In life and in 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. We can loose perspective, say and do things
that are out of character. It is good to have someone alongside to help us
get a handle on things.
We need the support and encouragement of those around us. Racing is
stressful and without a supportive team it is a very difficult endeavor.
Life is the same way; we can get overwhelmed with things, events, comments
others say. So much so our perspective gets out of focus and we loose our
grip.
I enjoy reading about Peter, one of the disciples, and the
challenges he faced as he walked with Christ. He was strong willed and often
spoke before he thought. Maybe I like him because I can identify with him. I
have a tendency to say things without thinking them through sometimes. With
all his faults Peter loved God and desired to serve Him. Jesus walked
alongside to help him learn how to accomplish that.
Peter was just a fisherman that Christ called to follow him;
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. When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, Peter
cut off someone’s ear with his sword, Christ picked it up and restored it.
Peter’s words didn’t match his impulsive actions.
Peter had the chance to proclaim his relationship with Christ and
was asked three times if he knew him. Three times he denied knowing Christ
just as Jesus said he would. As he heard the rooster crow he fell to his
knees and wept bitterly.
He denied his relationship with Christ. It is similar to when we
act in a way that doesn’t honor God, we deny Christ, we go against what
Christ stood for. Many times we loose control, say and do things that are
not beneficial to the well being of others. That can destroy our witness and
destroy our relationships with others.
But there is hope and Jesus represents that hope. Jesus seeks to
restore our relationship with 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.
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. So where does that leave us?
We need to get a handle on the things that are truly important, our
relationship with God, our family and those around us. Sometimes words don’t
quite help us remember, we need a picture. This might help, when we need to
get a handle on things look at our dogs. After all dog spelled backward is
God and dog is an acronym for Depend on God. But dogs also behave in a way
that reminds us what is truly important. Here are some things our dog can
help us understand.
* 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 handle on things 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. Is it worth it? Yes it is.
We need to take a step back and focus on the things that truly matter, our
relationship with God, our families and how we show the love of Christ to
others. When we get a handle on these then the peace of God fills our soul
and life is ready to be lived. Decide this week to put things in order, let
God, your family and those around you know that you love them. God Bless.
THOUGHTS
FROM THE ROAD
RICHMOND A CROWD PLEASER
- This week saw both the K&N Pro Series East and the Whelen Modified Tour in
action. First on the schedule the K&N boys put on a show in Richmond to warm
up the crowd for Saturday Night. A Thursday night tilt on the ¾ mile short
track of Richmond proved the perfect place to showcase some of the best
racing I’ve seen this year. This one rivaled the Richie Evans Memorial at
New Smyrna. Brett Moffitt and Chase Elliot hooked up for a green, white,
checker it was just what the doctor ordered. Coming out of four side by side
to the stripe, Moffitt bobbled, Elliot bobbled and slapped the wall, no one
lifted, dust and smoke filled the air with Moffitt taking home the victory
by a few inches, .011 seconds.
Rev. Dan talked with second place finisher Chase Elliot, who was
climbing into his late model ride for the Denny Hamlin Foundation race that
followed. He was still full of excitement as he shared how great the finish
was. Chase knows his turn in victory lane isn’t far away and looks forward
to the next time out in Iowa.
Moffitt is no stranger to victory lane as he has visited it with
several of the teams he has driven for in the last few years in the K&N
Series, but giving Hattori Racing’s first ever win in NKNPSE was a special
treat.
“I am so proud of this team,” commented team owner, Shige Hattori.
“They worked hard all day and overcame adversity. Neither car was good early
in practice, but we felt by the end of practice we were competitive. This is
our first win at HRE and the first win for Kobe Toyopet. The weekend could
not have gone much better.”
HEADED NORTH - With the Greatest Race of the Spring on tap
at Stafford Motor Speedway, we climbed aboard our rocket ship, AKA the
Bolles Dodge Intrepid, and headed north.
Thanks go out to the team at Bolles Dodge for putting the Intrepid
back in working order. After an issue last year at Dover the Intrepid hadn’t
been quite right, we chased the problem for several months and thought we
might need to retire it. But hold on a minute! The crew at Bolles tackled
the issue, resolved it and the Dodge is good to go.
COBY REPEATS SIZZLER GLORY - For the second time in his
career Doug Coby has found Victory Lane in the Sizzler. Before the race
Ronnie Silk, Doug and I were talking and Ronnie said Doug didn’t need any
more blessings. Well, I guess he was wrong, Doug was blessed with a victory,
leading the last 82 circuits he out lasted a couple of Stafford Motor
Speedway Champions in Ryan Preece and Keith Rocco, who came home second and
third. After a sunny but breezy day it was time to head home.
MODIFIED FAMILY SUFFERS LOSE - Last week we learned that
Bruce Miglino, LI Mod Mechanic and crewmember passed away suddenly from a
heart attack. I talked with Gary McDonald, whose team Bruce was helping and
he shared how devastating the news was. He and Bruce were close, as many in
the Long Island Modified racing family are. Our thoughts and prayers go out
to Bruce’s family and friends.
Bruce's arrangements are as follows Wagner’s Funeral Home 125 W Old
country Road (intersection of Old Country Rd and Jerusalem Ave.) Hicksville
Long Island, on Tuesday~7-9 pm and Wednesday 2-5 pm and 7 - 9 pm. Bruce’s
families needs our help with his final expenses, please consider helping
out. Donations can be sent to Mary Peck Miglino, 8 Oak St., Mt. Pocono, PA
18344.
With April in the rear view mirror and May ahead the racing season
gets into full swing. We were able to see two great races at two of this
nations best short tracks, we are blessed.
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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Check our home page
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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
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
***WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES***
May 3
WOODY & ELAINE FEBRIELLO- This former NASCAR Modified team owner and wife
from Waterbury, CT share their 40th anniversary.
May 4
PHIL & CONNIE RONDEAU- This Baltic, CT Cup/Mod/LM driver and wife have
shared 20 years together.
GARY & TINA DANKO- This Connecticut tracks announcer, radio show host and
wife share their 11th.
May 7
DAVE & KIM DORNBLASER- Both are 270cc Micro-Sprint drivers at Borger's
Speeday and Kutztown Fairgrounds celebrate lap 7 together.
May 8
CHARLES & KAREN TURBUSH- From Long Island, this Rusty Wallace and Hut
Stricklin fans have their 18th anniversary.
DR. CHRIS & CHERIE WIBBLESMAN- The eldest son of RWJM advisor Dick and wife
Judy and wife celebrate their 17th.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
May 2
BUZZ CALKINS- Denver, CO IRL driver.
DAVE MEDLER- Auburn, NY Steve Paine and Mark Martin fan.
May 3
TONY HIRSCHMAN- Northampton, PA Whelen Modified Tour five time champion.
WALTER CHARETTE- Linwood, MA Mike Stefanik/Dale Jarrett fan.
DAVE DORNBLASER- 270cc Micro-Sprint driver at Borger's Speedway and Kutztown
Fairgrounds.
CAROL EVONSION- Wife of former Riverside Park Mod driver S.J.Evonsion.
May 4
JACK POSTER- This Pottstown, PA resident helped Jerry Christman with his 358
at Grandview back in the 80’s.
JOHN FORCE- Yorba Linda, CA NHRA Funny Car driver.
BILL PARK- Riverhead Raceway NASCAR Modified driver.
TONY URBINA- Riverhead LM driver.
FRANK MANCINI-Bill Brice III's Father in Law.
WHITNEY BENDER- Daughter of Colden, NY NASCAR KNPSE driver Tim and wife
Kathy.
TROY OADE ESTELLE- The son of Eddie and Lori Estell. Eddie is a crewman on
the #119 Street Stock driven by Rob Ormsbee at East Windsor, NJ Speedway.
Eddie is also a HUGE Bill Elliott fan and a faithful Wall Township Speedway
fan.
May 5
MIKE WEEDEN- No. Haverhill, MA retired NASCAR KNPSE/LM driver.
JEFF YANNETTA- Bridgewater, NJ Flemington Go-Kart driver.
SARA ELIZABETH SANTERRE- The daughter of KNPSES championship driver Andy and
Sue Santerre.
May 6
TODD SZEGEDY- NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour driver and former Champion.
MIKE COPE- Pinellas Park, FL Slim Jim NNS driver.
TAMMY JO KIRK- Dalton, GA NASCAR All-Pro Series/ CWTS driver.
RENE DUGAS- Taftville, CT photographer.
STACEY KOHLER- Wife of Fleetwood, PA Micro Sprint driver Jason.
May 7
BENJI ROWE- Turner, ME NASCAR P/S driver.
DARLA SETZER- The wife of NASCAR CWTS/NNS driver Dennis.
DIANE BENNETT- Wife of Stamford, CT NASCAR KNPSE/CWTS driver Brad.
BILLY ROE- Indianapolis, IN born, now Gilbert, AZ IRL driver.
STEPHEN GRIMES- Burlington, NC LMSC driver.
JERRY LILLQUIST- From Canterbury, CT, this former Late Model driver is now
residing on the beach just south of Myrtle Beach, SC.
JOHN ROSATI- Retired Modified/ProStock driver from Agawam, MA.
PAT BEEBE- Wife of Star Speedway NASCAR flagman Jim.
CRAIG HIETALLA- Brother of Enfield, CT NASCAR Modified driver Brad.
HENRIETTA KOSZELLA- Wife of Koszella Speed's Sonny and mom of Julie
Stefanik, wife of NASCAR WMT/NASCAR KNPSE champ Mike.
MISSY LEDFORD- The daughter of LM driver Dave and AARN salesman at Lakeville
Speedway, PA.
May 8
BOBBY LABONTE- Corpus Christi, TX NNC driver.
NATHAN BUTTKE- Randleman, NC NNS/LMSC driver.
BRAD CADDICK- North Kingston, RI NASCAR WMT crewman.
BARBARA KUHLMAN- The Ass't Scorer at Bridgeport Speedway and wife of AARN
columnist Ken.
LOUIS OBERTO- Another son of Mahoning Valley Speedway area famous news
writer and announcer.
RAY MILLER- Retired Modified driver.
*** IN THE SHOP ***
DAWN BARAN - Daughter of tour official George McKelvey is
recovering from surgery, please keep here recovery in your prayers.
***NEW BEGINNINGS***
BRUCE MIGLINO - This week we were shocked to hear of the
passing of Bruce, I talked with Gary McDonald, whose team Bruce was helping
and he shared how devastating the news was. He and Bruce were close, as many
in the Long Island Modified racing family are. Our thoughts and prayers go
out to Bruce’s family and friends. Bruce's arrangements are as follows
Wagner’s Funeral Home 125 W Old country Road (intersection of Old Country Rd
and Jerusalem Ave.) Hicksville Long Island, on Tuesday~7-9 pm and Wednesday
2-5 pm and 7 -9pm. Bruce’s family needs our help with his final expenses,
please consider helping out. Donations can be sent to Mary Peck Miglino, 8
Oak St., Mt. Pocono, PA 18344.
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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