Sometimes in life and racing it is good to take a step back and evaluate our
perspective on things. In the grand scheme of things where do we stand? How
does our contribution help others find the right way to go in life? Are we
looking at things with the right perspective? Greetings in the name of our
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In the heat of the moment people have been known to overreact, fly
off the handle. The competitive nature of racing shows us the ugly side of
competition all too frequently. Then something happens that puts the
significance of our racing in perspective. Recently we remembered those who
loss their lives on September 11.
Sometimes we think what we do at the track is the most important
thing in the world, but everything we do in racing fails to compare with the
loss of family. We need to take heed of this and make every effort to
appreciate the time we spend together as a family. We must leave no doubt in
the minds of others that we care for them and we love them. We must make the
most of every moment because life is too short and life is too valuable.
In the Gospel we find the story of how Peter came to put things in
the proper perspective. We read about Peter and his encounter with Jesus
that restored his relationship. You see Peter was a fisherman one day….
Matthew 4:18-20;
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers,
Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the
lake, for they were fishermen.
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once
they left their nets and followed him.
Peter began his relationship with
Jesus that day and it grew until they were very close. So close in fact that
Peter proclaimed his commitment to Christ this way. As Jesus explained to
his disciples about his pending crucifixion…
John 13:36-38;
Simon Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus replied,
"Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later." Peter
asked,
"Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." Then
Jesus answered,
"Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the
rooster crows,
you will disown me three times!
Peter
said the words but when it came to the test he failed. He denied Christ
three times just as Jesus said. As he heard the rooster crow he fell to his
knees and wept bitterly. He had denied his relationship with Christ.
But there is hope and Jesus represents that hope. Jesus seeks to
restore our relationship with God through him. He comes willing to meet our
spiritual and physical needs. In John 21 we read about a breakfast that took
place on the beach. Jesus was there waiting and willing to accept and
restore Peter.
John 21: 1-7;
Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias.
It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from
Cana in Galilee,
the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. "I'm going out
to fish," Simon Peter told them,
and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat,
but that night they caught nothing.
Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not
realize that it was Jesus.
He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?"
"No," they answered.
He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find
some."
When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large
number of fish.
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon
as Simon Peter heard him say,
"It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken
it off) and jumped into the water.
Peter didn’t waste any time
getting there when he knew it was Jesus. The relationship was restored and
Peter went on to live a life dedicated to serving God and yes he did
eventually lay down his life for the cause of Christ. Peter now had things
in the proper perspective.
We need to focus on the things that are truly important, our
relationship with God and our relationship with others. When we value what
God values then we have things in the proper perspective. We can then live a
life that honors God.
I think we can draw some guidance form a common source, our dogs.
After all dog spelled backward is God and dog is an acronym for Depend on
God. Here are some things I learned from my dog that will help you maintain
the proper perspective;
-When a loved one comes home run to greet them.
-Never pass up the opportunity for a joy ride.
-Never pretend to be something that you are not.
-No matter how many times you are scolded, don’t buy into
the guilt thing and pout, run back and make friends.
-Run, romp and play daily.
-Stop and lie down in the grass under the shade of a tree.
-Be Loyal.
-When you are happy, dance around and shake your entire
body.
-Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
-Most of all…when someone is having a bad day, be silent,
sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
Having the right attitude and priorities in life makes all the
difference. Jesus came with the purpose of restoring our relationship with
God. It cost him his life. He didn’t consider that a price too heavy to pay
and paid it. We must ask ourselves the same question. Do I value the life of
others the way that God does? Am I looking at things with the proper
perspective? Am I willing to take the steps necessary to demonstrate that?
If we have things in the proper perspective we will value what God values
and make the necessary adjustments to demonstrate that.
God Bless, Rev. Don.
THOUGHTS FROM THE
ROAD
NHMS HONORS RICHIE EVANS -
This weekend had special meaning for modified fans, one of our own as
inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Richie Evans, winner of nine NASCAR
Championships. I remember the days of my youth, watching the 61 weave his
way through the field in a march to the front. Those are the memories that
made me a fan of modified racing. I still get that excitement when I see a
car marching to the front. It was neat to see the 61 Tour Modified lead the
field.
NHMS FINDS A WAY TO SQUEEZE IT ALL IN - It was truly a
miracle that the events on the race schedule at NHMS were completed this
past weekend. I had visions of not getting out of town until at least
Monday, but somehow, someway we managed. Our hats are off to NASCAR and the
track officials for being prepared with every piece of equipment available
to dry the track when necessary.
The K&N and WMT saw both of their championship races tighten up
significantly this weekend. The K&N title will be decided on this Friday in
Dover, Delaware, with Brett Moffitt chasing down Max Gresham. Moffitt has
closed to within 21 points with his victory at NHMS and is looking to secure
the third straight title for Michael Waltrip Racing.
On the Whelen Modified Tour side Ron Silk retook the lead with his
victory by eight points over second place finisher Todd Szegedy. The Whelen
Mods have two remaining races at Stafford and Thompson to crown a champion.
This one should come down to the wire.
Eddie MacDonald took down the ACT victory on Saturday night with a
last lap pass that closed a day of great racing. It was a good weekend for
MacDonald who finishing fifth in the rain shortened K&N race on Friday
night. Look for Eddie to try his hand on the national level next year.
ON THE ROAD - This week sees me traveling the countryside,
after a quick trip to LI on Monday it is off to Thompson for the third try
at closing out the season. Then it will be an early morning ride down to the
Monster Mile for the final K&N race to decide the championship. After we
crown a champion it will be back to Stafford for the Fall Final. I sure hope
we can get it all in!
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.
See our on-line Apparel
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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***
September 30
BILL, JR. & MARY BRICE- This New Jersey couple now retired served the NASCAR
Whelen Modified Tour for many years. They celebrate their 50th anniversary.
October 2
JEFF & JULIE WINSOR- This Waterford Speedbowl staff couple from Danielson,
CT have their 17th anniversary.
October 4
MIKE & LORI FIELDS- The Editor of LONG ISLANDMOTORSPORTS.COM and wife share
their 35th Anniversary. The couple is also Racing 4 Kids Children's
Charities.
BOB & JENNIFER WEBBER, JR.- Former Promoter of Star Speedway in Epping, NH
and wife celebrate their 12th anniversary.
TRAVERS & NOREEN CAMBRA- This former Wall Stadium photographer and wife
share their 40th anniversary.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
September 28
KIM BAKER- Road Racer, part-time NASCAR KNPSE driver from Springfield, MA.
JACKIE ARUTE- The President of Stafford Motor Speedway and TV Sports
announcer.
TYLER LEWIS- The son of Holland Speedway Charger Driver Mark and brother of
Mark's Crew chief son Christopher.
September 29
PAUL RADFORD- The legendary "Ferrum Flash" Modified and LMSC driver from
Ferrum, VA.
TIFFANY BRODERICK- The youngest daughter of Brookfield, CT NASCAR Modified
driver Jim and Debbie.
BRENDA BLAIN- Wife of South Killingly, CT ProStock driver David.
September 30
RICHIE RESNER- Team owner and brother-in-law of Riverhead Late Model #60 and
driver Paul McElearney.
J.J. BRANSCOMBE- A grown-up son of Northwood, NH NASCAR CWES driver Babe and
wife Deb.
RYAN PLOURDE – Crew Chief of the #27 SK Light at Stafford Motor Speedway and
tire changer for Todd Szegedy’s WMT #2.
October 1
STEVE NOWAKOWSKI- "Stevie Wonder" of East Hampton, CT NASCAR KNPSE and dirt
Modified driver.
MARK SIMO- Carlsbad, NC NASCAR KNPSE/ LMSC driver.
KEVIN HODGE- Crewman son of Manchester, CT photographers Mary and Howie
Hodge.
October 2
CARL PASTERYAK- Lisbon, CT NASCAR WMT/MRS driver.
JOE BARNES- Scranton, PA NASCAR KNPSE driver.
JOE INGLIN, JR- Three time most popular driver at the former Flemington
Speedway.
RICHARD LASATER- CWTS Crew Chief from Little Rock, AK.
VICTORIA ROMANO- This West Long Branch, NJ Wall Township Speedway George
Andretta, Robert Geibel and a Steve Park fan.
October 3
ALAN JOHNSON- "AJ Slideways," NY based DIRT Modified driver.
TOM CAPIE- Trevose, PA URC Sprint driver.
TOM TAGG- Webster, MA Semi-retired CT Modified driver.
ALESSANDRO ZAMPEDRI- Monte Carlo, Monaco, Brescia, Italy born, IRL driver.
October 4
BUDDY LOECHER- Bob Park former Riverhead Modified Crew Chief, now doing same
for Bob in NC.
DREW DAMIANI- The senior driver on the LAD 1/4 Midget Racing team in PA.
SARAH BURTON- The daughter of South Boston, VA driver Ward and wife Tabitha.
EMILY CAVALLERO- This Wall Township speedway fan from Farmingdale, NJ and
grandaughter of fan Doris Bradley.
LINDA EVANS- A Whelen Modified Tour & Waterford Speedbowl 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
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