All He asks

Posted on May 16, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke on you and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy to bear, and My load is (light) not hard to carry.” Matthew 11:28-

Some days it doesn’t feel easy, definitely not light. The burdens are real and hard to carry. What am I doing wrong? Then I remember… “come to Me.” So I stop, get on my knees (if I’m home) and focus.

Jesus said to take up His yoke, and learn from Him.  He was always speaking what He heard from God and purposing to do His Father’s Will.  So asking God for direction comes 1st: “What do I do with this burden, LORD? What do You want me to see? How can I be pleasing to You in this?”

Sometimes (many times) I start by simply thanking Him for anything and everything I enjoyed that day. Sunshine, rain, food, clean water, work, family… and so on. Then praying for whoever is on my heart at that moment: friends, loved ones, my husband’s clients, children at church, our kids, the list runs on…

Then I follow with that specific burden. Usually lifting up my prayer list puts that heavy item in perspective. God handles the world. My burden is never too much for Him. A listening heart directs me next to another hurting soul. Sometimes to make a phone call, text a message, write a note of encouragement, or just be ready to stop and listen at just the right moment.

Jesus was burdened to love. He asks me to do the same. He offers rest for my soul when I do. In giving to others my load grows lighter. I can simply be about His business, letting go and trusting Him with the rest.

Feeling lighter ❤️

ForGlorySake! – Anna

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Reaching, Spreading, Growing

Posted on May 11, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

I’ve been painting a big drippy scene with contorted tree in the center. I love the crags and twists and markings of age on the bark. I’ve always admired trees, especially big reaching, spread out monstrosities!

As I was working on some details with a pen yesterday morning, I felt God whisper to me, “You know all those cracks and lines and variations you love? Those scars show the tree for ‘who’ it is… where it grew and in what conditions. The beauty is in the marring.”

“So it is with you. It’s in the imperfections you see and the weathering… that I see beauty. It shows where I pushed and pulled and twisted through adversity and discipline in your life.”

“You bare the scars of My intense love that never leaves you as you are. I am always perfecting, always completing what I start. To make you more like My perfect Son. Rejoice that you are weathered and seasoned (in body, and soul)”

“In this time, in this place, you were planted to reach, to spread, to grow, for My Glory and your honor – unto Me.” This really blessed me and I hope it will bless you too.

ForGlorySake! Anna

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Lyme Disease update 2019:

Posted on May 8, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

It’s been awhile since I’ve updated on The Lyme Disease journey-

Quick over-view: it’s been almost 5 years, Wow. Our beautiful 1st child showed a rash (2014) that Urgent Care could not determine and 2 years later (2016) she became sick… very sick.

Many, many doctors/specialists weighed in but it was Dr. Gary Berliner of Chestatee Emergent that finally diagnosed her and began antibiotics (2017). Out of 11 “bars,” (CDC scale for Lyme Disease) Sarah had 7, along with an “advanced case of mononucleosis.”

Months went by with so many prescriptions. Loads of antibiotics attacked the nasty tick-borne bacteria. In many ways she began to recover: driving, working, moving out again on her own. Even her eyesight improved greatly. Dizziness & nausea continued but were managed by meds.

She traveled to Europe and did pretty well. Then Late last year (2018) it started again. Symptoms increased, dizziness & nausea became unbearable. Fevers every 3 or 4 days and an inability to keep foods down. She finally had to stop working again.

Recently through a family at our church, we learned of another immuno-support therapy for cancer patients called SOT: Supportive Oligonucleotide Technique. Cancer and Chronic Lyme Disease patients have been finding total remission!!

It’s worth a shot or rather a one-time “infusion,” if it can kick her body into healing. I’m hopeful (she’s not). I’ll let you know what happens 😬❤️

ForGlorySake! –Anna

My girls- Sarah in the middle

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Warriors in Tiaras

Posted on May 6, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

Do you pray continually for your children? Of course you do! As moms, we carried them, birthed them and kept them: fed, rested, safe. Our hearts are naturally tied to them. We know them- strengths and weaknesses. That’s why we pray.

We are prayer Warriors on their behalf!

For years now I’ve hosted a women’s Biblestudy out of my home. I love women of all walks of life, but moms who love God’s Word and pray for their kids… that creates an extra special connection.

A dear friend of mine and I were recently sharing our child-concerns and desire to do more. We started fasting together. Every Thursday @4 until Friday @4, we forgo food and pray for our children. There are no rules here! We just give up whatever personally decided on & pray instead🙏🏼

We have seen some pretty incredible things happening 😳 🙌🏽 and I’ll confess it is not us pushing God around! It is a purposed focus on what He’s already doing in our children. We pray “to support and encourage His plans.” ❤️

We call them Freedom Fridays because by Friday our vision seems to clear and we begin to see the bigger picture. Like my friend beautifully said, “It’s Freedom from the worry and feeling like I need to control the outcome…. realizing what God has already promised. “ For me, its the freedom to know He loves them more than I ever could, that He’s always had a grand plan whether I could see it or not.

Our family has walked some very difficult roads between cancer, teen addiction and other tough issues. This is a harsh world all our children live in today. They need us in their court, praying daily!! If you are interested please join us, from wherever you are:

Thursdays @4 – Friday @4. We are Warriors in Tiaras 🙏🏼 together

ForGlorySake! -Anna

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Take Control

Posted on May 4, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

Take my words and let them be, useful daily, LORD to Thee

Every time I open up, let my mouth be a useful cup

A word that’s spoken, aptly said, from sun coming up ’til going to bed

No useless talk, no thoughtless speech, words that only help and teach

Can You use this gift of mine? This gift of gab can You refine?

It’s caused a lot of trouble when, I’ve let it fly -so full of sin…

You must control it, set a guard! I’ve tried but it just seems so hard.

Thank You, LORD that even this is not too small for You to miss

Now take control of all I say, O LORD, please guard my lips today!

(From 2007, the homeschool years…)

ForGlorySake! –Anna

 

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No more stuff, please

Posted on May 3, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

The older David and I get, the fewer things we want. We stopped giving each other gifts (birthday, anniversary, Christmas) more than 10 years ago. Instead we enjoy experiences -like travel!

We asked our children in 2008 if they would consider giving (to others) instead of receiving that Christmas. At 6,8,10,12,& 14, they actually tried it! That lead to a complete overhaul from piles of presents. Now we play games each holiday like White Elephant and Dirty Santa, that include money prizes, treats and gift cards for silly competitions.

The phase out of presents also came with a promised summer beach trip. A tradition my parents held, like their parents. We’ve done our best to keep it going even when our growing number had to share tight quarters. Whatever it takes to play in the waves and chase crabs on the beach.

Memories of experiences seem to last a lot longer than gifts that grow old and need replacing. Toys, clothing, nic-nacs… nothing beats a big group game where we laugh so hard you can’t breathe, or everyone standing in the kitchen eating fresh batches of David’s fried catfish & mushrooms, until the pies come out of the oven. Even a long drive for all of us to go and stay with relatives is better than any new purse! ❤️

Togetherness has become our constant goal. And it’s been a win, win in keeping us connected. That’s about all I want more of: this family and maybe a little ocean time.

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Gift of Gab

Posted on April 30, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

Loquacious – talking or tending to talk much or freely; talkative; chattering; babbling; garrulous.Greatest asset, biggest downfall... my gift of gab. I think I was born with it because as far back as I can remember I got in trouble for talking. I talk alone to God, or to anyone close by – neighbor walking by, stranger in line. As one lady commiserated with me, “I’d talk to a stick.” 😂

I have learned some self-control in what I say… but still have a ways to go in how much. It just doesn’t bother me to be friendly. And there are so many people to be friendly to! I enjoy their thoughts and stories, especially their God-Story. Hands-down favorite moments.

It happens more than you’d think. A comment is made, I reply, hoping for a smile or laugh, then all of a sudden they’re telling me their life story. It’s rather amazing. If we are on a schedule – my husband will say all in fun, “keep your eyes down.” Hah -He knows… someone will look my way and I’ll start talking!

What a powerful tool I must daily dedicate to God. Without His guidance, I might be obnoxious, even hurtful. I surely have hurt others before. Oh how I pray for help to use this gift for good, and not evil.

Set a guard over my mouth, LORD and anything not of You- let it fall away, forgotten.

❤️ForGlorySake! Anna

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Instant Connection

Posted on April 27, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

I long for connection with God. Its a real hunger. I reach for it – seek it every morning. Sometimes it comes quickly, easily. I can feel as if I hear His voice. Other times it’s like waiting for an Amazon package to get here!

Fasting however, takes me there. Right there. I feel near, close. It’s like spiritual magic! Possibly because I’m all-in, kinda pointy-focused. I can’t explain, but either way, it’s pretty incredible.

Usually it starts with feeling overwhelmed and anxious about something… someone. A constant mental distraction. I know at that moment – it’s time to halt and change up routine. Dedicating the next 24 hours or so to fasting and seeking God brings me peace.

It’s similar to the grasping of a float when you’re tired of swimming. There’s no lead up or lead in, it’s just immediate relief. I go to sleep praying and wake up in His presence. More than “moving God’s hand” I strongly believe it’s my eyes that begin to see what He’s already doing!

This habit of fasting, I’ve come to love is not some kind of manipulation for anything, it’s purposed awareness of something: God’s awesome moving in the Spirit! I’m left feeling a little wiser of His power and genuinely thankful He’s so close.

How has fasting affected you?

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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Aging gracefully

Posted on April 24, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

Aging gracefully… well that’s the idea at least. I suppose it means –gently, but I mean it “with lots of humor and thankfulness.” Time is moving fast. I’ve become grateful every morning simply for another day, another year, another chance to love and be loved.

My family is one of my biggest treasures. David and I agree, every moment invested has been and remains worth it! Our children have grown and become so capable – the boys and the girls. Amazing. Now they are bringing additions to our crowd.

The last daughter went to prom this year, and I can see the signs of what’s next. Senior year, college, more distant independence. Sigh. I wouldn’t trade it however, each milestone is a gem. It’s ok. It’s right. It’s time to let her fly.

I walk by the hall mirror …so many wrinkles! When did they overtake me? They have accumulated especially around the eyes. It’s from years and years of smiling and laughing. What a blessing!

Our faces become the evidence of life lived. Let the younger ones have their youth & beauty – I’m appreciating aging gracefully.

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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Yes and Amen

Posted on April 19, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

I love “yes!” Can we go?… Can we stay?… Want to eat that?… Invite everyone?… Yes is the best and God gives the Best Yes of all.

Today, on Good Friday I’ve been thinking of the ways He’s answered me – yes:

Do You know me?

Do You love me?

Am I really included?

Am I truly forgiven?

Will You stay with me?

Will You hold me?

Will I always have a place near You?

Am I part of a bigger family?

Will eternity be awesome?

Did Jesus’ death cover everyone’s sin?

Do You let each of us choose or reject You?

Does it break Your heart to be rejected?

Do You wait like the Father of the prodigal son?

Do You run to us when we run to You?

Do You long for us?

Were we made for You?

Ahhh, the yes of Jesus made all these others possible. How thankful I am, He was obedient, even to death on a cross – so that I too can be raised to Life. That is the most amazing Yes of all!

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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