what has two wheels and flies?

In the beginning, God created motorcycles. And He saw it was good, so He went riding. But soon man saw it was good also, and soon we after motorcycles we had scooters. Not quite a motorcycle, but by definition two wheels and a motor. Take that one if you believe in evolution-a much lesser type of motorcycle. Some people thought they were cute, real bikers found them annoying. Then soon as we got older, trikes came along. Add a third wheel, in the rear, make the handling unstable, remember the Honda ATC controversy a few years back, and soon they thought they were riding a motorcycle too. Then along came a Spyder, and sat down beside us-from Bombardier. And soon a whole generation of people were riding what they thought were motorcycles-but they weren't. Purchased in bike shops, but so were watercraft. You needed a motorcycle endorsement to ride one-but they weren't a motorcycle. But don't tell those that think they are-it is dangerous to wake up a sleepwalker, imagine one who is riding-at least they won't fall over if on three wheels!

But let's go back a few years, to when bikes had to be kick started. Men were men and Honda never called their little bikes motorcycles-they were developing the Honda philosophy! And the creative decided to put VW motors in trikes. Never my favorites. Creative, yes, but still not a motorcycle. And the even more creative or performance oriented used Corvair motors, more power! One ride would scare you back into your Chevy. But it still had three wheels. It took one Kenny Howard, aka Von Dutch, to put a VW motor in a motorcycle frame, restrict it to two wheels, and ride. Even Munch, with their Mammoth, had an NSU motor. At 1600cc, was as fast as a Z-1 at the time, but no one wanted it parked outside of their house. Defining the uncool motorcycle. If you want a car, buy one-if you want to ride, buy a motorcycle!

Yet the revolution goes on, where Honda remarked at their last Wing Ding 40% of the bikes registered were trikes. Is senility taking over this older crowd, or will we go to any length to keep their throttle hand from withering? I hope to never have to answer that one. I have no problem with those who trike-but please-do not try to convince me you are riding a motorcycle! Safety as you get older, tell that to an old friend of mine who used to kick start his old Bonneville-and he only had one leg! Balance-learn to ride. Running boards went out in the 40's!

Maybe we should blame it on the toy company who brought us the Big Wheel, showing kids at a young age that it is harder to fall off a trike. Robbing them of the joy of heading down the hill on their first two wheel excursion. These may be subtle, but not motorcycles! The truth is still the truth.

Contrary to popular belief, God did not create denominations, or religion. Man did it himself. Calling it truth, encouraging those not saved to think they are. See above for trikers who think they ride. Setting up their own set of rules, they brought God to their level, and just like on the Aqualung cover, believe in the beginning, man created God. For their own benefit. Just the opposite of the truth. And continue today with denominational doctrines, many times in conflict with scripture, rules made up to gain salvation-it is a gift and cannot be earned, and leading many astray. Nice people-just not Christians. Christian ethics, just not saved.

Some even use the name of Jesus, and are cultic, some deny His deity, yet quote from His word. Misquoting actually, never acknowledging He is the Word. You may know some like these, or be stuck in one yourself. Now is the time to trust God. Stand up for truth, and rebuke the lies. For many have fallen to these clever liars, but only have a type of Godliness, not the truth. Only one can claim He is the truth-is that who you follow? Or have you succumbed to denominational rhetoric?

An old joke asks what has four wheels and flies? A garbage truck. What has two wheels and flies? A motorcycle. Different style of flies. How do you fly? This is not meant to insult those who trike, but to remind them they are trikers, not bikers. And not meant to insult those who go to church, but to be encouraged in the truth-Jesus Christ. Don't fall into any convenient lies, and go along with the crowd. Seek the truth on your own. The first time you lean into a curve on two wheels it will take faith-don't stop there. Lean on Jesus! You won't fall. Enjoy the ride, with Him along. Many don't realize He rides. So think about it. After six long days of hard work, what would you do to rest and relax? Jesus and motorcycles-it just don't get any better. Trust Him today and find out.

Whether on two or three wheels, trust Jesus. Now if we could only get church folks to wave at each other like we do....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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the high cost of free advice

Since my open heart surgery I am amazed at the amount of free medical advice I have been given. With all this free advice readily available, why do we have an insurance crisis? Particularly when it is free, no appointment needed, and most times unsolicited. It seems everyone is an authority. From not knowing what open heart surgery is-it is not stints, to being told that I should have had a pig's valve installed-my valves were OK, to never hearing of an aorta, the old theory of open mouth, insert foot is given in many illustrations. Which leads me to one question for them, would you take your own advice? To which they reply, "I'm just trying to help..."rather indignantly. We may not have found the cure, but maybe the cause.

When I was a service advisor I would get occasional people who have researched their symptom on the Internet, and then proceed to tell me the problem, and how to solve it. My reply was always the same-"right click and have the Internet fix it." Without proper diagnosis, which can be extensive, how do you know if you have found the cause. The common theme being they didn't want to spend any money. Then why buy a Land Rover? Have at least another car because it will live in the shop. Your garage is for the loaner while you still make the payments. Lee Iacocca said it best, "you never put two #2's together to make a #1!" Or to quote Rodney Dangerfield, "look out for #1, and don't step in #2!"

I know a guy, well meaning whose name is Vince. He was hired as a crew chief of a race team, but thought he knew it all. And rather than doing his job which was running the team, tried to reinvent the wheel-and ended up with a flat tire. Which we already had plenty of, wonder whatever happened to him?

Lately I have watched as churches take worldly advice for spiritual problems. Giving God advice. I know one thing, you cannot solve spiritual problems with physical advice. But you can cure worldly problems with spiritual advice. I hear of one church "teaching" its flock how to witness. Use buzzwords, the four spiritual laws, and the Roman's road approach. Anything but the spirit, which changes lives, not you. Wonder whatever happened to that pastor, and his flock? We are to love-try being my friend and I'll listen long before you start preaching at me. I'm gone when you do. I even had one well meaning, but zealous man visit me in CCC, talking to me as if I was in sin, I finally had him banned from visiting. Jesus put it simple-if thirsty, give drink. Naked, clothe them. Hungry, share your lunch. And if stuck in a hospital bed or jail cell, visit. Which I was, fighting to survive. care about his religion, I was saved, and in the spirit. If only he would have listened. To which many have, and still do. Let the spirit guide, for not only was this man incorrect in much of his theology, but also in his approach. Pray for those who are like him-particularly those in pulpits. As I was reminded by a friend who has backslidden, hypocrisy is the most dangerous and destroying thing the world hates, from Christians. It's ok for them to be duplicit-just not us.

Have you asked the Holy Spirit to guide your day? Or are you still leaning on your own understanding? You can't do both. The tire may only be flat on the bottom, but it is still flat. Trust God. He will give the words, and preach the gospel daily, only using words when needed. A hug can tell more about Jesus than how much you gave to missions. Keep the agenda simple-only Jesus. And watch as God will work in your life.

For the rest of you, right click, and join the others who have gone astray. Remember-nowhere does Jesus say to go out witnessing-you can turn Him on or off. He tells you to be a witness, something no class, not preaching, and no doctrine can teach. Leave the switch on at all times. It takes the spirit. Without the spirit you will only have a form of godliness, but never fully know God. And if you are not for Him, you are against Him.

As for free medical advice, I have been released from all restrictions by my doctors, and as of Tuesday I am riding again. With only one doctor to go-my wife. But her love has helped me get to where I am, never neglect the influence of a loving nurse. Or wife.

And to all that ask, thanks, yes I am fine. In the spirit...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

so many plans, so little time

Adopting the mantra of size matters to motorcycles, whatever happened to the small bikes? When I started riding 250cc was the norm, and my first CB350 Honda was used for touring-take that Gold Wingers! The British believed 650cc was the biggest any engine should be, and the Americans quoted theirs in cubic inches-all the way to 74! That was big. Also proving bigger isn't necessarily better. But then Honda dropped the bomb-reluctantly at first, with their 750, when they were afraid no one would want a big bike, having made history with 50cc rides, not even calling them motorcycles, but Hondas. Then the 903cc Z-1, and today it takes 1800cc with six cylinders to haul all the bike and junk we think we need to ride. But the one thing that didn't increase with size was the fun, for fun cannot be measured in cc's, but in the ride.

I have two friends who are border line insane when it comes to scheduling. They can tell you what time and with who lunch is with in six months. How much time they have with their wives-after checking her schedule, and every day is planned. A major event can be waiting an extra ten minutes to be seated, but usually they have called ahead. Not a hair out of place, nor appointment, and heaven help the fool who messes with their i-phone. Time rules them, they just don't know it. And they go through life shaking their heads in amazement at people like me, who have learned flexibility. And the ability to adjust. No fun, no freedom. How can they enjoy the ride? Do they ever wonder where that road goes? Or do they just never wander?

I blame it on riding, or more precisely the weather. Gonna rain to the north, go south. High heat in the desert, mountains here I come. We deal with the conditions, rather than let them deal with us. But sometimes you have to endure the heat, or rain, or health risk, and you adjust. Not just that time, but all the following events. The rainbows always appear after the storm.

When I was Life Flighted from Durango this summer, it was not part of our plans. And Theresa had to cancel three weeks of reservations between Wisconsin and California. We had to yield to the situation, but really we were yielding to God. Who, as usual was right on when He said "I know the plans I have for you." So we followed His lead, never questioning why, or how come us, but let Him lead. And even while in the events while they were unfolding, we found peace. I finally came to the point while rehabbing that I couldn't look ahead, I was totally consumed with right now. And if I can't handle right now, how can I handle tomorrow? Or next week? It took trusting God, and letting the Holy Spirit guide us. And I see a time when the church, and other organized institutions will be shaken, and even follow God or be wiped out. We will all be given the opportunity to trust God. So heed the words of Jesus now-pick up your cross and follow Him. You may have to give something up, but the rewards are life changing, and life saving. And it is your choice, as an individual, not a church, club, family, or i-phone appointment. It is between you and God.

So learn from Honda, enjoy the small things, but anticipate even bigger things. God tells us if we fail the small things, there are no bigger blessings. Don't be too big for a 500, enjoy the ride. Bigger means more weight, more money, more responsibility. Enjoy what God is giving you. Don't let your best rides be memories, enjoy the ride today. And if your schedule is dictating your life, toss it. Gain a freedom in Christ that allows for errors. Yours. All time doesn't need to be accounted for. God isn't your boss who demands an accounting of your day. Did the disciples carry Daytimers? Did Jesus? He was never late, but always on time. Would a bigger ride have gotten Him there sooner?

Trust God today. What is change and flexibility to us in His plan for us. NO plan b as some ascribe too, He knows, so doesn't have to have a back-up plan. Trust Him and watch You wouldn't need a suspension if there were no bumps in the road. Let God plan your ride in life, ditch the calendar, and go with Him. Open heart surgery was not in our vacation plans, but God knew, and had it all worked out. Better than AAA let Him plan your route. Your job is to follow it and enjoy the ride. Just for the fun of it. My heart and schedule literally are open to Jesus-is yours?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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do you remember no shoes on the gym floor?

Because the future seems so bleak anymore, we tend to look back to the "good old days." And although I have heard the term used by many people, it seems to mean another time or something different to each of us. To those starting a career, it is the college days, to those starting a family being single, and to those nearing retirement it means when they were just starting out, before life and reality had shattered all their hopes and dreams. But to me it means something different, which may be the embodiment of it all-looking back to a time when things were simpler, before life had interfered with our plans. Before we knew it all, but thought we did. And now feel threatened by those who think they do now. And the cycle goes on...and on... and on...

To me much of it is reflected in old cars and motorcycles. It is hard for me to watch as some young guy gets excited about a car from the seventies-I was there, couldn't afford them then either. And they were not the cars I lusted for in the sixties. Or watching as TV shows try to tell me what the styles were then-I was there. To me, the perfect outfit for girls is still a skirt, sweater, knee socks, and saddle shoes. Notice I said girls not women, not important why this outfit-those were the good old days. When you kept your cootie shots handy, just in case you were caught talking to one. Did girls ever have shots against boys? It was a general understanding you only got cooties from girls. Still not sure what a cootie is. But going to Hanford back in May to a vintage bike show reminded me the good old days were not that far away, and as I looked at vintage motorcycles from the seventies, I was on one myself, I didn't feel old, nor did the memories. But all the guys my age seemed to age-I wonder how I looked to them? How many of us were there searching for the good old days, or were still caught in their time warp? Time and technology have moved on-with old memories filling the gap left by the refusal to participate in progress.

I'll never know, it is one of those esoteric thoughts for a rainy night, when listening to the thunder takes you back to being a kid, enjoying the show of noise and light, but secretly scared it might strike too close to home. But reliving old memories, meeting old guys, and making new friends and memories keeps me going. So many conversations start with "remember when..." and although your audience appears to be listening, he is remembering when in his own memory. Mention the first Z-1, and five guys will give you five memories. And that is how it should be-personal. With each story the ride getting faster, the road narrower, and the thrills scarier. With the ones ending with "I'll never do that again," leaving you wishing for just one more chance at youth now that you can handle the fear. It has been said youth is wasted on the young, which has to be better than old age wasted on the old. Now as I approach older-but not grown up, I look back differently. Same memories, but from an older and not necessarily wiser perspective. Safe in a place where reality comes in second to bench racing. We were all older, faster, wiser, and more fearless back then. Where truth is mixed with perception, truth coming in second. A distant second for some.

During my recent open heart surgery we heard from many people. some I haven't seen in 40 years, but can remember the same good times. And when I meet fellow Christians from 35 years ago, we share testimonies of God working in our lives. But too few only have the good old days, as life interfered and God was put on hold. There were careers, families, and life in general. And neglecting the very one who had given them life seemed to be the first thing to go. It hurts, me and them, as they missed out on life with God, and it can be lonely since they are so out of fellowship. Even worse when it is a friend you looked up to, and has back slidden. It all comes down to a choice to follow Jesus or your own ambitions-how thankful I am I have stuck with Jesus. Celebrating my 38th summer with Him, every day is the good old days. And not because only of looking back on great memories-not necessarily good ones, but how He took us through, and giving us a hope and a future because of Him. Which is sorely missing from those who chose to go their own way. But it's not too late.

You see Jesus never left us, we left Him. He is still right there, the key word is repent. Turn from the world, and return to God. For some the turn is a U-turn, for others just getting both feet on the path. But God knows, and provides the way. Jesus. Just call out to Him, tell Him you want the good old days to be today. Then trust and obey. Watch as your career gets jump started, your family comes to life, and the blessings flow. Where instead of "good Lord it's morning," it's "good morning Lord!" And watch as the memories grow, and each day gives you hope for tomorrow. When you meet an old friend you don't have to travel back years to share God, but it is fresh and new. Each day having new memories awaiting you-don't miss them!

The good old days are here now. Don't let them pass you by. Your new bike may be faster, but never as fast as your first 900. Or 650, or 750. The brands don't matter, or even the size. My 350 was fast enough, until.... And even though skirts and sweaters are out, your wife still looks good as ever, your love has never gone out of style. Remind her-don't go back to high school to remember how good she looked. Enjoy now. And Jesus-the same as always. Loving, kind, and patient. Waiting for you-make Him Lord again today. If you have waited at all, that's way too long. These are the good old days.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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I miss America-the trains

I still love trains, in fact during rest time during rehab I read a great magazine about the classic trains from the 30-50's, which all finally went away in the 60's. Lots of vintage photos, stirring the memory. Great engines, lots of American made freight being moved, and millions of commuters, and travelers enjoying the dining car with the crisp white table cloths. A time when rail travel ruled, planes were still to expensive, and you still need a way to and from the airport. A day when REA-Railway Express Agency ruled in these pre-UPS/FEDEX competition days. Engineers, conductors, and station masters. Stuff we watched as kids, and then played with at home with our Lionels, before HO took over. Great days that sadly are gone.

When coming home on I-40, the interstate version of Route 66, you follow lots of train tracks. Leaving Kingman, a hub, the trains dot the landscape for hundreds of miles. But there is something different about them. One I can't remember any passenger trains, and there are no more cabooses on the freight trains. But even stranger-no box cars, and very few tank cars. Coal cars back east, but no box cars there either. They are all piggyback with shipping containers. And after watching for awhile, it dawned on me, these are not American made goods. They are all imported, mostly from China. Perhaps the last vestige of transportation has been abducted by the Chinese. On the way to Wal-Mart, a leisure activity of the Chinese government. Remember when they too used to brag about all American made products?

Which tells us more about the US of A and ourselves than we care to admit. We have become discount price driven, as opposed to quality driven. Price rules. We no longer lead, we are a colony of foreign made goods. Which explains all the empty factories, and all the unemployed and displaced workers. Leaving lesser goods at a discounted price for those who can still afford to shop at Wal-Mart, and others like them. And a steady and permanent erosion of America-and its values. A lowering of standards, then a plethora of rules, and finally trying to legislate morality-even invading our homes as courts now tell families how to raise their children-or grandchildren, or foster children. What happened to our morals? Did we sell them out too?

Jesus tells us a little leaven goes through the whole loaf, leaven representing sin. And it has permeated our country and society. Even in our churches, pastors have adopted programs and studies based on man's books, rather than teaching scripture. Giving up morals for social morays of the day. Trendy. Coexist-don't make me puke. Compromise ruins all-now that's coexistence. Lower the standard enough, and all will hit it. Trying to teach people to become better people on the outside, rather than a change from the inside. Simply put-without a change of heart, there is no change of actions-or attitudes. So if the churches won't do it, where do we turn?

First there are many churches that do-thankfully they have not succumbed to humanism. But first turn to God. Why turn to man who is broke and weak when you need money and strength? Go directly to God, who is available 24/7, never sleeps, and has only your best interest in mind. No religion, no rules, no club to join-just love. And as you find your heart changing to Him, you find a joy that goes way beyond emotions. A security way beyond riches, and a hope a future. But it takes trusting God. And we don't trust someone we don't know-hey I know lots of people I still don't trust. But God is faithful-give Him a chance.

Think of this next time you see a train. Each container car represents a job lost, a family disrupted, and a life interrupted. Turn to God before you end up like one of the cars, and its cargo. Jesus loves you-in fact scripture tells us His train fills the temple. Pardon my pun.

I miss America. Don't wait until it is too late and miss God. Today could be the day of your salvation. God bless America-but America-LET'S BLESS GOD!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

baby, you can't drive your car

After 54 days outside of So Cal, I had gotten used to different types of driving. True, most of my time was spent in the back seat of a rented Toyota, due to my surgery, but we still experienced a strange phenomena-courtesy! People would wave you to go first. Very few cell phone ingrates-although one is too many, and turn signals used when turning. Which as we got closer to So Cal evaporated-the true line of demarcation was Barstow. Could Barstow really be the edge of civilization? Sadly now that I am back almost two weeks, I have gotten used to California's driving habits, and will probably revert to some myself.

Some of the unique California habits are found on the freeway, where some mindless twit will be going 45-50, while texting. In the fast lane. And if you honk, still has the manual dexterity to show you who is number one. I saw a shirt I would like to wear while riding, just to get their attention, "honk if you have never seen a gun fired from a motorcycle!" Sadly they might not get it, the words are spelled correctly, not txts. Another habit is driving for miles with your turn signal on, impeding traffic is all other lanes who wish to pass, but aren't sure when or if you are going to turn. Almost a guarantee, go to pass, this yuck will cut you off-never looking up. Which goes along with the unwritten law about turn signals-when used they mean look out, I am about to turn without looking. It is like just the signal makes them invincible, but not invisible. Again, honk to be reminded of who is #1!

The old joke about no one walking in California is personified in parking lots. I watch as cars circle the lots looking for a space closer to the store. Maybe the extra 20 feet of walking will adversely affect those in their $150 walking shoes. And then worse, if they spot someone who may be leaving, will position themselves in the middle of the lane, and block traffic both ways while waiting. Usually while a better space becomes available, which now no one can get to. Which answers the age old question, how do you blind a soccer mom? Put a windshield in front of her! And the true test of determining where you learned to drive-waiting until the last minute to apply the brakes. Both rude, stupid, and hard on the brakes. Did none of these anticipate stopping? Not if a parking space opens up! I guess you have to protect that last part of what is "your" road. Finally, for you brave ones, look in your rear view mirror. Drafting works in NASCAR, no reason anyone should cling to your rear bumper, particularly those under the influence of kids. Who bought the safest mini-van to protect them. We can build better cars-can we improve upon the driver?

Sadly we all drive according to our own rules. I blame the DMV-somebody had to pass these idiots! And to me it has helped society erode whatever evidence of goodness and kindness we have left. Thankfully God hasn't forgotten, who is good and kind, but today it is so rare we seem to only see it via miracles. But that also gives us more time to see God's love. We decided to drive back from Albuquerque, and were OK with the $250 drop off fee-still cheaper than flying, even when figuring gas, food, and motels. But upon arrival, the decided to waive the fee, as a kindness due to our situation-without asking! And we were to see this kindness repeated over and over, from restaurants to bike shops. We were shown to what to us were unusual kindnesses-maybe an example we can learn from. Blessing someone-and remembering that when we do, that we are blessed more. A Biblical principal lost in our "all about world." If you want a blessing, bless someone.

It is OK to hold a door for others. To let someone with a few items in front of you in line. To give up that precious parking space-even cancelling your turn signal would be a blessing. And if these things are too hard for your all important daily routine, just try smiling. It can light up a dark room-and at the least make them wonder what you are up to. Then tell them how God has blessed you-even a smile can show the love of God.

So don't delay. Back in 1955, James Dean, the coolest before Steve McQueen arrived-both Triumph riders, made a Public Service Ad about traffic safety. "Drive safe-the life you safe may be my own," he said. Prophetically he died before it aired, when a car turned in front of him. In where, you guessed it, California.

Trust Jesus today, the life He saves may be your own. Pray for the one who cuts you off, or annoys you. If God can change a heart like yours, imagine what He can do for someone not as fortunate as you! Now that's a miracle!

Kindness and goodness-the fruit of the spirit!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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test results

We were buying some items for a trip a few years back when the cashier told me my license had expired-the state had not notified me. So getting a temp before we left-a permit, upon return from our 7500 mile ride I took the test-and failed! Like many other experienced riders, I had found if you ride like they say-you'll crash. So after explaining my last two weeks ride to the DMV woman, she suggested I sit at her desk and take the test again. She disappeared for a few minutes, conveniently, leaving the answers in plain view for me. And she was pleased when I only got a 100! It seems passing the test was different then real life, and after 35 years she figured I may have some experience. She knew the real test was could I ride-not pass tests.

After my open heart surgery I had an infectious disease doctor, Dr. Ross, and Dr. Walinsky who operated on me. Both got the same lab results, with Dr. Ross's advice different. His was a purely analytical approach, do this to get back within the boundaries, while Dr. Walinsky was more concerned about my reactions after surgery. Both right, but both different, and both concerned for my well being. Sorta like the law vs. the spirit-both right, but one gave me a freedom based on background, while one was based on facts and figures-very impersonal. Life in both cases was the objective.

Jesus tells us the law is death, while the spirit gives life. He also tells us that He fulfilled the law!

And He desires we live in the spirit-which gives freedom! It is like a man I once met, who was trying to get closer to God. He read the Bible more, did more studies, prayed more, and was frustrated after 18 months. If only he would have let the spirit guide him. After we talked, he realized he wasn't trusting God, but doing what he felt would make God like him more. You see you cannot earn God's grace, nor make Him love you more. And it is the spirit that reveals all the mysteries of God. Not study, but spending time with God. Which will include God. You cannot do things to make Him give you favor, but you can let Him guide your life by the Holy Spirit! Grace is truly about God, and His grace does not need us. It is not dependent on our participation-it is a gift that cannot be earned. He loves us the same while still being a sinner, yet we try to impress Him. He calls it pride, and it stands between us and Him. And God wants nothing to get between us!

Give it over to God today. Trust Him. Because He is trustworthy. He sees you as you are, and takes all things into consideration. When He says all things work together, he means all! Not just what we think is convenient for us. He is always there, has the right answers, and it all will work out for us. If we are obedient. So quit arguing with God, and desire to come to a point in your prayer life where it is all thanksgiving. For when you truly trust Him, you will ask no more-only praise Him and worship Him. Talk with Him today, and give Him a chance to answer. You may find that just like the DMV woman, the answers are right in front of you, all you need to do is trust.

I think that deserves a ride, don't you?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the smiling doctor is Dr. Peter Walinsky-the best!