Last week we looked at some wisdom developed from life experience, simple
when we read it, hard when we try to remember and apply it. Our life needs
to be a reflection of God's character. This week we will look at applying
some of what we learned. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ.
Every racer drives a little bit differently, some guys are checkers
or wrecker, some are patient and wait for their opportunity, and there is
everything in between. Racing together we learn how the people around us
race. We learn when we can make a move and when we shouldn't. Being able to
trust those you are racing around is critical to running a good race.
We don't always remember that. That is where a spotter or crew
chief can help. But they can only help if the driver listens. The ultimate
decision is in the hands on the wheel. No matter what the input and how much
sense it makes, the decision is in the person with their hands on the wheel.
Think about a situation where you were on the outside looking in
and you watched someone make a decision that you knew would lead a certain
way. How often is your guidance received well? How often are you able to
influence others? As much as we want to help and provide guidance,
ultimately we have very little control on the decisions others make.
Therein lies the problem, we don't listen and learn. We think we
know it all or can figure it all out. God desires that we think otherwise.
God desires that we listen to the Holy Spirit and follow his direction. That
is the only way we move in the right direction. We need to reflect His
character.
We have been talking about what others see in us and whether that
reflects well on God. One of the challenges we face is looking at that
reflection, sometimes it isn't pretty or comfortable to look at. Sometimes
we are just plain ugly. Funny thing about a mirror is, it only reflects what
it sees.
That is not how God desires us to be. His word challenges us to
change the clothes we wear, change the attitude we have, change the way we
see things.
Colossians 3:12-13, NIV;
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and
patience. Bear with each other and
forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the
Lord forgave you.
In stark contrast to human nature,
God expects us to see and act differently. Let's be honest with ourselves,
compassion, kindness, patience, humility, gentleness and forgiveness are not
the first things that come to mind, we have to work on those.
Let me throw this out there, how do we get good at something? We
practice. Seat time is the only way a driver can hone his skills and learn
how to go faster. When we practice something we are able to improve
ourselves. We will never make progress if we don't start practicing.
In addition to that we need to be coached. We need someone there to
tell us when we are doing it right and correct us when we are doing it
wrong. The correction part is the tough part. None of us like to be
corrected. But that is a necessary component of change, we cannot do it
alone.
That is where the Holy Spirit comes in, He resides in our heart if
we have accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, He is there to encourage us
when we are right and convict us when we are not. He guides and councils us
in the ways of God, just like that spotter or crew chief talking in our ear.
Don't tune Him out. Don't ignore His guidance. Don't think you know
better. If we follow that temptation it will not go well for us. Jesus said;
Matthew 26:41, NIV,
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is
willing, but the body is weak.”
We want
to do the right thing but in the end we are weak, we want to follow that
voice in our head, but for some reason we think we know better. That is what
keeps us from developing God's character. He provided the tools, we need to
practice, watch and pray.
It is important for us to keep our eye on things and pay attention.
Sometimes turn away from things you shouldn't see. Focus on the things that
are good, right and of God. But how do you know?
Pray, talk with God, ask Him, He'll answer. He will speak to you
through Holy Spirit and guide you along the right path. He will not lead you
astray.
If we want to clothe ourselves properly to reflect God's character
we need to watch and pray. We need to listen to His voice and follow His
guide. We need to practice and make corrections when we fail. We need to
present to those around us a reflection of God's love.
THOUGHTS
FROM THE ROAD
SPEEDWEEKS COME TO
A CLOSE - Is there such a thing as too much racing? I didn’t think so,
but after a week and a half I think I need a break. It is still only
February! It was great to be a part of the events at Volusia, New Smyrna and
Daytona. Three distinctly different venues but full of racers with the same
desire, win. I am looking forward to returning to the northeast and
recharging my batteries.
We accomplished many firsts this year, it was great to have Steve
Fowler join us from Montana. Together we partnered with Ed Harkins of Finish
Line Chaplains to cover more ground. We were able to minister to more
drivers in the last few weeks that we do in a whole season. What a
tremendous blessing.
We also were able to conduct a chapel service on Sunday morning at
Volusia. This was a step forward and the first of what we hope to be many
more as we increase our presence with both the WOO Sprint cars and WOO Late
Models. Please keep that effort in your prayers.
While the car count victory belongs to Volusia with, by far, the
largest number of competitors the race of the week belonged to New Smyrna.
Maybe it is my affinity for asphalt racing; I am still a novice on the dirt
side. While the numbers were down the Richie Evans Memorial didn’t
disappoint. Eric Goodale, Chuck Hossfeld and Ryan Preece put on a show. With
the last caution coming with fewer than twenty to go the top three stayed
with in a couple car lengths for the closing stages. Most times at least two
cars were side by side with a few three wide thrown in for good measure. It
was exciting to see the three run wheel to wheel and know that the three of
them had respect for each other.
The Goodales came to New Smyrna because they thought they had a
chance to win. They worked hard all week to keep improving. On Friday night
they fulfilled that goal with Eric taking home the Richie Evans Memorial
prize. Despite the setback and the need to retire Kevin’s car earlier in the
week, they overcame that disappointment to combine the best of both cars and
secure a victory, good job.
OFF TO BRISTOL – Took a short stop on the way home in
Jacksonville to visit an old friend and then off to Bristol Motor Speedway
for a K&N test. As I rolled into Bristol I found many had taken advantage of
the track sponsored open test day. 30+ teams were lined up to park haulers
at 8:00am and more were on the way.
The thought crossed my mind that I needed to find a backup car and
take advantage of the situation. This was a track event and they made this a
very affordable option for the teams, no tires, no tech, no fuel just
$100.00 per hauler. Maybe I can get the pace car out there for a few laps?
It is no wonder some of the best racing happens at this half mile,
the track put forth the effort to allow the teams to get some laps under
their collective belts ahead of their March 17 scheduled race. The
hospitality they showed us was fantastic.
I talked with Cale Conley, driving this year for JTG Daugherty
Racing, he couldn’t believe he was here. Nothing he had seen before prepared
him for the first time he crested the rise at the turn three gate and walked
down the banking. Like a kid on Christmas!
Headed back north after today and should be home on Tuesday; I’m
looking forward to being home.
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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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***
March 2
BILL & SUZANNE STIVASON- These fans from Kittinang, PA share their 21st
anniversary.
March 3
TIM & BRENDA STEELE- The Coopersville, MI ARCA 3-time champion now car owner
and wife share their 19th anniversary.
KIP & JENNY CHILDRESS- This KNPSE Race Director and his special girl
celebrate taking the green flag.
March 4
VIC & SANDY KANGAS- The WC/BGN Crew Chief and wife have their 49th.
March 6
ROY & DONNA HANKS- This Somers, CT LM driver and wife share their 35th
anniversary.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
February 29
BRIAN HOAR- His day is really February 29 for this Goss Dodge ACT driver.
March 1
ALEXIS SZEGEDY- Wife of former WMT champion Todd, AKA George.
BOBBY SEYMOUR- Well known midget driver and partner of Seymour Enterprises
Performance Products Inc.
QUINN CHRISTOPHER- Wife of well known multi-talented driver TC.
DAVE MARCIS- Skyland, NC Retired NSC driver/RCR research driver.
BILLY PAUCH- Frenchtown, NJ driver of the Williams Grove based Zemco Sprint.
RANDY HEDGER- Sprint Cup official from Williamson, NY.
TIM STEELE- Coopersville, MI ARCA driver.
JERRY CAMINITO- Jackson, NJ NHRA Funny Car driver.
GLENN FRYE, JR- Grandson of Warren "Jeep" Frye and 1/4 Midget driver from
Ferrell,NJ.
DONNA KOCHER- Bethlehem, PA AMRA Microstock member.
KATHY TEMCHAK- Wife of Canterbury, NH NHIS victory Lane Staff Member John.
March 2
TAMMY SUE WOODS- The wife of New Jersey born Steve "Woody" Woods on the R&D
staff at Evernham NNC racing.
LAURIE UDES- Wife of Morris Plains, NJ asphalt Modified driver John.
March 3
FRED RAHMER- Pennsy based international sprint car driver.
DANNY JOHNSON- Phelps,NY D.I.R.T. Modified champion.
CHARLIE SAVAGE- From Portland, CT now driving a Modified at Charlotte County
Speedway in Punta Gorda, FL.
MELANIE DEWARE- From Easton, MA, the bubbly wife of Mosler Automotive/Jilbrit
Wheels GT Team driver Scott.
MARY LOUISE HODGE- Racing photographer from Manchester, CT; photographer
Howie's wife.
MARGARET DAVIS- Manassas, VA writer.
GREG RHEN- Sinking Spring, PA dirt catcher and fan of Kenny Brighbill.
March 4
RICK MAST- Virginia NNC retired driver.
GARY MYERS- NC Modified driver.
BILL GREENE- Ellington, CT crewman at Stafford Motor Speedway.
NANCY LaBONNE- East Hartford, CT wife of Stafford LM crewman Rich Caouette.
March 5
GARY DIONNE- Former Dave Dion NASCAR KNPSE crewman, now Acton, CA movie
stunt car driver and RWJM West Coast Coordinator.
PAUL CLAPROOD- 2000 Championship NASCAR WMT Co-Crew Chief now in NC with a
NSC team in final assembly.
RON HEDGER- NY based NSS writer.
PHIL BARIL, JR.- Son of NH LM driver, Phil, Sr.
LUKE WILLIAM BOEHLER- This future team owner is the son of BRE Racing WMT
Team owner Mike and Sarah.
March 6
PAT WARD- NY D.I.R.T. Fonda Speedway Modified driver.
JACK ELY,JR.- NJ asphalt Mod driver.
RONNIE THOMAS- Christiansburg, VA LMSC driver.
BETTY FEARN- Spending the winter in Florida with husband Dick, the mom of
ProStock driver Tom from Feeding Hills, MA.
JASLYN WILLIAMS- Wife of Carson City, NV Midget driver J.R.
LINDA TAGG- Wife of Webster, MA retired Thompson Speedway Mod driver Tom.
JACOB CHRISTOPHER MANIX- Judy's son and nephew of Plainville, CT twin
drivers Ted and Mike Christopher.
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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