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  The Chrome Horn - Racing With Jesus Ministries

   10/26/2012

TAMING THE TONGUE
by Rev. Don Rivers

   Did you ever notice how we use words as weapons? Some of us are very proficient at cutting down others. Most times we do it for the fun of it. We do not think of the implications our words can have before we speak them. We can encourage or discourage with just a few simple words. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

   I was on a field trip with my daughter’s school to the Bronx Zoo. After a day of walking around the zoo one of the mothers sat down and proclaimed her exhaustion. She shared about how comfortable her feet were and that her orthodontist prescribed her new shoes. I thought out loud; “If your orthodontist is prescribing your shoes you must have your foot in your mouth a lot.” Obviously she misspoke and meant her orthopedist. I think we can all be guilty of opening our mouth and inserting our foot. In racing we have many opportunities to say the wrong thing.

   You were just involved in a racing incident, maybe your fault, maybe not, you climb from the car and before you catch your breath it seems someone wants to know what happened. You start to speak, saying what’s on your mind. You tell your side of the story, how it looked from your perspective. You don’t have time to think it through or digest the situation. If it is not your first run in with a driver you speak from past experience.

   We think we know what happened and react accordingly. Most time what actually happened is different from what we think. Wouldn’t it be great if we could look at a replay before we had to comment? Too many times we have to go back and adjust what we said. I suggest we might follow some old advice, “Put your mind in gear before you put your mouth in motion.” Did you ever wonder where that advice came from?

Proverbs 17:28; Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

   It is better for people to think you are a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. Words are a double edge sword. In the racing world, we live and die by what we say. If you doubt it, how do you think a foul mouth driver sounds to a prospective sponsor? If you were investing your money in a race team ask yourself, “What kind of spokesman would I want?”

   If it is our desire to succeed and prosper we need to tame our tongue. That is not to say we have to keep your mouth shut, but it is to say think before we speak. Take into consideration what our words will mean to someone else. Take the time to consider what impact our words will have on others before we speak them. Listen to the words of James as he tells us the danger of a loose tongue.

James 3:5-10; Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.
Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire,
a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire,
and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed
and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.
Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.

   It is ok to be truthful if in fact we are speaking the truth. It is ok to speak honestly if in fact we are being honest. It is ok to express our opinion if our opinion is not based on hearsay or gossip.

   I remember someone asked me once, “Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?” It made me realize that I needed to watch what I say. I am not just talking about curse words; I am talking about hurtful, hateful words.


   We say things about people behind their back that we wouldn’t say to their face. Unfortunately in this electronic age we can hide behind a screen name and avoid taking responsibility for the things we say. Yes, typed words are the same as spoken words.

   I encourage you to consider that you are speaking directly to the person when you say or type something. When you call their motives into question why not give them the benefit of the doubt. Take the time to talk with them and listen to their side of the story. Many times we do not have all the information that is needed to pass judgment on what someone has said or done.

   I am not saying to accept everything without question. I am saying before we condemn someone or something take the time to look at the situation from another point of view. Think before we speak. Consider what affect our words will have. In everything we do seek to honor, praise and bring glory to God.
 

THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD

    OKTOBERFEST CLOSES OUT RACING IN THE NORTHEAST - Lee USA closed out the season this past weekend with its annual Oktoberfest. Our NEMA Chaplain Tara Stoehr sent in these notes.

   NEMA CLOSES OUT THE SEASON - Lee was the last race of the season for NEMA and I am reminded that God calls us to be thankful in all circumstances.

1Thessolonians 5:28; "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus"

   I am thankful for the NEMA racers and all the people connected with them. Even grateful for the mud that Friday’s rain caused at Lee, but I'm glad we didn't have to pit in it! I am grateful for the season and God's hand of protection over all of us.

   I am thankful for RWJM and for the encouragement from Bobby Somers, Chaplain for VMRS. As my family and I approached the pits on Saturday, suddenly I became very anxious and wasn't sure why. Even though my husband and daughter race I'm not one to get anxious! I asked God what it was and had a hard time shaking it. Then God sent someone to help. Bobby came into our pit area, I shared with him and he talked me through it giving me some helpful insight. What a blessing.

   I also realized if I didn't hand this over to Jesus it would hinder my ability to be there for others, to deliver His message effectively and to be able to walk with Gods confidence. I then went into our trailer, put my earphones in and listened to worship music and God took away my anxiety. I was ready to focus on the work to be done! Thank you God!

   It's bittersweet as the season comes to a close, as I reflect back on the season I am once again in awe of how good God is and of all the "little" stories and incidents that have occurred. Our God is awesome and I am very grateful for his love, grace, mercy and salvation that he freely gives us, even when we don't deserve it!

   BACK TO GREENVILLE/PICKENS - With a rainout on Labor Day Weekend the K&N Race was rescheduled for this Saturday. That gives us back to back races to close out the K&N Pro Series East for NASCAR. This week Greenville , next week we crown a champion at Rockingham.

   WORLD DIRT FINALS - We will also be in Charlotte for the World Dirt Finals in two weeks, God has brought together three ministry groups to reach out to the fans and racers that will be there. I have been invited to bring the blessing at the WOO Banquet and am looking forward to the opportunity to celebrate with the teams and their families. Please keep this weekend in your prayers as many things have to come together.

   NORTH-SOUTH SHOOTOUT - Following our Charlotte weekend we will head south again, this time to Caraway to participate in the 10th Annual John Blewett III Memorial North- South Shootout. As always we look forward to a collection of teams from up and down the east coast to compete for the prize.

   Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. After a long season we still have many things on our schedule and as you know there are always challenges meeting them. It is good to know you are there, behind us, holding us up. Thank you for your encouragement.

   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 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

***WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES***

October 24
JIM & PAT BEEBE- The Star Speedway NASCAR flagman and wife have their anniversary.

October 25
DON & MELINDA FOWLER- This Waterford Speedbowl Modified driver and wife have their 40th anniversary.

October 26
KEITH & DEBORAH CYR- The AARN photographer from Danbury, CT and wife share their 15th anniversary.
MR. & MRS. DALE HOLDRIDGE- This senior Waterford Speedbowl driver and wife have their 49th anniversary.

October 27
RAY & PAULA ACKERLY- This Katonah, NY dirt Modified driver and wife celebrate their 21st anniversary.

October 28
JOHN & KATHY TEMCHAK- This former NHMS Victory Lane staff member and wife from Canterbury, NH have their 33rd anniversary.
JOHN & DONNA HALL- This racing couple of Northeast Connecticut have their 16th anniversary.

October 29
WAYNE & KELLY HELLIWELL- This NH ProStock driver and wife share their 35th anniversary..
 

***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***

October 24
TRACY LESLIE- Clemens, MI NNS/ASA driver.
EDDIE DUMBROWSKI- Riverhead Raceway based Rusty Turbush LM crewman.
STEPHANIE PETFIELD- A daughter of Thornwood, NY RWJM KNPSE Pastor Dan and wife Debbie.
S.J. GOLEMBESKI- crewmwmber for the WMT #99 of Jamie Tomaino.

October 25
WARD BURTON- South Boston, VA former NSC driver.
BILLY "BEAR" CALLICHO- Meriden, CT top innovator, owner on the Modified TOur.
PAUL TEETER- Ithaca, NY antique car enthusiast.
AMANDA GRAVEL- A daughter of NH ProStock driver Gege and wife Lisa.
JOSHUA BRANDON LAWRENCE- The son of Dino and Chris, proprietors of Carolina Signworks in Rockingham, NC RWJM Counselors.

October 26
SAMMY SWINDELL- WoO Sprint driver.
DEBORAH PETFIELD- RWJM Counselor/Singer from Thornwood, NY; KNPSE Pastor Dan's wife.
BRANDON SETZER- The son of Newton, NC NASCAR CWTS driver Dennis and wife Darla.

October 27
DICK TRICKLE- Fan favorite retired Wisconsin based NASCAR driver.
NEWT HARTMAN- Flagtown, NJ East Windsor Mod driver.
RAY HEDGER- Williamson, NY Bruce Driver WMT Crew Chief.
MARC OSWALD- Vineland, NJ based "Trackside" Magazine Field Sales Rep.
AMANDA PETFIELD- Thornwood, NY RWJM KNPSE Pastor & vice president Dan and wife Debbie's youngest.
Allan Claffie- Mazda racing, Nationals promoting, Steve Park look alike.
NATALIA ALLISON-New Brittan, CT NASCAR fan and Stafford Motor Speedway Regular enjoys her special day.

October 28
JOE RUTTMAN- Upland, CA born, Brentwood, TN NASCAR CWTS driver.
RICK BELL- Poughkeepsie, NY NASCAR KNPSE Road Racing specialist with Merit Motorsports.
BILL BRICE, JR.- Former NASCAR WMT Chief Tech Inspector and Wall Township Speedway Sportsman Modified champion from New Jersey.
TOM BALDWIN, JR.- Dad taught him all he knows. The son of Bellport, NY Tiger Tom, Tom is now a car owner in the NSCS.
JOAN HOFFMAN- Mom of Allentown, PA dirt Mod star, Doug.
ALEXIS MICHEL- The daughter of Wall Township Speedway star Modified driver Dave and wife Kyle.

October 29
KEN LENDA- Norwich, CT Waterford Speedbowl SS driver.
DENISE & LISA GUNNING- The twin daughters of Stafford Speedway championship Modified driver Bo.

October 30
DOUG HOFFMAN- Allentown, PA top dirt Modified threat.
MICHELLE "SHELLY" BLEWETT- Daughter of retired Modified driving great John, Jr. and wife Jessie.
DANIELLE RIVERS- Daughterof RWJM WMT Pastor and president Rev. Don & wife Lynda.


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RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES
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Tolland, CT, 06084


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SourceRev Don Rivers / Racing With Jesus Ministries
Posted: October 26, 2012

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