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As we begin to embrace the holidays with all the thanks and giving a thought
came to mind. I wondered how we could keep the spirit of thankfulness and
giving in our lives throughout the year. I wondered how I could be a
blessing to someone each day. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ.
As we prepare for the banquet circuit it causes us to reflect on the
season past. We think about the races run, where we finished, the obstacles
we overcame and the hours we spent pursuing a better result. Countless
people to thank for their efforts supporting the team. When you get right
down to it we are blessed.
Preparation for the banquets can be a difficult time for me. One of the
tasks involved is to review the season and remember those we have lost. This
has been a particularly difficult one. Jack Williams and Howie Hodge were
close friends, guys I hung out with. Their missed presence has been a
challenge to overcome. Add to that the loss of Ted Christopher and the hole
left in the racing community is vast.
One refrain rings true as we remember how much each one meant in the
lives of others; we were better for knowing them. We call that being a
blessing. Each life lost touched lives. I have heard so much about what this
one did for me or how that one encouraged me. It is safe to say that in many
ways the ones we have lost this year were a blessing not only to the racing
community but in their personal lives also.
That thought brings me back to a lunch date I had over the summer with
Rev. Ray Pavkov. Read along as he shares about our time together.
“Occasionally on a Monday, Rev. Don and I meet at a diner in Rocky
Hill, about 1/2 way between our locations to talk about things; and the past
weekend events with Racing with Jesus. Monday, we were given a choice to sit
in a different area of the diner other than where we usually sit. Our server
was a very congenial, talkative lady. As lunch continued and we talked,
occasionally she would appear and make pleasant comments with us.
As she presented us with our meal fare, we asked her if there was one
thing she would like for us to pray with her before we left. She thought for
a moment; then emotionally asked us to pray for her daughter, who was
recovering from a serious accident. We asked her to sit down with us as we
took her hands to pray. We asked the Great Physician to comfort her and
provide complete healing for her daughter, and to bless her for her humble
spirit. Instead of selfishly asking prayer for herself, or her job, or her
own immediate needs, the mother's heart in her asked prayer for her
daughter.
Sometimes, the work of Racing with Jesus Ministries takes place away from
the track, and in unusual places. I don't know if we will ever see Janice
again; but, I know she was moved and comforted in her spirit in that moment.
Pray for others when God moves you to do so. It doesn't have to be a big
deal, or some great production; just do as the Lord tells you to do. It may
be unto one of the least of His children.
Matthew 25:40; “Then
He will answer,
‘I tell you this truth, anything you did for even the least of my people
here, you also did for me."
Thanks Ray for the reminder that we can
be a blessing wherever we are, whatever we are doing. The difference comes
when we take the time to look at those around us and see their needs. Being
a blessing is about making a difference in the lives we come in contact with
on a daily basis. Think about how you can be a blessing to someone. Think
about how you can make an effort to change someone’s day.
STILL ROLLING DOWN THE ROAD - With the racing season finished up I
figured my travel schedule would slow a bit. Well this past weekend was full
of celebrations of different kinds. On Friday and Saturday Lynda and I were
in Lowell, MA as I officiated the wedding of a family friend, Russell
Antoine. Some of you may remember Gogo, Daniel Antoine, he lived with us for
some time and came to many races with me. Russell is Gogo’s brother. It was
a joy to be a special part of this important day for the Antoine family.
From Lowell it was off to another celebration in New Jersey for the Wall
Stadium Speedway Banquet. Diane Krause had called me a few weeks back and
shared they were planning to surprise Bob Menschner, our chaplain at Wall,
with a plaque commemorating 50 years of service to the Wall community. She
asked if I could be there for the special presentation. Keep it a secret,
Bob doesn’t know.
When I arrived Bob was the first to meet me with that funny look he has
when he is trying to figure things out. He was surprised to see me and
thankful that I came, but still wasn’t putting it all together. He thought
something might be up. He figured I was there to bring the blessing. He was
genuinely moved when they called him to the podium to honor him.
Thank you Bob for your 50 years of dedication and service to the racing
community at Wall Stadium Speedway. You have seen many come and go, but
through it all remained committed to serve there. We are thankful for the
many blessings you have given to those who have come through the gates of
Wall. You sir, have given from your heart to serve, pray for and provide for
the needs of the Wall community. Blessings my friend.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto
Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support helps us continue
this ministry. Thank You.
Be a witness for our Lord with the ministry decals and
apparel. See them at the Show Your Faith Apparel Store at
www.rwjm.com. 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
http://www.rwjm.com 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
SHARE YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONS WITH YOUR RACING FAMILY.
SEND THEM TO:
RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES
PO Box 586
Tolland, CT, 06084
TheChromeHorn RWJM Archives
Racing With Jesus Ministries Website
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