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’
Published at June 11, 2010
in RWJM.
We had some technical difficulty last week and the column never made it to the AARN offices. It is floating around out there somewhere in cyberspace. If you find it let me know. If you would like to read it you can drop me a note and I’ll let you know where to find it. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Well, you might imagine how disappointed I was when the column didn’t make it into the paper. I know there are so many folks that read it there every week. But I guess it is like not qualifying for the A main, it didn’t get there on time.
I didn’t have much time to dwell on that this week as it was a short week for me; with the holiday on Monday and heading to Martinsville on Friday, I had other things to get done. I did feel though that I some how let God down.
Continue reading ‘God’s Plan’
Published at June 4, 2010
in RWJM.
Memorial Day, the start of the summer season; like the swallows returning to Capistrano the snow birds return to the lake. We celebrate the unofficial beginning of summer with wall to wall racing. How did you begin your summer season? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As we begin the summer racing season I thought we might take a look at one of the other things summer is noted for, rest and relaxation. I know some of us think racing is our form of recreation but the track really isn’t the place to relax and unwind. I think we all need a time and place to just get away.
When we need to get away we head to Maine, the way life should be, and go sailing. Where do you go? If a plan doesn’t come to mind then maybe it is time to find one, get away and relax.
Continue reading ‘Dad, I’m Coming Home’
Published at May 21, 2010
in RWJM.
Have you ever been thirsty? Really thirsty? Sometimes we use the expression “dying of thirst” without realizing that you really can die from thirst. When you want to drink and never be thirsty again, drink the living water that comes from Christ. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The challenges from the heat of summer take their toll on our bodies. If we don’t hydrate ourselves it can be fatal. I have seen many collapse under the heat and need medical attention. In fact at this year’s Sizzler two people required treatment for dehydration. We need water to live. We also need living water, water that gives eternal life.
As we continue our look at the words of Christ from the cross this week we finally see the human side of Christ. He took care of others and their needs, He took the weight of the world on his shoulders and now he had time for his own needs.
We see the humanness of Christ as he hung on the cross, for three hours that Friday afternoon the sky was dark, the sin of the world was placed squarely on the shoulders of our Lord and Savior. He endured the challenge and as the end neared He cried out, exclaiming His thirst.
Continue reading ‘Living Water’
Published at May 14, 2010
in RWJM.
The time has come; the weight of the world is on your shoulders. You bear the guilt of every bad decision ever made. How do you deal with the grief? How do you deal with the pain? You cry out to the one true God, the only one who can help. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Have you ever felt the weight of the world on your shoulders? Have you ever had to deal with the pressure? Lets face it racing is important in many of our lives, but it should not be the most important thing. Many of the decisions we make at the track or in the shop can spell success or failure in the race. But for most of us there will be another day, there will be another race.
Many times we think it is the end of the world when things do not go as planned. Sometimes we take ourselves too seriously. We think the world revolves around us. We need to stop and look around a little, relax and realize that some things are not the end of the world.
Continue reading ‘The Ultimate Gift’
Published at May 7, 2010
in RWJM.
We return to our discussion of the final words of Christ, I saved this message for this week as it refers to Mothers and their special place in our lives. None of us would be here without our mother. Good, Bad or indifferent matters not, we all have been given the gift of life through our mother. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Let me ask you, what have you done for you mom lately? I don’t mean one Sunday out of 52. I mean everyday. I realize some of us have estranged relationships with our mothers but we still need to recognize the fact that without them we wouldn’t be here. Scripture instructs us early on to honor our parents.
Exodus 20:12, “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”
Continue reading ‘A Mother’s Challenge’
Published at April 30, 2010
in RWJM.
We will take a break in our study for one week. Rev. Dan is sharing with us some of his thoughts with us this week. We will get back to our study of the last words of Christ next week.
Don and I get a lot of questions about the relationship between the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit and what they do. I recently read a daily devotion written by Ryan Dinunzio a former professional soccer player that I wanted to summarize and share with you. It should make it easier for all of us to understand the roles they play. He called it the NASCAR Trinity and related very nicely the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to the Spotter, Crew Chief and Pit crew.
What is the role of the crew chief? He oversee’s all the changes to the car – before, during and after the race. To be successful, the driver and crew chief have to have a good relationship and be able to communicate well with each other. The driver tells the crew chief what the car is doing, how it is handling, and what he thinks is wrong. In turn, the crew chief tells the driver what can and cannot be changed. Look at Jeff Gordon and Ray Evernham or Jimmy Johnson and Chad Knaus and how well they work (or worked) together – they both have multiple championships to prove this.
Continue reading ‘The Trinity’
Published at April 23, 2010
in RWJM.
Answered prayers hold the promise of hope. They let us know that God hears our requests and provides for our needs. Last week the first words Christ spoke from the cross involved a prayer for those who crucified him. This week as he spoke he answered a prayer. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
When things are hopeless, when the future looks dim, when we cannot see what tomorrow holds for us we turn to God and ask for his help. That is prayer, a conversation with God. Does he hear them? Does he answer them? That depends on if you have a relationship with him.
You and I both know it is easier to receive help from someone you know. I have said it many times at the track, the willingness to help one another make it a special group of people to be around. I have seen it many times, teams helping teams so that they could race. We all understand the challenges to get to the track and have your car ready. Then something breaks and you don’t have a spare. That is when you know who your friends are.
Continue reading ‘Paradise’
Published at April 17, 2010
in RWJM.
As we talked about last week we were going to spend some time reflecting on the seven statements Christ made from the cross. This week we will look at his first statement, Father forgive them. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Every time we leave someplace or someone there are words that are said that leave a lasting impression. My wife and I are in the habit of saying I love you when we close a conversation. It may not seem important but if they happen to be the last words she ever hears from me I want her to know how much she means to me.
We have many relationships in life and racing. Sometimes we take them for granted and don’t realize the significance of what we say. Remember that the words we speak may very well be the last words we will say to someone. Make them worthwhile.
Continue reading ‘Father Forgive Them’
Published at April 9, 2010
in RWJM.
Have you ever wanted to have the final word? Have you ever wanted to be the one who makes the decision after hearing all that others have to say? I am sure at times it would be a welcome task and at other times it would be a difficult task. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Who has the final word when you are trying to figure out how to set up a race car? I think the man who turns the wrench ultimately decides. The driver has input, the crew chief has the decision to make, but ultimately the guy that sets the tire pressure, the guy that adjusts the chassis or shock has the final say. He actually does it.
I have had times when I had the last word, it comes with any leadership position, when all is said and done the leader has the final word. The leader has to decide what was said that was significant. They have to set a direction. Having the final word is one thing, but what happens if no one follows your instructions?
Continue reading ‘Final Words’
