Category Archives: Life Issues

May 11, 2017

Pardon the Dust

By Angie Knight

Have you ever seen the sign that says, “Pardon the Dust”?, in a store when it is under a remodeling, but they are still  open for business?  Well, that is pretty much like my life.  I won’t speak for Jeff, but he would likely say the same thing.  My area is really dusty these days.  More so (in my mind) than the cancer days.

I told a new friend this week that [language school] seemed to be designed to do what the chemo did….kill off things that doesn’t belong.  Then we learned what the name of the school meant; in Spanish, cincel means to chisel.   Appropriate, don’t you think?  I think many of the new students have felt the sharp edge of the chisel this week.

We are on day 4 of classes and I will do my best to share enough, but not too much that  you get cold feet if God is speaking to your heart about missions.  But in reality, if God is speaking to you….there is no amount of things I could say that would scare you away.  You are in it for the long haul.  Just like us.  Be advised though, the enemy won’t like your decision–just as he didn’t like ours–BUT GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL.  Through everything!

Our days begin early–Jeff slipping into an altogether new routine here, and myself as well.  We get up early (Jeff, often around 4:00).  He has always been an early riser-but I think this place calls for even earlier–simply because such deep God conversations need to take place.  And listening.  Escuchen….to listen.  Above the voices in my head, I am learning to listen more to the Holy Spirit when He gives a direction.  “This might hurt….but it’s for your good.”

There, He sets me on the block.  Chisel and hammer.  Dust is flying.  I am noticing some things in me that needs correcting.  I need to be more sensitive.  Not quick to judge or assume based on what my eyes see…but to listen.  He blows His holy air on the form sitting still on the block.   That’s me.  The tears I shed based on what I feel, the weaknesses in me, wash away more of the dust.  He is working to see His image in our lives….

That was like chemo and radiation.  “This might hurt, you will feel many changes, but it’s for your good”…. I think God prepared me in some ways on HOW to look at things so that I would not crumble (quite so much).

I have two friends who, one just this week lost her daughter to cancer, and our cancer journey began approximately the same time, and another dear woman is losing her husband, even as I type, to cancer.  And here I sit.  Healthy–preparing for a work God has set before me…and I cannot explain even the least amount of the whys of that.   But God’s plans are perfect and I will not try and understand HIS understanding for the Word says, it’s way beyond me.

We are grateful for our monthly supporters and daily prayer partners.  YOU have no idea!  When I wake up in the morning–I know someone is praying!  All during the week, I trust and believe someone is still believing with us that God has much in store!  And their support continues so that we may journey on.

Each day in class (so far) I have felt so close to tears at times because there is NO English spoken by the teachers.  It is brain numbing.  There, that’s the chisel again.  Learn a new way.  Open your heart, mind, ears and listen.    Admittedly, I come home and go to the bathroom to let the tears fall.  It’s a release.  Don’t feel sorry for me, pray with us.  We need to learn this.  The culture, the language, the people.  Once the tears are dry, I feel better.

I learned just yesterday, the best thing to do after class is go for a long walk.  So, Jeff and I walked yesterday, about 8 blocks, mostly uphill, to the grocery store to pick up a few things.  Let’s look at that miracle for a minute.  UP HILL.  The backstory of this is I finished my last round of radiation treatments that took place every single day for 6 weeks the WEEK before we left for Costa Rica.  I hardly had energy to pack.  I had beloved friends, one at a time, come almost every day to lend a hand with our packing.  I couldn’t even “think” clearly from the residual effects of the chemo yet, here I was packing with help, and then just a week later arriving here.

The walkway to our apartment is such a steep downhill trip, that first day I was so afraid I would fall face first–but I didn’t.  Sure, my knees ached afterwards, but look again at the miracle.  YESTERDAY, we walked over 8 blocks one way mostly uphill.  Of course I was sweating like a horse when we got there, but my mind was clear.  And we did our little shopping, enjoying the air conditioned grocery store…then we had to carry our packages back…all 8 blocks.  Thankfully, my precious husband carried the two stuffed bags and I carried the umbrella.  It rains every day.

New things.  Every day something new.  A new experience, a new feeling, a fresh mercy from God.  We are learning now to live without the air conditioner.  I have the blessing of two fans that Jeff bought after we arrived.  THAT is huge to me here.

I look at many things differently.  The dust that is gathering at the base of this Sculptors stone will soon be blown away again, and He will look to see what else needs adjusting.  Hammer will continue to strike and I can count on sitting in this spot, under His chisel until He feels it’s time.  I’m done.  I’m ready.  Then, I’ll go Home.  Not to an earthly home, but to my heavenly home.  All the while the chiseling and hammering is happening, work is being done, through me and on me.  He will use me however HE sees fit….just as He will YOU when you say “yes, LORD, I’m willing”.

In the meantime friends, please pardon the dust.  He’s still working on me.

 

[We are very grateful for a new supporter this week!  If you are interested in becoming a prayer partner or a monthly supporter–or BOTH, please feel free to visit our agwm site, www.tinyurl.com/sendjeffandangie]

© Angie Knight 2017.  All rights reserved.  All Photography © Angie Knight unless otherwise noted.

 

8 Comments | posted in Adversity, breast cancer, faith, Life Issues, Ministry, Missions, News Letter, Trust

August 15, 2016

Be on the LOOKOUT

By Angie Knight


From the time the first words were spoken– I was on the lookout.  I’ve been given bad news before–and truthfully, I think my mind was sort of in shock with this.  Cancer.  This was not what I was looking for–and not part of our plan.  I totally was not expecting what my doctor just said…but I was on the lookout for what God was about to do.  

You may think I am a bit radical, but this is something I fully and firmly believe:  God doesn’t give tragedies–but He allows life to come at believers the same as non-believers….and HE will use all of our circumstances for our good and His glory when we fully trust Him.
Recently I pulled my prayer journal out one morning and let my fingers and eyes trace back all the places in Scripture God had been leading me and all the whispers in the night that He had revealed.  There was a distinct line…it was written seemingly in a dot-to-dot,

“Be on the lookout”….

God had been preparing me–even a year ago.  No, I didn’t feel the lump a year ago, but I felt and heard from my heavenly Father.  We had been praying and seeking God about the mission field….we were still waiting on an answer.  Tears come quick to my eyes as I re-read the words that the Holy Spirit spoke to me over the course of about a week in the month of August, 2015 (that’s why I always encourage people,  KEEP A PRAYER JOURNAL!).
I shake my head right now, in disbelief, NOT in what He’s doing–but in the incredibility of how He does things…it AMAZES me.
I don’t feel at liberty to share all the things He said in my private prayer time with you right now, except for this: 

“Expect the Amazing.”

Maybe one day He will release me to tell you the full story of what He was doing–for now, I continue to keep track of His steps, trace His fingerprint in our lives and praise Him all along this mission journey.
Let me update you quick in case you are wondering about my health and progress.  Diagnosed with breast cancer on August 2, 2016.   Cancer was removed August 5, 2016 by way of lumpectomy and partial mastectomy.  Pathology report a week later revealed–the mass was self-contained, the margins CLEAN and lymph nodes CLEAR.  I will have 5 days of radiation and then pack for Bolivia! (Kidding on the last part, I have been slowly getting ready for a MASSIVE yard sale in September THEN we will be looking at getting some trunks and packing.
We have been blessed with amazing family and friends who have encouraged us, fed us, and liberally prayed for us.  Thank you.  For every cookie crumb and slice of ham!  We need to be on a diet today!
We are still planning to leave by January 1since language school begins January 4th.  BUT, all final decisions are God’s…and I completely trust and wait on His timing.  There are new expenses to work through, but honestly, we both truly believe God will somehow –someway, get us through all of that–in order to get us there.  

If you have always wanted to support a missionary with $25 a month (or whatever amount you feel), you can go here (click here) and scroll down to the bottom and select “give now”.  You have options to the side of the “give” box.  I put this statement here simply because you might want to know–and God will certainly use you and bless you in the process–as you would be joining us on the field by means of support!


Two words God has told me over and over–for over a year–through every single road block:       “Trust Me.”
Can I ask you something?  Do you trust Him?  

This is one of the passages I have continually been led to over and over while on this journey–not the cancer journey, the mission journey.

 
Our soul waits for the Lord;  He is our help and our shield.  For our heart shall rejoice in Him,  Because we have trusted in His holy name.  Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us,  Just as we hope in You. 

Psalm 33:20-22 NKJV

Jeff and I don’t have all the answers, but if you are believing God for something bigger than you can even put down on paper, or even whisper in the dark, can I lean towards you this afternoon and tell you, He’s trustworthy….
No matter what happens tomorrow, or next week, next month or even next year, my soul rejoices in God alone. He is my hope-my salvation comes from God and the gift of eternal life through His only Son, Jesus Christ.
And I for one, am on the look-out for the next miraculous thing He has up His sleeve….
What about you?
  
© Angie Knight 2016.  All rights reserved.  Photography  © Angie Knight 2016.  All rights reserved.  Simultaneously published on http://www.jeffandangieknight.com

Leave a comment | posted in breast cancer, Life Issues, Missions

August 11, 2016

More News

By Angie Knight

Dear friends,

First thank you for praying SO faithfully for my surgery.  If you follow my blog, you know by now that I had a life changing diagnosis of breast cancer (ductal invasive carcinoma) on Tuesday, August 2, 2016.

God has been right beside me every step of the way.  Surgery was the 5th to remove the mass and biopsy lymph nodes.  They said at the time of surgery, it was self-contained.  GREAT NEWS!  They wound up doing a lumpectomy along with a partial mastectomy.  Yeah–I cried too.  If you see me out and about, I would love a gentle hug! I’ve had so many praying –I believe God has GREAT things ahead as we continue forward!

The good thing in all of this is that it was caught early–and as I am one to put things off to the LAST MINUTE, God gifted me with a lot of pain in the mass.  This is not normal I am told.  I was told by several in the medical field that growing cancers are usually not found due to pain.  But mine hurt like crazy–almost continually.  It was a gift.  It kept me from putting it off any longer.

Pathology results aren’t in yet…but other details and news can be found on our other blog–

Please visit:  jeffandangieknight.com

Bookmark the page so that you can keep up with what GOD is doing!  And remember to pray for us as we continue to prepare for our mission field in Bolivia!

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News. All rights reserved. Photographs unless otherwise noted are property of Angie Knight. All rights reserved.

Leave a comment | posted in breast cancer, faith, Life, Life Issues, love, Missions

August 4, 2016

Curve in the Road- from our Mission Blog

By Angie Knight
100_4486focusforwardonwardWow.  That is a word I use a LOT.

It lends itself to describe my feelings on a lot of things…from the good to the bad…even to the ugly.

It depicts my astonishment over many things…

It’s what I wanted to say when my doctor looked at me in a sort of nervous way- and said the words “cancer” quickly, as if to get them out there in the open air–might relieve some of the stress she was feeling.

 Her first words, “Well, I don’t have good news for you” hung suspended and I wanted to hit the rewind button and back track and maybe even have a re-do of the past few days events.  But that wasn’t happening.  It was there.  The test run- the mammogram and the ultrasound with the biopsy all told the facts of what was under the skin of me…but just so far.  It couldn’t get to the heart of me… that’s for God to see.

 I sat on the back porch, ignored the obvious humidity and heat and drank my coffee at the beginning of last week and I felt a weariness and dread come over me–it knocked me backwards in my spirit.

A few months before I had discovered what could be a life altering lump.  I followed all the routine and advised things- and it went from “we see it”–to “it’s shrinking, must be a cyst”.  But then things changed.

And last week Fear sat on my porch–had the stinking audacity to do so with my Bible right in my lap!  And Fear whispered all the nasty stuff in my head….All the what-ifs played out in my mind.

What if you have cancer?

What if you can’t get to the mission field?

What if this is it?

What if you …….?

 I cried.  Admittedly that was a bad day–an emotional day.  A break-down day.  A day when I didn’t want to see anyone… but I had my Bible in my lap and it was open to the Psalms… I had been doing a lot of journaling from the Psalms…and praying.

“God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.  Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with its turmoil…” Psalm 46:1-3

“When I am afraid, I will trust in You, In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not fear.”  Psalm 56:3-4

Then I reminded myself (do you ever have to remind yourself of things?), I reminded myself WHOSE I was.  What HE had told me–and that HE had set our course–it was not something I designed and picked out…it was ALL Him, baby!  And if He went to the trouble to set so many things up– HE had a plan to use this.

My baby girl and my sister both said they had asked God to give it to them.  I reminded them, God doesn’t “give” cancer.  God gives good gifts.  

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!   Matthew 7:11 

BUT, God will take the things that happen in our lives and work them for our good–or someone else’s.  It may not be about us…granted it may be happening to us or in our lives, but it may not be about us.  He will strengthen us–and help us–but it may be for someone else all together.

I know you want to say, “do you mean God will allow someone to go through something tragic just for someone else?”  Remember Jesus?

Don’t think for one second that I have it all figured out and that I’m totally good with it all.  I’m not.  I don’t have it figured out and honestly, I am afraid of what Friday will be like, and the disfigurement that comes with breast cancer….and the pain.

No, I’m not good with it–but I’m good with my Father–and I know HE has me in His hand and I’ve never left His sight…nor will I.

God has given me His Holy Spirit in advance…so that in times like these….His Presence never leaves me…ever. I cling to this–HIS Word is true and He is faithful-throughout all generations.

His faithfulness didn’t end when my God-fearing, Bible reading- church going grandparents passed away.  His mercy is brand new every morning–and He is faithful to see and care for His children…of which I am one of.

Be gracious to me, God, be gracious to me,  for I take refuge in You.  I will seek refuge in the shadow of Your wings until danger passes. I call to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me.  Psalm 57:1-2 [emphasis mine]

I don’t have all the answers.  Honestly, I couldn’t sleep.  And I had been rolling it around in my head for 48 hours–how I would even say this.  But it’s said now.

If you are a mission supporter for us–Jeff and I want you to believe with us that we WILL be on the field at the time God has already picked out and the time we’ve had on our hearts.  We are still believing for our budget to be 100% by December of THIS year.

Whoa!  Did you just do a doubletake?  I believe God can do anything.  I believe this is a curve in the road and that up ahead is a victory none like we’ve ever experienced.  We kindly ask that the mission supporters keep supporting… be a part of what God is going to do through your hands and our lives–in Bolivia!  Don’t stop just because we can’t see what’s next…HE CAN!

You do know that the enemy will pull all sorts of stunts to keep the Gospel from getting out there… and he’ll stop at nothing–so that means we’ve got to be more determined than ever before.

We must be ever diligent about fully giving ourselves to Him–even if we have to do it every-single-day.  All over again.  At every obstacle…and around every curve in the road.

 DSC_0041 © Angie Knight 2016.  All rights reserved.  Used with permission from jeffandangieknight.com mission blog.

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News. All rights reserved. Photographs unless otherwise noted are property of Angie Knight. All rights reserved.

1 Comment | posted in breast cancer, faith, Life, Life Issues

November 30, 2015

HOPE is a CHOICE

By Angie Knight
2016 is not yet here—but it is coming!  A year for HOPE.  I don’t have my Christmas tree up yet….I will show you when I do, but my heart is already looking at 2016.  I know.  Stay in the present…but I find it hard sometimes.  I keep straining to peek into 2016.  
Before the New Year gets here, I wanted to share a little encouragement to those who may already have your blanket ready to pull over your head and hide for the next few weeks of seasonal festivities.  I have one too…although, I pull it out much less often.

In 2013, I spoke at a Covenant Hospice event these words:
           “Hope remembers the past, is aware of the present, but presses on toward the future.”

I was there to share an encouraging word to those who had suffered loss that year.  It was the Christmas season—a time when we who have lost someone, remembers the heartaches of losing.  More than losing a battle—or losing a game.  This loss bears heavy on each person for months and years.  Every anniversary we are reminded of the pain of loss.  But today, I want to remind us of the HOPE we have.  Let 2016 become a brand new start for each one. 

Hope remembers.  Hope can hear the past; the funny stories, the sweet songs, and Hope chooses that which is good.  Hope realizes the present and has a determined focus to help someone else each day and believes firmly that tomorrow holds new life….as we are in Christ Jesus.

Hope rejoices.  Psalms 146:5 “But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper-whose hope is in the LORD their God.”

As odd as this may sound, when my sister, Wanda was leaving this life, my younger sister, Aimee began telling funny family stories.  We began to laugh.  It was just the immediate family—and we felt at ease in the Presence of God.  I even felt in my spirit that Wanda lingered a bit longer because she loved to laugh and loved a good “Aimee story”.

It’s okay to laugh—just as it’s okay to weep.  We need both.  It is a washing of the eyes and soul.  And we all need that bath.

Hope is resilient.  Hope resolves to continue on.  Hope anchored in Christ recovers readily from the winds and waves of life.  Hope pushes us forward, knowing “forward” is where healing and growth takes place, not with our heels and heart digging into the past dry dirt of yesterday.  There’s no nourishment in the past.

As we navigated through our first Christmas without Wanda, I felt like I walked around wearing my clothes wrong-side-out.  I felt turned around and upside down.  This was new.  I was not sure how I was supposed to transition through this season of life. 

The joy of the LORD truly became my strength.  I discovered that laughter is possible again—and love continues on.  Even after they’re gone.  And even with fresh tears, I can smile and rejoice at a new day coming!  

Yes, our futures do look different when they are gone—but Hope can take that seat at the table and we can feast on the joy of the LORD.  It takes time to see this—as that first year I didn’t feel that “Hope”, rather I felt the reminder of Loss.  Navigation is painful—and often difficult.  But when we allow the God of hope to guide our hearts and minds—it is possible.

We are approaching our 8thyear of her home-going.  Memories still flood the heart—but Hope stands strong beside each one.  We remember all the blessings and we rejoice in God’s gift of life—and we become resilient as we keep our faith, trust and HOPE in Jesus Christ. 

After all, Hope is a choice.

© 2015 Angie Knight- The Knightly News. All rights reserved.

1 Comment | posted in faith, Life Issues, love, New Year, Wanda

July 31, 2015

Watch Your Mouth

By Angie Knight
How many times have you heard that?  Said it?

I can’t even begin to remember how many–but I am certain I’ve been told that as much as I’ve said it.  Generally it starts when our mouths begin to get sassy.

Oh, it doesn’t happen by itself.   Our mouths really don’t have a mind of their own…it operates solely upon what is generated from the brain.  And unless you are looking in a mirror…you can’t really “watch your mouth”.  But then, that wasn’t the point anyway.

This summer I have had the privilege of loving and caring for some of our grand children.  In most cases, they were mini-versions of their parents.  Not just their moms.  I saw versions of their dads as well–and I saw the reflection of what they have consumed from life.  When they prayed–oh how sweet!

They are fun-neat-hilarious-and at times right on target with the surprising things they say.  We’ve had a blast.  One thing I have said a time or two– “watch your mouth”.

Kids pick up words from other kids.  I know mine did.  I know I did.  They don’t use the vocabulary of their parents most of the time, it’s their peers.

I wonder at the end each day, how many times The LORD has looked at me and wanted to scream, Angie! Watch your mouth!  Instead, The Holy Spirit nudged me…and it was my choice to listen and cease–or keep right on with my opinion–vocalizing it to the hilltops.

I’ve heard it said –can’t remember where I read it–so it’s not my quote, “you can’t unsay words.”

Good grief–how true that is!

I’ve had my feelings hurt…I’ve gotten mad….been sad….with a full conversation–all in my head,  and as long as it stays there until I’ve listened fully to what God has to say on the matter, I’m okay.  But the instant I let words flail and fly out of my lips without so much as a “test run” with The LORD, I’m in big trouble.  Generally people get hurt.  The hearer as well as the speaker.  (Remember “do unto others as you would have them do unto you?”)

I have said things I’ve had to go back and apologize for.  I’ve said “I’m sorry”, more times than Carter’s got liver pills.  But that’s okay.  The instant we think we don’t need to say I’m sorry, or that it shouldn’t be us saying the I’m sorry–then we are in a bad way.  Spiritually speaking–as well as emotionally and futuristically speaking.  (I think I made up another word!)

Tonight–as one grandson has played a game–I have said several times to him, watch your mouth.  Meaning, he has used a silly word that has one meaning to him (he got from his friends), but it has another meaning in the dictionary.

As hurtful things have flown through social media, and from conversations of people, I have to remind myself, watch  your mouth.  I need to keep my opinion to myself.  And an opinion cannot be based on one side of any story.  The seeds you sow in words will root out and spoil good words sown in the past.  Rash and sudden decisions based on immediate feelings will often do more harm in the long run.

I remembered a “rash” decision I made about 20 something years ago, that I made out of hurt feelings.  Not taking time to rationalize, or see another persons view point–only mine.  It was solely from my perspective that I based my decision–and even claimed to have prayed about it.  Well, funny thing was, I did pray.  I “told God” what He already knew.  However, I didn’t wait to see what He had to say.  Instead, I did what soothed my hurt feelings.

I have learned along this almost 54 year journey, that God wastes nothing.  Not even poor decisions, or big mistakes.  He uses every-single thing on our journey.  Teaching, training, molding and making us into what He purposed for our lives.  Sometimes, like Moses, it’s a wandering in a desert.  Even as long as 20 something years.

We assume (incorrectly) that surely “this” must have needed to take place in order to get me to this point in life.  Are you kidding me?  He is GOD after all.  He can change our address in a breath.  Just ask Philip (Acts 8:39-40).

This life on earth is temporary.  We are spiritual beings having an earthly experience–and what we do here–affects our eternal.  Make it count.  (I am speaking to myself as well.)  Don’t let words that need to be said, go unsaid.  Words like, “I love you”.  “I’m sorry”.

If you are a parent especially listen to my voice of experience…. always end the night with your child in “I love you”…. It doesn’t matter how hurt or angry you may be with them…love them.  And get their side of the story–don’t just believe what you were told.  YES, I know they may lie….but listen to the WHOLE story first.  NOT just one side.

These little guys that have been here this summer–have been fun.  I’ve listened to two sides to many verbal tussles.  When I wanted to holler at one for being hurtful to the other–waiting paid off.  Oh how I do love these little guys.  I love being a mom, and love even more being a grandmother.  It does keep me on my toes.

Maybe they learned something this week.  Maybe they learned to watch their mouth.  Not looking in a mirror…but guarding what they say–making sure good things come from their heart and lips.  Teaching kids to guard their heart- their mouths and minds is more important now than ever before.  They experience far more of the world by the age of 10 than I had experienced at 15.

While we are teaching…we should also be remembering it for ourselves… Watch our mouth.

© 2015 Angie Knight- The Knightly News. All rights reserved.

2 Comments | posted in Life Issues

February 26, 2014

Belly Button Ring

By Angie 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

4 Comments | posted in Devotion, faith, Life Issues

July 26, 2012

Teaching from the class room

By Angie Knight

God wants—desires for us to see Him everything—“Calling nothing small if it bears us His message”.  (Streams in the Desert, July 24)
·        Sometimes we overlook the obvious…looking for some grand display or show—something out of the ordinary.
·        And there are times God does that—but if we refuse to find Him in the ordinary—We will miss the grandest blessing of all.  (You may be tempted to quit reading, just because you glanced down and saw–gee-whiz–she typed a DOOZY of a blog here–please keep reading…it might be the one for you today)
Psalms 106:7-15  Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea.  Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.  And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.  And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left. Then believed they his words; they sang his praise. They soon forgot his works; they waited not for his counsel: But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.
·        Sometimes we read verses like Psalms 106:1  “Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” 
…and think God is just all “mercy”…that He will wink at and overlook our lusting flesh—our sinful desires—our carnal nature…
Let me share with you for just a few minutes the facts from my perspective: 
1)   We don’t have the mind capacity to think anywhere near what God might be thinking;    Isaiah 41:28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 
·        We read in verses 12-13 how the Israelites believed only “after they saw”…
§  Don’t you know that after all God had already done in Egypt—with the plagues … you would have thought—they would believe God for anything!
§  But no—at the first mud puddle, they are in a complete state of pandemonium!  (I’m not tossing stones at them…)
“Oh, he’s brought us here to kill us!  We’ll drown!”  All they could see was what was in front of them!
§  Yes, I know it was the Red Sea…but to God—it was a mere mud puddle!  They were so occupied with the outward—they couldn’t even fathom God blowing the waters aside! 
Sometimes we can’t imagine how or what God might do when we come face to face with our own Red Sea—but don’t start overlooking the obvious…and being occupied with the outward—Just be honest with God:  “God, I don’t know what this looks like from your position—but from mine—it appears to be an impasse.” 
·        Unreachable. 
·        Insurmountable. 
·        Unachievable –but follow that up with a statement of FAITH…
“BUT GOD—Your Word states: NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!  BE GLORIFIED IN THIS!”
o   Don’t shrink back…but praise and step out! 
o   God still wants people willing to cross the sea…
§  Sometimes He’ll provide a boat
§  Sometimes He may build a bridge
§  Sometimes He may say “walk out in faith…Because HE IS ABOUT TO PART THE WATERS!!
Oswald Chambers wrote:  “Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One Who is leading…It is a life of faith, not of intellect and reason, but a life of knowing Who makes us “go”…The root of faith is the knowledge of a person, and one of the biggest snares is the idea that God is sure to lead us to success”….(read that again)
Lest we think God’s planning on making us the “next great” whatever–remember, it may not be the corner office with all the perks that He is leading you to…it may not be the pulpit with the congregation of 2,000…it may be the janitorial closet…or the congregation of 25…
Success in God’s eyes is not the same is ours…HE is looking out for the welfare of the heart…not our pocketbook–(and yes, I know HE will provide all our needs–according to His riches in glory–but your heart –MY HEART is a big concern to Him–and it is OUR GREATEST NEED.)
o   Your faith will grow as your prayer life increases…and your prayer life will increase when you encounter obstacles that test your faith…The Israelites faces obstacles—they made choices…
you and I have the same choices today to make: 
A.  Praise; or
B.  Complain
o   Faith is an easy word to say…but what happens when something comes to our lives that requires us to “use” our faith?
o   Prayer is something warm and fuzzy to “think about”…doing it, however, we find that the matters of life always tend to usurp their authority and place in our minds and lives…
o   Bottom line…prayer and faith has to be a determination of the heart and life of the individual.  It is many times a battle. 
2)  The tolerance of the LORD is running out…we are too occupied with our outward! 
§  The faith of the Israelites was contingent on what they saw, not on their trust in the INVISIBLE…
§  They had unreasonable desires for food…in the wilderness—they craved meat—they craved flesh…NOT GOD.
Romans 8:5-8 “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”
  • They tested God—God gave them what they asked for:

The amplified version of verse 15 says: And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their souls and [thinned their numbers by] disease and death.
Other translations state:  plague; terrible disease; wasting disease.  
The Message stated, “empty heart”.  
(Read also Numbers 11:33–we find that as they were still chewing the “lusted for meat”–they became stricken with the disease–they got more than they bargained for–because they were not satisfied with what God was supplying for them.  They could have killed their own livestock and supplied meat for themselves, but they had begun to like the idea of being waited on hand and foot as God was supplying “manna” from heaven…they wanted Him to supply “MEAT”…eating meat was not the sin…having a cavernous appetite for something other than God was the sin…their sin lay in their belly.)
  • They didn’t believe until they “saw”…

God is looking for a people who will believe when things look the opposite…
Jesus said to Thomas after needing “proof” that it was indeed the Lord… “Thomas, because thou has seen me, thou has believed:  blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed”… (John 20:29)
·        God wants us to be so in love with Him—so desirous of Him—time with Him—to hear Him—to know Him—that we are occupied with Him continually…that the outward fades—and the inner grows.
For inner growth—that can have peace in a storm, vision in the blinding rain, it will come only from seeking Him—if we want changes in our life—and growth—we MUST cease being overly occupied with the things of the outward—and seek Him with all of our hearts.

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

1 Comment | posted in faith, Life Issues

July 6, 2012

Where Is Your Focus?

By Angie Knight

I read something that brought back a bittersweet reminder of my sister, Wanda, this morning….and because you are dear to my heart–and perhaps have a struggle or two of your own, I wanted to take just a minute and share it with you.

II Chronicles 20:12(b) …”neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.”

I have to tell you, in the instant I read that–after reading all of chapter 20, I “heard” her voice….”I don’t understand….(long pause for struggled breath)....we trusted God.....(another pause–suck in air and strength), “but I still trust Him.”

You know, there have been so many times I didn’t understand what God was doing (okay, clear confession, I RARELY understand)–but I know enough of His amazing power and love–to trust Him. That doesn’t mean that I don’t pause along the journey and ask a question or two…but I join with Ezra (as it is believed he wrote), we may not know what to do in the hardest of circumstances, “but our eyes are upon THEE.”

If the battle is hot before you–and you feel the pressure from the enemy surrounding your life…maybe you even see the dust they’ve kicked up from riding into your life–

lock your eyes on Him.  Our Savior.

The Lord came in to bring deliverance–to fight the battle for them–but read back at the beginning of the chapter to see what got God’s attention.  It surely wasn’t the fact that they continued doing their every day deal—“walking in oblivion to God”––

Jehoshaphat feared and set himself to seek the LORD–proclaiming a fast (II Chronicles 20:3).

Through the voice of Jahaziel, the LORD spoke to the people and told them “the battle is not yours, but God’s”.  

I’ve heard many people quote that verse–“just stand still–the battle is not yours”….but let me remind US all…

their preparation before the battle was what got GOD’S attention.

SEEKING God.

I’m afraid too often we want to carry on just like we have done– day after day–and expect God to just come in on our grounds, on our terms, and cooperate with us. Ha!

I can just imagine the expression of incredulity that passes the angel’s faces as they look at our pitiful selves trying to “go it alone” and get it all accomplished…(oh, all for His name sake of course)…leaving out the very One who gives us the breath we breathe every.single.day.  Let’s not forget that.

My heart cries out to Him today for the places in our lives where we have shut Him out…

for those of us who think–“the battle is too hot…we may as will throw in the towel”…

Friend, don’t do that.

A year or so ago, I had learned that someone I knew very well had decided to walk away from ministry…from the very voice of God.  It broke my heart–I wept–not understanding how they could possibly do that.

Since that day–I’ve learned–there are battles we face as believers in Christ that can become so incredibly intense and overwhelming that the enemy of our soul– leans in and whispers—“it’s too much.  Why don’t you go back to the simple way of living.  Why bother with all of this–you are only wearing  yourself out!  Go back to just worrying about yourself–stop fretting over all these other people”….

Well, you know exactly that is what he wants you to do…”stop”.  Recognize that raspy voice for who and what it is.  The enemy.  The pure stinkin’ devil.  He is set out to destroy you and me–he wants to stop you cold in your tracks–and keep you from doing what God has CREATED YOU FOR.

Do you want to shut the enemy up?  Write this down, or copy paste this and print it and STICK it to your mirror—READ IT OUT LOUD.

“I can do all things through CHRIST which stengtheneth me.  (Philippians 4:13) and BECAUSE HE GIVES ME STRENGTH, I forget those things which are behind me–I reach toward what is before me–and I PRESS TOWARD the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ JESUS.” (Phil. 3:13-14 paraphrased)

Don’t stop.  Don’t sit down.  We are getting close to the finish line.  Be steadfast in your journey.

When the enemy starts his talk…YOU START YOURS.

But do it OUT LOUD.  He does NOT have the ability to read your mind…all he can do is plant things there–and he knows he has succeeded when he sees your reactions…and when he hears your negativity–and when he sees you SIT DOWN.

There is no sitting down in the battle.  As I would tell my girls if they stayed too long in the bed on a Saturday when there was work to be done…. “Get your butt up and get busy!”

(Wow.  I cannot believe I just said that to you!…but really.  Get up.  We can’t win this sitting down.  WE MUST FIGHT.)

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

2 Comments | posted in Life Issues, Trials, Trust, Wanda

April 15, 2012

Go Ahead….arrest me!

By Angie Knight

After watching this brief video clip–the southern mama in me rose up…and I said…”tear her fanny up!”

Okay, don’t write me any “hate mail”…but really.  Can you see yourself there?  Not the dad—filming the ridiculous display of what many of our children are “daily” doing to parents…but do you see yourself as the whiney child on the floor?  Uhmm…what would your mother or dad have done?  If  you answered “tear her fanny up”…you are from my generation….if you answered, “put her in time out and take away her “blankey”…uhmmm, I’m not sure where you are from, but seriously, I don’t want to be around your kids.

As I watched this “precious brat child” on the floor (sorry that slipped out) I thought of how often we react to God when He asks us to do the “simplest” things…really.  You don’t believe me?  Press the rewind button on your last episode with God’s voice in your ear/heart and check again.

That’s what I thought.  A definite whine.  “But I can’t do that….I don’t know how….what if they laugh at me….what if they don’t listen….what if….”

It’s a whine.  No matter how you word it…sweeten it…it’s still a whine.

I know.  I’ve done it.

I think today should be –“remove the thumb from your mouth and stop whining day”.   (Yes, even my grandson, Zack! DO IT ZACK!)

Okay.  Sorry.  This was a very non-spiritual sounding post

…but she started it…..

Oh and to clarify, MSN news article had stated in their title that she “avoided” chores…she didn’t.  She just made the headlines…. and probably over 1,000 Americans will watch this today-tonight and have varying opinions.  One observed she was in her pajamas…and that it should be “expected” for her to act this way when tired….Whatever.

Okay…so NOT spiritual.  Sorry y’all.  It won’t happen again.

Leave a comment | posted in Life Issues