What Is Important In Life?
June 12, 2009After this last week, or is it month, or year, I have asked myself this question more times than I ever thought I would. This has been due to the many trials the racing family has encountered.
Each time I am involved with, or am informed of some new crisis coming from the racing community, I am reminded of what is really important in this journey we call life. If you were to ask the one that has just lost a loved one to choose between a race track situation and a family or friend that has just been subjected to a personal loss or bad report from their doctor, well I will leave that up to your wisdom.
This past year has been a very tragic time for the racing family and if you will be absolutely honest, I would hope you would take a closer look at the things that make life really important. I know there are many emotions in this sport and at times we will think and express thoughts that, if thought through, we would have kept to ourselves.
As for myself, it seems I was born with a foot size that fits my mouth perfectly, and as a result I have been able to open mouth and insert foot more times than I care to remember. Each time I have done that act, it has caused me to have some regret, as it usually causes someone great pain. I am gaining more control over this foot and mouth problem, thank God.
There is the quick access to the world via the internet, and it is used with great skill, but I question if it has been done with forethought or with knee jerk reaction. You are the only one that can answer your part and I am the only one that can speak for me.
Racing incidents and track situations are always going to be a hot topic, but can we please put them in perspective in comparison to the really important issues we face?
This last week alone I have been involved with some really difficult situations, and rest assured, those involved are from the racing family and would trade the worst race track situation for the trial they are facing.
I am constantly asked, “When is this going to end?” My answer is always the same – I don’t know, but if we put our trust in God and ask Jesus to give us the strength to go on, He will be faithful not only to hear us, but to also help us through the tough times.
I have looked into the faces of so many that have experienced personal loss in the last few years, and I’ve desperately wanted to fix the problem, only to realize, “I can’t, BUT GOD…” By now you know this is my favorite saying for he is the only answer.
I am sure when you visit someone that is is sick or at the funeral home your words are kind. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had that same attitude for those having tough times in the racing world?
My prayer for all of us is that we will use words, either spoken or typed, that will make those we speak about feel blessed, and not hurt, by what we express.
Colossians 13 is a very good place to look for advice for undoing things we may have said, and yes, Jesus is waiting on us to make things right. He was so serious about it that He gave his life for you. Will we give up our pride and ask for forgiveness from our brothers and sisters?
Chaplain Bill
Have you found your calling for life?
June 1, 2009For many years I knew what I was called to do with my life ,you ask what was it well after many years many failures I know I am doing exactly what I love and think I am having reasonable succes.
Even though I made many mistakes along the way Jesus has been and will always be there for me ,this is a very comforting way to live it is my desire to share this life with my racing family as long as I can with the sincere hope some will join me.
You might ask what is in it for you and all I can tell you it is just what God has told me to do and I have learned to listen when he speaks,I also know what it is like when you ignore his leading for your life.
The last three years has been the best time of my life I have been able to see his mighty hand move so many times I cant begin to remember all the miricales he has let me see.
The past few weeks have been so amazing I have a hard time putting them in words not wanting to miss any small detail ,each night as I am at the race track I am confronted by some new request the truth is I can do nothing on my own but because God is my father I have the blessing of asking him for things only he can do, and he is hearing me.
Please notice I said I ask him not demand him to do something we must be careful that we remember he is God and we should never demand him to perform for us but ask him through prayer and fasting.
Jesus never proclaimed a complicated gospel just the opposite he taught with simplicity for the common man,recently we have had a trend towards using God like drive thru resturant drive up tell them what you want, Gods word tells us to pray without ceasing and we need to realize that is still what he means.
If you are still seeking your calling keep praying and be patient it has taken me 70 years but it has all been worth it.
In Christ
Chaplain Bill
Fund Raiser for Jeff Schrum
May 20, 2009For those of you that don’t know, Jeff Schrum has had major surgery and will be recuperating for quite a while. There will be a SPAGHETTI DINNER on JUNE 28th AT CANFIELD HIGH SCHOOL FROM NOON UNTIL 5.
This event is being planned by his wife Jenny’s co-workers, and will include a 50/50 drawing, Chinese auction, and bake sale. As I understand, there will be some very valuable prizes for the auction.
For more information you can call (330)506-3257 or (330)398-5699 or contact me through this site and I will assist you. Lets make this fundraiser a huge success; it will be appreciated by all.
Jeff is doing well and is trusting God for a full recovery. Won’t you add your prayers to those that are already being offered? The racing family is a great family and I am sure you will rally to the need.
I just left Twin States Racing meeting and was excited to see Bill Banick Sr at the meeting. This is why we have a club, so guys like Bill can share some of their memories and we can be better informed. Bill had a stroke a while back but is doing pretty well, and this type of friendship is good therapy. Thanks, Bill, for all the great racing stories you have to share.
Yesterday I visited Tom Paxton at Grove City hospital where he is recovering from heart surgery. He has had a long time in the hospital, and is looking forward to a full recovery. His wife Nancy talks about his racing days with great joy and also about his long time friend Skinny Hall. As long as I can remember, where you saw one, you saw the other. Pray for this to happen again and soon.
We are heading into Memorial Day weekend and a lot of specials. Please take a few minutes and pray for the races and all the people involved, and mostly that we don’t forget why we have this holiday, and the price that has been paid for our freedom. It came with great cost and we should never forget that.
It is said there are two heroes providing our freedom – Jesus giving his life on the cross and the American soldier giving his life on the battlefield. Don’t ever forget either one.
Thank you Jesus
Thank you soldier
Chaplain Bill
