Signs & Wonders

Posted on November 10, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

3 times in the last few days God sent me a message loud and clear, “I’m here, I see what’s happening and I love you.” Wow, what comfort, what treasure… and just what I needed before I even asked.

The 1st came when I popped a tire, ending up on the side of a busy highway. My car’s tires are odd in that any replacement must be mounted on the current rim. So, as I stayed with my tireless  jacked-up car, my hero-husband ran to get it fixed. meanwhile many concerned drivers stopped to ask if I needed help. Some actually parked and walked over to talk, even police. I’m was delighted to see so many caring and thoughtful motorists around here aren’t angry or rude.

The 2nd was more dramatic. While cooking dinner, my first 3 fingers accidentally dipped into boiling bacon grease -Yikes! I quickly rinsed them in cool water and waited for the blisters. Nothing happened! NO REDNESS! NO PAIN! Unbelievable. I dried them off, thanked God for such mercy, then finished making dinner.

The 3rd happened today while I was picking out a frozen turkey for Thanksgiving. A sweet lady about my mom’s age (if she were alive), offered some suggestions and helpful advice. Her input meant so much to me. I told her how she made me miss my mom. She laughed and moved on, but I knew God had sent her.

He’s always watching. Always aware of what’s going on. I love looking out for His daily interventions; those little gifts sent my way that say, “I’m here, I see what’s happening and I love you.”

ForGlorySake! -Anna

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Dys-function-al

Posted on November 3, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

A sweet older woman complimented me recently on our large family saying, “It’s so nice to see a family that’s not dysfunctional these days.”  I nearly burst out laughing because we are definitely dysfunctional and are no way the model family by most standards. I won’t list all our failings but, our 2 best things may be: sticking together and loving each other through all the mess.

All we like sheep…
I looked up dysfunctional and it said, “Not performing normally, having a malfunctioning element, behaving outside of what is normal in human society.” That’s pretty vague. What’s normal? Where’s the standard or moral basis being used? Each syllable helped me get a bigger picture.

Dys – means ill or bad. Yet God considered each of us worthy enough to pay the price of His Son’s life for our salvation. That’s Value to be respected and remembered. God says we have worth!

Func/tion – is the purpose for which something is designed. Family is meant to be a unit. A haven and safe zone from the outside world. Its a place to question and debate. It’s where we first learn to love our neighbor. If you can learn to love your sibling, you can love anyone! 

Al – is having the character of. We humans are really good at making messes. Sometimes we create such a disaster we can’t fix it, but there is One who brings order out of chaos and beauty from ashes. He is never overwhelmed or at a loss. He does not despise small beginnings, He always encourages “little” faith.

So maybe we are dysfunctional – but God continues to shake us down, heat us up and overturn the disasters of our lives, showing us again and again He is faithful! He’s not blind to our mess, but He’s not deterred by it either… He challenges it, and uses it…

ForGlorySake! -Anna 

A cord of 3 isn’t easily broken
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Possibilities

Posted on November 2, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

Possibilities, such a wonderful word! It seems so fresh and full of breath, it always brings me hope to remember that with God all things are possible. Jesus promises, in Him I have abundant life. Sometimes when I compare that promise to what’s happening around me… I realize I desperately need hope in the equation.

Trials + Hope = possibilities 
In an instant life can change and there-in lies hope.  In some of my darkest hours, God has brought incredible blessing. He can make anything work out for good. I don’t have to fear that my worst case scenario will play out. God is sovereignly in charge. He’s got my back! 

nothing is impossible…
The Hope of Jesus is that His death defeated the horrid outcome of sin over my eternity. His victory bought me Abundant Life – always full of possibilities! What are God’s possibilities for you personally? I can promise you: more than you have ever asked for or thought of. When you’ve given Him control, this is a given. Simply a gift. How amazing!

If you’re still breathing, the game isn’t over. Have Hope.

Show us today, LORD, Your possibilities. For ourself… for our families… for our loved ones… Thank You for everything – every trial and heart-ache that draws us to abundant life in You . 

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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Persistence 

Posted on October 14, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

We have this bird… that’s rather annoying. He’s been tapping on an outside window for over a WEEK. He shows up at daybreak and begins his daily vigil of jumping up and pecking the glass with feet splayed.

It was funny at first. Now I’d do anything to help him reach his goal and move on! We’ve offered birdseed near by (ignored), taped photos on the inside of the glass to scare him (simply moved over), set the cat to watch (he moved higher). The kids finally offered to let him in…

One thing I will say, he is persistent! So much so that I’m reminded of a parable that Jesus told. The one of the widow seeking justice from an unrighteousness judge. Her daily persistence over her issues finally brought action and mercy: 

“And will not God give justice to His elect, who cry to Him day and night? Will He delay long over them? I tell you, He will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find [that kind of persistent] faith on earth?” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭18:7-8‬ ‭

When I cry out to God to right wrongs, bring loved ones close to His heart, shine truth and light where there is only darkness and evil…. I am, like the widow, seeking justice- but from a Righteous Judge. And He will work on my behalf.

God loves persistent faith and He is always faithful in response. ❤️

ForGlorySake! –Anna​

Crazy bird
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A Running Anniversary

Posted on September 29, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

Most of my life I knew only ballet. Stopping and birthing children for 10 years took a toll, so at 35, I decided to try running. Alternating a run/walk combo from one mailbox to the next was all I could physically manage. The goal being to rid my body of baby-weight. It took me 2 years before I could comfortably jog our neighborhood’s hilly 2 miles.

Since then I’ve averaged 3-4 miles at least 3x a week, with an occasional 6 or 8 thrown in. There’s nothing like the feeling of free and alone, reaching that runner’s high. Like a toddler with a nap, I can tell if I’ve gotten my run out.

I’m not very completive any more so I don’t do races. Porta-potty phobia keeps me close to home. I just love any mornings outside under the sky. This is where I talk to God, and wait to hear from Him. Blogs form and many times tears blur my vision. With my red face… I’m quite the sight!

After 15 years, running has become addicting, comforting, peace-bringing. A real stress reliever in stressful times! Not for everyone I realize, but a good source of endorphins none the less.

“For by You I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭18:29.  It wasn’t as impossible as I had imagined. With God’s help I have advanced and defeated my opposition! Happy Anniversary…

ForGlorySake! –Anna

a run with a view
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Waiting -until you want to scream!

Posted on September 27, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

Asking God for something, or someone… some action on this situation …please!!! Waiting to see the needle move in a positive direction or any ray of hope can be such a drain. Been there? Me too! Ahhhh. Yes, I get frustrated. Yes, I feel some days I could scream.

No matter the need, holding on is never easy. Even though I’ve read how the Old Testament prophets waited a lifetime for God’s words to come true. They believed though they did not see, and trusted God to bring it all to pass. To me months have felt excruciating and years endless! How much longer, LORD?

Personal encouragement came today as I was running through my neighborhood, praying. A yard sign read: “This Could Be The One.” …”What does that mean, Lord?” …”This could be The Day, Anna! This could be The Day they open their eyes and see My salvation, find My freedom – for themselves! So don’t lose hope, rejoice and be glad because I have made it.”

Wow. I stopped and quietly cried. What a beautiful promise to remember. There is always hope – today could be the one! Either way,He thought of, planned out and created this very day to show someone, any and all willing the shear joy of communing with Him.

In many ways, God waits with me, especially in matters of the heart and will. He longs with me to see change. His desire is for us to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus. God definitely wins the prize on waiting the longest! What an amazing Father we have ❤️

“This is from the LORD and is His doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. This [day in which God has saved me] is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”‭‭ PSALM‬ ‭118:23-24‬ ‭

ForGlorySake! –Anna

Hope!
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God Answers!

Posted on September 17, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

Get ready, because God will answer you! In the 39 years I’ve been walking with Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I’ve asked for countless things… requests of all kinds. And I can tell you- He answers.

I bet you’ve heard someone say, “There are 3 responses God gives: ‘Yes, No and wait.'”  True, but it goes deeper than that. God has never just left me hanging for long. He has always encouraged me to continue hoping and seeking and praying. Truth is, I am not wise enough to know specifically how to pray, so as Romans 8:26 promises: the Spirit intercedes for me. 

Knowing this, I always begin by thanking God for His answer. This is why prayer takes faith. I call believing He’s listening, then I trust Him for the answers to come… in His most amazing timing and profound ways. 

This weekend was an example – I watched our added son stand at the head of the isle and wait for his beautiful bride to walk down front. I was completely overwhelmed by all that God has done! So many prayers answered. Yet, they were not answered when I wished or as I thought. They were however all fulfilled beyond my imagination.

God’s ways are not our ways (thank You, Jesus), His thoughts are not our thoughts (Yay, Holy Spirit). They were far better, far bigger and far more perfectly timed. Glorious, joyful, abundant Life! His way for mine?? Oh yes, I’ll take any day.

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:26‬ ‭

ForGlorySake!- Anna

  • Another blessed wedding

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Choosing Joy

Posted on September 6, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

Choices come in all shapes and sizes, even colors. Daily I choose items, activities, clothing, and food. It’s a constant determination to make each choice good. Unfortunately this can vary according to how tired I am.

Making something a habit helps me.

Like attitude. Many times I blame hormones or other people, yet my attitudes and my reactions are my choice. I’ve found choosing Joy first, greatly helps me set the stage. It’s where I have to begin each day. 

Waking up, generates a to–do list. I try to push this aside for 2 seconds and make a gratitude list instead. Everything I’m thankful for. That starts a pattern that sets my day. Rain or shine, sleet or snow, busy or vacation. Right there, I confront this battle to chose: thankful or discontent?

The benefit is Joy! I can honestly smile and sing in the midst of whatever. The Joy that God gives me covers toothpaste to salvation, it’s the undercurrent of my life. There will always be plenty of mess, heartache, stress and storm, yet Joy remains because I choose it, look for it… and God is faithful (even in the midst) to provide it.

ForGlorySake! –Anna

Choosing Joy!
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He Calls…

Posted on August 13, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

It’s still dark and I feel a nudge, but everyone is asleep. I listen and feel my blood pumping. It’s Him. He wants to meet with me. I quietly get up, taking my phone and glasses (can’t forget those), tiptoe down the stairs and out onto the porch. I love the early morning. Still and quiet, just the birds. I tell Him, “I’m here” and wonder what He will reveal today. Think of it -GOD, Creator, Sustainer of Life -wants to sit with me!? It never ceases to amaze and I can not resist the call; the urge to come and see a little more of Who He is…

“Call to Me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”‭‭- God Jeremiah‬ ‭33:3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

I love my phone with Bible Apps galore -in every version, every language… Commentaries, sermons and explanations at the click of a button! Truly the coolest thing I have ever owned. Even the Bible Knowledge Commentary (2 huge volumes too heavy and cumbersome to carry around) now on my phone for easy access.
Every time, every day, God reveals truth tailor-made for me, if I will stop, read and wait.

He’s been so willing as I’ve make myself the same. How awesome is that?
Today He says, “I will give them one heart and One Way, that they may fear Me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of Me in their hearts, that they may not turn from Me.”  ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭32:39-40‬ ‭ESV

Jesus is the “One Way,” and God blesses my children through my faith in Him, He offers His covenant to both me and my descendants, and it is God Who initiates the fear/reverence of Him in our hearts.

Oh the depth of the riches of the knowledge of God. His love is deep and wide and I can’t come to the end of it, but I’m willing to try. Daily, waiting on Him as He calls.

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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The Prayer Connection

Posted on August 10, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

I’ve known people who can pray for entire countries and continents! That amazes me. I feel overwhelmed thinking past my family and friends. It may seem silly, but I get lost over too many people at one time! In the airport I tried to pray for “all the travelers”…. then my eyes focused on one individual, ( tired mom with 3 kids) and I was off -praying for her struggles and concerns.

Maybe I’m a personal-connection prayer warrior. Have you felt like that? It’s people you know that grab your heart? There’s a sense of relating that makes an issue real? This past year I began praying for the drug task-force in our county, but it wasn’t until I thought through what they were up against and how it impacted those I love… that a flood of emotion and passion came. Words just flowed.

To me, prayer is all about connection. It connects me to God over what matters to me and what I hope matters to Him. So I ask, “where do You want me to pray?” – always looking to broaden my scope. Recently my husband and I walked and prayed through an area of the city where our son lives. In his building, on the college campus, and surrounding streets… it was cool to see God open my eyes and my heart to the souls there.

I must say, God understands me. He gets that I need to see individuals and feel for their situation. Bit by bit I’m drawn out of my world and into theirs. He knows this is how I pray best. God ultimately holds the greatest desire for connection. It’s pretty cool that He lets us take a part with Him through prayer.

LORD, teach us to connect with others so that we can better give our hearts in prayer to You.

ForGlorySake! – Anna

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