Anxious Thoughts

Posted on April 5, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

Oh how I can stress… worry, fret and think on things round and round. Seems some parts of the month are easy and joyful while others are harder and way more exhausting. Hormones?

“When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comforts delight me.” Psalm 94:19

God IS wonderful, Jesus IS awesome, and life IS full of His grace & redemption… but hard situations can present and don’t resolve quickly. Sin brings pain to everyone! Our enemy comes to kill and destroy. How do we hold on to JOY through the wrestling and waiting? 

I ASK FOR IT – Today, tomorrow and the next. Then I seek out things that are: true, honorable, worthy of respect, right, confirmed by God’s word, pure, wholesome, lovely, bringing peace, admirable, of good repute; anything of excellence, anything worthy of praise! Philippians 4:8 

It takes effort. I must continually think on such things (center my mind on them, implant them in my heart). There goes most of Netflix! Repetition breeds habit. What is fed will grow. Setting my mind on the things above seems to lesson all the heaviness of life on earth. It doesn’t erase it, but hope comes easier. I can breathe.

God will always show us the way when we ask. I find I really have to seek for it. Choose it – like a purpose of focus IF I truly want His JOY today. That’s when He will delight me out of anxiety.

ForGlorySake! –Anna 

my donkey friend

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Diagnosis

Posted on March 14, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

After 15 months, countless doctors (because we did not keep records of all the urgent care visits) and medical bills ( s0 many bills)… our daughter FINALLY has received a diagnosis through an Emergency Clinic for her daunting list of symptoms and weird unexplained illness late 2015:

Chronic Lyme Disease and advanced Mono!

15 months! Can you imagine? The treatment is doable- heavy antibiotics. We are praying for a good response and no residual damage after such a long time with these rampant bacterias. And all from a teeny tiny deer-tick. Smaller than a grain of rice. Mercy.

Why so hard to diagnose? Why so long? Why so many specialists that never checked for an autoimmune disease? I think everyone was distracted by eye-sight disturbances and vertigo… and she never showed the typical “bulls-eye rash” when bitten. The only all-over body rash she had was in 6/2014 during a trip as camp counselor in Hawaii. Interestingly, the Mayo Clinic, November 2016 just linked eyesight issues with Lyme Disease. 

So is this part of God’s good plan for our daughter? Can I trust Him with what comes next? She’s struggling, but for me, I can because of all He has done in the past. I have seen Him work miracles. He’s carried us through darkness before, and from that darkness given  treasure. I choose to trust Him again. He is my Hope, my Strength, my Life. 

“I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭45:3‬ ‭

ForGlorySake! –Anna

My baby girl
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Growth in 2017

Posted on March 6, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

I can’t say this year started smoothly. None the less it’s been good. Growth- even painful growth is always good. Several transitions with our big kids have brought upheaval. This was necessary… this was right, but not easy. And I so much like easy, however that’s not always God’s way. He keeps stretching me and changing me, causing me to reach for Him.

Being a parent is absolutely wonderful. One of the best jobs I’ve ever had! All of our children bring us such joy… and challenges x10. When they were little I was physically exhausted, as they matured- mentally exhaustion, and now as young adults – I’m spiritually exhausted. Parenting adult children is a whole new game.  Much of what we offer now is support, prayer and guidance (-advice when asked). 

I’ve learned so much about how God must view me. I’ve discovered even more my deep dependence and need for Him. Somehow I thought we would be wiser by this point. Our parents were. Or maybe they only seemed that way. All I know is the older I get the less I know, and that truly Jesus is the answer, the best place to start with any question.

If your kids aren’t seeking God- what then? It’s your place to stand in the gap for them. To cover them in prayer and speak God’s word over their lives. To be bold in the Spirit quietly praying where they live. To fast for them and cry out to God. He created them and loves them more than you do. You are not alone.

Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him! Isaiah 30:18

ForGlorySake! –Anna  
  

coffee
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Warning Signs

Posted on January 26, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

Several times I have parked in the same “visitor spaces” at my son’s apartment downtown. They appeared to be safe even for Atlanta. Until… my car window was smashed, damaging my door and several things were stolen. 

I stood staring at the green/blue safty-glass crumbled all over the ground. Where had I seen that before?? It dawned on me, in that very area only weeks ago. Never had I considered it be from a car window! …Now it had happened to me. 

Interestingly Warning Signals, are usually right in front of us, but they don’t always come with large letters. This time it had. There were signs posted NOT to leave any valuables in plain sight. Oh. It happens all the time – obvious alerts right there, yet we fail to see. Or maybe think, “That won’t happen to me.”

Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge. Proverbs 23:12

The Bible is full of warnings, Proverbs has page after page. God had Solomon put them all down to guide me to a better and more fulfilling life… an abundant life. This is why I read and study all of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. I want to beware and be wise.

You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand. Psalm 16:11

It is in God’s Word that I’ve learned how to live. Things like: going to bed angry will cause things to fester – running with wise people will bring me wisdom – hanging out with fools will lead to disaster – doing good in the face of evil is pleasing to God… and most amazing of all, Salvation comes by faith alone. Verse after verse His treasure is unending.

How I love all of God’s Message and His warning signals!

“Lord, help me to run with the wise and be wise. Help me see signs You’ve placed in my path- using wisdom and heeding warnings. Thank You again for Your rich, encouraging, generation-defying Word.”

ForGlorySake! –Anna

  “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”‭‭ 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:18‬ ‭
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A Plunder of Blessings

Posted on January 17, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

I was reading Exodus and realized, too many Christian parents (like myself) find their children lured by the enemy. Like the children of Israel enslaved in Egypt- so have been mine. Ideals became subtly transformed from once held strong values and before we knew it, lives were hijacked. Too dramatic? Believe me, it happens.

Fearful times for a parent. Heartbreaking for me!  After all, I spent a lot of time striving to help my kids avoid the dumb mistakes I had made. I wanted so much more for them!! True peace and happiness, only come from obeying God, yet I could not do it for them. My children, wanted more than mere words. It didn’t cut it. They’ve wanted their own opportunity for trial and error. Ugh

Did I pray for this? No way. Did I try to stop it? Yes. Silly me, even God allows His own kids to fall on their fannies. It’s such a hard thing to watch. But there’s always Hope! It was in the trip to Egypt (and the following bondage) that knowledge was gleaned. Very much like plunder, that turns out to be treasure.

As Daniel was educated in the ways of Babylon and Joseph in Egypt. God prepares IN the worst. Equipping, training, for His good plans.Experience is gold when offered to Him. All that refining, after the return, becomes useful later.

As parents we plan for the best, but there is no formula for a heart. But God says: Don’t despair dear one. Don’t grow weary while doing good! I CAN make a way when there SEEMS to be no way. Read Esther again. I AM able. 

There is Hope on the other side!

ForGlorySake!-Anna

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Yes You Can!

Posted on January 12, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

Too many times I have thought, “I can’t do this” – “I can’t make it through” – “I’m just not strong enough.” And yet I did, and I have, and I am now… because Someone bigger gives me courage. It’s in my weakness that He is strong!

When my mom was suffering with the effects of Hydrocephalus and especially after my dad’s death, she would tell me day after day, “I don’t want to do this anymore, I can’t do this, I’m all finished.” I would say again, “You are stronger than you think, you are braver than you know.”

My mom was a grounded Christ Follower, full of God’s Word. She had walked with the LORD for a long time. I knew He who was in her was greater than anything else. She just needed reminding. The courage to continue was in her Spirit, God had placed it there.

I have felt the same way. Sometimes life just seems all hills going up. Difficulty, obstacle, frustration and confusion. You want a break or a break-through, but it’s climb, climb, climb. This is for me today: “You’re stronger than you think, you’re braver than you know.” 

There is an Unseen One beside me, climbing with me. He is my Shield and Strength. He is my Deliverer and Protector. He has put the courage to continue inside my spirit.

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…”‭‭         2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:8-9‬

‭And

“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,”  ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:17‬ 

ForGlorySake –Anna

A little foggy

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Pieces

Posted on January 7, 2017 by For Glory Sake!

Lots of changes have come with 2017. Changing in jobs, schools… even some ideals. Sounds messy. Looks messy. I’m just tying to be a good listener to my adult children at this point and keep up with the flow. I’m finding a new pace.

Parenting as they grow older is a far cry from the younger years. For the most part, our “kids” make their own plans now and we are simply informed. This is as it should be – after all our goal was to promote their independence.

We want them to think for themselves and make their own choices, but I’ll warn you, deconstruction and re-construction of “taught values” are all part of the process. 
Sometimes all I see are the pieces: messy… scattered… random. Yet God is there for us and for them. He has the directions to a plan to create a masterpiece of their life. Heck, He wrote them.

For now, I listen and pray and offer advice when asked... trusting God with the outcome that He wills. This goes far beyond what I want, what I hope for… this is about God’s desires and His timing.

Oh, how I wish I could sit each one on my knee again and rock them while I sing about Jesus, yet I know it’s still there locked in their heart.

God never wastes anything.

ForGlorySake! –Anna

broken glass
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Fixing My Mind

Posted on December 28, 2016 by For Glory Sake!

Peace:

…as I wash the dishes and wonder if they are really getting clean with only cold water. 

…as we wait on the plumber to finally come today and assess the broken hot water tank and whether our home warranty will cover its replacement.

…as we make the leap to a non-traditional “medical health-share” program for our family.

… as we pull our well adjusted bio-chemical engineering student from his beloved college and place him in an instate school to help with expenses.

…as we venture into a new partnership at work.

…as we wait… for yet another medical test for Sarah to see if anything can be done.

…as I ask God what He would have me pray for others (not just my family).

My mind swirls around and around until I re-read Isaiah 26:3, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”  – Worry stops there. 

Peace. I pray you find it too❤️

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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Influence

Posted on December 19, 2016 by For Glory Sake!

When I was a young girl I thought I could possibly change the world, bring people to Jesus. I wanted to start from inside the world of ballet (dancing, maybe teaching) being a light, then later, I’d try being a mom. 

None of it played out as I envisioned, it was better! And God did give me opportunity and influence.

After a more than full career on the stage, traveling and then teaching, I got to become a wife and mom, with my own babies. Then a family to other kids we took in. They became some of my greatest investments for advancing the Kingdom. These opportunities offered me chances at unconditional love. Those small investments created huge dividends! 

I can not begin to add up the impact of hugs, a safe environment, and a listening ear have had. To hold someone’s hand and genuinely tell them about your personal hope in a faithful God and His love through Jesus – is awesome. 

To live in-love with my husband, in front of kids with no positive example, made an impression. We saw them changed by that. Some took the idea and ran with it. Their lives look different now, and the circles keep growing. Influence begets influence. I’m proud of all God has used us for.

He will use everything offered to Him. All our love invested. All our hope shared. Take a look around you and see your influence…

ForGlorySake! –Anna 

More than we imagine…
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Year of Experiences

Posted on December 17, 2016 by For Glory Sake!

December is here. Another year winding down. Days and weeks have passed stuffed with experiences. More joys and concerns than I can count or bring before God enough. 

His faithfulness astounds me, even as my questions have not been answered. I can’t even claim closure in most areas… just hope. Hope for a new year and that His direction will come. Direction about what to do next. Maybe even a solution.

“And if not? He is still good.”

The story I posted of missionary Helen Roseveare touched me deeply, because of her reaction to being raped while serving God as a doctor in remote Africa. 
When she cried out to Him, wrestling over the allowance of this horror happening to her, God replied:

“Can you thank ME for trusting you with this experience- even if I never tell you why?”

Her final answer after all He had done in her life was, yes.

That’s always the bottom line. Will I trust Him with my experiences too? With whatever happens… whether the answers reveal or not. What about all that may come this next year? What about the year after? The good, the bad, the ugly, the past, today, tomorrow?

 Yes is my only answer in light of all He’s done. He remains the same. Faithful. KING of Kings and LORD of Lords. He sees the end, He knows the outcome. Only He can and will make everything work out. To whom else would I go?

ForGlorySake! –Anna 

No filter, December sky
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