Well, the INDY car race at Texas Motor Speedway was rained out...again! I don't think even I would try driving over 200 mph with wet spots on the road. (He said sarcastically) The race had to be rescheduled for August.
Just within the past hour our skies here in DFW when from sunny to dark and we had one MAJOR downpour. Things that people had planned to do outside will have to be done later. As in life, not everything we plan and hope for come the way we want. It was 16 years ago this month, that I thought I had my "dream job". What I had invested time, money, education, and experience in fell apart. This was NOT how life was supposed to go.
If you live long enough you will experience hurt, pain, loss, betrayal, disappointment, and discouragement. It's been a difficult weekend. A difficult week, and for you, I don't know maybe this has been a difficult year already!
Last evening, a friend of mine said how words of a song were heard in a new way. It reminded me of a song that was new to me that I heard one evening last week.
Read the lyrics of this song entitled, Eye of the Storm -
When the solid ground is falling out, from underneath my feet,
Between the black skies and my red eyes, I can barely see
And when I’m feeling like I’ve let down by my friends and my family, I can hear the rain reminding me
In the eye of the storm, You remain in control
In the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me, in the eye of the storm
When my hopes and dreams are far from me, and I’m running out of faith
I see the future I pictured slowly fade away
And when the tears of pain and heartache are pouring down my face
I find my peace in Jesus' name
I am glad there is not only Peace, but there is Hope and Light.
Monday, June 13, 2016
Friday, April 15, 2016
Looking Ahead
In less than 50 days thousands of people will assemble at 16th Street and Georgetown Road for the 100th running of the INDY 500. A great tradition. A great heritage...The greatest spectacle in racing.
The first race was in 1911 won by Ray Harroun with an average speed of 74.602 mph. Last year's race (2015) was won by Juan Pablo Montoya with an average speed of 161.341 mph.
The youngest driver to win the INDY 500 occurred in 1952 by Troy Ruttman at age 22. The oldest to win at age 47 was Al Unser, Jr. in 1987.
Why do I mention this? You may ask, "who cares?"
Great dreams and goals can be accomplished at any age, young or not so young.
When I was in high school, and having grown up in the church, I had wanted to have a leadership role, but some adults thought well, you must be of a certain age and economic level to be considered "serious". I found this verse in 1 Timothy 4:12, Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
*Mozart had harpsichord lessons at three, composed at four, and by the time he was seven played the harpsichord, organ, and the violin.
*The prophet Jeremiah was only around 17 years old when God called him to minister to the people of Judah.
*June 10, 1944, 15-year-old Joe Nuxhall becomes the youngest person ever to play Major League Baseball when he pitched in a game for the Cincinnati Reds.
Ability and availability can come at any age.
*Television chef, Julia Child was in her 50's when we began recognizing her as The French Chef and learning the words "bon appetit"
*The prophet Daniel may have prophesied into his 80's
*Oscar Swahn won a gold medal for shooting at the 1912 Olympics, when he was 64 years old.
Some may not know that Lucille Ball was 40 years old when she starred in the hit TV show,
I LOVE LUCY.
You may have heard the saying that on every grave marker are two dates with a dash in between. It's all how you live the dash. Don't let others tell you how your age defines who you are and what you can accomplish. Stay on track the best you can.
The first race was in 1911 won by Ray Harroun with an average speed of 74.602 mph. Last year's race (2015) was won by Juan Pablo Montoya with an average speed of 161.341 mph.
The youngest driver to win the INDY 500 occurred in 1952 by Troy Ruttman at age 22. The oldest to win at age 47 was Al Unser, Jr. in 1987.
Why do I mention this? You may ask, "who cares?"
Great dreams and goals can be accomplished at any age, young or not so young.
When I was in high school, and having grown up in the church, I had wanted to have a leadership role, but some adults thought well, you must be of a certain age and economic level to be considered "serious". I found this verse in 1 Timothy 4:12, Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
*Mozart had harpsichord lessons at three, composed at four, and by the time he was seven played the harpsichord, organ, and the violin.
*The prophet Jeremiah was only around 17 years old when God called him to minister to the people of Judah.
*June 10, 1944, 15-year-old Joe Nuxhall becomes the youngest person ever to play Major League Baseball when he pitched in a game for the Cincinnati Reds.
Ability and availability can come at any age.
*Television chef, Julia Child was in her 50's when we began recognizing her as The French Chef and learning the words "bon appetit"
*The prophet Daniel may have prophesied into his 80's
*Oscar Swahn won a gold medal for shooting at the 1912 Olympics, when he was 64 years old.
Some may not know that Lucille Ball was 40 years old when she starred in the hit TV show,
I LOVE LUCY.
You may have heard the saying that on every grave marker are two dates with a dash in between. It's all how you live the dash. Don't let others tell you how your age defines who you are and what you can accomplish. Stay on track the best you can.
Saturday, February 27, 2016
The Big Event Gets Bigger!
This coming May 29, will be the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. To this author, it is my Super Bowl, but it is more than that. I hope in the upcoming posts, I will explain that to you.
To most of us, the automobile is a very common mode of transportation. We grew up with them. Makes, models, and designs are numerous, but we are pretty much surrounded by cars. But, it hasn't always been like that.
An Indiana automobile dealer named Carl Fisher first proposed building an auto testing facility in 1906, in order to test the potential top speeds of various manufacturers' cars. He purchased 328 acres of farmland northwest of downtown Indianapolis which eventually became home of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In 1911, Fisher and some business partners decided to focus on one long race per year to not only test the speed of cars, but to attract publicity and large crowds. The purse for this grueling 500 mile race would be the richest in racing.
Then on May 30, 1911, Ray Harroun in the #32 Marmon Wasp won the first INDY 500 at an average speed of 74.602 mph. The winnings were $10,000, but Harroun never raced again.
Fast forward to the 1960s. My family moved to Indianapolis from near Cincinnati, Ohio. My dad was and IS a big Cincinnati Reds baseball fan, but that was his sport. I grew up in Indianapolis. Having lived there, I can say that residents are either fans or they tolerate the month of May and its festivities. I am an avid fan!
My first memory of the race was when Parnelli Jones won in 1963. To this day, I think his car was beautiful. I love that number 98 car!
To most of us, the automobile is a very common mode of transportation. We grew up with them. Makes, models, and designs are numerous, but we are pretty much surrounded by cars. But, it hasn't always been like that.
An Indiana automobile dealer named Carl Fisher first proposed building an auto testing facility in 1906, in order to test the potential top speeds of various manufacturers' cars. He purchased 328 acres of farmland northwest of downtown Indianapolis which eventually became home of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In 1911, Fisher and some business partners decided to focus on one long race per year to not only test the speed of cars, but to attract publicity and large crowds. The purse for this grueling 500 mile race would be the richest in racing.
Then on May 30, 1911, Ray Harroun in the #32 Marmon Wasp won the first INDY 500 at an average speed of 74.602 mph. The winnings were $10,000, but Harroun never raced again.
Fast forward to the 1960s. My family moved to Indianapolis from near Cincinnati, Ohio. My dad was and IS a big Cincinnati Reds baseball fan, but that was his sport. I grew up in Indianapolis. Having lived there, I can say that residents are either fans or they tolerate the month of May and its festivities. I am an avid fan!
My first memory of the race was when Parnelli Jones won in 1963. To this day, I think his car was beautiful. I love that number 98 car!
That following May of 1964 was a life changer for me. My dear grandmother died right before Mother's Day. Perhaps that was my first real taste of human mortality. But Memorial Day was coming soon and the upcoming INDY 500 was a fun distraction. People, you have NO idea what Indianapolis was like back then. The entire city for a month, was bedecked in black and white checkers. The grocery stores, banks, gas stations!! You were surrounded! Next to Christmas, this was the city's big event. Back then, if you were a local, you either physically attended the race or listened to it on the radio. I was glued to the radio. The dropping of the green flag. Sid Collins giving us every exciting detail and then it happened. The sounds of metal crashing, tires squealing, something exploding. It was awful! A horrible crash nearing the front straightaway. Drivers Eddie Sachs and Dave MacDonald were killed. For years that is all I remembered of that race. I hadn't even thought about A.J. Foyt winning.
That event; that race made a permanent impact on my life. I now live almost 1000 miles from INDY, yet when I return whether for a race or to visit family, I trek over to 16th Street and Georgetown Road, drive through the tunnel and pull up at the Hall of Fame. I love that place when it is packed with race fans, but it takes on another feeling when it is silent. I reflect in that cathedral of speed. I think back to its history, its heritage, the challenges, the dreams, and the sacrifices of the GREATEST SPECTACLE IN RACING.
I hope you follow me on future blogs as I reflect upon my memories of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Friday, December 4, 2015
Reflecting on the Holidays
OK, It's been a while since I wrote anything. Sometimes it's best to wait until your heart and mind meet at the same time.
We just finished celebrating Thanksgiving as a nation, and as a family. Even though all our kids weren't home this time, I know they are safe, healthy, strong, and have joy and peace. Our family is one person bigger. We have a new son-in-law and his family feels like an extension of ours as does our other children's families. Our kids are scattered about and that is good. They have independence and are making good choices. It is a blessing and I am thankful to see all of them "successful" in however you may define that word. I am thankful to see them growing in their Faith-walk, not just faithful "church-goers" but living and serving because of their faith. Our son was asked to give the blessing for our big Thanksgiving meal and that is how heritage is shared.
When I look at our adult children, seeing them where Deb and I were back so many years ago, a lot in life and our world has changed, and some things stay the same, Thanksgiving and Christmas, at least in our families have certain traditions. Yes, we do the Turkey and Dressing thing for Thanksgiving, decorations and a brightly lit tree and gifts at Christmas. AND we are still giving our three children Advent calendars to open windows in expectancy for Christmas and the birth of the Christ child. (Just remember, Marissa gets to open #10, 'cause that's her birthday).
I have special memories as a child with my maternal grandparents who seemed to go over the top at Christmas. That meant usually one very special toy and very nice clothes. Truth be known, we as children dressed like miniature adults. Me with suit and tie, over coat and hat, and nice dress shoes. My sister got the frilly dresses, patent leather shoes WITH matching purse and one year got a "fake fur" white Fox collar. One Christmas they got me a Bright Green tricycle with White or maybe Chrome fenders, a basket and streamers from the handgrips. Grandpa used his 8mm movie camera to film me on it and it double exposed and looked like I was riding through the beautiful rolling hills of Kentucky!
Seems like the holidays come quicker each year. The grandkids are growing so fast and Praise God, Deb and I are still young and energetic (cough, cough!)
So, not only REFLECT on holidays past, but be sure to make memorable holidays THIS YEAR. Be grateful for what you have...great or small. Remember the important things and those things that truly last a lifetime and beyond. Frueliche Weinachten, (for my German roots), Happy Christmas (for my British roots) and have a good ole MERRY CHRISTMAS!
We just finished celebrating Thanksgiving as a nation, and as a family. Even though all our kids weren't home this time, I know they are safe, healthy, strong, and have joy and peace. Our family is one person bigger. We have a new son-in-law and his family feels like an extension of ours as does our other children's families. Our kids are scattered about and that is good. They have independence and are making good choices. It is a blessing and I am thankful to see all of them "successful" in however you may define that word. I am thankful to see them growing in their Faith-walk, not just faithful "church-goers" but living and serving because of their faith. Our son was asked to give the blessing for our big Thanksgiving meal and that is how heritage is shared.
When I look at our adult children, seeing them where Deb and I were back so many years ago, a lot in life and our world has changed, and some things stay the same, Thanksgiving and Christmas, at least in our families have certain traditions. Yes, we do the Turkey and Dressing thing for Thanksgiving, decorations and a brightly lit tree and gifts at Christmas. AND we are still giving our three children Advent calendars to open windows in expectancy for Christmas and the birth of the Christ child. (Just remember, Marissa gets to open #10, 'cause that's her birthday).
I have special memories as a child with my maternal grandparents who seemed to go over the top at Christmas. That meant usually one very special toy and very nice clothes. Truth be known, we as children dressed like miniature adults. Me with suit and tie, over coat and hat, and nice dress shoes. My sister got the frilly dresses, patent leather shoes WITH matching purse and one year got a "fake fur" white Fox collar. One Christmas they got me a Bright Green tricycle with White or maybe Chrome fenders, a basket and streamers from the handgrips. Grandpa used his 8mm movie camera to film me on it and it double exposed and looked like I was riding through the beautiful rolling hills of Kentucky!
Seems like the holidays come quicker each year. The grandkids are growing so fast and Praise God, Deb and I are still young and energetic (cough, cough!)
So, not only REFLECT on holidays past, but be sure to make memorable holidays THIS YEAR. Be grateful for what you have...great or small. Remember the important things and those things that truly last a lifetime and beyond. Frueliche Weinachten, (for my German roots), Happy Christmas (for my British roots) and have a good ole MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
TENACITY
Tenacity...no, not some small village or major metropolis but it is- the quality or fact of being able to grip something firmly; the quality or fact of being very determined. Most people will tell you that tenacity is a great quality to have, especially if you're trying something challenging that takes a while to complete. A similar word would be the adverb ...tenacious.
When I think of tenacity, I think of Libby, our Jack Russell Terrier. We had her for 15+ years. Best dog ever! If you threw a tennis ball in the backyard expecting her to fetch like "normal" dogs. Well, that wasn't Libby. She might walk up to you but there was no way you were getting that ball out of her vice-like jaws until she was ready to release it.
Look at some quotes from famous people on the topic of TENACITY-
“Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
― Thomas A. Edison
“Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.”
― F. Scott Fitzgerald
“When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”
― Abraham Lincoln
"Just Keep Swimming."
-Dory from Finding Nemo
Tenacity. Are you focused on a goal? Are you easily distracted? What keeps you focused? Determined? Were you ever in a situation that being flexible was not an option and you stood your ground?
When I think of tenacity, I think of Libby, our Jack Russell Terrier. We had her for 15+ years. Best dog ever! If you threw a tennis ball in the backyard expecting her to fetch like "normal" dogs. Well, that wasn't Libby. She might walk up to you but there was no way you were getting that ball out of her vice-like jaws until she was ready to release it.
Best way of describing that would be this video - Our Libby would latch onto something and you could lift her and swing her around and she WOULD NOT let go.
All that "terrier talk" is to ask what are you tenacious about? Do you have a faith, belief or philosophy that is unshakable? Look at some quotes from famous people on the topic of TENACITY-
“Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
― Thomas A. Edison
“Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.”
― F. Scott Fitzgerald
“When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”
― Abraham Lincoln
"Just Keep Swimming."
-Dory from Finding Nemo
Tenacity. Are you focused on a goal? Are you easily distracted? What keeps you focused? Determined? Were you ever in a situation that being flexible was not an option and you stood your ground?
I hope you reply...tell me your story of TENACITY.
Friday, August 21, 2015
To Dream Again
I have decided to write a blog. I will try and be consistent and do so on a regular basis. That basis has yet to be determined.
I chose the name On Track for various reasons. Those who have known me for any length of time know that I grew up in Indianapolis, home of the INDY 500. A venue and event that has taken place for 100+ years. Two hundred laps on a track 2 1/2 miles long. It is rich in racing history and tradition, and for me it is a place of commitment, challenge, excitement and respect.
Another side of me is one of Christian education and discipleship. Many are familiar with The Great Commission as it is referred to in Matthew 28:19-20. It is primarily used in evangelism and missions, but it also states "teaching them...". If we are to mature and grow we need to be taught so we can stay on track in our relationship with Christ.
We also need goals in life. To dream a dream and work towards achieving. To be prepared and make steps in anticipation. Back in 1976 I visited Dallas, Texas for the first time. Back then one could see the skyscrapers of downtown as well as Longhorn cattle grazing in the same viewpoint. The contrast was so different from what I was used to, but somehow I knew one day I would live here. Then jump forward almost ten years and I was here! Then I heard about a group from seminary that was going to England on the Oxford Study Program. I had learned about my family name, its British heritage, and I became obsessed with all things British. I wanted to go on that trip to Oxford, but it wasn't meant to be. Then when I heard about how our church was ministering to a group in London, that urge swelled inside me once more, but for a different reason and cause. In April of this year I found myself walking through Heathrow Airport! Through the windows I could see long narrow license plates on cars driving on the "wrong side" of the streets, Red double-decker buses, and little black taxi cabs. Was this a dream??
Sometimes those dreams have a real purpose, and they seemed to come true for me when I have others' interests involved. I hope to get on track with new dreams and goals and am inspired by the quote below by C.S. Lewis.
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
I chose the name On Track for various reasons. Those who have known me for any length of time know that I grew up in Indianapolis, home of the INDY 500. A venue and event that has taken place for 100+ years. Two hundred laps on a track 2 1/2 miles long. It is rich in racing history and tradition, and for me it is a place of commitment, challenge, excitement and respect.
Another side of me is one of Christian education and discipleship. Many are familiar with The Great Commission as it is referred to in Matthew 28:19-20. It is primarily used in evangelism and missions, but it also states "teaching them...". If we are to mature and grow we need to be taught so we can stay on track in our relationship with Christ.
We also need goals in life. To dream a dream and work towards achieving. To be prepared and make steps in anticipation. Back in 1976 I visited Dallas, Texas for the first time. Back then one could see the skyscrapers of downtown as well as Longhorn cattle grazing in the same viewpoint. The contrast was so different from what I was used to, but somehow I knew one day I would live here. Then jump forward almost ten years and I was here! Then I heard about a group from seminary that was going to England on the Oxford Study Program. I had learned about my family name, its British heritage, and I became obsessed with all things British. I wanted to go on that trip to Oxford, but it wasn't meant to be. Then when I heard about how our church was ministering to a group in London, that urge swelled inside me once more, but for a different reason and cause. In April of this year I found myself walking through Heathrow Airport! Through the windows I could see long narrow license plates on cars driving on the "wrong side" of the streets, Red double-decker buses, and little black taxi cabs. Was this a dream??
Sometimes those dreams have a real purpose, and they seemed to come true for me when I have others' interests involved. I hope to get on track with new dreams and goals and am inspired by the quote below by C.S. Lewis.
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
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