Full Hands In, Full Hands Out

"He told them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'" --Luke 10:2

Read: Luke 10:2

For anyone who has ever worked in the restaurant industry, you might be familiar with the phrase, "Full hands in, full hands out." This simply means that when you go into the kitchen, you take something from the restaurant floor, maybe empty plates or things that need to be put away. And when you come out of the kitchen, you bring something with you, like food to a table or cups to restock; whatever it is, you come out with full hands. This helps everyone work as a team and keep the ship running smoothly and effectively so that everyone has everything that they need.

I often relate this to my daily spiritual life as well as my physical stewardship. I am surrounded by so many that add to my life and allow me to have “full hands in" -- family support,  church, or a close friend, for example. When we receive, we must also turn around and share that with others. Maybe it’s love, a healthy recipe or tip, or even a life lesson. But I am praying that I am able to be a river and not a reservoir. I want to allow His blessings to flow to me and through me. Full hands in, full hands out.

--Allison Earnst

Question: How can you and I become a river that flows into someone's life today? What blessings have you received that you can now offer to others? Make that part of your day's agenda. And, if possible, be a blessing to someone without them even knowing where it came from.

PrayFit's contributing writer, Allison Earnst, is a fitness expert, motivator, competitor and mother of three. She's been featured in numerous magazines including FitParent, Natural Muscle and Oxygen magazine. She has shared her fitness story on Good Morning America, Extra TV and Lifetime's "The Balancing Act." You can visit her blog by clicking here.

HEALTH TIP: TAKE IT OUTSIDE Do you workout in a gym? In your home? Well, if you are finding it tough to reach your fitness goals or if you're looking to rejuvenate your program, you may want to take it outside. Research offers some positive research on just how important a little Vitamin Sunshine can be for your training this summer.

>> For the full story, click here.

GRACIAS A DIOS

October 20, 2011Read: John 20

"Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." --John 20:27

"The usual?", I asked with a smile. The sweet lunchtime waitress and I have grown accustomed to each another. I'm greeted, not with a menu but with a name. By now, she knows I don't like ice in my water, and that I prefer egg whites. Probably in her late sixties, she speaks beautiful Spanish and forces me to practice mine. I know she likes my PrayFit hat and goes to church just around the corner. Today, however, she lingered longer than usual after showing me to my booth. I knew immediately she was more empty than my stomach.

"Do you ever doubt?" she asked as she straightened her apron and adjusted her bifocals. Before I could answer, she began to serve up her hurt, and as she phrased it, the need to "see Him" in her life. A glimpse. That's all she wanted. Something to feel, something real. I didn't presume to have all the answers, but we chatted. By the time I ate and payed my bill, my friend was assured of two things. 1) she wasn't alone in her doubts, and 2) she wasn't alone at all.

Friends, Jesus understands. That's why when He showed His scars to Thomas, He showed them to you and me. In order to reach us, He let us touch Him.

Gracias a Dios.

--J.P.

KIDS & ASTHMA

Want to keep your kids lungs healthy? Keep them at a healthy bodyweight. Research shows that overweight or obese children are 50%  more likely to have asthma than children who maintain a healthy weight. But even if your child is heavy, keep them eating a sensible diet and make sure they still get 60 minutes per day or more of moderate to rigorous physical activity. Increased physical activity can actually work to improve lung function, so the benefits far outweigh the risks. More severe cases should be monitored more closely, of course, so be sure to consult with your family physician before starting your child out on any structured exercise program.