riding under the influence

As a biker, motorcyclist, and bikerider, there are five movies that have influenced my life-all about motorcycles of course. Each one portrays a different aspect of the motorcycling world, and each one have parts in it that are highly personal. Not seen in chronological order, but it seems the order I did see them was important in my life.

Easy Rider was on last night, and I can remember sitting through it three times at the Cinema when I first saw it. Not only was the music great, but the freedom that was shown by these two guys riding cross country, somehow I knew I would some day. So at age 21 I took off cross country by myself, and have never looked back. But as pretty as the west was, it was the south that captivated me, and on my first long trip, from NJ to Florida, encountered prejudice-real prejudice for the first time. Although I grew up near Newark, and next to Plainfield, and remembered the riots of 1967, I had never seen true bigotry. My first encounter was in 1974 in Georgia, where I held open a door at a KFC for a black women-and while the restaurant full of white diners looked at me, she said "sir, you don't have to do that, it's OK." And by her tone, and their glares, I didn't, but went in first-and never forgot the bigotry I saw that day. And every time I travel in the south, I am reminded of that day. In a movie all about freedom of spirit, and the road, it reminds me that only in Jesus can you truly be free.

Little Fauss and Big Halsy-a great movie, but hard to find. Robert Redford plays Halsey Knox, a womanizing, privateer racer, looking for a factory ride. In between one night stands, and races, he pals with Little Fauss, played by Michael J. Pollard, who is a better wrench and rider, and who eventually gets the factory ride-while Halsey gets Lauren Hutton. We all should be such gracious losers. Racing is more important, but I guess he could always pack her double. And you aren't always racing, as she gets pregnant. And for years my friends and I carried a toothbrush in our back pocket like Halsey did, thinking it was cool. Hoping to run into Lauren Hutton. And years later it was my intro to the racing world-where I found no one carried a toothbrush like that-except me. Lauren, where'd you go?

On Any Sunday-what can you say. The best movie to get the blood going and getting you off the sofa and out riding. Steve McQueen, motorcyclist and actor, as he liked to be known, Malcolm Smith, and Mert the Dirt are still heroes, and as I watch it again and again, remember the golden era of racing, before the factories took over, and it became a business. Made the same time as Little Fauss, it showed the real side of racing-and heroes that are still heroes today. And how many can remember that to get the #1 plate you had to compete in TT, short track, the mile, and road racing-back when to be a champion you had to win in them all? Fast shoes, who could do it all-the guys I still wish I was one of. Riding and racing because it was fun!

Ask my boys, who know all the lines, and the Wild One still makes a great impact. Johnny, my love, played by Brando, and Lee Marvin, as Chino-still get my blood going as I watch them scrambling with their clubs-"and after a long week, "as Johnny says, "you just gotta jam, you know pow!" And I do. And the feeling of the club with you, and the freedom of the ride-sometimes get to be too much. I just gotta go-pow! And every time I am in Malibu Canyon, can still see them making the right turn onto Mulholland Highway from Las Virgenes -long before the Rock Store was, but still, bikers truly understanding the brotherhood-and the freedom of the road. "What you rebelling against Johnny?" "Whatta ya got" And I can even wear my BRMC sweatshirt-if you gotta ask, you don't know. And the real reason we all used to go to Hollister, before it became a law enforcement weekend. Did you know the soundtrack is a legend among jazz types? Look it up-great music for in the cage when it's raining.

A customer who doesn't ride gave me World's Fastest Indian, and I'm glad he did. Anthony Hopkins plays Bert Munro to perfection, and watching as one man's dream becomes reality encourages me when I get down or behind. His commitment to go fast, and the brotherhood of other racers help him to attain his dream, show me I am on the right track.

For years I have said that I wish the church could understand brotherhood like the biking community does. We aren't perfect-either group, but each group is based on a single entity. Bikers on bikes, and Jesus is the heart of Christianity-without Christ there would be none. But as I get closer to God, my peer group becomes more Christ like-putting life into their style, and showing me how the family does understand true brotherhood. It's the posers-in church and on the road that don't get it, and unfortunately those are the ones most people remember. The news only shows someone in leather with loud pipes, and tells us that is a biker, but don't see they have families too, who have the same problems as the other citizens-death, taxes, and health issues. And I find very few real bikers who would be interviewed-why talk with the enemy, they'll get it all wrong anyway. And the world only sees when a Christian falls-in act they can't wait, it makes them fell better, but seldom show how they express the love of Jesus,except to deny Franklin Graham from leading a prayer on the National Day of Prayer. We wouldn't want anyone to show love would we? So I propose a movie, about Christian bikers, with all types of bikers in it-not just playing themselves, but being themselves. No posers-we know who you are! Toy rides, club runs, racers, cross country tours, scrambling, and just hanging with your pals. And how respect and brotherhood aren't left at the door, but taken out among the lost and dying. Just like Jesus did, and as He instructed us. "AS you go," He says, "preach the gospel." Show love, listen when you could be talking, and you may find that we are not all that different, and we all want the same thing. Freedom. And my prayer is that you find it in Jesus. He is the only way, the only truth, and the only life. Not rules-but freedom! Different from what religion has told you I'm sure!

I even have a title for it-On Any Sunday, the Wild Ones become Easy Riders! Until then, John 3:16 will have to do-read it and live it. True freedom was won at the cross-so we all can ride! Kick stands up!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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DUEL!

Probably one of the scariest things that can happen to you is being chased. Add the fear of actually being caught to that, and what can happen and nothing else comes close. Then add to that, a faceless, inanimate adversary, who you don't know, and wants to kill you, and you don't know why, and you truly know fear. Such is the premise for one of my favorite movies-and it's even in color, Duel. Steven Spielberg's first film, an ABC movie of the week, it is about a truck, whose driver we never see, chasing a timid man across the desert in his 1969 Plymouth Valiant, trying to kill him by running him off the road. For almost 90 minutes you are so scared you, you find yourself in the car with David Mann, trying to outduel the truck. I will not tell you the end-see it.

Theresa and I had our own Duel experience. In 1978, we lived in a cabin at Vallecito Lake, outside of Durango. No work, and our hearts were leaning towards ministry, so we answered an ad for house parents for Colorado Boys Ranch in La Junta, about 300 miles, and over the mountain from us. After talking with them, we decided to go for a interview, and drove our Rabbit. We were over Wolf Creek Pass in daylight, but by the time we hit Walsenburg, it was dark. Remember this was when the speed limit was 55mph, and cops would ticket you for 60, so we kept the pace down.

Now the road after Walsenburg is flat, straight , and nothing for about 100 miles. Not the place to break down, or as we found out, encounter a Duel-like trucker. We were running along at about 60mph, when a set of headlights came up on us fast. Staying a steady speed, we waited for them to pass, but they didn't, or more accurately wouldn't. This huge truck stayed on our tail, sometimes so close that his headlights illuminated the inside of our car, and sometimes so close you couldn't even see the headlights! It was an eerie feeling being followed/chased like that, and we got scared. At that time it was not unusual for truckers to take a lot of speed, and looking back this guy might have been strung out, nuts, suicidal, or just out to scare someone. It didn't matter-we were scared for our lives. Much of the time all I could see was a huge grill filling my rear window, and I even considered having Theresa shoot at the truck, taking out our rear window and his radiator. She even had the gun pointed. We eventually sped up to over 85mph, trying to outrun him, with no success, the truck still glued to our mirror, it's dark outside, and no place to pull off-all there was was high desert. Finally, with fear overtaking us, and no other way out, we pulled off at a high speed into the dirt and slammed on the brakes-as the tanker semi went by honking his horn. We sat for a few minutes to get our composure back, where are the cops when you need them?

Fortunately, the truck didn't turn around-another one of our fears, and we made it to La Junta safely-and shaken.

Your adversary the devil chases you looking to devour you. And sometimes the chase can be worse than the confrontation. We are reminded to not look back, ala Lot's wife, but sometimes when in fear all we can see is our past. And when we do, we often forget how God got us through things in the past. And how He will again, if we let Him. We are told to resist the devil and he will flee-good advice, but then to put on the things of God-a two step process. You see when the devil flees, it leaves a void, and there is always something, not always holy to fill it. So we need God to fill the void, to fill the vacancy created, and only He can.

Remembering that God is love, the best way to resist the devil is to love your enemy back. Now at the time I hated that trucker, it was the evil inside him I really hated. And we need to be reminded that our battle is not against people, but powers of evil. And the best way to resist him is to love your enemy. No shouting, or casting him out-Jesus already overcame him at the cross. Love your enemy! Hate the sin-not the sinner.

Unfortunately-society has it all wrong, and is watching our reactions. I hope you can disappoint them the next time, by not over reacting, but reacting in love. Walk your talk-resist the devil and he will flee! He cannot stand love-because God is love! And watch as the Lord deals with your situation unlike you would have in hate. Revenge is His business, and you don't mess with His children! And like most situations, the one who retaliates gets caught! Don't fall into the trap!

Trust Him today, no matter what is chasing you, whether a family matter, financial situation, joblessness, or a truck is gaining on you. Trust God! He is always one step ahead, but never too far that He can't be reached. He saved our lives on the road that night, somewhere in all our fear, He knew and our cry for help was answered.

By the way, we got the job-but didn't take it. God had something better for us, and gave us two sons to raise instead. That can be scary too! So turn your eyes upon Jesus today, and watch as the things of earth grow dim in the light of His glory and grace.

Make mine a ham and cheese on rye, R-Y-E! Watch the movie! But for the things of God, read the book!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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it's 1963, do you know where your parents are?

Theresa and I were talking the other night that we are so glad we don't have to date again. After 32 years of marriage, we have honored our commitment to each other, and it has honored us, and it has honored God. That doesn't mean it has been easy, but we honored that commitment, no matter the fight, and God has been gracious to us. We truly believe that God has made the two of us one, and I am thankful for the gift He has given me, just like He gave Eve to Adam. And it has made me a protector and respecter of her, as with the gift God tells me to love her like Jesus loves the church-a great equalizer for those men too foolish to realize that aren't her boss-but her co-equal! And although society seems to favor the man in many areas, the women have the final say many times.

Over 40 years ago, dating was different. Most young guys would hang out at the shop for awhile, bench racing until it was time for their haircut. A scheduled event, as when hair was shorter, you got it cut every other week, and had your favorite barber. The owner usually had the chair by the window, and for 75 cents you got a trim. And while waiting read through magazines forbidden at home like Esquire and For Men Only. You discussed things like if Kennedy was still president this Viet Nam thing wouldn't be out of control, new cars with bigger engines, and will anyone ever beat the Yankees. And how about Koufax and Drysdale? Could anyone imagine haircuts like the Beatles? Truly a male domain-without a female in sight-as it should be.

Women had their counter part-the salon. Where they would go to get beautiful, and discuss things like Liz Taylor, who just divorced her sixth, or was it seventh husband, and who would be her seventh, or was it eighth? Can you believe the new styles this year-wow! And how about those cute guys the Beatles-will my boyfriend ever get a haircut like that? OOOOOOOH! Truly a woman's domain, without men-as it should be.

And while the guys would polish their car, or their parents car if they were without, the girls went clothes shopping for their date that night. No one dated on Fridays-Saturday was the night. Especially if it was your steady.

But if not, you could tell a lot about the date by listening to the men talk. If she had one name, like Betty or Shirley, all the guys knew she was easy-and she never met your parents. A cheap date, in more ways than one. With more go than show, unlike your mom's sedan. But if she had two names, Like Suzy Smith, or Laura Jones, she had the possibility of being a steady, so you might invest in a burger after the movie. Just the opposite with the girls. You're going out with Greg Lane? Yuk-be careful. Much different from, so you're seeing Eddie again-he is so dreamy. Hang onto him!

And finally the big time came to pick up your date, in your clean and shiny car-hoping she would notice, but really shining it up for the guys. Girls just never noticed how much the hood shines in the dark, or how you had the radio buttons programmed to all the best stations. And your date would look all prim and proper-sweaters and skirts, the way it oughta be. Without the benefit of spandex, and not wondering if this skirt made her look fat, as clothes fit back then, and weren't worn two sizes too small. And as you held the door for her to get in, she was hoping you would notice, but really showing off for her friends. For most of us couldn't tell if it came from Kresges or Larkeys. And the smell of perfume making her so attractive-so notice! There will be a test later, well maybe just a quiz-open book!

And after a movie and a burger and Coke, you would go parking, finally getting the only benefit your mom's car had to offer over the Super Sport you desired-bench seats! Hopefully she wouldn't sit next to her door all night. And saving you a trip to the rear. And how could time could fly so fast when you were having so much fun? And not understanding how you had to have her home by midnight, you could get into just as much trouble before, and you had-sometimes. You were 16, a man, and it was truly a man's world, as you were in control, at least your date would let you think that-up to a point. You had picked the restaurant, the movie, and now the place to park. Based on her OK-of course. You were a gentlemen, hoping that she would be like a lady, until later. Relationships were made and kept based on these intimate moments. Some that would last through marriage, and beyond.

Your whole life is about relationships. With people, jobs, motorcycles, and hopefully God. Jesus tells us to seek His kingdom first, and all else will be added unto you. And you find this is true in all things, but really true in marriage. Just like Jesus is head of the church, men have head over their wives, not to control, but to encourage, and protect. True love demands a choice, and the wise husband chooses to love his wife this way. Even putting himself out, and putting up with her, as she does with him. Being strong when she is weak, and being there when she needs him. After God, she is his top priority, and he honors God by honoring her. And the closer to God he is, the more he loves his wife, and the more she responds. There will times she needs new clothes, or a trip to the beauty parlor. Greg Laurie says if the house needs paint, do it. Unlike my old friend Carl, who would drop his wife off at the beauty parlor for an estimate. The two have truly become one in Christ-and they will endure.

Things have changed in 45 years, but men and women still need each other. And still need Jesus. We may go to salons instead of barber shops, and I'm am so glad we don't have to park-I get tired after 930pm. But I am always glad to come home to the wife for life God has given me. I hope you do too. And you young guys and gals-seek Jesus now, and let Him guide you to that perfect mate. This can be the time of your life. Looks will fade, hair will fall out, and bucket seats will look better to you than a bench. But remember your first love-Jesus, and be the kind of husband your wife desires and she will be the wife of your dream. And you will have a peace that surpasses understanding.

Overheard a while ago, two women talking, about their long time husbands. When asked how she knew her husband still loved her and thought she was beautiful after all the years, she commented "whenever I bend over he never misses a chance to look down my shirt." May we all be so blessed, but look up first, seek God, and still desire our wives for years to come. And may they still find us as desirable. For God has said, "the two shall become one..." Still crazy after all these years-crazy about my wife.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

fill 'er up, part 1

My parents next door neighbor, Bill Del Nero, aka Willie, owned a service station with his brother Frank in the 60's and 70's. Notice I said service, not gas station, as these neighborhood stations not only provided gas, but had service bays to keep your car greased and oiled, to diagnose the noises you heard, and to do tune-ups. And a hangout for other gear heads on Saturday mornings. Work was performed on a personal basis, and it seemed everyone had one that they frequented. The Del Neros had a Gulf station, and they did pump a lot of gas, along with checking tire pressures, the oil, and washing the windshield.

One Sunday morning Willie called my dad. His Sunday afternoon guy would be out for a few hours, could I fill in from noon to 5? Sure, I was a freshman in high school, got mostly A's and B's,except for Miss Culhane, and was a starter on the basketball team. Plus it paid $10 for five hours of work. In this era of nickel candy bars, Twinkies for a nickel, comics for twelve cents, and Mad magazine for 35 cents-Cheap, I could live like a millionaire. And with no car or girlfriend, my money would be my own. Of course-and I was out the door.

Now a funny thing about experience is that you can't teach it. I had never pumped gas before, although I had often gotten 25 cents worth for my dad's mower, and had watched as my parents ordered $2 worth from the attendant. But never saw the oil checked-they were suspicious because pump jockeys were notorious for short sticking, and I think I might have seen him once check the air. And the closer I got to the service station, the more I realized I wasn't in ninth grade, and my grades didn't matter here. But the guy who was leaving was cool, gave me the key to the register, and he was off. Leaving me alone-I mean ALONE, to run the place. And it seems the bell signaling someone in the drive never stopped ringing. Fortunately all was done on a cash basis, but learning which side the filler was on, learning how to not have a digit removed from the license plate springing back on the filler located behind it, and washing the windows was easy. I even managed to check the oil on a few cars, all OK. But some dude threw me a curve when he asked me to check his trans fluid. DUH! So I pulled the dipstick by the trans-good thinking, and checked it like I did the oil. Full, he was ready to go, paid, and was off. It was later when my tortuous shift was over that I read in one of the magazines laying around you do it with the car running, and that there are two types. So I worried for two days, that this guy's tranny would blow up because I hadn't checked it right.

Willie paid the $10, thanked me and said I had done a good job. But for a few days I was afraid for a knock on the door from him. "There's a guy here whose transmission blew up from lack of fluid-he said you had checked it and it was OK." And there would go my $10, my reputation, and my chance to do it again. But I still had my A's and B's, and was a starter on the basketball team. And still had Miss Culhane for English.

Jesus tells us in Luke of some fisherman, who after fishing all night, and catching nothing, washed their nets and were going home-hungry and empty netted. When He suggested they throw their nets off the right side, they reluctantly did, and found them filled to overflowing-in fact it took three boats to take in the catch. But He was preparing these men-His disciples for catching something else, to be fishers of men. And they needed His training, for all the previous experience would not work with souls-only soles. And without the spirit guiding them, they would accomplish nothing. Experiences you can't teach, they must be experienced! But they had to follow the spirit-Jesus to do things they had never done before, and this took faith, and commitment. No more stories about the one that got away, or sleeping in on Sundays. It was personal with them, and their past did not prepare them for where they were going, and going to do. Like these fisherman, we too get stuck in a religion, when we need a relationship. Filling a pew, and stinking it up is a religion, where Jesus offers us a relationship. And it takes participation on our part, and choices to make. You say "I've been healthy all my life, I can't have cancer. We've been married 30 years, she can't leave me. I've worked here for 20 years, and am a manager, they can't let me go." Or "I've been a member of this church since I was a kid, I know all about God, even taught Sunday school. I don't need this Jesus thing." And you would be wrong! For experience doesn't prepare us for failure, or how to handle situations of the heart. You need to see the creator, and Jesus is the only way to His father! He can and will take you through cancer-restore a rocky marriage, and take care of you when you are jobless. And He wants to do it-personally. And like the fisherman, will show you the way-but only if you listen and trust Him.

Willie trusted me, and I hope I didn't let him down. Today let down your nets, let Jesus fill them, and watch as you do things, go places, and experience life like you never knew possible. A full service God in a self service world. I would call that a bargain.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

been there-done that, got the shirt to prove it

This is for all of you who, when came down dressed to go out, were greeted with "you're going out in that?" And to those who are so used to hearing " I wouldn't be caught dead in that outfit." This is dedicated to those of you forced to wear a tie, and actually thinking it makes you look good. Reality check. And to those of you with over 100 t-shirts in your closet, but have nothing to wear to the next rally, so go out and buy another. Remember these condescending words always come from someone who loves us, but can't believe we are so vainfully ignorant of the proper shoes to go with the right purse. Please, what color doesn't go with denim? Or black leather?

To those of you, who like my friend Mark, believe there are only two colors a leather jacket can be, both black-help is on the way. Not in your wardrobe, but how to handle these vanity laden, socially ignorant, non-biker types. To those of you who think Von Dutch is a clothing company, and don't realize he is the father of custom painting. Real name Kenny Howard. And don't realize Hollister is the home of the American biker, not another clothing line. Posers-pay attention, you may learn something.

The last two years of Torches Across America I was the spokesman. And we always started from Kennedy's Custom Cycle in Oceanside, and Mayor Jim Woods came out and saw us off. The first year, he showed up in a three piece suit. Fit right in, just not with bikers. If we painted him pink he would not have stuck out more. When I introduced him, I commented on his outfit, and how the only three piece suits most bikers see are when they are in court, and the trust factor may be more tolerant if he didn't wear one. He laughed with us, knowing it was in good humor, and removed his tie. We all laughed, and Jim felt more at ease.

The next year, he comes up to me at the send off wearing a Hawaiian shirt, with his expensive slacks. "Look Mike, I'm not wearing a tie!" We all laughed as we told him his taste was getting better, and we were glad he made the effort to associate with us. Later on the trip, we are in Cambridge, Ohio, great town and people. The mayor, comes out, in a three piece suit. And while standing next to me, I tell the story of Mayor Jim. And the crowd starts laughing. Now my jokes weren't that funny, and my fly wasn't open, so I looked to see why they were laughing. And the mayor, had taken off his tie and sport coat, and put on his leather vest-he was a biker too!

And finally on that same ride, we were in Shanksville at the Chapel for the fifth anniversary of Flight 93 and 9-11. We had just finished the ceremony with the lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, when she steps out of the crowd and pokes me in the chest. "Hey, I'm one of you, my husband and I both ride Harleys!" And suddenly her uniform and badges didn't matter, she was a biker. She was one of us. And all of us bikers, most of the crowd at that point started visiting with her, openly and informally, while mixing with her bodyguards too. No pressure, they felt safe in a crowd of bikers, leather, denim, and t-shirts, and all.

There is a freedom not found in the law that allows us to be who we want to be, and better yet can be. Only in Jesus is this freedom found, and sadly not in some churches. I have been pointed to the back row before because of my leather jacket. But why, does Mrs. So and So sit up front in her Gucci leather? My t-shirt may not have a religious message, so why do I get secondary seats? Have you seen the price of biker shirts lately? They ain't cheap. Perhaps the lesson here is not to prejudge people. Not a new problem, people in Jesus time did it too, and He warned them about giving priorities to the better dressed, or monied people. He also warned that these were the men who took you court and sued you. See, I was quoting scripture to Mayor Jim. Trendiness has a price, in that styles change, but Jesus never does. Better than leather and denim, He has been in style for 2000 years. Love never changes-is that cool or what? And is not impressed by what you wear, but about your heart. That no clothes can cover, we all see through them. Can you imagine Mary or Joseph confronting Jesus, "you going out in that tunic?" What will the Pharisees say? And His answer, "I'm wearing another cloak over it, in case someone needs it." He is so cool. You see real style comes in what are actions, attitudes, and words say about Jesus. A light that you cannot put under a cover-whether it is silk or leather. Clothes don't make the man-Jesus does. An idea to remember next time you consider your clothes for the evening.

Who are you trying to impress? Pride can be subtle. If you see me, impress me with your love for others. Maybe even be nice, ask where did I get the new t-shirt? And don't look down at those who aren't dressed as well. You see knowing Jesus makes you cool, and no outfit, regardless of the label can change that. Check your pride at the door.

"You going out in that? To church?" Yes, and it's the love of Christ that we wish to display. So wear Him everywhere. Openly. Never out of style, nor condescending, nor expensive. He fits any and every occasion. Freedom from style. A life style.

Don't even get me started about Von Dutch shirts or torn jeans for the fashion conscious. Again, bikers have been in style for years, we were just too cool to comment. You wouldn't have gotten the message anyway. But don't ever miss the chance to make a statement about the love of Christ. Just might find you are starting another trend-love. Let me know when the shirts are available.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

weight is the enemy

You may not know or even have heard the name Raymond Loewy, but I'll bet you have had contact with him. As the premier industrial designer of the twentieth century, he brought form to anything from mimeograph machines, to locomotives, to Studebakers. But his crowning achievement is his design for the Coca Cola bottle and its famous shape-he was the one who designed it-a trade marked design that has lasted over 80 years. A design that he made identifiable with the female shape, both shapes being more form than function. Among his trade mark designs are Shell gasoline and the Lucky Strike logo. Furniture, houses, even appliances bear his mark. His mark is recognized in cars, trains, and busses also. And among classic car hobbyists he is best remembered for the 1953 Studebakers, the Loewy coupes as they are still referred to today, and the Avanti, which was designed over a long weekend in Palm Springs by a crack crew of designers under his supervision. A design that still continues today, as a small company still produces Avantis in limited number. Loewy was very creative, but also as an engineer knew the physical properties of good design. On his desk was a plaque that read "WEIGHT IS THE ENEMY!" And he preached this to all his designers. And it still is today.

It is rumored that when Ford came out with their new Thunderbird in 1989, it exceeded the target weight, and men were fired. Weight means money, which takes bigger engines to get the same performance, which means more emissions-too much weight=less performance, and a higher cost. Ask a production manager, he understands. Ask Mercedes Benz and their race team back in the 30's. They got the nickname Silver Arrow because they removed all the paint from the car to lose weight, leaving only the shiny aluminum skin. Ever hear of a race car wanting to add weight because it was too fast or light? If you think paint doesn't weigh much, pick up a gallon. Help, please? In an industry where weight is measured in ounces, weight loss in pounds is a lot.

A motorcycle test was run in 1983 using a 1983 Honda 650 Nighthawk. The purpose was to show how weight impacted performance. Taking the same bike, but using two test riders, one at 150 pounds, the other at 276. Both pros, but the heavier rider took more than a half second longer, at a slower speed to get through the quarter mile. Ride a dresser, then a sport bike. Which is faster, nimbler, and brakes better? Weight is the enemy. Just ask any Gold Wing rider who has dropped his bike. Or how on a smaller bike because they can control the weight they might not have, so they didn't have to find help picking it up after.

Today we are deluged with ads about being overweight. So we spend billions on exercise equipment, special diets, and club memberships to make us look better. But do little to remove the weight we carry internally. And no matter the physical shape, your spiritual shape matters more. Jesus, that old yoke builder, who just happened to be the messiah, put it simply when he said "take my yoke for it is easy." You see we carry burdens in our harts, that they were not designed to carry. Stress, fear, sin, and lust-all have no place in our hearts-they only cause heart disease and lessen the quality of life. So take the advice of one who can help, Jesus. Burdened by too much house payment-give Him your burden. A family relationship falling apart-He'll take it. Unemployed, or worse yet under employed? He will take the weight in each and all situations. You see weight-the burden of sin is truly the enemy-and only through God's grace and forgiveness can you lose this weight.

Has the word diet shown up in your spiritual intake lately? Have you asked God to help you shed the weight of sin, and the burden it causes? Don't start tomorrow, right now is the day of salvation. Shed the weight, and find how it effects you physically too. You see we all suffered from heart disease until we came to Christ-we had the weight of sin on our hearts. And using no surgery, pills, exercises, or equipment He removed it. So what are you weighting for?

Take the example of Raymond Loewy-WEIGHT IS THE ENEMY! In all his designs he chose to leave a high visual retention-you would remember the product. Practice what any first year engineering student is taught, and what Jesus knew about 2000 years ago. But don't let WAIT be your enemy. Let Him make a strong spiritual retention in your life-an eternal one! Seek Jesus now! Weight to go! Way to go!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

unto thee is given...

I know they didn't invent it or start it, but I blame Hallmark anyway for perpetuating it. It being the endless stream of useless holidays, and inane celebrations. Those days which mean nothing to nobody, but yet Hallmark reminds you to send them a card. But the ones I really hate are the ones that have a "shower" attached to them, with the worst being a house warming or apartment warming-because of the gifts you receive. And perhaps the worst gift ever invented, then given, and never used, has to be the toaster oven.

We all have had one somewhere along the line, and is nothing we would buy for ourselves-but yet feel the need to inflict this painful device on someone else. It neither toasts, nor ovens, and the last one I had was a real exercise in futility. With no gauges or lights, you guessed when your toast was done, or more familiarly you waited for the burnt toast odor. And I can remember when Andrew liked the frozen mini-pizzas for about a week, you never knew when it had reached the set temp, and either had a hard, semi-frozen mess, or it was burnt-see toaster results. The perfect gift to take up precious counter space, that seemed to be standard in every home 30 years ago, but no one ever claimed to use, or have used. And one day we had finally had enough-and fought back.

After years of putting up with this space robbing, toast burning, annoying device, we fought back. Rather than just throw it away, we took it into the back yard, and we each took turns beating it with an ax! Until it was pieces of broken glass and twisted metal. And felt better relieving our home of this curse! And got renewed encouragement of our convictions when the next door neighbor, who had been watching from his kitchen window yelled "hit it for me too, I have one of those *$^#@^ things too!" And a tradition was started, and whenever a toaster didn't, or can opener wouldn't, out came the ax. But never, no never was there ever another toaster oven. One to a family... the curse was over. And to whoever gave us the one we had-I hope you receive one yourself, and soon-the gift that keeps annoying, and annoying...

But all gifts are not useless, many have forethought, which sometimes might not be evident at their giving. When Jesus was born some 2000 years ago, fortunately they didn't have toaster ovens. But the wise men-note-there weren't three of them, woe to those of you getting history from a song-brought some unusual and expensive gifts for a child that was born in a feeding trough, in a cave, to a couple of teenagers. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh-now why would a child want these, and what would be their purpose? But God, as Jesus' father, knew exactly what His child would need, and who He was and would grow up to be, and when taking that into consideration, it all becomes clear. Gold represented the fact that Jesus was a King-King of the Jews, but also King of Kings. What better gift for a king! The frankincense represented the fact that He was our high priest, and was the precious aroma of love and honor unto God, his father. Both those would be understandable, and welcome-who doesn't want their child to grow up and become successful? But the myrrh, why? That was for embalming and preparing the dead for burial. Why give a newborn this gift? There again God knew-just like John3:16 tells us. He sent His son to die in our place and save the world from its sin. A baby dressed in swaddling clothes-strips of cloth used to wrap the dead, and then the gift of myrrh-predicting the reason why Jesus came to earth. The perfect gift from a loving Father, via a loving son, to a lost and dying world. A statement that no card, Hallmark or other could ever fully represent, but faithfully remembered in the gospels. A simple statement of love.

But it is a gift, and Jesus must be accepted to receive its fullness. And it starts with a decision to let Him into your life. And to celebrate Him through your new life-everyday. No need to wait for Easter or Christmas-you can enjoy Him everyday! And the gifts that He showers on you via His spirit as you walk in His love and truth. Grace He calls it, along with mercy. And it is new every morning-which is good because I seem to use up all the mercy from yesterday! And I need more today!

Jesus Christ-the hallmark of the church-spend time with Him today! The gift that keeps on giving-and don't expect any toaster ovens! The only showers you can expect from Him are showers of joy! And who couldn't use a little more counter space in their lives-for love?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com