Jeff & Angie

Abraham’s Famous Faith

February 20, 2016 A. Knight

“You’re going where?” Abram’s friend leaned in to make sure he heard right.

“I said, I don’t know. We are just going, my friend.” Abram firmly, but quietly stated. He had been getting this a lot.

As they had been packing up their tent and all their belongings, loading camels and the many pack animals, friends had been stopping by, each one with the same question and the same incredulous look on their faces.

Abram swatted a fly from his face with his hand. “The LORD GOD will show us.” Again, that firm quiet to his voice spoke more than the words he said. Abram’s friend muttered under his breath, patted him on the back and turned and left.

The heat that usually bore down on Abram, felt today, like a calming Presence. Almost like a hand on his shoulder giving him comfort as one by one, each friend—who didn’t seem to understand his actions, turned away.

While the above is completely a made up conversation in my mind— it’s how we felt when we began making life changes –preparing for the mission God has ahead.

Abraham, formerly known as Abram, has been a story that I have related to time and time again. His faith in God–trusting Him–made him famous. He didn’t seek fame–He sought God.

I felt the excitement he must have felt the night he threw his head back and gazed at the endless curtain of blinking stars. We have both experienced that look—or expression of incredulity from friends, and maybe even a family member or two—as we shared what we believe (not just feel), that God has called us to do.

This experience of our faith walk has been targeted at different parts of our lives—at various times in this season of life. One by one, God has pointed His finger at things in our lives and said either “keep-or-give”. Or, at least to me, that’s how it has felt.

Missionaries at the ages of 54 and 60 wasn’t what we had on our agenda 10 years ago. Actually, it wasn’t even in my planner 3 years ago.

Mission work? Yes. Spending a month at a time on a specific project there? Yes. But packing up everything that doesn’t get sold to live in a country where I can’t speak the language (yet)… Not quite.

BUT GOD has a way of changing our hearts to YEARN for His will and His direction. He has a way of changing our hearts desires the closer we get to Him. How did all this happen? That will come later as I unfold this in the blog—but first I want to share something one of the missionaries has said this week as we have toured with our District Women’s Ministry Director, Rese Moore.

I believe it was missionary, Whittney (I leave off her last name for her future safety), who said it best,

“God has called us ALL to go. But some—He has given you the assignment to stay”.

Your assignment has come with a job He has called and directed you to. And in that job, He expects you to be an onsite missionary.

One who lives by example—and builds relationships (just like we will do) with those He puts in your path. One who leads by conversation…. (Really makes you re-think the joke you told last week, huh…).

Your assignment comes with benefits of a dependable weekly salary—as long as you keep up your end of the bargain, your boss will keep up his.

Our assignment comes with a question to our friends and family: “Do you want to join our team?” Meaning, “Do you want to help win the lost in these last days? Do you want to help us show them JESUS?”

It comes down to two things really: Either we want to do all we can to share Jesus where they don’t know Him—in the unreached villages of this world—or we are completely satisfied with them not knowing and stand idly by as they leap off into eternity lost.

Our assignment right now is two years. Do you think—for two years you could give up ONE Starbucks coffee a month? Just one. What about 2?

If 35 of our friends and family gave up Starbucks just ONE time each month—to take part in a soul reaching team—that would put us over half way to our budget goal.

What if—ONE time each month—you give up ONE dinner out of, say a Zaxby’s drive through meal. Just for two people. That’s close to $25 with large drinks and tax included—and maybe one milkshake to share as dessert. JUST ONE TIME in a whole month—for two years.

Give it up and maybe just cook a simple meal of rice and chicken and fry some cornbread. That’s more of a meal than most anyone in a third world country will ever have in a day. They may have the rice—but they likely won’t have any meat.

I don’t know if you have read down this far or got tired and turned it off—Maybe you are saying, well, Angie, exactly what are you and Jeff giving up?

Everything.

And every time I think of all the times I won’t get to drive to my mom’s house for a meal or a visit with them, or sit on a comfy couch in an air-conditioned living room and a drink coffee with my baby sister, and join her hand and pray for her family and my family, I will be honest. I cry.

And every time I think of my two amazing daughters–and how MUCH I love spending time with them–and that will not happen for two years….I cry.

And every time I think of our 6 grandsons and how sweet their sugar is, or our precious granddaughter who I won’t get to see turn into a godly young woman and graduate high school, I cry.

BUT THEN– I think of all those children I have met—and those I’ve not yet met—who are waiting for someone to show them Jesus. Waiting for someone to BE Jesus in their lives and love them no matter how poor they are. No matter that they have nothing to offer us–we have MUCH to offer them. Jesus. And there they are, just waiting for someone to join our team—so that we can get there and introduce them to Jesus Christ. God’s Only Son—who loved them so much that HE came and died so that they might have life.

We’re only asking for one thing—each month—for two years.

There are some who can afford to give more than ONE Starbucks “sacrifice” a month…..Only you and God know what He’s asking of you.

After two years, if God continues our assignment—we will see what He asks you to do. Or, God may have another assignment for us…OR, He may have another assignment for you.

This is the link to join our team—OR you can download a copy of the commitment form and send it in, our account number is 2853562, our Region is Latin American, and of course—you know our names, Jeff and Angie Knight.

We have discovered–some are waiting to be asked. But there are those who just get so excited–they jump ahead and join, saying, “we want to be part of your team”. You have no idea how that makes us feel!

You know, I think God likes it best when we, as His children, come up to Him and say, “What would you have me to do Father?” Go? or Stay. Stayers get to be senders. What a GREAT opportunity. To be a part of missions, both HERE and There.

Brittney Hall Photography credited with “birthday photos”. Thank you Brittney!!!

faith, love, Missions

God Asked me this:

February 15, 2016February 15, 2016 A. Knight

How BAD do you want to help?

Really. How Bad do you want to help?

That was God’s question to me the first time I felt the Holy Spirit nudge my heart about missionary support. I had just heard a missionary speak—sharing his heart about the country he and his family felt called to—and I felt that nudge—that desire to do something.

But then—quickly, rational thinking intervened and reminded me of all the monthly obligations I had, Whew! Close call.

“Not so fast, Angie”, The Holy Spirit whispered gently.

Remembering the Great Commission, I know all too well that the call was to all. All of us—every single living human being with a mind and heart to hear and feel the Lord speak…

There were no “if you have any extra at the end of the month”….

John Piper believes if we aren’t actively going—or sending—we are actively disobeying.

Okay—so maybe you have prayed and you sincerely feel that you aren’t called to change your physical address. Did you know—that with a monthly offering—you can send?

You and I can help another missionary work in their calling—and help KEEP them there? You and I can sow seeds in a country we will likely never step foot in—just giving something up.

OR, by doing something MORE.

What do I mean by that?

Well, let’s take something so MANY of us love… Coffee. Oh, I know—I just hit a nerve.

Maybe you have a ritual cup of SPECIAL Coffee with a friend every single week. I am sure during that time you are ministering to them and encouraging them—and even witnessing to them. I’m not asking you to give up a witnessing window… I just want us all to look at how we “spend” our resources–

How bad do we really want to help?

Let’s look at the “drive-through” Starbucks and Krispey Kreme, ‘get-‘em while they’re hot’ ventures. Can we sacrifice our cravings for missions? I am the first one to admit to having cravings for ice cream, specialty coffees, and yes, even hot-now donuts. And every time I fulfill one of my cravings and neglect writing that check and sending it off—I am in essence, showing God—just who is really more important. Ouch.

What about doing something more?

By that, I mean there are other ways to give—One of the first things that I thought of was the “excess” we live with.

Every year—about twice a year, I have a “purging”. Usually I give things away—like to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or another similar type store. But then I realized I could –with some effort on my part—have a yard sale. Sure—it’s easy easy to just load it up and haul it off. But then—how does God get the glory? And how would a missionary get the benefit?

So—I partner with a friend and we go through our homes for about a month and gather our “stuff”—meet at my house and price it all and plan the “day”. We yard sale for missions. I have used this as a way to “pay” my way on trips—or to help someone else. And we have a good time in the fellowship of it all. And my house and life is less cluttered.

Another way—I cleaned a few toilets to do what I needed to do for missions. Quite a few. I did whatever little job or back breaking job I could do—for missions.

God continually asks me, “how bad do you want to help?”

What for?

Last year God showed us the open door to who He’s called us to. Children. Specifically, those who are falling through the cracks. Those who are 5 years old and living in a prison cell. Seems absurd doesn’t it. The child did no crime, yet because of the laws in Bolivia, if a parent goes to prison and there is no one to look after the children…they go too. Babies are even born in prison.

The country’s most notorious prison is just a few blocks from one of our LAC Schools. Our first assignment was helping a young girl get back in school. Her name is Claudia. A victim in her own home—a step-brother about 10 years older than she is began abusing her when she was about 10 years old—by 12 she became pregnant. Fear kept her from telling.

The man is now in prison, and Claudia has just recently turned 13—and her baby was about 8 months old when I held her in October. The most incredible thing in all of this is the bravery of Claudia. She actually “wanted” to get back in school. Statistically, young girls who are victims of rape and molestation do not want to go back to school or return to the life they knew before the tragedy. They are scarred in such a way—shame causes retreat. And there are times, this type of damaging shame leads to promiscuity.

We have been able to financially supply for Claudia’s education, counseling, and meet the physical needs of her baby girl. Her baby’s name is Genesis. For certain, Claudia’s testimony opened our eyes to many of the real needs in Bolivia.

Jeff and I knew we were already “called” to Bolivia—but now we know a bit more of the “why” and to “whom”.

As a friend was introducing us recently at a church service he stated, “Jeff and Angie are the result of one too many mission trips”. Of course he was teasing—for he knew all too well the passion that burns in our heart for not only missions, but very specifically, the country and people of Bolivia.

We would be thrilled to have you join our team and partner with us through prayer and monthly support. Please don’t let the word “support” scare you. I’m not asking for $100 a month. I’m just asking you to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit as He directs your heart.

Jeff and I are working hard to get there– we’ve sent emails– and mailed letters to those pastors whose emails we sent “bounced back”. We’ve been invited to share in a few churches and are excited to get the opportunity to share with more…. but we need more doors open. A 5 minute- or 10 minute window would be great– we’re not asking for your whole service, just a small opportunity to share our heart.

Thank you so much for listening to these ramblings words—from the heart of a sold-out-missionary.

Missions

Together…we can all go

February 2, 2016February 2, 2016 A. Knight

God intends for us to go together.

You may not have to get your passport…but with your partnership, we go together.

Every step Jeff and I take, you take with us. Every seed you sow into our mission, we in turn, sow into lives you may not see outside of a picture that we share online—but we will join around that eternal throne in heaven that our King sits on.

It’s been a fearsome thing to send out over 100 emails—and wait for a response. To dial a number and wait for an answer—to get a machine, leave a message and wait for a response.

It’s a fearsome thing—if we thought for one second it depended on us….but it doesn’t. God called US, so we are certain He will call you to step out in faith and help.

Sometimes—you might think, oh well, I don’t have $25 or $50 a month to spare… Did you know $5 and $10 helps? A faithful, continual offering of $5 a month is $60 a year. It might not look like much alone, but together—with God multiplying? –There’s no way I can add up what that might be!

At this point, we need monthly partners to give whatever God lays on your heart—we need this to begin before we can leave. We need just over $3,000 in monthly supporters—I know. It looks daunting on this side. The cost of living is higher in some countries—it amazes me how the people there make it—but we are going to “reach them”….and reaching them in the mountains, villages and areas that are hidden away from the main population will cost us to get there.

We have watched God do some amazing things in our ministry in the past few years—but we believe we’ve not seen the best yet. When we took our mission team to build a church and host crusades in 2013—the enemy was not happy. He did his best to tear down anything and everything—BUT GOD HAD A PLAN.

On the last day of the building—crusades were over and we gathered in a tiny room to pray for the pastor and his family and board members—The Holy Ghost fell in such power—the 3 hours we prayed seemed but minutes when all 30 something of us walked out drenched in sweat and headed to the church to dedicate the house of God. That was all God.

We are praying for you—as we pray for ourselves—for God to continue to lead and direct us—we are praying that God will show up in your life in such a mighty way. We are believing that you will see things as you step out in faith, that you never dreamed possible! Because God is God—God can do anything.

Thank you friend. For reading this all the way through! For praying for us—partnering with us as God leads you, and being faithful to what He has already called you to do for the furthering of His Kingdom. 01BACK cover2014-09-04 01-AKBolivia 2014-VC 215

If you would like to partner with us, click on the link provided, scroll to the bottom of the page and select “make a recurring commitment” (beside the Give Now button). That’s it. Believing with YOU for big things in your life!

Together, we can all go.

All for His glory,

Jeff and Angie Knight

faith, Family, For Sisters of Faith, Wanda

Today, February 1st

February 1, 2016October 21, 2016 A. Knight

It begins. Not that it ever ended–but today is a day like Frederick Buechner described:

“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….” ― Frederick Buechner

For the last eight years, I’ve found joy amidst sadness. “The sad” tries to horn in on the joy in our daily giving of gratitude to God for His faithful love and ever Present Self. Don’t mistake this post or this month of beautiful February as a month to mourn. It’s not. It IS a month to celebrate life, love, faith and sisters!

After my sister Wanda left for her eternal home, several realities hit. I needed to live, as never before, to make a difference. To impact another life for God, and help someone lost find “Home”…. “heaven”…. to introduce them to Jesus Christ–my Savior… with every mission trip–and trip to Walmart–I hope I do. It’s my goal. But there are days–just like some recent ones–where the goal wasn’t on my mind. Instead the focus was — “get in–get out–get home”. I bet you have days like that too. It’s okay–as long as you know at the end of that day, God is still real whether you felt His breath on your face or you felt alone. And He still loves you and has a plan for your life.

Several weeks ago another friend left for her eternal Home. She left behind a precious sister and dear brother and my heart wept for them and I prayed for them because I knew what the days might look like ahead for them. For the sister, I knew there would be countless times she would pick up the phone to call her sister and tell her a funny, or to vent, or rant…. and to check on her. And that every time she sees socks, she will think of her–Christmas or not.

We do that with purple. Anything purple makes us remember Wanda.

Our sister Wanda loved the color. It was the final dress she wore. A beautiful shade of purple that was unlike any I had seen. It was my favorite suit on her–that’s why Aimee and I chose it. Wanda looked regal in it. Well, to us, she looked regal in everything!

After Wanda passed away, Aimee and I began celebrating purple–(and I can’t remember exactly how it all came about) –but it started with a beautiful cake a friend made to celebrate Wanda’s birthday and I had ordered about 2 dozen dark purple t-shirts. “Sisters of Faith” with her favorite verse, Psalms 27:14.

We absolutely celebrate every day. We wear something purple–even if it’s just earrings! And we enjoy the life God has blessed us with and we celebrate with joy–the fact that He gave us a precious sister like none other and we will have a blessed reunion one day in heaven. It’s a fact.

So, if you are blessed with a sister, or a dear friend that you feel is a sister–CELEBRATE her!

Celebrate your faith in God and the hope we have–and the love and life He’s given!

Celebrate life! Celebrate with purple! 🙂

We will.

Childhood Memories, faith, Family

Happy Birthday Mother!

January 31, 2016October 21, 2016 A. Knight

I think–probably 90% of the kids believe they have the “best” mother in the world…and I am one of that percentage. We believe it pretty strong…we are certain.

I read something from a book a couple weeks ago–about a conversation that perhaps “God” may have had. He hand picked some kids. Some that had special needs…and chose the parents according to the gifts that He put inside them. Their strength. Their passion. Their love. I believe God hand picked my mother and chose “us” to be blessed by her strength–her passion and her deep love. Her love for God is what has made each one of us who we are today.

When life handed her hard times, I won’t say she didn’t flinch–because as a mother and grandmother myself, I know that flinching often takes place–but we don’t turn away from what’s in front of us….she stepped up to the plate in the ballgame of life and took her best swing. And hit the ball smack-dab in the middle.

When money was tight, cupboards were skimpy, love was not. No one rode in on a white horse and rescued her–but she knew that her faith in God was firm, solid and secure–and He (God) never failed to supply our needs.

I think today about what kids are subjected to–what they are allowed to do–and how they respond to life and I can’t help but wonder what it would be like for some of them if they grew up in our house.

Laundry every.single.Saturday taught us all responsibility. You wear it–you wash it. You wash it–you fold it and put it away. Not next week. Not in a minute when you finish that game–but now. (When I was growing up, there were no games, only books.) We won’t even get started on the things different today versus how we grew up….you don’t have enough time to read all that!

I have been doing some internal reflecting–and I see where some of mine and Aimee’s “thinking” comes from. It comes from our mother and the foundation she laid early in our lives. Even when things were so hard and I saw tears in her eyes–I saw a strong resolve that no one in our house would ever feel the rejection that happens all too often. Her heart is always ready with generous portions of love, prayers, and the Truth that holds her foundation secure. And if you stop by, chances are, you will get a sack full of produce from her garden if there is something in season…even if it’s just garlic. 🙂

Mother, I pray that your birthday–even though your children are not gathered there today–is filled with love and knowledge that you have blessed the lives of 4 children that were gifts from God–and you did everything He assigned you –above and beyond your ability–because HE blessed you with ability beyond your imagination! We love you so much! I am grateful beyond words to call you “Mother”.
Thank you for standing with me and Jeff in our journey to the mission field…thank you for praying for us diligently and for you and Grandbuddy “sending” us. It is my greatest blessing to be your daughter. I love you– Happy Birthday.

Ministry, Missions

How To Get From Here to There

January 6, 2016October 21, 2016 A. Knight

How to get from here to there-

flying would be the way I’d go

but how exhausting, just so you know.

How to get from here to there-

friends can help lead the way

and just how, they ask, will we stay?

How to get from here to there-

help is needed, I’m sure you’ll agree

God will direct hearts, we shall soon see.

The task ahead has loomed –mostly after the initial day of “excitement” that came with the news of our approval as missionaries to Bolivia!

Can I just share my heart a minute? I haven’t done that in a while–and pardon the tears–for they just seem to happen when I mentally see those little faces-it’s hard to explain.

If you could experience the anguish of the wait–the internal examination of your life since you first became aware that you were “you”…like we have the past 11 months or so, since we first said “yes” to a God who sees all and knows every detail….

See, before the national office ever began asking their questions, the old enemy started his:

“who do you think you are? Are you kidding? At your age? What ability do you think you have? Seriously?” Over and over and over.

Of course, then came the paperwork. We won’t even go there–because there is possibly a “soon-to-be” called missionary reading this and I certainly don’t want to scare you away–trust me–if God has called you–there is NO other life choice for you. Paperwork-schmaperwork. Just do it.

If you could know the feelings that I get preparing for each trip- when the donations begin coming in for school supplies for those kids who will never have a chance at a brand new box of crayons without your help. Or those little girls who we took dresses to this year–they would have never had the opportunity to have their very own “first time” brand new dress–without your help (East Side Baptist Church-Vernon, FL)–and it honestly leaves me speechless. And to see the look in the mama’s eyes putting it on her little girl…oh friend, if you could know. You were here…but those dresses worked “there”.

If you could know what it feels like to hug the body of a little girl who has never ran or played like other girls, who gets made fun of because she had an old walker that had been sawed-off to suit her short build, but was still too wide. If you could see the tears fall hot and fast from her older sisters eyes when we walk in their yard with a brand new child-sized walker with wheels and a seat, and they realized someone saw a need and had compassion. They may not know the word–but they know the feeling. And some friends from “here” went “there” by helping buy that walker.

If you could walk into the tiniest one-room-home of a little 13 year old girl and see her little baby–and her own baby doll still in the same one room dwelling and know that her life will never return to playing with dolls because now she has one of her own…and she has to be responsible….

If you could board that airplane coming back home and feel that tug in your heart that you are not finished with what you are supposed to do….if you could dream the dreams that I have had for the past 3 years and see the haunting and desperate faces of those who have not been introduced to Christ yet, and wake with a sweat and urgency that the job must be done quickly–for we are running out of time–and you would feel that to stand before a congregation is a fearsome thing to do because your greatest fear is that just may not “get-it” like it has grabbed your soul for the past 4 years of your life.

But…if by chance…it did grab you, and you actually did experience all that I have for the past year to get prepared for what the “next phase” of your life is, you would be like me– taking apart every piece of your life to accommodate the journey ahead. Just when I think I’ve pared down enough, I feel a nudge from my heavenly Father…“more, Angie. Remove more.”

If you click on this link, it will take you to our page with AGWM. From there you can choose to journey and partner with us. You will not be required to leave your home, but you can invest in our journey and join us for the ride of a lifetime. I have created this little guide below, but really, you can choose whatever dollar amount will fit your budget. Once we get to the field, we will be there for two years. We hope that everyone who starts out this journey, will finish it well with us! You can even just give a one time donation–which it is all tax deductible and you will be mailed a receipt each time you contribute.

I remember the first 4 missionaries we began supporting. One of them I had never met. But I strongly felt God lead me to begin supporting them. We added more to our list over the course of the next couple of years and still support them all today. We can’t go to the countries they are in, some are in very sensitive countries, but by giving each month–we are joining them by helping them stay on the field.

Jeff and I have quite a way to go to get there–and we are hoping to get there soon. Would you like to join us? There is also a place to sign up to become prayer partners on our page and we hope that everyone will do that. We really need prayer support. I learned that in such a major way while we were there in October. And please pray as we are calling and emailing pastors–we need open doors, ten minute windows, 5 minute windows–whatever is available we will gratefully accept. God will do the rest.

We humbly thank you–with all that is within us–for the help you are able to give. If you have any fundraising ideas–please contact either one of us on Facebook or by email–we will be grateful for anything! 🙂

May God bless you for your sacrifice and love toward us and what He is doing in our lives.

http://www.tinyurl.com/sendjeffandangie/

Missions

Our Christmas Wish

December 17, 2015 A. Knight

Seems like we have been working on this goal forever… but not quite.

We are giddy with excitement about what the coming months will bring…us closer to Bolivia. Who would have thought that just a few years ago– in 2011 when we first landed our married feet on the foreign soil –that we would be back to sow seeds together for Christ.

Jeff and I had worked together teaching Sunday School, leading a young adult class, working in the church for years–teaching our children how to “clean the church”… and praying for God to keep our family and our hearts–clean too.

But now we are preparing for the next two years–and you can join us. You can become a part of our journey by praying and giving. We need monthly supporters–but also “one-time” donations are gratefully accepted.

All donations are tax deductions–and if you are looking for a place to sow some future seeds of ministry–we would love to be the hands and feet of Christ-going where you aren’t able to right now–BUT, we do hope that one day you might be led to join us for a short term, week long mission trip!

We have hit the ground running–working as hard as we can to be ready to go as soon as the budget and support is fully raised, and I will do my best to keep you posted along the way– please stay with us and keep praying! Even if you think you have nothing to give–you can pray! We need prayer partners!!

January will begin our busy time as we itinerate to churches all over our district (to any and all who will have us!) and we are excited to get to fellowship and get better acquainted with our pastors and mission directors!

So…be on the look out for us! And if you see this truck out on the highway: Pray for The Knights. (this is not us, nor our business, but we love the concept of transporting the Gospel!)

knight-transportation-truck-back-tablet

Missions

Our Christmas WISH

December 16, 2015 A. Knight

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Pick a star…any star…or make up your own. Whatever fits into your budget–we need your prayer and support. No amount is too small–ever. God knows what we can all do–and when we can’t “go”…we can send. We are excited to begin this journey for the next 2 years. Then–we’ll be home and hopefully will get the opportunity to share IN PERSON with many of you what we saw–and what GOD did. All the glory for our journey– all the good we are able to do–ALL goes to HIM!

Click here to go straight to our mission giving page with AGWM.

OOPS! The piktochart isn’t working right for me- I’m still learning. The map of Bolivia is missing 🙂 But–that’s where we are headed.

faith, Life Issues, love, New Year, Wanda

HOPE is a CHOICE

November 30, 2015October 21, 2016 A. Knight

2016 is not yet here—but it is coming! A year for HOPE. I don’t have my Christmas tree up yet….I will show you when I do, but my heart is already looking at 2016. I know. Stay in the present…but I find it hard sometimes. I keep straining to peek into 2016.

Before the New Year gets here, I wanted to share a little encouragement to those who may already have your blanket ready to pull over your head and hide for the next few weeks of seasonal festivities. I have one too…although, I pull it out much less often.

In 2013, I spoke at a Covenant Hospice event these words:

“Hope remembers the past, is aware of the present, but presses on toward the future.”

I was there to share an encouraging word to those who had suffered loss that year. It was the Christmas season—a time when we who have lost someone, remembers the heartaches of losing. More than losing a battle—or losing a game. This loss bears heavy on each person for months and years. Every anniversary we are reminded of the pain of loss. But today, I want to remind us of the HOPE we have. Let 2016 become a brand new start for each one.

Hope remembers. Hope can hear the past; the funny stories, the sweet songs, and Hope chooses that which is good. Hope realizes the present and has a determined focus to help someone else each day and believes firmly that tomorrow holds new life….as we are in Christ Jesus.

Hope rejoices. Psalms 146:5 “But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper-whose hope is in the LORD their God.”

As odd as this may sound, when my sister, Wanda was leaving this life, my younger sister, Aimee began telling funny family stories. We began to laugh. It was just the immediate family—and we felt at ease in the Presence of God. I even felt in my spirit that Wanda lingered a bit longer because she loved to laugh and loved a good “Aimee story”.

It’s okay to laugh—just as it’s okay to weep. We need both. It is a washing of the eyes and soul. And we all need that bath.

Hope is resilient. Hope resolves to continue on. Hope anchored in Christ recovers readily from the winds and waves of life. Hope pushes us forward, knowing “forward” is where healing and growth takes place, not with our heels and heart digging into the past dry dirt of yesterday. There’s no nourishment in the past.

As we navigated through our first Christmas without Wanda, I felt like I walked around wearing my clothes wrong-side-out. I felt turned around and upside down. This was new. I was not sure how I was supposed to transition through this season of life.

The joy of the LORD truly became my strength. I discovered that laughter is possible again—and love continues on. Even after they’re gone. And even with fresh tears, I can smile and rejoice at a new day coming!

Yes, our futures do look different when they are gone—but Hope can take that seat at the table and we can feast on the joy of the LORD. It takes time to see this—as that first year I didn’t feel that “Hope”, rather I felt the reminder of Loss. Navigation is painful—and often difficult. But when we allow the God of hope to guide our hearts and minds—it is possible.

We are approaching our 8^thyear of her home-going. Memories still flood the heart—but Hope stands strong beside each one. We remember all the blessings and we rejoice in God’s gift of life—and we become resilient as we keep our faith, trust and HOPE in Jesus Christ.

After all, Hope is a choice.

faith, Life, love, marriage

Two or Three

November 16, 2015 A. Knight

I love it when God does this:

As I was praying this morning for various needs that I was aware of, a blogger friend that I met several years ago in person at a She Speaks Conference came to my mind. Over and over her name kept calling out to me, as if to say, pray for me. So I did. From the bed where I lay, I began to whisper a prayer and asked God to meet the needs in her life–to shelter her, cover her, bring healing, peace, whatever her need might be- I didn’t know, but HE did. And that’s all that mattered.

Before long though, I had to get up. A feeling of “get alone with God” just kept me awake. So I rose and walked the few yards from our camper to our house. (Bathroom work being done and since we only have one, we need to sleep where there is one handy in the middle of the night.)

The house was quiet and warm. I put on coffee and turned on a couple of lamps and I felt The Holy Spirit with me. Some old fears have tried to creep up on me–from long years ago, but I push them aside, settle myself and begin to pray. The Lord brought two more to my mind to pray for and so they were added to my invisible prayer list.

A fraction of a verse came to me while praying, “two or more gathered in my name”…. I almost felt like maybe He had woke someone else to join me in this prayer vigil for these that I had no clue what their needs were…He has before. I love how He surprises me- especially when it comes to how He works in our prayer lives.

Just as I finished praying and writing some prayer thoughts in my journal, I opened my “God Calling”….and what do I see (this is a surprise, because I hadn’t looked at it in many days–and actually it was in the camper and at the last minute, I reached for it in the dark and tucked it in my bag before I left for the house), but this verse:

“Where two or three are gathered together in My name there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

I smiled–and thought how amazing God is. There is no way I could ever describe all the times He has done similar things –but suffice it to say, it has been many -and this morning I had asked for a rejuvenation in my prayer life–a constant awareness of His presence and He showed me after He told me.

The WORD is a constant awareness of His presence–

HIS power–

& His purpose for us.

We attended a wedding this weekend–it was beautiful! We attended one just a few weeks ago as well that was just as beautiful and the presence of God was so REAL in both that I could sense the Holy Spirit there.

As I thought about this verse this morning, the picture from both weddings came to my mind of the minister (who was also the dad), as he placed his hand on the shoulders of the bride and groom to pray over them.

Three. Where there are two, The Holy Spirit is the third person uniting in prayer with us–for us–to our Father for the needs in our lives or the needs of others.

I am so thankful to know that no matter what my needs, where I am, the distance I have traveled–HE is there. And He can and will wake someone up to pray for me when I am in need. I may never know who or when, but I believe and TRUST in His healing-saving-grace filled power!