rental car religion

We’re back!  Did you wonder where we have been for 26 days, 13 states, and 7300 miles?  We were out among the people of the US of A, on the back roads, where life is and life continues to be.  Where all the weeks of planning turned flexible the first night, as a fire in Yarnell detoured us to Surprise, Arizona.  As our new Tiger left home with 630 miles on it, not even broken in yet, but came home a seasoned road vet.  Where we saw how and why and who make the verse in America the Beautiful come to life when we sing of how “God shed his grace on thee.”  And it was hard coming back, for when the road calls, an answer must be given.  And in our case, we said “let’s ride!”

We started with a destination, Loess Hills in Iowa, pronounced “Luss,” and only took 4000 miles to get there, only 2000 miles away.  And because of our back road mentality, we ate at great places like Los Amigos in Santa Fe, far off the beaten path.  An old house, where the locals meet.  Don’t forget to have a sopapilla.  We ate a great breakfast in Bellevue, Iowa, Grandpa’s Café, on the Mississippi, where a man brought us a paper to look at, his wife told us about where she was born down the road, and the owner directed us to Savanna, the motorcycle roads are better on the other side of the river.  It was Linda at the Husker Motel, on old US 30 in North Platte, Nebraska, in a renovated 1960’s motel, where $62 got you a great room, quiet, and when checking in, gave us a huge container of chicken soup, she had just made.  Along with a muffin and cocoanut chocolate candies.  To welcome us along the road.  It was the guys at Baxter Cycle in Marne, Iowa, where in an old town of 400, maybe, they sell collector bikes all over the world, and welcome travellers like us, and call us by our first name.  Who give the tour of the back room, a museum in itself.  And it is breakfast at Dave’s Old House, in the only commercial building left being used in Pisgah, where a hand printed sign tell you “credit card machine broke.”  No need to explain to a yuppie that means cash only.  And everyone is greeted by name, and for $4.25 you get a tenderloin that covers the plate.  And it is Elida’s in Springer, New Mexico, more locals only, with the occasional riders like us, meeting Elida, and talking with a couple outside, who remind us New Mexico is really the Land of Entrapment, just one sunset will tell you why. And not a rental car to be seen....

At the same time some friends took a similar trip through the west.  Flying to Denver, they picked up their rental car, with GPS, and then drove down I-25 to Santa Fe, and then dropped it off at the airport in Albuquerque.  We may have been in the same states, but saw different states altogether. A completely different state of mind.  In climate controlled comfort, they went from car to hotel, car to dinner, then back.  Following a AAA guide, or any other sponsored tour, they missed all we saw and did.  And if shown pictures of our ride, Theresa took over 6500, would wonder where we had been.  They never left the sanitized life they have at home, and never would have encountered Jeremiah Brinkley and his horse Skipper, walking across America, when we stopped by a rushing stream at 9000+ feet.  Not in any guide book, they really were prisoners to someone else’s trip, where we got to plan our own.  And see the real America, and meet real Americans.   Where at the Siesta Motel in Durango they provided towels and a hose to wash your motorcycle, never heard of any one washing their rental car have you?  We left home...I’m not sure if they ever did.  Are there any good pictures or memories taken from behind the windshield of a rental car? 

You may hit the road, but that doesn’t mean you are going anywhere.  It is like a life with no joy in it.  Or a relationship with God but not being personal.  Call it rental car relationship, you know exactly what to expect, because it is preplanned, and no surprises are included.  They are purposely deleted, or planned out of the relationship.  And if you don’t like it, turn it in for another.  So many witness of a personal relationship with Jesus, but then fall into organized religion, claiming theirs is different, but really the same, just packaged different.  Their relationship may be Sunday church, Tuesday Bible study, Thursday lunch with some other Christians, but it is the same every week, down to where and what to have to eat.  They know that at 30 minutes into the service the teaching begins, that there will be an altar call, and the same ones will go forward for prayer.  They brag about reading through the Bible in a year, but don’t live it.  Their lives are like a rental car, used then cleaned up for the next guy to use, safe and secure including a GPS, just in case they miss their exit and are lost.  They have no leading of the spirit, but are encased in a church based, organized life.  Their relationship with God is like the movie Pleasantville, until the color of Jesus comes into their lives.  And when they follow the spirit, they stand out, and soon feel unwelcome, they are different, not the same.  They are free, the rental car mentality turned in for a new life in Christ, and the blessings begin to flow.  At one time they looked at the pictures, dreaming of taking them someday.  Now they desire to be in the picture.....if a story was written about your life in Christ would you want to read it?  Would you want to rent it? 

Life is not measured in miles or church attendance, it is more personal than that.  Get to know Jesus, be led by his spirit.  Ditch the GPS, and ask God which way to go, which road to follow.  30 years ago I remember when Gary bought the Durango Diner from Jim, and he is still there today, maybe the best breakfast you will ever eat.  But he only sees life from behind the counter, we see it from a different viewpoint, and his wistful look told us he would sell out if the right offer came along.  Is your life in Christ the same as it was 30 years ago?  Have the promises of God been in others lives but not in your own?  Trust God, take a trip in the spirit.  Get off the between track of the same old same old.  Detour like we did to Riverside, Iowa, where behind the beauty parlor, and between old buildings, is a marker showing the future birthplace of James T.Kirk, in 2228.  Or to Carhenge in Alliance, Nebraska.  Ever heard of the White Pole Road?  Neither place found in any tour guides, but available when you leave your trip planning up to God.  He promises you a full life of abundance, he calls it freedom, in the spirit.  We call it life.  Get out and live it, God’s way.  Truly where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty.  Along with good food and memories yet to be made.  If you have to ask, I don’t think you would understand.....live a life in the spirit where supersized doesn’t mean extra fries....experience Jesus, don’t settle for just an education.  And go boldly where many men have never gone before......

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

like trying to herd cats

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

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

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

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

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

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

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

ever heard a love song about a Prius?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

love with compassion,

Mike

mattew25biker.blogspot.com