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  The Chrome Horn - Racing With Jesus Ministries

   09/14/2012

MAKING PEACE
by Rev. Don Rivers

   Have you ever done something wrong? Seems like a simple question with a simple answer, but why is it we forget that when it comes time to forgive someone else from a mistake they made. Forgiveness is something we want to receive but many times are not as willing to give. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

   Let me set the record straight, we all make mistakes. We all make choices that seem right at the time but in retrospect they were not the correct ones. That being said why have we become a society that has developed a less forgiving attitude?

   As the season winds down I can remember several occasions over the past few months that mistakes on and off the track have been made. At the moment when they occurred it seemed the whole season hinged on them. After a little time passed their significance has waned and we have moved on. Those are the ones that are easy to deal with. Other mistakes take on a life of their own.

   Forgive and forget; a familiar refrain, but one of the most difficult things for us to do. We want to get back at the person who wronged us. We have a need to get even. We have our rights and no one is going to take advantage of us. We say that we forgive but we will never forget. These are many of the comments you hear when you encourage others to forgive. We tend to be unforgiving people when it comes to others, but we want to be forgiven when it comes to us.

   Let’s take a look at what God says about this issue. God’s rules never change and His standard is always the same. God does not accept our mistakes. God is right and just and mistakes are not something that God can accept. God says all mistakes are the same; big or small doesn’t matter, all mistakes fall into the category of sin, missing the mark. We all have made them and all will have to pay the penalty.

There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 8:23

   And the penalty is the same;

For the wages of sin is death, Romans 6:23a

   But look at the rest of that verse and we start to see what God intends for us.

But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23b

   God said I will make a way for your mistakes to be forgiven; I will send My Son, Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for you.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. John 3:16-18

   We need to be at peace, peace with others and peace with God. Jesus was the ultimate peacemaker. He gave his life so that we could have peace with God. Jesus came, suffered, died and rose again so that the penalty for our sin would be paid in full. We can receive that payment by accepting it. It is a gift from God.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works,
so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

   God provided this opportunity for forgiveness and we can receive it by accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. When we do we make peace with God, we restore our relationship with Him; our sins are forgiven and remembered no more.

   We cannot experience the full blessing of God if we refuse to forgive others. Our unwillingness to forgive implies that our standard is greater than God’s. That is not correct; God’s standard is the only one that counts. If God is willing to forgive you there is no reason we could have for not forgiving others. Make that commitment this week. Commit that you will go to the people you have refused to forgive and forgive them. Don’t worry if they refuse to accept it, many have refused to accept the forgiveness that God offers. We are not called to make people accept our forgiveness, but to offer the gift. Offer that gift to someone today.

 

   THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD

    THE CHALLENGES OF LOSING YOUR CREW CHIEF - Our NEMA Chaplain Tara Stoehr and her family have faced some challenges on and off the track these past few weeks and she candidly shared how God has led them through and blessed them along the way. Here are her thoughts:

   “Well, first of all we packed up the car on Friday with all of Kathryn's belongings to head off to college after the race on Saturday. The car was packed and ready to go, so on Saturday morning we could leave by 9am. It was a great day at the races. Running 3rd in points and not having his 26b midget at the track, Greg Stoehr was a little disappointed but excited to focus on his daughter Bethany in the 26b lite car, along with their crew chief, Kathryn Stoehr. It was a blessing for the girls and Greg as they got Bethany's car really hooked up. I watched as Greg helped out some of the other competitors, he was in his element and making the best of a situation!

   A long time and dear friend of ours, Keith Botelho was asked to drive Eddie Breault’s Esslinger/Beast number 44. This was Keith’s first ride for the season. Keith didn't realize that Greg's car was not at the track when someone came up to him and asked him about letting Greg drive because he is 3rd in points. Without hesitation Keith asked the car owner what he thought and within seconds they were both walking over to our pit area.

   Greg continued to say no and "would never take a driver away from his ride". Car owner, Ed and friend Keith would not leave until Greg said yes so finally Greg said, “then flip a coin, heads I drive; tails, Keith drives”. Greg was really leaving it in God’s hands. Ed flipped the coin and it was heads. Greg suited up and was ready to go.

   Rev. Ray went over to wish Keith well and Keith said, "It's not me going out - Greg is running today. I owe it to him because they've done so much for me. I have no chance in points - Greg does - it's his ride today".

   Keith told me; "It was the right thing to do, I knew it in my heart". He also joked and said; "So glad Ed brought his two headed quarter!"

   With a humbled and grateful heart, Greg went out and drove the wheels off the 44! This was such a gracious and awesome gesture from both Ed and Keith! There aren’t too many guys who would give up their ride for the night. Points or no points! Thanks to Ed, Keith and the 44 team. We would also like to thank Mike Jarret for his part in making this happen!

   After the race we headed for New York. I must say NOTHING prepares you for the day you bring your first child to college!! You see we are a very close family and when one of us is absent it is very noticeable. We know that Kathryn is exactly where God wants her and Nyack College is the school for her, but it is still difficult.

   We had a wonderful day together; helping her set up her dorm room, spending fun time at the block party- we were there from 1pm - 8pm! It was wonderful! At one point the four of us held hands in Kathryn’s dorm room and each of us took turns praying. Greg thanked God for the pain we were feeling, knowing that it was good and that it hurts so much because we love so much! At the end of the day all the parents cut a piece of red ribbon to keep with us as a reminder to pray for our kids and then it was time to leave. Watching Kathryn and Bethany say goodbye was heart wrenching!

   The four of us hugged, kissed, cried and hugged again. Kathryn was supposed to head down the hill to the gym and we were going in the opposite direction, except Kathryn was having a hard time parting. So Greg (knowing he needed to do this for Kathryn) gently took Kathryn by the shoulders and turned her around and told her "Now go make the world your own", and we turned and walked away.......So much went through my mind at that very moment......Kathryn's first day of pre-school, a father releasing his young to fly, explore and adventure. Wow!

   All that to say, yes there is a void in our family and Bethany will probably feel it more then ever, however we are trusting God and know that Kathryn is not alone her heavenly father is with her and adores her more then we can imagine. We are very excited for Kathryn and waiting with expectation to see where God is going to lead her!”

   TOURING THE CONNECTICUT TRACKS - I made the rounds this week with a friend and brother Kyle Froman; MRO Chaplain for the Whelen Southern Modified Tour. This was his first visit to the area, in town for the UNOH North/South Showdown. We saw some

fantastic racing as we visited Thompson and Waterford. It was too bad that he couldn’t get into town for the Friday night show at Stafford. With the season winding down the racing is heating up. This week I have seen some of the best side by side racing I can remember. I urge you to get out there and see it for yourself.

   IT WAS A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT - And with the threat of rain knocking on the door Waterford moved through the program to get it in. With the Valenti Modified Racing Series on the track shooting for halfway they put on a great show. Bobby shared these thoughts;

   “On Saturday Vinetta and I headed to Waterford with the Valenti Modified Racing Series. With 23 cars registered at the Bowl and the smile still showing on Tommy Barrett’s face from his late, come from behind win at Monadnock, he was looking forward to getting back on the track. Could this driver do it again and what did the team pick up with the previous pit strategies?

   This was not the only thing going on in the pits at the Bowl, the weather was a huge factor. The radar was being closely watched more so than the practices with a tornado warning looming. The schedule was altered a bit and the turn around from the heats to the feature was in hurry up mode hoping to beat what the weather held in store. The great work of the track and the VMRS officials allowed the racing to get in and as the checkered flag dropped, the skies unloaded.

   With the focus of many teams thinking 50 laps would be the maximum laps tonight everyone raced with great patience. There were several cars that had tire issues with right front flats and the cautions were hurried up as the storm got closer. One storm that was picking up speed was the #09 of Tommy Barrett once again passing cars at times like they were going slow. He used the outside groove to come from the back to the front and waged a side by side dual with Chris Pasteryak for the win; what a race!

   Rebounding from an early season suspension has turned this driver into a late season sensation. What they are doing has the other teams wondering as this driver has come from the back to win in two consecutive races! With Stafford the next race for the VMRS could it be 3 straight wins for the Victory Lane Bar & Grill Team out of Millis, Ma? With Barrett just 22 points out of the top 5 every fan is watching closely in every turn. So put Stafford in your GPS this Friday night and see this chase live!”

   NORTH SOUTH SHOWDOWN GOES TO OLE BLUE - As the Southern teams invaded this traditional modified mecca, it was clear the years of experience the Northern teams had racing here helped them hold the top spot. And none other that one of the most experienced Modified Drivers took home the big prize. TC put Ole Blue in victory lane when it counted. Andy Seuss and Justin Bonsignore won the 75 lap undercard to the 50 lap go for broke Showdown.

   Headed back to Riverhead for the makeup race this Saturday sandwiched around Stafford and Thompson. Hope to see you out on the road.

   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.

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   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***

September 12
DAN & SHARON MESERVEY- The parents of NASCAR WMT/KNPSE drivers Dan, Jr. and Doug from Chatham, MA have their 45th anniversary.
RICK & KAREN SWEETEN- Rick is an AARN photographer from New Jersey and can’t believe Karen has put up with him for all these years. Join with them as they celebrate 31 years together.

September 13
LARRY & CINDY NICEWICZ- This retired racing writer/ go-karter and wife from Vernon, CT share their 52nd anniversary.

September 14
ED & GAYLE FERREE- Saxonburg, PA multi-time PA Motor Speedway Big-Block Late Model dirt champion and owner of Frankland Racing Supply and Clincher Gears and wife have their 36th anniversary.
VILL AND ARLENE HARD- The Ford racing fans from Clifton, NJ have their 55th anniversary as a loving couple and partners in racing.

September 17
DICK & JUDY WIBBELSMAN- Gainesville, FL RWJM Advisor and Counselor wife share their 45th anniversary.
BOB & CAROL PRATT- The brother of Richie Pratt and wife share their 35th anniversary.
.

***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***

September 12
RICKY RUDD- Retired NSC driver.
CINDY NICEWICZ- Wife of retired Vernon, CT writer Larry.

September 13
JIM GUTHRIE- Gadsden, AL born, Albuquerque, NM IRL driver.
ED HERROLD- A former Riverhead Raceway NASCAR Starter, now living in Texas.

September 14
DOMINIC DOBSON- Mercer Island, WA CWTS driver.
MARK PORCARO- Clinton, NJ occasional NASCAR KNPSE driver.
BILLY CLARK- Farmington, ME LM driver.
WES ROSNER- Famed Agawam, MA ProStock/NASCAR KNPSE builder.
DELORSE BOULET- The special woman in the life of Jewett City Service proprietor Henry St. John.
GARY MARTIN- Concord, NC Sprint Cup photographer.

September 15
BILL WILSON- Fuquay Varina, NC Dash Series driver.
VENETTA NARDUCCI- Wife of Greg, WMT fan.
RONNIE MILLER III- Son of Camp Hill, PA Susky fans Ron and Arleen.

September 16
BOB BRUNNELL- Peru, NY NASCAR KNPSE semi-retired driver/ team owner.
TOMMY CLOCE- Canton, NY NASCAR WMT/NASCAR KNPSE driver, son of well-known team owner, Ed.
TIM ZOCK- Youngsville, PA NASCAR KNPSE driver.
BILL DUGGAN- Belmont, NH LM driver.
DARREN BRASSFIELD- Los Galos, CA IMSA GT driver.
JOE BRADY- Stoughton, MA legendary #00 Modified team owner.
TARA MENSCHNER- Daughter of Wall Chaplain Bob Menschner.

September 17
PAT SPENCER- Wife of driver/TV personality, Jimmy.
DENNIS SAVAGE- Lisbon, CT Producer/Host of TV's "God's Masterpiece."
DEREK FELTENBERGER- The son of Grandview/ Big Diamond flagger/ photographer MIke and wife Mena.

September 18
BORIS SAID III- Carlsbad, CA NASCAR CWTS/NNS/NSC driver.
LOU CICCONI, JR.- The famous Aston, PA ARDC and more Midget driver.
FRANK JASHEMBOWSKI- Orange County Fairgrounds Speedway dirt Modified driver.
LARRY VASSAR- Southington, CT ProStock team owner.
HAROLD BURDICK- Danielson, CT go-kart driver/owner and Stafford Motor Speedway announcing team member.
STEVE RUBIN- Owner of the New Thompson Speedway excellent food concessions from Needham, MA.
HENRY ST. JOHN- Proprietor of Jewett City Service in CT.

***IN THE SHOP***

CHRISTINE McKELVEY- Christine, wife of NASCAR and New Egypt Tech Inspector George, is facing some health issues and needs our prayers and encouragement. Join with us in lifting her up in prayer.

BRIAN COLE- brother of WMT Driver Wade, has a failing heart and he and his family needs our prayers and support as they face the realities of the situation. Join with us as we reach out to them.

EVA HOULE- Sister of Thompson Safety Worker “Fishhead” is facing some health problems and need our prayers and encouragement. Join with us in lifting her up in prayer.

***NEW BEGINNINGS***

JOHN C. "JC" FLACH, Jr., age 29, died tragically on Thursday, September 6, 2012 in an accident on his parents' property.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Coeymans Hollow Fire Company and First Responders, or the Ravena Rescue Squad will be appreciated. Light a candle at ajcunninghamfh.com.


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SourceRev Don Rivers / Racing With Jesus Ministries
Posted: September 14, 2012

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