Solid Evidence

Posted on November 22, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

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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The Big Reveal

Posted on October 6, 2025 by For Glory Sake!

I sat outside to do my Bible study and began daydreaming of when the kids were younger. We were always together back then, homeschooling, working, playing. How easy it is to idealize yesterday, thinking it was better. Yet if I think long enough I’ll bump into hard memories too. Nothing with humans involved is ever perfect. 

Today is my gift!

After 30 plus years of parenting I go to sleep utterly overwhelmed. I am amazed by what the LORD has done. I could never have imagined all that would come our way, or fathom that He could use it – the good, the bad and the ugly. Nothing has stopped Him. One of the best things about growing older is watching what I call the Big Reveal. And it just keeps coming.

I’m realizing as parents, we had no idea what to pray for… even our hopes and dreams were too small. But thankfully someone was interpreting the cry of our hearts. That’s all He’d asked of us: hearts yielded and faithful. The determination we were given to seek first His Reign and His Righteousness– 

while nurturing a relationship with each child, has helped us through so many storms. And after the craziness of parenting, He’s giving us more blessings than we can count. ❤️ Anna

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My Funny Board

Posted on May 3, 2025 by For Glory Sake!

In my clothes closet is a cork board full of funny photos- pictures printed long ago. These didn’t make it into a Creative Memories album. They’re discards, but So Funny! I can’t believe I almost threw them away. My mom was right: time offers perspective. I didn’t believed her telling me, “Just wait 10 years and you’ll love that photo.” A hideous school picture? There was no way! Yet what I cried over that day, I laugh at today.

That board stuffed with funny faces of cross-eyed babies, awkward expressions and strange perspectives reminds me not to take myself too seriously. Each morning as I pick out clothes, I tell myself: Look your best, do your best, but don’t be thinking you’re all that! Know you’ve got shortcomings and quirks like anyone else… so laugh. GOD made you and loves you just like you are! Let go of insecurities. ❤️

My childish self-concern has grown into an understanding that my kids helped teach me: “get over yourself!” Children have a great way of humbling you, something I love about them. They see through any facade and they easily laugh at silliness. I’m reminded daily to pray for JOY, search for humor in life and especially in myself. That’s why I collect unfortunate photos, tacking them up. It’s good for me… and my family. When my sisters come for a visit we double over laughing at some of them.

Each of us is odd and weird in one way or another. Keep folks close who are willing to accept you and will laugh with you. Our Father promises not to leave us unfinished! HE works tirelessly to make each of His children to be more like Jesus… loving, kind, peaceful, shining HIS Light and spreading the Good News even through our imperfections. ❤️

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Jesus-crackers and God-fairies

Posted on April 21, 2025 by For Glory Sake!

At our latest sleepover I heard one of the grandkids say, “you can be the God-fairy.” We hear the funniest phrases and mixed up sayings when they’re here, like: “Jesus crackers” (cheez-it crackers). Their creativity is adorable and priceless! Ideas abound as they negotiate made-up rules. I treasure hearing what’s in their hearts especially ideas around family members and GOD. They think I paint everything, love trees and Jesus. Amen, I’ll take that.

Our grown kids reminisce how fun vacations were with their young cousins… everyone staying and playing together. All hands on deck! With their help we try to recreate that atmosphere at our home. This gives lots of opportunity to play games, explore outside, share toys, and forgive one another. It doesn’t take long for sin to rise to the surface. Like my mom used to say, “there’s nothing to birth but another sinner.” (or was it… marry?)

One of the joys of being grandparents is the once-removed spot to parenting. We can afford the bigger picture because we’ve seen down the road. We feel in no hurry to rush along the current stage. Each age holds its purpose and GOD promises to use EVERYTHING that comes their way. Our job is to love, nurture and be consistent examples. 

In the end it will all work out. Trust Him. Of course they can choose a hard or easy road to Jesus, but I stand on the ground: they have no chance in hell with a praying grandmother 😉 We have been witness to the fact that even the most stubborn of hearts can be won by genuine love and modeled true faith. 

For now, we’ll enjoy the process. 

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Angels & Demons

Posted on January 26, 2025 by For Glory Sake!

Last Sunday our favorite pastor in Alabama continued in his series on spiritual warfare. My heart and mind were on the hostage release that had just taken place in Israel. I had been especially wrestling with Jesus’ words to love our enemies and pray those who persecute us. As if reading my journal he read these verses out and stated we are never to avenge ourselves, instead look and see who the real enemy is behind the evil. We worshipped and prayed for eyes to see and for protection from evil.

After lunch my husband drove us back to his parent’s home north of Birmingham. Traffic was tight and a speeding car suddenly cut in front of us. There was nowhere to move as this white 4-door swung left then right. Space opened to our side and my husband shifted to get away. Unfortunately that car shifted with us and we were again stuck. All at once the car slowly moved beside us and the driver-side rear window lowered. Unbelievably a pistol came out and pointed right at me. My husband yelled, “Gun” and hit the brakes! 

Miraculously, no one hit us from behind AND they did not shoot. His braking created a good distance and the threatening car sped off an exit. We drove on shocked but thankful. Had we done something wrong? Who were they? Why didn’t they shoot? We prayed and thanked God for His mercy! We asked Him to stop those people. We prayed for their change of heart. We asked God to save them and forgive them.

What a gift it is to know Hope and love and truth. How very dark and sad life must be without Jesus. I am absolutely sure angels protected us that day and I hope they were clearly seen… maybe it set that whole car full of people on a new path🙏🏼

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What time is it?

Posted on December 31, 2024 by For Glory Sake!

End of another year: months, weeks, days spent. Life lived, words spoken, work completed, meals eaten…. hopefully muscles toned at the gym. And in the midst always some difficulties. Thankfully, nothing life-threatening for David❤️

We’ve had a joke for years that came about during some particularly rough moments. I’d ask him, “Is it time to panic?” and he’d always say “not yet.” Sometimes I really thought it was time, but he’d keep assuring me, “not yet.” He was  always right. 

Going through my 25 year old, tattered Jesus Calling devotional reading the many answers to prayer (each dated) it’s confirmed. We could’ve panicked but our loving Father had a plan every time and all that was needed was to wait and trust Him. Simple.

Simple doesn’t mean easy. Trust takes practice… and trials seem to offer the perfect opportunity. James assures these happen for our good. Jude says the process will continue 🙄 until Jesus appears. Paul states the job is guaranteed to be completed. The least I can do is cooperate!  

As a new year dawns I plan to hold tight, trust His process and look for new miracles to come- Who’s with me?!

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You First

Posted on December 24, 2024 by For Glory Sake!

In the beauty of this season… in the joy of having my family close… amidst all the wonder of life happening… help me to choose You first! 

You are the reason for this holiday (even if we did’t get the date exactly right). You are the Founder of the feast and the Creator of all we call blessings. You were Before everything was and will forever have the Last word! 

Open our eyes and ears to what You’re saying. Turn our heads and hearts to You. Give us a hunger to know: 

“… from the rising of the sun to its setting – there is none besides Me. I Am The LORD, and there is no other”  Isaiah 45:6

What a jaw-dropping moment when this sinks in. More dumbfounding still is the Way You made through Jesus. Each free to choose. Help us every moment: to love You – to cling to You – to Hope in You. Christmas Eve and every other day of this next year ❤️ In Jesus’ Name, Amen 

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10 Years!

Posted on November 26, 2024 by For Glory Sake!

How can it be ten years since my parents went to heaven? It’s a milestone that marks not only a changing of the guard in my family but of graduations, first jobs, engagements and marriages. The budding of the next generation!

Our immediate family did not shrink when my parents crossed-over, but has grown from 6 to 14… 3 spouses plus 5 grand babies so far. And those are just the ones we can see and count here on earth 😉 The Father has shown us the preciousness of life with each passing year. 

How grateful I feel this Thanksgiving. Each memory reminds me of how far He has brought me. Each face shows how much He loves me. Each moment that passes proves He is not finished with me. I’m thankful for every new day, anxiously waiting to see what He will do with us next. 

“Now may The THEOS of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ ‭

Our next dividend coming 2025!
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Little Cabin in the Woods

Posted on November 4, 2024 by For Glory Sake!

Spending the weekend cleaning out cupboards at my in-law’s, I discovered many forgotten treasures. Photos, decorations, maps (100s of maps!) even some never-given Christmas gifts. Each was a surprise of some sort.

I was overwhelmed by how much time has passed since I became a member of this family. It’s hard to believe 37 years ago I stepped through their door. So many celebrations have come and gone: birthdays, anniversaries and holidays… especially Christmas! 

Christmas at the log cabin has always been epic. Time shared, memories made and of course lots and lots of homemade food. Think large crowd, small space, everyone sleeping anywhere there’s a spot.  Those moments stand out in my mind but all the time here is special. 

I tried to explain it this morning. This home is a haven. A refuge. Like a lighthouse. It’s where we each come to find peace and feel love – be reminded of where we belong. Personally, I believe it comes from open arms, an extra chair and many spoken prayers with family gathered. 

As time passes the faces change.  Some of the decor does too, but the spirit remains the same. This is HOME. Not only for my husband’s parents but for all they welcome. 

Thank you, John & Debby

ForGlorySake.com 

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Nice to meet you!

Posted on September 2, 2024 by For Glory Sake!

If I met you this summer during my travels, it was a pleasure. If I told you I’d pray for you- I have! If I gave you a painting it was to see you smile and to say thank you. It’s what I have to give: a listening ear, a word of encouragement, and some tiny art. 

God has given me these gifts and I want to share them with whoever crosses my path. I really enjoy meeting new people, and hearing their stories. You are a treasure from God to me.

Thank you for sharing your life. Thank you for accepting my gift. Know that I remember your face and your words  even if I forget your name… hopefully I wrote it down! I lift you up daily before my Heavenly Father.

“The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance to you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

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mission travel

Posted on August 29, 2024 by For Glory Sake!

My husband and I have traveled a lot this summer! Some of it was planned and the rest unexpected. Heading out yet again, someone asked him if it was a mission trip this time. He wasn’t sure how to explain that for us – all our travel is a mission. 

No matter where we are – at home or abroad we are Ambassadors for Christ, everyday and everywhere. Our prayer each morning is, “use us” and each evening, “thank you.” We seek to share God’s love with whoever we meet and bring every conversation toward Jesus.

We have been surprised with how much more receptive people are to faith talk since 2020. I love to start a conversation and just wait for their “GOD-story” (who He is to them) then share about my Jesus. Sometimes that draws others to join in. I haven’t had anyone refuse a chat or prayer since that strange year.

What an incredible time in history. People sense the closeness of His coming. May each of us look for Divine Encounters today. Many are aching for the truth. If you are bold – you just may get a hug in response. ❤️Anna

Beseech the Lord of the harvest, therefore, that He might send out workmen into His harvest.

Matthew 9:38

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