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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Trust, Trust, Trust

Posted on August 1, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

50 years old and still the same lesson… “Will you trust Me?” I wonder some days if it will ever come to me simply and easily? At least now, I recognize the struggle before it completely overwhelms. 

Daily there are things that come across my path, things I can’t fix, can’t resolve, can’t pray away. Still, I do pray …and seek His promises for guidance …and lay the concern down again and again… and again.

Then of course, there’s waiting and hoping mixed with bouts of frustration that bring me back to the questions: Ok, who’s in charge? (God). Is He listening? (Yes, always). So, will I trust Him? (Of course….) but, but, but…

Intellectually – I know He is sovereign. Willfully – I’ve already decided to follow Him. Still emotionally – I wrestle with the peace in the waiting.

And revelation of revelations: I see that It’s in the wrestling, I grown stronger. Within that battle of what I see verses what I know to be true, my spiritual faith-muscles mature. 

Like a terrific workout God uses this for my completion. James 1: 1-4

Thank You, LORD, for the wrestling. A good workout. Thank You for never losing hope that my failings can be matured. What a wondrous God You are!

ForGlorySake! – Anna

Grow big. Grow strong
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Grace like an Ocean…

Posted on June 13, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

Deeper than I can measure…
Farther than I can see to its end…
Powerful, unpredictable, all-consuming, overwhelming…

This is God’s Grace. How far does it reach? To what lengths will it go? Exactly what will it cover? … and, How many times? I’ve been searching and seeking through scripture and keep coming to the same question: “What did Christ’s death accomplish?”

Everything! It covered everything. All sin. That is- everyone’s for all time. 
I can not find a limitation spoken anywhere. I can not reach a different conclusion: Jesus’ death covered it all! And this covering has been offered, a total gift to anyone who wants it. That’s incredible.

Grace. So amazing, so overwhelming, so complete in every way. Again and again. Mine for the taking. For anyone’s taking.

So, can we “use” it? Or “cheapen” it? Can such a sacrifice ever be lessened?   Even by an attitude: to do as you please? I can’t imagine that would last very long. What God planned and achieved is beyond Extraordinary, far more than anything a mere  human could ever soften. It’s Eternal. Harm His grace? No, we only fail to learn what it truly is.

This IS the Good News! We don’t change God, He changes us.

“…but You are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving kindness, for You did not forsake them.” Nehemiah 9:17b

How true. He sent Jesus❤️ 

ForGlorySake! – Anna

Grace, bigger than the sea itself…
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Beautiful Ugly

Posted on June 9, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

What is true beauty? Flawless perfection? Honest truth? Beloved memories? The Bible reminds us good-looks are only short lived… although Abraham’s wife seemed to hold hers a long time! The fear of God is forever gorgeous.

The older I get, the more I’m banking on that one! 

My husband showed up at a time in my life when I was literally plagued with “the uglies.” He was completely baffled by my desperate grasps at a sickly beauty. His admiration of God’s handiwork in me, made me ashamed of my vain disregard. 

Over the years he further opened my eyes to appreciation of scars, tiny wrinkles, and those few grey hairs. They’re “God-markers” of intervention, provision, even reward. They show we were indeed created in our Savior… Ephesians 2:10

On one of my resent morning excursions, I passed a windy, wet, wild side of this island we visit. The cliffs had strange holes and shapes telling a story of years and years of wear and tear. 
Savage beauty of a hard substance beaten and buffeted by water and wind.

We all become become worn and weathered. Yet those results seen through grace can be beautiful. Each little mark tells a story of God’s loving care… especially around the eyes from laughing and crying.

That’s true beauty

ForGlorySake! –Anna

Savage Beauty
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Seed Sprouting

Posted on June 5, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

For me, vacation and running go hand in hand. I love being outside and seeing the sights and talking to God. I’m always amazed how repetition of anything brings increased ease. Before long I’m going farther… faster.

Any good habits like eating well, reading (especially my Bible), writing, painting, choosing my words… increase an appetite as I feed them. Neglected, they just shrivel up.

My husband and I consider our relationship “good and close.” For 28 years we’ve felt connected, yet the dailiness of life can put us in a rut. Carving out time alone is eye-opening. The focus of one on one attention immediately rekindles old sparks.

I think God must really enjoying inspiring and rejuvenating His kids; proving Himself yet again through sowing and reaping.

All this encouraging me to live with purpose – seek a better way, His way – think before I speak – offer all I do for His Glory – ask moment by moment for direction to best use my energies.

Because I believe: what I feed today will grow tomorrow. And, whatever I’m growing will be weighed and judged someday.

What are you sprouting?

ForGlorySake! –Anna
 

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Promises!

Posted on May 11, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

All through the scriptures God shows His heart in the promises recorded. ❤️Treasure to be dug, they are sweet fruit for the hungry, medicine for the suffering, refreshment for the weary. Taste and see some of my favorites:

“If you belong to Christ then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:29 niv

“For all the promises of God find their YES in Jesus. That is why it is through Him we utter AMEN to God for His Glory.” 2 Corinthians 1:20 esv

“For thus says the LORD:  I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children.” Isaiah 49:25 esv

“What You bless, O LORD stays blessed forever!“ 1 Chronicles 17:27 amp

“Those who wait for the LORD shall not be put to shame“ Isaiah 49:23 esv

“…God does not just sweep life away, instead HE devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from Him.” 2 Samuel 14:14 esv

“I will round up your children, I want them back (whom I created for My Glory) yes, personally formed and made each one.” Isaiah 43:5-7 amp

“Jesus said….Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. And once that person is with me, I hold on and don’t let go.” ‭John‬ ‭6:37 ‭msg‬‬

 “… I am [actively] watching over My Word to fulfill it.”” Jeremiah‬ ‭1:12‬ amp‬‬

‭‭“obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of souls.” 1 Peter‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭nasb

“Abraham – was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever HE promises.” Romans‬ ‭4:20-21‬ ‭nlt

‭‭“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” Romans‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭nlt

Be blessed!

ForGlorySake! –Anna
 

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The Lyme Disease Roller Coaster

Posted on April 29, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

So to update on Sarah…

Since March 14th- she keeps on! Keeps on getting up to go work even with intermittent headaches and dizziness. Keeps on taking the medications prescribed and keeps on hoping for relief. Any change seems positive.

Rounds of antibiotics are supposedly breaking up the embedded borrelia bacteria in her body. Toxins (cytokines) release and her system struggles to fight the inflammatory response. Sometimes terrible.

Weird reactions take place: body tremors that last for hours, headaches that come and go, sharp kidney pain, sleeplessness and the ever-present dizziness that brings nausea.

We’ve read mixed reviews on how long this will continue. Generally agreed upon is that “treatments cause temporary worsening of symptoms.“ Words like change and fight and temporary hold hope.

Recently Sarah was able to eat all kinds of fruit she’s been mysteriously allergic to (lips/tongue swelling) since suddenly in 2015! Her double-vision cleared around the same 24 hours! Each relief is a gift from God and we gladly give Him all the Glory.

What a ride, what a crazy, crazy ride this has been. Thank you for all the prayers ❤️❤️❤️

ForGlorySake! -Anna

We make the best of it 🙂

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Daughters

Posted on April 27, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

Precious bundles handed to me in pink blankets, cute outfits, hair bows, tea parties, dolls and dress up. That’s what I think of.

Somewhere in there are tantrums, drama, fussing and whining, but even so the memories are sweet and I laugh to myself.

With 2 teenager daughters and a 3rd approaching 23, I feel the time moving so fast. My mom used to say, “Before you know it they’re gone.”  Somehow I’ve managed to keep ours around. Still, it does whoosh by.

Moments are precious and secrets even more. How blessed I feel when one confides in me… like a friend. Oh, my heart!

“Lord, help me be true and safe with their words. Help me remember details of who said what and be remembered for wise encouraging guidance. How I pray they find their worth in only You!”

Daughters are treasures, pearls of great price… and what a cost! May I count their true value and pass it on. Bless them, keep them, fill them with the Joy of Your salvation.

“With joy, (my dears) you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”‭‭ Isaiah‬ ‭12:3‬‭


ForGlorySake! –Anna

Sarah, Rebekah, me & Bethany
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Who I am

Posted on April 19, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

I am treasured. I am chosen. I belong.

“For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭7:6‬ ‭

How wonderful to wake up and realize before my feet hit the ground: God is good and He created things for me to walk in today. He means good for me and He means for me to share His goodness with others.

No matter the place (at home, at a hospital, traveling…) God is there. He sees me and He knows all about me. He watches while I sleep and waits for me to wake and come to Him. He promises something from His hand, each morning, treasures and wisdom if I will only seek it out.

Nothing masters me when I stay at His feet, my full attention on Him and His Word. It is before God alone that I stand or fall and I stand because He holds me up! Romans 14:4. He wants me to succeed in my quest to discover what pleases Him.

I’ve been adopted as I am, yet He won’t leave me that way. He has enormous plans. He sees a hopeful future of total maturity. Yes, we come just as we are… but not to stay that way. We grow in Christ. Leaving old patterns behind and stretching toward Christ-like-ness.

I am a new creation, free from the bonds of sin. I am no longer labeled by my sin, my identity is in Christ. I’ve been crucified (dead and buried) with Christ and it is not longer I who live, but Christ Resurrected, lives in me!

This is who I am. A better than imagined me. His treasured possession ❤️

ForGlorySake- Anna 

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Hunger

Posted on April 17, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

Hunger- no not because of my diet. Although I will say eating less takes effort …and more water and gum! Several times I’ve wandered to the pantry to see what’s there, stared blankly and realized whatever I thought I was looking for wouldn’t satisfy. I wasn’t even actually hungry, I just needed activity!

Sometimes I’m not sure what I need from God either, I just know I NEED (!) and He fills in the blank. He is there to meet all my needs, known and unknown. When my spirit is disturbed (for instance) for my loved ones and I don’t know how to pray -He does.

When I cry out, He hears me and shows me promises in both the old and New Testament – promises for “His children” -descendants, grafted in, given the promises of Abraham as adopted children through His Son, because ALL the promises of God find their YES in Jesus! 2 Cor. 1:20

Hunger- true hunger leads us to the One and only Who is, Who was, and Who is to come.
Hunger for God, hunger for His Word, hunger for His promises. Yes, you will be filled! He will break down the strongholds before you, He will give you treasures that come specifically in darkness, spiritual riches hidden in secret places -so that you, dear one, may know that HE IS GOD!

Gum and water can be added … or not 😉

“I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, I will give you the treasures of darkness and the riches stored in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭45:2-3

ForGlorySake! -Anna  

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