Something for You to Do
How are things going for you? Are you fulfilled and satisfied? Are things going the way you thought they should? Sometimes we are moving in the wrong direction in life and we need to stop, evaluate and then change the direction we are going. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Sometimes no matter how hard we try we seem to be spinning our wheels. We are not moving forward. Our life seems to be stuck. It feels empty. We wonder how we got here and what we have to do to change our direction.
Sometimes our life is empty. We look around and the things we have just don’t cut it. They don’t have the same attraction they once did. You need something else, something more satisfying, something more fulfilling.
We have seen it, we have experienced it, we all have been through it, times in our life when it just seems we are out of place. We wonder which decision led us to this place. We wonder if we can backup and change that decision.
We were at South Boston this past weekend and you could see some of that happening. Teams unloaded and ran fast in the first practice. As they tried to improve things they ended up going slower. They stopped and tried to put things back to where they were but they couldn’t get the same results. The results were dissatisfaction, regret and questioning.
When we make decisions in life that lead us to places we weren’t expecting we wonder why. We want to backup and start over. We wonder why we went down the road in the first place.
I want you to understand there is only one place in our lives that we will find satisfaction and fulfillment; when you are in God’s Will. What that means is you are making decisions that agree with what God wants for your life. When we display God’s character in our life it becomes fulfilling. When we reap the blessings that are a result of doing what God directs us to do, life becomes satisfying. We have a peace that fills our life.
Why do we choose to do things contrary to God’s design? Many things come to mind, we think we know better, we think God couldn’t understand our situation. I am here to tell you that we can rationalize it any way we want, the truth remains, God knows what is best for us.
If true fulfillment and satisfaction come from God then we need to prepare ourselves for service to God. Listen to this advice that Paul gave to young Timothy,
1Timothy 4:6-16, If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.
Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Paul encourages Timothy not to let things get in the way of living a life that honors God. In our life we should set an example in everything we do, in what we say, in how we live, in what we have in our hearts and how we show our faith. We should show an example that isn’t tarnished or tainted.
God has something for us to do. He asks us to put our trust and faith in Him. He asks us to show that to everyone we meet. He promises that if we do our life will be fulfilling and satisfying. We will enjoy life more than we could ever imagine.
I suspect you are a lot like me, we have some things to work on. Reflect on these verses and see if there aren’t a few things you can do to make your life more pleasing to God. It is worth the effort. God Bless.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
SOBO A GREAT RIDE- We headed down to South Boston a day early this week. That meant I missed the local racing action but it was worth the sacrifice. On Friday night at Grace Baptist Church in Clarksville Virginia, Rev Dan and I led a dedication service for Samantha Ann Santerre. We were joined by South Boston MRO Chaplain Jim Foster. We enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the lives of the race teams we serve. We spent a meaningful time with Andy and Sue and their family and friends.
We had a wonderful time staying with Jim and his wife on Friday night. As many of you know many times on these trips we spend time in the four-wheeled motel. This time we were able to relax a little, get some sleep and wake up to the smell of breakfast cooking. In fact we arrived at the track Saturday morning refreshed and well rested. We were spoiled and it was a blessing. We are planning a return visit to the Foster Inn. When September rolls around we have a double race weekend; Dover for The Camping World East on Friday followed by a Saturday visit to Martinsville for the Whelen Modified Tour. The road from Dover to Martinsville travels right past Cow Road in Clarksville and the Foster’s said to stop in and enjoy some good old southern hospitality. Dan and I are looking forward to it.
South Boston proved equal to the statement; there are no one car crashes at SoBo. When one car spun in practice three others were collected and two of the four involved were forced to backup cars. Jamie Hayes and Matt Kobyluck had their work cut out for them. Matt faired the better of the two driving his backup car to a fifth place finish. Jamie was very disappointed because they had tested at SoBo and his primary car was fast.
West Coast transplant Brian Ickler made it back to back winning this one in dominating fashion, leading 149 of the 155. Again there were post race tech issues and the results may be subject to change. We’ll know this week.
Eddie McDonald had the ride of the day. After getting caught up in an early spin he blended in at the rear of the field. He drove his socks off bringing it home fourth. Austin Dillon and Peyton Sellers finished second and third filling out the top five.
Rookie Austin Dillon still holds the point lead, but Peyton Sellers is making great strides to make up the points taken away in Greenville. He moved up seven spots to thirteenth. Eddie McDonald, Jeff Earnhardt and Matt Kobyluck all moved into the top ten.
We headed out after the race and had an uneventful ride home. Well almost uneventful, I am sad to say that one particularly large possum didn’t make it home Saturday night. He is resting in the middle of the entrance ramp someplace around Richmond.
Anderson Speedway Family Suffers Loss
The Anderson Speedway family mourns the loss of veteran track crew member, Roy Hiatt. Roy lost his life Saturday night during the running of the Pay Less Little 500 when he was struck by a sprint car on the track. Roy had been a loyal member of the track crew for many years and was well regarded by the fans, competitors and fellow workers.
“Words cannot begin to describe the devastation we feel at this time,” said Rick Dawson, President of the Speedway. “Roy was a great friend and integral part of our crew. Roy loved this place and he unselfishly worked hard for the track and fans to insure they were given the best shows.”
“We do not understand why terrible things like this happen. We must believe that there is a higher being that has a better plan and someday we will all know what that plan is. We will all pull together and get through this tough time and insure that Roy’s legacy will survive here at the Speedway as Roy would have definitely wanted”, Dawson further said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Roy’s family and many friends during their time of need”.
Chuck McNeil, our Midwest representative and Anderson Speedway Chaplain, conducted the service last Wednesday night. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Anderson Speedway family.
Dan and newcomer Allen, AKA Ricky, Maddox will be headed up to Watkins Glen for the Camping World East race this weekend. Lynda and I will celebrate 28 years of marriage on June 7, 2008. I’ll be at the my local haunts, Thompson and Stafford to catch up on the local racing scene, I hope to see you there.
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***
June 6
SCOTT & LISA JAMES- This couple from Canterbury, CT who helped lead this ministry in the past and currently serve as ministry advisors have their 15th anniversary
LLOYD & LINDA MOORE- This Unity, ME driver and wife have their 35th anniversary.
June 7
REV. DON AND LYNDA RIVERS- The RWJM President and WMT Pastor and wife celebrate their 28th anniversary.
June 10
MARCEL & LYNN L’ETOILE- This retired driver and proud parents of Massachusetts ProStock driver Frank, share their 40th anniversary.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
June 4
BETTY ANN EVANS- The wife of Racing with Jesus Ministries founder Rev. Pat Evans.
BOBBY HILLIN, JR.- Midland, TX NNS driver.
MICHAEL DOKKEN- St. Petersburg, FL LM/CTS driver.
JENETTE SMULLEY- Daughter of Big Diamond owners Fritz and Krista Roehrig.
June 5
BUTCH MILLER- Coopersville, MI NASCAR CTS driver.
MIKE & TED CHRISTOPHER- Plainville, CT twin drivers, both talented in open and closed wheel competition.
EUGENE SENA- Middletown, CT Mike Christopher and NASCAR WMT crewman.
GARY NELSON- NASCAR Managing Director of Competition.
TONY SYLVESTER, JR.- The son of semi-retired Lebanon, CT Mod/NASCAR CWES driver Tony and wife Diane is 18.
LISA NICKEL- The daughter of Thompson Speedway photographer Scott and wife Joan is 17.
June 6
RANDY PORTER- Greenville, SC NNS and Greenville Pickens Speedway LMSC driver.
JIM HAILEY, JR.- Winston-Salem, NC Tri-County and Caraway Speedways LMSC driver; son of Richard Childress Show Car Team Manager Jim, Sr.
BILL “TIGER” PERRY- Seekonk Speedway Sportsman driver.
WENDELL & CAROL KILCOLLINS- This husband and wife from Stafford Springs both celebrate. Wendell is a retired Modified driver, now Crew Chief for Willie Hardee’s WAAS Modified team.
KATY COLSON- Daughter of Leominster, MA ProStock driver Fran and wife Doreen.
VICTORIA ACKERLY- The daughter of Orange County Fairgrounds Speedway Modified driver Ray is 12.
June 7
DENNIS DEMERS- Shelburne, VT NASCAR CWES driver.
RAY HORNER- New Jersey asphalt Modified driver.
TIM DAMIANI- Pennsy Modified driver.
ANTHONY DAMIANI- A son of Tim’s is 14.
JIM BOARDMAN- Maynard, MA LM/NASCAR CWES driver.
MIKE SWAIM- Archdale, NC LMSC driver.
CHUCK MONTVILLE- Crewman on the Ralph Solhem Danny Sammons driven NASCAR WMT team.
LESLIE LaJOIE- Wife of two time NNS champion driver Randy.
MARTIN SCHIFF- Wayland, MA proprietor of Sponsor Development of Reston, Ent., husband of Wayland Travel’s Jane.
JOEL MARTIN- Son of Concord, NC NSC photographers Gary and Judy.
BRIDGETT JIVANELLI- Daughter of Riverhead Raceway driver Dan.
KELSEY BABB- Daughter of Beech Ridge Speedway LM driver Bobby and wife Carla is 17.
ZACHARY D’ALESSANDRO- Agawam, MA son of Ingrid and former Modified driver and current WAAS Modified crewman Ron is 12.
June 8
JOE BUCHEK- Binghamton, NY retired Modified driver; We-Go Racing Fan Club activist.
SHARON MOORE- Horseshoe, NC wife of Gary.
KRISTEN LABONTE- Daughter of Nextel Cupp driver Terry and wife Kim.
JON MAYLOTT- Enfield, CT Lebanon Valley Speedway RWJM Counselor, hockey coach and CT District Commissioner for Youth Hockey.
June 9
BILLY BIGLEY, JR.- Naples, FL All Pro Series driver.
RON D’ALESSANDRO- Agawam, MA former Mod No. 124 owner/driver at the now closed Riverside Park Speedway and current DWRS Modified crewman.
TY BERGER- A past Advertising Director for “National Speed Sport News” from 1969 to 1978 and always involved in racing from Kutztown, PA.
June 10
JOHN SNEAD- Oxford, MA former Modified driver.
STEVE DARNE- Woodbridge, VA LMSC driver.
NICOLE MICHILOWSKI- Daughter of Lebanon Valley driver Mark and wife Robin is 17.
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