Solid Evidence

My blogs are like a huge pile of rocks – a reminder of the things God has done. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to actually build a large mound in our front yard! But David wasn’t so sure.

21 “When your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What are these stones?’…22 “then you shall inform them”… 24 “that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, and so that you may fear the LORD your God forever.” Joshua 4:21-24

Instead, I journal and blog and reread the accounts again and again and marvel and cry (happy tears). These scribblings/typings are solid evidence when I feel lost or alone or unheard or hopeless. It’s embarrassing to think I come to that point, but I do …often. And here I stop, seeing to my shock- that I have felt all this before, and God was so very, very faithful each time.

Mercy!

I’m glad I’ve written about my worry and desperation along the way. These are my truthful words, followed by God’s comforting hope. Sometimes the process was long and agonizing, sometimes quick and merciful, but always His love and care came through somehow.

He hears, He knows, He has a plan – has become my motto. And probably what I’d write on my big messy pile of rocks. Instead I’ll leave behind journals, blogs and stories my children have often heard 10s of times… heck, they lived through them. Hopefully they will pass them on to the next generation and possibly encourage some outside our family as well.

Grateful and thankful today,

ForGlorySake!Anna



 “For the LORD is good. His loyal love endures, and He is faithful through all generations.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100:5‬ ‭

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Who’s In Control?

CONTROLthe act or power of regulation, domination or command. 

Out on my driveway- I looked down and realized I was standing inside of a big pink heart. Remains of chalk drawings from Valentine’s Day. Memories flooded back to “parent support” meetings my husband and I attended years ago.  The group had gathered for one reason: all our teenagers were crossing boundaries and we needed help. It was an opportunity to listen and learn. I took away treasures that are still with me. 

A hula hoop around my chair was a visual lesson in what I could control – just me. Standing in that heart, simply reminded me: we can’t control our circumstances, only our reactions to them. David and I decided to start praying (continually), asking Jesus to guide our reactions to our rabble rousers. It wasn’t easy and sometimes there were tough conversations, but God has proven faithful through it all. I’m beyond thankful we trusted His plan. 

Today the blessings are immense! Those crazy teenagers grew up, got married and are now having children of their own. They come over and bring their kids. We really enjoy all of them. It’s a miracle. Only Jesus  can control outcomes like that. He is FOR our marriages, FOR our families, and even FOR our boundary-pushing children 😉

Just ask Him. ❤️ Anna

ForGlorySake.com

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Presbytidas

Presbytidas is Greek for old women. There’s no getting around 57 being “older.” My mom used to say she couldn’t wait to turn 70 so she could say whatever she wanted. We daughters would roll our eyes, because she already did that! However, there is something about having years behind your words. Experience adds to wisdom.

God calls me to use my age as a resource, share what I’ve learned walking with Him. I take that personally, as in, “Go do it.” Looking for an opportunity, an idea grew with my daughter-in-law last year to meet and share with young moms in her neighborhood..

Titus 2:3 “Older women (be) reverent, not slanders, not slaves to much wine, teach what is good. 2:4 (to) train younger women to be lovers of their husbands, loving their children, 2:5 pure, self-controlled, kind, keepers at home, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God may not be maligned.”

Always the way of God, whatever I may be giving- I’m receiving! Wow, each gathering I’m reminded of the past. I see the struggle of little ones, and how tiring these days are… I also know what’s coming down the road (in the broad-sense). They’ll be needing Jesus for strength and solid footing for the years ahead.

There’s a learning-curve to parenting, it grows and changes as the children do. Hopefully we moms grow along side. Our dependency on God and our relationship with Jesus deepening as we trust in Him. It’s a wonderful journey, lived out best in the company of friends 🙂

For any Presbytidas reading, “Go do it!” Gather a few moms, listen to them talk! Share a verse. Share an experience. Pray over them. See what God does. ❤️Anna

ForGlorySake.com

…some of those in training 😉

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Sowing Prayers

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” 2 Cor.‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬ ‭

Every morning I thank God for the fist things that come to mind, listen to hymns in the shower and the Bible while I throw for the dog. It’s all on purpose… it’s all to prepare my heart for prayer. 

Over the years so many folks have prayed for us. In 2011 David’s CaringBridge site turned into this blog – anyone can read the blessings we’ve reaped from prayers sown. Friends and strangers gave of their time and heart asking God to help us. I want to do the same. I want to give back from all we’ve been given. I don’t know all the people who participated, but I can use their example and petition God for others.

My style is talking to Jesus all day long about whoever His Spirit brings to mind- encouragement, protection, deliverance from darkness. Sometimes specific names, but often news I hear of people groups and areas of the world. Its taken years for me to grasp- Big is OK. And for every member of the “Body of Christ”: there’s a helmet, breastplate, shield, sword, belt and shoes. I love to visually layer up the saints under the blood of Jesus and ask for a fresh filling of His Holy Spirit. God knows the names.

It’s exciting trying to stay aware of God each day; listening and looking for what He’s up to and where He’s directing me. I believe His Spirit is always quietly speaking – if I will just listen. Feeling a part of His plan via prayer is one of the most fun things of my day… and I do love fun!

Send me a prayer request and I will pray for you in Jesus’ Name -right then, wherever I am🙏🏼

ForGlorySake.com

“…golden bowls full of incense, are the prayers of the saints.” Revelation 5:8

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Taste and See

For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ they are [all answered] “Yes.” So through Him we say our “Amen” to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20

Every 6 months I ask God for a promise in His Word. Something will pop off the page or I’ll see it over and over again. I’ll then write it out and study the whole chapter before finally putting it on my calendar to pray everyday. Then I just watch and see what happens. 

What began many years ago as looking for promises for myself, at 21 grew to cover my husband and later: our children, family, and friends. Today I listen for God to throw me names. In 2020 I added the “Bride of Christ” and this last year “the Remnant.”

God has blown me away in response! Unbelievable answers to my pleas have been so exciting to watch. Maybe He was already working and planning these outcomes, but it feels so personal. What a thrill it is to think I might have been a part.

The Bible proves to us that God delights in showing Himself faithful to anyone watching and waiting. I love seeing Him work and I think He gets a kick out of knocking my socks off. Whatever the reason every answer has been a miracle to me. 

I pray you “taste and see” the promises of God this new year❤️

ForGlorySake.com

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Perfect Service

I woke up thinking about something a very wealthy client mentioned recently. They stated (but not rudely), “I require a certain level of service.” Immediately I thought of God and laughed. Not that He would ever say that, but if He did – His standards would be so ridiculously high who could ever offer Him service? Then I remembered… I serve Him!! How was He ever to expect perfect service from me? From laughter to near tears in seconds.

Suddenly it dawned on me that all this started with Him… it was ALL His idea. The impossible job of taking messy, sin-filled humans and turning them into acceptable forms of good service was something only He could accomplish. And amazingly He’s proven the process 1000’s of times in the lives of all those recorded in scripture. I am just one in a long list of imperfect selections.

Funny how something I’ve heard many times before can hit me fresh from a new angle. The awareness of a perfect God – requiring perfect service -from a imperfect servant like me, and how I could ever be made capable to do anything well enough for Him- overwhelmed me.

But God, in His total perfection: IS capable and IS able not only to recreate me from the inside/out, but make up any deficits of my service to Him, all while training me in righteousness. He is the God of impossible! Just incase doubts remain, He keeps washing souls in the blood of Jesus, filling them with the Holy Spirit, and using them for His Kingdom.

The only question I have left is… why me? I’ll ask Him someday, but for now, Ill be here, ready to serve the best I know how.

ForGlorySake.com

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Losing and finding

Today was fun. Surprise! I found 3 items I’d been hunting for: a lost sock, a workout shirt and under garment. They disappeared weeks ago. Shaking out each clothing item from a bin revealed the culprit – static cling.

There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven—Ecclesiastes 3:1

Laughing and crying, giving and receiving, sowing and reaping. Life has many seasons – but finding stuff has got to be one of my favorites. It’s so much more rewarding than losing… unless we’re talking diets. 

What a joy God must have over “finding” one of us… rather convincing a wandering lamb to turn around and come home. I don’t believe anyone of God’s sheep is ever truly lost. He knows where we are, pit or forest. He knows our foolish hearts wander, become calloused and lose their way. Yet He’s always watching, always waiting for the moment when we’ve had enough and call for help. He flies rejoicing! Psalm 18❤️

Every discovery today reminded me- long ago as a teenager I curiously and dangerously wandered. I quickly became sorry and scared and remorseful. When I cried out, my merciful Heavenly Father came running. He rescued me, celebrated over me and graciously brought me close again, blessing me beyond anything I could’ve imagined. How thankful I am to have trusted in Him- to be one of His sheep forever!
ForGlorySake.com

“…He rejoices over the one found more than the 99 that did not get lost.” Matthew 18:13

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Better than sheep

Watching White Christmas, I’ve always loved the song that says “count your blessings instead of sheep.” It’s a good habit to practice right before bed and an even better way to start the day. However, there’s actually another counting game scripture encourages for a restful night’s sleep:

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! If I were to count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! when I wake up, You are still with me! Psalm 139:17-18

Wow, think on that! The Creator’s thoughts toward you outnumber the sand. 😳 Our family loves the beach with all its sand. Amazingly you can dig and dig and dig and never come to the end. When I imagine each grain as a thought of God’s about me… I’m overwhelmed! 

He numbers my hairs, He writes my name on His palm, He knows when I sit and where I rest, every thought and every word before I open my mouth. He’s already recorded every one of my days- down to the weather and He jealously seeks the Spirit placed inside of me! 

When you search the scriptures and find the treasure of God’s thoughts toward you – it’s gold! And it promises to be enough to peacefully put you to sleep at night❤️-Anna

ForGlorySake.com

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Winter

It’s cold. It’s dark in the mornings. There’s little sunlight time. Not my favorite, but this season, like all others is a gift from God… because He Who promises to never leave us or forsake us, also promises that He does not change and He’s focused on completing His church. So I sat down and decided to seek out a better attitude.

“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Lights, with Whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭

Like other times when I’ve needed gratitude, I created a thankful list. Here it is:

For frost on the yard and birds flying by. For children’s voices and hot drinks (coffee). For a warm place to rest and a Bible to tuck-in to. For a friendly hug and familiar kiss. For a heart that can listen and a will to seek God. 

Once I got started… the list grew easily throughout the day. Its what you water that grows, what you feed that thrives.
Whenever Ive asked God for joy, and contentment… peace and happiness have soon followed. Reminders like: I am chosen – I am called – I am justified – I have a Father in Heaven Who loves me and a Savior Who died to make it all possible – flooded me!

Each wonderful fact brought more hope. They made me feel so special and blessed. And best of all I was reminded – I’m just one in a growing multitude that will gather some day before The LORD of Lights. ❤️

Wow- Winter feels a little warmer now.

ForGlorySake.com

Revelation 7:9 “…a great multitude, no one could number…” ❤️

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Temporary Residents

My husband and I are still navigating this transient phase of life. 10 days at one house, then a stint at our 2nd house (his parent’s) followed by another 10 days or so… I’ve learned to pack “quick and light,” but never as quick and light as David. 🙄 As with other phases of life: I’m asking for God to: use this season for His Glory, and give me perspective and clarity to see all He’s teaching us. A word that comes to mind is, temporary.

1 Peter 1:17 “And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges (according to each one’s work), live out your time 🔥of temporary residence here- in reverence.”

Our time IS short on earth and I don’t mean just because of the chaos and End Times headlines. “Life is fleeting “ as my mom would say, “so, spend your time wisely.” I always wondered how hours and hours in a ballet studio translated in God’s Economy? 🤔 Or days on end of cooking, cleaning, homeschooling while raising children? My final analysis: He wants my heart. 

John 17:16 “They (followers) do not belong to this world just as I do not belong to this world.”  Jesus

More than anyone, Jesus understood temporary! A man on a mission to literally save the world, He fully grasped the shortness of His time and where Home truly was. If I could keep a speck of that perspective, it would help me a lot. And if not? Then “please remind me, LORD, that You want me heart, mind and soul… all in, and all for You. Every moment. Everyday. No matter where I am or what I’m doing. That’s the key… and seeking You 1st will take care of any other questions.”

I am NOT of this world, it’s all just temporary. I’m coming Home someday! ❤️Anna

ForGlorySake.com 

NOTW

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Look what the kids did!

“Women, however, will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.” 1 Timothy 2:15 – Saved is “Sozo”- to be complete, made whole.

I can relate. My children continue a work in me that God began to make me whole… a whole lot more like Jesus! Becoming a mother showed me how weak and young my faith really was. It’s an awesome job – both thrilling and humbling, challenging me even today to seek Christ more than anything else on earth. 

Once I married, everything about being a parent appealed to me. I so wanted to get it right. David and I prayed for God to help us please Him in every aspect. We prayed to glorify Him… the problem was sin nature kept popping up. Personally, it was all I could do to daily repent and try harder next time.

Running to God again and again taught my heart submission. I kept reminding myself that His Sprit was leading us and His grace would cover us, and somehow He’d use my weaknesses. My daily focus became: “Be thankful always” and “Study to show yourself approved.” He would just have to work out the rest.

So… everything went smoothly and we all grew up perfect. 😂😂 Hmm there’s the rub. That’s not exactly what happened (add tears or laughter here), and I became so hurt, frustrated, and angry. Hadn’t we purposed? Hadn’t we prayed? Then quietly God reminded me, My ways are bigger, My thoughts are higher. Your work is to obey, Mine is to complete what I’ve started in you -and in them.

Oh the peace that comes (no matter what you see) knowing -really knowing you can trust Him! “tis so sweet to trust in Jesus.” ForGlorySake.com

“being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

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