God's 11th Hour

Posted on August 12, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

It’s the answer to your many prayers, that long awaited decision, the rescue from disaster. It comes at the last second of the last possible day- “the 11th hour.”  Does God love the dramatic? Or is it more that by this time everyone can see clearly– it must be God.

I’m a firm believer in asking for help and then believing he will bring it. It’s the theme this month for my rambunctious 3rd grade Sunday school kids. Perfect timing…

James‬ ‭1:5-8‬ ‭“If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get His help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought.”

So I ask. But making big decisions with confidence is a scary thing. For the past month, I have not known what to do regarding David’s health. My prayer for days has been, “don’t let us screw this up” and then I’ve just had to move forward trusting God would intervene.

There have been moments of staff asking for decisions, and moments when waiting was all we could do. Frustratingly, all the answers haven’t come, and more than once Ive gone to sleep feeling lost, yet I can see God’s hand in so many ways. God is directed us through this strange illness, even while the team of doctors argue over what to do.

The weeks ahead appears uncertain. Jesus is out Light and our Hope. He makes the crooked paths straight and creates streams in the wilderness. We have asked and now I must hold on to the belief He will answer. At least by the 11th hour.

ForGlorySake! –Anna


Still at the hospital… heavy IV antibiotics are working. Too dangerous to operate.
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My Secret Place

Posted on August 9, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

I used to fear this whole sickness thing so much. Hospitals, doctors, tests, the unknown diagnosis… now I have proof, God always has the final say and nothing can stop His purpose.

I used to fear death… but I’ve seen it come to 2 saints (my parents) and although it wasn’t pretty, it was merciful.

I used to fear my children rebelling against God, stubbornly doing life their own way… yet I’ve watched God hound and protect them, and woo them back… wiser, stronger, whole-hearted followers.

These weren’t easy or painless lessons. They are treasures I value dearly. To see God BIGGER, to witness His power, and His strength in the midst – has been greater than any fear I had.

Sickness still seems unfair. “David’s already been through enough,” I whisper. “He’s already endured his share.”  Then I’m reminded, I AM the Potter and you are the clay. I use you differently than I use him… and each of your children, family, friends. Will the clay complain?

Ahhh, Your ways are higher. Your purpose greater. You are faithful. Ever-merciful. You know every hair, every thought, every cell. I am safe in Your shadow. You are my Secret Place.

Casting Crowns: “So when you’re on your knees and answers seem so far away. You’re not alone, stop holding on and just be held. Your world’s not falling apart, its falling into place. I’m on the throne, stop holding on and just be held.” –sigh

ForGlorySake! –Anna 



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An "Inner Parts" Story

Posted on August 8, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

In May 1967 my husband was born emergency c-section to his young mother of 19. With fresh news of her husband’s army unit “activated” for Vietnam, Debby finally went into labor. ONE MONTH overdue!

Something however, was terrible wrong. Debby was put under for an emergency C-section and her baby boy was whisked into surgery at an hour old. David was born with an Esophageal atresia (EA). The upper part of his esophagus disconnected with the lower  half leading to his stomach. He could not eat.

He also had the very rare deformity Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) – an abnormal connection between the upper part of the esophagus to the trachea (or windpipe). He could not swallow.

Surgery to correct had successfully been performed once in California that year. The acting physician that day at St Dominic’s Hospital (Jackson, Mississippi)…  just happened to have witnessed that remarkable surgery on a new born. He then performed the 2nd on David.

As God would have it, the added month spent in the womb saved his life. Unlike laser surgeries of today, this procedure involved full-torso incision and months with a feeding tube to his stomach. The long surgery with tiny lungs exposed, left him susceptible to pneumonia for years. 

He spent much of his childhood in an oxygen tent at home and endured repeat dilatation to stretch his esophagus. But with so little information available regarding this condition, his parents treated him as any other healthy child. Even today, he says he never “felt sickly.” 

It’s always amazing to look back and see the Hand of God! When no one was prepared… God had prepared a surgeon. When no one could’ve paid… the military covered the cost. When the family felt alone… the local news caught the story and every church in Jackson prayed. And when life seemed overwhelming to the young couple… deployment was called off! 

God did that! And He will do this too.

ForGlorySake! –Anna

 

“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalms‬ ‭139:13‬

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Never Upended

Posted on August 7, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

David’s feeling better did not last! Fever returned and pain increased. This time we drove to the closest ER, per his former surgeon. He said, “Don’t wait.” Right away, there was great concern and he was quickly admitted. A team of doctors appeared in our room that began to deliberate next steps. 

Multiple tests, scans and IV drips have led us to this moment- 8:19pm. This day – Friday. With my feet on this spot – Northside Hospital, beside my husband’s bed. What’s happening? Is there a point? I do love a point! But what is it? And why are we here again… now?

“Throw your burden upon the LORD, and He will sustain you. He will never allow the godly to be upended.”‭‭ Psalms‬ ‭55:22‬ ‭NET

June was bliss and romance, a long beach trip for our 30th anniversary. Life slowed down to daily reading and naps. Our children  joined us on vacation and we made some wonderful memories together.

Then July hit, full in the face with a busy work load and kids going in “16 directions” -as my mom used to say. Mid-month 3 of us survived a head-on collision. The day the mysterious pain started… the day of the apartment move. 

I’m not sure of the point… other than Jesus, always Jesus! He says Yes to me and I say Yes to Him every day. He has all God’s promises … which He passes on to me for His Father’s Glory! In sickness and in health – in good times or bad, He carries my burdens and sustains me.

I will stand firm in Christ.

“It is God Who enables me…  He has commissioned me… He has identified me as His own!  By placing the Holy Spirit in my heart as the – first installment that guarantees everything He has promised me.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:21-22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God is here, right now, “dear one, you will not be upended.” ❤️

ForGlorySake! –Anna



                                                         The lung floor has great nurses!
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Why Who Where How What?

Posted on August 4, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

Here I am sitting on our porch…- early morning, wondering why?

  • Why is my husband plagued with yet another trial of his health?
  • Who are we to see for the next step?
  • Where does God want us to go?
  • How did this happen?
  • What is going on?

Saturday, 3 weeks ago, David woke up with “catch” in his side, right on his ribs. One of those pains that can come from a workout. He stretched and took Naproxen and went on to help move our daughter out of one apartment and into another, closer to work.

That did not help matters. His pain increased to the point beyond any medication we had. Monday he was seen by our doctor. An X-ray confirmed no broken bones. Muscle relaxers were given, rest was prescribed. A week later however, he was no better. A trip to the  chiropractor helped. However, that night he became severely nauseated – for hours.

High fever, aches and the pain took us back to the doctor, who took another x-ray. Pneumonia was diagnosed and a couple of shots along with a strong antibiotic was prescribed. We were then sent for a CT – “STAT.”

After the scan, the technician came out and escorted us to the car! She showed great concern… but only told me to go quickly back the doctor’s office. I prayed as I drove. The doctor saw us right away explaining there was a large “undefinable mass” in the lower left lung. This had not been there 2 weeks ago. Options were: scar tissue from his infant-surgery (simply more visible on a CT scan), or worse… cancer. 😵

All the information was sent over to his colorectal surgeon in Birmingham, along with an email from me. As we drove home to wait I was trying to prepare myself for another mad dash to St. Vincents in Alabama. This is excruciating. What will come next? The good news is the antibiotic shots seemed to help immediately and David is actually feeling better.

Prayers appreciated!

ForGlorySake! –Anna


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Day 30 of Keto!

Posted on August 1, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

How do I like Keto? I’m loving it! 6 lbs down and feeling great. I’m into my “fat coffee” every morning which carries me until brunch around noon or 1. Then it’s game on to get ALL the nutrients and macros in that my body needs to function.

I have consumed between 1300-1500 calories a day, while staying with: 5% carbs, 20% protein, 75% fats. I eat about 2 meals along with great snacks and desserts that round out my day. With only 20 grams allotted- Carbs are Gold, I spend them carefully.

Veggies come 1st on my plate, then berries and nuts. I have not been hungry but honestly felt a little weak working-out during my “fasting period” (mornings, before 1st meal). Pure Creatine powder (no-stimulant added) has been a huge help. This also helps me retain water in my muscles.

Adjusting took time. There are specific nutrients you MUST take daily, such as potassium. A case of “fat-phobia” hit me at first when eating coconut oil, butter, and olive oil liberally! It seemed wrong, but I have to say It Works!  I’m healthy, satisfied and no more feeling snackish at night 👍🏼👍🏼

I love the studies showing how ketosis has helped patients with Epilepsy, Alzheimers,  and Type 2 Bi-polar. https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/mind-guest-blog/the-fat-fueled-brain-unnatural-or-advantageous/  

All in all its been a positive experiment and I’m giving it another 30 days. https://youtu.be/ODQmZKB98Qo

ForGlorySake! – Anna


My daily drink of vitamins & amino acids- all cheaper in powder form! Add stevia 👍🏼 

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Sickness Crisis! What I've learned…

Posted on July 30, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

Too many trips to the ER with family members and friends. Too many hospital bedside stays. Nowhere else in life have I experienced such closeness to God… and such distance.

From crisis, I’ve learned:

  • God is near whether I feel Him or not. I can always look back and see Him. The book of Esther is a great example.
  • Another’s pain is not my pain. I am called to serve, to pray, to support. But I cannot carry their pain alone. Breathe, trust and put them squarely in the Father’s hands. Only He can bare that overwhelming burden.
  • God doesn’t panic -ever. So I don’t need to. I can look for information, listen to reason, then trust the professionals, praying for God to guide them!!!
  • Doctors are only human – yet God, will work through them on our behalf. I can ignore bedside manner! It’s their skill I want. Rarely have I had to ask the LORD to remove any staff.
  • It’s in the waiting that we grow. Many, many times a health crisis leads to tests… that lead to more waiting for results. Never fun- but wrestling for peace in the waiting brings perseverence.
  • It won’t be wasted!!! When I ask God to use the crisis, He will. In more ways than can possibly be imagined today. It may take a long time, but it will bring glory!
  • Lastly, fasting, praying and asking others to pray with me makes a difference. Exactly why and how it does, I can’t explain. But James 5:14-15 says it does.

At some point everyone experiences these moments in their life or a loved one’s life. You’re not alone. God is there.

ForGlorySake! –Anna


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Qavah

Posted on July 26, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

I love to study the Bible! Reading commentaries and learning the meaning of Greek and Hebrew words only makes my study richer. Things I’ve read 100 times come alive with fresh meaning.

But the LORD, the God of hosts, the LORD is His name. Therefore turn to God; keep mercy and justice, and wait for God continually. Hosea 12:6-7 (Hebrew to English)

All the words in this verse have offered wonderful rabbit-trails, but the wait for God in particular grabbed my heart. Qavah means literally –people waiting expectantly for the LORD of angel armies to intervene on their behalf! We are to believe He will.

Total confidence that God will intervene comes from making sure I turn to Him and keep mercy and justice at the top of my list. In other words: do life the way God would want it done… completely loving.

  • Qavah on God for whatever seems unjust or unmerciful in the world today.
  • Qavah for Him to act on our behalf as I turn to Him with hope.
  • Qavah while I keep on being merciful and just to those around me.

The LORD of heaven and earth has a miriad of angels that serve Him, and He will intervene for me …at just the right moment. If I will only – qavah ❤️

ForGlorySake!- Anna

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Tactics of the enemy

Posted on July 21, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

Fear and discouragement seem to be the enemy’s tactic of choice. Irritatingly, they usually work. Sigh …”I’m afraid God won’t come through and something bad will happen.”  …”things like this always happen to me.” …” If I don’t fight, nothing will change.” 

Heard those before? Said them yourself? Sad to say, I have. The book of Nehemiah talks about opposition by enemies of Israel, discouraging them from doing God’s work. They caused fear with words and threats. Difficulty brings discouragement, which leads to fear. But the Jews trusted in the name of the LORD their God.

I fell for something similar yesterday and waisted too much time worrying, until I remembered, we are not to fear! Written over 360 times in Scripture. Believers, be encouraged, God is on the throne! All I need to do wait (qavah) expectantly pause for Him to intervene and work on my behalf. ❤️

One minute of prayer, with my husband cleared my head and the path forward. Just like that: peace, release, hope. Light dawned even though answers didn’t. I found trust to let the rest work out in His timing. God cheers all our successes. The enemy thrills at every loss – never understanding that our failures bring maturity, growth, wisdom and strength.

A second chance awaits me today, so I’m already praying to block those tactics…

ForGlorySake! –Anna


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A Willing Spirit

Posted on July 20, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

How I need the “joy of salvation restored” to me some days. To be reminded of: where I’ve come from and where I’m going, and all that Jesus has rescued us from, and the Heavenly home He has waiting.

“Create in a me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit with in me. Cast me not away from Your presence, O God, take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of  Your salvation! And renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10-12

One translation from the original Hebrew says: “Sustain me by giving me the Desire to obey!” – a willing spirit inside me. And right there lies the key. The key to real and lasting JOY that sustains – obeying.

For me, it’s all about trusting and submitting to my Father who first loved me and sent His only Son to die in my place. It’s about the only command Jesus left us with: Love GOD – then go, Love others with that love.

That enormous Love involves sincerity and Truth and loyalty to all Jesus taught. Hard stuff, yet He promised the Holy Spirit’s help with the burden. He understands it goes against my natural sway and gave an easy solution. Ask for help!

O LORD, give me a desire to be willing to love like You love… I need help to ask for help. Sometimes it’s so against my nature. But You have loved me with an Everlasting Love and I want to share that incredible Joy!

ForGlorySake! –Anna


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