remember your first time

For me it was heading up Princeton Avenue, speeding out of Bill’s driveway, on his homebuilt-weren’t they all, mini-bike.  Later it was to be riding a converted Honda 50, after school in Ricky’s back yard, extending into the woods and riding along the brook that ran into Brookside Park.  Later it would be more mini-bikes, this one a factory job of Dave’s, and then BH’s CL77, painted dark blue with a brush.  But my first bike, my first motorcycle I owned was to be a 1972 CB350 Honda, gold and the coolest bike I had ever ridden.  Brand new!  When I first saw it in real life, parked among the CB750’s, and CB 500’s, it looked awesome, no way I wanted anything else but that one.  And so one afternoon cutting school early, I rode buddy seat with BH and off we went, riding the rest of the afternoon.  Going fast, but not being warned about break in, I didn’t care, as passing cars at 70mph made me feel fearless.  And free, a freedom never felt before.  And I could never see me on anything else except my Honda....until that fall, and the new bike issues came out.  And there it was, the answer to my longing for the open road.  The newest love affair in my life, the one who would take me places I had never heard of or knew anyone who had gone there.  And so with cash in hand, up to Sleger-Forbes I went, and put a down payment on a 1972 R60/5 BMW, now referred to as the “toaster tank” bikes.  But what to do with my Honda?  The bike I was so in love with, my first ride of my very own.  I was too young and too broke, and had no garage space for two bikes, and I was lucky my parents let me have one, they said so, so the Honda had to go.  And the ad was placed.

It was my first time selling anything, let alone a motorcycle, and the emotional ties were great.  Every time I thought about “was I doing the right thing?” all I had to do was look at the BMW flyer, even the ad was in blue like my new one, and the Honda seemed like a burden instead of my once prized ride.  And even short rides were bittersweet, as all I could think of was 600cc of Bavarian power, and going other places, but college, homework, girlfriends, and the Honda stood in the way.  Until one cold November afternoon, a long hair showed up, helmet in hand, and was interested.  One look and he knew it was better than advertised, could he take a ride?  And as I watched him cross Hetfield and go up Algonquin, he faded, and I missed the Honda.  Maybe I would tell him no, but when He came back, cold and smiling, and said, “I’ll take it,” I knew it was time.  Sold for $200 less then I had paid for it, where else can you have so much fun for a dollar a day, so I figured it was a good deal for  both of us, I had put almost 7000 miles on it in less than six months...and all I could see was BMW blue. And as I signed the title over, I had the rest of the money I needed.  Now all I needed was a ride, and nice weather.  But that would have to wait, and for almost 3 months I was without a motorcycle, a season that would only repeat itself one more time in the next 42 years-again weather being the deterrent.  My first bike, my first sale, my first time without a motorcycle.  And I was only 18...

The pastors and I talked the other night about the same people who go forward ever service.  Either to be saved again, or to rehash the same problem, or who knows what.  They are predictable, and when I said I could reach out and touch the shoulders of who was the next wave, we agreed.  For salvation is a one time event, you can’t lose it, although you can lay it aside.  You can’t lose Jesus, He never leaves you, in fact He was there long before you recognized Him and were saved.  But so many make it only an emotional relationship, and when they lose the feeling, go back for another hit.  A once a week fix that keeps them going until the next altar call, and they get excited again.  Much like your first ride, that you keep going back to, until another one comes along.  And you take more short rides, until the next faster and more exciting ride comes along, and suddenly the love is gone, the emotion is unfulfilled, and the next ride is now the current relief.  But unlike salvation, you can give up riding, but why I don’t know.  I have ridden through blizzards, unemployment, kids, marriage, sickness, and in times of no money...even in times of spiritual darkness before I met Jesus.  So I don’t buy into the excuses.  I knew when it was time to sell the CB350, it was the new owner’s turn, the BMW was calling.  But somehow with Jesus, it s different.  It was way beyond emotions, it was deeper than words.  And I knew I could never go back.

When I listen to those who talk about coming back to Jesus, it seems an emotion led them there at first, and an emotion took them back.  Despite the warnings of not trusting your feelings, or your own understanding, or being told the heart can be deceived, and can be wicked, so many go with their emotions.  Jesus is just the current fix for a feeling, or lack of one.  But real salvation is more, it comes from within, and is shown from without.  It is a change of heart, not a change of motorcycles.  You see motorcycling to me is a passion, no matter how many or what bike I am riding, but Jesus is a passion, no matter what else comes to entice me.  It goes deeper than feelings, and deeper than words.  It is the true relationship with the God of the universe, our creator.  And although I may go forward for prayer, I always will have Jesus.  He hangs onto me when riding, He held my heart through open heart surgery, and He holds my family together in times I can’t .  He loves me despite my emotions, He loves me through my attitudes, and He can see what is on my mind and heart through the leathers and my full face Arai.  And if I feel melancholy, I can look back to my first time with Him, and it goes deeper than any emotion.  I may change bikes, but I will never, and never have changed my Lord.  So where do you stand with God today?  is it more than an emotional relationship, or is it too deep for words?  Does it feel like your first ride, or was He a ride you took once, then sold for something better, faster, or newer?  Do you really miss the things you gave up to serve Him, or do you go back occasionally, backsliding until the next altar call?  Do you really remember your first time?  Or your last?

It hurt to sell the Honda, but the BMW made me quickly forget.  And it would repeat itself over the years more than 30 times.  New love, and then a newer love.  But one time 38 years ago I made Jesus my Lord and Savior.  And have never looked back.  But He has guided me, and led me to places I never knew about, taken me places I could never have gone without Him.  And soon I will be in heaven, where I could not go without Him.  Saved once, I will live forever.  No matter what I ride.  But I will always remember the day when I sold the Honda, and it went up the street with a new owner.  Just like when I gave my heart to Jesus.  I never wanted to look back, the roads were so promising ahead.  Where your eyes go, you will follow.  So keep your eyes on Jesus, a hope and a future.  No matter what you ride....make Him and heaven your destination.  Once and for all.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

all in one Accord

There are today only a handful of American car brands left from 60 years ago.  And through merger, failure, or attrition, today the Big 3 of Detroit have been reduced to the Shrinking 2.  Chrysler, long the perennial number 3, is now owned by FIAT.  Yeah, that FIAT.  Fix It Again Tony.  A company once known for its engineering prowess, and Hemi engines, is now a brand of FIAT.  Who also owns Ferrari and Alfa Romeo.  Another marriage unthinkable to my father’s generation, and laughable to mine.  No pathetic is better, as another American company is sold to a company based outside of our borders.  An interesting alliance, as now the auto world is dominated by Volkswagen, who owns VW, Audi, Ducati, or Ducaudi, SEAT, Bentley, Bugatti, and Lamborghini.  Go figure.  So when BMW can own Mini and Rolls Royce, why can’t an Indian company, Tata,own Jaguar and Land Rover?  What am I worrying about...I drive a Ford, who used to own Volvo, Aston Martin, Jaguar, and Land Rover, and who cancelled Mercury.  And I almost forgot Edsel.  And Chrysler’s heritage goes back to Buick, then through locomotives, to Maxwell, to Nash and Hudson, to American Motors, and from Willys to Kaiser Jeep, Daimler Benz, and onto FIAT.  Whatever happened to what’s made in Detroit stays in Detroit, or at least the US of A?  Remember the uproar and lawsuits when Chevy put Olds motors and vice versa in their cars, and how important brands were?  Some men were Ford guys, we had Chevy men, and those who were dyed in MOPAR colors.  Today through diversity, I am not sure what I am riding in.  And it goes way back, to when the apostles were all in one Accord.

It even rubbed off in the motorcycle world a few years back, when Kawasaki and Suzuki built similar bikes for motocross.  If I wanted a Kawi, I would have bought one.  And now, with FIAT, who is best remembered for the Topolino, the little mouse, we will soon have small cars, with small engines.  No more V-8s, no more 440 6 packs, no more Hemis.  We’ll get what they want to sell us, when we could have had a V-8.  And as badge engineering dilutes the brand, and all cars look alike, no more can we tell a Ford from a Chevy from a VW from a Dodge, we all lose something.  When we are told we are gaining something.  And as something so emotional as cars lose their appeal, and begin to have all the appeal of a toaster or refrigerator, as they become appliances or appliance like, we all lose something of ourselves.  And within the next generation no one remembers.  Who would have ever thought both VW and Toyota would outsell GM?  Maybe what was good for GM was good for America, and vice versa.  Maybe we criticized the statement too soon.  Maybe we finally took Iacocca’s advice,  and when we found a better car, we bought it.  But can you envision car shows of the future with old men telling stories about FIATS?  Camrys?  Versas?  Even Datsun is now Nissan, is nothing sacred?

Proverbs tells us good name is better than riches.  And many good names were worth riches, or at least future riches, or they would not have been desirable to buy.  And so we come to the name of Jesus.  A common name at the time, Joe or Joseph of today.  But when Christ, meaning savior is added to it, and He becomes Jesus Christ, things change.  And when we take on His name, we change.  And so does our world.  Just by taking on His name, we become sons of God.  No other way to heaven either.    No other name in heaven by which we can be saved.  In His name we are healed.  At His name the nations shake and crumble, at His name the winds stop, and the waves cease.  At His name, we findthe beginnng and the end, and watch as demons flee, and kings bow down.  At His name...

A name that should be held as holy, for He is God.  And we should be Holy, as He is holy.  Wholly God and a holy God.  Without Holiness we will never see God, He is the way.  He is Holy.  No other way, no unholy alliance, no merger with any other gods.  He is God, the way.  If only history and the men who record it could be so holy, imagine the world without sin?  Now imagine heaven, and you have the promise of Jesus.  He is that Holy.  Tracing His lineage back to the beginning, and to God who created the universe-He was there.  A lineage I am proud to be part of, if only by adoption.

Try taking your FIAT to a Jeep store now for repairs.  But try again next year, and maybe...From the little mouse, the Topolino that roared, to the mighty Chrysler, how far have we fallen, or have they risen?  A little leaven going through the American auto scene, that like sin, leaven in the Bible, changes all things, and you can see the future.  Chrysler-it must have been one heck of a car.  Don’t let the same be said about you and Jesus.  If you don’t let sin in, it will never spread. If you resist the devil he will flee.  But putting on Jesus, you gain immortality.  Out of darkness, into light.  Maybe what you drive tells more about who and what you are then you wish others to know.  But telling others about Jesus leads them to salvation.  Something Hudson, Studebaker, Nash, and Packard all lost out on in mergers.  So listen to Lee Iacocca’s advice, “never put two number twos together to make a number one.”  Only Jesus is the one...how important is the brand you represent?  And today GM is based in the Renaissance Center, built by Ford.  And to think the apostles were all in one Accord.  All because of Jesus.

love with compassion,

Mike matthew25biker.blogspot.com

from tubes to transistors

In a far a way country, almost 100 years ago, there was no radio.  No TV, no Internet.  People actually had to talk with each other, read, or went to bed early, getting up even earlier to start the next day.  Then along came radio, and soon this invisible voice was able to fill parlors from coast to coast.  Bringing the outside world into the home, form mysteries, to baseball games, to the gospel, the magic of sound came out of this big piece of furniture called the Philco, the centerpiece of any modern home 80 years ago.  Electronic, it was fed by vacuum tubes, that took time to warm up.  And when your favorite show was coming on, seconds could seem like minutes.  Just waiting for the set to warm up so you could hear Mel Allen welcome you to “baseball and Ballantine,” the voice of the Yankees, you didn’t want to miss the first pitch.  And who wanted to miss the beginning of the sermon, the title sometimes being the only thing you got out of the message.  But sometimes the sound would end, the lights go out, for a tube had died.  Pulling off the back, you could identify the bad tube, it was usually black, and a quick run to the store, where you plugged it into the tube tester, and it told you for sure it was faulty, just in case the lack of sound was questioned.  And then returning home with a new tube, plugging it in, you hoped they hadn’t finished the message, named the who dunnit, or missed the last out of the shutout-the game of the year.  You wanted to hear it all live, not from your friends the next day.  Bragging as if they had really been there,  and sad because you weren’t.

And soon newer cars had radios, taking big band music of Glen Miller on Sunday afternoon rides.  Listening to the ball game under shady trees while eating fried chicken, plying catch as Mel gave the count and the pitch.  “Going, going, gone...” so was the pitch and so were we.  And nothing like hearing your favorite song with that special date, parked alone at Inspiration Point, waiting for that magic moment.  Waiting for the radio to warm up...and your date.

And then came transistors, from war time after WWII.  The grandfathers of microchips, these little amplifiers and on/off switches allowed us to not miss a pitch.  We never had to wonder who dunnit, as they didn’t fail, and on dates with multiplestations, your song could be easily found.  And if you struck out on the date, there was always baseball...all best heard from the back seat, and from the rear speaker.  Even these little “transistor sisters” could be carried in a shirt pocket, taken to school for special events, and if your teacher was cool, listened to at lunch.  And do you remember singing out loud while on the headphones while your friends laughed at you?  The still small voices talking in your head...

Fast forward to today, where now we have cell phones that give Internet access, text, take pictures, and if aimed right,can even take phone calls.  Amazing, and that still small voice can now be musical, sports oriented, or even allow you to attend church, without attending.  Miracle of all miracles, what could be next, what could be better than being there?

But yet we have all become like one of the above.  Some are tube based, and when the tube turns black, they turn away from God.  Good only for a season, that once still, small voice inside, that once inspired them, is now silent.  They have quit listening to and for God, and have gone on to other more entertaining forms of life.  They forget that like tubes, they can be resurrected, and have life again, but aren’t interested.  Instead like the old radio, they are abandoned, only it is them that turn away from God.  No tube, no Jesus, no life.  And sometimes it is back to old habits, more Ballantine than baseball.  And they don’t feel welcomed anymore.  No more who dunnit, no more promise of Jesus’ return.  The set is dead, the lights are out.  The room is quiet.

Some are like the transistor, instant gratification, I want it now.  And when God acts like the genie in their lamp, they are always turned on and sometimes even tuned into Him.  Like their favorite song on the radio, they listen for Him, and like a date, make one with Him at least once week to catch up.  But sometimes they get busy, on other dates, and that still, small voice is drowned out.  Even putting their ear to the speaker isn’t good enough. God is dead, they have heard, and soon they believe it, although it is them and not God.  Resurrection also works on them, but they forget about Jesus.  Where was God when they needed Him, why didn’t I get the job, the girl, or the car?  Must be God’s fault, so they go on, listening to a new song,one that drowns out the real message, and they soon only look back, because they have no reason to look ahead.

Today some stay out of church, claiming that they go to church via the internet, but it is not the same.  They seek instant gratification, and rather Skype an old friend over gossip, than hear the truth from any pulpit.  Too much to listen to, but nothing on.  So they grab onto whatever text comes next, and that still small voice, becomes a loud text, and soon they have no time for God.  Jesus never left them, they turned off His station, for the world.  And when not fulfilled, pride keeps them away.  And then when they fail, they are thrown away, thinking they are not fixable, replaced and forgotten.  For whatever is new today, will be better and less expensive tomorrow, just hang on and wait, you’ll see.  And so Jesus does...are we listening?

Funny how scripture never says ‘he who has a tongue let him speak, but Jesus warns more than once, “He who has an ear, let Him hear.”  A still, small voice, the spirit, here and now, not from many mile away.  Beckoning you to take an afternoon drive with Him, make a date, or even accept an invite to church.  He is calling, the lines are open.  What station are you tuned to?

There are many buttons to be pushed on the radio of life.  Pushing the wrong one can cause you to miss out on life, the right button leads to eternity, and a pretty good right now.  Long before tubes, transistors, and microchips, there was Jesus.  And long after there still will be Jesus.  A favorite song, an exciting game, a drive in the country, or a special date.  He who has an ear, let him hear and respond now.  Pull the back off your old life, replace the tube, and hear that voice again.  Plug in earphone and let your transistor sister bring the joy of Jesus to you.  And Skype Jesus today...He has been waiting for your call.  Back to the beginning, when people used to talk one on one.  And still can today to Jesus.  Don’t bother waiting up for the game, it is just starting.  Welcome to the first pitch....going, going, gone.  Will you go with Him?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

special delivery

Unnoticed, but more unappreciated by us, is a system that we live and sometimes die by.  A system so reliable, that we hardly notice it, except when it doesn’t work-the US Postal System, or the Post Office.  Yeah, that one, the one that delivers millions of packages and letters per day, and manages to only lose millions of dollars, tax dollars daily in doing it. Now compare that with FedEx or UPS, who handles millions of packages per day, but still manages to pay dividends to its stock holders, instead of draining more dollars from its stockholders like the USPS, we being the stockholders.  Proving once again private enterprise works best and that it isn’t sinful to make a profit.  But have you seen both rates lately...whatever happened to the 2 cent stamp?  Maybe it was technology, I remember working at a Sears receiving platform, and UPS delivering everyday.  25 to over 100 boxes at once, each number handwritten on a sheet, then signed for before they were considered received.  Contrast that to today, where the miracle of barcoding makes it easier and faster-just one sweep of a wand and it is delivered, or at least dropped off.  Case in point happened a few years back when I ordered something for Theresa via FedEx.  It was to be a surprise, which ended up on me, as she happened to stop home, and the FedEx man gave her the box.  I had been tracking it, and when it didn’t show, I called them, they remembered our barking dog, but still no package.  It was days later when she went to surprise me that she found out it was a gift for her.  Maybe the system does work better than expected, just keep human contact out of the equation.

But these delivery companies continue to amaze me, and I can prove it.  Our Post Office is the one that went postal, yet the next day the mail was being delivered again.  And last Christmas I ordered a DVD, that was sent out via UPS, but ended up being delivered by the Post Office, all the way down to the tracking.  Amazing two companies working together like that-and one a leisure activity of the Federal Government.  But the system still is flawed, when living in Colorado, I was 27 miles from town, yet we got daily mail delivered, even when we got 4’ of new snow.  Yet when moving into we only had a PO box, no in town delivery available.  And proving what weenies we were, complaining when we had to go out to get it, after calling ahead to see what was in our box, mixed in with the perfectly spindled, mangled, mutilated, and shredded magazines.  Oh how the poor mailmen must have hated it when it was Life or Time magazine day each week long ago, and how they really must love delivering here all the cycle and old car magazines I subscribe to.  Which now that they are downsized, seem to fit better in our little box.  And I think of friends in high school working at the local post office, and stealing porno books and films, no one fooled by the plain brown wrappers, and doing it with no reprisal, as who was going to admit to not getting the porn they ordered?  Mystery solved for any of you after 40 years? 

And yes, I have gotten UPS boxes with footprints on them, good thing they were marked FRAGILE!  I still get an occasional letter addressed to my father, who is dead.  I just write on it “not at this address,” let them figure it out.  And I am about to practice an old trick from MAD magazine from the 60’s.  They came out with a sticker that said “No one named occupant lives at this address.”  Now imagine if we all put out stickers like that, would it solve junk mail or just reroute it?  And I have been practicing for years an old Andy Rooney trick to stop the junk mail with free postage paid envelopes inside, except I use it for good.  I enclose a tract about who Jesus is, and the postage is free.  And the gospel goes out...try it, you may be as surprised in heaven how this little trick has worked.  And so the post office, UPS, and FedEx deliver better than we would like to admit.  Be it guns, ammo, porno, tracts, or love letters, they deliver.  But the one thing they cannot deliver is salvation, it takes a God who is able to deliver that which no man can earn, a free gift from heaven.  It is amazing the things God does deliver.  He delivers us from evil.  He delivers our enemies and then destroys them.  He delivered the Midianites into the hands of Gideon.  He delivered the Jews from Egypt and captivity.  He delivered them out of the hands of the Philistines, and He delivers us out of the hand of the evil one.  Some 253 times in the New King James Version God delivers.  But the best delivery, the one most desired, but least expected was sending Jesus, a rather special delivery.  After hours.  And one who would change the world...even unto His birthday being celebrated at Christmas, causing more deliveries than ever before.  And if UPS can deliver overnight, imagine what He can do for you today?  And now with daily delivery drones, His timing is still better, His rate 100%, and He has yet to lose a package yet.  With a simple system caused salvation, and He comes to you!  Since we wouldn’t go to Him.  So unique, so simple, yet so many try to add to it, and are never delivered.  When it was so easy with just Jesus.  No additional postage, no lost in tracking, and no weather delays.  God never fails...do we take His system of love and mercy for granted?

Looking to be delivered from this present evil age?  Try Jesus.  The only way out, and He never addresses anyone as Occupant.  He doesn’t read your mail, nor disclose any correspondence in prayer to others.  And when His letters, the Bible are read, they change lives.  He is able to deliver us from our temptations, and we don’t have to wait in line for the next available window.  His window is always open, are you?  Are you willing to try and trust His delivery?  He was just in time at the cross, and He is still on time today.  And when others deliver into evil hands to be tried, He even gives you the words to say at that time.  He is 100% God, and always on time.  No one else, no government, no delivery company can claim Jesus’ record of accuracy.  So what are you waiting for?

He is the answer to the question in Romans, who will deliver me from the wretched body?  And He still delivers us from death today.  Special delivery...and you don’t have to open the mail to get it...just  open our heart.  Which He has sealed to deliver you from evil.  One simple word, one simple transaction, one simple relationship.  Let Jesus deliver you today.  For God so loved the world, He delivers, for you.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

hitting bottom

Vehicles from this auction may still be available. Contact a Mecum Agent today at (262) 275-5050 to place your bid.

AUCTION DETAILS

• Kissimmee 2014, #WhereTheCarsAre
• January 17-26, 2014
• Osceola Heritage Park
  1875 Silver Spur Lane
• Kissimmee, FL
•  

COLLECTIONS

• From the Roger Judski Collection View  »
• The Richard Berry Callaway Collection View »
• From the Richard Berry Collection View  »
• Select Vehicles from the Collins Collection View  »

CATALOG STARS

Thursday Catalog

Friday Catalog

Saturday Catalog

Consignment Key

Main	=	Main Attraction
Star	=	Star Car
Feature	=	Feature Car
NR	=	No Reserve

M	=	Monday
G	=	Tuesday
W	=	Wednesday
T	=	Thursday
F	=	Friday
S	=	Saturday
U	=	Sunday
Z	=	Road Art Auction Starters

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Photo Gallery of Lots Show: All Lots J - Friday K - Saturday L - Sunday M - Road Art G - Tuesday W - Wednesday T - Thursday F - Friday S - Saturday U - Sunday Z - Road Art Starters Next » Text List Print Photos Print Text List Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 Sold Price: $4,500 Lot J1  1948 Hawthorne Whizzer Motor Bike Sold Price: $5,500 Lot J14  1981 Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup 1.6L, 5-Speed No Information Lot J15  1998 Cadillac Deville  High Bid:  $5,000 Lot J17  1984 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS  No Information Lot J24  1969 Chevrolet Corvette  High Bid:  $9,000 Lot J25  1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible Sold Price: $6,000 Lot J29  1984 Cadillac Seville  Sold Price: $11,500 Lot J30  1968 Volkswagen Beetle  1766 CC, 4-Speed Sold Price: $15,000 Lot J32  1968 Ford Bronco  High Bid:  $9,000 Lot J34  1991 GMC Sierra Pickup Sold Price: $8,750 Lot J35.1  2001 BMW 325 Convertible 2.5L, Automatic Sold Price: $6,500 Lot J38  1992 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham  5.7L, Automatic No Information Lot J39  1965 Dodge Dart  Cancelled Lot Sold Price: $5,500 Lot J40  1980 Lincoln Mark VI  Sold Price: $12,000 Lot J41  1950 Studebaker Champion  169/85 HP, 3-Speed High Bid:  $18,000 Lot J41.1  2012 Mini Cooper  1.6L, 6-Speed High Bid:  $5,250 Lot J43  1988 Dodge Dakota Pickup 408 CI, Automatic Sold Price: $7,500 Lot J45  1987 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 350/240 HP, Automatic Sold Price: $11,000 Lot J47  1980 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 350 CI, Automatic Sold Price: $4,500 Lot J49  1986 Pontiac Trans Am  Next » Text List Print Photos Print Text List Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143

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I have never been a fan of auctions, although for years I have had friends brag of the deals they got there.  “Buying a pick in the poke,” the old farmers would say, you don’t know anything about the car.  You’re taking your chances.  But then you always are with used cars, aren’t you?  Then there are the collector car auctions, where rich boys force the good old boys out of the market, buying cars for collecting rather than driving.  Trying to outbid each other and driving up prices far beyond those of mortal men.  Bragging rights of how much they paid, and then reselling again at inflated prices, while the rest of us ooh and aah at them.  And every year it seems that some collector car is rumored to bring a record price, and the sellers hope that this effects all cars, no matter how far they are from this one unique one.  But I saw something different this weekend while watching the Mecum Collector Car Auction from Kissimmee.  And I believe I may have a new trip planned around an auction, with the hope of buying a car, and driving it home.  What I saw was cars of my youth, cars of my young manhood, and cars I never thought I could afford at very reasonable prices.  And in great shape, too.  Very few dogs in this kennel.  And for under $10,000 the list goes on and on.  Corvettes selling for $5000 to $20,000-in great shape.  Muscle cars, maybe not the perfect GTO owned by a celebrity, but cars like a 1968 with low miles, no interior, and the big 400 engine, 350 horses to go.  Bid to only $22,000 and sold.  It seems my eyes were gravitating to the highest prices, while so many sold at much lower prices, and good deals were available.  For the price of a new Accord, I could have muscle, fun, and live a dream.  And they even had financing in house, if you forgot or didn’t have a bag of gold.  At my dream list grew, as I remembered such cars, and although out of reach then, they are closer now than ever.  Maybe wishing upon a star, matters after all.  Just not a rock star.

When I first got into collector cars, 1955-56-57 cars were the most collectible.  Among them the Tri 5 Chevies.  They were 20 year old cars, and were hitting the bottom of the price curve, even though a collector market was not yet established.  Then demand brought up the prices, and soon a new group of 20 year old cars became obtainable.  Cars that were once consigned to the back rows in used car lots, now were becoming the heroes of the auction, and cars in good shape, with lots of life left in them, were now polished, tuned. and ready to sell-at whatever price we are willing to pay.  And if patient, say wait 30 years, cars like pristine Mark V Lincolns are found in the $5000 range...someone else’s wretched excess can become your dream come true.  Z-28 Camaros, well under $10,000, in great shape.  Where were all these cars when I wanted them, but were unaffordable?  So no matter what your desire in cars runs, from muscle to luxury to Corvettes, cars are being auctioned off at prices you can afford.  The old real estate mantra about not paying too much, but buying too soon works in reverse with cars, wait and when the prices come down, buy.  Again patience winning out over those with a healthy wallet, showing great style and knowledge to those who don’t get it-boy do I look smart.  And you are, buy for love and sell for money,  a good deal when both parties benefit.

But patience leads to more than great deals at auction, it also leads to salvation.  Which leads to Jesus, the only way to be saved.  We think we are patient, we want it now, but god is patient, and it is His patience towards us that leads to our salvation.  We bottom out, and when hitting bottom, we look for that savior.  We realize our value has diminished, and some will take what ever they are offered.  Looking for that peace in drugs, alcohol, career, and even cars.  yes, motorcycles, too-no one is exempt.  And when we place any of these things above God, our value drops even lower, until the devil will take us off of our own hands, for free.  But the price paid will be higher than anticipated.  If only we had listened, buying too soon, and paying too much.  No one wants the cast offs, the used people of society, so who do we turn to?  Some churches will tell you to get it together, then come around.  They are like a hospital telling you to get well, then book a room.  Or like the banker who won’t loan you money because you have no collateral.  If I had money, I wouldn’t need to borrow any.  And the rich get richer, and the poor get children...ain’t we got fun?

But the devil is always waiting when the church fails.  Not God failing, but us, the church, and he readily accepts losers, he is the chief loser of all time.  And when hungry, we accept whatever offered, and pay the price.  Until some day, some still reach out to God, who never left them, and although they are only worth scrap for recycling, Jesus takes us in.  Recycles us.  Gives us life and value.  He is willing to pay too much for something apparently worthless, and while the world laughs, He does too, for He got the best deal ever-you!  And me!

Maybe you haven’t hit bottom yet.  You still have some trade in value left.  Why wait, when you can have Jesus today?  Why risk losing it all, when you can have it all?  Why become a trophy when you can become a drivable dream, and when others see the deal you got, they will want one too.  And there is plenty of Jesus to go around.  Don’t wait, today is the day of salvation.  Don’t let the hammer drop before you are ready.  Some are still sold for parts, wrecked and ruined, faded and worn out.  They were warned like you, they thought they knew better.  Fortunately Jesus buys parts cars/people too.  But why risk it?  What will it take to put you and Jesus together today?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

PS-note all cars pictures sold for under $35,000-the Corvette the most expensive! Check out Mecum.com for results.

		mecum results 2014 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL This album has 4 photos and will be available on SkyDrive until 4/22/2014.