Hope for JOY!

Posted on December 12, 2022 by For Glory Sake!

I watched a video of a man asking random people on the street: if they were happy –what made them happy -and how someone can achieve personal happiness.

I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete.  John 15:11

My mom taught me happiness was a choice, but she stressed asking God daily for joy. “Contentment is possible, no matter your circumstances,” and she’d add, “Jesus is the true Source of  JOY.”

Learning that truth for myself took years! I walked through many difficulties before grasping God’s never ending faithfulness. I’m still learning how deep and wide is His love.

“… we glory in our tribulations, knowing that they produce perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3

Hope in Jesus alone gives me peace during trials – this has grounded my contentment. Everything else may shake and fall apart, but He never leaves me. He has an eternal plan. Just like other skills, being joyfully content takes practice.

 “And let us not grow weary in well-doing. For in due time we WILL reap a harvest, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9.

That lovely 9-demential fruit of the Spirit has grown through perseverance. Just like my mom said, Contentment is possible no matter the circumstance. And Jesus is my true Source of Joy!  -Anna

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“Glory Cloud”  

Posted on December 11, 2022 by For Glory Sake!

Throughout scripture God’s Glory appeared as an enormous cloud. How amazing it would be if I could look up and see that awesome structure coming to guide us today?

Jesus prayed: “Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I AM, SO THAT THEY CAN SEE MY GLORY that You gave Me because You loved Me before the creation of the world. John 17:24

There have been days when I literally cried to God, “Show me Your Glory!” (Exodus 33:18). In those moments, God has opened my eyes to: the workings of His daily faithfulness… the bottomless depth of His Word (alive and active)… the comfort of the Holy Spirit… even in the unexplained mercy of a stranger. All of a sudden I’ve been overwhelmed by Who God Is and thrilled for another day to seek out more.

Today our world is dark and growing more evil, yet I know God’s Glory surrounds His people. It may not appear as a visible cloud, but we have only to ask for eyes to see and ears to hear! Jesus’ promise still holds true: 28“When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your Redemption draws near.” Luke 21:28

Our LORD is Coming and His Glory will be beyond anything we’ve ever witnessed! We will see as we’ve been fully seen and know as we’ve been fully known. Jesus will literally carry us away! I can’t wait for that moment Luke 21:27“At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a Cloud with power and great Glory.” – MARANATHA, Come LORD Jesus! – Anna

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“…We know that when Jesus Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2”

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“My God”

Posted on October 11, 2022 by For Glory Sake!

Jehovah, Ancient of Days, the Beginning and the End, Yaweh, Father ❤️ How I wanted to know Him and love Him even as a child… He just seemed too big. Our cathedral was gigantic and ornate with humongous doors – God had to be enormous!

I wanted so much to see Him and for Him to “like me.” If I ever met Him, what would I say? All I knew were printed prayers, memorized and repeated over and over. Otherwise I tried to be very quiet at church, because my mom said God liked quiet. 

After services, while she gathered linens and polished brass, I explored every room she worked in: multiple storage areas, offices, and winding tunnels that led to secret sanctuaries under the church. Once I was allowed to climb the long encased ladder to the top of the tallest tower – terrifying! Yet in none of these places did I find God Himself. Everything about Him remained mysterious.

What a wonder to finally learn at a church camp that I could know God personally through Jesus His son and I could talk to Him anytime I wanted. I was given a “Good News” Bible and began to read everything I could.

I discovered God didn’t just like me, He loved me! I was adopted, I was forgiven, I was His. I’ll never forget those first moments of awareness and the weeks that followed. What Joy, everything felt different.

Recently I watched our newest granddaughter as she followed her mother’s voice while lying in my arms. She nearly jumped out when her momma drew close. That’s what it’s like to love God; longing to be near Him; wanting more of His Spirit.

He brings me peace – like our grandchild snuggling in to her Daddy’s chest. She knows she’s loved, she knows she’s safe, she knows she will be taken care of… and so do I. The richness of Scripture says it best:

“God is within her; she will not be moved. God will help her when morning dawns. Nations rage, kingdoms crumble; the earth melts when He lifts His voice. The LORD of Hosts is with (me); the God of Jacob is (my) fortress.”Psalm 46:5-7 

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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Fig Tree

Posted on October 10, 2022 by For Glory Sake!

I inherited a gorgeous Fig tree with this house. It’s huge and very productive! There’s just one problem – the fruit hasn’t ripened this year. Bitter green fruit hangs from each branch, how I was hoping for sweet figs. 

It’s become a living example of the strange times in which we live. Daily I wait on something positive – any good to overwhelm the growing darkness, yet what I hear are reports of more mess and chaos. Where is Truth and Justice? Why does God allow such evil to grow? 

I pray, “O LORD, hear! O LORD, forgive! O LORD, pay attention, and act! Don’t delay, for Your own sake, O my God!” … Daniel 9:19

Somedays I just want out of here… after all, this is not my home! Yet I’m called an “ambassador for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through (me) to a hostile world. “(I) implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20) When I think of the honor, waiting takes on new meaning.

Scripture offers one reason for God’s delay, Mercy. “The LORD is not slow in keeping His promise (to return) as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9). I have discovered mercy for this time also –

Mercy 1 -Good works: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.” (Ephesians 2:10),

Mercy 2 -Good fruit: “…walk in a manner worthy of the LORD… please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:10)

Mercy 3 -Rewards: God “will repay to each person according to their deeds” (Roman’s 2:6) Specifically in the form of a wedding gown: “For the fine linen the Bride wears is the righteous acts of the saints.” (Revelation 19:8)

Though the news is sad and my fig tree has not ripened, the mercies of God is storing up my everlasting fruit in heaven. I will rest in His perfect timing.

ForGlorySake! -Anna 

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Jesus at the table

Posted on August 25, 2022 by For Glory Sake!

My mother loved to host college students from other countries. Every year she would sign us up to house at least 2 young adults over the holidays. She had a “God’s Room” instead of a guest room claiming it was His and He’d bring whoever He wanted.

During the day the students went out for sight-seeing, but by evening they were sitting at our table. Mom would help them cook one dish from their home to add to the meal. Usually this entailed searching for items at an international market, which was always an interesting adventure!

During dinner we learned about their country, language, family and religion. In return, we shared about ours. I don’t remember any of those folks being Christians, but they listened respectfully even when we prayed over the meal. Sometimes questions followed about our beliefs. 

According to Jesus, God loves mercy! Once at a dinner party He was criticized for eating with people considered spiritually unclean. His reply? “Go and learn what this means: ‘I want you to show mercy, more than I want sacrifice or offerings” Matthew 9:13 (a quote from Hosea 6:6)

I’m thankful for all those holidays growing up. It was like traveling from inside my home. And I learned that bringing Jesus to the table is always the best idea. Whether its family, friends, or strangers – loving others with the Truth of the Knowledge of God is grace in action.

We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

ForGlorySake! -Anna

“I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know Me more than I want any burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6 

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Hopes & Dreams

Posted on August 8, 2022 by For Glory Sake!

Even at 55 I have dreams and wishes of plans for the future. I guess you never outgrow such things… at least I sure hope not. My husband is sweet to listen and let me go on… sometimes dreaming with me. 

Today as we traveled through the rain, right before us down the highway, a beautiful rainbow appeared across the sky. We watched the colors fade and darken and sometimes disappear completely from sight. It was fun to round a corner and see it appear again – just waiting. 

“I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It’s the sign of My covenant with you and with all the earth… the rainbow will appear and I will remember…” Genesis 9:13-15

That rainbow reminded me: no matter what tomorrow brings, God is faithful. He remembers everything – every word, every covenant, every promise of His. And He will never forget those who belong to Him (2 Timothy 2:19). That I can count on. 

I don’t think my Father minds that I have an active wishlist, as long as I bring it before Him, lay it down, and trust Him with the final outcome and greatest plan to prevail. Unlike me, He sees the end from the beginning… and the best possible way to get there.

I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ Isaiah 46:10

Yes, I can trust You with my heart, because You will do what’s best.

“Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.” Psalm 37:4-5

ForGlorySake! -Anna

Rainbow
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Not just for the birds!

Posted on July 30, 2022 by For Glory Sake!

These crazy birds come into our garage every year. They build nests in the most inconvenient places, getting trapped when the doors are lowered- or disturbed when someone needs the item in the nest location. I fear for their lives on multiple counts, the main one being the CAT! Never the less, work continues… eggs are laid and chicks pop out chirping loudly.

They are really sweet to see. I’m always amazed by the work of the parents! It’s a non stop feeding frenzy as I remind everyone coming and going, “DO NOT close the door to the outside!” This year the large baby birds moved around too much – pushed the front of the nest away and tumbled to the floor from a high shelf. One was left hopping all around the garage with momma-bird calling to it from the bush outside.

Oh, haven’t I been there? Feeling lost and alone and disoriented? Haven’t my children done the same thing too? Maybe not listening or just being childish, impetuous, a little over zealous?! But now… what a gift it is to see our little chicks marry and start families of their own. Childishness gone, they are the parents in the homemaking and feeding-frenzy of raising children. It’s as if their parental maturity sprung up overnight.

What a wonderful journey parenthood is! I always say, “being a wife and mother are the best jobs I’ve ever had.” Worth all the sleepless nights, weight gain, NOT getting to do what I wanted to do 1st, and the many-many hours on my knees for their sakes. I would not be who I am had David not shown up and God not chosen to give us these kids. I stand amazed and honored and humble all at once.

Oh LORD, guide them and give them wisdom. Keep them in Your sights. Protect all these new offshoots of our family tree and may we bring GLORY to Your Holy Name forever!

ForGlorySake! -Anna

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Stayed

Posted on July 30, 2022 by For Glory Sake!

You will keep in perfect peace [those] whose mind is stayed on You because [they] trust. Isaiah 26:3

4 years ago today (2018) I rushed David to the local ER with a fever and acute pain in his side. Tests revealed a mysterious sepsis brewing in his lung. As with past life-threatening visits, he caused quite a stir before a treatment was discovered.

Each crisis like this in our 34 years – never seems to grow dull. In every instance I’ve had to stop and purposely still my soul, then rest my mind in God’s Word and wait on Him. It hasn’t gotten easier, but I have become faster at getting started. 

In that particular illness, antibiotics were successful to slowly, slowly kill the unknown bacteria. Yet our trust did not rest in the medicine or even in the doctors. As thankful as we were for both – we knew God was the only source of lasting peace.

My job is to keep my mind “stayed”on Him.

His promise is to keep me in “perfect peace.”

Today we feel carefree and full of health. But knowing life is fragile, reminds us to remain steadfast in trusting Him; remembering we have already been so blessed. God is the only One who remains the same yesterday, today and forever! Praise Him 

ForGlorySake! -Anna

“Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. Is 45:22
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Easy and Light

Posted on July 6, 2022 by For Glory Sake!

“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too much for me to understand.” Psalm 139:6

What knowledge? That the world is a mess with more crisis and war-talk every day in every country? Or that humans are fallen and desperately need a Savior? Or that time is running out and still so many refuse to listen? 

No… what’s actually beyond my comprehension is God’s love and the fact that He stays so very aware! Like the Psalm reveals, He knows everything about everyone. Our Sovereign Creator, has eyes searching for any seeking Him.

Yes, there are endless problems too big for me, that’s why, thankfully, I’m not in charge! So what is my job? Easy: look to my Father, trust Him, and serve Him. Jesus made it simple: “I give you a new commandment— to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you, love one another.“ John 13:34

Wonder who’s on today’s schedule to love with His love? I can’t wait to see! Jesus never wastes hands and feet and a mouth, offered to Him…

28 “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I Am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11

ForGlorySake! –Anna

Artist:Bethany
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“Complements”

Posted on June 24, 2022 by For Glory Sake!

Complement: something that fills up, completes, making better or perfect. 

I wake up early, you stay up late.

I’m whimsical, you’re practical.

You love to cook, I enjoy cleaning.

You enjoy time inside, I love being outside.

I attack lists, you procrastinate.

I talk & talk, you listen.

You are a perfectionist, I just get it done. 

You like fiction, I like nonfiction.

I wreck my napkin, yours is always neat.

I love color, you’re conservative.

You observe, I participate.

You’re an introvert, I’m an extrovert.

I expect the best, you plan for the worst.

But… we both love Jesus and each other and our kids and coffee and dark chocolate and the beach! And we appreciate the differences because they enrich our lives. 

The promise remains “to love and obey, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health until… we are on the other side… together… forever, Amen ❤️

ForGlorySake! -Anna

Differences are good.
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