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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Practice, Practice

Posted on November 19, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

Practice – “repeated performance or systematic exercise for the purpose of acquiring skill and proficiency.”

Plie’, tendu, degage’, rond-de-jambe... repetitive barre-work begins a ballerina’s day, every day as long as she dances. Practice is focused and purposeful; the honing of basic skills to show oneself approved.

This week Ephesians has been challenging me on what skills I am to practice for God:

“You must no longer live as non-believers, in futility of thinking ‭‭‭… greedy to practice every self-gratification.” Ephesians 4:17,19

‬ ‭‭‭No, I am to have a “renewed mind- putting on a righteous and holy self; created after the likeness of God.” Ephesians 4:23-24‬

“…with ALL humility and gentleness, patiently (!) letting NO unwholesome word come out of my mouth -ONLY what’s beneficial, FULL of grace… EVER Kind, compassionate, forgiving others, like God forgave me through Jesus” – Whew. Ephesians 4:29, 31‬ ‭& 32

Boy, that’s a lot to practice every day! If I’ve been saved by grace alone, why do I have go to such extreme efforts?

Because my behavior shows gratitude to God. And by “walking in love, like Jesus loved me and gave Himself up for me, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” I imitate Him. Ephesians 5:2‬

A‭ tall order no doubt. Thankfully He will help me practice.

“God is the One bringing forth in me both the desire and the effort – for His good pleasure.” Philippians‬ ‭2:13‬

‭
ForGlorySake! –Anna

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Nothing in Vain

Posted on November 9, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

Not cleaning a house
Or cooking a meal
Or visiting a friend
Or driving a child
Or paying bills
Or mending clothes
Or doing my job
Or serving a stranger
Or just getting up to do the next thing…

Nothing is “for nothing” when done for the LORD…

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” ‭‭1Corinthians‬ ‭15:58‬

‭It all becomes His work, when I do it for Him ❤️

ForGlorySake! – Anna


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Rejoice in the Face of Suffering?

Posted on November 8, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15

Those moments are hard. I found myself there yesterday just after we received news of my husband’s clear CT scan. I struggled over a public praise of God for such a miraculous healing, because I was strongly conscious of several friends still suffering, still hoping and still waiting for their answer.

I’ve been in their shoes. Other’s were celebrating, but from where I sat life looked bleak. When our child was in recovery it hurt to see his peers meet traditional milestones of success. I felt truly happy for them… but really sorry for us.

Would I have wanted their joy to stop?? No way! It gave me renewed hope just to hear the possible. Slowly I became aware that God was using this unusual path for some unique achievements and maturity. I could never have imagined all that have come from it.

This let me know rejoicing is ok, even when others are suffering. It may bring a moment of joy to those feeling hopeless. A friend (still in the hospital) reminded me of that today. I have cried for her and I will wait with her and in the midst we will rejoice over God’s miracles together…
because He is our God of Hope ❤️

ForGlorySake! – Anna



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Beyond Our Strength

Posted on November 5, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

Very interesting words pop up from Paul in the 2nd letter to the Corinthian believers:

“…we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of living.” 2 Corinthians 1:8

So many times I have heard folks say, “God won’t give you more than you can handle” – Baloney. He allows far more than we are capable of handling!

“Indeed we felt as if the sentence of death had been passed against us,” verse 9

But why does He let this happen?? Knowing the Corinthians would ask the same question, Paul stated,

“so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead.” ‭‭-verse 9‬ ‭
Wow! God is worth trusting because – He can deliver us -one way or another. For it’s He,

“who comforts us in all our troubles so that we may be able to comfort those experiencing any trouble with the same comfort which we ourselves are comforted by God.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:4

‬Basically: “tell others your experience.” When we share the comfort we have felt during any suffering, it allows others to seek out and experience what God sent us and find hope in our story. It’s the ultimate encouragement.

“…join in helping by prayer, so that many people may give thanks to God … for the gracious gift given… through the help of many.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:11‬

And when we allow our fellow believers to participate in praying for our needs, we also give them the glorious opportunity of rejoicing when the answer comes. Let them participate for His glory.

Today may be the day to give a testimony of what God has done for you!

 ForGlorySake! –Anna



Photo by TJE

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Morning Marvels

Posted on November 2, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

I was looking at the photo over our mantle today. Happy faces on a 4th of July evening: 3 graduates, 2 in high school, and 1 in middle school, my parents still alive and life in full-swing!

So many changes have happened since then. I made a quick list of all the difficulties God has seen us through. Most small, some huge! I’m recalling not to feel pitiful, but to praise and thank Him for His divine intervention and help. It’s a marvel!

Always hard to see, in the moment how dilemmas will turn out. When there’s a problem, its a big deal until the solution comes. I remember worrying over my car’s transmission…  2 children needing their wisdom teeth out… a dryer that died and an air-conditioner too… So many things over the years that disrupted our lives suddenly, but soon passed. God provided. Time marched on. Memories of distress faded.  New ones appeared.

When I look back, I see God always showed us a way through or a way around. He was there everyday, through every problem. Feast or famine, grief or celebration, giving me the strength and perspective I needed.

Whatever today holds, will just be another chapter in an old book of His faithfulness. The same yesterday, today and forever… I have nothing to fear! Only excitement for what’s ahead and all He will do through us ❤️

Never leaving or forsaking us – now that’s a marvel.

ForGlorySake! –Anna


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Always

Posted on October 24, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

Always God’s focus                                                                                                                                        is on the individual,
on the one heart
the one life.

again & again
His Will -will be done
His Plan can not fail,
because of what Jesus did.

You…
Me…
no matter the threat,
no matter the enemy’s form.

God sees, hears                                                                                                                                               & knows us,
those who are His
those who will be.

Nothing escapes Him
everything is under His scrutiny.
Know this
and remain at peace.

In the midst…
faithful forever to His children,
our GOD.

ForGlorySake! -Anna

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Justice & Mercy

Posted on October 22, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

Maybe in your house no child has wavered in their faith. No one has walked the road of a prodigal. There was never a blatant stand taken- opposing to God and His standards. I can’t claim that and it’s left me wondering many times… how does God want me to respond?

God is perfect in His balance of  justice & mercy. He has the advantage of seeing all the  motivations of a heart. He views each life, from beginning to end. And always judges rightly. I don’t have this vision or perspective. Yet am called to live by faith and love unconditionally.

How?

“Have mercy on those who waver; save others by snatching them out of the fire; have mercy on others, coupled with a fear of God, hating even the clothes stained by the flesh. Jude 1:22-23 

For me, it’s a constant evaluation of words and actions. I can not control my grown children’s behavior. I can only control my reactions. Desperate not to hinder God’s work in their lives, I pray a lot and watch for that great teacher: natural consequences.

Too much justice – I will ruin the relationship.

Too much mercy – I offer no Truth.

Mercy feels more loving, yet love is not real love without truthful fear of God. Therefore I’m real-life working out my salvation with fear and trembling. I don’t have all the answers, so I pray to err on the side of grace and stay humble. After all, God has been so gracious to me.  

He promises to be faithful with whatever I entrust to Him and to  finish what He started! I know that His justice & mercy will be perfect even when mine are not.

“Thank You Father for knowing how to straighten our crooked paths. You are our Rock, the One ever-present in trouble. Guide us as we parent – in Jesus’ name.”

ForGlorySake! –Anna


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Every opportunity!

Posted on October 15, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

I have been so inspired by the people of Italy, especially those along the coast. They don’t have any flat land, so they create it. Cutting right into their hillside, using every square inch. Nothing waisted!

Seeking maximum potential:

From tiny efficiency apartments, to sheer hillside gardens, much creative thought is put into use of space. And nearly household cultivated something. I was surprised to see on a few feet of dirt: grape vines or lemons, grapefruits, eggplants, tomatoes growing. The wine from these small patches was wonderful. So much pride and generosity!

It isn’t what they were able to pack into the tiny houses or yards – as much as they found a way to do it. No matter how seemly improbable. It made me want to be more industrious and more creative with what God has given me: my time, words, faith, love. 

God has been so very gracious to me. He has given His Good News of salvation. I want to share what I have with others. I want to invest in them like He’s so patiently invested in me. I’m heading home soon feeling inspired to cultivate my own little field of opportunities. ❤️

“‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!” Matthew 25:21

ForGlorySake! – Anna


Terrace gardening, Amalfi Coast, Italy.

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Tid bits…

Posted on October 9, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

Traveling in Italy has been a learning experience! It’s all very different from home in the US but a good eye-opener as to how others people live in the world.



For the most part: THIS is a dryer! Washers are very small. Clothes are worn more than once.



The smaller toilet on the left is for washing anything soiled after toilet use 😉 Just sit and rinse. The nossle twists up or down as needed. Hand soap and towels are close by.



Showers can be creatively small, like this little telephone booth.



Recycling is VERY important (even on the streets)! I constantly check labels to see what goes where.



Windows open both from the top and from the side. The handle direction allows for maneuvering. There are NO screens.



Coffee pots look more like this than a “Mr Coffee”… I traveled with Starbucks “Via” just incase there were no grounds.

                                   Exteriors deceive! Inside we’ve found apartments to be smart and modern, efficient space-savers with all the comforts of life.



Most important (in my opinion) was bringing comfortable shoes! Take a 6 or 7 mile test-walk on rocks before deciding what to pack.

Fall has been a great time to travel since air & heat -are available, but regulated. I brought a tiny noise machine that helped muffle the car honking and church bells… Don’t forget your umbrella!

ForGlorySake! – Anna

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