The Kreider Connection
Racers For Christ
September, 2010 Newsletter
This is the time of year when racers reflect and take inventory. Everyone started the year with great hope, now only a certain number still have a chance in the year’s points tally. The rest are left to reflect and put their hope and dreams in next year’s racing season. Some have had a good race or two but not been consistently competitive. It can be easy to spend time playing the what-if game.
So, before the leaves turn brown and fall from the trees and the cold wind of winter arrives, maybe we should pause to reflect on our year so far. It is all too easy to allow life to slip by without accomplishing what is really important. When we’re young it seems like everything is possible and life is long, but as the hair turns white we begin to realize life is so quickly being spent. We need to ask ourselves how we are spending a most precious possession – our time.
There is nothing wrong with having fun and relaxing and some of us need to carve out more time for these important things. But have we taken time to tell those closest to us how much we love them before it’s too late? Are there a few things we really need to do before we get too old? And most importantly, are we ready to give account of our lives to Jesus? We will all stand before Him one day. I am so thankful that He offers forgiveness now so I don’t have to give account then. Because when He forgives, He also forgets. This is my greatest praise!
I feel I have been blessed to be in ministry helping others full time. My blessings are many (including Linda of course!). It is wonderful to have gained so many friends. When is the last time you listed your blessings? It may be a good time, and just may brighten your outlook on life. If we do that each morning, the rest of our lives may be the best years of all.
Remember to smile at everyone you meet, and always be a positive influence.
God bless,
Glenn and Linda
976 Coyote Ave., Greenville, IL 62246
Phone: 618-292-6048
kreiders@papadocs.com
UPCOMING EVENTS:
8/26: Baptisms at Beech Bend - Thursday evening
8/28: Debbie Long concert at Beech Bend – Saturday evening after 7:30 pm devotional
8/31: Potluck at Indy – Tuesday evening at 6:00 pm
The King and his 4 Wives
Once upon a time there was a rich king who had four wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best.
He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another. He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the king faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.
The king’s 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the 1st wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her!
One day, the king fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, “I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I’ll be all alone.” Thus, he asked the 4th wife, “I have loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I’m dying, will you follow me and keep me company?”
“No way!” replied the 4th wife and she walked away without another word. Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.
The sad king then asked the 3rd wife, “I have loved you all my life. Now that I’m dying, will you follow me and keep me company?”
“No!” replied the 3rd wife. “Life is too good. When you die, I’m going to remarry!” His heart sank and turned cold.
He then asked the 2nd wife, “I have always turned to you for help and you’ve always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?”
“I’m sorry, I can’t help you out this time,” replied the 2nd wife. “At the very most I can only send you to your grave.” Her answer came like a bolt of lightning, and the king was devastated.
Then a voice called out: “I’ll leave with you and follow you no matter where you go.” The king looked up, and there was his 1st wife. She was so skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the king said, “I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"
In truth, we all have ‘4 wives’ in our lives:
Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it will leave us when we die.
Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others.
Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.
And our 1st wife is our soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, our soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go.
~ Author Unknown