Heart Hope by Olga

If you go to the gym you will understand my story and if you don't go maybe it will prepare you for when you do go. Why is it that even with signs posted all around the workout area asking you to clean the equipment when you are finished, there are many people who ignore the request acting like the signs are not meant for them? What are they thinking? Do they feel that they don't have to abide by the rules? Do they think they don't have any germs? Or are they just thoughtless and inconsiderate of the next person in line?  Now I'm not a germaphobe, but I don't particularly like using equipment that other grubby hands have been grabbing. And rules are rules for a reason. Since I happen to be a rule follower if I am told to do something I will generally do it. I might not want to, but when you are the obedient type like me that's just what you do.  Rules in the gym are made to protect, to provide a safe environment and to help us ma...

What is a Mentor? According to Mentor Scout a mentor is a coach, guide, tutor, facilitator, counselor and trusted advisor. A mentor is someone willing to spend his or her time and expertise to guide the development of another person. There are several women in my church who are often asked to be mentors to some of the young women. As one of those "mature" women I enjoy meeting with the cute girls who desire to deepen their relationship with the Lord. Recently when meeting with one of the girls for the first time, I inquired to find out why a mentor was desired. The precious girl said that she wasn't sure, but her former pastor's wife told her that when she moved she should find the oldest woman in the church and ask her to teach her the Bible. I had to laugh. Fortunately this young woman had not approached me or I might have been offended at being the "oldest woman" she could find, but since one of the pastors had recommended me, I figured...

Why me? Why do I end up having crazy conversations with people? Do I have a target on me? Is it the way I look? Or is it a God planned event? Saturday morning I was having "my time" at the gym. It's when I enjoy getting away and listening to my praise and worship music and simply zone out.  Generally I don't have a conversation from the time I enter until I leave, but this particular morning was different. I had met the man before when volunteering so I knew how abrasive and confrontational he could be, therefore I was trying to lay low and stay out of his range. But I miscalculated and he caught me while I was getting my upper body workout completed on the weight machines, which is generally not one of my favorite places in the gym anyway. It became even more undesirable when he approached. There he stood wearing his dark shades inside the building when the questions began. Him-You having a good workout? Me-Yes, trying to say healthy. Him-Your husban...

“Blessed Beyond Measure” is the phrase I have used to express the goodness that God had shown toward me. God has blessed me so abundantly in my life that I cannot adequately express with words how thankful I am. I have been so many places that most people only dream of going. I have met the most interesting people including the rich and famous to the lonely and ordinary. I have friends that accept me just as I am - warts and all. I live and work in a most beautiful place with wonderful people. I have a great family who loves me and is supportive of me. I have more possessions than I need. And most importantly I have been adopted into the family of the God of the Universe. That list of blessings seems like God has only given me goods things. But are blessings only the good things in our life? We are quick to say, “May God bless you” to our friends and family; politicians like to say, “May God bless America.” By saying that phrase we often really mean for God to give u...

I’m weird; I’ll admit it. I’m one of the crazies that loves to go to the grocery store around holidays. I prefer to have most of my shopping done ahead of time, but will go in the day before a holiday just to see the people scurrying around, feel the excitement in the air and  pick up the last few items needed.  I was shopping on Saturday for Thanksgiving when halfway across the store, I heard a lady that I had met a couple of times ranting and raving about her experience to other shoppers. The parking lot had been too full. The aisles were too crowded. The experience was taking way too long.  I hadn’t planned on speaking to her, but our paths crossed, so I just started with a bit of small talk to be cordial. But again she began complaining and ended by saying, “I hate this grocery store.” Well, she was in the mood for the Thanksgiving holiday, wasn’t she? Not one pleasant word, only complaining. As I walked away, I knew one thing - I was thankful t...

A pain in the neck...that's what I've had for the past couple of months. And I don't mean a person or a situation but a literal pain in my neck. I'm not exactly sure how I got it. It could have been when I fell off my bike in the summer or maybe the way I sleep or even too much time at the computer. Whatever it was it has caused me pain when I turn my neck a certain way. A friend recommended a chiropractor, but I was not really sure about it, so I waited for a few more weeks until I simply had to do something to relieve the pain. The dull nagging pain had to stop. After filling in the necessary paperwork, I was told by the receptionist to enjoy the treatment. She said, "You will love it." Then I was guided to a dimly lit room with spa like music being played. Only problem was that I don't particularly care for spa treatments. The doctor entered and began quizzing me about the pain, previous history, etc before deciding on a treatment plan f...