Eat To Live

Posted on January 27, 2013 by For Glory Sake!

I mentioned back in December about being diagnosed with Scleritis, an inflammatory  eye decease.  After 2 months on steroids, it seemed to clear up the issue. But what a price to pay! Fine hairs grew on my face, I developed acne break-outs and I gained 18 pounds astonishingly fast! There had to be a better way.

As this condition has no cure, only control, I began to seek answers. My dear friend Marianne (a stage 4 lung-cancer fighter) was also on daily prednisone and hated it. She turned my attention to the book “Eat to Live” nutritarianism by Dr. Fuhrman. With his guidance and recipes, we became Vegans on steroids (literally) for 30 days.

His program is geared toward building the immune system, especially for cancer patients. Even though I have tested negative for all autoimmune illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis, MS and lupus something seems very off with my immune system. This detox recommends taking away all stress-ers ( gluten, salt, sugar and hormones from dairy, meat) so my body can heal itself. 

We are boosting our immune systems with fruits and vegetables by the ton. Everyday we eat a BIG salad (1lb of raw veggies) and drink a green-goodness shake of kale & fruit. Dinner is cooked veggies, some whole-grains and more raw fruit. Now at day 15, we are both feeling very healthy, never hungry and more resolved than ever to get off these steroids. Two myths I’ve busted for myself: veggies really can fill me up and give me enough energy. And I’m not as addicted to coffee or chocolate as I thought I was. (I drink far less and black. I do eat unsweetened chocolate with stevia, homemixed.)

Slowly I’m reducing my dosage of prednisone from 40mg, by 5mg a week. This is really helping the waistline (12 lbs so far!). It will be interesting to see how long total recovery takes and if my eyesight will hold up. I’ll keep you posted on these new habits just incase it works, so you can try it too. 

ForGlorySake! -AnnaIMG_3360IMG_3361

PS. The only craving I’ve really had is for cheese! Vegan cheese is awful…

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Easy to Please

Posted on December 28, 2012 by For Glory Sake!

My life is easy compared to some. Outside of my country, it’s a luxury on many scales. I am safe, comfortable, clean and well fed. Education and opportunities abound around me. But what pleases God? To succeed, to suffer, to gain and share, to go without?  What is it God is looking for? And what does loving Him with all my heart mean?

“The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9

Job, Noah and Abraham seemed to get it right. They each: believed God was Creator,
they believed He was Supreme Ruler over everything, and they decided to trust Him with their lives. From reading scripture, I see nothing pleases God more than our trust that: He is, He can, and He will. Humans bring Him the greatest joy when we voluntarily sink our teeth into the hope of all He has to offer. Everything else is secondary!

Jesus replied, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:38-40

Jesus explained what pleases God, 1st and foremost it’s our freely given love to Him. This is far more pleasing than any degree or job or mission in life. It’s the heart He’s always wanted… a heart that longs for Him. There’s no greater offering or gift to give.

“I may give away everything I have, and even give up my body to be burned — but if I have no love, this does me no good.” 1 Corinthians 13:3 

Thank You, Father for making it easy, easy to please You. You love my seeking heart. And will always answer the search with the greatest reward… You!

ForGlorySake! -Anna

“Three things will last forever-faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these is love.” 1Corinthians 13:13
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Godly Hinderances

Posted on December 23, 2012 by For Glory Sake!

Hinderances are a pain, they keep me from doing what I want to get done. Paul called his hinderance “a thorn in his side.” No one has ever figured out exactly what that meant, but we’ve all have had something at sometime that hindered us.

Recently I suffered from a dangerous eye malady called schleritis ( painful!). It was the first time a long while that I’ve had any physical ailment, other than childbirth. No clue as to where this came from or what it was, I simply had severe pain in my face that would not go away. As it grew worse over my sinus area, Urgent Care was stumped. My husband called his ophthalmologist sent him a photo and and I was seen on a Sunday afternoon.

What we thought was a bloodshot eye, the doctor recognized as a significant symptom. Diagnosis confirmed and medication given, my eye was saved. I soon felt better. The why’s continued as another doctor tested for all things autoimmune… negative. How long would I have this? Was it curable? I began to think a lot about: hinderances and thorns. I realized, it was the pain that made me seek help. The illness magnified my inability to help myself. This thorn became the thing that made me seek for answers. Pain offers so room for  pride, its a quest at all cost for relief.

What a thought! I’ve heard countless stories and songs that say something similar.  Yet I was amazed anew… God uses everything! Every little pain and irritant for my good. He draws me closer with it. He offers me strength and grace through it. And when my weakness is evident again, those Everlasting Arms are guaranteed and pride is drowned. Ah, the contentment in knowing He cares and is never out of control.

“When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives my brothers, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance. But let the process go on until that endurance is fully developed, and you will find you have become men of mature character with the right sort of independence.” James 1:2-4

God, thank You for the hindrances that come every day into my life. Big or small, I love that You always have a plan and a point! I can’t imagine the task of trying to mature and complete me. Thank You for taking that on and for never giving up.

ForGlorySake! – Anna

sisters in silly hats
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How Far We've Come…

Posted on November 25, 2012 by For Glory Sake!


Thanksgiving was a milestone this year. I hardly made it an hour without tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. God has amazed me with all His faithfulness. My “Jesus Calling” devotional shows three years of comments on each day: 2010-2012. Emotionally stressed, notes of desperation circle the pages. Just trying to survive, I ask God to rescue us from issues now long past.

Oh, He is good. He never left me, although a lot of moments I felt alone. When I couldn’t see Him doing anything He was there, always there, working behind the scenes. He promised to hear my every prayer, and I know He did because I see the answers in such personal ways.

Shocking as it sounds, I’m actually thankful for those trials. Without each one I would not know Him like I do. I wouldn’t have the proof that He did all this. My Sustainer and constant Hope. God proved Himself to me and I have a record of it. It’s almost surreal that I lived through the things recorded.

God, never relented in fighting for my family. Why it all happened? I don’t know. But I believe He always had a plan and He always had a way through. He mercifully saved us. Step by step… bit by bit, only revealing as much as I could take in at the moment. And it was a lot to take in! He was there and that’s the point. My being completely overwhelmed caused me to turn more fully to Him for help. 

The waiting, the praying, the longing, the confusion all directed me to Him for hope- real Hope. He has done MORE than I could’ve imagined. When I look around at my family this year, I feel utterly rich. Rich to know His Grace, His Mercy, His love. This amazing God of the Universe cares for me. How do I know? I can see how far we’ve come.

ForGlorySake! -Anna

“Praise God, everybody! Applaud God, all people! His love has taken over our lives; God’s faithful ways are eternal. Hallelujah!” Psalm 117: 1-2 msg
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A Carrier

Posted on November 2, 2012 by For Glory Sake!

A few years back I made this little deal with God, that I would love whoever He brought to our house and He would be the Hound of Heaven to every soul that stepped on our property. It may sound silly, making deals with God, but He seems to tolerate my personality and sense of humor. I believe in a BIG God, so I ask Him for big things!

I want every soul I touch, to belong to God’s Kingdom.

Each time someone gets out of their car and steps on our lawn I say, “They’re on holy ground now, do Your thing!” Our house holy ground?  Why yes it is, and your’s is too! We are temples or containers of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) because Jesus promised that streams of life-giving water would pour out from within anyone who believes in Him (John 7:38). That includes our family, our home.

Whether it’s conscious or not, we believers are all carriers of the Spirit of the Living God. In all that we do, in all that we say – we represent Him as ambassadors! And where He is… is Holy.  

So we are Christ’s ambassadors, God making His appeal [‘come to me!’] as it were through us…”  2 Corinthians 5:20

As Christ’s personal representatives, we bring holiness wherever we go! Think of it. I imagine Pig Pen in Charlie Brown or TinkerBell in Peter Pan – their dust and sparkles surrounding anyone who got close. Everyday I want my stream of living water to spill out on those around me. 

Carry the Good News to the world

ForGlorySake! – Anna

Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:38
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Just One

Posted on October 18, 2012 by For Glory Sake!

What am I supposed to do with today? Sometimes there’s no choice in the matter, the list is long and life just happens. But other days I find a little free time. How am I’m to use it best? 

“Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities!” Luke 12:48

I feel a sense of urgency with the time I’ve been given. Maybe it’s because we’ve lived through two near-death seasons in our family, one with my husband and the other with our son. I understand it more than ever now, today is a treasure I don’t want to waste! It’s become a prayer of mine to seek out what God wants me to do. And yet I trust He will use me as He sees fit.

Even in our home, I try, but don’t always have meaningful time with every person, every day. And I certainly can’t reach out to each stranger that crosses my path. So I’ve found peace in the idea of just one. Who’s the one I can connect with? I’ve been asking God and He’s been showing me.

I’m determined to focus on the present moment, especially those around me (family, guests, neighbors). Instead of always looking ahead to the next thing on my list, I aim to love the one closest soul. Sometimes He asks nothing more of me than to sit and listen. Other times it’s go and do or give or serve. Either way, I’m trying to be available.

Lord, thank You that You hear me- when I call. Love me- however I come. And use me- with what I have to offer. Give me a sense of purpose today, and show me who to love. In Jesus’ name.

ForGlorySake! -Anna

Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” Matthew 4:19
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Open Doors

Posted on October 8, 2012 by For Glory Sake!

Sewing tee shirt quilts and helping my husband with work (answering the phone and scheduling  appointments) fills my days. There was no way to continue nannying, so God provided a better situation for my little guy this year. Preschool. God has been so faithful to give me work. I pray daily for those who are still looking for jobs.

David’s client volume is a bit sluggish, yet God continues to put food in the fridge and allow us to open our doors to all the kids that come through. It’s a miracle to think back over each week and count the number of kids that have slept here. It’s a unique situation, but somehow it works. I am blessed to be a part of this open door ministry… which sometimes feels more like open pantry! Haha

I love these souls that traipse through our home. My prayer journal is filled with their names. Several have allowed me to “friend” them on FaceBook or I’ve even been given thumbs-up to send an occasional text of encouragement.

God is creative. Curious how He works. It’s never quite what I expect or anticipate. Usually I don’t even see it happening until I stop and look back. Then it’s like,”Oh, look what He did” or “now I get what that was about.” I just love being along for the ride! Thankful that He chooses to use us. Praying each day, that it continues.

ForGlorySake! -Anna

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works…” John 14:12-14
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Commissioned

Posted on October 4, 2012 by For Glory Sake!

A week ago I had the privilege of visiting a full-gospel church. The worship was free, the message sincere, and the prayer so personal. Never underestimate when a church offers one on one prayer. Ben and I went forward to have his recovery group prayed for. We share an intense longing for the Insight kids to know real Hope. I briefly explained to an older man near the alter our request. Suddenly he turned and laid his hands on my son.

I wondered if he’d heard what I said. Yet his words pierced my heart. It was as if he’d opened my journal and read my thoughts. This gentle saint commissioned my 16 year old to, “go and share God’s love and hope in the field where you have been planted.” He then called on the Holy Spirit to “boldly equip and use this young man just as God made him.” He told Ben directly, “God will use you exactly as you are, with the people that understand you.” I was amazed. My heart was being spoken out loud by someone I didn’t even know. I knew Ben was thinking I’d set tis whole thing up.

Later, I was reading in my study of Paul. I came across a similar commission for another young man, uniquely qualified and prepared for God’s service. A child of a Jewish and Greek home, trained by Paul and set up as the pastor in Ephesus. Timothy’s unusual background gave him insight into the city where he was called. God wastes nothing, uses everything, always prepares us… even before we realize.

We are front row to a unfolding miracle. God is fulfilling all the promises I searched for and prayed over this child. I’m realizing, it wasn’t my prayers that shaped all this… it was in those intense moments of prayer that I began to catch a bit of God’s vision. 

Far above anything I can fathom. Allowing me to participate in what You do. Thank You, for the incredible mysterious gift of prayer. You will do what You will do.

ForGlorySake! -Anna

  light in a dark world… “And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use.” I Timothy 4:14

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My Mouth

Posted on October 1, 2012 by For Glory Sake!

With pressure building from so many circumstances… I let a child have it this morning over something really stupid. I should have had more control and held my comments for another time. By God’s grace, I apologized and kept my mouth shut after that.

“Lord, set a guard over my mouth, keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalms 141:3

Even when I’m not overwhelmed with life, my mouth can be a problem. I love to talk. I tell my kids, “It’s been my biggest asset and my greatest downfall.” I always felt the book of James was written with me in mind. Tame that tongue.

Being around my quiet husband only underscores how much I say! He has this plaque that reads, “A man of few words has few to take back.” Ouch. Obviously a woman of many words, better watch out!

When I was a young mom, pre-cellphones, I was pretty isolated at home with babies. Opportunities to talk to other women were rare, and phone cords just got in the way of chasing toddlers. I think God used that season to teach me how to be quiet. I turned off the tv, closed all magazines, (we didn’t have internet) and opened up my Bible.

Being alone gave me a chance to read and learn. Paul encourages young women in general to marry and work for a good reputation, raise children well, practice hospitality, serve, help those in trouble and be ready to do good (instead of being idle, gossipy or in everybody else’s business). 1 Timothy 5: 2-16 AMP

and

Proverbs 10:19– “…train young women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.” Proverbs 10:19

What a revelation to see I didn’t need to voice my very opinion. In fact, people would rather I didn’t! I have a specific job to do within the walls of my home and that was enough. 

“Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” Proverbs 10:19

“May I speak ONLY words that are true, words that help, words that are wise and kind.” Proverbs 31:26

ForGlorySake! -Anna (in progress)

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Heaven- Are you ready?

Posted on October 1, 2012 by For Glory Sake!

What a beautiful description Revelation 5 gives us of Heaven! Such praise. Can you imagine standing there among those millions described?

“Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying:
‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!’” Revelation 5:11-12 NIV

Who is truly worthy? There are heroes and conquerers, good deed doers… but someone deserving ALL Praise, Glory, Power!? This place honor belongs only to our Savior, Jesus Christ. Quite a statement, and one which makes many people uncomfortable. And yet, we will all stand before the Throne of God someday:

“Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:
“To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”
The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.” Revelation 13-14 NIV

Some say we are living in the last days, before the rapture… I don’t know, but as my husband says, Jesus will come for each of us, when it’s our time. So it never hurts to feel an urgency for the souls around me. There is Hope for anyone who calls on the name of Jesus.

I long for the day when I will praise the Lord with all my brothers and sisters in Christ -whole and complete, before the Throne of God. What a celebration that will be! In the meantime, I pray daily for insight, as I search for the words to share my faith and Hope in God. Don’t wait. You are sought-after, valuable, loved.

ForGlorySake! -Anna

Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.

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