“For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
In preparation for the 1994 Winter Olympic Games, Norway's Lillehammer Olympic Organizing committee faced a problem: how to get dour Scandinavians to look happy and welcoming at the Winter Games. Their solution: the smile boeyle - in English, "smiling hoop"-a rubber band with plastic hooks that wraps behind the head and attaches to the corners of the mouth, forcing a grin. The LOOC will distribute 100,000 of them as part of its $120,000 "Smile-You're a Tourist Attraction" campaign.
Petter Ronningen of the Lillehammer Olympic Organizing Committee demonstrated one of the devices for visiting Olympic champion skier and Albertville Olympic president Jean-Claude Killy. "We Norwegians are a little strange," said Ronningen, smiling from ear to ear with the help of the brace strapped onto his head. "I can see that," replied Killy.
Though the device is meant as a jest when word of it leaked the LOOC was bombarded with complaints. Said the group's Torill Seeberg: "They were taking it too seriously."
There is a joy in living with Jesus and leading others to Him. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for all the people who have helped you in your Christian life and seek to help others in their walk with the Lord.
“A great part of heaven’s bliss for the redeemed will be the joyful presence of those whom they have been used to reach.” – John MacArthur, Jr.
God’s Word: “Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!” – Philippians 4:1
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