Author: A. Knight

A devotional writer, speaker, mission-trip-taker, difference-maker. All with my best friend and love of my life.
Hormones, Thank you, Thanksgiving

I Have a SERIOUS Bone to Pick

A. Knight
My Mother’s Table -2008



What happened to Thanksgiving?
Can someone tell me?
Case in point–I landed on a blog quite by accident of leaving a friend’s spot—and the blogger was saying goodby to halloween and hello to Christmas.
Sorry.  But that’s not the way it is kiddo.  (I can say kiddo—I am older.)
There is a wonderful holiday tucked in the middle.  It begins with a thankful heart.
I also noticed yesterday —on the Hallmark Channel—they will begin the Christmas countdown on Monday.  Uhmmm–do you see what I see?



The Desserts!

 
They counted down the days (of all the crazy things) to halloween—and are planning their countdown to Christmas—but hey! 
WHAT ABOUT THANKSGIVING???

I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:  That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. Psalm 26:6-7

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.  Psalm 69:30

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.  Psalm 95:2

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, [and] into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, [and] bless his name. Psalm 100:4  (all KJV)

Okay.  I am trying to calm the severe hot flash that just overtook me.  It just happens when I realize people are leaving OUT Thanksgiving. 

There are so MANY things I have to be thankful for!

  • A wonderful husband
  • Precious children and grandchildren
  • Incredible family
  • The whispers of God in my heart
  • Food in my pantry
  • Dirty clothes to wash
  • Shoes without holes
  • Running water at the touch of a faucet
  • Drinkable running water at the touch of a faucet (read the mission trip to Honduras)
  • FRIENDS (past-present and future)
  • SISTERS (in-laws included)
  • BROTHERS (in-laws included)
  • MUSIC–Worship songs–Praise songs–and jumpin’ up house cleaning songs! (those would be UP-BEAT)
  • THE WORD (and the ability to read my Bible anytime-anywhere–not possible in many foreign Countries)
  • SAVATION AND HOPE
  • HEAVEN
  • Answers to prayers
  • GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON, AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
  • YOU the faithful reader–even though I’ve not written faithfully!

What are YOU thankful for?



© The Knightly News 2007-2010


Life, Memories, Thank you, Weekend Reflections

A New Day–A New Friend!

A. Knight

Hey folks!

I just have to stop my house cleaning long enough to tell you a story.

I met the most incredible hearted woman on Wednesday!  Her name is Rene (rhymes with dream).  She is one lady who absolutely puts action behind her words–and the blessings follow!  She has a few blogs–but the one I want you to read is the one about her mission and heart today.  “The Faith Diva Society”.
I know your heart will be blessed when you get to know this incredible “sister of faith”.  We had a mini-retreat in her home on Wednesday night, after hearing an amazing story of how God brought unexpected lives together—“Same Kind of Different As Me”, by Ron Hall and Denver Moore.  They tell an inspiring story of two unlikely friends.  But God. . . .

As Connie, Rene and I sat in the living room around the fire place, we shared our hearts and Christ’s story in our lives.  How amazing is our God!  A sweet retreat!

Thank you Rene for opening your heart and home to me–I am forever changed by meeting you–a heart that is continuously seeking “what” you can do for others.  You don’t just talk about it or dream about it–you “do” it. Without regard to yourself and what it might cost you.  God smiles every time He sees you step into action, and says, “Okay people, watch out! Here comes My Rene!”

I won’t include all the pictures because Connie and I get a bit carried away, but I will share a few! 

Thank you Connie girl for an amazing trip–complete with mentoring time!

My purple hat from Rene!

 One of Rene’s many blue butterflies…there is a story in the blue butterflies.  Click on her name at the top of this post to read about them.
Looking at the back porch of Rene’s house.  Donetta, you would LOVE this place!

Little Miss Luckey.  And that is exactly what she is.  Deaf now, and almost 16 years old, she keeps Rene company and loves her dearly.  A treasure from heaven!

 Sitting by the fire, sharing Jesus, laughs and a tear or two.


One last thing….if you have a dream…or a vision of what God wants to do in your life, or through you….             you must first……

© The Knightly News 2007-2010


Church Functions

Saturday Activities at Church!

A. Knight

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

We had a busy Saturday! Different from last Saturday–when we sat all day in a class room soaking up the wisdom of one of the awesome teachers from the District School of Ministry (DSOM).

Today was fun….well, I can’t speak for Jeff…because his was not as much fun as mine was…

We’ll talk more later. 🙂

Ummm, if you see Jeff tomorrow, tell him thanks. He and David did the work for the youth.

Mr. Cy (number 1 grandson in April’s family) is going to be in a children’s program–

and I promised him I would go! (who could refuse this face!)

If you notice…the little man has a toothpick in his mouth.

🙂

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

For Sisters of Faith, Friends, Weekend Reflections

Sisters Retreat 2010

A. Knight

The 2010 Sisters Retreat was great fun!! A relaxing–special time with sisters in Christ!

Hearts were shared–memories made–tears were shed–and friendships forged.

God was good.

I regret not having my camera on hand at all! I took these pictures the first day we arrived and didn’t pick it up again until I saw the butterfly that seemed to be “following” me around! Right into a store at Pier Park on the beach.

I wish everyone that had expressed interest could have joined us–but I know that there are so many activities that are going on in everyone’s life! It’s just a busy time of year! I totally understand.

This was the largest “Sister’s Retreat”–with each condo being a small group of sisters to themselves. That was neat. Devotions and fellowship being shared as small groups and then coming together in the “Club House” of Landmark Condominiums on the beach for our time of sharing and singing—and eating. Of course you can’t have a retreat without eating…can you??

I hope all the ladies had a great time, I know our group did. God orchestrated everything down to the last detail. When we put our “all” in…He returns so much more! More than you can imagine!

When we lay EVERYTHING down that hinders–or otherwise has your mind so occupied as to prevent you from entering into His place of worship–He then replaces that with His powerful Spirit and Presence!

Love you girls! Hope your week is fully blessed!

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

In case you wonder….

I think God may ask “YOU” to host your own sister’s retreat RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE! 

Try it.  Invite 3 or 4.  See what God does when you put HIM as first in the midst….

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

Missions

This Bears Repeating: Call Home

A. Knight

When I’m away from home and away from Jeff, I call home a time or two. It’s not that I’m already homesick, or that I don’t really want to leave home , but that I miss home. I miss him.

I remember when I snapped this picture of Wanda on the morning we were headed back home from our “Sisters Retreat 2007”.

I had walked outside to take some pictures of the cabin in the morning light and Wanda was standing there “calling home”. She searched for the spot with the best reception and then called her baby girl. She needed to hear her voice. Her baby girl needed to hear her mommy’s voice as well.

I think about us. As children of the Most High God, How often do we “call home”? Do we seek out the place with the best reception?

When crisis arise in our lives, is there a hesitation before we seek Him?

Are we wondering if we’ve neglected communication for too long? Wondering if His address has changed?

It hasn’t. He didn’t move, nor did He rearrange the furniture and turn your bedroom into an exercise room. It’s still just as you left it. Perhaps a few cobwebs have gathered in your prayer closet, but I promise it is still there.

Today, while the thought is still fresh, go there. Before a crisis comes. Keep the communication lines open—call home daily.

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”. Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV


I imagine He’s waiting for your call today….

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

Weekend Reflections

What Fall Looks Like

A. Knight

At our house….

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

I’ve pulled out the orange, gold and red leaves, set out fresh pumpkin and vanilla scented candles and gave the house a breath of fresh air–all week long.

Windows thrown wide–a/c unit set in the “off” position–and let the breezes blow.

My soul needed this as much as the tired smelling house. Does yours?

As I’ve sat with my mother each morning on my patio, I’ve thought of you. Many of you. I’ve thought of Denise Walden–from “Life at My House”, having just lost her mother on the heels of losing her dad. I’ve thought of Denise Oldham, of “Shortybear’s Place”, with her failing eyesight, but never failing faith in God, Who created our eyes!

My mind wandered over Tiffany, Lynn, Joanne, Lori, Maddie, DeLaney, Barbara, Iris, Kathy, Lisa, and I have to stop right there or I’ll be in big trouble. It was incredible this week, how one email on my phone from Peggy brought me the news of Denise’s current health crisis and we all began to pray.

If you didn’t know…that was God building and using a network of believers!

He began the building of this network in March of 2007 when I first stuck my toe in blogland. Even though I’ve not been online much AT ALL since beginning my classes for ministry–You’ve all been faithfully reading whatever I have put on the screen. Which, by the way, if you didn’t notice, has been NOTHING since Jeff returned from Peru!

Actually, there are 108 more Peruvian pictures to share! I just needed him to give me a bit of explanation on them before I posted the blog–and he just hasn’t had time yet.

Where did the summer go?

We will back-track a bit in a few days.

For now, I’m working on the last details of our Sister’s Retreat. I feel the LORD working mightly. I’ve had my ear and heart to the Word for weeks now–and He doesn’t disappoint in letting me know His heart.

So, if you can pardon my absence just a few more days. . . .

Have a blessed Sunday.

Continue to pray for Denise Walden in this time of grieving–and Denise Oldham–as they face this crisis with her eyesight and Eddie’s dad. They will all appreciate your prayers.

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

Jeff's Posts, Mission Trip

Day 5 Peru! Jeff did his own captions!

A. Knight

YEAH!!!

Jeff has done my reporting job for me! He did the captions of the pictures—before he sent them to me! GREAT JOB Precious Man! (Same man as “Sweet Man”–he’s just REALLY precious to me!)

They are really good. He takes you on a little “work journey” to see how they moved some bricks… you will like this!

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

It looks like he’s gonna start you out with his lunch though. They are getting fed VERY well from what I have heard…and no one looks hungry.

Thank you to WHOEVER took the picture of my darlin’ man! It was really good to get to see him today on here!

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

Jeff's Posts, Mission Trip

Day FOUR.

A. Knight

Okay people. These guys are a bit tired…you can tell by those that fell asleep on the way back to the hotel from the job site. Who can blame them? I know they are working hard–and long every day. God bless them ALL!

Jeff added some descriptions to some of the photos, I added some as well. He will clarify any mistakes when he gets home. I try and remember all that he tells me (Since I’m not the blog-reporter on site. THANK YOU MARCELLA for posting signs in your yard rallying for me to win! That’s a little joke. Don’t say very little.)

Thank you to all my blog readers for praying for these guys. I have a friend, Denise in Tennessee who is faithfully praying for these awesome guys every single morning! Thank you Denise!

Okay guys! Let’s get on with the next day’s work! LOOKS like much progress is being made.

Oh, by the way, someone asked me at church about the floor being held up by the “pole trees”. That is not permanent. They will work in that area next. The local church members, not our guys.

Hey Marcella—they have a toilet on site that FLUSHES. Tell Krystal. She would want to know if the toilet got a “blessing”. If you went to Honduras, you will know what I mean by that! Our toilet on our site did not flush. Nope.

Okay. Enough chit-chat. Look at the photos. You can tell I am a bit tired, my writing is the pits. Sorry. Will do better.

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

Jeff's Posts, Mission Trip

Sunday in Peru!

A. Knight

They had a wonderful day today! A bit cooler–but very good!

Jeff said that Brandon Spencer preached a powerful message! They had a good crowd there at church–and wonderful fellowship with the people. Very friendly–awesome spirit among them all.

You can tell from the pictures on the beach that the guys enjoyed themselves. I didn’t see anyone swimming….must be the temp.

IF I WERE THERE—I WOULD BE TELLING YOU ALL MUCH MORE OF THE HAPPENINGS. PLEASE CONTACT PASTOR THOMAS MOORE AND HAVE HIM PICK ME AS THE MISSIONS BLOG-REPORTER. AS A MATTER OF FACT–FOR THOSE OF YOU ON HIS FACEBOOK PAGE…FACEBOOK HIM A NOTE. JUST LIKE YOU DID THE WALMART NOTES. I DON’T THINK ANYONE IS RUNNING AGAINST ME.

PUT MY SIGN IN YOUR YARD THOUGH–JUST IN CASE.
 (y’all from here do know I’m joking–right?)

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

© The Knightly News 2007-2010