A weekend of relaxation.

Matthew 11:29

Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart:and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

There are Motorcycle events and functions every weekend and even durning the week. Few if any of Christ's servants can hit them all and I must confess sometimes it is difficult to sort through the opportunities and focus on the best selection.

This was a picture perfect weekend, and I broke out my "59" Hack rig. No big rides on this one, just a relaxing ride or two around town. I was not the only one to think of this, I saw lots of classics out this weekend. They included an early 60's Rolls, 67 Camero, a couple of Hot Rods and so it goes. On the rare occasion I break out "Spartacus" I remember how much fun the old ride is. RIDE ON SPARTACUS!

Also, this was the weekend for an A.E.HOG RC dinner and one of two weddings I have been scheduled to officiate this fall. I cherish the chance to fellowship with good friends and chapter members. Of course, in ministering through the marriage process with these wonderful young people, I was so encouraged by the commitments made last evening by them to each other and their faith.

Fall Leaf Pre-ride

It has been an emotional and spiritual beginning to fall. Sturgis, the West Coast rally, Santiago and many points in between, 6,000 miles on the Ultra and another 5000 air miles.

This past weekend marked a significant point in the ride season. One of my favorite activities of the year is the Arkansas Fall Leaf mission for AE Hog. The road captain pre-ride, and then the event its self. So, this weekend was the road captain pre-ride. The group is considerably smaller than the event group, and the fellowship is always excellent. This weekend was no exception. We accomplished the goal(it was never in question), and the riding was some of the best in years. Our trip happened to be on the same weekend as the Fayetteville Blues/BBQ rally. So on Saturday we mixed in with the estimated crowd of 300,000.

At the Rally, I ran into several "Bikers for Christ" members. They even had a ministry table at one of the venue's. A big change, as I have rarely run in to members in Arkansas, let alone seen a group of them. Ministry is a wonderful thing! A fellow who looked to be a leader called for prayer over several of us visitors. I sure enjoyed and appreciated that.

Highlights included, the observation train ride, Director David's dirt road(aka-wilderness) adventure, the Rally and the fast hairpin mountain turns.

Well I am a road captain tonight for our dinner ride, so I will sign off, and finish some work before it is time to head out. GOD BLESS YOU!

After a long sabbatical I will continue the “Chaplains Blog”. Alaska will stay on the archive, and I Hope to share the many new roads ahead with you.

Day 1

I just returned back from my spring work/ministry tour. This year, Orlando was the destination for NCOM. What a great 3000-mile ride. The ministry tour began on Thursday May 6, as I headed from Pensacola to Orlando, a 500-mile ish ride. It was a cool morning and as I passed over the bay I ascended into the clouds, I wanted to take a picture, but the fast traffic on the interstate bridge did not make that possible. It reminded me of a “stairway to heaven”. Later at Tallahassee I left the interstate for an afternoon ride on secondary roads, spectacular! Clearly the best way to see Florida. I rejoiced in the traffic free highways and the sights.

I was approached by a teenager at a gas station to visit about the bike; I left him with a tract, rewarding to pass well wishes and scripture into the hands of the next generation.

The rain had held off all day and the skies opened as I got just 2 blocks from the convention hotel in Orlando.

Day2

Fellowship, and meeting new friends and renewing old relationships were the theme of day 2. We took a little lunch ride, but mainly listened to speakers and others in the ministry express their thoughts. It was a time for listening.

Highlights: It is always good to see Pastor Z, He has been an inspiration and mentor to me these past 7 years. Also good to greet Pastor G and other BFC brothers around the lunch table.

Day 3

A short midday ride to Ormond to see a dear friend. MM, you have been a blessing to my family and me for so many years; it was so good to visit with you. I do so appreciate Ormond; it feels like a 3^rd home in some ways.

Day 4

Ormond to Biloxi. After a wonderful breakfast with MM, I headed out a 9am for Biloxi. Taking back roads back across Florida, was again a treat. It was a great ride and the 500 miles seemed like a much shorter ride!

Day 5

Biloxi to Houston. Oops, came down with a case of gout! Fortunately, a biker with a limp is ordinary and almost transparent to the casual observer. Made in fine and went directly to the painkillers. Unfortunately I had to cut my trip short and change some work plans, to get home to see the DR. Still the 3,000 mile was so special this year!

Highlights: Ormond by the Sea, Biloxi-Gulfport, Nassau Bay