A familiar greeting we give and receive this time of the year, but how can
we assure the year to come will be happy? What does it take to be happy? How
can we know that no matter what the circumstances the New Year brings we
will be happy? Happiness is more a condition of our heart than a result of
the events that happen around us. Greetings in the name of our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ.
Have you ever listened to a post incident interview with the
drivers who were involved? Each driver has their own view on what took
place. Each one saw things from a different perspective. Sometimes if you
listen closely, you can find a clue as to what decision triggered the
incident. It sounds something like this; “I thought I could” or “I had the
position but”. That indicates that we cannot predict the results of our
actions. We think we can, but many times the results are not what we expect
or hope for.
Many times our perception of the situation is different from
someone else’s. Most times we don’t see or understand all the effects of our
actions. Did you ever wonder why we need officials at races? They are the
ones whose perception counts. They are the ones who decide what really
happened. Who has the final say on the other decisions we make in our life?
Whose opinion do we listen to? When we were younger our parents filled that
role. Now that we are responsible for our own choices, who do we turn to for
guidance?
What does this have to do with being happy? Well think of it this
way, when we understand that the consequences of our decisions affect more
than just ourselves our perspective changes. When we realize that things
don’t revolve around us we begin to understand that our decisions should
also take others into consideration. When we consider the condition of
others we start to see things through God’s eyes. True happiness is a direct
result of how we affect the lives of others. That is in contrast to the
teaching of the world where happiness is a defined by what things we have
and the position we hold.
We live much of our lives focused on what affects us. When
according to God’s plan we should live our lives with more consideration for
the welfare of others. Paul writes in Philippians about how we should
respond to the blessings we receive from God.
Philippians 2:1-5; If
you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort
from his love,
if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then
make my joy complete by being like-minded,
having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of
selfish ambition or vain conceit,
but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should
look not only to your own interests,
but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as
that of Christ Jesus:
He reminds us that our attitude
should be the same as Christ’s. Think of Jesus, He came and sacrificed His
life, not for what He received, but for what we received. I believe it
pleased Him to give His life up for anyone who would believe in Him. His
heart was at peace and He was filled with joy. Paul outlines it for us;
Philippians
2:6-8; (Jesus), being in very nature God, did not consider equality
with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in
human likeness. And being found in
appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even
death on a cross!
This seems contrary to our
definition of happiness. How can you be suffering so and yet be “happy”?
Happiness for a Christian is defined differently than it is for
others. Happiness is less a state of circumstances and more a condition of
the heart. When our heart is in tune with God’s will we are filled with a
peace that passes understanding and a joy that isn’t easily understood. The
love of God in our lives demonstrated to others in the choices we make
produces true happiness in our lives. Paul helps us redefine our focus in
life. We find the peace of God when we concentrate on the things that please
God. Paul explained that being in God’s will was more important than having
all the trappings the world has to offer.
Philippians4:8-1;
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is
excellent or
praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received
or heard from me,
or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for
me. Indeed, you have been concerned,
but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in
need, for I have learned to be content
whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what
it is to have plenty. I have learned
the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or
hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
We are
programmed to think happiness comes from what we have. That is not true.
Have you ever known someone who had everything they ever wanted? That is not
possible because there is always something else we want. It seems we are
never satisfied. We never have everything we want. In his letter to Timothy,
Paul counsels him to pursue the things of God.
1Timothy 6:6-12;
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into
the world and we can
take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content
with that. People who want to get rich fall
into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that
plunge men into ruin and destruction.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for
money, have wandered from the faith
and pierced themselves with many griefs.
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
Fight the good fight of the faith.
We think that
we can satisfy ourselves by attaining things. We think happiness comes from
having those things. The fact is that no matter what we have there is always
something missing. Something only God can provide. No matter what we attain
in life we are not satisfied until we ask Jesus into our heart. He is the
only one who can fill the void that we are trying to fill with everything
else. We can only receive that peace that passes understanding from God
through Jesus.
So when I say Happy New Year; I mean I hope you find the true
meaning of life. I hope you realize where true satisfaction and fulfillment
come from. I hope you find the saving grace of Jesus. God promises peace to
those who trust in Him. Are you at peace with God? God fills our hearts with
joy when we pursue His will. Happiness is a result of living the life that
God has planned for us. Make a New Year’s resolution that will change your
life, resolve this year to submit to God’s will for your life. Let God have
control and make every effort to let Him guide your thoughts and actions.
God Bless, Rev. Don.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
LONG ISLAND NEW YEAR - Lynda
and I had the pleasure of ringing in the New Year with a few friends from
the racing family out on Long Island . I must admit when Eric and Amanda
approached me about a New Years Eve wedding I wasn’t so sure, but Lynda was
supportive and we headed to the Island for New Years! What a wonderful time
we had, thanks to the hospitality of the Goodale, LoCasio and Vullo
families. We had the pleasure of not only ringing in the New Year, but also
celebrating the uniting of two young lives before God. It was a wonderful
setting and a memorable time as even the weather cooperated.
I count it one of my special blessings in ministry to have a part
in such a blessed day. I am thankful to be given the opportunity to help two
young lives discover the plan God has for them. To help them find their way
through the maze this world can sometimes be. God bless you and keep you;
Eric and Amanda.
MOTORSPORTS 2012 - As I mentioned last year; just two weeks
ago, seems like so long ago, we will have an all-star lineup at our booth.
We are planning on having the top two finishers from both the Whelen
Modified Tour and the Whelen Southern Modified Tour.
Four of the best Mod drivers, North and South; Ronnie Silk, Todd Szegedy,
George Brunnhoelzl III and Andy Seuss will also be present to sign
autographs for you on Saturday afternoon. This will surely be a great
opportunity to have four of the drivers of open wheel Modifieds available to
you, sporting four NASCAR Championship rings between them.
Put the dates on your calendar, January 20, 21 and 22, 2012 and
make plans to see us at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center At Oaks for
Motorsports 2012.
PRAYER NEEDS FOR SOME FAMILIES - The Stafford Motor Speedway
family along with the Armelin family.
Raymond A. Armelin, 71, of Stafford Springs , CT , passed away on
Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at his home. Ray was a proud member of all three
Fire Departments in the Town of Stafford for 43 years, a constable for the
Town of Stafford for 12 years, worked at the Stafford Motor Speedway for 47
years, and was a member of the Italian Benefit Society. He loved being with
his family and friends, and also greatly enjoyed racing, having been a Dale
Earnhardt enthusiast.
Another member of the Modified Community passed away over the
holidays; I received a call the other day from Pete Beal, part of the very
successful Beal & Bacon Modified Racing team to let me know Charlie had
passed away.
Pete Beal shared his thoughts on his friend and racing partner; “it
seems like it was just yesterday to me that Charlie agreed to be my partner
and form Beal and Bacon Motorsports. Charlie was much more than a
partner...he was also a great friend and mentor. Charlie was a class act and
always wanted to do things the right way, which is a very hard thing to do
in the racing world. Together we built one of the greatest NASCAR Modified
Tour teams in history. The records we set together will never be broken in
today's world. We both were able to live out our lifelong dreams together in
the racing world. Over the six years we were partners we never had a
disagreement. Our two personalities were completely different but combined
together we complimented each other, which helped us to reach our goals. Our
race car, the X-6, will never be forgotten, as will the 1997/1998 NASCAR
Modified Tour Championship car owner, Charlie Bacon. Rest in peace my friend
and thank you for making my dreams come true.”
Charles V. Bacon III, September 28, 1942 - December 21, 2011Charles
Vincent Bacon III, 69, of River Road passed away Wednesday, December 21,
2011 at the Harrington Court Healthcare Center in Colchester. Charles served
his country honorably in the United States Navy. He worked for many years as
a Health Physics Technician at the Millstone Nuclear Power Plant in
Waterford . On April 23, 1994 he was united in marriage to Cecile A. Hoelck.
Please join me as we lift these families up in prayer.
PLANNING FOR THE NEW YEAR - With the new year here and many
of the schedules released we are putting together our plans for 2012. Three
cornerstones of the year will be the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, K&N Pro
Series East, and the Valenti Modified Racing Series. We will add other
significant events as schedule permits. If there is a place you would like
us to be, please drop us a line and let us know. We will do our best to get
things covered. We are looking forward to developing the places where we
have a presence and expanding to new frontiers. I ask you to lift the next
few weeks up in prayer as we plan and follow God’s direction.
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.
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
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
January 4
ED DENSIESKI - Riverhead Modified driver.
RED MEAD - Vermont Flying Tiger driver.
TERESA MOORE - Horseshoe, NC New Asheville Speedway driver.
RODNEY CRABTREE- Brewco Motorsports NNS team member.
January 5
ED SPENCER, SR. - Retired Berwyck, PA LM/Mod driver, dad of the famous
racing family.
CHRIS BROWN - Charlotte, NC driver.
TROY BEEBE - Modesto, CA NASCAR driver.
EVA LING - In NJ, wife of Seargent Donnie, Don's son.
ANN TURNER - Wife of Maine driver Bobby.
SHARON MESERVEY - Wife of NASCAR WMT driver, Dan, Jr.
TRICIA ZYLA - A child of Shamokin, PA writer Greg.
January 6
ROBBY NIEUWENHUIS JR.- From Plainwell, MI, Crew Chief on brother Steve's
Late Model also Tammy's husband and father to daughter Erin and three sons
Colt, Carson and Kendall.
CHERYL BRODERICK - The oldest of the Brookfield, CT Mod driver Jim.
January 7
STEVE PAINE - "Hurricane", Waterloo, NY dirt Mod driver.
MARTY HOUSTON - Hickory, NC NASCAR Truck Series driver.
LANCE WADE - Victoria, British Columbia NASCAR West driver.
LINDA LARSEN- Official at Riverhead.
January 8
BOBBY HAMILTON, JR- NASCAR NNS/CTS/KNPSE driver/owner.
JIM COURAGE - Fair Oaks, CA NASCAR West driver.
BETTY JO YARBOROUGH - Wife the NSC former great Cale.
DEBBIE HAYES - Norwich, CT Waterford Speedbowl fan
January 9
MARK MARTIN - Batesville, AK Hendricks NSCS driver.
SCOTT BOULEY- Thomaston, CT NASCAR KNPSE driver.
CHRIS WHITEHEAD - NY D.I.R.T. Mod driver.
ROBERT HENDRICKSON - NJ asphalt Mod driver.
MELISSA DIONNE - Street Stock driver; Daughter of RWJM's Gary and Debbie in
Acton, CA.
FREDERICK, BRANDON & FRANCESCA RAHMER - The triplets of PA Sprint driver
Fred and Debbie.
January 10
HARRY GANT- Statesville, NC retired NSC great.
EDDIE CHEEVER- Phoenix, AZ born, now Tampa, FL IRL driver.
JOHN WINTER - S. Salem, NY retired to Palm Coast, FL Lebanon Valley SBM
driver.
TRUDY CHARETTE - The wife of Linwood, MA carpenter fan Walter.
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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