One of my favorite hymns is “Because He Lives”. The song contains many
reasons why we can draw on the fact that Christ is alive to encourage us,
strengthen us and enable us to live. This life is not just any life but the
abundant life that Christ offers us in His Word. Are you rejoicing this
Easter because Christ lives? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ.
Luke 24:1-8, On the first day of
the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had
prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the
tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that
gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed
down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you
look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember
how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee : `The Son of Man
must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the
third day be raised again.' " Then they remembered his words.
Why do we look for the living among the dead? A good question; why
do we continue to search for the meaning of life among things of the world
that will lead us to death? We all want to live life to the fullest. We all
want everything life has to offer. We all want. Listen to what David wrote
in Psalm 23:1
The Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need.
Is Jesus Enough? Is He everything you need? Can He provide
everything we need? YES!
Let me ask the question, are you living or surviving? Most people I
know are just trying to get by. They are just trying to make ends meet. They
work from one paycheck to the next hoping that nothing happens that will
upset the delicate balance of their lives.
We know that is false hope. We know that life is full of
circumstances that can put us into a tailspin at a moments notice. What we
fail to realize is that we have made the choices that put us in those
circumstances. We are the ones that guide and direct the things we do. We
are responsible.
It doesn’t have to be that way. God provided guidance for us. God
promised to care for us and provide for us. God gave us a free will to
choose. We decide and God honors our decision. Which way should we choose?
Which way leads to the best life? Which way leads to life everlasting?
Let’s explore that a little. Who should know best how to live the
best life possible? The creator of life Himself, God. When our car is broke,
we don’t bring it to our lawyer. When our taxes need to be done, we don’t
bring them to our mechanic. When we want to live an abundant life, we need
to go to the source, God. He alone can provide what we need. He alone will
guide us in the right direction. He alone cares enough to give His life for
us.
Ask yourself, what am I willing to die for? Remember Christ was
willing to die for you. However, he not only died for you but he rose again,
victorious over death. He offers us forgiveness and life everlasting and He
demonstrated to us that He has control over those things.
What one thing do we fear the most? Death. We fear not being here
anymore. We fear our loved ones not being here with us. Christ offers
victory over death. He is ALIVE!
As you celebrate Easter this week, think about God’s love for you.
He loved you so much that He sent His son who gave His life for you, not to
condemn you but to save you. You will find that promise in John’s Gospel,
chapter three, verse 16-17. Truly celebrate this Easter with a new life, one
provided for you by Jesus and His death and resurrection. I leave you with
these words from the Hymn “Because He lives” God Bless.
God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal, and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
~ William and Gloria Gaither ~
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
LET THE TITLE DEFENSE BEGIN
- After winning the title last year without winning a pole TC started this
year out where he finished last year, on top. TC set fast time on Saturday
at Thompson and followed it up with a win on Sunday. His win wasn’t without
a challenge. Let the record show the Jet is Back!
Starting his 500th Tour race Jamie “The Jet” Tomaino was honored
before the race and he let the field know he had something for them. Tomaino
passed TC about twenty laps in and held the lead for 50 laps and then some.
For a moment a Cinderella story was unfolding and it looked like he might
just win his 500th race. Timing wasn’t with the 99 team on this day. A late
race pit stop followed by several yellows tied him up back in the pack.
Tomaino turned things over to his Howell, NJ neighbor and Jimmy
Blewett took up the chase getting by TC only to give it back in the next.
After a few restarts and a green, white, checker Jimmy came close but
couldn’t get by. Coming off turn four he made one final run only to come a
half of car short.
TC took home the victory followed by Jimmy Blewett. Donnie Lia had
a successful return to the tour coming home third followed by Ryan Preece
and Todd Szegedy.
It was great to get back to the track and visit with old friends.
We are looking forward to another successful season.
WHELEN ASKS FOR SOME HELP -
Phil Kurze from Whelen Engineering addressed the driver’s meeting for two
reasons. First, he wanted to show off the new Tissot time pieces that will
be presented to each race winner in 2009. Second he wanted to roll out a
plan to return the Modified tour to the fans. In an effort to get the fans
face to face with the drivers, each race will feature an autograph session
for all drivers. This is different than when they had a few at select races.
Phil wants everyone to participate and he wants them to wear their driver
suit. He would like to see the Tour step up their image and show the fans
who they are and the professionalism that is present on the tour today. He
asked the teams to be aware of their image and remember to project one that
is consistent with the professionals that they are. Phil would like to take
the tour to new venues and wants to bring a fan base with them. The hope is
to not only offer a great product on the track but also put fans in the
seats.
I think this is a great idea. I remember meeting my first driver,
he was bigger than life. I still remember not being able to sleep that
night. Let us hope that the fans of today and tomorrow respond and support
the Tour we love.
COOKIES!!!!!!!!!!! - I
received a special delivery from my Cookie Baker from NY. I was disappointed
that they were the Lent version of her favorite treat, but they hit the
spot. I realized that I was not the only one on the delivery list. Thank you
Linda for being so generous and keeping me in your thoughts.
NEW FIRESUIT ROLLED OUT -
Without knowing the direction Whelen wanted to take the tour, we discussed
having firesuits on pitroad to allow us to be used anywhere we are needed
during the race. Our uniform provider Design 500 came up with an awesome
design and I was able to suit up for the first race of the season. Check it
out on Glenn McGowen’s facebook page.
The suit was received well by both NASCAR and the teams. We now
have the proper safety equipment to cross the wall and minister wherever
race officials need us. Our thanks go out to James and Katie Standley and
ASI for a job well done.
HEADING SOUTH - As much as we
would rather spend Easter at home we have the season opener for the Camping
World East Series race in Greenville next Saturday night. Rev. Dan will make
the trip. I will stay back and bring the Easter message to the church in
West Springfield , MA that I have been speaking at in place of Rev. Rick who
went home to the Lord last November. Remember the reason that we celebrate
an empty tomb, Jesus is a risen Savior, He Lives and we can also.
PRAYER CONCERNS - Please keep
the Beers family in your thoughts and prayers this week as they celebrate
the life of Eric’s dad Dale. It has been a tough few months for the entire
family and they need our support. At Dale’s request, don’t send flowers,
send tire money.
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***
April 8
DOC & CAROL LEHMAN - This Smithville, OH AARN and RPM columnist and wife
have their 31st wedding anniversary.
PAUL & HEATHER FRANTZ - This Mountain Speedway couple celebrate their
9th wedding anniversary.
April 10
DENNIS & DARLA SETZER - The Newton, NC CWTS driver and wife have their
special day.
JOE & BRENDA RIOLO- This CWES driver and wife have their anniversary.
April 11
TONY & DEBBIE VECCHIO - This NASCAR CWES GRAND NATIONAL team owner
couple from have their 22nd anniversary.
April 13
TED & BETH SEMINARA - The Brewster, NY, now in Mt. Holly, NC proprietor
of TS Racing Photo and Sprint Cup "AARN" photographer and lively wife share
their 18th anniversary.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
April 8
ROBERT PRESSLEY - Asheville, NC NSC/NNS/CWTS driver.
BILLY MIDDLETON - Germantown, NC Modified driver.
MARK GREEN - Owensboro, KY NNS driver; middle brother with David and
Jeff.
JEFF CROWLEY - NH ProStock driver.
JOE LARSEN - Former Riverhead Raceway Chief Steward, now an official
on the NASCAR whelen Modified Tour.
TOMY MEMBRINO III - Son of Waterbury, CT ProStock driver Tony is 19.
April 9
DALE SHAW - Center Conway, NH NASCAR CWES driver/ fabricator.
ROGER HILL - Westfield, NC NASCAR WMT Hillbilly Racing Team owner.
BOBBY RUSS WOOD - Richmond, MO All Pro Series driver.
JOHN "PEACH FUZZ" JONES - This fan and son of Fuzzy Pete and Ro from
Shirley, NY turns 12.
April 10
KASEY KAHNE - Enumclaw, WA NSC team driver of RPM Dodge.
WARREN KUHLTHAU III - Wall Township Speedway Modified driver.
PAUL McELEARNEY - Riverhead LM driver from Commack, NY
SHIRLEY HIETALA - Enfield, CT mom of Mod driver Brad.
DEBORAH ZURAWSKI - Wife/car owner for husband Riverhead LM driver
Robert.
BOBBY MENSCHNER - Son of wall Chaplain Bob Menschner.
April 11
MIKE EWANITSKO - North Babylon, NY WMT driver.
DON LaHUE - White Mountain Motorsports Park (VT) driver.
RUSSELL WOOD - Son of Pelham, MA ISMA SuperModified driver Russ and
wife Lisa is 16.
ED D'HONDT, JR - Son of Long Island, now in Mooresville, NC, NSC Team
Manager Ed, Sr.
KARSYN JARRETT - NSC's Dale and wife Kelley's youngest is 19.
AIMEE FERREE - A daughter of Pennsylvania Motor Speedway Big Block LM
driver Ed and wife Gayle. Ed is also President of Frankland Racing Supply
who supplies those Frankland Racing Rears and Clincher Gears.
April 12
MIKE CALINOFF - Charlotte, NC writer/editor, Producer of STOCK CAR CITY
at www.stockcarcity.com.
JIM HAILEY - Manager of the Richard Childress Show Car Teams out of
Welcome, NC.
DAVE MICHEL - Wall Township Speedway star Modified driver.
TIM DWIGGINS - NC Modified driver.
BOB STRAIT - Mokena, IL ASA/ARCA driver.
TOMMY FOX - Plainfield, CT NASCAR WMT/NASCAR CWES driver and
fabricator.
ELAINE FEBRIELLO - Wife of retired Waterbury, CT Modified team owner,
Woody.
MARK FEBRIELLO - Elaine and Woody's son.
April 13
RUSS HERSEY, JR. - Keene, NH NASCAR CWES driver.
CHRIS AMAN - NC based, Interlaken NY Mod Series/NASCAR CWES driver.
MITCH GIBBS - Norwich, NY dirt Modified driver.
DARRYL CARL - Voorheesville, NY occasional NASCAR CWES driver.
JAY STUART - Preston, CT proprietor of JDM Chassis and accomplished
LM driver.
KEITH WHITE - Higginsville, MO All Pro Series driver.
KEN DIPPEL - Upstate NY photographer.
MARK GEER, JR. - A son of former Waterford Mod Tech Inspector Mark
and Office Manager wife Linda.
JEAN SMERIGLIO - Brookfield, CT wife of retired Danbury driver Dave.
DEAN DeBOIS - El Monte, CA dad of Pam Krause, wife of AARN's Ass't to
the Editor, Earl.
April 14
JOHNNY RUMLEY - Winston-Salem, NC NNS driver.
JEFF ANDRETTI - Bethlehem, PA Indy Car/NSC/NNS driver; Mario's
youngest son.
PAUL SACKS - Son of NSC driver Greg.
DICK FEARN - Feeding Hills, MA dad of ProStock driver Tom.
*** NEW BEGINNINGS ***
DALE M. PAP BEERS SR. 70, of Northampton died April 1, 2009 in
St. Lukes Hospital, Fountain Hill surrounded by his loving family. Dale and
his wife Dorothy Dottie Haldaman Beers would have been married 53 years in
October. He loved auto racing and was a well known car owner since 1962. He
fielded cars for many different drivers at most of the local tracks,
including, Grandview, Nazareth, Dorney Park, Mahoning, Evergreen and
Flemington Speedways. Besides his wife Dorothy; daughters, JoAnn S. wife of
Robert Heavy Scherer, of Northampton, Lori A. wife of David Kerper Jr., of
Northampton; sons, Eric A. Beers and wife Cherie, of Northampton, Jason C.
Beers Sr. and wife Brandy, of Fleetwood; eight grandchildren, Bobbi Jo and
husband Greg Martin, Beverly Scherer and Fiancee Willis Curry, Brandi
Scherer, Justin Bunce, Jason Beers Jr., Kailyn Beers, Shaye Kerper and
Austin Beers; brother, David Beers and wife Pearl of Cherryville; sisters,
Gladys Werley of Bath, Olivia wife of Lewis Romanishan of Bath, Ruth Edelman
of Chapmans; nieces and nephews. Dale was predeceased by a son, Dale M.
Beers Jr. and 11 brothers and sisters.
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RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES
PO Box 586
Tolland, CT, 06084
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