Remembering Mom
Mother’s Day is this weekend. I know none of you will forgot, right? One thing we all have in common, we all have mothers. We set aside this one day to remember them in a special way, but I think we should heed Scripture and honor them everyday. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Let me ask you, what did you do 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.”
This is the fifth of the ten commandments and comes with the promise of long life. Why do you think it matters so much? God instituted the family and it is the basic unit of society. Everything worth something is built on the foundation of family. Think of the racing family we have. We support one another. We help one another. We are sensitive to the needs of each other.
The same is true of our true family. God designed us in such a way that we need family support. We need a group of close people who know us better than we know ourselves sometimes. This is a necessary element to living a long and healthy life. When we maintain the family unit the way God designed it we begin to live in a way that honors God.
Let’s talk a little about what happens when families experience events that stress it and break it. God’s desire is that we don’t experience those things, but selfishness takes control and we do not follow God’s plan. We all have a choice and too many times we choose what makes us happy, not what honors God. That is called sin. Sin has consequences that affect everyone around us. When we elevate our wants above others we run into problems.
I say all this to help us understand that the demise of the family that God designed has happened because we have chosen to follow something other than God. We are in this situation because of the choices we make. I think though, we are here despite the efforts of our mothers.
For the most part it is the wife/mother that sacrifices the most for her family. I know this is not true in all situations, but it is true in most. I believe there are more single mothers trying to raise their children. I am not dumping on dads just making an observation. I know when it came time to care for me my mother sacrificed everything she had to give me what I needed. I am sure it would have been easier if my father had stayed around and sacrificed even a little.
What can we learn from this example? We can learn to put the needs of others above ours. We can learn that every effort should be made to maintain the family unit and follow God’s direction. We can make a commitment to change the way we think about others.
I would encourage you to follow the example of Mary, the mother of Jesus. She had many reasons to say no to God. She had her reputation to think of. She was engaged to Joseph and what would he think. She was just a young girl, who would believe such a story. Scripture records the conversation for us.
Luke 2:26-38 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
Despite all the challenges she responded in a way that would honor God. She turned her life over to God and followed His will. She would endure so much in her life including watching Jesus die on a cross. As Jesus hung there he honored his mother. He turned to His disciple John and left Mary in his care. Mary was willing to sacrifice everything for God, are we?
We can learn a lot from those who sacrifice their wellbeing for the benefit of others. Think of those people who have made an impact on your life. Most of them have given more than they received. As we remember those who have given so much let us try to do the same. God Bless, Rev. Don
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
A TIME TO SAY GOODBYE- The hearts of the Stafford Motor Speedway family are saddened this week with the sudden passing of The Davidson Racing Family Patriarch, Dave Rowe. Several teams that compete each week at the track have the Rowe family to thank for the resources to compete. Dave loved being at the track and his teams loved racing for him knowing he was up in the stands rooting them on. Dave made an impact in the lives of many young drivers. He celebrated their accomplishments and treated them like family. If you go to the shops of these teams you will see a photo of the Davidson Foods Racing Family. Every team and member stands together. Dave was a self-proclaimed gear head. He enjoyed seeing others share his passion for going fast. We will miss his presence at the trace, but I am sure the Davidson Racing Family will continue into the future as a testament to what Dave Rowe started. Remember the Rowe family in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with the loss of their Dad. Also remember the extended family that will return to the track on Friday night to honor Dave and what he meant to them.
LOGANO CONTINUES TO IMPRESS- The next step is still a few weeks away but Joey Logano is tuning up by racing at The Rock, North Carolina Motor Speedway. He didn’t waist much time or leave much to doubt as he won the pole and almost lapped the field, only five cars finished on the lead lap. He finished ahead of Sprint Cup regular, Ken Schrader. This marks the second time Joey has come out ahead of a Cup regular as last year he beat Kevin Harvick to the finish line in Iowa. Austin Dillon also ran the race and finished in seventh. Another impressive youngster who is showing the ability to handle the heavier more powerful asphalt races cars.
ANDERSON SPEEDWAY SUFFERS A GREAT LOSS
By Denny Adams, Public Address Announcer
The Staff of Anderson Speedway and the entire racing fraternity are saddened at the passing of Don L. Conrad, in a farming accident on Friday April 25th. Don is the Father of Brenda Dawson, wife of Anderson Speedway owner Rick Dawson and Grandfather of 2008 Little 500 Queen Lauren Dawson. Arrangements are currently pending. Our deepest and most heart felt sympathy is extended to Brenda, Rick, Lauren and all of the families and friends of Don. May God be a source of strength and comfort at this time and in the future.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, 4011 West 200 South, Anderson, Indiana 46011 or South Madison Community Foundation, 102 West State Street, Pendleton, Indiana 46064.
This past weekend Stafford Motor Speedway canceled their program due to weather. I know their were some who didn’t much feel like racign with the passing of Dave Rowe. Look for them to be back in action this Friday night with the New England Dodge Dealers 100.
I spent the off weekend doing some work around the house. I ache in places I didn’t even know existed. I can’t wait to get back to the track. This week finds us making an appearance in East Hartford, CT. Modified driver Glenn Reen is bring his car and I’ll have the Ford Fusion Pace Car as we speak to some young folks about how God is working in the lives of those in racing.
Have a great week and we hope to see you back at the track soon.
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***
May 7
DAVE & KIM DORNBLASER- Both are 270cc Micro-Sprint drivers at Borger’s Speeday and Kutztown Fairgrounds celebrate lap 3 together.
May 8
CHARLES & KAREN TURBUSH- From Long Island, this Rusty Wallace and Hut Stricklin fans have their 14th anniversary.
DR. CHRIS & CHERIE WIBBLESMAN- The eldest son of RWJM advisor Dick and wife Judy and wife celebrate their 13th.
May 9
ELI & CLAUDETTE GOLD- The popular race announcer and wife share their 30th anniversary.
RUSS & LISA WOOD- The NH based ISMA SuperModified driver and wife share their 19th anniversary.
May 12
HAROLD & BARBARA DAUNCEY- This Wall Township Speedway NASCAR Modified driver and wife share their 23rd anniversary.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
May 7
BENJI ROWE- Turner, ME NASCAR CWES driver.
DARLA SETZER- The wife of NASCAR CTS/NNS driver Dennis.
DIANE BENNETT- Wife of Stamford, CT NASCAR CWES/CTS driver Brad.
BILLY ROE- Indianapolis, IN born, now Gilbert, AZ IRL driver.
STEPHEN GRIMES- Burlington, NC LMSC driver.
JERRY LILLQUIST- From Canterbury, CT, this former Late Model driver is now residing on the beach just south of Myrtle Beach, SC.
JOHN ROSATI- Retired Modified/ProStock driver from Agawam, MA.
PAT BEEBE- Wife of Star Speedway NASCAR flagman Jim.
CRAIG HIETALLA- Brother of Enfield, CT NASCAR Modified driver Brad.
HENRIETTA KOSZELLA- Wife of Koszella Speed’s Sonny and mom of Julie Stefanik, wife of NASCAR WMT/NASCAR CWES champ Mike.
MISSY LEDFORD- The daughter of LM driver Dave and AARN salesman at Lakeville Speedway, PA.
May 8
BOBBY LABONTE- Corpus Christi, TX NNC driver for Petty Enterprises famed #43.
NATHAN BUTTKE- Randleman, NC NNS/LMSC driver.
BRAD CADDICK- North Kingston, RI NASCAR WMT crewman.
BARBARA KUHLMAN- The Ass’t Scorer at Bridgeport Speedway and wife of AARN columnist Ken.
LOUIS OBERTO- Another son of Mahoning Valley Speedway area famous news writer and announcer.
RAY MILLER- Retired Modified driver and father of Sk driver Jay.
May 9
ED BRUNNHOELZL, JR.- NJ asphalt Modified driver.
TIM FEDEWA- Holt, MI NNS/CTS driver.
GARY LLOYD- Efland, NC LMSC driver.
MIKE PORTER- Princeton, WV veteran LMSC driver.
MELISSA STUART- The daughter of Preston, CT proprietor of JDM Chassis/ LM driver Jay and wife Angelina is 11.
May 10
REV. DAN PETFIELD- From Thornwood, NY, CWES Pastor for Racing with Jesus Ministries and Vice President.
JOHN WALL, JR.- Brother of NASCAR CWES driver Bryan.
RON THIEL, JR.- Long Island NASCAR CWES driver turned Nextel Cup team fabricator.
LINDA HIETALA- Wife of Enfield, CT Reliable Welding Modified driver Brad.
TRAVIS PERRY- Son of Seekonk Speedway Sportsman driver Bill and Stacy is 14.
May 11
BUGS STEVENS- Rehoboth, MA retired NASCAR National Modified champion and proud dad of NASCAR Modified/ProStock driver Dave Berghman.
JIM BEEBE- Star Speedway NASCAR flagman.
BEVERLY WEIDMAN- The owner of the NASCAR dirt Modified team driven by husband Gene at Big Diamond.
MICHAEL WIBBELSMAN- The youngest son of RWJM Advisor Dick and wife Judy in Gainesville, FL.
May 12
JIM SPENCER, JR.- Nextel Cup driver/commentator Jim and wife Pat’s oldest.
May 13
BILL STIVASON- From Kittanning, PA, the Scorer at Challenger Raceway.
RON RIEDINGER- Former Flemington dirt Sportsman and LM champion.
CHERYL VENEZIAN- The grown-up daughter of Joe and wife Linda of Perth Amboy Springs.
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