Jeff & Angie

A Whittler = God’s Messenger

August 1, 2026August 2, 2026 A. Knight

If you have ever struggled to know what you can do for God, I have the answer. Give Him back what He has given you in all the ways and places that He puts in front of you.

Brother Aubrey did. Aubrey Graves did until July 30, 2026. Then, when God called him home, Bro. Aubrey laid aside his whittling knife and took the hand of his Savior and entered Heaven’s Gates. I cannot imagine what he saw!

When the Tabernacle was being described and built as God commanded Moses, the Bible says that God gave two men talents and creative gifts to lead the job: Bezalel and Oholiab. (Exodus 31) Others were chosen to help, but these two were specifically chosen by God to accomplish the task.

I wonder if they were among those who met Aubrey as he entered the gates to express their excitement at having another craftsman join in the things that only God knows are taking place in the massive place we long to be. We often speak of “the fine cooks” that leave this life for Home and how they must be helping “stir the pot of chicken and dumplings”…why not a craftsman?

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24 NIV.

We have no clue what is actually taking place–but soon we will.

As I looked back over the years of mission photos (that I thought I had lost), I could not help but cry over the blessings that God has given us as mission leaders to have known Aubrey Graves and watch firsthand kids and adults alike be affected by his talents and giftings. Aubrey was one of a kind–we need more like him. Not just craftsmen, but someone willing to leave the comforts of his own home to give of himself and share the love of Jesus. We were always disappointed the times he was unable to go because he was such an amazing man–and you felt the love of God while watching him carve and whittle. I have a special gift of my own that he carved.

Twice that I remember (there may have been more), he gifted me with something special. He picked up pieces of wire, rocks, or whatever he found that seemed usable to him and created something unique. I have a necklace, a bracelet, and an avocado seed turtle. The necklace and bracelet are both made of rusty wire, pieces that were used to tie rebar together, and rocks were added to make it complete. He always had something inspirational to say. But the gift that was so amazing, behind a glass display cabinet, is my avocado seed turtle. He carved a turtle for me (not even knowing I have had a thing about turtles since I was a teenager).

The card he wrote that went with it says: “My progress may appear to be slow, but I’m moving at exactly the pace God has set for me.”

The little turtle just under the easel with the quote is the avocado seed, and she needs some oil. One of the things that makes this so unique, when I received it is what was going on in our lives at the time. I cried when he gave it to me–because we had applied to be missionaries to Bolivia and it seemed to take forever to be accepted. We were in the itinerating process…but progress was slow. Then just a few months later, I received the cancer diagnosis. Needless to say, this little turtle became a reminder that God was in charge of the progress, and I was His child.

Our prayers are with Mrs. Janice and their family as they walk through this journey of grief. I know it won’t be long until we are all together again. Jesus IS coming SOON.

“Whatever your hands find to do, do with all your strength….” Ecclesiastes 9:10(a) CSB

Bro. Aubrey, you will be missed–but you impacted every single life you met. Every child that you handed a carved toy to, and every adult you gave words of wisdom to–we are blessed because of your obedience to God, as you gave your best to all.

Bolivia, Mission Trip, Missions, Salvation

7-Coming Soon….to a Bolivian City Near YOU

August 31, 2025 A. Knight

We are doing all the final preparations to “send and go” on the last mission trip for 2025 for Focus Forward Ministries. Generally, our directors lead three trips each year: Uganda in February, Jamaica in July, and lastly, Bolivia in September.

“Ustedes son la luv del mundo.” Mateo 5:14. You are the light of the world….those are our instructions straight from the mouth of our Savior….our Bridegroom. Are we “lighting up the path?” The message for this year’s crusade is one that I heard months ago, early one morning in prayer. Be the LIGHT. If we are walking in obedience to our Father, we are going to be doing just that…shining for HIM. Recently, I have been convicted about not putting myself out there… I stay in quiet mode. I wish I could tell you that I will be changing all of that, but I move at a turtle pace when it comes to some changes. I enjoy learning something new–and I will adapt to change–but you need to give me a minute to adjust my thoughts around the “new” things.

Every year, we have a children’s pastor who goes with us and leads the crusades…. This year is different. It made me a bit anxious initially, but then I thought…what if my whole life was leading up to this very event? We will do what He has called us to do–our assignment: Be the Light. And we will be flexible with any change that pops up from behind the fence. Because it happens. Changes are inevitable.

Last year, we had planned for two teams of kids’ crusades to run simultaneously while we were also building a church, but the schools had suddenly been closed down for an uncertain number of days due to the pollution (smoke) in the air. A new plan had to be made.

** “As the translators gathered, the planning began. We would divide up into teams of three and walk the dirt roads of the village where we were building a new church, going house to house, inviting the children to come to the construction site for music, games, etc.

When we went door to door, we were sometimes met with barking or growling dogs, laundry flapping on barbed wire fences, and some reserved faces. They had reservations about us because they have the same door-to-door visitors as we often do in the States, often with tracts in hand.

After introductions were made, all the teams shared what we were doing and gave invitations to all the children in the family to join us outside the church at a designated time that day.

Over two hours later we wandered back into the construction site to share reports. FIVE salvations!! Even though the schedules had to be changed— this made up for it on so many levels as I realized had we been in the schools- these would not have had the visitors that called out “buenos días” that morning when they received the invitation to know and accept Jesus Christ.

One change – although unexpected- in our normal routine of ministry meant everything (eternity) to five individuals.

The planned crusades turned into door-to-door invitations and sidewalk ministry. God is in the details. We are always emphasizing “expect change and be flexible”- however, when changes disrupt all our well-laid plans, it’s a bit harder to relinquish control. But we must. It’s not about us. Ever. It’s always about them. We just get to be the pitcher that pours into the waiting cups.” **

We have no clue how this trip will play out in the course of each day…but this one thing I know: We are going to make an impact for the Kingdom of God. Because we are going with the intention of doing so—He will use everything we give Him.

What I know today (if God wills), we will carry the Gospel in hearts and suitcases. We will carry the message of being the Light of the world and introduce hundreds of children to Jesus.

Please pray with and for our team as we do all that we can to share the love of Christ with those who don’t know Him. We have had several who have wanted to be involved in this mission with donations and prayers. We ordered a few things to use for this trip on faith that the needs would be met. We trust and believe that God is working ALL things out in every area of this adventure! He is faithful to do just that. Above all, please pray for each team member: safety, health, smooth transition through customs, and to make a BIG impact for Christ. That’s our heart. To lead others to Jesus through the message we bring and our love in action.

This is our second team of 7. In 2019, we took a team of 7 into Bolivia, and we were the 5 loaves and 2 fish. The impact was life-changing. For each one of us.

If you would like to participate or donate, please contact us through our website, facebook messenger or mail: www.focusforwardministries.com; Post Office Box 5773, Marianna, FL 32447 or email: focusforwardministries@gmail.com

© Angie Knight 2025. All rights reserved. This was simultaneously shared in the StreetTalk Magazine, September 2025 edition. **This portion was previously shared on our personal mission blog: www.jeffandangieknight.com, September 12, 2024.**

faith, Trials, Trust, Wanda

Trusting in the New Year

December 24, 2024December 25, 2024 A. Knight

This was originally part one of a three-part series, “Trust IN God”

Many years ago, when my sister, Wanda’s daughter was not even a year old–Wanda became very sick. According to the doctor on her case, at the point of death. He offered very little hope. The changes he made in her medication made things even worse. With her blood pressure dropping to the low thirties and her breathing very labored, talking was impossible. Prayer, on the other hand, was not.

I remember the room in Tallahassee Memorial Hospital being very large, enough to accommodate her bed, the equipment, and 9 of us. The family. The blood of Christ flowing in our veins making us family- for those who were not actual “kin”. When hopes were dashed upon the rocks of life, we clung to the cross on the hill.

While we listened to the doctor state the facts as he saw them, my mother adamantly (if you know “Grandleria, you know what this sounded like) requested Wanda’s childhood physician be notified at once (Dr. St. Petery). He was the one who had seen her from childhood, at the onset of the discovery of her heart condition. The doctor [present], not taking my mother as seriously as he should have, stated that “his notification of her condition would not change the facts.”

He then went on to suggest alternative medications–although not giving much hope of them working. He just wanted to try and see what would work.

With anger rising up in me, I said directly to the doctor, “You will not make my sister a guinea pig!” I remember mother looking at me, her eyes filled with tears and pain. I just really wanted to bop him in the head–but that would do no good. This was my sister’s life, and I was kind of a mess of hormones, and my non-spiritual flesh came to the surface.

Just a few more moments of discussion ensued, the air in the room stiff and as labored as Wanda’s breathing. The doctor, standing to leave, shaking his head, obviously could not imagine why we were acting this way, surely, at this point in Wanda’s life, we had to know that it could not last.

Yet we held on to a faith that he could not see. We held to One greater than he supposed himself to be. Faith and trust in a God that is Sovereign.

I remember at least four ministers in the room with us. After he left, we began to seek God with fresh urgency. With hands lifted, we prayed and sought God–trusting in His decision. I was asking God to be present and asking Him to give us a sign of His working—all things for our good. At this point, I wasn’t seeing anything good.

In just moments, the door opened, and in walked the doctor mother had requested, in physical form, and with him came a spiritual ignition for our faith and trust! The atmosphere in the room instantly changed! It seemed as if all the hot air of the enemy had been pushed out the window and in GUSHED the fresh air of the Holy Spirit! (Isaiah 59:19)

I saw the expression on my mother’s face change instantly. Relief washed over her like a clean waterfall gushing its cool freshness down a mountainside. The situation was re-examined. Suggestions offered–decisions made. We all left for Gainesville. Praying all the way. Beseeching God. Surely, God would not have given this long dreamed of –prayed for–baby to this woman only to take her life after just a few short months of motherhood. Indeed not. Our TRUST in God is secure as the dawning of the next day’s sun.

If you know anything about us or our story, you know that all turned out exactly as God planned. Her life was just the number of days God had set forth from the beginning. (Job 14:5 “You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer.”)

Wanda’s next few years with her precious daughter were a sweet blessing, all captured in a bottle of time. Giving God daily praise for each breath!

Her trust was secure.

Is ours?

When the checkbook gets into the single digits are we secure in Him? In His care for us?
When the bread box contains only 2 end slices…does our stomach growl in mock hunger?
When the fabric of our faith wears thin, where is our trust? In Him? Or in what we can see…

Do we say “I trust You LORD even when:

the children get sick
the hours at work are cut
the promotion is given to someone else
the marriage falls apart
the child rebels
the loved one dies

Do we trust God ONLY when things are going our way? Or, are we in it for the long haul?

If it seems your trust slips at the points of severe tension–know this: Jesus Christ is there to realign your faith in Him.

I want to encourage you today, in the brand New Year of 2025, to bolt your faith so securely to Jesus.

Adjust your vision and focus to settle on Him–and not on your seemingly insurmountable circumstances. Things on the outside may not change. But the inside of your heart and mind can rest knowing that God has all things in His line of sight and WILL work all things for our good. It may not “feel” good….but if you and I will trust Him–He will walk us through whatever may come our way.

Youtube video: People & Songs, The Emerging Sounds with Meg Ammons.

faith, Focus Forward Ministries, Hope, Ministry, Mission Trip, Missions, Salvation, uganda

It’s ALMOST my birthday…. :)

November 30, 2024December 2, 2024 A. Knight

For those who know me–KNOW I do not care much for parties- BUT I do love giving. As soon as I buy a birthday gift or a Christmas gift–I want to give it IMMEDIATELY! It’s hard for me to wait!

I’m about to turn the BIG 6-3. Sounds like a score on a game. I’m still winning–because I am still on this side of the dirt.

We have never been one for a whole lot of “hoopla” on birthdays. I prefer a nice quiet dinner at home with my family and my favorite foods. I’d rather have a cupcake than a big cake. And lots of swirly icing.

Jeff’s mom used to make a “chess pie” for my birthday–because that was my favorite. I also love pie!

We have a few mission trips happening this year. I haven’t heard from God on which one I am to go on…but my ear and heart is open to Him. However-the most exciting thing for this year is our plan (hope and dream) to build our FIRST orphanage home in Uganda (Focus Forward Ministries).

The building the children are standing beside is the medical clinic built (with donations to FFM)

We have followed the government’s guidelines in all details in preparations for it.

FFM has built two latrines, one for girls and one for boys, drilled (hand dug by locals) a water well, built a small medical clinic and storage office, and erected a building for shelter from the sun and rain for the children during the weekly ministry and feeding of the children (225+!!!). This building will eventually be turned into the church, but we are needing to begin the work on the first orphanage home.

Exterior. All the buildings on the site are the same in appearance and construction.

My sister, Wanda would be absolutely giddy with excitement over this. I can picture her face at this news. (This makes me reach for the Kleenex box.)

Layout: center common areas, left and right sides for sleeping quarters.

Our mission team that will leave in February, for the first of three mission trips for FFM this year, will hopefully be able to do a large portion of the work on the building of this first home! Y’all…I can’t EVEN wrap my mind around this!

THIS is what I would love to have for my BIRTHDAY!

Help FFM raise the funds for the first of several Orphanage Homes.

For years I have had many dreams about children–children who were homeless, in danger, hungry, orphans…. and God has given us an amazing opportunity to help these in need.

Many friends and supporters of Focus Forward Ministries have sponsored a child in the village already for their medical needs and education, and our prayer is to have them all sponsored by end of 2025. These children need us.

Jeff, Chase, Chris and Elijah have held and hugged these little ones and our hearts yearn to do more for them. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with CoFam, a ministry born out of the heart of Sentamu, a man who works on a pineapple farm…because he saw a need.

Tell me….what do you see?

I see little ones (and big ones) that Jesus died for. I see hungry faces–not just for food–but for someone to love them and tell them they are beautiful-wonderful-loved.

The older ones feed and help the younger ones.

As Jeff, Chase, Chris and Elijah all held and talked to these children–their hearts were ignited with a passion to see them have more than a shelter from the sun and rain. We want to see them have a home.

So many of these you see in these pictures have nothing and no one. That was where Sentamu came in with a heart to help. That was also where we came in–through the Holy Spirit connecting Chase Curti and Sentamu. The few 50–60, quickly turned into 100, then 150+. We are now feeding about 225 each Saturday (our Friday) and they are being given love. They are given a day that is much like a “kids crusade” that we do in Bolivia. Singing, games and a Bible story with an opportunity to accept and know Jesus as their personal Savior.

Every Saturday–someone’s eternity is changed.

So…IF you have read all the way down to this point–THANK YOU for sticking around.

My big ASK for this 63rd birthday is for Chase to be able to contact Sentamu and say, “we are coming in February and we are going to help BUILD the first HOME!”

That is the BIGGEST desire of my heart–to go to bed at night and know that across the world there are children who are able to sleep in the safety of their own bed for the first time in their lives. (Kleenex time)

I’ve had a hard time writing this one–looking at all the pictures and wiping my eyes…. I’ve never been to Uganda, but I have been in other countries and know what poverty looks like. I’ve seen homeless on the streets of Costa Rica, Honduras and Bolivia. I’ve seen hungry faces in Cambodia…and know there is a great need all over the world.

I don’t want to walk blindly into 2025 not seeing what God wants me to see. I want to run into 2025 with a determination to do every single thing I can to forward the gospel of Jesus Christ to all the nations–but especially to those where God has called our heart to. I don’t want to stand before my King one day and have Him look at me and say, “Angie, with all I blessed you with–you could have done more”….

If you have anything (the amount doesn’t matter) you would like to give toward the first home, or the ongoing medical needs for the clinic, you can mail a check, or give online. Chase Curti (FFM Sec/Treas) will assist you if you email us at focusforwardministries@gmail.com.

OR you can send a check to FFM, Inc., Post Office Box 5773 Marianna, FL 32447. You can also inquire about how to help on any mission trip or go with us! (We also need monthly supporters!

Mark your check or gift–Uganda Orphanage.

And…thank you for the birthday gift! I LOVE it and it will fit PERFECTLY!

faith, Reflection, Salvation, SIN

The Broad Way and the Fruitless Tree

November 5, 2024 A. Knight

There is a passage in the Bible that has been running through my brain for several days now:

Matthew 7:13-14 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. (emphasis mine)

“The highway to hell is broad.” It’s broad because we live in a world where we are so caught up in the next big thing. There’s a rush to get it or do it.
Whatever the biggest influencer is influencing you to do, buy, or be, that’s the goal for many. But that should not be what the Christ Follower is influenced by. We should be To read the rest of the story, go here. (my prayer journal page)

Photo credit: Pixabay.com free photos

An Angie Story, breast cancer, Devotion, faith, Hope, Life Issues, Salvation, SIN, spiritual warfare, Trials

Your Testing Ground

November 2, 2024November 5, 2024 A. Knight

Have I told you my story yet?

You’re probably like, “Angie, you have told me SO much, I’m not sure which story you are talking about! 🙂

When I heard about you and what’s going on in your life, I felt like there were some nuggets from my own story that might help you this morning (or evening-whenever you find yourself reading this).

Sometimes I find myself holding back — well, being transparent, I do hold back at times. But this morning, I wanted to share it all. I only like good surprises. If I know what I’m up against, I can be better prepared to handle what’s coming. Well, life doesn’t work like that. Only God holds our story. Only He knows what’s in the book. From the day you and I were born until the day we draw our last breath–He knows ALL the stuff in between. So trust me when I say…there is nothing He can’t handle. And He will walk you through ALL the things you would rather be delivered out of. Sometimes He will do it like that…and then other times, He’s like, “Hey, I’ve got some people down the road who will need to know your story–and How you trusted Me to get you to the goal…are you willing?” Well, when You put it like that…. (To read the rest, go here.)

Photo credit: free photos from Pixabay.com

Missions

The Impact of Change

September 12, 2024September 25, 2024 A. Knight

This is the very first year I have taken a mission trip and not carried my camera nor computer. SO Thankful for technology. I can do both from my phone. Hopefully it will turn out right! It has felt weird though not blogging every minute.

This trip has been a bit different than others. Good — but different.

When we arrived at the airport there were minor hiccups at the airport customs area – resolved fairly quickly though. Even though resolved- the process often gives the one involved a bit of a stomach knot.

We had planned for two teams of kids crusades running simultaneously while the men were building the church. After arriving, we learned that morning- the schools had been closed down for uncertain number of days because of the smoke in the air. A new plan had to be made.

As the translators gathered the planning began. We would divide up into teams of three and walk the dirt roads of the village going house to house inviting the children to come to the church for music, games, etc.

I won’t talk about the heat- but we did learn to pack Powerade. As we went door to door, we were sometimes met with barking or growling dogs, laundry flapping on barbed wire fences and some reserved faces. They had reservations about us because they have the same door-to-door visitors as we often do in the states.

After introductions were made all the teams shared what we were doing and gave invitations to all the children in the family to join us outside the church at a designated time that day.

One change – although unexpected- in our normal routine of ministry- meant everything (eternity) to five individuals.

The planned crusades turned into door to door invitations and sidewalks ministry (in front of the church being constructed). God is in the details. We are always emphasizing “expect change and be flexible”- however, when changes disrupt all our well laid plans- it’s a bit harder to relinquish control. But we must. It’s not about us. Ever. It’s always about them. We just get to be the pitcher that pours into the waiting cups.

Construction won’t be finished today – the men will work again in the morning, we will clean our rooms and the kitchen, pack our bags and attend the dedication service tomorrow evening. We will then board the bus for the airport- admittedly, I will likely question God as to what exactly was accomplished this week. In years past- it has been the hundreds of children ministered to — and the countless hands raised. This trip- I don’t know what total number we will come home with.

What I know today (if God wills), we will carry the Gospel in two suitcases filled with Bibles and a message of hope to a university (which wasn’t part of the original plan) and three church groups of neighborhood children, also not part of the original plan. But it was obviously part of the bigger plan. You know— the one we simply trust Him in each day….

Here are just a few pictures of our dedicated street ministers and church builders! To God be all the glory— all for Him.

Devotion, faith, Family, Life Issues, prayer, Trials

Where Am I?

July 14, 2024July 14, 2024 A. Knight

By now, most of our friends and all of our family know what happened in our lives on July 4. The unknowns that morning were scary. But after the hospital and initial doctor visits we had more answers.

Jeff fell from scaffolding. Not as high as his fall in Bolivia–but this was onto concrete. His head and right shoulder took the brunt. He had a pretty bad concussion, broken and dislocated collarbone, broken rib, and fracture in the third vertebra. The extent of the fracture was unknown then. But I can promise you MUCH prayer ensued. And I believe God made that unknown fracture so insignificant that the final ex-ray and MRI showed a different picture than the initial one. It was more “like a “shin-splint” in the neck”, according to Dr. Lee (spine specialist). I believe that was the result of the prayers prayed by people here and in Bolivia.

The collarbone, dislocated forward rather than inward, which was “good”, meaning no surgery required. But they said he would always have a knot….well you know what I believe???? Yes. If you know me at all–you know I believe God can absolutely resolve the knot. Will HE? I don’t know what He will do.

Sometimes, like in Paul’s life, He chooses to leave certain things so that our weaknesses become a place in our lives where HIS strength shines. I may not know what He will do, but regardless of what He does, I know He can do ANYTHING….and sometimes, that “anything” results in using what we see as a weakness, to show us that through HIS strength we can accomplish whatever He puts in front of us.

He’s done it too many times before me–for me not to know this today.

Because of the concussion and his memory loss, Jeff repeatedly asked the same questions. “What happened? How did I get here? What was I doing?” With great patience, we each answered these questions with the same response: “You fell from scaffolding. Juno brought you. You were fixing one last board on the side of his house.” For several hours this went on. He doesn’t remember any of that…but he now remembers all his other lost memories (ALL Praise to GOD!!).

This morning in my prayer time, these questions came back to me. Many times in our lives we wind up in places we had no intention of ever being.

Our circumstances were the result of our actions–or many times, our “inaction”. The teen-mom never intended to be a mom at the age of 15. The young man never intended to destroy his mind with the alcohol and drugs. The couple never intended to end up in divorce court…

What happened? How did I get here? Most likely–guards were let down. Armor was not worn (spiritual armor). Our minds become distracted with everything going on in the world–and there is some bad things happening everywhere–yesterday’s (as$@ssination) attempt was a prime example of the ugly.

If we are not careful, our words, actions or inactions–and our attitudes can wreck our own lives and the ones we love. That’s what the devil wants. Wreckage piling up like an interstate traffic pile up. Once there–it’s mighty hard to get out.

Jeff’s accident was the result of some not-so-fancy footwork. But again, God had His mighty hand on him because just as in Bolivia, it could have been MUCH worse. We could be attending a funeral instead of church this morning.

I just want to pause in the “devotion-lesson” today and say a huge thank you to our Evangel Church family and our church in Bolivia, Centro Familiar de Adoración all our family and friends, both here and there–thank you. Your prayers have made a difference! We are believing for MORE! 🙂 We know NOTHING is impossible with God!

I will take this back up later–but I feel like someone needs to be reminded right now, pay attention to where you are and what you are doing. One misstep can land you where you don’t want to be. One word spoke in anger can do more damage than you can imagine.

I don’t want to find you asking the same question of “what happened?…. in your own life.

Country Life Messages, faith, Family, Hope, Life, love, marriage, Missions, Reflection

Life and Blueberries

June 30, 2024June 30, 2024 A. Knight

You’ve heard the quote, “Life is like a bowl of cherries”, right? It’s actually from a song (I’ve never heard it) written by Lew Henderson in 1931 and actually written as “life is just a bowl of cherries”. Well, for us, life has been more blueberries.

Today, 42 years ago, we became husband and wife in Donalsonville, GA. Quite a unique story. It’s one for the records…pun intended, as we were married in the Radio Shack. It doesn’t exist anymore, but we do–by the grace and mercy of God.

You may think blueberries is an odd way to describe us. Well, let me tell you. You know when you are picking blueberries and you are picking fast–when you get home with your bowls and buckets of berries, and blue fingers, you dump them in the sink to give them a good rinsing…and you spy little leaves, and most likely some berries that aren’t quite ready…some that are “over-ready”. There is likely even a bug or two.

You remove the leaves and any bug. The green ones that snuck in there by accident have got to go. And you remove the ones that are downright squished. You’ve already decided on the jars for the jelly or jam. They’ve been washed and prepared. I can actually still see this going on in my granny’s old kitchen with it’s unleveled floor. She would have her handmade apron on and the hot kitchen would smell like sweet berries and pie. There would be a box fan sitting on the floor working as hard as it could to pull the hot June air out of the kitchen, only to circulate it right back in through the open window screens. Another box fan propped in the dining room window pulling air out to the hot Alabama summer.

The summer of blueberries I remember most vividly was the one in ’82. We drove up to the old log homeplace with it’s huge oak trees shading the road and house, and we parked near her pale green Monte Carlo. No one lived there except birds, snakes, mice and I’m sure some other critters. But there were two or three large blueberry “trees” in the back yard. They were actually bushes, but you had to use a ladder to get the ones from the top.

I can still see that little white haired granny of mine, standing on the ladder, with her sister, Votylee down below holding on to the ladder. Two little old ladies who had no business doing that–but as they say, “somebody had to do it”, or there would be no jelly. I called out to her as we rounded the corner of the house. We talked very briefly before I came right to the point. “Granny? Guess what?”

“What”, was her instant reply, in her little granny voice. “We got married today”.

“Whaaat?” This “what” was more drawn out in disbelief. She peered down at us, holding hands under the blueberry bush. She loved Jeff to pieces. He was a fishing buddy. She knew we were dating–but she was surprised at the suddenness.

I’m sure she asked a few questions, we answered and told her of our love for one another and then left her to her berry picking. When my life had fallen apart–Granny was who I moved in with. Later, I moved in with my cousin and we shared rent in an old house very near Granny’s.

Our life has had some leaves. It’s had some green berries that were not ready to be picked–and some that were over ripe. But in all the 42 years of our lives, we have made many beautiful jars of blueberry jelly (not really jelly, just a sweet life).

We’ve had to choose to discard the leaves and berries not fit for use in the jelly–and keep (in our memories) the best ones for jelly-making. There were times, if we both sat down with you face-to-face, we would tell you how hard it was. Very few people in our lives know the depth of the difficulties. But they also know the commitment–and the dedication that we have in our love for one another, and our family.

I asked Jeff last night if he wondered at times if we would make it. He quickly said, “no”. But he knew as well as I did, we both wondered in the extremely hard times. But God.

We chose God first. We put Him first. Yes, there were times we slipped and allowed other things or occupations, people, events, circumstances to overstep the boundaries; but we realized quickly what was happening and the destruction coming, and we lined things back up in the correct order: God, one another, our children, our extended family, church/jobs, then everything else.

It takes a daily exercise of purposeful love. We are much older than the 26 and 20 year old that we were. Our love has advanced to a strength that is what it is today ONLY because of God being first in our lives. Things aren’t always pretty. Days aren’t always fully of joy and giggles. Tears have ran more times than I would care to count… but the love and peace we have today is a testament to God’s faithfulness to His own.

We aren’t rich in money–but we are wealthy in love. We’ve had times where it was hard to buy groceries and pay all the bills. In this economy even now–there are struggles, just like everyone else. But the economy should have no bearing on the love inside the hearts and four walls of a home you build as husband and wife. If you only love when things are going well–you are in for trouble.

So, on our 42nd anniversary, we want to encourage you younger people… who are “thinking” of marriage. If God is not first in your life NOW, before marriage, it will be hard to make sure He stays first later.

If you are already married, and life just has more leaves and green berries, take the time to reorganize things. Prioritize your life in the order God meant it to be. Don’t compare your husband or your wife to another person. We are all individuals. You married them knowing who they were. What you loved about them in the beginning is still there. Find it. Stop wishing things were better–be intentional about the days you have NOW. Only you, your spouse, and God, can fix what’s wrong. Don’t be too proud to seek help. Christian counseling is available. (I’m not a counselor, but I do know a great one!).

It won’t work if only one is trying. This has to be a joint effort of 100% + 100%. It won’t be perfect. But God will be with you. If you aren’t willing to try–then I’m truly sorry for your spouse. And I will pray for you–both.

Get in the Word. Pray.

If you have devotions together, fantastic. If you don’t, it’s okay. BUT have devotional time with God yourself. The rest will come in time. Pray for each other. Make that a priority in your daily devotions.

You can still make the best blueberry jelly or jam in the world–if you remove the things that have no business in the jelly jar.

And don’t forget to add lots of sugar 😉

Photo credit: Blueberries, free from Pixabay.com

Bottom photo credit: Connie Haile, photographer extraordinaire.

Devotion, faith, Family, marriage, prayer, spiritual warfare, Trials

Gear-UP

June 21, 2024June 21, 2024 A. Knight

Our oldest grandson has some favorite things: Wrestling, Marvel Movies, family, and a good banana split. Almost in that order. With him being autistic, I’ve had to learn a new approach on many things in our lives, but especially change when it comes to him. We stick to a routine as much as possible for his sake.

This past Saturday we watched a Marvel Movie: Captain America: The Winter Soldier. When something is said that catches my ear–I pay attention and generally pause the movie and write it down. I did so last….. (To read the REST of the story, run over to my personal blog)