Still Digging

By admin February 15, 2008

We started digging in to our passage last week and this week we continue the process. There is a certain confidence that comes with having someone walking along side you that knows the way. We see it throughout life; someone with experience mentoring someone who is learning their way. Who do you have beside you to show you the way? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Mike McLaughlin was a good racer in his own right. His nickname, Magic Shoes, indicates that he could peddle with the best of them. Now he spends his time coaching young drivers for Joe Gibbs Racing, helping them learn the ins and outs of driving a racecar.

You look all around the garage area and pits and you see experienced crew chiefs and mechanics helping young guns learn to turn their raw talent into wins and championships. Shane Hopkins did that this year with Keith Rocco as he guided him to the Sunoco Modified Championship in just his third year of racing Modifieds.

Life presents to us many instances that we would benefit from having guidance, but having guidance available and using it are two different things. We all know better until we get in the middle of it and realize that what we thought and what is really happening are two different things. How many times have you looked back and lamented that you would have done things differently if you had known?

We all need guidance and direction in life. We don’t always know what is best for us. We don’t search for help until we get in the middle of something we can’t get out of. Our thought process leads us to think we can predict what the outcome will be, but in fact we cannot.

So what are the options? Let’s take a look at the next few verses.

Psalm 23: 3b-4,

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

David points out that God guides him and God will guide us. God will guide us along the right path and to act in a way that brings honor and praise to His name. The problem we run into is we want to do it our way. We want God to endorse and approve the way we want things to be done. That is not in the deal.

God knows what lies ahead and He knows what we need to be taught to get through it. He will give us the confidence to walk through this world and not fear death. We will be able to resist being consumed by evil and the destruction that it brings to our lives. Why? Because God is with us. He is by our side. We can feel him there.

David says God’s rod and staff provide comfort. That means that we can relax and take comfort. When you feel that staff press against you, moving you in the right direction, you can say to yourself, “God cares for me.” When he uses his rod to pull you back from a cliff that you don’t want to fall off of you can give thanks.

God promises to walk through life with us, guiding us and we can take comfort in that. Turn the direction and guidance of your life over to God and let him comfort you even in the difficult and challenging times we experience in life. God Bless.

THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD

Where do I begin? They are racing in Florida, both in Daytona and New Smyrna. The midwinter end of the off season is officially under way. Jimmy Blewett got a jump on the field by winning three times. Jimmy has two SKMod victories and one Tour Modified victory. Chuck Hossfeld, still looking for a ride on the WMT, won the first Tour Modified feature. By the time you read this three more races will be in the books. I am lamenting the fact that I can’t be there. One of these days we’ll have the resources to make the trip.

There is a new track in the works. Before he died, John and Crystal began planning an indoor cart track in Webster, MA. That project is nearing completion and should be ready sometime this spring. Check it out at www.tristatespeedways.com. The Logo pays tribute to John Blewett III and his red white and blue color scheme. I am headed up there this week to see how the construction is coming and I will have a report next week.

Donny Lia completes a deal to drive in the Craftsman Truck Series for 2008. He will be teamed with Andy Lally to complete the two truck entry for Kevin Buckler and TRG Motorsports. More known in the road racing world they are making inroads in NASCAR. Donny will miss the Daytona race because he missed the mandatory rookie practice but will be in the truck in California and the rest of the season. Talking with Donny at Motorsports he was disappointed that the first deal fell through but he had hope that something else could get done. It did and he will become yet another Modified alumnus that has moved on.

Speaking of moving on, Phil Moran, WMT championship crew chief is now the car chief for the #22 of Dave Blaney. Phil’s new position at Bill Davis Racing is a testament to his hard work and 15 years experience in racing. Do a good job Phil. Check out his blog on the Bill Davis Racing website. Phil, Polly’s not allowed to ghost write for you.

Speaking of the Whelen Modified Tour, it know has a new director, Chad Little. Chad takes over for Ed Cox who will move on to handle special projects for NASCAR’s competition division. Chad has been a familiar sight around the tour races this past season and speculation was he would soon be the new director. Welcome aboard Chad, we are looking forward to working with you this year.

Bob Menschner was honored this past week for 40 Years of Service to Wall Township Speedway. Bob has been a fixture at the track located on the Jersey Shore and he has done a wonderful job ministering to the drivers and teams for RWJM. This week the Press of Atlantic City carried an article on Bob and the ministry. Check it out at their website, www.pressofatlanticcity.com. Bob you have served both Wall Stadium and RWJM well, thanks for all your hard work.

I think that brings you up to speed, I’ll have some additional information on Tri State for next week. Also we’ll have the results of the Speedweeks at New Smyrna. Have a great week.

Be a witness for our Lord with the ministry decals and apparel. See them at the Online Apparel Store at www.RWJM.org. Call us with your prayer and counseling needs and list all your prayer needs, no matter what part of our racing family you are in, with the Racing Family Prayer Request Page www.rwjm.org/page/prayers.php also send your prayer request by mail. Until next time, 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 www.rwjm.org 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

CHECKERED CHEERS

***WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES***

*** February 14 VALENTINE’S DAY ***

ROY & DORIS DEALL- Riverhead Raceway’s Neal Fiola Crew Chief and wife celebrate.

WAYNE & MARY BLAKE- Of Norwich, CT, the Ass’t Infield Coordinator at Waterford Speedbowl and wife celebrate their 10th anniversary.

KIRK & PAM WISE-Kirk and his wife share their 26th wedding anniversary.

February 15

RICH CAOUETTE & NANCY LaBONNE-CAOUETTE- These East Hartford, CT fans share their 17th.

February 18

NED & MARTHA JARRETT- The former NNC champion and wife; proud parents of TV’s Glen and WNNC Dale, share their 51st anniversary.

***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***

February 13

FRANK VIGLIAROLO, JR.- Medford,NY driver.

February 14 *** VALENTINE’S DAY ***

JERRY MARQUIS- Karen’s Valentine husband, Enfield, CT CWES and WMT driver, 2000 WMT Champion.

BILL VENTURINI- Wife Kathy’s Valentine, Chicago, IL ARCA driver.

SCOTT SHARP- Norwalk, CT born, now Jupiter, FL IRL driver.

JESSICA WATTS- Daughter of Riverhead/NASCAR WMT Mod driver Danny and wife Vivian is 15.

JOHN PAUL TEMCHAK- This son of NHIS Victory Lane Staff Member John and wife Kathy from Canterbury, NH is 18.

February 15

JIM SPENCER- Berwick, PA NSCS driver and PA hero.

PAUL KOTTER- No. Attleboro, MA racing publications sales rep, now retired to Florida.

JEANNINE NEGRI- Danbury, CT Jeff Fuller fan.

GLEN KONK- Jackson, NJ fan.

February 16

BOB BALAAM- Bridgeport Sportsman driver; Stan Ploski’s nephew.

JERRY “MAGEE” MILLER- Allentown, PA Mod/NASCAr Mod/Truck driver.

ANDY SCHALTZ- Whip City Mini Sprint and Riverside Mini Stock driver.

ROBERT BLACK- Hickory, NC retired former NNS Director.

STEPHANIE BALL- Daughter of NH Mod driver Rusty and wife Ann is 19.

ARIANNA KOHLER- The daughter of Grandview/ Big Diamond NASCAR dirt Modified driver Warren is 11.

February 17

TRACY MARCIEL- Daughter of Springfield, MA NASCAR WMT former Team owner Tony, now in PA, and regular with the NASCAR WMT.

DEVIN PEREZ- The grandson of LongislandMotorsports.com Publisher/ Editor and Raceway Media magazine columnist, Mike and wife Lori is 5.

SHELLEY GAHAN- Daughter of NH LM/NASCAR CWES driver Bobby and wife Carol.

JUDY KRAMER- Riverhead, NY Rusty Wallace fan.

February 18

JIMMY KITE- Effingham, IL born, now Stockbridge, GA IRL driver.

PHILLIP DOWNS- Retired Riverhead Modified team owner.

February 19

JEFF PURVIS- Clarksville, TN BGN/ARCA driver.

JOHN PAUL, JR.- Muncie, IN born, now West Palm Beach, CA IRL driver.

PAT DAVISON- Dover, ME LM/NASCAR CWES driver.

JOAN MICHEL- Mom of Wall Township Speedway top Modified driver Dave and wife of former Wall Mod champion Tom.

SHARE YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONS WITH YOUR RACING FAMILY. SEND THEM TO RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES AT PO BOX 586, Tolland, CT, 06084.

Sources: Rev. Don Rivers/RWJM

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