Life – Page 3 – Jeff & Angie

Orphaned

January 15, 2015January 15, 2015 A. Knight

On January 12, 2010, while many of us were planning what to eat for supper, some driving home listening to music or talking on the phone–just living an oblivious life to anything or anyone else (myself included), a catastrophic earthquake shook all thoughts of anything else from the minds of millions.

Registering 7.0, this quake ripped lives apart and forever marked a small country with its devastating whiplash. Because even years beyond the “after shocks”, it’s still reeling.

Jeff went to Haiti with a group of pastors in 2013-and as his heart has always been for little ones, as they crawled up in his lap- they crawled up into his heart. No suitcase was big enough to bring them home- and what to do about the others…

Superintendent Thomas Moore has been instrumental in helping pastors from our area get a clearer picture and better understanding of what missions is all about–by showing them live and in person the reality of this devastation.

The West Florida District is currently raising funds to send a construction team over to repair a damaged roof on an orphanage (one of the three they visited when Jeff went) and other major repairs. The most major of all that cannot be repaired without God: these little ones. Lives changed in a split second as the earth shook. No mom or dad to love and care for them, but God had a plan already written for someone to come in and take these and make them her own. (You will have to get Supt. Moore to tell that story.)

The roof leak? Oh, I forgot to mention, it’s over the bedrooms. Rain? Drenched sleeping quarters. Can I tell you how miserable that is?

I went on a camping trip about a year ago–and the roof leaked. Just one place. But it kept me awake all night. Even though I moved to the couch and put a boiler on the bed to catch the dripping water, the “ting-ting-ting” of the water dripping kept me awake all night wondering if it would soon leak elsewhere.

These kids–it leaks all over the place and there’s no way they have enough boilers to fill all the places for the rain invading their sleep.

So. I’m asking something of you. First–pray. Don’t just pray for the kids and the teams that go to help–or Convoy of Hope who continually see to the many needs in that country–but pray and ask God “what can I do?” You can do a lot! Any amount you are able to send in for the construction costs and materials will be beneficial! The job cannot get done without you. Every donation helps.

Next, contact the district office and send an offering. Find out how many construction workers are going and help one of them with airfare. Yes they are willing- and are able–but many will need some assistance covering expenses.

The address to send your (tax deductible gift) is:

West Florida District Assemblies of God, 4792 Highway 90, Marianna, Florida 32446. Mark it “Haiti Project”.

Supt. Moore didn’t ask me to do this–doesn’t even know that I am–but God gave me fingers to type, a mind to think and understand the needs that need to be met–and a voice to shout! I have so much to be thankful for!

It’s raining today while I’m typing this–and I asked the Lord this morning to tune me into the needs of our world–this project has stayed on my mind since we sat down last year with a representative from Convoy who shared his heart and the needs there. Even though I had not been, I saw through the description and the pictures that had been taken by other team members (pastors) when they went.

When I can’t “go”, I can still make a difference. So can you. Make that call today. Do something with what you’ve been blessed with.

Thank you in advance for the lives your donation will change!

Life

Intentionally Sacred

November 15, 2014November 15, 2014 A. Knight

A scrap of paper was all I could find that morning, but I knew I had to record what I felt. There was a significant pause that I felt as I entered the room. This room was no ordinary room. It was the space that my brother-in-law used as his meeting place with Christ–every morning. There was a pause indicative of time with God here. Tangible. The hush stalled me in the doorway and I slipped off my shoes.

My senses came fully aware of everything in an instant. The feel of the nubby texture of the carpeting underneath my feet; the ticking of time; and my breathing.

The clock reminded me of the time that is passing. Hours, minutes and seconds swiftly escaping-never to return.

There was a holy hush in the room. The ssshhh sound of aerated water coming from the filtered faucet. Water from a backyard hose makes an altogether different sound.

I eased into one of the wing-back chairs and remembered what my sister, Aimee said about this style of chair–with its tall sides, “feels like I can lean over and rest my head on the shoulder of God.” Yes, that’s it exactly in this reverent room.

Windows directly across afforded an expanse of creation that was breathtaking. Growing things and flitting wings; both birds and butterflies.

Deep breath as the Presence of Holy invades–as a permanent Resident. He knows this place. He knows His place. In me–all of me. I ask for more. Tears sting as a song of praise fills my mind. He’s so good.

Outside this world, this intentionally sacred place, there exists a cacophony of actions, things that would pull the mind and body into a distorted knot–the minute the feet left the threshold. But inside, the ointment, the oil of healing–mind, body, and soul, was applied. But it’s all a choice. Yours and mine.

Before I asked her, I knew holy discussions ensued in this room. His prayer room. My brother-in-law, the minister. The one younger than my Jeff, yet he was the one who offered us John 9:1-3, when we were waiting on our first born. He was the one we went to at every stage of change–good or bad, through-out our married life. His relationship with his Father was felt in the room. I could still sense it. The residual effect of times spent in the Presence of The Holy One stung my eyes as they filled and spilled down my face. Like the fragrance of incense. It remained.

The sound of snapping lids closing containers tight brought my mind out of its place of prayer. Life. Constantly reminding us we are here for a season and purpose.

I rose from my seat and began going about the room recording the light changes with pictures–wanting to somehow preserve the feel of the room.

There are many times I feel that sacredness in my own house–but it must be an intentional action. The feeling is not often enough. I’ve not been as intentional as life cries out for it to be.

Toma told me that morning that she and Whit had always shared the front room for devotion. As I walked into that room I felt the same Presence of God hovering–as if beckoning me to pause. To be intentional. To rest there… I can’t linger. My heart wants to–but my mind pulls me to hurry through the day.

I imagine that the same thing happens to you.

Friend, there is something –or rather Someone found in the sacred moments of a pause. To be intentional about creating a sacred place in our homes and hearts. I have to work at it. It won’t happen accidently. Even placing things in the room in such a way that brings harmony. Sacred moments don’t happen without us being intentional about seeking Him.

That morning my scribbling words on a scrap of paper marked me. I came home and wrote it in my prayer journal. I needed to pull those moments back in close. To remind myself to become more intentional about everything.

“Life. Living intentionally for eternity”, became the focus. A new season for us. We stepped out in faith to the unknown. Really. Even today I know without God, none of this is possible….but hand Him an impossible situation–and He is ABLE.

Living an intentionally life of sacred holiness will not happen by accident. Purpose and passion is demanded. Giving up our rights to ourselves. When God speaks, nudges, or whispers to us–something is required. Sometimes “action”–but other times, “stillness”. Too often we mistake the action for stillness-the pause.

Father, help me recognize Your Voice. Help me to become more aware of You than ever before–I long to live intentionally sacred before You. I give You all of me–holding nothing back. All glory and honor goes to You! In Jesus holy name, Amen.

faith, Life, Missions

New Steps of Faith!– Oh! The Places We’ve Been!

November 2, 2014October 21, 2016 A. Knight

We’ve not yet been everywhere He intends to take us…but the affects of Cambodia, Honduras, Bolivia will forever be embedded in my heart and life.

Jeff has ministered and built for the kingdom of God in Alaska, Jamaica, Peru and Bolivia…but we’re not done…there’s more fields to harvest–more work to be done, and we need many hands to do the job!

Every missionary that came through our church doors has pulled at my heart. I would sit and listen and then my eyes would reveal the condition of my heart. My heart yearned to walk with them. Talk one-on-one with them, in their location. On the very soil where their hearts were changed. And it happened again and again–and we admitted we were no longer satisfied with “just” doing the every-day-normal routines. We had to do more.

To find out the “more”…. I’m going to send you on a quick journey. I’m going to encourage you to pray for us as never before. I going to squeeze back tears as I reveal what God has so graciously been doing in our lives in the past several months.

It’s not been a “sudden” decision–it’s been a long waited out–long thought and prayed out decision–only made after several joined with us in prayer and we sought godly counsel over the changes in our lives that would ensue.

I (Angie) left my job in 2010 at the law office to embark on —who knew what–because I felt such a strong call–beckoning–from God I could simply not ignore. He proved Himself over and over throughout that whole process.

Then, in 2011, God nudged again–to both of us. It was time to make further changes. We became part of a wonderful mission minded church and was honored to served as their mission pastors. Jeff led 4 mission teams to Bolivia, and 2 disaster relief teams to North Alabama after tornadoes ripped through neighborhoods leaving families without homes–or the ability to clean up in the aftermath. We had great teams. Hard working teams–who, sought God for direction and financing to be able to join us. Oh, how grateful we have been for the hands and hearts who have worked along side us–not flinching at the sweat- or the unusual food. But loving the sight of the change in the lives we sought to help. And every member of each team is affected.

Fast forward: 2014. Again we feel God moving and working in our lives–more changes on the horizon. We enlist some of the same godly counsel to help us pray and seek God’s direction and perfect will for our lives. Messages from the pulpit, passages of Scripture and words from others align with what is in our hearts. Change is once again upon us. This time a bit different.

We have launched a new web/blog site and I would like to encourage you to please sign up for the emails to be slipped right into your inbox. That will be the best way to stay up with what’s going on in our lives–and the lives of our “team members!”

To see what comes next…go here: jeffandangieknight.wordpress.com/

To journey with Christ is the most life changing experience…what you “think” is going to happen, often doesn’t.

Our focus is set on Him. We don’t look back at what “was”, but at what He has ahead. Although we can’t see the future, we know He has a watchful eye on our lives. Please pray with us, journey with us and listen as He might even be calling you to step out of YOUR comfort zone…and follow Him.

Brothers and sisters, I can’t consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don’t look back, I lengthen my stride, and 14 I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 GWT

faith, Life, Missions, Weekend Reflections

Over the Next Hill–The Light Still Shines

October 11, 2014October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Do you have a flashlight? Batteries fresh? Every time I see a flashlight, I wonder about the battery content.

Without the glowing light, it’s difficult to see in the dark.

I have opened my fair share of flashlights only to find that the battery inside was dead. Or worse yet, corroded.

Jeff and I have been seeking God about some things in our lives, the call on our hearts–ignited by The Holy Spirit–and set afire each time we venture out into the unknown with Him…

While the whole picture is not revealed–we see enough to know that without the Light, we cannot put one foot in front of the other…much like you have no idea what’s over the next hill in your life–so we are. But –we faithfully, with hearts beating wildly with trust in Him–put one foot in front of the other and begin a journey.

I will share more about this later–and I hope you journey along. The address of this blog will soon change. I’m going to let it revert back to the original address and take up a new address from here. I will send you that as soon as the work is finished. I must confer with my techno buddy on this–to make sure that no one gets left behind. 🙂

One big change that recently came–after much prayer and conversation between Jeff and myself, we felt it was God’s timing that I step down from my position as secretary at our church and be more available to Jeff for the next mission trip(s). Yes, that was a huge decision–as I have learned so much from our pastor and associate pastor. What Pastor Dallas has learned along the journey of ministry–he freely gives to others to glean from. I told him often, I felt like I was in school on a daily basis–Bible School, Leadership Training, Counseling Classes….and the list goes on. What an incredible opportunity God afforded me! I am eternally grateful to him and his wife, Pam. Jeff and I love them dearly. There are some people you “learn to love”, you don’t have to learn to love these, it just happens. Their hearts for God’s people is evident–and their spirit of giving to others –contagious.

I say that not to create wonder and questions, I won’t have you (mother) hunting me up everywhere–I will be living right where we’ve lived–and Jeff will be doing what he loves doing (serving the West Florida District), but our passion for missions has exploded inside us and our hearts desire is to follow His leading…to wherever that may be…EVEN WHEN WE can’t see the next dip in the road…

So, please stay tuned so we can stay connected. These are things God has been working on in me for quite a while- and I know I’ve not been the best blogger here– but that too–hopefully will change.

Be on the look out…put fresh batteries in…get ready to go–wherever HE leads. You might not be able to see over the hill, and it might get dark at times, but trust HIM… HE is your light. He’s my Light.

Life, New Year

New Seasons

January 11, 2014October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Well, if you are a regular…you will have noticed I’ve not been here an many days. Sorry. Life and such.

We had a great, albeit quiet, Christmas. The tree and decorations were removed pretty quickly-and I set about getting things ready for 2014.

It began with clearing out a closet and then morphed into clearing out rooms…one at a time. It felt good.

Right now, I am sitting at the Activity Center listening to three of the grandsons play games. Jason is very talkative…during games…and eating…and driving…and last night when I went to make sure they were covered and asleep, I noticed he inherited his papa-and mommy’s “talking in sleep” ability.

So, if this blog seems choppy, they are fussing. Or, Jason is fussing. With the video game.

I have a turtle girl-who is a dear friend. Barbara is what most friends call her. But B- the turtle girl is another name. There is MORE to that fun story-but for today–that’s all you get.

On a camping trip last year–I saw a turtle on the road and then found some turtles in the gift shop. I thought of Barbara many times. But when I saw this pair of mama and baby turtle, I thought of the way God loves us.

He’s close. Always.

Can’t sleep? Talk to Him.

Tough decisions? Talk to Him.

Too much going on? I talked to Him…and He gave me instructions. It sounded much like a parent.

Put up healthy boundaries. Stay the course. Time is short. Make the moments count. Listen to Me. Spend time with Me. De-clutter your life.

Many things are going on in our lives–and I consult the Master. The Keeper of my heart.–and He never fails me. He won’t fail you either.

Be prepared for changes though friend. 99.9% of the time, they are a requirement.

And yes, I cut this short because supper is ready and Jason is getting louder.

See you soon!

Christmas, Life

Be…

December 3, 2013October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Our house was full this past weekend…I don’t think I mentioned that before.

Tiff helped me get the house in order–then we set about putting up the tree.

Last year, April helped. I have realized how much more fun it is “with” someone. Jeff usually handles the outside…and I tackle the inside.

This year, he had some GREAT help. inCharacter (or some of that great bunch) helped him. Whew! Thanks guys. You saved ME! Sorry to whoever did the stickery tree. It’s a painful job.

After the kids returned from playing, the tree was up, fully lit, and one of the decorations caught the eye of my “questioning” boy.

“What’s the “B” for Nana?

I suppose he thought it odd to have a big blue B on the tree when my name obviously started with a “N” (Nana).

I was glad he asked. I’m a word person. My friend, “B” is too. Or rather, my friends “B”. The BB’s. 🙂

B-kind. There are those who never get a kind word from others. There are those who rarely GIVE a kind word. I have noticed–we all have two voices. Well, probably more than that, but what I have seen is the kind voice is used for others. Strangers perhaps. Friends. But often the one we love the MOST gets the voice that is often laced with the weariness of our day. (or life). Why not give that “kind voice” to the one we love the MOST and give the other voice the boot.

B-gentle. This is a lot like “b-kind”. But, I’m talking about our nature. Sometimes our nature is far from gentle. Many times the nature (or flesh) of us is like what I observed at lunch today, impatient. Gentleness deals the hand that is soft rather than the eye-rolling grimace. Yes, I observed that too. You would be surprised at what you can see when your eyes are open… 😉

B-forgiving. This is something that you either learn early on in life growing up with siblings–or you don’t learn it at all. I have known adults holding grudges long past the lifetime of the person. I observed this as a young person. Sadly, the grudge was against a neighbor. 😦 People…others are watching…and children are impressionable. Forgive. Let it go. Give it up. To God be the glory when you do!

B-faithful. No matter what. No matter who’s looking. Be faithful. Whether your team wins or loses. Faithful is our God. He set the example of faithfulness. Don’t let your eyes wander. If your eyes wander, your heart is right behind. You might not think so, but pay attention to yourself next time. What thoughts run through your head when your eyes wander? Right. That’s what I’m talking about. Just follow Him.

Deuteronomy 7:9 says: Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.

B-courageous. In this world of an economic decline (fast) it seems like it is getting harder and harder to face each day with courage…each week seems to bring a new test. Sometimes it seems each DAY brings a new test…but face the tests with courage. We are on the home stretch. I feel like I’ve been tested more in new areas in the past few years…then I remember the tests of previous years…and I see how HE brought me through…each and every one. He won’t stop until we’re home.

B-loving. Seems easy enough. But let me tell you that the enemy is out to make us act in every way BUT loving. I’ve seen the contrary. I’ve been the opposite. But every time I pick up His Word, I am hit with the realization that love is IT. Everything. For God so loved…. SO loved. Paul picked it up with this:

If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it;<sup value="[a]”>but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NLT)

B-tender. More than a song sung by Elvis Presley, tenderness is an attitude of heart as much as it is an action. Tenderness is something you feel gazing at your newborn. Tenderness is something I feel in the arms of my sweet man. Tender. Cared for. Loved. Show tenderness. I watched tenderness in action when our son-in-law David was in an accident in August of this year. Our daughter, April, who was born to be a nurse, tenderly took care of him. The nurses didn’t have to lift a finger–April cared for the man who she gave her heart to–tenderly. With tenderness in her voice and touch, she soothed. I teared up watching–wondering how it was for others… B-tender. The hearts you deal with are fragile.

B-aware. You have this moment. Not a promise of the next breath. No claims on tomorrow. You can’t run to the counter and put some on lay-away. Be aware that every thought, every action, and even the non-actions are recorded. Just a few weeks ago death claimed over a thousand lives in the Philippines…and most were possibly making plans for tomorrow. Just like you and me. When planning…don’t forget to B. B-aware that life passes just this fast.

faith, Life

Snowy Blessings

March 26, 2013October 21, 2016 A. Knight

I woke yesterday morning early–long before the sun rose on the mountain. I tiptoed downstairs–not that my walking about would wake the sleeping giant (love of my life), but that the house was asleep–and any creak of the floorboards might waken it –wanting activity. I was not seeking activity–I was seeking His presence.

Darkness peered back from my look out the door–I couldn’t tell if anything was falling from the sky–a look at the clock revealed it was after 4:00 a.m. Seems my inner clock is stuck on that time. Fortunately, it was NOT a hot flash that woke me, but a wonder.

I wondered at the day. I wondered if it would snow. Yes, I’m one of those crazy southern nutty girls who loves the idea of getting snowed in a mountain cabin. Fully prepared and stocked with food though–the only way for such a delightful dilemma. So we prepared Sunday afternoon.

I think everyone else in this little town was doing the same–and I said as much to Jeff, but he replied that he thought it was just their Sunday activity.

Sad. I thought, surely this was not what they spent their Sunday’s doing. But the forecast prompted a few days of bad weather–so I joined their ranks in stocking the cupboard.

I mentally checked off the things we had on hand as I walked around in the dim light that morning and began to silently talk to my Father. “What do You have in store?”

Not wanting to spoil any surprises He might have, I didn’t ask for particulars. This time. Used to be, I would list out how I wanted the snow to fall, how long, etc. Used to be. Used to be not as trusting as I am today–of Him.

Living calls for trusting.

There are some things in life we can change–some we can’t. But in all those things–we are to trust in the extended Hand…knowing full well–nothing passes to us without passing through Him first. It will either enrich our lives, enhance our walk, or encourage us to walk steadier, closer and often with blinders on–as horses might wear. So that they are not distracted by things on the sidelines. That’s where we get hung up…with the activity going on around us, instead of focusing on what is going on WITHIN us.

Friend, there is a purpose for each and ever battle faced. As well as each joy that is experienced in our hearts—SEE FURTHER.

Look past the temporary.

When the snow began falling, I was not aware–for I had climbed the stairs about daylight and crawled back in bed to put cold feet under the covers. I snuggled close to the giant, and soon drifted off to peaceful sleep.

Later I woke to his voice calling me from downstairs, “The Lord is talking to you down here”….

I knew what he meant, I could see out of the door beside the bed–it was snowing.

“He’s talking to me up here too”….was my sleepy grin reply.

God has been so good to me–and I don’t want to ever fail to recognize His hand in and on my life.

“Thank you Father–for this gift of white. Crunchy underfoot, cold and wet–and I love it all! YOU knew just the right time–when I needed this rest the most! Life gets hectic and busy–and with all my heart I want to serve You and those You have placed in my life.

Too often we forget to rest.

Too often we put others needs in front of what YOU need from us.

Undivided attention.

I’m as guilty as any. More so probably–for I have had the tendency to snatch time with you on the go….and that is not acceptable. Please forgive my busy schedule--I am seeing things in a clearer light. My priorities are being aligned…thank You for patience, You didn’t have to give it to me–You could have very easily blessed someone else who is hungry and waiting…

Thank You Lord for mercy and grace. I am forever trusting, following, listening–to You. Speak on.
Amen.”

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

Christmas, Grandchildren, Holidays, Life, Ministry, New Year

13 Blessings –2013

December 26, 2012October 21, 2016 A. Knight

The blessings that have been added to our heart and home still amaze me when I look into their eyes…

Only God could do all this.

Jeff and I are blessed with 2 daughters, their husbands and a sweet collection of children that make me smile…and sometimes cry.

The lessons we’ve all learned on this journey–the things we’ve heard from their lips, the insight into the heart of God…

Amazing blessings.

In thinking of 2013, I counted these blessings.
Sometimes I may have forgotten that these are blessings, as sometimes life gets a bit overwhelming…and sometimes people tend to not see a blessing ..instead they see a bother…

I recently looked back at the incredible joys of years past, and I saw such evidence of God—and yes, even in the trials and heartaches, the hand of God was there….keeping us through every situation.

Added to the family this year was “Bubbie” the lamb. We teasingly said we were giving him to April and David’s boys as a start on the Live Nativity for church next year…so you never know 😉

He’s a cute little lamb…and even though “Mary” didn’t come by the other morning, the little lamb did wander off … (hopefully not to follow anyone to school).

I’ve thought about those missing from our Christmas gatherings this year. My dear friend Connie Haile spent her first Christmas in heaven, and through her passing, as we went to the house to support Courtney, Mike, Sunny and Jeremy, I met her spiritual mom, Mildred, and met her sister Becky and mother for the second time…and friendships were formed with other “Connie” girls. Karen and Delores are other girls I’ve added to my “texting” buddy list. (HUGE BLESSINGS)

So even in her passing, she was doing the work of the LORD….bringing hearts with like faith together for strengthening! As I looked back at the effects of Connie’s life on others–and how she pointed lives to Christ…I realized–that is exactly what I want to do–

Point hearts home. To Jesus. To the cross.

Without being able to do that…what would be our purpose?

So, with much prayer in the next few days I am seeking God for the changes and things He desires for 2013…how can I better serve Him?…

As I gear up to be more diligent at blogging…and shouting out to the world about Jesus Christ–through the world-wide-web, I would like to ask you to pray with us.

We desire to seek Him more, serve Him fully and follow Him wherever He leads.

If you don’t mind me asking….

Is God calling you to a specific change for 2013? A specific place? A new challenge?

Care to share?

Devotion, faith, Life

Destined for Big Things

October 24, 2012 A. Knight

“Suppose you had only 4 months to live”.

This was the conversation my baby sister, Aimee and I had one morning a couple of years ago while driving to work.

“What would you do?” Was her next question to me.

Aimee had had a dream the night before. Woke her up with such a start, and then she set in to ponder the matter.

Suppose, just suppose that were true.

We tossed ideas back and forth, “Well, I suppose I’d continue on with what I’m doing”, was my first impulse. “No, wait, I’d quit my job”.

“Do you think you’d travel to exotic places, or do something really daring?” She queried.

“No, I don’t think so. I mean, unless the travel was for a memory for Jeff, I think I would stay home, get some things done for my family, write letters to loved ones, friends and some that I know need to know about Jesus. But wait. I would take a small trip. I’d fly to California, Arizona, Colorado and the Bahamas. See, I have some friends that I would REALLY love to see here on earth—that way, I’ll easily recognize them in heaven.” (One of those dear ones has actually moved closer…from California to Tennessee! Still leaving a couple of friends in California though!)

I’m smiling as I imagine this part, because 3 of these precious friends, I’ve already met, hugged and we have plans to shake the world for Jesus! Well, maybe not shake the actual world, but at least our part of it.

Aimee said, “Well, that’s because you are a writer–and I’m a talker. I think I’d tell all my friends and family about Jesus. I’d want them to hear it from me”.

“Right, I understand, but I would “tell” them as well. But the written word stands a long, long time. It will serve as a reminder of our conversation. Something they can refer back to.”

I paused at this point, remembering the prayer journal of Wanda’s that I held so dear. Her thoughts and prayers to God. A reminder of her steadfast love and faith. That’s what I want to pass on.

Light dawned in Aimee’s mind as she realized the value in writing the details of my love for them and my desire to see them either, come to know Christ, or grow in Christ.

A lot of plans are made these days for a future that seems so uncertain.

Colleges mapped out, the 5 step plan to matrimony, etc., but there is so much more.

What would you do?

The “Big Things” that we are destined for are beyond our wildest imagination. (Psalm 139:16-17) Our dreams cannot possibly hold what is to come! The Bible says we are to “set our affection on things above, not on the things of the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)

Where are your affections?

The main things I contemplate on a regular basis are doing more for Christ. (No, I’m not some Super Christian, I don’t have a red and blue suit with a dramatic cape–and I certainly don’t fly through the air, the flying part comes later.) But His plans for me are pretty much on my mind all the time. I’m usually thinking thoughts like, “okay, Lord,what next? Or, Okay Lord, When?

When Aimee asked me if I would travel to exotic places or do something daring like “sky diving”, I gave the exotic places some thought (not the sky diving though). But as quickly as I thought about it, the realization hit me that once the New Heavens and New Earth are set in place-we will be able to travel anywhere we desire (should heaven be our homeland and not “the other place”)

Why spend the time seeing it now—IF we truly had so little time to spare—when we can see it with JESUS by our side, and the view not be tainted in the least with worldliness?

(Please understand, I am all for taking trips and seeing great things—I LOVE traveling—seeing—missioning…and blogging it all!)

But you know, right now, we were destined for more than the mundane existence we call life.

We were called to walk in Christ (Colossians 2:6).

That means in all the fullness of grace, power and love. (Ephesians 3:14-21)

What is the “big thing” or the “more” in your life that you are seeking?

Take some time today and write out a list of what you feel God tugging on your heart about. A dream, even if you think it’s beyond your grasp. It’s not beyond His. Remember that the next time you feel a tug to do something for Him, and the enemy taunts you with your“inabilities”. Friend, there is no such thing as an inability when you give your all to Christ Jesus.

Remember, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Begin praying now about 2013…Let’s make it a year to do more for Christ. The year we give Him our absolute all!

Devotion, faith, Life

Time Change—Changing Times

October 23, 2012 A. Knight

If you are like me…the time change sometimes brings a bit of anxiety over the fact that I was going to miss out on some precious sleep. This time however, we will gain an hour…so I’m actually a bit excited.

SLEEP. That is something I can relate to—and in all honesty, I enjoy.

A cozy couch in front of a fire…a soft blanket…and I am nodding off in no time flat.

A bed with crisp clean sheets–nice and cool to the touch, and when my tired body finds rest there–I am asleep before you can count to 100. Sometimes it takes me a while..but I do enjoy the resting time.

For the disciples, in the garden, they had none of these, yet sleep captured their minds during their time of prayer. They were tired. They knew not of the scene that would shortly unfold before their eyes. Changing their lives forever.

…”and He told the disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He then took Peter, James and John and said to them, “My soul is swallowed up in sorrow–to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with me.” Going a little farther, He fell face down and prayed…” (Matthew 26:36-38 –Holman Christian Standard Version)

My notes state that verse 37 describes the feelings Jesus was having. Sorrowful and deeply distressed.

There is no way sleep would come His way that night. He knew already what lay ahead. He was preparing —He was drawing strength from the Father. But this—this was something He did on a daily basis.

Not just crunch time.
Not just when the house is on fire.
Not just when the kids are sick.
Not just when the marriage is failing, the job is lost and the finances are disappearing. But every day. All hours of the day.

There was a time in my Christian walk, that my prayer life was lacking in a “dedicated” time. What I mean by that is, the emergencies brought about some serious praying! The other days….sort of hit and miss.

But time changes things. And these things…change our prayer times.

There is not a day that passes that I don’t talk to the Father. Our conversations on occasions seem a bit one-sided though.

I talk—I pray…and sometimes forget to listen. But when He speaks…oh my—does it ever ring in my heart and head.

A couple of years ago, while talking with a friend, she shared with me that her friend was consumed with the changing times.

He had lost thousands upon thousands of dollars in the recent economical decline. He was frustrated and depressed. She had encouraged him to get back in his Bible. To not neglect his church–nor his times of study and prayer.

I told her that was all good, but one important thing he needed to do—stop listening to all the negative news.

Yes, read the Bible!
Yes, pray without ceasing!
But stop feeding the soul all the negative news that is played non-stop.

See, he was daily—every waking hour–listening to talk radio—reading the horrific forecast of our financial system. Instead of feeding his soul Christ, and how soon the eternal home was to the believers, he was feeding on the decay of our world.

I have purposefully steered my blog away from the economical situation. But I see it. I’m not blind to what is happening.

Our lives have changes along with everyone else’s…as we each tighten our belts and do things differently. But I can’t dwell on that. What I must dwell on is doing ALL I can—at every opportunity God gives me for HIM.

Reaching the lost. Telling of Christ’s love! And how He came to save them!

Yes, time will change.

And the times are changing. But Christ—is the solid rock—on which we stand. All other ground is sinking sand.

As the times change, let us change. Let’s become more dedicated to our prayer times. Let us become solidified in our faith walk. Let us share with others—love and care for one another more. We are pilgrims passing through this land—our home is just ahead. Keep heading that way.

Following HIM–