Your Mission, Should You Decide To Accept, Is To Remove The Bones From People's Ice Cream!

I think I may have grown cynical this evening. That has to be the result of working on too many things at the same time. Today I wasn't paying 100% attention and tonight I paid the price. That's okay, I'll know better next time. There are folks in this world whose only true purpose in life is to put a few bones in the ice cream. It's not because they don't like it, they do, but they just don't want others appreciating it as much as they do. So, for some folks it becomes a life long ambition to screw things up for others. You see it reflected in their life styles and their choices. They are simply "NOT" happy campers, that is, unless they're doing something to make life a little more difficult for you, or me, or somebody, or anybody! The truth is they don't care who they mess things up for, they simply want to do it. Take for instance the persons who send out viruses for computers. It isn't that they don't like 'puters and all they can accomplish, they do, they love them. In fact, they love them so much that they want to ruin someone's enjoyment by causing internal destruction. They don't limit themselves to just spoiling one aspect of another's life, either. Whenever the opportunity to "rain on a parade" presents itself, those individuals are the first to arrive with clouds. Tonight I'm laying down a cover of prayer for one such individual that I know personally. Their life is a series of disasters, and nothing ever really goes right for them. To top it off, you guessed it, it is never their fault! It's sort of ironic the way they go about hurting others because what they are really doing is separating themselves, alienating themselves, and eventually killing themselves spiritually. If you happen to know one of these(who doesn't these days), pray for them. Greet them always with a cheerful smile, and never, ever share with them any of the bad things that are going on in your life, because that only gives them cause for joy. God will forgive me for the desire to tell fabrications of horrible things that have happened to me for their pleasure. I will resist the temptation, but there is still that small voice that whispers within, "Oh, go ahead and tell them something terrible and make their day!" God Bless, Preacher.

This World Gets Stranger As Time Passes

Life is interesting most of the time. Then there are moments such as I've spent this evening wondering about people and the beliefs they obviously have that I don't understand. My HOG group(that's short for Harley Owners Group)posted a message this evening from a Raddan Hassan fellow from somewhere out there in the ether world. He wishes to tell me all about his faith. Per my usual response to these individuals I invited him to E-mail my personal mailbox in an attempt to open a dialogue of some sort with him. Out of the many that have tried this in our group I have yet to find a single one that is "real." They are all doing the sign up under an assumed name for the purpose of letting us know what they think. Do you find this surprising? I don't anymore. I was serious the first few times I attempted to get a response from one of these believers in something. Now, I don't know, I guess I'd be totally surprised if I got a response. You see, there are those who cannot share openly anything about their faith, themselves, or their beliefs. They must remain hidden, and hidden is what they wish to be. Some might paint them as citizens who deserve equal rights, but that has passed away as has my respect for those who cannot come even into the light of my screen on the internet. Tonight was my night to pick bones, so I'm going to head back to the HOG group and direct that individual to this site in an attempt to bring them into the circle of trust which is only possible in truth. I've only been "out here" for 10 months so I do not assume to know everything there is to know about what is the "correct" way to go about talking to somebody, but you would think that at least one of the persons subscribing to Muslim beliefs that wants me to know about what they "truly" mean (thanks for that one Raddan) would take the time to respond. Personally I extend an invitation to any and all who would like to hear first hand of the love God has given me and the Son He sent that I might share an eternal reward that will be awaiting me in heaven. My alternate E-Mail is: prchth@yahoo.com; Should you have questions and are actively seeking answers let me know. God only knows what can be accomplished through faith. In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Meanderings Of The Mind As Geese Fly South (Is it that time already?)

Pictures of Sturgis '05 are still coming in from various parts of the world. When there is such rampant devestation taking place in another part of our country it has become more and more difficult to view some of the pictures of people that we just spent so much time with, knowing that their lives today are completely upside down. Many in the ministry are already rolling toward the site of the worst of our nation's disaster carrying relief in a variety of forms. One semi out there on the road is being driven by the Lord and new pastor, Larry Jensby and his wife Stacy. What they carry with "Fireproof Ministries" is tools for every imaginable task and showers that can be set up in just a few hours. They serve Camp Jericho with the portable showers each year and then take them where they are needed, like right now, down south. I stuck in the picture of "Big Red" because I love the guy and I want everyone to know what a wonderful servant he is for the Lord. Red brings his guitar picking talents and his spirit filled sermons to us from out west. Should you happen to want to read about him and a ministry that "feeds" people in many ways, go to the Christian Crusaders site, that's a www---.org place, and you'll be able to pick up a link to this great guy. Up there at the top you see the lady that makes it all possible for my life to touch others with God's Word and His inspiration, my wife, Cheryl. She has the voice of an angel and uses that beautiful gift to give glory to the Lord as often as possible. We're both in prayer for our countrymen in the ravaged coastal areas of the US daily. And as long as I'm sending out prayers I would ask everyone to say a big prayer for Chad, wounded in Falujah. It was a head wound and he is headed for Germany as soon as he can be stabilized. The military will be flying his parents over to be on hand when he arrives. From the sound of things this was really bad, that he is alive right now is a miracle! So grab a pillow for your knees tonight or in the morning and ask for healing and may it be complete. I pray your life is good, and that with everything that's going on around it you can find plenty of time for the Lord. He sure has a lot of time for us, and He'll make more if we it. In Christ's Love, Preacher

These riders brought theirs on a trailer I would imagine. Considering the distance covered no forgiveness is needed! 

Hurricane Raises Spiritual Questions For Many

I was minding my own business, enjoying a late supper when the telephone rang. It seems the lady speaking to me was very concerned because her church attendance has slipped a long ways this summer and one of her friends had told her that the "end of the world" was at hand. I had to smile, I couldn't laugh because that would have been rude. What do you do when you believe that the world may be ending soon? "Call the preacher and see if he has some sort of inside information so you can get ready." I think this was what she had on her mind. Many lives are caught up every day in the life and death struggles of catastrophes. People react in a variety of ways. Some try to save as much of their worldly wealth as they can, some seek to save themselves and their immediate families, and yet, others will sacrifice their own lives to save strangers in the midst of the crisis. Sitting here on the Great American Desert it is hard to fathom a flood of the proportions we are seeing on the news blurps. I've been through a minor flood that affected homes and belongings, but never one that truly threatened life and limb as Katrina is proceeding to do. My caller had very real fears, mostly for what was going to happen to her if this was the end. I'm not sure she liked the response, but it is the only one that I know. We can't walk in fear, we must place our trust in God and pray for the very best in every given situation. That means, for me, that if you have received Christ as your Savior, and strived each day to develop a relationship with Him that there is very little in this world that one need concern themselves over. Surely death will take us all, and as for this being a sign of the beginning of the end, well, the beginning of the end starts for each of us when we know without a doubt that there is a "new" beginning to be achieved in faith. How much of our world is dying right now is not the question we should be worried about I suggested to my telephone visitor. The important "thing" is how we are living our lives and to whom we believe ourselves to belong. "The Bible teaches us that no person is going to know the time of Christ's return." It also teaches us how to confront our fears and place our priorities in an order that works in accordance with God's direction. My caller seemed to accept my explanations, and I have a hunch I'll be seeing her in church, again, soon! I pray that we are all doing the best thing we can right now for the victims of this storm, praying! God bless, Preacher.

My sister-in-law, sassy(Sandy), caught this picture of dad when he was looking for his glasses! Dad has Alzheimers and there are days when the only logical response has to be to enjoy the incidents and keep a sense of humor. God bless you, Sassy! 

Sheldon And Matthew, "On A Roll"

Sheldon and Matthew  
I'm continuing to learn how to use the new blog program, and as I do I'm also accumulating a bit of knowledge concerning photo images and how they react to different types of light and color sources. Now if I can just translate what I learn into a language the cameras can interpret, I'll be getting somewhere almost as fast as these young men did today!

What A Day! The Sun Was Shining! God's Son Is Shining! All Was Right With The World For An Afternoon! 

Enjoying Life First Hand

If there is anything more beautiful than experiencing the joys of life first hand it has got to be seeing joy reflected in the eyes of grandchildren. I captured a quick moment today, my grandson and his new friend Sheldon captured memories I pray they will both share until they're older than we grandparents, now! That's just one of the ways that God continues to bless our lives, the others are too numerous to list here. I had to laugh as I watched them going around the curves, the intense look on their faces could not have been any greater had they been participating in a Grand Prix or LeMans race(Isle Of Man for scoots). I still have those moments, myself, now and then. That feeling of intensity that comes with complete focus on the task at hand, be it preaching God's Word, or playing music in celebration of all He has given us to appreciate. Time passes so quickly when we put our whole selves into those moments in life that we truly enjoy. There are never quite enough hours in the day when we're sojourning in the land of infinite variety. If this sounds a bit like a commercial, that's because it is! It's a commercial about faith, spirit, and being truly alive. We never are quite so alive as when we enter into communion with our Creator. He made us that way! It might be an idea that you can't wait to share, an emotion that just must be allowed to burst forth on others, or the simple, quiet act of shared prayer that quickens the heart. We are designed in such a way that when we finally discover our wholeness in Christ we are brought minute by minute, hour by hour, into a fulfillment of joys that were never before possible. I thank God for the kids that can remind us of the feelings we had at that same age. I thank God for the opportunity to help them come of age in their own spiritual journey to wholeness in faith. In fact, I'm so thankful for the past few days that I have but one possible recourse available, and that is to share those feelings with you, and with my Lord. In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Sometimes My Attitudes Aren't Right

Today I had to slow down and think about my attitudes so many times that I began to wonder if I would ever get it right. It's very easy to love and care about people who love and care for us, and very hard to love those whose very presence seems to cause the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up. I should have learned by now to spot them at a distance and get out of the way before they strike, but it seems like I get so surprised(deer in the beams)that I just don't move, and then, there I am in the middle of yet another convergence of lines that require a decision. I want to be caring and loving, but there is a part of me that really doesn't want to get bit by that dog again. One of the songs on the new CD refers to sin as a "big dog" that is out to get us. It was one of those moments when I was truly attempting to put everything that had happened into a perspective that would make sense inside the realm of my spiritual being. Sometimes the process works, and other times it leaves me amazed by the depth of "not so good" human emotions that can well up. The pictures I posted with my writing tonight depict a host of mixed emotions. Both vehicles are white, both have character, and both look really cool in my eyes. The big difference is the "living, breathing, heart beating essence" of one, and the attachment that comes with the other. Loving something that can never love back is "safe" to do, and carries with it very few responsibilities. Maybe that's why there are so many love songs written about machines. A horse, on the other hand, can love back, and it can feel abuse and respond accordingly. There in I find my inability to sort things out. When I'm truly caring about another person I don't want them to be hurt, and when they are I want to do something to ease the pain. Then it follows if the source of the pain is another person I am not going to feel very kindly toward them as a result of the injury they cause. Does your life ever get complications in it like this? I suppose everyone's does, but each of us learns to cope using the skills we have aquired through our life experiences. Mine leaves me wandering a gray area between what I have learned and what I have lived. Spiritually speaking, I have several paths open; Forgiveness(I don't believe they are aware of the damage done, so forgiveness can only be at the superficial level), Shake the dust of that person's presence from my feet and get along down the road to where I might be better understood, and the third option, which has been attempted over and over again with the same results, nothing happens(maybe next time?)! Place not your pearls in the paths of swine, is one verse that comes to mind over and over again. Maybe that is my answer, but to be sure I need to be in prayer about the situations and see if there is anything that I have missed that might have a bearing on the outcome this time. I don't think so(isn't that a cute little car?), but I'll keep trying and in the meantime, I know where to place my trust. I place my trust for answers to all of the "tough" questions in my Savior who has purchased forgiveness for me by the shedding of His blood. Have a wonderful Sunday!!!
In Christ's Love, Preacher.

I Admit It! The "urban legend" thing about Mars got me. My apologies to any and all readers for sharing misinformation. I guess there is only one source for real truth. God bless, Preacher. 

TGIF

It's an "older than dirt" Soyo board that is dedicated to my learning experience with man's tech friend, I posted it simply because it has been the inspiration for my last 10 months of learning stuff. What a place to start! This was one of the first that the company put out, and, although ancient by today's standards, works rather well. I only say this from the perspective of a novice, but we've spent enough time together to really begin to understand what we can and can't do together. The person who sold me the computer on an emergency basis assured me that the one it was replacing was shot and that $385 was a "bargain" for this "fine" piece of equipment. And now you know why I began to learn. Have you ever purchased a used vehicle? There should be some sort of licensing program that tests people on their personality profile. That would omit anyone ever having to so much as meet the individuals that I have had the distinct pleasure of encountering. The last blog was about guys who are really down to earth, faith driven sorts, this one is just an outcry of my spirit as I continue to lift those who live in darkness to a forgiving God. Oh, by the way, the system I'm tapping on at this moment is the one that was shot beyond repair, and it works just fine on a day to day basis. It even scans almost as fast as the "rescue" machine that was purchased to run equipment at my wife's business. Live and learn, is an old addage, but holds as much water today as it ever did. We, as people, must continue to learn or we will wither and die on the vine of our physical presence. Another addage that comes to mind(am I spelling that word correctly? I guess I don't use it often enough)is from the latin language, "Caveat Emptor," or something similar. What it means is "buyer beware." In this world of high tech sales you are for sure going to find folks that have only one goal in mind when they meet you. That goal is to separate you as quickly as possible, from as much cash as possible! I know of one or two guys, now, that aren't(strike that two) there is only one that I've met out of perhaps 50, that is really on the up and up. By the way, with a family of four and presented with the struggle to earn, earn, earn, he could be converted to the dark side if some of his christian friends don't keep a close eye on him. There's a network around here that works just beneath the surface helping one another to do the "right" things on a regular basis. This is good! Prep work is under way for Sunday, and for Sundays a ways down the road. Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Resurrection, and then a Pentecost event! That's how I learned it as a child, and it still works for me. Christ The King Sunday preceeds the first Sunday in Advent, that's the service which actually prepares my heart for my Lord's coming anew this year. I may be working on it every day, but in my heart's calendar I'm marking days now. God bless you! In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Taking Time For Friends

So now that I've figured out how this is working I think I'll go back to the old way. I now have my friend Gordon on the very top of the blog, and I'm writing about him last. I guess that is just how some things end up when you're learning. I probably spend more time with Gordon these days than any of the others, we share the stage quite often, and work together in music and stuff(Wednesday we hung mirrors). This shot is from my side of the balcony in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. There are so many more I should add here, but that can come another time. Tongiht my mind is mostly on the arts and faith we share, and how God has brought us together in one another's lives for doing really "good" things for other people's lives. In case you're wondering, the average age in this group would be 57, with a spread of about 12 years overall. Age really carries no significance in a group, though, unless you're really old or really young(this is a personal opinion and has no bearing on anything). What is it folks say about age? It's relative. You know what? This is fun, and I'm surprised I haven't done it sooner! Allow me to close this with a common thread that runs through the hearts and binds all of my buddies together. In the center of every one of our beings is the same Savior. I am only one of the firends that these men share. For everyone that you see here there are hundreds that they each have that are christian through and through. That implies that on this page you are viewing a witness of 5 lives via a 6th and when you total up the believing friends of the average 57 year old male in our group you've got a thousand that share the same Savior. I have no idea how that works in the city, but out here on the Great American Desert that "IS" a city. It also provides me with a great sermon topic for the Sunday that is coming. God bless, Preacher.


All too often we find ourselves running out of time to spend with people that we cared deeply about. School beginning this week and thinking over the excitement I had getting back to the chums I shared education with put me in mind of several of the fellows that you see here. Jim on top of the whole thing with his little buddy(Jim is a "Wing Nut" and that pup rides right where you see him either in the van or on the scoot around town). They both live out behind a little church over in Wyoming and we've been talking for about 12 years now. Faith concerns, mostly, and that's a common thread that I find binds all of us together even though most have never met one another. Gene up in that top corner has known me longer than anyone on the page, we go back to the late 70s. Another thing that puts thes men together on this page is their eyes, they are honest. Oh, they have great smiles to be sure, but if you were to meet them individually you would find that certain something that separates each from the crowd. Some(maybe more)of it has to do with their faith perspectives(everyone of them has an abundance of this spiritual commodity). I can say without a doubt that there are many more just like these five that come to mind when I start pondering my many faithful friends. My life is truly blessed that way! Now that I come to think of it, I don't suppose I could seat them all in our church. Thank you, Lord for so many! In case you haven't guessed, yet, this is yet another of my experiments with the new blog program to see how it fits things together. I'm a bit slow on the takeoff sometimes, but eventually I get enough altitude to keep the wings straight and see the horizon leveling off. That's a good thing, especially on two wheels! Now "brother" Richard is way up top, and that's okay, he should be. We've been talking about our Lord and sharing the ministry in numerous ways for 8 years now. This was the very first year that we had the opportunity to roll some roads together. It felt great! Thank you brother! Richard is a "certified" HD wrench that does wood turnings out in Wisconsin. He's on the West coast this week working another of the evangelistic outreaches that the Christian Crusaders sponsor.
I miss ya man! I can say this kind of stuff 'cause it's alright and they'll be reading right here the next few days. Next a big "HEY" goes out to the newest of this grouping, Blackhawk. A lyracist and guitar playing singer from Wisconsin that I met at one of the Arts Fests. We send Es back and forth, and tried to get together again in Sturgis, but it didn't happen, this time. Somewhere down the road a ways there's a stage(that can refer to a patch of grass where you set up to play)we shall share. That is something I look forward to, that and getting him together with a few of the other guys that play. Blackhawk has a combination faith, one that includes his ancestral roots, but is quick to point out that the only salvation which is attainable is found through faith in God's Son.

Just A Sample, Sort Of Like A Candy Store

I can only imagine what treasures the attic and the basement will reveal on my next journey to this quiet street in Minnesota. Their years together have combined to produce just the right flavor of comradery for coffee and the sharing of faith in our Lord. Church is a short walk down the block, and the river runs so close to the house you can hear the rush after the rain.

An 'All Too Brief" Visit To A Couple's Home!

One of the most enjoyable facets of traveling is meeting new people and having the time to get to know them and their surroundings. Vern and Laneia go on record as being the most entertaining of couples for this year thus far. I was welcomed into every nook and cranny in their house after I expressed the desire to fetch my cameras and "blog" the place.

Trying Again To Make Everything Come Out Right!

I'm learning, slowly, how this all goes together. Chris was supposed to be on the bottom of the next section, but you can figure that out. What a blessing it was to share in the ministry and the music with people celebrating their oneness in Christ. The most moving moments of the week, though, were not found under the bright lights of the stage, they were found in the less bright areas of our encampment where folks too messed up to get around were ministered to. In Sturgis during the rally the police bring by the "paddy wagon" every so often with the ones who aren't really breaking any laws, yet(jail is filled to overflowing)and give them opportunity to "visit" with us, or go to jail. Quite often our minstry teams work with individuals for hours on end as they sober them up, straighten them up, and present God's plan of salvation in terms that can be easily understood. I pray with God's leading that I can share a few of the stories with you from 2005 right here. It's still a little too "fresh" in my heart, not to mention my mind, to put into perspectives that might be useful for helping people to make new and better choices for their lives.

This is my wife, Cheryl, and I working the stage on Wednesday evening of rally week. We decided a year ago that the new CD had to debut at Jericho Camp in honor of the inspiration and support the folks there have given both of us the past 15 years. I can say without reservation that we love each and every one of you. A few of the songs I've written are in direct response to the outreach done in this tiny city during our state's single largest event. The Cd is available direct from us here in Brookings at a cost of $15 (15 original works for a buck apiece) + shipping and handling to your mailbox. The music outlets will be offering it soon for the $21.95 tag, so give us a holler at cltl@brookings.net for your copy soon! Now, I've got to post a better picture of Chris because the first one was too dark. If this does not come out as I planned it, keep stopping back, I will get it eventually. God bless, In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Sharing The Faith In Sturgis

This is our "soundman" Marty! He was with us for almost the entire event. Duties called him back to his home and work before the final two days. We really missed you, Marty, and the work you accomplished will never be forgotten. God bless you and yours, and know that you can touch base with me anytime.

Chris came to us from Chicago. He has a heart for ministry and brought a refreshing combination of hardrock (metal) to the stage with a zeal for delivering the message of salvation geared for the generation he represents. He could only stay with us one day, his father passed away and he was called back to Illinois. His performance was astonishing, and none of us knew the circumstances under which he performed until it was all over. The tribute he provided for his father and the witness he presented on behalf of our Savior was enough to bring the entire gathering to it's collective feet in thanks. Amidst a surrounding of new-found brothers and sisters in Christ Chris was blessed with prayers from everyone and encouragement to continue the work he is doing. Somewhere tonight out there in the world he is working, I'm sure, to hone his talents to an even greater degree as he prepares to launch into the college circuit of believers carrying the one true message of salvation. My prayers are with him, and my wife and I look forward to his coming to SDSU here in Brookings one day soon!
Faith is not simply an activity we take part in once or twice a week, it is an ongoing, daily participation in the relationship we have been given through the visitation of God's Holy Spirit. God bless you, Chris! Keep on rockin'

Many of the folks that come to work in the evangelistic outreach accomplished over the course of two weeks in "Little Babylon" have artwork done on their cycles to carry the message of salvation as they travel. In recent years this trend has brought about an amazing change in the things that are seen on the streets during the height of rally week. Carrying the cross along the blocks that are filled to capacity with cycles from every imaginable corner of the US and many foreign countries is a daily occurrence. This year we had many members of the various christian camps processing through downtown, together! It was a wonderful display of unity in Christ seeing the brothers working for their Lord without concern for denominational alignment. That's one of the more enlightening asides that can be garnered from a spiritual visit here, those who are walking in the spirit are all in agreement on the fundamentals of faith. For the most part any theological differences are set aside for the sake of reaching the lost and hurt human beings that are in abundance wherever one looks.

Sturgis, SD - The Outreach

The journey westward this year was filled with anticipation and a bit of remorse. My co-pilot that usually accompanies me (close enough to snuggle back to front) for hours had to come the following day. Cheryl drove out to carry the equipment needed for performing under the "bigtop" this year. I really missed her along every mile(398 lay between us and Jericho Camp)that runs straight through the center, east to west, of South Dakota. Every stop presented me an opportunity to witness to others the goodness of God and the freedom that is to be found in Christ.

God Touches Hearts And Brings Them To Llife Just Like The Flowers Grow When Given Water! 

The "Art" Of The Harvest

I received a call shortly after I got up(the crack of noon today)and quickly agreed to head out for Yankton, SD. Along the way to the arts fest I spotted some railway cars with their own displays of artistic talent. The fields are always "ripe unto harvest" according to the book that provides guidance for my life. I would have gotten to my destination much sooner had I not been stopping so often for pictures. I hadn't been on highway 81 for a while so I jumped west from interstate 29 and sought the rolling hills of the James River valley that leads to the Missouri. Today is Sunday and I'll be sharing God's inspiration with folks that come to church. Road trips such as today's provide many of the inspirations for preaching His word. I pray you enjoy the scenery a bit as you meander through my thoughts with me. I quite literally drank in the sights, sounds, and the foods of the day like one who has been on a fast. My favorite fellow was the farmer who came up with the artwork you see in the collage. He uses old disc blades and cuts pictures from them with a torch and then sells them to people. The workmanship is nothing short of superb, and the cost is not any where near what the pieces would be worth in a metropolitan environment. Since this is the first time I've worked with the new setup here I won't go on anymore with this section. You have a wonderful Sunday wherever you are. God bless, Preacher.

Now I'll begin the process of learning how to blog the last stuff first and the first stuff last. Actually that is a biblical principle that we find in the New Testament, so it shouldn't take too much getting used to. In fact, I think this is going to be better than the old way it worked! What a blessing this day was, though. The ride home under a moon so bright it was like dawn all the way back home, coupled with the change of temperatures(and clothes)along the way made for many moments of meditation and reflections on how absolutely good God has been to me.

The folks that put together this blog program have changed a few of the ways things are accomplished so I'm learning to integrate the photos with the write ups as I go.

Touring events on two wheels has many benefits, not the least of which is parking very close to events like "River Boat Days" in Yankton, South Dakota. "Cycle parking only" afforded me an opportunity to leave my HD across the street from the main entrance to the beautiful park along the Missouri river where each year thousands of people visit to enjoy another of our "Arts In The Park" events. (this one is about 130 miles from our front door) The day was perfect in every way, and the journey was worth every cent of the cost of fuel for my steel steed. Old friends and new awaited on the river, and if there is a regret present tonight it is only that I didn't get on my horse earlier in the day. Abundant sunshine on the high plains made the trip a shirtless affair, with brief stops for water(this is a really good idea when the temps are high and you're on two wheels)along the way. Unlike somedays on the road I wasn't even frustrated by the road construction zones that seem to be everywhere out here in the summertime.

Once A Year Yankton, South Dakota celebrates "River Boat Days" For An Entire Weekend! 

I'm heading south to "Riverboat Days" in Yankton, SD today! Catch the story on tonight's blog. Preacher!!! 

What Do You Say When You're Going Away?

I realized after I finished publishing the collage below this writing that the truth is deeper than what we wear or how we appear to others. My friend Darren from Canada has art on many parts of his body, but the one he is the most fond of is the picture of his image of Christ crucified done by a 20 something artist back home. Most of the folks in ministry during the Blackhills Motorcycle Classic(Sturgis Rally)have one thing that brings them all together under one flag, their Savior! I'm back, been back for a few days, from the journey to another mountaintop event. It has taken me a little longer this year to decompress. I guess that's because my heart was tugged so hard in the direction of full-time service, again. Many of those with whom I ride and serve are just that, full-timers(and some, like me, are old-timers now)that fly the flag of Christendom wherever the road leads them. The patch holders you see below are only a quick sampling from 'one' camp that does outreach in Babylon. I can't even count the number of folks that have tents set up to serve the Lord during the rally weeks. The stories that accompany the various outreach programs are awesome! It's far too soon for me to start sharing my personal experiences from this year, but they will come in time. I look forward to that as I sift through the hundreds of photos brought home this year. I always take more than I need, until I start thinking later about the shots I missed. This year I spent hours each day on stage playing(more than usual)so my time was limited for peeking through lenses and screens. I would not have wanted it any other way. Music gets people's attention in so many ways and also provides us the opportunity in song to lay the foundation for messages geared to reach the lost and dying out there. It all seems like a great big "whoosh" now that it's over for this year, but it takes nearly a year to get ready so I guess now is the time to start planning how to increase our output for 2006. Things have really changed since this ministry began during the 50th(this was the 65th)! But there are some things that haven't been altered in over 2000 years. The sharing of the "Good News" of God's Son coming to earth and providing a way where by you and I can enter into eternal life. With tongue in cheek I'd have to say that the "Best News" you will ever hear is "well done my good and faithful servant." That is what we strive toward, one lost soul at a time. God smiled on everyone, bigtime, this year. When I was riding the road that led back home I could hear the angels singing and see the faces of every person that received Christ as Lord of their life. What do you say when you're pulling away? Hallelujah! I had to include Slag on the collage below, that's the Harley T from Iraq. His youngest son is serving over there right now, and he found a Harley shop. The story was hilarious that goes with the shirt. The buildings on both sides of the HD place were all shot to, well you know, but not a single bullet had hit the dealership. In full battle gear in the midst of door to door street fighting Slag's son stopped at the shop and picked up a couple of Ts for dad and a few of his buddies back home. Even the insurgents understand that there are sacred places you just don't shoot up or use as a cover. Now if we could just get that kind of thinking through the heads of the politicians maybe we could find some common ground based on a great machine instead of nitpicking over who's God is the better God. There is only one God, and He loves us all! I pray for all of our sons and daughters overseas everyday, but my most fervent prayers are for peace in our world that the children might grow up and learn to live together better than we have. In Christ's Love, Preacher.

This is a regular feature of Blackhills touring on two wheels. Fellowship to enjoy around every curve! 

My wife and I never get enough riding time, but this day was great!