God’s Masterpiece

Posted on April 16, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

I love to paint canvases big and small. It’s become an obsession to recreate something I see and admire. The process can take me a few hours to several days. One painting I worked on for a month. Just when I thought it was an utter disaster, I tried a different technique and it took shape.

It’s such a process!

Much like I am to God. Good thing He always knows where this creation of His is going. I may work and sweat, trying my best… only to discover He was waiting for me to: let go, rest and wait on Him. He already had everything planned and timed perfectly.

Like some of my paintings, I can think a situation is a total waste. Yet even in such a mess, God can use me as a brush in hand, touching up here, highlighting there. He sees a bigger picture – deftly working all those layers of mistakes for His glory.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are His creative work, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we can do them.

Think of it, blank canvases under His artistic influence, uniquely crafted, and changed into priceless works of art.

 Philippians 1:6 For I am sure of this very thing, that the One Who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

ForGlorySake! –Anna


Amalfi Coast 2018

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Last of Innocence

Posted on April 14, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

I love teaching 3rd graders at our church’s Sunday school. It’s not really school and I’m not so much a teacher -it’s more listening and sharing with little people. How I love their hearts.

Large group with the other grades is where the bulk of Sunday’s message happens. There’s music, dancing, a story and fun video. The boys and girls usually sit apart and whisper. Far too soon this will change… I pray for them silently.

Back in our classroom we do arts and crafts, play games and talk about what they learned. On the whole, the girls are better listeners than the boys… but I’m usually surprised at what they retain -even while talking video game strategy. 🙄

How I love those kids. Just like my own, they hold a special place in my heart. They live in the precious years of Santa, Easter baskets and make-believe.

The girls love their dresses and sparkly shoes. Sweet faces glow of natural beauty. The boys still let me give a quick hug and tell them “God made you to be brave, strong men of God.” They don’t resist or laugh at that yet.

Too soon all this will change. Childlike innocence will give way to hormones, worldly knowledge and the pressure to look cool. Middle school and PG13 movies will become hot topics as high school approaches at lightening speed.

Oh God, guard these precious little hearts that You’ve given me just a moment with. Keep them, protect them, tie them to You. 15 is coming fast and they wont be prepared for the onslaught of testing… nor will their parents! I pray for grace for what’s ahead. ❤️

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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Grass and Flowers and Birds

Posted on April 11, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

“Why do you worry …think about how the flowers of the field grow; they don’t work or spin… yet Solomon in all his glory wasn’t clothed like one of these… Matthew 6:28-29

My flowers! I love each variety that blooms at different times of the year. Like a show of color and design, they thrill me with every blossom.

…if this is how God clothes wild GRASS, which is here today and gone tomorrow, won’t He clothe you even more…?” Matthew 6:30

Grass! – I can see it from every window, my house is surrounded. It takes me several hours each month to cut, edge and weed during growing season. I take great care of it all.

“Look at the birds in the sky: They don’t sow, or reap, or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you far more valuable than they are” Matthew 6:26

Birds! In the trees surrounding us, even when the doors are closed I can hear them singing. Jesus said I’m far more valuable. 

If God cares for grass and flowers and birds and provides for their needs, won’t He provide for me too? “Oh you of little faith.”  I needed reminding today! Just walking outside to take a look and listen. It sounded as if all was saying, “Why do you worry? Why do you fear anything? Silly girl, have peace.”

GOD LOVES YOU

ForGlorySake!– Anna

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Grace to disagree

Posted on April 9, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; not from works, so that NO ONE can boast.”

Grace cannot be earned. There is no room for boasting. It is simply given: Grace for me and grace for you – every day. I’ve read it and I believe it. But:

  • How do I pass it on?
  • How do I give grace like that to others?
  • What if I REALLY disagree with them on a topic?
  • What if we really can’t see eye to eye?
  • What does God want me to do then?
  • How do I show love like I’ve been shown?

I have found a few guidelines to help me in conflict:

  1. Be open to conversation – with respect
  2. Listen for common ground – mouth shut
  3. Uphold truth – know for sure what scripture says
  4. Allow the other person free-will – I am not their conscience
  5. Ask questions – instead of preaching
  6. Pray for grace continually – listen to the Holy Spirit

Because of Love, I have received grace. Therefore, because of love I give it. There is no greater motivation. God says: Love never fails and it covers a multitude of sins. When I start with the love of Jesus, grace usually follows. I don’t have to defend God. I only need love Him and then love my neighbor as myself… He will take care of the rest.

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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Hound of Heaven

Posted on April 1, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

You know those stories Jesus told- the ones called parables? I’ve always loved the 2 about finding stuff. Sheep and coins. From what I read these items “weren’t really lost,  just misplaced” as my mom used to say.

 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, searches… Luke 15:4

“What woman who has ten silver coins, if she loses one, searches… Luke 15:8

Notice that the sheep and coin were already counted with the group. They were owned by someone! Someone who realized they’d gone missing and deemed valuable enough to go after immediately.

For me it puts a new twist on an old tale. As Joy resounds in heaven over a sinner who repents, I was brought to tears when my wanderer came back to the fold. It was an overwhelming inexpressible rejoicing and I think God’s angels agreed.

That one miracle brought me Hope to wait for more: lost to found – dead to alive. My Shepherd Savior makes me love Him all the more as He keeps watchful eyes on wayward souls. Endlessly hounding after His lost treasures…. even if they are really just misplaced.

Bring them home, LORD. ❤️❤️

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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They are His

Posted on March 2, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

“So don’t be afraid: I’m with you. I’ll round up all your scattered children, pull them in from east and west. I’ll send orders north and south:                                                              Send them back. Return my sons from distant lands, my daughters from faraway places. I want them back, every last one who bears my name, every man, woman, and child Whom I created for my glory, yes, personally formed and made each one.” (-God) Isaiah‬ ‭43:5-7‬ ‭MSG‬‬

For years now I have gathered verses about my kids. Anything encouraging and peace-bringing. I want to be reminded God loves them, that He watches over them and that He holds them close. I want assurance of His glory working in their lives!

Maybe at times I go too far and take promises that aren’t mine to take, or believe too much on their behalf… but God knows my fierce mother’s-heart and hopefully gives me slack. Ok, maybe a lot of slack.

Since the phrase “your faith” is used some 2188 times in the New Testament, I think God likes it. If I make a mistake, may it be on the side of having BIG faith in a BIG God, who I believe with all my heart- can do far more than I ask or even imagine!

So in that, I will continue to believe for their salvation and maturity in Christ – not because of what I see and hear, but because of what Almighty God is capable of!  🙌🏽

These souls I helped produce, were long-ago dedicated to Him, and have daily been laid before Him. They are His in Jesus’ name!

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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What is Truth?

Posted on March 1, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

So much is disheartening in the news right now. I like to be informed so that I can better pray, but truth can be hard to pin down at times. Who can I trust to speak truth only?!

I love my recent study on the Holy Spirit and His power available to all believers. As Jesus was leaving for heaven He told His followers, that even though He had to go to the Father, He was sending His Spirit to all believers.

This Spirit is described as: Comforter, advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, and Strengthener (John 14:16 amp) He is further mentioned as mediating between God and the believer like a lawyer acts in court. 

Jesus promised, “He will guide you into ALL truth!” (John 16:13) He’s will teach me what is true and what is a lie. Who to believe and who to ignore. All I need do is listen for His voice and stay aware of His guidance. 

This Spirit of Truth, sent from God in Jesus’ name, will teach (us) all things and remind (us) of everything, even staying with (us) forever. (John 14:16)
This Holy Spirit will testify of Jesus as the Messiah (15:26), and glorify Him (16:14).

How thankful I am, Father for Your Spirit that does so much – even convicting the world of sin, righteousness and judgement. You knew we needed this power ❤️ What a gift!

ForGlorySake! –Anna

“…God set seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” 2 Corinthians 1:22-23

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Carried Along

Posted on February 22, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

The other morning I froze in my tracks while gathering the trash cans. Coming across the street not 15 feet away was a long sleek momma otter with a baby in her mouth!

It had been pouring rain for days so the creek by our house was really high. Apparently baby otters can easily be washed down stream causing mom to rush out and carry them back up the bank towards home.

I didn’t know we had river otters living so close… and as I contemplated this it dawned on me that my own babies have washed down stream a time or two.
A little later, my sweet sister-in-law echoed the thought perfectly in a text: “That’s what Mamas do…they go after their children when they’re in trouble.”

My children are grown now and I can’t always go after them as I would’ve years ago. It’s not practical or even healthy. But I can cover them in prayer and ask God to “carry them to safety” or at least “to their senses!”

What a beautiful picture the Lord gave in that moment, of Him carrying my babies to safety as if they were His only concern. It reminded me too that He has done the same for me.

What a loving God, even when we play on the edge doing things our way… and the strong current catches, carrying us off, He’s close behind ready to rescue and bring us back Home ❤️🙏🏼

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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How can I serve You?

Posted on February 21, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

This month my rambunctious 3rd graders are learning about serving in Sunday school. I’m not always sure how much their little hearts are gleaning… but for me, I’m challenged!

Why do I serve? Who is it I’m serving? Does it matter when and where I do it? What if it’s not a very big job? Or a famous person? Or a known ministry? Or something anyone else ever sees?

(1 Corinthians 10:31) So …whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.

How humbling to think that – daily – it’s God alone I’m really serving! No matter when or where or how or who’s involved- If I do it for His glory, it’s as if I am doing it directly for Him.

(Colossians 3:23, 24) Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people, because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ.

Writing a blog, cooking dinner, grocery shopping, babysitting, Biblestudy, cleaning the bathroom 😜 praying for my neighbor and family… all these services done unto the LORD are ultimately for His Glory 🙌🏽 When it’s for His glory, He is pleased.

(Romans 12:11-13) Do not lag in zeal, be enthusiastic in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, pursue hospitality.

 ForGlorySake! –Anna

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Far from perfect

Posted on February 12, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

I remember bringing our 1st baby home from the hospital and a dear friend told me, “Welcome to the wonderful world of guilt.” 😂 She was being funny of course, but she was also right, I did begin to feel guilty about nearly everything.

Whatever happened to go wrong with our little one, I felt somehow to-blame. Totally self imposed! And as we added more children and they grew bigger, so grew my guilt feelings.

6 kids have brought some big hairy deals! Going through parent-support with an outpatient  program, brought the biggest eye-opener. We learned The 3 Cs, repeated as a group: “I didn’t cause it, I can’t control it, I can not change it.” This statement brought me face to face with some deep rooted mom-guilt.

Then I thought of God… the perfect parent, with kids that are totally screwed up! He allowed free will for every child, knowing they were far from perfect. Each human reaches the age when they “know how to reject evil and choose what is good,” Isaiah 7:16… yet we all at some point choose evil. Ugh. My children also have made some poor personal choices and the older they became, the harder it is for me to protect them.

It dawned on me that ultimately this protecting job is His! Only He can change a heart, because only He is perfect. He isn’t afraid or befuddled or without resources. He certainly isn’t daunted or worried or riddled with guilt. He knows me. He knows my failings. He’s always had a plan and a purpose. Therefore nothing is hopeless!

All the more Glory for Him as our precious offspring find their way… and so, I asked forgiveness for my shortcomings, opened my hands and let go.

And that’s where I live – guilt-free.

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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