.
We belong to God, we are His creation and He desires a relationship with us.
The challenges we face in life are much easier with God by our side. Again
this week I find myself mourning the sudden loss of a friend. It is the
suddenness that shakes me. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ.
The suddenness and finality of life’s end is extremely challenging. Don’t
wait, there is no guarantee that when it is our appointed time to leave this
earth that we will have time to make things right with God. Don’t think for
a moment that our relationship with God is something that can take a back
seat.
There are many in the racing community that influence our life. I think
of the old saying; “everyone make me smile, some by coming, others by
going.” Gracie was one that made you smile the minute you saw her. She
always had that smile on her face. Now sometimes it was a mischievous smile,
but most times it was inviting, welcoming and loving. She truly was glad to
see you and welcomed you into her world.
It is difficult for us to grasp the sudden departure of one we held so
close. The memories will always be there, but we desired to have more time
together. Each life makes an impression on us. Gracie’s life reminds me of
two important lessons we can learn from God’s word.
1Corinthians 13:1-3; If I
speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love,
I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of
prophecy and can fathom
all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move
mountains, but have not love
I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to
the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Matthew 6:25-34; "Therefore I tell you, do not
worry about your life, what you will eat or drnk;
or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than
food, and the body more important than clothes?
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in
barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a
single hour to his life?
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow.
They do not labor or spin.
Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like
one of these
If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and
tomorrow is thrown into the fire,
will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry,
saying, `What shall we eat?' or
`What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all
these things,
and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his
kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry
about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its
own.
There are things in life that mattered more
than knowledge, clothes, food or even our own body; We need to learn that
unconditional love, the same love we receive from God, is the only thing
that matters. When we learn to value what God values then we are on the
right road.
When we consume ourselves with worry and anxiety about tomorrow we miss
the moment, we miss the company of friends and family. We need to embrace
where we are, who we are with and enjoy all that God has provided. To do
anything else is to waste the life that God has given us.
As I look at the memories recorded and shared by so many of how they were
touched by this special lady it reminds me of the opportunity we all have to
touch the lives of those around us. We lose that if we consume ourselves
with fear of tomorrow. We lose that if we forget to love unconditionally.
A truly satisfying and fulfilling life is one that is full; full of
memories of places, people, family and friends. Stories about the journeys
of yesterday, the companionship of loved ones, fill the void left by the
sudden departure. I urge you to look at this from another angle. Look and
see how this can inspire us to live differently.
Praise God for giving us Gracie to remind us of how life should be. She
was truly an inspiration to the lives she touched. She was on the road that
leads home. Today she is home resting in the arms of our Lord. Thank you
Gracie for your love.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
NLWS - Looking ahead to this
weekend at New London Waterford Speedbowl. We will have Chapel at the Bowl
on Sunday morning at 10:30 under the big white tent on the midway. We have a
special service planned so please plan on attending.
GRACIE RYAN - On Wednesday night we celebrated the life of Grace
“Gracie” Ryan. Many stories were shared and memories recalled. It was a
wonderful time remembering a precious friend and supporting Mike, Kim and
family.
TIME AWAY - I’ve been pretty disconnected for the past few days,
Maine does that too you. I did find a wifi connection to file this column.
Forgive me for not having much to say, but that happens sometimes.
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.
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RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES
PO Box 586
Tolland, CT, 06084
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