the new guy at lunch

I worked with a guy once, who when he found out I was a Christian, boldly informed me "I'm an atheist!" Accepting the challenge, I just looked at him, and said, "you know by definition, you don't exist." "HUH?" "Yes, everyone worships something, and you just happen to worship yourself." I was hoping to make this a short conversation, as he had an audience of several co-workers with him that day, and I was new and outnumbered, or at least it would appear so. Not knowing what to say back, he ate more of his sandwich, then proceeded to tell me what he didn't believe. "There is no God, the Bible is made up, we all come from some slimy substance via evolution, Jesus may have been a great teacher, but that is all, and all this faith stuff is so much !@#^&^&%$!!"

Once again, I gave him an unexpected answer, hoping to just end the conversation. "You are an incredible man of faith. By your first statement I never would have guessed it. When you can, find time so I can ask you questions, you seem to have a grip on how life works. It takes a great deal of faith to believe how you do with no evidence or facts. Yes, I never would have guessed you to be a man of faith." And after the surprised look fell from his face, several seconds later, I continued. "Yes, you have more faith than many. Even more than some Christians I know. It takes faith to believe the improvable, and you cannot prove God exists. Wiggle your hand, God made that. Smell a flower, he did that too. Why does the sun rise and set the same every day? God, again. Yes-it takes incredible faith to not believe when there is all this evidence of Him, and so much more!"

Now his friends were listening. "And the Bible. Did you know the more men try to debunk it, they only prove it more. Do you think that a God who created the universe would be stupid enough to leave His story to a group of men? All scripture is inspired by God. Shipbuilders build ships based on the ark's dimensions, they are the most sea worthy. Thousands of years before telescopes, it was written about the stars and how they work. Do you know of any prophecies ever given that aren't 100% accurate about Jesus? And that over 500 people saw Him after He was crucified? He truly rose again, like He said He would. Do you know anyone else who would die for a society that hated Him? Would you die for your wife and kids? Jesus did!"

At this point, the audience was urging me on. But this was not a battle to be won by me, but by the Holy Spirit using me in this situation. "And where is your missing link, do you think that maybe people act like animals today because maybe they believe they came from ooze? Or maybe when people come to Christ we try to act like Jesus because we then know our true origin? We try to please God, rather than arguing against Him. And do you know of any religion, other than being a Christian, where God reaches down to people, instead of making them come to Him? Did you know we love Him, because He loved us first?"

And at that point, lunch was over, but my debater friend told me, "you know Mike, I have hundreds of questions for you." And even more interesting, I found that some in the room were Christians, that he had bullied. Only when God changed my heart not to win an argument, but to win a soul, did the conversation and the tone change.

Engage a Mormon or JW lately? Leave frustrated? Read 2John, don't debate them, for just by engaging them, you have lost. Show love, you have it, they don't. God knows that, and even tells don't even say "God bless you," to such a so-called brother. Your job, like Jonah's, is simply to take the message. It is up to the Holy Spirit to change a heart, just like He did yours. Spiritual battles are fought on spiritual planes, and only God can do that. So let Him.

I was unprepared that time at lunch, God gave me the words. Take my advice, and try the following. Mike's rule #1. Never argue with an idiot, because you will never win. Show love instead. And-preach the word daily, and when needed use words. The world is always watching, but not always listening.

Are you? By your fruit, you will be known. And sometimes it just starts by throwing a seed, or watering one someone else planted. But God provides the growth.

Only in Jesus.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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rule #4 or Goldilocks and the three cars

As you go through life, certain truths become self evident, while some take longer to cultivate. And then there are the others that you stumble upon by sheer repititveness, and then finally the truth. Rule #4 has been cultivated over many years, starting when I was in the automotive business. It is not a hard and fast rule, but has proven itself to be true and reliable time and time again. You may not agree, but then again it's not your rule.

Rule #4-you can tell a lot about a person's life and its condition by the condition of the interior of his car.

As a service advisor, over the years you see many things, some you want and some you wish you hadn't. And this rule reflects it. Example one-if soccer mom comes in with hamburger wrappers on the floor, one or more cell phone charging devices, and mail stuck in the console, she is out of control. And so are her kids, and probably her marriage as well. She has no sense of timing, although she does understand always being late, and rather than talk to her kids, puts a DVD screen in front of them. Then wonders why they act like they do, or more accurately like she does. Why does Billy struggle at school? He's just like mom! Why is little Lulu 30 pounds overweight? Too many meals at the drive thru. And why are the late fees piling up? I have never known of a mailman to deliver to a car, so the mail had to get misplaced in your console by someone.

Oh, and the car? I change the oil every time the low oil light comes on. And I wash it when you do, when it is serviced. Life and car-outta control! And she and her husband wonder why their lives are such a mess?

I also have had men whose car is immaculate. Don't even think of eating or drinking in it. It gets washed weekly, and detailed monthly. Talks using Blu tooth, and even has a little note pad to take notes on. His kids don't like riding in his car, too many rules. And aren't allowed by it in the garage. He understands taking care of his car, and it and his life are very orderly. No room for flexibility, or even an occasional change in plans. He needs to consult his Daily Planner to see where and when he is supposed to be, and would like to conduct a pat down of his wife or friends before they ride with him. What he doesn't realize, is like his wife the pig, they are both outta control. One buried in rules, one buried without. The common denominator is that no family trips in the car are planned for the near future-or ever!

And then there is the guy, whose car is a coupe, or a two door in a world of mini vans. Who has just enough seats in his car to take his entire family should an emergency arise, but not enough to transport the soccer team to practice. Let others have the interior destroyed by the team, and let them use their gas. I enjoy my car,and I take care of it. It gets serviced, before things have to get repaired, and it shows it is cared for-but also shows signs of life. Not perfect, but lived with, and his wife is ok driving it. Just beware of her friends, who may be example number one. We don't eat in the car, but then we don't pee in other's pool, or swim in their toilet either. Common sense, and respect dictate this life, and it shows. And the other two examples think he is nuts. What he is, is normal. His kids respect the car, may even help keep it clean, and it shows in their schoolwork, choice of friends, and their attitude to life.

Does you own your car, or does it own you? Many things in life influence our decisions. Just like a pecking order in cars, bigger is better, and most expensive means we've arrived, their is a pecking order in life. And some buy into it early, and some inherit it. But few escape its trap. In our society, it is see and be seen. yes, I own a Mercedes Benz, only don't tell anyone it is 15 years old, with fast food wrappers on the dash. Or yes I own a Corvette, but won't drive it because it might get hit-or stolen. And because of perceptions, both don't enjoy their cars, but live in an allusion to others.

The Bible tells us to be happy in each situation. Not to enjoy the pain, but to look to the cross and watch as God guides you through it. Don't let the situation dictate your life, let your life dictate the situation, when led by the spirit. You see He looks at your heart, and sees the pain between the lost bills and the burger wrappers. He overlooks the mustard on the seats, and sees the confusion that got it there. He overlooks your over organized life, and loneliness of your perfect interior. He wants to ride with you, but you won't let Him. You only see someone religious laws, and not the God of the universe who loves you, and wants to see you succeed-successfully!

But you must let Him. Your choice. You must let God be God, or else you are-and that is never a good thing. Let God lead, and then you follow. Let Him into your car/life, and watch as the clutter disappears, and peace takes its place. Watch as loneliness and rules fade away, as you become a person who can love and forgive. And normal becomes letting Him into ever aspect of your life. And in all situations you find yourself thanking Him more and more.

You may think we aren't looking but we are. And so is God, who sees all. Seek Him today, and let Jesus be the answer to all your car problems, and life problems, too. Rule #4. Let Jesus rule in your heart, and watch as all the other rules fade away, and enjoy the freedom of knowing a loving, living God.

And I anticipate many mini vans seeing the light of day at the car wash this afternoon. We notice change in all aspects of your life. And wish to rejoice with you. And now may even consider riding with you! And He doesn't mean on your dash!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

cheaper by the dozen, I think

Are you old enough to remember going into McDonalds and asking for a Coke with no ice? Remember how the pimply faced kid would always put in too much ice, forcing you to buy another, or upsize? And then self serve came along, you put in your own ice, and surveys found out something interesting. When you added your own ice, you put in more than the pimply faced kid did. And did it at your desire, and supplied the labor to do it. But we did get to go back again for refills, but there again surveys show many don't. But what I'll bet you didn't know is that McDonalds used what was referred to in the industry as a cheater cup. When the three popular sizes were 12, 16, and 24 ounce-compared to the 20, 32, and 44 ounce of today, McDonalds used a 10, 14, and 22 ounce cup. In essence delivering two ounces less per drink, but at the same price as their competitors. No big deal you say. Consider this, the billions of ounces of Coke sold each year by Sir Mickey D, and do the math. We could live very well of the profit made from skimming those two ounces off. Consider that as you fill your cup next time. Depending upon which side of the counter you are on, they are either crooks, or shrewd businessmen. You can decide.

In a land where large has become the new small, and never buy a medium, they are the most expensive per ounce, we are overwhelmed by what things cost. Gas costs more than milk per gallon. And more than Coke. We have been introduced to the warehouse pricing, and also warehouse sized packaging. Look at the signs in the store, they all share a common denominator of price per pound, ounce, or per serving. So you can compare, see if you are getting a deal. And beware, 10 cents each or 2 for a quarter deals are right there, advertised right in front of your eyes, and as you figure 2 for a quarter is a better deal, I watch-so don't laugh-I may be watching you load up on such a deal. I know, you'll make up the loss in volume.

Imagine if they sold motorcycles by the pound? I can't believe Harley hasn't come up with this one-yet. Take an average Harley at about $18,000, that weighs 900 pounds. Numbers are for my benefit, may not be accurate. You have a motorcycle that costs $20 per pound. Now compare that to a GSXR-1000, which weighs 450 pounds, and costs $12,000. It costs over $26 per pound. You are paying more for per pound, and or are you paying for weight you didn't get? Is that a good deal? It is if you are selling Harleys! Cheaper per pound. They can advertise them like they do meat-save over $6 per pound by buying a Harley. And you thought they were all expensive and overpriced. Supersized already. Can I have fries with that?

How about a new CRF450 Honda, at $9000. Weighs about 250 pounds. $36 per pound. It costs more per pound to ride in the dirt. You could be saving $16 per pound by riding a Harley. Almost enough to buy a new Sportster, at about $18 per pound. They'll finance the rest.

There are many good deals out there, or what appear to be good deals. Don't brag too loud about the deal you got on your house, over 30 years no matter the interest rate, you bought it three times. Financing the Harley, or Honda-you paid about $1.20 per each dollar financed, more if over a longer time. You see there are many hidden costs involved in what we pay for things. Just 2 ounces per a drink, no big deal. $6 per pound savings on a Harley, ok, that sounds like a big deal. But sadly, many are offered so called religious deals that sound good, but won't get them to God. Cults love this ploy, and many times their claims sound true. Remember this-ALL lies are based on truth, and just as Harleys per pound sound cheaper, the bottom line is what you get-what you actually paid for. There are not many roads to God, He made it simple so we could choose the right one. Via Jesus. No Jesus and being baptized. No Jesus and good works. No Jesus and paying tithes. No Jesus and joining a church. No memberships to renew. Just Jesus. And even on a pound per pound basis, still the best deal around.

But why pass up the best deal there is? Salvation is free-a gift, you don't owe anything. It was paid at the cross. No meditation, no drugs, no classes, and nothing to buy. Save your money, for important things like motorcycles. Don't fall for the fake pitch-there is only one way to God-that is His son, Jesus. No religion or denominational differences, they aren't found in the Bible. So go with the winner-Jesus.

Jesus Christ-His deal is already supersized. There are no lines, no coupons, and no specials. No 2 for 1 deals. Just you and Him.

Too good to be true. Maybe. That same Harley, when sold on a horsepower basis, costs over $31 per horsepower. The GSXR, about $7 per horsepower. I don't think we'll be seeing that advertised at any Harley dealers anytime soon. Beware of claims that sound like a good deal, but aren't.

Jesus Christ is the real deal. The choice is yours, the time is now. Saying yes can actually be simpler than buying a new bike. And ask yourself, did you really want a warm Coke on a hot day?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

riding where AAA fears to tread

"Pray for us," I asked. "We are going on a four day road trip. And we are going in the car." Now a four day road trip is sort of a mini trip for us, no big deal. But the words, "going in the car," gave it special meaning. Unlike most people who only drive their cars, and then take an occasional trip on two wheels, we are just the opposite. We travel by motorcycle, so going in the car was to be a real novelty for us. And to add to the novelty, it was supposed to rain for four days, so at least good riding weather would not be wasted by being in the car. And of course, the usually unreliable weatherman was inaccurate, and we only had one day of rain. But it was unusually cold for So Cal, and with high speed winds, so it wasn't a total loss, and we were glad to be in the car. It was like God was rewarding us for taking the car by giving us bad weather so we didn't miss the bike. But I still did. I still waved to other bikes from the car. Old habits die hard.

And since I drive so little, it is always interesting to drive with me. Andrew won't, he says I drive like I ride a motorcycle. And I probably do, I just have a little problem lane splitting with the Mustang, but I learn patience and listen to music, something I don't do while riding. So all in all, we had a great four days of driving, including beautiful weather for being in a car-even turned the heater on a couple of times, and after four days without handlebars, I was ready for a motorcycle again.

Now we particularly love the Central Coast of California. The whole world seems nicer once you get above Santa Barbara, and with the golden hills on one side, and the blue Pacific on the other side, make the ride one that travel magazines for years have tried to express in word and picture, but must be travelled to fully enjoy. As we have travelled these roads very often, we decided to take some back roads we hadn't used in years. Visit some other small towns, before the trendy wine sippers take them over altogether. And sadly, they are getting fewer and farrer between. Los Olivos, once a small farming town, now is wine tasting central for Los Angelinos, with rooms at Fess Parker's Inn going for over $400 a night. Small towns like Orcutt and Guadalupe are evening showing signs of concession to tourists, as once quaint small towns now cater to those on weekends, and force the locals to go elsewhere. Surprised-not really, disappointed-yes, but still some of the prettiest scenery in-between that you can ever see. But like most real road trips, it is about the roads, and where once we travelled 45 mph on two lane roads, through canyons and valleys, now we travelled four lane highways at 70mph-maybe it is true that LA is a great big freeway, and now includes anything within a 200 mile radius. Central Coast-see it while you can, and can afford it.

Listening to a George Harrison song, the words "If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there," describes a perfect ride for us. Follow roads to see where they go, and like Woody says, "as long as you have gas you aren't lost." Follow an old road through the country, and watch the farmers at work. And wave back at them, as they wave first at you. Sit in a small cafe for lunch-at the counter if it has one, and listen to the locals comment on world events, and see how much we really do have in common. Eat some veggies-fresh from the farm, and see how they taste funny compared to so-called fresh from weeks of refrigeration in some mega-warehouse. Eat a hamburger, not preformed, but made by hand, and bigger than the bun it comes on. And like us, since the water in So Cal tastes like a pool, drink the local water-it's free and refreshing.

But what about the mud on the floor? Sorry, ranchers don't remove their shoes to eat. But what about the prices, they seem high. Sorry, ranchers don't get small portions-they need the nourishment. So when the platter, instead of the plate comes full, and fresh, don't worry about getting your money's worth. Clean the platter as a compliment to the cook-not chef, if you can, and you'll see why real cowboys eat with their hats on-so they can pull them down when done, and take a short nap. BURP! Ahh, much better.

Many don't realize it, but Jesus spent most of His ministry on the road. Taking back roads, going to where the people were, and sitting at the counter when he could. Not to draw attention to Himself, but just to fit in-you see He loves people, and likes to hang with them. Being God, He always knew where He was headed, but also being a man, liked to visit new places, and try new things-He was adventurous. And I can very easily see Him riding a motorcycle. Even when the weatherman predicted rain and wind. He would just command them to stop. He could and does still the waves in our lives today. Food-never far from a good place to eat as long as He was around, from a small meal to eating with 5000, He still knows the best places to eat.

But the difference of travelling with Jesus is He knows the roads you are on. He knows where to detour, where to make time, and when to just slow down and enjoy the ride. He also knows that the best destination is heaven, and encourages you to go there with Him, never forcing His way upon you. And like the perfect tour guide, He gives you the choices, and let's you make the choice-rejoicing when you choose Him and His ways-and feeling sorrow, but still loving you when you reject Him. He waves to you-even if you don't wave back, and even if you are in a car. And spending time with Him, and marveling at His creation, just make the ride that much better. And when we meet other Christians who enjoy spending time with Him, well the Bible calls it church-wherever two or more are gathered in His name. Fellowshipping, sharing testimonies, and learning of new places to ride, eat, and ride. You see we all are passing through, but it only those who ride with Jesus who will pass on to heaven. No other way to get there, and not just any road will get you there.

Do you know where you are going? Jesus does, and wants to be your tour guide for life. Riding more and enjoying it less-let Him lead. Get off the highway of life, and onto a highway of life. Trust Him and go places you never knew existed. And if you must-take the car.

Those of us who ride know of the freedom only riding can express. But those of us riding with Jesus know true freedom, words cannot describe it. So, for four days we took the car, and saw a side of Jesus we hadn't experienced in a while. But still couldn't wait to ride again-that's a freedom I never want to miss!

Get outta town. Pick a road that you've never ridden on. Eat a meal you wouldn't if at home, and spend time with someone who you haven't spent time with in a while. Freedom in the spirit-and on a road that I may not know where it goes-but that I know where it ends up. Take a road trip of the heart today.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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such a deal I have for you

Life was different 40 years ago. We had a different outlook-the space race was going on, and we also were in the midst of a Cold War. But I have found if you want to get a more personal perspective on the people in any time frame, read the ads. Looking back at an issue of Popular Science, a news stand date from November 1963, one that would have been on the news stands before the Kennedy assassination, we see a much different America than we remember, or are reminded by rewritten history.

Wen sold a soldering pistol for $4.75. Pontiac was building Wide Tracks! Universal Schools would train you to be an accident investigator, and make $6.44/hour. For $1.98 you could learn to hypnotize people, money back if not satisfied. New accordions for 1/2 price! Subscriptions-$2 per year. Pall Mall cigarettes-outstanding, and they are mild. Enjoy life with Miller High Life! Enjoy your Kodak 35F camera, for only $129. Take 10 shots with just one fast, manual winding! Crescent Wrenches-made in upstate New York. People who sharpen saws with Foley can make $3-6-per hour! And with an hour's pay you can buy a Dr. Grabow pipe, needs no breaking in.

Here's one-government surplus sale. Right above an ad for US Savings Bonds. Jeeps from $197, carbines from $20, boots, 65 cents, and refrigerators from $5. And all products made in the US of A! Direct from the government-ours! And you can record all this for posterity on your Polaroid Color Pack camera. Life just couldn't get any better.

These are things my grandparents and parents would have been interested in, and it makes me think of things my grandfather never saw. He never had voice mail, yet never missed a call when home. They would call back-what a novel thought. No e-mail either, I still have handwritten letters from him, nothing like the old pencil on a note pad, personal notes. They had an early color TV, remember the NBC peacock, so you would know it was in color, and dream about having one someday? Gas was about 30 cents/gallon, and the attendant would ask if you wanted ethyl? Then check your oil and wash your windshield. We weren't self serviceable yet. He would buy food from the Acme, and I can remember shopping with him once at Two Guys, and commenting on how much junk can from Japan. He never heard of Wal-Mart, or Chinese products. He worked for an American company, Ingersoll-Rand, who made products they shipped all over the world. Exporting, not importing.

Shirts, pants, and socks. Made in mills, some close to their home in Pennsylvania, where the churches raised money by preparing lunches for the mill workers. Good home cooking, and affordable. For these workers helped build America.

And we had no further to look for work ethics than our parents. Or grandparents, who had come through the depression. And knew the value of a dollar, even if it was only worth 90 cents-then. Kids were taught ethics, morals, and didn't need rules-you would not do anything to embarrass your parents, that was a fate worse than death. Not to mention the ever present threat of "getting the belt."

But two events happened in 1963, which changed America, and us. Kennedy was assassinated, and with him many dreams for our age died with him. And age of innocence, even though we were immersed in a cold war. Somehow we were different after that, and events helped usher in the escalation of Viet Nam, and the rebelliousness of the late sixties. But the other important event, was when we took prayer out of schools. Telling God, upon whom our nation was built, you cannot come in the classroom anymore. The Bible-can't read it there. Praying-keep it to yourself, and don't get caught, they don't care even if it is finals week. And with this one heinous action, we lost more than the reading and praying. We lost our freedom, although we didn't realize it at first. Where once we used to want to do the opening of our school day, you had to be elected by your classmates to read the Bible, say the Lord's prayer, say the pledge of allegiance, and sing a patriotic song-now we sang a patriotic song, that was to disappear, and say the Pledge, if you wanted. No requirement to stand and say it. We had lost more than a right to stand, we had lost the freedom it represented. And have never gotten back.

"Be a hero, save a whale, save a baby, go to jail." Whales are more important than life, and we wonder why society is rushing into the toilet. But God-two powerful words, that define a Christian's life, are still present. You see, if not for God, we would be like India, China, and other third world countries. Who by the way, ban the Bible, and public praying. You can be jailed or killed for it-by the government. And who now send us a majority of the products we used to produce here. Where freedom is defined as what the state allows you to do, and we find people still dying for the cross 2000 years after the crucifixion of Jesus.

You see, some things never change. God is one of them. Aren't you glad, so you know what to expect of Him, and from Him? No new revelations, like some cults, and not a socially based agenda. God has always been pro-people, and has always been the best form of leadership. His system works, but He doesn't force it on you.

Try Him today. Ask Him to meet your needs, and heal your land. He promises to listen, if you humble yourself and pray. Silently, publicly, in a group or alone-He hears. But God listens, and responds. may He find favor with our requests, and may we find favor with His answers.

You see, my grandfather wouldn't enjoy living today. Too many rules, junk products, lack of integrity, and the list goes on. It would be a world foreign to him, because it is foreign based. But God is still alive, and here for us. Can we thank Him for never leaving us? And ask Him to forgive us for leaving Him?

What do the ads in your magazines tell others about us? Let your life tell others about Jesus.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

life's a beach-then you wash up on one

Anybody who knows me knows I don't do water well. When others swim or float, I flail and sink. Body surf, I body sink. Tread water, I pedal to the bottom. And when faced with an audience of children, only make things worse.

In 1975 I visited my friend Brennan in Santa Monica, from NJ. We decided to go to a nude beach, near Zuma, for the obvious reasons. After surveying the territory, you begin to understand why God made clothes-some people's bodies need to be covered more than others. But also noticing the amount of girls there alone, I decided to make my move. I would show off what a great body surfer I was. Catching a few waves, I was the Big Kahuna-at least in my own mind, while Brennan sat on a towel making semi-nude conversation. Then the big one hit, and I don't remember much, or how much ocean I swallowed, but remember landing on shore, wrapped in seaweed, and puking my guts out. For about a half hour, with Brennan somewhere between concerned for me, but more concerned I had ruined his chance with the girls. He didn't even have ask, "do you have a girlfriend for my friend," it seems nothing is less appealing to a California girl than a pasty white, Jersey boy puking up saltwater, while wrapped in seaweed-naked. Next time I'll change my opening line. And what I can't understand is I had even waited 45 minutes after eating before I went swimming!

We all know the story of Jonah and the whale. In my mind it was always like Pinocchio and Jiminy in the whale's stomach, with a light hanging, and benches to sit on. But Jonah describes it different, and for the three days and three nights he was in the belly, it must have been scary, to say the least. Did you ever wake up and not know where you are? Jonah did. The last thing he remembered was sinking to the bottom of the Mediterranean, wrapped in seaweed, and then waking up-not knowing where he was-or even if he was alive.

He had disobeyed God, and didn't realize how God had sent a whale to swallow him and save his life. He was in a very dark place, probably very hot, a whale's body temperature is about a hundred degrees, it had to stink, and the stomach juices would be eating at his skin. It is possible he thought he was dead and in hell. And after three days, he repents and turns again to God, who was with him all the time. Not mad, but wanting Jonah to repent. And then He has the whale spit him up onto dry land-perhaps the world's longest vomit/loogee, as Nineveh was 375 miles from the sea.

It has been recorded that men have lived after being swallowed by whales. One ship's log recorded how the man had no problem breathing, but had passed out from fear. Ever been so scared you fainted? Or so bummed all you wanted to do was sleep? And when he was cut out of the whale's stomach, he was white-even his eyebrows and hair had been burned off from the digestive juices. Just an idea of what Jonah looked like when he escaped.

It is never a good idea to run from God. How do you escape someone who is omni-present? But God sticks with us, and wants us to return to Him, that is why He sent Jesus to die for our sins. You may not be in the belly of a whale, or wrapped in seaweed on a nude beach, but in every situation you need Jesus.

I didn't care where my next breath came from, I only wanted it to come. And God supplies them. And not only saved my life that day, and taught me a thing or two about body surfing, but a week later saved my soul-I came that close to dying and going to hell. Don't make the same mistake! Trust God now.

And as for beach baptisms, I watch from shore, with my clothes on. Just can't trust seaweed, I guess. But I can trust God! And when the ocean waves-I just wave back. Safe and saved.

To go riding.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Jim and Jesus-they were both really there

What a difference a generation makes. On Sunday, we went over to the Tour de Wangers, an annual car show put on by Jim Wangers, the Godfather of the GTO. In his mid 80's, he still gets around pretty good, and is a link to the past, he really was there, and is a treasure trove of history and anecdotes.

Jim was in advertising in the sixties when GM was the largest corporation in the world. Chevy alone sold over 2.5 million cars annually, about what GM does now in total, and they had over 50% of the market. They used to complain "they were losing one of every two car sales." And the US government talked of breaking them up due to anti-trust laws. Jim got tied in with a rising young GM exec, John De Lorean, who was making his mark at Pontiac. Together they took the muscle car market into new territory, putting a big engine in a smaller, lighter body. Not a new concept, but never done to this degree, and never marketed so well. And within a model year, all GM divisions, Ford, and Chrysler all had big engines in lighter cars, and the Muscle Car race was on. And Jim Wangers was right in the middle of it, he became its heart and soul for Pontiac.

We got to see many GTO's from 64-70, representing what any red, white, and blue young man wanted when young. Judges, a special model based on a Laugh In joke, "here's comes da judge," painted in bright colors, and with all the high performance goodies. There were Firebirds there too, one like Cathy's 1967 convertible. A four speed, red-of course, with the 400 engine, and slicker than snot. And fast. Had the hood mounted tach. And when she banged it into second, would have to find some nice guy to get under the car and dislodge the shift linkage that had gotten stuck. It idled rough, got terrible gas mileage, and leaked in the rain. But from 0-60, put a smile on your face every time. Unless you were running against her.

These were the cars of Jim Wangers, and his advertising genius. GTO tigers were sold in anything from perfume to Thom McAn shoes. A marketing blitz all based on one model of car, one that broke with GM corporate dictum of the day, and helped propel both Jim and John to legendary status. And just as sought after today as they were 45 years ago.

You see when you turned the key, it fired off the starter, not a computer. When you gave it gas, the venturis opened on the carbs, not activate the fuel injectors. You had to replace and adjust points, not download a new tune to the ECM. You actually had to drive the car, instead of point and steer. No ABS, ESP, cruise, or any electronic enhancements. Just man and machine, and maybe that is why we get emotional about them today. We could relate to them.

A few years back BMW came out and was proud of the fact that you could recycle most of their car. So much for collectability, and so much for emotions. The ultimate driving machine, their words, not mine, has become an electronic showcase, and when new technology comes out, will make the new one more efficient to drive, but not necessarily more fun. Put it in D, and the computer learns your driving habits, and shifts accordingly. Traction control prevents burnouts-remember the fun of smoking the tires? And impressing your friends? Technology rules the day, and progress quite probably, a good thing, has gone on for too long. Fortunately men like Jim Wangers, and others who made the history are still around. But what happens when that generation dies, and the scholars rewrite history? I hear stories today of how things were in the 70's, and it doesn't match my recollection, and I was there! Anything to sell a book, or to get across your agenda, and any tweaking of facts to fit the occasion has become OK. And we are the worse, not better for it. Grace Slick sang 45 years ago in "Somebody to Love," "when the truth is found, to be a lie...and all the joy within you dies...don't you want somebody to love?"

And the answer is we do. Not something, as Jim's advertising led us to believe, but a somebody. Someone who will listen to our problems, answer our questions, and tell us the truth. In love. And that someone is only found in Jesus Christ. He had no ad campaign, and only used 12, then 11 itinerant and untrained ambassadors to spread the gospel. But the funny thing about truth, is it sustains itself, and long after lies have tried to replace it, the truth stands. Many doubted Jesus to be God then,and the cults do now. But the truth of his existence, and his resurrection, and his changing of lives still continues today. In fact, more than ever. Just as He promised. And the question of the day is, are you part of the promise, and the promised today? Have you found the peace, love, joy, and security only Jesus can offer? Do you recognize his deity?

Or are you into the latest i-pod god, who promises you to have access to more music, more Face book, and along with it more stress, and charges you for it-monthly? Are you seeking love in something, when really it is found in someone? We all need someone to love. And He loved us first-can you beat that?

Jim Wangers will always be the Godfather of the GTO, and rightly so. He was there at the beginning, was part of the action, and knew the players personally. He was a player. History still records it, and he confirms it. Just like Jesus. He was there at the beginning, was the integral part of the action, knew the players and was the main one. History records it, archaeology proves it, and His spirit confirms it today. And even His titles, prove who He is-not was.

Just a car-don't say that to Jim and his followers. Just a man/rabbi/teacher-that won't fly in the face of truth. Jesus is who he said he was-the Son of God.

Thanks for the memories, Jim, of a time and a car, and people. It is sad you outlived your creation. But thanks be unto Jesus for a future and a hope. He too will outlive His creation, but the choice is yours. Apply now, the future is sooner than you remember.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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