one of a kind who still beats two pair

Red Wing, Minnesota. On the Mississippi River, on famed Highway 61, and just south of where Robert Zimmerman rose to fame as Bob Dylan. A neat, old, river town, and one on my list of small towns to live in-if it didn't have winter. While spending the night there, it rained. We had thunder storms for four hours, and as we watched the parking lot flood, the sirens went on. TORNADO warning sirens, which can be scary. And were. For there is really no place to hide from one, just ask Dorothy. Amen,Toto? But after the rains stopped, and the warning expired-fortunately no tornados, a group of bikers rode in. Seeing my bike they stopped over, and we talked. They were from Milwaukee, and turned us on to some great roads in Wisconsin. But while visiting, one guy wondered how we packed so little for such a long trip. He even mentioned his girl friend brought nine pairs of shoes, for their weekend trip. Trying not to appear as vain in his packing attempts, he joked about it. She was on her own bike, and came over a few minutes later. We started to chide her about her show obsession, and asked her "where do you pack all those shoes?"

"Well inside his shoes, of course." Out of the mouth of babes...

We all carry baggage, and some of us too much. Theresa used to work for neurosurgeons, who when diagnosing back pain told the patient "come back after losing 20 pounds, if the pain is still there." And how many of us know people with bad knees, only made worse by extra weight. I can attest to both as I felt much better in both areas after losing 40 pounds two years ago. But we all carry extra baggage.

I know a woman who once walked close to God, but after a bad divorce is bitter, and joined a secular woman's group of divorcees, hoping to minister to them, and now is really bitter, and spreading that bitterness towards men to her daughters. Things that start small can grow bigger, out of control, and soon they control us. How many of us have possessions, that over the years possess us? Have you noticed the trend in newer homes for huge walk in closets, some bigger than the small rooms they consider a third or fourth bedroom? And these things can stand between us and God. When asked how to inherit the kingdom of God, Jesus advised the rich man to sell all he had and give it to the poor. But he let his things keep him from heaven.

Jesus advised His disciples to carry very little as they travelled, and that is good advice for us still. Theresa and I when travelling buy new shirts, but mail the old dirty ones back. We also collect refrigerator magnets, cheap and easy to carry, as remembrances of our trips. And as I watch the other guests in motels we stay at, carry cart loads of baggage, when I stand there with two bags from my hard cases, you just have to know something is wrong. I hope it's not me!

Today may be a great time to reevaluate what is important to us. And what things control us, rather than us controlling them. Jesus said very simply "His yoke is easy, and His burden is light." Tired of carrying all the pressures of life, give them to Him. Hanging on to things that once had meaning, but are of no value-dump them on His shoulders. Let Him relieve you, and you will find that the desires of your heart change when not overwhelmed with life.

A lesson I hope my shoe obsessed biker friends learn-and soon. By the way, did I mention that Red Wing is the home of Red Wing shoes? And their factory is there, along with this cool factory store? And I wondered, if she bought another pair of shoes where she would be able to carry them?

Then I remembered her travelling partner. Shoes come in pairs-don't they? May your partner in life help bear your burdens, and may that someone be Jesus Christ.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the in-between times

I love being on the road. Waking up in a different place, then riding 50-100 miles and having breakfast. We have found it to be a practical practice-you avoid all the rush and waiting in lines, and miss all the families on vacation fighting with their kids, but also get to spend some time with God while riding, and widen your choices of which Diner, Drive In or Dive you get to eat at-sorry Guido. We have never been let down-almost like a sixth sense, but I find when spending time with God first, He always has a special place for us to eat. And even though it is later in the day, we skip lunch-more riding, and can take more back roads, and see more of the country. Plus in colder climates, there is something special about peeling off the jacket, then later the sweatshirt as the temp climbs. Very refreshing, and also allows for very short pit stops in some pretty areas.

And in the late afternoons, having ridden, stopped, visited, checked out, and checked in-we look for dinner. Same thing-sometimes researched, sometimes a reference from another biker, and sometimes just drawn by God. Note-if asking the motel clerk where a good place to eat-don't. They will usually send you to their coffee shop-bad choice. Ask "if you could go anywhere for dinner, where would it be?" Much different response, again very rarely let down. Been an El Cholo fan for years because of this.

We also find if not eating at dinner time, maybe 430pm or 630pm, we again miss all the traffic, miss the joy of waiting in line-no we don't want to sit at the bar and wait, and get a less stressed waitress, whose attitude reflects to the chef. Yes, they talk, and we have had the chef even come to our table after the proper kindnesses have been expressed. Sleep-ride-eat-ride-repeat.

But what about the in between times? When you are hungry, but can't find a place?

Life is like that. And I like John Fisher's All Day Song, which says "love Him in the morning when you see the sun a risin', love Him in the evening 'cause He took you through the day. And in the in-between time when you feel the pressures coming, remember that He loves you and He promises to stay-with you!" Like a cycle-we pray, then expect the answer-NOW! But what if the answer is wait? How long, for what? When? Didn't you get my urgent request God? Yet it is these times, that when we wait, the answer is most worthwhile. God isn't asleep, or waiting for parts-He is allowing you to spend more time with Him-remember we ride by faith, not by sight-Mike version, and we need to seek Him more. I have never been disappointed, but have actually learned to trust Him more. Recent example.

Changing our plans and only spending one night in Daytona, we went to the gulf coast of Florida-even made a reservation, so we could swim. Only to find out after battling Orlando traffic, avoid-and arriving in Port Richey, we found the closest beach is over 30 miles away. Bummed, we were given our money back by the motel-thanks guys, and ended up in Gainesville-inland and only 150 miles from where our 425 mile day started. But the next day, God took us to the coast on the panhandle-to some primitive beach areas, where the tourists don't go-but we certainly will next year. If Port Richey had had beaches, we never would have had the great meal in Apalachicola, and found these neat beaches. God's answer was a slight detour, a great night's sleep in Gainesville, and then showing us beaches that we were really looking for. Only God...

If you are in an in-between time right now-be patient. That perfect beach, financial answer, relationship dilemma, or whatever you asked God help for is being dealt with. We are His children, and He loved us so much He sent Jesus to die. If He was willing to do that, don't you think all the other minor things we ask Him for will be answered?

Yep, I love being on the road. And no matter which road you choose to travel, take God along for those in-between times. You will also find He knows great places to eat, ride, stay, and has memories yet to be shared awaiting you. It is in the in-between times we really get to know and trust Him.

Now I know this great diner about 100 miles away-hungry?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

full-but not filled

It was about 100 degrees out, with humidity to match, as we sat in the restaurant-Huey's Kingfisher, on the river in Savannah, Ga. But thanks to the miracle of AC, and tinted glass, we were comfortable, after drinking a pitcher of water. But watching while Coke and Bud trucks unloaded their drinks, and numerous tourists walked by jealously eyeing us, and as our waitress with a New York accent waited on us, and as I ordered Jambalaya, all from a seat overlooking the River District, I could have been anywhere, but I was here. And here was a good place to be. Especially the beignets-don't get between them and my wife! But I grinned as I thought to myself, how many tourists never see this side of life when travelling. They go on vacation, but never vacate. True, they may fly to their destination, but they never go anywhere, as they eat at Mickey D's, stay with tour groups, or travel the freeways. They miss America-and America is a great place to be-and see.

We all have comfort zones, and don't like to leave them. I have watched as customers order their food a special way, in a restaurant known for their specialty-only to have them comment later the food is the same at home. No it isn't-you are. Ask Theresa about the beignets! But yet we don't wish to try anything different, sometimes just because it is different. And we are the poorer for it.

Did you know you can travel over 1000 miles, in three states, and not see a Mickey D, or a Wal-Mart? And eat better! For less! And eat fresh fruit pies, or delicacies you may not try anywhere else? We did, as from Cheyenne, Wyoming to the middle of Minnesota. And lived to tell about it. Note-I will not diverge the route, as these chains may invade them-I don't wish that to be my fault.

Did you realize that diners in the northeast still serve platter sized breakfasts, for about $3.50 a meal? No super sizing or toys-just good food and plenty of it-for a fair price. BBQ pits in the south offer meals you can't finish for around $10! And if you order large-they mean LARGE! Be warned. But it takes a decision on your part to try something different, to be bold and daring. To not be captive to habit, or tradition, but to get out of the ordinary, and live!

If you never try, you will never fail. But in reality, you have failed already. And when sharing Christ so many have incorrect prejudices. Based on truth, then turned into propaganda. When threatened with church, they equate rules, regulations, suits and ties, boring sermons, Sunday mornings wasted, and I think you get the picture. True-and if you want all those things they are available. But why? Jesus promises freedom, and the truth. And the ability to enjoy yourself-blessings are what He calls them. Poured out-overflowing. But sadly, so many avoid Jesus because of these misconceptions, or are stuck in a church that is all these things, and thinks all churches are the same. WRONG!

I challenge you this Sunday to try a church that is alive. Talk to your friends, we all know at least one Christian, and ask them. And go prepared for a fresh truth, true love, and not a standardized text based on years of the same old thing. Jesus Christ adds life. Whether in Savannah, or Cheyenne, or LA, or wherever you are. The choices are there-freedom in Christ, or the same old religion. Your choice to make.

Beignets? Little pastries, fried, and then covered in powdered sugar. Don't like the name? Or the description? Try smiling with one in our mouth, or powdered sugar down the front of you! Jesus? Try saying that name without a smile on your face, from your heart.

Jesus Christ-bigger portions, more flavor, and more filling. All for the same price as a #1. Real food, for the soul. Prepared fresh, and served just for you.

If it were your last supper, where would you eat? Treat each day the same way-life is for the living! Now for desert, is it beignets in Savannah, chocolate ice box pie in Birmingham, or woopie pies in Two Lights? If you don't go you will never know. Try Jesus today!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

things that really matter

It is a well known saying that one picture is worth a thousand words. But also true, is that a few words, choice words, put together in the right order, can be worth a thousand pictures-in your memory. Visiting with my favorite aunt and uncle in Pennsylvania, while walking out to the bike, my aunt noted noted Billy Hicks' truck at his parents house next door. And the next thing I knew, a friend who I hadn't seen since junior high, or at least before we could drive, was telling me in a few short minutes about himself. I was amazed at how 40 years of life could be brought into just a few minutes, but it seems the important things that take so long can only show a glimpse of how important they were in a few moments. And how the more we talked, the more we wanted to know. He had just retired, 30 years a lieutenant in the New Jersey Correctional system, no kids, but was on his third marriage. But his closing words brought back memories, and made me think. He asked, "have you been out to the park? Did you notice how there are so many empty spaces by the pool? Remember when they were all filled up with blankets?" And for a few seconds, both of us went back to a special place in our lives.

So when leaving town, instead of just passing by the park, I pulled into the lot by the pool. The proper and only thing to do. And he was right, where I remembered the grassy areas by the pool covered with blankets and towels, most of it was empty-more green than white. And as I paused there for a few seconds, on this hot and humid afternoon, a young girl, about 15 years old passed by in her bathing suit. Wearing the look I see on so many people of all ages today, one of boredom mixed with despair, I wanted to stop her and tell her "this is the best time of your life. You are free from responsibility. This is the last summer of not having to work, to just be a kid. To enjoy life, and at your age, when girls are going from cooties to cuties, to enjoy every moment like Billy and I did that certain summer."

Getting to the pool after it opened, and giving the girls a chance to set out their towels first, then making our moves. Very few girls ever put their blanket down by me. Meeting new friends-being Steve's cousin from NJ had a certain mystique/mistake about it, and soon we were all in the pool, with girl partners for chicken fights, who only minutes before we were afraid to talk to, laughing and having fun-and summer couldn't get any better. Never realizing the girls had the same fears and reluctance that we had, and once we got over them, the fun you could have in a mixed group. Being a kid, enjoying your last summer as one, before being expected to act like an adult. And the whole time never knowing it. That's innocence.

And later after dinner with parents, would meet again at the snack bar, the same one where my parents met some 70 years ago, and listened to music before playing a round of miniature golf. Or a ride on the carousel-grabbing rings to throw into the clown's mouth. Showing off-it was expected, and was ok. Comparing our sunburns, as our pasty white skin had gotten fried that afternoon, because neither one wanted to stop the fun to be responsible enough to put on suntan lotion. Then as it got dark, pairing up with that first someone special, and wondering down by the bandstand, and getting our first kiss, and unaware, or so we thought, of all the others doing the same thing. Staying out until that late hour of 11pm, and wondering how time could fly by so fast when you were having so much fun. Wanting to be older so we could stay out, but somehow making quality instead of quantity in our time spent together more important. Each minute became a moment, with meaning. Taking advantage of a special place in time-a door of opportunity opened, but only for a short time. I wanted to tell her all this, this is your special summer, look up and do not despair-but when I looked up she was gone. And reality faced me, just what made me think that she would listen to this old guy on a bike, with his wife, anyway? Just a young girl, whose face I can't remember, but will never forget.

And I was reminded of another summer night, eight years later, in Venice, where a friend told me about Jesus, and when I let Him into my life how it changed everything. Devine interventions, we call them, and God has many planned for us. And I was reminded in Romans how it says that while we were yet sinners, Jesus died for us. Long before that special summer, He loved me, and had it all planned out. Now that's love.

If you happen to see Bill, tell him I said he is a good son, taking care of Harry and Shirley, both well into their nineties. But don't neglect your wife either. She is a special one God put into your life, and I pray that she is the one. And I even have an idea for both of you. Why don't you two set a date to meet at the pool, and arrive about 15 minutes late, and set up next to her. Talk about nothing, and play in the water, as carefree as we were 40 years ago. Late that afternoon, take her dinner at the DDB, and over burgers, fries, and Cokes, get to know each other, and fall in love again. Later go by the park, and as it gets dark, sneak off with the others to the benches by the bandstand-but then go home early-not because you have to, but because you want to. And let the romance that once existed be rekindled again. A great prescription for all, who have let life interfere with their plans, and relationships.

For these things work, I know. For 36 summers, I have let Jesus into my life, and He has blessed me abundantly. And starting my 33rd summer with my wife, I can tell you after 38 days, 31 states, and after 10,000 miles of riding together, the only thing better than being in love with the perfect mate, is having Jesus in the middle of that special relationship.

Don't put off that special summer again. Enjoy the magic it has to bring to you and that special someone now. Jesus, Theresa, and our marriage-it just don't get any better. And for those 38 days of this summer with her-I will always be thankful. Theses are the good old days.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

MMD-still looking for the cure

The symptoms have been there for years, and in the past 24 months have risen to the surface for all to see. I have been informally diagnosed with MMD, a contagious, emotional and potentially physical affliction. It is not life threatening, but will affect every aspect of your life, and your family's. It shows no age or sexual preference, but is more proficient in men. And unless you are familiar with MMD, you know there is no cure, and only one treatment. MMD, in case you don't know, is Multiple Motorcycle Disorder. And with eight motorcycles currently in my garage, it is time to admit I have it and deal with it.

It started quite innocently, having owned over 34 motorcycles since getting my license in 1971. And only in the recent years has it begun to take me over. With bikes ranging from 1978 to 2008, it spans many years and riding models. And add into the mix riding NEW motorcycles for Triumph, about 10 each year, to any other mortal this would be life threatening, but to me and our household, it is business as usual. MMD doesn't dominate our life, but is definitely a strong influence. And a sure symptom, is when you sell a bike and wish you hadn't. And wish you could have it again, and the journey begins. And in the back of your mind you know that there is another just waiting to break your heart, and maybe your wallet. Like the song Officer Krupke, in West Side Story, "hey, I've got a social disease..." and I'm loving it!

But as many motorcycles try to dominate my life, I have found the Surf City chorus, "two girls for every boy.." to not fit into my life. I always believed that I would meet a girl, fall in love, and that would be it. And like Dick says, "divorce is not an option!." And Theresa has satisfied that desire for over 32 years. And she is also beginning to show the affects of MMD. In times when we had no food, and somehow could buy another bike, she stuck with me. And has gone from "you don't need another bike," to "we don't have the money or room," to "how are you going to fit them all in the garage-with my car?" And since having her own bike, she now is within the contagious area of catching MMD herself. At this point, garage space, and finances are keeping it in check. But we've overcome both those obstacles before. But the real blessing is one wife, for one life, and I am blessed it is Theresa. One girl for this boy, just can't say the same about motorcycles.

And in spite of one wife and many motorcycles, there has only been one desire, and one constant in my life since 1975-Jesus Christ. No matter how many, or what, or when-He has stayed with me, and been consistently faithful. No matter the brand-He still loves me. No matter the garage size-He still cares. And no matter how many Happy Meals we couldn't Super Size due to MMD, He still loves me-as I am, even in this semi-fallen condition. And I find that as long as I let nothing come between us-motorcycles, families, work, ministry, or anything else, He blesses me more than I can handle. It is called grace, and it does away with all laws except for the law of love. And truly, in my heart I want nothing to get between us.

The proper ratios in life are one God, one wife, and many motorcycles. I tell people all the time that Jesus, Theresa, and motorcycles-it just don't get any better! And I believe that with all my heart. And we can do them all together!

So get saved, get a believing wife, and get a motorcycle. Pray, love, and live together. And ride together, too. Heaven awaits, but the blessings start here and now!

By the way, does anyone know of a four car garage, with a bed and bath? Maybe room for my big screen? Call! I got the urge again, I hear there is this CB750 that needs a home...and is for sale-cheap! Can't put the Mustang on the street. Hmmmm....

MMD-you've been warned!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

despite a little help...from my friends

The sign I have seen hanging in old repair shops still makes me laugh, and when I managed small auto repair shops wish I could have charged what it claimed. So I did. It reads as follows:

$40/hour labor

$50 if you worked on it first

$60 if you stay and watch

$70 if you help.

I like the $40 customers the best. Let us diagnose, let us repair, and then let us call you when it is done. Fair wage for a fair job. Quicker-faster-cheaper-and fixed the first time. Such a deal. The $50 customer is really the bargain. Just not to the shop. He is the one who took it apart, threw all the parts in a box, after throwing away some that he deemed useless, and then tried to install the wrong part-generally forcing it on and breaking something else. The old saying, don't force it, get a bigger hammer applies here. Remember those electrical parts that are non-returnable-this guy is why. Often heard after asking what happened, "it came that way." Either marking him a liar-true, or a bigger fool for spending money on something that was obviously broken. Never his fault-but you can be sure it can be yours.

Then there is the old retired, usually Navy vet, who insists upon staying and talking to you all day. From complaining about how things were better in his day, he ruins yours. Things cost too much, are too complicated, and remember he is on a fixed income. Like who isn't? And with his help, inane questions, and ability to give his opinion on everything, and anything-the repair takes twice as long. But you can't charge him for it-hoping he never returns will be enough compensation. Again a bargain for the customer, when you consider the child care you must provide while he hangs around. Sometimes even a thank you card from his wife comes a few days later, as she needed a break too.

But the ones who are the most annoying, are the combination of all three. The guy who takes it apart, breaking parts, losing screws, and then throwing the special order part in the trash by accident, and doesn't want to wait while you reorder it-at a higher price. He has no other plans than to bother you today, so he will hang around, commenting, and even trying to help-just not you. His "here, let me help" interference has caused the job to take twice as long, cost twice as much, and kept the mechanics from fixing other cars. And experience will tell the shop owner to bid high-one to cover yourself, two to cover him helping, and three-maybe the high bid will run him off. Note-pick #3! Note, note-on warranty work, which the dealer must take in-we were always 15 weeks out in appointments for you guys. For emergencies.

God has made us all individuals-and I am thankful. Mostly. But because we are human, we also tend to operate off a price list. Some of us just trust God, we go to church, pray, do Bible studies, and live our lives with Him at the center. We have learned that if God guides, He provides, and He knows best. And generally doesn't need our help-and not our advice! He's never asked me, has He ever asked you?

Most people fall into the group that after all avenues are exhausted, then pray. God is their last resort, and only part of their lives when they cannot do it themselves, or are out of money. They bring warped scripture, questionable theology, and it's an all about me lifestyle to the church. Yet somehow know the answer to everyone else's problem, while trying to recover from fixing their own. And wonder why you never return your call. They are the ones who research everything, and find any legalistic reason to satisfy themselves. Beware! You will never be right, or just not as right as them.

I have watched a similar group who always has a question for the pastor. Usually some existential theory, they can't keep tot themselves. So they ask, but never like his answer, so argue. Some wayward book they have read knows more than the Bible. While the pastor has others he needs to see, they take up his time, clock watchers they are called, and can waste anybody's time but their own-your time is theirs. They didn't come to ask anyway, just to argue. And their inability to listen, and rattle on, make them an unwelcome addition to any ministry-yet they continually show up-uninvited! But never identify themselves in this group-only people like them. And generally can't stand people like themselves-the cause is the solution here.

The last group not only has all the endearing characteristics of the former groups, but will undue all good work when given the opportunity. I have watched as after spending time with a couple, the pastor's advice was taken and they are recovering from their problems. Until Mr. Says all, Knows Nothing shows up, and helps. And with his witless insight, and insensitive attitude is able to undo any good that was done. And goes on to help others-leaving a trail of broken lives in his path. Never looking back-for his job is done. And they never got a chance to thank him. Humble, too.

Jesus listens. Then comments. And if we are part of this conversation, not just talking, we will grow when we take His advice. But Godly advice only works when taken. And costs less, and is always more effective. His advice is simple-seek Him first, then all things will be added. A dialog, not a monologue, and you get to know Him better, and your life gets better. Good advice, from the top. No opinions, just the facts. Not good enough?

Well, I know this church down the road-in fact I have referred many people like you to it. And, they need you. We'll miss you, but we'll get by. And no, don't thank me-your absence will be enough thanks. Tell them I sent you.

And may the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding be ours.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

life should be simple, just like me

I watched as the woman stepped onto the running board and slid her leg over the rear seat. She then swung the armrest back behind her, and then plugged in her headphones. Looking at her husband, he then slid his backrest in place, stood on his running board, and slid his leg over the seat. He then proceeded to plug in his headphones, and adjust his windshield. He then started the bike, pushed various buttons to select the CD he wanted to listen to, put on his gloves, and pushed another button lowering his bike to the ground, off of the electric center stand. With music blaring, they ride off onto the freeway, immediately getting into the fast lane, setting the cruise control at the posted speed limit, and watching as cars, trucks, and other riders go whizzing by at 15mph faster, all casting demeaning looks at them, as they cruise down the freeway, totally oblivious to anyone or anything except themselves. The only interruptions are the words they have using their communicators. And they call this motorcycling!

Getting ready to leave on an extended trip, people ask which bike I am taking. When I tell them the Tiger, they invariably ask "is it comfortable?" To which I told a guy the other day, who should know better, "No, but it's only 10,000 miles of trip, I'll get used to it. Why would I want to be comfortable?"

And he acknowledged by a nodding of his head, he understood. I guess the fact that his old Sportster doesn't vibrate-tell that to anyone who ever rode on, and since the addition of a Mustang seat doesn't-now that's a miracle-maybe his nodding head is just a screw loose from too many miles on his two wheeled blender.

Recently I had friends in BA-Moto ride 1000 miles in 24 hours on their Scramblers-no windshield, floorboards, or so called luxury items. They rode, and my hat, 'er helmet is off to them. They understand the truer essence of riding. And I can associate with them, I don't like doing windshields either, although my touring bike, a 2006 Tiger, the old style, has a small one. Keeps wind off the shoulders down. And as I surveyed the bikes in my garage, none of them have a windshield, running boards, radios, armrests, cruise controls, or communication devices. Most unlike my wife's car parked next to them. Motorcycles, as they were designed, they even have handlebars, and not the popular one size fits all that many makes now have instead of the old tubular handlebar. Which means I can replace them if they don't fit. And yes, the Tiger has a Corbin seat, how could such a fine bike have such a horrible seat from the factory? And hard bags for touring. That's it.

But is it comfortable? Try long travel, soft suspension. While your touring bike feels all the freeway expansion joints, I float over them. It weighs less than 600 lbs. fully loaded, gets 45-50mpg, is smoother than a Gold Wing-counterbalanced triple is the way to go, and I've ridden as much as 276 miles on its 6.3 gallon tank. But is it comfortable? Four years, 55,000+ miles and 42 states-ride one and you be the judge. But how do you communicate with your wife?

By phone when she can't go, through hand signs and body language when she does. Makes the conversation when we stop more valuable. And we can take more roads, getting off the freeways, and seeing America-believe it or not the US of A is more than a freeway exit! Note to you homegrown So Cal types.

What you ride doesn't make you a tourer, just as going to church doesn't make you a pew-although you may stink one up. It takes a relationship, sorry Miles, with your ride and the road, and over time when you think you have seen it all, you realize how much you have missed. And find knowing Jesus is like that. The more I get to know Him, the more I realize I don't know. And just like new roads take me places on different bikes, and I see the beauty, and smell the air, in a different way each time I ride. And it takes bad roads, bad weather, and sometimes bad riding partners to fully appreciate what I have. And how far I have come.

God allows bad times-sorry any time you have something not go your way, don't blame the devil. God allows tests/circumstances to come into your life, so you can build a relationship in that area with Him. If you were never sick, you would miss out on the great physician. If hungry, the story of feeding 5000 would be just that. If needing help, it would be just a fable, instead of a testimony. Brotherhood, yes we bikers have that, but nothing compared with the Koininia fellowship with God and other Christians. And sadly, if no one ever betrayed a trust with you, you would not have the insight into Jesus himself being betrayed. And just like more miles bring more experience and joy, more time with Jesus brings more joy-read Psalm 1! And what a great place to spend with Him-while riding! He is more than a Sunday morning hour to endure, Jesus loves the open road-remember that is where He spent most of His time. Hmmmm? And loves eating-note to bikers, and is the best tour guide, period.

What does He ride? Whatever He wants, and He has ridden them all, in all situations. Make Him your riding partner today. On any bike, on any road, with any riding group, He makes the ride more fun, and worthwhile. And like life-the simpler you keep it, the more time you have to enjoy it.

Break out of the mold and follow Jesus. You may find that simple is much better, and the time spent more precious. And that riding a motorcycle is much better than taking the car-with its windshields, armrests, radio, CD system, and cruise control. More personal, I believe is what they say-both in riding and with the son of God. Enjoy both today-you will be glad you did.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com