Standing By Your Side
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.
One of the things I struggle with is when the way things are planned out and the way things happen don’t agree. I am analytical in nature and think things through in a logical order. That is good in some circumstances, but not well received in other. I don’t always see the big picture. Lynda helps me put things in perspective.
One of the great advantages to having someone standing by your side is that you have someone else to share the experience with. The hope is that one can pick the other up and vice-versa. Lynda and I have become such a team. We are thankful to the Lord for putting us together. When one of us starts to go in the wrong direction the other is there to guide them back. We remind each other not to get caught up in the trap that is set to snare us by the enemy.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
God has a way of doing things that at times at difficult to see. Having someone to stand by our side helps us to see the things we are blinded to. We can help each other find God’s way in our daily life. We can encourage each other to refocus on the things that are right and ignore the things that drag us down. We can encourage each other to find God’s way.
Isaiah said this…
ISAIAH 55:6-9; Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
You see our thoughts and ways are not the thoughts and ways of God. We need to focus on what God wants us to do and what God wants us to think. I know from personal experience that this is not easy. It is much easier when you have someone at your side.
If you have that someone, let them know how thankful you are to have them at your side. If not, I would like to challenge you to find such a friend. It will help you maintain your focus where it should be on God and His ways. When the trials and tribulations of life come, and they will, you will do well to have a friend that will stand beside you. We all need a friend to help you move in the right direction. I thank God for such a friend.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
NEW SCHEDULE OUT – NASCAR released the 2011schedule for both the Whelen Modified Tour and the Whelen Southern Modified Tour. A couple things stood out. First, we will be making a visit to Canada at the beginning of September. From what I have read they are looking forward to seeing the ground pounders come and are ready to roll out the Red Maple Leaf Carpet.
Second there will be a joint event for the Northern and Southern tours at the same track with a 50 lap shootout following. Thompson speedway will host this unique event on September 11. There will be two separate 125 lap races, one for the north and one for the south. They will each have their own purse and points. The top 15 from each race will then qualify for a 50 lap “dash for cash”, a no points match race that should prove to be very exciting.
I am not sure how the rules package will work out, weather they have to use the same car, how many tires, etc. but I would think the winner would be thought of as the best of the best in modified racing.
CHANGES IN THE WORKS – Look for some news coming out of the MRS Banquet on Saturday the 20th, in their press release they stated they would have a major announcement for 2011 along with a tentative 18 race schedule.
Speaking of change, it might be time to take a look at some of the things that are happening and see if we can’t improve them. I was encouraged when the North South Shootout was able to complete their features early enough to allow the fans to take in the dirt race across town. I think it is beneficial for all parties to work together to give the fans the best experience. Having said that I think the car count was a major factor in this happening. We have all heard many reasons why they are down, but at some tracks that doesn’t seem to be the case. I see an opportunity here to make some adjustments and get things back to where they need to be. My hope is that all the groups involved with these events can work together for the good of the sport.
TURKEY DERBY – Thanksgiving is coming soon and the last race in the Northeast will be contested at Wall Stadium. I received a report from our Chaplain, Bob Menschner that the practice session was well attended and they are looking for another successful one this week. The RWJM Pace Car will be in the house and we are looking forward to being a part of another Thanksgiving tradition on the Jersey shore.
IMIS AND THE BANQUETS – After we wrap up the racing it will be off to Indy where we will be a part on the IMIS Trade Show at the convention center. If you have plans to head out stop by the Design 500/Lady Eagle booth and say hi. From Indy we head back to Charlotte for the NASCAR Banquets. This year they are being held at the Hall of Fame. We are looking forward to celebrating with the touring champions as well as the Whelen All-American Weekly Racing Champions.
Be a witness for our Lord with the ministry decals and apparel. See them at the Show Your Faith Apparel Store at www.rwjm.com. Send us your prayer and counseling needs no matter what part of our racing family you are in, or give us a call. 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” Check our home page www.rwjm.com for past articles. Drop us a note and share your input and thoughts. 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***
November 20
RON & LYNN HEDGER- This upstate NY NSS writer and wife share their anniversary.
KRISTOFER & STEPHANIE SMITH- He a former KNPSE crewmember and She a former media center worker at NHMS were married this day in 2004.
November 21
JOE & ANDREA NEMECHEK- The Lakeland, FL NASCAR driver and wife have their 16th anniversary.
WALT & MARSHA DYER- The owners of the Lance Dewease driven Pennsy Sprint No. 461 have their 57th anniversary.
November 22
CARL (Bugs Stevens) & DORIS BERGHMAN- This retired Modified champion of Rehoboth, MA; parents of current Prostock driver Dave Berghman, have their 50th anniversary.
DICK & NANCY CLARK- The veteran Long Island NASCAR WMT driver and wife have their special day.
MICHAEL & CAROL PARES- This “Area Auto Racing News” NASCAR Whelen Mod Series photographer and wife from Wayne, NJ share their 30th anniversary.
November 23
LEO & CLAYLENE ADAMS- This Pomfret, CT Pro Tour Truck driver and wife have their 33rd anniversary.
JASON & STACEY KOHLER- This Fleetwood, PA Micro Sprint driver and wife have their special day.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
November 17
BRAD BENNETT- Stamford, CT born, now in Cornelius, NC NASCAR driver.
LAUREN LADOUCHER- D.I.R.T. NY Modified driver.
GARY LUSCHER- D.I.R.T. NY Modified driver.
JIMMY BELLISLE- Lisbon, CT retired Strictly Stock driver.
KEN CASSIDY- Canterbury, CT Strictly Stock driver.
BRYAN DUNBAR- NJ Street Stocker.
LEE CAMPFIELD- Wife of former Tioga Speedway, then named Shangri-La, promoter Dale in Apalachin, NY.
DAN SUKUP- Son of Schodack Landing, NY retired Midget team owner Joe.
November 18
SCOTT WALTERS- Louisville, KY NASCAR driver.
RICH BURGDOFF- NASCAR Cup official.
ELISEO SALAZAR- Santiago, Chile IRL driver.
JOHN KATANIA- Son of CT Mod owner Joe, graphics artist and SK Mod driver.
November 19
RON BURNS- Phoenix, AZ NASCAR West driver.
November 20
PETE MORGANTINI- West Pittston, PA NASCAR Mod driver, son of engine builder Lou.
ANDY BELMONT- ARCA driver/ New Egypt co-promoter.
ACE LANE, JR.- Legendary New Jersey photographer.
November 21
BILLY DECKER- Franklin, NY DIRT Mod driver.
TOBY PORTER- Greenville, SC NASCAR driver.
TRAVIS CARTER- Veteran NNC team owner.
JIMMY MILO- Southington, CT AARN columnist and head of Stafford Motor Speedway’s Safety Team.
AIMEE BARKER- Daughter and Team Crew member on dad Bob “Mad Dog” Barker’s 8NY Legend out of Staten Island.
BILLY “The Kid” BARKER- Garden State Vintage Stock Car Club, Staten Island, NY.
November 22
BRENDA HIRSCHMAN- The wife of Northampton, PA NASCAR WMT driver Tony and Mother of Mod driver Matt.
LUCY CHRISTOPHER- Plainville, CT Bill’s wife and mom of famous racing twins Ted and Mike.
DR. CHRIS WIBBELSMAN- Eldest son of Gainesville, FL RWJM Advisor Dick and wife Judy, living in Dayton, OH.
DOREENE EMHOFF- Wife of Bill and mother of Matt, both WMT crew members.
MAYNARD TROYER- Rochester, NY chassis builder and retired Modified driving great.
J.C. “SUITCASE” ELDER- Veteran NSC Crew Chief.
TOMMY GAVINE- Proprietor of Stafford Springs, CT Fyne Lyne Fabrication.
November 23
RICK CLONCH- E. Smithfield, PA NASCAR KNPSE driver.
RON BOUCHARD- Fitchburg, MA retired NSC driver.
PATRICK O’BRIEN- A son of Tammy Longacre in Boyertwon, PA.
KEVIN OKULA- Son of Wayne,Team manager for the #28 King Racing Modified and Charger Driver for #67 – Riverhead Raceway & Sharon.
*** IN THE SHOP ***
MICHAEL PARES UPDATE – Michael had a setback last week and is back in the hospital; he went in last Tuesday and had surgery on the right leg that night. He was off the antibiotic for 4 days and the infection came back. He has to do the IV infusions treatment again with the pill until his legs are strong enough to remove the plates, they are the root cause of the infection. Next month he has to go back to surgery to remove the plates, if they don’t the infection will never go away. He has been able to get around with a walker and is looking forward to getting full use of his legs back. Please continue to pray for him, Carol and the boys. If you are led to help, please drop us a line and we will let you know how best to do that. You can always send him a card of encouragement, Michael Pares, 5 Broadway, Wayne, NJ 07470.
Sources: Rev. Don Rivers/RWJM