Category Archives: human interest

May14

DAY 135

Posted on May 14, 2013 by lsgrlr

The bars aren’t meant to keep you out. No, sometimes they are saying…fight to get in.
(Picture by Lisa R)

I recently joined the rest of the 21st century…I now have a television in my bedroom! I really don’t watch TV to speak of, and am a firm believer that the bedroom is for sleeping. So, no TV. About a three months ago I came home to find a flat screen television in my room (clearly the person who put it there did not agree with me). It has sat there till today unused. Why? I had the TV, but no equipment to make it function. It was a big 32 inch paper weight. So I caved today and went to my local cable company to get a cable box. I connected the cables, called to have it activated and now I have a fully functional television in my room. What’s my point? Many times we move through life like a TV with no cable attached. We have plenty of static but no picture. All because we won’t connect our cable box. I see so many people waiting for life to happen; waiting for their dreams to come true, but that’s all they do…WAIT. Today, in order for my TV to work, I had to put feet to faith, go to the cable company and pick up my box. But just having the box was not enough. I then had to connect it. Here’s my point if your life feels like noisy static. Maybe it’s time for you to STOP waiting and get connected…pray and seek what you need to turn your static into a crystal clear picture.

So what am I thankful for today? A clear picture (and not just from my TV).

May12

DAY 133

Posted on May 12, 2013 by lsgrlr

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Traditions are memories that we carry with us through the rough times. Even if it is something as simple as an annoying singing balloon.

Traditions are memories that carry us through the rough times. Even if it is something as simple as an annoying singing balloon.

It’s Mother’s Day! Today we say thank you and show our appreciation for the one person who stands by our side no matter how wrong (or right) we are. My brother and I have a Mother’s Day tradition of buying our mom annoying singing balloons, which she totally enjoys (clearly we have her sense of humor). We plant the balloon somewhere central where we can all take turns hitting it until the music comes on (I like to think of it as musical anger management). However today is not about musical balloons, or finding the right restaurant…today is about MOM. She survived 9 months of someone sitting on her bladder and playing kickball in her stomach. Then went through numerous hours of labor to bring you and I into this world. Her hard work did not stop there. She has had to put up with misbehavior, bad attitudes, and hearing her name called hundreds of times to find things that we misplaced, and somehow only she can find. She is amazingly courageous. She is taxi driver, athletic director, master chef, and family doctor. She is irreplaceable, incomprehensible, always dependable MOM. “Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: ‘There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!'” (Proverbs 31:28-29). Thanks Mom! No one else could have put up with me (or Jon). We love you so very much!

So what am I thankful for today? MOM!

May12

Random (hopefully inspired) Thought #55

Posted on May 12, 2013 by lsgrlr

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I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)

Mark 5. This Chapter made me take pause, and look at the human condition. Sometimes God will do something amazing and miraculous, however, in order for the work to be accomplish we must let go of something. “When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet Him, this man lived in the tombs and no one could bind him any more, not even with chains. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet…Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones” (Verses 2-5). This man was in agony, he had lost control of who he was created to be and is under the control of an entity that does not have his best interest at heart. “Then Jesus asked him, ‘What is your name?’ ‘My name is Legion,’ he replied, ‘for we are many.’ And he begged Jesus again, and again not to send them out of the area…’Send us among the pigs allow us to go inside of them. He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned” (Verses 9-13). This is why I don’t eat meat! “Those attending the pigs ran off and reported this to the town and countryside, and the people went to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus they saw the man who had been possessed, sitting there and in his right mind; and they were afraid [what!!!]. Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region” (Verses 14-17). What?! Afraid?! Why? Because Jesus healed a person in pain? Because the man was in his RIGHT mind? My belief, because Jesus removed a sin that they were comfortable with. The possessed man was hurting and in pain, his very being had been taken away from him. Jesus RESTORED him, yet instead of rejoicing the people asked God to leave. Sin is dirty and painful, yet we have become so comfortable with it; that we don’t rejoice when God comes in to clean it up. No, instead we plead for Him to leave.

May10

DAY 130

Posted on May 10, 2013 by lsgrlr

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Hope is like a stream of water in a dry desert. It refreshes the soul.

I have been thinking about this post for most of my day. The news has covered extensively the miraculous return of three girls, now women who have been missing for ten years. I have seen the coverage and, like every human with a conscience and a heart, I am sickened and distraught by the ugliness that saturates our world. However, my post is not about these three young women directly. Nor is it about the monster who took them or his siblings who did nothing to help. This post is about the loss of hope. Louwana Miller, spent two years handing out pictures and putting up posters of her daughter, Amanda Berry. She did not give up hope. Something in her heart told her Amanda was alive. However, in 2004 while on the Montel Williams show, a well known psychic told her that her daughter was dead. The psychic didn’t stop there. She goes on to give details about missing clothes and DNA. Miller was broken hearted and in her own words, “devastated”. Her heart told her to keep hoping, but someone (who has no right to) came in and stomped all over that hope. A year later Louwana Miller died. My takeaway is twofold: Firstly, nothing beats the hope and endurance of a mother. I genuinely believe it is the spunk and spirit instilled by her mother that gave Berry the strength to yell for help, to run out that door and to save herself, her daughter, and the others held in captivity. Secondly, don’t let others rob you of your hope. The Bible says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12). Louwana Miller was robbed of her hope and as a result she did not live to see her daughter’s heroic act. On this journey, people will want to rob you of your hope. The psychic may have really believed that what she said was true (I am not here to judge), however she is NOT God and from my perspective she had no right to make that call. I wonder if the psychic had said, “I can’t answer that question. But hold on to your hope”, would things have been different for Ms. Miller? Would she still be alive holding on to her hope, fighting to bring her daughter home? Honestly, I don’t know. But I hold out hope that it would have been so.

What am I thankful for today? For Louwana Miller and the fighting, never-give-up spirit of a MOTHER (and that those that were lost are now found).

May9

DAY 129

Posted on May 9, 2013 by lsgrlr

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What’s your answer?

I was driving along when I spotted the bumper sticker on the car in front of me (pictured in post). I couldn’t help but laugh out loud for two reasons. First off, it’s funny, and secondly, it’s made even funnier because the sentiment behind it is true. The bumper sticker read “Are you following Jesus this close?” The “funny” was easily seen, the “truth” maybe not so much. Whether you choose to believe it or not we are ALL followers. We all follow something. Even leaders follow someone. Society, aware of our penchant for trailing, has provided a plethora of things for us to attach ourselves to. There is the latest fashion trends (no one wants to be caught dead in last years colors)…not into fashion? Well, how about the latest movie, the latest gossip, the latest gadgets, or the latest stock market trend? We have no issues with following…that is until we have to follow GOD. This is very puzzling to me. Why? Because so many people believe in God and His existence. Yet, they don’t believe anything He says. Therefore they don’t follow. If you believe in God, but find it hard to follow, ask yourself…why? God is not hiding. The answer you find might surprise you. Once again I am not asking you to follow because I do. I am merely asking you to question your decision “not” to follow.

So what am I thankful for today? That my answer to the bumper sticker’s question is, “Why, yes I do.” 🙂

May9

Random (hopefully inspired) Thought# 52

Posted on May 9, 2013 by lsgrlr

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I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)

Mark 2. The story I am pulling out is one of faith and friendship. The place that Jesus was teaching was so packed there was no room to even stand. “Some men came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus…lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven” (Verses 3-5). There is so much more to this story, some much more to this Chapter (please read it on your own). Here is what I wanted to emphasis. They brought their friend to Jesus! They couldn’t help, they had (in my mind) exhausted all their human effort, so they did the one thing they knew would work…they let GOD (literally). Secondly, they didn’t let obstacles stand in their way, when there was no clear path to Jesus, they sought until they found a way. I am so convicted by this, I have know lots of people who need Jesus, yet I let obstacles obstruct me. They made a hole in a roof to bring their friend to God, but I can’t open my mouth?! I will today follow the example of these men, I will bring the people I love to the ONE who loves them most.

May8

DAY 128

Posted on May 8, 2013 by lsgrlr

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Life is like a tree it blooms or dies depending on how you feed it…
(벚꽃 -sounds like pop-corn- Chenon S. Korea Picture by Joy Seo.)

“Be careful that your giftings don’t take you higher than your character will keep you” – Pastor Bob Coy. I have been thinking about this statement for several days now. Why? Because…well, it is honestly not something we really consider as we pursue “greatness”. As I watch the Lindsay Lohans and Brittney Spears of the world, I am beginning to see that the pursuit of the “good life” must be inline with who we are. We all want to be remembered for something. We want to leave a legacy, our mark on the world. So we push forward and chase our dreams, but we never stop to think, “Is this dream that I am running so fervently toward the best thing for me?” Can my character sustain? At the end of the day when it is all said and done, will I be proud of the person I turned out to be? Dreams are meant to be chased. They are meant to give us hope and aspiration. They are meant to teach us how to knock down walls and hurdle obstacles. They are the most amazing achievements in the world when they are what we are MEANT to accomplish. But often times we aren’t chasing “our” dreams. No, we are going after “the” dream. A dream not of our creation, a dream not in our genetic make-up. Instead, we chase the dream that society tells us we should be chasing. The result? We lose ourselves in the process. Ever achieved your goal and still felt empty? Hollow? Maybe it wasn’t yours to pursue. Achieving, growing, and pursuing are all God-given desires, and His plan is to have you achieve, grow, and pursue…in such as way that your character will be able to keep you.

So what am I thankful for today? That my giftings are akin to my character.

May7

DAY 127

Posted on May 7, 2013 by lsgrlr

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The lessons we learn is a light that others follow. So don’t despise the learning.
(Picture ny Lisa R.)

Today I started to not feel well. My M.O. when I don’t feel well is that I get contemplative (sometimes I think God allows me to get sick just so I can think things through). Today’s “not feeling well contemplation”‘? My blog. I started this blog because I was learning something. I wanted to document and capture the lesson that God was teaching. In the process I hoped that it would touch, bless, and help others who desired to learn as well. I had no expectation. In fact, I genuinely didn’t expect people to read it, much less follow me. So imagine my shock when people liked what I wrote and started following. Not just following, but commenting, as well. The comments left on my posts have both encouraged me on this journey and have helped me grow in my point of view. How? When I write I only see my perspective. Comments have shown me differing sides that are equally as important, which has broadened my sight and widened my range. So for following, reading, and helping me grow I want to say thank you. As I sat contemplating all I have written in the last 127 days, I realized that blogging is not just a forum for spilling my thoughts, but it is a responsibility. I am responsible for all the words I type. I am doubly responsible because I am also a representation of my faith and my God. Writing this blog has shown me that everyday (no matter who you are or what you are going through) there is something to be thankful for. So as you have all encouraged me, I would like to encourage you. Here is a truth I have learned: This journey has amazing mountain-top moments; days when there is no end to the things we are thankful for. We feel blessed and we want to bless others. The journey also has valleys and pitfalls; days when the sky is dark and thunderous and being thankful is the last thing on our mind. We want to huddle, cry, and tell the world to stop picking on us. On these days, look harder, search longer because there is a lesson and a reason to give thanks…even if it is just being thankful that tomorrow is a new day. A new day with new possibilities.

So what am I thankful for today? For lessons learned (and learning).

May7

Random (hopefully inspired) Thought# 50

Posted on May 7, 2013 by lsgrlr

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I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)

Matthew 28. “The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is NOT here; He has risen, just as He SAID” (Verses 5-6). “Just as He said”…the take away: God doesn’t lie, Jesus doesn’t lie. What is written in the Bible will happen. In the book are God’s own words…it also, doesn’t lie. Therefore, my logical conclusion? Live life trusting and believing that it will happen JUST AS HE SAID.

May6

DAY 126

Posted on May 6, 2013 by lsgrlr

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Today’s post is a request. Not for material things, but for prayer. If you follow this blog or read the posts, then you know that prayer is very important for me. It is our access to God. The prayers that I am asking for are not for me (although feel free to pray for me anytime, I will do the same for you), but for a friend. Today, as I sat in the cafeteria I spotted an old friend. For the sake of privacy I won’t use her name. We will call her Mary. Have you ever looked at someone who seemed okay on the outside, but you could just tell something was wrong. Well, that was how Mary looked to me. I tried several times to no avail to get her attention. She was having lunch with friends, therefore, I didn’t want to interrupt her. As she got up to leave I called out, “Mary!” She turned and came toward me, at which point I saw that my initial assessment of the situation was correct. I asked if she was alright (even though I could tell what the answer would be). She then told me something that broke my heart. Have you ever wished that you had the ability to say exactly what someone needed to hear? Today, I sincerely wish I had that gift. I won’t tell you what she told me, I will however say that if you are a parent it would be one of your worst fears come to life. For this reason, I am asking those of you who pray to pray for my friend. Pray that God will hold her heart and heal her pain. Pray that He will answer her questions, and restore what she has lost. Pray that what has been lost will be found, and returned to its rightful place. Pray that God will walk with her through everyday and remind her of His promises. Pray that her friends will NOT try to give her advice or wisdom, but instead just be there to cry with her. Pray that her smile will return.

Dear Lord I pray for my friend and I thank you for her life. You see all that is happening to her now. Please walk with her through this time and show Yourself mightily on her behalf. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

So what am I thankful for today? That even if I can’t fix my friend’s problem. I know the ONE who can, and I can come to Him anytime.