Does the way we approach things matter? Does the attitude with which we go
about our day to day activities have an influence on those around us? We can
change any encounter with our attitude. We can change things for the better
or worse. Our attitude has great influence in the way others will respond.
Do we have the proper frame of mind? Greetings in the name of our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ.
When you step back and take a look at life you start to realize how few
things we control. We have no control over the things that happen to us.
Think about how many times a race driver has said “I got caught up in
someone else’s mess.” When you race you have control of the decisions you
make, but there are many other drivers out there with you who are making
decisions independent of yours. None of those other drivers are thinking the
same thing you are. Their decisions will be what they think gives them the
most satisfaction.
Did you see the CWTS race at Pocono? Did you see the driver retaliate for
an incident and end up taking out another competitor who had nothing to do
with it? He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He had no control over
what the other two drivers where doing, but there decisions cost him a truck
and he did not finish the race. We do not have the control we think we have.
We do however have control of how we respond to the decisions of the
others. There are always two sides to every story. The truth lies somewhere
in the middle. A wise person holds their tongue, and actions, until they
know the whole story. Sometimes we respond before we figure out what really
happened and make a fool of ourselves. Remember the old adage, “Put your
mind in gear before you put your mouth in motion.” In the heat of the battle
we forget to think first and speak later.
Proverbs 17:28; Even fools are thought wise
when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.
When we think about the choices we have to make and how we feel about them
we determine our attitude, our frame of mind. We always have the choice to
decide how we are going to look at something. The glass can be half full or
half empty. Most times our frame of mind will influence how those around us
respond. Our attitude is contagious. How do we frame things, positively or
negatively?
Think about how we react to difficult circumstances. How we react to
challenges. How do we react when things are not going the way we thought
they would? Are we able to look beyond the circumstances and into the lives
of those around us? Are we able to frame things in a way that shows more
concern for others than ourselves? We don’t have to let circumstance dictate
our attitude.
Everyone understands our disappointment or discouragement when things
aren’t going well, but when our attitude contrasts our situation people take
notice. That is when people wonder what we have that they don’t.
James 1:2, Consider it pure joy, my
brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
This sets the tone for the right way to deal with difficult circumstances.
James says do it with joy. Now how many of us face difficulty and trials
with joy? Joy is an inner peace, a confidence that God is in control and the
situation we are in will benefit us. Most time we don’t. Most times we see
them as bad things, things we don’t deserve. We are disappointed and
discouraged. We let it show. We need to adjust our attitude. Listen as James
completes his thought.
James 1:3-4, because you know that the testing
of your faith develops perseverance.
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,
not lacking anything.
When we learn how to have the proper frame of mind we begin the maturing
process. When we respond to challenging times properly we develop the
maturity necessary to grow.
Think back on how we responded when we were younger. We didn’t have the
discernment or knowledge that we do now. Because of that we responded
immaturely.
When I look back on the way I used to act I wonder how God saw anything
in me that He could use. I used to fly off the handle and shoot my mouth off
before I understood the real situation. I have seen the same immaturity
demonstrated in others and wonder if that was the example I used to set. How
about you, how do you respond to challenging situations?
Let’s take a drive. We arrive at the stop sign and there is a car
approaching from the other direction. Will they stop or won’t they? You
don’t know and you can’t predict it either. Who knows what the driver is
thinking or doing. Are they changing the radio station or maybe talking on a
cell phone? They could be just daydreaming or thinking of something other
than driving or the stop sign. What choice do we make?
We live our life that way every day, we trust others to make the right
choices. We trust others to act in a way that is beneficial for us. Most
times people act contrary to that. Most times we act in our own interest and
we feel somehow we have control. We don’t.
When things happen to us because of someone else’s choice we say it was
out of our control. We cannot choose for someone else, but their choice
determines what happens in our life. I know of only one person who can
control the choice of others if they let him, God.
We need to set an example by first following God’s direction. As we go
about doing that we should have a peace in our heart that demonstrates our
trust in Him. That will help us develop maturity and perseverance.
This week try this, relax, don’t get excited, keep a proper frame of
mind. Let God have control, trust Him and see where He leads you. You will
be surprised how much freedom you will have when you don’t worry about
taking care of number one. You will be surprised how encouraging you can be
to others.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
LOCAL
DRIVER BREAKS THROUGH - Woody Pitkat broke into the ranks of Whelen
Modified Tour Winners on Friday night with a dominating victory in the 811
Call before you dig 150 at Stafford Motor Speedway. He had been close before
but this one was anything but close. As I talked with Ron Silk after the
race we agreed, there wasn’t anyone who was going to catch him.
It was a great celebration for longtime NASCAR Competitors, Buzz Chew
Racing. They have worked so hard and long it was good to see Buzz and Bryon
celebrating in Victory Lane . It is said that once you break through wins
come in bunches. We have less than a week to see if they can do it again as
we head to Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park for the Bud 150 this
Wednesday.
LEE AND WATERFORD DOUBLEHEADER - Bobby Somers shared some of his
thoughts with us about his travels this past weekend; Thanks Bobby.
On Friday night was the annual “Ollie Classic” ISMA race at Lee USA
Speedway. The weather was incredible full of blue sky and sunshine. Also
included in tonight’s events was the weekly series and Bently Warren
Motorcycle ride. I think this was the largest field of motorcycle’s to date
that roared into LEE USA Speedway with a total of 209 bikes. It was the
place to be and not a seat was to be found with cars parking on RT. 125.
There were a total of 5 red flags tonight; two red flags for ISMA and the
balance in the weekly series. All drivers walked away from their accidents,
but it remains to be seen what cars can be fixed.
Winning tonight’s feature ISMA race was the very well known Jon Mckennedy.
It was great being on hand tonight seeing Jon after being with him on The
Valenti Modified Racing Series last few years.
Well by the time we arrived back home and I set the alarm to head to the
Speedbowl’s “Wings and Wheels”, three hours sleep and back on the road
Saturday morning. I was wondering on the way to the track what the car count
would be for ISMA after several cars were badly damaged at Lee USA. When the
green flag dropped there were several cars that didn’t make the Lee trip and
the car count was great!
This past week in Racing we have witnessed many accidents, one very
tragic accident resulting in the death of a driver. Why do we go about
making our cars the best looking, but neglect to make sure we all have the
right safety equipment. We put ourselves in dangerous situations on the
track and have the attitude it won’t happen to me. If you can’t afford to
have the right equipment or are walking around with ripped fire suit, torn
shoes or no neck support then it’s time to throw the red flag. I would
rather have every driver come out with just a primer color car and duct tape
for a number and knowing you have all the right safety equipment. I have
seen many drivers get pulled out of a car and the first thing you don’t see
is a HANS device or even a neck collar. Many drivers wear jewelry, necklaces
and wedding rings etc. or even under the fire suit maybe swim shorts or a
polyester t-shirt.
A driver was killed this past week, a driver was seriously burned, and
several drivers were in very bad crashes that resulted in some very serious
damage to their cars. The attitude of it won’t happen to me or maybe next
week I will have the money all were echoed by these drivers some where along
the way in their racing career.
We are all a racing family, whether we are new at racing or a veteran of
many years we have to watch and look out for each other. If the equipment
isn’t right don’t overlook it, bring it to their attention. When you see
someone do something on the track that is a safety concern let them know
after the race. We need to strengthen each other and support each other as a
Racing Family, not point fingers or put the blame to someone else. In
closing please keep Doug Cleveland in your prayers after he suffered serious
burns this weekend at the conclusion of his race. Also keep the Ward family
in your prayers as their son Kevin was killed in a very tragic situation.
God Bless!
WINGS AND WHEELS - Waterford again hosted the NEMA family as they
recognized the Angelillo Family and Gene and Marilyn’s 30 year commitment to
the series. Our Chaplain for NEMA, Tara Stoehr shared these thoughts;
Saturday night NEMA celebrated and honored Gene and Marilyn Angelillo
both dedicated their lives to NEMA for the last three decades! They touched
so many lives and had a big impact in the club. I shared with Laura, Gene
and Marylyn's daughter, her family and close friends two scriptures that God
gave me for them;
Deuteronomy 3:18 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you;
He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; Do not be
discouraged.
Isaiah 6:13 As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.
We had a scary moment for veteran driver Doug Cleveland of Sudbury , MA
when his car caught fire at the conclusion of the race. Cleveland got out of
the car quickly but not before inhaling some of the heat and suffering
second degree burns to his leg. He was taken to the local hospital by the
track ambulance and released later that night. Rev. Ray was on hand to pray
in the ambulance with him and Rev. Ray, Chaplain Bobby Somers and myself had
the privilege to pray together with Doug's wife Linda.
We also are praying once again for Nancy Giannini - three years ago we
prayed at every drivers meeting for a miracle for Nancy who had stage three
cancer - God delivered and she was cancer free by the end of the season!
However they have found more cancer in a different area of her body please
keep her in your prayers as they continue tests and wait for answers.
HEADED SOUTH - After the WMT race at Thompson on Wednesday we head
south to Virginia International Raceway for the K&N Series. This is there
second road course in a row, as last week they joined the Cup and Nationwide
Series at Watkins Glen.
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.
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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
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