Published at June 17, 2011
in RWJM.
When the season starts we all have ambitions. I have looked at many a race schedule, listened to many a driver and have seen some pretty ambitious ones. Having ambition is not a bad thing; it can move us from where we are to where we need to be. But, it can all get lost very quickly when it becomes selfish and blind. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We have all seen them, people who have to get to the top, regardless of who they push out of the way to get there. They use others as stepping stones as they climb the ladder of success. They bend and break the rules in their favor, rationalize it to themselves that everyone is doing it so it is alright; I am just getting my fair share.
We see it at the track also; those who take, take, take and refuse to come under the authority of others. They think the rules don’t apply to them and they can do whatever they want whenever they want; whether with the car or on the track. Bending the rules is one thing, but flat out breaking them for your own benefit is wrong. Justifying it by using your ambition to succeed makes it even worse. What is it worth if you have to lie, steal and cheat to get it?
Continue reading ‘Ambition, The Beginning’
Published at January 12, 2011
in RWJM.
I have been spending some time recently thinking about the decisions we make in life. Many times we think they only affect us, but in reality there affects are more far reaching. We would do well to consider the circumstances that are created from our decisions. We would do well to start looking at the big picture and not just focusing on our little world. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We all have seen it; some have been the recipient of it, a decision on the track that leads to several cars in a heap. A driver making a choice without regard for who or what is around them. You know the tell tale sign, “I though I could make it work.”
That is what happens when we are more concerned about ourselves and have less or no concern for others. I understand that this is racing and chances have to be taken. I have also heard the saying, “He ran out of talent”. Just because chances need to be taken doesn’t mean anyone can take them.
Continue reading ‘Decisions, Decisions, Decisions’
Published at January 5, 2011
in RWJM.
The gifts have been given, received and unwrapped. The first question many people ask is; did you get what you wanted? Let me ask another question; did you receive your gifts well? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As we look forward with hope for what the new year has in store for us an important thing for us to realize is we have been given so much. Think about racing and what makes it all possible, sponsor dollars. Sponsors make it possible for many in racing to have an opportunity to do what we enjoy doing.
How have we received the gifts that have been provided for us? How have we expressed our appreciation? Have we expressed our gratitude? Some would say giving is more rewarding and I agree, but some of us have to work on the receiving part.
Continue reading ‘The Right Response’
Published at December 15, 2010
in RWJM.
During the year there are many significant dates. On the racing calendar Daytona marks the beginning of the racing season. Time to get things started. For Christians, Christmas marks the beginning of the life of Christ. Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Are you busy? Do you have your shopping done? Too many parties, not enough time? The holidays can be a tremendously busy time. We spend more money than we have. We struggle to get everything done. For most of us it is like a race. We are looking for the finish line, if we can just get through to Christmas morning. I am here to tell you, Christmas is not the finish line. Christmas is the beginning of life. Christmas is the gift that God sent to each one of us. The opportunity to live!
We race for the finish line, but how many of us race to the starting line? The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming birth of our Savior.
Continue reading ‘Christmas is Not the Finish Line’
Published at December 8, 2010
in RWJM.
When was the last time you sat down and relaxed, I mean really relaxed? You let the things of the day slip from your mind, your worry, anxiety, stress just melt away, calmed by the assurance that you and your life were in good hands, the hands of Jesus. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
Where do we think peace comes from? A win at the track, a great effort by the pit crew, a well run race. We think peace equals happiness, when I am happy I will be peaceful. I don’t think that is quite it. Happiness is a moving target, there is always something more, something else we need to be happy. When we attain that thing, for a brief time, we are “happy”, then our mind starts to wander and our heart starts to pine for something new, something different.
Being at peace is not something we can make happen. We can try to stop doing things and stop going here and there, but the truth be told our insides are still churning. We are in constant motion searching, thinking, wanting, trying, activity that is difficult to stop. Being that way is a product of our environment. We have been taught that we have to make things happen, we have to be on the ball, we have to be one step ahead. That is not true.
Continue reading ‘Peace that Passes All Understanding’
Published at December 1, 2010
in RWJM.
As we begin the season of advent that leads up to the celebration of the birth of Christ I wonder what is on your Christmas List. What do you hope for? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
So what does a race team hope for? What do they need to take the next step? It is different for each one. Some know exactly what they need and others are still searching for the answer.
What do you hope for? Peter, one of the Apostles, knew what it was to have hope in Christ. You see Peter knew what it was to be hopeless, he denied knowing Christ. He experienced both extremes, being a close companion of Jesus and being totally separated from him.
Continue reading ‘The Hope We Have’
Published at November 25, 2010
in RWJM.
Can you smell the turkey? Can you hear the chatter of friends and family? Is your heart full of anticipation of the coming celebration? Thanksgiving is one of the most popular holidays of the year. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
This past weekend the church that I pastor, Emmanuel Baptist Church, had their Harvest Festival. We use the occasion of Thanksgiving to come together as one body in Christ. Let me explain. Emmanuel Baptist Church reaches out to several different people groups, Deaf, Hearing, Romanian, Moldavian, Central Asian, Nepali, Bhutanese and the list goes on. Most times we meet at different times because each service is in a different language. The Harvest Festival is different; we all come together for one worship service and to partake of the Lord’s Supper as one congregation.
This past Sunday was standing room only. We enjoyed worship together as each group brought something to share. No one understood all that was said, but God did. This was just a snapshot of heaven, all people from all nations together worshiping one God.
Continue reading ‘Thanksgiving’
Published at November 17, 2010
in RWJM.
As we continue the theme of giving thanks, let us give some thought to those who stand by us as we walk through life. I am thankful for my friend and wife, Lynda. She has helped me, nurtured me, supported me and loved me. Who is standing by your side? Let them know how much their support means to you. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In racing we have a team surrounding us and when that team is working at its best, each member pulls their own weight. When one member becomes weak the other members can pick up the slack. However, that team will fail if the members refuse to give and take for the good of the team. Challenges in racing come and the team that is the most flexible has the best chance for overcoming those challenges.
In our lives we also face challenges. God did not intend for us to face them alone. He provides for each one of us that asks him for a helpmate to walk by our side. We all need held dealing with our weaknesses.
Continue reading ‘Standing By Your Side’
Published at November 10, 2010
in RWJM.
Do you remember those holiday trips, the ones to visit relatives you don’t even know? Maybe even those long road trips to distant races, do you remember that familiar refrain “Are we there yet?” The question comes to mind and with the additional refrain, Where is there? Greeting in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
This past week I made a trip down to the Charlotte area for a couple of races. This year we had things to do at both Concord Speedway and The Dirt Track at Charlotte. Mixed in with that we had several folks to meet with and shops to visit. The question came up, are we there yet? Where?
What day is it? What track am I at? No. I really don’t mind all the traveling. In fact we took the long way home and made some visits along the way.
Continue reading ‘Are You There Yet?’
Published at November 3, 2010
in RWJM.
Did you ever notice how words are used as weapons? Too many times we do not think of the implications our words can have before we speak them. We can encourage or discourage with just a few simple words. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Several years ago I chaperoned a field trip for my daughter’s school to the Bronx Zoo. After a day of walking around the zoo one of the mothers sat down and proclaimed her exhaustion. She said her orthodontist prescribed her new shoes. I responded “If your orthodontist is prescribing your shoes you must have your foot in your mouth a lot.” Obviously she misspoke and meant her orthopedist. I think we can all be guilty of opening our mouth and inserting our foot. In racing we have many opportunities to say the wrong thing.
You just were involved in a racing incident, maybe your fault, maybe not, you climb from the car and before you catch your breath it seems someone wants to know what happened. You start to speak, saying what’s on your mind. You tell your side if the story, how it looked from your perspective. You don’t have time to think it through or digest the situation. If it is not your first run in with a driver you speak from past experience. We think we know what happened and react accordingly.
Continue reading ‘Think Before Speaking’
Published at October 29, 2010
in RWJM.
I am always encouraging our chaplains to share what God places on their heart. This week Rev. Ray Pavkov shares some of his observations from his trip to the World Series of Speedway Racing. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In Psalms 114:14 GWT, the Psalmist David, writes, “I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this.”
As I was heading up I 395 to Thompson International Speedway for the World Series of Speedway Racing, this verse came to my mind- but as I was driving, something was different. What was it?
Published at October 22, 2010
in RWJM.
Do we realize what we have? Think about the time we spend involved with racing. Think about the blessings we have to be at the track. How about the other blessings in life; family, friends, house and home? Do we realize the value of it? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
Do we value the time we spend living life? We put a tremendous amount of effort into racing and preparing to run the race but do we stop to appreciate it? One of the dangers we face is looking ahead to the next event on the calendar and not appreciating this one.
To realize the value of ten years: Ask a newly Divorced couple.
To realize the value of four years: Ask a graduate.
To realize the value of one year: Ask a student who has failed a final exam.
Continue reading ‘Realizing What We Have’
Published at October 15, 2010
in RWJM.
They say beauty is only skin deep. What you see on the outside is not always what you get. I have seen some good-looking racecars that don’t have what it takes to be competitive on the track. How do we know what’s in there. There is an easy way to find out if what you see is what you get. Greetings in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Tech inspection exists for the purpose of making sure the seen and unseen components conform to the rules. The necessity of having to check gives us an indication of our human nature, we tend to try and manipulate things so that we have an advantage. Is it cheating if no one catches you? I can think of many sayings we have, in and out of racing, which help us rationalize bending the rules.
“We get paid to cheat and they get paid to catch us”
Continue reading ‘What’s in There’
Published at October 8, 2010
in RWJM.
As we begin to see the change in the seasons, we feel the change in the air. Summer has given us many memories to relive in the days to come; now it is time for the things of summer to rest. I enjoy fall for many things but most of all I enjoy fall for the change. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The crisp cool mornings, the color of the trees, the sound of geese trumpeting there way to southern regions, the sound as you bite into a fresh picked apple, the smell of a roasting turkey with all the fixings, I could go on but you get the picture. If we take the time to look, each season has blessings of its own to provide for us a reminder that God created this for our enjoyment.
Sometimes we get so busy during the summer that we forget to stop and take a look around. We forget to enjoy the blessings God has provided for us. We forget that this was created for our pleasure.
Continue reading ‘Fall is in the Air’
Published at October 1, 2010
in RWJM.
As the season winds down we find ourselves looking ahead to the off season. A time when we will be apart form each other. Sometimes that is a good thing, but most times it isn’t. How do you plan to spend your time this off season? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Racing season has us busy running from one track to another, leaving little time to fit much else in. It flies by with a blur. It is great to see everyone a few times a week, you get used to talking and racing together. But what happens when we stop for a few months?
I would like to keep having Chapel services throughout the off season. I think it is important for us to stay connected with each other and with God. It is important to receive the encouragement of each other. We need to know there are others who stand along side of us to help through life’s challenges.
Continue reading ‘Don’t Go It Alone’
Published at September 25, 2010
in RWJM.
It was with mixed emotions that I received the news this past week that Warren Kluthau went home to be with the Lord. I was glad he was home, without pain and suffering, but I was saddened to know I would have to wait a while to talk with him again. Through the years Warren has always been close to RWJM and during the time he battled for his life he came to know the grace of God. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I remember the day Warren called with the news that he was facing a terminal illness. In life we all are certain of one thing, death. But we would like to see it come when we have lived a full life. That is not always the case. Warren shared with me his plan was to beat the odds, he would fight with everything he had.
He spent days in a come only to come out and live again. With the new lease he had been given he thanked God and vowed to proclaim His glory. During one call he asked if he could ride in the RWJM pace car at the Turkey Derby. I said yes and you could see the smile through the phone.
Continue reading ‘Truly Inspirational’
Published at September 17, 2010
in RWJM.
I spent some time this week helping out at a midget driving school and also with the NEMA family as the remembered a couple that meant so much to Midget Racing, Gene and Marilyn Angelillo. I also met some Vintage Midget drivers, one I wanted to share with you. Greetings in the name of
our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I had just arrived at the credential booth with Ray when a lady tapped me on the shoulder to thank us for publishing the Racer’s Bible. She shared that she had received a copy as a gift and was thrilled. She showed it to her husband and now he is reading it. She introduced herself to us, Dottie Mann. He husband is, among other things, two-time NEMA champ Johnny Mann.
We talked with Johnny as we looked at one of the vintage midgets on display near the celebration tent set up for NEMA at Waterford. He was there to compete in the Vintage race, compete at the age of 83. From the smile on his face you would have thought this was his first and he was excited to get out there. He shared his memories of the glory days, the smile never left his face. He truly had found joy and contentment. He, along with his wife Dottie, has seen many a race day and many a track but based on the look he had on his face they were all like the first time.
Continue reading ‘Some Things to Ponder’
Published at September 10, 2010
in RWJM.
Last week I talked about looking back over the season and seeing how God has blessed. As I looked forward to this weekend, I found myself following that advice. God has made it possible for Lynda and me to take a little break from things. I have a little time to spend time away from the racing world. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
One of the challenges in racing is that most of what we do is done when the weather is the best. This summer has had no shortage of glorious days. With those days come plenty of opportunities to head out to the track somewhere. It is difficult on many counts to stay home and rest. However, we need to set priorities. My family has been understanding and allowed me to reach out to others.
It is no secret that the family unit is high in the pecking order of God’s priorities. If we take a look at their order they should go something like this, God, marriage, family, others. Many times we get our priorities wrong.
Continue reading ‘How Far We Have Come’
Published at September 2, 2010
in RWJM.
As the season winds down and we come to the traditional end of summer, Labor Day Weekend, I find myself looking back. Taking stock of all the Lord has done for me in the blur of time that makes up the heart of the racing schedule. How has your year gone? Have you been able to reflect on all the Lord has blessed you with? I encourage you to take a few moments and rejoice in the victories and challenges that have come your way. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As the local racing scene enters its final few weeks of competition it is important to take the time and look back to see what you have accomplished. Don’t lose sight of the little things. Maybe this was the year you finally made it over the hump and started to get a handle on your race setup. It might have been the year you made it to victory lane for the first time.
There are many milestones we achieve but we can get too caught up in the season to think about them. Many times the milestones are only significant to us and other fail to see them. When compared to the measuring stick that other’s use they seem insignificant, but they are not. Don’t minimize the how much you have grown this year.
Continue reading ‘Down the Stretch They Come’
Published at August 27, 2010
in RWJM.
Life, like racing is full of ups and downs. Some times it feels like we are on a roller coaster and we just want the ride to stop. We are looking for that one thing that will satisfy us, make our life complete, but is always eludes our grasp. There is a solution to filling that need for satisfaction and fulfillment. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
You head to the track full of anticipation. You worked all week on the car and you know it is right. Your expectation is for a great race and a win. You unload and your practice times are among the fastest. Your excitement builds. You qualify on the pole and take the green flag first. Then it happens, they call it racing. It is the reason we run the race. You make a mistake in judgment and your night ends, up against the wall. From the penthouse to the outhouse, what a ride.
I have sat with many drivers and listened, sometimes to silence, disbelief. “It just doesn’t make sense, we were so good tonight, we should have won this race.” You’ve heard it before and you will hear it again, racing isn’t always fair, the fastest car doesn’t always win. How do we deal with the disappointment? How do we deal with our shortcomings?
Continue reading ‘Working Through Some Things’
Published at August 20, 2010
in RWJM.
Have we taken the Lord’s name in vain? Are we Christ like? Are we acting and behaving in a way that would reveal to others the love that God has for them through Jesus? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Sponsors make the racing world go round. We need them to support our racing program. We also need to represent them and promote their interests. Racing has a loyal fan base and that can be very beneficial to a sponsor who, in turn, pays for that opportunity.
What happens when we don’t represent our sponsor well? Or maybe we just don’t fit the profile. What would you think if a 16 year old started promoting Geritol? How believable do you think he/she would be?
Continue reading ‘Who Are You Fooling’
Published at August 13, 2010
in RWJM.
Talk to me, not about me. We live in a world that provides many different ways to communicate with one another, but have we really stopped to talk with someone lately? Do we depend on electronic devices to take the place of face to face communication? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We say many different things about many different people but are we really communicating? We have many different ways to contact someone but are we really making a connection? Have we considered the best way to communicate, face to face?
One thing I like about racing is that there is so much face to face communication. Having said that, one thing I dislike about racing is there isn’t enough face to face communication. That may seem like a contradiction but it really isn’t. There are those of us who prefer talking face to face and then there are those who do not.
Continue reading ‘Talk to Me’
Published at August 6, 2010
in RWJM.
Have you ever taken a step back and looked at the big picture? Have you ever stopped to consider the grand scheme of things? Have you ever looked outside yourself and into someone else’s life? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We tend to look at things in snapshots. We only look at the situation that is right in front of our eyes. We consume ourselves with the here and now. I think we see that all around us more and more every day.
There are racers who race that way, focusing on only that one moment. They race one way, wreckers or checkers. If they don’t win the race you better be on the hook because if they aren’t they must not have been trying hard enough. That type of thought process can be a self fulfilling prophecy; you end up in the place your mind wants you to go.
Continue reading ‘Big Picture Living’
Published at July 30, 2010
in RWJM.
We are inspired by the people we come in contact with in our lives. Many have inspired us by overcoming tremendous difficulties to persevere and make a difference. Think of some of the people that have inspired you to continue giving everything you have for the benefit of someone else. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As you know this past weekend we participated in the Shane Hammond Memorial at Waterford Speedbowl. The NEMA family took the opportunity to honor the life Shane lived and the inspiration he provided for many.
Shane worked hard and struggled to climb the racing ladder. He also faced many personal issues along the way. You wouldn’t know it to see the smile on his face. Everyday for Shane was a victory. He didn’t look forward to tomorrow, he was just fine with today and the opportunity he had.
Shane’s mom, Deb Marvuglio, shared in an article for FlatOut by Chris Romano, about the fateful day when at 15 Shane needed emergency surgery for a brain and spinal tumor.
“There was no guarantee he’d have the use of his arms, legs, respiratory system. So we made a pact before he went into surgery that when he came out I’d ask him to wiggle his toes. And when he came out he was able to that and we both cried.”
Continue reading ‘Believe’
Published at July 23, 2010
in RWJM.
As I said last week, we are all familiar with the angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other. We know what is right and want to do the right thing, but there is still that voice in there that tells us we can do what we want. Let’s continue as we close out our discussion of the internal struggle that challenges each one of us. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Have you ever tried to stretch your car to the end of the race? Avoiding the pit stop and hoping you had enough to make it. Sometimes we don’t make it. Sometimes we fall short of the finish line. We need to take the proper steps to finish the race in such a way as to win.
As we talked last week we discussed the internal struggle and the spiritual birth that needs to take place in each one of us. We continue that discussion this week. Let take a look at how should make the right adjustment in our lives.
Continue reading ‘The Internal Struggle, (part two)’
Published at July 16, 2010
in RWJM.
We all have seen the cartoon with the angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other. I am sure we have all at one time or another been confused about which one to follow. We know what is right and want to do the right thing, but there is still that voice in there that tells us we can do what we want. The internal struggle that challenges each one of us. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
It is no secret that many think the rules exist in racing as guidelines. Nothing is wrong until you get caught. Many have said, “It isn’t cheating if you don’t get caught.” Well that’s not true. As much as we would like to get away with something so that we have an advantage over others we still have our own conscience to deal with. We may try to rationalize it away but the fact remains, we know what we have done.
One of the byproducts of acting that way is a lack of peace in our lives. We can never relax, and live. We always have to concern ourselves with getting caught. We are always on the lookout for those who are watching us. We live our life looking over our shoulder to see who is looking.
Continue reading ‘The Internal Struggle, (part one)’
Published at July 9, 2010
in RWJM.
I came back from New Hampshire and our tomato plants have grown at least another foot. Unfortunately those pesky weeds grew also. The weeds needed to be removed so that the tomatoes could grow even larger and the plants would bear more fruit. We face the same thing in our lives, as we grow in Christ there are some things we need to remove before we can grow even closer to him and bear more fruit. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
One day I was talking to Billy the Kid about engine building, not because I wanted to build one, but I wanted some understanding about the process. Before I came to RWJM I worked in manufacturing, I made things work, so I have always been intrigued about engine building. Billy and I talked about a spec engine or “recipe” engine. If I understand it correctly there is a list of parts you can use and from those parts you build an engine.
To some it sounds easy but Billy explained that picking the right size parts to go together can make all the difference in the world. Some of the parts, although the same, don’t match up right and wouldn’t work well together. You have to keep the right ones and discard the ones that don’t. When you put the right ones together you produce more horsepower and isn’t that what it is all about.
Continue reading ‘The Master Gardener’
Published at July 2, 2010
in RWJM.
Freedom is a funny thing, each one of us wants it but we are not sure what it is. We want to be able to do anything we want, whenever we want, but we still need something to hold our lives together. What is holding your life together? Are you truly free? Greetings in the name of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.
In racing having the freedom to race wherever and whenever we want is the great ideal. The fact of the matter is we need a little help. If we run down the list it starts with a car, we first have to have a car to race and unless you have your own machine and body shop, someone has to make the parts and someone has to build the car.
Let’s say we get that far, now we need a place to race. We know they won’t let us do it on the street. I know some of us have tried along with everyone else who built a racecar, but the fact is they are not going to let thirty or forty of us go out and race around the block for 100 laps on Saturday night. What does it take for someone to provide a place for us to race? It takes more than we consider sometimes; facility, personnel, insurance, permits, safety workers.
Continue reading ‘Free? It Depends’
Published at June 24, 2010
in RWJM.
I was reading a story the other day that reminded me of Hank Parker Jr. and the testimony he gave at an event I attended. It made me ask myself if I make decisions based on what honors God. What do we consider when we make life changing decisions? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As I read some of Hanks story it made me think about where I would draw the line. I hope that I could have the faith that he demonstrated when he had a decision to make. It is important the foundation we build our life on.
Hank Parker Jr. is not a household name because of what he was taught at home. His Father instilled in him Christian values that would serve him well when he to make a difficult choice. His biography helps us understand how he honored God.
Continue reading ‘Honoring God’
Published at June 18, 2010
in RWJM.
As I prepared my sermon for Father’s Day I reflected on some of the lessons I learned at my Father’s knee. I wondered how many of us know what we know because our father put it there? What did you learn from your Father? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
My dad taught me to drive at an early age. I think the first time he let me move the truck I could barely reach the pedals. Granted I didn’t start it, but I did press in the clutch and let it roll a few yards.
I remember sitting in his lap with my hands on the wheel. It was a blue Ford Galaxy we had named Ole Betsy. I would steer from one side of the road to the other, he would correct it just as I was getting to the edge.
Continue reading ‘A Father’s Lessons’
