Devotion – Page 3 – Jeff & Angie

The Believing Heart of a Child

May 29, 2012October 21, 2016 A. Knight

^“Some people brought infants to Jesus to have him hold them. When the disciples saw this, they told the people not to do that. But Jesus called the infants to him and said, “Don’t stop the children from coming to me! Children like these are part of the kingdom of God. I can guarantee this truth: Whoever doesn’t receive the kingdom of God as a little child receives it will never enter it.”

Luke 18:15-17 GWT

Believing as a child believes is essential…

You tell them something–they believe you…

What must we do? Go to Christ as your children, and my children come to us.

Seeking words, wisdom, attention, love…fellowship…a Relationship.

Without communication–there is no relationship.

We are discussing problems of lack of communication in our Young Adult class on Wednesday nights. Communication is one key ingredient to a good marriage. Good communication.

If you want THE relationship with God that He desires to have with you–you must first open your heart and your mouth. Share your heart with Him…holding nothing back…

Who could resist the look of the expressive face turned upward in devotion?

No one.

When you devote your heart and life to Christ Jesus–you will then begin to fully realize how His devotion saved YOUR soul.

Devotion, Hope, Life, Reflection

Givers and Takers—Movers and Shakers

May 1, 2012 A. Knight

Matthew 25:31-46 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on His right and the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

For I was hungry
and you gave Me something to eat;
I was thirsty
and you gave Me something to drink;
I was a stranger and you took Me in;
I was naked and you clothed Me;
I was sick and you took care of Me;
I was in prison and you visited Me.’

“Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or without clothes and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and visit You?’

“And the King will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’ Then He will also say to those on the left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his angels!

For I was hungry
and you gave Me nothing to eat;
I was thirsty
and you gave Me nothing to drink;
I was a stranger
and you didn’t take Me in;
I was naked
and you didn’t clothe Me,
sick and in prison
and you didn’t take care of Me.’

“Then they too will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison, and not help You?’

“Then He will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me either.’

“And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

I know which side I want to stand on. But to be found standing on that side, we must be found “doing” –or LIVING—working with all that we have for Jesus. If we focus only on the “task”…and not Him, then it becomes our god…HE alone is to be worshipped.

· When we get caught up in the details we lose sight of what we are here for…not for us…but for HIM…and others.

V 35: For I was hungry…

What is the world hungry for? Let’s roll back the clock to a year in your teens…what were you hungry for?

Most of us could and would answer—attention.

To be noticed—

to matter.

To be valued.

Too often we discover all around us are people who struggle living daily—feeling that they have no value—they are starving to death for someone to share a piece of life with them. Most of the time—they want more than a smile. They need an ear—a shoulder.

Sunday afternoon—I was sitting on my porch—the birds chirping—the ceiling fan stirred the warm air—and I hear the rustling of leaves.

Scurry—stop. Scurry—stop.

I hear it…but I don’t see it.

I don’t get up. I continue doing what I set out to do…

That’s what we do. Day after day—we hear them.

The people.

We even sometimes smell them. We know they’re there.

Some of the time we even may acknowledge them—but there are days when they are a bother.

Their noise and needs and even existence seem to interrupt whatever nice flow of life we have.

I had gone out to my porch to soak up HIM. I wanted to be alone with Him. My head leaned back on the padding of my chair—and all of a sudden—HIS creation interrupts my quiet. ……………My private world…

They are hungry…

They thirst…

They have questions…

We have answers…yet we are so tucked inside our world…with a nice “do not disturb” sign on the door of our hearts and minds—refusing to answer.

We may not wear a visible sign, but the very fact that we “look away”—tells the tale.

We know in our hearts—although—to admit it to another—we would never do…

but God knows. He’s not deaf, nor is He blind.

They have needs—just as we do—and what if the one He sent to be the ear or shoulder—passed them by as a nuisance….a bother.

Refusing to hear…

Refusing to help…

Yet there are those individuals who look for opportunities to help. Who don’t mind the interruption to their day…thinking that possibly here is a chance to serve God by serving another. Here is a chance to love God by loving another…here is a chance to feed God…by feeding another….VISIT with God—by visiting another.

I cannot presume to label you—sheep from goats…although, the label is clear to His eyes…but just as quick as you can change your mind—you can change your label—with the HELP of God. God knows who and what each of us are—HE knows the hidden places of our hearts…and whatever we are today…HE can change tomorrow…If you’re a taker—He can help you become a giver…

If I were to pen this same passage today—this is what it might say:

“All the nations—every tribe and tongue—man-woman-teenager—boy or girl will be gathered before Him and HE will separate them one from another. Just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

He will put the givers on His right…and the takers on His left…Then the King will say to those on His right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father-inherit the Kingdom—which was prepared for you from the very beginning of the world…

…For I was a runaway teenager,

Lost in my own world of “self”

Without clothes or food—and no one to help.

Yet you fed me plenty and clothed me clean,

Loved me without judgment—treated me like a queen.

I was the mother of the runaway teenager…

On no shoulder could I cry,

When that same teenager still full of strife,

Turned up months later—

Yet now carrying life.

You pulled me to you and let me cry….

Then wiped my tears until they dried.

I was the sister—who had nothing to drink—

Parched from life of sin on the brink.

My heart bore the scars of neglect and abuse—

With calluses of a lifetime and feelings of no use.

You opened your heart and your home so free

You poured me a drink—Living Water it was, all for me.

My sin took me far—stripped me bare—dumped me out

Yet in my cell you reached in—because you had no doubt

That the One who died for you…did the same for me

And because of your love…today I am free.

Then the righteous will answer Him, Lord, when did we see you as a runaway, as one of pain, starving, homeless and hopeless? When did we clothe you or visit you in prison’s chains…

And the king will answer; whatever you did for one of my beloved daughters…you did for me.”

Picture with me two scenes:

1) A 14 year old girl, sweaty and fearful. Tears streaming as pain after pain grips her young body. Her mother nearby, her father perhaps waiting outside—head hanging—there’s no one to call. Her body tenses as each pain tears at her for release, when finally a small life struggles out—to be held and gazed upon by those who are not sure they can handle this red, wrinkled life. Tears flood the older mother’s eyes as she sees with clarity all that her young daughter, now a mother will have to give up. Years of teenage antics and fun have just been replaced by wee morning hour feedings, burp cloths and dirty diapers. The older mother wears guilt like a cape, heavy and scratchy like rough wool around her drooping shoulders. Who will help?

2) A young couple in the next room, hands clasp tight as the final push brings forth new life. A wriggling, screaming baby emerges into a world of lights. Excitement and tears of joy rush the room—as they snap pictures of her exquisitely fluid arrival taking place. The calls begin to go out and come in, announcing with great delight—the Joy that was born today.

Both births took place…on the same day—somewhere in USA. One full of joy—one less than the ideal situation…One needed help… the other…most likely had more help than they knew what to do with.

What do we do? There are those in our cities, in our communities, neighborhoods and even churches…in need.

Hurting. Hungry. Hopeless. What can we do for them?

Here are just a few things we can do:

1) Pray for them. They need to KNOW someone is praying—and they need to know you care.

2) Give. Of your time, your money or other resources and your love.

a. Maybe you can sew. Sew baby blankets. Sew burp cloths. Wrap them up in pretty packages and give them to your local Pregnancy Crisis Center—or health department that works in the school system with the pregnant teens. Or give towel/wash cloth soap sets to your local homeless shelter.

b. Maybe you are gifted in having a “listening ear”. They need counselors in crisis centers and homeless shelters—those who they will screen and feel qualified to be there for them. People need to know other people care.

3) Think of creative ways to bless them. “Diaper month.” “Bib and Blanket” month. For homeless shelters, think beyond that—soap, hand sanitizers, toilet tissue, tooth brushes and toothpaste, combs, hairbrush, the list can go on and on…WHAT ABOUT BIBLES? What if you placed some Bibles in every shelter—they don’t have to be expensive— give them hope of life…LIFE.

Every donation makes a difference.

4) Get involved. That’s the biggest thing. Maybe you don’t have an area you feel particularly gifted in…

show up…show interest…show CHRIST.

What would HE do?

He would be a “giver”…a mover and shaker…

Devotion, Mission Trip

In A Hurry?

April 23, 2012 A. Knight

In a hurry to meet us, little Stephanie from Honduras, grabbed one wrong flip-flop.

I know that because the next day, she had on one of the same ones, and it’s mate.

This brought a question to my heart. Are we in that big of a rush to meet with Jesus?

So hurried that we scramble each morning, hoping not to miss an opportunity to show Him how much we love Him?

Probably not—for most of us. I know I like things orderly. Timely. Even though I have found I work best under pressure—I like to take my time, plan things out—cross all the “t’s” and dot all the “i’s”. Sometimes I even get distracted on my way to meet with Him in my morning devotion. I spy some laundry in front of the machine, decide now is a good time to put on a load to wash—you know—while I read and pray.

Then, my feet feel the grainy remnants of yesterday on the floor. I grab the broom.
And as I step on the sidetracks of the morning, I remind myself of my purpose.

Spend time with Jesus. Meet with Him. Go to Him. First. While the day is yet fresh—without the beads of perspiration.

One of many things I have taken away from our Mission Trip to Honduras is the way the children ran to meet us every single morning.

Who knows how long they waited at the top of the hill. (Sidenote: There is One waiting for you today….at the top of whatever hill you are trying to climb…ask for help…)

While in Honduras, my roommate, Marcella and I rose very early every morning in anticipation of what the day would bring. Knowing we needed to tuck into our hearts every single fragment of the day—tie it securely and never forget what God has done—where He brought us from—and where the journey would lead us all—as we take His hand and grip it fiercely.

All the way home.

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place. And He was praying there.” Mark 1:35 NIV

We don’t have much more of the journey ahead. Meet with Jesus in the quiet place.

The early place.

Give Him your day—before it takes over your mind….let Him have it all.

There have been many times—my quiet time was when the house was still again—after the ravages of the day had taken it’s toll–that was when He refreshed my soul, refueled my mind—and it was needed. So necessary.

Whatever your time—wherever or however it takes place—meet with Him.

Not much time left….

Devotion, faith

It Begins With Prayer

January 19, 2012October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Everything. Every single thing we do should begin with prayer.

Now, before you think I’m nuts, I am not talking about asking God to help you pick out a pair of socks. For crying out loud! He gave us a brain to decide for ourselves….

What I am talking about is giving our day to Him before it begins… Deciding at the onset of the day that we will use every opportunity to glorify Him and praise in in everything.

“Always be joyful.
Never stop praying.
Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 GWT)

The “whatever happens” is where we all get hung up.

This time in 2008 we found it hard to give thanks in “all things”….but we pressed in, and pressed on, and did it regardless.

What happened when we gave thanks? When we praised? Our minds left our problems and focused in on God the Father. OUR FATHER. Who is Soveriegn above all–and HIS decisions can be trusted.

Join me over at Laced with Grace for the rest of this devotion. Click here.

Devotion, faith, Hope, Life Issues

Are We Battling in the Pit—or Succumbing?

October 3, 2011 A. Knight

I have to ask myself this very question going through every situation that seems to knock the very breath out of me—spiritually speaking.

Years ago, while in the middle of a particular “battle” as it were, I remember a phone call with my mother. I was firmly planted in a pit.

I had done pretty much like Beth Moore described in her book, “Get Out of That Pit”. I had decorated it…tried to make it pretty….but that didn’t change what it was, nor what it was doing to me. I had a party going on all the time!

A “pity party”. Or, say it like this: “A Pit for me Party”.

And I wasn’t budging anytime soon. Mother tried her best motherly advice—all her cajoling, her “peppy words”, everything a good mother could and would say to a child (no matter the age), firmly entrenched in the depths of her personal pit.

Finally, in desperation to get her to leave me alone I said, “Mother. Stop. I’m having a pity party-and I’m not done. When I’m done, I will get out. Please let me finish”.

That is pretty much how parties in my pit went. When I had had enough…and the prayers of a faithful mother—who refused to let her daughter continue—but sought God on her behalf had been ushered up to Glory and heard by the King (Psalm 34:1-7), I would come to my senses and seek God for myself and –HE reaching down—the hand that had always been extended, would help me “out” of the pit.

This morning, my pit experiences came to mind as I prayed for and thought of some others who are current pit dwellers. Be it either by way of a stronghold of the flesh, mind or spirit…it can be a place so deep—that we cannot see the light of day…Nor the LIGHT that permeates every dark place.

What I did was succumb. I was satisfied that this was the place I would dwell the rest of my days. In a battle of the mind.

Others battle things that many of us are familiar with. Be it tobacco, drugs, alcohol, perversions of the flesh, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, the list goes on and on…they are all life affecting, life altering and life diminishing existences in a pit. Satan desires to destroy us…God desires to bring us out of those times and places and restore our purpose and vision greater and brighter than before.

Many things I have experienced that others have not. MANY things I have NOT experienced that others have. Each life has it’s own exposure to plots created and planned by the enemy—who knows our weakness and that is the very tool he uses to try and bring about our demise.

BUT we don’t have to stay in that battle—and when we realize that as a child of the Most High God—this not our battle to fight, but His—then we are on steady feet—and the path is clearer. 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 records these words by Hezekiah. “Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side! He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!”…(NLT)

Tell me, if after reading those words from Hezekiah, don’t you feel strengthened? Don’t you feel a Source greater than your own might envelope you with might and strength? I do. I see more clear. The dust from the battle ground settles and I see more clear the plot and plan of the enemy—and I know now what to do.

Pray. Fight. Suit up with the armor that is laid out in the Word in Ephesians 6:12-18.

People. We’ve got a battle to fight—and it must be fought daily. There is not a single place where we can lay aside our sword, helmet or breastplate and take ease. This war will continue until the Day of Christ’s Return. (Revelation 1:7) The walls of the pit will get higher—more slippery—harder to scale, while we sit idly by and not do our part.

Complacency in the pit will lead to eternal death and damnation. Complacency leads to a lukewarm existence…and that existence nauseates God to the point of vomiting.

Get up. Get out. Gear up! Arm yourself (I say this to myself as well!) with the weapons that we are instructed to use against the enemy! (Ephesians 6:14-18)

In 2 Corinthians, Paul addresses the spiritual war. (10:3-6 NKJV) “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”

An excerpt from NKJV Study Bible footnotes: “strong holds…high thing: Overlooking ancient Corinth was a hill 1,857 feet high. On top of it was a fortress. Paul used that imagery as an illustration of the spiritual warfare he waged. He destroyed strongholds, cast down towers, and took captives. The fortress, towers, and captives represent the arguments, thoughts and plans that Paul was opposing. Paul cast down all rationalizations. He took captive to the obedience of Christ every perception and intention of the heart that was against God. Our actions reveal our thoughts. We should not cling to thoughts that do not conform to the life and teachings of Christ. Paul did not walk according to the flesh.”

Our actions reveal our thoughts. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (emphasis mine)

Thinking defeated thoughts is allowing the enemy to plant seeds of doom. Seeds that will not grow and become what God intended when you began your journey with Him. You can’t give in to the enemy in your thought life and win a battle. It just won’t happen.

I speak from experience in this! Too many times I allowed thoughts of defeat, doubt, fear, or flesh to enter in the picture God was working on in my life. At those points I think He halted His brush strokes—in mid-air. I think perhaps He was saying, “Angie, until you settle “who you are in Me, We can’t finish what We started.”

What are you trying to settle in your heart and mind? Do you know who you are in Christ? Are you aware of the armor that has been made available to you—to enable you to fight well and WIN?

I encourage you today, dig into the Word. That is where the answers lie to all the issues we face. Every single one.

You can win the battle instead of succumb….determine today to do so!

Devotion

What Difference A Day Makes

April 3, 2011 A. Knight

In just 24 hours the LORD changed the landscape.

In just 24 hours…

How many times has 24 hours made a difference in your life?

Sometimes when the prayer is prayed, and faith is full, 24 hours changes the landscape of our hearts. 24 hours can mean life or death. In the blink of an eye, our lives can change.

When we walked through the woods at Heartland Conference and Retreat Center on Tuesday we encountered the beauty of the fallen leaves, naked trees, and cool blue skies. It was an incredible sight.

Then in just 24 hours all changed. As God opened the storehouse of snow and the beauty of white began to fill the land.

Jeff and I walked back to the same spot from the day before and I took the 2nd look at God’s beauty. The landscape had changed. The sound underfoot had changed. The trees were now dressed in white—decked out in glorious splendor, fit for any Christmas card…or just this note to you.

Today is Sunday. Keep your eyes open wide. God just may surprise you with something that wasn’t there yesterday—on the very same landscape of your heart and life.

For us it was true. Of all the people at the conference, only Jeff and I chose to explore the wonder of God’s gift. The others perhaps had grown quite accustomed to the splendor of white. Don’t be afraid to be the only one exploring God’s gifts to you….perhaps you will lead a trail others will follow.

Father, once again I pause to thank You for the incredible gift to me! I am so grateful that Your attention is on me even when I don’t necessarily feel it. Thank You that I can “catch” a glimpse of You in my surroundings. Thank You for the presence of the Holy Spirit that leads and guides our footsteps. Don’t let me miss a step. I don’t want to miss out on any surprise or gift that You might have planned for me today. Help me show another who might not exactly be looking for You—the way. You fill me with great delight—I hope I do the same for You. Bless the readers who stop by here today, may they find You among the text here….may they find peace….and may they begin seeking You for themselves. In the most holy name of Jesus~Amen.

Bless the LORD O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD O my soul; and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:1-5 NIV

Arkansas, Devotion, faith

Lessons of Faith

March 21, 2011 A. Knight

Have you ever felt like you were alone in the big pond of life?

I will admit—there have been many times, even sitting in a room full of people, I’ve felt that “aloneness” that seems to creep up behind me—from out of nowhere.

You look around and seems as if everyone has “someone”. There are those around you that seem to have found their niche` in life.

That perfect job landed at their feet with very little effort from them. The seem to belong to all the right clubs, organizations—and even seem to have the “perfect” friends.

You want to yell—“what’s up with that?”

There was a time, many years ago—I think it was as my girls were becoming more social and needed me less—I too felt that “aloneness”. But it was also in that time I began to seek God for “more” of Him.

The journey we walked—and I say “we” because His Word assures us that we are never alone, was hard. I won’t even try to pretend that it wasn’t. Those years were some of the hardest in my life….but they were also the years I found God to be more real in my every day activities than I ever experienced before.

Why do you think that was?

I will tell you my opinion, then you share yours.

I believe it was in that time of desperation and need of Him—that I sought Him the deepest—and with the most sincerity than I ever had before. Not that I didn’t seek Him—but I sought with purpose. I was NOT content to continue in life as I saw everyone else. Satisfied with the norm.

My name is not “norm” and I didn’t want to live like the norm. I wanted (and want) MORE of God active and working in my life than ever. But I learned to work “in me and through me” He had to work ON me. Ouch.

I learned that before we learn to fly—we will experience ups and downs of life just as everyone else—but I also know first hand –that we will experience such tremendous power in His Spirit that we will feel like we could actually “walk on water”! That happens as we FULLY and TOTALLY give Him access to every part of our lives.

Before long, as we are growing in Christ, we begin to experience a time of “pruning”. Ouch again. But if you will notice the trees that are blooming the prettiest—and fullest, experienced a pruning. A cutting back—cutting away.

Jesus said this: “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” John 15:1-2 NLT

Go ahead. Go before Him and ask Him to prune away.

Prune away all the hindrances, the things that bind us and keep us from growing. Ask Him to remove the distractions. There may be things that are not necessarily wrong, but they are a distraction from what HE may be calling YOU into.

Painful? Yes.

Beneficial? To quote my Grandbuddy, “You betcha”.

Before long, you will find that you are ready to soar….to parts unknown. Wow! The experience of that—will be amazing. (He’s pruning on me. Is He you?)

Pictures taken at the “Flanigan Farm”.

Thank you to our dear friends, Chris and Pam for a tour.

Devotion, faith, Trust, Weekend Reflections

In Training

December 16, 2010October 21, 2016 A. Knight

You may not be able to tell by this photo….but they are training Scooter.

They have the book, the leash, and the dog.

Scooter looks real interested in being trained doesn’t he?

Probably about as interested as we are in receiving our training…

For the REST of this story–please visit Laced with Grace:

I have a table reserved just for YOU!

Devotion, faith

From My Devotions Today

April 23, 2010October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Truth be told…this was from yesterday’s devotion. I read today–then read yesterday again. There was much meat to be digested. Have you ever read something and then had to go back again and again to completely get the full message? It happens to me very often when reading the Bible. Actually…most all the time. I rarely get the full impact the first run through. Hmm. Maybe that is why I have to repeat so many classes of learning with the Lord…..

“In the first phases of Christian life disheartenments come, people who used to be lights flicker out, and those who used to stand with us pass away, we have to get so used to it that we never know we are standing alone.” (2Timothy 4:16-17) “We must build our faith, not on the fading light, but on the Light that never fails.” My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers.

Oswald Chambers is one of my favorites. I can read it one day–go back and read it again and still get more. Yesterday he spoke of “standing alone” in God. My prayer to my Father this morning is when my focus shifts, help me realign my sight with the vision of what must be seen, what must be accomplished before I journey home! There is much yet to be done! He is calling on YOU to step out in faith–believe HIM for the impossible–LOOK to Him alone!

Stand in the waterfall of His love and allow Him to clear your mind, open your eyes and heart to what He has in store!

(Picture taken at Springville Camp & Conference Center)

Devotion

The Written Blog

September 27, 2009 A. Knight

There are so few pages left in the book, compared to what is behind. Almost every page has marks from my yellow highlighter-and pencil scratched words. From my purple pencil.

The thing is, I don’t think I’ve ever come this close to completing a years worth of devotions. I’d start so many years off with good intentions…and then, some where along the way, I’d become distracted by life, or find yet another devotional that piqued my interest spiritually and on that train I would hop.

This year has been different. When I was looking back at the past blog posts, I realized I had not been writing devotionals for my readers as I had in months past. Where have I been? In my book.

I have spent mornings “writing out” prayers and devotionals on the lined pages of my Oswald Chambers devotional, “My Utmost for His Highest”. I’ve turned on my computer less and less and dug into the book more. The Lord has shown me things in my life almost every day. Because I ask. And I’ve been looking at things in a different light. Because I asked.

I suppose you would think after what we’ve been through as a family, all I might see would be shadows, and I’ll admit quite readily, there are those days. But there are more days when I catch myself looking toward the Light.

When the year is done, and the curtain falls into place to close out this season, the book will go on the shelf in our office. The lessons learned by heart from the Holy Spirit will remain in my heart. The highlighted words and penciled words will stand as a testimony of what spoke loudest to me. Names are written in the margin at the bottom and sides of who I’ve prayed for. You might be pleased to know, your name is there.

There is a book however, that you need to make certain your name is listed. The Lamb’s Book of Life. (Rev. 21:27)

Believing in God’s only Son is the Way. He is the Way, the Truth and the LIFE. (John 14:6) Without Him, there is no life. Oh, you may be living, but you don’t have Life. I cannot imagine breathing without Christ by my side. Without the knowledge that He will never leave me nor forsake me! (Hebrews 13:5)

In a capsule, I’ve not left blog land, nor have I stopped writing devotions. They are scratched out in pencil. My purple pencil. In my devotional book. They will make their way to the screen, as I prayerfully ask the LORD to show me “what’s next” on His agenda, I hope you will be along for the ride!

I’ve seen some mighty awesome things and I really want to share them with you! What is He showing you?

Are you looking for Him? Are you listening?

I have learned that when I THINK I’ve got the answer….He shows UP and shows me I’m wrong…

There’s my answer….and then there’s the RIGHT answer. His.