will stall-gotcha on that one. Or the turn signals are not self cancelling, no fun following someone signaling a left turn for miles, and many others. In this simple ten minute interview, they even would have been told where to look in the manual. But like so many today, the manual only comes out of it plastic shrink wrap only in an emergency, or for their free oil change coupon, when they can find it under the napkins and gas receipts.

I like to know what to do, and many new bikes have so many electrical enhancements you need to know-or you cannot turn off the radio, the windshield won’t lower, or a red light won’t quit flashing-all while riding. Gone are the days of 1 down and the rest up, it is the law now, it was more interesting before 1975 when the shift pattern was standardized, left side as above, coming off a Norton, 1 up, then 3 down, or Triumphs, on the right, made life interesting. But somehow we all survived, and thanks to the Federal Government can ride today. Ahem. But after the first day, and the salesman is off the next day, many came into service. I had one man come in with over 40 complaints on his day old E320, he refused to read the owners manual, and had called MBUSA. He wanted to return the car, I spent over an hour with him, and got him straightened out. This PhD was as smart as his degree, so much for the value of an education. So I learned the hard way the importance of the follow up, to go over things after the new had worn off. And many thanked me for the kind phone calls, and additional answers, all based on a lesson learned from dating. Just knowing more than them, and providing a phone call made me look so smart.

When I used to date, in the pre-Theresa days, I would send the girl flowers the next day, even had an account with the florist. And built a reputation among the ladies of being a gentleman, no one else followed up. And I always did, with only two exceptions, one date so bad, I left during dinner to go to the men’s room and didn’t return, the other I took home early-on New Year’s Eve, but mostly the flower business was strong as long as I was dating. And so I found a follow-up was not only courteous, but a professional statement that helped me in the future. I wish more would do it today, and some do hiding behind surveys, which I hate, and then begging for a good CSI score, which I hated to do, and still did great on. From the heart worked then, still does today.

But we find that the follow-up call is nothing new to Jesus. In fact He tells us to go out and make disciples, follow-up on those who became Christians, and teach them. Answer questions, pray with them, and encourage them in the word. Something sorely missing in the church in many places today. Dr. Evangelist, comes into town, some get saved, then he blows out, leaving them at the mercy of whoever gets them next. No follow-up, and they flounder, or back away from their new found experience. It is a miracle any stay saved and grow, especially when we neglect the command of Jesus. Our church does one on one discipling, and also encourages new believers to attend classes, to get the basics. Too many have come to Christ based on emotion, only to fall back in their old ways when the high wears off. And with no manual to follow, we give out new Bibles, they go back to where they were, and end up asking old friends, usually unsaved what to do next. The attrition rate is higher than it should be, but for the grace of God. And end up worse than they started, confused and finding out religion doesn’t work, sadly confusing religion with Jesus. So this is where you come in...you can be that owner’s manual. Ask God to point out a new believer, or if you are one, ask God to send you one. Seek God and He will be found, He isn’t hiding. But it takes fellowship and prayer to grow in Christ, and a big brother/sister is what Jesus can provide. Go into the world making disciples...you can only disciple one who is saved, and draw close to Jesus. Learn while teaching, and find the blessings that seeing God at work in life can provide. Come alive in Christ as you follow His great command, and equip others so they may equip others-that’s evangelism. That is being an effective witness. That’s scriptural. That’s Jesus.

So get out your owners manual today, it may have been a while since your Bible was opened, and study up. Pray, and watch as God sends people your way. To encourage, a fruit of the spirit. Classes available Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights, just in case. Get the most out of your relationship with Jesus, neglecting religion and focusing on him. Get all the blessings God has for you, and enjoy the ride of your life. And remember the old starting drill on old Triumphs. Key on, kick through the clutch, tickle the carbs until your feet get wet with gas, then a big kick and you’re riding. Simple, huh? Now is it 1 down and how many up? You are paying attention right? Disciplers needed, the harvest is rich, the workers few. Apply now. I didn’t know I had a sixth gear?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

what good is fun if you don't enjoy it?

In a perfect world, we would all ride motorcycles. But judging from today’s news, and past news, this world is anything but perfect, which may explain why motorcycles do not dominate yet. I read one man’s opinion on this perfect world the other day, and he made the preposterous comment that “no one needs to ride a motorcycle!” Of which I can point him to millions of us who do, but that was not his point. He was pointing out how unique and different those of us who ride are, you see we don’t need to ride, we want to ride. We live in a world dominated by cars, but yet we choose to ride motorcycles. And his number one reason for us riding was that it is fun, hard to fault that reasoning. And it is, would we ride if it wasn’t? Transportation taken at its root meaning can be boring, who gets up every morning to ride the bus, aka the loser cruiser? Ever hear anyone say, “oh boy I get to ride the subway today?” Or look forward to being packed into an airplane, after being searched, and then treated rudely? Expensive too, parking is ridiculous. Yet how many have waited all winter just to ride to work on their motorcycle? And with each sunny day, the temptation to ride gets worse, or is that better?

From scooters to dressers, from Ninjas to GSXR’s, those who ride find a certain joy in it. Twisting the throttle and watching the speed build reminds us why we ride. Of course cruising up the commuter lane while traffic is backed up on 15 is good enough reinforcement for today’s ride too. White lining when the lanes are available speeds the journey. Can’t find a place to fit your car, maybe that is why you don’t see bikes cruising the parking lots, we can take a half space and make it work, leaving a full one for you. I can fill up faster, even my largest tank is just 6.3 gallons, under $25 at today’s rip off prices, the thought of an $80 gas bill, per fill up scares me. It is bad enough to spend that much each month! Hey car owner, having fun yet? We are...we have our motors running, and we are out on the highway!

Yet some fight the temptation of fun, and of being cool, with excuses. Car pools-my kids loved to get a ride to school on my motorcycle, their friends thought it cool too. And when I went to Riley’s Grandparent’s Day, I was the California Grandpa, mine was the only bike, and her teacher said I was the coolest grandfather there. So there, Mr. SUV! And I parked close to the school, in my half space so all the others could see! And many looked, wishing they had, or even could. And I am happy to take on all those who don’t feel motorcycling is a great family event. It brings fathers and sons, and daughters together, teaching them how to ride, how to maintain, and then spending time together. More fun than putting a DVD screen in front of your child, and talking on your cell. You are missing many father/son times when you could be riding. Moms and daughters too. Great times together, building values that your kids will pass on to their kids. Taking trips that they will always remember. Like when Christopher was 9, he rode to Canada with me on the back of my FJ1100. I didn’t realize how much fun he had, until his friend was bragging about how his dad took him fishing, another good father/son activity. But he won the argument, simply by saying, “my Dad took me to Canada on his motorcycle.” And today he still rides! Like two old sayings, cut your own wood and you are warmed twice, and give a man a fish and he is fed today, teach him to fish and he can feed himself tomorrow, teach your kids to ride, spend time with them, and they will ride tomorrow. Having fun...and what good is fun if you don’t enjoy it? Throttle hand itchy, having fun yet?

In a perfect world, we would be having fun all the time. No sin, pain, anger, worries, or fear. We will be in the presence of Jesus-nothing else will matter. And you don’t have to wait for an afterlife, they call it after death on earth, to enjoy the benefits. As soon as you accept Jesus, heaven starts here on earth. True, there still will be cars, jobs, sin, taxes, anger, and the fears of daily life, but you don’t have to participate in them. Scripture tells us “on earth, as it is in heaven,” right now we are in the “on earth” part, with the heaven to come, but its promises can be had here today. Remove the fear of death, and life becomes livable. Remove fear, anger, and SUV’s from the road, it just got better. Spend time with Jesus, in groups at church, or Wednesday night studies, and find fellowship. Spend time reading the Bible, and your attitude to issues is different. Spend time in prayer, and then listen to what God has to say, and you have a fresh attitude. But you need to twist the throttle, to get out and ride with Him, maybe not on a motorcycle, highly preferred, but get out of the traffic jam of life. Dare to enjoy life in Christ, and watch as it becomes contagious, and fun can spread to others. Watch as while others worry, you are enjoying life. The situations may be the same, but you have a confidence in Christ that makes the difference. He finds you the parking places, negotiates you around traffic jams in life, leads you not into temptation. He not only builds family values, He is family values, and encourages you in things. He promises abundance of joy, but you must follow Him. It may take you trusting Him in a tough situation, or getting out of your uncomfortable zone and into His comfort zone-in the spirit! But it takes opening up the garage door of your life, and pointing your ride to the highway. Or you can still be stuck in traffic in your SUV, trying to talk on your cell over your kid’s DVD? What message are you sending? What message are they hearing? Think of the fun you could have when saving $70-80 dollars per fill up? And suddenly this perfect world...

Those of us who know Christ and ride know a freedom you must experience. Like grace, it has to be experienced, you cannot explain it. And it is available right now, even in your car. Rather than hiding behind four doors and a windshield, you can have the fresh air in your face while looking ahead, experiencing freedom in the spirit. You can pass the SUV that you used to be in, and pray for that person. You can be enjoying life to its fullest here on earth, preparing for heaven. You can be out among God’s creations with your kids and wife-yes, wives ride too, and be the family that others wish to be. And it is all available in Jesus-so to paraphrase Ringo, “step out of your car, and into His life... be His angel divine...”you’re beautiful and you’re His! And how do you spot this family? They all have helmet head, hairdo by motorcycle, beats sitting under a hair dryer any day.

No one needs to ride a motorcycle, yet we want to. We want that freedom, to enjoy life to its fullest. And it come close, but nothing compares to knowing Jesus. In a perfect world, there is only Jesus. But for now, we have to share Him. Get out and share Him today, and see what happens when two perfect worlds collide. Jesus and motorcycles, it just don’t get any better! Having fun yet?

love with compassion,

Mikematthew25biker.blogspot.com

behind every good ride...is a good rider

For the first time since 2004, Theresa and I will not be doing a cross country trip this summer. Last year’s was interrupted by being life flighted and then having open heart surgery, and this year, although healthy, have decided to stay closer to home, and will be doing California. We have changed our lifestyles, but are adjusting well. And different, shorter rides don’t mean less of a ride, just that, different. So the Tiger is sitting downstairs in the garage waiting, like it has for 7 previous summers, and we are looking forward to our get away-if abbreviated from past rides. And the Tiger needs miles, last year I put more miles on my collector bike, the Suzuki that only gets ridden occasionally. Something is not right here, and the road is the remedy.

In the past we have been on the road for as much as 37 nights, 11,000 miles, and have been in all lower 48 states plus Canada. You would think we might have seen it all, or at least enough, but we have encountered so many roads which called to us but due to time and money have had to put on next year’s trip agenda. An agenda that each year gets longer, as we pass more roads, meet more people who give us great ideas, but the amount of time needed doesn’t increase. Nor do the funds needed to do it. It seems it is the old story, either you have the time or the money, but never both at the same time. Like the great deal you could have had if you had the money, where are those great deals when I happen to have money? Enough philosophying, aka whining, the Tiger awaits, and we are ready. But first, some past roads...

One that comes to mind is I-10 between San Antonio and El Paso. I didn’t say a great road, but a good ride, with only one ticket to speak of. Texas has a town known for its speeding revenue, and doing the dangerous speed of 76 in a 70 mph zone, on a freeway designed for 85 or higher, I was stopped, ticketed, and the sheriff was across the median and had someone else stopped before I was back on my bike. But after leaving him behind, we hooked up with a Mercedes Benz S55, and for two hours, we cruised between 100-120, before just outside of El Paso. Stopping for gas, we both acknowledged each other, no words were spoken, but it had taken two above average rider and driver to sustain the speed. Not a great road, boring even at 120, but a good ride. Lesser individuals need not apply. Getting into El Paso early, we cancelled our reservations-what was I thinking when making them in El Paso anyway, and we ended up in Tucson for the night, an 850 mile ride. With just a short 450 mile sprint home the next day. Behind every good ride, is a good rider.

Highway 99 from Washington to California has a certain, but not as romantic style as Route 66. Much of it goes through the middle of California, flat, boring, and counting the corn can put you to sleep. We were leaving The Dalles, Oregon after being to Victoria, BC with my son Christopher, age 9, and riding with Bruce. We split off after The Dalles, and Christopher and I rode to Bakersfield for the night. It was hot, above 100 most of the ride, except Bend, which I still don’t get why people think it is a great place, on my FJ1100. When Yamaha designed the bike, they put the battery behind the engine, where it was in the way of escaping heat, causing it to boil itself dry every so often, and the bike wouldn’t start. Another 850 mile ride, with Christopher, who loves to travel with me, and outside of Nowhere, not on the map, we got gas, and the bike failed to start. Explaining to the non-English speaking attendant I needed water for the battery, he stood amazed as I topped it off, but no start. By then he had caught on, after motioned he would push me, and the bike started right up, and no further problems along the way home. Again, a good ride, not necessarily a great road, but with a little push from my new found friend, I was that good rider again. Not panicking in a panic situation. Gracias, amigo.

But my best rides, and my best trips are with Theresa behind me. She embodies the saying “behind every great man there is a great woman,” in our case “behind every good rider is a good woman.” She has endured rain, cold, heat, high miles, and high speeds, only to come back for more. And this summer we will have more, but not as long, but I know good roads, and good rides lay ahead. We will be turning a ride to Central California, about an 900 mile round trip into a 2000 mile ride. And as any good biker knows, the long way is the best way. Curves add miles and memories, and both await us. And the Tiger should get ridden more than the Suzuki this year, if a bike could speak it is as lonely for the road as we are.

Given the right road, right bike, and right circumstances, I love to ride fast. I can do it, have for years, but can do it safely and have fun. But this last year I have gotten faster, but only in certain situations. In most others I have slowed down, or not as fast would be a better term. I am looking around more at my surroundings, and seeing things I hadn’t seen before. Rather than looking out for cops, I am out looking, and I am enjoying the ride like never before. I have become a better rider, and somehow the old roads seem different, sometimes better. Changing your perspective by a simple attitude, and speed adjustment. We are stopping in more small towns, walking around, and meeting people, seeing things, and enjoying being together more. More days spent next to each other hand in hand walking, than her staring at the back of my helmet, in between taking thousands of pictures from her perch. I am taking the advice I once read on a calendar, “Jesus never hurried.” But was always on time. If He can do it, so can I, He says we can do all things through Him that strengthens us, so I am out proving scripture. And He is right. No big surprise here, and by going less fast, get to see more. Days seem longer, and nights sweeter when riding with Jesus, instead of trying to outpace Him, or lagging behind and playing catch up. Bringing a new meaning to walking with Christ. For example, if you ride 60 mph, and I ride 62 mph, in an hour I am two miles ahead, or you are two miles behind. What kind of relationship is that? But riding together at the same speeds, we enjoy the ride together more. We become better riders, and behind every good ride we are those good riders. And in Christ, we have that good walk. Someone to lean on when tired, to show the way when we get disoriented, and someone to lead-He knows the best roads. after all He spent most of His life on them. So ask yourself, are you that good rider? Are you that good of a rider that you can’t hone your skills to the road you are on? That you can’t walk with Jesus, on His terms? A great bike can make you a better rider, a good rider can make a bad bike faster, but it takes skills to ride them in both situations. Do you have that skill? That desire? Look to Jesus...and follow Him. Don’t get ahead aka hurry and have to wait for Him-He isn’t late, you’re early. And don’t put Him off, He isn’t fast, you’re too slow. He knows the pace, consistent. He knows how to enter curves, and exit them too. Using all the road, all the bike, and all the skills.

I am blessed that behind this good rider, I have an even better woman. That is why we don’t ride side by side on a motorcycle like we do in cars. You should be so blessed. But I also have a lifelong riding partner with me, who knows how I ride, and loves me anyway. Choose the road that Jesus is on, and enjoy the ride. For behind every good road, is a good rider. And I don’t have to look in the mirror to find Him! The road calls-let the ride begin.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com 

the NEW Coke-I was there!

I am finding life to be like the old dog food story lately. Remember the one where the dog food company comes out with their latest and greatest new dog food. They are at the convention to introduce it, and the excitement is everywhere. They have shown the pictures of the new labels, the new graphics have drawn applause from the sales force, and the promises of huge commissions are dancing in their heads. Many are already spending them, or have spent them, and after seeing the videos of the commercials, the place erupts in applause, and chanting the new catch line for the ads. The place is electric, Super bowl crazy, and when it calms down, and the company president moves to the mic, it gets silent, they are waiting for his guiding words. Then he takes questions from the floor, before sending them to sell the new dog food, but one question silences the room. “What do the dogs think of it?” he asks. And a stunned president is left speechless, for no one has asked the dogs if they like it. They were so overwhelmed with the new product and profits, they forgot to ask the dogs, to test it on them. Now dogs don’t actually do the shopping, but if they are like some dogs, and many consumers, they can be pretty finicky. What if they don’t like it? I already spent my commissions. If only they had asked the dogs, now it’s up to Madison Avenue whether it sells or not, but still up to the dog for it to be a success.

While with Coca Cola in the 80’s, I saw the introductions of many new soft drinks, among them diet Coke, not the small d in diet, and the New Coke. Which a whole generation has never tasted or never known about since. The Coca Cola Company in their field tests, and sell downs found that Pepsi was gaining ground, and thought a more modern, sweeter Coke was what the next generation wanted. They forgot about those of us who drank it then, and those who had for generations, and sales dropped-dramatically. Despite the great ads, graphics, sales, and all our energy, the public rebelled. Little old ladies ran their shopping carts into us, we were called names, considered un-American, and even though in taste tests the new was preferred, on the shelf it was a different story. People hoarded the old, and soon, Coca Cola brought back the original, now called Classic Coke, and amid the greatest free media blitz the world has known, it grew even faster, leaving P cola wondering what had happened. And I always wondered if that wasn’t their plan to start with. They had toyed with an American institution, dodged the bullet, and had risen from the ashes victorious. Perhaps backing into the marketing move of the century...proving their tag line-Coke was it, “COKE IS IT!”, and Coke still is it.

Much of the Bible is warnings to stay away from new Gods, from false Jesuses, and new revelations. God has said all that needs to be said in His word, but yet sometimes we feel we need more God, or more precisely more of what He has to offer me. Looking for physical or emotional satisfaction, some go the route of leaving what is tried and true, and based on what they have heard, try this “New Religion” for a while. Some get burned out on this charade, some turn back, but some never come back, blaming God for their choices, the same God that offers them the choice to start with. God has never forced Himself on anyone, yet we want to force Him, or our beliefs on others. In an interesting survey taken, the majority or those asked about God had no problem with Him,whether they were saved or not. But when asked about us-His church, they were fanatical. The disdain and outrage against Christians was unbelievable-and sadly many thought God was the church, confusing the two. Very few have ever not had a bad time at church, but those seeking God will find Him. So beware of false claims from kids on bikes, talking about their version of the Bible. Avoid those who assault you at home with Watchtower, and their other scandalous publications. These are not Christians, and do not represent the God of the Bible, of Jacob, Issac, and the patriarchs, and they don’t represent Jesus Christ. In fact they deny His deity! But it sounds good, and like the new Coke may have tasted good-everyone just had to have a taste of the new, until they were led astray and wanted the “Real thing” back. They are like the dog food promotion until someone confronts them with the truth, then the dream, or in reality nightmare is exposed. No other person in the history of the world, since the beginning, is who He says He is, the Son of God, and God incarnate-all at once. He is who He says He is, and the only way to the Father. Sorry LDS, it is not too late to seek the real Jesus. JW’s your warped and blasphemous lies abut Jesus are not the truth. He is. And to those who follow philosophy, talk with Jesus, you might find peace in His philosophy, you won’t anywhere else. And it is your decision, just like it is your friend’s or spouse’s to trust Jesus. It is personal in a way only He can make it. You can either die in the crowd, or make it with Jesus.

And if you have fallen away, turn back to Jesus. He never left you. And unlike the Coke drinkers who threatened to sue Coca Cola, or never drink it again, He doesn’t change His formula, and His message is still the same. He won’t desert you over a survey, but remember the survey of church and God. For we are God’s advertisement on earth, not my choice, but His, and we cannot be effective without Jesus. On your own, you fail, and and take others with you. With Jesus we all win, and take people with us.

Jesus Christ is the best deal of all time. More than an institution, more than a philosophy, and more than a brand-HE IS THE REAL THING! Learn from Coca Cola’s example, don’t mess with success. Don’t mess with the real thing. I was there for the new Coke, I am there with Jesus! I took the challenge and I chose Jesus! What do you think? It is still your decision to be that success.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

if Congress made a plane, would you fly on it?

As a service advisor, and later a service manager, I was inundated with complaints. As I used to tell people, “ no one comes in and says my car is running great, and I have no problems. I just need to spend some extra money.” No to be sure, they have a problem, or worse yet a perceived problem. Maybe only a symptom, but it needs to be answered, because that is what we did. But many would seek the help of friends, who knew less than they did, and often compound the problem. Or give us bad press, sadly it was earned at times, and come in with a pre-diagnosed problem, that we were to magically hook up to a computer and remedy-for free, while they waited. They were the patient ones. Others would first consult that bastion of integrity, the Internet, and listen to many ignorant opinions of their problem, then tell us how to fix it. My answer once they admitted their folly, was to “right click it, and have them fix it.” And I was serious, their diagnosis, let them fix it, as any reputable tech would do. Another group would call, describe in great detail the problem, then want to talk to a tech, who would walk them through it over the phone. Not on my watch, my response was “the techs are here, the parts are here, and the tools are here. Along with the knowledge and experience to do it right. do you want to make an appointment?” And sometimes I would have my integrity, heritage, and professional standing questioned before they hung up, but I always held my ground. Yes, I wanted to fix their car, only correctly, not based on opinion, but on the facts. And so I often had to repair cars that someone else had incorrectly diagnosed, put on the wrong part, or messed up trying to save a buck. And they ended up spending more time, more money, with the added free bonus of aggravation thrown in for no extra charge. And we stood behind our work, ever stand behind an internet claim? Press 1 if you have....still waiting?

As cars get older they start to develop leaks. According to the Germans, their cars don’t leak, they weep. Like their owners when they get the bill. Feel better BMW owner? And British Cars just mark their spot. American cars, just add to the oil when the light comes on, no need for oil changes that way. But leaks will and do occur, no matter brand or country of origin. Physical law unlike advertising doesn’t care, a leak is a leak. And many would still argue the point, unsuccessfully. It is ten years old, with low miles, it shouldn’t leak. But it is, and does, gaskets dry out when the engine isn’t used that much. Can’t right click that one. And gasketing is not a perfect science-yet. Whenever two things are joined together, a seal is formed, that can leak. Which is why old Triumphs mark their spot. Take it up with your physics teacher, the class you skipped in high school wondering “why would I take that class, nothing there I would ever use in real life.” Ever thought a Harley tech could teach you physics? Now leaks can be easy, or hard to find. I never would climb under a car to see the leak, mainly because I couldn’t get up. But really because leaks have tendency to start at the top, and run down, we call it gravity. Another law of physics. So always start at the top to look for the source of the leak. Very few liquids run uphill, it is like the bumper sticker on the Jeep, “If you can read this, turn me over back on my wheels.” You have a bigger problem, but again have found the source of the leak. Sadly people are like cars, cars are smart enough not to become like people... would you buy and drive a model with your reputation? And looks? How about your trade in value? Cars 1, people 0.

Now I try to stay out of politics, they are all losers as far as I can tell. Why substitute them for God, He knows, they write laws. But these recent scandals have me interested, but for one reason I haven’t heard editorialized yet. All leaks start at the top. Just ask your advisor or mechanic. And while there may be circumstances leading to the leak, they never run uphill. Try that one with your boss, either you are stupid, lying, or just plain incompetent. In either case, it’s your fault. Confess it and get over it and go on. We could source the problem, but the repair was still the same, replace and repair. Stupid hurt, and lack of maintenance or neglect could bet the problem, the repair was the same. Man, how I wish we could have charged a stupid fee? And no, stupid isn’t covered under warranty. But thanks for asking.

So God made it simple for us to get it right with Him. We blew it with laws, Judges, more laws, evil kings, more laws, and sacrifices which required no sacrifice on our part. Remember the definition of insanity, doing the same thing but expecting a different result? That was us, until Jesus came. And made it a simple one step, not as much fun or time consuming as weekly meetings or dues paying fixes. Repent and turn to Jesus. Something we all can do, and many have. We went right to the top to find the solution, just like any good tech would to diagnose a leak. We found the source, and the answer there. Yet many read books, watch TV, and send them money, attend poor churches-you know when you are, or turn to the cults-who keep you away from Jesus. And your life goes on leaking, when it could be filled to overflowing with the spirit of God. With Jesus you not only get the proper diagnosis, but the problem, not the symptom is taken care of. The truth, not some convenient lie to hold you over until something really breaks. The side of the road is usually where many phone calls for help come from-ever right click a tow truck? So seek God today, and then listen. He has the tools, the parts, the knowledge, and the answer-not opinions to get your life back on the road. To fix the leak-from the top down. Which is where politicians and Christians form different lines. Wonder why government is so screwed up? What did the little Dutch boy do when he ran out of fingers to plug the dike? Look for more fingers, or find the source? And what do you do when the leak stops by itself? Check the fluid level-you may be out!

So Mr. Politician-leaks start at the top. And anyone reputable will want to fix them-could be you on the side of the road next time. But in real life, bypass Congress, and avoid going to jail-and paying your $200. Life ain’t Monopoly. Go straight to Jesus, and find He will listen. Now it is your turn...like the ad says, “pay me now, or pay me later..”

And unlike my service advisor experience, you can come to Him with no problems, just to visit... it’s called praise and worship. Which is more fun...like I still tell people, “maintenance is expensive, but repairs still cost more”. And a worn out Bible is the sign of a life that isn’t. If Congress made a plane would you fly in it? Yet so many fight to get on board.

All men are born into sin and need a Savior. Call on Jesus now, He paid the price, so you don’t have to. It is always best to start at the top.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com