Winter

Posted on November 29, 2023 by For Glory Sake!

It’s cold. It’s dark in the mornings. There’s little sunlight time. Not my favorite, but this season, like all others is a gift from God… because He Who promises to never leave us or forsake us, also promises that He does not change and He’s focused on completing His church. So I sat down and decided to seek out a better attitude.

“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Lights, with Whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭

Like other times when I’ve needed gratitude, I created a thankful list. Here it is:

For frost on the yard and birds flying by. For children’s voices and hot drinks (coffee). For a warm place to rest and a Bible to tuck-in to. For a friendly hug and familiar kiss. For a heart that can listen and a will to seek God. 

Once I got started… the list grew easily throughout the day. Its what you water that grows, what you feed that thrives.
Whenever Ive asked God for joy, and contentment… peace and happiness have soon followed. Reminders like: I am chosen – I am called – I am justified – I have a Father in Heaven Who loves me and a Savior Who died to make it all possible – flooded me!

Each wonderful fact brought more hope. They made me feel so special and blessed. And best of all I was reminded – I’m just one in a growing multitude that will gather some day before The LORD of Lights. ❤️

Wow- Winter feels a little warmer now.

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Revelation 7:9 “…a great multitude, no one could number…” ❤️

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Temporary Residents

Posted on November 8, 2023 by For Glory Sake!

My husband and I are still navigating this transient phase of life. 10 days at one house, then a stint at our 2nd house (his parent’s) followed by another 10 days or so… I’ve learned to pack “quick and light,” but never as quick and light as David. 🙄 As with other phases of life: I’m asking for God to: use this season for His Glory, and give me perspective and clarity to see all He’s teaching us. A word that comes to mind is, temporary.

1 Peter 1:17 “And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges (according to each one’s work), live out your time 🔥of temporary residence here- in reverence.”

Our time IS short on earth and I don’t mean just because of the chaos and End Times headlines. “Life is fleeting “ as my mom would say, “so, spend your time wisely.” I always wondered how hours and hours in a ballet studio translated in God’s Economy? 🤔 Or days on end of cooking, cleaning, homeschooling while raising children? My final analysis: He wants my heart. 

John 17:16 “They (followers) do not belong to this world just as I do not belong to this world.”  –Jesus

More than anyone, Jesus understood temporary! A man on a mission to literally save the world, He fully grasped the shortness of His time and where Home truly was. If I could keep a speck of that perspective, it would help me a lot. And if not? Then “please remind me, LORD, that You want me heart, mind and soul… all in, and all for You. Every moment. Everyday. No matter where I am or what I’m doing. That’s the key… and seeking You 1st will take care of any other questions.”

I am NOT of this world, it’s all just temporary. I’m coming Home someday! ❤️Anna

ForGlorySake.com 

NOTW

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Look what the kids did!

Posted on October 5, 2023 by For Glory Sake!

“Women, however, will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.” 1 Timothy 2:15 – Saved is “Sozo”- to be complete, made whole.

I can relate. My children continue a work in me that God began to make me whole… a whole lot more like Jesus! Becoming a mother showed me how weak and young my faith really was. It’s an awesome job – both thrilling and humbling, challenging me even today to seek Christ more than anything else on earth. 

Once I married, everything about being a parent appealed to me. I so wanted to get it right. David and I prayed for God to help us please Him in every aspect. We prayed to glorify Him… the problem was sin nature kept popping up. Personally, it was all I could do to daily repent and try harder next time.

Running to God again and again taught my heart submission. I kept reminding myself that His Sprit was leading us and His grace would cover us, and somehow He’d use my weaknesses. My daily focus became: “Be thankful always” and “Study to show yourself approved.” He would just have to work out the rest.

So… everything went smoothly and we all grew up perfect. 😂😂 Hmm there’s the rub. That’s not exactly what happened (add tears or laughter here), and I became so hurt, frustrated, and angry. Hadn’t we purposed? Hadn’t we prayed? Then quietly God reminded me, “My ways are bigger, My thoughts are higher. Your work is to obey, Mine is to complete what I’ve started in you -and in them.”

Oh the peace that comes (no matter what you see) knowing -really knowing you can trust Him! “tis so sweet to trust in Jesus.” ForGlorySake.com

“being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

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Peace with death

Posted on September 24, 2023 by For Glory Sake!

This past week a friend of our family died. It had been a long tough illness courageously fought. Even though it’s a common topic at work (David’s law practice covers wills, estates and probate), it is still hard to hear anyone’s diagnosis or prognosis.

Death is as sure as taxes, so they say. 100% of both. And yet many people don’t plan until it’s absolutely necessary, as in a deadline has been is given. Yet we all know that day is inevitable. Having your legal affairs in order is a blessing for family, but having your spiritual affairs in order is even better!

Of all the things my parents left me, I used to say their estate planning was most helpful – actually its been their spiritual heritage. Knowing they loved Jesus and went safely home to the Father’s Kingdom has been worth more than any other preparation. Everyday I have peace about where they are. I have peace about what they taught me. And I have peace that I will join them someday.

When this life ends, it’s only the beginning of Eternity… if you know Jesus as Savior. And if you don’t? Today can be your Day of salvation: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is LORD and believe in your heart that GOD raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and thus has righteousness and with the mouth one confesses and thus has salvation.” Romans 10:9-10

I pray you have peace about death- Anna

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Stay flexible

Posted on August 25, 2023 by For Glory Sake!

I thought raising 5 little children and then 6 teenagers required flexibility, but Grandma-life is challenging me in new ways. For years I was simply home everyday, available for all my family’s needs. Then slowly life changed and now I travel farther and stay away longer than I ever imagined!

I’m enjoying this new phase God has brought us. After 35 years, my husband and I are still learning new skills. We run a business “together” and travel to family as we are needed. They’re all such blessings… especially the grandbabies! Even helping my in-laws a couple of times a month on their “farm” has been fun and surprisingly relaxing.

Recently over a 10 day span, we drove to 3 different states, slept in 8 different beds while visiting lots of family. As we rode some 1200 miles, talking and working, I was so thankful that we get along and still love each other so much.

Sometimes we’ve felt a tad betwixed and between -as my mom used to say. When to leave home? How long to stay away? Yet because God is the One sending us out and calling us back – it’s ok. Amazingly, He still finds us useful for His plans, and we are so grateful 🙌🏽 May we continue to bring Him the Glory! -Anna

“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged; and the glory of children are their fathers.” Proverbs 17:6

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Staying flexible!

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Every little thing

Posted on August 12, 2023 by For Glory Sake!

Of all the verses in Psalm 139 – number 16 blows my mind. Literally translated: (When) Your eyes saw my imperfect form, all of everything was recorded and purposed for me, in Your Resgistry- before one (time) came about.

When author- King David used the phrase “all my days,” the Hebrew (kullam and Yasmin) incorporates an entire Lifetime. Every manner, aspect, person, place, age, hour, even weather! He says God recorded it all.

Using the imagery of a Master Potter squeezing the clay of life into a shape – nothing is missed, nothing overlooked. Never an oops or should’ve. Clearly God foresaw. He foreknew. He planned ahead before one day dawned.

Think of it!

When I put my faith in Jesus, I essentially gave Him the reigns to my life. And He in-turn gave me wisdom and joy to walk through all God had planned… especially good works pleasing to Him (Ephesians 2:10).

My life today: location, occupation, financial status, community… every detail testifies to God’s sovereign plan as His child. I have a purpose and a point. My mom was right, we are created to bloom where you’re planted– be it garden or vacant lot. Let that light shine! Anna

ForGlorySake.com

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Big Shoes

Posted on August 5, 2023 by For Glory Sake!

Walking through life gracefully takes Jesus. Grace matters because other’s are always watching how we live. Just like trying to walk in my mother’s shoes as a little girl, I studied everything she did and tried to emulate her. My children and grandchildren do the same, taking it all in. And this is also true of the world around me.

What I say and do matters- in public and private. Alone I form my code of conduct and in front of people it plays out. Each step – each day, good or bad I am an example. Others watch and subconsciously decide, “do I want to be like that?”

Therefore we are Ambassadors for Christ, as though GOD were making His plea through us. We plead with you on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God!” 2 Cor. 5:20

Jesus calls me to an impossible standard of perfection that only His Holy Spirit can accomplish. Enormous shoes – He has miraculously filled again and again with His Own perfect Feet…
But the Lord said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” 2 Cor. 12:9

Whatever you’re facing today, ask Jesus for strength to be an example of Grace to a hopeless world. Faithfully, He promises to use anyone who is willing to trust Him -to supernaturally fill shoes far too big for any human. -Anna

“And my GOD will supply your EVERY need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

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“walk in a manner worthy of God” 1Thess.2:12

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Difficulties

Posted on July 6, 2023 by For Glory Sake!

Why are some days so hard? Struggle, struggle, up hill trudge. I came home from vacation to one battle after another- go figure! The grass was knee high but the mower wouldn’t start. All 4 tires flat 😳 needed air, oil, a filter… blah blah. No quick fix. Bushy bushes and the battery for that job-dead. Car issue, fridge issue, toilet issue 🙄 homeownership woes.

Slowly, bit by bit it was an untangling of messes. As my husband and I worked, I watched to see what God was up to. I’m always looking for a point… for me personally. What can I learn? What is God trying to show me? I prayed that I’d be enlighten.

While under the bushes pulling overgrown ivy from around the AC unit, I discovered a hose extension buried. About 3 feet long and full of dirt, I cleaned it out imagining that the former owner must have left it behind. Attaching it to our spicket I discovered it solved a long-annoying problem. Miraculously the garden hose wasn’t spraying in all directions at the connection.

It may sound silly, but amongst all the setbacks and frustrations of the day, I was given a gift. A silly simple gift that made me thankful. It even made me aware God was with me and guiding me like every other day. He has a perfect plan for His creation and I have a purpose in His plan.

I don’t know how all that fits together, but I was assured He hears me and He loves me. He sent Jesus to rescue me. I can trust Him on easy days and difficult ones. He is faithful, He is true, and frustrations or not- He is God and there is no other! -Anna

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Psalms 139:16 “All the days ordained for me were recorded in your scroll before one of them came into existence.”

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A mystery

Posted on June 18, 2023 by For Glory Sake!

Mankind is such a mess. But, is this new? God dictated 66 books on the topic along with His thoughts about it and His plans to deal with it. Since time began humans have brought nothing but chaos to His beautiful creation. Makes me wonder why He keeps us around.

Yet with such an incredible message to convey He chose to reveal it through a living drama from Genesis to Revelation-showing Himself: Sovereign Creator, Holy Father… all Glorious and Faithful. Despite our fickle hearts and wayward wandering, His loving tale of rescue was planned before time began! He wants us to know Him for who He is.

“But when the right time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, subject to the law, to buy freedom for us (who were slaves to the law), so that He could adopt us as His very own children.” Galatians 4:4-5

Jesus, Messiah- the Suffering Servant, Avenger, and King! What a mystery, what a story. The more I study – the deeper it goes and the more treasure I find. I’m sure I’ll never come to the end of my seeking.

O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! Roman’s 11:33

The curiosity is not in the mess, but the reveal of God’s never ending love. -Anna

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I lift weights!

Posted on June 12, 2023 by For Glory Sake!

It seems crazy to admit but I do. I go to a gym sometimes daily and lift big heavy barbells… and such. We used to make fun of this back in ballet world. And now I actually enjoy it. 

For 6 months my husband begged me to join as he would trot out the door with one of our kids. I was too embarrassed to try something new. I could barely climb the stairs without sharp pain from my hip. I could not walk the room without limping- for heaven’s sake!

What was he thinking??

Then, I finally gave it a go- ever so cautiously. My son became my personal trainer, my husband my coach. They took such care to encourage me. And slowly, so slowly I became stronger and more confident. I learned to exercise differently.

There is zero cardio in my workouts, instead I focus on strength and carefully stretching in specific ways. It’s unlike anything I’ve done before, but it’s actually working. I can climb the stairs without pain and walk without limping. 🙌🏽 I’m so very thankful. -Anna

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