faith – Page 10 – Jeff & Angie

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!

faith, Family, Life

Summer Heat and School Daze

August 8, 2011October 21, 2016 A. Knight

As the heat of the month of August continues, we are reminded of how MUCH we love winter…right?

Well, at least I am reminded of this glorious fact. As well as the fact that I STILL believe that I would LOVE to live in a climate that primarily has very cool days and even cooler nights. Uhm…I’m thinking Canada? I used to think Alaska, but then I remembered all those months of “dark”…and I’m not a fan of complete dark. I like the sunlight. But then all those months of complete daylight would also be rough…

With thoughts of August, come thoughts of school. This blog is especially for the parents of children of all ages.

Parents, your children are about to return to school, and while you are jumping up and down (I trust not in FRONT of said children) at the prospect of your grocery bill and electric bill going down just a bit and the house to return to some form of quiet–may I just share my heart for a minute?

Those precious ones that have been entrusted to your care by our Father need your prayers. Daily. I mean, lay your hands on their sweet heads or hold their hands and pray for them…daily. Don’t let them leave the protection of your home without a prayer covering. I’m serious.

You are the one the God gave the instructions to “train up your child”…not the school system. While the school system does it’s job of teaching some things, there are critical things that the “system” just won’t teach your child. You are the one who should deliver on the training of moral standards; manners; ethics; faith, value of friends and family; right vs. wrong; life and death; healthy living; and I could go on and on but you’d turn the page.

My point is this: You have one chance. Don’t blow it.

You have one opportunity to show them the right thing to do at the right time. They watch your every move. They see you watch things on TV–and they learn “when I get a certain age, it will be okay to watch whatever my parents watch”. They hear you mock someone, or fuss about something, or become critical in certain situations—constantly, and there you go–a little “mini-you”.

Believe me–I know this one. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen “me” reflected as if looking in a mirror–while watching my daughters with their children. And I pray daily that they don’t make the same mistakes I did—by not being as consistent as I should have–among many other things. It takes more than reading a book on parenting. It takes “living a Book”–living a life pleasing to God.

The times in which you are raising your family is so much tougher than when we brought our first little one home from the hospital. I was scared then–that I couldn’t do it…but we prayed–we struggled through some of the “life events”–and came out on the other side! Not with any gold medals–but with two daughters who were taught right from wrong–and knew what it meant when their daddy’s eyes got big and serious (they called it his mean eyes). They know the value of faith. And how BIG God really is. (As much as our finite minds can comprehend.) Did they always do what we trained or taught them to do? No. But we knew they were taught the right way–the choosing of the “way” became up to them at a certain age–but prayer–is constant. Don’t ever stop praying.

If we could see–with our natural eye, the evil lurking in the spritual–we would wear our knees out in prayer! PRAY.

Let’s concentrate on being the godly role models our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews need. They are watching. Everything. Trust me–nothing gets by these baby-blues.

faith, Trust, Weekend Reflections

Revelation Song–Easter Weekend

April 22, 2011 A. Knight

You can’t–or at least I can’t–listen to this song….sing this song…without FEELING the power of God surge through your heart!

We sing about the KING OF KINGS….OUR EVERYTHING!!! I DO ADORE HIM!!! Praising Him with all that I have –all that I am…

My heart and life is FULL Of all that Jesus Christ IS and what He has done for me—what He has done for YOU friend?

Have you recognized the missing link in your life? Do you know about the God shaped hole in your heart?

As I watched this movie–I cried again–my soul and heart gripped in an anguish of all that I have done…and all that I should have done. Unworthy I am–yet He freely looked on us with love and came to this earth for each one of us–so that we might know HIM…and the power of His love. The depth of His love.

All For Love. (Hillsong music to abbreviated scenes from the Passion of the Christ.) In a conversation once with someone, I suggested the youth of today’s churches see this movie if they had not seen it–the question was “why”. My reason: They all need to know.

Hollywood paints pictures of all sorts of blood-guts-gore and scare tactics to feed the need for adrenaline rush that people have, teenagers especially. The real need in their lives is for Truth of what Jesus came to this earth for–and what He actually suffered. It was for all of humanity. Not just a few. You and me are included in that word, “ALL”.

For God so loved the world (us again) that He gave–HIS ONLY SON. That whosoever would believe in Him–would not perish–but would have eternal–everlasting life in heaven.

Only click “play” if you are willing to be reminded of His ultimate LOVE and sacrifice. (*Warning–graphic scenes)

Would you like to make a decision to allow Christ Jesus to be LORD of your life? Please click here–let us know how we can pray for you. Your prayer request will not be made public.

I encourage you, don’t wait another day. Seek HIM today.

Giving HIM All,

Jeff & Angie Knight

faith, Reflection

Does Life Seem To Loom Ahead?

April 19, 2011 A. Knight

Road slippery?

Life looming?

Way unsteady?

Bigger than YOU?

NOT bigger than HIM.

When life seems to boldly stretch out in front of our face, grabbing our hands—wanting to catapult us into the unknown, remember this:

Psalm 32:8—”I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go: I will guide you with My eye.” NKJV

“For since the beginning of the world [Men] have not heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen any God besides You, who acts for the one who waits for Him.” Isaiah 64:4 NKJV

We are not alone. If our hands are clinging tightly to His—He is choosing the path. Not us.

Rest in the knowledge that He is the guide…and He will lead us all the way home.

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.

faith, Life, Mission Trip

What’s Around the Bend?

January 17, 2011October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Only God knows the next details of our lives. We must keep on track. We must stay focused on HIS WILL, not our own plans and purposes.
There have been some news updates regarding the upcoming missions trip. Please read this post carefully.

IMPORTANT Update:

I was sent an e-mail this morning regarding the trip (I will not even mention the location). We have been informed that we cannot “blog, facebook, or tweet” about the trip. I was told, this is very different than our trip to Honduras. I won’t share the “name” of our location before we leave, but if you are a regular reader, then you already know.

SO, since you know where I am headed, I am asking for BIG PRAYER. She (our missions trip coordinator) said it was for the protection of the ministry that already exists there. She also said that the AG have pulled many of their missionaries over the past few years from surrounding areas, as well as there.

So–if you are getting the very needed items for the children (some of you have asked for a list, if I have forgotten to send it to you, please remind me), please don’t share the location for the items via facebook or your blog. I thank you so much! If you have blogged about me “going there”, I ask you to please remove the post, as I have had to do so myself.

I will glady share the details about the trip when I return, although, I will not jepordize the ministry there in any way. God has shown Himself to us all along this journey! God is moving and working! We must be diligent in our work as well.

All funds for the flying portion of the trip were raised–TOTALLY by God’s hand. I believe the needed supplies for the children will come in like manner. Through the hand of God. He already has those in place that He wants to use for His glory. It’s all about HIS GLORY. No one else. I’ve already been hearing from some, and I am incredibly thankful. You have no idea what it does to me to get a card with a verse of Scripture and a note from you!

So, if you planned to “keep up” with us while we traveled via my blog, I will not blog the trip work while we are there. I WILL be able to take pictures–and can share from those when I return (possibly only in person though)!

I ask you to please write “Mission of Mercy” and the “name of the location of where we are going” on your refrigerator. (You can stick my name there too!) and pray for us all EVERY DAY. Before we leave and while we are gone.

Again, I so appreciate each one of you who have played a major role in my life. God has already used your love and friendship to me in amazing ways to “grow” me to where I am today. (And He’s not done….because I am so far from where He wants me to be! BUT I work toward that goal!)

IF the LORD impresses a particular passage of scripture for me, please send it–either via e-mail–text me, or through the mail! It is always amazing how HE uses each of us to help another. Through His Word!

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

Have a blessed week!

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

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!

faith, Ministry

God is on a Mission

November 18, 2010October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Monday I woke up with 3 things on my mind.

At 2:37 a.m.

Three phrases–rolled over and over in my heart. As I lay there, I said them out loud…in my mind. (Didn’t want to wake Jeff.)

Jehovah Shammah (one reading)

Jehovah Nissi (one reading)

Jehovah Jireh (one reading)

Then I realized, I’m not going back to sleep–besides, I was sweating. (if you laugh, it will be worse for you!)

As I pulled out a bottle of water from the refrigerator, unscrewed the top and drank in it’s coldness, my mind was going a hundred miles an hour.

“What does God want to tell me? Couldn’t You have waited until my mind was awake?–Oh wait, it was awake…You woke me up!”

I think I remember grinning as I headed to the couch. What is God telling me?

I have learned long ago, to sit and listen. Sometimes I actually practice the things I have learned!

I sat down, waiting.

Jehovah Shammah—Jehovah Nissi—Jehovah Jireh.

There’s a message there for sure. I thought of the sermon my brother-in-law, Juno Douglas preached on Sunday, as they kicked off their Missions Convention. “Pray for Israel”.

The Lord was reminding me—He is always “there” at my point of need. Whenever–or wherever the battle rages, He will stake His claim, fight my battle–and raise His banner over me—and always….HE is my provider. Yours too.

These little kids continually come to my heart and mind. Pray for them. The children of Mission of Mercy Center, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. They live in the village called “The Pines”. We’ve been home for months…they are still there. Running up and down the clay packed hills. Everyday.

The little girl that washed her clothes then, still washes those same clothes today.

The little boys that got into scrapes and ran in and out of the center, as well as those who were not allowed in for the meals….because they are not yet sponsored…they are still there. Feeling the same way they felt.

Left out. Is God there? Yes. Most definitely. I felt Him all around us as we worked. He sees everything–He expects us to use what we’ve been given to help those near and far.

What have you been given? Are you using it all for Him?

Friend, God is on a mission, seeking those hearts who are willing to do all they can with every breath of their lives for Him. He is seeking those who desire to bring glory to His Son, Jesus Christ–who GAVE everything for us. Everything.

What are we holding back?

I am examining everything in my life with a magnifying glass….because God does everyday. I’m asking Him today--“reveal to me the changes that need to be made….I’m ready.”

I would just like to remind you that on this Thanksgiving, while you are enjoying time with your family and dear friends, there are still those who have no idea what it is like to sit at a table filled with faces of love. A table full to the brim with food of the most delectable. Will you remember them? Will you pray for them?

Will you consider putting actions behind your prayers? You can make a difference in the life of a child today. You are one “click” away from being used of God. Say yes to Him! Make a change–all it takes is a “little change” every day. I hope you see these little faces in your dreams as I have mine.

They are just as sweet and loving as your own children and grandchildren. When the little boy who is front and center jumped up in my arms and kissed me for giving him a gift (I’m not his sponsor), I could not keep the tears from spilling. They are even more precious to God.

Make a difference for one of God’s little children. You will never be the same.

Giving Him All,

Angie

Church Functions, faith, Holy Spirit

Okay, Maybe They Fixed It.

November 9, 2010October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Or, maybe I just didn’t watch long enough.

What am I talking about? Sorry, I thought you were here for my rant yesterday.

I’m talking about Hallmark skipping out on Thanksgiving. But they MUST have read my post–because today–as pretty as you please, The “16 DaYs until ThanksGiving” notice popped up! That’s good…’cuz my next step was to write a letter.

(Kidding–I’m not a letter writer [any more]–unless it’s to encourage a down-hearted friend)

(This was while I was ironing….just in case you wondered—and YES…I am an ironer…of pillowcases, top sheets, and tablecloths–but no, I don’t want to iron your tablecloths.)

Now–on to the REASON for this post. I have to tell you about a little boy I saw a couple Sundays ago. I don’t remember his name, since I didn’t get to meet him–but God knows his name–and the precious heart of his!

The picture is not as clear as I wish–but his heart for Jesus rang out clear and strong!

He attends my daughter, April’s church and she said he is a light and delight! His smile is so contagious! I just wanted to run over there and squeeze him, but since I was a perfect stranger, I didn’t want to scare him–so I refrained the “Nana” instincts rising up in me!
That Sunday, God filled that place with His mighty presence–and this little fellow felt it as the children sang a powerful song about F-A-I-T-H!

The blurriness of the photo is due to his movements–he was moving his little arms and head with the music!

Can I ask you a question? Do we do that? Are we that excited about serving and KNOWING Jesus Christ?

Amie C. is our worship leader—Holy Spirit lead and Spirit filled. It is obvious too! Under the anointing of the LORD, singing His praises, the hands go up and the Spirit fills the house–and the believers who open their hearts to HIM. However, if you don’t open your heart and mind to Him—He is not going to invade the land. YOU must desire HIM —Jesus Christ—above ALL ELSE! THEN—the blessings and anointing fall. Case in point: This past Sunday. Thank YOU JESUS for that powerful move of YOUR Presence.

I have come to realize more and more as the days and weeks pass me by—I want Jesus—MORE than anything else in this world. I want His presence, His anointing, His power to flow through me than ever before. There are things to be done–lives to reach for Him–as time is running out. There are those my path has crossed recently that are DOING all they can for Jesus. I want to be in that number of “doers”.

So–I leave you with this today: Do you like football? Do you get excited when your team scores? IF you answered yes–I just have to ask one more —do you get that excited about seeing God changing hearts and lives? Do you get excited about singing HIS praises and worship?

Friends, we have A LOT to be THANKFUL for and to get excited about! We are running the last lap of the race!

faith, Family

Saturday with Us!

September 5, 2010October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Okay. This is a BIG TIME first.

Get in the truck with me and Aimee and hit the road for Milton, FL. But first we will stop off in Bonifay and pick up Mother. (First time we had to wait on her! We were EARLY!)

But that’s not the BIG TIME FIRST.

The big time first is the fact that I’m letting you ride! I think we will all fit. I’m a truck lover. I don’t get to drive it everyday–since it is Jeff’s and all…but since the fellow is busy “missionarian” in a far away place–I’m taking liberties. 70 mph liberty. (ONLY on the interstate.)

Buckle up!

As you go through the slide show–I have set it NOT on auto play. It will begin when YOU say so.

Aimee and I left around 7ish to get Mother (knowing we had to make a gift pit-stop for a card for a grandson’s birthday) and we “waited” patiently on getting our coffee. Patiently.

After we are all settled in the truck we set out. Oooh. Almost forgot. Aimee prayed first–then I prayed–and asked the LORD to give us a surprise today–I told Him we would be looking–with our eyes and hearts wide open for whatever it would be. He does not disappoint.

We made our first stop at the grand kids. Visiting with daughter and children was most fun–but we didn’t stay long! Get yourself BACK in the truck! We have stuff to DO!

I check my watch as we enter the most delightful antique store! Almost lunch. Didn’t I JUST read a sign that said “Piano Dining”? Or something like that! Anyway, we file in. My eyes are peeled for the “treasure” that I know God will surprise us with!

The FIRST items we saw–AT the door we came in no less–were these darling bunnies!

I thought–THAT was the surprise! Since, if you know us, and knew our sister, Wanda, then you knew she collected bunny rabbits! However; this, I soon learned, was not the surprise.

Fast forward to browsing the the entire store and then deciding this was a great place to settle in for lunch. As we wandered up to the front area of the incredible establishment, we happened to see the baby grand piano about the same time as a man and his young daughter were wandering over.

I got Aimee to pose by the piano and took her picture–she did the same for me. We are odd like that. Taking odd pictures at odd times. But that’s us. A bit odd. 🙂 (smiling big)

As the man walked over and made a comment about us playing the piano I quickly said–“oh I don’t play–do you?”

“A little” was his reply.

“By all means, play us something”! (I am rather bossy at times)

As he sat down and struck a few notes on the shiny black and white keys, I felt a flutter–this was no “a little” pianist. He could play. Really play.

Aimee asked him quickly after he started playing something I recognized as an old country western song if he could play “Amazing Grace”.

Oh mercy. If you could have heard that. Sent a chill bump of heaven washing over my skin. He only played a little of it–I think he felt it too. We applauded. There were other guests in the restaurant by this time and they joined in the clapping of happy hands at the wonderful music that this “true musician” brought forth from the large black box of strings and keys.

I felt immediately as I sat enjoying the sounds, there is much to this man’s story. We enjoyed the melodies–recognizing all of the old tunes of country music past. As he got up, he and his daughter, Cameron Aubrey stopped and we talked briefly with her as she told us what her plans was for the day–it was evident she was very happy about spending some “daughter-daddy” time. As we told him thank you, I felt an immediate stirring. There was something I was to do.

“But what if he thinks I’m crazy Lord?” Why do I wrestle with that? That should not be a concern when the Father hands out an instruction! Yet, still I seem to struggle with that!

I heard the door in the back of the building open as their voices trailed out. I got up in a hurry, grabbed one of my cards and rushed to the back entrance where they had just exited. He was already rounding the corner and I did the country girl thing. I hollered.

“Hey wait!”

He turned around and then came up to the edge of the porch where I was standing, his little girl close beside him. I looked him square in the face and said this:

“Every time my mother and sister have a day “out” we always give it to God. We prayed this morning and told the Lord we would be looking for a surprise from Him today. You were that surprise. Your music was incredible. A gift. Thank you for playing for us.”

I wanted to cry at that point, but reigned it in. There was much in his life I felt in my heart. He told me of his parents and his heritage of Gospel Music. I knew. God also knows.

I almost felt as if I were looking into the eyes of a one-time Prodigal. Being one myself–I can recognize them sometimes. Where we are, where we’ve been–and where we are headed God alone knows the full picture.

Friends, I don’t know about you today–but my heart continually seeks Him. What can I do for Him today?–and What is He trying to show me? and Are my eyes focusing on the present? –Or, perhaps too busy either looking at the past–or worrying about the future.

Where are you today? Do you feel lost? Lonely? Friendless?

Let me tell you of the One who is ALWAYS there. Always. Never leaves our side–paints a sunrise and sunset for you every-single-day. Blows on the leaves and makes them rustle in the trees. All that for you. And me.

Never doubt His love. He walked up a long -hard- difficult hill for us. And I for one will be forever grateful.

“Long before God laid down earth’s foundations, He had me in mind, had settled on me as the focus of His love, to be made whole and holy by His love. Long, long ago He decided to adopt me into His family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure He took in planning this!) He wanted me to enter into the celebration of His lavish gift-giving by the hand of His beloved Son.” Ephesians 1:4-6 (THE MESSAGE)

The “me” in that passages represents YOU. Isn’t it wonderful to be loved like that!

A surprise is waiting for you too.

Are you looking?

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

By the way, I received permission from Mr. Kenny McGhee for this posting! I hope you enjoyed going with us! We loved having you along! What fun!!

AND if you are one of the ones signed up and paid up for the Sisters Retreat next month–this is a sampling of our fun! 😉