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Fresh Thoughts for Today...

"A FUNNY MOMENT = A VALUABLE LESSON

It was an incredible spiritual object lesson -- much like the story told by the missionary in Sri Lanka who found his boat riding "on top of" the
wave during the recent tsunami.

It was our adult Sunday School class party. Funny games. Lots of laughs. And yet in the midst of all the sillyness--God taught me another
lesson.

Who could keep a straight face the longest while everyone else was acting crazy and doing stupid stuff? The first young man tried to ignore
all the obstacles in front of him--pretending they weren't there. But he caved in quickly. (Still, he did better than I could have done!) But
the second young man defied his audience of ridiculous behaviors--staring intently into each face. He was really good--very intent on his
purpose.

Several others tried and couldn't make it past just barely sitting in the seat before they were busting out laughing--especially the ladies!
The last one to sit in the chair was a woman who had been smiling immensely through the whole party. Like the other ladies before her, I
was sure she wouldn't be able to last either. But instead, God used her to reinforce another lesson in my life.

She made a profound statement as she sat down with a smile and confidently said, "I'm going to focus on Jesus". At that moment her face
became serious. My spiritual antenna popped up rapidly as I watched her every move. She stared defiantly at every crazy person who tried
to bust her silence--just like the young man had done earlier. EXCEPT, her scenario was different than his. I couldn't stop thinking about
what exactly was going on inside of her head (or better yet, her spirit!)

What exactly was it that she focused on that caused her to block out all the craziness in front of her? What thoughts or images of Jesus
were pushing their way to the forefront of her very being--so much so that she could stare passionately at the obstacles and yet ignore the
pressure to cave in to the stress of the moment? When it was obvious she had won the game, I looked at her and said , "You must live your
life like that!"

I haven't known her long, but I have observed the Spirit of God that radiates from her very being each time she is at church. Her love for
God beams from her countenance. The obstacles she has faced in life could not keep her from His plan for her destiny.

Another lesson in my quest to ride the waves. If I can just get on TOP of the waves and not allow them to overtake me--if I can just stare at
the face of craziness--the apparent distractions Satan attempts to put in my path--and just focus on Jesus, what victory I could live.

A dear sister told me that God's voice comes in different tones. And it's so true. He speaks to His people in all kinds of ways--we just have
to be focused on listening.

Thank you, Theresa, for inspiring me and allowing God to use a silly moment to teach a valuable lesson.

Lord, let me learn how to follow her example.

In His Way,

Rhonda