Straight Line
Have you ever heard the phrase “ God ’ s Country ?” If you have , did you give it much thought as to what it ’ s referring to ? Where is God ’ s Country to be found … probably not on a pitcher ’ s mound … or out on the Puget Sound … doubtless while prison bound … not in a beloved old hound … can ’ t be bought with an English pound … not even winning a round … simply look towards heaven ’ s prodigious ground .
The “ God ’ s Country ” term is used loosely in casual conversations . Most frequently it ’ s mentioned by people who ’ ve recently come back from a vacation , or someone ’ s vivid thoughts of their favorite hangout or activity . Possibly someone who longs to be in a place they believe is more beautiful than where they currently are .
It could be a mother holding her baby , a father watching his son play Little League Baseball , or a child adoring his or her parents .
Books , articles and stunning photos describe wonderful places many of us would love to visit ( or live ). These explanations tell why it ’ s believed this must be God ’ s Country because of its majestic scenery or appearance . Picture what comes to mind when you hear talk about places like Alaska , Switzerland , Tahiti or Yellowstone National Park .
Most racers — especially drivers — feel they ’ re in God ’ s Country when they ’ re comfortably in the seat . Picture your favorite track : Surrounded by mountains , a lush green forest , a serene river , or a picturesque desert setting .
“ God ’ s Country ”
Some of natures finest creatures like fish in the water , a deer in the woods , or birds flying overhead may accentuate your feelings . How can you experience this and not feel you ’ re in your own little part of God ’ s Country ?
Nature truly reflects our Creators power , His greatness , and His artistry . And this is only the first chapter in the Book of Life for a follower of Jesus . God created our environment and designed it with a purpose for people to inhabit , maintain , and enjoy to the max . It may even make you want to party to the max !
The scene now changes : You ’ re strapped inside the capsule of a Top Fuel Hydro sitting out on the holding rope with a 10,000 horsepower nitrofed motor cackling right behind your head ready and willing at your command — of stepping on the throttle — to blast down the racetrack . This can be like God ’ s Country to anyone brave enough to venture to this far off land of volatile motorsports .
These machines are incredibly fast … after the warm-up where fans were gassed … fear is now a thing of the past … if on the loud pedal your foot can last … only a brief shadow on the water will be cast … a record run will be a heck of a blast .
By Jim Jack
Biblically speaking , when you think of God ’ s Country , most would likely try to describe Paradise [ heaven ] and how they imagine it would look . A place peaceful and soothing to the heart , pleasurable and appealing to the eye , restful and gentle to the soul , no problems or worries to be burdened with , an incredible sense of unconditional love surrounding you , and comforting to your spirit .
Right now at this very moment , heaven can be found in your personal surroundings . It ’ s as close as your own heart . Even is the midst of this hectic , crazy , volatile , and mixed up world ; your treasure can be found where your heart is . The Bible tells us not to store up treasures on earth , because everything we see won ’ t be here forever .
I recently discovered God ’ s Country in another interesting location . I was doing a memorial service for a good friend on a boat out in the Pacific Ocean off Oxnard , CA . While closing the service in prayer , I was sitting at the back of the “ Sunfish ” boat as it was slowly swaying out in the blue Pacific . An incredible peace came over me : No noise , no commotion , and no distractions , just a beautiful time of enjoying God ’ s presence and peace out on the water on a warm Saturday morning . It was a heavenly time of talking with God . I honestly could have prayed all day . I prayed for the family whenever they felt ill at ease in the coming weeks or months , to bring to mind today ’ s perfect peace out on the Pacific Ocean for any needed comfort !
This world is in the process of decaying [ entropy ]. It is slowly passing away ( quite different from an engine exploding in a mille-second ). The honest truth is we ’ re just managers of all the natural wonders on this planet . We ’ re given the responsibility of stewardship of God ’ s property , including your entire racing program .
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