Our actions and words have tremendous power. What we say and do can change
the direction of someone's life. How we encourage people goes a long way in
determining how they live. We can make a tremendous difference if we just
take a second and think about the things we say and do. Greetings in the
name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:1-4; nlt,
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ?
Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit?
Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy
by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working
together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress
others.
Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only
for
your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
"Put your mind in gear before you
put your mouth in motion” a popular statement but we should add “and before
we put our Chrome Horn in someone’s rear end.” Sometimes our encouragement
is more retaliation. We misinterpret the true meaning of the word and claim
we are trying to encourage but we are really getting even!
I have heard it put many ways, recently a driver explained it this
way, “You can talk until you are blue in the face but sometimes you need to
use your boot on the other end.”
That really isn’t the encouragement I am talking about. Have you
ever felt horrible after a bad race? Did someone put their arms around you
and give you some words of encouragement? Did it help to change your
outlook? Did it help you move on to next week's race?
Encouragement is a two-step process, it matters what we say and it
matters what we do. Sometimes the two don’t match. If we are truly going to
be encouraging to someone we have to mean it, not only say it. We have to
follow through.
Most of us got to where we are in life because of what we learned
from someone else. If we think back in our memory, who are the people we
remember most? We remember those who helped point us in the right direction,
those who motivated us to do better. We remember those who taught us that
anything worth attaining was worth working for. We remember those who walked
along side, ready to reach out and lift us up, ready to put our feet back on
the right path. Those who supported us without judgment, they encouraged us.
We have to remember encouragement doesn’t mean doing something for
someone. We can handicap a person for life if all we do is enable them.
Sometimes the best encouragement we can be is to stand along side and
support them through the struggle. This might help us understand that a
little better.
The Cocoon, A man found the cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small
opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it
struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop
making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and
could go no further. So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a
pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The
butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small,
shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he
expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able
to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened!
In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around
with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly. What the
man did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle
required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of
forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would
be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.
Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. Through
the struggle we grow to appreciate what we have and what God has provided
for us. If God allowed us to go through our life without any obstacles, it
would cripple us. We would not be as strong as we could have been. And we
could never fly.
Encouragement has many shapes and forms; instead of giving someone
a fish, we need to teach them to fish. Giving people instructions and
watching them struggle through the learning process can be difficult. Fight
the temptation to jump in and do it for them. We need to help them, support
them and most of all we need to forgive them when they make a mistake. God
handles us the same way.
God gives us the freedom to make mistakes, forgives us when we
fail, picks us up, places us back where we belong and lets us try again. We
need to be the same way.
God provides opportunities for us to walk alongside others as they
face struggles in their lives. The key is to turn our focus outside
ourselves, look at what is going on around us. Too many times we have tunnel
vision and we do not see the needs of others. This passage reminds us; if we
have received it then we should be ready with a willingness to walk along
side and help others find the right path.
I want to encourage you this week, take a look around, is there
someone you can come alongside and help through the struggles they face? Not
do it for them, but hold them up, give them the strength the need to face
the fight, listen to their frustrations and anxieties. I am sure there are
more people than we know that we can help. Let’s make that effort, get out
of our own little world and bring life into the world around us.
Philippians 2:1-4; nlt,
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from
his love?
Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and
compassionate? Then make me truly
happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and
working together
with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be
humble, thinking of others
as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but
take an interest in others, too.
THOUGHTS
FROM THE ROAD
FIRST STOP WAVERLY, NY
- As many of you know a longtime member of the racing fraternity, AL
Robinson, has been in rehab recovering from the effects of a stroke. The
road to recovery has been a year and counting and there is still progress to
be made before Al can hit the road again.
In true Al Robinson fashion, Howie and Mary Hodge and I hit the
road and headed out to visit with Al. With a new racing season starting we
were sure that Al would be chomping at the bit to get back to the track. We
thought we might be able to provide him with a little encouragement.
I called Al when we about twenty minutes out and asked if he minded
if we stopped by. He was thrilled; his face lit up when we arrived and in
true character, there was a story to tell.
I shared with him how I brought Howie and Mary to the Roscoe Diner
for breakfast. The food might be good in the rehab facility but it wasn’t
Roscoe’s. Al said about Roscoe’s “The standard by which all others are
measured.” I am planning a return trip with the hope of taking Al to
Roscoe’s, but he might beat me to the punch.
His spirits are high and his expectations are to be back at the
track before the season is over. He is making progress, but there is still
some work to be done. I am sure he would love a note of encouragement, send
one along, Al Robinson, rm 109, c/o Elderwood Senior Care, 37 North Chemung
Street, Waverly, NY 14892.
I would also like to add that there is a Benefit planned to help Al
with the cost of his care.
The Robinson Benefit Set For May 11-12; at Shangri-La II Motor
Speedway in Tioga Center, NY. While the schedule is still in its final
stages of preparation, tentative plans call for gates to open at 11 am
Friday, May 11, for race fans to begin setting up their camp sites and
vendors to set up their displays. The event will officially kick off at 5 pm
Friday, with activities taking place until 1:00 am Saturday morning.
Activities resume at 8:00am/et on Saturday, May 12, and run through 12 noon.
Monetary donations may be sent by check to:
The Spalding Foundation, c/o Betty Sherwood,1074 Sulpher Springs
Road, Owego, NY, 13827. Please write "Al Robinson Fund" on the comment line.
You can get more info at
http://www.shangrila-2.com.
NEXT STOP RIVERHEAD - I also was out on LI to put things in
place for the upcoming season. I had a chance to visit with Riverhead
Chaplain Pastor Scott Kraniak. He is excited about what 2012 holds in store.
This year he will be doing a brief Chapel service before the action gets
going on Saturdays, check it out I am sure you will be blessed.
NEXT STOP ICEBREAKER - I had a little head start on my race
weekend, I was at the track earlier in the week putting the finishing
touches on Pat’s Bench. Presented in September 2004 for 25 years of
dedicated service to the racing family the bench has been refreshed and is
ready for many more years of sitting and talking, something Pat loved to do.
Thanks to Jeff Doyle for his help.
There was a race this weekend and it was close to home, but I
managed to put more than a few miles on this week. It was worth it to
provide some encouragement to those who serve the racing family.
The Icebreaker broke a lot of things but ice wasn’t one of them. As
different race strategies played out the end was much more interesting that
the beginning. Jamie Tomaino had the quote of the day. When speaking of his
sixth place finish he reflected, “I may not be as fast as a lot of guys but
sometimes your brains are a little more important than your gas pedal foot.”
I guess that about sums it up, using your brain was in the minority at
Thompson.
It will be interesting to see what the second act looks like at
Stafford in a few weeks. Ronnie Silk bounced back from being up in the air
at the Icebreaker last year to victory lane this year and starts his title
defense on the top of the ladder.
LEE USA SPEEDWAY KICKS THINGS OFF WITH ACT 1 - Bobby Somers
sent this report: with the ACT tour in town along with the Pass tour to help
fill up every spot in the pits late arrivals had to circle the pits looking
for a spot to set up in. During practice on Saturday for the ACT car #31
from Ontario went heavy into turn one. With hopes of competing in the
Governors Cup on Sunday in doubt, local car builder David Joyce opened his
shop and they repaired the car. This is truly a blessing the way racing
families work together to help each other out.
With the ACT set up for 4 Heat races 1 consi the fans got their
monies worth; every driver competed as if it were the feature event. Two of
the local favorites Wayne Helliwell and Eddie Mac set their place in field
by winning their heat races. This was a day where leaving your seat to grab
a bite to eat meant you missed some incredible side by side racing. One of
the heat races for the ACT tour was so close only .004 of a second separated
first and second place.
The ACT put on a show Sunday with Brian Hoar defending the
Governors Cup for a second straight year, #27 Helliwell second and #57 of
Austin Theriault third, in his rookie season, showing he is going to be a
contender this year.
Car counts look strong for the home opener at LEE USA Speedway on
May 4th with the regular divisions making their way back for an exciting
2012 season.
BRODERICK FAMILY - Please keep Jimmy, Bubba and the entire
Broderick family in your thoughts and prayers, this past week Jimmy’s mom,
Linda, passed away. It will be a tough day for him on the Saturday the 21st,
his birthday
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
http://www.rwjm.com/store. 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
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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***
April 19
JIM & DORIS TROMBLY- The Pit Steward and Credentials manager wife at the
Hudson (NH) Speedway have their 42nd anniversary.
April 21
JAMES & IONEY WARNER- This Martinsville Speedway infield staffer and wife,
both close friends of Rev. pat, celebrate their 14th anniversary.
April 22
ROGER & MELISSA HORVATH- This NY ELS Sprint driver and wife have their 17th
anniversary.
J.J. & KELLY MICHAELS- This Small Block Modified driver at Fulton and
Utica-Rome Speedways in New York and his wonderful wife Kelly share their
13th anniversary.
April 23
PAUL & MICHELLE McELEARNEY- This veteran Riverhead Raceway LM driver and
wife have their anniversary today.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
April 18
JONNY DENNISON- This LI tow truck operator who hangs out at Riverhead and
has been know to frequent the WMT stops in Connecticut has his special day.
Rev. Pat, we’re still looking out for him.
GEOFF BODINE- The oldest of the racing Bodine brothers of Chemung, NY.
JIM HAWKEY- Wall Township Speedway Modified driver.
ROBERT TYLER LABONTE- Son of NSC driver Bobby and wife Donna.
CHELSEA MARQUIS- A daughter of Enfield, CT NASCAR KNPSE/WMT driver Jerry and
wife Karen.
GERALD CHAMBERLAIN- Birthday wishes go out from the Nagy's in Nazareth, PA.
April 19
JACK ROUSH- NSC/NNS/Trans-Am multi-team owner.
ROBERT YATES- Noted engine builder, NSC team owner.
BOB AILES- St. Johnsbury, VT LM driver.
April 20
ED SPENCER III- Berwick, PA NASCAR Cup/NNS driver Jim's nephew.
RON BARFIELD, JR.- Florence, SC NASCAR CWTS/ All Pro Series driver.
DON DesROCHERs- Retired Riverside Park Speedway driver, father of SKMod
driver Heather.
RICH PAWLICH- Rocky Hill, CT Modified fan.
FRANCIS STODDARD- NSC Crew Chief for Boris Said.
BILL BALSER- Norton, MA veteran photographer.
KELLI BIRKBECK- Pawcatuck, CT, a huge fan of Kasey Kahne and Joey Lagano.
April 21
JIM BRODERICK- A close personal friend of Rev. Pat's from Brookfield, CT on
semi-retirement from WMT and Sk mods and concentrating on son Bubba's
carreer.
RANDY GLENSKI- NY D.I.R.T. Mod driver.
STEVE BARRICK- Flemington, NJ President of Program Dynamics which produces
weekly programs for track all over the East Coast.
STEPHANIE SHAW- Mom of Center Conway, NH KNPSE driver DJ and wife of former
driver Dale.
April 22
BOB HOWARD- Colorado Springs, CO NASCAR West driver.
April 23
ROBBIE CROUCH- Burlington, VT's "Tampa Tornado" retired NASCAR KNPSE/LM
driver.
JASON KELLER- Greensville, SC NNS driver.
P.J. JONES- Rolling Hills, CA Indy car/ NASCAR Truck series driver.
CHUCK GAFRARAR- Team Penske fabricator.
AL ROBINSON- World-wide race announcer and Storyteller extraordinaire.
J.J. O'MALLEY- Al's buddy and the PR Director at Watkins Glen Speedway.
BOB PRATT- A brother of Joe Pratt, NJ Mod driver Ed and uncle of sportsman
driver Richie Pratt, Jr.
MICHELLE McELEARNEY- The wife of Commack, NY Riverhead LM driver, Paul.
April 24
RICK SCHAFFER- Woxall, PA all-time winningest Mod driver at Grandview.
HERMIE SADLER- Emporia, VA NNS/NSC driver.
ED FLEMKE JR- Southington, CT NASCAR WMT Modified driver/ chassis builder.
CHERYL MARKS- Grandview Souvenier Stand Manager.
LINDA GOLDEN- Daughter of retired Midget owner Joe Sukup from Schodack
Landing, NY.
WALTER NEWCOMB- Keeper of the cup, this Long Island native is a big Modified
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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