comfort zones and thermostats

Sometimes it is not who you know, where you went to school, or what you know that qualifies you for a certain job. When we first moved to Durango, the couple we moved with, Mike and Carol were always looking for ways to make money. Since so many heated with wood, and we needed money, we decided to cut wood and make a killing. It appeared so easy, and we would undercut-no pun intended, the competition by $5 per cord, and get rich. So answering an ad for a large resort, The Iron Horse, we made an agreement for $25 per cord-cut, split, stacked, and delivered. We even rented a splitter, figuring it would help things along. And as usual, we had spent the money we would be making many times over.

What we found is there is a reason firewood cost so much. It takes a lot of work! It is heavy, you bend a lot, and use a lot of gas for the trucks and chain saws. And the splitter was more expensive, and worked slower than we thought it should. And to meet our commitment we worked into the dark, never a safe thing to do around chain saws and log splitters. The longer we worked, the money earned stayed the same, just our wages went down-way down. And when we got the check, the amount seemed very small for what we had done to earn it, although it was the amount we had agreed on. And although we would heat with wood for the next six years, we never, ever cut wood for profit again, or lack of it. So it was when we moved to Farmington, with a thermostat on the wall, we vowed never to heat with wood again. Even the romance of a fire in the hearth left for awhile.

Things are different in California, where even though most houses have a fireplace, they use no wood, as they are gas powered, and are used to decorate and are non-functional for heating. So we never use one, as the glow from a gas log somehow doesn't have the same effect as aspen burning, doesn't have the smell of burning pine, and puts out little or no heat. Sadly those who have never heated with wood and are cursed with a gas log just don't get it-they miss the romance-and the sore muscles.

We get upset when the temp gets too warm or too cool, and feel inconvenienced when we must adjust the thermostat. How inconvenient. But sounding ridiculous to those of us who were used to coming home and starting a fire to heat the place, and waking up to the same cold home when the fire burned out the next morning. It may be a bit inconvenient, but if you never felt the warmth of a wood fire, you don't know what you are missing. And if you think all fireplaces are fired by gas-you just won't get it. There is a certain joy as the warmth from the fire fills the room, and you can start taking off layers of clothes. Sipping hot chocolate that was heated from the top of the stove on its hot plate, and sipping it gently so you don't burn your mouth-a much different hot than one that comes out of the microwave. And nothing like huddling in front of the fire with the one you love either!

Being in ministry I get to see how things are at the front sometimes, for we truly are in a battle between good and evil. And because of that, I must trust God for everything. And I feel bad for those of you who don't. Whose biggest problem is when will my new SUV be ready. Is the new Christian CD available. What college will my son go to. How is my 401k doing? What service should I attend? And the list goes on and on. Things that those of us at the front don't get to consider. Some in foreign lands are faced with death every day. Or where is my next meal coming from. Where will my rent money come from? And when doctor bills mount, who will pay them? And for those who minister locally, we may sit next to them in church, listen to the same sermon, but they will never get the true joy that God has for them. They choose the gas log approach, and never get the warmth that comes from the Holy Spirit. Saved yes. Warmed but without the warmth. Blessed yes, but never able or wanting to experience God's fullness by asking Him for a vision, and then following it. Living life based on where the thermostat is set, and never experiencing real warmth after being chilled, or real nourishment after being starved. They never get to see how much God loves them because they have buffers in their life to keep them safe and comfortable.

Only by trusting God and stepping out will you know. The world calls them comfort zones, but are really DIScomfort zones when God calls. For truly only when you are in the spirit will you be comfortable. So be wary when a pastor tells you to get out of your comfort zone. For the most comfortable place to be is where God wants you to be. So be there!

But ask for more, for a better way. A way to share the gospel more. To be a true minister. To get out of your gas log existence, and taste the real thing. Ask God to allow you to be in a situation that unless He guides you, you will fail. And see a side of God you never knew. A confidence in Him you never had. And a comfort you never want to give up.

Jesus Christ changes lives. He did when you got saved. Now let Him change you even more. Be brave, trust God. He has so much more for you than a gas log of life. And yes, you may be tired at the end of the day from cutting wood, but those who cut their own wood warm themselves twice. And tired bodies sleep better.

He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it. Ask God for more. Working for the Kingdom never felt so good. A comfort zone many hear of, but never get to know. If you are never cold you will never know how good heat feels. The best meal is eaten when the hungriest. And the best place to be is following God. A comfort zone that no thermostat can provide. Nod your head yes if you know what I mean. Sleep well, with a full stomach, and a heart at peace with God.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

"I'll hang up my cell phone when you have pried it from my cold, dead hand"

Question-how do you blind a woman driver? Put a cell phone in her hand while driving. And then hope that they don't aim at you while riding. Yesterday morning within my first 15 minutes I almost got hit five times-by rude women on cell phones. It seems these inconsiderate and rude people are the most important people in the world, so get out of their way-or else. Then after almost getting hit in a parking lot, I jokingly said "thanks for not hitting me," to which her passenger replied, "well it was your fault, you was going too fast." Standing still in neutral, I was going too fast. In a parking space! The driver apologized as she truly was going too fast, and I accepted while her friend rushed off-to Bible study. Cell phone still clutched in her hand. Note-men are just as bad, but at least show respect to bikers. They wave with the whole hand, not just one finger. Which also left me wondering, who would want to talk to someone like that? Maybe she is upset because no one calls!

It is not unusual to see Christian stickers on the freeways around here, but I question what is their witness when speeding past me on a cell phone, or just driving poorly while on the phone. I am cell phone free. That shouldn't make me a target. Now we all are guilty of rudeness sometimes, but I am highlighting those who have stickers all over their cars telling the world as the narrowly avoid getting hit by them what great Christians they are. But like one bumper sticker says, "I have no problem with Jesus, it's his fan club I can't stand." Sad, isn't it. And true about some. But Jesus died for all, good thing He didn't make some us pass a driving test.

T-shirts, stickers, and banners tell a lot about us. Who or what we believe in. And my wife, the preschool teacher, has a banner ministry with her four year olds. They are taught about Jesus and to pray, and they make banners for me to take to those I see in the hospital. They are usually 3'x5' with a simple message-"Jesus loves you!" and signed by their handprints dipped in paint. Fun to make, fun to give away, and fun for all who see them. A get well card from the great physician's littlest ones. Many rooms have had them, and patients will take them from room to room when they are moved, and I have seen them hanging at home when released. A card that stays with them-one of encouragement and love. With Theresa's kids showing the world that you are not too young to minister to others. Aren't the older supposed to teach the younger? What about that old CSN&Y song, Teach Your Children?

But one in particular stands out, and has become somewhat of a legend where we used to go to church in Escondido. The kids and Theresa made one for Judy who was in a care facility after knee surgery. I made her close her eyes, and when she opened them I had hung the banner. She started to cry and was touched by the fact someone had remembered her in the hospital. And as she commented on all the little blue and red handprints, we both noticed a larger set of handprints in the upper right corner. Noticeable for three reasons-they were adult sized hands and much larger, they were a dark red, not a color like the others, and they had holes in the middle of them. Large holes as if made by big nails. And as we looked at each other, we both got it at the same time. They were the handprints of Jesus, all the way down to the holes where He was nailed to the cross. Somehow He had added His handprints along with the kids, to show His love. A get well card from the King of Kings! Who is with the kids at school each day, and this day decided to paint with them. Truly a banner that still waves to show us how much He loves. Like the

scripture says, "His banner over me is love."

The scripture also tells us "as you go, make disciples of those you meet." You may get only one chance to share the gospel today. Make it a good one. Put down the phone, the attitudes, and put on love. If you are going to advertise Jesus via a sticker on your car, make sure the product inside is the same one on the label.

And let me know if you go to the hospital. The kids have many banners of love left in them. Use their example of love to others to show Jesus to a lost and dying world. He found the time to die for you, and to send Judy a card-imagine what He will do for you, if you only let Him!

No wonder the kids were all drawn to Him. He took the time to spend with them at their level. Finger painting that day. Handprints of Jesus beats fingerprints at a police station any day. Drive safe-the life you save may be my own!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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welcome back my friends to the show that never ends...

Not all marriages are made in heaven. Some are made in Detroit-about as far from heaven as you can get these days. On May 1, 1954, my birthday by the way, two great pioneering auto names joined forces-merged, to become American Motors. In a move to survive, Nash and Hudson joined forces. Sadly Hudson left us in 1958, Nash a year earlier, but AMC would survive into the 80's before being purchased by Chrysler, and finally merged-or raped as they would later discover, by Daimler Benz. What a long, strange trip that has been.

Studebaker and Packard also joined forces that year in another failed attempt. Studebaker would make it for another 12 years on life support, Packard, once the most prestigious luxury make went out in 1958. With no remnants left of either today except in museums, car shows, and a generation where they exist in their memories.

Some engagements never make it either, at least not as planned. In the 70's, where encounter groups were the new trend, the courts tried this in lieu of punishment. Rehabilitate they said, and education would be their mantra. Criminals were criminals because they weren't smart enough, and once they learn their evil ways, and why, they will become better citizens. But when car thieves were placed together, instead of repenting,they compared notes, and we had a better car thief. When people in drug rehab got together, they found better places to score drugs, ways to camouflage it, and how to beat the courts. And in the case of alcohol abuse, even got this self inflicted wound called a disease, of which when under the influence, they were not responsible for their actions. Never taking into consideration if there is no change of the heart, there will be no change in the person or his actions.

A change of heart, is what it takes. And all it takes. And is only found in Jesus, and represented by the church of His believers. If gathering or merging works for evil, imagine what it will do when God uses it for good. And when God has the bride ready for His only son, WOW! Party on! Last night we were reminded at our Feast of Trumpets celebration that Jesus is coming soon for His bride-us. It will be a surprise party, and none like the world has ever seen or ever will. A party so extravagant and incredible only one place can handle it-heaven. He even has been sending out invitations for 2000 years to all who will listen. A come as you are party-once you get there all the food, party clothes, and music will be provided. All He requires is you. And a changed heart.

And because it is a surprise party, it could happen at any time. So He has sent out teasers to let His church, the bride, know the season, but not the day or hour. An anticipation of great excitement-and the season is now. The closer it gets, the more we anticipate it. And we who are alive will be there, via an undertaking never yet seen. We will be taken out of the world, and into heaven via one major event, the rapture of the church. And as the bride, we will be with our husband for eternity, Jesus Christ. Clothed in majesty, perfect, forgiven, and in such awe that it will take 10,000 years just to celebrate, before we start the next 10,000. You say you like to party-this is one you don't want to miss.

Didn't get the invitation, well here it is. You must be born again. And it is not difficult, for God wants all to be there, no matter what you have done. No matter prior engagements or failed mergers. Simply you must realize your sin, believe Jesus to be your savior with your heart, and confess Him with your mouth. That's it. You'll then want to publicly confess Him before your friends, and so be baptized! Invitation accepted. RSVP noted and recognized in heaven. Your name is in the Book of Life, you're on the guest list! Just get ready, the party will soon begin.

And when God blows that last trumpet Himself, only believers will hear it, just before we are all changed in 1/240,000 of a second-the speed of light. And the eternal party begins. So fast you will not have time to drop what you are doing and accept Him-you must accept His invitation before it happens. Don't get left outside where you can only hear the party inside-trust God now. Don't be left knocking at the door wanting to get in.

Jesus is saving the best for last. Just like His first miracle of changing water into wine, when all else had run out, when He arrived He gave them the best the guests had ever had, and He is saving the best for heaven. No eye has seen it, no ear has heard about it, and no mind can imagine it. Better than any Super Bowl, royal wedding or coronation, and no expense spared. God opens the doors of heaven for His son and His bride of believers. This is one bouquet you want to catch. Not just the party of the year, or the century, but for all time! You don't want to miss it-and you don't have to. You have been invited. Make the decision with your heart today to be there.

And listen for that trumpet! The most beautiful song you will ever hear, a solo played by God himself.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the would you fly in it if they made an airplane t-shirt saying test

Progress has been a good thing, except that it has gone on too long. We have created a people whose main talent is information retrieval, but still don't know their wife's phone number. We have children who can't add, but can manipulate a calculator. And we have adults who if you hide the remote can't watch TV-"I 'm not getting up and going over to change the channel." Like I said-way too long. Yet with all the electronic media available to us today, still the best way to say what you really mean is via the t-shirt you are wearing. Want to know what I ride? Watch the shirt. Where did I go last summer? The answer again lies in the shirt. Who is your favorite team? Who do you work for? Where do I eat? All of these things can be answered by just one look at the shirt on my back-and front.

But shirts also have become an offensive way to express yourself. Sadly, if you have a reputation of being a fool, why do you feel the need to remind us by wearing something stupid on your shirt? Exactly the answer I expected-"I dunno." So we must come up with a test to rate the validity of what your shirt says. I got the idea from a shirt I saw at Malcolm Smith's one afternoon. It had the Bar and Shield of Harley fame on it, with a one line question-"If they made a plane, would you fly in it?" In a simple one line joke, it made me think. And I have used this obvious question of wisdom to weigh in one various subjects. It is simple enough-and works!

Since there are no pull outs or rest areas while flying, the plane better be pretty good-or else. And most people seem to know what the what else is. Planes tend to be pretty reliable, so if you find one you choose not to fly on, it must be pretty bad. So let's apply this wisdom to real life. Let's see how it works.

If the restaurant is filthy inside, would you eat there?

If the gas station is known for water in the fuel would you fill up there?

If you know the road is dangerous, with no way out, would you ride it?

If your bike has gas enough for ten miles, and the station is 15, would you ride there? Note-some think that the low fuel light on means to fill up, it really means you still have fuel. It will go out when you run out. Not important how I know.

Would you buy a house if the rats greeted you at the door?

Would you buy a used t-shirt that smelled like BO?

Would you argue with an idiot knowing you will never win?

Would you accept cold, limp French fries that have been sitting since lunch when fresh, hot ones are available?

Did you ever buy a car leaking oil? Or a motorcycle after being told they all do that?

Would you want to put the dirty oil back in your engine to save a buck? Why change it then?

Would you trust a dentist with braces? Or a bald barber?

Do you trust a tailor that says "fitsa nice."

Does "they all do that comfort you when buying something?" When they all don't.

I think you see the point of my would you fly in it philosophy, so why when it comes to God do you not use the same sense you do when ordering a cheeseburger? Ask the question-will the things I worship get me to heaven when I die? Will monthly payments get me closer to God? Just because I wear a shirt with Christian sayings on it, does that make me a Christian? So why do you treat a relationship with God so lightly? Why do you have more faith in your cell phone, which drops calls, takes lousy pictures, goes off in church after you have been told to turn it off, and costs way too much? Every month? Why do you love the Chargers, but hate the way they play? Yet neglect the things of God.

Seems we are obsessed with the right now, and what it can do for me. A quickie nirvana. But God is looking ahead, and although He promises He is with you today, He wants to be with you for eternity. And you to be with Him. So gives the one way out of hell-and makes it a true/false, so the multiple choice options don't confuse you. A test that you have been given the answer to. So why do you not trust God? Would you fly in a plane He made? Yet, you won't give Him your life to fly you into eternity.

Progress has allowed us to trust things other than God. To not look to Jesus, but Google our problems. So, like I used to tell my customers when they tried to diagnose their car problems on the internet, "go ahead, and right click it. See if that fixes it." Maybe today is the day you take your life off of speed dial, you ditch the remote, don't Google for answers but turn to God. Ask Him, and watch as His spirit guides you. And take the guesswork out of where you will spend eternity.

Works in real life too. Take the stock market for instance. Based on rumor, innuendoes, and great expectations, it fluctuates wildly. Yet so many trust their savings to it. If Wall Street made a plane, would you fly in it?

Trust God. The only real answer. Only God can truly love you. He is the only way to heaven. And wants to show you how much right now. Why not trust someone who is 100% right all the time, doesn't lie, is trustworthy, patient, kind, and all knowing? So-trust God. NOW. Anything else is a gamble.

Do you trust the man who said He would resurrect Himself after three days? Wise men still seek Him. Now that would make a great t-shirt. If they made it, would you wear it?

Do you really need a t-shirt to show us you are a Christian?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

happiness is...

I stopped in that bastion of higher learning yesterday, Barnes and Noble, to see if they had my friend Mitch Boehm's excellent magazine Moto Retro Illustrated, only to find they were out. But while noticing others treating this like the public library, I too caught up on reading the British motorcycle mags, for free, saving myself $10 in the process. And I might have read more, but the smell coming from the coffee shop reminded me of the odor that came from an old Mercury I once owned just before it lost first and third gears, and became a second gear only automatic trans. Noticing that the few who would endure that smell to read free magazines had no coffee cups in front of them, I can see why they are losing money, and may go bankrupt-their most enterprising value is free, with little enterprise! But not deterred, I walked through the cheap books, and noticed a whole section of self help books. Which made me think, if I could help myself, why would I need their book? And there were many titles and topics to choose from. Many ways that promise happiness, from keeping your dog happy with more cheese, to yoga and goofy New Age practices, to how to how to make more money-as if that would actually bring happiness? My experience is that you generally just want more-and are never happy. And when a great document like the Declaration of Independence can only promise the pursuit of happiness, why would all these so called happiness seekers try a lesser reading than the D of I?

Remember the old Peanuts cartoons from the sixties Happiness is a .....? Even good old Charlie Brown couldn't find it, and today you still can't. There is always some Lucy out there to move the football at the last moment. It is temporary at best, fleeting at least, and is based on your perception of if you get what you want you will attain it. It is transitional at best, situational, and once you get it, you fear losing it, and have lost it. Think of it as your favorite team is winning with 4 seconds left, you are already celebrating when the QB fumbles on the last play, the other team recovers and scores! Can't happen? Ask the Giants? Or the Cowboys? Truly happiness is temporary, so why seek it? Is there something better? Or will Lucy always appear to move the ball?

I'm glad you asked. Too often joy and happiness are confused with each other. Happiness with its temporal existence falls far short of joy. Limited to emotions. For true joy-is there any other, only comes from God. It can be emotional, but not based on emotions-God is much more loving than that. Trusting Jesus allows that joy to enter your life. And the best definition of joy is "Joy is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of God." It doesn't checkout when the going gets tough. For joy is not temporal, not based on situations, and yours when you accept the Lord. And it is listed as part of the Fruit of the Spirit-right there between love and peace. What a great place to be!

You see joy is not an emotion, for that would limit its success. It is based on a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is eternal, and cannot be stolen from you, although many times we give it up when we try to equate it with happiness, therefore limiting its potential. Now that's a good example of why self help doesn't work. Joy is there when you lose your job. When the doctor orders more tests. When your spouse says she doesn't love you anymore. Even when your car won't start. Joy is there, for it is the presence of God. Who states He will never leave you or forsake you-unlike happiness. It is trusting God when there is no evidence of Him, just because of who He is. Not based on Him acting on your behalf, but you acting in trust of Him. Not seeking a temporary emotional lift, but a satisfying of your soul.

And you can't help yourself. Like Bob Lutz once commented, "you can't put two #2's together to make a #1!? You must trust God! So don't rob yourself of the joy God promises you. Trust Him today, and get something way beyond the ordinary-or more than you could ever expect or ask for.

Because with it comes the love and peace of God which surrounds it, and also brings kindness, goodness, patience, meekness, and long suffering-endurance of the situation. There are no laws against these things, and with God in the midst of them, who can be against you? Maybe this is why the Bible again this year will be the worldwide best seller. It is the only book to offer you peace, a peace that surpasses understanding. And that requires only trusting God from you to enter into it.

God is more than emotions. And more than situations. All things work for glory to those who love Him, and are called to His purpose. Simple, like the gospel. he doesn't need our help. God doesn't help those who help themselves-but is ready, willing, and able to help all who call on Him. Mercy-not getting what you deserve, and grace-getting what you don't deserve. He is waiting patiently for you to ask Him into your life now.

The Joy of the Lord is our strength. Help yourself to it right now! Sure beats helping yourself any day! And leaves more time for riding! Now that's JOY!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Mena, food, love and other four letter words

I first met Fr. Al's sister Mena on 9-11-2006. It was my first time to the Chapel, but not the first to Shanksville. God had put some special things on my heart, but in His own way, only let me know some of them. Like in Scrabble, He gave me the letters, the words would come. But He had also prepared me long before we went.

It was the 2006 Torches Across America ride, and we were planning on being in Shanksville for 9-11 this year. Fr. Al and I had been corresponding by e-mail about the day's events, when God put on my heart to ask about food. Shanksville has no places to eat, the Chapel is even farther from Somerset, and the Impact Site another 4 miles. They had some basic food available at the chapel for donation, but not what they wanted. So God placed on my heart to send money, and with help from a few other CMA chapters, we sent him a check-not big to us, but overwhelming when you have nothing. And so food would be available. Two loaves and five fish in today's terms. On to Shanksville.

Per custom, it rained, and after I spoke, and we had the bell ringing ceremony, I went down to the tents where the food was. There were hot dogs, donuts, hulaska, and sausage, onions, and pepper sandwiches-Mena's. As I stood in line, I heard the women talking about some Christian bikers who had provided money for food-they were blown away how someone they had never met, over 3000 miles away would do this, but of course this was another miracle of the Chapel. As I stood there, I didn't want to call attention to myself, this was God's plan, I just obeyed Him, but I wanted them to have a face for what was done, so I identified myself. And the tears started to flow. They were so glad to meet me, and soon I had introduced others to them. One of them Shirley, would be very special to Theresa.

It took hours until the families from Flight 93 arrived from the impact site, along with them the employees of UAL from Newark-friends of the heroes. And they were starved, and were able to eat! Mena's sausage and peppers! Over 500 ate that day based on the simple gift God told us to give. With some left over, sound like a Bible story? Soon the word spread because the servers shared about our gift, and we were able to show them love among the hugs and kisses. Some stewardesses even were in tears that anyone would care about them, our cheeks were wet with the tears of joy. One man, Leroy Homer's brother in law came up, Nattily attired, he looked like Neon Deion, he embraced us in tears, the love had touched him too. Maybe there was more to the loaves and fishes that day with Jesus, just like there was for us. Such appreciation, for such a simple gift of love via obedience. Leave it to God to bless many with very little. And to me, the sausage and peppers would always remind me of that special time.

Remember Shirley, the lady special to Theresa? Seems her son had been killed in a car accident, and was buried across from the chapel. As she and Theresa talked, Shirley said he had died on August 20th, my son's birthday. And she took her over to the grave, and got to minister with her, I will never forget the sight of them praying together at his headstone. And I was so glad I introduced myself when in line getting food. All credit and glory be to God.

Two weeks ago Mena made her last trip to the Chapel. Her body full of cancer and in pain, she wanted one last trip to the chapel to make her sausage and peppers. Her last act of love for the heroes, on the tenth anniversary of their heroism. Her two sons did most of the cooking, and when they were done, she wanted to go home. She knew God had kept her alive for this one last trip, and now He was calling her home. His house. Heaven was closer the day she died than her home on earth, and God told her "come, let's go to mine. No more cancer, no more pain. Your job is complete here. It's time to rest." And she knew, and that was why she wanted to go home, God was calling. Mena then knew her job was done. She was at Shanksville as a surprise to her brother, and against the doctor's advice. But not God's calling. And the next week she passed into eternity-home at last!

I was the last e-mail Fr. Al sent before he took off for Downingtown to have her funeral. He said Mena was appreciative of all the love, support, and prayers. So thanks to all who prayed. You will see her in heaven.

So after a short period of grief, I wanted to do something to support my friend and to honor her. I went out and had a sausage and pepper sandwich. Not as good as hers, and it took longer to eat through the tears. It seems it had a salty taste to it. Strange, I thought. But then I realized it was laced with tears. Mine. Tears of sadness for my friend. And how hers was laced with love. That was the difference. As in life, as in cooking, Jesus' love still makes a difference. The one ingredient only He can add to any food, occasion, or relationship. Love.

"Just another sandwich," you ask. And I suppose your God is just another God. Make sure it is a special relationship based on Jesus. For just like Mena's sandwiches, He fills them with love. And just like life, He makes it worth the living-just because He lives!

Another Chapel miracle, and another reason to visit there-soon. I can smell the peppers already. Tell Fr. Al "Mena's friend Mike sent ya."

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

manna-what is it?

I like to eat. One glance will confirm that. But I have specific tastes, and will eat just about anything if it tastes good. So I like the idea of man sized portions. On platters. Food that fills the platter. I actually get embarrassed for these so-called gourmet restaurants that serve you a bite sized morsel, with some stringy veggies, some dressing sprinkled around it, and a flower. And over charge you like they are doing you a favor. How unmanly? What kind of real man would actually sit down and eat a half a sissy meal like this? One time-we all make mistakes, aren't you glad God forgives? I've had appetizers that were more filling-and then the main event. Portions count-as in big. Food should taste like food. Lumps OK in mashies. Butter on those green beans. Extra gravy on the side. Sizzle that steak. Enough to get filled, so much that you skip desert. Ride a few miles, then hit the Coldstones. So here are a few places where portions count, the food is good, service good, and the meal is an event.

For breakfast you can't beat the Original Pantry. Downtown LA on 9th and Figueroa, free parking for motorcycles. Sounds good already. My standard there is bacon-6 crispy, thick pieces, eggs, and buckwheat pancakes. With potatoes. Which takes three plates to serve you. BIG pancakes, three 11" manhole covers, not those sissy sized ones at IHOP, and real potatoes from the grill, there again not the frozen ones like chains serve. All in an atmosphere where when you can sit at the counter, maybe next to a bum, a lawyer, or a businessman-who are all harder to tell apart these days. CASH only, but they do have an ATM. And you may have to stand in line, and they are open 24 hours-they have never closed since 1924, the legend is there are no keys to the door. Breakfast all the time! Bring your appetite, you are gonna love those buckwheats!

For a good sandwich you must leave California. And go back east. The left coasters just don't get it-you must put stuff between the bread. Lots of it. And for me, it is Primonti Bros. in Pittsburgh. Now a chain, for the real experience you must go downtown to the original in the Strip District. Following the directions on their web page, they actually take you down an alley-follow them if you want to park. In an old neighborhood, where at first you wonder how safe you are, going inside all is forgiven. And although the list of sandwiches is long, I favor the cheese steak, there all-time #2 best seller-no indication of what #1 is. And they are all served the same. Thick cut, hand sliced Italian bread. Then the meat. Then a handful of hand cut French fries, then finally a handful of Italian slaw-the kind with vinegar instead of mayo. Cut in half, open wide and let the games begin. After Primonti Bros., anything is just a meal. Here it is an event! No sissy designer food here. Just mention them to anyone in the Pittsburg area, and they'll agree. Hint-for your own safety do not mention the Chargers. There are the Steelers, and the rest are others. Just like any other sandwich you will ever have.

For dinner, let's go to El Cholo. Since 1923 serving the best Mexican food in So Cal. New Mexican food is its own category. Great service, large portions, and a festive atmosphere, you will wonder how do they get all that flavor from the food? Fajitas as they should be, although lately I have been gorging on the chicken chimichangas. If you think Alberto's is Mexican food, stay away. Mexican Alpo. You won't get it. This is the way the old Mamacitas cooked it, and still do. Only an hour to Irvine from home, we also eat at the one in Pasadena. And recently found the one on Figueroa just down the street from the Pantry. Great way to get in a ride and a good meal, along with friends. WARNING-do not attempt to eat at both on the same day. Death from food overload could occur. Besides it may take all day to recover from breakfast. Spread out the joy of eating over a few trips. Almost makes the traffic bearable. Lane splitting advised.

Seems we have come a long way from manna. Food that God provided every morning-except Saturdays, so they could observe the Sabbath, and it was fresh and tasted sweet. But the Israelites got tired of it, and soon desired to go back into captivity in Egypt, where at least the food was good. And ended up wandering in the wilderness for 40 years-while God still fed them and listened to their complaining. He then reminded them that man does live by bread alone, but truly lives by obeying the words from God-true manna. A truth that still exists today. So why don't you trust God? As a people we are well fed, for a reminder read above. God has given in abundance, and even sent His son, Jesus to die for our sins. So why don't you trust God? Where do I start?

Ever notice how the food tastes better after asking God's blessing? Good place to start. And soon you find other reasons to thank Him for-because you are looking for reasons to. So don't grumble like the Israelites did-captivity is not where it is at. Choose God. Let Him lead. Let Him forgive. And get out and tell others. While at lunch, or between bites of buckwheats. Sit at the counter and visit, not preach. Spread the gospel through good food, and learn also why Jesus liked to fellowship with others-both believers and non, while eating. So pass the salt with a smile, pass the syrup to the man next to you, offer to move down a seat so both guys can sit together at the counter, and start a conversation by being nice. Good food has a habit of making good friends. Be nice, kindness the Bible calls it, the fruit of the spirit. Now that's being a witness!

And leave a big tip. Be known for your graciousness. Jesus is. Sharing Jesus never tasted so good. And feel safe in knowing that man doesn't live by bread alone-it needs something between the pieces to make it a sandwich. Grace-it adds flavor to any meal-and to every life.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

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