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...