Adjustments are necessary in life and racing. Making the
right ones determine success or failure. Learning how our life contributes
to the lives of others helps us make the right adjustments. How does our
contribution help others find the right way to go in life? 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. Then something happens that puts the
significance of our racing in perspective.
Last week I had the pleasure of bringing my friend, Jean Daniel
Antoine, GoGo, to his first race. GoGo is from Haiti , he is a survivor; he
survived the earthquake in Haiti by jumping out a second story window just
before the building collapsed. He brings a different perspective to the life
we live. He puts racing into focus.
GoGo didn’t know who anybody was; their reputation and past
accomplishments meant nothing to him. He could have been standing beside
Richard Petty or the track custodian, he didn’t know. But he treated
everyone like they were the most important person there. Living through the
things he has endured in Haiti has helped him make adjustments to his life.
He lives life differently than we do. Because he has lost so much he
cherishes every moment.
Last week our main concern was the next race; this week there are
others to think about. Everything we do in racing fails to compare with the
loss of family or our home. We need to take note of this and make every
effort to appreciate the time we spend together. We need to leave no doubt
in their minds of others that we love them and care about them. We must make
the most of every opportunity because life is too short not to appreciate
every moment.
In the Gospel of John, chapter 21, we find the story of one who
made some adjustments in his life. We read about Peter and his encounter
with Jesus that restored his relationship. You see Peter was a fisherman and
one day….
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 13:36-3; 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. He denied Christ three times just as Jesus said he
would. As Peter heard the rooster crow he fell to his knees and wept
bitterly. Peter had denied his relationship with Christ. But there is hope
and Jesus represents that hope.
Jesus seeks to restore our relationship with God. 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 adjustments were made. The relationship was restored. 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 focus on the things that are truly important, our
relationship with God and our family. I think we can draw some guidance form
a common source, our dogs. After all dog spelled backward is God and dog is
an acronym for Depend on God. Here are some things we can learn from dogs
that will help us make the right adjustments;
* 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.
Making the right adjustments and having the right priorities 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? Are we
willing to make the necessary adjustments to demonstrate our love for
others? Having an influence on the lives of others is a responsibility we
are given by God. Let them know how much they matter by taking the steps to
show them how much you love and care for them.
Thanks GoGo for your genuine excitement for each day, it is an
inspiration.
THOUGHTS
FROM THE ROAD
GOGO’s INTRODUCTION TO RACING CONTINUES
- Monday night we headed to Family Fun Night at Stafford Motor Speedway,
took in the Wild Things Cart event and the Waddell Communications Legend 25.
GoGo wanted to buy a Sr. Outlaw Cart that night. He is starting to catch
this racing disease.
From there we headed out on Wednesday to Seekonk for the NEMA
Midgets and Open Mod Show. Thanks to Mike Jarrett, GoGo got a push truck
ride and an up close look at the speed of the Midgets. He was hooked. He now
wants to race one of those. I think I have created a monster!
The highlight of his night was when Terri Ceravolo came up to him
and said; “You must be GoGo, I have read so much about you. Are you having
fun?” His smile went from ear to ear; he couldn’t believe that he was so
famous!
He’ll be tagging along to some other events, helping out; it is
good to have another member on the team to minister.
AND YET ANOTHER MEMBER OF THE TEAM - Mike Kray joined Dan at
Columbus for the K&N race there and shared his thoughts about his first
experience ministering with Racing with Jesus Ministries .
Bottom line is I enjoyed the day seeing how the ministry works and
seeing the many friendships and opportunities to pray with the drivers. I
went into the day to assist however I could. Just being with Dan I could see
how the day works with the drivers and the teams. Going to hospital and
being with Steve Nestroyl was the least I could do. It gave Steve someone to
talk to and I was able to give him a ride back to the track.
It was great to meet Steve, other than the circumstances, and we
had a great conversation in the hospital. Since his birthday was last week I
sent him a follow-up note and get well card in care of the Concord Research
and Development Center .
The chapel service had over 30 people and Dan said this was the
largest of the year. I asked my fishing buddy to pray for the service at the
starting time, so I am sure this helped.
The pleasant surprise is how friendly the people were and how many
came up to me afterwards including drivers, driver’s families, team members,
and NASCAR officials. Just proves they are a like a big family and that is
how I was treated when I was not with Dan. I had not watched the after race
inspections before so that proved very educational.
In Christ's service, Mike.
Mike is ready to join with us in reaching out in the Mid-West.
Right now we are hoping he can attend the Iowa K&N Race for us. God has
answered our prayers with another dedicated servant, PTL.
PRAYER NEEDED- WESLEY EDWARDS passed away recently. Wesley
was the grandson of Dave Preston, crewmember on Sam Hunts’ K&N team. Wesley
was stricken at birth and his life expectancy was a few months, but Wesley
beat the odds living 19 years. It is a difficult challenge to lose someone
so young and our deepest sympathy go out to Dave and his family. You can
send a card of condolence to:
Dave Preston
5313 Featherchase Drive
Chesterfield , VA 23832 .
A SPECIAL GOODBYE - Rev. Dan is headed to Beech Ridge Motor
Speedway Friday night for a special goodbye. Dan will help Warren and Denise
Hamilton Jr., his family and friends remember Warren ’s dad, Wardie, in a
special memorial service at the track Wardie called home. Please lift the
family up as they remember and honor that memory this weekend.
This week I head to Mad Dog for the washed out race from May for
the Whelen Modified Tour. Let’s hope things are a little dryer this time.
NEMA will join the regulars at Waterford Speedbowl for the Shane Hammond
Believe Memorial Race. Please support the Believe Foundation as they seek to
get safety equipment into the hands of young drivers. Please email or call,
donations can be made out to and mailed to:
Shane Hammond Believe Foundation or SHBF
164 Anna Drive
East Bridgewater , MA 02333
http://www.shanehammondfoundation.org
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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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
SHARE YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONS WITH YOUR RACING FAMILY.
SEND THEM TO:
RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES
PO Box 586
Tolland, CT, 06084
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