Category: Missions

Wow.  Much has happened in the past few days…

My friend Kelyn from Honduras

Where to begin?

I get my best blog thoughts at night…sad thing is, I’m usually too tired to crawl out of bed to write them.  So, my blog has undergone feelings of being left out of the ministry side of my life.  Sad.

I’ve neglected many online friends–and that started when I felt a strong inclination to live more life here in the “local world” rather than just the blog world.  I talked about some of you so much to my friends and family–that I think since they didn’t know you personally, they started thinking I had imaginary friends…YOU are very real to me.

The blog world is a really nice place to be–but there are seasons–where you just really need to sit it out and live with those around you.

I’ve had such a season.

My blog posts have been random and sporadic.  Mainly only when on a “mission trip“.  Or sharing a special life moment…And I’ve really done more “blog” talk on Facebook.  Again, Sad.

Since teaching on a regular basis–to our wonderful group of “Young Adults”, I’ve used much of my ministry thoughts-mind-and heart for the class…

My heart “LOVES” to write though–so this is a place I’ve really missed.

There are other things I’ve missed…relationships with people that I met online.  Since they aren’t in front of you on a weekly basis, it’s often those connections that get pushed to the back burner…sadly.  But I’ve thought of you…many of you cross my mind on a weekly basis.  Denise, a.k.a. Shorty Bear is a name that I imagine all bloggers in the Christian Women Writing World knows.  I don’t know why I just capitalized all of that… CWWW, made it sound like a wrestling group.

Other names associated with Laced with Grace and Internet Cafe` –ladies that I’ve met–and how they’ve ministered to my heart and life through the hardest journey…passing of a sister, are also frequently on my mind.

One dear friend I spoke to today.  She and I used to work together in the law office (which I always refer to as the “best in the South”),  are blessed with such a friendship/sister-ship, that we can have a conversation one day and not speak again for 8 months and pick up right where we left off.  Full of laughs and love.  I am blessed.  She knows if she had a need–or an emergency, there is no distance-or time that matters.  I will stop and pray–or if I can–GO.  And I know she would be the same for me.  Thanks Mare.  For being the kind of friend and sister that loves and cares  regardless of time and space.

Okay, off of that mushy stuff.

An amazing thing happened last week while I was sitting in a staff meeting, minding my own business….

I was “texted” the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Honduras…the catch?  Well, we leave Thursday morning from here about 12:00 a.m.   Or Wednesday night at midnight.  Take your pick.

There is much to the background of this story–and it all began with a prayer–during a  prayer retreat in the first week of May.  Honduras came up more than once in conversation –not spoken by me–but by a couple of friends.  I had been to Honduras.  Didn’t have it on my calendar to return.  Not that I didn’t want to–but I just didn’t have it on my calendar.

But as we prayed–corporately for God to “expand our territory”, enlarge our experiences in Him, and give wings to our prayers–among other things– I confess–I began to wonder what “might be next”…

It has been my experience with God–to expect the unexpected.  When I say “I won’t–or don’t want to” anything–it is usually a good sign that I might be about to…whatever “it” might be.

Then Jeff receives something in the mail that piques my interest…and it was “ordered”…(Still don’t know what God is going to do with THAT!)

My heart and soul has been stirred and I feel change is on the horizon…nearer than I can see today.

I believe God orders my steps.  He orders my plans as I give all of “me” to Him.  My desires have changed much in the past few years.  And I hope that the more I grow closer to HIM,  the desires of my heart and life continue to change.  Change is necessary.  That’s why I use pencil on my calendar.

Change is apt to happen.

Life can change on a dime.  I bear witness to that.

Life changes at a moment’s notice…without giving notice.

I want my life to be well lived for HIM.  No one else.

I leave for Honduras–a totally unexpected blessing–on the 13th–returning on the 21st.  (If nothing changes)

I desire your prayers.  This will be a different mission trip than I’ve taken before.

• 1st difference–no internet. Zero. (No internet = no blogs until after 21st)  
• 2nd difference–I will join a very large group.  I only know 1 person.  The person who invited me.   I am excited about the prospect of what God has around the corner.

I will be about 2 hours from the village where I had my first mission trip experience–but we will land in the same airport.  I googled the airport of Tegucigalpa, Honduras once we landed in 2010…and I found out about it…that’s all I need to say now.

That trip changed my heart in ways I could never have imagined….I expect more of the same.  God is an amazing God–and He writes on my calendar all the time.

He does yours too….have you noticed???

Will you pray for us every day?  Several times a day if we continually come to  your mind.  I really would appreciate it.  And, I promise to do my best to give you the full details of the whole trip–once I return to internet land.

Thank you in advance. 😀

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

This past Friday I spent most of the day at my mothers…going through the passing years for a project for her.

It seemed the years flew by as we poured over pictures of life changing all around us.

This made me ever so conscious of the world—even more, I think than the 6:00 News. 

Looking at pictures brings the memories back to life—if you have good memories tucked inside, then it will be an enjoyable time spent—but for those who have hurtful memories—looking back through old pictures can bring those memories back so fresh as if they just happened yesterday.  And along with that, the hurt and pain caused during that time is relived in our minds….carried on our shoulders….felt in our hearts.

I don’t recall ever hearing anyone say that they enjoyed reliving hurt and pain.  I don’t believe anyone does.  But we do enjoy looking back at the joy.

Philippians 4:8 instructs to to think on those things that are honest, just, true, pure, lovely, the good reports, the praise worthy, virtuous…. in other words, things that will bring God glory and benefit us as believers.

It is too easy to get caught in as @Connie Haile used to say, the “Stinkin’ Thinkin’” trap!  We must suit up our minds.  Be ready for any fiery dart of thought-less temptation.

In a recent conversation, a friend reminded me of a period of time that I talked with my sister, Aimee daily.  Every morning like clock work.  I remembered why after the call was over. 

For almost two years my sister, Aimee and I had what we termed, “Driving Devotions”.  We each drove in opposite directions to get to our places of employment –and we were each going through such severe heartache, that we only let it out to one another—fully.  We read healing Scripture to one another and prayed for one another.

I interrupted regular living for that time with her.  Thinking back on it now, I see that that was the time and the relationship that God used to bring us both healing.   Without it, I would still be one weeping over my devastating loss.  So—even if I could go back, I wouldn’t change that—God brought me through too much to think I could do it any better on this side of those days today.

Many of my relationships—online relationships and personal relationships suffered from that time period…and that brings a sadness, realizing I cannot go back in time for those.  But during that time, The Lord brought freshness to my heart that is unexplainable.  I am a different person than who I was.  Jeff would confirm that. 

I am probably a bit more private—I have less in “things”, and seem to be in a constant, as Aimee says, “clean out” mode.

I’ve written here less, but lived out loud more.  Does that make sense?

Some of you I’ve been honored to meet in real life—and what an amazing impact you made in my life.  I still grin thinking of those of you that I have sat across the table with at Ruby Tuesday.  Some of you  I have been blessed to have in my own house at my own table.  What a TREAT that has been!

I’m grinning now thinking of me and Sharon standing outside the restaurant posing to get our picture made.  I was so nervous that day thinking, “what will she think of me”??? That is funny now.  Sharon was such a loving and friendly, godly woman.  I loved her instantly.

Each of you that I have met along the way, I loved from the start.  I know Jeff must have thought me nuts to keep inviting people I’d never met to get together for coffee or a visit.  But that was something God was doing in me—stretching me.  Boy did I get stretched!!

Then a new season started.  And God sat me down with Him daily for over a year—for a length of time that I will cherish.  I still look back at those days with longing—then the day came that I had to relinquish that time to begin another season and journey.

Sometimes it seems I’m in a constant state of season change…but that is what HE desires…for me to be moldable…pliable…shapeable…under His hands.

The Word of God has become my life line—as never before.  I am looking back only at the changes God has brought about in my life—and am thankful that He chose me to follow Him….to the unknown.

The “blog stories” that I would write online as they happened on an almost daily basis—Still do happen every week,  but I am taking those words into the classroom to teach our Young Adult Class.

This journey has taken me by surprise…as I am sure yours has you.  And if today, you aren’t where you want to be—keep looking forward—to the One who is guiding your every step. Don’t be afraid to say “YES!” to whatever He asks!  Surprises await!

Most of all, stay on your face before Him—in prayer and humbleness of heart.  Stay in His Word.  The Bible is our instruction for living.  Veer not to the left nor to the right…stay the course.

The end is in sight.

© Angie Knight.  All rights reserved.

Time is something you cannot buy more of.

We each have 24 hours every single day.

Some used wisely, some wasted.

Make the most of yours by giving it away.

Seriously.  Give it all to Him.

God can make more of precious seconds than you can make foolishly spending hours on any given thing.

© Angie Knight 2012. All rights reserved.

I struggled this morning with what to type.  Especially since it’s been a while…

Awake for a long time, it’s now 4:27 a.m.  Scenes from life and how it has changed so much in the past year.

I revisit those days spent in Cambodia with a misty eyes and longing heart.  Even though we traveled to Bolivia as well last year, spending a heart stirring week in “Kids Crusades” and  the team ministering to the teens from the local school in the village every day–my mind still pushes to the forefront what my eyes witnessed in Cambodia.

I noticed smiles on faces that I would think had no reason to smile.  My perspective is tainted by the vision I’ve had these 50+ years.

We, comfy-cozy folks in our blessed Nation, think you surely must have it all together to have something to smile about…

But then I remember seeing smiles on faces that I thought surely had nothing to smile about—but they did.  They had love and joy that was unaffected by the circumstance in which they lived.

And I found myself examining my own reasons to smile when my life was at it’s very darkest.

I remember praying for years for a miracle that I envisioned being witness to–and then the holiest of moments happened.  And He allowed me to be there!

I know you are wondering where “there” is and exactly what I saw.

Her testimony is all hers, but I can share my side:

For months I have once again struggled in the “hormone” area. (Trying to go it alone–unmedicated–after the HRT I was using became difficult to get from the manufacturer.  I don’t mind being frank with you about it, hoping that it will help another struggling soul (I will blog more on that later on the “hormone link at the top of the page).

The month of this miracle was February.  We celebrated with purple this and purple that, sweet memories of a precious sister–who made her trip home in 2008.  We talk of her often.  In the beginning, it helped with the healing.  Now, on the other side of this, 5 years later, it seems quite natural for her name to come up.  Her memory is something we would never put away–God blessed our lives with our sister, Wanda and we will always cherish those gifts of years.

As we neared the weekend we had planned to celebrate her birthday, a weekend for just us girls at the beach, was on the calendar.  Had been for months.  We had been looking forward to this, the two young moms of our family had made arrangements for the kids–and the older of us girls were making the food plans, discussing what to bring and what we would do.  Wanda always loved the “food plans”.  No bigger than a minute, you would actually think she rarely ate.

Back to the weekend (sorry–I do tend to take you the long way around).

Decisions made, Aimee and I both had voiced our weariness in body and mind from all the day-to-day operations of ministry/work/family/life/etc.  You can tell I had that out of order when I typed it, and out of order at the time of living it.  The order seemed to change up from week to week, depending on what was going on in our lives.

As we drove to work one morning, we talked on the phone, both missing Wanda, both tired of something, and as Aimee mentioned that her daughter, Valaree wanted us to attend her church that Sunday of the retreat, I confess to a feeling of “but I just wanna rest”…. (Don’t judge me:) )

I told her I couldn’t speak for either of my girls, knowing one would have more of a difficulty than the other.  As the week played out, both girls of mine gladly said they would be able to join my niece and were excited about the prospect.  I, on the other hand, confess to the feeling of “tiredness” that I could not shake.  (Don’t be a judgin’ here either)

It was not just spiritual.  It was not just hormonal.  Nor was it all physical.  It was a combination of the mix, with probably a few things I couldn’t name thrown in!  But those three were a definite.

Some people think if you’re in ministry, you can’t possibly get spiritually tired.  Well, maybe there are those that don’t, but I was.  I felt every part of my life was tired.  I’m not making “name it claim it confessions”, I’m just being honest with you this morning.  I think you deserve to know, especially if you have been struggling with similar feelings.

I knew in my heart there would be another day where energy and enthusiasm would return, I was simply  waiting on it to get here. 🙂

As the weekend drew near, my excitement of getting away grew.

The forecast promised storms.  I did not care.  I was ready to hunker down and be with the girl folk of our family.

The forecast did not lie.  It stormed!  Thunder rolled, lightening flashed, roads flooded–we did what we came to do though.  We got out there and shopped where we wanted to shop–and spent hours in one of our favorite stores and then enjoyed a leisurely supper at “Red Robin” (Yuuum)…

Our devotion time was precious–as it has always been, and God ordered and set it all up, from who would be the early risers–and the conversation and song that ensued to the gadding about that day.

Every detail He tended.  I smile now even remembering the fun–and the tiredness seemed to ease away.

The Lord let me know very quick that HE had a plan–and I was going to be blessed by His plan if I would just relax and realize HE was in charge.  No matter what storms came–HIS work would not be hindered.

As the morning for church opened up, we hurriedly made our preparations to vacate the premises.

My spirit told me “today is special”.  My flesh argued that I was “tired” and a leisurely day of reading the Word, singing a few songs together, as we had done in times past, would be much more beneficial.

I’m chuckling now to myself.  I do remember Holy Ghost prayer meetings on Sunday mornings when we had a Sister’s Retreat–and God met us in powerful and unprecedented ways.  But then I have to remember–EACH and EVERY retreat has been different.  No duplications.

Isn’t it funny, how our nature is to duplicate what we’ve already experienced if it was good.  Surely there couldn’t be a “better”….

Oh, “we” of little faith.

As we were driving to Refuge Assembly of God that morning, there was  detour along the way due to a flooded road.  We were in a caravan–with Valaree leading, me driving mother and Aimee, and Tiffany and her daughter bringing up the rear in her van.

Valaree was thinking about what we were each driving, the two lead vehicles were higher sitting SUV’s, while the van sat low to the ground.  She  knew the van would not make it through the water ahead–so she detoured us.

With none of us having ever visited the church before, and the area completely new to us, I would have never known had she not called and told us “we were detouring because of Tiffany” that morning.

The very minute she said that, my spirit jumped inside me.  

Sometimes detours are necessary for one individual–and if things aren’t traveling YOUR way today, please offer grace.  Remember that it’s not always about you….or me.  Actually, as a servant of the Lord, it will always be about those HE directs us to serve.

This has actually turned into a LONG blog–which I didn’t really intend, but as I was telling, I just thought I’d let you spend most of that weekend with us! 😉

We arrived safely and as we walked up, Pastor Danny Davis met us with hearty handshakes, laughter and a very welcoming spirit.  Without going into the details of the service, let me just stop and say, it was NOT business as usual.

God continued on with ordering and setting the day out in HIS plan and fashion.

The special speaker did not get to speak.  The LORD brought the message that morning through the voice of the pastor–and I could honestly tell you –I saw a visible change, as well as “felt” it when the Holy Spirit began to move.

The pastor even commented on the difference that morning.  God moved in the house and His Spirit was felt, acknowledged, and welcomed by all.

That morning, The Lord gave me a front row seat as He brought His daughter back home.

As a mother of a prodigal, there is nothing in this life sweeter than to witness her “rebirth”.

Her birth was wonderful–but the birthing of her “new life” was extraordinary.

Words fail me at this point.  It was one of those, “you had to have been there” days.  We rejoiced all the way home.

If you actually stayed with the whole story and have arrived at these closing remarks, congratulations and THANK YOU.  It matters to me that you read my heart today!

Possibly you have encountered such a joy, or perhaps you are the parent of a prodigal that you have prayed for and feel there’s not much hope…can I tell you something?

Please keep praying.

Your prodigal has a day...set and ordered by The Lord.

If you think it will happen “one particular” way, please give up your idea to Him and let Him do the orchestrating of the music of that life.  HE has written the most beautiful score to be heard–and only He knows when it will be played.

Our day came quite unexpected in some ways, but then totally expected in others.  I mean, what better way to end a Sister’s Retreat than with  the salvation of a dear daughter, sister, mom, all rolled into one precious child of the King.  He knew where she would be that weekend.  He had her travel plans down to the smallest detail.

Take heart parents.  Keep praying.  Your prodigal is still being watched by an Almighty Eye.

There may be a detour ahead.

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

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

This morning when I woke I heard, “Heeellllooooooo”…..

In my head.  My heart.

My ears really didn’t hear it…but the voice was so familiar.

I’ve read on facebook so many of the phrases that everyone remembers–and it is incredible.  What we remember of Connie will last as long as we do.  The work of The Spirit through her will go on forever.

It’s also neat to read what others remember–and what their favorite things about her are.  I am sure it will bring joy to many readers, as well as comfort for those who are able to share.  That’s love.  That was Connie.  She loved to hear what you had to say–and she never interrupted with “her own agenda”…she just let us talk….whoever the “us” might be.

“Toodle–looo” (how ever YOU want to spell it…it sounded the same from her lips) was a favorite.  I heard it on every “Tom’s Messenger” message to me–and those on facebook.

“I love you precious” is a favorite of mine–

“that’s okay precious” –giving you carte blanche to feel the way you did about whatever you were talking about….and then I am sure she took that matter–if you were wrong to feel that way, “to her Father”.

Many times she would call me and say, “Angeleena, help me pray for “so-and-so, they have such a need”.  Your need wasn’t mentioned….but your name was.  I loved prayer time with Connie.

One particular precious prayer time was before I was to go to Cambodia.  I knelt down at her foot stool, the one at “her big chair”…and as she prayed the fire down, and The Holy Spirit began to flow through her, I found myself laying across the stool, weeping, laughing, Spirit flowing, and rejoicing in what God was doing in that very instant.  She covered me from head to toe in prayer.  Some prayer times were at my house, some at hers, some while we were driving–either apart or together.  But prayer was the most significant start to her day.  And Praise!

Many of you have had prayer times with Connie–I remember reading a particular post on facebook yesterday and just had to grin–knowing God in HIS awesomeness planned a Word Walkers Meeting for just two.  A young woman needed a BIG touch from a MIGHTY Hand…and He knew just who to send for the delivery.  

Tomorrow the family will be greeted by those who loved Connie fiercely.  They will be embraced by words that will fall in liquid down cheeks–from eyes that have already cried rivers…yet tears will still come.  

Can I tell you something else?  Joy will come.  Joy will flow from laughter as people remember silly things–things that Connie did or said…because she LOVED laughter.  Joy doeth good like a medicine.

Connie Wilson Haile stood on the Word of God.  She didn’t budge.  She taught anyone who would listen to do the same.  I love the fact that this is remembered by one and all about her–and the fact that negativity was a no-no around her.  You can’t speak life and death with the same lips…

We all know there are those who didn’t agree with her style or ideas about the Word…but they can’t say they were not affected…and they secretly wished they had that much spunk…and The Holy Spirit living in and working through them.   

She was not afraid to live life to the fullest and she was not afraid to be who she was.  I wonder–if we all took God at His word as she did…what results would we be seeing in our lives today.

Oswald Chambers wrote this: “We should battle through our moods, feelings, and emotions into absolute devotion to the Lord Jesus. We must break out of our own little world of experience into abandoned devotion to Him. ”  

This was from a portion of the devotion for November 13, titled, “Faith or Experience”.  She abandoned her life of “self” into a life for Christ.  She was devoted to doing the will of her Father.  No matter what it cost.  She had a reckless faith that God adored.  He loves it when His own believe HIM…

Her experiences in life tested that faith and her faith shown through every circumstance.

Was she perfect?  No.  She would tell you in a New York second–she was not perfect–but her love for God was being perfected daily–into the likeness of His Son…

Many of you will remember her testimony–and as the days pass, and your faith is tested, you will remember the words of this powerful, passionate for Jesus, woman.  You will remember the words she prayed over YOU…and the words of faith she reminded YOU to speak over your situation every day.

This blog was written for you.  Connie’s friends and family.  For those who loved Connie, but don’t know Jesus…make sure you find someone who does–I know they will lead you by the hand to Him…you will not be alone.  What a great testimony–to find Jesus as a result of a life lived such as hers.

Without Jesus–we have no hope…but with Him, believing on Him–TRUSTING in Him to save us from our sins…we have HOPE and a promise of eternal life.  (John 3:16)

I close with this:  Pastor Lavon Pettis prayed the most beautiful prayer just before she took her leave of this life–and he asked God to lay the mantle of Connie Haile on others.  Friends, there is a mighty work to be done.  It will not get done without a determined heart.  There are lost to win to Christ.  That’s what she was all about.  Leading hearts to Jesus.

Are you ready to wear a faith filled mantle?

© 2012 Angie Knight- The Knightly News.  All rights reserved.

Listen to the powerful words of this song…be blessed today. Rejoice for YOU are a child of the MOST HIGH GOD–if you believe on Jesus Christ–

Live your life FOR HIM…

 © Angie Knight- The Knightly News

Well–it’s official.  I’m back in the saddle at Internet Cafe`….I posted a portion of a teaching from our Young Adult Class–I truly hope it brings someone encouragement–to focus in on  HIM…

Click HERE to read “Occupied with the Outward”.

Have a SUPER blessed day—and I’ll be back in a jiffy!

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

Powerful words…Listen to this song as many times as necessary to GET the message…. It’s not US…It’s Him. We follow, listen to, love and adore…HIM.

 © Angie Knight- The Knightly News

They may not know English–but they know camera.

As we went about this week, many with camera’s slung around our necks–we could find young ones of all ages tugging on our arms…

“Photo”…

What they were actually saying is….“Remember me”.

“Don’t forget me when you leave.

Remember I’m here.

I need Jesus too.

Pray for me.

I have needs.

I want heaven.

Memorize my face.

Dream about me.

Think of me when the wind blows hard.

Know that I am glad you came.

You made a difference.

Because of you…I found Christ.

Remember me…”

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.  Luke 23:42

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News