Life – Page 2 – Jeff & Angie

Getting Results

August 11, 2016August 15, 2016 A. Knight

2012-02-26 mother daughter retreat feb 2012 008 Good morning! It is raining again in the sunshine state–but that’s okay. I know some areas have had their fill–but it’s been so dry here at the house, everything was getting crunchy.

First-let me share the awesomeness of our God! I got my drain tube out yesterday! HALLELUJAH! You probably heard me shout from Dothan – (naw- I didn’t do that) – but I was so relieved- I just KNEW I would go back to sleeping like normal! But that didn’t happen. Still propped up and only sleeping bits and pieces every night–but hey– it’s a good time to read the Bible on my phone, or talk to the AUTHOR….of course, if you are a pinterest follower, you will see that I do a bit of pintresting –you know, for when I am 100% and getting ready to move to Bolivia!

The ARNP that saw us was amazed at the progress– she would ask me questions– then look at Jeff as if to confirm I was telling the truth! HA! Imagine that. She unbandaged, complemented my nurse/daughter, April on the good job she did- and examined the incisions. The one for the tube was the most painful, but I guessed that was normal….but then I don’t think it was. She asked me about my meds, pain levels, and she did a double take when I told her I had stopped taking the pain meds a few days prior. WHAT? She didn’t say it LOUD like that implies, but she stopped writing and turned around and looked at me.

Every question she asked, I could tell she didn’t believe my answer…she kept saying, “are you telling me the truth?” HA! Of course I am! I repeatedly told her– “THIS WAS ALL GOD!” and that I had had LOTS of prayers going up! To break that down, I took only 2 days of pain meds. I am not bragging on me–I AM BRAGGING ON GOD!

When YOU prayed for me–didn’t YOU EXPECT RESULTS??

Well friends, YOU GOT RESULTS!!

The pathology report is not in yet, but honestly I expect to hear GOOD things. They said initially I would have 5 days of radiation–I don’t expect it to be any more than that. She even reiterated what the surgeon had said in the beginning, “you should have no trouble meeting your deadline to leave for the mission field”.

Before you think I’m all that and a bag of chips—stop right there. I voiced my concerns (worries) to Jeff that morning– I was afraid I would pass out when they took out the drain. I could feel it in me and I am not a nurse–nor do I like anything to do with medical stuff. he assured me I’d be fine–and I know that as he went about his day–he prayed. I didn’t pass out.

I deal with the same worries -(probably) anyone else does, I just follow a rule–I hand it over to Jesus. I learned that a LONG time ago. I don’t do a Scarlett O’Hara, you remember the statement, “I’ll worry about that tomorrow”….

I hand it off to the Team Leader to handle. HE CAN.

Elaine Olsen’s book has been such a powerful instrument in keeping my mind geared right. Letting God use this to do things in my life that I need. If He allowed it, He is going to USE IT. Can you keep that in mind the next catastrophe that strikes your heart/home/life/family? If He allowed it…He will work it for YOUR good…and for HIS GLORY… If you keep your faith and trust in HIM.

I will not kid you and tell you it will be easy. Likely, it won’t. It will be a hard lesson to learn, a high mountain to climb, or deep water to wade….BUT, He will take us through it!

Let me share with you what I read this morning–God has been taking me to different strengthening passages:

“This is what the LORD says: Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes human flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD. He will be like a juniper in the Arabah; he cannot see when good comes but dwells in the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land where no one lives.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence indeed is in the LORD. He will be like a tree planted by water: it sends its roots out toward a stream, it doesn’t fear when heat comes, and its foliage remains green. It will not worry in a year of drought or cease producing fruit. Jeremiah 17:5-8 HSCB

God has opened my eyes and heart in a way that I might otherwise have missed. I could break that passage down and share with you what it does in my heart–but I won’t for blog lengths sake. God has brought us to this place–and I can guarantee you–HE will see us through it! We have ministry to do.

Another cool thing that happened yesterday in the doctor’s office, the ARNP wanted to know how SHE could get involved in our mission! Well, of course I DID NOT have a single prayer card on me–but next visit I will be PREPARED! (Side note: if we had every single contribution from every single person who said they “wanted to be in on what God’s doing”, we could be 100% at this point….but people tend to get excited then forget. My prayer today is, LORD, remind those who YOU have purposed to help us get there. The devil wants us to think it will be harder–medical expenses now added on to the normal stuff, but you know what? God is in charge. And it’s exciting to watch Him work His wonders.)

Friends….GOD IS FAITHFUL. If you don’t know Him, or don’t have the relationship you wish you had, it’s easy to change right now. Simply tell Him you want Him in your life. That you recognize your NEED for a Savior and that you believe that His only Son, Jesus Christ was sent to this world -as a ransom to pay for our sins. Jesus is ready right now to accept you as His beloved. He wants to come in and have a relationship with you– He wants to restore your joy! Talk to Him as if He were right there….HE IS.

Can I pray for you?

Father, right now I come to you on behalf of this reader. I have no clue who they are or where they are right now, but YOU do. You know every intimate detail of our lives and the longings we have inside for more of You. LORD, I ask that you would draw Dear Reader close to You, speak into their hearts/minds and let them know that You have a purpose and plan for their lives… Receive glory LORD for everything in our lives– help us live in such a way that YOU are seen, and not us. Bless them today and allow them to see something special–from Your heart to theirs….in Jesus’ most holy name I pray, Amen.

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Interested in missions? In helping? Go here: www.tinyurl.com/sendjeffandangie, then simply scroll down to find the “commitment” or “give now”. Thank you in advance if God so leads you. No worries if you don’t feel so led or inclined. He has a plan. And He’s working it.

breast cancer, faith, Life, love, Missions

Christmas Day Excitement

August 9, 2016August 15, 2016 A. Knight

Friday morning seemed to take f-o-r-e-v-e-r to get here. Really. It was not that anticipatory excitement of Christmas presents “forever”…more of the wisdom teeth cut out “forever”. Except, not exactly wisdom teeth.

For a couple of days, I had texted with two dear friends, one who is currently undergoing radiation for the same type of breast cancer, and one who had walked this road and found peace in the storm a few years ago. It’s her book, Beyond the Scars, and her words that have encouraged me to keep talking. I suppose–I would talk either way. One way would be in my filled up prayer journal- only a few pages left–or the other way would be here–out in the wide open spaces of the world wide web. I can’t let things harbor, sit and fester–I have to let things go.

The initial check in began quicker than I thought- it was later that the waiting nearly drove me nuts. Our daughters, Tiffany and April had spent the night with us the night before–neither one slept. They were nervous–anxious. I had been covered by the peace of God that truly passes all understanding. I had more than a handful of prayer warriors in their war rooms on my behalf. I actually slept pretty good. I laid down–God wrapped me up–and I drifted off–waking only at the usual times during the night when someone my age wakes up.

Once we were taken to a room, I was handed a precious looking gown to wear for the duration of my visit. If you know me at all–you know I’m kidding. I was still calm. Fairly. The nurse came by and welcomed me–told me what was going to be happening–that someone would come get me and take me somewhere and leave me and then someone else would pick me up and take me somewhere else and leave me then someone else would come pick me up and….. No. They forgot that part. I’m not upset–I just thought it might have been nice to mention the times I would spend alone in a hall and empty waiting area. That actually sounded like a dream didn’t it?

Well, it did kind of happen that way–it was standard procedure I am certain–every single detail of the day worked like a well oiled machine–I could tell they had LOTS of practice at this. And this hospital and staff were awesome. I told you that part to let you know what God did:

Before we arrived at this day, a friend sent me a facebook message. Shortened down, it said this: You are My daughter–I will be with you.

It did say a few more things–but the point I needed to know…He was my heavenly Father–and HE wasn’t going anywhere. At anytime.

On the way to the hospital God did this:

A dear pastor/friend send me a text message: “I’m praying for you. Isaiah 43:1-2”.

…“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you. (NKJV emphasis mine)

Do you see what God did there–in both cases? Told me the same thing…I was HIS…and He’s not leaving my side.

When the first nurse wheeled me out to another floor-in another area to have a wire inserted (yes, gasp!) in the mass, and an ultrasound, and then radioactive dye shot IN (yes, please gasp again!), she was very kind and when she told me in advance, “this will hurt -but he will be as quick as possible”, I thought at least she gave me warning– I clinched my eyes shut, but then she said, “you can hold my hand if you want to”….uhm, YES please–hold my hand.

I grasped her right hand and thought of His Words that He would never leave me nor forsake me….

‘You are My servant,
I have chosen you and have not cast you away:
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:9(b)-10 NKJV

With my family in another part of the hospital, I was longing for my husband’s hand to hold. His hand had always brought me security–and peace–and I had relied on His strength for 34 years. But God was reminding me of something I knew, but perhaps had packed it up already for the mission field…It has always been God’s hands that has held us BOTH in all our times of struggles in life. No matter what the struggles have been –it’s been HIM.

Once the doctor and nurse had finished wiring me up, making me a little radioactive, I was wheeled off to another area of the hospital and left outside in an empty waiting area–in a dimly lit hallway. I suppose it was to make it more private and intimate feeling–I do think it did help. At least I didn’t feel quite so exposed out there alone…but I did feel alone…but just briefly. It was in that brief minute of feeling alone–that I felt God wrap me up. Tears rolled from my eyes as Fear tried his best to come in the room, but God in all His power and glory showed him the door. The next nurse came out and got me, ushered me gently in and did a new mammogram for the surgeon.

Once she finished up, she took me back to my room–where apparently a party was going on while my brother-in-law was telling the family some funny story.

With the larger portion of the family in the waiting room it was just my girls and darling man– April helped me in the bathroom and I collapsed on her in tears. I think the reserve from the past months of wondering had just exploded. I don’t know what happened–or how. Her skills as a nurse had not stopped kicking in–she is one amazing nurse. If you ever need a nursing home–you would be wise to move to Florida and find the one she works at–for real.

As I sat down, a memory from when she was a little bitty girl, dressed in ruffles, bows and lace came racing back to my mind. A church bathroom–she needed to potty. I held her dress and the bow in back so that it wouldn’t fall, handed her tissue- and helped her grow up to become the woman she is today. I remember all the bathroom trips at church and anywhere else where she learned how to do things on her on–but until she was ready…mom was right there. I did that for both my baby girls. When that image of her in blonde curls and ruffly dress appeared in my movie-mind–I cried all the harder. Time had reversed and here she was in a tiny bathroom stall with her over 50 year old mama, holding the hospital gown and handing me tissue.

God is so good. I cannot tell you that enough.

I don’t like to cry. I will hold it in as long as possible. Elaine Olsen told me to cry. Let it out. It needs release, it is cleansing. So, since coming home, I’ve done that a couple of times, both after dressing changes. Lest you think I’m super-woman, let me assure you–ask Jeff or April–or Tiffany. They will tell you I’m not super woman. I cried uncontrollably during and after my first shower- Although the shower didn’t hurt –my heart ached in a place I had never experienced before.

It’s very humbling to need someone to help you with your shower. It’s very healing too though. I see that this morning. Tiffany reminded me of the showers I helped her with –after all her babies. I never thought twice–she was my baby, thus I help my child. I am sure she, nor April never think twice. I am their mama. I think at some point we have to remember to let people help. But that is so hard at times.

I think God deals with that side of us often. We are inept at dealing with some of our issues, and HE is standing at the ready–yet we don’t ask Him.

Didn’t He tell us time and time again that He would “be there” for us? Never leaving us….

It’s in times like these when He really shows us the truth of His Word–it’s in times like this week, I lean back against Him and feel the Presence of a Holy, Sovereign God take over.

I woke up in the wee morning hours on Monday and came to the living room to see and hear from God. I actually had a question that I wanted to ask–but when my feet hit the cool floor of the wood in the dark, something made me change my mind. I wasn’t going to ask any questions. Instead, I would just listen and see what He said.

I don’t know if you have just looked at the screen in disbelief, as if the God of the universe would actually take time to say something–anything–to a nothing-of-a-woman like me, but He did. He does. Often.

With my unsaid question –not hanging in the air– He said this:

“I’ve been preparing you”.

I am a bit taken aback at this — THIS? Cancer? This disfigurement in the mirror?

This.

Everything. I’ve been preparing you.

Today, I want to tell you–whatever is going on in your life–God is RIGHT there–He will never leave you–

If you say, “I can’t SEE HIM”, you aren’t looking close enough. I promise He’s there. ASK Him to show up–He will. Ask Him to speak….HE will.

Often we aren’t quiet enough or still enough. We want to do our own thing and we want God to work AROUND our agenda. Hmmm…. I hope you know by now He doesn’t do that?

When I sat in the wheelchair alone in the hall…HE was there. I might would have rathered He show up with me on a picnic–and hike–but this empty dimly lit hallway was where I was that morning–and I needed Him then. He showed up. I felt Him as the tears rolled–I felt Him push fear back and send in the Holy Spirit to bring peace and comfort.

Friend–He will do the same thing for you. All you have to do is ask–expect–believe. Move on with God and don’t give Fear your forwarding address. If you do….I have to say, you must be a glutton for punishment. Where the Spirit of the LORD is…there is freedom and PEACE–and Fear cannot be in the same room where God is….

Tomorrow-the tube comes OUT (PTL) and the next phase will be laid out. Thank you in advance for praying and believing with us–Bolivia is waiting. The people are waiting… and my eyes are focused on my healing and being able to complete the mission He assigned…with GREAT anticipation!

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breast cancer, faith, Life, Life Issues

Curve in the Road- from our Mission Blog

August 4, 2016 A. Knight

Wow. 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?

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.

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

breast cancer, faith, Life, Missions

Curve in the Road

August 4, 2016August 15, 2016 A. Knight

Wow. 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.

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 …….?

“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

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

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.

faith, Life, Missions

POWer PACKed prayers

April 16, 2016April 16, 2016 A. Knight

The prayers of a child are incredibly powerful. How do I know? I’ve experienced them.

A few weeks ago–during Spring-Break, we had some grandson visitors. I LOVE that. Time with them, I may collapse at the end…but I LOVE that time with them. And the wisdom crafted with hilarity- beats any TV show you could think up.

One of those spectacular days I over did it. If you are uhm….let’s see…over the age of 50, you may know what I mean. Anyway, the guys and I were on the back porch enjoying a mid-morning snack and I started to get up, and “clinch”–my back refused to do it. I grimaced, and if I remember right, I think I even hollered. Yow! Or, something like that.

“What’s the matter Nana”? One of them rushed to my side–wow! I sat back down from a half-stand. “Well, Nana has hurt her back”…. I sucked in my breath–leaned way over to try and stretch to see if maybe that was it. I tried getting back up…nope. Not happening.

“Hey boys, Nana needs you to pray for her”.

They immediately came to my side–laid their hands on me–and began to pray. Well, let me pause and tell you that I asked them to pray out loud. One of them said, “we are gonna pray in our head”, to which they all agreed–and I said “okay, God can hear you”….and I knew that…I just always love to hear them pray.

So they prayed. Kept their hands on my back and my arm while they prayed and then–simultaneously–they removed their hands and we all sat up.

“Well? How do you feel?” I love the instant expectations of children. They look for results. Why don’t we? I think our “reasoning” takes over. We reason it out before we say “amen”. We give God an “out” just in case He’s busy. Not these guys. Their mom demonstrates prayer with them. Praying was not strange to them.

I sat up straight. Put my hands on both arms of the chair–and stood up. Tenderly–slowly…but wow. I walked to the end of the porch–turned to them and smiled-and raised my hands and started praising God! He HEALED me! I told the boys to thank God with me–and we went about our day. We talked about it again later–and they thanked God later….and so did I. And for the power packed prayers of these kids.

This past Sunday Jeff and I were at Freedom Church in Tallahassee, Florida. It was an incredible day–with some amazing people–and children. Wow--the kids just blew me away. Jeff and I talked about them on the way home.

This is a small window into our visit: Once Jeff completed his portion in the main service (x2), we went to the children’s department. Children’s Pastor Perry Dissmore, had us wait in the hall so that the kids could “prepare” for us...

Little did we know but our emotions were about to be hijacked. Those kids yelled and screamed and waved flags and applauded–all because to them –we are superheros.

I wanted to cry! We don’t consider ourselves anything of the sort–but with what we are doing–to those little friends–we are superheros. But not to us…we are just obedient. Pastor Brad Nester made a sticky statement that morning: “You can only control your obedience… God takes care of the rest.” Is that why we aren’t obedient “sooner”? Because we want to control it all…and the outcome? Well, we can’t. We just have to trust God–and obey.

Before we left their area, Pastor Perry had the children gather around us and lay hands on us and pray. Okay. Stop right here and let me grab a Kleenex or paper towel- or something because I am going to cry and type.

As these “little friends” circled us–it felt like they were surrounding us with armor. No joke. I could almost hear the clanking of their warrior armor and swords. One by one–we felt little hands gently press onto our back or shoulder or arms…and heard the most precious words– three sentences I wrote down as quick as I could so I wouldn’t forget:

“Lord, help them get there quick”;

“God, send them the money they need so that all the kids they see will get a bible”;

And the last one–that made the most impression on me: “Help them have the faith to keep going.”

The faith to keep going.

When I first thought of that–I will be transparent–I thought, “that must mean some knock-out punches are on the way”…. I smile because–think about this: When is a knock-out punch NOT on the way? Really. Jeff and I recently discussed how every pastor and minister who is doing what God has called them to do with all their might–MUST be under the gun every – single – Saturday! The day before they launch what God has laid on them! But truthfully, we must all know that as long as we are breathing–and as long as we are serving God–there will be punches thrown...but guess what…Christ ALREADY prayed the prayer of faith for us to KEEP ON GOING!

Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. John 17:11 NLT

Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. John 17:18-21 NLT

When those little friends prayed–they prayed the will of God over us. Out of all the voices praying–those three stuck in my head. We are forever changed by that morning. Pastors Larry Perry, Brad Nester and Perry Dissmore are changing the world from the pulpit that God has called them to. Those children (and adults) are being equipped weekly with the Word–prayer and mighty vision to win the lost…at any cost. I wish you could have been there–I wish I had recorded the prayers. But I think the one God wanted me to remember was embedded in my heart.

POWer PACKed prayers of children are just that because of their willingness to believe without doubting. They know and trust in God.

If you would like to join us by becoming a prayer partner and/or financial partner– visit our AGWM website: www.tinyurl.com/sendjeffandangie

Our Partners (1)

faith, Life, love, Missions

Abraham’s Famous Faith

February 20, 2016 A. Knight

“You’re going where?” Abram’s friend leaned in to make sure he heard right.

“I said, I don’t know. We are just going, my friend.” Abram firmly, but quietly stated. He had been getting this a lot. As they had been packing up their tent and all their belongings, loading camels and the many pack animals, friends had been stopping by, each one with the same question and the same incredulous look on their faces.

Abram swatted a fly from his face with his hand. “The LORD GOD will show us.” Again, that firm quiet to his voice spoke more than the words he said. Abram’s friend muttered under his breath, patted him on the back and turned and left.

The heat that usually bore down on Abram, felt today, like a calming Presence. Almost like a hand on his shoulder giving him comfort as one by one, each friend—who didn’t seem to understand his actions, turned away.

While the above is completely a made up conversation in my mind— it’s how we felt when we began making life changes –preparing for the mission God has ahead. Abraham, formerly known as Abram, has been a story that I have related to time and time again. His faith in God–trusting Him–made him famous. He didn’t seek fame–He sought God.

I felt the excitement he must have felt the night he threw his head back and gazed at the endless curtain of blinking stars. We have both experienced that look—or expression of incredulity from friends, and maybe even a family member or two—as we shared what we believe (not just feel), that God has called us to do.

This experience of our faith walk has been targeted at different parts of our lives—at various times in this season of life. One by one, God has pointed His finger at things in our lives and said either “keep-or-give”. Or, at least to me, that’s how it has felt.

Missionaries at the ages of 54 and 60 wasn’t what we had on our agenda 10 years ago. Actually, it wasn’t even in my planner 3 years ago. Mission work? Yes. Spending a month at a time on a specific project there? Yes. But packing up everything that doesn’t get sold to live in a country where I can’t speak the language (yet)… Not quite. BUT GOD has a way of changing our hearts to YEARN for His will and His direction. He has a way of changing our hearts desires the closer we get to Him.

How did all this happen? That will come later as I unfold this in the blog—but first I want to share something one of the missionaries has said this week as we have toured with our District Women’s Ministry Director, Rese Moore. I believe it was Whittney (I leave off her last name for her future safety), who said it best, “God has called us ALL to go. But some—He has given you the assignment to stay”.

Your assignment has come with a job He has called and directed you to. And in that job, He expects you to be an onsite missionary. One who lives by example—and builds relationships (just like we will do) with those He puts in your path. One who leads by conversation…. (Really makes you re-think the joke you told last week, huh…).

Your assignment comes with benefits of a dependable weekly salary—as long as you keep up your end of the bargain, your boss will keep up his. Our assignment comes with a question to our friends and family: “Do you want to join our team?” Meaning, “Do you want to help win the lost in these last days? Do you want to help us show them JESUS?

It comes down to two things really. Either we want to do all we can to share Jesus where they don’t know Him—in the unreached villages of this world—or we are completely satisfied with them not knowing and stand idly by as they leap off into eternity lost.

Our assignment right now is two years. Do you think—for two years you could give up ONE Starbucks coffee a month? Just one.

What about 2? If 35 of our friends and family gave up Starbucks just ONE time each month—to take part in a soul reaching team—that would put us over half way to our budget goal.

What if—ONE time each month—you give up ONE dinner out of, say a Zaxby’s drive through meal. Just for two people. That’s close to $25 with large drinks and tax included—and maybe one milkshake to share as dessert. JUST ONE TIME in a whole month—for two years. Give it up and maybe just cook a simple meal of rice and chicken and fry some cornbread. That’s more of a meal than most anyone in a third world country will ever have in a day. They may have the rice—but they likely won’t have any meat.

I don’t know if you have read down this far or got tired and turned it off—Maybe you are saying, well, Angie, exactly what are you and Jeff giving up?

Everything.

And every time I think of all the times I won’t get to drive to my mom’s house for a meal or a visit with them, or sit on a comfy couch in an air-conditioned living room and a drink coffee with my baby sister, and join her hand and pray for her family and my family, I will be honest. I cry.

And every time I think of my two amazing daughters–and how MUCH I love spending time with them–and that will not happen for two years….I cry.

And every time I think of our 6 grandsons and how sweet their sugar is, or our precious granddaughter who I won’t get to see turn into a godly young woman and graduate high school, I cry.

BUT THEN– I think of all those children I have met—and those I’ve not yet met—who are waiting for someone to show them Jesus. Waiting for someone to BE Jesus in their lives and love them no matter how poor they are. No matter that they have nothing to offer us–we have MUCH to offer them. Jesus. And there they are, just waiting for someone to join our team—so that we can get there and introduce them to Jesus Christ. God’s Only Son—who loved them so much that HE came and died so that they might have life.

We’re only asking for one thing—each month—for two years. There are some who can afford to give more than ONE Starbucks “sacrifice” a month…..Only you and God know what He’s asking of you.

After two years, if God continues our assignment—we will see what He asks you to do. Or, God may have another assignment for us…OR, He may have another assignment for you.

This is the link to join our team—OR you can download a copy of the commitment form and send it in, our account number is 2853562, our Region is Latin American, and of course—you know our names, Jeff and Angie Knight.

We have discovered–some are waiting to be asked. But there are those who just get so excited–they jump ahead and join, saying, “we want to be part of your team”. You have no idea how that makes us feel!

You know, I think God likes it best when we, as His children, come up to Him and say, “What would you have me to do Father?” Go? or Stay. Stayers get to be senders. What a GREAT opportunity. To be a part of missions, both HERE and There.

faith, Family, Life, Missions

Abraham’s Famous Faith

February 20, 2016 A. Knight

“You’re going where?” Abram’s friend leaned in to make sure he heard right.

“I said, I don’t know. We are just going, my friend.” Abram firmly, but quietly stated. He had been getting this a lot.

As they had been packing up their tent and all their belongings, loading camels and the many pack animals, friends had been stopping by, each one with the same question and the same incredulous look on their faces.

While the above is completely a made up conversation in my mind— it’s how we felt when we began making life changes –preparing for the mission God has ahead.

Abraham, formerly known as Abram, has been a story that I have related to time and time again. His faith in God–trusting Him–made him famous. He didn’t seek fame–He sought God.

Missionaries at the ages of 54 and 60 wasn’t what we had on our agenda 10 years ago. Actually, it wasn’t even in my planner 3 years ago.

Mission work? Yes. Spending a month at a time on a specific project there? Yes. But packing up everything that doesn’t get sold to live in a country where I can’t speak the language (yet)… Not quite.

BUT GOD has a way of changing our hearts to YEARN for His will and His direction. He has a way of changing our hearts desires the closer we get to Him. How did all this happen? That will come later as I unfold this in the blog—but first I want to share something one of the missionaries has said this week as we have toured with our District Women’s Ministry Director, Rese Moore.

I believe it was missionary, Whittney (I leave off her last name for her future safety), who said it best,

“God has called us ALL to go. But some—He has given you the assignment to stay”.

Your assignment has come with a job He has called and directed you to. And in that job, He expects you to be an onsite missionary.

One who lives by example—and builds relationships (just like we will do) with those He puts in your path. One who leads by conversation…. (Really makes you re-think the joke you told last week, huh…).

Your assignment comes with benefits of a dependable weekly salary—as long as you keep up your end of the bargain, your boss will keep up his.

Our assignment comes with a question to our friends and family: “Do you want to join our team?” Meaning, “Do you want to help win the lost in these last days? Do you want to help us show them JESUS?”

It comes down to two things really: Either we want to do all we can to share Jesus where they don’t know Him—in the unreached villages of this world—or we are completely satisfied with them not knowing and stand idly by as they leap off into eternity lost.

Our assignment right now is two years. Do you think—for two years you could give up ONE Starbucks coffee a month? Just one. What about 2?

If 35 of our friends and family gave up Starbucks just ONE time each month—to take part in a soul reaching team—that would put us over half way to our budget goal.

Give it up and maybe just cook a simple meal of rice and chicken and fry some cornbread. That’s more of a meal than most anyone in a third world country will ever have in a day. They may have the rice—but they likely won’t have any meat.

I don’t know if you have read down this far or got tired and turned it off—Maybe you are saying, well, Angie, exactly what are you and Jeff giving up?

Everything.

And every time I think of my two amazing daughters–and how MUCH I love spending time with them–and that will not happen for two years….I cry.

And every time I think of our 6 grandsons and how sweet their sugar is, or our precious granddaughter who I won’t get to see turn into a godly young woman and graduate high school, I cry.

We’re only asking for one thing—each month—for two years.

There are some who can afford to give more than ONE Starbucks “sacrifice” a month…..Only you and God know what He’s asking of you.

After two years, if God continues our assignment—we will see what He asks you to do. Or, God may have another assignment for us…OR, He may have another assignment for you.

Brittney Hall Photography credited with “birthday photos”. Thank you Brittney!!!

faith, Life, love, marriage

Two or Three

November 16, 2015 A. Knight

I love it when God does this:

As I was praying this morning for various needs that I was aware of, a blogger friend that I met several years ago in person at a She Speaks Conference came to my mind. Over and over her name kept calling out to me, as if to say, pray for me. So I did. From the bed where I lay, I began to whisper a prayer and asked God to meet the needs in her life–to shelter her, cover her, bring healing, peace, whatever her need might be- I didn’t know, but HE did. And that’s all that mattered.

Before long though, I had to get up. A feeling of “get alone with God” just kept me awake. So I rose and walked the few yards from our camper to our house. (Bathroom work being done and since we only have one, we need to sleep where there is one handy in the middle of the night.)

The house was quiet and warm. I put on coffee and turned on a couple of lamps and I felt The Holy Spirit with me. Some old fears have tried to creep up on me–from long years ago, but I push them aside, settle myself and begin to pray. The Lord brought two more to my mind to pray for and so they were added to my invisible prayer list.

A fraction of a verse came to me while praying, “two or more gathered in my name”…. I almost felt like maybe He had woke someone else to join me in this prayer vigil for these that I had no clue what their needs were…He has before. I love how He surprises me- especially when it comes to how He works in our prayer lives.

Just as I finished praying and writing some prayer thoughts in my journal, I opened my “God Calling”….and what do I see (this is a surprise, because I hadn’t looked at it in many days–and actually it was in the camper and at the last minute, I reached for it in the dark and tucked it in my bag before I left for the house), but this verse:

“Where two or three are gathered together in My name there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

I smiled–and thought how amazing God is. There is no way I could ever describe all the times He has done similar things –but suffice it to say, it has been many -and this morning I had asked for a rejuvenation in my prayer life–a constant awareness of His presence and He showed me after He told me.

The WORD is a constant awareness of His presence–

HIS power–

& His purpose for us.

We attended a wedding this weekend–it was beautiful! We attended one just a few weeks ago as well that was just as beautiful and the presence of God was so REAL in both that I could sense the Holy Spirit there.

As I thought about this verse this morning, the picture from both weddings came to my mind of the minister (who was also the dad), as he placed his hand on the shoulders of the bride and groom to pray over them.

Three. Where there are two, The Holy Spirit is the third person uniting in prayer with us–for us–to our Father for the needs in our lives or the needs of others.

I am so thankful to know that no matter what my needs, where I am, the distance I have traveled–HE is there. And He can and will wake someone up to pray for me when I am in need. I may never know who or when, but I believe and TRUST in His healing-saving-grace filled power!

Life

Camp has Ended

July 26, 2015July 26, 2015 A. Knight

And lives were changed. All over the place—hearts were directed to the path God had planned when they were created… and so it begins….the anticipation as each new step is taken….

Our granddaughter was one life changed, along with my sister, Wanda’s daughter, Victoria. Both were filled with the Holy Spirit on Wednesday night! When my daughter texted me the news—so many emotions flooded. Memories of how I felt when Tiffany and April had such life changing experiences…And I could just feel the joy in my heart for Wanda’s “no-longer-little-girl”….

He’s necessary you know. The Holy Spirit is necessary for the hard days ahead. We have no clue how tough things are going to get—but we will need all the Resources that God has to give…

I won’t even attempt to tell you what my thoughts are for the near future… I don’t want this to become a political rant—instead, I want to encourage us all. Myself included. GET INTO THE WORD.

Memorize as much Scripture as possible. Know it front to back. (I am telling myself this with much emphasis.)

The things that have happened this year—that even some “Christian communities” have fallen for, still makes my heart ache. It’s like they have taken “white-out” to the Bible and removed, as far as what they read/believe, all the parts that they don’t agree with.

And all the mess going on—all over facebook—the flag business and race business…oh my goodness. It’s more than I can even put words to tonight. Heart breaking…that we—the citizens of the United States are falling prey to the powers that manipulate…oh yes… Have you ever watched the movie “Wag the Dog”?

All while Kids Camp and Youth Camp has been going on—we have had “grands” staying with us. And boy-howdee have I felt my age! I think my poor washing machine has too. I forget how much work goes into kids being in the house—but we have had a great time. Two more come next week and then I’m pushing the pause button.

One of the best things—listening to them pray. And encouraging them to deepen their conversations with God. I love my girls and praying with them growing up, but praying with our grandsons has been a sweet –unexpected, joyous treat. Thank You JESUS for all Your blessings in our lives!

I hope your summer is going well—ours is busy—and doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon! Winking smile

faith, Life, love, marriage

Happy Anniversary-to My Love.

June 30, 2015June 30, 2015 A. Knight

You started this morning with “Endless Love”….the very song that we claimed as “our song” 33 years ago.

I didn’t wear a floor length white gown…You didn’t wear a tux. We didn’t have all the bells and whistles of a big cathedral…but tucked inside the heart of us, was a steadfast-strong love. A love that could endure hardship– the kind that would last years. There were times it was so hard I began to try and figure out which of us broke the mirror. Neither of us. It was not a run of bad luck because a broken looking glass–it was just life stuff. And it happens to everyone at some point.

But we never went hungry. You saw to that. I cooked–what you provided (even though we had chicken legs for every meal over a week) –you always said, “thanks-I enjoyed it” (Do people still say that?) –and we shared our heart with our Father–and were thankful for the two best and dearest blessings of life, our baby girls. And God saw us “through” each and every trial.

I told Aimee this week that of all the trials that had come our way, God had always saw us through. He had never removed Himself from our situation–no matter how tough it might have been.

When you tell someone our “story” of how and where we married, I smile inside–because they really have no clue. Young adults who are now planning those amazing weddings –[with the glitter and candlelight]– I hope they realize without God as the center of their marriage–AND the center focus of each one’s own life, their marriage may not survive the holocaust against the sanctity of holy matrimony in the coming years (even as of this week).

We don’t live in Mayberry…

I hold dear and am so jealous to maintain our love and the special bond that we hold sacred. There are moments in our lives etched in my brain. Like this morning when you handed me your phone to play this song and said you were trying to get it to facebook but was having trouble. And moments when you held our babies. And our grandbabies. And the morning that the mouse had chewed my favorite skirt that my mother made me and I cried and you pulled me onto your lap and I believe you would have shot the mouse…

Sure, like any couple, there have been tough times–times when the love wasn’t burning with passion–but we choose to remember and hold onto the precious times and learn from mistakes of the past. It’s an incredulous expression you get from those that you tell, “Angie and I have never had an argument”… I want to even laugh now, because while I know it’s true–we have a certain gift from God in that. I quickly assure them, “It’s not that we’ve never had a disagreement–or that I’ve never had my feelings hurt–or that neither of us has ever been mad at the other”… we have. All of that. But it’s what we choose to do. We talk our way through it when the time is right…and the temperaments are calm–and after God has been sought.

[I want to say to anyone reading and you have just gasped at the thought of not “giving them a piece of your mind”…honey, give your mind to Christ. If you start handing out pieces to your spouse every time they make you upset–you’ll have none left in a few years–]

I am so NOT perfect. Even after 33 years– I still mess things up. I still burn cookies and pizza because I get caught up in something else. And I’m glad that after 33 years– we are just as much in love as the day we said “I DO!” in front of God, our 3 witnesses, the Justice of the Peace–in the Radio Shack. (I guess that will give folks something to talk about!) LOL.

When we renewed our vows on our 5 year anniversary and took communion with our then Pastor Wayne Fussell, I walked out feeling just as married as I had before–but there was a deeper sense of commitment–that would be needed in the coming years. God has been INCREDIBLY awesome to knit us together as one.

A side note to couples– pray for one another. If you don’t you won’t make it. That’s just the truth.

When Guy Tatum gave the “Band of Brothers” their new “One Year Bible” and encouraged them to “pray for their wives” (I know this not because Jeff told me [there’s a sacred code of honor among this prayer group of men], but because it showed up in our lives), it made an impact on our marriage–in our home–MOST OF ALL, in ME! My “security” level went through the roof–because Jeff took the time each morning to hold me and pray for me. And if by chance I left before he was able to get back home to pray (he left for his camp work around 6:00 each morning), then he would call me as I drove to work. He prayed, I drove, I cried, and I praised God for him. And I GREW spiritually. Hey–it doesn’t have to be a long prayer–just ask God to bless them and keep them safe! Start there! Ask God to protect their mind from the enemy attacks–I can promise you this–there is an enemy out there who wants to destroy all marriages that God has put together–and the enemy starts with insecurity in the heart and home.

Yes, our actions do speak louder than our words!

If you want a marriage that lasts…finding the one God has created JUST FOR YOU is first on the list of to-do’s before the I-Do’s. You won’t know by trying them all…you will know by waiting on God and praying. 2) Put God FIRST. 3) PRAY TOGETHER. It’s the cement in your love. You could have the most passionate love–but it will not be that way in 50 years…I mean face it–you will AGE. And aging shows up. 🙂 What you lay as the foundation of your marriage in the early years, will carry you through the later years. If your spouse is your best friend–you will enjoy life, love and marriage a whole lot more. To the fullest!

And the final thing that will hold your heart, home and marriage secure: Put God FIRST. I know I repeated that one–but God is the only one who knows and does what is best for each one of us….when my honey has hurt my feelings–I tell God. When I have made him aggravated…I know he tells God. Because it is the Holy Spirit who softens my heart–and it is the Holy Spirit that helps Jeff see my side. Not that my side is the right side. Jeff often maintains his view, but at least he can see where I’m coming from and he can better understand. See? It’s God who holds the manual for marriage….and it’s The Bible.

I gave all of that for free…call it Jeff and Angie Marital Advice 101. What I give my darling man, is all of me for the rest of this earthly life. God is first– and I’m thankful that He gave me you. He knew just who I would need to lead me further spiritually–and who would love me for all my days….the young vibrant and fun days–as well as these “wee bit older” and hot flashin’ days. You are my dearest-bestest-friend and I promise to love you and bless and cherish you–till death do us part.

You are my –Endless Love….