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  The Chrome Horn - Racing With Jesus Ministries

   11/23/2012


THANKFULNESS
by Rev. Don Rivers

   Giving of ourselves to others is not something that comes naturally; we have to work at it. Many times it is a difficult choice between serving ourselves and serving others. Take a moment and think about all those who have chosen to serve others and be thankful. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

   Thanksgiving gives us a time to reflect on all that God has blessed us with. We don’t have to look very far before we find something we are thankful for. There are many this Thanksgiving that have lost everything, but yet they are thankful for the lives they have and their family and friends around them.

   Many times we take for granted those who are here with us. We forget that in a moment all that we have can vanish, washed away. The things in life we hold so precious are nothing compared to the life we have been given and the lives we are a part of. Who are you thankful for? Go to them and let them know how much they mean to you.

   Much of the racing we do depends on volunteers to do a good part of the work that goes into getting a car ready to race. Everyone connected with racing knows what it is like to give up sleep to work on the car. We are all familiar with seeing the inside of the garage more than the inside of your living room. We willfully give of ourselves to go racing.

   Life has similar people who give of themselves for the benefit of others. One group that comes to my mind is our military. They offer up their life to secure our freedom. From the birth of our country there have been those who value our freedom and what America stands for so much that they have offered their life for it.

   As I thought about the things I was thankful for God came to mind. God provides us with a very special gift that cannot be bought. He provided us with His Love. Loving someone is an interesting thing, you cannot buy love. Love is offered but not always accepted.

   God, in his infinite mercy, loves us. We are the most valuable part of his creation. He loves us so much he has taken steps to provide a way for us to have a relationship with Him, through Jesus Christ.

   I am thankful for God’s tolerance. He allows me to choose the path my life takes and when it moves away from him he tolerates that. He doesn’t like it and he makes an effort to draw my feet back onto the right path, but he doesn’t condemn me for choosing to go in the wrong direction.

   How many people do you know that are as tolerant as God? I do not know of anyone. Jesus explained that he did not come into the world to condemn the world but to save it. That statement alone makes it clear to us that God is patient and tolerant. He loves us enough he sent his son to teach and guide us along the right path. No greater love than this that he lay down his life for his friends.

   That is something to be thankful for, that while we still fall short of God’s plan for our lives; when we choose to go in a direction that leads away from God; when we choose to act in a way that dishonors God; He still loves us.

   God provided the only sacrifice that could overcome our disobedience, His Son. He loved us so much that he made that available to us for the asking. Jesus came and gave His life so that we could have life. He paid the price for our sins. God presented it to us as a gift. We need only to receive it. Now that is something to be thankful for.

Psalm 100 A psalm. For giving thanks.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

 

THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD

    BANQUET CIRCUIT UNDERWAY - Just what you need after three weeks on the road, more food to eat. I must confess these last few weeks have seen me fall off the wagon. During my trips down south I haven’t been as diligent as I needed to be and some of the weight I lost found its way back. That is not a good way to start the off season.

   Seriously, I look forward to each banquet I attend; the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of each team, one last chance to see everyone before the off season and an opportunity to remind everyone that but by the grace of God things could be so different.

   This week I am taking off in a manner of speaking, with today’s technology you are never really off, but I am going to do my best to pull back a little and rest. The season has been long and grueling and I am looking forward to spending time with my family around the thanksgiving table.

   But what would thanksgiving be without a race! Thursday morning you will find me at yet another race, the Manchester Road Race. For the first time in several years my wife will be out there running, jogging, walking and I will be the support staff, encouraging her along the way. She hopes to have Maddy, our granddaughter, in tow but weather will dictate that.

   This race has been a family tradition for longer than I have been around. I remember the first time I went, Lynda and I were still dating. We look forward to getting there every year we can. Yes, one of these days I will make an attempt, but not until they let me pace the field with the pace car.

   Whatever your family tradition, take time to enjoy it; life is too precious to give up that time for something that will not last. Fight the temptation to head to the stores. They won’t open if we don’t go. Relax, eat, and care for one another.

   I am sure many of those affected by Sandy would want to be sitting around a table with family and friends this thanksgiving. Please continue to lift them up in your prayers and everyone else that is there helping to put things back in place.

   LEE USA CELEBRATES - Bobby and Vinetta attended the banquet for Lee USA Speedway and sent along this report. Thanks for your dedicated service this year.

   It wasn't Friday night under the lights for Lee USA Speedway drivers this week; it was Saturday Night under the lights, the 2012 Banquet of NASCAR Champions. Spending every Friday night at the track, everyone is recognizable in a fire suit but put them in a suit and tie or a dress and it’s "Who is that"? I think everyone enjoyed the laugh Saturday night joking about being all dressed up!

   Bob Watson, a man of few words, took the mic to get things started. It didn’t take long for the crowd to shout "are you retiring this year?" The excitement of many teams and families throughout the whole evening was incredible. I think for many if an announcement was made “let’s go racing” many would have headed to Lee.

   A very famous guest was in the crowd tonight and when announced he received a standing ovation. He was still looking great and if the NHL lockout wasn’t in place I think he could still lace up the skates. None other than the "Chief " Boston Bruin Johnny Bucyk was there to celebrate with us. He came along with a great legend himself, Russ Conway.

   With great food and awards the night was complete. Many special awards were presented and everyone had a fantastic time. It was an honor for you to let Vinetta and I serve you this past season and we look forward to next year. In a couple of weeks Vinetta and I are off to Springfield , MA for the Valenti Modified Racing Series Banquet. Happy Thanksgiving and God Bless.

   Have a blessed thanksgiving and enjoy your family and friends.

   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***

November 21
JOE & ANDREA NEMECHEK- The Lakeland, FL NASCAR driver and wife have their 18th anniversary.
WALT & MARSHA DYER- The owners of the Lance Dewease driven Pennsy Sprint No. 461 have their 59th anniversary.
ROBERT AND KAREN SAVAGE, Originally from N.J. now in NC celebrate 14 years together.
CLIFF & DALE NELSON- Head of Cliff Nelson Motorsports, sponsor of many teams, local and touring, shares this special day with his bride.

November 22
CARL (Bugs Stevens) & DORIS BERGHMAN- This retired Modified champion of Rehoboth, MA; parents of current Prostock driver Dave Berghman, have their 51st anniversary.
DICK & NANCY CLARK- The veteran Long Island NASCAR WMT driver and wife have their special day.
MICHAEL & CAROL PARES- This "Area Auto Racing News" NASCAR Whelen Mod Series photographer and wife from Wayne, NJ share their 32nd anniversary.

November 23
LEO & CLAYLENE ADAMS- This Pomfret, CT Pro Tour Truck driver and wife have their 35th anniversary.
JASON & STACEY KOHLER- This Fleetwood, PA Micro Sprint driver and wife have their special day.

November 25
DEAN & DEBBIE STREETER – These SMS pit crew members will be celebrating their 34th anniversary.

November 26
MARIO & BOOTS TOMAINO- From Freehold, NJ, these two are the very proud parents of WMT driver Jamie and have been wed 57 years.

November 27
GARY & SHARON MOORE- Horseshoe, NC driver and wife have their 40th anniversary.
BOBBY & JENNIFER GADA- Niantic, CT Waterford Speedbowl Mod driver and wife share their 18th anniversary.
ANDY & JUDY JOHNSON- The owners of Johnson Chassis in Monson, MA have their 55th anniversary.
 

***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***

November 21
BILLY DECKER- Franklin, NY DIRT Mod driver.
TOBY PORTER- Greenville, SC NASCAR driver.
TRAVIS CARTER- Veteran NNC team owner.
JIMMY MILO- Southington, CT recently retired as head of Stafford Motor Speedway's Safety Team.
AIMEE BARKER- Daughter and Team Crew member on dad Bob "Mad Dog" Barker's 8NY Legend out of Staten Island.
BILLY "The Kid" BARKER- Garden State Vintage Stock Car Club, Staten Island, NY.

November 22
BRENDA HIRSCHMAN- The wife of Northampton, PA NASCAR WMT driver Tony and Mother of Mod driver Matt and spotter Tony.
LUCY CHRISTOPHER- Plainville, CT Bill's wife and mom of famous racing twins Ted and Mike.
DR. CHRIS WIBBELSMAN- Eldest son of Gainesville, FL RWJM Advisor Dick and wife Judy, living in Dayton, OH.
DOREENE EMHOFF- Wife of Bill and mother of Matt, both Modified crew members.
MAYNARD TROYER- Rochester, NY chassis builder and retired Modified driving great.
MAX ZACHEM- Modified Racing Series Driver and Whelen Modified Tour Crew Member
J.C. "SUITCASE" ELDER- Veteran NSC Crew Chief.
TOMMY GAVINE- Proprietor of Stafford Springs, CT Fyne Lyne Fabrication.

November 23
RICK CLONCH- E. Smithfield, PA NASCAR KNPSE driver.
RON BOUCHARD- Fitchburg, MA retired NSC driver.
PATRICK O'BRIEN- A son of Tammy Longacre in Boyertwon, PA.
KEVIN OKULA- Son of Wayne, Charger Driver for #67 - Riverhead Raceway & Sharon.

November 24
DOUG MESERVEY- Chatham, MA NASCAR KNPSE/NASCAR WMT driver.
BUDDY PARROTT- NSC Crew Chief
DAN WALKER- Beech Ridge Motor Speedway PR Director.
ADAM HEDGER- NASCAR Cup official son of Williamson, NY Mod driver Randy and wife Lynda.

November 25
MIKE GALLO- Sanford, ME NASCAR formner KNPSE driver.
JEFF STREETER- Brawley, CA NASCAR West driver.
TOM BUTLER- Stafford Speedway LM driver.
MIKE JOY- Hartford, CT based TV/Radio racing announcer and big Modified fan.
MIKE FELTENBERGER- Grandview/ Big Diamond flagman/photographer.

November 26
TOM McCANN- Huntington, LI, NY Modified driver.
DALE JARRETT- Hickory, NC former NSC driver now TV commentator.
BILLY STANDRIDGE- Shelby, NC NSC/NNS driver/owner.
MARY BRICE- Former WMT official and wife of former WMT Chief Inspector Bill.
BRUCE WEAVER- Bethlehem,PA. Go-Fer on former Earl Steffen's Sprinter.
JONATHAN REID- Lockport,NY, this western NY TQ Midget racer enjoys his special day.

November 27
RACHEL ZIMMERMAN- Daughter of AARN and Mod Tour photographer Michael & Carol Pares, recently reunited and it has been a blessing to both.


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SourceRev Don Rivers / Racing With Jesus Ministries
Posted: November 23, 2012

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