KNIGHTROUS~Pastor Jeff Knight

www.jeffknight.com

2010-07-06T16:48:00.001-07:00

For updates, go to www.jeffknight.com

Thanks,

JEFFKNIGHT.COM

2010-06-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

I am super excited about a big announcement. After 16 years of trying, we obtained www.jeffknight.com. From now on I will be updating there, but I will keep www.knightrous.com open, and eventually link it to the other site.

We will be working on a variety of additions to the website, so check back often. Make sure to change your RSS feed to keep getting updates.

Jeff

PUT GOD FIRST THIS SUMMER

2010-06-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

This weekend we are launching a series, At the Movies. A friend approached me and said, “I’d rather you preach Jeff, why do you do these movie messages.” My answer was simple, because they win people to Jesus and allow us to have a cultural conversation. In addition, they are easy to invite friends to!!! At the Movies is in the wheelhouse of what this church stands for, Connecting People to Life.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of Jesus impacting lives through your church. Don’t do it! Allow your summer schedule and plans to rearrange so you can be a part of reaching people of no/damaged faith each weekend. Your involvement saves lives!!!

Frankly, I really don’t think church culture understands the principle of First Fruits in times like these. God will blow your mind, but HE MUST BE FIRST. First in your life, first in your money, time and summer!

Out of 7 days, which one is the first I give God? It’s obviously, day one, the first day. This is why church is on Sunday! Some people think Monday is the first day of the week because to them work is number one, they have to make money. Others think Friday is the first day of the week because they believe having a good time on the weekend is priority number one.

If we want to have God blow our mind with outpouring, blessing, provision and answer what we earnestly pray for then we MUST PUT GOD FIRST!

1 Corinthians 16:2, "On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside…"

The above scripture is not a suggestion, it is a command. GOD MUST BE FIRST! He must be.

It begins this weekend, the 4^th of July, a great day of celebrating our nation’s independence. How about celebrating our independence in Christ by being at service and worshiping God with everything? I think it will be one of the best days of the summer. After church you can head out to friends and family for the big party or your camping destination.

The movie will be Saving Private Ryan. Check out some of the pictures from the film shoot. It will be amazing. If you know a Veteran invite them to service. If you are Active Duty then come in your uniform and be a part of this amazing 4^th of July at The Rock Church.

Pressing the Mark,

Pastor Jeff

Race 8 - 1st

2010-06-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

June 19th, Father's Day weekend, nearly two years to the day since my last victory, and it happened. We led a lot of laps and put the car up front to take the checkers in first. I was pumped as it was a perfect day. We qualified 1st, won the heat race and the main, and closed up the points chase for the championship.

As I stood on the stage with Melinda getting some photos I said to her, "I don't know if I am excited or relieved." Being candid, it's been a long time since putting the car in the winners circle, and with the awful breaks I've had over the past two years of racing I felt like the monkey was finally off my back!

Winning legitimizes the efforts of the entire team. This win was not only great for me, but our whole team as well. The crew work so hard to give me an awesome car, and this year it seems I can drive a 5th place car to 2nd, but the winning car to 2nd also, LOL! I was so pumped to get them a win, the first for a couple of them.

Well, now we set sail for the remainder of the season. I will miss today's race as I made some very important plans back in March, the first miss in 48 or so races. The promoters changed the program a bit this year allowing us Late Model drivers to throw out our two lowest point weekends. This will be one of my throwaways.

Have a great week and we'll see ya on the 5/8's July 3rd. We are one adjustment away from putting the #70 in the winners circle on the big track!

Race 5 - 2nd; Race 6-2nd; Race 7-4th

2010-06-05T22:22:00.000-07:00

Race 5
Race 5 was two weeks ago. We qualified 4th, had an awesome battle with Naima Lang and ended up 2nd on the night. We went green to checkers with no cautions, and I would have needed a late caution to give Naima a run for it.

Race 6
This race was the first of two on the night. After qualifying 2nd we started the first race 3rd row inside. The race was green and we were pretty good. I had an loose condition that worsened as the night went on. We battled pretty good, and ended up 2nd.

Race 7
Race 7 was the second race in the double header. We started inside row 2. Ran in 3rd most of the race. We were single file for most of the race. A late caution came out with about 4 laps to go. I started inside, directly behind the leader, the 2. After a caution and on the restart the 2 got huge loose and made contact with the 12. I was in the perfect seat to see the whole incident. Because they were banging I had a massive run, and as they were crashing going into turn 3 I put it to the bottom. The 12 was in the dirt with the 2 slamming into him, so I figured there was plenty of room. I didn't even see their race cars out the windshield as I was entering turn 3.

Next thing I know the 2 is turning off my nose. I hit him, and rolled out to the high side of the track. I was sent to the back of the field and told I caused wreck, which I didn't understand, and hardly agreed with. The officials told me after the race, "The 2 caused the crash, but you were involved." I ended up 4th.

Champions Network

2010-05-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

I got away with Melinda for a couple days this week. We flew out on Sunday PM heading for Houston to meet at Lakewood Church and Joel and Victoria Osteen; about the Champions Network.

To our surprise some of our favorite people were on our plane, Judah and Chelsea Smith. As you know Judah's parents, Wendell and Gini, have been our pastors since mom and dad went home with the Lord. We love the Smith's huge, and it was cool to catch up on the plane. Seriously, if you live anywhere around the Eastside or downtown and don't drive out to The Rock Church go to The City Church. These guys are the real deal, and hitting home runs for Jesus.

Landing in Houston well after midnight we checked into our hotel right next to Lakewood Church, got some rest and prepared for the morning.

Walking downstairs we ran into so many people we knew from all over the country. Friends like, Kevin and Beth Green from The Living Room and Eli and Teresa Moreno from Changing Pointe, greeted us as we waited in line at Starbucks. Well, Melinda waited in line, ya all know I only like coffee as long as it's not in my mouth!

The gathering would begin after meeting dozens of movers and shakers from around the nation. I'd say there were about 85-100 leaders representing about 300,000 folks! That's pretty awesome.

Joel Osteen is the real deal. He told us how humbled he was to receive the church at the time of his father's death. He was talking about what God had done, and he was talking through the emotion of it all. It is always great to see Christian leaders who are completely vulnerable in front, Joel was that way on this trip. As he was sharing I was reflecting about the loss of my dad. My story resonates with Joel a lot because I never asked to be a lead pastor. I was completely content doing what I was doing, but the graduation of my father and mother meant it was time to step up.

We heard stories of how God is using Joel and Victoria to build the local church, not just their church, but churches like The Rock. With 20 million people watching their program every month they have a lot to say about building the church. Research has taught them that nearly 50%, or half, of those watching, 10,000,000, are un-churched or de-churched. Meaning, they are not connected anywhere. Champions Network exists to help those 10 MIL people find the churches represented in the room I was sitting in. I was completely stoked at the possibilities.

Imagine what could be possible if 500 people were added to The Rock Church this year? It would be epic! Well, that's what we are doing. By partnering with Joel and Victoria we will be offering The Rock as a local church opportunity for all those people connected with Joel's books, television show and teaching. I am pumped about this.

At the end of the day I was talking with Victoria about a phone call I made the summer after my parents died. Back then, I knew of Joel taking over for his dad, so I called Lakewood Church and left a message for Joel, telling of my story. You know what? He called me back in the summer of 2000. We talked for a brief moment about our dad's, church and filling big shoes. It wasn't a long conversation, but I've never forgotten it. Victoria remembered Joel telling her about that phone call 10 years ago this summer.

She led me to the front to speak with Joel about it. Guess what? He remember it also. A guy who speaks to 20 million people per month on TV nationally, and most likely billions world-wide. He pastors Lakewood Church which is so big it meets where the Houston Rockets used to play. Not only that, but he's written best selling books and keeps a schedule rivaling a President. And after all that he remembered talking with a 29-year old pastor who'd just lost his parents. That's the real deal friends. I am honored to be included in the Champions Network.

Race 4 - 3rd

2010-05-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

It was our first race on the big 5/8's mile track. This track is awesome. It's fast, it takes courage and for the record my crew chief, Steve, has always delivered a bullet at this place. I really feel like I can win on the 5/8's. Saturday night proved I only need to make small changes to my driving style to keep the car under me the whole race. We were close, real close.

Practice.
Awesome car. I have to admit, I love the new "two tire rule" at Evergreen Speedway. It saves us money on race tires, but not only that it saves us from having to buy practice tires too often.

However, like most people I'd rather role a new set of 4 skins on the car for the 5/8's. For those who've only had the opportunity in life to spectate, racing tires are a HUGE deal. When you get a chance to drive one of these things ask for fresh tires. We put on fresh doughnuts for practice and it was hooked up! I could hold it to the floor board the whole exit off the corner, "Yeah buddy, that's what I'm talking about!!"

Qualifying.
The 2008 and 2009 champ, Naima Lang, came out to race the big track. He is super fast on this track, so I was aiming to beat him in qualifying. I know without a doubt it was the best qualifying effort I have ever had on the big track. I was pumped. Naima went out and got me by like .035 seconds. I qualified 2nd.

Main Event.
I started outside row 3 in the 6th position. The car was awesome. We made a few passes early and settled in behind the 12 and 11. I found some grip off of turn four and the 11 seemed to be getting tight in the center. We got him and set sail for the leader. I pulled up on Tom after a few laps. He's a cagey veteran so he may have been saving his car a bit, but when I got to him we were racing. I challenged him for quite a few laps.

After some time my car started changing. It was getting a tick tight in the center. Naima caught me and we had an awesome battle. With the 12 right ahead of us Naima and I went door to door for several laps. It's awesome to race against super fast guys who drive clean because you know they won't wreck or mirror drive you. They test every ounce of your cars setup and talent. Naima and I were having a fun battle that would have lasted at least another dozen laps if the 16 hadn't pulled in front of me when he was getting lapped. Naima set the pick, I had to check up and fall in line behind the 00.

As Naima caught Tom they began to battle. My car had struggled a bit in the center, but I changed my line up a little and found some bite. With the 12 and 00 going at it I started to catch them both. Coming to the white flag, one lap to go, I got a huge run off of turn four and knew I had a head of steam going down the front stretch. Without hesitating I threw it to the outside and rolled up to Naima's door, racing for second. We went side by side down the back stretch, but my car wouldn't hold for turn 3. I finished third.

I was a great night as all three of us were close at the finish. For me, going 75 laps green-to-checkers, without a single caution and be nose to tail at the finish with two of the best drivers at Evergreen, and arguably in the Northwest, I was pumped. It was a great night.

I spent some time debriefing my line. I learned a little "somethin-somethin" that we will try next week. I can hardly wait.

Remember, go eat some pie and lunch at Snohomish Pie company. You eat pie, I get new tires! Thank you.

Race 3 - 5th

2010-05-17T20:40:00.000-07:00

I am writing this post a week and a couple days removed from race three. You can read about the race here. For the record I think Tom Moriarty is a fantastic champion, eight times. He and I will race hard all season, and I think it will be a great battle this year.

Practice.
Our car is good, really good. The guys are preparing an awesome piece. It is solid through the center of the corner and hooks up on exit real well. It's a blast to drive. The biggest thing about practice this particular week is that we tried some small tweaks looking for a big peak.

Qualifying.
For the 3rd week in a row we put it on the pole. It was a solid effort, and I am really proud of the team for giving me a fast car week in and week out.

Heat Race.
I started on the pole again this week. I beat Tom to the 1st turn and for the first time held him off as we exited turn 2, an accomplishment compared to the last two heat races. We had tried some small changes that worked in qualifying, but didn't work as well in the heat race. Car was not really finding much grip and Tom got by me. He rolled out to a decent lead, and all I could do was watch. We had a bit of work to do before the main.

Main Event.
I started row 3 outside in the 6th position behind Dan Moore. We had changed the car back to the previous weeks setup after the heat and things were looking good. The field was rolling off and we were racing close. Dan had some trouble on the front stretch and stacked up the field, thankfully I didn't turn him. Problem was I was stuck behind him as cars got to the inside and cleared us both.

I found it hard to clear the 16. He races me really hard week in and week out, which is fine, but I was got frustrated. From my perspective he was checker-boarding pretty good, covering my every move with the help of a spotter or mirror. Either way it was jacking up my progress to catch the leaders who now got away by a straightaway.

I passed the 16 about lap 20 and set sail for the leaders. I was gaining ground on 4th, passed him. The battle for 2nd was ensuing as the laps were winding down, and the 12 had picked a line that opened the door wide for the 70. Laps were ticking away and I was gaining huge ground, sometimes a car length or more per lap.

Finally, I reached the 12 and 20 battle and threw Ole Red up in the fight. We would get alongside the 12, then he would clear me getting into the turn and slide up the track. We would get under him and be door to door. Each lap I'd gain more ground. Coming off of turn four I saw the white flag, one lap to go. I knew if I could just get my car a little deeper into turn one and roll the center without sliding up, I could get him. It worked as I'd planned, and I got a huge run.

I didn't see Tom in my peripheral vision as I had the previous few laps, so I thought I had the move clean. Problem was, he was there. We touched. My car shook a little. I hit the accelerator and down the back stretch I went. I'd made the move with a half a lap to go and set sail to finish 3rd...

I ended up 5th for the night.

Weekend Reflections

2010-05-02T15:53:00.001-07:00

Awesome day today at church...some high points.

I looked out before 1st service. There were so many people gearing up
to serve. Ushers, greeters, presenters, baristas-- all happy people
were getting it done. It really is an amazing blessing to pastor The
Rock Church. Note to self: if I find myself sitting around before
church I better find someone to serve unless I look out of place.

Mark Ramsey's message was epic, there is treasure in the house. I
loved reading so many peoples thoughts on Facebook afterward. I
really appreciate Mark's ministry.

Enjoyed the worship team passion today. It's awesome to watch these
instruments serve the Lord with their everything.

It is so cool for me to see race car drivers at church every weekend,
even when they get home so late from the track.

I got to hear a story about a catholic who became atheist and found
Jesus at The Rock Church! Those stories never get old. The church works.

Did you see my daughter? Yes, she had caffeine for the 1st time
yesterday. I think it will be the last time! She was running fast.

I am really pumped about the next series, Raising Royalty. If you are
a parent/grandparent or a single person who's ready to impact the
world this series could be the most important for your purpose.

Finally, Josh 24:15, "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."
Join the Heart for the House revolution at TRC where hundreds are
taking it up to a new level.

Sent from my iPhone

Week 2-3rd by .011

2010-04-26T23:06:00.000-07:00

Pretty awesome car the team is giving me so far this season. This car is so strong it's been a blast to race. I am learning a ton right now running up front every week, starting on the pole. As with all learning curves I am making some mistakes, more to come on that later.

Ole Red, as we have affectionately named the car, is a beast. It seems whatever combination we throw at it the thing is strong. I am looking forward to an awesome season at Evergreen Speedway. Let's get to this weeks review.

Practice.
We unloaded and the car was fast, fastest in practice for the second week in a row. We made a minor change, but nothing overly drastic. It's all about fine tuning right now, just making small tweaks for big peaks!

Qualifying.
Qualified first for the second week in a row. Awesome .3 seconds quicker than the field. Two poles in a row is not only a first, but that make 3 poles in my racing career. I am pumped about the pole position and it feels great.

Heat Race.
Here is where the night got a little frustrating, only for a moment. For the second weekend in a row Tom schooled me on the start, I got second. The HIGH Point of the heat race was driving the car back to his bumper and wearing him out. I got to race in really close quarters with Tom. We've done that a few times now and I am learning a lot about proximity. For instance, I thought my left front fender was rubbing on his right rear corner, but not so. I'm pretty sure I was as close as I could be without touching, if we had a few more laps in the Heat Race chances are I could have made the pass.

I am learning a lot right now, especially starts. I've been told by drivers whom I really respect that Tom is the best at starts. I am encouraged, even though I'm getting a whooping right now, because WHEN I beat him it will be a BIG day!!!

Race.
We started outside row 2 in a four car invert. After getting schooled on the start in the heat I was determined not to let Tom get the jump. I started strong, but there was an early caution. I restarted again in 4th, behind my buddy and TRC'er Fred Hall #6. We got a good jump, but mayhem ensued and I turned Fred. We both slid off the track.

I was picking my way through the grass off turn one onto the 5/8's and whamo, I got hit in the right rear, or better yet, landed on. Seems the #15 got some air off the banking and landed on me tearing up the right rear quarter panel. Ole Red was angry, a good angry.

We went back green and I got the lead, but an oiled down track relinquished me to 2nd before the caution flew to clean stuff up. I restarted 2nd, but the track was super slick. I couldn't get any bite and dropped to 4th. A late red flag left me thinking about what was going on with the night, and with only 5-7 laps or so remaining I determined to set my sights on getting to the front. Sitting in the car I was a little disappointed that this one had gotten away, but with what we had left I knew Ole Red could get me to the front.

I passed for 3rd on the restart. Ole Red started eating up the track like a fat kid on Cherry Pie, I gained on 2nd. With the laps winding down I made some moves to the outside of the #16, eventually getting there, but it was a little too late. I crossed the finish line in 3rd outside of the #16, by .011 seconds. That's pretty close.

Reality was if I had another lap I'd have passed for 2nd, and if we had the total laps run of 40, instead of 25, I think I could have worked my way to racing with Tom for the win. But hey, the car was in good condition, just some cosmetic fixes; the night was full of cautions and reds, the reason the race was cut short; my team gave me another fast race car, fastest at the track for 2 weeks in a row; and I am hungry for some W's, like a fat kid wanting Cherry Pie!

Where's my Cherry pie from Snohomish Pie Company?

Weekend Reflections

2010-04-12T06:46:00.000-07:00

Here are some high points from our weekend at The Rock Church!

The best "weekend after Easter" service in our history!

75+ water baptisms.
The place was jammed.
The worship was slammin.
It was an amazing day.

My Lifesaver.
A few weeks ago we handed out a white Lifesaver as a representation to all those we were believing to be saved! My Lifesaver was John. Well, John came to church the week before Easter for the first time. On Easter he gave his life to Jesus during the altar call and let us know by filling out a Connect Card. Then today, he went "public" in the waters of baptism. I cannot even put into words how amazing this day was! Can you say, Crowd, Cause, Community!!!

All of you who faithfully give to The Rock Church do great things. You set the tone for every ministry. The gospel takes generosity to present at the level you are presenting. Thank you, I think of you daily, and pray for your continued success!
Those who have chosen to step up their game and volunteer in all areas of the ministries are taking us to another level. Your efforts are world class and making Jesus famous!!!
The Connect Card. This very simple tool is showing us that our church can be "Big enough to Serve you, small enough to know you." Keep working with it every single week!!!
The passion. The passion at TRC is breathtaking! There is nothing more powerful than passion!!!! I see it every week in the lives of people from the parking lot to the pulpit. Keep the passion alive!!!
The SERVE. It's grassroots, epic, and ANYONE can do it. Get on board with the Serve!!!

Easter.
I am still marveling in our biggest weekend ever at The Rock Church. 1,739 people, 114 commitments to Christ, and 36 first time salvations.

The coolest part is that for the first time in our history we are able to connect with everyone of those people after the service is over. Thank you Connect Card.
Also the media team produced the first song and it is epic. I've watched it 939 times!!!
The parking crew! Awesome strategy!
The data entry team from First Impressions. Watching the hundreds of Connect Cards getting inputted for follow up is a dream come true. Awesome team.
The give-aways!!! So many awesome businesses contributed to our dream. Thank you.

A Heart for The House.
If you have A Heart for The House at TRC I'd ask you to continue seeking the Lord about what he would have you do for A Heart for The House!!!!

Opening Night 2010 at Evergreen Speedway

2010-04-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

It feels great to post this update. Knightrous.com has been pretty dormant over the winter. Not to worry, in a few weeks we will have a brand new look and with the race season upon us it's time to get to some racing recaps, reviews, discipleship and of course the local church!

Preparation.
We took both cars apart after the Fall Classic run. The open motor car is a work in progress as we focused our attention to the crate car. First off, we stripped it down to the chassis for brand new powdercoat. Production Plating Inc hooked us up with a gloss white for the chassis. After getting the chassis back Steve, Tony, Toby and Myself, along with the help of Will, Roger, Tony S. and some others started the reassembly process. We cleaned parts, components, changed a couple minor things, but most importantly turned it from purple to red! Brent from Firedown helped out the finishing effort and the car was ready for the track. Awesome off season.

Side note: Getting the hauler ready was not such an easy chore. Thursday night, while charging the batteries one of them blew up in my face. Seriously, at an arms length a deep cycle marine battery exploded by my left hand. I had no safety glasses or protection from the explosion. Miraculously I was unhurt, no acid in my eyes, or on my face. I am a blessed man!!! However, I had the "Call of Duty" flash grenade syndrome when my ears were ringing and my vision disoriented. Thankfully God watched out for me.

Race Day.
Snohomish Pie Company got us to the track with some race tires, fuel and pit passes! I appreciate the help very much, and anyone rooting for the 70 needs to go buy a piece of pie and tell them, "Jeff sent you from the track." Your effort will put more fresh Goodyears under my race car!!! Fresh pie = Fresh Tires!!!

Practice.
We unloaded at the track on Saturday. Usually we test a bit in the off season, but this year funding is tight, so we elected to make the car perfect in the shop and show up ready to be fast. The knowledge we've gained as a team the last two seasons paid off big time as we set the fastest lap in practice.

Qualifying.
With minimal laps on the car I was confident in the setup. the car was "in the track" meaning it was turning good and getting the power to the ground. We qualified on the pole! That's my second pole!

Heat Race.
Starting from P-1 was great. On the first start I went a bit early. I didn't think it was "huge" early, but the officials didn't agree, and I got the nasty black flag warning to "not do that again." On the next restart the car outside of me jumped! I spun the tires and gave up the lead right away. The car was hooked up pretty good after the start and we turned the fastest lap in the race, but didn't win the heat. I asked someone why I got the caution for jumping the start and he didn't? The answer, "Because he's a 8 time track champion." Well, Okay then.

The Main.
After the invert I started outside row two in 4th position. I got to the lead after a few laps, and checked out by about 15 lengths, turning the fastest lap of the main. Things were going pretty smooth until another car got backwards and the caution came out. Again I was P-1, and on the restart I got a good jump, but so did the 12 car outside of me. We went down the back stretch side by side. It was tight tight racing. As I went into turn 3 the car pushed really bad because the left front tire locked up. It was all I could do to not wreck Tom, but the worst part was I fell to second place, argh.

It wasn't over though. Tom got a way from me a bit, but as the race went on my focus was laser like. I reeled him back in and was banging on his bumper when a small distraction caused me to overdrive the car with 9 laps to go. I went from racing to "savin it" down the backstretch! Once I gathered it up I was back about 6 lengths. We got to his bumper again with 2 to go, but didn't have the time to try and pass him. If only we had another couple laps. I ended up 2nd.

Summary.
I was stoked about the day. Of course I wanted to win. I always want to win, but to have the car in one piece, the fastest laps in practice, qualifying, heat and race were high points for sure. The truth of the matter is I have to work on my restarts. I haven't been in the P-1 for restarts very often, and with a cagey veteran like Tom Moriarty I stand to learn a lot.

I am so proud and thankful for Steve, Tony, Toby, Stevie and the whole team. We got a great race car and it's going to be a great season. See ya next race at Evergreen Speedway.

2010-02-05T02:04:00.000-08:00

WOW, ten years! Who knew it could go by so quickly. I've got some big stuff going on this year; 10 years as Lead Pastor of The Rock Church and I turn forty on July 8th!!!! Holy Smokes.

Tonight, 7pm we are getting our party on at TRC. There will be all kinds of cool stuff going on, but more importantly, I want to honor those people who have Served so faithfully with a special gift. You don't want to miss it, because if you do, you'll be bumming. So if you did something cool at The Rock Church in 2009, be here tonight to celebrate you, and the fact that ten years has come and gone. Pretty sweet.

Saturday night at 5pm, the Gala Event. This is where we are laying the smack down. I'm going to be talking vision for the future a bit, but mostly we are just going to have fun with what has been an amazing ten years. I would love to tell tons of stories, laugh a lot and pretty much say "hi" to every person that shows up. Tickets are required and as I write this, there are a few remaining, so give the office a call, you might get in last second.

Finally, I'm so proud, in a godly way of course, of The Rock Church, what these people have been able to do is incredible. Thanks for the memories trc'ers. It's a great adventure, and getting better every year.

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

2010-01-30T05:10:00.000-08:00

By Awake21.org

Day 21-What's Your Assignment?
Luke 4;1-2, 14-15

Fasting and prayer are essential to receiving a clear vision of God’s specific path for our lives. Many times following a season of prayer and fasting we have a more defined understanding of the part that we play in the body of Christ and a greater sense of our particular spiritual giftings. (1 Corinthians 12)

This chapter in the Gospel of Luke describes the circumstances surrounding the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. Notice that He went into the desert “full of the Holy Spirit.” However, He returned to Galilee, “in the power of the Holy Spirit.” Being full of the Spirit is knowing God and his character; walking in the power of the Spirit is when we know that we have the God-given strength and authority in our lives to walk out His will.

The power of the Spirit is essential for us to accomplish the assignment God has for our lives. God could be leading you to fast so that you can receive His specific instructions for your life. He will empower you, not just to know Him, but to walk in His power to accomplish what He has
called you to do.

Are there areas of your life that need more clarity? Are you walking in the power of the Spirit and living in God’s purpose for your life? Write down those things God is speaking to you. As you conclude your fast, pray that God continually reveals His purpose and gives you ever increasing clarity and strength to walk it out.

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

2010-01-29T05:07:00.000-08:00

By Awake21.org

Day 20-A New Wineskin
Luke 5:37-38

Two things do not mix: new wine and old wineskins. The reason is simple: old wineskins cannot grow and stretch to hold the new wine. The new wine God wants to fill you with is expansive; it is a picture of God’s Spirit. It always brings an enlargement. A container that is dead, dry, stiff and shrinking back cannot be entrusted as a storehouse for God’s valued treasure. Our vessels must be prepared for the fresh, dynamic, living presence of God –everything we do will flow from it. This preparation comes through prayer and fasting, producing a container that is ready for the new thing God wants to do. God’s new wine always changes us – it expands our faith, enlarges our
purpose, and brings renewed vision.

Everything God does is expansive, He is not into shrinking wineskins – it is up to us to shed them. As we seek Him in this season, let’s shed the old wineskin and ask God to fully prepare our hearts for what’s to come.

What has caused you to shrink back in your expectation of what God wants to do in your life? Are you ready to be expanded beyond recognition? That’s what God’s new wine will do in and through you. Pray the Lord will expand your life to glorify Him, giving you boldness to step out and be.

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

2010-01-28T05:04:00.000-08:00

By Awake21.org

Day 19-Walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit
Luke 4:14

After praying and fasting for 40 days, Jesus returned to Galilee empowered to do all the Father had called Him to do. To accomplish the assignment God has for our lives, we also need the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us. God does not expect us to go through the challenges of life without it.

Prayer and fasting brings us to the place where we can “power up”. Walking in the power of the Holy Spirit is living with a comprehension of the God-given strength and authority in our lives to walk out His will. Through prayer and fasting, God can prepare us for what lies ahead. We might not know what obstacles we’re going to face, but we can know that God will be faithful to us. He will never leave us and He will empower us to meet whatever challenges life may bring.

Today as you worship God in prayer, let Him know that you refuse to go into the future
without His power and that you want all that He has for you.

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

2010-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Awake21.org

Day 18-Don't Worry--Pray Instead
Philippians 4:6-7

Worry seems to be an inescapable fact of modern life. No doubt there is plenty to worry about: our kids, the economy, global warming, war, disease… the list could go on forever! Sometimes it might seem that worry has even replaced Jesus as the focal point of our lives. Jesus Himself admonished us several times not to worry. And the great apostle, Paul, tell us in the passage above that there is an antidote to worry…prayer.

When we worry about something, we are spending energy on it, wondering what might happen, rehearsing the “if only’s” and “what if’s” in our mind. Why not take that same energy and refocus it on prayer instead? When we worry, we are simply talking to ourselves about our fears, but when we pray, we are taking those fears to God. We can’t control the future, but in the words of Anne Graham Lotz, God is already there! He knows exactly what is going to happen and he promises to be with us every step of the journey.

As we are nearing a close to this season of prayer and fasting, let’s make an effort to convert our worry into prayer. As Paul says in the verse above, “let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers,” and you will find that the peace of God will guard your heart.

Are there things that you consistently worry about? As you go through your day today, recapture each worried thought and send it up to God as a prayer. See how dramatically your outlook improves when the peace of God is activated through prayer!

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

2010-01-26T05:57:00.000-08:00

By Awake21.org

Day 17-Humility
Matthew 17:14-16

What a great example of humility – this man approached Jesus and knelt before Him in the midst of a crowd. As the father approached Jesus, he believed that Jesus would bring his son relief. But even in his belief, his approach was humble and submitted to what Christ would choose to do. Looking further into the story, we find the father was also persistent and resisted taking offense. Though the disciples were not able to help him, he set aside his temporary disappointment in their failure and continued to seek after Jesus – the solution to his circumstance, the source of relief through his trial.

Being humble before God is realizing our need of Him, submitting to His will, pursuing Him and being confident the outcome will occur in God’s perfect timing.

Be encouraged that approaching God with a heart of humility will always position you to find relief in Jesus. Don’t be ashamed to humble yourself before God, even in the midst of others looking on. Offenses and disappointment may come but continue in your pursuit of Jesus. You may not get relief right away but know that God is never late and His solution is always perfect.

Prayer is a posture of humility. Humble yourself before the Lord each day and bring your cares to Him. He wants to meet you where you are and answer your every need. Pray too, that God help you with the disappointment and discouragement that we each face along the way. Is there discouragement in your heart today? Write it down and release it to our perfect God.

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

2010-01-25T05:54:00.000-08:00

By Awake21.org

Day 16-Taking Off the Grave Clothes
John 11:44

When it comes to the transforming power of God working in someone’s life, God often uses people to bring about divine life-change. The story of Lazarus in John 11 illustrates it was the power of Jesus’ prayer and spoken word that resurrected Lazarus from the dead – but the disciples played a role in this miracle too.

Lazarus was bound hand and foot with grave clothes and his face had been wrapped with a cloth during his time in the tomb. When he arose from his death and came out of the tomb, Jesus called on the disciples to help in the transformation process. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." The disciples needed to help Lazarus. Likewise, we all have a part to play in the lives of those around us.

God has done some incredible things around us during the fast. Could it be that someone around you is still walking around in grave clothes? What do you need to help them let go of?

Who in your world is still walking around in grave clothes? Think about friends and family or those around you who may not know God. What part has God called you to play in the life change He wants to bring?

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

2010-01-24T05:50:00.000-08:00

By Awake21.org

Day 15-Spoken Word
John 11:43

The story of Lazarus’ death and resurrection reflects the power of Jesus’ spoken Word. He already knew in His heart the miracle that was about to take place, but His words spoke the miracle into existence.

While prayer is our declaration of our dependence on God, our spoken words can be the manifestation of what’s happening in our hearts. There is power in our spoken words – whether they are used to build up or tear down. It is so important to keep our hearts filled with the truth from God’s Word so that our words will produce good fruit.

As you seek God in prayer ask Him for the words and discernment that may help someone today. Pray that your words would be encouraging, edifying and aligned with the truth of God’s word. Building others up around us with our words allows us to be God’s instrument -- a vessel for His good work.

As God continues to fill us through this season of prayer and fasting, He wants to take what is now in our hearts and share it with others. How can you use the power of your spoke words to speak God’s truth in the lives of others?

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

2010-01-23T05:45:00.000-08:00

By Awake21.org

Day 14-Alignment with Heaven
Matthew 6:10

We have all heard the phrase, “just like heaven on earth.” When Jesus taught his disciples how to pray, in Matthew 6:9-13, He provided some insight into what “heaven on earth” might look like. In reality, heaven is a place where God’s will reigns supreme. If we want to have a taste of heaven on earth, then our prayer should be like Jesus’: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done…” The purest motivation for our prayers is that God will be glorified and that His will would reign supreme in our lives, just like it does in heaven.

On a more personal level, we can pray that His will be unhindered in our own lives. Rather than imposing His will upon us, God gives us the choice to surrender to it with trust and gladness. As we yield to the Lordship of Christ over every area of our lives, we come into agreement with Him. We experience alignment with heaven and position ourselves to taste a little bit of heaven here on earth. His will then becomes what we desire and the thing we most seek after. We enter into the incredible adventure of participating in God’s plan to move His kingdom forward on the earth. This is where we find the most fulfilling and joyous life, but it all starts with one, personal “yes, Lord” on our part.

What does God’s will “on earth as it is in heaven” look like in your life? Do the desires of your heart line up with the will of God? As we seek God together, let’s pray as Jesus taught us, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.”

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

2010-01-22T05:38:00.000-08:00

By Awake21.org

Day 13-Cultivating Spiritual hunger
Mark 1:12-13

Even Jesus disconnected from the world to fast and pray. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke speak of Jesus in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights. They also describe other times Jesus pulled away from the demands of the crowds, His ministry and even His closest friends to pray.

There are times that we, too, need to pull away from the things of the world and focus on God. “The things of the world” can certainly include more than just food. In fact, in our world, it is more likely to be television, movies, Facebook, Twitter, cell phones and internet that keep us “tuned in” to the world. None of these things are wrong in and of themselves, but they are avenues for a mental and spiritual “crowd” to gather around us and drown out the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit.

Fasting is a means of disconnecting from the distractions of daily life and consciously choosing to bring God into greater focus. Giving up physical nourishment is the first step in engaging that process. If you think about it, though, we nourish our souls as well as our bodies. We do so through reading, talking, socializing, playing and leisure. When we fill our souls up with all those things, we don’t feel a hunger for God.

During this time of fasting, we are sure to feel physical hunger, but let’s be intentional about cultivating spiritual hunger as well. Let’s draw away from the crowds, and lay aside for a season the activities we use to nourish our souls. Instead let’s allow ourselves to enter a state of spiritual hunger – a hunger for righteousness. Jesus said that being spiritually hungry is a blessed state, because we can be sure of being filled with food that truly satisfies our deepest needs. (Matthew 5:6)

During this time, you will find that being still before the Lord will set you in a place of increased strength, peace and hunger for God. Are you disconnected from the things that nourish your body and soul? What do you need to deny yourself so that this can be a powerful time in your life?

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

2010-01-21T05:35:00.000-08:00

By Awake21.org

Day 12-Praying Boldly
1 Kings 18:36

The sacrifice referenced above was a declaration that Elijah was a servant of the Most High God. Elijah belonged to God, and he represented God to the people. However, Elijah’s boldness was not a result of who he was; it was the result of knowing God!.

As children of God under the new covenant of Jesus, we don’t have to be timid or fearful when coming to God in prayer. We can approach God boldly. The Amplified Bible puts it like this:

Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and welltimed help, coming just when we need it]. Hebrews 4:16 AMP

It’s hard to imagine taking a fearless, confident, bold attitude when coming before God in prayer. Yet this is exactly what we are admonished to do! God has already settled the issue of our access to Him, but we can be assured, our access is not because of our own righteousness. It’s because of what Jesus did on the cross. We can come to the throne in such outrageous boldness because Jesus was outrageously righteous! When we pray, we come to God in the authority of Jesus’ name, and we can be confident that we will find grace, mercy and perfectly-timed help.

Do you approach God with timidity of confidence? Seek God boldly today knowing you are fully forgiven and Jesus has made you righteous. When you approach God in prayer, seek a fresh revelation of who He is in your life.

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

2010-01-20T05:31:00.000-08:00

By Awake21.org

Day 11-Prayer and the Process
1 Kings 18:43-44

“How do I know God is going to say yes to my prayers?” This is a common question many people have as they seek to have a confident prayer life. However it’s important to recognize that prayer is not just about the answer, but it’s also about glorifying God in the process of waiting for the answer. It is our responsibility to check our motives and believe God hears us; it is through the process of prayer that God prepares us for the answer He brings.

We see an example of the process of prayer in the story of Elijah in I Kings 18. Elijah climbed to the top of the mountain to pray for rain to come. As he waited for the rain, he continued to pray, believing God would answer. When he finally saw a small cloud, he told Ahab to “get ready” because the rain was coming. Elijah knew what to pray for, and God heard him the first time he prayed, but there was preparation that needed to take place in order to receive the answer to his prayer.

It is no mistake that God waited until Elijah had prayed seven times before He answered. In the Bible, seven is the number of completion. In this account, seven represents the completion of God’s process in that time of prayer. God does not want merely to answer our prayers; He wants to spend time with us to prepare us for the answer that will come. Many times we want to skip over the process involved in engaging God in prayer as we wait for our answer. But it is this very process that works maturity in us and prepares us for the answers our prayers bring. (James 1:4)

What prayers in your life are still awaiting an answer? Throughout the remainder of the fast, thank God for His process at work in your life and trust Him.

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

2010-01-19T05:28:00.000-08:00

By Awake21.org

Day 10-Unwavering Faith
James 1:6

What do you expect when you pray? When we pray with earnest expectation, we are exercising our faith. The earnest prayer of righteous people produces powerful results, and the most earnest prayers come from us recognizing our need for God.

There can be a natural tendency to shrink back when praying for the seemingly impossible, but we must remember that nothing is impossible with God. If we know the promises that God has given us, and understand His character and the principles by which He works, we can pray with confidence and trust Him for the answer. What has caused you to waiver in your expectation with God? James reminds us that faith and wavering are actually contradictory – he says “nothing wavering”. Know that God never wavers in His love for you. You can trust Him completely.

What are you trusting God for in this season? How can you line up your expectations with the Word of God when you pray? Find promises in His Word that answer your need and write them down today.

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

2010-01-18T05:25:00.000-08:00

By Awake21.org

Day 9-Clean House
Romans 8:5-6

Have you ever looked up at your ceiling fan blades or in the deep recesses of your couch cushions and noticed the filth that builds up over time? Even though we might clean on a regular basis, there are times when we need to go…a little deeper. We realize that what appeared to be clean on the surface was in all actuality, quite filthy.

The same thing can happen spiritually. As we go about our daily lives, there are things that can build up over time. Even if we regularly worship, pray and read our Bible, the different pressures and cares of this world can quietly build up, and end up consuming our lives. Without even realizing it, we can lose our peace, our joy, and our passion for the things of God. Our service to God, which used to fill us with life and excitement, becomes a duty that we must fulfill.

Fasting is the deep cleaning that helps us take our mind off of the things of this world and instead have a refreshed focus on the things of the Spirit. It is an incredibly effective way to get into the nooks and crannies of our soul and bring all those dusty old habits, broken mindsets and rusty attitudes out into the light of God’s truth. In fasting and prayer, our service to God returns to something we want to do rather than something we have to do.

As you pray and fast today, ask God to show you any areas where you could use a refreshed spiritual focus. Like David, in Psalm 51:10-12, pray that God will cleanse your heart, renew your spirit, and restore the joy of your salvation. Pray with confidence, knowing that He wants to fill you with His life and peace.

KIDS AND FASTING

2010-01-18T01:58:00.000-08:00

We have so many children and students who want to participate in their spiritual formation. Fasting and prayer are huge components of growing, so why not take a brief moment to set our children up for success in their spiritual growth, this is worth the read.

Here is a blurb from the awaken website:

It is so important to model the principle of fasting to our kids and it’s actually quite simple to introduce different ways they can participate. However, their involvement should come only from a heartfelt desire to, just like our fasting should. The best way to encourage our kids to fast is to keep it fun and simple.

An easy way to explain the benefits of prayer and fasting to kids is to compare it to cleaning out old toys that might no longer work, or that they might have outgrown, to make room for new ones. As we clean out our bodies and make time to connect closer to God and His Word, we make room to receive new gifts from Him.

We do not recommend that children skip meals or drastically reduce their food intake, but a modification of their diet might prove to be an easy place to start. For example, fasting from specific items such as sweets, red meats, fried foods or even introducing a form of the Daniel fast which includes legumes, nuts and whole grains is a great way for children to participate in a safe and healthy way.

Another great way to fast is by reducing some of the time and energy spent watching TV, playing video games, using the computer or phone, and instead choosing to spend time praying, reading their Bible or serving others.

The main thing is for them to recognize the value behind setting aside special times to disconnect from some of the extra-curricular activities and treats they enjoy on a regular basis and learn how to connect to God in a closer way.

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

2010-01-17T05:21:00.000-08:00

By Awake21.org

Day 8-Hear Him
Matthew 17:5, 8

On the Mount of Transfiguration three disciples had an experience that showed us the Father’s plan for a New Covenant. Jesus took Peter, James and John up to the top of a mountain where He was transfigured into His glorified state. Up until this point, they related to God through the law (Moses), or through the prophets (Elijah). After the vision, Peter eagerly offered to erect three tabernacles – one for each. Then a loud voice from Heaven was heard saying, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to Him”. When the disciples looked up, they saw only Jesus.

On the mountain, God made it clear that we would only discover His pleasure by following Jesus. God’s grace is freely given to those who have received new life in Him. Sometimes though, there are areas of our lives where we do not fully embrace God’s grace. There may be circumstances or areas where we still try to earn our way to the Father. You cannot earn God’s pleasure, but you can walk in it as you follow Jesus Christ. As you seek God today, seek Him for a greater revelation of Jesus in your heart; for only then are you reminded that you are a beloved child of God. He finds pleasure in you.

How does understanding the New Covenant of grace change the focus of your fast? As you pray and seek after God, let His be the loudest voice you hear.

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

2010-01-16T06:02:00.000-08:00

By Awake21.org

Day 7-Fervent Prayer
James 5:16

Fervency speaks of our level of intensity, passion and persistence. Many times, we can lose our passion in prayer or stop praying for certain things altogether because we lose heart or give up. But God invites us to keep them before Him and trust Him for an answer in His time. (Matthew 7:7-11)

The Old Testament prophet, Elijah, practiced a lifestyle of fervent, intense prayer and he witnessed incredible miracles in his lifetime as a result. In 1 Kings 17:17-24, we read of a woman whose only son became ill and died. When Elijah heard the news he quickly took action and did what he knew best – he fervently cried out to God. Elijah fully believed that God could bring the boy back to life, and he didn’t pray just once. It is recorded that he prayed three times for the boy’s soul to return to him. He prayed fervently, repeatedly and he wasn’t going to give up. Verse 22 reads, “then the Lord heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came back to him, and he revived.”

Elijah’s prayer was answered through his persistence and fervency. God hears your prayers as well and will bring an answer in His perfect timing. But don’t be discouraged or disheartened if the answer is not exactly what you expected. Commit to praying to God with passion and persistence, trusting the answer will come in God’s perfect way and in His perfect timing.

As we close out this first week, continue to pray fervently for the main areas of concern in your life. Trust God to bring an answer as you journal your thoughts and inspirations through this time.

A MESSAGE TO MY FRIENDS

2010-01-15T13:06:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Watching the catastrophic magnitude of the earthquake in Haiti on television has been tragic. For me, in tragedies of this extent there is always a feeling of “what can I do.” I often get a sense the Lord has equipped you and I to be the hand extended to people in need.

Many of you are in prayer and fasting this month. As we seek the Lord for so much this 2010 I know my heart has been turned to praying and fasting for the people of Haiti. I know our prayers are heard, so I encourage you to keep the candle of prayer lit at your house. This is a time where millions need God’s love.

Pastor Rory has done missions work in Haiti and has ministry associates in country. He made a call Wednesday morning. The next morning we heard back from his friend who leads 34 churches, along with medical centers and schools. His description of the destruction is horrifying, but they are on the ground doing all they can for people.

You and I must help. On Sunday I’d like you to consider giving to the people of Haiti generously. I’ve set a goal in my mind of how we can help from Monroe, and now I ask you to prayerfully consider what your goal of giving will be.

Will you give a big gift on Sunday to help the people of Haiti?

We will receive the offering as usual on Sunday morning. When you give simply designate the offering on the envelope and we will move the funds along to the front lines of relief first thing next week.

Pressing the Mark,

Jeff Knight, Lead Pastor

The Rock Church

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

2010-01-15T05:57:00.000-08:00

By Awake21.org

Day 6-Reliance on God
Romans 7:18-20

There’s an internal war that often wages within each and every one of us. Paul describes this so well here in Romans 7 – we desire to do the right thing, but in our own efforts, we don’t have the power to and we mess up.

The good news is that we don’t have to rely on our own strength to make right decisions. We don’t have to be dominated by our sinful nature and end up doing the things we don’t want to do. But the only way we can live this kind of life is by yielding to the Holy Spirit and relying on the strength of Jesus Christ, not our own.

When we’re facing struggles, we must rely on God’s power alive within us through the Holy Spirit. When we are born again, the Holy Spirit resides in us and places in us the desire to do what is pleasing to God. (Hebrews 10:16) The Holy Spirit always wants to do what is right. He always wants to uphold the perfect will of God, pleasing the Father in every way. It is our job to lay down our stubborn fleshly will and yield to the will of God. In that moment, the Holy Spirit will be there to help us in our time of need. Instead of trusting in our own strength, let’s learn to yield to and become totally reliant upon the Holy Spirit.

Are there areas in your life causing an internal struggle? Make a decision today that you will yield to the Holy Spirit and lean on His strength, not your own, to overcome obstacles of sin and selfishness in your life. Surrender and release those areas to God, knowing He will help you.

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

2010-01-14T05:53:00.000-08:00

By Awake21.org

Day 5-When Grace Comes Down
John 1:17

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you could see God for who He really is? What would He say about the state of humanity? About religion? About our own propensity toward sin? There is no need to wonder about what God is like because to know Him, we have only to look at Jesus. In Jesus we have received grace, but there is even something more that we have received. We have received truth.

The kind of truth John is talking about in this passage is not a list of laws and rules such as were given to Moses. Make no mistake; the revelation of God through the word of the law was glorious. When Moses came down from Mount Sinai after receiving the commandments, his face shone so brightly with the glory of God that he had to wear a veil. But the word of the law cannot compare with the word of life that has been revealed through Jesus Christ!

In John 1:18, we are told that no one – not even Moses – had ever seen God. But Jesus has not only seen God; He is God. The truth that John is speaking about is a clear and unveiled vision of the true nature of God. When we try to look at God through the lens of legalism and religion, it is like looking at Him through a veil. Only when we see Him though Jesus Christ can we truly get a glimpse into His heart. It is from a state of grace, not legalism, that we will find real and lasting transformation. (2 Corinthians 3:7-18)

Have you been looking at God through the veil of legalism and religion? In Jesus, we see the full revelation of the nature of God – His love and holiness, mercy and justice, compassion and power all perfectly and beautifully expressed. Pray that the Holy Spirit will help you see God through the eyes of grace and truth given to us in Jesus Christ.

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

2010-01-13T05:50:00.000-08:00

By Awake21.org

Day 4-Agreement with the Will of God
Amos 3:3

In the heart of every believer is the desire to walk closely with God. We know that He too desires a close relationship with each one of us. A key to having a strong level of spiritual intimacy with God is living in agreement with His will for our lives.

In Genesis 5:22, we read of Enoch and see that his life modeled a long journey, walking consistently with God, for it says, “Enoch walked with God 300 years…” Enoch lived a powerful life. He was a man that walked in agreement with God’s will and lived a life pleasing to God. (Hebrews 11:5b)

It is one thing to know God’s will for our lives; it’s another to live in agreement with His will. In order to enjoy the best life that God has for us, we must first understand that God does not change, but we sometimes must. Let’s earnestly seek to know and agree with God’s will for our lives. The level of our agreement with God will determine the degree of closeness in our walk with Him.

Pray today that we can walk in agreement with God and enjoy the life that He desires us to have in Christ.

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

2010-01-12T05:45:00.000-08:00

By Awake21.org

Day 3: Remove Unbelief
Matthew 17:18-21

When we pray and fast, we don’t do so to change God or His will. By praying and fasting, we are the ones changed. Coming into alignment with God helps us curb our doubts and fears. When we pray and fast, the thing that leaves -- the thing that “goes out”-- is our unbelief. It is when we have faith to believe, that we can pray with confidence and know that “nothing will be impossible” as we live to bring glory to God.

Ask God to strengthen our hearts to fully believe Him and believe His word. It is okay to recognize and acknowledge if you struggle with unbelief. It’s the first step in allowing God to strengthen your faith and bring you into alignment with His plan for your life.

What is it that you need faith to believe for? Align yourself with God’s Word and will during this fast. Release your unbelief. Pray with confidence, knowing “nothing will be impossible for you.

CAREFUL OF THE SMELL!

2010-01-11T23:05:00.000-08:00

In my experience fasting brings out the nastiness. Seriously, you don't want to be the guy with "fasting breath!" So get some mints handy, brush your teeth, put an extra swipe of antiperspirant before you have the meeting with clients or the conversation with someone you love, like me.

"But pastor, I can't eat a mint." Ok, if the Lord has called you to that strict of fast, and He does, then just realize you're gonna stink. Your body is going to cleanse itself of toxins and other stuff that makes your pits and breath smell like bad cabbage. Don't say I didn't warn ya!

BTW...you know what else stinks? It stinks that people in our cities go hungry. I hate that, and I know most every person at TRC does also. In 2010, we are expanding our Adopt A Block initiative from 1 neighborhood to 5. We've identified the additional 4, and now we are fasting for the laborers to hear the lord and feed families in a total of 5 neighborhoods every Tuesday night.

In addition, our goal in the Fall of 2010 is to set up in 2 different cities for a total of 2 weeks with the Hauler of Hope to collect food for the Turkey Dinner Giveaway. In '09 we broke all our records, but in 2010 I am expecting more families to be fed through the generosity of TRC and our communities than ever before. It will be historical!

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

2010-01-11T05:40:00.000-08:00

By Awake21.org

Day 2-Tune In
John 10:27

Have you ever been searching for a radio station only to be frustrated by finding static rather than music? You then focus to fine tune the dial again, and suddenly you hear a clear signal. The fact is, the signal always existed on the airwaves; the only difference is that now you have adjusted your tuner to the right frequency.

In our hectic lives, there are so many signals bombarding our senses that it can become difficult to distinguish God’s voice from the deafening “static noise” of life. Fasting enables us to tune out the world’s distractions and tune in to God. As we fast, we deny our flesh. When we deny our flesh, we become more in tune to the Holy Spirit and can hear God’s voice more clearly. If you truly listen for God’s voice, you will hear it. When you hear it, it will build faith within you.

If you desire to tune out the static of life and really tune into the voice of God, come to Him first and foremost with ears that are willing to listen and a heart that is ready to obey what he says. (Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 66:2) The more we practice being in His presence, the clearer and more recognizable His voice becomes.

In this time of fasting, what is your mind tuned to? What distractions do you need to remove so that you can focus on God? Prepare your heart to hear the voice of God, and ask God to help you remove distractions that keep you from focusing on Him and hearing Him clearly.

WORSHIP TUNES

2010-01-11T00:44:00.000-08:00

Fasting makes us a better at worshiping the Lord. Why? Because it strips away the hindrances of our flesh, which often gets what it wants. Fasting opens our life to focusing on spiritual growth. I heard a quote that applies the other day, "This will be the best year of your life IF you make your best effort to grow spiritually." Mmmm, that's tasty. Now add to your fasting some United, David Crowder, Hillsong, Chris Tomlin or another favorite worship leader, like Melinda, or Terryl (their my favs). When I'm fasting the words of the songs mean so much more and my worship explodes!

BTW...we are fasting for numerous song writing sessions and the recording of 3 projects in 2010! That's big time.

image from highlandcc.net

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

2010-01-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Awake21.org

Day 1-Return to Me
Joel 2:12

If one were to look at the kind of fasting that took place in the Old Testament, it would be easy to assume that the reason for fasting is to gain forgiveness. In the book of Joel, the Israelites had wandered far from God, and their sinfulness had resulted in famine and pestilence in the land.

Through the prophet Joel, God called them to repentance, ordering them to declare a sacrificial fast that along with mourning and weeping, would show God the sincerity of their repentance. In return, the prophet said, perhaps God would, “turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing.”

Such a fast of repentance is seen under the Old Covenant time and again, because under the Old Covenant man had to rely on his works and sacrifices to avert the wrath of God. But under the New Covenant, we don’t have to fast for forgiveness. Every wrong we have done and will do was forgiven at the cross, and when we accept Christ, we walk under a New Covenant of grace and forgiveness! We don’t have to fast, weep and mourn to convince God of our sincere repentance or to avert His wrath. I Thessalonians 5:9 tells us that, “God did not appoint us to suffer wrath, but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” So then, why do we, as people under a New Covenant, need to set aside special times devoted to fasting and prayer?

As we walk with God, there are times that we feel far from Him or disconnected. Joel’s words resonate with us who live in a context of grace – “return to me with all your heart.” There are times we realize that, though we have chosen to follow Jesus, the flame of our love for him has grown cold. It is during these times we can return to God with our whole heart, put aside the distractions of the world and focus solely on loving Him. Your time spent in prayer each day of the fast can result in a new richness, a rewarding connection with the Father. No matter where you are on your journey with Jesus, you can always take a step closer towards Him.

As we begin this time of prayer and fasting, let’s turn our hearts toward God. Make a commitment to seek God daily. Pray that our love for Christ will be increased and our passion for Him will be reignited over the next 21 days.

WATER, H20 Yeeaaahhhh!

2010-01-10T00:36:00.000-08:00

While setting some goals for this year for The Rock it occurred to me that one of those things most important while fasting is water!!! Drink lots of water.

BTW...we are fasting for the successful digging and operation of 12 wells in Cambodia this year, and 40,000 bottles of Quench water to be given away.

Awakening 2010

2010-01-09T10:43:00.001-08:00

Have you ever denied yourself something to focus on something of greater importance. Training requires extreme focus no matter if it's for the Winter Olympics or a career move. For 2010, I am extremely focused on achieving some spiritual and personal accomplishments that have eluded me, and to do so I am fasting.

Beginning tomorrow, January 10th, I am joining with 100's of thousands of people who are connected with www.awake21.org for a 21-day fast. I'm super pumped to deny myself in one area in order to extremely focused in another. In fact, The Rock Church has 100's of people taking the same step to begin the New Year.

Tune in here everyday, beginning tomorrow, for a short word of devotion, fasting tips and hints for success. You will experience the beneits of growing spiritually closer to God in this time.

Here are some hints to get started.

1) Decide why you are fasting? personal growth, spititual insight, church vision, or etc. It can be multiple areas. Let the Holy Spirit guide you and write the reasons for the fast in a journal so you can reference it in times of prayer.

2) Make your commitment. This step is the toughest when it comes to fasting. Really dig your teeth in and allow laser like focus to persuade you. Decide that you will experience God in greater depths as you choose to deprive yourself physically, you will awaken spiritually.

3) Prepare yourself. Get ready to pray during meal times and as you feel deprived. Also participate in church prayer times. Realize the fast will impact your decision making, it may even adjust your schedule. If you have the liberty, take a day off and "go to the mountain top to pray" or special place to pray. Take your bible and a journal. Seek God, pray and write.

4) Prepare physically, get the foods and/or juices that you will eat ready. Allow for some extra rest during the fast, you'll have less carbs and protien so you'll need a little more sleep.

5) Expect God to GO BIG. For me, I am fasting for some huge things in my life. You know those things you long for but elude you year after year? Those are what I am personally fasting for!!!

It all begins tomorrow. See ya back here at www.Knightrous.com

Sent from my iPhone

2009 Entries

2009-12-31T23:44:00.000-08:00

Opening Night
Week 2 - 3rd
Week 3- 2nd
Week 4 - 7th
Week 5 - 10th
Week 6 - 4th
Week 7 - 7th and 3rd
Week 8 - 3rd
Week 9 - strange
Week 10 - 3rd
Week 11 - 4th
Week 12 - 4th
Week 13 - 4th
Week 14 - 7th and 9th
Week 15 - Last
Week 16 - 5th
Fall Classic

SOME FINANCIAL ADVICE

2009-12-08T17:29:00.000-08:00

I admit, you might not have asked for this one, but since we're all in this together I thought I'd share some of my confessions in financial times like these. Take it or leave it, I think you'll get something...

While chatting with a friend today I was reminded of a strategy nearly 10 years ago, 9-11-01. I can remember rising from bed that morning, turning on the Today Show like I often do and watching the pandemonium taking place. The first plane had hit the towers, the second hadn't. I was watching when the second plane hit, and it was horrifying.

I immediately headed for our church to get plans in place for public prayers services and grief triage. Even though we were 3,000 miles away preparations were put in place to help us Washingtonians. I contacted some friends who had a church within blocks of the World trade Center to see where we could practically help. I did a lot that day, but probably the most important thing I did was posture my attitude.

I believed, with every fiber of my being, we were going to rise from the ashes. Maybe it was because my own personal life was rising from the loss of my parents on Flight 261, or maybe it was just because I knew that in troubling times an overcoming attitude is the only attitude that makes a difference.

Fast forward a few years and we are in one of the worst recessions in our financial history, even more devastating than the one that followed the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks. Unemployment is double-digit, foreclosures are overwhelming the housing market, real estate is in the tank. All in all it's pretty rough, yet you and I have to endure the loss and hardship.

It is necessary to position attitude! Famines are not new to humanity. Frankly, they are not new at all, so what we are going through others have endured. I am convinced the single most important strategic move you can make right now financially is to position your attitude. Decide, in spite of the circumstances, you will over come!

You not only will endure, but you'll be better for it in the long run! You've got to start speaking to your future, not lamenting your past. What is lost is lost. What is to be gained will not be gained if lamenting the past. The reality is seasons of life deal us what I call "a new normal," and from our "new normal" comes everything.

Ok, you used to have more business than you knew what to do with, but now you work harder, with less profit and margin than you ever had. Ok, that's the new normal, now position your attitude for growth from that position.

Ok, there used to be five other people on your payroll, but now your team is smaller. That's the new normal, now position your attitude to take your small team to the next level.

Ok, you used to pay every bill on time, but in the last 18 months a few have been 30 and 60 days late and you're all shook up about your credit score and the fact you'll have to deal with it for the next 7 years. Ok, that's the new normal, now check your attitude and get after your growth.

Listen, integrity is how you talk to yourself, not how you pay your bills, in most cases. Get your self-talk moving in the growth direction and your bills will get paid.

Ok, you have had to fold the hand, short sale the house and change jobs. As tough as that is there is nothing lamenting what is lost can do to move you forward. I suppose you could spend a bunch of hours talking about what was, or what might have been, but that'll do nothing for your new normal.

Here's the deal, there are business leaders, people and otherwise absolutely killing it in this economy, they are winning. Why not you? I heard a speaker, can't remember who, say one time, "The only way your life will get better is to take action towards making it better. And the only way one can take the right action is to have a plan to make it better."

If you know and believe your life can be better, even in these times, then you are way ahead of most people, because most people are still lamenting over what they've lost. AND if you've started building a plan to take actions to make your life better than you are an OVER ACHIEVER in these days!!!!

Seriously, it all starts with attitude. When the planes hit the towers 100 million people turned to faith to help them through the tough times! Have you turned, in these times, to the one thing that can make all the difference? An attitude of Faith!!!

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU GOT...

2009-12-07T07:08:00.000-08:00

...UNTIL YOU DISCOVER IT. Who you need is right around you, right now. You need a friend, there is one. You need support, it's there. A pastor, there. Everyone you need is around you. You just have to figure out how to find them.

In the last post we were talking about showing those who do what you value how much you value them. In this post let's talk about those who have a great capacity to do what you value, but sometimes live undiscovered right next door.

Leaders ask, "How many people of great worth am I missing who are surrounding me?" A leaders job is to discover the worth/value of people. Like a miner searching for buried treasure this is our task. Leaders are to dig out the worth of others and show it to the world.

This can only be accomplished when the existing leader (the miner) chooses to...

Stop judging too early.
Stop making assumptions about those around you. So many times weak leaders pass judgment too early and never get the chance to discover the true value of those right next to them.

Stop being threatened by the worth of others.
I see leaders do this in church. Someone is brand new to the church and has a natural gifting to lead. All of a sudden they are moving through the ranks of an already established leadership. Pretty soon and existing leader is threatened, and nothing good comes

Develop people.
Leadership exists because of people. If you are a paid staff member in any people oriented organization like a church/non-profit you will be unemployed if you don't reach and discover the worth of people. Look for worth, and find out what makes those around you valuable. Then tell them.

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU GOT...

2009-12-04T15:34:00.000-08:00

...UNTIL IT'S GONE. Have you heard that phrase before?

I had a meeting with some dear friends of mine and huge contributors to the vision of The Rock Church. In the meeting we talked about all kinds of stuff, but mainly we talked about how important it is to value one another. After our time together I reflected on a leadership moment I had while talking, "Make sure those you value know you value them while they are there to value."

When we don't value those around us there is a very real chance they may not be around us any longer. Wisdom tells us what we value will move toward us, what we take for granted will move away.

Have you told those you value how much you value them? It's a pretty big deal because when they go you might not get the chance. For instance, my friend Kathryn Tongg was on staff for 9+ years, and just recently she knew the Lord was asking her to be a full-time mom. She prepared to leave the staff position she'd held for nearly a decade. To my amazement it was unbelievable after her transition how many times I wanted to step outside my office and ask Kathryn a question. It was uncanny how much of what I value was resting within Kathryn, and now she is not here. Did I tell her how much I valued her while she was executing that which I value? A good question to ask yourself if your a leader.

Take the time before the end of this year to tell those you value how much you value them. Think about the person on your team or in your life who you really miss when they are absent with the flu or on vacation, this a person of great worth in your life. Take the time to value them!

Season of Feedback

2009-12-03T07:08:00.000-08:00

Craig Groeschel had some great thoughts over at Serve blog about feedback. His post couldn't have come at a better time for me in my current leadership journey.

Back story.
Very prayerfully I have had to make some major staffing changes over the last year in our church. Frankly, the economic woes of these times gave me no other option than to eliminate some positions held by amazing people. Thankfully everyone of them are still an active, loving and empowering part of The Rock Church. I love it that our teams love their church and their pastor. It'd be impossible to do anything of significance without people like this.

As a result of these changes I've had to put on some new/old hats and lead in areas with a little more hands on. My workload has increased probably 2-fold. In addition to preparing messages, casting vision and helping many I've found myself meeting with quite a number of people to get perspective and the temperature of what is happening around The Rock Church. My ultimate goal is to find out where we are smokin' hot and winning, but also find out where we need adjustment and more direction/focus.

I have been in a season of Feedback. Since the 1st of August I have listened, received, listened, processed and listened some more. The feedback has been remarkable; from home run Serves to under performing issues. I've learned a lot about the culture and infrastructure of The Rock Church, not so much how it is designed, but how the design is being executed. The feedback has been great to hear, challenging to listen to, but all of it is building the Church that Jesus wants. Even people not in our church have given me some great feedback as I ask them what their perspectives are of The Rock Church.

The season has changed. I woke up on Sunday the 29th of November, and I felt like the seasons have changed; in that, it's now time to lead strong. There is a time to listen to concerns, and then there is a time to lead on while processing concern. Now my language must change, yours also. While listening I am also compelled to direct, while hearing I am also compelled to respond. It is imperative we step together as one, this is the burden of leadership.

Right now this distinguished season is going to catapult The Rock Church to new levels of success. From radically transforming our strategy at Lake Stevens to continuing the momentum of Serve I feel more equipped to lead because of feedback than ever.

I'm Back...

2009-12-02T18:53:00.000-08:00

Hmmmmm....October 5th is the last time I posted anything on Knightrous blog. Seems like just yesterday, but in light of the fast paced world I find myself living in I know it's time to get back into blog action.

Welcome back,

You are involved in The Rock Church, and I am your pastor.

OR.

You are in the racing world, and we've met or connected at the track.

OR.

You are stumbling across this blog as the result of searching for something else.

OR.

You are trying to sell me pharmaceuticals I have no need for, I'm young.

Anyway, no matter the connection I have some exciting news coming up that is blog related. For now, I'm going to get back to regular posting about the life, leadership, racing world of Jeff. Thank you for tuning in!

Grand Finish of 2009~THE FALL CLASSIC

2009-10-05T21:18:00.000-07:00

The Fall Classic is held at Yakima Speedway in Yakima Washington, although not the most luxurious racing facility in the country, Yakima has something my Evergreen Speedway needs, nostalgia. The Fall Classic is the end of the year get together for racers from all around the Northwest and Canada, and dozens show up. 2009 showed that car counts in the NW are available.

The first time I attended the Fall Classic was in 2004. After working with Roger for the three previous seasons racing at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe we set out to this prestigious race. That year we had one of the best cars in the field after lap 125, but an error in the pit caused us to go a lap down, leaving the race to another to win. We went back in 2006, again a great car in the field, but late race motor trouble and a lap down car would move us from 2nd to 4th in the final lap. In 2007, I made the trek to Yakima for the Saturday Limited Late Model race, but early race trouble left me laps down. In 2008, we rained out and I couldn't go back for the make-up race.

Fast forward to 2009. When our final race at Evergreen Speedway was in the books I gathered the team together to begin preparing for the Fall Classic. We were going to put my high horsepower engine in my car for Sunday's 200 lap event, and set up the purple car--Natalie raced at ES--as our crate motor car for the Limited Late Model race on Saturday night. Two weeks of preparation ended, and we left the shop at 2:20 AM, yes AM, on Friday morning. I pulled into Yakima at 5:45, practice was to start at 11 am.

After 3.25 hours of sleep we signed in and unloaded our trailer. The cars looked good, and the team was ready for a great practice day. This would be the biggest practice of my racing life, right up there with my rookie season. I was going to drive a "big motor." The difference between my crate engine that I race at Evergreen and the "big motor" was about 200 hp. That's a ton, and I'd never driven anything with that much power.

I started out practice and looking back tonight, the first two sessions were like drag racing. I would push the throttle to the floor on the straights and go like a rocket, but to win in Late Model Racing you have to get the car around the corners. Friday I made some ground, but I was not fast. The car seemed to be driving me instead of me driving the car. I had all this power and I couldn't use it. Consequently, I was struggling mentally, not being able to give good feedback to the crew. The learning curve was really steep.

Saturday we qualified for both races. Just prior to qualifying I ran both cars in two separate practices. The purple car was awesome. I was on 100 lap old tires and cutting some good numbers on the stop watch. I really thought that car was going to the top-5 in the Saturday show, but I made an error in judgment. We didn't scuff our race tires and decided to qualify on stickers (new tires). We gave up a ton of time, and I qualified 20th. Not good in a 31 car field.

After the Limited Late qualifying we were up to qualify the "big motor" car. We scuffed tires for that car, but I was terrible on cold tires, just no confidence. I left at least .5 seconds on the table qualifying 29th out of 41. Both my dismal qualifying efforts showed me how tough it is to go between both race cars with different power plants and setups. It was a steep learning curve.

Saturday night was the Limited Late Model race, where I raced the purple car. We started a ways back, and I was just riding around, saving the car. About 25 laps in I had some brake issues. Pedal to the floor now and then, but I could pump it and they would come back. After the first caution I moved from about 21st to 12th in the ensuing laps. Car was awesome and we were picking off positions left and right, even with limited brakes. Roger talked me through changing my line a bit to make up for the brake issues. While passing another car I got to his inside on the back stretch and going into turn three he pinched me down pretty good, more like chopped me. We hit, he spun and while I was avoiding the his spin I got off the high side of the track and into the wall. The nose was crushed, throttle stuck. I got out of the car, fixed the throttle, got back in and went to pit. Now that's old school when a driver gets out of car, fixes it and gets back in to race. Turns out the oil pan had a hole in it and our night was over. I'd finish way back.

That night we went to dinner at Outback. I was disappointed my night was shortened in the car I had the most confidence in. I was reeling a bit about racing the big motor. With 41 cars starting the event it was sure to have huge attrition, the race is notoriously dubbed the Fall Crashic. I didn't want another wrecked car, seemed to be the theme of my 2009, so I even considered getting out of the seat and not racing it. I told no one.

Sunday morning I woke up, just like every Sunday. I went through the same routine as I do preparing to go to the church and preach. After a shower and some breakfast I opened my bible and started to look for some assurance/confidence in something I know a whole lot better than racing, my Bible. Sure enough, a perfect word.

1 Samuel 14:12.
Then the men from the outpost shouted to Jonathan, "Come on up here, and we'll teach you a lesson!"
"Come on, climb right behind me," Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "for the Lord will help us defeat them!"

This is what I got from it, "Small Steps Lead to Great Victories." I wrote it on some tape and put it on the dash of the car. We went out for practice and I was a different driver, really different. I turned a 19.3 in the first practice session, which was 5th quick. Since I'd qualified at a 19.8 it was obvious I was out of sync until now.

One problem. We spent the whole day on Friday and Saturday making the car comfortable for me when I was lacking confidence. Now that I was making "small steps," the car needed some changing. The whole team went to work. By the end of 2 practices the car was good, way better than the 29th we qualified. Although I had fallen to 21st in the final practice, I knew that was because a lot of teams were scuffing new tires. We had not done so, and were running on old tires. My confidence was where it needed to be to start my first 200 lap race.

The day was filled with racing action as the other three classes ran. I was relaxing in the pits knowing that the night was going to be a good one. 200 laps at the most prestigious race of the year with 39 cars starting, including a late entry of our own, Roger Habich. The team had fixed the purple car from the previous nights damage, and he was racing with me. He would start in the back of the field because of the late entry, just a few rows behind me.

Here is a huge key to this race, make it to the break on the lead lap. Near the midway point we have a 10 minute break for fuel and tires. My goal was to make it to the break on the lead lap. Early on the car was strong, but I just held my position only passing what was given to me. There were cars everywhere. I was two and three wide multiple times. After several cautions, one spin, and a bunch body damage to the 70 I was still on the lead lap. The car was pretty good, but needed to be better. The team went to work. They made multiple changes to the chassis at the break.

We restarted after the break, and early the car wasn't very good, it was tight. In fact, I gave up 5-6 position because I couldn't keep it on the bottom. During another caution Steve assured me the changes we made would come to me. They did. We were better in and off the corner than most at the end, and in the second groove I was wicked fast if I got it through the middle. As long as I could be patient through the center of the turn I had good grip off the corner.

After a long green flag run the lead 3 cars had gotten by me. After a caution and about 35 laps remaining I would learn I was sixth, one lap down! Sixth? I was like, hole smokes, I've just been passing the next car on the track. If I was over taken, I assumed it was a car multiple laps down on fresher tires. Sure enough my strategy was coming to me. We went green and then there was another caution, I was the first car one lap down, so I got the free pass. I went to the the lead lap in 5th!

Fifth place at the Fall Classic is an unbelievable racing achievement for me. We started the next green run to the end. On lap 192 another car who was 38 laps down was racing me like it was the final lap of the Daytona 500. I was better in and a ton better off, but my car was wore out and bad tight in the center. Behind me was the 6th place car, but I wasn't sure if he was on the lead lap or not, at the time. Turns out he was not. I should have let the 76 go, not because she was faster, but because there was no need to battle with her if I didn't have to stay ahead of the car behind me. I could have let them both go and not lost a spot, but I was uncertain so I had to do my best to maintain my position. She raced me really clean for 3-4 laps, and I was convinced she would continue. Problem was my car was better as the tires heated. I know she thought she was better the first couple laps after the restart, but eventually it was obvious I was going to pass her. In fact, crossing the start/finish line I had cleared her, but pushed up in the center, she came back inside.

I was racing super clean. Tight, but clean. On lap 192, she drifted into my left rear tire coming off of turn two. She turned me real bad and I slid down the back stretch, hitting a big tire. The car stalled, and I sat there thinking, "Unbelievable, yet another crash!" Eventually the car started, after I went 1 lap down. The race went red, so I drove to the pit and the team went to work, with about 25 others on pit lane who wanted me back out there. Turns out I had a flat and a ton of body damage, but since I only needed 8 laps we had a car to restart. Honestly, I couldn't believe the thing held water in the radiator.

With steam coming off the radiator and dirt all over the windshield we went green, and I coasted to my first finish of the Fall Classic, 7th. Not bad for a guy who drove a "Big boy motor" for the first time less than 72 hours earlier. My learning curve was huge, but "Small Steps Lead to Big Victories." Every red flag, I would sit and think about that phrase focusing on the next lap.

All in all it was the funnest night of this season! I was pretty stoked and really proud of our team. Roger had some early race mayhem and had to come in to fix the car before going back out, he finished back a bit.

I know I showed up at the Fall Classic 200 without the experience to win the race, but I got some of the best guys and gals of any team in the Northwest. To have a shot at the podium of this prestigious race in my first attempt is something I'll cherish forever. Thank you to my whole team, and my great sponsor Snohomish Pie Company.

A lot of you have asked me what's next. I'll summarize. The NASCAR"s Drive for Diversity has changed, so we will not be involved directly in 2010. Evergreen Speedway will most certainly race a 18 race NASCAR schedule, which is a huge commitment. I'd love to win a Championship at the track I grew up around, so that entices me to run Evergreen. However, the ASA NW Late Model Tour is an option, and I would love to run with that group of drivers.

I am not quite sure what 2010 holds, I will weigh all option and make some announcements at the beginning of the new year.

As far as what I will do right now. I want to go to the Evergreen Speedway awards banquet and honor my team from the podium while receiving the 2nd in Championship points trophy. We accomplished a lot in 2009, and watching Naima Lang win the Limited Show on Saturday reminded me I was runner up to the best Limited Late Model team in the Northwest. Naima is a masterful champion, and I've had a blast racing against him.

This week I want to bring the cars into the shop, winterize the motors, tear off the tore up body panels, and put some covers over them for about 30 days. It's been a great 2009 season at Evergreen. Some weeks after Thanksgiving the team and I will strip the cars down for inspection, repair and get them ready for 2010.

Sorry for the long post, but this concludes the 2009 race journal. What a season...

20 Races
0 wins, shucks!
5 Top-3
12 Top -5
19 Top-10

THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL

2009-09-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

Not really, but my world stood still for a bit today. I had some meetings that took small detours, there was a confrontation, then a solution, then a God moment, then a meeting, followed by another meeting and mixed into it all I was thinking, "Wow, this will be a day I look back upon as a turning point."

Adversity is the building block of the future. I have lived this first hand, many times. With every challenge conquered comes another brick in the staircase I climb.

After today this is my message to you. Keep climbing, keep heading upward and get stronger. After all, the Holy Spirit is convicting you of righteousness (John 16:8). Keep allowing Him to convict you to be the best God created you to be.

Week 18-5th

2009-09-14T15:29:00.001-07:00

This past weekend was the 18th race of 2009, the end of the NASCAR Points Championship. With one race remaining the track points are still left to be settled, so the upcoming weekend should be awesome.

We found ourselves with a well prepared car. The guys did a great job fixing crash damage from the week before, and I felt like the car was really safe and prepared to be fast.

Practice went as planned. Car was decent in practice, right near the top of the speed charts, but in the second session car went away loose, meaning it wanted to spin out heading into and through the corner. We made some changes for qualifying.

I felt like qualifying laps were pretty solid. The first lap I upset the car on a bump and lost some time, but the 2nd lap the car drove in really deep and got off the corner pretty awesome. It felt great, but was only good for 5th quick. We made some subtle changes to make it better.

For the race I started inside row two and took the lead after the early caution. We led for quite a few laps and the car was really fast at that point, but even out front I felt like I had to hold it down quite a bit through the center of the turn. It wanted to push up in the middle. By lap thirty we were going away tight, which is when you turn the wheel but the car goes straight.

Reality set in when Jason Fraiser got by me on the inside. I was struggling keeping the car to the bottom and remaining fast. Eventually Natalie got me, then Holden, then Hughs. We dropped to 5th and were forced to ride the race out with a tight car.

Even though we were tight at the end of the night there were a bunch of high points.

1. We had some great restarts. I struggled a little this year restarting, but not last weekend. Very much improved.

2. We had some fast laps. After the last couple weeks of crash damage, fast is good. It was good to be fast.

3. The guys had a great tire change in practice. Fastest of the year. That may come in handy at the Fall Classic in a couple weeks where live pit stops win the race.

4. We discovered another set up condition that made the car tight. Like Edison, he failed at the light bulb a whole bunch before it worked. We will win a bunch of races on the 5/8's in my career.

5. I have the best group of guys working with me. I trust the car is safe, prepared, and capable of winning all the time.

6. FUN, FUN, FUN. I laid awake last night thinking of the Fall Classic in Yakima. I am not sure if I'm going yet, but I thought about how much fun that track is to drive.

With the season nearly over, it's hard to believe we've been racing for 6 months. I feel like I'm ready for another run!

THE ROCK CHURCH SCHOOL OF THE BIBLE

2009-09-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

People I talk with about faith often site a lack of understanding as one of the biggest reasons why they struggle. I know I have experienced confusion and defeat when I don't know God, His Character and great message to me.

If you attend church every Sunday for a year you'll only get 52 messages, only 52 opportunities to gain more understanding. But if we are being real, barely anyone attends church every weekend anymore, right? Ok, so a lot of people do attend church every weekend, but those who are struggling with things like "Studying the Bible, or "what does God say about ______" usually don't attend church every weekend. In fact, most people only attend church once or twice a month. No wonder we know more about what Miley Cyrus is releasing than what King Cyrus did for God's people.

My recommendation to every Christ follower is simple, attend some Bible classes. In just a few short weeks you can focus you efforts like a laser and gain huge understanding. In my personal experience I have read the Bible cover to cover many times, but when I took New and Old Testaments Survey I gained big time.

At The Rock Church that is what we want for you. We want you to gain understanding not only so you can be really smart, but so you can live an amazing life connected with God. That's why we offer Bible Classes at The Rock Church. The Rock Church School of the Bible is a legit extension campus of Portland Bible College and you can earn an Associates Degree if you desire or simply audit the classes to increase your understanding. It's all here, right in Monroe.

So check out this link and get plugged into something that just might give you the competitive edge on life.

GREAT TIME AT THE CITY CHURCH

2009-09-07T11:10:00.001-07:00

Melinda and I were invited to be a apart of the installation of Judah and Chelsea Smith as Lead Pastors at The City Church. City Church founding pastors, Pastors Wendell and Gini Smith have been so instrumental in our lives the last 10 years. I love and value them much.

Judah and Chelsea have been trusted friends. We've shared many dinners, lunches, and hang out times with these two, and I am so excited about what is happening in the Seattle region.

There were many of Seattle's who's who of church leaders there. People like Mark Driscol, Mars Hill; Casey Treat, Christian Faith Center; Jan Hettinga, Northshore Baptist, to name a few. Also huge leaders from around the nation and world, Nick Caine, Hillsong Church, Australia; Frank Damazio, City Bible Church, Portland, Dave Martin, DMI, Orlando, and Dick Iverson, MFI. In addition, letters were read from John Maxwell, Oral Roberts, Rienhard Bonke, John Bevere, Derek Prince and so many others. It was great to see a young man and woman, Judah's 30, so celebrated and trusted.

The whole evening brought me back nearly 10 years ago when I was set in as the Lead Pastor of The Rock church. Our pastors, my mom and dad, less than one week earlier were killed in a plane crash, and it made the coronation at The Rock Church much different. Instead of cheers we had tears. Unlike this star filled event of last night, my becoming a lead pastor was born out of pain. Yet, as the theme, "by God's grace" continued throughout last night I recognized time and time again how that grace sustains us all. That no matter the circumstance, it's the same grace!

As I sat and listened to both Wendell and Gini charge Judah and Chelsea for their next step in minsitry I closed my eyes and imagined what it would have been like to hear my mom and dad charge Melinda and I. I have to say, as Pastor talked, a tear flowed from my eyes. What he said was moving and strong, tender and tough, inspiring and captivating.

And then it hit me, Pastor Wendell and Gini have been my pastors for nearly ten years. So as I listened to them talk to their son, I quietly remembered the countless conversation I had with mom and dad, all the talks about church and God, life and love.

As I lay my head on the pillow last night, I had this sense that, we too, have the best and brightest years ahead of The Rock Church.

Thank you Pastor Wendell, Pastor Gini and congrats to two of the most amazing people I call friends, Judah and Chelsea.

Week 15-last

2009-09-07T10:33:00.000-07:00

The car was pretty decent after last weeks conundrum. We practiced well, made some adjustments and qualified 3rd. Made some more adjustments for the heat race, and had a blast racing with Tom Moriarty on the outside. Tom and I laughed a lot after the heat because we both admitted we were holding our breath racing wide-open inches apart. I did get a headache afterward cause my brain was suffering for oxygen deprivation, I don't think I took a breath for 9 straight laps!

Anyway, main event time met us. The line I was in on the initial start was slow going, so I fell to last place going into turn three on the first lap. I moved up one position and settled in for what seemed to be a pretty good run. The five of us were all pretty close lap after lap.

My car was a tick off, but nothing that would limit a good finish. I hadn't been loose off the corner much this year, so this being a first I was driving the wheels off and trying to get up front as fast as I could. I knew the chassis would not permit me to save the right rear tire, so I needed to get all my spots early.

There was a spin which brought out the caution. I moved to fourth at that point and was restarting 2nd row outside. The car, that would eventually finish my night off, was inside. He persisted on running into me down the back stretch on the pace lap. A little bump is ok, but one-two-three bumps is a little excessive. I told Steve, my spotter, to tell his spotter to back him off. The restart was called off, so we lined up again. He decided to run into me again on the pace lap. I finally had had enough and turned into him to let him know I wasn't happy with his positioning and constant hacking. Not only was he jeopardizing my night, but he was down right disrespecting the 70 car, driver and team. Frankly, when there are only six cars in the race, a little respect for one another will make for a great night of racing.

The ensuing restart was a decent one. I raced him on the outside, then on the inside. His car was going away quickly, my car was just a tick loose in, a little tight in the center, and loose off. No worries though, we were racing for 3rd and he was getting worse and worse. Finally, he was so slow in the center I would get right to his bumper lap after lap. Then he made a mistake, he drove in too deep and I put my car inside of his. We were side by side coming off of turn two. Going into three I got a bump from behind which caused me to loose the handle a bit, the outside car gained back on me, but I still had a bumper. I can't remember if it was one lap or two later, but I finally cleared the outside car, and just as I did I got bad loose coming off of two, real bad!

The result was sliding down the backstretch and hitting a tire barrier with the right side of the car. My night was over. Lots of damage, broken suspension, and another week fixing a car. I've had a lot of grief this year, and while I have ran out of talent a few times and made some mistakes costing me races, I am tired of this particular driver taking me out of contention. This is the third race this season where he has gotten near me and I have suffered damage.

I have yet to see the video of the incident, so I'll leave the commenting on whether I was wrecked or not, but I've had many people tell me it's pretty obvious from where they were at that he turned under me. I have no problem admitting that my race car was loose off the corner, but if he was anywhere near my bumper and made contact, well, I'll leave it at that. It's just something you don't do when you've been passed, but his same move on Natalie in race 12 cost me after leading 38 laps.

I changed out of my drivers suit, borrowed a crew members truck and headed for home. With two races to go the only cure for this is a WIN. Gotta get to work, we unloaded and started cutting stuff away Saturday night. I still don't know if the car will be ready to defend my 2nd in championship points for Saturday, but I've got some of the greatest guys working on my team this year, so I know they will give their best effort.

In spite of it all, it was one of the funnest days at the track this year. Racing with Tom, laughing with the guys, eating fair food, Natalie's (my team mate) mom was in town. With 17 of 19 races complete having fun at the end is almost the goal of the weekend. Big thank you to the #70 and #94 teams for making this Pastor's dreams come true. And to Naima's team, congrats on 11 wins, must feel great!

LET'S DO SOMETHING BIGTIME

2009-09-04T12:29:00.001-07:00

This phrase has been been echoing through my head this week. It's a prayer!!!

Why not? Be apart something God sized
Why not? Go global from your city.
Why not? You, your family, your kids.
Why not? Your church.
Why not?!!!!! Whatever you are believing for, why not!

Pray this prayer, "God, let's do something big-time!"

Week 14-7th and 9th

2009-09-01T13:32:00.000-07:00

The weekend of the fair equals one big double header, a very cool trophy and high car count. It is the kind of race you want to do well in. We did really well last year, but this year would not give us the same fruit. This year we were challenged.

Rather than sum up practice, qualifying and racing I'd rather just say, "The car was off, big time." Not really sure why, which is aggravating and leads to sleep deprivation as the team goes through every possible scenario.

Could it be undiscovered crash damage from the week before? We did have to change the left side suspension. Could it be a broken component? The rear end was acting up in the first main, but we thought we fixed it for the second main. Was the driver just out to lunch all day and night? Is there a broken shock shim, or otherwise. Weeks like the double header when you finish 7th and 9th with a car that has been phenomenal lead us to long hours in the shop going over every component.

I need to stop writing now and go work on my stuff. See ya next weekend at Evergreen Speedway.

WEEK 13-4th

2009-09-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

Week 13 was met with some awesome challenges! First, we had wrecked the car on the last lap last week, so the guys had to fix some cosmetic stuff and make sure nothing else was amiss. Meanwhile, I was out of town on a retreat; things had to be pretty seamless to get the car ready for the 22nd, they were.

My team this year is stellar. I really like how we are approaching all the challenges with great attitudes and an overcoming perspective. It's been a season of some heart break, no doubt, but these guys and gals are pushing forward. That first win will be a huge moment for all of us.

Practice.
As I was sitting and waiting for 1st practice I told the guys, if we run 17.6's and .7's we have a great car, 17.9's and we need to work on it, 18.0's and worse and we've got issues. 1st practice revealed what we had hoped for 17.6's and .7's The car was great, setting fast time of practice.

Qualifying.
We then followed it up with my 1st pole position. We had 2 tenths of a second on the field.

Heat Race.
Started 1st, cleared the outside car by lap 2 and went on to win.

Main.
Things were looking good for about 100 yards, then we got turned into the inside wall. It was the 1st corner of the 1st lap. The car was junk, wrecked and although I went on, it was bent.

Week 12~4th

2009-08-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

I write this a little late this week. Saturday's race was number 12 of the 18 race weekends this year. We practiced really well. I had joked with the team that in the race I would drive around the outside, go to the front and win by a straight away.

Heat Race.
Started 4th. The battle up front was pretty intense so I held back intentionally because I didn't see any point in wrecking anything. Finished 4th.

Main.
In the main I started outside Natalie on the front row. I got a good jump and took the lead lap one. Then I drove away just like my plan, for 38 laps.

Dan Moore got into Natalie and Natalie went around, bringing out the caution. The green-white-checkered finish should have enabled me to close the deal, but it would not be. Naima and I had contact and I went around, finishing 4th.

My car is super good for this weekend, and I am pumped to get back at it.

WARFARE

2009-08-18T04:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Rock Church,

Attack is directly associated to our progress, not our circumstance. We are where we are because of what we've overcome and the breaks we've had. The attack is only happening right now, not for our present, but because of our future.

I think the enemy wants the believer to draw back right now, sell properties, forfeit square footage and give up on ground already taken. Yes, there are times when retreat is a must, but there are more times when it's time to fight!

What has always made our church give huge amount of resources was our ability to not just be a Sunday church, but to minister 24/7. I think the enemy would have any church capable of impacting a generation draw back, but I say NO WAY.

We need to push right now. We need to push our attitude to a new place of taking ground, not giving it up. We need to push our giving, serving and worship to higher heights. We need to push the envelope of resources and tap the reserves. It's all in, not some in.

Here is precisely where to pray in regards to warfare. Pray that our legs will not fail, that our hearts will not callous, that our minds will not forget, that our hands will be available, that our towels will never run out, that our water is refreshing, that our campuses are full of hope, that our cities look to us, that our leaders faint not, that our money multiply, that our people be lifted, and that our provision follows a cause.

These are the weapons as we fight: Vision and Giving. Have the courage to be a part of a vision larger than yourself and have the faith to underwrite that vision! God will not leave you hanging as He has already won the battle on your behalf. He has done his part, now do yours.

Pressing the Mark,
Jeff Knight

TAKE CARE OF PEOPLE...

2009-08-17T04:49:00.000-07:00

...that take care of people.

Dear Rock Church,

For me, this involves taking care of my teams. There are so many who make The Rock Church possible. They give of themselves selflessly for the purposes of Jesus and the local church. It's really amazing when you think about it.

There are teams at our church needing prayer, encouragement, and building. Catch them doing right things, living out the core values of the Word of God and our church. Take care of the ones whom take care of people. The ones who meet the needs of people in the trenches of church work, these are the ones whom need our care, love and words of kindness also.

Our people are the most precious ones we have. Plan parties for them, write about them on your blogs, talk about them with your friends, put there faces on your prayer walls, type about them on facebook, twitter and elsewhere. The people of The Rock Church are priceless.

Pressing the Mark,

Jeff Knight

ENJOY THE JOURNEY

2009-08-14T04:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Rock Church,

Joy is the choice God gives us everyday when we get up in the morning. You and I will overcome every situation in our lives with joy. It was the joy that was set before Christ that caused him to endure the cross, and that great joy is available to you and I for daily living. It should not matter the climatic conditions, when our hearts are right and our motives are pure, joy becomes our weapon as we pray and live.

Living in the climate we have been in for the last 18 months has challenged our joy at times. There is nothing more frustrating than having economic woes, and although these kinds of challenges are usually reserved for those we expect there is no doubt that hard times have fallen on many good people. Regardless, we never want to be the people who can't find joy. There is still goodness all around us. Even when there is lack there is goodness, although, we may have to purpose to find it more often.

Restore your joy. Communicate with a heart of joy the important mission of people. Enjoy one another, don't be too quick to end the conversation, the prayer time or the moment. Let's have joy when someone drops in on on our day-timer. Let's rejoice over our reputation to help and give.

In times like these joy is not only a choice, it is a medicine that makes the heart merry.

Pressing the Mark,

Jeff Knight

REMEMBER GRACE

2009-08-13T16:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Rock Church,

Write it down so you and I will not forget, the times when God saw us through.

Remember the times and seasons the Lord has brought us through. How many second chances has the Lord given? How many times have we been blessed with His provision? Stop and pray and take the time to meditate on what has been. In the last 12 months, during the worst economy in decades, the Lord has and is sustaining you!

There are so many times we have been out-budgeted, out-volunteered and still God did "HIS thing" with our church! Remember the grace that has been upon us. It’s a great grace that is upon this church. We’ve purchased our Monroe Campus, been given the Lake Stevens campus! Think about the lives that have been touched, we did not do that, grace upon this house did that. Think about the people involved in your area of ministry, they are there because God graced you to lead.

How about the battles won! How about the favor given! These are the things of Grace!!!! Remember the grace that is upon this house and pray with thankfulness! It’s not warfare that wins the battles; IT IS GRACE FROM GOD!!! The warfare just opens the door for Grace to be Magnified. Let's magnify Grace in our lives! It is amazing.

Pressing the Mark,

Jeff Knight

WEEK 11-4th

2009-08-05T22:15:00.000-07:00

There is not another race I want to be on the podium more than the Washington 500, and it will have to wait another year. I finished 4th. Why is this race so important to me? Because my dad would take me to it as a kid and we would watch some of the best drivers in the country battle it out. It has a ton of nostalgic value to me, and that's why I want to win it someday.

To sum up the race this year would be to say; our car just wasn't that good. We did a bunch of stuff to it during practice, but nothing made it faster. We kept at it all day, but couldn't get the thing through the corner. I opted to give up starting outside pole to try some more changes and went to the back. I got to the front by being patient and some carnage from other teams.

My funnest moment of the night was sliding across the grass avoiding a wreck and doing a perfect 360 without hitting anything. I felt like a drifter! Anyway, looking forward to the next race on August 15th.

SERVE

2009-08-05T16:22:00.000-07:00

Last night the city of Monroe held an event for the National Night Out Against Crime. Those in attendance got to witness over 20 “green shirted” people from The Rock Church with one purpose, which happened to be on the back of their shirts, SERVE. From setting up tents, to unloading cars, to dunk tanks, to handing out bottles of water, to dancing, to tearing down; the volunteers from TRC were everywhere to lend a helping hand. Not only did we help logistically, but we gave out over 1200 bottles of Quench. One young man, Cooper VanProyen, gave out 24 cases on his own. The Rock Church received many shout outs from the DJ at the event and were a huge part of making it a success! Great job to all the volunteers who served our community last night! Stay tuned for more SERVE opportunities.

The NEXT couple weeks...

2009-07-27T02:18:00.000-07:00

You can stay up to date the next couple weeks via knightrous twitter. If you don't have twitter, now is the time.

AWAY FROM THE BLOG

2009-07-23T14:11:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

As you can see I've taken some time away from the blogosphere. I've been up to a lot of ministry to our kids and students with Crocodile Dock. I've also checked out for a few days East of the mountains in the hot weather with my family and some friends. I return today to race the Washington 500 this weekend at Evergreen Speedway. I also am super excited about church on Sunday at The Rock. Week 3 of Church Exposed will be a ton of those "God moments" that make TRC so special. Then on Monday I leave for Ignite Camp with our students, and return home to fly out to Orlando for some ministry time. It's quite a role right now, but I gotta love big ministry moments all summer long.

I'll be back to the blog in no time...

WEEK 10-3rd

2009-07-13T11:50:00.001-07:00

Week 10 took place on the 5/8's track where speeds are high and getting through the turn fast is key to straightaway speed more than ever. The crate motor cannot make up the difference for an ill handling car.

Practice.
We had a decent practice. The car was pretty stout all day, especially getting into the corner. I could hold the thing wide open for a long time. We made some changes to help the car get through the center and off the corner.

Qualify.
We had a marginal qualifying effort, 4th. I thought we'd be better, but the balance wasn't quite right and it got loose off of turn 2. Although we were on .2 seconds off fast time we knew we had to work on it a little more.

Trophy dash.
Started on the pole, but discovered a loose plug wire the moment the green flag dropped. Bummer. We were 3rd. My fault. The engine builder stopped by the pits and I wanted him to check the plug to make sure we were tuned well. It didn't go back together right.

Main.
Started on the pole again, but car was tight in turn 1 and surrendered the lead. Falling to second I realized I hadn't heard from my spotter about 3 laps in, which is abnormal. Well, his radio failed. I am rolling in 2nd without mirrors (they slow me down) and I have no
spotter. I surrendered 3rd.

We settled into 3rd, a crew member on the infield took over spotting, and the race sorted out.

A caution came out on lap 12. We thought we had spotter fixed, but not quite. On the restart I got hosed. One car made it three wide in turn one and I was in the middle. Without a spotter I was bouncing off cars; 11, 94, and 16. By the end of turn 1 and 2 I was sixth. Yeah.

It was time to put my head down and battle. I was a little aggresive moving to the front because the leaders got a big jump. I didn't have time to dilly dally in 6th. My car was not hurt and I needed to wheel it forward.

I picked off 5th and then 4th and then 3rd. I caught 2nd who was having the run of her year. Natalie was fast and although I caught her she was strong where I was strong. It took me too long to exploit her cars weakness because I was really tight from center off.

With 4 laps to go I got to her inside going into turn one, but couldn't close the deal. She was bad fast and finished 2nd, I was 3rd.

I was especially pleased with the team performance, both cars in the top three is a first for us.

I was super pleased with Natalie. She drove well and proved she can run up front. She will be strong the rest of the year provided she keeps her car healthy. Very good job Natalie.

My crew is great and made some sacrifices to get up front this weekend. We've got some work to do in the shop to catch the 00 car of Naima Lang, but we are up to the task.

Next race is July 25th. 125 laps for us on the big track. I also have the opportunity to run 175 laps with the ASA Tour. If there were a sponsor out there interested in climbing on board for this race weekend we could race 300 laps together. Leave me a comment on here if
your interested.

Sent from my iPhone

TERRYL AND KAT

2009-06-30T01:06:00.000-07:00

I traveled to Guam on Sunday, landed in Guam Monday evening. We had a great rehearsal dinner on Monday night and the wedding was Tuesday evening. They setting was spectacular, the couple adorable. They wanted me to share a couple pics I took with the new I phone. I got a video also,gotta love my new iphone!!!

WEEK 9-STRANGE

2009-06-28T17:45:00.000-07:00

Edits: 6/30/09 from Guam. That'll teach me for writing on the plane, and then sending to the blog. I've got to edit for grammar and spelling...sorry.

We had a great car on Saturday, the best this year. I felt like we had a shot at the win more than any other race in '09. Steve, my crew chief, was out of town, and Tony Smith, a friend and team member of Jeff Barkshire's crew, filled in as crew chief for the day.

He and Steve put together a game plan, and it was successful. We qualified 2nd. Instead of a heat race we had a 5-minute hot-lap session. The car was better, so we gave it some more of what we did earlier.

As we lined up for the main the Street Stock class was under yellow because a hole opened up on the track, chunks of asphalt were breaking apart. The SS race ended and the officials thought we might be able to
run, but the hole on the front stretch was big. The track crews did their best to fix it, but it was right in the groove off of turn 4.

I started 6th. The first laps I was saving my stuff, staying clean and picking off positions. The yellow flew as we were coming to the stripe, lap 5. I was 4th overtaking 3rd and Natalie was 1st, she started outside front row, when the caution came out.

The caution flew because the hole opened up big time with softball size rocks punishing our cars. It was a dangerous situation for drivers and fans. Imagine a rock getting into the cockpit or one bouncing like a ball off a car and into the stands, bad deal.

The night ended and I thought, "Oh what might have been." I really appreciate the track taking care of us this night. It is yet to be certain how this race will impact the season as NASCAR will have to decide what is fair, but the speedway offered us some tires for later in the year which they didn't have to do. I also understand the fans were given some half price tickets for another show.

It's too bad Snohomish county won't pave their race track. It's a convoluted deal, but with the revenue the county makes off of racing I'd think they could fix the best track in the NW. Sadly, If they don't fix it racing days at Monroe are numbered, an industry cannot survive long when it's infrastructure is crumbling.

Did you know that fire departments train at the speedway? Police departments also train at the track. The county exec and council authorize many ton trucks to run drills on a very old surface loosening the bond between asphalt and subsurface.The track is an asset to our county generating serious revenue for Monroe and Sno-county.

It's not our 2800 lbs race cars hurting the track surface. It's the years of neglect by the county. Maybe Fred Meyer will let us race in their parking lot?

Sent from my iPhone/edited on my PC

THIS IS REALLY GOOD!

2009-06-26T06:15:00.000-07:00

I saw this yesterday...it challenged my "jumping."

The African impala has the ability to stand still on all fours and jump over 8 feet high, as high as 13! It can go 30 feet out! If it can't see where it's going to land, it won't jump... it has no faith. It will only jump where it can see... which is why it doesn't jump over 3 foot zoo walls.

God has given us gifts... what's the 3 foot wall in front of us that we aren't trusting God helping us to overcome? What's keeping us from going higher and further with the gifts God has placed in us to advance His Kingdom?

Kris Kross said, "Jump, jump!" ... Cypress Hill "Jump up, Jump up, Get down, Jump Around!"

We've got to jump... take our gifts the world.

Don't sit in religion, get up and jump!

INTERN GRADUATION

2009-06-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

It is that time again. Every year this time we graduate another amazing class of interns. This year is no exception. Don't miss the opportunity to honor those students who pour so much of their lives into our church.

It starts at 7pm. See you there.

QUENCH

2009-06-25T15:18:00.000-07:00

Quench is in full swing!

People are giving out H2OOOOYEAH all over the place. A lot of great stories about thankfulness. Keep it up, giving away water is a great opportunity to serve people.

Don't be worried about persecution. One story I heard a guy said, "I'd rather go thirsty than drink Jesus water." I thought for goodness sakes bro, it's not Koolaid, but suit yourself.

Get out there and give away some H2OOOOYEAH!

THE WHITE KNIGHT

2009-06-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

Here is the time lapse video we made while getting the White Knight ready last month. Enjoy.

WEEK 8-3rd

2009-06-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

Week 8 was on the 3/8's track at Evergreen Speedway. The forecast threatened for rain, but the rain held off. I was excited about weekend.

I qualified 2nd and started the heat outside front row. I struggled on the first lap getting a good start, but by lap one I had a 2 wide battle that lasted the entire heat race. I was on the outside of the 34 for 8 straight laps, much needed for me. I learned a ton running the second groove. I finished the heat 3rd.

The main I started last row outside. The car was strong early, Naima and I got to 1st and 2nd. We had a caution on lap 15. My tires cooled, and when we went green again my car developed a push. Turns out the right rear tire lost some size, alot of size. The car didn't turn as well after that, but I held 2nd place until the final restart, green, white and checkered. I had tough battle with the 06 car at the end of the race.

Entering turn three, coming to the checkers the 06 got into me and I missed my mark. My car turned, but then we had more contact, taking my momentum. The 06 beat me at the stripe, I finished 3rd.

All in all it was great Saturday for team 70. Next week is a 3/8's race again. Big track in July.

WEEKEND REFLECTIONS

2009-06-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

There were about 250+ people at Schools out for summer last weekend.
Father's Day Car and Bike Show was off the hook. Pastors often comment about how Father's Day is a least attended day of the year, but for the last six years Father's Day is one of the best weekends of the year for TRC.
Become a fan of Quench on the Quench facebook page. One day in and there are 71 fans...
Jeff B, who goes to The Rock is a huge race fan. He'd been telling me about how it's a bit tight this year financially, so he hadn't seen a race. This Saturday I show up at the track and he is there, but not as a fan. He is dressed in a yellow fire suit volunteering to help the sweep crew, who clean up the racing surface. I was so impressed by his passion. Very cool.
There were so many responses to the message yesterday at church. I can't wait to hear about how many responded to give their lives to Christ.
If you are old enough you will remember this song. It captures the message from yesterday. Check it out.

I had a very special person to me, who was coming out of a hard time, at church yesterday. God can do anything, including pull people out and rescue them from the wages of sin.
Pray for Little Miss Seven Addison. She has an ear infection. She was pretty mad about it on Father's Day cause she wanted to go and race go karts with dad.
I am thrilled about the momentum at The Rock Church, Lake Stevens and Monroe!

WEEKEND PREVIEW

2009-06-18T19:03:00.000-07:00

Big weekend ahead...

First, Father's Day, it's my 2nd! We have the 6th annual Father's Day car and Bike show at The Rock Church. Don't miss this once a year church service, and after party.

Second, Launch of Quench. We are giving away 20,000 bottles of H2OOOOOOYEAH this summer. Come this weekend to get your cases.

Third, Mid Season Championships at Evergreen Speedway. It was one year ago this weekend that I won my first race, pretty excited about Saturday night.

PURPOSE-WHAT IS MY PURPOSE?

2009-06-18T06:54:00.000-07:00

by Jeff Knight

When I was searching for my purpose I wanted to do something that mattered. The closer I got to His presence, the more comfortable I was being a Christ-follower, the more I wanted to do something that impacted the world for him. More than anything I realized I didn't need to be a pastor to impact, I could have been whatever my heart desired. Sometimes that's the problem, we think we must be in the ministry to do the ministry and impact the world for God. My recommendation, know God as best you can, and be OK with who he's made you; at that point, he will reveal your purpose.

"Purpose-driven" has become a term widely known in recent years, made popular by Pastor Rick Warren, but at the core there is not a better way to live. Since the beginning of time purpose has been on the mind of the greatest achievers. Those who discover their purpose are those who live the high life, they are the most satisfied achievers of the day.

So how does one discover their purpose? How do you know when you land on what you are called to do? What about purpose?

Jer 1:5, "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations."

This scripture tells us a lot about Jeremiah, that he was a prophet, but maybe even more about God.

God knew Jeremiah before he was born (God’s relationship with us).
God set Jeremiah apart to do something (God’s approval upon us).
God appointed Jeremiah a prophet to the nations (God’s purpose in us).

If he can do it for Jeremiah, He can do it for me, and you!

If you’ve been living long enough then you are doing something, maybe by choice, accident, or ignorance. You’re giving your life in a direction. Let’s not fret because of where we are, let’s look at how to get to the center of God’s purpose.

First, where is your relationship with God? I’ve not seen someone find their way to meaningful purpose without first acknowledging their relationship with the Lord. To have a relationship with the Lord where your purpose is defined will require you to look to the one who came to the earth for the express purpose of you finding you. When you find the relationship that's been available all along, you'll begin to unlock the mystery of your purpose.

Second, did you know God approves of you? Not because of what you do, but because of who you are. When Jesus showed up at the river to be baptized God said, “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.” It wasn’t about what Jesus had done, or was about to do, God was pleased with him because he was his son. Until your heart is in the right spot concerning the father you’ll struggle with “being” in relationship with him.

Rom 8:29, "God knew them before he made the world, and he decided that they would be like his Son..." NCV

Consider taking the step, get into relationship with the Father who’s known you before you were born, then be at ease, set apart, to do something with him; finally, you’ll find and harness what you’ve been looking for, purpose.

God has called you to a great purpose, I can’t tell you what it is, but I can tell you this, “It will line up with your relationship with God and his blessing upon your life.” It will draw you nearer to him and unleash his approval on you.

See, often we want the destination, to know our purpose. But the sum of the parts is what brings us the whole. If I knew everything God called me to do, I’d probably turn him down on his offer. Instead, I pursue a relationship with him, then I learn to "be" set apart and approved by him, at that point purpose reveals.

WHAT AM I READING RIGHT NOW?

2009-06-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

Killing Cockroaches is on our Support Team reading list right now. Tony Morgan is a personal friend and has a lot of great stuff to say about practical elements of accomplishing the mission of the church.

A Short History of Christianity is a fantastic read, exhaustive, but not too much. Knowing where we come from as Christians answers so many questions, and reinforces the fact God does amazing stuff with fallible people.

You may think I'm off a bit with this recommendation, but you'd like this book. Christianity for Dummies is a great resource book. Months ago I picked up the Bible for Dummies because I was trying to say something complicated with clarity and precision, and usually the "books for dummies" have a knack for boiling it down to the essentials. Christianity for Dummies is the same way, it boils it down to the essentials, I'd recommend it to any person as a resource, not because they are dummies. I actually think it would make a good discipleship class for new believers.

Axiom is a leaders leader book. I love the short bursts each chapter provides. Makes for great reading in the summer.

THE MOST IMPORTANT

2009-06-16T06:33:00.000-07:00

I admit, I have a unique perspective on family, I won't go into the details other than to say I know family will ultimately determine a huge portion of my, and your, life trajectory. It starts when we grow up with mom and dad around, but it doesn't end simply because we move out/marry, we just change roles.

The Nucleus of your family: you, mom, dad, brothers and sisters. You're designed to be really close. You spend hours waiting on mom to get her hair ready; meanwhile, your sister pesters you because you ate the last bowl of Lucky Charms. The nucleus of the family is where your life really begins. As a father of a 15-month old I see how HUGE my role is in her life. I want her to be happy in life, so I make sure to smile as often as possible around her. Happy dad equals, happy grad.

Melinda and I want our little girl to know what it means to have an affectionate marriage, so we make sure to show affection to one another with her around, within reason of course. I want our daughter to have the drive to keep climbing even when she can't, so I don't always rescue her and give her what she wants. Sometimes her frustration because she can't climb to the top of the couch is exactly what she needs to climb to the top of the couch.

I want a worshipper in our family, and you will hear worship music on our stereos, often. I want a laughable-have-a-good-time family, and we rock out to Life is a Highway by Rascal Flats. I want a healthy family, so we walk, exercise. I want a God fearing family, so we pray together, read the bible and study.

I want a daughter who loves church, so I make sure we are not only at church, but doing church right along side the leaders. I want a daughter who has a great attitude, so I don't have nanny's and babysitters with bad attitudes.

I am a part of a nucleus, my family. Melinda, myself and Seven will determine the course of our lives more than anyone else, so we take good care to make sure we are headed in the right direction. Before us three, it was my parents, me and my sister, our nucleus.

At the end of my life if I've built a great church, everybody loves me, but my nucleus is missing the key ingredients, then I've failed. If you've built a great company, but your nucleus is distorted what have you really gained? I say, take care of the nucleus part of your family.

If the nucleus of your family is healthy than the rest of the "cell" will be healthy also. Parents, grandparents, uncle, aunts, cousins, nephew, nieces, and all the rest that make up the components of your family will flourish.

So make your "nucleus" the most important part of everyday.

EVERY PERSON NEEDS A PASTOR

2009-06-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

By Jeff Knight

Being a pastor is not something I do, it's who I am. I chose the work of the ministry because I knew the Lord was choosing me to engage and impact people through the local church. I do not consider myself a professional in the sense that it is a "job," I would do it for free. I am a husband, I love my wife; I am a father, I love my daughter; and I am a pastor, I love the people in my church, most of them. BIG SMILE! That last part is funny right there.

Who is your pastor? Really, who is your pastor? If you do not have a pastor I won't throw myself out there and cheaply say, "I'll be your pastor!" Why? Because who your pastor is may determine more about where you are headed in this life and the next than you can even imagine. Everybody needs a pastor!

I can tell a lot about a person who has a pastor, here are some signs...

I know you have a pastor because there is something about you that desires more from life.
I know you have a pastor because you're generous with your energy and resources, you are the first to help our friends.
I know you have a pastor because I hear about Jesus operating in your life, you are continuously offering me a no pressure invitation.
I know you have a pastor because you talk about your church, how cool it is, what the mission is, how it has impacted you, and why you are a part.
I know you have a pastor because you know the source of your happiness, and even though you have a bad day now and then you recover.
I know you have a pastor because occasionally you surprise me with some really good wisdom for my life; although, I may not always tell you how you've impacted me.
I know you have a pastor because you talk about the message from church, I've seen your bible, you even quote it, but you don't know that I know it also.
I know you have a pastor because you keep loving me when I'm unlovely.
I know you have a pastor because you have a heart for the hurting, homeless and helpless.
I know you have a pastor because your heart of compassion is contagious and I want to help you do what you do.
I know you have a pastor because you care about your church, all churches.

I could go on and on. I think a good pastor sets the course for peoples lives! When the Word of God goes into action it unlocks the potential of God for your life. I know you have a pastor because you've been offended, and stayed; confronted, and cried; rewarded, and shrugged your shoulders thinking, "not me." I know you have a pastor because I can tell the difference between someone who does and who does not.

Those who don't have a pastor are uncertain about what will happen when they die, they have none to ask the hard questions, and none to listen to for answers.
Those who don't are often searching from relationship to relationship looking for meaning, but only finding more emptiness.
Those who have no pastor, they are not sure who they can trust, where can they share, yet, life would be so much more powerful if there were someone to impart to them.
Those who have no pastor struggle to find the amazing things in life that are so available through a relationship with God.

Pastors have a way of getting us to grow when it's not the right time, stretch when we are at the max, run when we felt like we should walk and give more than we thought we could. A good pastor is like a good coach, they have the ability to get a little more out of us than we thought we had within. Somehow, someway, it's probably the anointing on them, they can lead us to the top of mountains.

My pastor makes me believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, in myself and in what he and I are called to do together. Sometimes I can't get my mind around it, but again, that's how I can tell I have a pastor, there is always some element of my life a little unsettled, unanswered and always longing for more of what God wants from me.

And that is why every person needs a pastor, because life is too short to live alone and believe in nothing.

So how about it, Who is your pastor? If you don't have a pastor I'll offer to take you where few dare to go in this world. To really know the Lord and live the life he has for you out loud. Let's begin this weekend, at The Rock.

WEEKEND REFLECTIONS

2009-06-15T00:08:00.000-07:00

I am really fired up about our summer outreach called QUENCH! This week we pick up 10,000 bottles of water to give H20000000yeah to a thirsty person this summer. I am believing for people to have great ideas, concepts and stories about giving water away.
I am really godly proud of our teams at the church right now. Last week Melinda met with a gal who was brand new to the church. She said the rap song so ministered to where she was at in her life. Melinda was able to pray with her and something broke off of her. The floodgates opened and she received some serious healing. Very cool.
My daughter is getting so fun. We laugh for hours. I think for every time I say no to her I want to say yes to her a thousand times. She is getting so big, walking all over the place, it's too much fun!!!
I had a weekend off from racing this past weekend, so Melinda and I spent a day on the lake. That was very cool. Seven was unsure of being in a boat, so we had to hold her for the first hour, but then she understood how fun it was. All she wanted to do was get in the water after that. Jenny and Ryan grabbed some KFC and met us on the water for dinner. When I was a kid my mom and dad would do that with Melinda, myself and Jenny. It was a fun memory.
I started running again her recently. I got a new friend that does marathons and runs a ton. I don't know if I could ever do a marathon, but I'm inspired to dust off the shoes and get after it again. I ran quite a bit last summer, and did a 4 mile event on Labor Day. They say that before you train for a marathon you should run at least 3-4 miles 3-4 times per week for 1 whole year and after that you can train for the marathon.
Looking forward to the Father's Day Car and Bike show at The Rock this weekend. Very excited to see the entry's this year. $1,000 for best in show. That's a pretty good prize!!!
I really appreciated Francis Chan message today, God is Strength. It really hit the sweet spot.
Anyway, it was a great weekend!!!

BIGGEST DECISION OF ADULTHOOD

2009-06-12T06:51:00.000-07:00

The relationship with your significant other, spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, or fiance if your engaged, By Jeff Knight

This relationship is the most impacting relationship in your adult life. Mom and dad take you to the age of adulthood, but after that life usually involves your significant other! There is probably not a more important decision for you to make in your life than who you are going to marry! Did I say marry? You bet I did, because if you are of age to be married, not married but acting married; or if you are not of age to be married, but acting marred; you quite possibly are already like an ice cube in the boiling water, change forever!

For the rest of your life this person is going to impact every decision, emotion, day, month, year, season and etc. This person will decide with you the color of your car, toothbrush, hair, house and dog. They will be a part of your triumphs, when you are on the high point of life. They will be a part of your crashes, wrecks and days you feel like a joker.

Your spouse best take you up, to your potential. They better love you where you are at, support where you are headed, disagree when you are mediocre and cheerlead when you are excelling. If you were born an ice cube with a destiny you better not marry a pot of hot boiling water!

A few suggestions on how to stay out of the hot h2o from the start...

Include trusted friends, family, your pastor in your decision before you even start a relationship with someone. They may see what you can't or are unwilling to see.
Really take the time to get to know someone before giving your heart away. Don't awaken love before the right time. Do so and you'll pay with heartbreak.
Wait on God. It might seem like a century, but God's best comes in His time.
Pray. My wife prayed for her husband the entire time she was growing up. Nothing wrong with advanced prayer.
Know who you are. I hate it when I hear about a story where someone marries and ten years later they separate because they say, "I'm having an identity crisis." Identity? Seriously, after ten years, your identity is not your own anymore, it belongs to other people. Know who you are before you start so you don't wonder who you are when who you are belongs to more precious ones, your kids.
Take your time. You've got the rest of your life to be married. Make sure you do what you gotta do before for you say "I do." I hate it when a married person turns to their spouse and says, "I'm sorry, I just gotta do this..." No, you're married now, you lost the privilege to do what you wanted to do when you wanted to do it. Now what you do is a part of who you are, and you're married.

A few suggestions if you find yourself married, but your the ice cube and the kitchen counter is room temperature.

Get back to the basics. Laugh, love, fun, tenderness, value, sympathy, empathy, wholeness, sex, food, fellowship, laughing, you know the things that made this marriage in the first place.
Mediocrity creeps into every relationship. Sit down with your spouse and look around, what do you see that is mediocre about your marriage/surroundings? Get it out of your marriage, now!
Prayer. Sometimes, at night, I will walk our property praying for my family. My prayer life is less than perfect, but that's what makes those moments when I intentionally pray for Melinda so powerful. Like the times when I reach across our bed after she is asleep and I pray a blessing over her.
Serve. In our culture the focus is on getting our personal needs met, and serving has become a foreign word. Instead of demanding simply serve your spouse. If they act surprised by your service it's a clue you can serve more. If they act thankful it s a sign they really appreciate you. If they don't care, you may need to get some help.
Get help. Marriages go through difficult times! Don't sit home and hope that it will get better. Get help if your marriage is struggling or damaged. You might as well admit that things aren't perfect and pursue God's best now instead of waiting until help is the only option, yes? Thought so.
Excellence. Stop surrounding yourself with anything other than excellence. We don't use the "d" word in my house, it's not an option. Stop lowering your standards to what you see on television, or in a friends relationship or someones life. They are not you, you are not them. Put excellence on everyday.

The person you marry will significantly impact every area of who you are the moment the ink drys on the marriage certificate. Best to be hooked up with a spouse who is taking you where you both want to go!

ICE CUBES IN BOILING WATER

2009-06-11T06:33:00.000-07:00

by Jeff Knight

Put an ice cube on the counter, what do you get? A puddle. Put it in boiling water, what do you get? More boiling water. An ice cube must be surrounded in the right environment, 100% of the time!

My life is no different. If you put me in a mediocre world, you'll get a mediocre run-of-the-mill ordinary man. My surroundings and environments determine who/what I can become. There is no escaping it.

I grew up in a home that had no recollection of the Lord until I was eight years old. At that point, mom and dad found Jesus as their savior and we started attending church. A few months later, I asked Jesus into my heart. I was the product of my surroundings. I know countless people who believed in God as a child simply because mom and dad did, there's nothing wrong with that.

When I became a teen it was the first time I recall questioning my faith, but not in a way like I wanted to rebel and live a different way, I wanted to know why I believed what I believed. It was also the first time in my life where I had teachers and influences challenging what I believed, why I believed. As I went to college it was the first time it seemed like there were a lot more people around me that didn't believe. As I grew it was tougher and tougher to know what I needed to know and be who I needed to be because my surroundings had changed drastically. Until the day I surrounded myself with true purpose. When I grabbed onto God's purpose for my life all the influences changed, so did my surroundings.

Back to the ice cube. The ice cube is never ready for the boiling water! It must not jump in! The ice cube is never ready for room temperature. Likewise, I am never ready to be surrounded by a bunch of mediocrity. I am never prepared for it. If I venture to the wrong environment I better tell someone where I'm going because more than likely I'll not be coming back the same!

So what am I saying in this post? I am saying that who you spend your time with, where you spend your time at; both determine your future. Paul said it this way, "Bad company corrupts good character." It's the truth. I must continuously be aware of who I am surrounding myself with, or I better watch out because the essence of what I am will change when the heat gets turned up.

Week 7-7th and 3rd

2009-06-09T12:37:00.000-07:00

This last weekend was a double header at Evergreen Speedway. We had two 50-lap mains scheduled, so it was set up to be a great night of racing.

In the first main we were all lined up on the front stretch and the command was given to start the engines. As I started my engine all was normal. I put the car in gear and began to roll out when there was a "pop" sound, the steering completely changed. I rolled to the pits while the other cars were scuffing tires, sure enough, I had a power steering line come apart at the fitting. I told the guys to put the hood on, cause it was time to man up and drive the car without power steering, which is not impossible by any means, but no easy task either.

I turned the quickest lap of the race on lap nine, but on lap 31 I would have some misfortune. We had restarted a lap earlier, and I was battling with Naima on the inside. He was outside of me coming off of turn two. As I picked up the throttle I got a bit loose, Naima and I got pretty close and I couldn't save it without wrecking us both. The car slid down the back stretch sideways, I hit the inside wall pretty hard. The main was over for me, the left side suspension was tore up bad.

I drove the car to the pit and jumped in a crew members Nissan and headed for the shop. At the shop I dug through piles of the "weapon" parts to get the things we needed to fix the car. Once loaded I headed back to the track where the guys had most of the bent suspension torn off the car. They worked feverishly to get the thing back on the track. The officials changed the schedule a bit so our race would be last. It was just the time we needed to get back out there.

I raced the second main from the back, sure enough I turned the fastest lap of that main also in lap 7. The car was decent, but I spun early and spent a few laps catching the field. I think that wore my stuff out pretty good because when I needed to pass some cars I didn't quite have what it took.

Late in the race there was a caution and I was able to close up on the field. At that point I got a chance to race for 2nd. Coming to the white flag I got up under the 06 car, but couldn't make the pass stick in turn 1. I finished the 2nd main 3rd.

All in all it was a pretty exhausting day. I really owe any effort this weekend to the crew who graced me when I crashed and they put it back together fast. Thanks to all the guys who helped and loaned me parts to get back on the track. Racing is a great sport because even your closest rivals will help when you are in a pinch.

We have a week off from ES and then we are back the following week. See ya then.

D4D interview

2009-06-04T16:13:00.000-07:00

The other morning I was on "The Morning Drive," a national radio program talking about NASCAR's Drive for Diversity. The link for the show is embedded in this post. It's always a ton of fun to do live radio and tv.

Week 6-4th

2009-06-02T07:31:00.000-07:00

It's been a high and low couple of weeks in the team-seventy camp, from the loss of a car to the fastest lap I've ever turned on the 5/8's at Monroe. I am really proud of the effort the Total Velocity Race Team puts in week in and week out, but there was something special about the last couple weeks.

Practice.
We unloaded on Saturday after working right up until the very last second on the older car, the White Knight. We had spent the better part of every night for the previous two weeks meticulously going over every component, nut and bolt, even cut some stuff off with the plasma cutter and welded other stuff on (I could tell ya, but then I'd have to...you know the line).

First practice went off and I was breaking in the engine (rebuilt from the destroyed car), the brakes and making sure the car felt alright before coming up to speed. I hadn't even got the thing out of 3rd gear when I was on the radio, "This thing in darting to the left and right, it's not stable. Something is seriously wrong." After a few laps the practice was ended because another car wrecked and they had to clean up the track.

We got back to the pit and I was calmly freaking out. It was that feeling of not wanting to freak out, but being really nervous things were going to be really awful all day. After we'd worked so hard I wanted to push the limits and have a great night, but I wasn't comfortable in the car, not good.

Steve, my crew chief, came up to me and said, "I need you to get your head screwed on straight, tell me what the car needs and let's get it fixed." I did just that. The guys went to work. They tightened every moving component on the car. We run our tolerances real close so a little wiggle here or some play in that joint there and I can feel it. They went through the whole car with a fine tooth comb, checking everything. Good news, they found some stuff. That's the one bummer about not being able to test a newly prepared car. When you test you can double check stuff over and over, but because it was race day we only had 2 practices, then it was time to qualify.

Qualifying.
Let's just say Roger and I talked about how I was going to drive my car during qualifying. We went over it a couple times. He told me to trust the car, that it would stick. My first lap was a 23.2, which matched the fastest I'd ever went in the other car before it was wrecked. My next lap was a 23.066 which was the fastest lap I've ever turned on the 5/8's by 2 tenths! I was jacked! I believe that lap is the 4th quickest qualifying lap with a crate motor on that track. I already hold the 3rd and 4th quickest lap ever with a crate motor on the 3/8's (someone took the time to research those stats at mylaps.com).

Trophy Dash.
I qualified 2nd and made the trophy dash. We changed over to some practice tires, but didn't adjust the car for those tires. It wasn't very fast for the dash and I finished the dash in 4th.

Race.
I started in 4th position, 2nd row outside. I got a decent start and settled in 3rd place for a while. Joe Constance was just ahead of me with Travis Bennet out front. I made the pass on Joe coming off turn 4 early in the race and got to 2nd. Travis and I then checked out by about a straight away on the field. For a while I closed on him, but he was too good that night. We just maintained the separation, about 8 car lengths.

Part way through the race I developed a push in the center of the corner. Little did I know it would be the beginning of the end of my charge to the lead. The push in the center became a push into the corner, and eventually a push on exit also. I surrendered 2nd place after a restart to Naima cause the car wouldn't turn very good, and then late in the race Dan Moore got me getting into turn 3. I ended up 4th on the night, which was great.

We got back to the pits and looked the car over. I was amazed to find a separated tire. The right front rubber had actually peeled away like a banana peel revealing the cords of the tire. The tire was losing air as a result, and I finished with just about 10 lbs. instead of the 30lbs. target. At that point I was thankful for 4th place because a blown RF tire usually results in meeting the outside wall.

Overall.
The race day was a huge success. We had a good showing, some really high moments, especially qualifying. For my guys to build a car in two weeks, unload it from the trailer, qualify 2nd and go the fastest our team has been around that track with a crate motor is a testament to the many great people who make our race team work.

The last two weeks were trying, to the core. I wanted to throw in the towel on the season after the "weapon" was killed in the crash and fire. The loss of that car challenged me, and everyday working to get back to the track was, at times, labor some.

All in all many people made this weekend possible; my crew, the few friends who came up to me and gave me a present to help rebuild, my sister and Ryan (he is quite the decal remover), and the support of so many. I was reminded about Eric Liddel the runner whose story was told in the movie Chariots of Fire. When challenged Eric said this, "I know God has made me for a serious purpose, but he also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure."

I've felt that way these past weeks. My purpose is to build the local church and serve the Lord with everything I am. At the same time He made me fast, and when I race, I too, feel His pleasure." See ya next weekend.

A BLOG BREAK

2009-05-24T22:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Knightrous.com reader,

Jeff here. There is a lot going on in "the camp" right now. Numerous irons in the fire all at the same time, so I'm going to take a blog break. I will be back next week. In the meantime continue Seeking First and expect big things. There are people who need Christ, mountains to climb, lands to occupy, races to win and whatever other metaphor you can think of. There is so much to be done, this week I am dedicating myself to doing all I can do.

Pressing the Mark,

Jeff Knight

Week 5-10th

2009-05-18T00:20:00.000-07:00

Well, let's start by saying it wasn't quite what I had planned for this weekend. I'll post some pictures to give perspective.
This picture was practicing on Friday. This weekend was the first race on the 5/8's mile oval (big track) so we spent a few hours getting the car just right. And just right it was. It was bad fast after practice.

This picture is the side of the car that hit the fence on Saturday. I was doing a wedding on Saturday for the owner of Trinity Construction who is sponsoring my car this year. Usually I don't do Saturday weddings during race season because of the conflict, but I made an exception for Brandon and Taylor as they are supporting my racing in a big way this year.

As a part of my plan I wanted Roger to shake the car down and scuff tires in the first practice session. When I arrived at the speedway practice hadn't started yet. I suited up, but decided to let Roger drive the car because I was really excited about him being in that car; after all, it was a Habich built race car. For me to have him drive it meant a bunch to me, and even though things went wrong I know he was excited to drive it also.

Here's a picture of the inside of the car where the fire destroyed the windshield and cockpit. You can see the fire retardant all over the place corroding any parts that remained intact.

Anyway, Roger went a 24.3 on his first lap, then 23.4, then 23.3, then 23.3 again. He came on the radio and said, "Car is a little tight in." Afterward he told me that it was fast, and he hadn't even got the tires heated up in 4 laps. He felt like the car would have been a sub 23 second car on Saturday, that's fast on the 5/8's.

As I watched him come off turn four and go down the front stretch he was hauling. I turned to see who else was coming off turn four and watched them down the front stretch, but as I looked I noticed the red was out, meaning all cars stop. I look back to turn three and saw James Mugge, who Roger was behind, but Roger wasn't there. I looked to turn one and that's when I saw the smoke. The car was on the bottom of the track burning to the ground.

Roger blew a right front tire going into turn one. He was moving at well over 100mph when he hit the wal. The fuel line broke off the motor and the sparks from the mangled chassis ignited the fuel. The car began to burn while sliding across the track with Roger unbuckling the harnesses, removing the steering wheel and dropping the window net. In fact, Roger got clear of the car really quick. The fire crew went to work to put the flames out, it took 8.5 minutes.
Here's the car on Sunday night, motor out. What I was most concerned about is my friend Roger. I wanted to know he was ok. He was dropped off at our pit. I looked at him and asked, "Are you ok?" He answered, "Are you ok?" Shoot, it's just a race car, sure I was disappointed, but mostly thrilled that Roger was ok. A little sore, but ok.

In the background of the pic above you can see the "White Knight," last years car. I will either drive that car, or find another. The White Knight, though a good car is nothing compared to the "Weapon" who took his last lap on Saturday. Yes, I know, it's a bit strange, but we name our cars, most drivers do. I think it's because you spend so much time with them, they become friends. Like Wilson in Cast Away with Tom Hanks. An inanimate object becomes a friend, well so do our race cars. Is that strange? maybe so...it's true though.
Here is a few parts I am trying to clean. Most of what you see is junk, burned, melted and wrecked. In fact the car is a total loss. I will save about 15-20% of the parts, but the thing is done. I will put it out in the field, cover it with a tarp and start fixing it next winter. Until then, we've got to get something going for the next 5/8's race in two weeks.
A few of the team came up to help me salvage what we could, but there wasn't much that wasn't either destroyed by the impact, the fire or the corrosive fire retardant. Really, it is pretty much junk.
Here is the back end of the car where the fire was hot. The fuel cell is the red thing, and it is swollen like it was going to explode cause fire was up there. By midnight Sunday I got the car stripped down, at least what was worth getting off. The wiring harnesses, a few lines, gauge cluster, and other stuff is just sitting there, it's eery.

One thing that made me laugh was the water temp gauge. I had a gauge fail a couple weeks ago. We got the new gauge on Friday night, put it on on Saturday morning, and it's junk.

Well, I need to give a shout out to my teammate in purple, Natalie "Showtime" Sather. Seriously, I was given a car to drive by Chris Preston, which I was so thankful for, but it wasn' t my car and the last thing I would want to do is have to fix someone car, so I drove it for 20 laps and pulled it in. Then I climbed up in a pickup and watched Showtime do her thing. She drove the wheels off her car. I was really impressed with how she raced. I better get on my game now because my A car is junk and my B car is going to need some work to catch her!

Here's to better days racing. I figure that may be the most expensive fire I've ever funded! LOL. Really, 8.5 minutes of burning, divided by one late model stock car, equals; well, you don't even want to know. But should you want to help fund and build the next one, I'll tell ya!

It's been an interesting season for me so far this year. Good things are ahead for the 70 camp. You find out what your team, crew and yourself is made of when adversity finds your door. I intend to pass this testing! See you at the track in a couple weeks.

SEEK FIRST (4/4)

2009-05-14T10:43:00.001-07:00

Fasting is a spiritual discipline which yields extraordinary benefits. I can think of many key times where fasting played a monumental role in challenging my spiritual life to take another step. Like the time when I knew Melinda was going to be my wife, I fasted 7 days. It was winter quarter finals week my freshman year in College, and I drank only juice for 7 days. It was challenging and tough, but then it became empowering and overcoming. My goal was to purify my life, so I could be led by the Lord and not my "feel good" tendencies. It worked, and since that time I've used fasting to empower, overcome, reflect, focus and seek.

This weekend I am challenging everyone to the Seek First Fast. This fast is designed to break the back of recession off of individual lives, families, businesses and churches. Personally, I am fasting for my family, The Rock Church and many of my friends churches. In addition, I'm drafting up a list of churches, businesses, and names to fast for throughout this time. If you want your info on the list get me an email to Jknight@trclife.com.

This fast will not be food related; instead, it's about making some financial sacrifices. Yet, I plan on making some of my sacrifices around food because fast food and eating out costs money. My goal is to cut $75/week off my food budget and Seek First with that money by giving it. I also plan on getting rid of premium television like the movie channels, and ordering movies directly.

With only a few more days left until I make the commitment on Sunday I am looking to get my Seek First Fast amount to $200/week. Melinda and I are talking about where we would shave the budget for 40 days. Perhaps there is an option to cutback on some fuel costs, not buy Starbucks, fast magazines, or whatever the sacrifice may be. I just know fasting yields huge benefits, and I expect this fast to break the back of recession off households, The Rock Church and the many businesses and business leaders I get the chance to lead.

There is still time for you to get on board with the Seek First Fast. For further details you can click here.

WEEKEND REFLECTIONS

2009-05-10T18:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Mom's Day. I really appreciated the wife and mother in my home delivering an important and well delivered word.
Melinda, you ROCK!!!
Weekly, I think we are really blessed to have such amazing talent in our media and worship departments. These teams work really hard, volunteers. Really proud of each of you.
Wednesday night prayer and worship will go this Wednesday! It's been awesome the last two weeks and I am super excited about this one.
Have you decided to get involved with the SEEK FIRST FAST? We are fasting to break the back of recession off our households and God's house. If there were ever a time to fast, now is the time. Spiritual disciplines, like fasting, break physical barriers.
I am really thankful for grace. If anyone knew how disappointed I was after Saturday nights race it was Pastor Ron. He was in the pits, taking care of me as I was venting to some of the officials. I really appreciate the team we have. There is no way a man could race cars and encounter the emotions that I do without having a great supporting cast of leaders around me. Thanks team.
Lake Stevens Campus, off the hook! You are growing and will be mighty!
It's great to see the sun again, please don't go.
Well, I have to mow some grass tonight. Blessings.

Week 4~7th

2009-05-10T17:22:00.001-07:00

This weekend at Evergreen Speedway reminds me of a chant we used to sing in High School. It was the cheer that was off limits for the cheer squad. The teachers would not join in. Parents would look at us students like we were aliens from another planet, but we would yell it at the top of our lungs every time the whistle blew in a way that was absolutely incomprehensible.

This Saturday a call was made on myself and 2 other cars on the track that was worthy of our ridiculous cheer. This call was comparable to the other team picking up the football, running to their end zone, dropping the ball in their own end zone and the other team recovering for a touchdown. Only it wouldn't be a touchdown because the referee would interpret something different. Now you remember? "Nuts and bolts, Nuts and bolts, we got screwed." Maybe I shouldn't, but I'm saying it because never in my athletic, racing, competitive life have I been so mistreated by a "no call."

Here's the scenario. My car was good. Really good, 2nd fastest of the night after all was said and done. On lap two the 48 car made an in-completable move by going beneath the 78 car, making it three wide. As I was behind the 06 and outside of the whole wreck-in-the-making I checked up to avoid the impending spin. Sure enough 48 hits 78, and 78 spins right toward myself and the 06 who were outside of this amazing display. Well, to avoid the wreck myself, the 06 and the 42 went up and over the banking of the small track and onto the big track. I've done this before, always results in the caution flag. I've seen this done 100 times in my years going to Evergreen Speedway, always resulting in a caution.

You guessed it. As I drove my un-spun, uninjured race car down the back stretch under the impression the caution was flying Steve comes over the radio and says, "the green is out, GO, GO, GO!" I was like, "SERIOUSLY?" I couldn't believe it! I was on the back stretch of the big track with two other cars, another was spun out and there was no caution. 4 of the nine cars that started the race, 3 of the top 4 at the time of the wreck were missing, and nobody saw it fit to throw the caution. I entered the track 2 laps down by lap 4. MY NIGHT WAS OVER!

I raced pretty hard trying to see how hard I could run the car and for how long. Truthfully it was pretty fast and I was left only to wonder what if. I was frustrated, talking in my helmet, to my spotter, and crew.

The night ended withe one really high note. Natalie got her first top five. Very proud of her.

Practice.
I ran a 17.2 in practice. Car was really fast.

Qualify.
I qualified 17.6 for 4th. I don't know what really happened there.

Heat Race.
Started 4th finished 3rd. I got gathered in a big wreck on the front stretch. Thankfully Dr. Scott my chiropractor goes to the church, he fixed my sore neck up today.

Conclusion.
Next week is the 5/8's race on the big track. We've got some testing this week and are ready to get after it. I have hope Evergreen Speedway is getting things worked out. I spoke with the Director of Operations and the Promoter about what happened. Both assured me that the officiating will be dealt with, which I appreciate. Nevertheless, when we work as hard as we do on these cars, having the chance to win taken from you do to subjectivity is a hard pill to swallow. Anyone got any water?

SEEK FIRST (3/4)

2009-05-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

I am certain there is a redemptive work going on right now, people are coming back to Christ. It's a Seek First movement. I was thinking how complicated life can get, causing us to turn to other sources instead of Jesus, fellowship with other believers. Pretty soon we make choices, we get caught up, easily tripped, but that's when grace and mercy are needed most.

Someone defined grace and mercy to me a long time ago. They told me grace was, "Getting what I don't deserve, and mercy, NOT getting what I did deserve." So many people stand on the outside looking in because of guilt, shame, condemnation and fear of who they've been, what they've done. We need mercy, that God would not give us what we deserve, and we need grace to receive what we don't deserve.

Keep these thoughts close to your life...
The only reason I can approach God at all is because of His mercy and grace.
The only reason there is air in my lungs is because of His mercy and grace.
The only reason our lives prosper is because of His mercy and grace.
The only reason our churches succeed and grow is because of His mercy and grace.
My home is to be cloaked in grace and mercy. My marriage, my kids, my life roles; all of them, grace and mercy.

Truth be told, we are not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, behaved enough, rich enough, intellectual enough or anything else in this life. Yet we are ALL THESE THINGS when we are full of His grace and mercy.

May the Lord give you mercy every time you fall short, and may he give you the grace to make up for when you believe you can't go on. The truth of the matter is, "BUT by grace and mercy there goes I." Thank you Lord, for mercy, and grace!

SOME RANDOM IMPORTANT STUFF

2009-05-07T06:38:00.000-07:00

These are things that are going on in Knightrous.com land right now...

One of my favorite songs right now. These guys are relatively unknown in the US, but they are phenomenal, Hillsong good. Mark and Leigh Ramsey, the pastors of Citipointe, are legit people. Really excited about our relationship with them.
Are you on facebook? I am, check it out.
I am reading a few books right now, Killing Cockroaches, by Tony Morgan; Tribes, by Seth Godin.
We have a new blogger in the TRC tribe. Kathy has taken the plunge, she writes a nice first piece.

SEEK FIRST (2/4)

2009-05-06T06:48:00.000-07:00

Seven "Seek First S's."

1. Stop.
To Seek First you will have to stop some stuff. Stop, take the time to connect with all that is important: Jesus, your spouse, children, church.

2. Surrender.
The only way the battle will ever end is if one side surrenders. Surrender, God will flood your soul with new life, better stuff to contend for.

1 Peter 5:5-7, "God opposes the proud, but favors the humble." 6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

3. Serve.
To continue to Seek First requires serving something God places in our lives. Serve, something bigger than you.

4. Settle.
Why are you worrying about ________?

Matt 7:11, "So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him."

5. Select.
To do something big in this life it will require you to select a path. Seeking First assures your path.

6. Solve.
Seeking First doesn't eliminate choice or challenge. Solve challenges with grace.

7. Salute.
Recognize the Lord acting in your life everyday. Give honor with generosity.

Prov 3:9, "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce."

8. Share.
Share your story.

KNIGHTROUS.COM NEEDS YOUR HELP

2009-05-05T15:29:00.000-07:00

See this pic? It's our totaled TVM van. Yes, totaled. It was totaled last month when vandals broke into a neighboring businesses truck and rammed the van. Well, last night it happened again. Vandals broke into the neighboring businesses truck and rammed the van again; only this time, they shoved it through the roll up door and into the Worship Center of the Church!!! I'm seriously upset about this junk.

So here's how you can help. It's hard to say who is doing this stuff, but I can guarentee they are not quiet about it. They are telling people, maybe even youtubing video. At some point their acts will come up. Knightrous.com connects with thousands of people in our community. With that in mind please keep your ears open to those responsible.

No worries though, we will get things put back together, we need a new roll up door, some carpet, and paint.

Prayer and Worship

2009-05-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

Last week was so enriching and impacting we've decided to do it again this week. Tomorrow night, May 6th, come on out to TRC Monroe Campus for a night of prayer and worship. No service agenda, no prepared message, no plans, just no holds barred seeking the Lord first.

Here were some statements from last week:

From an nine year old girl, "I think that was my best day so far."
From a fifty-five year old man, "I needed that more than I realized."

Here's how it works. We start at 7pm. The worship team begins to play a few songs, then we go from there. There are times of inspired preaching. There are moments of prayer, in the spirit. There are prayer times, with laying on of hands. There may be an offering. Seriously, these nights are unrehearsed and unplanned. We just want to seek the Lord and let Him lift His Church. See you there.

SEEK FIRST (1/4)

2009-05-05T10:26:00.000-07:00

There is one consistent theme in the Bible. It starts early in scripture and continues all the way through the end. There are numerous examples of people doing it well, and not so well. It dominates the lives of those most in love with the Lord, and is scarcely found in the unbelieving. The religious leaders challenge it at the core, and the devoted teach it to everyone they know. Later in the gospel record, when Jesus has resurrected, he calls for it again. He challenges those who are listening to remain in the upper room and do exactly "it." I am convinced it is the single most important step in having the kind of life every human desires because, at its' core, is the essence of all that is good.

Matt 6:33, "Seek first the kingdom of God..." That's it. Seek First! Simply put it means to, seek first. Not second, not only when things are really good, or bad. It means to Seek First all the time.

With all that Seeking the Lord First does to benefit me it's strange that sometimes I don't do it. Sometimes I want to take things into my own hands, and not Seek First. Sometimes I get concerned, and worried; I try doing too much, try too hard. But when I connect with this scripture it brings me back, centers my faith, reconnects my heart. Seeking first gets my priorities in line, fixes my frustrations, brings the help I need. Seeking God First focuses my efforts, makes up for my inefficiencies. Seeking First checks my pride, motivates my heart and re fires my passion.

SEEK FIRST FAST

2009-05-01T17:28:00.000-07:00

I've been searching the scriptures, thinking on some stuff the Lord has given and putting together a brand new series starting this week called, Seek First Fast. Yep, it is exactly what it says, TRC is going to Seek First with a Fast.

Growing up there were two scriptures that guided my life. One of them, my dad's fav, is Matt 6:33, "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all your stuff will be fine." The italics highlight my dad's personal version.

The Seek First Fast is a fast that will break the back of recession off of individual lives. During the 40 days of Seek First we are giving up practical things we use our money for like eating out, premium television, entertainment, beverages, overdraft fees, shopping, gym memberships or other stuff. Instead of consuming these funds we are fasting these luxuries and giving these funds to the Lord, to break the effects of recession. I am challenging people who feel called to this kind of act to go big in their fasting and giving.

Approach it this way, what would you be willing to Seek First with over the next 40 days if you knew the recession would break from your life? Is it that $25/week Latte budget, the $50/week eating out bill or the $250 cash machine withdrawal for "cash in the pocket." Proverbs is clear, "Honor the Lord with your possessions and the first-fruits of all your increase..."

The Seek First Fast begins May 24 and goes through June 28. More to come on Sunday and next week. Break the recession off your life!

SWINE FLU AND MISSIONS

2009-04-29T15:29:00.000-07:00

Many of you have given to The Rock Church's mission in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico called the School of Champions. We recently had a youth trip return from there with great reports of children being fed wholesome meals and good classes for mathematics, English and computer skills.

Today, I received a cry for help from the team that leads the School. They need some additional resources in the coming days, so they can deliver the food to the many families and children connected through the School of Champions.

Here is an excerpt from the email I received from the Children of the Dump...

"Today I talked to Bishop Saul in Puerto Vallarta and found out the Mexican government has closed the schools, restaurants and is limiting all public contact as much as possible. For the children we feed at the public schools daily he is most concerned. Their first need is for something to eat for them and their families. Our staff is mobilizing to go to their homes and deliver food. In addition, most of these families don't trust the government, but they do trust "Children of the Dump" and our volunteers. As a result we are putting a system in place to insure that if one of our children gets sick we get them to medical help immediately. Bishop Saul asked me to raise $5,000 immediately to help in this effort."

Would you quickly click over to this link and give immediately to this important cause. Give to School of Champions through The Rock Church.

Update 4/30/09: Already, $4,129 has been given to this important cause. Thank you...keep after it.

PRAYER AND WORSHIP

2009-04-29T11:30:00.001-07:00

There is a healthy focus when we make time to pray. Melinda did just that a week ago, and when she returned we both felt the urgent need to bring our church together for a time of focused worship and prayer. Tonight is the night, 7PM.

Expect two things during these kinds of experiences. Expect to really plug into worship, and expect to receive from the Lord. I can, with great confidence say, some of my most memorable times with the Lord were in prayer and worship environments.

WEEK 3~2nd

2009-04-27T21:23:00.000-07:00

I ended up with a pretty good finish this last Saturday, second place. I say pretty good because the expectations are high this year, wins! We had a shot at winning the race as there was a caution late in the race, but the car was too damaged from an earlier incident.

Practice.
We had a decent car in practice. This year, I am running on previous weeks race tires for practice. After studying lap times at the end of the week prior I want the car to be in the same range on the clock because it's on the same tires. If the car is quicker on the same tires as previous race then I know we did some good stuff in the shop that week. This week the car was decent in practice, but I wanted it better, as always. The guys went to work.

Qualifying.
I thought we were really slow for qualifying, but we qualified 3rd, about .080 seconds off the pole. When the car is tenths off, it's the car, but when it's hundredths off, that's the driver. I left a tick on the table, we will get it next time.

Heat Race.
I started outside row one. I got a horrible start. Seriously, I lost 2 positions in the first lap and was 4th, but there was a caution early. We had a complete restart, yes! On the second restart I was better, but still lost one spot. After another caution we had a double file restart. I was able to get from 3rd back to 2nd for the finish of the heat. That was a good thing, and built my confidence that we were going to be real good in the main.

Main Event.
In the main we started 3rd row outside because of the 6 car invert. This year the outside stinketh. It really does. It seems, with these tires, you can't drive it in an make it stick, so early in the race I gave up 2 spots. After Naima and James got by me I got right with them. The three of us were marching to the front of the 9 car field.

At some point I was following James underneath another car. James cleared the car, but I was still coming with a head of steam. When we got to turn three the gap closed really quick. The car James had passed came down into my line. I checked up, but it was too late, we hit. I hit him with my right front wheel, immediately the cars handling changed from fast to scary unpredictable.

We had bent the lower control arm, tie rod, and spindle, not to mention broke the fender and right side of the nose. The car was "towed-in" about 1 inch. So imagine driving your street car as fast as you can, but your not sure which way it will respond when it hits the bumps on the road. Sometimes it goes left, sometimes right, but you can never be sure.

Well, that's what it is was like. Coming out of the turns wide open the car would just change direction, unpredictably. Sometimes it would head to the wall, sometimes the inside of the track. Either way it worked the seat of this guy pretty good. We brought the car home in second, and I was pleased because it was hurt. I am very confident a win is right around the corner.

One comment about Evergreen.
It seems like the lap times are getting closer together. There are some guys running some good laps, all through the field. The racing seems good even though there isn't as many cars as all of us would like. But hey, to win at Evergreen a driver has to beat some fast cars. No matter what week it is. My win is coming soon.

Thanks to my guys for another fun weekend. It's always fun to be at the track.

CONNECTING PEOPLE TO LIFE

2009-04-23T22:40:00.000-07:00

Where Life Happens from The Rock Church on Vimeo.

This is what I am looking for when I am looking for a church.