Trust – Jeff & Angie

Trusting in the New Year

December 24, 2024December 25, 2024 A. Knight

This was originally part one of a three-part series, “Trust IN God”

Many years ago, when my sister, Wanda’s daughter was not even a year old–Wanda became very sick. According to the doctor on her case, at the point of death. He offered very little hope. The changes he made in her medication made things even worse. With her blood pressure dropping to the low thirties and her breathing very labored, talking was impossible. Prayer, on the other hand, was not.

I remember the room in Tallahassee Memorial Hospital being very large, enough to accommodate her bed, the equipment, and 9 of us. The family. The blood of Christ flowing in our veins making us family- for those who were not actual “kin”. When hopes were dashed upon the rocks of life, we clung to the cross on the hill.

While we listened to the doctor state the facts as he saw them, my mother adamantly (if you know “Grandleria, you know what this sounded like) requested Wanda’s childhood physician be notified at once (Dr. St. Petery). He was the one who had seen her from childhood, at the onset of the discovery of her heart condition. The doctor [present], not taking my mother as seriously as he should have, stated that “his notification of her condition would not change the facts.”

He then went on to suggest alternative medications–although not giving much hope of them working. He just wanted to try and see what would work.

With anger rising up in me, I said directly to the doctor, “You will not make my sister a guinea pig!” I remember mother looking at me, her eyes filled with tears and pain. I just really wanted to bop him in the head–but that would do no good. This was my sister’s life, and I was kind of a mess of hormones, and my non-spiritual flesh came to the surface.

Just a few more moments of discussion ensued, the air in the room stiff and as labored as Wanda’s breathing. The doctor, standing to leave, shaking his head, obviously could not imagine why we were acting this way, surely, at this point in Wanda’s life, we had to know that it could not last.

Yet we held on to a faith that he could not see. We held to One greater than he supposed himself to be. Faith and trust in a God that is Sovereign.

I remember at least four ministers in the room with us. After he left, we began to seek God with fresh urgency. With hands lifted, we prayed and sought God–trusting in His decision. I was asking God to be present and asking Him to give us a sign of His working—all things for our good. At this point, I wasn’t seeing anything good.

In just moments, the door opened, and in walked the doctor mother had requested, in physical form, and with him came a spiritual ignition for our faith and trust! The atmosphere in the room instantly changed! It seemed as if all the hot air of the enemy had been pushed out the window and in GUSHED the fresh air of the Holy Spirit! (Isaiah 59:19)

I saw the expression on my mother’s face change instantly. Relief washed over her like a clean waterfall gushing its cool freshness down a mountainside. The situation was re-examined. Suggestions offered–decisions made. We all left for Gainesville. Praying all the way. Beseeching God. Surely, God would not have given this long dreamed of –prayed for–baby to this woman only to take her life after just a few short months of motherhood. Indeed not. Our TRUST in God is secure as the dawning of the next day’s sun.

If you know anything about us or our story, you know that all turned out exactly as God planned. Her life was just the number of days God had set forth from the beginning. (Job 14:5 “You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer.”)

Wanda’s next few years with her precious daughter were a sweet blessing, all captured in a bottle of time. Giving God daily praise for each breath!

Her trust was secure.

Is ours?

When the checkbook gets into the single digits are we secure in Him? In His care for us?
When the bread box contains only 2 end slices…does our stomach growl in mock hunger?
When the fabric of our faith wears thin, where is our trust? In Him? Or in what we can see…

Do we say “I trust You LORD even when:

the children get sick
the hours at work are cut
the promotion is given to someone else
the marriage falls apart
the child rebels
the loved one dies

Do we trust God ONLY when things are going our way? Or, are we in it for the long haul?

If it seems your trust slips at the points of severe tension–know this: Jesus Christ is there to realign your faith in Him.

I want to encourage you today, in the brand New Year of 2025, to bolt your faith so securely to Jesus.

Adjust your vision and focus to settle on Him–and not on your seemingly insurmountable circumstances. Things on the outside may not change. But the inside of your heart and mind can rest knowing that God has all things in His line of sight and WILL work all things for our good. It may not “feel” good….but if you and I will trust Him–He will walk us through whatever may come our way.

Youtube video: People & Songs, The Emerging Sounds with Meg Ammons.

Devotion, faith, Grandchildren, Life Issues, prayer, Trials, Trust

Cover Them…

June 11, 2024June 11, 2024 A. Knight

In my quiet time this morning, I had one of those thoughts that came flying through. Not a bad thought-but a very clear “picture thought”.

The phrase, “cover me-I’m going in” did a fly by in my brain.

I have said it before, I enjoy a good western movie. Mostly the older ones though. I don’t think they make a western movie any more that doesn’t have a barn full of cussing and clothing issues….if you get my drift. So, I generally stick with the old black and white programs when I want to watch a good western.

It’s a shame though. A true shame that we have become so word ignorant that we have to rely on bad language to sell a movie. You can see real quick I could go off on a rant right here if I’m not careful. So I’ll stop and thank God that we actually have had some good movies in the past few years.

Back to the fly-by. “Cover me–I’m going in”, has been said in countless westerns, cop shows, murder mysteries, etc. What they were needing was back up. Someone to watch out for them. Warn them of … [Click here to read the rest on my personal blog]

Photo credit: free photo from Pixabay.com

Adversity, Bolivia, breast cancer, Devotion, faith, Hope, Life Issues, Missions, prayer, Trials, Trust

Facts vs Truth

August 2, 2023 A. Knight

Yesterday, when I sat down to write and pray, I did what I always do: write the date. August 1, 2023. I knew immediately what Wednesday, August 2, 2023 would represent. Seven years since the diagnosis of breast cancer marched into my ears, as if it was going to take up permanent residence. It was not.

There are some things that chemotherapy snatched away from my memories–but that day feels as if it is grounded in concrete with rebar. After my physician, ….to read the rest, head over to my personal journey blog.

Bolivia, breast cancer, Costa Rica, Life Issues, Missions, Trials, Trust

Early Morning Coffee…

June 22, 2023 A. Knight

“Wow.” -That is a word I use a LOT.

It lends itself to describe my feelings on a lot of things…from the good -to the bad…even to the ugly.

(I promise I don’t write about cancer often-but when I feel led to…I do. So maybe someone has just had a diagnosis, or needs to just know their loved one can make it through–this is for you.)

The word “WOW” depicts my astonishment over many things…

It’s what I wanted to say when my doctor looked at me in a sort of nervous way- and said the words “cancer” quickly, as if to get them out there in the open air–might relieve some of the stress she was feeling.

Her first words, “Well, I don’t have good news for you”, hung suspended, and I wanted to hit the rewind button and back track and maybe even have a re-do of the past few days events. But that wasn’t happening. It was there. The test run- the mammogram and the ultrasound with the biopsy all told the facts of what was under the skin of me…but just so far. It couldn’t get to the heart of me… that was and is only for God to see.

I sat on the back porch, ignored the obvious humidity and heat and drank my coffee at the beginning of that particular week and I felt a weariness and dread come over me–it knocked me backwards in my spirit. Have you ever felt spiritually knocked down? As if you were in a physically-real-fight?

The REST of the story is on my prayer journal blog…. HERE.

Bolivia, Focus Forward Ministries, Ministry, Mission Trip, Missions, Trust

Our Summer Newsletter: 3 Teams+3 Days=God Glorified!

July 18, 2018July 18, 2018 A. Knight

If I had to imagine what this group could accomplish in 3 days time, I would have come up short. But we know what NEEDS to get done will get done. Because God is leading the way.

This was an amazing group.

We were thrilled to host Evangel Worship Center from Marianna, Florida and God did not fail at performing the unprecedented for this amazing group. Beginning with the airport!

The doctors bags were NOT searched. That is unprecedented . For any of the teams we’ve ever brought, since 2011, the airport issues have always given me hives (not really, but inside my gut that’s the feeling I always get).

Evangel brought 3 groups: Medical; Construction; and Crusade teams. They all worked so well together–harmony and the love of God was felt wherever they were!

The school was blessed by the supplies many of YOU donated money for–thank YOU. You will never know (unless you come and see for yourself) the impact those supplies make in the work and teaching that happens at the schools.

When we asked for donations, many of you gave! When Jeff and I, along with Nancy, a dear friend from Bolivia, went shopping for them. I kind of expected much lower prices than back home. But no. She took us to 4 different market (very low priced) stores and they were priced so close to what it is at home for many of the things, it made me wonder how the parents afford to send supplies with their kids…in short; they don’t. So this is a triple portion blessing, the parents, the students and the teachers. And our prayer for each of you who gave, to be triple blessed!! I know you didn’t do it for the blessing, but you cannot out give our Father!

I am going to be transparent with this next thing; I’ve been super homesick. So much so, that I clung to these with such joy and gratitude for them giving up of their vacation time to come and serve the beautiful people of Bolivia–my heart weeps again at their hearts of service. You really should have seen them in action.

The team stayed at the campomento that belongs to the church we attend and they all seemed to really enjoy the freedom that afforded them to walk the grounds to pray or explore in safety.

Each morning began super early as Pastor LaVon and his wife Brenda cooked breakfast with Kenny and Debbie helping–of course Jeff was right in there, not wanting to miss a moment with them. I, on the other hand, slept a little later. (I think Jeff’s clock is always set for 4:00 am) Pre-cancer, I could have jumped up and been ready to go, as I had when I helped (my super-chef-friend, Donece) one summer in our camp kitchen, but unfortunately I can’t do that anymore. I try and not beat myself up over it, but sometimes I just do. Then I remind myself, I can do what I can do and I am GRATEFUL to be able to do it!

I want to share some pictures of the amazing team at work. Unfortunately this is the first year I didn’t get the construction team in action! BUT, I can tell you they installed 40 fans in the cabins in 3 days. EWC paid for them, the construction team installed them, and the hundreds of people that will stay in these rooms from this point on will sleep more comfortably in the summer (November – April) months. These guys were amazing. I do have a picture of Jeff, Brad, Larry and Tim walking, exploring the possibilities of another project at a school that is need of a bathroom.

Jeff took them on a visit to the local hardware street.

The last pictures I want to leave you with are of the medical and crusade teams. I cannot express enough how blessed we feel to have hosted this group as our first team as MA’s here in Bolivia. We hope for more.

There’s no way to give you the smells and sounds they experienced:

The smell of the garbage that littered every single roadway.
The sounds of the rooster crowing every single morning.
The sight of the children that are placed on street corners to beg…

But I pray those smells, sights and sounds will long remain embedded in their hearts.

Thank you Evangel. The impact you have made in the people (your new friends) of Bolivia will be told across the corridors of eternity! You have made a difference in, not only their lives, but ours as well. THIS is what we came here for. To help others know the love of Christ through the sacrifices made by those who would hear the call of the Father, “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 hcsb

Bolivia, faith, Hope, Life, Ministry, Missions, prayer, Trust

You Have to Believe it to See it

January 16, 2018 A. Knight

You’ve heard people say,– I’ll believe it when I see it? Try believing before you see. Try seeing it in your spirit. And then watch Him unfold the journey.

When in Costa Rica, I almost forgot that a blue this color existed. But the skies are that blue at home. #nofilter. And at night, the stars shine bright. It’s especially beautiful on a cold night. Head thrown back, thanking my Father for such wonderful gifts like this!

Every night while home, when I took my Gracie Mae out, I would look up at the night sky and draw in a deep breath of cold air and proclaim aloud my gratitude for the heavenly display of night-lights. I love it. If you have never had a length of time when you couldn’t see the stars– or a cloudless blue sky this spectacular– like only Northwest Florida (at my moms house) can produce, then maybe you don’t quite understand my immense joy. Even though I couldn’t SEE the stars in Costa Rica, I knew. I believed. They were still hanging around up there. Waiting to be seen!

I love coming home. Although we didn’t stay at mother’s this visit– (the things we both had to do were concentrated in Marianna), I still enjoyed my few short visits back home. It’s was really odd- the LORD really helped me deal with the emotions of each place I called home. The people– that’s another thing. It hurt to leave them again.

Our daughters and their boys are the delight and light of our hearts– but we have an urgent compelling to follow what God has laid on our hearts. It’s a compelling that we just can’t turn off.

The other night I heard something- it was actually in the wee hours of the morning– I lay there very still and the Holy Spirit whispered again. I got up to go to the bathroom with intentions of writing it down (typing it on my notepad) when I got back to bed. But just that fast– that word was gone. Stolen from my mind with all the busy things that kept rolling through night after night while we’ve been home.

As I lay in the bed, very still and quite, I asked the LORD, “please give it to me one more time.”

He did.

“You cannot unhear a call from God.”

Just like you can’t unsee something you wished you hadn’t seen- or unsay something you said and instantly regretted, you cannot unhear once the voice of God has called your name.

Oh how I love Him. I am so thankful that when He looked for someone to “go”, we both said “yes”. How in the world did it all happen?? Only by God’s grace and HIS divine guidance. All the pieces of this journey will hopefully one day find its way to a book– that’s what my friend Betty and I had hoped to get to work on– but it didn’t happen– too many things going on. We’ve planned it and talked it for several years now though. And God has kept piling on the Words and the journey is sweeter with every passing day.

A lot of things look different than what I first supposed. But I have followed Him long enough and lived for Him long enough to know that He is very purposed about every detail of our lives and this journey.

After being in language school with over 30 other students– from other districts, we do know that our district is the best. (Grinning– because our district is family) The West Florida District Presbytery Board gathered around us this afternoon before we left and prayed for us– and we have such admiration for what they each do. They are amazing. And one of them is our oldest daughters Pastor. And I had the opportunity to thank him for all the prayers he has prayed over our girl and her boys. God has been faithful!!

If you’re dreaming a BIG GOD SIZED dream– keep believing. If it won’t turn off in your heart and mind no matter what- keep praying. If every sermon you hear, every song and every Word keeps you coming back to circle your dream again– trust that In HIS timing, it will all line up.

No, it may not look like you imagined. You may be older, gray haired, a little weaker in body, but stronger in spirit, … believe to SEE the impossible. Believe to LIVE the improbable. And believe to be used by the Master Himself when the time is right. That’s what we are here for. Bring HIM glory, through telling His story which is our story and HIS story in us. That may have sounded like a jumble of confusion there– but it’s late. Jeff’s driving and I’m blogging on my phone.

When you look up at the blue sky– think of us. Pray for me that I will keep my eyes open to what HE wants to show me next. And when you look up at the night sky and see stars, count yourself blessed. There were many nights I teared up wanting to see them. I’ve never been on a mission trip to Bolivia and saw the stars. I only saw about 5 stars (and only saw the moon about 5 times!) while in Costa Rica. It saddened my heart a great deal because I love looking at the sky.

Well. It’s late. For us anyway. We may stop and sleep soon and get an early start in the morning. We love y’all. Every single one. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep giving Him Praise and Glory!

Believing…. and seeing. They go hand in hand.

Believing BIG-

Angie

#aknightsjourney

Adversity, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Life, Missions, Trust

You’ve Got Mail!

October 1, 2017 A. Knight

October Greetings!

I was reading in one of my devotional books, “Streams in the Desert”, last week and this jewel jumped off the page. Mainly because, not only was it a powerful devotion, but it was spot on for what we have been feeling and going through –here in language school.

A piece of wood once bitterly complained because it was being cut and filled with rifts and holes, but he who held the wood and whose knife was cutting into it so remorselessly did not listen to the sore complaining. He was making a flute out of the wood he held and was too wise to desist when entreated to do so. He said:

“Oh, thou foolish piece of wood, without these rifts and holes thou wouldst be only a mere stick forever–a bit of hard black ebony with no power to make music or to be of any use. These rifts that I am making, which seem to be destroying thee, will change thee into a flute, and thy sweet music then shall charm the souls of men. My cutting thee is the making of thee, for then thou shalt be precious and valuable, and a blessing in the world”.

I was stunned. My eyes filled and I wept with gratitude and a strong repentant heart for crying out while being that stick of wood, and complaining for all the “shaping” going on. This school is rightly named. Chisel.

Every time I have entered a sentence in my Spanish Dictionary and used the name of the school, Cincel, the word “chisel” comes up, since that is exactly what Cincel means in Spanish. Chisel. We have all felt the blows of the hammer as well as the knife on the stick of wood. But you know, in our hearts we all long to be useful for the Master. The One who called us surely has a plan and purpose for every splinter of whittling, and gouging out the places that have so desperately needed work.

On an encouraging note, we can carry on a conversation with others now with a little more confidence. I walk down to the beauty salon and talk with the young ladies there about once every couple of weeks. It’s where I got my FIRST haircut after chemo! I was so excited, and I have made two new “Tica” friends in the process. One of them even gave me her phone number so that I could practice my Spanish. And another one made me some flashcards this week to help with my “beauty salon lingo”.

We have prayed for you all during all these weather episodes and the various things that have been going on. Last week, as I was sitting here typing, we had a small earth tremor that shook the bed that I was sitting on. Everything in this world is subject to change. In the very next minute–your life or my life could change. We have no promise of tomorrow, we have today–and it’s up to us to use it for the Master, or squander it away.

This weekend, we were privileged to be able to go with dear friends, about an hour out of the city to the mountain area and just relax for the morning. We stood at a fence and just viewed the valley and surrounding mountains and we breathed. It felt good. I cannot quiet describe the feeling–but it was needed and necessary. And best of all….we spent time with friends of like mind and faith, who also left home, family, friends, and jobs they loved, to follow into the unknown, our Jesus.

While talking with the young lady at the little coffee shop–we asked her about the coffee harvest season. The process from the time of planting, to harvest, to roasting, grinding all the way to your favorite cup of coffee.

Something we learned by tasting: a good cup of coffee does not need sugar or cream. That had to be proven to me. It is something I will be excited to share with my family when we get home in December. A hot cup of the best Costa Rican coffee.

She was so passionate about her job–her love of coffee and all things Costa Rica came through with every word she shared. That’s what I want others to feel and hear in us as we share about Jesus in our new language. I want them to feel the passion in our hearts–hear it in our voices and see it on our faces. I want them to desire to know Him and share His love with their own families.

That’s one thing we need you to add to your prayer list for us: Our ability to speak fluently as possible and to be able to share without reservation or hesitation.

Can I share with you a list of daily prayer needs?

Sunday: Pray for our spiritual lives. Our spiritual growth, fellowship with local believers, integrity, reliability, and consistency. Jeff was blessed with a lunch a couple of weeks ago from an invitation from a “Tico” friend he met at church. What a joy! Pray for more connections and development of relationships that will last long after we leave.

Monday: Pray for our personal lives. For our marriage. You have no idea the attacks on marriages and families here. I won’t go into the details–suffice it to say, prayer is necessary to the mission. Pray for our families back home, their health, both physical and spiritual. Pray for their protection. What is it with mama’s and daddy’s that believe we need to be there to help? God is not limited by distance.

Tuesday: Communication. Adapting with generous flexibility to the culture, customs and people. The language study, clarity in speech, ability to hear and comprehend.

Wednesday: Relationships. Both in the churches and the community. As well as not losing our relationships back home. That’s a fear many have as they shift their lives to another field. We have discovered through conversations with others and reading several articles for missionaries, home relationships (back in the states) almost always suffer, insomuch as they are forgotten altogether. Or at the very least, once they return, they are treated differently than when they left. We hunger for our relationships with you to either remain strong–or become even stronger. Not become weaker or disappear altogether.

Thursday: Evangelism. Boldness, sensitivity, Holy Spirit led.

Friday: Discipleship. That we can be mentors. Training, equipping, and encouraging others even now before we get to our field of service. May we serve Him now with fervor.

Saturday: Pray for our country. Our first and home country, the United States of America, and secondly, our country of calling: Bolivia. Pray for more schools to open in Santa Cruz, relationships to develop and grow under the anointing and presence of the Holy Spirit. Help us pray now for a good, safe, and secure place to live.

Often many think that because they aren’t giving monetarily, they aren’t helping. NOTHING could be further from the truth. Your prayers make the difference. We cannot do this without your prayers. I cannot say that loud or long enough. Prayer is the KEY to the KINGDOM.

Thank you for taking the time to add us to your likely already long prayer list. It is undeniably what keeps us going strong. We love each of you. If you feel led to get further involved, an offering of any amount is always welcomed and needed. The cost of living here is “crazy” expensive. But I won’t talk about that any further. It hasn’t brought the prices down one bit! 🙂

We received our 3rd mail here this week! (It takes about 10-14 days to reach us if there are no holidays involved.) OH Mercy I was giddy with joy! My heart overflowed with the love from the words that came from the letter–but soon found myself weeping like a child. God is SO good! Thank you. Every word meant the world. I have all three cards we’ve received taped to the wall in our bedroom. It gives me joy every time I look at them.

We wish you were here. We miss you. BUT, if the LORD is willing [as my Mamo always said], or “Si Dios quiere”, we will see some of you in December! We wish we could visit every single one of you in your churches! You are greatly loved.

All for HIM,

Jeff and Angie

“Streams in the Desert, Morning and Evening Edition, page 649-650, September 20 (L. B. Cowman, Zondervan Publishing Company.)

Adversity, breast cancer, faith, Life Issues, Ministry, Missions, News Letter, Trust

Pardon the Dust

May 11, 2017August 1, 2017 A. Knight

Have you ever seen the sign that says, “Pardon the Dust”?, in a store when it is under a remodeling, but they are still open for business? Well, that is pretty much like my life. I won’t speak for Jeff, but he would likely say the same thing. My area is really dusty these days. More so (in my mind) than the cancer days.

I told a new friend this week that [language school] seemed to be designed to do what the chemo did….kill off things that doesn’t belong. Then we learned what the name of the school meant; in Spanish, cincel means to chisel. Appropriate, don’t you think? I think many of the new students have felt the sharp edge of the chisel this week.

We are on day 4 of classes and I will do my best to share enough, but not too much that you get cold feet if God is speaking to your heart about missions. But in reality, if God is speaking to you….there is no amount of things I could say that would scare you away. You are in it for the long haul. Just like us. Be advised though, the enemy won’t like your decision–just as he didn’t like ours–BUT GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL. Through everything!

Our days begin early–Jeff slipping into an altogether new routine here, and myself as well. We get up early (Jeff, often around 4:00). He has always been an early riser-but I think this place calls for even earlier–simply because such deep God conversations need to take place. And listening. Escuchen….to listen. Above the voices in my head, I am learning to listen more to the Holy Spirit when He gives a direction. “This might hurt….but it’s for your good.”

There, He sets me on the block. Chisel and hammer. Dust is flying. I am noticing some things in me that needs correcting. I need to be more sensitive. Not quick to judge or assume based on what my eyes see…but to listen. He blows His holy air on the form sitting still on the block. That’s me. The tears I shed based on what I feel, the weaknesses in me, wash away more of the dust. He is working to see His image in our lives….

That was like chemo and radiation. “This might hurt, you will feel many changes, but it’s for your good”…. I think God prepared me in some ways on HOW to look at things so that I would not crumble (quite so much).

I have two friends who, one just this week lost her daughter to cancer, and our cancer journey began approximately the same time, and another dear woman is losing her husband, even as I type, to cancer. And here I sit. Healthy–preparing for a work God has set before me…and I cannot explain even the least amount of the whys of that. But God’s plans are perfect and I will not try and understand HIS understanding for the Word says, it’s way beyond me.

We are grateful for our monthly supporters and daily prayer partners. YOU have no idea! When I wake up in the morning–I know someone is praying! All during the week, I trust and believe someone is still believing with us that God has much in store! And their support continues so that we may journey on.

Each day in class (so far) I have felt so close to tears at times because there is NO English spoken by the teachers. It is brain numbing. There, that’s the chisel again. Learn a new way. Open your heart, mind, ears and listen. Admittedly, I come home and go to the bathroom to let the tears fall. It’s a release. Don’t feel sorry for me, pray with us. We need to learn this. The culture, the language, the people. Once the tears are dry, I feel better.

I learned just yesterday, the best thing to do after class is go for a long walk. So, Jeff and I walked yesterday, about 8 blocks, mostly uphill, to the grocery store to pick up a few things. Let’s look at that miracle for a minute. UP HILL. The backstory of this is I finished my last round of radiation treatments that took place every single day for 6 weeks the WEEK before we left for Costa Rica. I hardly had energy to pack. I had beloved friends, one at a time, come almost every day to lend a hand with our packing. I couldn’t even “think” clearly from the residual effects of the chemo yet, here I was packing with help, and then just a week later arriving here.

The walkway to our apartment is such a steep downhill trip, that first day I was so afraid I would fall face first–but I didn’t. Sure, my knees ached afterwards, but look again at the miracle. YESTERDAY, we walked over 8 blocks one way mostly uphill. Of course I was sweating like a horse when we got there, but my mind was clear. And we did our little shopping, enjoying the air conditioned grocery store…then we had to carry our packages back…all 8 blocks. Thankfully, my precious husband carried the two stuffed bags and I carried the umbrella. It rains every day.

New things. Every day something new. A new experience, a new feeling, a fresh mercy from God. We are learning now to live without the air conditioner. I have the blessing of two fans that Jeff bought after we arrived. THAT is huge to me here.

I look at many things differently. The dust that is gathering at the base of this Sculptors stone will soon be blown away again, and He will look to see what else needs adjusting. Hammer will continue to strike and I can count on sitting in this spot, under His chisel until He feels it’s time. I’m done. I’m ready. Then, I’ll go Home. Not to an earthly home, but to my heavenly home. All the while the chiseling and hammering is happening, work is being done, through me and on me. He will use me however HE sees fit….just as He will YOU when you say “yes, LORD, I’m willing”.

In the meantime friends, please pardon the dust. He’s still working on me.

[We are very grateful for a new supporter this week! If you are interested in becoming a prayer partner or a monthly supporter–or BOTH, please feel free to visit our agwm site, www.tinyurl.com/sendjeffandangie]

faith, Ministry, Mission Trip, Trust

Is it me–or is it Odd?

July 10, 2014October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Kolomoki Mounds Lake

Ok…there are some odd things happening…

Not bad odd…just odd odd. Yeah, that makes perfect sense.

It’s the “odd” sort of things that cause me to pause in my thinking, go back and dig in my prayer journal where I record prayers, thoughts, answers, Scriptures—because when I backtrack to what I’ve asked Him…I find that months later, there’s the answer in front of me—via Word from God through the Word…a scene that stares back at me from across the lake, through a message preached…or through a person– and most always most of those combined.

Side note: I had the BEST surprise this week. A monetary gift from Cindy M. from California to purchase BIBLES to carry to Bolivia! I was thrilled! God is faithful to His promises! If you want to get in on the action or find out what I’m talking about –go here: Bibles and School Supplies for Bolivia! Side note end.

This is from a past devotion. I’m not even sure of the date—but the “odd thing” was I happened on it by accident today… I wasn’t looking…I promise.

In the words of Oswald Chambers, “Dreaming about a thing in order to do it properly is right; but dreaming about it when we should be doing it is wrong.”

Can I just tell you that on the day I read this one…it hit me square in the eyes. For several reasons.

1) I had missed doing my devotions in my Oswald Chambers book for a few days. I read other things…—but when I picked my book back up, I flipped first to the “day at hand”.

“SMACK”. Right between the eyes.

2) Yes, I had been dreaming. But to put action behind my dreams scared me to death! But still…

My mother always told us, “Actions speak louder than words”. Yes. I know. A mother’s wisdom.

Oswald goes on further, “When we are getting into contact with God in order to find out what He wants, dreaming is right; but when we are inclined to spend our time in dreaming over what we have been told to do, it is a bad thing and God’s blessing is never on it….’neither sit nor stand but go.’ “

It is alright to wait before the Lord to get the instructions…or the road map—but there are times, when He bids us go–have faith in Him and go—and He directs us step by step.

Wanda’s favorite verse was Psalm 27:14. Wait on the Lord. As you are waiting “before Him”…meaning on your knees, in your prayer closet, or on your face, in your private devotions, He is doing the strengthening. He will be your strength. When you feel you have gone your absolute limit….give it up. To Him. And when He answers, however He may choose to answer, give Him all the praise.

There is preparation work ahead. It’s been on my mind—and just last week—those words were spoken over us and to us by an incredible couple—who are just as hungry to see God in action as we are. They have long since been acting on His instructions…

It’s really odd how things are coming together…For you too?

I firmly believe this:

^“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.⁸Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. ⁹Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:¹¹whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:7-11 ESV)

faith, Hope, Trust, Wanda

Face Your Facts With Faith

July 9, 2014October 21, 2016 A. Knight

The last Sunday of June, Doug Clay, General Treasurer of the AG, brought a message that struck and stuck.

If you would like to listen, go to the church website and click on “Hanging Out In God’s Waiting Room”.

The audio/video quality is not the best–but the message was spot on. My interest was highly piqued when he started asking the question, “how many of you feel like you’ve been in or are in God’s waiting room?”

I don’t know if you remember, but that was the only blog post my sister, Wanda, and I wrote together. It was originally on our site, Sisters of Faith, with the title “God’s Waiting Room“, and it was also featured on her funeral service guide.

I had created that blog site so in hopes that it would revive her weary heart with something fun and inspirational to do before her last hospital visit–but God had other plans. Although our lives were dramatically altered, we know His plans are always best…His timing and order always flows in the right direction. And we carry with us, the faith that bore her on.

Sorry to side track–it happens at my age, more often than not….But back to the message by Bro. Doug. It was one of those that resonated in my spirit. I heard– as much as felt the vibrating of the strings as my heart was plucked along with the words, as God began to remind me of the journey we began. I had almost forgotten. No, not really, but as I told a friend — there are days that the memory of what He called me out for is faint–covered with a mist- or fog–like your bathroom mirror after a hot shower–wipe it off.
Now. Can you see…and remember.

I can’t re-preach his message–but I do want to share what God has been reminding me of since that day:

His promises are true. What He said He will do–He will do.
If He has called you to a place–He expects you to follow Him. No dawdling on the road side.
Time is short. Get busy with the gifts He has given you and be contentious with His resources.
Faith is believing without the basis of proof. A missionary cannot prove to you that God spoke to their heart and called them to serve Him in a foreign land (foreign to them, may not be foreign to you)…but they believe and therefore they put their belief into action.

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went out to a place he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he was going. (Hebrews 12:8) By faith even Sarah herself, when she was unable to have children, received power to conceive offspring, even though she was past the age, since she considered that the One who had promised was faithful. therefore from one man–in fact, from one as good as dead–came offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as innumerable as the grains of sand by the seashore. (Hebrews 11:11-12) (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

You and I can have power to conceive…that dream…that promise…

Maybe the facts are not in your favor…but Faith is.

Face your facts with faith*. Watch God in action.

*Statement from Doug Clay’s message, “Hanging Out In God’s Waiting Room”.