riding in a Ford and a prayer

She would have been 60 years old this year. And for the three and a half years we knew her, was a part of our family, while living in Bayfield. She cut wood with us for three winters, and was my older son's first baby sitter. She was a 1949 Ford F-3 pickup, commonly referred to as "the Tonner," but really a heavy duty 3/4 ton. We needed a truck when we moved to Bayfield to haul firewood, and so went looking. One weekend in the big city of Farmington, NM-Bayfield only had 631 residents, we saw her on a used car lot, and with no money, but a friend at the bank, wrote a check for $900 and drove her home.

And heavy duty she was. 21 leaf springs in the back, an 8' bed,and all original except for the 1955 T bird motor some one had replaced the old flathead with somewhere along the way. She was a strong runner, and true to form, that old Y block V-8 marked it spot wherever you parked it. Never changed the oil the whole time we had her, just added. The interior was in pretty good shape, although some of the dash pieces were cracked, and it did have a heater. Sort of. A box sat under the passenger side of the dash, and if you opened the doors to it, hot air came out. All the time, so we disconnected it in the summer by rerouting the heater hoses. Simple. You need defroster, open the side vent windows. And she was blessed with an old style 17" split rim wheel, which I could only find one guy to change them since they were so dangerous. And he was dangerous. But we only picked up one nail ever, so was ok there. It did have a spare, but it may have never been down as it was stuck in place and tire looked new.

Vermillion, or Ford's name for red was her color, and on one 4th of July, she even got compounded, changing her from a dull orange to a bright red. She was Christopher's first baby sitter, as he would sit in her for hours, "dumping it," and bouncing on the seat while working the shifter and shaking the steering wheel. But her purpose was to haul firewood, and over three winters hauled more than 60 cords. A tough truck, that even when one of the Yarina brothers was told "Tony don't fall trees close to the truck" did, and an 8" aspen fell across the roof, and broke in two when hitting the bed, barely scratching the roof.

The only repairs I ever did were to have Bob Abrams replace the clutch-he was owner of AAAAA Towing, I guess it was important to be first in listings in the yellow pages, for $122-he let me make payments and replace the battery. It came out of a Colorado State patrol car, my friend David used to do maintenenance on them, and offered it to me for $4, I won a double or nothing bet, and the old battery was mine for free. And even though it froze every winter, and expanded, the case never broke. And we learned to park it when cutting wood, actually using it as a trailer until we could build speed pulling it to make it start. She never left us stranded as long as someone could jump start her.

Then when I got transferred to Farmington with Coke, we didn't need her anymore, and sold her to a young guy who wanted to fix her up, and hot rod her. At the age of 35, she was getting another chance, and another family. I drove her the last 70 miles back to Farmington, and she had been running hot, even noticed some coolant under the truck, but hey, that was normal. But on this hot, spring day, in the 80's, a freeze plug let go, and she lost all her coolant. So stopping at Hogs R Us, filled her again, no coolant in system, but it never overheated, and got my friend Dave to replace the missing freeze plug. And also got an Alaskan Malamute in the deal, a story for another time. She made it to Farmington, exchanged money for title, and I never saw her again. I hope she didn't take it personal, and brought as much happiness to her new owner as she had our family. A true servant if there ever was one. One I can honestly say now I wish I had never sold.

I know many servants today in the body of Christ. A servant doesn't know when, where, how, who, or why they serve-they just do. And friends like Woody and Sandy, Dwight and Susan, and Roscoe and Shirley come to mind when I think of service. But the one I always remember is on a 100 degree day at a Hollister Rally. CMA hands out free water, and their booth was at the Veteran's Building. I saw this little guy going back and forth carrying two 5 gallon pails, and he was getting slower and hotter. I started to go to help, and was cautioned by the Holy Spirit. "Don't mess up his blessing!" was the message. You see he was enjoying serving, and didn't care about weight, temp, or how many trips he was making. He was enjoying being a servant, and seeing others refreshed. He didn't need my help. Nor desire it. Or even ask for it.

But the ultimate servant is Jesus. For while we were still sinners, He died on the cross for us. Like my old truck, He took abuse, but never complained. Just did whatever needed to be done, never receiving the credit due. But when we see Him in heaven, we will then be able to thank Him personally-right now our prayers and praise and worship will have to do. You see old trucks and Jesus both made an impact in my life. One acted as a life saver hauling wood for fires, the other rescued me from the fires of hell by being my savior, and I will be in heaven because of Him. Find Him today, and warm yourself by the fire with Him. Listen to His words, and if He starts by telling one of His stories, a parable, about a young couple in Colorado, and how He got them through their early years, so there would be later years-listen. There will millions of testimonies in heaven-I hope one is yours. See you there. If God can keep a truck running, imagine what He can do for you.

And I would do it all over again, given he opportunity.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

not just your average generation

Taking advantage of a rainy Saturday, the first rain we have had in over 170+ days, we stayed home and hung out. And while channel surfing, came upon PBS. PBS, the US tax payer funded channel, which every so often has telethons to raise more tax payer money, or fees from us to stay on the air. Too politically correct to advertise, they run specials-and today was a special one, that for the next two hours made me glad for the rain. It was on Big Band music, and swing music. The Big Band sounds of Harry James, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, and my favorite Glenn Miller. A sound Glenn Miller found in the 1930's, while we were in the Great Depression. Music listened to on thick 78rpm records, predating LP 33 1/3 by two decades, 8-tracks by a generation, cassettes by another 10 years, and CD's by 45 years. And when not able to listen to them on your parents Victrola, listened to them on their Philco, the big family radio, where tubes reproduced all the sounds, true sound not like the synthesized sound of today's microprocessors. Where Bing and Frank sounded real, and the Andrews Sisters harmonies made you smile, and Kate Smith bellowing God Bless America made you all stand up and salute.

But along came WWII, and these post Great War sounds-since there was no WWII yet, it wasn't referred to as WWI, and many went to war. And Glenn Miller was among them-bringing his sound via Army Bands they formed to keep the men refreshed-and anxious to get home to the girl next door-their hot rod-or their Mom's apple pie-Glenn kept the memories alive, until in 1944 over the English Channel his plane went down. But his music lives on.

And many celebrities also joined to fight the enemy. Clark Gable rose from Army private to Major. Jimmy Stewart flew numerous missions, and also was a major. Movie stars from Gene Autry, John Huston, William Holden, Burt Lancaster, and Burgess Meredith. Even one Spangler Arlington Brugh enlisted, aka as Robert Taylor, the man with the perfect profile. All gave up careers, at their height, to fight for America. Men of character, and patriotism-doing what was right. But my favorite was Teddy Ballgame, aka Ted Williams, who fought in two wars, the Big One and Korea, giving up years in his short career-the game never knowing what records he could set. Giving up playing the national pastime to insure a National pastime for future generations. The last guy to hit over .400, stood up and was counted when called. By setting an example of the right thing-by enlisting, both times.

And I contrast that with today's "stars" and wonder could you see Brad Pitt in Iraq? George Clooney in basic training? Surely Sean Penn would sign up to protect his freedom speech? How about the Kardashians serving food at the canteen to soldiers as Bette Davis, Jack Carson, John Garfield and others did? John Garfield who tried to enlist but his bad heart kept him out, dying shortly due to it. Could you see The View doing the same, or selling war bonds as Joan Crawford did? Character counted them, and it still does-except to that generation, the Greatest, as Tom Brokaw labeled it, took action. And to them we are thankful. Patriots all. God truly raises up the right people He needs at the right time.

The story goes that one night during WWII, a grandfather and his grandson were out walking in a small town. Noticing lights in several windows, he explained to his grandson that each light represented a son that family loved had lost in the war. They walked some more and the grandson noticing all the stars out that night, commented to his grandpa, "look at all the lights God has out. He must have lost many people He loved."

Walking some more, silently, the grandpa then pointed to the brightest star, and shared with his walking partner about the Christmas Star that God sent. And how God does understand and weeps with those who have lost sons, and daughters, for He lost a son too, Jesus. Who died on the cross so that we may live. And that star that God sent for the wise men to follow to Jesus, wise men today can still follow, and find Him. How such a simple lesson, on a simple walk can change a life, as we see that God understands our pain, sorrow, and our losses-for He sent His son to die, so we can be with Him when we die-in heaven.

There is no doubt that our land is hurting, and in trouble. And rotting from within. It needs healing, which starts with each one of us. There is no change in lifestyle until there is a change of heart, and only Jesus Christ changes hearts. And God promises healing our land, too. Simply, if Christians pray and humble themselves, and turn from their wicked ways-then He will hear from heaven and heal our land. We are all part of the process. And you may be the Glenn Miller whose songs bring hope to the hopeless. Or a celebrity doing right thing, country before career. Or Ted, putting his career on hold so we can enjoy a ballgame on a Sunday afternoon. Or the thousands of nameless and faceless who serve, known only to God. Who when the call of their heart came, answered in dutiful love. It takes an Army that is led by God, and you can be a part.

And somehow listening to In the Mood, Moonlight Serenade, Little Brown Jug, and American Patrol somehow remind of values that our parents had, and how we need to pass them on to our kids. Freedom isn't free, and has a cost. But true freedom is only found in Jesus Christ. Who paid the ultimate price, on the cross. As I travel I find it no coincidence that God and patriotism go hand in hand. Let us call out to God, while we still can, and thank Him for this country He shed His grace on. Crowned with brotherhood in the spirit, and let our light shine to others. We need healing-come soon Lord Jesus.

Lastly thanks to Irving Berlin for writing God Bless America. Now America-LET'S BLESS GOD!

You know if I close my eyes I can almost hear Ted Beneke and the Modernaires singing with Glenn Miller! A Sun Valley Serenade anybody?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

and a special thanks to all our troops serving faithfully today and those vets who have in the past

competition for your soul

Trying to explain the differences between a Ford or a Chevy Trophy Truck to a man who has never seen one was a difficult task. And try explaining to a redneck they don't have gun racks. Can it be a truck without one? And who stole the bed, where do I put my younguns when going to the drive-in? Now try to explain how they would race in a desert for 500 miles, and you really have a task on your hands. A what? In mountains and desert, in heat from 100+ to the low 30's, and you really get the deer in the headlights gaze. And that was what I was facing years ago when I worked for a fastener company who was a NASCAR Contingency Sponsor. Trying to get them to sponsor SCORE races. You see, they have no deserts in Cleveland, where their office was located, and although it is a barren city, they couldn't picture a desert, although they did have a river that caught fire! Try that one desert folks. But trying to describe something like desert racing to someone who has never seen a desert, or even off road trucks can be trying. Words such as like or the same as or similar to are used a lot, but unless you have seen one, you can't picture it. Trying to describe 38" of suspension travel, and miles and miles of open to space to use it on are foreign to someone who lives where there is miles of urban blight, and a glowing river. The fact you would race on open land, and not a track was only made more confusing by the pictures I sent-where do the fans sit? What appeared to be a simple request, turned into a major task, just explaining off road to them-there off road meant sitting on the shoulder of the highway waiting for a tow truck. But after months of persistence, and showing them magazines, books, and pictures of trucks racing, and people watching-not in stands, but standing-they reluctantly agreed to do a contingency series-although they could never understand why anyone would want to race in the desert, let alone get dirty-all from a group of people in Cleveland-a place that if you don't live there can't understand why anyone would! Nice weather-when? Crime-24/7. Outdoor activities-let's go watch the Cuyahoga smolder. I think it finally all made sense when I explained it was like driving on their pot holed streets, except the course looked like the vacant lots of urban decay, and then for some odd reason it all made sense. So I quit explaining and took the money and ran! And didn't answer the phone for a couple weeks. At least from them. The same only different-still not sure what they thought!

Trying to describe heaven is like that. Try to explain that we are from a place that no one has ever seen, no one can imagine, and a God that is a spirit and cannot be seen lives there. And once you get there can't return-but then why would you? There are no tickets, and you can't buy your way in. And then tell them that to go there you must believe that this God exists-that you are a sinner, and if you don't you are going to hell. A place of pain and suffering. Now I can dream about a place where there is no pain, crime, sin, or lousy neighbors-but I can't picture it. No place exists like heaven. But maybe I can imagine hell-for I have had lousy neighbors, migraines, been burned, and have endured sickness. But I still can't imagine it for eternity-hey I have trouble with today, let alone tomorrow or forever, sometimes. And yes the Bible talks about both-hell twice as much as heaven, and yes I don't want hell-but I just don't get heaven either. And trying to explain heaven is much like explaining a desert to a city person. Can you show me a picture, or a website? Who can I talk to that has been there?

Perhaps it takes the faith of my bosses in Cleveland, who had never seen a desert, but using what little faith they had, decided to participate. Evidence is good, and testimony can work too, but you see without faith, it is impossible to please God. And heaven is where Jesus is, sitting, at His right hand. More faith, no cameras in heaven. And when you get there, why would you want to come back? But still, why would I want to go to heaven, I only know I don't want to go to hell.

Do you want to go to heaven? It takes faith, and trust-trusting Jesus to atone for your sin, so you can be holy in a holy place, forever. Endless today's, and forever tomorrows. Unlike the world who tells us seeing is believing, God tells us believing is seeing-and these things shall follow them that believe. Just a little faith goes a long way-not to be confused with understanding-which won't get you anywhere but frustrated. Understand heaven-nope. Am I going-yup. Can't explain it, it's that personal. That's faith.

Next time someone tries to tell you about Jesus, listen to their words. They are spoken in love, and although you may not get-how do you describe the indescribable, call out to God. He hears, and better yet answers. For the person who is telling you about Jesus is sent by Him, a message you would never have sought on you own. Ask God to prove Himself-and get ready for the time of your life.

You see you just might be in a desert in your life-and all you can see is more dirt and desert. Or maybe the flames or the stench of the fire is overwhelming-don't despair. At just the right time-NOW-Jesus is asking you to trust Him. Believing, in faith-and having a hope you never had before.

And we are all racers-our race being the human race. Get to know Jesus before the finish like. DNF's are the same as second place-first losers-and there are no losers in heaven-we leave that behind.

Heaven-can't hear it, taste it, feel it, see it, or smell it. I only know I can't wait to get there. Where you finish your race is up to you. Hope yours is a podium finish-on Team Jesus! Take the trophy and run today! If people in Cleveland can envision a desert, certainly we can trust God!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

did Adam and Eve wear leathers?

I heard once that Mother Nature was a mad scientist. And based on the weather, she might be if she existed. Another good reason to realize she doesn't exist, and that God is in control. As I sit here in So Cal on a December morning, it is 40 degrees outside, the same as in New York City. It is 20 in Big Bear, brrr Bob and Suzie. And it is -14 where we used to live in Colorado, Vallecito Lake. And lastly 17 where Father Al is in Shanksville. Cold to all of us. Not in degrees, but in comparative temps. Only 55 degrees warmer here than Colorado. Break out the shorts! Or is it 55 degrees colder there than here?

Living at Vallecito Lake, we saw as low as -42, I consider that cold. But also saw some days where it got up to -10, and it felt warm. The coldest I rode in was -10, and not very far. But often. But still the dry roads called at that temp. And anything but ice and snow was a good day to ride. And I laugh inside when I compare that to those who say I won't ride unless it is over 60, then show up in chaps and leathers. My friend Hiram once rode from San Diego to Farmington, NM in 19 degree weather, cold but helped by his electric clothes. And John and Kerry rode out from Arkansas in December, and rode one day where it never got over 14. So it can be done. And as we gripe today here because it will only be in the 60's, many of my friends back in Pennsylvania have put there bikes into storage for the winter. And are already counting the days until spring, or the first thaw to get them out. Nine months a year is their riding season, with cold on either end-insurance companies even sell nine month policies, and I remember bike shops including free winter storage in deals if bought during the winter season. Concessions sometimes more to snow and freezing rain than temperature.

I have also had my Arai helmet come apart in 124 degree temp, they claim it was tested to 122. I have ridden for days when it didn't fall below 100, just as I have when it didn't get above 30, but I still rode. Maybe it is true what Mark Twain said, "everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it." My small part in the battle is dressing for it. But yet I see kids in shorts and winter coats on their way to school. Men wearing leather jackets to be fashionable in 90 degree heat. A concession to style, that we take advantage of, not fully realizing how blessed we are. Personally-I own four leather jackets, and I am not known for being stylish-and I know it. But it is the ability to dress for conditions, and not let the condition dictate to us that I find fascinating. A sense of style-or trendiness, looking cool as opposed to being comfortable-the question always being, how good do I look, and is anyone looking? Note-warm is better than cold, and comfortable is cool.

And so years ago I learned to dress in layers. T shirt, sweat shirt, and then jacket. Put on or take off as needed. And stay comfortable. For those cold 30 nights in Ft. Lauderdale, after being at the beach in the 80's that day. Or riding home at 10pm to Vallecito, when the thermometer is stuck below zero, and falling. But still riding. Not letting the elements beat me, but adapting to them. Which makes me think of the following.

Before the fall Adam and Eve never wore clothes. And God talks of walking with them in the cool of the day. So they obviously saw some temperature changes. And I wondered, before clothes, did they get cold? Did they have covers to pull up over them at night? And if so, what were they? And when Eve got cold, did she grab all the covers from Adam? We may never know the answer-it probably doesn't matter, but in a perfect situation like Eden, they probably didn't need them. God provided all they needed, even clothing after they sinned. Which brings us to now. God still provides what we need, when we need it. Hiram's electric suit for instance. My rain suit in flooding this last summer. Sweaters and gloves for when it is cool. And we take this for granted-maybe because we are so spoiled. I have nothing to wear that will match my blue bike. Pooh! But tonight when the weather gets cold, remember those under bridges and in the park. Where function before style counts. Where being cold is only alleviated by the cardboard wrapped around them. And when you can, do something about it. Donate socks and blankets to the Great Cover-up. Take jackets and sweaters-used ones are ok, and donate them. Just look around-and ask yourself, would you rather be warm or stylish? And be thankful you have a choice to be both. A friend just out of jail needed a winter coat, and God allowed me to give him one of my leathers-a perfect fit for him, and bless both of us. Maybe thinning out your closet and clothing others may be the next ministry move you make. Look around at church, there are ones right next to you hurting, maybe too proud or hurt to ask. Jesus said if they take your shirt, offer your coat, too. Maybe a different interpretation on the scripture and giving, but one I could see Him doing.

God's grace comes in many forms-dressing for the weather is one of them. So bundle up for your next ride, and be thankful you still ride. And remember a lesson I was reminded of two weeks ago. In the pouring down rain at our CMA meeting, none of us rode. But when leaving, a HOG group came in, off their bikes, rain suits and all-not one mention or complaint about the weather. And made me feel like a poser. Wet or dry-God still loves you, and rides with you. So take along an extra rain suit for Him-or better yet for someone who lives under the bridge. You just may make their garden an Eden for the day. And show them the same mercy that Jesus shows you in your prosperity. Just another chance to love, and show how well the gospel works when put into action.

And how do I know it's cold? Got my gauntlets-unlined-out to wear. Must be winter. To all my friends in colder climates, this ride is for you. Thanks Lord, in my abundance don't let me forget others, or you! Ride warm and safe, and to you HOG guys-dry.

And about Adam and Eve, I have it on good authority they didn't wear rain suits. But their friend Noah...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

friends of Gaius

This was the first time since 1987 I missed the IMS motorcycle show in Long Beach. And this year I really didn't miss it, which surprised even me. A great time while the kids were growing up, ask Andrew as he would take over the PW50 each year and let no one else sit on it. And fun also when working the CMA booth, too. Meeting people, praying, and fellowshipping. But things had begun to change the past few years, and sadly there is nothing there I can't see any day somewhere in So Cal. Or get a better deal on. And with the helmet and hat check ministry well manned, the past few years worked the booth, until it got to be hangout for visiting CMA reps. Sorry-but a group of guys not getting up to welcome a guest just isn't hospitable. Ask Wayne how he met me, after I stopped by for years with no one greeting me. So the last time I worked it, rather than sit, I went out to visit. Stopping by the Star display, I met a Hessian-old school. My opening line-"you know you could be a real biker too if you had one of these" made him laugh. After visiting for about 15 minutes, joking how real choppers weren't these designer bikes, after mentioning CMA, and what we do-got a handshake from Sam as he introduced himself. And exchanged cards. Old friends for all of 15 minutes, but a friend none the less.

But the cold weather this morning, 35 degrees, reminded me of another time when living in Durango. I had told God I would shovel horse manure so we could live there, and ended up dumping crappers on buses at a gas station/truck stop. Fortunately there were other jobs, just not as much fun. Be careful what you ask for, God hears it all. Sometimes no is a big blessing.

Many people don't know that diesel fuel #2 is really light oil, and will gel in the cold. So it is cut with kerosene-diesel #1 or jet fuel, so that it flows. Working the night shift-it was below 0, a Texas pickup came in-not unusual. It was running bad due to the cold, made worse by shutting it off. After filling it, it would not restart-the fuel had jelled. Being a common occurrence, we pushed it into a bus bay, unheated but warmer than outside, and using a real steam cleaner, tried to thaw the lines-with no success. The truck was going nowhere until it thawed. It was closing time and Randy and Teresa, the truck's owners had no place to stay. So we took them home with us-where it was -20 that night. And after the cabin heated up-it only took an hour until we could take off our jackets-we only had wood heat-visited and went to bed, so they could get their truck in the morning when I went to work. Nothing fancy, just taking in two strangers who needed a place to stay. And fellowship, as we found they were Christians also. Maybe the best definition of teamwork, and ministry I ever heard-if it needs to be done-DO IT!

In 3John, I find it fascinating he mentions names, as he doesn't in 2John as it could be dangerous to be identified as Christian at the time. But here Gaius is mentioned, in the same book about Jesus, and Paul and the other apostles. He is mentioned for being known for his hospitality. His reputation was taking in visiting Christians, feeding and sheltering them, and also giving them funds in case there was no Gaius to stay with the next night. A task so important that God mentions him by name-now that is recognition.

Remember it is the small things that go unnoticed by man, but God sees it all. Whether frozen Texans, or talking with a Hessian-it's OK to leave the safety of the booth and greet them. You never know what your kindness can mean at any time, so extend God's love. Greet people, talk with them-better yet listen. And get rid of your old rule book and minister in the spirit-the same one God recognized Gaius for. There could be some future CMA'ers just waiting to minister-or a hurting one needing love. Or someone who gets to see Jesus in action by your compassion. Don't miss the blessing! First time my fault-second time yours! Good thing God forgives!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

secret code for today, 4-8-21-24*

What do Warren Spahn, Yogi Berra, Duke Snider, and Willie Mays have in common? Yes, they are all in the Hall of Fame. But how many of you baseball fans would have guessed they all spent time on the New York Mets? You see Spahnie will always be known for "Spahn and Sain and a day of rain," as a member of the Braves. Who else will ever wear #8 in the Yankee pin stripes but Larry Berra? The Duke of Flatbush-never been another. And my favorite Willie-the Say Hey kid who made basket catches while other mere mortals struggled just to catch the ball. You see each one is not only known for who they are, but the team they played with. Think of the Giants-you see Willie. Think Brooklyn-the Duke. And that is why you most likely would never remember them as Mets. Even though that is a common denominator among them.

But out of uniform would you recognize them? Yogi, no problem-who can forget that round head and big toothy grin? Willie Mays, again that smile-always pictured playing stick ball with kids on the street-they sure would recognize him. Any time or place was a good time for a ball game. The Duke-saw him at Wayne's wedding, may be in his 80's, but still has that look. And Spahn, might be more difficult, but after a few seconds of glancing-those eyes and that nose would convince you of why he won more games as a left hander than anyone else. You see, in uniform or out, they were still who they were, and didn't need the uniform to make them identifiable. The Yankee pinstripes were just Yogi's work clothes, the Dodger blue Duke's blue suit for at the office. Willie's #24 seemed to perfectly fit his back, and opposing pitchers saw so much of the Braves tomahawk on Warren they realized he was in his work clothes, too-although to them it was more than work-a game and a love affair they were blessed to excel at. More than just another day at the office, a gift from God to excel at a sport they loved.

Today when I go to biker events, and many times just while out, I run into bikers with their colors on. CMA, BFC, BSHDFC, and others all representing the family of God. Many who actually serve in the ministry they have on their back, but some just part of the team. And I know John Ogden of CMA, Fred Z. of BFC, Marty of BSHDFC, and others who are heads of their ministries. And it is refreshing they are recognizable with and without their colors. They don't need to wear them to serve Christ, or even be a Christian. Or to be identified as one. These vests with back patches are their work clothes-out among the lost and needy making a difference. But for those who just wear the colors to show they belong-and many do-no scientific poll taken, just observances-without them the world would never know they are Christians. And that bothers me, because just like sitting in church doesn't make you a pew, wearing a vest doesn't make you a Christian, a biker, or a minister of the gospel.

It is something from the heart, that people see in them. It is what God refers to as fruit of the spirit-and when you are alive in Christ, walking in the spirit, you overflow with it, and cannot disguise it. God leads others to men like this, they don't have to go out and search for someone to love on-God sends them.
For some time I have been attending motorcycle events without my colors, and a funny thing happens. I still get to minister. God still sends those Lazaruses to me, and I am still blessed. And the same Jesus that lives in me with my colors lives in me without them. My question to you is, are you using your colors to be a Christian? Are you strong enough in your walk with Jesus Christ you don't need colors or ministry to hide behind or blend in with to effectively minister? Does your life at the end of the day reflect Jesus in your actions of that day?

Just like the four ballplayers above, they may be recognized by their deeds on the field, but are the same men off the field as on. You see your values shouldn't change regardless of your uniform-so shine your light from within. You may be surprised at what other have been seeing, or saying. I am not anti-colors, they are a tool, but be a representative of Jesus Christ before any ministry. To answer a question put forth in a recent Heartbeat article, why chapters stray, that may be why your chapter is losing members, and not ministering as it once did. Is it about CMA, BFC, BSHDFC, or is it about Jesus? Keep Jesus first, and the only agenda. These ministries are not social clubs, although we are social. For like Willie and the others who are members of a hall, a Christian hall of fame awaits us-called heaven. And just having been a part of Jesus' team gets us in. But that doesn't mean God doesn't desire you to be an All Star.

As for your colors-if it is not in your heart, don't wear it on your back. But I pray that in all things you give Jesus the preeminence. Remember the colors/stripes on his back-might just put this all in a new perspective! Show all you come into contact with what is in your heart-and may that something be as someone-Jesus. Show love and compassion freely.

Jesus Christ-an All Star on any team, and a Hall of Fame member in any league, for any team. May He play in your heart-both home and on the road.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

*4 Duke, 21 Spahnie, 8 Yogi, 24 Willie

lessons learned on the side of the road of life

My first motorcycle with tubeless tires was a KZ750 in 1981. Also my first bike with mag wheels, a necessity for tubeless tires, I fought the change from tubes. Having ridden with tubes for so long, I had learned to patch them on my BMW's and couldn't understand why the change. Until my first experience with changing one. Fortunately not a flat, but just worn out. Whereas I could change the tube or tire on a BMW in about 30 minutes, here the first time I changed a rear tire it took me and two friends over 3 hours-and still had to drive it to the gas station to fill it with air. Seems the beads are harder on tubeless, and without the proper equipment, and skills-which would have taken five minutes, took us over three hours-do the words never again come to mind? Technology 0ne, Mike 0.

And how many of you have been riding long enough to remember when leaving on a trip taking a spare clutch or throttle cable? Carefully tie wrapped or taped on the old one with duct tape, before the application of Teflon on the inside of cables, they broke easily. Or more precisely the cable broke, not the housing. Bonus points if you are an old Triumph rider and only took along the inner cable that you could buy separately! And the first trips without a spare were cautious, you could almost feel the cable binding before each shift. Or like Bro. Willie and countless others-me included-broke a throttle cable on a Jap bike with a push/pull throttle set up. And after breaking the pull-most common-would ride pushing the throttle away from you, with you wrist hurting for days afterward. And then denying you knew when some smarter than you-read experienced person, told you that you could just swap the cables and it would work normal-and even easier than the push pull. Seems the Japanese built the system with an extra cable, an added bonus so you didn't have to bring an extra-it was already there. Another reason for the demise of the British motorcycle industry.

But perhaps the biggest change to adapt to is fuel injection. Simple, preset, and tunable-if you have the expensive, dealer only tool-it does away with all the problems of carburetors. Set it and forget it. Remember carb-stix, and trying to synchronize four carbs on early Hondas? The cables-another cable problem, would stretch, making it nearly impossible to accurately tune them, until they substituted a bar for the cables. But fuel injection has cured all that, and saved more time and aggravation with tuning. And it is a good thing, since changing a set of tires before a trip and synching the carbs saves you about three hours to do other things-like look at maps or pack unnecessary items.

But what really has happened with technology, is we have lost touch with our bikes-an intimacy is gone. No more cross threaded spark plugs, or pinched tubes. Do you really miss running on three cylinders, the fourth caked with carbon from incorrect adjustment? Do you miss torn knuckles, and getting the chance to use the seven words that George Carlin reminded us you can't say on TV? Me either, so, I've decided to go with technology. But still have a problem with adapting to change.

My relationship with God is like that sometimes, too. Bad habits are always the toughest to break, proving God has a sense of humor when it comes to us. And as a long time Christian, I sometimes forget that I was once somewhere else on the learning curve, and that not everyone is as perfect as I wish I was. I used to wrestle with Jesus healing a blind man, who all he could say was, " I don't know if He is good or bad, all I can say is once I was blind, and now I can see!" And I thought how could that man not recognize Jesus for who He is? After what he had done? But God, as He has been doing for generations, showed me patience, and reminded me it is a relationship. And that many times, we won't let it be personal or intimate-just good or bad. In other words, flat fixed, back on the road. Or lesson learned, on to more problems. But He is always with me, and thankfully others. You see we are all at different maturity levels in Christ-and God reminded me when dealing with my son one night, don't expect Him to get in three weeks what has taken you 33 years. Can anyone say HUMILITY? And it is a loving God who brings us along, from milk as Paul sates, to solid food in the gospel. Believe me, when hungry, a steak is better than a glass of milk. But make it a milk shake, and hmmmm? Anyway, seek to mature in Christ, to grow in Him. And He will use trials to grow you. Flat tires, wrong decisions, and poor choices-He is right there to guide you out.

And for those of you who seek to understand-give it up. Can anyone find in scripture where He promises you understanding? But He does promise a peace that surpasses it, and I have learned-don't ask why-to go for the peace first. The rest of you who are still trying to understand, well you'll learn. You can't have both-read Proverbs 3:5. Trust the Lord, don't seek your own way or understanding-and He will guide your paths.

Which brings up the question, God you have solved tires, cables, and carbs-how long until we have a speedometer that is accurate? Or chains that last forever?* Good to know that the R and D departments are still alive and well. But better still to trust in the Lord. Now if He can only make a rider who can handle all this new found technology and power! 42 years and I am still learning to ride better. And after 34 years still growing in the Lord. Here's to your continued growth in Jesus-may it be an example to others-on the road or on the side of it-He still cares. And is still changing lives. Has He changed yours? Love is better than technology-let Him.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

*ps-the chain that lasts forever is called a driveshaft