G R A C E

Posted on September 4, 2014 by For Glory Sake!

Grace – I think about it constantly. It’s in my prayers every day. I read about it again just this morning in a perfectly timed email. Can we truly ever get to the bottom of it’s well? Can we define it’s meaning or understand it’s how? Sometimes I don’t realize it’s happening… then all of a sudden I see, “Oh Wow! This is a God-thing, He’s all in it and it’s so good!”

It’s not like I’m ever unaware that God walks ahead of me, orders the day and guides my path. But I’m human. I get caught up in the mundane, next thing, details of life. Stuff just happens. And then all of a sudden in-the-midst there’s a revelation that God knows my name. He’s actively doing something in my midst! Is it like that for anyone else? I talk to Him all day long, believe He hears me, then am completely blown over when I see Him miraculously moving mountains.

Just recently our family was asked if we could babysit a 9 month old… every Saturday. Add something new – really? Turns out this chubby little ray of sunshine pops in once a week and makes my mom smile! He makes us all laugh. He comes connected to a 4 year old brother and  a young single mom who was in need of a better job. We recently learned she worked as a CNA for elderly dementia patients. She’s working with me now in an hourly manner. 

Give and receive: our big family has become a connection she needed. Her pre-schooler comes with her sometimes and plays with Papa. They relate with puzzles and rolling balls. God just keeps doing His thing in the most surprising way. He comes in the side door, stealing your heart and proves to me again: all things are possible. 

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and His rule. You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.” Matthew 5:3-5 The Message

ForGlorySake! –Anna

Unforeseen Blessings
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Dirty Faith

Posted on August 16, 2014 by For Glory Sake!

David Z. Nowell, president of Hope Unlimited (one of our favorite ministries), wrote a book, Dirty Faith. It’s thought provoking and convicting having everything to do with his work in Brazil among street children. My husband and I love what this group does! Mr. Nowell challenges all followers of Jesus to take up an attitude of compassion and willingness to get involved -serving the least of these. I had to put the book down this morning to tackle other chores, but since I’ve got a moment… these are my practical thoughts:

Spending Myself
I don’t want to wash any more dishes, change sheets, or clean that bathroom, or come up with another meal. 

yet what if that were me?

So I sweep the floors, tidy the rooms, wash more clothes, hang them up, put away dishes, wipe off the counters…

because someday that might be me.

Drive to meet a young mother, take her baby and babysit, care and pray for them…

because that could’ve been someone I love.

Listen to a life-story, pray for the right words, hold a hand, cry, pray together…

because if that were me, I’d feel broken and lost.

Say, I love you, hug tightly, open our home, offer a bed, treat them like family, hope for the best…

because maybe I’ve been strategically placed.

love ’til it hurts, give expecting nothing, listen one more time, show compassion to whoever He brings…

because this is what He did for me! Can I offer anything less than all I have, at this moment, in this place?

GET DIRTY with your faith!

ForGlorySake! -Anna

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Tied Feet

Posted on August 11, 2014 by For Glory Sake!

Elizabeth Elliot used to say, “Children tie the mother’s feet.” -I’d like to add aging parents to that thought. I feel like I’m back at square one: constantly watching a wandering, curious. hungry, toddler, who needs help in the potty- only relaxing when they fall asleep!  I’ve also come to realize that I still have a problem with “mom guilt.”

You know that unrealistic feeling of guilt for not getting to everyone’s need at the moment they need you? Mom’s are just one person and we can only do so much. Someone will draw the short stick, it’s inevitable. I remember that awful feeling of letting one of my kids down and praying daily it wouldn’t be my husband.

At this juncture, there are many who wait on me because of the new duties I have. I’m continually distracted and constantly running out in the middle of conversations. It’s very difficult to juggle family life and adhere to regular hours… my 24/7 work has come home.

As I sat in a hot bath tonight, soaking my soar back. I wondered why I can’t seem to get it all done? Then I laughed. How could any one person possibly do all we’ve been given?! Thank goodness there’s a whole village. God has asked and so He will enable us. I need to let go and let my feet be tied. Just do the job today, God has assigned me to do. Right here – guilt free. And trust He will use this strange and awkward time in the kid’s lives.

ForGlorySake! -Anna

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Wasps and Shugga

Posted on July 31, 2014 by For Glory Sake!

As much as I fretted over coming home, worried about it, thought I couldn’t do it (I’m just being honest), – we’re back.  Vacation was fun, but it’s not reality. It’s time to get to it.

When my sister asked if I was hiding in the closet with my bags still packed, I hated to admit that had crossed my mind. Do you think less of me? I’m selfish and weak. Without Jesus?? Let’s don’t even go there. It took a kick-in-the-pants to get started again, but here I am. I’d rather die trying to love these folks, than live a sad separated life.

So far it’s been non-stop: cleaning, cooking, driving, shopping, calling, paying, scheduling and weeding. I killed a large hornets nest in a tree! Then later the same day, on the front porch with Papa, we were suddenly surrounded by a cloud of swarming tiny wasps! They were living in the stack-stone. “In the name of Jesus,” I said, “do not to sting my dad!” -who just stood there unwilling to move. He came through unscathed and I was popped only once on the foot. It was a miracle!!!!

Whether I’m fixing another meal, scrubbing soiled carpet (again), taking Papa for a car ride (he loves to ride)… God goes with me and lightens the load. Picking up our freshman from band camp recently, I imagined a sad face because I was the last parent to arrive. Instead a big smile appeared as soon as we drove up. She understood why I was late, her Papa was in the front seat. They grasped hands as he called, “Hey Shugga!” Perfect timing.

Just a little Shugga with the sting.

ForGlorySake! -Anna

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A rare smile 🙂

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Itch or No Itch!

Posted on July 25, 2014 by For Glory Sake!

Our family reunion was wonderful! All of my husband’s immediate family joined us. We had never tried a summer gathering before. Unfortunately, his parents were not able to get away as they are now caring for the great grandmother. Interesting that David’s parents are just now caring for a parent… while we caring for mine!

My parents had 2 wonderful care-givers (friends of the family) with them at home. My oldest sister came earlier in the summer with her children and another sister, who comes from Florida frequently, came  to help out as well. Such a blessing to have family!

The sun was hot, waves crashing, sand soft, and I did not miss any of it, even with the rash! The red streaks, covering my back and right hip were visible the whole time, but also began to heal. The general consensus from the crowd was- I just looked sorta burned (lovely). A tan helped hide it a lot.

I am so thankful for this time away with our family. Even more special, God allowed us to enjoy it with aunts, uncles and cousins we see about once a year. It was all such a gift. I’m still a little dazed. The beach is so healing to me.

I may never know what caused my rash, or what purpose it had, but I will be much more careful working in the yard from here on out. Live and learn. And in the meantime, itch or no itch, God is good and He offers me rest and peace when I look to Him for it.

ForGlorySake! -Anna

 

Family
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A Bit Plagued…

Posted on July 12, 2014 by For Glory Sake!

Maybe it’s all for the sake of humility, but I prefer to hope it’s for His Glory…
I’ve been diagnosed via Urgent Care with a case of Pityriasis Rosea although the dermatologist thinks it’s from some vines I pilled in our new yard. Either way its an ugly, red, streaky rash covering one side of my body.

Our daughter left for Hawaii with a small patch of poison ivy (?) returning 2 weeks later covered in tiny polka-dots, like prickly-heat. We wondered if it could somehow be the same thing and headed to Urgent Care. The doctor on duty told us these were most likely 2 different, harmless, irritations and to just wait them out.

Ugh… I did not like that prescription and I was itching!! So I sought a 2nd opinion.

With a dermatologist’s sample for rashes (Clobex), and a vegan diet of strictest order, all my immune boosters are on the table! I cut out salt, animal proteins, and all sweeteners (agave, coconut sugar…) -for now. I’m eating up fruits, veggies and gluten-free grains. I also added Shaklee’s Interferon. Hopefully this will help.

Maybe all the stress of the moving made this rash grow so large and itch so badly. Either way, we are headed to the beach for a huge family reunion soon and I’m looking rather scary in a bathing suit. This is one hideous rash! My daughter’s is much less noticeable and not itchy anymore.

How does God get any glory from this? Hmmm, I’m not sure, but I’ll tell you know when I have a clue. We are enjoying the holiday weekend – hope you are too!

ForGlorySake! –Anna

July 4th
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Working Up An Attitude

Posted on June 16, 2014 by For Glory Sake!

“Discontentment is: having what you don’t want, or wanting what you don’t have.” a quote by Elisabeth Elliot that I finally wrote it down and tacked it up along with her, “In acceptance lies peace.” I love these. I can hardly think of a day when they haven’t crossed my mind.

Life has this way of throwing unforeseen, unprepared-for moments at you. It certainly doesn’t go as planned. So what’s a girl to do? It’s always my attitude that makes or breaks me. Problem is, I can’t seem to just will a happy face. I need a process.

  • It helps when I take my whining to God first. He can handle it. He already knew what I was thinking anyway.
  • Next, I write about it in my journal. Not for anyone else to see! Just to get it out and down on paper.
  • Then, I stop and reread it objectively and sincerely, asking for help in the matter. Tears usually come at this point whenI see my selfishness, or pride or just a bad attitude.
  • This is a great moment to open up God’s Word and soak up some scripture, remembering that whatever “it” is, God did not ask me to go it alone. He is with me, works in me, through me, and is for me.
  • At this point I can sit and think a little more clearly, knowing there’s room for His thoughts to move in. Sometimes I even get an idea to try out, or I become inspired to just keep going.

Perspective makes all the difference. There isn’t an hour to sit and spend over every little stress of life, but when I feel that all too familiar mounting aggravation and pressure, I better find a quiet corner and carve out the time needed.

Our vacation is coming to a close. The daily grind of care-giving will again soon be mine to manage. I’m headed home rested and rejuvenated and thankful for so many things. Mostly, that I’m not alone- ever! I have God’s constant grace to carry me through. I CAN do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.

ForGlorySake! -Anna

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I Married My Soulmate

Posted on June 4, 2014 by For Glory Sake!

I have heard and read (several times) of an opinion that: a God-given, one-of-a-kind, match-made-in-heaven, soul-mate is – impossible, impractical and probably unbiblical. What?

I don’t have any verses to quote, all I can say is that God made this happen for me! I remember asking Him, at 21 for a husband. I reminded Him how fickle I was and I told Him I’d marry whomever He chose. I wanted what He had for me and I REALLY wanted Him to make it crystal clear, “Just don’t let me miss it!”

Then I waited.

I knew He alone could see what lay ahead. He alone knew the best fit for my quirky ways and this was a huge lifetime commitment. I didn’t want to screw it up! I told Him I’d rather not marry at all… never have sex… never have kids… than mess up this one decision. The amazing thing about the whole unfolding was how gentle God was in opening my eyes to His plan.

I did not date at that time. I had been infatuated before but, nothing came of it. I was actually proposed to 4 different times (however, I don’t think they were serious).
Meeting David was different. The quickening in my Spirit, the assurance of his good character, his family, our mutual following Jesus… all the things I had hoped for and dreamed of.

What I didn’t expect were the sparks that flew between us, the deep blue eyes that drowned me, and the other physical features that left me trying to stand up straight.
The most important was I knew – down to my toes, I knew! Just like my mom had prayed and how I started praying.

I’m telling you, God is a big Old Romantic! Just read the story of Issac and Rebekah. It may not happen every time, but it does happen and anyone can ask for it. I think God is tickled to intervene in our love-lives…. in any and every aspect of our lives, when we ask Him.

My husband says he prayed for “love at first sight.” He claims he got it, and he knew it on the spot. He is horrified that anyone would preach: that waiting for Mr Right or Miss Right is foolish. I see serving a Sovereign God who is completely able and cares for the smallest things we bring Him. Why wouldn’t He guide and gift us with His perfect life-long mate, if marriage were in His will for us?

I do not doubt I received God’s very best for me. Just anyone wouldn’t have done… I would rather have gone without. But to ask God and receive His chosen soulmate? Yes, it’s certainly possible.

ForGlorySake! – Anna

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Personalized Humanity

Posted on May 31, 2014 by For Glory Sake!

Transit trains. Security check lines. Airport terminals. People, people, people! My husband and I got away for some much needed R&R this weekend which started with a morning of moving through crowds before the plane ever left the airport.

Traveling is an ordeal mostly because of the many others that are doing the same thing! My husband and I enjoy watching all the people. I’m always interested in how creative and inventive God has been in creating humans. He has an obvious sense of humor. So many differences. And the thought that each life is full of stories and concerns is overwhelming to fathom.

Could I know each person? Would I want to? Hear every story? Could I care about every concern or help with each problem? That’s just not possible. And yet, God can and He does. And He’s not content with simply being knowledgeable, He wants connection. He wants access. He wants in!

Can you imagine for a moment that our great God, Who already knows so many souls intimately and already has so much of a crowd surrounding Him – is not content? His appetite to know and connect is never satisfied. His love is so great it continues to seek and search and doesn’t give up on the hardest heart!

He cares for us… wholly, individually, completely. Incredible! And all this was brought to light in what He sent Jesus to do – connect us with Him. How I love Him.

ForGlorySake! – Anna

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Family Stew

Posted on May 29, 2014 by For Glory Sake!

My grandfather owned a house at the beach. Which meant that every summer, our family of cousins and other relatives squeezed-in together and enjoyed a few days in each other’s company. This tradition of vacation and family lasted long after my grandfather died and the house was sold.

As my sisters and I grew up, married and had kids of our own, my parents kept the beach visits and Christmas gatherings going. The crowd kept growing. For years and years we have gotten the cousins together somewhere, somehow. Then came our parents illness and change. It has been harder and harder to get the familiar crowd under the same roof for various reasons.

This weekend however, it happened! Almost all of us squeezed into this new house and occupied every bed-space plus some. Eating, talking, working, we have found a common motivation – our parent’s care. And a new place to gather. 

I didn’t foresee this blessing, but God did. It was actually so much fun that we forgot to take a group photo! However, I think it’s just the beginning of something that will happen regularly. As a family, we sure can use the support and it seemed like everyone was enjoying themselves, so hopefully soon we will do it again and mix it up in this new big family stew.

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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