A. Knight

Devotion, faith, Ministry, Trials, Trust

Nothing Wasted

March 31, 2014October 21, 2016 A. Knight

“Where did you go to, if I may ask?’ said Thorin to Gandalf as they rode along.To look ahead,’ said he.And what brought you back in the nick of time?’Looking behind,’ said he.”– J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

Looking ahead is what we do. For the most part, we all like to know in advance—hoping we can do something about the things we know absolutely nothing about.

It’s like we “think” we need to help God. Are you kidding me? You know–you do the same. I’m not the only one.

I use the excuse of “needing to plan ahead”….ha. The real deal is the fact that we want to know so that we can make alternative plans or ADJUST His plan… That’s the TRUE REAL DEAL.

We want to know so we can “advise God and give Him input…. be careful. You and I will hear the same speech Job did. Were we there when He cast the line for the waves to stop? Were we present when the morning stars sang and all the sons of God shouted for joy–all for Him? (Read Job 38)

What I’ve been hearing over and over in my heart–through reading The Word and in messages, “trust-and-wait”. They go together like peas and carrots (Forrest would say).

In the story of our lives, God leaves nothing out. There are things we don’t know- yet- and things we will never know, this side of heaven. (That is where trust comes in…)

We participate in each word, line and punctuation of the details of our lives—as we live it. Only He knows the advance of our days. He’s been to our tomorrow and has a sovereign plan—and gives us the opportunity to put faith into action when the punctuation of our story turns to question marks.

Psalms 139:1-6 says:
O Lord, you have examined my heartand know everything about me.You know when I sit down or stand up.You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.You see me when I traveland when I rest at home.You know everything I do.You know what I am going to sayeven before I say it, Lord.You go before me and follow me.You place your hand of blessing on my head.Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,too great for me to understand!

We are held in the promise of His Sovereignty. We will never—ever face anything that He hasn’t looked and either orchestrated or approved…FOR OUR GOOD.

What does that look like? Our good may not necessarily be desirous of us on the given day it actually happens…but, I can honestly say, after living 5 decades, it is for our good. And He is dependable.

I may believe Him for something for more than 10 years…but when the miracle arrives, the years and tears no longer matter. Like Gandalf, in the story of The Hobbit, He’s looking ahead. He sees your tomorrow. And you can stake the promise that when every need arises, He’s there in “the nick of time” for each of us.

There is no need for us to look behind….unless of course we are counting our blessings…

Then, by all means, we should look behind, count them and thank The Giver of Life.

faith, For Sisters of Faith, Wanda

Reflection of a Heart Like His

February 28, 2014October 21, 2016 A. Knight

For Wanda’s birthday I want to share with you something written by a dear friend, who has to remain nameless due to the fact she lives in another country–and they do not take kindly to Christians–to say the least.

Dear Angie,

You and your family remain in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. Although Wanda and I were not intimate friends, I did feel as though I had come to know her over the years. I had the greatest
respect and admiration for her consistent demonstration of abiding faith and trust in the face of what many of us would consider to be overwhelming adversity.

Despite years of pain and trial, she managed to retain a special sweetness I shall never forget.

After I received the news, I spent much of the evening pondering the indescribable profundity of Wanda’s absolute simplicity and straightforward sincerity.
She did not strive to be a flashy dresser, a vivacious social butterfly, or a dazzlingly erudite conversationalist. She did not seek the spotlight; she did not pursue praise or adulation. In a world where the surface is so often valued over the core, where the cover is prized more than the content, Wanda always seemed to me to be a ray of almost translucent purity and faith.

She leaves behind no record of artistic or intellectual genius; instead, she leaves for an adoring family and loving friends the memories they will never forget: memories of faith, hope, patience, sacrifice, determination, and a never-ending quest to know and fulfill God’s will on this earth. Perhaps,
after all, that is an even greater and more valuable legacy for us all.

Love,

Unnamed

Then days later she wrote again:

Dear Angie, “Over the last few days, I have really been meditatingon the miracle of Wanda’s life. She lived … truly,truly LIVED … the example that many of us talkabout. She did a lot of walking and not much talking.Or should I say that she let her walking do thetalking. I feel blessed and humbled to have known herat all….”

As I re-read these words from 2008, I reflected on my own life–I’ve heard preachers say often, “our lives are our testimony -and it’s from that we preach our own funeral”…. I stop and think…what am I saying? What are my actions revealing?

What about yours? Do you ever ponder what your life is revealing about you?

I know I have seen facebook posts that hurt my heart. I’m not talking about the ones that are blatantly “sin”…I don’t have or subscribe to that–I’m talking about those “life revealing” posts and pictures. The ones that reveal what is in our inner most thoughts– whether the picture reveals smiles or steely eyes.

The heart reflects our walk. Our walk talks for us. Whether you tip-toe in high heels or stomp around in cowboy boots–or flip in flip-flops. The walk is talking.

What is the reflection He sees when He sees us?…. Just something to ask ourselves in the coming days…

I know Wanda’s life has blessed all who truly knew her–and I know that we will be joined again in our eternal home…every time we gather as family and talk about this–we get more ready to be there…

But until then, there’s much to do here!

Carry on!

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

faith, Jeff's Posts

Tomorrow is a Big Day

February 27, 2014October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Friday. The 28th of February. Wanda’s birthday 🙂

I feel a stir in my heart that maybe–just maybe there will be a party going on in heaven. What do you think?

Some may say “that’s silly”… Well, to be absent from the body is to be present with The LORD (2 Corinthians 5:8), and I believe He loves her enough that He just might want to throw her a party!

I’ve been working on a project this afternoon. The testimony of God’s love and faithfulness for one of His other children. My dear husband.

Many of you know him as Jeff. His two closest friends call him “Jabot” (from French jabôt –pronounced: Jabo). He’s also known as “Daddy” by our two girls, and “Papa” by 7 terrific grand-kids. To me, he is many things. The love of my life. My dearest and best friend.

For over 31 years he’s been my husband, and a strong provider. The priest of our home. A shoulder to cry on (like the time the mouse chewed my favorite skirt mother made me and I discovered it right before church and he pulled me in his lap and let me cry), an ear (for all the times I need to vent), a heart that feels pain with me–for all the same reasons.

There are many times we are thinking the same thoughts…we are, as of the last day of June in ’82, ONE.

I’ve heard him share his testimony so many times over the course of the years the girls were young…then life got so busy and we dedicated all our time to our family, our work and our church.

But…I feel a stir in my soul. It’s time to share it again. I asked him a couple of days ago about sharing it–and he gave me permission….so, it’s on our header and I’m adding the link here: “Jeff’s Journey to Jesus”.

Perhaps someone “knows someone” in a dark place. Maybe you have a son or daughter that you feel so broken and hopeless about right now…you need to know… THERE IS HOPE.

Keep praying. Don’t stop believing. Pray –visualizing them kneeling at the foot of the cross. Pray the WORD. Anoint their beds… pray over them as they leave the house…. claim the promises in the Word.

Teach them early parents…we have no idea what lies ahead…. BUT you can trust the One you give them to if you put all your faith and trust in Jesus.

If you are friends with either one of us on Facebook, drop us a note. Jeff and I will gladly pray with you.

Devotion, faith, Life Issues

Belly Button Ring

February 26, 2014October 21, 2016 A. Knight

This is a repeat from several years ago–but I “felt” it was needed today:

I have a good friend that is totally “hip”. Really “with-it”.

All the things I am not.

Well, I have hips…. but my “with-it”…sounds more like something I’d say after I had been to the dentist and returned with my mouth numb…

When this happened, I asked her permission to share this story with you…hmmm, let’s just say—the LORD spoke to me through it.

Lisa was having trouble with her back. Her neck. Her shoulder. This was tough—especially since she is a faithful gym-goer. She had been having trouble with “strength” —lifting the weights. So she made an appointment to see her Chiropractor.

As he began to examine her, and question her, he maneuvered her for a response to her reflexes, testing her resistance, and he noticed the weakness on one side. “Lisa”, he said with a questioning tone, “do you have a belly-button ring?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I do”. She replied–she was, after all very “hip and with-it”, and loved her belly-button ring.

“Do you mind taking it out?” Dr. Carnes needed to prove what he felt was the problem.

After she removed the metal, he began his testing all over. This time, her body reacted differently to each maneuver. She had strength. It was almost like you had removed the cryptonite from Superman’s space and his strength returned.

With a puzzled expression, she wanted to know why it made a difference. His explanation made perfect sense. The metal, or foreign object was interrupting the energy flow of her body. Something was blocking her physical strength. But once the hindrance was removed…strength returned.

Do you see what I saw? The instant parallel of our strength in Christ vs. the hindrances of the world came racing to my mind.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.”Romans 12:2 NLT

To her, and many others, the belly-button ring was attractive. A symbol. But to her body, it was a hindrance. Might not have been noticed before. May not have even “felt” the resistance before. But at this time in her life…the change of the energy flow was noticed.

She is only a few years younger than I am, but in good physical condition. I on the other hand, well, if you know me…you know. I am a bookoholic instead of a gymoholic……It shows.

After she told me this, I immediately told her, “you know this will have to be a blog”.

I smiled, already hearing the Lord speaking to my heart. Because He knows me. He knows the things I have been neglecting so long they are now “hindrances” in my walk.

“Examine your life Angie. What is blocking your “energy flow”. Are you full of My strength? You know from your past experience what happens when you try to conform to the world–when you neglect what I have called you to do…. In order to fit in you allow things to come between what I desire for you.”

Well, you could have knocked me out of my rolling chair with a feather!

In my past I know there have been many times that I wanted to be a part of what seemed to be fun—so much so, that my decisions were warped.

Poor decisions made an impact in my life that was NOT pleasant. But I was thinking…surely not now. Why, surely I am right on track…But after thinking this over….I can find things that need to be removed from my heart and life to increase my energy flow.

I took a phone survey and even polled some random ladies with a simple question: What are some things that we allow to hinder our relationship with Christ:

TV (too much of it, and the type of programming—we are what we feed our minds);
Busyness and/or obsessive housework (as in the Martha Syndrome);
Excessive secular reading (neglecting the Bible);
Unforgiveness (self-explanatory);
Anger (self-explanatory);
Greed (desirous of worldly things); and
Envy (wanting what everyone else has). Another late entry of the survey came in after I came home from work. It seemed the opposite of one, but when she explained, I instantly saw how it could quickly become a hindrance:
Having a clutter filled house and life.

The first one listed was mentioned by more than one person. It deserved top ranking. The next ones listed fell as suggested by those I polled. They all fall in the category of being a “belly-button ring”. So-to-speak. A strength zapper.
If not attended, I think it could even cripple.

I have embarked on an “examination” of my life. I am on the table. The Lord is probing my heart and life for the unnecessary. I don’t have any piercings other than my ears, but there are MANY things that need to be dealt with continually in my life. Things that left unattended in my life will drain every ounce of spiritual strength I have.

Father in heaven, reveal to me–to each one of us–the hindrances in our lives. I need to know. I want to see it for what it is and deal with it once and for all. Forgive me for waiting so long. Some of the issues may have been here so long they are deeply embedded. Remove them from my life. Pour in the peroxide to boil out the wound. I ask with all sincerity of heart that the anointing of the Holy Spirit flow through my life as a river that I never before experienced! Help us to reach new heights in serving You. I am Yours. Wholly and completely. In the awesome name of Jesus I pray. Believing in You~Amen.

Your turn.

Are you as close as you can be to Jesus?

Think about what might be hindering your walk with Christ. Resolve to take control of it and remove it from your life.

Make a list of hindrances. Share them with others. Shine the spotlight on the issues so that they are exposed. Exposure can bring about closure.

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

Missions

Random Ramble and Prattling Thoughts

February 15, 2014 A. Knight

Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young, had a riveting sentence: “Pry your mind away from your problems so you can focus your attention on Me.”

How often do we do that?

Rarely.

I had sat here this morning and typed a long blog post about some changes God has been requiring of me– relationship shifting, etc. and then the iPad LOST IT ALL. So I started over and it looks a bit different. It’s shorter. Be glad.

Back to my thoughtline. Changes in my life: Sometimes others draw so much out of us that we catch ourselves neglecting our First Love.

My mother has the gift of “setting me straight”. It’s a good thing–although at 15 I didn’t think so.

She gave all of our family members a book a few years ago titled, “Boundaries” by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. It has helped “shine light” into my life in the area of some things I needed to adjust.

Often we get caught up in trying to help someone else we neglect those who are most dear to our heart…I think for ministers–and most in ministry this is often the case. Others just seem to “need” so much–and those we love, well, we just expect them to understand.

I drew some lines. Took necessary and needed steps “back” and in some cases, “out”. Changed some things around. Cleaned out some closets. The prayer closet.

The first thing I neglect when in a rush–is real- dedicated prayer. I give it the old “drive-thru” effect.

“Lord, give me this today and I need a dose of that–and could you please show up and be accounted for here in this–in Christ name, amen.”

WHAT? Yes, that’s what God is saying.

Did she do what I think she did? Did she just use the 911 prayer line?

“Well, she didn’t mean to Lord, I mean, you know she’s in a rush today…You see all that’s going on in her life and all she feels responsible for….You know she has kids, grandkids, jobs, talents, ministries, a husband, sisters, brothers, parents and…..” trailing off….

Well guess WHO gave her those blessings? It is NOT My fault if she hasn’t yet learned to set good clear boundaries, how to say no, in a nice way of course, and HOW TO PRIORITIZE! Do you think we need to take some things off her plate?

“Uhm, well, let’s walk close by and give strong nudges today and see if she gets the hints….”

I do get a strong sense of His presence and I do take heed when He speaks and I am a hot mess of tears when I realize how far I have wandered off into the land of “little productivity–but so much activity”. God is not pleased with this– This is not His intention.

I have taken heed. I’ve done much soul searching, closet and life cleaning–and restructuring has begun.

What about you?

What is God seeing when He looks over into your life? See…He sees it all. Every-single-self portrait….every thought we think that is not in line with HIS Word…and inside, I know He hurts. Just as we do when we see our own children falter and wander from the path we know we raised them to follow….

Set UP good boundaries. Put God FIRST. Your SPOUSE second. THEN your children. Then your ministry. Then others. I’ve only gotten my toe in ministry -so-to-speak, I realized quickly though, if you are not careful with your time–your talents will not serve you well. Nor will they serve Him….

Is your relationship with church? Or Christ. Are your goals YOURS? or HIS. What I mean–did they begin with you and then you made it His–or did they begin with Him speaking to you….

Okay…I’ve rambled enough. Laundry awaits.

faith, Family, Wanda

Purple Passion

February 4, 2014October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Me and Aimee and 2010 on “Sisters of Faith Day”.

I planned to wear purple today–before I knew anything about “purple for cancer day”. I support every single person struggling with that nasty disease…that disease that steals thoughts, moments, and even seconds from lives of those I know and those I don’t know. Millions.

My reason for purple became clear a few weeks after my sister, Wanda Jakelsky, passed from here–to There in 2008. Heaven, in case you wondered.

She dared to live her faith. She dared to color her life with her favorite color, “purple”.

She dared to BELIEVE God’s Word…for exactly what It says.

We dared to take that up…and color our days with faith and purple and sweetness and look head-on into the fullness of each blessing…and try as hard as we could to see the joy in everything. Although, I confess, that is sometimes hard.

I wrote a lot back then. Much more than I do now….and writing helps me see. Writing helps me feel His presence more than anything I can think of right now… because I stop long enough to sit at His feet in my writing….and I guess you can tell, I have very little time for writing these past many, many months. BUT, I still write in long hand (who does that anymore?) in my prayer journal on a weekly basis….it just hasn’t made it to the pages of this blog [yet].

We celebrate each day of the month of February with something purple. I’ve said it countless times–but every time I see purple, I think of Wanda. I know today–I will be thinking of her A LOT…because when I first turned on facebook, I saw it EVERYWHERE! I thought, WOW! So many blessings today! Then I found the “why” all the purple–and I began counting all those lives–both living and passed, that have been affected by cancer.

I applaud them all today. I stand in an applauding ovation at your courage…and the bravery for which you LIVE…choosing EACH day to feel, breathe, take in the blessing of one more day with your darling loved ones….and if you happen to be alone, sitting in that chair, receiving the painful medication that is to make you well–know this: You. Are. Not. Alone.

I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. Psalms 18:1-3 In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. Psalms 18:6

Wear your color so royal today with passion...and remember, The LORD GOD is your strong tower, fortress, deliverer….and strength. You can trust HIM. Nothing will happen that has not passed through His Hands first–and if it passes, then HE will bring strength to those who BELIEVE and call on the Name of the LORD. His NAME is STRONG.

Life, New Year

New Seasons

January 11, 2014October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Well, if you are a regular…you will have noticed I’ve not been here an many days. Sorry. Life and such.

We had a great, albeit quiet, Christmas. The tree and decorations were removed pretty quickly-and I set about getting things ready for 2014.

It began with clearing out a closet and then morphed into clearing out rooms…one at a time. It felt good.

Right now, I am sitting at the Activity Center listening to three of the grandsons play games. Jason is very talkative…during games…and eating…and driving…and last night when I went to make sure they were covered and asleep, I noticed he inherited his papa-and mommy’s “talking in sleep” ability.

So, if this blog seems choppy, they are fussing. Or, Jason is fussing. With the video game.

I have a turtle girl-who is a dear friend. Barbara is what most friends call her. But B- the turtle girl is another name. There is MORE to that fun story-but for today–that’s all you get.

On a camping trip last year–I saw a turtle on the road and then found some turtles in the gift shop. I thought of Barbara many times. But when I saw this pair of mama and baby turtle, I thought of the way God loves us.

He’s close. Always.

Can’t sleep? Talk to Him.

Tough decisions? Talk to Him.

Too much going on? I talked to Him…and He gave me instructions. It sounded much like a parent.

Put up healthy boundaries. Stay the course. Time is short. Make the moments count. Listen to Me. Spend time with Me. De-clutter your life.

Many things are going on in our lives–and I consult the Master. The Keeper of my heart.–and He never fails me. He won’t fail you either.

Be prepared for changes though friend. 99.9% of the time, they are a requirement.

And yes, I cut this short because supper is ready and Jason is getting louder.

See you soon!

Christmas

The Days Were Accomplished…

December 4, 2013October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Reading the passages in Luke gives us a peek into the heart of God. (Luke 2:6-7)

When time accomplished the necessary…

We were delivered from sin.

Maybe there are things in your life you are waiting for…

Patiently? Impatiently?

Will you stop today and ask Him to wrap you up in His clothes…He has room for each of us.

I would like to encourage you today, open your Bible, read Luke 2. Allow Jesus to rest in your heart. Give Him room.

Christmas, Life

Be…

December 3, 2013October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Our house was full this past weekend…I don’t think I mentioned that before.

Tiff helped me get the house in order–then we set about putting up the tree.

Last year, April helped. I have realized how much more fun it is “with” someone. Jeff usually handles the outside…and I tackle the inside.

This year, he had some GREAT help. inCharacter (or some of that great bunch) helped him. Whew! Thanks guys. You saved ME! Sorry to whoever did the stickery tree. It’s a painful job.

After the kids returned from playing, the tree was up, fully lit, and one of the decorations caught the eye of my “questioning” boy.

“What’s the “B” for Nana?

I suppose he thought it odd to have a big blue B on the tree when my name obviously started with a “N” (Nana).

I was glad he asked. I’m a word person. My friend, “B” is too. Or rather, my friends “B”. The BB’s. 🙂

B-kind. There are those who never get a kind word from others. There are those who rarely GIVE a kind word. I have noticed–we all have two voices. Well, probably more than that, but what I have seen is the kind voice is used for others. Strangers perhaps. Friends. But often the one we love the MOST gets the voice that is often laced with the weariness of our day. (or life). Why not give that “kind voice” to the one we love the MOST and give the other voice the boot.

B-gentle. This is a lot like “b-kind”. But, I’m talking about our nature. Sometimes our nature is far from gentle. Many times the nature (or flesh) of us is like what I observed at lunch today, impatient. Gentleness deals the hand that is soft rather than the eye-rolling grimace. Yes, I observed that too. You would be surprised at what you can see when your eyes are open… 😉

B-forgiving. This is something that you either learn early on in life growing up with siblings–or you don’t learn it at all. I have known adults holding grudges long past the lifetime of the person. I observed this as a young person. Sadly, the grudge was against a neighbor. 😦 People…others are watching…and children are impressionable. Forgive. Let it go. Give it up. To God be the glory when you do!

B-faithful. No matter what. No matter who’s looking. Be faithful. Whether your team wins or loses. Faithful is our God. He set the example of faithfulness. Don’t let your eyes wander. If your eyes wander, your heart is right behind. You might not think so, but pay attention to yourself next time. What thoughts run through your head when your eyes wander? Right. That’s what I’m talking about. Just follow Him.

Deuteronomy 7:9 says: Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.

B-courageous. In this world of an economic decline (fast) it seems like it is getting harder and harder to face each day with courage…each week seems to bring a new test. Sometimes it seems each DAY brings a new test…but face the tests with courage. We are on the home stretch. I feel like I’ve been tested more in new areas in the past few years…then I remember the tests of previous years…and I see how HE brought me through…each and every one. He won’t stop until we’re home.

B-loving. Seems easy enough. But let me tell you that the enemy is out to make us act in every way BUT loving. I’ve seen the contrary. I’ve been the opposite. But every time I pick up His Word, I am hit with the realization that love is IT. Everything. For God so loved…. SO loved. Paul picked it up with this:

If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it;<sup value="[a]”>but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NLT)

B-tender. More than a song sung by Elvis Presley, tenderness is an attitude of heart as much as it is an action. Tenderness is something you feel gazing at your newborn. Tenderness is something I feel in the arms of my sweet man. Tender. Cared for. Loved. Show tenderness. I watched tenderness in action when our son-in-law David was in an accident in August of this year. Our daughter, April, who was born to be a nurse, tenderly took care of him. The nurses didn’t have to lift a finger–April cared for the man who she gave her heart to–tenderly. With tenderness in her voice and touch, she soothed. I teared up watching–wondering how it was for others… B-tender. The hearts you deal with are fragile.

B-aware. You have this moment. Not a promise of the next breath. No claims on tomorrow. You can’t run to the counter and put some on lay-away. Be aware that every thought, every action, and even the non-actions are recorded. Just a few weeks ago death claimed over a thousand lives in the Philippines…and most were possibly making plans for tomorrow. Just like you and me. When planning…don’t forget to B. B-aware that life passes just this fast.

Salvation, Thanksgiving

Saving Me

December 2, 2013October 21, 2016 A. Knight

We have so MUCH to be thankful for.

On Thanksgiving Day after finishing lunch, dishes and some fellowship, I left Jeff’s moms for my mother’s house with two boys in tow.

While driving, I look over at Zack and ask, “So, Zackary, what’s God been doing in your life?”

Without hesitation Zackary responded, “Saving me”.

Yes. On a daily basis –Zackary. God is saving me too…from me. From the bondage of “stuff”….

Changing my perspective to align with His.

Rescuing me from the walls of the pit we sometimes insist on decorating…

From looking too inwardly and not enough outwardly.

Yes, He is saving me. Thank you for reminding me of what He actually came for…what the manger was really intended to hold…not food…but Food. Life. His. For mine.

Thank You Lord Jesus. For saving me.