Missions

Just to get you ‘lingo’ ready for the retreat…

I DID NOT WRITE THIS….but I probably could have. I use these words…mainly when I hope no one is listening! I DON’T know who authored this great piece of writing, but it sounds pretty much true for Florida…at least in our neck of the woods!

THINGS I LEARNED GROWING UP IN FLORIDA…
1) A possum is a flat animal that sleeps in the middle of the road.
2) There are 5,000 types of snakes and 4,998 of them live in FLORIDA.
3) There are 10,000 types of spiders, and all 10,000 of them live in FLORIDA
4) If it grows, it’ll stick ya. If it crawls, it’ll bite cha.
5) “Onced” and “Twiced” are words.
6) It is not a shopping cart, it’s a buggy.
7) “Jaw-P?” means, “Did y’all go to the bathroom?”
8) People actually grow and eat okra.
9) “Fixinto” is one word.
10) There is no such thing as lunch. There is only dinner and then there is supper…
11) Iced tea is appropriate for all meals, and you start drinking it when you’re two.
We do like a little tea with our sugar.
12) Backwards and forwards means, “I know everythin’ bout you.”

13) The word “jeet” is actually a phrase meaning, “Did you eat?”
14) You don’t have to wear a watch, because it doesn’t matter what time it is. You work until you’re done or it’s too dark to see…
15) You don’t PUSH buttons, you MASH ‘em.
16) You measure distance in minutes.
17) You switch from heat to A/C in the same day.
18) All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable, grain, insect or animal.
19) You know what a “Dawg” is.
20) You carry jumper cables in your car – for your own car.
21) You only own five spices: salt, pepper, Texas Pete, Tabasco and ketchup.
22) The local papers cover national and international news on one
page, but require 6 pages for local gossip and high school football…
23) You think that the first day of deer season is a national holiday.
24) You find 100 degrees “a bit warm.”
25) You know all four seasons: Almost summer, summer, still summer, and Christmas.
26) Going to Walmart is a favorite past time known as “goin’ Walmartin” or “off to Wally
World..”
27) You describe the first cool snap (below 70 degrees) as good hog killin’ weather.
28) Fried catfish is the other white meat.
29) We don’t need no dang Driver’s Ed… If our mama says we can drive, we can
drive dag-nabbit.
30) You understand these jokes and forward them to your FLORIDA
friends and those who just wish they were from FLORIDA !!!!!

NOW….that you will be more able to understand what is said around you…JOANNE of Blessed is having a scholarship GIVEAWAY!!!! Click on her name and get yo-self over there and sign up! YOU just might WIN!!!

Missions

Are You a Who?

Let’s take a walk…
We won’t go far, but I do my best thinking…walking.

Oswald Chambers wrote, “Faith must be tested, because it can be turned into a personal possession only through conflict.”

I usually scan the page before I dive in. Sort of like testing the waters, looking for the best place to wade out into the cool refreshment for the hot, weary body. On the day of this devotion (August 29th if you are following along), I read the passage of scripture first.

John 11:40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” (NIV)

If you have the book, “My Utmost for His Highest”, I urge you to go to the day marked, August 29th and read it all. It’s all about faith.

Chambers asked the question, “What is your faith up against right now?”

When I read that I knew immediately what my faith was up against. The Bloggers Retreat.

Do I have the faith? That’s easy. Yes. I have the faith to believe that God laid this right smack-dab on my heart to do for Him this year. He was even more specific. This fall.

What had bothered me, was my lack of faith for the “who” would attend. Last year, for the “Sisters Retreat”, I prayed about the “who” to invite. The Lord told me rather plainly. I had no doubts. But this one, has been different.

After mulling this over for days and weeks on end, causing a great amount of acid reflux. I stopped. I prayed. I did what I was taught. I gave it up to God.

The “who” has already been decided. Those who have the faith to believe God can.

God can— what?

Anything.

Do you actually believe God can do anything?

Yes. Anything that He so choses to do—He can do.

What about the other stuff?

What other stuff?

The stuff He can’t do.

Is there stuff He can’t do?

The angel, Gabriel said to Mary, in Luke 1:37 “For nothing is impossible with God.” (emphasis mine)

In the almost 48 years I’ve lived, I’ve never been in a place where God could not be. Where God could not do. Or, where God could not go.

He has reached down His mighty hand–extending to me the gift of grace when I was most undeserving.

He has been in the driest desert place with me when I thought I was all alone.

He has gone the distance with me when I thought my feet were traveling solo.

I know–and believe with all my heart that God has a plan for particular women who are ready today, to give it all up for Him and walk on a higher place. They are ready to see things they’ve never seen before and feel the power of God coursing through their veins, that perhaps they’ve only read about before.

I believe there are women out there ready. I believe there are women ready to see the miraculous in the everyday. The journey is not going to be easy. Ease is not promised. As a matter of fact, trouble is what is promised. But friend, take heart! He is your deliverer! Your high tower! Your fortress!

John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” NIV

On our trip to Lake City a few weeks ago, as mother and I were reading to each other, I paused and asked her at what point in her life did she feel that she had finally laid everything aside—and was ready to walk wherever He called? Her reply startled me.

“Sixty. When I turned sixty years old I think. I don’t know exactly why, but I had gotten to a place where I just knew God had more for me and I was ready.”

Mother has been a follower of Christ Jesus longer than I’ve been alive. She has done everything from keeping the books for the church, to playing the piano for the women’s jail ministry, teaching classes, and sewing costumes for church productions. The list goes on and on. BUT she felt that God had more. And He does.

Tears fill my eyes now as I think of the years I have wasted not being willing to lay it all down.

I decided a few weeks ago to get my passport ready. I’ve never had a passport, nor have I ever been on a plane. But now, I believe I am at the “willing place” in my life. I’ve never been here before. Not in this exact spot. Oh, I’ve been “willing”—but there has always been something that I held back. Some part of me I didn’t trust Him enough to let go of.

Today I’m ready. I trust Him—not my circumstances. Not my finances. Not my job. But Him.

News flash! I’m not worried about the “who” any longer. The who has been decided. The “who” are the ready. The “who” are the willing. The “who” has the faith to believe for mighty things of God!

Is the “who” you?

I’m just asking….

Photobucket

© The Knightly News 2007-2009

Missions

Just so you know…

I haven’t fallen off the face of the earth…and just so you know…I can still type and all that jazz…

Just so you know…I posted over at the “hormone site”.

The weekend was FULL to overflowing with projects and grandchildren. What was your weekend like?
There is a verse that I shared at the “Steppin’ Out Retreat” in Lake City a couple of weekends ago, I want to share it with you now—

“But these things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!” Habakkuk 2:3 (TLB)

Do you have a vision in your heart or mind that you feel burning to be released? I have for years! My desire is to share Jesus—in every way I possibly can. To be used for HIM—until I am used up and spent for His glory!

As I drove home one day two weeks ago, I found myself praying, crying out to Him and really just amazed that He could find a way to use me! (Isn’t that just like us…pray to be used and then be surprised when He calls on us!)

I asked Him quite plainly, “why Lord, couldn’t You have used me when I was cute and skinny?”

His reply startled me into a flood of shameful tears, “because dear girl, you were too full of self”.

No, He didn’t speak audibly, but when He speaks to me—it is a voice in my heart that I recognize—simply because I listen. But that was not always the case.

As a matter of fact, I can’t count the times I ignored the pull, the tug, and the voice of the LORD trying to lead me from disaster. But rather than listen and be saved from a pit of sin, I ignored that loving Hand and walked full on —head on—willingly into the pit of slavery and sin.

Today, the Voice calls. I pick it up as quick as I possibly can. I don’t have to check “caller i.d.” I know His voice. He is reminding me there is still much work to be done on me.

Be certain, He has ways of working —to remove all of you—and replace it with all of Him. It can be painful. The realization part as well as the actual “working it out of us”. It hurts to know we have failed Him. What’s more—to know that it could have been avoided.

My desire is to listen—to hear Him–and to act on what He says. I may not be able to see the outcome—but I must trust. That’s part of what this retreat is all about. Listening—obeying—trusting.

You don’t have to be a blogger to join in the sessions. If you feel the LORD calling you into an area of ministry–this retreat is the place you want to be.

After an e-mail this morning, and a phone call this evening, with two different speakers that will be here to share—the fire is alight afresh in my heart to give you the opportunity to receive from HIM all that He has to give you through this event!

If you have FAITH to believe He’s calling you…put some action into that faith and join us. I promise you —-the anointing will fall—the sessions on faith, freedom and taking the land for HIM will fire you up to do more—be more—say more than you’ve ever experienced before!

Seek Him about coming to the event. But whether or not you join us, seek Him to speak to your heart. You can hear Him if you listen close.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28 KJV

Photobucket

Photo taken back in the cute-skinny days at UAB Hospital, Birmingham, Alabama, where a miracle of life took place before our very eyes.

© The Knightly News 2007-2009

Missions

And the Winner is…..


This week —so far with the Monday and now Tuesday—has been FULL. Tests, trials and a bit of aggravation. All work related. I remembered this morning that I FORGOT about posting my giveaway—so I could mail the book by Leigh Gray out to some BLESSED winner! So without further ado, on Random.org I plugged in my numbers for the giveaway…for the book…and the winner is…

Karen!!!! I promise!!! Wow! One my sweetest little buddies!!! Karen I am delighted to send this treasure to you! You are going to enjoy this book! AND she has already autographed it!!!

So keep your eye peeled….and watch the mail….(I am always surprised what I find in my mail box!)

AND I will be back to post on the “strange occurrence I mentioned today on Facebook….

By the way…do you facebook??

Photobucket

© The Knightly News 2007-2009 (The image is borrowed from another sweet blogger whose name escapes me at this moment…but I will research it and place her name right here!)

Missions

Lake City, Florida Event

I must say thank you!

Thank you Barbara for having me at your event! Your friendship and encouragement has been just what I needed these past few weeks! Our hearts beat in unison to the call of the LORD!

What a blessed time we had!

Thank you Lisa and Adriana for making the drive up from Orlando to meet me there! What a blessing to have you as sister – and niece!

God is so incredibly good to me!

Sue and Donna—girls, you blessed me in such a mighty way! Sue, I believe you peeked at what the LORD had been saying to my heart! You were a tool to speak peace to me!

Donna–the LORD is using you—and will continue to use you in the Pregnancy Crisis Center!

God be praised for all that you are doing for the Kingdom of God! Your message was on target!

I count it a tremendous privilege to be among such gifted and blessed women of strong faith! God is good!

Barbara, hold on girl, HE has got something in store for you! JUST don’t be afraid to put on those shoes and walk it out in faith! He has planted you there for THIS season of your life—!

Photobucket

© The Knightly News 2007-2009

Posted by Picasa
Missions

Coming Soon….a BOOK REVIEW!

I am beginning a new “stretch”. Do you stretch regularly? What about when you walk? I have learned that when I don’t take the time to stretch, I can’t walk with the speed to keep up with Max! (And I get some really bummer leg cramps!)

A new stretch for me is book reviews. I love to read—and I love to share about all the books I read! What could be better?

So stay tuned—we’ll talk about the new book by Sheila Walsh

“let go”Live free of the burdens all women know.”

“In Let Go, the bestselling author and speaker walks readers through the journey to freedom in Christ. Along the way, she tackles some of the toughest struggles that weigh women down, answering them with overwhelming truth, promise, and hope.” (Quote from the book)

(I have peeked…YOU are gonna LOVE this one!)

I can hardly wait to share it…

Photobucket

© The Knightly News 2007-2009

Missions

Favorite Places

I find myself longing to sit before the LORD. Right at His feet. These past two mornings as I have driven to work, I have wept before Him. Poured out my heart to Him—and He hears my heart. Even more than Jeff.

There are a few favorite “spots” in which I like to be when we talk. My mother’s house in the swing is one. On her porch at the table is another.

In the chair in our bedroom is a favorite meeting place for us. And of course, I always share my heart in my vehicle. I would even say—-the Spirit resides there! (I wonder if my boss felt Him when he borrowed my truck this morning?–oooo I hope so!!!)

Make a point of finding the perfect spot to meet with Him daily. You will be so amazed at what it does for your day! Keep pens, paper and a highlighter handy—He might speak something to your heart.

Do you have a favorite place?

Photobucket

© The Knightly News 2007-2009

Missions

Mary Snyder and a New Giveaway!

Join the Sisters of Faith in welcoming Mary Snyder to the 2009 Bloggers Retreat!

MARY IS HAVING A GIVEAWAY THIS WEEK!!! GO SEE HER! QUICK!

Mary is one of 8 of awesome women who will be speaking and sharing their heart! I have had the pleasure of talking to this sweet southern sister on the phone just a few weeks ago—and she is PRECIOUS! You will love her to pieces!

You are coming right??

Mary Snyder is an author, speaker, wife, mother, blogger, girlfriend, but above all else a follower of Jesus Christ.

Mary’s walk of faith is a path littered with potholes and missteps. She has fallen in the potholes and tripped over her own good deeds, but the blessing is she serves a Grace‐filled and Merciful Savior who loves her and has called her into His service.

Her less‐than‐perfect life is the driving force behind her passion to see women come to a deeper relationship with the Lord. In truth and in love, Mary shares a message of hope, joy, and adventure in Christ Jesus.

With a passion for God’s Holy Word and a commitment to serve Him, Mary shares her heart with groups and connects with women of all ages.

Mary brings her love of all things girly and girlfriends to women’s groups and shares her heart in a message sprinkled with humor and wrapped in God’s Holy truth.*

To find out more about the retreat go to the site!

Bring a group of women! It will be worth the drive!

ON another note….if you have never heard or read Leigh Gray….you’ve GOT to!

I am going to GIVE AWAY one of her books!!! YEAH!!!

The way to enter THIS giveaway? EASY PEAZY!

Thought you’d never ask! Respond to this posting By commenting that you WANT to ENTER for the BOOK! THEN, go to MARY Snyder’s place and comment about the RETREAT!

If you get a chance, go to LEIGH’s SITE and tell her YOU are entering a contest on my page for her “autographed” book! “Loving God, Loving People” YOU will LOVE the book and LOVE Leigh Gray!

Photobucket

I know I probably confused you….but just do it….it’s sort of like a scavenger hunt! Right?? It will be fun! These two girls are so precious! And I really want you to meet Mary! She is giving away a $100 scholarship to the retreat!!!!!

*Taken from Mary’s Blog!

Missions

Seeking the Light

Max 2009 060

A few days away.  That’s the ticket!  (As Father Tim of Jan Karon’s books on the life in Mitford would say)

To help me gain perspective on things…. again. 

Being tired all the time doesn’t mean I have an excuse to avoid the Light.   As a matter of fact, the tiredness and exhaustion has caused me to seek Him all the more.  Are you that way too?

This is from a passage I read today, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35 NIV)

“Very early”….while it was still dark…He sought the Light.  He was the Light, but yet, He needed to be strengthened.  He was God in the flesh, and because of that very flesh nature,  He got weary…just like you and me.  That is hard for me to fathom.  But He did.  He went through the day to day—experiencing hunger, thirst, exhaustion, friendship, love for His followers, sadness, even anger.  But without sin.  Until the cross.

There He took on my sin.  And your sin.

The Light of the world took on the dark ugly sin of the world, and while the enemy thought he had conquered my Lord, and even surmised that He had shut Him into the very darkness,  he, [the enemy] knew so well, the Light became even brighter on His resurrection morning!

He arose!  He is the Light of the world—having come so that we too could have LIGHT and life everlasting!

When your day seems dark—as they so often do—in these economic times, seek the Light.   He is the Light.

When it seems that all your world is being stripped away piece by piece, seek the Light.   He is your provider.

When it seems there is no answer for the questions that are plaguing your heart, seek the Light.  He is the Answer!

There is no darkness too dark that His Light and love cannot penetrate!

Trusting Him,

Angie

Copyright The Knightly News 2009.  All rights reserved.