Thanksgiving is a time of reflection. A time to look at all we have and
humble ourselves before a gracious God. We don’t always get what we want and
we don’t always understand the plans God has for us, but we can be confident
that he loves and cares for us. How has God cared for you this past year?
Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving is a time for sharing. I see it in the lives of others
as they give of themselves to help those less fortunate. I remember a family
I met one Saturday; husband, wife, son and daughter, as they picked up some
hot drinks and muffins for the road. They were headed to pack up their
Suburban and deliver Thanksgiving baskets to those in need.
This wasn’t a fancy new Suburban, this Suburban is 1970’s vintage
and as I talked with the dad he told the story of last year. He stayed up
all night rebuilding the rear-end so that they could keep their commitment
and make deliveries. They made it and those who were collecting the food
were thankful. No matter what obstacle they had to overcome they would be
there. They received such a blessing they gave up their Saturday and
delivered baskets every year.
Colossians 2:6-7; So
then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him,
rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught,
and overflowing with thankfulness.
This past weekend the church that I
pastor, Emmanuel Baptist Church , celebrated their annual Harvest Festival.
We use the occasion of Thanksgiving to come together as one body in Christ.
Let me explain. Emmanuel Baptist Church reaches out to several different
people groups, Deaf, Hearing, Romanian, Moldavian, Russian, Central Asian,
Nepali, Bhutanese and the list goes on. Most times we meet at different
times because each service is in a different language. The Harvest Festival
is different; we all come together for one worship service and to take part
in the Lord’s Supper as one congregation.
This past Sunday was standing room only. We enjoyed worship
together as each different group of people brought something to share. No
one understood all that was said, but God did. This was just a snapshot of
heaven, all people from all nations together worshiping one God.
One of the main reasons we have to be thankful is that we have God
who cares for us. He is there; despite what we think, guiding those who will
follow through life and providing for our needs. I am reminded of Paul’s
statement in Scripture about his level of comfort with God’s provision. He
stated that he had learned to be content no matter whether he had enough or
was in need. Just knowing that God was with him allowed him to relax and
focus on serving others. My hope is that we can each attain that peace.
I think all of our hearts start to soften up a little bit when the
holidays roll around. I am not sure what hardens them the rest of the year
but I know we are more generous and willing to give. It is somewhat funny;
when the weather gets cold our hearts soften up.
I want to encourage you this Thanksgiving to let go. Let go of all
the things we have to do and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Let him
lead our hearts. Give this holiday season to God and let Him help us meet
the needs of others.
Hebrews 13:15-16;
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of
praise -
the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to
share with others,
for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Have a great time relaxing and
serving others this thanksgiving.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
STAFFORD CONGRATULATES THEIR
CHAMPIONS - Friday night it was off to La Renaissance in East Windsor ,
CT to celebrate with the Stafford Motor Speedway Family. It was a wonderful
night for everyone to come together and remember another great season at the
famed Connecticut Half-mile. Everyone was in a celebratory mood as we kicked
off the Thanksgiving week celebration.
I am constantly amazed at how many folks read this column and
Friday night did not disappoint there either, I found out from some folks
there how much they pay attention to what and who I recognize. Thank you for
the support and encouragement.
One of the interesting stats of the night was quoted by Six-Time
Late Model Champion Ryan Posocco, “In 4 seasons together, Posocco and the
#48 Kretschman team posted 17 wins, 53 top-5, and 67 top-10 finishes in 72
races and they won the championship in 3 of those 4 seasons.” That is a
pretty impressive run, it will be different next year without the familiar
#48 on the track.”
Posocco added, “This is bittersweet, this is the last ride in the
48, I have to thank the crew, Pat and Marci Kretschman, 4 years of awesome
racing, my Dad, everyone on the crew. We're happy to be here, number 6, I
would have never guessed it being a little kid sitting in turn 4 that I
would have 6 championships.”
Congratulations to Ryan and all the champions crowned that night.
Thanks also to Mark and Lisa Arute and the entire Stafford Motor Speedway
family for doing such a great job. It is always a pleasure to be connected
with such a great team.
NEMA ENJOYS ANOTHER FANTASTIC SEASON - Saturday it was off
to White’s in Westport , MA for another celebration. We have been making
progress toward having a presence at all the NEMA events this year and we
have managed to have someone there for just about every event.
I am thrilled to see how the presence of prayer and this ministry
has made an impression. Tara Stoehr and Deb Marvuglio have been instrumental
in that effort. I was especially touched when Tara received an award for her
dedicated service to NEMA for her efforts this past year. I am excited about
where God is leading.
One of the most moving awards of the night was given in memory of
Jim O’Brian who passed away this year. As many may know Jim was a fan of
racing, all racing, but his family was just as important. He raised his
family right there by his side, teaching them the work ethic that would
serve them well. This allowed them to experience the thrill of victory and
the challenge of defeat. He was first a father and then a racer. In his
memory his family decided to initiate an award in his honor and present it
to the competitor who, in their father’s image, personified the balance
between family and racing. This year’s award went to Glen Cabral, father of
series champion Randy for his outstanding contribution to family and racing.
LEE HONOR THEIR OWN - I wasn’t the only one riding the
banquet circuit, Bobby and Vinetta Somers, our chaplains at Lee USA
Speedway, were doing a little celebrating of their own as they attended the
2011 Banquet of Champions at the Executive Court Inn in Manchester, NH.
Bobby sent this report along with a few surprises for 2012.
The Banquet for Lee Speedway went very well. We had a good
opportunity to chat with Bob Watson, Red and Judy McDonald. Last night Bob
Watson announced he is coming back for another season as GM and a lot of
cheers went up within the room. During the evening Red and Judy did ask if
we were returning for the 2012 season. Several drivers and officials also
asked the same and everyone was very pleased when we told them we would be
there for 2012. I have to say the atmosphere was really wonderful, all the
drivers laughing, the awards and dinner; everyone certainly enjoyed
themselves.
The big event of the night was revealed, a race in 2012 called
"MONEY BAGS 100". They will be paying out over $20,000 in prize money in
three events. This race is going to attract many drivers from everywhere. If
you did not race at Lee in 2011 and enter the event you will automatically
receive $1,000, just for entering. I believe this race is for the Supers,
Late Models and Hobbie Stock Divisions.
There are some prayer needs, track official Jay Merryfield who has
been diagnosed with cancer and he is in treatment. We also talked with one
of the EMT’s that is at the track, he just lost his dad two weeks ago. It
was tough last night talking with him, the hurt and pain that was in his
eyes. We reassured him that he was in a good place, the Lord was watching
over him and to remember the good times they both had. We let them both know
throughout the evening that they were kept in our prayers everyday.
We thanked Red and Judy for their hospitality and for letting us be
a part of their team. Looking forward to next year, God Bless, Bobby.
TURKEY DAY AND TURKEY DERBY - This week we have a lot going
on with the holiday and the traditional race at the Jersey Shore . I’ll be
in town for the activities on Friday and Rev. Dan will be down for Saturday.
In between I’ll have a couple of Thanksgiving Feasts! Feast one on Thursday
in New York City at my daughter’s new place. We may even take in the parade;
I hear they have a pretty big one down there. Feast two at home on Saturday
with the entire family. The banquets were just the prep work I needed to get
into shape for the holidays!
I hope your holidays are filled with Family Friends and Food, take
a break and enjoy your time together. 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. 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.
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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***
November 23
LEO & CLAYLENE ADAMS- This Pomfret, CT Pro Tour Truck driver and wife have
their 34th anniversary.
JASON & STACEY KOHLER- This Fleetwood, PA Micro Sprint driver and wife have
their special day.
November 25
DEAN & DEBBIE STREETER – These SMS pit crew members will be celebrating
their 33rd anniversary.
November 26
MARIO & BOOTS TOMAINO- From Freehold, NJ, these two are the very proud
parents of WMT driver Jamie and have been wed 56 years.
November 27
GARY & SHARON MOORE- Horseshoe, NC driver and wife have their 39th
anniversary.
BOBBY & JENNIFER GADA- Niantic, CT Waterford Speedbowl Mod driver and wife
share their 17th anniversary.
ANDY & JUDY JOHNSON- The owners of Johnson Chassis in Monson, MA have their
54th anniversary.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
November 23
RICK CLONCH- E. Smithfield, PA NASCAR KNPSE driver.
RON BOUCHARD- Fitchburg, MA retired NSC driver.
PATRICK O'BRIEN- A son of Tammy Longacre in Boyertwon, PA.
KEVIN OKULA- Son of Wayne,Charger Driver for #67 - Riverhead Raceway &
Sharon.
November 24
DOUG MESERVEY- Chatham, MA NASCAR KNPSE/NASCAR WMT driver.
BUDDY PARROTT- NSC Crew Chief
DAN WALKER- Beech Ridge Motor Speedway PR Director.
ADAM HEDGER- NASCAR Cup official son of Williamson, NY Mod driver Randy and
wife Lynda.
November 25
MIKE GALLO- Sanford, ME NASCAR KNPSE driver.
JEFF STREETER- Brawley, CA NASCAR West driver.
TOM BUTLER- Stafford Speedway LM driver.
MIKE JOY- Hartford, CT based TV/Radio racing announcer and big Modified fan.
MIKE FELTENBERGER- Grandview/ Big Diamond flagman/photographer.
November 26
TOM McCANN- Huntington, LI, NY Modified driver.
DALE JARRETT- Hickory, NC former NSC driver now TV commentator.
BILLY STANDRIDGE- Shelby, NC NSC/NNS driver/owner.
MARY BRICE- Former WMT official and wife of former WMT Chief Inspector Bill.
BRUCE WEAVER- Bethlehem,PA. Go-Fer on former Earl Steffen's Sprinter.
JONATHAN REID- Lockport,NY, this western NY TQ Midget racer enjoys his
special day.
November 27
RACHEL ZIMMERMAN- Daughter of AARN and Mod Tour photographer Michael & Carol
Pares, recently reunited and it has been a blessing to both.
November 29
KEN WOOLEY, JR.- Howell, NJ Modified driver.
CRIS EASH- Pennsy based WoO driver.
JIM VOGT- Wall Township Speedway ProStock driver.
RICK MARTIN- Westport, MA ProStock driver.
BOBBY DILLNER- TV SpeedChannel Racing Reporter from Long Island.
CAROLYN BROWN- Wife of Farmingdale, NJ Dwarf Car owner/driver Bobby.
MATT HIRSCHMAN- The driver son of Northampton, PA NASCAR WMT driver Tony and
wife Brenda.
***NEW BEGINNINGS***
WALT RENNER- On 11/17/11 at the age of 90 Walt passed
away after a short stay in the Holyoke Soldier's Home. Walt and his wife
started writing for National Speed Sport News in 1939 and they were proud
recipients of the "Jack Ratta Memorial Media Award" presented by NEAR in
2007. As was shared by a well known racing photographer and his wife, “they
were just two of the nicest people you'd ever want to know and always fun to
be with.” There will be a memorial service Saturday 11/26/11, at the K of C
in Chicopee. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.
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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