live life as if it were a story you would want to read

“Life is for the living,” my friend Ken signs off in his letters.  And one of my favorite songs tells us “life is worth the living just because he lives.”  Yet Hunter Thompson, the original Gonzo reminds us to live life to the fullest, used up and wasted, crashing at the end, “what a trip.”  And for many of us, what a long strange trip it has been.  Thanks Jerry for the inspiration.  Ask anyone “if they are happy?” and they will lie “yes.”  But we know better, we listen to their conversations, listen to their dreams, and hear of their bucket list.  Some wear license plate frames telling us “he who dies with the most toys wins,” never mentioning they still die.  So many avenues are taken in life, some safe and secure, some just off the mainstream and some Gonzo.  But years ago without knowing it, I chose to live life as if it were a story that I would want to read.  Influenced by The Hardy Boys, detectives who would solve crimes while still in high school, I loved the excitement of them riding motorcycles, speed boats, dating girls, and brushing with danger chasing criminals.  I wanted to be out where the action was, and wanted to be the one telling the story, rather than listening to others and their excitement.  As I spent time in locker rooms, listening to the stories of past victories, great catches, shots made with two seconds left, and the crowd roaring, I wanted to be part of it.  Motorcycles introduced me to bench racing, and men who once were considered old by us, now who we wanted to hang out with, we loved the stories of how it used to be.  Of brushes with death, of riding in the rain, of impromptu races, and the brotherhood of fellow riders.  I wanted to be part of it, and the invitation had been extended in each case, the question was “how would I answer?”

After 44 years of street riding, I still find the call of the open road as strong as ever.  For every road I have ridden, when I revisit it on a new bike, it is like it is the first time.  Along the way I now take the time to see where that road goes, and when asked about destinations, I answer “directions.”  One trip for two weeks had no destination except follow the road, while others have preplanned stops, and change along the way.  Flexibility in finding new roads, dealing with weather and detours, and tips from others we meet add excitement.  Perhaps my son’s answer to his friend who was bragging about his vacation says it best, at age 9 he got it.  “My dad and I rode his motorcycle to Canada.”  How many lines did you stand in at Disneyland?  Or suffered through another staycation?  How many vacation films or pictures have you looked at and wish you were in?  Again a woman on a trip in an SUV filled with kids, getting out and looking exhausted at Crater Lake.  One look at our motorcycle, she asked “wanna trade?”  Theresa’s smile said no with more than any words can speak.  Next time you walk across the parking lot, do people stop to look at your sedan, or are you mesmerized by a motorcycle, wondering where they have been and where they are going and even if you don’t ride, wonder “I wonder what that feels like?”

But when Jesus enters your life, things begin to happen.  You change, and soon you become excited about life, and can break free from religion.  When asked how long he had been preaching a man replied “30 years,” to which the questioner replied, “I know, the same thing over and over.”  Not taken by surprise, the preacher answered “and if you ever listen to what I have said, I can move on to the next subject.”  Sound like your life?  Is your service so predictable, that you know when the songs are finished, when so and so will walk in late and make you move, and when the service will end?  And how?  Is that all that god is in  your life?  Maybe you need a vacation, a spiritual retreat from the ordinary, you need a trip with the holy spirit.  Ask Jesus to take you places you have never been, to add excitement to your life, but be prepared.  When you pray and ask to be more like Jesus, remember how he suffered, never owned a home or car, and was on call 24/7.  Did you forget his crucifixion?  But have you forgotten his resurrection too?  Is your life stale, in need of resurrecting?  You can only resurrect something that was alive once and has died, where are you with Jesus?  Our answer is not important, be honest, where is Jesus in your life?  Is the spirit as fresh and alive in it as it was the day of salvation?  Do you look forward to your weekend as much as your next ride, or are both the same as last weekend, and the one before that?  Have you cut yourself off from the world thinking that was the way, and found it was lonely?  A quick trip to the Bible and some simple advice may help.

“Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so you will have the right response to everybody.”  Colossians 4:5-6.  Get out and live, and live life as if it were a story you would want to read.  Maybe something as simple as trying a new dish at the diner, turning off the TV and going for a ride with the family down to the drive-in.  Maybe be real bold, and ask God “what would you have me do?”  You may end up working with homeless, elderly, ministering to hookers and bikers, and taking the knowledge of what you learned in church out to the lost and dying.  You will be building a testimony and encouraging them!  Maybe be brave and sell a toy or two, and take a trip in one.  No trailer queens in our garage, with each mile new memories are made.  Are you tired because you are tired of living?  In a rut?  It is really only a grave, but with open ends, and an escape route.

I want everything from God I can get.  He likes to bless, and I like being blessed.  But I find when I am out where the action is, I can become a blessing, and share the Lord, many times just being part of a conversation.  We are told to go out and share the gospel, evangelism is not just inviting someone to church.  We are the church-so start acting like one.

We all fail, but never succeed if we don’t at least try.  The disciples were all losers, and many failed while following Jesus, Peter gives example after example.  But he never looked back, he kept going, pressing on.  Knowing that Jesus forgave him, and was urging him on to greater things.  Not content to sit on the bike in the showroom, or on a simple test ride around the block, he wanted the full ride in Christ.  Do you?  Or are you content just cruising around your neighborhood revving your engine?  “Jim’s home..” as they hear his rumble.  Or when they see you and ask “what’s new?” you have stories to tell?  That you would want to listen to, and so do they.  The ride of your life is calling, for now your answer has been at best, “later.”  Today was tomorrow yesterday.  Tomorrow never comes, but yesterday stays forever.  Get out and live life, let the Lord into your plans, and see how exciting life can be.  Even dogs love to go for walks, what do they know we don’t?  On your motorcycle you can find out why they hang their heads out the window.  The rushing wind in your face, the rushing wind that the spirit brings into a life is waiting, what are you waiting for?  If you were a book would you want to read about you?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

like trying to herd cats

Joe came by walking his cat last night, yes walking his cat, a rather large brown and black striped male named Tiger.  As Joe attempted to push Tiger with the leash, it was really evident that Tiger was in control and doing the dragging, who was walking who is still under debate.  But the first time I met Tiger, I was warned he is aggressive, and may scratch, and I showed respect, along with restraint.  But as he began to trust me after discounting the dog smell on me, he began to rub my leg, and let me pet him.  And started to purr, a loud purr, and soon he was on my lap, having his head, then his belly rubbed.  Which amazed Joe, as he won’t even let him do that.  But Tiger and I became friends, and now when he sees me, he will wake from his nap, and run over, and the games begin.  Head, then belly rub, all accompanied by a loud purr.  He will continue until I put him down, and if he isn’t ready to stop, he will jump on my lap again.  All the while the purring continues...

Ever wonder why a cat purrs?  Physically I don’t know, but I read once it means whatever is going on right now I don’t want to ever stop.  Pretty accurate description don’t you think?  And having been around cats all my life, have found once you make a friend with a cat, it is loyal forever.  Years ago when we had a Tigger of our own, she would sit on strangers laps, welcoming them into the home.  And even people who hated cats would like her, as she sat and purred.  After getting over the feet going, and finding out they are happy, not attacking.  Questioning a friend one day while holding Tigger, I asked him why he didn’t like cats.  “Because they don’t listen,” he answered, “just like you” I answered.  It seems you cannot make a cat obey, they have their own free will, the popular saying “like trying to herd cats” intimates at the impossible.  But really describes us more than we care to admit.

Scripture tells us we are all like sheep that have gone astray, but really I think we are more like cats.  Cats are smart, God has given us a brain, although for some the last time they visited with it was a while ago. We like to have our head rubbed, to have our belly patted, to be fussed over, when we want to.  We don’t like to be on a leash, but to go where and when we want.  Without being tied down.  We like to make the choices, and when everything is going our way, we purr, a heavenly purr from inside that tells us “I wish this day, this ride, this meal, this moment would last forever.”  And sometimes get so concerned over the moment ending we forget about the moment itself.  Not sure if cats do or not.  But unlike sheep, cats and us cannot be herded, and anytime anyone tries to control us we rebel.  The purring stops, and our claws come out...sometimes as a warning, sometimes foregoing any warning, and scratching out someone’s eyes.  So maybe we may be like sheep that have gone astray, but really we act like cats that aren’t getting their own way.

But unlike cats, we can ask for forgiveness, and Jesus forgives us.  But we have trouble forgiving others, and those we have scratched may not forgive us.  In the answer Jesus gave about how to pray, he replied “to forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.”  It starts with us, not the forgiveness the unsaved ask for, but when we become a Christian, we need to forgive others to show how God has forgiven us.  If we are unwilling to forgive others, a barrier is formed between us and that other person, but also between us and God.  We cannot think or act like him, or how he wants us to if we harbor hate or just plain anger towards that person.  So Jesus tells us to pray for our enemies.  When is the last time you did that?  Not a prayer to have them get hit by a bus, or beat with a Jesus stick, but for their salvation?  Do we forgive others as we forgive ourselves?  Jesus also said that no man can hate himself and love his brother.  Is forgiveness keeping you from purring?  Are your claws out to attack, or to show affection? 

So maybe we are more like cats, reminding ourselves that cats are cool.  A dog will cower, but forgive and come back.  Cats won’t, it seems they remember better, like us.  Maybe we need to forgive more like dogs, but stay cool like cats.  You can herd sheep, you can walk a dog, but you cannot a cat.  But only Jesus forgives, and once forgiven, we need to forgive others too.  If we truly would like to purr like a cat, we need the peace that comes via the holy spirit, a peace that goes beyond conditions, finances, feelings, and emotions.  It comes from inside and is evident on the outside,  and if we withhold forgiveness, we are robbing others of the grace of God that shines through us.  If only we remember the huge amount of sins Jesus forgave us for, maybe then we could better forgive those slight sins of who sin against us.  And keep our claws where they belong. 

He who has sinned much has also been forgiven much.  What beautiful words to hear, “go and sin no more, your sins have been forgiven.”  Remember that next time someone rubs up against you, or wants to sit on your lap when you are reading.  Or wants to eat just when you sit down to.  Are we nicer to our pets than our fellow Christians?  How does Jesus react to us when we go against him?  When we disobey, or interrupt?  And how does he react when we ask forgiveness?  Sheep are stupid, and have no defense mechanisms, they rely solely on the shepherd to lead them.  Cats cannot be herded....do we call him Lord but do not do the things he says?  One attempt at pushing a cat on a leash, or trying to herd one should be enough to remind us of how we have gone astray.  We were all stray cats once, only in Christ do we find a home.  And someone who loves and forgives us.  And that is what makes cats and Christians purr.   Jesus in our lives, the same yesterday, today, and forever.  And why you never stroke a cat the wrong way.  Git along little doggie, but never a cat....and a wacka wacka good night to you.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

ever heard a love song about a Prius?

It has become popular legend and lore that Zora Arkus-Duntov is the father of the Corvette.  Maybe not the original father who fathered it, but definitely the one who raised it and gave it life.  When Chevy was ready to dump it due to incredibly small sales numbers, and especially when compared to the two seater Thunderbird, it was  Zora who through racing breathed life into it, and it has become the legendary ride it is today.  But many do not know of Zora’s association with Ford, not so much the motor company as the flathead V-8.  Mention Ardun heads among any flathead admirer and they know of what you speak, for it was his heads that boosted performance, and the impetus to later give the Corvette a new life.  But aside from the many performance ideas he gave us through the Corvette, one simple philosophy is often overlooked.  And one that inspires greatness in the face of adversity.  Which is the difference between finishing first and not finishing at all.

In the sixties when an informal ban was placed on factory racing, many privateers were helped through dealers, with parts and input from people like Zora.  But without factory backing, aka a budget, very little would get done.  He had to find a way to get more from less, and still win.  What he did was put a GM part number on specialized parts, ones that were only available to factory teams, and made them available through dealers.  Anyone could go to a dealer and order the part, a racing part, and fund Zora’s effort without the factory knowing of it.  Plus it gave many club members and privateers an access to other wise forbidden fruit.  Zora found that when he was forced to do more with less, he succeeded.  Big budgets were nice, but when he had to work smarter rather than harder, with creativity added in they found success in ways they never expected.  And racing being about winning, won more races.

In 1964, John Z. DeLorean sidestepped a GM mandate about engine size in certain models of cars, and rather than making the GTO a model, made it an option.  And today we  have the original muscle car, the GTO, which evolved into its own model because John saw a way around the rules.  A big motor in a small body meant higher performance, and it gave way to Super Sport Chevelles, Gran Sport Buicks, Olds 442, and GTX’s, Road Runners, Fairlanes and Torinos.  All because John thought outside the box, and didn’t let the rules dictate his success.  Like Zora, he saw the opportunity, and made something out of it.  Which DeLorean carried on after going to Chevy, when still a ban on 10 pounds per cubic inch dictated the largest engine allowed, he advertised the 402 as a 396, and the SS396 was born.  So if you hear about the 402 in certain SS models, they mean a 396.  Just don’t get me started on Ford’s 427, 428, 429 engines, none of the numbers match the sizes.  Thinking outside the box has a definite effect on what is under the hood.

It has been said the epitaph for today’s church is “we’ve never done it this way before.”  Too busy building in numbers, then buildings, programs, run by procedures, and financed by budgets, it has gotten far away from Acts 2:42 as it can.  Once the church saw a need and the members met it, by the spirit guiding,  today we have youth groups selling products to raise money, special offerings, and those who professionally raise money for church projects under the guise of missions.  How many ask for money telling you without it they will fail?  And they are to be trusted telling people to trust God?  When they don’t even do it themselves.  A few years back I talked with a well known and popular man on the radio about ministry.  His first world of advice was about finances, and when I told him what God had shown me, he got upset.  Seems scripture in truth without the aid of society just wasn’t enough for him, he was so used to programs and finances, he neglected the spirit in his equation.  Where God guides he provides, Jesus even told the disciples to just take with them what is in their pockets, he would provide.  No special offering for Peter, or spend a day with Paul for only $99.98.  I never heard of an offering basket at the exit when 5000 were fed, or Jesus charging for a speaking engagement, or a book signing tour.  Yet money has taken the place of security, bringing insecurity when taking the place of spiritual guidance.  And we all can become victims in our daily walk.

How many work smart, using all the abilities God has given, instead of going on a fiscal crusade?  I was surprised when working at Mercedes Benz how busy they were the last week of the year, so many companies had budgets to spend or lose them, so bought high end cars.  New Year’s Eve sales meant F&I people working into the new year, they were that busy.  Do we look at our walk with Jesus like that, do the things of life consume us rather than being spirit led?  Do we see the potential God has for us in what he has provided, or do we think we can do better?  Take money out of a decision and see how it effects the decision.  You may find that you have horribly run rampant over morals in your need for money, Jesus tells us to seek him first, even our money says “In God we trust,” but do we trust him first? Ask yourself, are you tithing to get under the law, or giving with a pure heart as God instructs?  Those who give never do without, those that hang onto it never have enough.  Think outside the box, trust the spirit.

Advice found in Proverbs 3, “do not lean on your own understanding.”  Or experience.  Remember the church epitaph, for in each situation God has a way, and an answer for each problem.  Think, a concept not heard from the pulpit, consider the things of God, listen to the spirit, and find growth and success.  Money is not the root of all evil until the love of it takes over.  The answer to your problem is not more money, for if money was the answer, the government would be successful.  You have to live within your budget, they don’t.  Both coal and diamonds are carbon based, the diamond formed under pressure and with a greater value.  Who ever put a ring of coal on their fiancee’s finger?

God gave us the ability to think, to figure out based on what we have been given.  He started by giving us his son, and we are to pass on that love to others, not burden them financially.  Take money out of your relationship with God, and see what you have been missing.  We would not have the Corvette today if Zora had worked harder and not smarter, and within his budget, we might all be driving Priuses.  Use the talent, ability, and opportunity God has presented you with today, and watch as his answers are the best.  No one ever sang a love song about a Prius, how many car songs can you name? She’s real fine my what?

Big motors in small bodies, parts available to the common man.  A good equation for success.  God has given us his spirit.  Which just may be the answer to why there is no replacement for displacement.  There is a substitute for cubic inches....and it ain’t a Prius!

love with compassion,

Mike

mattew25biker.blogspot.com

on the road, again

The winter of 1974 was vicious in the Northeast, but not for BH and me.  In between storms, we got on our motorcycles, his CB750, me on my R60/5, and headed to Florida.  A 4 day ride, after South of the Border it cleared up, it had been cold but we rode year round and were used to it, and by the Florida state line, it was warm, clear and in 3 short days we had gone from winter and by passed spring directly into summer. We finally settled in the Ft. Lauderdale area, Pompano Beach to be exact. And I can confirm, but will not go into details all the stories about spring break, they are true, I was there.  But also in Florida in the spring, baseball comes alive, and the New York Yankees spring training is based out of Ft. Lauderdale.  Or Fun Lauderdale as we came to know it.  So Florida in the winter and spring brings an eclectic variety of people from up north, escaping the harsh winters.  But they don’t leave the harshness of their attitudes behind many times.  I got hit by a man making a left turn from the right lane, and got beat up pretty bad, still sore from it 40 years later.  But besides the broken bike, sitting at 441 Cycle Shop, my left wrist was in a cast, making shifting hard.  Which one night was alleviated by a girlfriend who cleaned my dirty cast by washing it, reducing it to little better than an ace bandage.  So in between my crash and my next bike, I hitchhiked.  Which I soon learned was an acquired skill, and I got pretty good at it.  But made it hard to keep appointments, but since I had none,who cared? 

One afternoon I got picked up by a young guy in a Pinto.  We got to talking, he too was from the New York metro area, and he brought up the subject of baseball.  Now ask anyone in New Mexico, “green or red?” and they know what you mean, and even Christmas, a combination of red and green is acceptable.  But in New York baseball, its either Mets or Yankees, you love one and hate the other.  For me it always has been and always will be the Mets, with a great disdain for the Yankees.  While I was going on about the Mets, he asked me to get something from the back seat.  And there it was, a duffle bag, stenciled with the NY Yankee logo, and the name “R. BLOMBERG, PROPERTY OF NEW YORK YANKEES.”  As I turned red faced, I could see him laughing in the rear view mirror, he had me.  This was Ron Blomberg, Yankee star DH!  Giving me a ride.  And setting me up.  How many others had he pulled this on?  And as I started stammering about the Yankees, he laughed even more, but not at me, with me.  Because it was funny!  And we hit it off, he gave me his New York number, said to look him up, and even left me tickets for a spring training game.  He was cool, I was embarrassed, and fortunately soon back on my motorcycle.  But one ride along the road I will always remember...

The road can be a scary place as witnessed by Abel, when Cain killed him along the road.  The man beat up and rescued by the Good Samaritan was found dying along the road.  A place where Pharisees stand and brag how good they are, and you aren’t.  But the road is also a place of hope, as we find Jesus along the road.  Where was he born? Along the road, his parents were traveling, remember?  Where did Philip meet the eunuch?  Along the road.  Where did Paul experience the spirit?  Along the road to Damascus.  Where was the blind man healed?  Along the road.  How did Jesus enter Jerusalem triumphantly?  Along the road.  Where was he crucified?  Along the road.  And finally he showed us the way to heaven along the road.  Without roads, much of Jesus would not be told, the importance of getting out and living for him.  He didn’t say “sit and church and be taught, keep it to yourself,” he said “as you go, share the gospel.”  Along the road.  Missing blessings, maybe you need to get out and spend life along the road.  Since the beginning, life along the road has made a difference. Abraham was given the choice of where to go, he chose the road that was blessed, not the road to Sodom and Gomorrah.  Which was where Lot’s wife was turned to a pillar of salt, where, along the road.  After being warned to not look back after being saved.  Maybe a lesson for us all.  So along the road is where Jesus is found, and where the action is.  Where are you and what does your life say about Jesus?  The road you are on makes a big difference....for not all roads lead to God.  Some look appealing like the road to S&G, some are dangerous like the Good Samaritan road experience.  Some are smooth, some are rough, but only one leads to Jesus.  Have you chosen him and the road he is on, or have even known he makes a difference in which road you choose? 

Maybe that is why I can say “Jesus and motorcycles, it just don’t get any better.”  For the testimonies I share come not from sitting in church, but from time spent on the road.  And you will never know who you will meet.  Just ask Philip, or Paul.  Or maybe the two men walking, who met a stranger, and after he departed recognized who he was.  Their hearts were burning inside when he was with them.  They only recognized who he was after he left.  Don’t you.  He will return, but only after he has called his church home.  And if you do not claim him now, you will be left behind, wandering and wondering what that burning in your spirit was when he was here.  Some live straight, some on a street named Straight, but without him you are going straight to hell.  And the good news is you don’t have to.  It is your choice to pick the road you are on. 

Not all rides were as interesting as meeting Ron Blomberg, some hitch hiked rides are dangerous.  As are the hitchhikers themselves.  Be safe and secure in Jesus, knowing you picked the right road.  Made easy by the fact it is the only road to heaven.  There are 61 verses in the Bible about roads.  Let me leave you with one.  For 40 years Moses led a band of Jews around, looking for the Promised Land.  Fed by God, kept safe by God, they mumbled and grumbled the whole time.  Never leaving an area of more than 40 some miles that from where they started.  Even wanting to go back to Egypt, because the food was better.  Maybe it had the salty taste of Lot’s wife, whom they forgot about.  So close to God, but never knowing him.  Don’t you.  Meet Jesus today, it is not too late to change the road you are on.  As Willie Nelson sang, “on the road again, I can’t wait to get on the road again.”  Willie was right, Jesus makes it all happen.  For as Judges 5 tells us, “all who are on the road sing!”  Is it no coincidence the disciples rejoiced in Luke 13, “we ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.”  And Jesus own words in Matthew 22, “go therefore to the main highways, and as many as you find there, invite to the wedding feast.”  A life in Christ.  On the road, again.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com