Thunder Valley

Here's something that most people don't know about me. I like NASCAR. In fact, my husband, my son and I have frequented a few races over the years. Our favorite track is Bristol. We have had some interesting experiences at "Thunder Valley" over time. There was one race a few years ago where the temperature was in the 30's.  There was snow on the ground all around the track. From our seats, you can view the mountains and they were all topped with snow. Now, let me paint the picture for you. When attending a race at Bristol, traffic is a nightmare. So, in order to get out after the race and beat the traffic, we park our car about 2 miles away from the track. The terrain is hilly. So by the time we hike into the venue, then up all the steps to our seats, we have had quite a work out! Our seats are wonderful though. The higher your seats at Bristol, the better your view of the entire track. So its all well worth it.


On this particular March Sunday afternoon, it was windy, and freezing cold outside. We hiked in to the track carrying several blankets, a cooler, and wearing layers of clothes, plus a coat. Needless to say, the hike in was tiring. But, once we heard those words: "Gentlemen START YOUR ENGINES!", all was forgotten. There is nothing like the roar of those engines. What a thrill! Honestly, just  between you and me, that's one of my favorite sounds in the world! :)

It remained cloudy all day that day, and we felt wind from the cars as they raced past us. But nothing seemed to matter except the excitement all around us. There were a couple of fights between some of the drivers. And when Kurt Busch won, he got out of his car, laid down on the start/finish line and made a snow angel. We had such a good time people watching, and enjoying the race that day!

That's only one of many stories I could tell you about different races we have been to. We've also made it to many football games, (both high school and UT games), basketball games, concerts, several different beaches, many cabins in the mountains, many long drives, and so on over the years. I wouldn't take anything for all those memories with my family. Some memories are wonderful. Some, not so wonderful. But it makes us who we are today.

That's how I view my walk with God. I follow Him where ever He leads. Sometimes its wonderful, and sometimes it doesn't seem so wonderful at the time. But I wouldn't trade a moment of the journey. It makes me who I am today. I attempt to keep a journal, though I'm not always as faithful as I want to be. I want to always remember those monumental times, whether good or bad, where God showed up in a big way, and I came to know Him on a deeper level. As I am writing, I am forming an idea. I think I will start a collection of mementos from the times God does exceedingly above what I could think. (Ephesians 3:20) I want to always remember His grace, mercy, and those times of growth.
I am reminded of the verse in Joshua:
“Joshua set up the twelve stones that had been in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had stood. And they are there to this day.” Joshua 4:9 (NIV)

Once again, thanks for reading! Feel free to email me (kimweaver77@aol.com) or message me on FB if you need prayer, or have input for me! I expect I'll have a lot of things to tell you when we get home from vacation. Love to you all!