Mother's Day is this weekend. I know none of you will forgot, right? One
thing we all have in common, we all have mothers. We set aside this one
day to remember them in a special way, but I think we should heed
Scripture and honor them everyday. Greetings in the name of our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ.
Let me ask you, what did you do for you mom lately? I don't
mean one Sunday out of 52. I mean everyday. I realize some of us have
estranged relationships with our mothers but we still need to recognize
the fact that without them we wouldn't be here. Scripture instructs us
early on to honor our parents.
Exodus 20:12, "Honor your father and your mother, so
that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”
This is the fifth of the ten commandments and comes with the
promise of long life. Why do you think it matters so much? God
instituted the family and it is the basic unit of society. Everything
worth something is built on the foundation of family. Think of the
racing family we have. We support one another. We help one another. We
are sensitive to the needs of each other.
The same is true of our true family. God designed us in such
a way that we need family support. We need a group of close people who
know us better than we know ourselves sometimes. This is a necessary
element to living a long and healthy life. When we maintain the family
unit the way God designed it we begin to live in a way that honors God.
Let's talk a little about what happens when families
experience events that stress it and break it. God's desire is that we
don't experience those things, but selfishness takes control and we do
not follow God's plan. We all have a choice and too many times we choose
what makes us happy, not what honors God. That is called sin. Sin has
consequences that affect everyone around us. When we elevate our wants
above others we run into problems.
I say all this to help us understand that the demise of the
family that God designed has happened because we have chosen to follow
something other than God. We are in this situation because of the
choices we make. I think though, we are here despite the efforts of our
mothers.
For the most part it is the wife/mother that sacrifices the
most for her family. I know this is not true in all situations, but it
is true in most. I believe there are more single mothers trying to raise
their children. I am not dumping on dads just making an observation. I
know when it came time to care for me my mother sacrificed everything
she had to give me what I needed. I am sure it would have been easier if
my father had stayed around and sacrificed even a little.
What can we learn from this example? We can learn to put the
needs of others above ours. We can learn that every effort should be
made to maintain the family unit and follow God's direction. We can make
a commitment to change the way we think about others.
I would encourage you to follow the example of Mary, the
mother of Jesus. She had many reasons to say no to God. She had her
reputation to think of. She was engaged to Joseph and what would he
think. She was just a young girl, who would believe such a story.
Scripture records the conversation for us.
Luke 2:26-38 In the sixth month, God sent the angel
Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be
married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name
was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly
favored! The Lord is with you."
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind
of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid,
Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give
birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great
and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him
the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of
Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a
virgin?"
The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and
the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be
born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is
going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren
is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as
you have said." Then the angel left her.
Despite all the challenges she responded in a way that would
honor God. She turned her life over to God and followed His will. She
would endure so much in her life including watching Jesus die on a
cross. As Jesus hung there he honored his mother. He turned to His
disciple John and left Mary in his care. Mary was willing to sacrifice
everything for God, are we?
We can learn a lot from those who sacrifice their wellbeing
for the benefit of others. Think of those people who have made an impact
on your life. Most of them have given more than they received. As we
remember those who have given so much let us try to do the same. God
Bless, Rev. Don
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
A TIME TO SAY GOODBYE - The hearts of the Stafford Motor
Speedway family are saddened this week with the sudden passing of The
Davidson Racing Family Patriarch, Dave Rowe. Several teams that compete
each week at the track have the Rowe family to thank for the resources
to compete. Dave loved being at the track and his teams loved racing for
him knowing he was up in the stands rooting them on. Dave made an impact
in the lives of many young drivers. He celebrated their accomplishments
and treated them like family. If you go to the shops of these teams you
will see a photo of the Davidson Foods Racing Family. Every team and
member stands together. Dave was a self-proclaimed gear head. He enjoyed
seeing others share his passion for going fast. We will miss his
presence at the trace, but I am sure the Davidson Racing Family will
continue into the future as a testament to what Dave Rowe started.
Remember the Rowe family in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with
the loss of their Dad. Also remember the extended family that will
return to the track on Friday night to honor Dave and what he meant to
them.
LOGANO CONTINUES TO IMPRESS - The next step is still a
few weeks away but Joey Logano is tuning up by racing at The Rock, North
Carolina Motor Speedway. He didn’t waist much time or leave much to
doubt as he won the pole and almost lapped the field, only five cars
finished on the lead lap. He finished ahead of Sprint Cup regular, Ken
Schrader. This marks the second time Joey has come out ahead of a Cup
regular as last year he beat Kevin Harvick to the finish line in Iowa .
Austin Dillon also ran the race and finished in seventh. Another
impressive youngster who is showing the ability to handle the heavier
more powerful asphalt races cars.
ANDERSON SPEEDWAY SUFFERS A GREAT LOSS
By Denny Adams, Public Address Announcer
The Staff of Anderson Speedway and the entire racing
fraternity are saddened at the passing of Don L. Conrad, in a farming
accident on Friday April 25th. Don is the Father of Brenda Dawson, wife
of Anderson Speedway owner Rick Dawson and Grandfather of 2008 Little
500 Queen Lauren Dawson. Arrangements are currently pending. Our deepest
and most heart felt sympathy is extended to Brenda, Rick, Lauren and all
of the families and friends of Don. May God be a source of strength and
comfort at this time and in the future.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel United Methodist
Church , 4011 West 200 South, Anderson , Indiana 46011 or South Madison
Community Foundation, 102 West State Street , Pendleton , Indiana 46064.
This past weekend Stafford Motor Speedway canceled their
program due to weather. I know their were some who didn’t much feel like
racing with the passing of Dave Rowe. Look for them to be back in action
this Friday night with the New England Dodge Dealers 100.
I spent the off weekend doing some work around the house. I
ache in places I didn’t even know existed. I can’t wait to get back to
the track. This week finds us making an appearance in East Hartford ,
CT. Modified driver Glenn Reen is bringing his car and I’ll have the Ford
Fusion Pace Car as we speak to some young folks about how God is working
in the lives of those in racing.
Have a great week and we hope to see you back at the track
soon.
Be a witness for our Lord with the ministry decals and
apparel. See them at the Online Apparel Store at
www.RWJM.org. Call
us with your prayer and counseling needs and list all your prayer needs,
no matter what part of our racing family you are in, with the Racing
Family Prayer Request Page
www.rwjm.org/page/prayers.php also send your prayer request by
mail. Until next time, remember that God loves you, we love you and
Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing. GOD BLESS.
Mail reaches us at Racing with Jesus Ministries, PO Box 586,
Tolland, CT 06084. Check our weekly printed pages in "Area Auto Racing
News", the East Coast’s largest weekly racing paper" See our on-line
Apparel Store for subscription information. Check our home page
www.rwjm.org for
past articles. We invite you to input your thoughts as you sign our
Guest Book. Please remember, we can only do what we do because of your
prayerful financial support.
Numbers 6:24-26 "The Lord bless you and keep you; the
Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn
his face toward you and give you peace."
May God always Bless you, everyday in everyway. Rev. Don
CHECKERED CHEERS
***WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES***
May 7
DAVE & KIM DORNBLASER - Both are 270cc Micro-Sprint drivers at
Borger 's Speeday and Kutztown Fairgrounds celebrate lap 3 together.
May 8
CHARLES & KAREN TURBUSH - From Long Island, this Rusty Wallace and
Hut Stricklin fans have their 14th anniversary.
DR. CHRIS & CHERIE WIBBLESMAN - The eldest son of RWJM advisor Dick
and wife Judy and wife celebrate their 13th.
May 9
ELI & CLAUDETTE GOLD - The popular race announcer and wife share
their 30th anniversary.
RUSS & LISA WOOD - The NH based ISMA SuperModified driver and wife
share their 19th anniversary.
May 12
HAROLD & BARBARA DAUNCEY - This Wall Township Speedway NASCAR
Modified driver and wife share their 23rd anniversary.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
May 7
BENJI ROWE - Turner, ME NASCAR BES driver.
DARLA SETZER - The wife of NASCAR CTS/BGN driver Dennis.
DIANE BENNETT - Wife of Stamford, CT NASCAR BES/CTS driver Brad.
BILLY ROE - Indianapolis, IN born, now Gilbert, AZ IRL driver.
STEPHEN GRIMES - Burlington, NC LMSC driver.
JERRY LILLQUIST - From Canterbury, CT, this former Late Model driver
is now residing on the beach just south of Myrtle Beach, SC.
JOHN ROSATI - Retired Modified/ProStock driver from Agawam, MA.
PAT BEEBE - Wife of Star Speedway NASCAR flagman Jim.
CRAIG HIETALLA - Brother of Enfield, CT NASCAR Modified driver Brad.
HENRIETTA KOSZELLA - Wife of Koszella Speed's Sonny and mom of Julie
Stefanik, wife of NASCAR WMT/NASCAR BES champ Mike.
MISSY LEDFORD - The daughter of LM driver Dave and AARN salesman at
Lakeville Speedway, PA.
May 8
BOBBY LABONTE - Corpus Christi, TX NNC driver for Petty Enterprises
famed #43.
NATHAN BUTTKE - Randleman, NC BGN/LMSC driver.
BRAD CADDICK - North Kingston, RI NASCAR WMT crewman.
BARBARA KUHLMAN - The Ass't Scorer at Bridgeport Speedway and wife
of AARN columnist Ken.
LOUIS OBERTO - Another son of Mahoning Valley Speedway area famous
news writer and announcer.
RAY MILLER - Retired Modified driver and father of SK driver Jay.
May 9
ED BRUNNHOELZL, JR. - NJ asphalt Modified driver.
TIM FEDEWA - Holt, MI BGN/CTS driver.
GARY LLOYD - Efland, NC LMSC driver.
MIKE PORTER - Princeton, WV veteran LMSC driver.
MELISSA STUART - The daughter of Preston, CT proprietor of JDM
Chassis/ LM driver Jay and wife Angelina is 10.
May 10
REV. DAN PETFIELD - From Thornwood, NY, BES Pastor for Racing with
Jesus Ministries and Vice President.
JOHN WALL, JR. - Brother of NASCAR BES driver Bryan.
RON THIEL, JR. - Long Island NASCAR BES driver turned Nextel Cup
team fabricator.
LINDA HIETALA - Wife of Enfield, CT Reliable Welding Modified driver
Brad.
TRAVIS PERRY - Son of Seekonk Speedway Sportsman driver Bill and
Stacy is 13.
May 11
BUGS STEVENS - Rehoboth, MA retired NASCAR National Modified
champion and proud dad of NASCAR Modified/ProStock driver Dave Berghman.
JIM BEEBE - Star Speedway NASCAR flagman.
BEVERLY WEIDMAN - The owner of the NASCAR dirt Modified team driven
by husband Gene at Big Diamond.
MICHAEL WIBBELSMAN - The youngest son of RWJM Advisor Dick and wife
Judy in Gainesville, FL.
May 12
JIM SPENCER, JR. - Nextel Cup driver/commentator Jim and wife Pat's
oldest.
May 13
BILL STIVASON- From Kittanning, PA, the Scorer at Challenger Raceway.
RON RIEDINGER- Former Flemington dirt Sportsman and LM champion.
CHERYL VENEZIAN- The grown-up daughter of Joe and wife Linda of Perth
Amboy Springs.
May 14
GARY NAPOLITANO - D.I.R.T. Modified driver.
FRED VORDERMEIR - "The Big Apple Kid," West Hempstead, NY Modified
driver.
BUDDY BLACK - NC NASCAR Modified driver.
TONY RAINES - LaPorte, IN NASCAR NNC driver.
STEPHAN GREGOIRE - Neufchateau, France born, now Indianapolis, IN
IRL driver.
DENNIS WOOLDRIDGE - Riverside, CA LM driver.
May 15
SHANE HMIEL - Former BGN driver.
ED ST. ANGELO - Barrington, RI Modified/ProStock driver.
NANCY CLARK - Wife of Long Island NASCAR modified driver Dick.
WES BENASH - Marlton, NJ son of Bridgeport Speedway Handicapper Bob.
PETE McCLUSKEY - Pete McCluskey Builders sponsor of Wall Township
Speedway's George Andretta's ProStock and #1 fan.
SHARE YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONS WITH YOUR RACING FAMILY.
SEND THEM TO:
RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES
PO BOX 586, Tolland, CT, 06084
TheChromeHorn RWJM Archives
Racing With Jesus Ministries Website
