fixing problems-Jersey style

Jason and Ryan, from the Triumph store in Metuchen, NJ were cool and took the Tiger in late in the day without an appointment for an oil change. While the bike was being serviced, two women came to pick up the one woman's Honda. She was very loud, an obvious drama princess, not quite a queen, more of a dictator, and while waiting for her bike told me how her and her friend were riding to Niagara Falls that weekend, and then we got on the subject of riding in West Virginia. The three of us sharing road stories, and becoming friends. Then Ryan wheeled up her bike and her whole attitude changed.

"I tol him da lights were wacky, stupid, he dint fix nuttin. Idiot." And then proceeded to call him a list of unprintable names, insulting his heritage and accusing him of physically impossible acts. Then when Ryan walked into the room, she jumped him, thankfully only verbally. "I knew ya was lazy. You dint fix the wacky lights." To which Ryan replied, "we checked them out, and they work." She replied, "they're bent." Wacky obviously meaning something other than what Ryan thought. She had obviously hit something and damaged them, equating her riding skills with those of her lack of social graces. So Ryan took the bike around, as she continued to berate him to anyone who would listen, sadly I was her audience. And I wondered, if he was so bad, why did she bring her bike there? And better yet, why did he take it in?

To calm her, I told her they would bend them back, and they would be fine. And that wacky obviously meant something different to him than her. And me-she was wacky. So as we watched, just as I told her, some big guy bent them back, and then she rode off-I can't say happily, and I don't think thanks was part of her vocabulary, but at least she was gone, probably in search of her next victim, to deal with another wacky problem. And I wondered if I should call ahead and issue a warning to the Falls of her planned ride, but then I was reminded of three things about the Garden State.

One-Archie Bunker once remarked to Meathead, "no one wants to live in Jersey, but someone has to." So she did.

Two-on all toll bridges and tunnels leaving Jersey, you pay leaving the state. No one pays a toll to get into Jersey. They are only set up to pay to leave. A comment I was told by a Port Authority worker. He thought it was funny.

Three-a repairman told Theresa while we were there, after being yelled at, and her explaining she wasn't used to such rudeness. "I'm from here, I'm used to people being rude all the time." Why be nice when a good insult will do just as well?

So I guess all was OK in Jersey that afternoon, and being a stranger in this strange land, I was the one out of step with local customs. Maybe I was wacky. But I also know Ryan could have avoided the whole issue if he had asked questions about what wacky meant. Or at least identifying her as wacky. While at Mercedes Benz, we took the attitude that many times the customer needed fixing, the car was doing what it was trained to do. For instance, a conversation I had many times, mostly with women, who were more attuned to their cars than the men.

Woman-"My car makes a loud buzzing noise all the time.'

Mike-"Will it do it right now?"

W-"no."

M-Well than it doesn't do it all the time. Do you notice it more when just starting, or after driving?"

W-"Just starting. Then it goes away."

And I would be able to explain it was an air pump, part of the emissions, perfectly normal, and some were louder than others. Not a problem. A customer fixed, they always thought I was so smart-an illusion, and they loved their car again. Just because I asked questions.

There are three key ways to effectively minister-which you cannot do outside of the spirit's guidance. Most important to note that first.

One-identify the problem. They may not be mad at you, you are just the audience. Sometimes they will tell you, sometimes you have to listen, and sometimes you have to ask. But first-deal with the problem, and not the symptom. And without knowing the problem you can't help.

Two-How can I help? Again, they may or may not tell you, so be aware, and don't be afraid to ask "how can I help?" Still listening. Still praying.

Three-where are they with Jesus. Once you find out, then you can address the problem. You can't address a spiritual problem by erasing a symptom. It won't work. Band aids hide the wound, but the scars remain. Let God guide you, give Godly advice-NO preaching, and ask to pray. Be courteous. Godly advice only works if taken, and works more often when given in love. Then follow up-give of yourself, just as Jesus did to us. Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for a friend. Even when it means going out of your way. That's love. Even in New Jersey.

I hope this woman made it to Niagara Falls, and they both survived her visit. Fixing bikes should be left to a pro-even wacky lights can be repaired as she found out when the real problem was identified. But things of the spirit should be left to the one who created, knows, and loves you the most. Seek Jesus today for even the smallest thing. Make the three ministry guides part of your lifestyle, and watch as you too fix people, but only with God's help of course.

I hear it even works in Jersey. Bet yas dint know dat?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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plains, canyons, rivers, and peaks

US 6 in the Keystone State proved to me once again that you can turn a boring 280 mile freeway ride into an almost 500 mile trip of joy when on a motorcycle. And be glad that you did. For where the Interstate Highway System smoothes out hills, and eliminates curves, Route 6 follows the contour of the countryside, which means bridges over rivers, many altitude changes, and enough curves to keep any sport bike rider happy. Add to that very little traffic, at least during the week, picturesque small towns, old diners, and you can take your time, and miss the stress of the freeways. And see some beautiful countryside along the way.

Pulling into Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, we were enamored by the charm of the town. Even an old train car, which is now the Wellsboro Diner, made us hungry-we were already thirsty. But the full seats viewed through the windows made us ride on, the road called. Until we noticed a huge mural painted on a building across the street. "PA. Grand Canyon-10 miles west." Here was something I had never heard of, and so with Theresa's fascination with Grand Canyon, we were off.

PA.'s Grand Canyon is really Leonard Harrison State Park, built back in the thirties by the CCC over an eight year period. And the ten mile ride to get there takes you through Wellsboro, and a view of the 150 year old houses with their immaculate grounds, through farm land, then finally into the forest and state park. Where two things greet bikers-one parking for motorcycles only, and second-no entry fees. Had time stopped for me, or had I gone back almost 70 years? Clean, immaculate, and with many trails to hike-some other time, the views are awesome. The air so clean, as it is at 1833 feet, one of the highest points in the state. And with a gift store-we collect magnets, and one worker telling us about a short cut going west, this short excursion made the day that much brighter. By going just 10 miles out of our way, which when riding means along the way. For oft times it is the things we experience along the way that are more pleasing than the destination. Something any traveler, or biker can tell you, it is that the ride is really the destination. A good Samaritan in the form of a sign, reminding us not to be in such a rush. And just another reason that Pennsylvania is one of my favorite states to ride in.

By contrast, there are places you wish to get through as fast as possible. One is western Kansas, out on the plains. Pretty country, but nothing out there, except for the small towns with only a store to show at the intersection of two highways. And one stop stands out, as along US 54 there is not much more than cows and country. The only building in the area was an old gas station, turned into a restaurant, C-store, and info center, so popular along these roads. The only person there was a woman, who I can't get out of my mind. A shut in of sorts, as the only company she has is the occasional traveler, and not many of them. Her travel history based on stories of those passing through. And I think of all the beauty, and places, and people to see, and I felt bad for her stuck there. A choice she may not have made if she knew the consequences when she made it. And her whole outside world based on what she sees on TV, never knowing more than what the program had to offer.

And I contrasted that with both Grand Canyons, destinations for a vacation or a ride. And thought of how no one goes to see her as a destination. She is just a non-descript stop on the way to somewhere. A forgotten place, with a forgotten woman. And I still thank God for how He has blessed me in my travels. But still can't get her out of my mind.

Life without Jesus Christ can be like this stop along the road. A non-descript location, with no hope, and not realizing there is a way out. Life without existence, or is it the other way around? Being trapped into a mindset that it is the same everywhere, so why leave. Why trust God, all churches are the same. All people are hypocrites. I'll just stay here, miserable until I die. God doesn't care, and all religion is worthless. Sad. Definitely not life as I would want it, or as God has planned for us.

His plans include a hope and a future, plans that go beyond anything asked for or even imagined. Plans that only with Him you can accomplish, and places and people to go and meet that He has already arranged for you. Just to bless you. For instance, it reminds me of stopping for a root beer on a 100 degree day in Hunterdon county, NJ. On old 22, the Stewart's stand there long before I was, and sitting along with Theresa drinking cold root beer. When a man sees the bike, and wanders over to talk. And how his face lights up when we tell him how we travelled through the south, and how he beams when we mention Wytheville, pronouncing it correctly-Withville, and how it made his day as he grew up there. And how he would love to move to Savannah. And how God allowed this meeting, just to bless us all. No sermons, no scripture, just a loving God who wants to see His children blessed. And we thank Him. This man once just a stranger, now a friend, and we never did exchange names.

Your life will take you many places. Only in God will you see the peaks and valleys-both great places to visit. But you can also get to see life without Him, alone, deserted by a life choice you make. So the choice is up to you. So many roads, so little time, but such a great and awesome God. May all your canyons be grand, may there be ample places to park your bike, and may the root beer be cold and refreshing. Just like a relationship with God.

Is it any wonder that Jesus spent most of His time on the road? And that He sent his disciples out on them? Maybe, just maybe, there is something to life on the road. I am assured there is with Jesus. I only hope that the woman in Kansas finds out someday soon. Don't wait. Don't you fall into the same trap. Make the choice to travel with Jesus today.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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the red Chevelle

Our 4th of July again this year was spent in Quakertown, Pennsylvania at their annual Family Celebration Day. From early pancake breakfasts, to the late fireworks after dark, the day is filled with Volunteer Fire Department competitions, ball games, band concerts, lots of local food, and a great car show-limited to 450 cars! So after making our first trip through the cars, the smell of roasted peppers and onions and Italian sausage finally got to Theresa, so we had our first meal. Later that afternoon when I got a sno-cone, the man suggested I get a red one to match my red shirt, and compliment the other food colors on it! But for now, sitting in the picnic pavilions at picnic tables, we were joined by an older lady who was a local. And while talking with her, another younger man joined us, somehow balancing pizza, fries, a hamburger, and a Coke. And you could tell there was something physically different about him, and when his wife joined him, she introduced Tony to us. And how he had had a brain tumor. And how they come out every year to enter their car in the car show, a 1969 Chevy Chevelle, a modified dragster.

"Did you see it?" Tony asked. "Yes," I lied, and he went on telling me all about it, and how he won best Modified Muscle Car in 2009. This car had consumed seven years of his life in building it. Precious times, maybe not then, but looking back now they were. And after visiting, we assured him we would find him and the car again.

By this time dozens more cars had arrived, but we had no trouble finding Tony's red Chevelle. It was just like he described it. And we found him sitting in the shade behind it. As we looked through his photo album of the restoration, and he told us of how he had raced it in the 10's, we were somehow taken by this car and this man. A car that wouldn't normally appeal to me, now somehow was interesting. It was Tony's car-and now it was personal. And somehow this car was a source of comfort to them, a place to remember better times, before cancer had robbed them of life, and a lifestyle. And they reminded me of why I go to old car shows, for as much as I like the cars, it is really the people that bring them alive.

And as I look back at how many travelling veteran's walls I have looked at over the years, my heart remembers. How I would stand and gaze at the endless stream of names, looking for one I might recognize, but thankful there were none I did. Until two years ago, when Capt. Joshua Meadows name appeared. A BMW rider, and friend of Theresa and Kelly, as I touched his name, now it was personal. And I thought of his wife Angela, carrying their daughter, Olivia, who he would never know, and a daddy she would only know in pictures. And the horror she must have felt when she saw the two men from the War Dept. coming up her walk-she knew why they had come. So now I listen more to men who share stories of fallen comrades at the wall. When a Korean or WWII vet tells the stories, I listen. For now, they are more personal, too.

Travelling in the south on a Sunday morning, you see many small churches with a handful of cars in front. Many denominations, and even branches within them. My favorites, the Burned Out Missionary Baptist Church in Mississippi, and the Regular Baptist Church in North Carolina-that name really scares me. And as I think of how denominations and doctrines separate us from each other, I am thankful that Jesus Christ is in my life. He made it all personal, and rescued me from the depths of religion. So when someone asks me what I do for a living, I say "I'm a Christian," for I have life in Jesus. And I hope my actions say more about Him in my life than words.

Cars and walls, like the food history on my shirt, only tell part of the story. Memories that are fonder when recalled and remembered. That when recalled take on a new life-no matter how many years later. But only in Jesus do I have memories yet to be told. A hope and a future. And I can look ahead, instead of back. He's that personal.

So next time you see me in a trancelike state at an old car show, I am remembering the Tony's, and many like him, who have given life to cars. Who bring life to a vehicle with personal memories, not found on any spec sheet or road test. They are that personal. Maybe that is why I go. But no matter where I go, Jesus is always with me. He's that personal. Bet you never thought Jesus and cars had so much in common?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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the ballad of Gavin and Lynsay

The ballad had already started by the time I met Gavin and Lynsay. One night I received an e-mail forward about a biker down, to which I always respond immediately. It only mentioned his name and Palomar Hospital. So the next morning I went down, and found out he was in ICU on the third floor, and they let me in. Sound familiar, Bill? I don't like or use titles, but many know me there as a chaplain. Knocking on the door, I walked in and found two young women reading their Bibles. In bed, with tubes and on a ventilator, was Gavin. One of the women was his sister, Cassandra, the other Lynsay, his wife. They explained about the accident, it was about two weeks before he was found in a ditch with his Triumph Speed Triple on top of him-unconscious. No one was sure what had happened, but the CHP felt he may have been run off the road. He was air lifted to Palomar, and Lynsay was told he had a 5% chance of living. And if he did, he would be a vegetable. They are a young couple, about 24 with two small kids.

During the conversation they told me they were from Ramona and went to Calvary Chapel there, and knew Pastor Rob and Mari-way cool people. After a short visit, and explaining who I was and what I did, we prayed. As Gavin still rested, but comatose.

I continued to visit, for weeks, and finally he awoke, and was transferred to the seventh floor, CCU. And one afternoon I got a call from Pastor Rob, who was glad I was ministering to Gavin. "Did Lynsay tell you the good news?" She had given her life to Jesus the day before! And was more confident than ever that Jesus would heal her husband. And as I continued to visit, Gavin continued to amaze the doctors. Coming out of the coma, he only had a feeding tube in him. And Lynsay had so impressed the nurses by her love and compassion for Gavin, they told her she should become one. And so when they told her about another brain injury patient that just came in, 17 year old Conrad, they asked her to visit the family. As she told Theresa and I, she was excited but scared, until Theresa offered me to go with her. Fifteen seconds later, we are on our way, with Theresa watching Gavin whom she had just met ten minutes ago.

As Lynsay and I walked into the waiting room, it was filled with the Murphy family-Conrad's. She sat down and started sharing who she was, what had happened to her husband, and how Jesus was healing him and changing her life. I watched in wonder, this two day old Christian ministering to others, while still in need of ministering herself. We visited Conrad in his room in ICU, and then prayed with all of them.

Fast forward to last Saturday-Gavin went home, to Ramona. Less than four months after his accident. His back is still broken, and he still has a long way to go with physical therapy, but he is talking, eating, communicating, would go on visits and pray with me for other patients, and when I asked how he was the day before he left, he told me how Jesus had changed his life, and he was saved! In less than four months, what wasn't supposed to happen did. From 5%, to vegetable, to saved and going home-Jesus Christ had changed his life.

Conrad was given a likewise bleak future. But we prayed, and God heard and answered. As of last Wednesday, he is sitting up, and talking, eating, and doing PT. On the ninth floor, like Gavin was, for rehab. When I asked him if I could pray, we grabbed hands, and the first words from his mouth were praise to Jesus for what he is doing in his life! Keep praying, for this young man was also drafted by the Seattle Mariners-we hope to see him play baseball again someday.

But the healings weren't over. Just a few weeks ago, while going to see Conrad, I talked with his mom Wendy and one of his sisters while they were in the hall. His sister kept insisting "tell him Mom what you did with the couple. Tell him how you talked to them like that girl talked to us!" So Wendy explained how when standing in the hall, she heard a couple talking of a decision they had to make to pull the plug on their brain damaged son from drugs. Wendy shared about Gavin, Lynsay, and her son, Conrad. They admitted to her they had no hope, but now did due to her visit.

And two days later, their son was sitting up in bed and eating! They had come that close to pulling the plug! Now he lives!

Today you may be wondering where does Jesus want me to go and do. And how you might spread the gospel. You might hear the story of his advice of going from Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and into the outer reaches spreading the gospel. This time it only went from the third, to the seventh, to the ninth floor, and then Ramona! No preaching, just the love of Jesus shown to a dying world. And watching as He changes lives and saves souls! A simple example of preaching the gospel, and when needed using words. A lesson for all of us who are called as His ambassadors. A great commission.

Seek God, and watch as He will guide you through to where He wants you to be. Showing love to those hurt, and sharing it with those who don't know Him. Watch as He will change their lives, and yours also! All wrapped up in 25 words, the gospel. John 3:16.

The ballad of Gavin and Lynsay isn't over yet. Or is Conrad's, or the other family's. God's work is never done. And like Jesus said, if all the things He did were written, no library could hold them. I am so thankful for these three volumes in my personal library. May they encourage you to start your own, or add to it.

Just like Gavin told me when I asked what could I do for him? "Just be you, " he said. Which is what God wants us to be. Just you. His child. A sinner saved by God's mercy and grace. And a family that has changed my heart, just by being themselves in Jesus. A story that must be repeated to all who will listen. Jesus Christ changed all the words and the tune to their ballad. May he write as beautiful a song for you.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the outer limits of inner truth

An archer is known by his aim, not his arrows. A reminder that an enemy should not be considered by his weapons, but by the targets he hits. David for instance. Just ask goliath. One of my favorite shows is the Outer Limits, the one from the early sixties. "We have control of your set." And a favorite episode is "100 Days of the Dragon." Set in contemporary 1963, it takes the red Chinese communist threat, and plays it against the US of A, hoping to destroy the country from within. "Without weapons," as President Selby says. But he really isn't the president, but an enemy altered to make him appear as the president. I won't spoil it by telling you details, except that this imposter is president, with all the power that goes with it. Or more accurately, all the power given to him. Subtly under the guise of peace, he initiates close ties with the enemy, really only dealing with his own people executing a well laid out plan. And almost succeeds, until the power play that put him in place fails when they try to get the vice-president also. In a chilling final scene, the imposter is unmasked, by the vice president. And now he is president. Which really scared me.

How are you sure the vice president is really the vice president?
Could this all be part of the plan? How do you know who is who? Or as a Telosian once told Captain Pike on Star Trek, "we have our truth, you have your illusion. May you be as happy with yours as we are with ours." Does fear make you happy?

Today it is popular to find perception more accepted than reality. That what appears to be right, is. Where sometimes the truth seems like fiction, and reality is just a perspective-even your own. And as we continue to watch morals cheapened, and finally abandoned, in the name of progress, we need to reassess our aim. And our arrows. For many lies are spread daily as truth, and only the spiritually aware will be able to tell the difference. It is written that if the righteous are barely saved, what about others, what about you? What about me? Do we struggle over doctrinal issues in the church, while discounting Jesus? Are denominational doctrines supreme over truth? Or if you repeat a lie enough does it become truth? Are you set free?

Today many opinions will be offered you in love. Some from friends, some from the radio or TV, and even some from the pulpit. Test those spirits to see if they are of God. Satan's aim is sure, and his arrows are deadly. Some things will sound good, but only in light of truth will the lie be exposed. Remember all lies are based on truth, and can be carefully engineered to appear as truth. Knowing Jesus, and trusting God, for He is truth is the only way to know the difference. How can you trust someone you don't know?

The dragon, aka Satan is alive, sadly and thinking he is well, and deceiving and killing many daily. His aim may not be truth, just making you miss, or doubt is enough, the distance doesn't matter. But his arrows can be just as deadly, if not life altering. How many die of untreated wounds that once weren't life threatening?

Confirm the truth in the Bible. Verify the truth of the statement by measuring it up against what God says. Let God be true, and all men liars. Resist the devil and he will flee, but get close to God. Know Him, trust Him, and depend on Him for all your needs.

The quiver is full, and there are arrows with your name on it. But God also has a book of names of those who are saved, the Book of Life. Heaven bound because of your choice to trust Jesus and not the enemy. To give Him your all, because He gave His. For His quiver is one of love, and the arrows that He shoots pierce your heart with truth. Peace. Comfort. And love.

Just a TV show? Maybe. But let it be a wake up call to those who are seeking, and finding. Your enemy is real, and seeks to devour you. But He has to go through Jesus to get you, and so will seek others who don't know Christ. You're protected. So Jim, and others, our Mission Possible is to warn and tell others about the saving grace of Jesus Christ while there is still time.

And if you can, watch 100 Days of the Dragon. It is more contemporary than you can imagine. Too scary to not consider. Take heed of the words of the Telosian. But consider God's first. For all have sinned. And only Jesus is the way to God.

Jesus saves. Are you saved? We return control of your set back to you.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

if music is the language of love-play on!

When you stop and think about it, walking by faith is much easier. As I look back on all the times I worried and fretted, it seems like such a waste of time and emotions that I didn't just trust God. He was going to bless me anyway, why make my life so difficult? For all those who talk about faith but don't exhibit it-it is God's faithfulness not ours that changes things, it is our benevolent creator and savior who gives us life, and promises to fulfill it if only we follow Him and obey. We get the follow part OK, isn't it nice when God agrees with us? Truth be told, we are to agree with Him, it is the obedience part we don't deal with very well. And only in the spirit will we ever get it!

For me, I started to get it at a Santana concert at the Felt Forum, the little theatre at the New Madison Square Garden. Even before I was saved, the music moved me. After watching Ike and Tina Turner as the opening act, I really wanted to see Santana. In this day before paying huge amounts of money to watch a concert on a BIG screen, you just couldn't see her act well from the audience. She hadn't made it big yet as she was the latter part of "and". So at around 1100pm, remember concerts used to have late shows, Santana came out and played some of their hits, and some new songs. WOW! And then the disappointment set in, as they jammed for the next 90 minutes. I didn't go to hear them practice, or jam-I wanted to hear the songs I knew like they sounded on the album. But it took a late night DJ on WNEW-FM to set me straight, to instruct me as to how uncool I really was. While the teenie boppers listened like I did, musicians were turned on by the jamming. And it was an awakening moment-you got to see this group fully come alive, to put their hearts into their music, and not perform for the audience, but perform for each other-feeding off each others playing. And I lost my Top 40 virginity that night, and music hasn't been the same since. It has been better!

Last Saturday at a car show we saw a Beach Boys tribute band play. Their music was OK, but the yellow striped shirts made them look like pansies. And although they sounded like a 45rpm record, it had no heart, no style. Lots of notes, but no music. As I thought back to other tribute bands I had seen, not particularly by choice, I was reminded the real thing is always the best. A Rolling Stones tribute band was playing at 6am at a Love Ride a few years back, and even with an audience of 20,000 bikers-it was still too early in the morning to hear a simulated Mick and Keith play. Way too early. When in Cancun, an Eagles tribute band played-good musically, but some words don't translate well from Spanglish to English-and as much as we tried to hide the giggles, that is what I mostly remember.

Give me 90 minutes of jamming, or like in the south a juke joint. Start playing when the first guy arrives, and close down when the last guy leaves. The night being about the music-not the audience. We just get to visit and enjoy-these guys will play whether anyone shows up or not!

Lately when I think of a tribute band, I think of our Worship team at church. Is it possible that worship teams are really the original tribute bands? For in their music they play tribute to Jesus, for it is all about Him. I watch as John Wickham allows each musician to follow the spirit, and somehow when they all are worshipping God, the music is spirit filled. Music from the heart, the only way it should be played. Faithfully-no matter how large the crowd, for the audience is always just one person to them-Jesus. You see when you play to Him, the music has to sound better. The voices more angelic, and the drums rhythm tighter. Playing by faith allows them to be themselves, and watch as the talent God has given them is magnified in their worship. Trusting God while playing, and playing faithfully to Him. Maybe that is the key to faithfulness-love. Not worrying about performing for man, but being yourself in Christ. Truly a new creature, the old one never would pour all the energy and love into an audience of lesser beings. It takes faith, built on confidence in God, and trusting Him that no matter how bad you play, He still loves you. Again-why He tells us to come as children. Thinking back my boys banging on pots and pans was great music to me-they were playing it for me! Can we live for Christ the same way? Playing for Him?

There are no rules in faith. No missed chords, no tribute bands. The only tribute is when you keep your eyes on the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He is the music in your life. So sing to Him today. Put Christian words into old songs, and while you sing to Him, He will minister to you. Watch as He does for you, like He did for Joseph, turning bad into good. So sing as if your life depends on it-for it does!

It is not the notes that turns a person into a musician, it is the song and how it is played. And it is not laws that make us a Christian, it is a daily walk with Jesus in the spirit. A lesson learned 40 years ago from a secular disc jockey, who never heard of Jesus. But understood what gives life to music. We know better-for we know the one who gives life. Jesus Christ-put Him in the first groove and let Him wail! A live album-and you are there to hear it!

Makes you think. I know how some of us sound. And God still loves it. Maybe nothing is too hard for the Lord!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

"why you doing that? How you gonna know how much gas you need if you pay first?"

While getting ready for our next trip, I was reflecting on places we have been to in the past. Places that when you mention them, the person asks "where's that?" Places you don't fly to to avoid, but that you ride to because they are along the way. Not out of the way, but destinations while you are on your way, for that is the best way to travel, and live life. I have found, that the off the tourist route trips are generally the best. And also the most blessings are found there when least expected. Take a step back in time, or into reality, and go for a ride. And like the shirt says, the trip is the destination. So, let's ride!

Say you wish to go to Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan. You can fly and be there in hours, or ride, and take five days. Easy choice, huh? Five days it is. And along the way, you get to see Grand Canyon, Santa Fe, Boulder Canyon, Cheyenne, Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, Lambeau Field, the Upper Peninsula , and finally arrive at your destination. Refreshed and ready to go. Each one a destination in itself for a vacation, you just got an extra nine vacations just by riding there yourself. Plus got to meet some of the nicest people along the way. Who shared other places to see, roads to ride, and places to eat. And eat some great local meals, with the locals, too. Tough choice I know, when you consider how much fun it is to fly. Just the thought of standing in lines, being body searched, and where is my bag with the travelers checks makes me avoid plane travel altogether, doesn't it you? But we both made it to Greenfield Village. Only one took a trip, the other an adventure. You decide which is which.

What is Greenfield Village you ask? Around the turn of the century, Henry Ford decided to build a living museum based on farm life in the late 1800's. Not just any buildings though, houses like Noah Webster's, the Wright Brothers, and the Firestone farm. All historical, and all set in a park like setting. Eat lunch in an 1850's inn with no power, just candlelight. Great food, great atmosphere. Ride around in a Model T, or a Conestoga wagon. Ride the train, but look out for hot cinders, it's a steam engine. Watch the horses plow the fields, and wish you could play with the kids rolling their barrel hoops. Or just sit and eat an ice cream cone and watch life pass you by. At a pace you choose. A great relaxing day, made even more so by the five day ride that preceded it.

If the mention of Ohio makes you think of the Cuyahoga on fire, the congestion in Columbus, or the more cops per mile interstate, try the Ohio River Valley. And be thankful your friends are so narrow minded and went elsewhere. Less traffic without them. Hills, turns, and the river always nearby. Flowers and trees. Rest stops to rest and watch. Stop and look at huge barges carrying goods. Watch as speed boats with water skiers fly by. Stop and eat at a drive-in where the waitresses still come to the car. Real milk shakes, not just a shake. And relax, which is why we vacate, right? Sit on some chairs on Main Street, and visit with others as they pass by. Talk with others, and become part of their day. Listen to kids tell you about the things they've seen. How did I manage to miss them? Maybe even go down by the river, and skim some stones. Far away from the lines at Disneyland, but in the real towns that they patterned Main Street USA after. No actors, just folk. No admittance charge, just a kind wave and firm handshake, no longer a stranger, but a friend.

Sometimes we forget that life is worth the living. We are so intent on getting to heaven, we forget about life along the way. The wonderful trip that God has planned for us gets mired down as life interferes. But it doesn't have to be that way, it is your choice. I am often asked "how do you find these places?" And I wonder how you don't. They are everywhere, just get off the freeway. Stop at a general store and listen to the talk. But it takes getting out and off. Out of your status quo, and off your duff. Just like your Christian walk.

Why fall into the trap of thinking you must go out and witness, when you can be out witnessing the beauty around you? And meeting others, and sharing with them. God appoints these times, sometimes just for you. Don't be so heavenly minded, you miss the gift that God has put before you that day. Tired of northern manna, go south. Too much burger and bun, try local favorites. Not all God's blessings come wrapped in wax paper. Some are piled on the plate by the spoonful. Seconds, anyone? No extra charge.

Enjoy the life that Jesus Christ promises you. An abundance that can't be found in an airport, or chain restaurant. A meal for half the price, but twice the food, and triple the flavor. No charge for the memories. No gift shop except the picture the waitress takes for you. Or even more special, a picture with the waitress. A moment in time that makes you want to ride 200 miles out of your way just for another. But realizing that the 200 miles is never out of the way, but always on the way. Other places just get in your way.

Jesus tells us He is the way. Trust Him with your travel plans. You do for heaven, don't you? He is the truth. Never had a bad meal yet anywhere He led us. And He is the life. Life to be fulfilled. Life to explore. Life to see all He has for you. Everyday-with three day weekends and vacations at no extra charge.

Remember the people. They are what makes the place. Last year when going in to prepay for gas in Missouri, the girl behind the counter asks, "why you doing that? How you gonna know how much gas you need if you pay first?" Think about that for a minute.

Remember the person, Jesus. Take Him along. Your destination is confirmed with Him, so go on and enjoy the trip. Like He says to. Enjoy life in remembrance of Him. And as you go, you will be amazed at the divine times He has appointed you. Just because He loves you. That's life.

love with compassion,

Mike

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