The Froman Family Blog

We are still here...

2009-02-22T15:08:00.006-06:00

A lot can happen over the course of three months time. (And I am still scratching my head because I cannot believe it has been three months since my last blog post!).

So, here are the highlights...

1. Micah is now 7 1/2 months old! Wow. It feels like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital. His smile can light up a room, and his laughter will make your heart melt. He has now learned to sit up on his own, which dramatically changes playtime. His favorite foods are pears, squash, and sweet potatoes (and that little taste of sugar icing daddy passed along). Mommy is a natural, and is doing an incredible job at home with little Micah. I am so blessed to have Michelle as a wife, and for Micah to have her as a mommy.

2. On January 2nd I (Kyle) was laid off from NSB. For the greater part of December I used accumulated vacation time, and then spent all of January doing freelance design work. It was definitely nice spending nearly two months at home with Mommy and Micah!

3. On January 26th I joined the staff at Full Life Assembly of God as their Administrator. It is incredible to wake up in the morning and look forward to my new role, and I serve with an incredible staff. A few of my responsibilities are overseeing our Fusion Life Groups, Design, Development, and IT among other things.

4. Race season is just around the corner! We will again be with the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour this year, and are excited to again get to minister with this community. We will be racing Bristol, Martinsville, Bowman Gray, Caraway, Myrtle Beach, and Lanier just to name a few.

5. I have been partnering with the minsitry of a good friend of mine, Chet McDoniel. Check out what he has going on, it is AMAZING! www.chetmcdoniel.com (Be sure to buy a copy of his book!)

That hardly scratches the surface of the amazing provisions and changes that we have experienced over the past several months. But it does give you a glimpse into the journey we are on!

Hopefully it isn't another three months before you hear from us again.

Singing With Micah...

2008-11-30T22:53:00.001-06:00

One Year Old This Week...

2008-11-19T14:53:00.002-06:00

Thats right, you read it right, Micah is one year old this week!

As Christians, we claim the belief that life begins at conception, yet we celebrate birth as the beginning of life. So while Micah was born 4 months ago, he has been in this world much longer! His precious little life began one year ago this week.

We've gone through a lot of change over the past year, preparing for your arrival, getting to know you, and now raising you...but it has been worth every second of sacrifice and we are still wholly committed to you little dude. We are probably going to screw up a lot, so be sure to cut us a little slack as you grow up, we are new to this deal.

We celebrate your first year of life, and look forward to many, many years to come!

Sweet Smiles...

2008-11-10T13:42:00.000-06:00

Quote for the Day...

2008-10-28T09:12:00.001-05:00

"I've always maintained that you can't just coast, if you do, you go backwards. It's just a slow way of liquidating... " Walt Disney

Everyday Woman...

2008-10-27T13:03:00.002-05:00

I have spent a lot of time writing about Micah lately...but who I haven't spent enough time writing about is my "Everyday Woman".

"Everyday Woman" by Emerson Drive
You don't put on a lot of makeup
You like to wear your hair pulled back
When the kids'll call, you come a runnin'
You always put yourself last
Most people would say...

You're an everyday woman
But you're everything to me
You are so beautiful
You're an angel I can see
And I'm going to love you
I'm going to love you
Everyday, woman

How do you juggle this busy life
And still have something left for me
I've asked God why I'm the lucky man
Who gets to live in your love's strength
Maybe to this world...

You're an everyday woman
But you're everything to me
You are so beautiful
You're an angel I can see
And I'm going to love you
I'm going to love you
Everyday, woman

And I'm going to love you
I'm going to love you
Everyday, woman

From Daddy to Micah...

2008-10-23T13:15:00.004-05:00

Sweet little Micah, what an amazing few months it has been dude.

You are starting to share your personality with us, to smile at us, and to interact. Before I know it you will be sitting and rolling and crawling and talking...and no doubt continuing to steal your daddy and mommy's heart. I know your life is overwhelming, new sights, new sounds, new smells, and no mobility. I know your life is frustrating, you grunt and push and whimper as you try to roll over and you just can't seem to get it yet. You will one day, keep trying, don't give up.

You have taught me to look at life a little differently now. I now understand the love of a parent, the love that wants to shield you from every hurt in this world. The love that wants to always roll you over so that you don't have to grunt and push and make it happen on your own. But I know I can't. I know that I have to stand behind you and let you forge forward yourself. Yeah, I get to stand behind you, through the good and through the bad, but I don't get to shield you from it.

And son, there is bad. You will do bad things and others will do bad things to you. That is a part of this world we live in. Scripture even tells us this will happen. Don't become discouraged. If you mess up and fall down, ask forgiveness from others and from God, and get up and try again. If others hurt you extend forgiveness openly, and then come to daddy for a love that will never change. It does not matter what you do, or what others do to you, nothing can change that love. NOTHING.

When I hold you I am able to get a glimpse for what your Grammy and Papa must have felt when they held me as a baby. I never understood the depth of their love and care for me until I was given you to love and to care for in the same fashion. I will make mistakes and I will mess up, but I will always love you. Just as your Grammy and Papa always loved me, despite the atrocious things I have done. And just as nothing could ever break my love for your Grammy and Papa, I hope you will always be able to love me the same. Just like your Mommy will always love you. And your Grammy and Papa and Grandma and Grandpa and Aunts and Uncles.

Life is not going to be easy. But stay focused and stay determined, and in whatever you do give it your best. If you become a mailman be the best mailman that there ever was, if you become a doctor, or a lawyer, or a sanitation work...be the best one that ever existed.

I am sure you will see a lot of change in your lifetime, just as I have. I am sure the world that my generation leaves for you won't be the best place to be, but remember that the one who is in control will never change. God is the author and the finisher of our faith, and He is constant, and He is real, and He is true. Your money, your possessions, your land, it can all be taken away from you in a moment, but no one can steal a relationship with God from you. No one can ever steal your eternal security.

But don't take my word for it Micah, test it yourself. Don't believe in God because daddy does, believe in God because you see that God is.

I love you little dude.

Little Racer

2008-10-15T22:55:00.001-05:00

A Smile for Today...

2008-10-14T10:23:00.004-05:00

Cafe Froman

2008-10-14T10:21:00.001-05:00

And this, my friends, is a White Pizza made with love!

Car Shopping...

2008-10-08T09:35:00.003-05:00

So while I was in NC last weekend I decided I would swing by a local car dealership and pick out a new car.

Don't get me wrong, the good ole HHR is doing great, but it seemed like it was time for a little change. So I headed straight for the neighborhood Ferrari/Maserati Dealership to pick out my new whips.

Lo and behold, they had one car that seemed to fit my fancy. With a cool 650 HP, 0-60 in 3.14 seconds and 0-100 in 6.6 seconds I figured that this car would be a suitable replacement for the HHR.

It seems, however, that $100.00 isn't a good enough down payment to secure a $1,000,000.00 Enzo Ferarri.

I guess the Italian Stallion will have to wait for another day, and the HHR gets to live to see another day!

Chick Magnet...

2008-10-07T11:36:00.002-05:00

So, the other day Micah picked up his first chick.

Check out that grin on the little dude's face.

A Few Pics from Martinsville...

2008-10-07T11:27:00.002-05:00

Baby, Baby, Baby...

2008-10-02T10:41:00.001-05:00

Dreams...

2008-10-02T09:20:00.001-05:00

Never laugh at any one's dreams. People who don't dreams don't have much.
Anonymous

Our Ministry Highlight Video...

2008-09-30T10:50:00.002-05:00

Micah and the Mouse... Revisited.

2008-09-25T08:56:00.000-05:00

Our friends, the McDoniel's just returned from their trip to Walt Disney World and sent Micah home his first set of Mickey Ears!

Micah doesn't have a chance but to follow in mommy and daddy's footsteps does he?

Little Snoozer

2008-09-18T12:40:00.001-05:00

Mommy and Baby in Raleigh-Durham

2008-09-18T12:40:00.000-05:00

Time to carry a little weight...

2008-09-17T15:23:00.000-05:00

So Michelle was doing laundry and decided it was time for Micah and Nacho to carry a little weight around the house. She's been working long and hard to run a perfect house, and well, it was time for them to pitch in. Never to young to start, right?

Ehhhhh, maybe so. Overcome by the comfort of the plush comforter, they found it better to just lay and watch mommy work.

So its time to sit the little dude down for a little hear to heart. You know, explain to him that things don't just take care of themselves, share the facts of life, talk about the birds and the bees...oh wait, that is still MANY, MANY years away. What, 25 years or so?

From the look on his face I think he got it. Mommy and Daddy work so that baby and kitty can yuk it up and have a good ole time.

Oh well...

Having a Rough Day?

2008-09-09T08:33:00.000-05:00

Maybe this will help you smile a little. It did me...

Only in Nashville...

2008-09-03T15:01:00.000-05:00

Now that Michelle has had a change of employment (AKA Stay at Home Mommy), I have been left to fend for myself at lunch since we used to always eat together.

That being the case, a friend and I have been touring the vast culinary specialties of the ever diverse Nolensville Road area of SE Nashville. Greek, Indian, Thai, Mexican...its all been consumed. But amidst all of these fine dining experiences, we found a real winner.

Michelle and I have passed this building many times in the past, but have never had the nerve nor the stomach to actually give it a try.

Today my friend and I were daring...

...Only in South Nashville could you find such a fine restaurant as the White Trash Cafe.

In all seriousness, not only did we survive, it was surprisingly good!

Nap Time

2008-09-03T09:08:00.001-05:00

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

If you do not read the following disclaimer, you are not allowed to look at the picture in this post. Really, seriously.

Before the bad parent police come and get me, we do know that it is not safe to sleep with Micah in the bed with us. This was a cat nap, without the cat, that was highly supervised by mommy, as you can tell from this picture (and the dozen other pictures on the camera!!).

Bath Time with Baby

2008-09-03T09:03:00.000-05:00

Parental Advisory: The images in this post may not be suitable for younger viewers...or to those who experience queezyness due to extreme cuteness.

Micah and the Mouse

2008-08-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

Waking the Dead

2008-08-22T13:50:00.000-05:00

I was reading a story in the bible the other day that really spoke to me about how God chooses to work and intervene in the trials and situations in our lives. It is easy us to find ourselves in moments of desperation really wondering what God is up to, and why He hasn’t intervened to change our situation. Sometimes its sickness, sometimes its finances, and sometimes its relationships, or whatever the circumstances may be. We face things and cry out to God to act on our behalf and it appears nothing is changing. Why?

God really spoke to me as I was reading John 11 and the story of Lazarus. Lazarus became very ill, and his sisters sent for Jesus, asking that He would come and heal Lazarus. Lazarus and Jesus were friends, however when Jesus heard the news of Lazarus’ illness he stayed where he was for several more days. Jesus had the power to heal, but he remained where he was while Lazarus remained sick.

When Jesus finally made the trip to Lazarus, upon arriving his sisters Mary and Martha told him that Lazarus was dead. The sisters cried out to Jesus saying “Lord, if you had be here, my brother would not have died.” They knew that Jesus had the power to heal Lazarus from his sickness; they knew that Jesus’ intervention would have meant healing.

Instead Jesus decided to wait. But the story did not end there. They story ended beautifully as Jesus shouted into the tomb, “Lazarus, come out!”. And out he came, certainly to the awe and amazement of the people around him. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.

So why did Jesus wait? Why didn’t he save them of the heartache and pain that they felt? Jesus answered this question; it was this way so that they could “see the Glory of God.” Jesus’ miraculous intervention of raising Lazarus from the dead revealed God’s glory and power. The story ends in saying that many people who saw what Jesus did put their faith in Him

We may be in a situation right now that we are asking God where He is. We want to know why the situation isn’t changing, or why things are staying as they are. We should ask for God’s intervention in our situations, and pray for our deliverance. However we shouldn’t become discouraged when things don’t happen how or when we expect them to happen. We don’t always know what He is up to, but rest assured that His plan is always accomplished.

Remember the words of Christ today as he spoke, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

The Purpose of Micah

2008-08-22T09:19:00.000-05:00

Came across this commentary about the purpose of the prophet Micah and wanted to post them.

Be purposed to make a difference little dude.

"Stemming from the poorer, working class, Micah was acutely aware of the injustices and avarice of the rich. While he was interested in the political affairs of his nation, it was only as they were connected with the religious and moral situation that Micah spoke to them" (Zondervan's Pictorial Encyclopedia). Micah wants the people to realize that true faith in God results in personal holiness and social justice! He "emphasizes the integral relationship between true spirituality and social ethics" (Expanded Open Bible). "Worship and morality cannot be divorced from each other. They are two sides of the same coin" (Jack P. Lewis).

"Keenly he realizes that no multitude of sacrifices can adequately be substituted for righteousness in practice" (Schultz, The Old Testament Speaks). "These people have been professing much and performing little. 'God has been observing the contradiction between creed and conduct,' says the prophet, 'and He will not tolerate it anymore'" (D. Stuart Briscoe).

What does the Lord require of you?! Micah 6:8 answers the question --- "To do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." "How will the world know that I am walking humbly with my God? They will know by the way I treat people. Those who walk humbly with their God have a passionate concern for justice being done in society, and a deep concern to treat people lovingly and mercifully" (D. Stuart Briscoe).

Micah Locked Down and Ready to Go Racing!

2008-08-20T09:50:00.000-05:00

Keep sucking on that binky buddy...it's going to be a wild ride!!

M-I-C-K-E-Y-M-O-U-S-E

2008-08-20T08:52:00.000-05:00

We knew it wouldn't be long...Micah is already trying to make the Mickey ears on his head. We'll get you there soon, dude, soon.

Pics from Bowman Gray Stadium

2008-08-11T08:07:00.001-05:00

Think about it...

2008-07-31T08:48:00.000-05:00

How we treat the creation reveals how we feel about the creator. - Rob Bell

Nacho, Meet Micah

2008-07-20T17:10:00.000-05:00

After sizing up Micah and realizing that she still had a few pounds on him, Nacho decided that his boppy bed would be perfect for her.

Is nothing sacred anymore?

It's okay Nacho, it won't be long before he has a few pounds on you, and a strong grip on that little tail!

I'm sure you two will be best buds before long.

Adjusting at Home...

2008-07-20T17:00:00.000-05:00

After spending quite a while in the hospital, we finally got to bring little Micah home on Thursday afternoon.

Michelle was relieved to be released, as was I, and she is recovering really well being in our own house. I can't begin to convey how proud I am of her, and how strong she has been.

Micah is doing great. His days really consist of eating, sleeping, and pooping...and I love every second of it. Neither of us realized how the love for this little boy could instantly be there from the moment he was born, and it is much greater than we could have ever anticipated.

I am not often a person to find himself at a loss for words, but the feelings and emotions we are receiving are indescribable. While we have always 'known' the love our parents have for us, we are now truly begining to comprehend the depth of that love, because we are experiencing it for out little boy.

No one in this world loves Micah like we love Micah.

Even more of Baby Micah...

2008-07-15T08:46:00.000-05:00

More Pictures of Baby Micah...

2008-07-13T09:29:00.000-05:00

Welcome Micah...!

2008-07-12T20:10:00.000-05:00

Well...Micah is here. He decided to make his grand entrance about a month ahead of time, and are we ever glad he did. Our beautiful baby Micah is here.

My wonderful wife Michelle did an amazing job. She did not get nervous, she was not timid, she was stoic throughout the morning despite having to have a c-section. This new little human was being delivered as a healthy baby because of Michelle's care and nurture of him over the past nine months.

I'm also thankful for my parents and Michelle's parents who instilled in us the values and life lessons that brought us to this monumental day.

As I look at my new little boy, I swell up with so many different emotions. Right now he is so pure and innocent. He hasn't been contaminated by society as we know it. He is a perfect image of God's beautiful creation. I wish I could keep him this way, in his pure form, but I know he has to grow up...just like we had to grow up, and our parents had to grow up, and their parents had to grow up.

It is now up to Michelle and I to take care of him, and nuture him. To instill in him the same values and life lessons that our parents did in us. To raise him in a way that he is able to see and choose Jesus Christ as his savior as he grows.

My heart already breaks at how fast I know he will grow up, because I grew up to fast. We all do. But as we grow, so does our faith and so do our relationships...that is what makes life beautiful.

I have a lot to learn. I can't change diapers and I don't know how to care for a baby. But I will learn. Just like Micah will learn to grow into a man.

I look at life differently now. I cherish what Michelle has done for this little baby. I cherish how her mom and dad raised her. I cherish how my parents raised me. I appreciate the bonds that they built as parents to their children and only hope to accomplish the same with little Micah. I cherish brothers and sisters who make families so rich.

Life is a little different now. I wish I could stay locked in today, July 12, 2008. I can't. But life will be richer as Micah grows older.

Blessings

Baby Micah's Nursery!

2008-07-11T17:32:00.001-05:00

Nacho is Ready to Meet Micah!

2008-07-11T17:19:00.001-05:00

Another Baby Shower Pic...

2008-07-10T17:41:00.000-05:00

Pictures from Michelle's Baby Shower

2008-07-10T17:22:00.000-05:00

Finding Purpose

2008-06-25T08:59:00.000-05:00

"Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes real happiness. It is not obtained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worth purpose" Helen Keller

Baby Micah Update

2008-06-16T09:22:00.000-05:00

Baby Micah is developing great! We got to see him again at our most recent appointment as our doctor had ordered another ultrasound at our previous appointment. He is growing! 4lbs 9oz! As of right now Michelle is about a week ahead of schedule!

He already loves music, any time we put on a particular song by Brett Dennen he begins to groove! There are a few others that get him moving and grooving!

The past few weekends we've been at Williamson Medical for childbirth classes, I don't think we realized how little we knew. It has been very educational, and surprisingly fun. We just wonder if he is going to be delivered with an instruction manual tied to the end of that cord...

We are starting to get the house ready now, we hope to begin painting soon and following this coming weekend's baby shower we will really begin to get things in order!

We are just excited for little Micah Laine to get here!

Kyle and Michelle

Off to Neverland Travel

2008-05-11T20:48:00.001-05:00

Come Alive.

2008-03-24T19:14:00.000-05:00

Michelle and I were just at Kroger picking up a birthday cake for someone in our office. Despite past ‘spelling mistakes’ on our cakes from this particular Kroger, we continue to pick up birthday cakes from there.

While we were waiting in line to pay for our cookie cake (which WAS spelled correctly) a manager approached the cashier who was working the line that we were in. A short, somewhat inaudible conversation transpired in which the manager was trying to convince the clerk to commit to working the next day. Due to the thickness of the accent, we couldn’t pick up on a lot of what was being said, except for the last few statements from the manager to the employee.

“You go home. You sleep. You come back work tomorrow.”

As funny as the statement was, given the tone, accent, and demeanor of the manager…it was also sad. The sadness is found in the truth of what that manager spoke; it is the repetitious rut that so many people find themselves in. We work in order to sleep just so that we can come back and work tomorrow.

In having to work to live we have created a society of people who live to work. Our existence becomes nothing more than a placement in a position to achieve a corporate objective.

As Christians, we know we can influence our sphere of people wherever we are, ultimately fulfilling the great commission. THAT is our purpose.

However as humans, we also have desires and dreams within us that make us come alive. How much more so can we ignite others with our passion for God and life when we are doing what makes us come alive?

We need to get after it. We need to pursue what makes us come alive.

If you already are…well done.

Learning Photoshop...

2008-03-20T21:49:00.000-05:00

...We'll, I'm starting to learn photshop now. I'm slowly picking up on Dreamweaver and Fireworks, so I figured I better get to know their big brother photoshop.

Not bad for my first time to 'use' the program!

Say Hello to Micah Laine Froman (Don't put your money on the middle name yet!)

2008-03-15T21:15:00.001-05:00

What the world needs...

2008-03-14T21:48:00.000-05:00

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go do that. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive."
Harold Whitman

Surprise, Surprise...

2008-03-13T19:30:00.000-05:00

Michelle...

And Kyle...

The Path to Victory

2008-03-10T23:33:00.000-05:00

Knowing good and well that I shouldn't have done so, a few hours ago I enjoyed a cup of coffee with a slice of leftover cake. It was great, but now here I sit wide awake...just hoping that 'tiredness' would overtake me soon. In sitting here, I found myself clicking through some old pictures that Michelle and I saved to our computer. One of them made me chuckle...

It was a picture that I snapped at the Mod race in Nashville last year inside of one of the haulers. It was a picture of a white board, with a simple set of instructions on it.

In the middle of the board was a large oval diagram, obviously that of a racetrack. Around the oval were three arrows circling counter-clockwise with "1st" wrote in between each of the arrows. In the middle of the oval drawing was also "1st".

Go counter-clockwise, finish 1st. Sounds like an easy way to get to victory lane doesn't it? If only it were that easy...

Thinking about this diagram brought another 'path to victory' to mind.

I recall Luke 10:25-27 when one lawyer asked Jesus about getting to Heaven, more specifically what he needed to do to gain eternal life. Jesus answered Him, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind" and "love others as you love yourself".

What a simple guide. Love God with everything we are, and love others as we love ourselves.

Our faith can become quite intricate, and many discussions could be hadon the topic of salvation, and what it 'takes' to be saved...and I am not discounting all that salvation entails.

However what better way to sum it all up into a two-sentance guide to victory.

If we love God with all of our heart, soul, strength and mind we will obey Him and what He speaks to us through scripture. Not because we have to, rather because we love Him so much that we want to.

If we loved others as we love ourselves, we would share that same hope that we find in Jesus Christ with everyone we come in contact with.

In doing both, we fulfill God's comission in our lives.

The sure-fire path to victory.

Be Blessed this week...
Kyle

Confidence.

2008-03-03T19:05:00.000-06:00

"Somehow I can't believe there are any heights that can't be scaled by a man who knows the secret of making dreams come true. This special secret, it seems to me, can be summarized in four C's. They are Curiosity, Confidence, Courage, and Constancy and the greatest of these is Confidence. When you believe a thing, believe it all the way, implicitly and unquestionably." - Walt Disney

Watch out for those Disney squirrels...

2008-02-25T19:17:00.000-06:00

I was thinking about this crazy squirrel we came across at Epcot.

This little fella was nuts. He was determined to get some of our food. It didn’t matter how many times we swatted at him, shouted at him, or tried to scare him...he just kept coming back.

He had obviously tasted of the table food before, and obviously knew it was much better than the typical squirrel chow. Because of this determination to taste the ‘good stuff’ again, he had become fearless in his pursuit. 100% of his little squirrel heart was after what was, in his mind, ultimate success.

We could learn from this squirrel, we should become fearless in our pursuit of our goals, dreams, and visions in our life. We shouldn’t allow others to scare us away, rather continue to forge forward towards our ‘good stuff’.

Back from Walt Disney World...

2008-02-25T10:52:00.000-06:00

Michelle and I just returned from another trip to Walt Disney World. You might say that we are slightly obsessed with all things Disney, we even went on a Disney Cruise Land and Sea vacation for our Honeymoon several years ago...and have found ourselves on multiple Disney vacations since then.

I don't know exactly what it is about Walt Disney World that draws us to them, or has led us to the point of creating a modern Mickey Mouse motif in our home. It could be found partly in the great accomplishments of Walt Disney, a man with vision, passion, and drive. It could be found partly in the exemplary service you receive on a Disney vacation. It could be found in the atmosphere and ambience that accompany the empire that Walt built. It may just be found in the return to childlike innocence you feel when you are on a Disney vacation.

Whatever it is, we are undeniably drawn to Walt Disney World. Their employees are trained in all things Disney, and they create the world that is what it is. Remember, all that Disney is, was formed in Walt's mind, and it was up to those that he recruited to create what exists today.

I wonder, if in our daily pursuit of life, we also exhume that same enthusiasm for Christ that draws people to him? In reality, if Walt's employees were just there to gain a paycheck in the beginning, the organization would not have been able to rise to the heights it is today. They could call themselves employees, but that means nothing without the passion to excel.

We are called, with our lives, to live with that passion for Christ that draws people to him. Our label is nothing without our passion for him.

Matthew 5 delivers a great directive to this regard:
13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city 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 men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Our lives should be that beacon that draws people to Christ. Not as a 'responsibility', but because we are so excited and passionate about what he has done for us that it undeniably shows in our lifestyle. We are the salt, and the light of what Jesus Christ hopes to accomplish in this world. It is up to us to choose to just wear the tag, or let our lives be the salt and light to others around us. Our passion is contagious...

Be blessed this week.
Kyle

Baby Froman!

2008-01-11T11:30:00.000-06:00

Save Nashville Speedway

2008-01-11T09:15:00.001-06:00

While I know some of you may be aware of this, others of you may not. The racetrack at the Fairgrounds is at a high risk of being demolished at the end of this season. The lease ends in 2008, and has not been renewed...and a consultation firm was hired to discuss future uses of the land the speedway currently occupies.

The Fairgrounds have been a part of my life since I was 8 years old, a part of Michelle and My ministry for the past 4 years. And while that does not seem like that long ago, the racetrack has been a fixture in Nashville since well before I was welcomed into this world! I felt my call to ministry sitting in the grandstands of that sacred speedway, and God’s word is going forth in the lives of many because of that track.

Families have come together at that facility. Legacies have been made at that facility. Precious moments of auto racing history has been wrote at that facility. To tear it down would be to tear down a special place in the lives of countless people.

I ask that you all take a moment to sign this ‘save the speedway’ petition. Save Nashville Speedway Petition I know it may not mean much to you...but to those that it does mean something to, it means everything.

You may also learn more by visiting www.savenashvillespeedway.com

Unashamed

2008-01-03T21:22:00.001-06:00

Amazing video.

Awards Ceremony

2007-12-04T23:06:00.000-06:00

This past Sunday evening our 2007 race season drew to a close at the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour Awards Ceremony held at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, NC.

This was our first time back together with this community since our season ending race in October at Caraway Speedway. It was quite enjoyable to be back amongst the familiar faces of the many friends we’ve developed over the past year. We were able to spend a significant amount of time catching up with people prior to, and after the awards ceremony.

During the ceremony/dinner, we were seated with the Director of Motorsports for Whelen, as well as with a few other NASCAR dignitaries. Conversations floated, and it was interesting to hear some of the stories from Champions Week in NYC from the week prior that a few of our dinner mates had attended.

Our role in the evening was minimal, however the Master of Ceremonies, Mike Joy, did read a short thank you to Michelle and I for our efforts with the series. Mid-way through the ceremony I was also asked to pray over the evening, and over the meal we were about to enjoy. There was also a small jest from George Silberman towards us regarding the unlikelihood that the series would return to Nashville next season.

Following the ceremony one of our drivers mentioned to me that the previous week he had been posted the question asking if he had any rituals or superstitions that he would carry out before each of his races. His reply was, “No, not really. Just Kyle and I pray before every race.” Pretty cool stuff if you ask me.

Despite it being a short, fast trip…it was quite enjoyable, and we found it to be quite productive relationally.

We look forward to seeing what 2008 will hold.

Music City Motorplex Updates...

2007-10-24T23:19:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged on it much this year, but in between our travels with the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour Michelle and I have been in the midst of our FOURTH year of ministry at the Music City Motorplex at the TN State Fairgrounds...WOW!

Looking back to the first two years that Michelle and I were at the Motorplex and seeing where things are today is just amazing. There is a renewed, heightened sensitivity towards God throughout the community...and it has been humbling, yet exciting to be used as a funnel in this community, sharing the goodness and fullness of his Grace.

Two years ago Michelle and I held our first chapel service at the Motorplex, one person was in attendance. For the remainder of that season Michelle, one driver, and I paused a few moments after each drivers meeting to look at God's word.

Fast forward two years. Two weeks ago another Motorplex race fell on a Sunday, to which Raymond, Michelle, and I organized a chapel. Well over fifty of us gathered together, sang Amazing Grace, spent time in prayer, and then looked to God's word. That is not something that you see everyday at a racetrack. That is God working in peoples lives.

We have also been thankful to have Raymond Rizzo as a part of the team this year. At the end of 2006 we realized that our schedule was becoming bigger than we were. Through our friendship with Raymond, we developed a ministry relationship that was nothing short of a God thing. Raymond has connected with people Michelle and I couldn't connect with, spanned bridges we thought couldn't be spanned, and been a creative, motivational go-getter in the ministry.

I can't fully capsulate what has transpired over the past 4 years at the Motorplex, and how God has acted on behalf of so many people. For those of you who know what I went through the year and a half leading up to our ministry at the Motorplex, you are probably just as astounded and amazed as I am. For those of you who don't...ask me sometime!

I wish I could put it to words...but one day in Heaven, we will all see the importance of this ministry.

NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour Championship Race

2007-10-24T23:10:00.000-05:00

The championship race for the NWSMT was held at Caraway Speedway in Asheboro, NC…our sixth visit to the track this season.

Prior to the race we met up with a friend of ours who now works for Petty Enterprises for lunch with him and his wife. We had a great time of sharing and encouraging each other in Christ…and just hanging out! After lunch we went our separate ways…however they did meet back up with us later in the evening back at Caraway Speedway.

We arrived at the track around 2:30PM as people were signing in, and haulers were entering the track. Upon arriving we pulled out our letters and trusty blue painters tape and hit the row of haulers taping up the last devotional of the season, which was centered on Philippians 3.

Much to our dismay, practice for all of the support divisions that would be running along side our race began seemingly the moment they pulled the last trailer across the track…and the noise would not stop until five minutes prior to our drivers meeting.

There is normally a window of time when we are hanging the devotionals that we are able to talk and interact with everyone…however the noise hindered any conversations from developing leaving us going trailer to trailer with a smile and a wave.

I know we were at a racetrack and it is to be expected, but it was just so loud throughout our entire day at the track that there was not a lot of one on one interaction with anyone. It really hindered us in a way that we had not yet encountered this season.

As soon as the motors quieted we went straight into the drivers meeting only to resurface to the noise of qualifying upon exiting the building. The few moments of peace and quiet that we did have around the facility were the moments that I was praying with drivers on the line.

Another clean race brought to a close the 2007 NWSMT season. What a year it was…we welcomed someone into the family of Christ, we prayed over many needs, we shared the word of God, and we opened ourselves up so that the goodness and love of Christ could flow through us. How blessed and privileged we are to be utilized in such a unique fashion.

We have a few more local ‘gigs’ as well as two banquets left on our schedule before the smiling faces at the airport car rental counters stop seeing us walking through he doors for the winter…time to recharge, relax, and re-energize for another season of God’s work.

NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour 150 :: Caraway Speedway

2007-09-25T18:53:00.000-05:00

Our second to last Mod race of the season was at Caraway Speedway in Asheboro, NC this past weekend.

We again had a late night Friday night as we hit the road after work on Friday and rolled into the Microtel parking lot around 1:30AM. Our trip in was good...smooth sailing the whole way! We've had a few traffic jams over the course of the year that we've sat through, so every 'clean' drive is a good drive!

We got to Caraway Speedway around 2:00 after a killer meal at an Indian buffet we found in Greensboro. The gates opened at 2:00 at the track, so we did end up in a slight traffic jam of haulers trying to cram into the tiny infield of the track. By the time we finally waited our turn to drive through and park all of our teams were already unloaded with some rolling through tech.

In the letter this week I drew from a verse in Psalm 46, "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth." I paralleled the verse to a song I heard this week by blues artist Jonny Lang called "Red Light". Jonny's song dives into the depths of the thoughts that can transpire as we sit at a "Red Light". I extrapolated that thought further to say that we need more "Red Light's" in our lives to be still and know that He is God.

Michelle helped me to tape up the new devotionals and pull down the old ones from the previous week that were still left hanging on some of the haulers. And as the day progressed, so did the conversations.

Every week our NASCAR tour director graciously welcomes us as he welcomes the various guests that are also with the series that weekend. He doesn't have to, people are getting to know us now, but it is a great sign of 'welcomeness' (is that a word??) and appreciation for our traveling to be with the series. He has been outstanding to us over the course of the past two seasons. Following the meeting I led us in a short prayer, thanking God for His blessings and asking His guidance in our lives throughout the course of the evening.

Following the drivers meeting we were treated to an excellent meal again by one of our teams. Roast Beef stew, homemade coleslaw, and homemade cobbler. Need I say more...?

About thirty minutes prior to the race I began to walk up and down the front stretch of the track praying with each driver as they greeted fans and prepared to strap into their machines. As was true with our last race at Caraway, as I was praying with the last driver I heard my name called over the track P.A. system with an invitation to the start finish line to present the invocation. Obliged.

The rest of the evening went smooth. There were no major incidents on track. I say no "major" incidents knowing every incident is major to the team it is happening to...but God's protection was upon every driver, crewmember, official, and fan throughout the evening.

We headed back home Sunday...and will turn around and head back to Caraway in just a week and a half for the final race of the 2007 NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified season.

Southern National 150 - Kenly, NC

2007-09-20T19:23:00.000-05:00

Last weekend was the Southern National 150 with the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour way east in Kenly, NC.

After a long hike across Interstate 40 Friday afternoon we nestled into the Wyndham Hotel around 11:30 PM and settled in to get rested up for the next day. Our hotel was a little further from the racetrack than normal, so when we finally made our way to Southern National Raceway Park all of the teams were already unloaded and beginning to prep their cars for practice.

The devotional this week for the teams was from the book of Lamentations in the Old Testament...God's grace being new to us everyday. It is refreshing to know that every day we wake up is a new day. Our mistakes, temptations, misjudgments, and errors from yesterday do not have to follow us around...because God's grace is fresh if we open our lives to Him.

As Michelle and I walked through the pits posting the letters we had some really good conversations. We were also encouraged to have a few people comment on the previous weeks letter that we posted. We never really know if people are stopping to take the time to read the devotionals, or if they are just cluttering their tool boxes.

As the afternoon progressed we had some uplifting exchanges with some, and opportunities to encourage others. It was really a fun day.

The driver introductions were conducted a little differently this week. All of the drivers were paraded around the track in the back of trucks, similar to the driver introductions that you may be familiar with in the Nextel Cup Series. That being the case I had a very limited amount of time to pray with each driver before the race. Half of the drivers I prayed with in the bed of the pickup trucks in groups of 2 to 3, the other half I rushed to pray with as they strapped into their cars.

When all was said and done we found ourselves at the end of another safe night.

We have two more races with the NWSMT this year. Pray that God will continue to funnel through us at the last remaining events of the season.

Caraway Speedway Southern Modified 150

2007-09-11T20:27:00.000-05:00

For our third event within eight days we returned to Caraway Speedway in Asheboro, NC.

The race was Saturday evening so we hit the highway right after work Friday afternoon...eventually rolling into Greensboro, NC and hitting the sac at about 2:30am. We finally mustered up the strength around 11:00am to roll out of bed and begin to make our rounds and make our way to the racetrack. We arrived at the facility about 30 minutes after the gates opened as the teams were offloading from their haulers and setting up.

The devotional we posted this week drew from a passage of scripture in Ephesians 5, expressing the magnitude and depth of God's love for us, and in turn how we should "love like that". I love how "The Message" described God's love for us, 'His love was not cautious, but extravagant'. Michelle helped me post the letters again at each team's hauler, and we were able to open quite a few conversations in the process of doing so.

Throughout the day at each track we visit, we experience one continuing love/hate relationship. We love to look forward to meal time, but hate to look forward to eating a steady diet of concession stand food! We were blessed this week to be treated to a freshly prepared meal straight off of the grill of one of the teams. If you have ever had to base your nutritional well being on what you can order from a concession stand you'd understand what a blessing this was! (No disrespect to the men and women who very graciously work the stands at the various racetracks we visit, they are all awesome individuals).

As the afternoon progressed, a member of the community and I carried over some previous conversations regarding a lifetime commitment to Christ, and he made the commitment to follow Christ with his life. Praise God!

Just prior to the race I walked out onto the front straightaway to pray with our drivers as they were lining up their cars on the track for the start of the race. At Caraway, I would typically do this during the fan autograph session, but since that was not taking place at this particular race that was the most feasible time for me to be able to pray with each driver. Just as I was beginning to pray with the last driver on the line I heard my name summoned over the P.A. to head to the start finish line to present the invocation.

We have developed somewhat of a relationship with the track announcer at Caraway, and whenever we are present he invites me to present the invocation...I'm quite honored with that and gladly oblige.

The race was again another smooth one, with minimal incidents throughout the 150 lap race. God's hand has definitely been watching over our drivers, crewmembers, and officials this season.

This weekend we head to Kenly, NC for our next event at Southern National Raceway Park. This race is the furthest from home for us, as we will be logging about 1300 miles round trip. Pray for God's continuing safety and provision as we make this trip...and that we would be vessels of His love and Truth.

Ace Speedway :: DMC Auto Exchange 150

2007-09-03T22:30:00.001-05:00

Today we were at race two of our double-header weekend at Ace Speedway in Elon, NC.

After using yesterday to regroup from our 13 hours at Martinsville we headed to the track ready to be at it again! We made it to Ace just after 11:00 AM as our teams were unloading and beginning to prepare for practice. Once we settled in Michelle grabbed the letters and I grabbed the tape and off we went to post our second devotional for the weekend.

Being that today is Labor Day, in today's devotional I shared from the wisdom of King Solomon and his thoughts in finding joy in our toil on earth. Later in the day I had a crew member stop us and thank us for the devotionals at the track...and that he always looked forward to reading them. That really blessed us to hear.

The day was a lot more relaxed that Saturday and Michelle and I just hung out for the post part, and found various conversations as the day rolled through.

We were the third race on the schedule this evening, so during one of Ace's preliminary races I began to walk through the infield praying with each driver as the prepared to get strapped in. This is always one of my favorite times of ministry at the track...and I also believe it is one of the most meaningful times to the drivers.

Tonights race was much cleaner than Saturday's as we ran 150 laps with only one caution for a single car spin. Everyone was able to roll their cars onto their haulers in one piece!

I did learn a valuable lesson tonight. When you are attempting to congratulate a driver in victory lane wait until after the celebrating is complete! I found myself in the midst of a cola and Gatorade shower! Live and learn!

Tomorrow we return home to TN...and I must say with all of the miles we have logged over the course of the past two years it is by God's gracious hand that we have never experienced any troubles on the highways.

We'll be home for a few short days before we saddle up and head back east to Caraway Speedway for next Saturday's race.

Martinsville Speedway :: Whelen Made in America 300

2007-09-03T22:28:00.000-05:00

Our double-header weekend kicked off Saturday in Martinsville, VA at Martinsville Speedway for the Whelen Made in America 300 (a combination event with the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour).

We arrived at the track just prior to noon, arriving to a very busy infield. There were 53 cars on hand attempting to qualify into the 43 starting positions available to them. Upon arriving Michelle helped as we began to walk through the garage area posting our first devotional of the weekend on the Southern Modified teams' pit carts. The devotional shared on the topic of us finding our ability to accomplish and overcome things in our lives through Christ...not on our own apart from Him.

While Michelle and I travel with the Southern Modifieds, there is another organization that ministers to the Northern Modifieds, Racing With Jesus Ministries. Dan and Don with RWJM had planned a joint chapel for our two communities to be held just prior to the drivers meeting on Saturday. Don's message extended the hope of salvation to a community still healing from the circumstances of the past few weeks (Dan led us in a time of prayer and I presented the afternoon's scriptures). Around 40 of us gathered together for the service...and one young lady committed her heart to the Lord following the service later that afternoon.

Following chapel was the drivers meeting to which the remaining activities of the day were laid out to the large field of competitors. In an end to the meeting I led the two communities in prayer.

As the afternoon progressed the field was narrowed down to the 43 teams that would start the race and the cars were lined up along the front stretch for a fan autograph session prior to their driver introductions. During the introductions, Dan, Don, and I stood behind the stage to pray with each of the 43 drivers following their introductions.

Throughout the race there were a few accidents that warranted a few trips to the infield care center for a few various drivers, but we praise God that everyone that was brought in walked out that evening.

It was a very long night, as we finally left the track after midnight...but I can think of few other places I'd rather be!

A Peaceful Reminder...

2007-08-09T21:09:00.000-05:00

This evening we went by our new house to check on the construction and see how things were coming along. As we walked through checking out the frame, roof, and electrical work that have been completed we stumbled across a neat reminder that God is a vital part of our home. The picture above was of the cover that one of the construction workers pieced together for our electrical box. What a great reminder he left for us!

Have a great Lord's day. Little hot, but he will take care of that.

John 3:16 shows the way to peace of mind and heart. Just call on Him and he will help you through every day

Bowman Gray Stadium

2007-08-05T21:35:00.000-05:00

This weekend we were at the small bullring Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, NC. Bowman Gray Stadium is located at Winston-Salem State University. The racetrack doubles as a football field. If you could, imagine a normal 17,000 seat football field. But instead of the traditional running track circling the field, it is replaced with a flat asphalt racetrack. It is quite a facility.

We arrived at the stadium about thirty minutes prior to the gates ‘officially’ opening which allowed us some time to settle in and spend some time catching up with some of our officials as teams arrived and began to unload.

Along with us this weekend traveled my parents. They are huge supporters and contributors to our ministry so we wanted to bring them along with us to see what our time at the racetrack with the NWSMT is like.

As we settled in my dad and I began to walk the haulers and post this week’s devotional letter as Michelle and my mom settled into a nice shady spot! In the devotional letter this week I placed an emphasis on prayer. I drew from James chapter 5 in the devotional, and explored the topic of the power that we tap into through prayer. The NWSMT has an online message forum where I post a bi-weekly devotional and have been working through the book of James so it was a nice continuation to the devotionals the community can access online. We spent just over an hour walking the haulers and talking with drivers and crewmembers as we hung the devotionals.

The tour qualified on Friday night so our Saturday schedule was somewhat condensed. We had two short rounds of practice, as the cars were not impounded following the previous evenings qualifying session. Following practice was our drivers meeting to which we closed the meeting in prayer.

During driver introductions I was able to connect with a few individuals and talk with them at a little more length than what I normally do. I had a great conversation with one of our photographers who had lost both his grandmother and grandfather over the past few weeks. I was able to highlight God’s goodness in all situations as he shared about the ‘good things’ that have come through their passing. He recognized several ways that God worked throughout the situation.

There was a support race to run prior to the NWSMT race, so there was only going to be a short sliver of time for the cars to be lined up on the track prior to the race. That being the case I used the time during the support race to pray with each driver in his hauler. I knew they would be rushed, as would I, so I took this time in order to have a more ‘relaxed’ encounter.

The race is what you would expect in a tiny bullring track like the Stadium. We just praise God for no serious threatening incidents. We also thank God for safety on the roads as we traveled.

Race 5 - NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour

2007-07-08T21:45:00.000-05:00

After a long two and a half month break for the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour we found ourselves in Asheboro, NC for race five with the NWSMT. Over the past few months we have spent time at the Music City Motorplex, as well as taking quite of a bit of time for 'leisure travel'.

This weekends race was an abnormal Friday night event so we packed up and headed east Thursday evening. Along with us traveled Raymond Rizzo, another MROA Chaplain whom we have partnered with at the Music City Motorplex. Since the 'Plex had an off weekend this weekend Raymond saddled up and headed east with us as well.

We arrived at Caraway Speedway just around 2:00 on Friday afternoon as the gates were opening to allow the haulers to enter and unload for tech inspection. Upon signing in and heading into the track we had a lengthy conversation with a former Motorplex worker who is now a scorer for the NWSMT. As the conversation wrapped up we hit the row of haulers to post our regular devotional on the teams pit carts/haulers.

In this weeks letter I pulled from Galatians 5:1 and John 8:31-36, speaking of the spiritual freedom we receive through Jesus Christ. This is always a good time to keep in front of and mingle with the many crewmembers that I may not otherwise cross paths with throughout the day.

As the afternoon went on we had a few various conversations and were also able to catch up with an individual whose relationship we have really been nurturing. Following practice we attended the drivers meeting and I closed out the meeting in prayer. In attendance at the meeting was the track announcer at Caraway Speedway, and we arranged with him to have Raymond present the invocation during pre-race ceremonies that evening.

About 35 minutes prior to the race I began walking the 21-car field on the front stretch, praying with each driver individually as they mingled with fans and prepared themselves for the 150 lap race that was ahead of them. As Raymond offered up a prayer, and the command was given to start their engines the cars rumbled off...for the most part closing out our evening of ministry.

Following the race we did catch up with just a few drivers before calling it an evening. We praise God for His watching over us on the highways to and from these events...and for allowing us to be used to share His goodness in such an exciting way.

The Ultimate NASCAR Tailgate Party at Full Life A/G

2007-07-02T21:08:00.000-05:00

Just a few pictures from the Ultimate NASCAR Tailgate Party at Full Life Assembly of God. For those of you who were unable to make it, we had an incredible service! The band Over Ashes led us into a time of worship, race driver Jason Hogan shared his powerful testimony, and many people were able to hear the good news of the redemption of Jesus Christ through the service!

At Caraway Speedway Again...

2007-04-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

This past weekend we were back at Caraway Speedway for the fourth race on the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour schedule.

It was a bizarre weekend for weather, we encountered sun, clouds, thunderstorms, rain, hail, sleet, and snow...ranging from almost 70 degrees down to 30 degrees. What a weekend for our rental car to be a convertible, eh? Oh well!

We headed east on Friday afternoon, getting into Greensboro, NC right around midnight. The pit gates were not opening until after lunch on Saturday, so we had some time on Saturday morning to 'goof around' and rest up from the drive.

We made our way to the racetrack just after 2:00pm on Saturday. This gave us about two hours before the NWSMT practice started to post devotionals at everyone’s haulers and 'hang out' with everyone prior to cars hitting the track. This weeks devotional hit on Matthew 6:25-34. If anyone is ever interested in reading these letters drop me a note and I will forward them on to you to check out.

Immediately after practice we headed to the drivers meeting. We are continually made to feel welcome with the series at each meeting, and closed it in prayer after the series director finished his deal. After the drivers meeting everyone headed back to their cars to put fresh rubber on them and roll them over the scales. We found ourselves in a few more conversations.

I was also asked again by the track announcer at Caraway Speedway to present the Invocation. This is the third time in the past two years I have been invited by them to pray prior to the race and I gladly obliged. After I finished praying with all of the NWSMT drivers on the starting grid Michelle and I headed up to the announcers tower for the pre-race invocation.

Prior to praying, the announcer asked me to share a few words about what Motor Racing Outreach is all about. Of course I was pleased with the opportunity, and as I finished sharing my 'elevator story synopsis' I invited all of the fans to stand as we went to God in prayer.

Unfortunately, following the invocation, the racing never got underway. What was at one point a light mist turned into a heavy downpour, leading to the cancellation of the race. Bummer!

The race has been rescheduled, however due to many numerous commitments that we cannot break on the rain date, we will be unable to make the rescheduled event. Our only reprieve in knowing we will miss the race is knowing that the 'bulk' of our day is spent before race-time, and the rain-date will be just the race. It is still very difficult to miss the event.

Our next scheduled race with the NWSMT is again at Caraway Speedway in July. Next weekend we will be at the Season Opener at the Music City Motorplex at the TN Fairgrounds. (Their season opener was also rained out last weekend!!).

Greenville-Pickens Speedway...

2007-04-10T01:30:00.000-05:00

This weekend we were at stop 3 with the NWSMT in Greenville, SC. This was a tough weekend for us for several reasons. Being that this was our third straight weekend out of town, our energy tank is begining to run low...and the bitter cold weather that pushed through this weekend didn't help things much. Thankfully we found ourselves in a relaxing hotel in the quaint downtown Greenville area. We were able to 'slow down' when we got in town Friday and enjoy ourselves for a bit before we hit the track on Saturday. Not that being at the racetrack isn't enjoyable for us...it was just a nice change of pace for a day!

We arrived at the racetrack shortly before 2:00 on Saturday and proceeded to post devotionals on all of the teams haulers with the help of Michelle. The walk down the line of rigs took a little longer than normal, as more and more conversations are developing through this. I always enjoy writing, and it is encouraging to know I can use this 'gift' for such a purpose. One really cool conversation was a direct result of this...you'll have to take my word for it!

The cold seemed to keep everyone 'hiding for warmth' throughout the day (at least it did us!) That being the case we weren't out and about as much as we normally are, but we still managed to find ourselves in some really good conversations with people. I wish I could tell you more about these 'conversations', but I feel it would be best to just stick with the broad term...but trust me they are worthwhile!

Following the drivers meeting we closed in prayer, and the drivers all found there way to their cars to prepare for qualifying. We sat by the scales as the cars rolled through tech, and noticed that several cars are now sporting the "Motor Racing Outreach" decals that we handed out in Nashville last week. One driver even brought a different car to Greenville, and asked for a few more stickers to put on his other car.

Prior to the race I made my way down the grid praying with each driver before their race. I really love this time to get to pray individually with each team, it is a very intimate time to get alone with God for just a few moments before they strap into their cars. More and more crews are beginging to warm up to me praying on the grid as well, as they gather around and pause while I pray.

It was kind of wierd being out of Church on Easter Sunday to drive home from our trip...but I can't help but think that Jesus would rather us be doing such a thing. We did have 'church' on our way home in the car. It doesn't matter 'where' we worship...does it?

Michelle, isn't she wonderful...

2007-04-10T01:00:00.000-05:00

I just have to say, my wife Michelle is great!!

She attends every race with me and stays involved in our ministry...because she wants to.
She takes care of our house for us while I work on other things...because she wants to.
She helps proof read everything I type...because she wants to.
She encourages me and my dreams...because she wants to.
She loves me REGARDLESS of what I may do...because she wants to.

She doesn't complain.
She doesn't whine.
She doesn't dread.
She doesn't fight.

She just loves.
She just supports.
She just encourages.
She just does.

So I just have to say my wife Michelle is the best, no one makes her spend all of her time at the racetrack with me, she just does it because she wants to. How great is she!?! I love her!

(((if there are any typos in this, it is because she didn't know I was posting this!)))

NASCAR Modifieds in Nashville...

2007-04-03T01:30:00.000-05:00

Music City was the backdrop for our second race of the season with the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour. It was a two day event with practice and qualifying on Saturday and the race falling on Sunday. The ASA Latemodels and CRA Latemodels were also finding their place in Nashville for the weekend as well.

When we arrived at the track Saturday afternoon we immediately began hanging our devotional letters on all of the teams haulers...we wanted to get them posted prior to all of the teams heading up to pit road for practice since we only had a brief window before practice began.

Once practice got underway we hooked up with a friend of ours from Louisville, KY who we met at the MROA conference in Charlotte earlier this year. He was in town with a CRA team that was racing this weekend, so we spent some time in their teams rig with him and his wife. It was great to connect with him and exciting to hear about the doors God is opening in his life.

Saturday also consisted of a lot of conversations with people around the track, as well as presenting the Invocation prior to the scheduled ASA race on Saturday evening.

On Sunday morning we got an early start arriving to the racetrack around 9:30. We had some time to have a few brief conversations as well as remind a few people about the Chapel Service we were holding at 10:45. Following the Modifieds drivers meeting 30+ of us gathered around as I shared a brief message on Palm Sunday. To me there is no greater high than sharing the gospel at the racetrack.

We also had a videographer at the track on Sunday with us. He is working on a commercial for "The Ultimate NASCAR Tailgate Party" at Full Life Assembly of God, as well as gathering footage for a ministry video for Michelle and I. He has a tremendous amount of talent in what he does...if anyone is in need of video services check him out www.kevincopeland.com.

Prior to the Modified race Raymond Rizzo, our other Chaplain at the Motorplex, presented the Invocation at the main stage and I prayed with the Modified drivers individually after they were introduced. Raymond was a huge asset and help to us throughout the entire weekend. Following the Modified race Raymond and I took part in the driver introductions for the CRA series that was also racing on Sunday.

All in all it was an outstanding, productive weekend. It can be hard attempting to summarize everything that happens in a two day period of time...but if you want to know more, just ask!

Next weekend we will be in Greenville, SC with the NASCAR Modifieds, and Raymond will be working the season opening weekend at the Music City Motorplex.

Season Opener at Caraway Speedway...

2007-03-26T15:53:00.000-05:00

This past weekend we headed east for the season opener with the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour at Caraway Speedway in Asheboro, NC.

It was an absolutely beautiful day to be outside enjoying God's creation...the mid-80's temperature was as unexpected as it was welcomed compared to the sub artic temperatures we faced this time last year. All I can say is it was a beautiful day to be outside.

Upon arriving at the track we checked in to receive our credentials and headed into the infield. For this event I prepared a letter for each team that included a short devotional for them to read. So after we found our way into the infield we worked our way down the row of haulers making contact with each team and posting the devotional on each team's war wagon (tool box) or hauler. I plan on continuing with these letters throughout the entire season, I hope it allows everybody the opportunity to 'quiet' their day and meditate on God's word for a few moments.

We exchanged pleasantries with a lot of people throughout the day, but we did not find ourselves in a lot of deep conversation. Being that it was the season opener, everyone was very busy during the day getting ready for the race. The reality of there being 31 teams attempting to make the 26 car field just pushed everyone to work that much harder.

Around 4:00 practice started, and all of the teams hit the track for the next hour. The deafening V8's rumbling around the tiny track eliminated any possibility of talking to anyone...so we settled into a couple of folding chairs in the shade and rested a bit. The drivers meeting was scheduled to follow practice, so once the red flag was dropped and all of the cars cleared the track we headed to the building the meeting would be held in. Following the meeting, I closed us in a short prayer.

Qualifying went smoothly, and after qualifying those who made the race lined their cars on the front stretch for a fan autograph session. I typically use the autograph session time to pray with drivers individually prior to the race...and due to the amount of fans at this event I had to wait in line to pray with most!! This is, however, the only fitting time in the schedule to pray individually with them since immediately after the autograph session they buckle into their rides and get rolling.

I was also asked by the Caraway officials to present the invocation prior to the race, so after some hustling back and forth we found our way up to the tower to offer up a prayer prior to the race.

The race wasn't as smooth and clean as they usually are, with a few more cars than normal finding the hook of the wrecker, however we are thankful to God that there were no injuries.

All in all it was a great weekend, and we are excited about our community making their debut appearance in Nashville this weekend!

Buckle Up...

2007-03-22T13:37:00.000-05:00

You're a chaplain for who...???

I know a lot of people aren't overly familiar with the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour that we serve...so I wanted to get you "up close and personal" with the type of racing that the community we spend a lot of our time with does.

Check out the two videos below...

Random Ramblings...

2007-03-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

For the past few months I have been in a ‘funk’ realizing that time marches on...and things aren’t the way they used to be. At 26 you would think I wouldn’t be having thoughts of getting old...I guess my mid-life crisis just came a little early. Call it fear, call it anxiety, call it nostalgia, call it what you will...I am just ready to be over it! Yes, Christians have emotions and experience ‘funks’ too. Whoever said following Jesus Christ was easy, obviously wasn’t following Him!

So I found myself feeling a little nostalgic tonight going through old pictures on my computer. As I was re-living memories that each picture conjured up I realized...isn’t God good? Okay, okay...we have been told that since we were little, “God is good, God is great”, but think about how good God really is. I may not be a millionaire (or a thousandaire....barely a hundredaire!) but I have everything I could ever need.

I have my salvation. No one can ever steal that from me.

I have my health. If I lose that, this body is only temporary.

I have a wife who is beautiful both inside and out. (I dare you to mess with her!)

I have a family who supports me and loves me regardless of what I do. Christian parents who have brought me up the way I am and in-laws who have accepted me as their family.

I have a shelter. I have food. I have transportation. I have a cat.

God is good. REAL good.

When I was young I wanted to be an artist when I grew up. Now I find myself doing graphic design for all kinds of people and organizations.

When I was young I wanted to work for Walt Disney World when I grew up, now our company helps find entertainment for WDW so in a round about way I do.

When I was young I wanted to be a race car driver when I grew up, now I travel as a chaplain with a NASCAR regional series.

When I was young I wanted to marry my “Cinderella” and live in a fairy tale...have you seen Michelle...goodness!

God is good. REAL good.

So Kyle, get out of your funk. Your past was bright, but your future is much brighter. It’s okay to remember the past, but for goodness sakes boy, don’t live in it! Sure, the things on this earth are temporal. But the things that matter, Jesus Christ, my beautiful wife, my loving family, my supportive friends, they will last an eternity. Because when the earth has faded away, we will still all be rejoicing together.

So am I better now? Not totally...but it sure does help to think about how good God is. Real good.

Kyle

Heading West to Memphis...

2007-03-16T21:00:00.000-05:00

With only one week left until the 2007 race season gets started, we hopped in our black chevy and headed west to Memphis to visit with Michelle’s Mom, Sister, and her Sister’s fiance. It is always nice to get away knowing you will have zero responsibility for the next few days! Not to mention it is always great to spend time with family!

After this weekend we dive headlong into our race season, with four straight NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified races over the course of next four weekends. The tour will take us through North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee on our first stretch of races.

Weekly racing at the Motorplex starts in April as well. While we will be out of town for the season opening race, we are extremely excited to have our friend, and now co-Chaplain Raymond on hand for the event. Raymond is partnering with us at the Motorplex this year, and we are extremely excited to have him as a part of our team.

Beyond getting ready for the upcoming race season, we have also been very busy planning “The Ultimate NASCAR Tailgate Party” outreach event at Full Life Assembly of God in Franklin, TN. The outreach will be on July 1st, and is going to be a pretty awesome event! We will tell you more about it as it gets closer...

Seeing that we are all sitting around amidst an engaging game of Rook (I’m down by 15 points!), I better wrap this up. Check back next week for an update on how our first race went! Until next time...

In His Service,
Kyle and Michelle