Back to Bikes

After nine months of dealing with cancer, chemo, and various other health-related issues, coupled with the new opportunities God has given me with teaching and the 127 Legacy Foundation, I've come back around to what I started doing two years ago. This past weekend, I purchased a non-running motorcycle from our UPS guy, a bike I've wanted to get my hands on for over a year, a 1981 Yamaha Seca 550. I'm excited, to say the least!

The tank is rusted inside pretty bad, the carbs need removal and a complete cleaning, the front brake needs to be rebuilt, and a few other minor issues. But there is much potential. It is complete, has been custom painted with factory Ferrari Red, and now from what I read online and was informed by a local motorcycle shop, its a bit of a rare bike, a collectors item. Very few of these are still intact and roadworthy. Enthusiasts are looking for them. Again, I was excited to find that out as well!

I am thankful that God opened this opportunity to me again. Its been a difficult year, and to finish it with a new bike project in the basement is one of His gifts to me, I am sure. and I am thankful. Looking forward to God's leadership and blessings in 2015.

Broken Peg

The other day while riding the Triumph back from a physical therapy appointment up in Buford, I stopped in at Northeast Georgia Motorsports outside Hoschton. After picking up a set of "Snow Paws" for my handlebars, I geared up for the remaining ride home. Their parking lot has a pretty steep grade to it, and I had backed in to more easily angle up and out upon departure. As I turned the bars right and began to let out the clutch and roll forward on the incline, suddenly the bike popped out of gear into neutral, and I quickly fumbled to get back in gear. The combination of my slow forward momentum, combined with the bars angled to the right, and my attempt to put my right foot down to steady (and finding the pavement sloping away from me), conspired to slowly tip the bike over to the right. Unable to hold up the top-heavy bike on the incline at that angle, I did my best to wrestle it down gently, to cause as little damage as possible. Immediately one of the dealership personnel rushed out to help me lift the Sprint and get it back on the side stand. He found the broken peg laying there, and after assessing the rest of the damage (a minor scrape on the fairing and on the header), I thanked him and remounted to ride home.
There was precious little to prop my foot on going home, and upon arrival I immediately began searching for a replacement part. I couldn't believe it had happened. Just the previous week, while out riding the Royal Star on another rare nice day, I tipped it over to the left at an inclined stop sign, by stalling out suddenly while attempting to accelerate away. I was not in 1st gear as normal, but had inadvertently still been in 2nd. The bike lurched and stalled, and since I was turning left, the bike just tipped that way, rocking over on the highway bars. No harm there, just embarrassment. I tipped it back up (using the proper technique), and rode off. It happened about 2 months ago too, leaving a CMA meeting one Saturday morning.
What has been going on with me? I go years and years without tipping bikes over, then it happens multiple times, in quick succession, with both bikes! Have I really lost that much strength over the past year/half? I was thinking maybe I need lighter bikes the older I get. But I love these "big heavies", and am usually quite used to their feel. Its just a good reminder to be careful with these machines, whether at speed on the roads, or in a parking lot moving slow.
Found and ordered a replacement foot peg assembly on BikeBandit.com, so I can get back on "Mathilda" as soon as possible...

By the Light of the Moon

The other night I attended a dinner with my old friends from the Spirit Riders motorcycle group. It was out at a restaurant in Auburn, GA, and I knew some nice back country roads to take there, so I rode the Triumph. As I was riding, the full moon was peaking up over the tree line in front of me, casting its beautiful, white glow over the landscape. I was awestruck, basking in the pale light as I rode along. I slowed my pace, took my time, no longer in a hurry to reach the restaurant. I gave thanks to the Lord for the indescribable beauty and peace of the moonlit evening, and the ability and health to be out relishing it.
I arrived at the restaurant, and enjoyed a wonderful evening with my old riding companions. As we all suited up for our respective journeys home, the moon was much higher in the sky, now shining more directly down on us. I decided to take the long way home, even though the temperature was dropping. As I rode in the moon glow, the breezes were blowing leaves off the trees across my path, and I noticed each one caught some of the light from above as it flitted down. Its hard to describe the visual. I had never seen, or at least never noticed, such elegance under a full moon in autumn. I rode in silent worship, impervious to the cold, just soaking in the transcendent moments.
Autumn colors, cool breezes, clear skies, and the light of a full moon. "The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the works of His hands." -Psalm 19:1

How the Beast was Awakened

Earlier today, while riding back from a doctor's appointment in Snellville, I took the long way home on my Triumph. Passing southeast of town, I rode back country roads by pasturelands and wooded communities. Suddenly I found myself at an old familiar place on Rosebud Road, that brought back vivid memories for me. In 1996, I was driving this same road, and came upon a motorcycle at the end of a long driveway, with a "For Sale" sign on it. The bike, a Honda V65 Magna (of the type pictured above), was beautiful- shiny black and chrome, with gold lettering and striping. Looked showroom condition. I was struck by the bike, pulled over to "gawk and drool" over it, and found myself intentionally finding reasons to drive by it again and again over the subsequent week. Then one day, it was gone.
I had grown up around motorcycles, as I describe in my book, "Road Dirt", available on Amazon Books and Amazon Kindle (http://www.amazon.com/Road-Dirt-Musings-Ramblings-Preacher/dp/1492360104/ref=sr_1_1/188-0280032-0865122?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1411424332&sr=1-1&keywords=road+dirt+the+musings+%26+ramblings). Seeing this bike "awakened the beast" in me, so to speak, and I started back on the journey toward the world of motorcycling. I've since owned a Suzuki VS800 Intruder, a Yamaha Royal Star (still have it), a Kawasaki ZR-7s, a Triumph Sprint 955 ST (still have it too), and various others I have bought & sold. I've ridden north/south/east/west across America, logging thousands upon thousands of miles over the years. Riding has brought me many friendships, many treasured memories, and many opportunities to share and live out my faith in Christ with others. It's been a great ride, for sure (pun intended).
And to think it all started with a small roadside encounter in 1996...

Birthday Reflections

I turned another year older this week, 51 on Monday. It was a quiet time, no big party with cake, ice cream, presents, etc. Lisa, Kelsey and her boyfriend took me out to dinner the night before, so I spent Monday relaxing, got a massage the girls had bought for me, prepared to teach my Tuesday classes, and of course, took a motorcycle ride. Not a bad way to spend the beginning of my 51st year.
I am reflecting on the last 12 months, and all that has transpired. Last September, I was mostly recovered from two surgeries, a spinal neck surgery and a knee one. I took a 8-day road trip with a childhood friend, and spent the fall doing various things to earn a living, while still seeking the Lord about what He might have me do since leaving the full-time vocational ministry.
As 2014 began, my health went suddenly off the rails, with high blood pressure, anxiety attacks, and the discovery of an enlarged ventricle in my heart. Then by March came the discovery of bladder cancer and the subsequent surgery and chemo treatments. I've since had a colonoscopy which removed a precancerous polyp, and have been unable to put weight back on since losing 20 pounds after the cancer bout. Doctors now suspect hyperthyroid issues. Great. Another malady. All this with a guy who always felt like the picture of health.
My "half century" year was rough. Not the way I had anticipated beginning my 50s. And yet, more than the infirmities, I will recall my 50th year as one of great intimacy with and blessings from the Lord. I clung to Him and His promises in Scripture like never before, and God spoke to me in ways I will always cherish. He provided for my family's needs by miraculous means, that I'd only heard or read about in other's lives. In that sense, 50 was an amazing year that I praise God for. So as begin my 51st year, I am hopeful- for God to continue to heal me or give me peace in the midst of whatever I may face, for His leadership into new opportunities to serve His Kingdom, and for His continued protection and provision for my family. I look forward to all He will teach me this year, and the ways He will use me to be a blessing to others.
"Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits..." Psalm 103:2

Its been too long since I've posted anything here, but its been a whirlwind of a summer. I've since been asked to teach full-time at Dacula Classical Academy, teaching Biblical World History to high schoolers and then a Books of the Old Testament class to 4th-5th graders on Fridays. I'm enjoying this new experience of being a teacher, although it is somewhat different than being a pastor. Many of these students were once kids in my children's ministry when I was serving at Hebron Baptist, and grew up knowing me as "Mr. Rob." Now as their teacher, though they still call me by that name, and the ones who did not know me back then call me "Mr. Brooks", the relationship has changed. They are required to come to my classes, they must take notes and pay attention, turn in homework and various assignments, and take tests and quizzes I give them. We don't do fun music and games together, don't show entertaining videos or funny skits, and they don't come rushing in or linger after to talk with me. Yet, I understand they are on a school schedule here to get between classes, the subject matter is more advanced and academic than when they were younger, and of course, they are teenagers!
So I'm adjusting to life as a school teacher. In truth, I enjoy my role at this school- teaching world history beginning with Creation in Genesis, and moving forward with a Biblical worldview of history. I'm incorporating elements I utilized back when I used to preach on Genesis, and the discussions we are having are very rich. I hope the students are learning and enjoying our classes together. I certainly am.
The road God has led me down since leaving full-time vocational ministry last year has been a winding, at times rocky, journey. But He has guided me every step of the way, has provided for my family in ways I could have never imagined, and I've known His presence in deeper ways than ever before in my life. It has not been easy- income loss, injury, surgeries, cancer and chemo, new career paths, to name a few. But following my Lord has been worth it all, and I know will continue to be.
Still on the road,

So now we are halfway through the summer, mid-July. The cancer is gone, two months of chemo is over, and I am left to recover. I lost 20 lbs over the course of the symptoms, cancer, surgery and treatments, and I'm trying to put some of it back on. The whole ordeal sapped my strength, stamina, and muscle tone, and I still struggle to sleep through the nights. Bit by bit though, a little every day, I am regaining my health. We are eating healthier, and starting to exercise again, as my strength allows. My doctors have been the best, my wife, girls, and extended family (mine and Lisa's) have been beside me, friends have been faithful to pray for and encourage me, and most of all, God has been my "All-Sufficient One", supplying our every need according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).
I've been asked to be the executive director of a new non-profit organization, the 127 Legacy Foundation, dedicated to raising awareness and support for Christian orphanages across the islands of Indonesia. Dr Abraham, our family physician and Lisa's employer, is the founder, and it's an honor to help grow this new ministry. I'm still writing for several motorcycle and ministry magazines, my book is still selling on Amazon, and I'm still among the pastors with Phoenix Community of Atlanta. I now have the opportunity this fall to teach part-time at a local Christian fine arts school, known as Dacula Classical Academy.
God is good, blessing me with work as my health returns, and I'm learning to savor the now, and not fret over the next. I'm thankful and I'm blessed, more than I deserve.

Life Changes

Much has transpired in my life since I last posted to this blog. The physical problems of January and February (spiking blood pressure, anxiety attacks, hyperthyroid problems, etc.) were only warning bells to a greater condition, discovered the first week of March- bladder cancer.
As I wrote in my other blog, a 2" malignant tumor was discovered in my bladder. It was safely and completely removed, pathology reports later confirmed no trace of it remained, and yet I am in the midst of a six-week preventative chemotherapy treatment to reduce the chances of any return. It has been the ride of my life, no doubt- a ride I'd have rather not taken, but found myself on anyway. God has been good to me though, as I am aware it could have been so much worse. It could have spread, could have been a more aggressive strain, could have been another, more deadly type altogether. I am thankful, in the midst of it all.
I have found myself, on days when I am able to take a motorcycle ride, much more aware of the small blessings all around me- the smell of spring flowers as I pass them roadside, the feel of slight temperature changes in and out of shade, the sounds of birds singing, the warmth of the sun on my face or neck, the feel of the wind in my face, and the people I get to meet wherever I find myself. Life is precious, sweet, and worth savoring each moment of.
God has been, and continues to be, very good to me. Whatever lies ahead, wherever the road leads, I know Who guides me, Who has me, and I will trust and not be afraid. Psalm 23

A Psalm of Hope

After a difficult week of snow and ice, stress and blood pressure issues, the weather broke enough to take an afternoon motorcycle ride. I felt the tension leaving my body and mind as I rode into the setting February sun. The temperatures were low 50s, the roads dry after days of snow and black ice. A near perfect day for a two-wheeled cruise.
I rode up on a favorite location not far from our home, a large cattle ranch with rolling hills and a creek running through the middle. I felt the sudden urge to pull over, snap a couple of photos, and I found myself reciting Psalm 23-

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of The Lord forever.

The moment was holy, as I felt the presence of God meet me there, on the side of the road, the sun setting over the fields, as I spoke aloud those beautiful, historic words. David must have penned the words looking out across a similar scene, and felt the same Presence I did, thousands of years ago. I felt a kinship with David, despite all these miles and years separating us. The same wonder and awe, the same faith, in the same God.
And the God who watched over him, watches over me.

News in the New Year

 

I've not posted anything since the middle of December, as the past month was a whirlwind of activity. After a wonderful Christmas, we spent the week after Christmas replacing all of our water lines, which had ruptured somewhere on the property. Then with the new year, we experienced single-digit freezing temps, so those new pipes were put to the test.
We also began our first home group for the new Phoenix Community of Grayson church plant, which we hope to open sometime in February or March. Talks are ongoing with a possible location for worship gatherings.
In the meantime, I've officially rejoined Christian Motorcyclists Assn., which I was a member of back in the 1990s. As we began a mid-week community Bible study at my friends the Landwer's home, many of the local CMA Kneebenders folks have been attending. I am enjoying my new friends, enjoying our time opening God's Word together, and excited to see where all of this leads. Who knows? We might have the makings of a "biker church"- or least, a biker-friendly church!
CMA's vision of reaching the lost, hurting, and disconnected in the biker community meshes well with the Phoenix Community vision to reach those disconnected from Christ and His Church. I'm not surprised so many in CMA relate to the Phoenix vision. Reaching the lost together with the love of Christ, and equipping them to be disciples of Christ who make other disciples of Christ- 2014 could be an interesting year!