Life – Page 5 – Jeff & Angie

Home Sweet Home

April 2, 2011 A. Knight

Seeing new sights is great—meeting new people, fellow travelers on this journey toward home is wonderful, but friend, nothing compares (at least until we get to heaven) to walking in the door to your own house and kicking off your shoes and getting comfortable.

I prepared the house before we left for what I wanted to feel and see when I walked back in. I cleaned it. From top to bottom. So that when we walked in, there was nothing to do but unload and unpack. Jeff unloaded, I unpacked. Then there was the trip laundry that needed to be done. With more than 16 hours total on the way home (we had to detour to get the “baby”)—going as far as we could—then getting a fresh start yesterday morning. I was glad I made the extra effort for clean sheets on the bed—not that it would have mattered at our point of exhaustion, but it sure felt good.

Scooter was as glad to see us as we were to see him. And he felt the same way about home. He explored the rooms, smelling, making sure nothing had changed—and then checked out his toy box, making sure nothing was missing—running—jumping, excited!

As I began my devotion this morning, sitting in my favorite spot felt like I sat down with an old friend. I began my dialogue with Jesus. Telling Him how thankful I was for the opportunity to be with precious friends. Then the sights I saw—and the great conference we attended—added bonus gift from heaven, the snow. My heart spilled forth my desire to follow His plan—not my own.

I realized what I had prepared in advance of our return, was the benefit of what I experienced when I got home. I’m not sure I said that clearly. (I leave you to figure out the message in that…no sense in me doing all the work.)

What I mean is—all the effort I put into getting the house ready for our return—is what I enjoyed—and what brought me great pleasure when I walked in the door. Clean. Nothing to do but take care of what we brought in the house.

When you put all your effort into God’s plans-and-purpose here—no agenda of your own, just simply taking every opportunity to be a blessing and minister to others, you are preparing your spiritual home. Each day as we “give everything to God”, He takes us through the ropes of house cleaning. Removing the clutter.

Do you have some clutter?

I know I still do. I’m opening every door for Him to see—and yet He reveals more. (By the way, He has x-ray vision—can see through doors and tall buildings are nothing to Him)

He shows me what I tucked back and why. He shines the light in every place—I thought had been long dealt with—yet there was something, some hurt or pain that I allowed to remain. As long as it remains, there can’t be full healing as there needs to be. Sometimes it’s painful. But as necessary as dealing with an abscessed tooth. If left untreated, it will cause a great deal of damage.

Let’s do some “spring” cleaning. Heart and home. Allow Christ access to all the old junk you are holding on to. I can tell you from experience, it will do nothing but weigh you down, so much so—it may just keep you down when He calls for us to go UP!

Now, without further ado, via random number generator, the winner of the book, “Winning Him Without Words” by my friends, Lynn Donovan and Dineen Miller is: Ang of the blog, “Angela’s Words of …” (please contact me with your mailing address). I invite you to go over and congratulate her—and read her latest post—I just did—and it is amazing.

I ALSO encourage you that if you know someone who is struggling in a marriage of spiritual mismatch—get them a copy of this book—THEY will be blessed—but so will you. (Sow a seed of kindness into the life of another.)

Thank You Jesus—for the sweetest gifts of life. Friends and family.

Thank You Lord that You care so much about us, that no detail is ever overlooked. Thank You Lord for the family we have been blessed with from JFA. Thank You Lord for hearing our prayers and bringing us closer to You.

Matt—you need to start a blog. But I know with all the other things you do—church, family—pastoring—music—etc. WHERE in the world would you ever find the time! 🙂

We were blessed BEYOND words at your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Your messages came straight from the throne room of God. It was like we were sent just at this time, just for those messages. Jeff and I both agreed, we felt like we’d had a spiritual bath and that God was pouring things into us that was necessary for our next steps. Amazing services. You have a GREAT church-filled with friendly and precious people—and Jeff and I laughed as we tried to figure out a way to bring it closer.

Thank you to our regular readers. For hanging in there when the dust of the fields came flying…and for reading all the way down to the bottom of this lengthy post! (Let me know if you fell asleep.) Jeff didn’t get his blog post together—he apologized, but said their were other things to see and do. I could do the writing for this week. He’ll write later.

As a side note, what do you like best about blog writing? Devotionals or life? Or a combo of both. Do you blog? Journal? Or just think a bunch of random thoughts….that’s where this blog started. YEARS of random thoughts in the head…all spilled forth into blog form in 2007.

I hope you all have a super blessed weekend! 🙂 (We’ll see what God has next……)

Do you see the heart?

All photographs and text property of “The Knightly News-Giving Him All.

Conference, Life, Ministry

Devotions/Breakfast/Meetings

March 31, 2011 A. Knight

“It is no longer I that liveth, but Christ that liveth in me…

It is no longer I that liveth, but Christ that liveth in me.”

Does Christ live in you? He should be evident in our lives. Every day.

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding great joy, . . . “ Jude 24 NKJV

This morning, as we gathered to hear Otis share his heart, his ministry struggles, his life struggles, I found that through his walk and story, I found myself there through various times of my life.

What kept me? Jesus living in me.

What keeps you? If you have given Jesus the complete rule and reign of your life—if He holds the only deed to your heart—He keeps you. In the roughest of times. And in those most desperate of times, He will find a way to reach you….no matter how far you’ve wandered.

Thanks Otis, for a great devotion. (There was MUCH more to it than this, but I found it hard to type and really listen.)

Official camp business, including election of the new director for the Assemblies of God camp network, Sue Nigh, took place Wednesday night.

Congratulations Sue!

We finish Thursday morning up with a great breakfast, giveaways and round table discussions on what has “worked” best in “your camp”.

By the way, for all of you who read the devotional blog story from last year on Laced With Grace, you might remember with a chuckle what happened at the camp director’s meeting…our “first” time here. Well, Jeff, being his precious self, corrected what might have been perceived as a poor first impression from last year. And we all laughed…as Jeff shared what we experienced at our district camp this year through a great group of people from Arkansas this year.

For my regular readers, Jeff and I are blessed in so many ways in our daily walk with the mentors and contacts God has given us, and through your faithful prayers. Thank you for staying with us these past several days as we’ve traveled along—experiencing God—in so many ways. And YES. I did pray for the snow that is laying on the ground. And yes, I believe God loves me just that much to send it. It’s melting now, but it was a spectacular sight yesterday as we sat in meetings all day and watched it flutter to the ground. So graceful, just as God’s love pours out on each one of us.

As we each leave this place today, going to our respective camps, with a fresh vision in our hearts, we pray for one another—that God will bless and grow each camp to bless and grow lives—and those who will attend each camp in the coming months.

We need to remember, what we do for Christ today—will change lives forever.

Thanks Kevin, Kevin, Otis, Sue and Randy for making this all possible! This has been a truly wonderful experience!

Now, as a voice from the south, “Y’all drive careful going home”.

Ohio—I sure enjoyed your snow!

Life

When God Pushes the Pause Button

February 5, 2011October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Have you ever felt that?

The pause button has been pushed on the movie of your life–or you’ve been put on hold…

Well, that is sort of how I feel right now. Last week, my sister, Aimee reminded me, “Angie, it’s not your trip…it’s His.”

Yes, she is right. For reasons known to Him fully it has been paused. Put on hold. Until AFTER March of this year. If you have followed along on this ride, you know where I was going. For very obvious reasons, the team won’t be going there right now. I had to pull all the posts down about the trip–again, for obvious reasons. Safety issues of those already in place there–and for us.

The great peace in my heart about all of it is this: God knew the day He placed the trip in my lap that this was going to happen. Did I question Him? What do you think? Am I human? Of course I questioned.

Things like, “Well why did You let me have it only to have it taken away?”

Hmmm. I think we ask Him that about a lot of things.

The answer? He says it to each of us.

“Do you trust Me? If you truly trusted Me to handle this and all those other situations, then the hand-wringing actions of your heart would cease. Haven’t you learned yet? If it’s in My hands….there is no reason you should be trying to hold it too. My ways and thoughts are so much higher than your own. Please let go so I can work.

There are things that should be accomplished in your heart and life before we can go on. Things that involve others as well. You do know that it’s not all about you, right? It involves ALL of My children. Hang on dear one. Be patient. I’m working….even though you can’t see it all right now….trust Me.”

What is it in your life that you are still worrying over? To worry means we are not fully trusting. We are clinging—to our own ways and ideas of how things should turn out. Hmmm. Although I’m working hard on this aspect of my walk with Him….I’ve not made it yet.

But I’m still working on it. How about you? Working on trusting—or worrying. Make a decision—and stick to it. TRUST HIM.

faith, Life, Mission Trip

What’s Around the Bend?

January 17, 2011October 21, 2016 A. Knight

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

IMPORTANT Update:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a blessed week!

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

Life, Memories, Thank you, Weekend Reflections

A New Day–A New Friend!

November 6, 2010October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Hey folks!

I just have to stop my house cleaning long enough to tell you a story.

I met the most incredible hearted woman on Wednesday! Her name is Rene (rhymes with dream). She is one lady who absolutely puts action behind her words–and the blessings follow! She has a few blogs–but the one I want you to read is the one about her mission and heart today. “The Faith Diva Society”.
I know your heart will be blessed when you get to know this incredible “sister of faith”. We had a mini-retreat in her home on Wednesday night, after hearing an amazing story of how God brought unexpected lives together—“Same Kind of Different As Me”, by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. They tell an inspiring story of two unlikely friends. But God. . . .

As Connie, Rene and I sat in the living room around the fire place, we shared our hearts and Christ’s story in our lives. How amazing is our God! A sweet retreat!

Thank you Rene for opening your heart and home to me–I am forever changed by meeting you–a heart that is continuously seeking “what” you can do for others. You don’t just talk about it or dream about it–you “do” it. Without regard to yourself and what it might cost you. God smiles every time He sees you step into action, and says, “Okay people, watch out! Here comes My Rene!”

I won’t include all the pictures because Connie and I get a bit carried away, but I will share a few!

Thank you Connie girl for an amazing trip–complete with mentoring time!

My purple hat from Rene!

One of Rene’s many blue butterflies…there is a story in the blue butterflies. Click on her name at the top of this post to read about them.

Looking at the back porch of Rene’s house. Donetta, you would LOVE this place!

Little Miss Luckey. And that is exactly what she is. Deaf now, and almost 16 years old, she keeps Rene company and loves her dearly.

A treasure from heaven!

Sitting by the fire, sharing Jesus, laughs and a tear or two.

One last thing….if you have a dream…or a vision of what God wants to do in your life, or through you…. you must first……

Life

Have YOU asked God for a SURPRISE lately?

February 13, 2010October 21, 2016 A. Knight

When I opened my eyes to the vastness of the mountains on Friday, the 12th of this month (um, that would be yesterday), I thought about the last 2 years. I reflected where I’ve been and the path God is leading me on. Questions, sometimes without answers.

Trust is needed. Trust and faith in Whom you are following.

So, tell me. Do you have faith and trust in the One you are following? Or are you making the marks in the snow without following anyone?

Let me share with you the fact that God wants to join you on your daily journey! He wants to load you with benefits (Psalm 68:19) and give you sweet surprises around every corner!

Surprises? You think I’m kidding right?

Have you asked God for any surprises lately? There are many mornings when I just plain ‘ole ask Him to show me something fun today. Surprise me! And you know what? HE DOES!

But guess what? You have to be looking. Delight in HIM–He delights in you and desires to delight you! Every single day! (Psalm 37:3-5)

I bet if you start looking you will find some fun stuff.

This particular trip was not specifically for meeting friends, as some of our trips are, but mainly some special time with each other and time spent with the Lord. A time to pray and seek God for the coming journey. It was an incredible trip. I told Jeff, I thought this was my favorite trip. He agreed.

Today (as I write this), I remember what I asked Him for many weeks ago when snow was a possibilty for us Southerners. I asked for snow. I didn’t get it that day. I pouted. Sort of. Maybe not a full on lower lip pout, but still, my heart was set on snow. But you know what? He had a “better day” in mind. A day when I would be tucked away in a cabin and thinking about my sweet sister that had left this life exactly 2 years prior. On the very day He rained down the snow!

Now, y’all I’ve been praying for snow for over a year. I had been asking my friends for snow pictures…post them for me so I can “dream”…. Every time the weather looked remotely possible…I wanted it to HAPPEN! But it didn’t. But did I stop praying for snow? Of course not!

What I want you to do is think about the prayers you’ve been praying and haven’t seen answered yet.

YET. The answer is on the way. Just like the snow of today. It will fall down and surround you with it’s beauty….

That’s a gift from God.

Friends, Life

Brothers helping a brother

December 30, 2009October 21, 2016 A. Knight

The picture speaks for itself. (Click on it to enlarge the photos.)

Our Church has a Tuesday Morning Men’s Prayer Group called, “Band of Brothers”.

At the Christmas gathering a couple of weeks ago, the men shared what God had done in their lives since they had become involved in daily prayer and Bible reading-joining forces with some other men from the church. This band consists of about 15-19 men. Strong forces. Battling the enemy on a daily basis for one another–as well as for their own families.

I believe every man spoke up to share. I can’t recall one who didn’t. Then the women were given a chance to share as well. Most did. I was holding back. For two very good reasons.

1) I have had a hard time talking without crying throughout the Thanksgiving-Christmas Season (no matter what the subject was); and

2) I am blessed with a mighty good man. Mighty good. If I started sharing all the good things I’ve seen in my man, they would think I was, (a) bragging, or (b) full of bull. I shared only a tiny bit. And yes. I did cry. It was disgusting.

Recently one of the members of the prayer group underwent eye surgery. He is a “real” cowboy. (The two pictured with him are actors.) After the surgery he would be unable to perform his farm/ranch/cowboy duties. Jeff and Guy joined forces to help.

Jeff has enjoyed the daily job of helping out–being a former farm boy himself, he knew the ropes. They had some comedy relief throughout their adventure. (I so wish I could have hidden behind one of the many bales of hay!)

I think a time or two someone got stuck in the mud-poo?? They may have come home smelly — but God was glorified as they worked to help another!

Thank you Joy (Buddy’s wife), for snapping these great pictures! At least we know they did work that one day!

Have you someone in your life that could use some help? Maybe a little encouragement?

As the New Year dawns–let us draw near to the heart of God asking for His guidance in our daily lives–in every detail–may He direct our steps to help another soul along this journey.

Life, Thankful Thursdays

What a TREMENDOUS JOY!

August 19, 2009 A. Knight

What a great joy it was (I know I’ve talked about this already) to meet Barbara of The Ivy Path and Sue Combs of Who I am Instead! Along with Donna Sandhage, the director of the Pregnancy Care Center in Lake City and my dear sister, Lisa Shaw!

And y’all know what? I got to talk about blogging!!! What a treat! AND I talked about YOU! Did your ears burn??

God has given me the sweetest gift in all the world—sisters of like faith—from all over the world! What joy floods my heart at that very notion!

The verse that Iris has chosen today is PERFECT!

“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” ~ John 15:15 (ESV)

In my Christian walk I have served in many areas for the LORD. But never felt like I was in the right place exactly. Teaching Sunday School to the 3rd and 4th grade girls was fun, but I felt there was something else. Cleaning toilets and cutting grass at the church was a service and although I communed constantly with the LORD while riding the lawn mower for hours cutting the mammoth size church yard, I still felt there was something else.

I talked to the Lord continually about my secret desire. Never, ever telling another soul. But secretly, in my heart I had a vision of it coming to pass one day….some how.

Through the ministry of blogging, it has! I am able to share the gospel of Christ, and write to my hearts content! (I really love writing!)

When my daddy’s mother (Granny) was in the nursing home, I enjoyed reading the Bible to her. I remember going and sitting—talking and sharing with her about God, our faith, His miracles and praying and believing with her for one. She had TREMENDOUS faith in Christ and was a constant prayer warrior for others. She testified of His goodness every chance she got. It didn’t cease when she was confined to the care of others.

In the busyness of life, with growing girls who needed so much attention and with so many heartaches and heartbreaks in our lives, I soon stopped doing anything “extra”. The devil had me convinced that the more I did for God, the more troubles I would have. I bought the lie. Until I woke up and realized that people all around me had problems. Christian and non-Christian. I was still having problems—but only did what I was required to do as far as service.

I had allowed myself to be cast into a pit of self-doubt and distress of life. Fatigue in service. I hurt. My heart and my life was hurting. During this time of our lives, we had undergone many “teenage” trials with our oldest daughter. While I didn’t blame God, I blamed myself and thought that surely I was being punished for all the sin in my past life. I think Jeff pretty much felt the same way. But that was another lie we bought.

In all this time I suffered physically—going through a hysterectomy in 2000, my hormones were way out of wack! I recognized the distance between me and God. And I was miserable. I fell on my face at the altar, joined there by a precious woman named Bobbi Seddon, who, when she saw me start toward the altar, she met me there.

I left my issues with life, my fear and pain right there. I had not sinned as in left the church and committed any of the 10 big ones, but I had wandered from the side of my Savior. The only breath I had felt was the hot breath of the enemy as he had tormented my heart with his foolish lies and deceit.

Finally, I was home. Where I belonged in my Father’s house and arms. As the next few years rocked on, trials and tests came to us in various forms, but my faith in God never waivered. He had seen me through the absolute worst place in my life and I knew He’d see me through to the end.

Y’all. I am thankful. So very thankful. I’m sorry this post was so long…but I had been needing to share this for some time now. Last Saturday gave me the opportunity to share some…and there is more. But I guess that’s for another day!

Go see Iris! For more thankful hearts!

Life, Trials

Encounter with Jesus

August 18, 2009October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Every Tuesday passes pretty much the same. But today, it didn’t just pass. This Tuesday became the day I met Jesus. Really.

I was sitting at my desk…you know the one with the incessant ringing of the phone. And the ordinary happenings were happening all around me. People coming and going, bosses being bossy. Client’s being met and ushered to the inner sanctum where the clock ticker begins.

From my desk I have a view of the front walk and most of the parking lot. I noticed the Pepsi Cola truck pull in as it usually does on Tuesday, driven by a pretty cool dude named Larry.

Larry and I have short conversations where we cram as much “hey, how are you—how’s your family” every visit. I enjoy talking with Larry. I threatened him that if he ever quit driving, we’d start shopping at Sam’s for our cola’s! He’s the best driver we’ve ever had. Polite. Kind. Fast and efficient.

So you can imagine my surprise when in walks this “strange dude”. Complete with his Pepsi logo clothing and pushing the hand trucks with the order I had placed the previous day, he nodded a polite hello. This is not Larry (I said to myself), but not wanting to seem too hormonal and upset by this change of personnel, I exclaimed, “good afternoon!”

“Have you delivered before?” I said this on the off chance that he had delivered on a day that I was out, knowing almost without doubt he had not.

“No I haven’t, where do you want the drinks?”

“Straight into the kitchen please. Put them on the shelf in the closet in the corner. Thanks!” With the kitchen right next to my office (handy, huh), I said loud enough for him to hear me, “where is Larry?” I sure was hoping he wasn’t about to tell me that he had been laid off! I would most certainly call and complain!

He said something I totally did not understand except one word…”mucho”…something something something.

Then he asked me from the closet, “did you understand what I said?”

“Well, only one word”, was my reply. “Mucho”.

I didn’t take a foreign language in school…and there are days, I can barely speak understandable English.

He came out and gave me the English version of what he had said. “Larry is very sick.”

Okay. That I can understand. At least he stayed home.

The Pepsi driver continued to chat about sickness and swine flu and problems in general and I was mostly listening and then he stood right in front of me, where I had full view of his name tag hanging from the lanyard around his neck. “Jesus”.

In Spanish, there’s an accent mark on the “u.” It’s pronounced “heh-SOOS”. But of course, you know me…I read Jesus. Not MY JESUS, but I read Jesus without thinking of the individual. Until his next statement came out.

“What is this world going to?”

Well the REAL JESUS knows what this world is coming to (notice he said “going” and I answered him with that reference). I almost “an end”…it’s coming to an end as we now know it. But I listened closely as he repeated his question. “What’s this world going to?”

I looked at him, with his name tag pronounced, “heh-SOOS” and solemnly stated, “well, some of us are going to heaven, and then some of us are not.” I waited for his response.

“Well, I do believe in heaven, but I believe that we are having to live our hell on earth. I see so many people with so many problems. So hard. Such bad things. I believe that is our hell.”

He had moved over to the door now, ready to make his exit. I was simply shocked into a stupor that here in the Bible Belt of the United States, standing in our office was someone that didn’t believe in a literal hell.

I said with all seriousness, “you are right, many people do endure hard things. We all have tests and trials to endure, but I promise you this is not our hell. There is a literal hell.”

He quickly changed the subject to sports and news as he opened the door to leave. I was still in such a shock that not one single Bible verse came to my mind! Not one! Not even Genesis 1:1 or John 3:16!

For crying out loud! I was so mad! (At myself)

As soon as he closed the door, I was struck with the thought, here was this Jesus (pronounced heh-SOOS) and he apparently knew nothing of the teachings of MY JESUS! My heart broke, my eyes filled. I also thought to myself, maybe as a slight consolation, a scripture didn’t come, because maybe it wasn’t necessary….. for this time.

But you can bet (not that I bet) I will be ready should this particular Pepsi dude walk through our office door again.

By the way, I found SEVERAL references —I’m listing only this one, but I really want some feed back. Share some of your stuff! What would you say to someone who does not believe in hell, but rather believe’s we are “living it” here on earth.

Mark 9:43-44 says, “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched– where ‘Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched.’ “ NKJV The next few verses have the same reference hell and unquenchable fire.

Folks, I have such a desire in my heart to see changes in ME and those around me. I want more of God! I want to tell more—show more of Christ than ever before! It’s in my heart and it’s got to come out!

Come on. Tell me your thoughts… share some stuff—some WORD!

(Name tag from Denise Oldham)

Devotion, Family, Life

Unexpected Joy

July 21, 2009October 21, 2016 A. Knight

“Joy is a mystery because it can happen anywhere, anytime, even under the most unpromising circumstances, even in the midst of suffering, with tears in its eyes.” –Fredrick Buechner

That quote is now framed on my bookshelf. It once graced the table beside my chair. It even sat quietly on my nightstand. Quietly though it sat, it spoke volumes. I gave a framed copy to my mother and another one to Bobbi, our precious family friend, who is an awesome prayer warrior, because she prayed for our Prodigal child every morning at 5:00 a.m. without fail!

The irony in this quote blasted through my heart the day our daughter ran away from home at the young age of 17. I had flipped my calendar page over that day and discovered it. Never once thinking that I would soon discover the true meaning behind it! Joy was far from our hearts and home that day. But it did come to us again. She returned home, like the prodigal son, after discovering that life was not as it is depicted in the movies. She returned with a broken heart and unprepared for the changes coming to her world. Her biggest change came just days before Christmas of her 18th year of life.

He arrived in a flurry of activity. We knew he was coming, we even prepared, but this we did not prepare for. One minute we were sitting quietly on the little sleeper sofa provided for us, the next minute we are instructed to leave the room. White skirts and coats fly around as if in a whirlwind. Movement is everywhere, with the exception of my heart. It is as if it stopped. The minute the tiny heart inside his mommy stopped, so did mine.

Today was supposed to be a memorable day. It had started off early. We had arrived at the hospital around 5:00 a.m. with our beautiful, young prodigal daughter. After a long strenuous day of labor (on our daughters part) and watching and waiting (on our part), my husband and I were quickly ushered into the hallway as the doctor worked diligently to get a heartbeat back in the little life we had yet to meet.

When the doctor came out to speak with us, the anxious teary-eyed parents, he told us he was about to do an emergency C-Section. He instructed us to “suit-up”. In Ephesians 6:13 we are instructed to “take on” or put on the “whole armor of God” so that we will be able to fight against or withstand the tricks of the enemy. I felt like this was some horrible trick being played on my family and I didn’t know for sure how “durable” my own armor was. I talked to God everyday, but there were many areas in my life that needed some work. So here I stood in hospital scrubs and “spiritual armor” shaking in my shoes, but ready to take on the enemy for the sake of my daughter and her unborn baby.

Off we rush to the surgical area and wait outside the door while they hurriedly prepare the Prodigal for the procedure. The nurse comes out and directs me quickly into the room to our daughters side and her dad to the surgery-viewing window. I held onto her hand, touching her face as I silently prayed, watched, and listened. They were frantic to get our little one into the world.

His name had been chosen as soon as we discovered through the miracle of an ultrasound that it was to be a boy. Rylan Oliver. My husband teasingly referred to him as “ROK”, indicating that he would be fiercely strong and powerful. He would be a “good ‘ole tough country boy”. The name Oliver was chosen from our “Grandbuddy”. I still remember the day I sat in Tiffany’s “reclaimed” bedroom trying out different names for our little one. I realize that I keep referring to him as “our little one”, but I can’t help it!

In just a few short minutes that felt like years, a small crying little boy with a head full of dark hair entered this world. Flailing his little arms and kicking his short legs, he was a sight! A tremendously beautiful sight, and I could hardly see through the blur of tears in my eyes! The nurse held him close to his mommy’s face so that she could kiss him and then handed him off to me to carry down the hall to the nursery. Tiffany had said, “mama, don’t let him out of your sight”, and you better believe I didn’t. He was our long awaited for “grandson”! Our hearts were full to overflowing. God was just too good to us! My face was already hurting from smiling so much! It was making me exhausted! But it was the absolute best exhaustion I would ever have! Smiling from ear to ear because of a new life!

When you stop and think of all the lives that have been brought into the world of Christ through salvation, don’t you just know how much rejoicing goes on in heaven over just one life?

Luke 15:10… there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior by believing on Him and that He gave His life for us, then our heavenly Father “doesn’t let us out of His sight”!

Matthew 10:30 says, And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Many of us have, or have had loved ones that prayed countless prayers that we might come to know the Father in heaven. When we accepted Him and became part of the family of God, we were the “long awaited ones”. Just like our first grandchild. He arrived in our lives with much ado, and we would never be the same again. Once we give our hearts and lives fully to Christ, fellow believers, we will never be the same!

“Our little one” is now 7. God has added to our family several more beautiful blessings, but Rylan was the one that taught us all so much. He has been diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy and an autistic spectrum disorder.

He was definitely our “Joy” during some tough circumstances, an unexpected gift, but one we treasure with all our hearts.