Solve It and Move On

Posted on March 8, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

I love solutions. Answers to my questions. Quests that have an end… I don’t love continual search without conclusion or seeking and seeking leading only to more questions.

Yet God, leaves me in the quest sometimes. He allows the wait so I can stew and think and decide. Why am I ever so anxious for answers?

Who is in control after all? Who is sovereign over every day -every life -every event. Who is after my good and my growth? Who knows all and sees all? And counts every hair? Who holds time in His hand? Even the life of a sparrow?

Can it be the same God who loves me so much, that He sent His Son to die for me? The One who chose me before the foundation of the world? The One who holds all the answers to all my questions?

And as He withholds, allowing this waiting… I grow. My faith is tested bringing perseverance. Never easy. Not much fun, yet a wealth of character is promised in return. Maturity in Christ worth more than a quick solution and moving on. 

Teach me to rest in You, LORD, when the answers are few and the discovery is long coming. I know You could solve this quickly but time spent waiting is for my growth. Show me how to be still.

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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Aiming to Conquer

Posted on March 2, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

What is a conquerer? Dictionary says: one who is victorious, one who overcomes. “The one who conquers will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be my son.” Revelation 21:7 

What are we overcoming? “Everyone who is born of God is victorious and overcomes the world. And this is the victory… persistent faith in Jesus the son of God.” 1 John 5:5 

What does the world include? “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” 1 John 2:16

Are there rewards for conquering? “And to the one who conquers and who continues in My deeds until the end, I will give him authority over the nations.” Revelation 2:26

What are “these things” we will inherit?  “New Heaven, New Earth, New Jerusalem, God Himself dwelling with man, No tears, No death, No mourning, No crying, No pain, No former things, All things renewed, The Spring of the Water of Life… The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.” Revelation 21:1-7

And, how do I conquer? “And they overcame and conquered by the blood of the Lamb and by the of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life unto death.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭12:11‬ ‭

Thank God, Jesus prayed for me before being taken up:“Holy Father, protect them by Your name, the name You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one… I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one… Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth As You sent Me into the world, I have also sent them. John 11:11,15,17

Conquerer: Believing. Bold. Unafraid. Persistent to the end. 

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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Is Why Ok?

Posted on February 25, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

…Is it ok to ask: Why is this happening? Why isn’t God doing something about it? Why can’t I change it? Why does that other person’s life seem so much easier? Why me?

David and I are reading a book about trusting God. It’s led to discussions regarding asking God “why?” Searching through scripture has assured us, it’s OK. Mainly because Jesus said we can ask God anything -including why… just don’t get stuck there!

  1. God is ALWAYS working behind the scenes, especially where we can’t see. When our son was spiraling down and we finally realized drugs were to blame, God used an amazing rehab to draw him out and bring him back to a place where he could hear God’s call. God was behind all that was going on, working miracles we could not see.
  2.  He is ALWAYS after our growth and our good. Rest assured His plan of Glory is bigger! When we received David’s “cancer news” (years ago) God used every day and every hour to grow us and strengthen us as a family. The journey was very difficult and yet God did not waste anything, but used it all for His Glory and our good.
  3. He deals with each of us individually, so its unfair to compare lives. Even our daughter’s struggle through Lyme Disease has been exactly the catalyst she needed for healing in other areas of her heart. The time trying to fight it out on her own, the forced surrender for help, her willing surrender to God …has been a blessing to see! Our journeys appear different on the outside, yet His goal to make us useful is very similar.
  4. There is ALWAYS a point. Even now, our family has prayer requests that are unanswered. We remain full of questions, waiting to see answers. “Trust now and see later” seems to be a theme. Yet knowing that HE IS GOD AND THERE IS NO OTHER, sustains us.

So “why not me?” If You can get so much accomplished through these tough situation, I say, “Lord, Have Your way.”

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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What's New with Lyme?

Posted on February 14, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

February 2018- This week I am ecstatic! I mean really happy… praising God… jumping for joy! Sarah has applied to return to college and finish her degree. Woohoo 🙌🏽

August of 2016 -marked her withdrawal from the University of Georgia on medical leave (unknown illness at that time).

March 2017 (6 months later) -ended the madness of medical specialist, tests and random treatments… with a positive CDC diagnosis of chronic Lyme Disease and advanced mono.

October 2017 -she was deemed “too low to further treat with antibiotics.” Lyme is measured in bars and her’s had dropped from 7 to 2 (out of a possible 12). She has been allowed to try an experimental drug (off-label) showing some success with autoimmune diseases. Over one month she began to slowly come off her support meds (for dizziness and sleep, however nausea remains an issue). 

I remain hopeful that the worst is behind her. Sometimes she hopes with me. Whatever further healing comes – God gets all the credit!!! He has led and directed us time and time again. We have learned a lot, for sure. These long months make any rewards sweeter.  

My daughter has renewed her faith and trust in Jesus ❤️And that’s what I’ve prayed for the most.

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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Christian "karma"

Posted on February 10, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

There will always be difficult people to deal with in life. Angry, grumpy, frustrated or just mean. I must chose my attitude and words carefully, to defuse and not ignite further conflict. How I treat others holds weight in how they possibly will treat me. This is the principle of sowing and reaping. Galatians 6:7-10 NLT 

“Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.” verse 7 

Its not actually “karma,” this is something Jesus taught: how you judge, you will be judged – how you give, it will be given – treat others the way you want to be treated. In other words: what I do and say – matters. 

“Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.”  verse 8 

Planting love, joy, peace and patience  -makes a difference. Kindness (mercy), goodness, faithfulness and self-control always please God. Gracious behavior brings life to me and life to others.

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” verse 9 

When I choose to treat others with dignity, even in the face of harsh replies, I can trust God for good results. Graciously loving will bring a harvest of life!

Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” verse 10‬ ‬‬

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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I AM GOD & there is NO other 

Posted on February 7, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

I need it again. That reassuring. This and that seems so out of control!…  How silly to think I can ever control anything –  it’s always out of my control! Yet,God is always in control.

He is Master, Creator, Sustainer, Watcher, Protector, Healer, Listener, Knower, Re-Worker. I need reminding over and over, day to day: GOD is GOD and there is no other. 

Soul: Stop fretting. Stop freaking. Be still. Look up. Close your eyes. Breathe. Breathe again. Make a gratitude list. Praise Him for everything on it. Praise Him for listening. Praise Him for Jesus who cleansed us, so We can be received!

Mind: Take a minute. Take an hour. Listen. Journal. Sing. Focus on the long and wonderful witness called His Word. Read it. Listen to it. Soak it in. Receive the Life. Chew.

Will: It amazes me that truthful, clear thinking takes discipline and purpose. I must chose joy. I must chose real Hope. I must chose who to listen to. And then… I must chose again.

““But you are my witnesses, O Israel!” says the LORD. “You are my servant. You have been chosen to know Me, believe in Me, and understand that I alone AM GOD. There is no other GOD— there never has been, and there never will be.”“‭‭ Isaiah‬ ‭43:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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The Shift…

Posted on February 1, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

I felt it when I woke up this morning. It was there ever so slightly yesterday …or maybe the day before. It’s so subtle it’s hard to tell.

Lighter outside at 6:30, I’ve been hearing birds singing early. The day still has a chill, but the sun is brighter. I can see small changes in my yard. I sneezed a few times mid-afternoon and was reminded to take that tiny white tablet that slowly builds up in my system before the pollen accumulates and causes me big trouble.

It’s happening! Slowly, slowly. The birth of a new season. Only the beginnings. But here in the south it doesn’t take much. It won’t be many weeks before green things show and flowers bud.

It’s the way of God also. Just when all seems bleak and hopeless… joy comes. Quietly, softly, hearts begin to change. And then you see something different. Something new -that wasn’t there before.

He’s been working all along. Knitting behind the scene. Using everything. That’s His way! To reveal the miracles of new life and new growth. As I wait.

I will see life. A shift is coming!

ForGlorySake! –Anna 

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin.” Zech. 4:10
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Examining My Heart

Posted on January 27, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

King David asked God to test him and see if there was anything ungodly in him:
“Examine me, and probe my thoughts!  Test me, and know my (anxious) concerns!  See if there is any idolatrous tendency in me, and lead me in the reliable ancient path!” Psalms 139:23/24 NET

When I read this I think, “God already knows my anxious thoughts, and where I try to be boss. It’s me who needs to see clearly where I’m veering off His path! …What a scary prayer, “Lord, show me my idolatrous ways.”

Paul encouraged: “Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭13:5 ‭MSG‬‬

So I asked to see… and God was faithful to show. Three times last week my eyes opened to some ugly truth. 1 I heard what I wanted to hear, 2 I didn’t ask God what I should do about it, 3 I took charge and reacted. All were fairly subtle, but unnecessary chaos followed. 

Personal Inventory on a regular basis like having close friends and family to stay accountable to, is so helpful for me. When I find myself having to explain my words or actions, or even not wanting to the tell someone details of a specific situation… red-flags fly. I’m very thankful for these precious people to pray with.

“Therefore let the one who thinks he stands firm [immune to temptation, being overconfident and self-righteous], take care that he does not fall [into sin and condemnation].” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:12‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Thank You, Lord for helping me evaluate my heart. You always show if I’m following “the reliable ancient path.” I’m forever grateful for Your gentle correcting.

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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It only takes one…

Posted on January 21, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

“Now the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the Nile, and [she, together with] her maidens walked along the river’s bank; she saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid [to get it], and she brought it to her. When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby was crying. And she took pity on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.”” ‭‭EXODUS‬ ‭2:5-6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Who was this woman who raised Moses and defied a world-ruler’s order? Out of deep compassion she risked her life for a crying child. Adopting an outcast during her country’s genocide of male slaves? Just how did she think this was going to play out?

I can’t imagine what her “attendants” thought. Were they shocked, horrified, terrified? Did she think she could hide the baby among her family? Pass him off as her own? A daughter of Pharoah, she was only one of many children, of many wives belonging to a king worshipped as a god.

God used the compassion of one brave woman after another to save the life of baby Moses. The Hebrew mid-wives, his own mother, Pharoah’s daughter, and even Moses’ sister, Miriam played a part. Each took pity. Each made one choice… to protect a life, allowing it to simply continue.

And what a life it became! I pray God will honor every woman who has done something similar. The laying down of your own self (time, energy, money, dignity, plans, security…) in whatever way, for another human is a Glory to God! –the Creator of every precious soul. 

Thank you! You inspire me. And may God richly bless you during this January, Sanctity of Life Month.

ForGlorySake! -Anna 

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Comparing Originals

Posted on January 18, 2018 by For Glory Sake!

God is so incredibly creative! Every spot, every stripe on His animals is different. Each snowflake unique. Every human, one of a kind. So with all these differences – why, do we mercilessly compare ourselves to each other??

We have different gifts according to the grace given us. Romans 12:6

It doesn’t matter which area, too quickly I have judged myself  failure, then silently wallowed in defeat feeling sorry-for-myself. Why couldn’t I just be happy with who I was made to be? With the gifts God had given me?

God made me an original!

It’s true, someone else’s talents seem more amazing, more interesting. We usually envy whatever we are weakest in. How silly. That’s missing the most important point.

“Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you…” 1 Timothy 4:14

I squandered too much time trying to be what I wasn’t, realizing finally God had given me specific gifts – for His glory. What a JOY when I began to ask Him to help me develop, use and not waste those talents.

“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are One Body in Christ… Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them” Romans 4:5-6

More blessing followed when I began to thank God for all the gifts I saw and admired. He showed me that He’d bestowed such a variety in The Body of Christ for everyone’s benefit!

“to equip the saints for the work of ministry,… building up the body of Christ,… to the unity of the faith… the knowledge of Jesus, … mature manhood,… the fullness of Christ,” Ephesians 4: 12-13

We are each- personally designed, uniquely equipped for our time, in this place.

ForGlorySake! -Anna

There’s only one you!
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