Deer Encounters!

1 Corinthians 10

 ¹¹ These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. ¹² So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! ¹³ No temptation^[c] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted^[d] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,^[e] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

It's the middle of November and I had the great joy of riding "Harley" in two parades on Saturday for Veterans Day. THe weather was a little chilly in the morning, but it was wonderful most of the day. The riding days for 2011 are certainly numbered. We may not have many left. It also happens to be deer hunting season. November and December are peak deer accident season. While riding on Saturday, I couldn't help but think about the possibility.

My closest encounter with a Deer was about 7 years ago. I had my Goldwing and went to a sectional girls soccer game. On my way back, along Hwy 18, I saw farmers taking out corn in fields on both sides of the road. Suddenly, I also saw a big buck flee from the corn field into my path. It all happened so quickly. The deer saw me and I saw him CLOSE UP! He put his two front hooves straight down to brake himself (about 6 inches from my leg). I went to accelerate and veer to the left. He slowed just enough to let me by, as he jumped over my saddel bags and rear trunk. He snapped off my rear antenna and took the paint off the top of the trunk. I just kept on going, shaking but safe!

One of the best safety tips for riding Harley is: Keep alert! Always be alert for a potential accident and prepare an escape route. You should know what's behind you, in front of you and coming from each side. You have to plan an escape route for every situation. You need to constanly think what will I do if????? God provided for my safety that night. He gave me a way out and I was kept safe. He will do the same when it comes to temptation. you are not going to encounter something God isn't prepared for. He will always be in control and have an escape route for you. All you have to do is rely on him. If you truly claim him as the Lord of your life, you will have nothing to fear. He will see you through every crisis. Rely on him!

Afraid to die?

Hebrews 2 (The Message)

 ^14-15Since the children are made of flesh and blood, it's logical that the Savior took on flesh and blood in order to rescue them by his death. By embracing death, taking it into himself, he destroyed the Devil's hold on death and freed all who cower through life, scared to death of death.^16-18It's obvious, of course, that he didn't go to all this trouble for angels. It was for people like us, children of Abraham.

I ride a 1999 Harley Davidson Road King motorcycle. It was a police bike and I had it repainted and have tinkered with it as a great hobby. I love motorcycles. I love riding them. I love working on them. I love touring on motorcycle. I love just about anything to do with motorcycles. I think I'm obsessed. My mom doesn't like me riding a motorcycle. My brother Tom was in a motorcycle accident many, many years ago. During the riding season, you hear so much about motorcycle accidents. Many times these accidents end in the death of the rider. Most motorcycle accidents are the fault of the rider. Most of the time the accidents are due to excessive speed for the conditions. That could be misjudging the speed of a turn, or riding out of control.  The next cause for motorcycle accidents is not being seen by "cagers". When I ride, I really pay attention. I am always trying to predict what other drivers are going to do and try to find a way to escape if things go wrong. But, there are so many things that are out of my control.

My mom doesn't like to hear me say it, but God will choose the time and the place of my death. It may very well be in a motorcycle accident. I try to protect myself. I wear a helmet. I have proper boots and wear proper clothing. But, I can't prevent all possibilities.

People say motorcycle riders are crazy. They say we have a death wish. Well, I don't consider myself crazy.  I certainly am not looking to die. But, I am ready. I'm not willing to "Cower through Life".  I'm not scared to death of death. I live life as I think God would have me live. I'm not perfect. I make mistakes. But, I know one thing for sure. When I die, I will be in paradise. Christ paved the way for me and he paved the way for you to not fear death. We are to live life and live it abundantly. God has blessed me so much and I think he has blessed me with a love of motorcycles. Jesus Christ conquered death and promised those who follow him, life eternal. He promised that we would  conquer death. What's scary about that?

Dear Lord, Thank you for the gift of your son. Thank you that he died for us that he might pave the way for us to conquer death and to live life eternally with him. Lord we know that you love us. We know that you are in control of our life. As followers of you, we also know that you are in control of our life on earth. We trust you and know that you will choose the time of our death here on earth. We look forward to eternity with you. We do not fear death! Amen!