how y'all doing?

Although they are not new, they are becoming more prominent while travelling today's major highways. Welcome Centers, and when you cross into the next state, it is not unusual to encounter one within the first few miles. From rest stops with vending machines in cages, with access for none but the smallest hands, to huge buildings with free refreshments, they tell a lot about the personality of the state you just crossed over into. It seems the farther west, and farther north you go, they are more spartan, but the farther south and east, the more elaborate. And providing a welcome is exactly what they do.

Entering Maryland on US13, on the Delmarva peninsula, you are greeted by this huge house like building, staffed by volunteers, who can answer any questions about what is on the road ahead. And in recent years, with so many bikes on the road, many have become motorcycle friendly. Recommending the long way, with better roads, instead of the four laner around towns. Non-tourist advice to tourists, making your trip special. Offering refreshments, info on where to stay-some even offering to make reservations for you, discounted no less, like the one in Tennessee a few years back. Offering free brochures, maps-my favorite, for free, and helping you plan your trip through their state, and not necessarily the same route that the Chamber of Commerce would plan for you. And some stick out in my mind on this last ride.

Louisiana, where the man gave Theresa a piece of cotton, with seeds from a live display, for her preschool class. The bumper sticker in Mississippi, saying "I'm not your Mama, pick it up ! Simple, yet effective. The women in Alabama, suggesting places to eat in Dothan, where the locals eat. And of course the one on I-95 when entering Florida. Huge compared to any other, due to the fact it is on I-95, which is Main Street USA for those fleeing the Northeast and the Rust Belt, and wintering in Florida. An air conditioned oasis on a 95 degree day, that welcomes you with cold, Florida orange juice. Now personally, Florida makes the best OJ, its oranges are sweeter, and this was like OJ heaven, the drink not the convict. Standing there overdoing it, but no one commenting, the OJ flowed like rain for me, and I was totally refreshed. One of the women volunteers, even allowing me to use her personal computer to find the Triumph dealer in Daytona.

And outside seeing my first Florida State Trooper car, always like to ID them before they ID me, assisting where a semi had caught fire, melting the cab and engine to the ground. Fortunately, no one was hurt. And reflecting a central theme found in each and every rest stop, a pride for their state, and the desire to make you welcome as you visit their state. Welcome to their home, if you will.

Our church recognizes first time visitors, and I like to think of us as a welcome center. And I try to notice who is new, and try to greet them afterward. I want them to be welcome, be blessed, and feel comfortable. This is my church home, and I am proud of it, if that is the right word to say. We have met other bikers, people from places we visit, and have shown them places to eat, and sometimes take them home with us to visit. Showing hospitality to a stranger, and hopefully making their visit one they will remember with fondness.

Meeting Jesus is like that, He makes you feel welcome. From the men on the road who He walked with, and whose hearts burned when He was with them, to those He welcomed while feeding and teaching, anyone who had an encounter with Jesus, found He made an impact on them. Some lives He would change, and some only saw Him as Joe and Mary's kid. Some recognized Him as God, some were just hungry, thank you very much for the free meal. But all who encountered Him, will have to make a decision someday on who He is. And the church, His representatives, may be that means. The love you show to strangers, your kids, and your pastor, tells a lot about who Jesus is in your life.

Recently visiting Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, we saw Pastor Chuck, and when he came to speak, the room broke into applause. An applause of love, one I wish our church would do for our pastors. A show of love, that was contagious, even before any words were spoken. A huge welcome center, welcoming their pastor. Who then goes on to lead, disciple, encourage, and inform his flock all about the things of Jesus-just like the volunteers at the welcome centers along the road.

All your words man nothing if you don't show love. Welcome someone today, show them Jesus is more than rules and regulations. And it is OK to do this outside of church, and on days other than Sunday. He is bigger than denominational barriers, and you are welcome in His house anytime. Spend time fellowshipping afterward, and take notice of visitors, or of those looking to belong. Invite them to join you, and you will find the scriptures come alive. For just like Jesus told us, once we were strangers, but now we are friends. A friend of Jesus, is how He sees us. I hope you do too.

For we are all just visitors here, just passing through. Enjoy the trip, and the OJ.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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one score and seven

I watched as his wife lovingly stroked his beard, all the time telling him how much she loved him. But he could not react, as strokes and other physical maladies had reduced him to this vegetative type state. A very personal, loving moment that I was privileged to see, and after a few seconds turned away, because it was so private and intimate. This couple, married for 27 years, had at the altar the day of their marriage taken vows. For better or worse, was not a choice. Nor was richer or poorer, and definitely not in sickness and health. They were conditions to honor, to show their love for each other. Commitments made, that in the good times they would celebrate, and in the times of tribulation fall back on. The true character of them as individuals, and as one before God shining through in their last days together. A situation that would want to break your heart, but given the character they displayed, made me smile. And whistle a happy tune back to my bike.

For it is the tough times where we grow in the Lord, and build our testimonies, and in the good times enjoy the benefits of enduring them. It is in the trials of life we grow our character, one that with God with them in the midst of their troubles was a comfort to them. "Well done, my good and faithful servant," await them when they get to heaven, spoken by none other than the creator of the universe Himself-God! But only after they cross over to heaven, and the final battle-death is won!

After 32 years of marriage, Theresa and I have been in many battles-fortunately not between us. We have found that in our weakness, God's love is our strength, and as we still watch Him take us through our daily trials, wonder how we would have ever made it without Jesus in our lives. It is written, the two become one, and we surely have. Thanks to God's mercies, new every morning, and we have yet to have leftovers, and walking in His grace, we are secure that He is in control-trusting Him when their is no evidence of Him, just knowing that when we cast our cares on Him who careth for you, He will love us through it. Carefree, not careless, as the lack of worry makes us appear.

And that is what I saw in that hospital room yesterday. And that is what I want for another young couple just entering into marriage. Both have pasts that without God are a burden, and a recipe for failure. But because God is the center of their relationship, I know they will endure. Romans 8 promises that, that nothing can separate them from the love of Christ. And the trials they face early will only build their marriage and character stronger as they row together. And be a great example to all detractors, hopefully showing them how Jesus Christ changes lives-and can change theirs.

Whether two weeks from now, or 30 years from now, keep God in your marriage. And watch as you grow in Him, you will both grow together. For what God has put together, let no man put asunder. Living well, for Christ, is still the best revenge. Celebrate your marriage each night with a kiss, and each morning with a hug. And pray. And keep God in your marriage-the most intimate act you will ever perform as husband and wife.

And watch as the glory of the Lord rises above you!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Mr. Heston your miracle is ready

A group of young mothers are are at an afternoon tea, when suddenly they hear a blood curdling cry. Each mother looks up, and one states, "that's my daughter, I know that cry!" Another corrects her, "no that's my little girl, I can tell it anywhere." And a third says "you're both wrong...." So running to the bedroom where the two year olds are playing, they rush in. Only to find the kids giggling-because one little boy has a cat by the tail, and it is screaming!

M-E-O-W-W! Only the cat's mother fails to respond. Of course.

Why is it that sounds appear normal when you are close to home, but the farther away from home, a dealer, the darker it gets, and the more secluded it gets do the noises exaggerate themselves? Or is it our hearing gets more perceptive? Or is it we are just finally paying attention? Even our dog can identify who is riding up the street to our house, and knows which door to greet them at, or even to meet them at the street. So why is it that we have trouble listening, identifying, and reacting to sounds?

For one this is a noisy world, you don't realize how noisy until you get away from a city, and notice the absence of noise-what a sweet sound silence can be. Or we get so familiar with a noise, that when it gets louder progressively, we don't pay attention. "I've had that engine noise for years, it's OK" Then the engine seizes. Years of warning shot to .....

On our last trip, I needed a chain, and sprockets. With no one along the way having sprockets in stock, I replaced the chain and all was OK until we hit Oklahoma on our return, and it got loud, louder, and then scary-BANG! Stopping at a dealer in Amarillo, he adjusted it, and advised me "this chain isn't much longer for this world." If I could only make it to Albuquerque, the Triumph dealer could replace it. Which I did, make it that is.

But the sprockets were shot-and the bike should have been parked. Sprocket teeth should be round, so the chain roller fits in it exactly. Mine were oval, and chain was slipping and jumping with the threat it may come off. So emergency surgery was in order-like the kind I used to see in the pits at Baja. Just get it home! Which Aaron the service manager did. We put an old roller chain on it, I kept the speed steady, and we did OK. In fact he insisted I call him when I got home, he was that concerned. But you see, I had prayed, and God had given me a simple assurance I would be OK. His words, the same as a song we all sing. "Twas grace that brought you here thus far, and grace will get you home." And it did, without worry, incident, or failure. Can't say the noises weren't there, but God is bigger than any problem! And when I called Aaron, he was amazed. He told me he thought I would never make it, and without grace I would not have.

In times of need, we need to remember God's promise to the Israelites. When Moses, wonderfully played by Charlton Heston, got them to the Red Sea, God was with them. He had promised to meet them on the other side, He just didn't tell them how they would get there. But the whole time He knew, and had the entire situation under control. And to the last man, they got across safe as He parted the sea. Something not even the best FX crew could duplicate. While the Egyptians looked at the problem, Moses looked to God. His grace that had brought them thus far, got them to their destination. He never promised a smooth route, if you have a lack of faith, believe Jesus' words, "in this life you will have tribulation." Now that's a faith builder, and if that is true, so are His other promises.

Can't see tomorrow for a lack of today? It's there, and so is God. He never left, you did. But a simple change of direction, can put you back on course. And His grace is always sufficient.

Trust Him today, and find that He will get you home. That's a promise. No matter how you've screwed up. His love covers a multitude of sins, and He wants to get you home.

Mercy and grace, two wonderful sides of God. Grace to give us what we don't deserve, and mercy to not give us what we deserve. Isn't it ironic that you can only get mercy when you screwed up? Now that's grace.

We are only as strong as our weakest link. Mustard seed chains. And that small faith that believes the promises of God, will get you home. See you on the other side.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

hard hearts and soft butts

There are certain benchmarks that are more important to us than to others. To a biker, those who ride, that can be distance, speed, miles, or some other criteria. The Iron Butt Association has an award they give for riding 1000 miles in 24 hours. A feat, which I have done. In fact I have ridden 1125 miles in 24 hours, and over 1000 in 13 hours. Do the math. 100 miles per hour? How about 100 miles in one hour! Done it twice. Add to that going a real 155mph before rev limiter cut in, riding over 40,000 miles in one year, done it a few times, and my latest riding over 10,000 miles on our trip. Ridden in all 48 contiguous states, and Mexico and Canada, too. Needless to say, I can stay up with most when bench racing about distances ridden. But recently, some friends of mine, rode 1000 miles in 24 hours. At first I was not impressed, until I stopped to think. Not only did they do it on Scramblers, with knobbies, but a total of nine of them riding together did it-at the same time! Now in a world where when riding in a group you only go as fast as the slowest person, this is a feat! And on a bike with no fairing, knobbies, and old style open faced helmets-these guys are either nuts or should be waved off the track. But to me, they are my heroes.

And please, all you Gold Wing riders, windshield types, and cruisers, these guys rule in my book. An accomplishment I could never do, since the old group I used to ride with, did nothing but make excuses for my riding style. Too fast, too long, too many curves, and I think you get the picture. To them I say "too bad." You are missing out on so much. And I wonder how if a person makes excuses in one thing, where do they stop? Like compromising, once you start it's too late. Maybe that is why I ride alone, and when given the chance maybe Stu or Frank. I ride my talk.

Faith is like that. Do you walk your talk? Maybe that is why your faith is weak, when tested it fails because of excuses. Or why your words carry so little weight. You say you trust God, but the first time you encounter difficulties it's worry time, then the excuses flow. And to be honest with you, many are tired of it. And it wearies God. Why do we tend to look to man, who lies and will take advantage of you when given the chance, but turn our backs on God when He has never lied and is trustworthy? Add to that His love and grace, what's up with us?

To some it is like riding. It is the same everywhere, why leave the state. Or like so many ask me, doesn't your seat get sore? NO! I bought a comfortable seat! Are they that smart? And to many they doubt God. And looking to man, compromise what could have been. Why wait until the doctor can't do anymore to pray-pray now-best first aid available. You won't become an alcoholic if you never take a drink-so don't! You will never get VD if you don't have pre-marital sex. So don't! And if you truly give Jesus your life, you won't want to stray-for everything you need and desire is right there, along with so much more you could never imagine.

Have a decision to make? Ask God first. And He will give you insight. Trust Him, He just wants you to know Him better. If I had never been sick, I never would have seen Him as the great physician. In need, I see Him as the great Jehovah Jireh-the provider. Alone and lonely-He is the person who sticks closer than a friend. Scared-He is your protector. His record is clean-never lost.

Yes you might get bruised in the battle, but you will win the war. As God once showed me, referring to Paul and his tent stake in his side, allowed by God to have him seek God in all situation, if I lifted up my shirt, I would look like I fell into the sticker bushes. So many times He ahs tried to get my attention, but I either ignored Him or sought someone else. Stupid hurts, even have the shirt. Don't ask.

Consider God in your situation, and know that in your weakness, He is made perfect, in you. Trust Him first, and remember if on a 1000 mile trip, you ride them one at a time. So make sure your oil is topped off, your tank is full, and your seat comfortable-then hang on for the ride of your life. Safe in the commitment you made with Jesus will be honored by you. Now, all you need to do is keep up your end! Trust!

9 guys x 1000 miles in 24 hours = 9000 miles in 24 hours. What's your excuse? Trust God!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

when life's a beach, go there

In God's ever continuing improvement classes with me, lately we are dealing with patience. And after our recent cross country trip, I think I am finally beginning to get it. Patience has its rewards, and blessings follow those who are patient. But like any battle, once the enemy sees he is going to lose one of his prime impatient representatives, starts throwing all his dirty campaigns your way. And you find if you really want to be patient, you start RIGHT NOW! So that is when we will start.

This last weekend we decided to go to Newport Beach. Joan and a friend were coming in, we could meet at El Cholo for dinner, spend the afternoon at the beach-if the marine layer ever lifted and then I could go to BA-MOTO's second anniversary party in Long Beach the next day. OK, I had ridden the Bonneville up to Newport to meet Theresa. Great plans, and all would seem to work. Just be patient. So we were.

Checking into our motel-the Cozy Inn, cheap, very clean, big rooms-not what you would expect just a few miles from the beach in Newport, the clouds lifted. A find, thanks Lord. Then with the top down-yes we went in the car, we proceeded to Newport Beach.

Now I could care less about the beach, but my better half loves it, so I had decided to spend the weekend with her there, which takes patience. If I have to sit, I wish to have two wheels under me. Doing miles. Seeing things. Going places. This was a test for me. So we crossed over PCH, and proceeded down Balboa Blvd, in traffic. Heavy, then heavier as you go from two lanes to one. And no parking spaces-at all. So being patient, we went on, soon found we had gone through all the number streets that start in the high 30's, and were into the letter streets. And of course the enemy is telling us go back, too many people, too much hassle, and you are wasting your time. And we were, listening to him, so we quit. Even when the thought of that there were only six hours of daylight left, we soldiered on. Until we hit the middle of the alphabet streets. Where the traffic thinned, and the parking meters stopped. Not a good sign, but to the patient a great sign.

You see the ocean didn't stop there, but went on. And turning right at the middle of the alphabet, found parking just two short blocks from the beach-free, and we found ourselves in a beautiful neighborhood. Where all the houses are too cute. But we parked and trekked two blocks to the beach anyway.

Which was empty. Where just a half mile away there were thousands, we were in a crowd of dozens. With the patient. Wide open, clean beach. Quiet, you could hear the waves. With our own life guard, an unreal beach, and a priceless view. All because we had waited, and showed patience. For the price of driving an extra five minutes, in a car, God's answer for our beach day was right here, and while others were impatient, and still circling for a parking space, at an 100-to-1 ration, we sat back, read, dipped in the ocean, and watched as the boats came into the bay. For free, with no hassles!

And still met Joan and Sharon early, before the dinner rush, and then back to the motel. Rested, relaxed, and blessed.

The next day, I rode to Long Beach to meet up with BA-MOTO, which I never did. Once again, being patient, I decided to head home after two times up and down Anaheim Blvd., and was blessed. Missed traffic, and had a great ride home. Don't know why God had me miss the meeting, but He did. And I got to spend more time with my wife-a lot more fun anyway.

God's plans are not always on an express route. You must listen to Him, and for Him to know the proper timetable. And this weekend I was reminded of that, and how listening to Him-obedience, is better than sacrifice-making excuses for the bad times and mixed blessings I cause myself.

So much I can't wait until next weekend! Is that being impatient of me?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the five faces of Christ

George worked for Chucky Cheese as a mechanic in one of their stores in Texas. When offered a position in Oceanside, he packed up his wife and five boys and moved west. Only to get here and find the job had been filled. The promise broken. Doing anything he could to provide for his family, he finally had to become part of the Interfaith system, where they would provide food and a place to sleep for those in situations like George. And that is where I met his family.

The church we were attending was part of the Interfaith program, which on a rotating basis would house and feed people. And when we met George and Carol, and their five boys, God had a plan. The Interfaith program, although Christian, dealt with unsaved people, some pretty destitute-showing love. And as I found out later, not all churches felt the same way about the homeless. Rather than actually deal with the downtrodden one-on-one, they would just send a check, which the church I attended felt. There, we've done our part, and didn't even get our hands dirty. When they told us "you may be the only ones here with a heart for the homeless," my heart broke. One family in congregation of 800? Where was their compassion? Where was Jesus in their lives? But God....

There are many things you can do to minister, the most important is obedience to God, who really knows the need. Taking us on a journey we had never been on before, we let the boys and their mom, Carol, stay at our house during the day. Try walking 8-10 hours a day in summer heat with five kids. How neat to just sit and rest, as the kids played in the yard. Theresa took the kids with her on field trips, and brought them to where she taught preschool. We let George have one of our cars, and now he could get out and around and seek work, which he did. One special night, we even baby sat the boys, sending them out on a date for dinner-on us. So many little things, that get overlooked, but are precious.

George got work, and was able to get into low income housing. The little possessions he had, were being stored at an aunt's house, rather reluctantly. This prophetess, self proclaimed, wanted the stuff out of her garage, her luxury car was parked in the driveway. It had been stored longer than George had said-a prophetess, why didn't she see that coming? So borrowing Milton's truck, George and I moved him one night. The two youngest were with him, and while we were moving stuff, they played in the tub. I will never forget George looking up at me, and saying "isn't that a beautiful sound?" The sound he referred to was the boys playing, laughing, splashing, and having fun-at home, their home.

While I was busy at work, Theresa put out signs at her preschool with their needs, furniture, bedding, food, etc. And the parents responded overwhelmingly. I approached our pastor, who kicked in $200 for food, and Theresa tells of the joy of Carol buying things for her family. Where do you start when you have nothing, and need everything? And they were both amazed at how God multiplied!

I don't know where this family is today, but I would like think they are doing well, the kids now into their late 20's, and George working and coming home each night to Carol. Only God knows...

I would like to leave you with this. We are part of a Christian family, with unlimited resources from our heavenly Father, but just need the chance to use them. This is just one event, and not about us, but about being obedient to His call. All glory pointing to God. Coming home one afternoon, I noticed the kids playing with some of Christopher's favorite toys-the ones only he and not anyone else played with. When I asked him about it, he explained how he heard them talking how they had no Christmas, and so he allowed each kid to take one of his toys, even the ones which were his favorites. When I shared this with the head of Interfaith, he was so thankful to hear about it. He had to evict a troublesome family from housing, and it broke his heart. He doubted if he was doing God's calling. But Christopher's story encouraged him to carry on. Only God...

Just two families. One black and broke, with five kids, the other white and blessed with two sons. Both realizing that our true blessings come from God-where no color, social level, or financial barriers exist. Where love covered a multitude of sins, and our family found that the true blessings come in giving, and not receiving.

Don't step over the Lazarus God lays in front of you today. Never doubt what God can do, or underestimate the blessings you are missing by saying no to Him. Jesus said "whoever does these things to the least of them, is doing them to me." Five faces of Jesus, I was able to see, more clearly. Only God...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

make mine a happy meal

I don't do buffets, all you can eats, or self serve restaurants very well. From overpriced $1.99 buffets in Las Vegas, to the all you can keep down free for alls, I don't enjoy them. For one thing I always seem to get in line after someone on their cell phone must talk incessantly about nothing, and every time I get a chance to pass, they know and speed up. I find the choices are always set up so the things I like are at the end, and such taste tempting dishes such as turkey sausage organic noodle cream delight are first. Who can pass that up? And the ones that have the most choices are like cable TV-nothings on I want! Get me outta here! Quick-a burger!

Serve lousy pizza? Make it an all you can eat. With salad. Nothing better than warm lettuce, and cold pizza. And what is house dressing? Was the house painted with it, or cleaned? I've even tried to time it, so I can get hot, fresh pizza, but somehow end up with the catgut deluxe, or the Italian mystery meat special, the last piece that no one with a pulse would eat. maybe it's true, Mikey will eat anything, but not this Mikey! And you leave full-full of something that is, vowing never to go back until the next time.

Maybe I just don't get the portions right, or the exotic names they give regular food, so pass it over for something less dangerous, how can you screw up tuna fish, but I believe it is a plot to get me. Maybe that is why I am the only one carrying two plates in my first go round, one for show, one for go. Only after an hour has passed after eating do I know which was which.

Self service, to me is just self serving. And when I go out, I like to be served. Yes there are waiters at these places, who are really bus boys, and they even encourage you to tip them for you doing what it is they could have done. And I do, but the scam continues. And does anyone really know what that frozen concoction is they call ice something or other? Amen to extra sprinkles.

We are consumed with self, maybe this is a glorified example of you really not knowing what you want, or need, and even Galatians 5 speaks of self, but in a different tone. It tells us that self control is a fruit of the spirit. More than just quitting after your fifth Twinkie. Or eating those last three pieces of pizza, just because you can. It demands a choice, I like that, but I see too many using their own criteria, not God's, to make decisions, and there again the fruit comes from self, not of the spirit. Just don't try to tell them. But another fruit of the spirit is meekness, best described as power under control. It can be seen as telling the waiter how bad the food really was, but not-just never returning. Being in a situation where retribution would be expected, but passing on it. A time when God shows you a better way, and when you follow it, blessings follow. But where self control can be based on rules-and sometimes not your own, meekness depends on God-trusting Him, no matter what the solution, knowing He will answer the need you have better than you ever could. Even in simple things like choosing food at a cafeteria, or choosing the one you will spend your life with. There is no aspect of your life He doesn't want to be involved in. Only pride, on your part, shuts Him out. As for me, I have found the perfect place to eat. The food is always what I like, the service great, good company, and at prices I can afford. And I know the cook on a first name basis! No more long suffering-another fruit!

The place, my house. The cook, my wife. Not always my first choice, but when I listen to God, the best choice. Better than eating out. The hot things hot, the cold things cold. And in Mikey sized portions.

Choosy wives choose....Jesus!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com