Why should Christians display their Talent and Performance?

"Don't shine so others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him."   C. S. Lewis

Why so many ignore God's Invitation

Here is a line from one scene in the movie: God's Not Dead.  The son is speaking to his mother, making the old argument that life without God can be better than life with God...


Mark: You prayed and believed your whole life. Never done anything wrong. And here you are. You're the nicest person I know. I am the meanest. You have dementia. My life is perfect. Explain that to me!



Mark and Mina's Mother: Sometimes the devil allows people to live a life free of trouble because he doesn't want them turning to God. Their sin is like a jail cell, except it is all nice and comfy and there doesn't seem to be any reason to leave. The door's wide open. Till one day, time runs out, and the cell door slams shut, and suddenly it's too late.


The movie does an excellent job explaining that the rewards for a life with God sometimes occur after death---eternal life of our spirit and peace in heaven. And, that rewards for a life without God sometimes come from God's enemy who God has given temporary power on Earth so that we have a free choice between good and evil. God's enemy is "Prince of this World" and he sets a "trap" for those who choose to ignore God's invitation.


I highly recommend the movie.  Anti-Christians hate the movie because it makes a powerful and effective case of why it is important to have a relationship with God and Jesus Christ.  The only response the Anti-Christians can make is to mock it.

New Book--Restoration: God's Plan for America

Been working on this book on and off for more than two years. Finally was able to finish over this winter.

If you are even a little concerned about the direction of our great country, it might be an interesting read.

Click on the links for more info.

Book Preview Page

Amazon Author Page

End of a Racing Career

With deep sadness I must announce that I am “out for the season” due to a seriously broken wrist.  I would appreciate your prayers for healing. I broke the scaphoid bone, one of the small ones in the wrist and chipped off a piece of the big arm bone that it connects to.  (Riding lawn mower tractors can be dangerous when you hit a tree stump at full speed!)

The injury was more severe than I expected and the healing time longer due to my being a 63 year old man.  I'm pretty sure that 30 years ago, the incident would have been just a sprain. But we get more brittle as we age. Therefore, it has caused me to evaluate the wisdom of my exposing myself to potential injuries from unavoidable future track incidents.  So, I have decided that my racing “career” is permanently over and I am selling my car and equipment. I will continue to make myself available as a Chaplain to anyone who needs to talk with someone about how competitive racing can fit into a rewarding and successful life as a believer in Jesus Christ.

I started racing in Detroit in 1970, converting my '67 Mustang to a drag race configuration.  Decided it was not something I could afford while supporting a family, so the next phase came in 1985,  driving a Camaro in SCCA GT-1 and Trans-Am Series. I won the SCCA's Southwest Region Championship. Moved on to Formula Ford and Formula Vee in SCCA in 1986, with one pro race in FF2000 at Sanair in Canada. Then into NASCAR Winston Cup in 1987 where I crashed hard at Rockingham with resulting broken bones. Returning in 1988, I decided that I would never be competitive as a professional driver at the highest levels and lost interest in racing until 2011 when I bought a Formula Vee. In 2012, the Vortech Formula Vee and I won two out of six races at Summit Point.  In 2013, I purchased a Legends Car and raced at local dirt tracks in Central Pennsylvania. Legends Cars are a lot of fun and very challenging, but there is a lot of car contact that can be rough on a old man's body. Like football, it is probably better suited to younger men.

So all good things come to an end. Perhaps 8 years of on track competitive racing over a 44 year period is enough risk.  Praise God that he has protected me all of those years--despite lots of "incidents" and crashes, I was seriously injured only once, and recovered without too much residual effects.

But, modern technology allows the old racer a wonderful opportunity--on line racing using sophisticated virtual reality equipment. IRACING using computers and racing simulators that even provide road feel and g-forces! So, we can keep seeking mastery without the risk of breaking bones.

BTW, top prize money for oval track IRACING is $10,000. And, top prize money for open wheel road IRACING is $10,000. And, there are almost 50,000 drivers participating from all over the world.  

Confronting Injustice

Many times, Christian behavior is criticized because it is inconsistent with a common mis-perception that Christians are supposed to passively take whatever is dished out and to meekly sit by and witness injustice without any action beyond prayer.

As a follower of Christ, we are to be "Christ-like" and to the best of our ability live according to his teachings.  Christ never taught us to avoid "rocking the boat".

A careful reading of scripture brings to light the fact the while Jesus condemned violence, he did not ignore injustice and when improper behavior rose to a certain level--he was even capable of visible display of anger.  I believe that Christ taught his followers to stand up to injustice and bullying--to confront it in a non-violent "loving" way, without being threatening, but standing firm--and strong with visible courage.

When Jesus entered the Temple and witnessed the focus in the House of God on commerce rather than prayer, he confronted the activity with anger overturning the moneychanger's tables.

When Jesus witnessed the crowd threatening to stone the prostitute, he confronted the hypocritical aspect of the injustice by challenging the crowd with their hypocrisy. "He who is without sin, cast the first stone".

His teachings, many times have hidden meanings. Following is a perspective on the real meaning and purpose of "turning the other cheek".

Here is an article I ran into on a couple of  Christian websites attributed to Marcus Borg.

THE TRUE MEANING OF TURN THE OTHER CHEEK

By Marcus Borg   http://www.marcusjborg.com/my-books/

Both the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi said Jesus' Sermon on the Mount provided the foundation for their political protests. Yet the Sermon on the Mount seems to recommend passive acceptance of injustice and oppression.

According to Matthew 5:39-41, Jesus says:

If any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also.

If anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give him your cloak as well.

If any one forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.

For much of Christian history, people have heard these verses as affirming political acquiescence, not active resistance. Yet King and Gandhi interpreted Jesus as justifying political action. Which interpretation was right? Recent Jesus scholarship suggests these verses are creative non-violent strategies of protesting oppression. Such is the persuasive argument of New Testament scholar Walter Wink.

In his books "Engaging the Powers" and "The Powers That Be," Wink argues that Jesus rejected two common ways of responding to injustice: violent resistance and passive acceptance. Instead, Jesus advocated a "third way," an assertive but non-violent form of protest.

 

The key to understanding Wink's argument is rigorous attention to the social customs of the Jewish homeland in the first century and what these sayings would have meant in that context.

To illustrate with the saying about turning the other cheek: it specifies that the person has been struck on the right cheek. How can you be struck on the right cheek? As Wink emphasizes, you have to act this out in order to get the point: you can be struck on the right cheek only by an overhand blow with the left hand, or with a backhand blow from the right hand. (Try it). 

  

But in that world, people did not use the left hand to strike people. It was reserved for "unseemly" uses. Thus, being struck on the right cheek meant that one had been backhanded with the right hand. Given the social customs of the day, a backhand blow was the way a superior hit an inferior, whereas one fought social equals with fists.

This means the saying presupposes a setting in which a superior is beating a peasant. What should the peasant do? "Turn the other cheek." What would be the effect? The only way the superior could continue the beating would be with an overhand blow with the fist--which would have meant treating the peasant as an equal.

Perhaps the beating would not have been stopped by this. But for the superior, it would at the very least have been disconcerting: he could continue the beating only by treating the peasant as a social peer. As Wink puts it, the peasant was in effect saying, "I am your equal. I refuse to be humiliated anymore." That is not all. The sayings about "going the second mile" and "giving your cloak to one who sues you for your coat" make a similar point: they suggest creative non-violent ways of protesting oppression.

Roman law permitted soldiers to force civilians to carry their gear for one mile, but because of abuses stringently prohibited more than one mile. If they ask you to do that, Jesus says, go ahead; but then carry their gear a second mile. Put them in a disconcerting situation: either they risk getting in trouble, or they will have to wrestle their gear back from you.

Under civil law, a coat could be confiscated for non-payment of debt. For the poor, the coat often also served as a blanket at night. In that world, the only other garment typically worn by a peasant was an inner garment, a cloak. So if they take your coat, Jesus says, give them your cloak as well. "Strip naked," as Wink puts it. Show them what the system is doing to you. Moreover, in that world, nakedness shamed the person who observed it.

Thus, these sayings from the Sermon on the Mount, these seemingly mild sayings, are actually potent ways of confounding and exposing injustice. King and Gandhi may not have been aware of the finer points of modern Biblical scholarship, but they were no doubt clear that Jesus was counseling a radical new way of empowering the underclass.

And so, those little verses from the Gospel of Matthew are the foundation upon which King and Gandhi built their world-moving campaigns for social justice.

Qualifying for the ‘A’ Main Event

Message given during "Racer's Church" by Wayne Strout as Co-Chaplain at Dirt Trackin Show 2014, York , PA

As racers, our goal is to “get into” the “A Main” feature race of the night.  In other words to “qualify” for the most important part of the event.  We first must run in the Heat race to which we are assigned, running against many opponents and having to overcome the challenges of that competition in order to finish well enough to “get into” or “qualify” for the Main Event.

In many ways, the Heat race illustrates real life.

The Bible even uses a similar illustration in scripture, Hebrews 12 where we are reminded: “And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Yes, the Bible acknowledges that racing is a part of living! Our lives, in fact are the “race God has set before us”!)

In real life, the Main Event is everlasting life in Heaven with God. And, what we do in our daily lives is all about our “running with endurance the race God has set before us”. In real life here on Earth, our daily lives are our running the Heat race in order to qualify for the Main Event.

So how do we finish well enough in the Heat race of life in order to “qualify” for entrance to Heaven?

That’s what the wonderful “Gospel” or “Good News” is all about.  God himself came to Earth as a man, God’s Son, by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. He allowed himself to suffer pain and death. He then caused himself to be raised from the dead and ascended into Heaven. This is the famous scripture, John 3:16  “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

In order to “qualify” for the Main Event and get into Heaven, having everlasting life with God, all you need to do is “believe in Jesus Christ” and follow him.  Jesus said as is written in scripture, Matthew 11: 28-30 “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls; For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. “ and in John 10:11, 7-28 Jesus says “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep“ and “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.  I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

So to “qualify” we must “accept, believe and follow”.   Accepting and Believing is the first step. Following is what, as believers, we are expected to do in order to “qualify”—“running with endurance the race God has set before us”---in other words---the rest of our lives here on Earth.

Does that mean we have to be “religious”????

No…it means that we have to have a “personal relationship with God”, “believe and follow Jesus” and live our lives according to the two most important and simple commandments:

Love God with all our heart…and do our best to please him as we would our loving Father.

Love one another here on Earth, as Jesus loved us when he sacrificed himself on the Cross.

In other words, live our lives, running our race, putting God and others ahead of ourselves.

The way we maintain a “personal relationship” with God is to pray regularly as well as to read and study the Bible.

The “Good News” is that once we decide to “believe and follow”,  God will send, in Jesus’s name, a “helper”, the Holy Spirit that will help us to follow these commandments. The Holy Spirit also will help us to understand the Word of God as written in the Bible---words that were meaningless before we accepted Jesus now “come alive” and we are now able to understand the message.  Sort of like getting special fuel, giving us more horsepower.  God knows, like sheep, we may stumble (like spinning out in a race) but as long as we keep our eyes on him, “believing and following” we will qualify for everlasting life in Heaven with God forever-The Main Event.

And, everybody that qualifies for the Main Event is a Winner!  A Winner, Not Being First.

Blessings for 2014 Racing Drivers

May the Lord bless your plans and preparations.

May the Lord help you to maintain and improve your health and driving skills.

May the Lord keep you and others safe and protect you and others from the dangers of racing.

May the Lord bless you with financial success in your work and livelihood.

May the Lord bless you with the moral support and love from your family and friends.

May the Lord help you to find and maintain balance between your love of racing and other parts of life.
 

May the Lord help you to love your fellow competitors.

May the Lord Bless You and Keep You and May He make His Face to Shine upon you and Give you Peace.

Happy New Year!

Chaplain Wayne

The Consequence of Anger at the Races

"NASCAR announced Thursday that Adam Brown, a Richard Childress Racing crew member for Ty Dillon's team who threw a sledgehammer at Kevin Harvick's truck in Saturday's Camping World Truck Series race at Martinsville,had been suspended indefinitely."

Full Article

One of the greatest challenges of men while competing is the control of emotions.  It's not a new problem and really is not more prevalent in racing than in most other forms of "competition".  The issue is that it is unproductive--does not really solve anything--and is a danger to the perpetrator as well as the victim. (Physically AND Spiritually).  More... afterwards, the perpetrator tends to look a little foolish.

Scripture covers it:

Ephesians 4:26-31 is a good verse to review. And, as usual, there is an appropriate message in Proverbs 14:29: "A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly" and Proverbs 29:11 "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control."

It is very difficult to find a job as part of a NASCAR Crew.  Mr. Brown's career in NASCAR ended forever with one momentary loss of control. Actually, he is still fortunate in that the sledgehammer (a deadly weapon--it was a really BIG sledgehammer!) did not hurt anybody.

Anger is a part of being human--it is the control of it that makes one "wise".

SSP Legends Car Race October 26, 2013

Vast improvement over last outing.  Slow at the beginning, but by laps 15-18, was running a four lap total consistent with track record. (22.76 average lap over four laps=91.03 seconds) while running by myself.  Good racing conditions--low air temp and dense air---all cars were fast--leaders were turning 22.50 second laps. Still room for more improvement in corner entry speed and more throttle application on corner exit--I still need to cut 0.3 seconds per lap.

We were going through the corners here 9 mph faster than at Trail-Way.

We increased cross weight about 1.5% and car responded well. I think it will take more cross which should enable more and earlier throttle in mid corner to corner exit without too much push on entry.

This was the first race this year where I was not lapped or almost lapped by the leader--in fact we seemed to almost maintain our track position versus the leaders with about the same interval as at the time of the single file restart with them only gaining maybe 1/3 of a lap on us.

 

I lose a lot of position at the starts by being too cautious in anticipation of possible spins by competitors ahead.  Need to stay closer to the "pack" early.  These are really "sprint" races.

BTW: Pre-race Prayer was generously answered. We were blessed and protected the entire race.

Here is excellent video from Car #77 who drove a fine race. 

Dangers of Passing on the Outside

Special dangers exist when attempting to overtake on the outside of a turn.  The "airborne launch" risk of wheel to wheel contact in open wheel cars is always present, but when passing on the outside, centrifugal force amplifies the tendency to roll and can create spectacular crashes. Also, the car being passed is struggling against centrifugal force in the turn and sometimes slides unpredictably into the overtaker's path.   Sometimes it's almost completely unpredictable and the victim doesn't even see it coming.

Below is Jason Rochelle at Mountain Speedway--a wild ride.

You will note that in the last Trail-Way Legends Car feature race, I backed off when the white car unpredictably slid outside on the entry to the corner.  Some drivers move to the right just before turning left.  It is prudent to give these a wide berth. Be sure the reward is worth the risk. It also pays to really know the skill of the driver being passed.

Feature Race Video for Trail-Way Legends Cars 10/05/2013

 

Feature race. Still need improvement in corner entry. Making slow progress. Car handled well. Changed over to left foot braking. Two or three passes made early in race. First spin in a Legends Car (after 100+ laps) so perhaps I'm pushing a bit harder. Watch in rear camera view during last laps how fast the leader overtakes! Bob Stough (Car #7) is a very talented driver. We have lots of improvement to make.

Video from Trail-Way--Hot Laps 10/05/2013

Still making progress. Still too slow in my second outing here but much improved over last time at Trail-Way. Need to carry much more speed into corners. Need to get much more comfortable driving a loose race car.  Felt God's presence and protection all evening!

Developing Speed on Dirt--A Eureka Moment?

Just completed my fourth race on dirt ovals. My rate of speed improvement continued, reaching times within 0.4 seconds of the leaders, but I was unable to perform at my best for every lap and I lost a lot of ground at the start.  (I also made contact with another car late in the race--I'll cover that in another post.) Managed to finish 12 out of 16.

The car handled very well, neutral through mid corner and I was able to apply full throttle long before the apex. (Even after being launched airborne several feet as a result of the other car hitting me.) The car felt "fast" but I am still driving it much too slow. No doubt, now almost all of my "lost time" is in corner entry.  I find myself mistrusting the track during corner entry. After some reflection and prayer, and checking some of the racing "literature" I ran across this advice:

Quote from Ultimate Speed Secrets by Ross Bentley.

"I found that I if I purposely made the car slide slightly from the second I entered the turn, I was automatically smoother and faster......I had no fear of the car suddenly taking me by surprise....the moment I learned this, I started winning races."

A reminder that God provides for those that seek his assistance thru prayer: James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

Dirt track racing differs from asphalt in that the track is always changing. On asphalt, you learn where the limit is, develop a "speed sense" and duplicate the process each lap. On dirt, the traction limit is changing and if you are shy about testing the limit of your car, by the time you realize where the limit is, your competitors have gained many car lengths on you. You must slightly exceed the limit of your traction with confidence that you can take corrective action immediately.   Ross's advice is exactly that.  I highly recommend his book! 

As most driver coaches know--many times it's not the car or the driver's skill that holding him back--it's what's in his head--fear of being surprised and losing control causing him to intentionally hold back and not drive to the best of his ability.

Sliding is an important part of going fast on asphalt--generally the car will be sliding all the way across the track from mid-corner apex all the way to the corner exit.  Those that understand that "controlled" sliding during corner entry as well, will usually be the guys who win races---it is particularly important on ovals.  It had taken me awhile to learn this in NASCAR and ARCA and again I needed a reminder.

Let's see how well I apply the knowledge on the next outing.  I will be reminding myself of an important scripture:  2 Timothy 1:7  "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

First Outings—Slow but Steady Progress toward the Goal

In the Central PA Legends Series, you are required to start last, at the back of the field, for your first three races.  That suited me fine since despite having a lot of “racing” experience on asphalt, this was my first exposure to racing on dirt.

So, my first time driving “Sunshine” was at Trail-Way Speedway on July 26, 2013. First time in a Legends Car and first time on a dirt oval.

I admit to having a bit of apprehension, as a quote from Hall of Fame driver Red Farmer about drivers switching from asphalt to dirt bounced around in my head..”An asphalt driver is in for a world of hurt if he has no experience on dirt," he said. Farmer (still racing late models on dirt short tracks at age 80) thinks it may take a year or two to fully learn how to drive on dirt. I certainly was not looking forward to a “world of hurt”.

So “patience” and “caution” were the order of the day.  My research on the proper setup, gained by a lot of listening and reading—learning from others' experience as well as my engineering background, seemed to pay off as the car was quite neutral and well behaved. I had been warned about the cars being “twitchy” but my first impression was a bit different.  The car had enough power to spin the wheels and get loose coming off the corner, but not more than other cars I’ve driven. The short wheel base makes the car very responsive--perhaps my experience in formula cars influences my opinion, but I think Legends Cars handle very well.

The only frustration was from not having mirrors and knowing that I was slower than the leaders. I could not see or hear traffic overtaking me until they were right beside me.  Even though I tried to stay out of everyone’s way by staying high, a couple guys got a bit impatient with me and butted my right rear in the middle of the corner—making the car under-steer toward the wall until they backed off.  Also got a couple “butts” to my rear bumper that I needed to repair after the race.

So at Trail-Way, I started 24^th and finished 18^th, running about 2 seconds a lap off the leaders’ pace. (Got lapped twice.)  I had prayed before the race for good judgment and God’s protection—he had answered my prayers—I was happy and thankful.

My assessment of dirt compared to asphalt is that driving on dirt is VERY different.  Best description is: to me it’s like driving in fresh, deep snow—enough traction to go fast, but slippery enough to require a bit of finesse and more car control skill than on dry pavement.  (I learned to drive fast in the Laurel Highland mountains of south western PA, in the snow when I was 16.) The most interesting difference between asphalt and dirt is that asphalt does not change much, but one night on a dirt track is like driving on three different tracks--the car handles much differently in the warm up versus the heat race and the again a big difference in the feature. And, changing racing lines really changes the way the car handles.

Since Sunshine had survived without damage, other than minor bends to my bumper mounting tabs,  I was ready to go again with my second race at Path Valley, a sweet little ¼ mile high banked oval with beautiful mountain scenery. Here on August 3I started last again, 18^th, and finished 15^th.  I had moved up at Trail-Way solely by attrition with others falling out of the race or spinning. At Path Valley—a milestone—I actually passed someone! Still I was about a one second per lap off the pace of the leaders but a bit of improvement. This time, I stayed low to keep out of the way and only got lapped once.  I had prayed before the race for good judgment and God’s protection—he had answered my prayers—I was happy and thankful again.

Being slow at this point was pretty much because of my being conservative on corner entry. I’ve never been throttle shy, so full throttle off the corner, even if very loose requiring a lot of opposite lock is not an issue. Sliding out to the wall is not an issue either.  Losing control by being too hot on corner entry was a concern.  My definition of a race car driver is someone who maintains control of his car while going fast—testing the limit without going over it.  Plus my racing goal is to be a Chaplain and an Ambassador of Christ, so setting a good example by using good judgment was important—being “Salt and Light” as we as Christians are supposed to be in the world. (Matthew 5:16 NIV) “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

My confidence increasing, the goal for the next race was to work on increasing corner entry speed.  On to my third race, at Lincoln Speedway on August 24.  Not knocking any of the other tracks, but to me, Lincoln seems like the dirt track equivalent of Charlotte Motor Speedway—a very nice and "classy" track with a lot of spectators. (This race attracted a big field of more than 30 Legends Cars.) Plus, most of my family decided it was time to come out and watch the 62 year old Grandpa race.  So four of my Grandchildren (Age 4 thru 14)  were in the stands, along with their parents, two of Carol’s sons and one Daughter-in-Law.  A little bit more pressure than usual.  (Since I’m not yet running out front, nobody is paying much attention to my driving, but I did want to set a good example for the Grandsons and Granddaughter with at least a “respectable” performance.)

In the warm up, I charged the first corner, held wide open throttle longer than usual and trail-braked into the corner. Surprise!  The previously “neutral” car was now VERY loose with the back end coming around a lot as I entered the corner.  Actually, it was not that much of a surprise…many times a car will be tight in the corner..until you start driving it hard.  The good thing---the car responded predictably to my opposite lock correction and moved from tight to loose with throttle modulation.  I changed the right front brake bias a bit for the Heat Race.

Starting last as usual, the car handled great.  Jousted with another car for several laps and was able to pass him using the classic late apex strategy.  Did not qualify for the Feature, but was assigned (earned) a 6^th place starting position in the Consolation Race, giving me a long shot chance of making the Feature, but I opted to follow the rules.. and again started last—11^th.

With more confidence, I charged the first corner when the green flag dropped and passed one car.  Unlike at Trail-Way and Path Valley,  I was able to keep up with the pack and even passed one more car in the short race, finishing 9^th.  Probably should not have made that right front brake bias adjustment as the car was way too tight on entry and mid corner.  I also probably could have gone faster if I had reduced my tire pressure and ran a higher line.  The best news, only about 0.6 seconds per lap off the pace needed to win. Still not a scratch on the car and no mechanical problems. God had again answered my prayers for good judgment and protection and I was grateful.  (The power of faithful prayer is truly awesome!)

Despite running three races, I was humbled to realize that because the races are so short, I still have a total of less than an hour of “seat time” in the car and on dirt. Experience teaches that it takes several hours of “seat time” to become really competitive—probably a full year of racing short dirt oval tracks.  Like every "athletic" sport, lot's of focused practice is required to develop "instinct" which is the basis of going fast while retaining control in a race car. So far, our rate of improvement is steady, cutting our "behind the leader" gap by about 50% each outing.

But, God teaches that patience and perseverance are important parts of living according to his design for us.  With constant and continuous improvement, along with humility and a gentle nature, people will begin to notice the Cross displayed on “Sunshine” and the good news message of hope for all that it symbolizes. John 3:16  That’s the goal.

 

 

 

Sunshine is ready!

We begin a new phase of our racing as a Chaplain with Racer's for Christ, competing in the Central PA Legends Series--bringing attention to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Racing on dirt ovals in the Hanover, PA area. Car is named "Sunshine" and carries the #8--the Biblical # for a New Beginning. Team is still named Follow the Son Racing displaying the Christian symbols of the sign of the fish and the latin cross of St. George adopted by England and others as the "Banner of Victory".

First race is scheduled for Trail-Way on 7/26/2013, followed by Lincoln on  8/10/2013.

 

Spent a great deal of time upgrading the driver environment with a new full containment seat having lumbar support, new seven point harness, fire suppression system, new steering wheel and new padding throughout. Also new shocks and springs with a set-up for my driving style.  I've competed on a lot of ovals (Nascar Winston Cup, Formula 2000, Formula 1600, and Late Model): Sanair Canada, Rockingham, Richmond, Pocono, North Wilkesboro, Texas World,  Concord, and Dover, but this will be the first time on dirt! It will also be the first time in a car that does not use anti-roll bars. Engine and drivetrain seem in good shape, but we won't know how it runs on the track under power until our first outing.

 

Taped to my dash is a checklist that includes a reminder: "Remember the Two Most Important Commandments".  It is easy to get "caught up" in the heat of competition.  That is one of the "messages"---that loving God and one another while doing one's best in every effort is much more important than winning.  That is the example we hope to set.  Pray for us!

 

God created us for a purpose, but he takes pleasure in our recreation, especially when we keep our attention on Him.

 

Here's a YouTube in-car video taken by my friend Rick Miller--an accomplished racing veteran of Central PA Legends. This on is at Lincoln in Abottstown, PA. (Click on link for smartphone or video on YouTube for PC)

 

 

YouTube Video

 

 

Visit WS Speed Analytics

Link to site about Speed Analytics and Video/Data Recording for Racing

Pre-Race Prayer

Whether it's called a Pre-Race Prayer or an Invocation, praying before a race is a good thing. It is written:

Philippians 4:6

New International Version (NIV)

⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.


Pre-Race Prayer

"Almighty God, we are thankful for this opportunity to gather together at this racing event, to celebrate life together and have friendships based on our shared interest in racing.

We ask boldly for your protection from danger and for your blessing on the spectators here as well as the judgment, skill and preparation of the drivers, workers and officials. Help us to remember one of your two most important commandments: to love and respect one another. We ask this in your mighty name. Amen "

Pray with other Christians….and stay "connected"

Matthew 18:20   For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them

 

Knowing God's Will for Our Actions

Perhaps the most profound question asked by every believer is, “How do I know what God wants me to do?” Some claim that their actions or decisions are the result of God putting a certain desire “on their heart”.  Others wait for a “sign” or confirmation of what God wants them to do.  I think one must be careful to not oversimplify.

In the 32^nd Psalm, a special message written by David as one of his “maskils” or “special teachings”, he writes: “I (God) will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I (God) will counsel you with my loving eye on you. ⁹ Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding, but must be controlled by bit and bridle.”

God did not create us to be like a horse waiting for instructions as to which direction of path we should take.  He created us with intelligence to make decisions on our own.  God created us with a capacity for aspirations and desires.  Some of these desires are consistent with God’s will—some are not.  One must be careful about making conclusions that a particular aspiration or desire “on our heart” is according to God’s will or not. It is written: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure,” Jeremiah 17:9

The first action one should take when undertaking the task of indentifying God’s will is prayer.  Pray to God constantly—be in constant fellowship with him.

The second action should be to study the Word of God, generally and specifically.  Generally as a matter of your Christian Walk and specifically to determine what it has to say about the specific question you have.

The third action should be to allow God to speak to you through others. I believe this is the most common way that God “communicates” with us---through others.  Seek the “Counsel of Many”.  LISTEN!!

Fourth, examine your present circumstances and see if they are consistent with the path or decision you are contemplating. 

But have not we heard “God does not call the equipped. He equips the called?” Have we not been told that if we are doing “God’s will” he will give us all we need to get the job done? I believe this is true and is consistent with Hebrews 13: “ ²⁰ Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, ²¹ equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.” There are many examples of God working through ordinary people—equipping them to do according to his will. But that does not mean that God will bless and equip us to fulfill every desire we deem, on our own, to be according to God’s will. In fact, most of the time when God has miraculously “equipped” the improbable, the calling was not part of that person’s “heart’s desire”.

If you have a terrible singing voice and can’t carry a tune in a bucket, God is probably not calling you to be a Gospel singer—no matter how strong your desire to be one. In most cases, God has given you the talents and abilities to reach the goals he desires for you.  Look for “evidence” that is “beyond a reasonable doubt” that God’s plan for you is consistent with your desires by checking all four “resources”—all of which by the way are provided by God for you.  On the other hand, don’t be afraid of obstacles that might be in your path—when doing God’s work, according to his will, anything is possible. If God has placed you at the “fork in the road” do not allow fear to influence your decision.

Then, finally, be on the lookout for the “fruit” of your actions. If it is part of God’s plan, good “fruit” will be the result.  For as taught in Romans 8:28 “God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Blessings,

Chaplain Wayne Strout

stroutmail@yahoo.com

After a 25+ year hiatus from racing, Wayne will be racing his Vortech Formula Vee this year in SCCA National and Regional Competition. In the 1980’s he was a SCCA Division Champion in GT1 and raced in the Trans Am series. He also raced Formula Ford and Formula Vee in SCCA and competed in NASCAR Winston/Nextel/Sprint Cup.  Wayne is an Investment Manager/Economist and the Grandfather of nine. He lives with his wife Carol in Central Pennsylvania.

 

A Theology of Competition

A Theology of Competition?

For many years I have been intrigued by the tension men feel when contemplating the scriptures, words from our Lord himself speaking about his followers: John 17 ^{15 "}My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. ¹⁶ They are not of the world, even as I am not of it." AND, the Lord himself speaking to his followers:  Matthew 5 ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

We are clearly here “in this world”.  Which activities of the “world” are we to avoid and in which activities are we expected and even encouraged, to participate?

Can a Christian be engaged in competitive business with the goal of winning—being successful?   Can a Christian be engaged in competitive sports with the goal of winning? Clearly there is disagreement as to the correct answer. I do not take the self-righteous attitude that I have the only truth, but I have come to peace with an answer that works for me that seems logical and consistent with scripture.

A quite thorough discussion of this subject is covered in a white paper titled God of the Games: Towards A Theology of Competition whose abstract states: “The purpose of this paper is to explore a theological view of competition. Competition is so engrained in economic and social systems that even Christians fail to ask what God thinks about it. Is the God who is Love also the God of the competitive atmosphere of sports, business or law? Or, as many Christians think, does God hate competition and want Christians to avoid it? The answer is surprisingly complex.”

According to the authors, contemporary Christian thought can be placed into one of four categories or mutually exclusive states: 1) Christ Resists—this point of view condemns competition because it is an evil entrapping the Christian. Christ-likeness and competitive desires are inherently opposed and irreconcilable; 2) Christ Reforms—this point of view acknowledges the “potential” evil resulting from competition but believes Christians have a duty to participate in it and reform it; 3) Christ and Competition in Partnership—God created competition to be good for man’s benefit and for God’s glory; and 4) Christ and Competition in Paradox—Competition is neither condemned or encouraged as it can be good or evil, like the “world” Christians are called to be “in” but not “of” competition.

While clearly God calls some to the “monastic” life (State 1 above) with a withdrawal from the “world” and it’s evil ways, I would argue that scripture clearly calls the vast majority of Christians to the words of Matthew 5 instructing us to let our “light shine before others” by participating in the world, not withdrawing from it. Some are called to far off lands on “missions”---others are called to be “missionaries” to “minister” to their neighbors and colleagues while engaged in “worldly” commercial and recreational activities.

I think as Christians we are called in our “life ministry” to display the gentle characteristics of the shepherd. But a study of David, a “man after God’s own heart” shows that even shepherds are sometimes called to engage in less than gentle activities, like slaying the lion, when necessary. Sometimes, as men, we are called to be a kind and gentle, but very masculine, testosterone filled knight to serve and glorify God in the world.  Competition can be a part of our lives where men are sometimes called to act consistent with our created role as kind and gentle, but very masculine, testosterone filled knights.

You will not find any words in Scripture that state: “Thou Shall Not Compete”. Neither will you find any commandments “Thou shall compete”.  You will find many passages that tell us that our motives and attitudes are critical to behavior that is pleasing to God. In the Bible, competition seems to be a part of the human condition that can be turned towards either good or evil, depending on the goals and the motivations of the persons involved. The individual’s use of competition, like other areas where power is present, makes it good or bad.

The love of God is our first commandment. We are warned about the love of Money,  as well as the Love of Victory. We are told that the two most important commandments are to Love God and Love One Another.  We must be careful when competing that we comply with those commandments. We must also remember that Pride is the source of much evil and excess Pride is inconsistent with a successful Christian life.

John Calvin, the important theologian of the Reformation argued that human activity, carried on in obedience to God’s law, was an expression of His will as it related to the coming of the new heavens and earth. Therefore, competition, a human activity, has a place in God’s plan and the Christian can freely participate in it, but must be careful to do so in love. In individual competition, the Christian is to glorify God, and be free from pride, vindictiveness and the love of victory.  We accept winning as the result of God’s will—not man’s will and especially not our own will.

Several months ago I wrote an article entitled “Why we Race.” I asked, “Is racing an activity consistent with God’s plan for Christian life?” I could have used the title “Why we Compete” and the question could have been, “Is competitive business or politics consistent with God’s plan”. The answer—“It depends!”

Money is not evil, but the love of money is the source of much evil. Similarly, competition is not bad, but the love of glory solely for your own vanity, power, recognition and advancement, at others’ expense, can be troublesome. Some will recall the 1981 movie “Chariots of Fire”.  It is based on a true story about how a non-Christian athlete (Harold Abrahams) and a Christian athlete (Eric Liddell) both won gold medals in the 1924 Olympics. It is an interesting study of how two people can achieve the same glorious human prize with different motivations, reasons, and methods. Liddell raced to bring honor to God and to give God pleasure by displaying God’s gifts.  Abrahams raced for pride, to prove himself better than others.

Rick Warren in his book the “Purpose-Driven Life” teaches that one of the main reasons for our existence is to please God. Another is to enjoy real fellowship with other men and women.  God has created us “in his image” and accordingly gives each one of us a strong drive and aspiration towards mastery. As God is the master of his creation—he gets pleasure when we display our own mastery over our creation/s. He has also given each of us unique and special gifts.  He gets pleasure when we use and display these gifts for the right purpose/s. I think this quote from Eric Liddell sums it up.  “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.”

Remember, God made you for a purpose.  If God meant you to race, he also made you capable of being fast—displaying a mastery of machine and speed.  So when you race, race for the “right” reason and you will feel God’s pleasure. And……what’s the “right” reason?

Scripture gives the answer:  “whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”  1 Corinthians 10:31 and “Love your neighbor as yourself” Matthew 22:39

Soli Deo Gloria! For the Glory of God Alone

Blessings,

Chaplain Wayne Strout

stroutmail@yahoo.com

After a 25+ year hiatus from racing, Wayne will be racing his Vortech Formula Vee this year in SCCA National and Regional Competition. In the 1980’s he was a SCCA Division Champion in GT1 and raced in the Trans Am series. He also raced Formula Ford and Formula Vee in SCCA and competed in NASCAR Winston/Nextel/Sprint Cup.  Wayne is an Investment Manager/Economist and the Grandfather of nine. He lives with his wife Carol in Central Pennsylvania.

Winning is Fun! But, What about Losing?

Back in June I wrote:  “25 years ago, I raced for my own glory. Now, I race for God’s glory…seriously. This weekend on 6/10/2012, at the MARRS race event at Summit Point, WV, we finished in first place in Formula Vee. An exciting race it was, with many lead changes and very close competition. This was our third race this year at Summit Point and only our fourth outing in the car…after a 25 year hiatus away from SCCA racing.

When something extraordinarily good happens—give God the credit and glory. Read Romans 8 28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” His providential hand is always in it. He gives the skill, ability and judgment. He brings the right people together at the right time and place. And, he provides protection and guidance---all for his purpose, and almost always because of the “right kind” of prayer.”

Again at Summit Point on 09/01/2012, we finished in First Place in Formula Vee. A little less exciting as we led the entire FV race, but still just as satisfying. (Video available at WS Speed Analytics site and on YouTube as MARRS 12.) As I said, when something good happens—Give God the credit and glory as his hand is always in it.  So be it this time too. It is always fun to “do well” when you know God has blessed your effort.

MARRS 13 on Monday, 09/03/2012 was a different story and not as much fun. (Video is available at WS Speed Analytics site and on YouTube as MARRS 12.) I did not start from the pole because of traffic during qualifying and became very frustrated during the early part of the race as traffic and race “action” was different than what I expected. It seemed like many drivers were racing as if every lap was the last lap of the race. I managed to gain the lead after several laps, but then became too conservative and “the pack” with help of the “draft” passed me at the end of the long straight. I tried to give racing room to one “dive bomber”, going wide in turn 1, but my speed was too fast for the line—I drifted off the outside of the track and spun—an amateur mistake.  Then, as I began catching up, I passed another competitor and made another amateur mistake—locking up a rear brake while trail breaking into a corner and spinning—again! Despite turning the fastest lap time of the race, I finished way back—almost last—my worst finish of the year. 

What a contrast!  So what was going on? 

Take a minute and again read Romans 8 28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. So God was at work on Friday AND Monday, for my good when I won AND when I lost! It was very clear that I was under God’s protection during my spins—not a scratch on the car or me.

For many, and especially in my case, figuring out what “good” could possibly come from losing was hard. It has taken me at least six weeks of deep thought and prayer.  I re-examined the appropriateness of “Competition” by Christians. I re-examined my belief that my racing was part of God’s plan for me.  I am pleased to say that this re-examination and prayer is probably exactly what I needed and what God intended as I have learned a lot.

First, in every competition there are winners and those who do not win.  On 09/03/2012, I am pretty sure the results were according to God’s plan for me but also for the driver who won.  That driver, a friend and a good man, won the MARRS FV Championship for 2012 and for him, winning the Championship AND the last race was important.

So what have I learned?  First and most importantly- For Christians, competition is NOT all about winning. To most “worldly” unbelievers, this seems utter non-sense. But God’s intent for Christians is that competition should be all about the “love of Competition” and NOT about the “love of Victory”.   It is the love of Money that is the root of evil—not Money itself nor the “competitive business” activities that are rewarded with Money. It is the love of Victory that is the root of evil—not Victory itself nor the activities (competition) that are rewarded with Victory.

(I will be writing a separate and complete post all about Christians and competition.)

Excess Pride is always a sin. It is hateful to God and is the cause of most evil.  (It is my personal weakness and only with the Grace of Christ am I able to overcome it.)  Excess Pride is always the underlying current beneath a love of Victory.  A love of Victory focuses our attention on defeating others rather than simply doing our best and glorifying God.  A love of Victory turns potentially beneficial competition away from fellowship and performance toward ambitious rivalry and conflict.  In any competition there can only be one “winner” and many times it will not be me or you that God chooses to help win that day.  So, I am convinced of two things:  A) I did not do my best in Monday’s race when I “lost”—I will apply what I learned next time and improve; and B) God’s plan that day did not include me being the winner—I needed a reminder about Pride and he had plans to favor another driver.  

Keep in mind that “doing your best” includes having trust in confidence both in yourself and in God’s providence. When I “held back” during that lap after taking the lead, being “prematurely conservative”-- it was because I did not have enough trust and confidence. (Funny how Pride and a lack of confidence/trust can coexist!)  Watch the video and you can see I was two to three miles per hour slower than “normal” entering the most important turn 10- beginning of the longest straightaway.

This whole racing season has been a wonderful opportunity for a process of self-examination and personal spiritual growth. Racing can be a way to further develop your relationship with God through Christ—to be closer to him. It is that relationship and closeness with him that is God’s desire for us.

In the end, I must say that I enjoyed winning two races this year (40% of the five events we completed.) but after careful thought and prayer, “not winning” produced even more reward/s! Romans 8 28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”.

Blessings,

Chaplain Wayne Strout

stroutmail@yahoo.com

After a 25+ year hiatus from racing, Wayne will be racing his Vortech Formula Vee this year in SCCA National and Regional Competition. In the 1980’s he was a SCCA Division Champion in GT1 and raced in the Trans Am series. He also raced Formula Ford and Formula Vee in SCCA and competed in NASCAR Winston Cup.  Wayne is an Investment Manager/Economist and the Grandfather of nine. He lives with his wife Carol in Central Pennsylvania.