Many times when we are presented with a new opportunity the first question
we ask is, ”What's in it for me?” We are interested in finding out how this
will benefit us. Sometimes we don't see an immediate benefit and miss
opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. Greetings in the
name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I remember growing up and having my parents say things like,
”someday you'll understand”, “this is for your own good”, “you'll thank me
someday” Those words usually proceeded or followed something I thought was a
waste of time, something I couldn't see the benefit in. But looking back now
it is in those times that we learned the lessons we needed to grow into
mature adults.
Let's face it, not everyone grows into a mature adult and some of
us take longer to get there than others. All that indicates is we weren't
given the right parenting or we just ignored the lessons we were taught. It
is in the difficult lessons that we learn to grow and appreciate the things
of value in this world.
Have you ever seen a driver jump out of the car in victory lane,
excited to be there? That means he knows how hard it was to get there. Max
Zachem finished in third place on Saturday night at OPS. I can guarantee you
that was the sweetest third place finish. Why? Because I have also sat with
Max through one setback after another this year. I have walked along side
him as he let his frustration out. It is in those moments that you learn how
sweet the taste of victory is. It was only third place but I can assure you
it was a victory for Max. Imagine how good it will feel when he rolls into
Victory Lane?
Sometime things are handed to us and we don't fully appreciate the
hard work it takes to attain them. I think the secret in life is being
willing to let yourself be molded and shaped by God into a person whose life
honors Him. That isn't easy, there are some tough lessons along the way, but
when you stand before God and hear the words “Well done thy good and
faithful servant” you will never experience a better blessing.
I remember listening to Billy Graham being interviewed by Larry
King. When asked what he wanted most out of life Billy answered that when he
stood before God he would like to hear those words. Billy quickly added, I
don't know if I will, but until that day I will do my best to serve God.
There was a son who thought he knew more about life than his
father, he went and asked for his inheritance, left home to seek his own
way. Soon the money ran out, his “friends” left and the only work he could
find was sloping pigs. His thoughts returned home and he realized that his
father's servants were living a better life than he was. It was then he
decided to return home.
Luke 15:17-24;
"When he came to his senses, he said, `How many of my father's hired men
have food to spare,
and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and
say to him: Father,
I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be
called your son;
make me like one of your hired men.' So he got up and went to his father.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled
with compassion for him;
he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
"The son said to him, `Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
I am no longer worthy to be called your son. '
"But the father said to his servants, `Quick! Bring the best robe and put it
on him.
Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf
and kill it.
Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive
again;
he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
Much
like the father in these verses, God, our father in heaven, wants us to
realize what is in it for us. A relationship with Him through Jesus Christ
will change our lives forever. We will live life to its fullest. We will run
and not get weary, they will walk and not fall.
John 10:10, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Isaiah 40:41; but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they
will walk and not be faint.
What's
in it for you? What's in it for me? A life that is fulfilling, satisfying,
beneficial to others. A life that will make a difference. I want to
challenge you to let God have control of your life. Let Him teach you and
mold you into the person He created you to be. Only then will you experience
life the way it was meant to be lived. Ask Max how sweet third place can be.
Now imagine how sweet the victory can be when you belong to God.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
TTNT AND THE PASS TOUR - We got things going on Thursday
with an open tour type mod event at Thompson. I talked with Ryan Preece's
dad Jeff about the disappointment at NHMS and he assured me they ready to
go. And go he did, Ryan checked out on the field and won the second of four
tour type races at Thompson. Look for Ryan to be ready to go when the WMT
head to Riverhead this week.
Got a chance to talk with Billy Penfold; we reminisced about the
old Busch North Days and he shared that his dad, Ray, was still racing at
83, a 700hp Mud Truck! It is good to see old friends. Billy had a great
night finishing fifth in the PASS 100 lapper.
OFF TO OHIO - From Thompson we headed west to Columbus. I am
thankful for air conditioning! Every time we stopped and got out it was like
stepping into a sauna. Columbus is and old time track, reminds me a lot of
Riverhead, without the sand or Waterford without the dust. It is in a pretty
rough neighborhood, the quote of the day comes from a sign leaning on a barn
you pass driving up the driveway into the track; “If the dog is barking, I'm
shooting”. I was praying the dog was asleep.
The day was hot and the primary concern was staying upright. There
were a couple who needed assistance but for the most part everyone faired
well. It was a great short track race, lots of contact, bump and run, a few
hurt feeling and some dented bumpers, but the boys, and girl, put on a show.
With a good crowd in attendance I think we just might return here.
BOBBY & VINETTA CHECKED IN FROM THE ROAD - Stafford had its
Spring Sizzler and but this past Friday night was a sizzler of its own. It
was the sizzling 106, no not the laps but the temp at Lee USA Speedway upon
arrival at the track. I don't know what I heard the most, the echoing of
race car engines or "oh its so hot" that evening? Once again Lee USA
provided some great racing in all divisions keeping the action "Hot' in Lee
NH. In the Small Block Supers division it was Wayne Helliwell Jr. taking his
1st win of the season with a dramatic finish. Coming hard out of turn four
winning by inches at the finish line.
On Saturday we ventured our way to Oxford Speedway for the Valenti
Modified Racing Series. It was incredible racing with battles taking place
throughout all 100 laps, all 17 cars seemed to change positions every lap.
Although Chris Pasteryak help the lead throughout most of the race it was
Joe Doucette taking the checkered flag, wheel to wheel coming out of turn
four on lap 97 for the lead and winning. Chris Pateryak followed Doucette
across the line as Max Zachem, Rowan Pennink and Stormin Norm Wrenn finished
out the top five. This was a career finish for Max Zachem, who may have
finally put the gremlins behind him. To think two separate type open wheel
cars, small block supers at Lee and the VMRS at Oxford hundreds miles apart
but to finish almost identical was incredible.
RIVERHEAD AND WATERFORD - This week see us traveling to the
shore, two similar tracks with similar histories, Rev. Dan will be at
Waterford for the Shane Hammond Memorial and I will be at Riverhead for the
WMT event. We hope to see you at one place or the other. A big thank you
goes out to LI Maniac for his work in raising additional prize money for the
WMT event. Looks like everyone who comes will head home with something in
their pocket.
Until next time, be a witness for our Lord with the ministry decals and
apparel. See them at the Show Your Faith Apparel Store at
www.rwjm.com. Send us
your prayer and counseling needs no matter what part of our racing family
you are in, or give us a call. 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.
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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
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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***
August 2
PAUL & ROSE TEETER- From Ithaca, NY, this NY Antique Race Car enthusiasts
have their 19th anniversary.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
July 27
GLENN SULLIVAN- Westbury, LI KNPSE driver.
PETE FIANDACA- Townsend, MA legendary LM/ProStock driver.
JACK SELLERS- Sacramento, CA NASCAR West driver.
July 28
REGGIE RUGGIERO- Berlin, CT NASCAR WMT driver.
WAYNE CARROLL, JR.- Massachusetts ProStock driver.
SAMANTHA JARRETT- Holyoke, MA photographer Gracie Ryan's granddaughter.
JESSICA LARSEN- A daughter of Linda and Joe, NASCAR Mod Series official.
July 29
PHIL KURZE- Director of WHELEN MOTORSPORTS, sponsor of the WMT,WSMT and WAAS,
a big fan of modified racing.
ROB OVERTON- Olivebridge, NY Eastern Limited Sprint Series driver.
PETE ORR- Miami, Fl NNS team owner, former driver.
REV. DON RIVERS- RWJM President and Pastor of WMT.
July 30
MICKEY YORK- Asheboro, NC NASCAR driver.
PENNY DEGRE- Whitinsville, MA NASCAR KNPSE writer.
TYLER WILSON- Son of James and Janai Wilson, Grandson of Wall Chaplain Bob
Menschner.
July 31
BILLY RUSSELL- Hudson, NH long-time crewman on the Dion Bros. NASCAR KNPSE
team with driver Dave Dion.
TAMMY O'BRIEN- Boyertown, PA crewman for the Grandview Late Model X4 driven
by Lou Egrie.
SONYA CLAY- The lady who heads up the Dale JR Pit Board Charity out in
Gustine, CA. Visit the site at www.dalejrpitboardcharity.com
August 1
BOB KESELOWSKI- Rochester, MI NSCS & NNS driver.
ALAN CHAPMAN- Elmira, NY NASCAR KNPSE driver.
FIL MARTOCCI- NSC's FiLmar Racing Team owner.
GLORIA HANNA- Amsterdam, NY Fonda Speedway fan.
LISA ROMANO- This lady is in Appomattax, VA, the sister of Laura Dennis and
another huge Jamie Tomaino WMT fan.
CONNOR McELEARNEY- The son of Riverhead LM driver Paul and wife Michelle of
Commack, NY.
JIM BARNES- This Long Island Kyle Busch fan celebrates his big day.
August 2
ROBIN LaHUE- Wife of Northfield, VT White Mountain Motorsports Park (NH)
driver, Don.
JOHN FITZGERALD- Happy Birthday to the son of Riverhead Enduro and demo
regular Terrence and Christine.
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
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