_I hope everyone has had a Merry Christmas.  My family has been very blessed.  In fact, I would say borderline spoiled.  We try to continually remind our kids that it is Christ’s birth that we are celebrating.  We try to remind them that He is God’s gift to mankind.  He is the path to eternal life in heaven.  His death and resurrection covers our sins, and this gift is available to all who choose.  However, I think it is hard for young kids and us adults for that matter, to get past the trees, the lights, and the presents.

For many the end of the year means racing is right around the corner.  The Chili Bowl begins Jan. 10thand can be seen on pay per view.  The Winter Nationals begins February 1st at East Bay and can be seen again on X CELERATED for a fee.  You can find info on both events on their websites.

I had the pleasure to meet Clearance Brabson with City Life Wheels on Monday.  City Life Wheels is a month old ministry that is a division of Youth for Christ.  Here is a statement describing the ministry from their website.

"Equipping at-risk teenagers with relevant job-skills instills self-confidence and the means to provide for themselves and their future families. City Life Wheels teaches neighborhood teens basic automotive maintenance and repair skills from an ASE Certified Mechanic. City Life Wheels is a hands-on program where the students do the actual maintenance and repair work on cars donated to the program. Repaired cars are then sold to provide funding for the program."

When I heard about this program, I was immediately interested.  Our experience with the foster care system has given us a different view of inner city life.  In 2009 Indianapolis Public School systems graduated only 49% of their students.  In 2010 the school reported 63%, but many argue that it was actually 53%.  I don't share this data to blame the school.  In my opinion, the problem lies largely with the lack of instruction and discipline kids get at home.  All this equates to lower standards of living, higher crime rates, and ultimately degradation of communities.  There is a large need to show students the love of Christ and provide them with skills that may change their life.  City Life Wheels is one ministry that can do that, and I think this is one area the Lord has given me skills and means to serve.

Currently, I have a Saturn sitting in my garage that has been donated.  In the first month the program is considering possible locations for a shop, and wants to turn some cars to put capital into the ministry.  Lord willing, I am going to help them make a profit on this Saturn.  I would appreciate prayers for successful diagnosis and repair of the problems.  Please also pray that this car can eventually be a blessing to another person.  Please pray for ministry leaders to have wisdom in finding a location and obtaining future car donations.  Finally, pray for the youth who may not be getting Godly instruction at home.

City Life Wheels Website

Holly ordered a picture frame with these words from Mother Teresa.  I thought this was definitely post worthy.

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.  Forgive them anyway.  If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.  Be kind anyway.  If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.  Succeed anyway.  If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.  Be honest and sincere anyway.  What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.  Create anyway.  If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.  Be happy anyway.  The good you do today, will often be forgotten.  Do good anyway.  Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.  Give your best anyway.  In the final analysis, it is between you and God.  It was never between you and them anyway.

The 2011 season was an up and down year.  Michael, Steve, and I tried many different set ups this year.  Some good and some bad but none were great.  Just this last week I sold the super stock.  I raced it for three years, and it was a good car.  I am just ready to try something different.

I will be purchasing a Diamond modified so I am excited but reserved about that.  I am excited because my brother builds them, they are good cars, and I am excited to get to work with him more.  I am reserved because I do not currently have all the finances lined up.  This is where I am stepping out in faith.  In the last year, I read a book called Radical.  I would recommend it, but be prepared it may change your life.  It is largely about American Christianity, and how we fall short on living for God's purpose.  It really made me look at the money that I spend on racing.  After much prayer, I felt convicted to stop taking money from our family budget.  Instead I am going to use money that comes in from HVAC side work that I do.  Interestingly enough since making the decision, I have not had any side work come in.  Is this God telling me something?  Does he possibly have different plans for me?  I wish I could say that I am okay with whatever, but I am not sure that I am. 

I really hope racing is in the plan.  I have spent the last week researching ways to generate an income stream but not take time away from my family and ministry commitments.  It has been discouraging.  If anyone has suggestions, I am all ears.  Until next time....