Leaves are Blessings!

I am doing a Bible study on the book of Colossians and I am loving it. The book rich with wisdom, truth, direction and love. Paul was an awesome Soldier for Christ! In the study, it directed me to Psalms 1 where the parts of a tree are associated with the parts and growth of a follower of Christ.

Psalms 1:3
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.

This relates to Colossians 2:7 where it says..
Rooted and built up in Him
and firm in your faith just as you were taught,
and overflowing with thankfulnesss.

Just like a tree, I as a Christ follower need to be...
rooted in Him- He is the base of my life and where I get my nourishment. He is what holds me firm and keeps me grounded


Built up in Him- Grow in Him. Be strong and firm in my faith, never moving or budging in my faith, like a sturdy tree.


Overflowing with thankfulness-- Like the leaves on a tree, that flood the branches, fall to the ground and coat the grass, our blessings from God are just like leaves. We have so many of them covering our lives! They are everywhere! We just need to stop and look.


The study instructed me to make a list of all the things I am thankful for and how God has blessed me. Wow! What a great reminder of what I have. Just the wonderful gift of salvation is a big enough blessings that will overpower all the problems live can throw at me. I often forget this and get caught up with the small issues but listing out all the things I am thankful for has brought me back to the truth- I am blessed because I am a Child of God. Period.




P.s. The bible study book I am going through is called, "Cappuccino with Colossians" by Sandra Glahn. I recommend it!

Just DON'T Do it...

*** We hope this does not offend anyone- we are simply expressing our opinions***
So I have joined the 24 hour fitness gym and have been working out a lot more lately. The gym is an interesting place because of the wide variety of people that fill it. During out workouts, my friend Lauren and I have noticed time and time again certain habits and styles of the people that keep recurring. We have decided to help all of mankind and make a DON'T list for the gym, accompanied by pictures of Lauren and I that will help those of you who are visual learners.
Here we go.. are you ready? Maybe you should write these down and make sure you do not do these! :)
1. DON'T WEAR REGULAR SHORTS
-We see this so often in men and women. They wear their cargo pants, jean shorts, slacks or whatever else they had on that day.. this is not correct or comfortable! I am sure if these people put on some comfy mesh basketball shorts they would realize what they have been missing.


2. DON'T WEAR REGULAR SHOES
-Vans, DVS, Etnies, Keds, and loafers were not made for the gym. To play the part you got to look the part people...come on, go buy a pair of Nikes.


3. DON'T WEAR NICE SHIRTS/BLOUSES
-I often see women wearing their snazzy dress shirt along with their workout shorts. If you are at the gym, its okay to not be dressed up in your best lacy blouse.
-You can't achieve the style "sporty yet classy" with this look


4. DON'T WEAR SUNGLASSES IN THE GYM
-We see this a lot and it does not make you look cooler, more intense or stronger..
-Actually, when are people going to understand that it is not cool or manly to wear your shades inside??


5. DON'T WEAR YOUR HAIR DOWN OR PILE ON MAKE UP
-Again, you are at the gym, not the mall, its okay to not look your best. Plus, doesn't your hair get in your way if it is hanging down in your face??
-The gym is for working out, not a dating service.. let the man like you for you!




6. DON'T STARE AT YOUR MUSCLE THE ENTIRE TIME YOU ARE LIFTING
-If you stare it it, it won't get any bigger..
-This one is always funny to watch


7. DON'T FLIRT WITH OTHERS IF YOU ARE WEARING YOUR WEDDING RING AND ARE MARRIED
-back to # 5- go to the gym to work out, not to mingle with the singles and if you are married and have your ring on, don't start flirting with us.. we are not interested.


8. DON'T MAKE LOUD NOISES WHEN LIFTING
-This one is the most important. I have been in the free weights room many times and had to sneak out because I could not control my laughter. Men will try and lift SO much weight that they let out an uncontrollable, LOUD grunt that sounds worse than a woman in labor.
-If the weight is that heavy and you have to squeal then lighten your load before a load ends up in your pants.. there.. I said it..


9. DON'T GO TO THE GYM JUST TO SOCIALIZE
-Its okay to talk while lifting or doing your cardo but when you just sit and talk and catch up its weird!


10. DON'T WEAR JUST A SPORTS BRA- ALWAYS WEAR A SHIRT
-Even if you have been doing your crunches and your abs are crazy, keep them to yourself.
-If you are older, then yes, please, keep the shirt on.. there is a dress code so follow it.


***no picture is available due to modesty of the fitness models***



11. DON'T TALK ABOUT HOW BUFF YOU ARE JUST TO IMPRESS PEOPLE AROUND YOU
-Oh goodness, men do this and think if they talk about their reps and how much protein they ate that day, it will impress the girl next to them.. WRONG!



We have personally seen all 11 of these DON"T habits at our gym so don't think we made them up. Hopefully you can learn from this list or help a fellow friend learn. ;)

If you have any more, please tell us!

Thanks for reading..
Lauren and Hillary

This is a picture of the proper way to dress for the gym..notice the correct shirts, shoes, pants, shorts and hair.. :)

Hopeless for the Homeless??

So tonight my friend Lauren and I were approached by a family in the Target parking lot. They stopped us to ask for money because they were in need of food and a room for the night. The lady who asked was rude, forceful and her plea was passionless but her 4 year old daughter's presence was tugging at my heart. Lauren and I both reached for our wallets and then Lauren suggested we go get them food instead of just giving money. We came back with food from good ol'Chick-Fil-A but before we reached the family, yet another homeless lady came across our path. With a similar story about being in need of a place to stay, she asked for anything we could give. She seemed more sincere than the other woman but its funny how the stories are all the same. After giving her some money, we left and gave the food to the family. The woman took the food, drank her daughters kid's meal drink and gave us the impression that she was done with us and got what she wanted. I walked away feeling used and I hate that feeling. This where my heart starts to wrestle with some issues..
First of all, I want to give, I need to give, we are commanded to give. Most of us do have so much and we can afford to give but when you get asked by so many people, when do you draw the line? How do you know when someone really needs food or shelter and who am I to make that decision about their true life and their needs??

The story from the Bible always comes to my mind, about the good Samaritan. How can I read that story and then pass by someone who needs help? I want to give, I want to help, but most of all I want these people to know Jesus.
Check out this picture! Ha

He is the one who can help them, feed them, care for them and help them survive. Recently, when I have been stopped and asked for money, I try and talk to the person about my faith before I give them the money. This usually frustrates them and the moment I give them the money they say, "Oh thank you, God bless you" and they are gone so fast! Do they really mean that when they say "God bless you"? That is a powerful statement and I feel that it should be taken seriously but people have changed the meaning and now only use it as a symbol.. but that is an entire other blog.. :)
I came home and told my mom the story, told her how i felt used and upset and frustrated with the whole situation. She told me that I can't be responsible for giving to every single beggar around and I know that but how do I pass them? I have come across some that seem legit. They honestly do need help and are truly grateful. When I come across these people, they are the ones who make it worth it. I guess it is better for me to be give and hopefully out of some of them, one of them will truly be in need.
I am not giving to receive and to make me feel good, but to try and do what Jesus would do and gosh it is hard sometimes. I just wish that people would be more grateful, less obnoxious and willing to listen if they are willing to receive money.
Ultimately, all we can do is pray for them. Some really are in severe need and it breaks my heart to see this but I also know someone who can help more than I can and I know He is faithful to always be there..

Is 41:17. The afflicted and needy are seeking water, but there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them Myself, as the God of Israel I will not forsake them.

So I would love to hear from you all, whats your perspective, how you handle all the people who ask for money? Is it hopeless to help the homeless with money and food?? hmm..

p.s don't give to people with signs like this..