In memory of our very good friend, Rev. Pat Evans

REALLY LIVING

May 23, Tolland, CT--- We’re really living now! We have talked about this before, are we living or surviving. One of the hardest things in life to do is to live, really live. That’s because we think really living is ours to achieve. The source of real life is in none other than Jesus Christ. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Have you ever noticed that when you get your racecar dialed in it only lasts for a little while? You can have it setup perfect and then something changes. Maybe the clouds move in or the sun comes out, anything that will have an affect on the car. When that happens you have to adjust, make the car fit the conditions.

In racing we all want to compete and win. In our quest for victory we sometimes lose perspective. We get so wrapped up in getting to the next race we don’t have time to fix the issues, we just put Band-Aids on them and try to get by.

In life things are much the same way, we are constantly adjusting to the circumstances around us. Sometimes we loose sight what we need to be focused on. When that happens life gets turned around, like a dog chasing after it’s tail. We spin so fast from one thing to another we do not notice we are spinning around in circles. We need to stop spinning and find the one thing that will keep us focused in one direction.

Racing teams change personnel to find the right mix, the right chemistry necessary to focus on and achieve their goals. When the team loses sight of that goal and gets caught up chasing their tail then it is time for a change. Either they have to stop, regroup and refocus or they change people.

In our lives we have much the same decision to make. We have the information we need to decide, we just have to take the plunge.

Over the past few weeks we have looked at the process we go through to enter into a saving relationship with God through Jesus. They all start with the same letter, “R” so they can be called the three R’s of our relationship with Jesus, Recognize, Reconcile and this weeks topic, Reality. The final step in completing the transaction is to make Christ a reality in our life. How do we do that?

Well, as you might have guessed it has something to do with focus. We need to adjust our focus and tune into something other than ourselves. Listen to the way the writer of Romans puts it; 

Romans 12:1-2, Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

We are encouraged to put ourselves aside and surrender to God and His plan for our lives. Sounds simple enough, but in reality it can be one of the hardest things we attempt to do. That is why forgiveness comes before reality. In the process of becoming useful servants of God we will make some mistakes. Jesus provided His life so that those mistakes can be forgiven.

Let me chase a rabbit here, the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross cover everything we have done, are doing and will do. That one event covers it all. I think that is one of the most amazing things about God, He covers it all. Anyway let’s get back to making Jesus a reality in our lives.

If you remember we were discussing Peter and his development into a servant of God. Remember his denial, he promised to support and follow but when push came to shove he denied even knowing Christ. Remember how Jesus forgave him, on the shore early one morning Christ reinstated Peter and left with the command to feed His sheep. Now we come to the put up or shut up time. Will Peter make Christ a reality in his life? Yes, and this is how he responded; 

Acts 2:1-16, When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs--we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?" 

Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine. " 

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:  

Peter preached his first sermon that day and over 3,000 were added to Kingdom of God. He had become a useful servant of God and because his relationship with God was restored by trusting in Jesus he was able to speak boldly without fear of failure. His focus was adjusted and he brought the message of hope and forgiveness to the people that day. He made Jesus a reality for those 3,000 plus people.

Where does that leave us? God has a to-do list for each one of us. When we recognize who Jesus is and reconcile our sin with His sacrifice we have the opportunity to receive that list from God. We only need to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit who has been placed in our hearts to reveal to us what God want us to do. I would ask you this week to stop surviving and start living. Put the shovel down and climb out of the hole. Turn to Jesus and give your life to Him. Restore your relationship with God. Adjust your focus, tune your ears to His Spirit, let your heart feel His presence and let your feet be ready to take the steps necessary to spread the Good News.   

THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD 

The Midwest odyssey has come to a close, two states, three tracks, one dirt, two asphalt, and three races. Dan and I had a great time traveling to the breadbasket of our country to experience some of what the Midwest has to offer. Driving from Minnesota to Iowa reminded me of one of our favorite sidekicks, Ken Spring, stories. If you miss part of it don’t worry it will be repeated. The landscape didn’t hold to many surprises around each corner. At one point I was sure we had traveled down a certain road only to find out it wasn’t the same road after all, just looked the same.

Speaking of Kenny, he had a rookie stripe of sorts due the wonderful weather we experienced on the trip. He wore his hat backward on Friday to shoot photos and forgot to wear his sunscreen. When he removed his hat there was a distinct line where the back bar of his hat was. Check out the photographic evidence on www.eastseries.com. As Alan questioned, “Got Sunscreen?”

Once again, Kenny kept us awake during our travels but we added another member to our eclectic entourage, Dale Quarterly. Actually when we realized how close we were to Knoxville’s famed half-mile of dirt we set out Saturday night to take in the show. Dale heard we were going and joined in on the fun. You’ll have to ask him if he will ever be the same.

We had a ball at Knoxville and are making plans on retuning, possibly for the nationals. It was an interesting perspective for us, sitting in the stands and all. I think it was the first time in a long time that any of the four of us entered through the front gate, paid admission and sat in the stands. What a show! The regular weekly drivers showed their stuff and the 360’s and 410 sprint cars flew around the track. We hope to go back again when we can spend time going through the Sprint Car Hall of Fame located in turn two.

Oh yeah, there were those other two races we went out there for. Friday night at the Elko Minnesota bullring reminded me of some of the tracks we have back east. The racing was tight and plenty of bumping and grinding was evident. The crowd was a disappointment but the facility was top notch. I had a similar feel to Lake Erie and Irwindale, polished and well thought out, but it still was short track racing at it’s best.

Iowa Speedway was everything it was proclaimed to be, first class all the way. With the influx of cup teams and their equipment this race had the feel of the big dance. The most amazing stat of the day; Paid attendance 21,000 +. That’s right, in the middle of a corn field in Iowa 20,000 people came out to watch the Grand National Series headline the show. It can happen and did. What a great facility and tremendous fan support. I left with the conviction, we will be back.

I am sitting in the airport waiting for my flight home. I’ll share some more of the goings on of the weekend in the days to come. Suffice to say it was a great weekend with two races run on very different tracks. You hated to see so many cars go home but all in all I think they would give it a shot again. A call goes out to that crazy purple racing family, the Bouleys. They made the trip and as luck would have it didn’t make either show. But, as always, they smiled and lived to race another day.

Dan received a call from S.J. Evonsian this week, check out the Checkered Cheers for a note about his Mother-in-Law. Dan remembered S.J. and the kindness he showed his son Aaron at Stafford Motor Speedway during a pit party. He let Aaron get into the car, strapped him in and put his helmet on him. Aaron was thrilled and needless to say an S. J. fan for many years to come. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers as they endure this loss. You can send a card to the address in the Checkered Cheers column.

I guess we’ll stay close to home this weekend, the traditional Friday night race at Stafford to kickoff the holiday weekend and then some R & R. Have a great week and we’ll see you at a local track near you soon. God Bless, Rev. Don.

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 23

STEVE AND PATTY SMUDGE- The Easton, MA retired Mini Modified team owner and wife have their 36th anniversary.

REV. DAN & DEBBIE PETFIELD- The RWJM Vice President/ BES Pastor and wife share their 25th.

            May 26

LLOYD & LINDA AGOR- From Brewster, NY, this Stafford DWRS Modified 2005 champion and wife have their 14th anniversary.

            May 27

WALTER & TRUDY CHARETTE- The Linwood,MA proprietor of Son Carpentry/ Mike Stefanik and Dale Jarrett fan and wife/ Reggie Ruggiero/Ernie Irvan fan have their 11th anniversary.

RUSH & MARTA LIMBAUGH- This New York City based Indy car fan and wife share their 12th anniversary. 

*** BELATED ANNIVERSARIES *** 

            May 16

S.J. AND CAROL EVONSION- This former modified driver and his wife celebrate their 37th anniversary.  

***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***

            May 23

WALLY DALLENBACH, JR- BGN driver and TV commentator.

CHARLES ELMS III- Bear Ridge, VT Speedway owner and dirt Modified driver.

STEVE CHOWANSKY- Stafford Speedway WAAS SK Modified team owner.

BOB BARKER- "Mad Dog," owner of the Legends 8NY driven by Paul Rochelle III.

DALE NICKEL- This Thompson Speedway photographer is Joan's brother-in-law and photographer Scott's brother.

LISA JO WORTH- South Tom's River, NJ Nextel Cup fan and wife of Don.

            May 24

RICKY CRAVEN- The Newburgh, ME NASCAR driver.

TERRY FISHER- Sandy, OR NASCAR West driver.

JOHN SPORS- Boston, NY NASCAR BES/ Holland Speedway driver.

            May 25

MIKE MAIETTA- Beech Ridge Speedway LM driver, and occasional on the NASCAR BES Series.

TIM DEROIN- Massachusetts based Modified Series driver and TV filim-maker.

CINDY BURDICK- Danielson, CT Stafford wife of Stafford announcing staff member Harold.

            May 26

STACY COMPTON- BGN driver.

RONALD COOPER- Statham, VA BGN team owner.

GEORGE BRUNNHOELZL- Lindenhurst, NY chassis builder.

LISA SANSEVERINO- A daughter of Hillsborough, NC photographer Ed and wife Linda.

            May 27

GREG GASTELU- Jackson, NJ Wall Township Speedway driver of the famous No. 69 NAPA ProStock.

JEREMY MAYFIELD- Owensboro, KY NNC driver.

RON MOON- Cumberland, ME LM driver.

MARK GARMAN- "The Shark" is a Sprint writer from Laureldale, PA and a member of the Grandview Speedway staff.

DR. DICK BERGGREN- Publisher and Editor of "Speedway Illustrated" magazine and TV Race Commentator.

            May 28

DON FORTE- Terrebone, Quebec LM driver.

WAYNE CARROLL, SR.- Dad of Massachusetts ProStock driver Wayne, Jr.

            May 29

KEN SCHRADER- Fenton, MO NNC driver.

JIMMY MEANS- NNC/BGN/NASCAR West independent driver/owner.

AL UNSER, SR.- Retired Indy Car great, Little Al's dad.

BOBBY HAMILTON- Nashville, TN CTS driver and former champion.

LARRY BARNETT- Ledyard, CT Limited late model champion at Thompson Speedway.

RITA TRUDEAU- Wife of retired Chaplin, CT Modified driver Joey.

RICH SYLVESTRI- Retired proprietor of Sylvestri's Auto Care in Canterbury, CT formerly referred to as the Northern World Center of Speed.

RITA ST. JOHN- The mother of Jewett City (CT) Service Proprietor Henry.

TERI SUMMERS- The lovely wife of Rob Summers, WMT driver.  

*** IN THE SHOP *** 

LOIS MATCZAK- Wife of Skip Matczak is battling serious health issues. Skip and his wife Lois have been prominent figures in the area (actual national) racing scene for decades. During her illness, she has enjoyed hearing from friends near and far, old and new. Let’s try and stuff their mailbox with words of support and encouragement! The Matczak’s address is 188 Parker Road, Somers, CT 06071. It would be great if we could show how much we care about these truly wonderful people. Let’s keep Skip and Lois in our thoughts and prayers. Thanks go out to Howie Hodge for letting us know.

*** NEW BEGINNINGS ***

HELEN RIGGOTT- Mother of Carol Evonsion, wife of former modified driver S.J. Evonsion, passes away last week. S.J. called this week and asked us to pray for the family, the children Ted, Carol and Bruce. Pray also for grandson Dale who now competes on the True Value Modified Series. Please the entire family in your thoughts and prayers. Cards of sympathy can be sent to; Steve Evonsion, 202 Mountain Road, East Hartland, CT, 06027

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

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