Show Begins at Indianapolis

Today we will have the running of the NASCAR race at the track at Indianapolis-the home of great traditions.

The invocation was given by Rev. Howard Brammer. He said, "May our appreciation of liberty equal the bravery of its defenders." Good job but not as exciting as last night's invocation by Mark Wright.

The National Anthem was sung by Casey Jamerson of Indiana. That was followed by a fly-over by T-38 Talons of Randolph Air Force Base of Sn Antonio, Texas.

Nice start for the day.

Windy City Raceway Ministries

Tonight's Nationwide race was started with the invocation by Glenn Spoolstra of Windy City Raceway Ministries. You can read more of this ministry here.

How about that fly-over by U.S. Coast Guard helicoptors? Great touch for a city on the Great Lakes where the Coast Guard is so important to us.

I always enjoy the invocation and national anthem but I know there are some out there that don't. What do you think?

Daytona-4th of July Love of Country

Tonight we're watching the NASCAR Coke Zero 400. This center of the NASCAR racing world is featuring Father Ed Waters giving the invocation. The National Anthem was sung by the 82nd Airborne All American Chorus. The music was beautiful and that is how it should be done.

The opening ceremonies including invocation and National Anthem are favorite parts of the race for me because it emphasizes NASCAR love of God and country.

But today, there was even more focus on country because it is the 233rd birthday of our country. Many drivers are sporting patriotic paint schemes on their cars and even red, white and blue painted helmets.

Also receiving attention is Richard Petty because it is the 25th anniversary of his 200th win.

How did you feel about the invocation and the National Anthem?

NASCAR and Christian Ministries

I am very interested in finding Christian ministries that work in motor sports, specifically in NASCAR. I love the Christian message that is always present at the races. The prayer is often given by someone from Motorsports Outreach.

I found this article online called God and NASCAR. But I would like more information.

Dear readers, can you help me out? If you know of NASCAR specific ministries, please let me know at

faithinthefastlane@gmail.com.

Thank you.

Richard Childress' Advice

Max Papis shared the following on twitter today.

Shared great words with Mr. Childress he told racing peaks and valley. Champ comes out of valley faster and never give up so ...I did that.

Good avice to all of us.  All of life has peaks and valleys.  Are you in a valley or even in the valley of the shadow of death? God can be with you during the valleys even more than He is in the peaks.  We tend to be under our pwn power in the peaks but we need to depend on God at all times.

Quilting for Kids

Kyle Petty posted a picture on Twitter a bit ago of three lovely ladies donating quilts that they had made to Victory Junction Camp.  They are Frances Palmer, Betty Motley and Lou Daniel.

According to the Victory Junction website, the camp is "Victory Junction Gang enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun, and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment."

I am reminded that each of can do something to help others, no matter what our talents or gifts.  These three ladies worked hours to produce a lovely quilt that will bring joy to many children.

We can each do many small deeds daily to bring love to those around us.  A simple smile, a patient attitude when in the grocery store or a forgiving attitude when driving in heavy traffic can all go a long way to spreading love.  I know it sounds corny but it really works.  Try it and let me know how it makes you feel and those around you.

 

David Poole's Influence

I read a very moving tribute to David Poole written by a young man whom Poole took under his wing and helped along in his career.  How David Poole Changed a Young Sportswriter's Life.

Sam Bundy was a young boy struggling because his parent's personal problems were overflowing and affecting their children.   He says, 

"Here's the truth: Without David Poole, there's a pretty good chance my life would not have turned out as fruitful as it has.

I have a wonderful wife I've been married to for 15 years. We have a wonderful son, a sweet little Lhasa Apso and a nice home. It's my American Dream come true, really, and it can all be traced back to David."

Poole gave this young man opportunites that Bundy followed. He was a sports writer for the Gaston Gazette and is now the sports editor at the Morning News in Florence, SC.

Reading this article shows how just how much the little actions in life can be a blessing and a help to others.