Investing 101

Posted on June 14, 2021 by For Glory Sake!

Out on an island, far from home, David and I love to sneak away together and spend time in June on just us. We have brought the kids in previous years… but never for the whole trip. This is our time to reconnect. Alone

We would rather forgo anything else: anniversary, Christmas and birthday gifts just to get away. I remember again how funny he is and the way he looks at me that makes me melt. He remembers I can be wooed! We serious-date. Priceless.

This was only a dream 32 years ago. As students, headed into law school living on loans and a ballet teacher’s salary… our hopes of adventure seemed impossible. With 5 consecutive pregnancies, we were just thankful to visit the beach with family.

Then after years, God opened doors. Every time we asked, He answered. Always more than I expected – far beyond my worth. Yet He says, “I called you, I chose you, I died for you – Thank Me for a little and I will show you more.”

…Dairy Queen, a tent, a borrowed cabin- it doesn’t matter. We’ve done it all with joy! Time is irreplaceable. Like a wise pastor recently said, “it can only be invested.” And the dividends? They’re immeasurable. As God promises, they are eternal. 

ForGlorySake!–Anna

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Understanding Lot

Posted on June 10, 2021 by For Glory Sake!

Abraham, father of the Jews started off in an ungodly city called Ur. God spoke to him telling him to leave for a new land of promise. Abraham obeyed, taking his nephew Lot. They grew very wealthy together, finally separating because of their many flocks and herds of cattle (Genesis 13).

Abraham let Lot choose his location first… “Lot settled in the cities of the vicinity of the Jordan, and moved his tents as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked sinners against the LORD.” Genesis 13:12-13

Peter writes that Lot was undone by the actions around him. This makes me wonder why He chose to stay in that horrible city? Why didn’t he just leave? Eventually things became so bad that God destroyed the whole place!

“But God also rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a righteous man who was sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked people around him. Yes, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day. 2 Peter 2:7-8 NLT

When I hear about wicked behavior in our world, my heart grieves too. Yet where else can I go? I think Lot had the same problem – sin was everywhere. Jesus knew this world would be a challenge for His followers, so He prayed for us:

(Father),” I’m not asking You to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They don’t belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your Word, which is truth. Just as You sent Me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give Myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by Your truth.” John 17:15-19 NLT

I don’t have to leave earth, Jesus stated He sent me in… I only need remember I don’t actually belong to the system here. This is not my home. He made me holy by His sacrifice and God’s truth – which His scripture. I can stay anywhere on earth protected and safe, as a light to the path of reconciliation.

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for ALL who will EVER believe in Me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as You and I are one—as You are in Me, Father, and I am in You. And may they be in us so that the world will believe You sent Me. I have given them the glory (!) You gave Me, so they may be one as We are one. I am in them and You are in Me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent Me and that You love them as much as You love Me. Father, I want these whom You have given Me to be with Me where I am. Then they can see ALL the glory You gave Me because You loved Me even before the world began!” John 17:20-24

Incredible what He offers.

ForGlorySake! – Anna

Not Of This World (NOTW)

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The pool man

Posted on June 7, 2021 by For Glory Sake!

How does God do it?! Deal with the dichotomy of life: joy, horror – order, chaos – peace, hopelessness. Side- by-side? It’s everywhere all at once. Mercy. How does He see and manage with each human at the same time?

Today, relaxing and reading my Bible, looking at an incredible view – I spoke with a man clearly in pain. He saw no beauty, even told me there was too much corruption and change happening to see anything else. Then admitted to back pain from a fall last Friday.

I listened and asked God silently if I could pray over him. While he was bending down working, I came closer and asked if he believed in God. He said yes and I told him I was going to pray for him. Immediately I touched his shoulder and said out loud, “Jesus I ask you to heal this back and lighten his load and open his eyes to Your beauty around, in Jesus’ name.”

He stood saying he was Catholic, but had not been to church since his mother died when he was 9. “He took her.” The wound was deep and old. So I just listened. Then I told him, “God sees you, He hears you, He loves you.” His eyes watered and he said, “No more, no more.” Swishing his hand, he bid me, “Good week,” and quickly left.

Hopelessness can be found anywhere, even on a beautiful island in the Caribbean. Today, I clearly saw that Jesus is the ONLY answer for true and lasting peace! Inner contentment and tranquility is found in my Hope of who God is and what He has offered me: God’s son, my Savior.

Bearer of all sin, Reconciler to Father-God, Deliverer from all evil, Healer and Lover of our souls – Come Lord Jesus, heal us!

ForGlorySake!-Anna

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Travel

Posted on June 6, 2021 by For Glory Sake!

Travel always offers me perspective and challenge …to see the world bigger than my daily community. Cultures, languages and just sheer numbers of humanity- there is more!

In the midst, I find some chaos as I’m stretched and forced to include, accept, and allow. Include others into my space, accept their differences, and allow them Grace in their point of life.

Life is a journey no matter how you slice it. How do I cope being surrounded with so many differences? Breathe, listen, look, hope.

Breathe – literally take a deep breathe, even if masked up in an airport and know, truly know God sees, hears and knows where I am. He is near.

Listen – perk up for His voice and His cues. Wait on the LORD. He will guide me as needed.

Look – sees who’s around, pray for them, smile, offer help if needed, offer gratitude.

Hope – (by far my favorite) when all seems hopeless, believe God is working behind the scenes for my good! “The hope of the righteous is gladness” Proverbs 10:28

Do I deserve His grace? No! Do others deserve mine? Yes, because I should give to others as it’s been given to me –undeservingly. The world needs unconditional love and forgiveness found only in Jesus… and we are His Ambassadors to the world. ❤️

ForGlorySake!- Anna

Unassuming ambassadors

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Growing Family…

Posted on April 26, 2021 by For Glory Sake!

Two of our boys are married, another daughter will wed this summer. 1 granddaughter almost 2 and a grandson due any day now. Such blessings! Our family is growing with each passing year. Not something even a pandemic could stop. I think of all that David and I have invested into this crowd and it reminds me of God’s promise:

“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Luke 6:38

Whatever you do with a heart and mind toward God will be blessed: study, befriend, parent, serve, share, speak… love. He multiplies the seeds sown for His glory. Cleaning clothes, toilets, floors, little bottoms and noses, driving miles, cooking meals -He sees it all. He promises a blessing in return when we care for the least of these, especially for our own families (1 Timothy 5:8).

God says that persistence will pay off in treasure without measure. More love to give and receive when we ask Him for it. More patience to endure. More strength to continue. Memories and photos, help me look back for a glimpse into the 1000s of hours that led me to now. Fun, busy, difficult, sad, even boring moments made us all grow.

Now as we add on to our family again, I could’t be more grateful for this kind of abundance. New people grafted in, bringing their wisdom and experiences with them. It’s just blessing on blessing. God’s not finished with us, our maturity or opportunities. I’m making room in my lap!

ForGlorySake! – Anna

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Truly Life

Posted on April 24, 2021 by For Glory Sake!

There’s life in Jesus: “I’ve got my salvation, my sins are forgiven, I’m headed to heaven, done.” And then there’s Abundant Life: joyous, overflowing, all of me for all of Him. “A hunger and thirst” (my mom called it), with the desire to find out what’s pleasing to God, Ephesians 5:10. There’s a difference.

I decided in my late teens I wanted that. Not just a resting-salvation, but a reaching for more and more of Him. The full and complete lacking nothing kind of maturity James talks about. I wanted to live for the One who gave His Life for me… or die trying.

Peter told the early church: “For you have been called for this purpose, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps, HE WHO COMMITTED NO sin, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT found IN HIS MOUTH; and while being abusively insulted, He did not insult in return; while suffering, He did not threaten, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously…” 1 Peter 2:21-23 nasb.

Paul told Timothy, to”take hold of that which is truly Life” I Tim. 6:19. But what is truly-life? It’s a great question to ask whether books, movies, podcasts, or events. I aim to choose wisely… sometimes I miss. Jesus offered eternal life by faith, yet repeatedly said living like Him would make it “perissos” Greek for superfluous. Never the easy way, always the most rewarding.

Living superabundantly starts with getting my heart and mind in sync with God. “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer” Psalm 19:14. This is a daily prayer along with putting on His armor to fight the good fight, Ephesians 6:13. And lastly, asking for help to take advantage of the very best He has for me, so I can live what’s Truly Life.

ForGlorySake! – Anna

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Smooth sailing

Posted on April 19, 2021 by For Glory Sake!


Standing at the railing looking over the harbor, I tried to imagine all the miles the boats had traveled. How many years had they been on the water. Where were they headed next? Would they withstand the next storm at sea? Shopping for groceries, later, I thought similar things about the sea of people. What was each story? What had God specifically made them for? Did they know their Creator and that He loved them so?

I’ve read testimonies of people who came to know Jesus late in life. They said they’d just been too busy to think about what really mattered. It wasn’t until something dramatic happened that they stopped to consider, “What happens after death?”

Isn’t that how life-altering events happen- unexpectedly? You feel tossed around, when suddenly the ground falls away. Crisis: financial, health, relationship, emotional free-fall. I’ve been there, and Jesus caught me. I knew He would, because He promises to hold tight to those who hold tight to Him.

But what about someone who doesn’t know Him? How do they cope? Where do they find footing? Who rescues them and brings peace by promising a future and a Hope? How I wanted to share His love with everyone – in the store. Instead, I prayed and left their souls in God’s faithful hands, hoping so much they would grab hold of The Truth before anything dramatic happened.  

“Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the flood came, and the winds beat against that house, but it did not collapse because its foundation had been laid on Solid Rock. Matthew 7:24-25

We all need Someone to hold us and guide us safely through the storms. Only Jesus can do that. It’s never too late to call His name. He’s ready for you today!

ForGlorySake!– Anna

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Faith or just grace?

Posted on March 18, 2021 by For Glory Sake!

I wonder if it’s age that has driven the passion from most of my “whys?” and “how’s?” Maybe it’s the fact that my husband’s medical crises (plural) have become too many to seriously worry over all the details?

I could claim “ignorance is bliss” regarding this most recent illness. At least the seriousness of it and total cluelessness over the invasive surgery required. Both were surprises in timing, expense and length of recovery. Yet I wasn’t stressing like I should’ve.

Someone recently stated that the peace I had was due to my “deep roots of faith”… hmm. I agree, there has been ample opportunity for God to both test, and encourage faith’s growth. Literally trial and error has brought me some maturity concerning trust. But sometimes I think God brings contentment because of Grace.

Filling my mind lately with a myriad of stories from persecuted Christians worldwide (VOM.net) has proven again and again the overwhelming Grace of God in the face of unexpected and dire circumstances. Mercy, provision, strength and favor in the worst of situations. And always, always I hear – Grace.

This Grace doesn’t seem to depend on the amount of someone’s personal faith. As in my case, sometimes I’ve been too confused and too tired with no strength left. That’s when it miraculously came like a flood, just where I needed because: God is forever faithful and loves His children. He has been my Solid Rock in the landslide, my Anchor in the storm.

Faith is a wonderful gift to cultivate and protect, yet even when I fall short in trust … my Father is there to hold me and prove He will never leave me or forsake me. He knows my name. God’s amazing Grace sent Jesus’ to die in my place, so that I can have abundant life no matter what else is happening.

Grace is far more than I deserve.

ForGlorySake! – Anna





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Will I trust?

Posted on March 8, 2021 by For Glory Sake!

In the darkness? In uncertainty? When no answers come? When things go from bad to worse? The question He always seems to ask me 1st: Will you trust me?

Life has felt uncertain lately. The outcome of this election did not go as I hoped and prayed… as many hoped and prayed. Since then, it’s been one blow after another- to my beliefs, my hopes, so many prayers and so many concerns.

Everyday I’ve been choosing to begin with the basics of Psalm 23. Yes, God is my faithful Shepherd. I won’t suffer lack. He leads me to rest and refreshment -all in His righteousness (Jesus). He’s with me in darkness and gives nourishment as wolves surround. I am commissioned and abundantly supplied. God is good!

Lots of New Testament verses come to mind when I meditate here. Especially 2 Peter 1:3 –seeing that Jesus has granted us everything needed for godliness, I can continue to trust Him and serve Him through an onslaught of disappointments.

Job said, “Though He slay me, I will ‘yachal’ in Him.” Yachal is an act of the will: to remain, wait, tarry, trust continually even with long-suffering. It is as King David stated in Psalm 71:14, a will to hope and a will to praise yet more and more in God.

Voice of the martyrs has a VOMradio.net with stories from persecuted believers all over the globe. They’re faithfulness in the midst of adversity has been a door of Hope to my heart. I am reminded again and again as this world is fading, yet I can trust Jesus will come again for us!

“And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with Me, so that where I am you may be also” John 14:3

ForGlorySake! –Anna

finding rest for my soul






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Restore

Posted on February 9, 2021 by For Glory Sake!

Psalm 23 has become a haven of Hope for me this new year. I recite it just about every morning and God has been showing me some little truth to cling to that day. Sunday I asked for rest and rejuvenation, which immediately took my mind to verse 3.

“He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of Righteousness for His Name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3

The end of last year and start to 2021 has not been easy. David’s recovery is slow, but steady. We keep pushing forward; plugging ahead, hopeful that strength will fully return and life will go back to normal. Whatever that is.

Bible Hub, Hebrew translation for Psalm 23:3 offered the definition of restore as: recover, refresh, return, reverse, reward. How lovely to think of restoration as a refreshing reward.

I read on to find righteousness, meaning: just, right, and in Greek: Truth. Jesus is named Just and True in Revelation 19:11, “… the One seated on the white horse was called “Faithful” and “True,” and with justice He judges and makes war.”

For His Name’s sake, revealed this is all done for God’s own purpose, His intent, His will. How beautiful! As a sheep in His flock, I am being guided daily on the path of Truth, the path of Jesus, according to my Shepherd’s will.

That afternoon turned suddenly warm and sunny. It had been sleeting the night before. I set 2 old lounge chairs side by side on the back porch and called for David to come sit by me. We rested in the sun for more than hour.

God had given me just what I asked for: a refreshing reward for our souls, according to His will. I thanked Him for mercy, for grace and for the blessing of life. He is the Good Shepherd ❤️

ForGlorySake! -Anna

Recovery ❤️


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