Dancing with God!

It is so interesting to see how easy it is to lose focus. In the past couple weeks, I have grown a line-backer's neck, an expanded tummy the size of a 7 month pregnant woman, and a cabbage patch face. Now that I am off the steroids, I have my mind back, no more super-sonic chatter box, but all the side affects have taken my focus off what is truly important. Although I need to care for my physical body, it should not be the focus of my attention. This morning I prayed that I might "adjust" my focus. As you all have seen, throughout this journey, I have been getting timely, direct messages. Today is no exception. Today's topic of Baseball Chapel just happened to be: The Gift of Trials ( or HELLO, LAURA, I'M TALKING TO YOU!)

Bev Sparling (author of today's Baseball Chapel) reminded me:
There is no growth without rain.
There are no roses without pruning.
There is no gold without fire.
There are no diamonds without pressure.
As every weight lifter knows, even our muscles must tear in order to grow stronger!

Bev also writes, "The 'bad things' that God allows in my life are good things and a demonstration of His love for me." James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

In addition to the Baseball Chapel message, I was given a poem today, called Dancing With God. I can't help but believe my prayer, to adjust my focus, has been answered. So, I am taking my focus off my cabbage-patch face and re-focusing on trust. I trust that this journey I am on is "refining" my spirit, my faith, and my hope. I trust that this journey might be a light for all that are struggling with their own focus. Put on your "patch," hold my hand, and let's continue to trust that we will learn and grow from this experience.

Let's dance, together-
with God!

Laura

Dancing With God
When I meditated on the word Guidance,
I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word.
I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.
When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.
The movement doesn't flow with the music,
and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.
When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead,
both bodies begin to flow with the music.
One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back
or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another.
It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.
The dance takes surrender, willingness,
and attentiveness from one person
and gentle guidance and skill from the other.
My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.
When I saw "G": I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i".
"God, "u" and "i" dance."
God, you, and I dance.
As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust
that I would get guidance about my life.
Once again, I became willing to let God lead.
My prayer for you today is that God's blessings
and mercies are upon you on this day and everyday.
May you abide in God, as God abides in you.
Dance together with God, trusting God to lead
and to guide you through each season of your life.
I Hope You Dance !