December 2011 – Jeff & Angie

The Old and the New

December 28, 2011October 21, 2016 A. Knight

When I worked at the law office in Dothan, I had certain a routine for closing out the year and beginning a new one. Same when I worked at the high school. New files were made…certain old ones were filed away…and in some cases, a purging happened.

Sometimes–that needs to be done in our lives…a purging.

When we moved in November–I knew in advance that there would be some things that just would not “fit” in this sweet little house. The couch for instance.

Now friend…I loved my couch. We spent a LONG time searching for the right couch…with Bible Study and Prayer times in mind….and it was well used for those purposes–as well as snuggling with grandkids and watching a good movie.

Our Common Grounds girls loved it too…I remember several of them making the comment the first time they came over to pray–“oh I sure wish I had THIS!” Unfortunately, it didn’t fit in the house. But God supplied another for us to use that does fit.

The “prayer” couch, where I met with Jesus every morning in one certain spot–will STILL be used as a place to meet with God–and learn of Him though–it will reappear soon–and I will show you where and tell you how….later.

In the moving–and purging–and cleaning out of all the “clutter of life”–I discovered something about me. I would have a tendency to be a hoarder if I wasn’t careful. I mean–I kept every sweet note every person mailed me–and those darlin’ cards that lifted my heart–tucked in a cedar chest.

There came a time though–that the cedar chest had to be used for it’s original intent. To store “quilts and blankets”. so I took a few hours and cleaned it out–going through every single card….

I’ll be honest–I had a hard time parting with some of the cards–and some of them (those that had a scripture verse and special note) I kept. But in comparison, it was just a few reminders of where God has brought me. As I re-read the cards–I saw the hand of God moving in my life through encouragement of others. I knew that in many girl’s shoe boxes or a drawer was perhaps a card or note with my signature–and a prayer. I know the value of the written word–and a prayer of faith in a desperate time of need…. I’ve been there.

In the purging process–God showed me that if I’m not careful, I will tend to hold on to what He’s done in the past–satisfied with that–yet knowing that there is SO MUCH MORE that He wants to do in the future!

Can I share a secret? He’s got more. MORE than you could even imagine is in store for this next year! I feel it in my BONES!

Isaiah wrote about the LORD reminding him of what He had done in the past and letting him know that the future held even greater promise for the Children of Israel!

(Isaiah 43:15-19 NLT)
I am the Lord, your Holy One,
Israel’s Creator and King.
¹⁶ I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters,
making a dry path through the sea.
¹⁷ I called forth the mighty army of Egypt
with all its chariots and horses.
I drew them beneath the waves, and they drowned,
their lives snuffed out like a smoldering candlewick.
¹⁸ “But forget all that—
it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.
¹⁹ For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland….

We cannot begin to comprehend what HE is about to do in our midst! BELIEVE. TRUST. DO NOT WAVER in your heart about HIS LOVE.

I want to live this gift of 2012 with such intentional devotion to Christ that I see Him at every turn. I want HIS presence to feel as it does today–and has for the past several days…thick–sweet as honey.
I intend to make a mark for HIM. So that HE will be glorified. I am willing to go through the purging process–and let HIM direct me at all the things that are unfit–the things that are choking the life out of me–so that there is ROOM for HIM to dwell without any hindrances.

I discovered though with the move–it is an intentional process. Friends can’t help you with this. YOU must desire this–and make the necessary changes on your own.

I have helped others move before–and if you’re not careful–you will simply take everything that is in the “past” house and move it right into the “NEW” house. And it just won’t fit.

Moving is best done with a clear mind on what you really NEED….not what you want.

As 2012 dawns–take some time and evaluate the “unnecessary” of your life…see what things are “time stealers”…and what throws your mind and heart into a pit of dispair. Get rid of those things. I can only tell you from my experience….you will be amazed at how you will feel…

A fresh rain is getting ready to fall on God’s people…and I don’t want anything to hinder me from feeling every single drop. The road ahead holds great promise….don’t be left standing around…be ready.

© The Knightly News 2007-2011
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Christmas, Memories, New Year

2011 Gifts

December 21, 2011 A. Knight

If I had all night, I could not begin to share with you all the gifts God laid over into our lives this year. You might be thinking gifts as in “$$”. But I’m not. I’m thinking “delights”.

Things that really get me excited, the hand clapping, giggly sort.

I will share through a few pictures. I think it will explain it best.

While we were in Ohio at a conference, the LORD brought me a present. Amazing gift God gave me—just because I love snow. (It was not predicted to snow…but I asked—and He gave.)

This praying group of men put a roof on our house. Just because they LOVE THE LORD. And they love to serve Him by blessing others. They blessed us that day.

There were so many spectacular sunsets that took my breath away. But this one looked as if you could “touch” the land on the other side of the setting sun. That is totally untouched photo.

There were birds that flew and came close. There was the sighting of a turtle crossing the road and it reminded me of my friend, “B” The Turtle Girl.

There was a wonderful meeting of girl friends who love Jesus more than anything else in this whole wide world…and there was the meeting with my friend from Canada (she has many who call her friend), Ann Voskamp the author of “One Thousand Gifts”.

There were meals throughout the year with dear friends—most I claim as family. Those were special times of fellowship and most always growing in the Lord.

One special morning—God paid us a visit in March at our daughter, Tiffany’s house when our youngest daughter, April and I went to spend some “daughter-sister” time—and special prayer time.

100_3246 Common Grounds. What God started in January of this year still makes me ask Him, “why me?” I am thankful for Vanessa and Angela—the 2/3 of this team that saw the need and had a vision from God to do “all we can” with all we have—for the rest of our days.

Common Grounds is a blessing and gift. God has met us there in that place of surrender to Him—as we come to seek HIM and pray and read His word. There’s no time for “food”—even though it has been provided each time—no one eats. Except to partake of what Christ Jesus brings us through His word.

There was bird watching from my dear friend, Connie’s porch…and sharing God’s Word—and His heart for each believer…

Thank you Connie—for being that “persuader” for many that causes us to study God’s Word for ourselves—and then BELIEVE what His Word says!

There was my learning experience as a Camp Cook (helper to the awesome Camp Chef Donece—who taught me TONS in the kitchen this year!) That was QUITE a good experience!

These are ALL blessings—GIFTS that God laid over into my lap and heart—and many that I even may have missed—simply because I was “too busy”.

Family is the sweetest blessing…and I count my darling husband, Jeff—as my number one blessing from God.

Jeff lead an amazing group of people to Bolivia where we were able to do many things for Jesus. I was blessed to witness first hand God at work in and through my sweet husband.

Jeff also lead two teams to north Alabama on Disaster Relief Missions. I was unable to go on this trip—but heard countless testimonies of all that God did through the individuals while they were there as the “hands and feet of Christ”.

I am forever changed by the experiences of this year….and you only have seen a grain of what has happened in our lives.

I am forever grateful for God for all that He performed, all that He allowed—because through the hard things that was allowed—I saw His love and mercy extended—and I grew.

One delight—that completely amazed and stunned me—was the duck. There is a story about her, which I have shared in person—with bits and pieces on the blog—but that was a “God visit” day. All over the place—and even thinking of the duck now, makes me shake my head in amazement and hot tears burn my throat.

We would be here all night if I kept going through the year. I saw—and experienced some amazing things in my journey of my 49th year. I can hardly imagine how God plans to top this coming year—

What have you seen—or experienced in 2011? I hope you kept a journal. Or some pictures to track your tracks….as you follow Christ until He comes.

I started to just list the section of Scripture that I wanted to share—but instead, I’m sharing the whole of it. 2 Corinthians 4. The Lord used this passage to speak a special message to me in 2007…and He is still speaking.

2 Corinthians 4 ¹Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. ² Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. ³ And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. ⁴ The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. ⁵ For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. ⁶ For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”^[a] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ⁸ We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ¹¹ For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. ¹² So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

¹³ It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.”^[b] Since we have that same spirit of^[c] faith, we also believe and therefore speak, ¹⁴ because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. ¹⁵ All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

New International Version (NIV)

All I can say….what’s next Lord?

I join countless others and say—I’m Yours. Do what is best—and may You alone be glorified.

Giving HIM all.

Angie

Christmas

Laced With Grace–Tuesday

December 20, 2011October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Good morning!

Tuesday you can find me at Laced with Grace…all day long! ;)

I hope your week is going great!! There are so many things going on right now–it is crazy busy for everyone! Thank you for taking the time out to read! 😉 “A Party For A King”

Have a blessed week—MORE TO COME.

Missions

New LIFE—FRESH Determination

December 9, 2011 A. Knight

Many weeks ago (seems like last week), two couples from our Young Adult class took steps—to follow after Jesus. I cannot express what happened to me that Sunday—it was only small compared to what I am certain happened in the lives of these two couples.

When I witnessed the expressions on the faces and heard the passion in their voices—I knew God had really impacted them in a way they (as well as us) would never forget.

They were baptized IN HIM. Walking away from the old ways of living, thinking and believing…taking instead a new fresh stance in their neighborhoods, their work places—and most of all in their families. It has been costly for them in some ways—as it was for you….do you remember your decision to follow HIM?

I’m not sure who in the “blog-world” would ever think that living for Christ comes without paying a price…there is always a cost. But the blessings of being adopted into the family of God—far outweighs anything we could have to pay or suffer through here.

So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:15-17 NLT

We have a great group of Young Adults—and there is a fresh fire stirring among them…and can I say the enemy is NOT happy about this in the least! We’ve talked about what it takes to follow Him…

It takes everything you’ve got. It takes determination to walk on—even when our family or friends go the opposite direction. It takes studying God’s word to see how “Paul” made it through…It takes seeking GOD daily…even when time seems to squeeze everything OUT of us…. It takes digging into the well of forgiveness when you’ve been hurt—however it may have been. Whether intentional—or accidental. It takes forgiving….and walking away from the pain—but not the people.

We rub shoulders with the world daily—and even in the checkout line we experience rudeness and behavior unbecoming a Christian…even when they “claim” to be a Christ follower. What are we to do? Well, as I’ve asked our class… “what would Jesus do? How would He handle the situation?”

For those who have been Christians for a long time, “we” should know to show compassion and love “no matter what”…but for those who are new in Christ—they will all need our prayers as they learn to walk this path of Life in His Light. Prayer changes things…

Prayer changes things…but so does criticism. Criticism causes discouragement, bitterness, broken heartedness and even sometimes giving up…. (If you have a new convert in your group or church, please don’t criticize….lovingly “show” by example and kind words and MUCH prayer, the Way.)

I love what I read in Oswald Chambers, “My Utmost for His Highest” earlier in the week:

“I am not being saved, I AM saved; salvation is as eternal as God’s throne; The thing for me to do is work OUT what God works in. “Work out your own salvation,” I am responsible for doing it. It means that I have to manifest IN THIS BODY the LIFE of the LORD Jesus, not mystically, but really and emphatically. “I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection.” Every saint can have his body under absolute control for God. God has made us to have government over all the temple of the Holy Spirit, over imaginations and affections. WE are responsible for these, and we must never give way to inordinate affections.”

There is no way to speak any more clear. Oswald wrote with such passion and anointing—for “such a day as this”….these days we are living in…when everyone wants the living for Christ to be made “easy”.

There is no easy route friend. “It is what it is”. The trek Jesus made up the hill to Golgotha was not easy…but it was necessary in order for you and I to be saved….the price had to be paid…the Sacrifice had to be made. And He willingly gave all.

How can we expect to do less than the very Son of God? We give what God requires…our all.

When you pray—pray for those in your neighborhoods and churches who are making these new decisions of walking with Jesus….the way of life is new and certain to have difficulties as they learn to lean on God and trust Him for everything…but I pray that those near you will be encouraged by your testimonies of faith and perseverance to follow HIM. Leave a trail for others to follow.

Jeff and I are very proud of “our” new family (we claim all our Young Adults as “ours”), and all that God is beginning in their lives. We pray for them as they lean on God and learn more each day of His LOVE.

I can’t wait to see what God does NEXT!!

Christmas, Holidays

The First Day of the Last Month of 2011

December 1, 2011October 21, 2016 A. Knight

With the rush of Thanksgiving week behind, as well as the Young Adult Retreat, the job beckoned….for a couple of days, then off to Mother and Grandbuddy’s to care for really big dog and small black cat. It is at this home I am clicking away at the keys in hopes that the internet service lasts long enough to get the job done. 🙂

There have been so many happenings in our lives of late–it would drive you nuts if I typed them all..suffice it to say, “we’ve been as busy as you have”.

Life brings daily changes. To all. We are no exception. I face the same daily battles and struggles as anyone else…I just have to determine ahead of time, “how to handle said battle”.

My thoughts turned toward Christmas the day I put my tree up. Not before. We’ve really been too consumed with work and various other things to “think” ahead much. On Sunday though, while others were napping, I decided it best to tackle the tree knowing I would be away for several days and wanted to come home to the job completed.
Getting out my ornaments, of course, took me back to the last couple of years. I put all my special ornaments on the tree, leaving in the boxes those that came prepackaged, prearranged to go with certain color schemes. In the “downsizing” of life (our choice), the tree nestles quaintly in a corner by the door of my kitchen. It looks “made” for the spot. I love it. Who doesn’t love sitting at a table drinking a cup of coffee with a pretty tree staring back?

As I tackled my tree, my mind went back to some precious faces, who are thought of by several friends of ours almost daily. I began to wonder how they will celebrate the birth of our Savior?

How do you celebrate the birth of Jesus? Do you gather with family and friends, digging into gifts wrapped prettily under a decorated tree?

Do you visit with friends that you have had very little time to see over the course of the past year?

Do you talk to the One who came from Heaven’s glories and filled a manger with His flesh to bring you LIFE?

While you are rushing to work and home again, keep in mind Whose constant eye is on you.

The One who came….the One who gave…
The One who died….the One who LIVES!

The One who will RETURN!

Let us not get bogged down in what to get “who” this year….instead, let’s get our focus on what really matters….

Others. How would Jesus spend Christmas this year?

I’m just asking….food for thought. But I bet (if I were a “better”) that He would want to spend Christmas with just “you”.

I want to do something different next year with the blog….

I welcome your thoughts and ideas….(I have a few of my own…but your thoughts really matter to me!) So…..post me a note, or send me an e-mail!