Life, Memories, Thank you, Weekend Reflections

A New Day–A New Friend!

A. Knight

Hey folks!

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

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

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

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

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

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

My purple hat from Rene!

 One of Rene’s many blue butterflies…there is a story in the blue butterflies.  Click on her name at the top of this post to read about them.
Looking at the back porch of Rene’s house.  Donetta, you would LOVE this place!

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

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


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

© The Knightly News 2007-2010


Church Functions

Saturday Activities at Church!

A. Knight

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We had a busy Saturday! Different from last Saturday–when we sat all day in a class room soaking up the wisdom of one of the awesome teachers from the District School of Ministry (DSOM).

Today was fun….well, I can’t speak for Jeff…because his was not as much fun as mine was…

We’ll talk more later. 🙂

Ummm, if you see Jeff tomorrow, tell him thanks. He and David did the work for the youth.

Mr. Cy (number 1 grandson in April’s family) is going to be in a children’s program–

and I promised him I would go! (who could refuse this face!)

If you notice…the little man has a toothpick in his mouth.

🙂

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

For Sisters of Faith, Friends, Weekend Reflections

Sisters Retreat 2010

A. Knight

The 2010 Sisters Retreat was great fun!! A relaxing–special time with sisters in Christ!

Hearts were shared–memories made–tears were shed–and friendships forged.

God was good.

I regret not having my camera on hand at all! I took these pictures the first day we arrived and didn’t pick it up again until I saw the butterfly that seemed to be “following” me around! Right into a store at Pier Park on the beach.

I wish everyone that had expressed interest could have joined us–but I know that there are so many activities that are going on in everyone’s life! It’s just a busy time of year! I totally understand.

This was the largest “Sister’s Retreat”–with each condo being a small group of sisters to themselves. That was neat. Devotions and fellowship being shared as small groups and then coming together in the “Club House” of Landmark Condominiums on the beach for our time of sharing and singing—and eating. Of course you can’t have a retreat without eating…can you??

I hope all the ladies had a great time, I know our group did. God orchestrated everything down to the last detail. When we put our “all” in…He returns so much more! More than you can imagine!

When we lay EVERYTHING down that hinders–or otherwise has your mind so occupied as to prevent you from entering into His place of worship–He then replaces that with His powerful Spirit and Presence!

Love you girls! Hope your week is fully blessed!

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

In case you wonder….

I think God may ask “YOU” to host your own sister’s retreat RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE! 

Try it.  Invite 3 or 4.  See what God does when you put HIM as first in the midst….

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

Missions

This Bears Repeating: Call Home

A. Knight

When I’m away from home and away from Jeff, I call home a time or two. It’s not that I’m already homesick, or that I don’t really want to leave home , but that I miss home. I miss him.

I remember when I snapped this picture of Wanda on the morning we were headed back home from our “Sisters Retreat 2007”.

I had walked outside to take some pictures of the cabin in the morning light and Wanda was standing there “calling home”. She searched for the spot with the best reception and then called her baby girl. She needed to hear her voice. Her baby girl needed to hear her mommy’s voice as well.

I think about us. As children of the Most High God, How often do we “call home”? Do we seek out the place with the best reception?

When crisis arise in our lives, is there a hesitation before we seek Him?

Are we wondering if we’ve neglected communication for too long? Wondering if His address has changed?

It hasn’t. He didn’t move, nor did He rearrange the furniture and turn your bedroom into an exercise room. It’s still just as you left it. Perhaps a few cobwebs have gathered in your prayer closet, but I promise it is still there.

Today, while the thought is still fresh, go there. Before a crisis comes. Keep the communication lines open—call home daily.

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”. Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV


I imagine He’s waiting for your call today….

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

Weekend Reflections

What Fall Looks Like

A. Knight

At our house….

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I’ve pulled out the orange, gold and red leaves, set out fresh pumpkin and vanilla scented candles and gave the house a breath of fresh air–all week long.

Windows thrown wide–a/c unit set in the “off” position–and let the breezes blow.

My soul needed this as much as the tired smelling house. Does yours?

As I’ve sat with my mother each morning on my patio, I’ve thought of you. Many of you. I’ve thought of Denise Walden–from “Life at My House”, having just lost her mother on the heels of losing her dad. I’ve thought of Denise Oldham, of “Shortybear’s Place”, with her failing eyesight, but never failing faith in God, Who created our eyes!

My mind wandered over Tiffany, Lynn, Joanne, Lori, Maddie, DeLaney, Barbara, Iris, Kathy, Lisa, and I have to stop right there or I’ll be in big trouble. It was incredible this week, how one email on my phone from Peggy brought me the news of Denise’s current health crisis and we all began to pray.

If you didn’t know…that was God building and using a network of believers!

He began the building of this network in March of 2007 when I first stuck my toe in blogland. Even though I’ve not been online much AT ALL since beginning my classes for ministry–You’ve all been faithfully reading whatever I have put on the screen. Which, by the way, if you didn’t notice, has been NOTHING since Jeff returned from Peru!

Actually, there are 108 more Peruvian pictures to share! I just needed him to give me a bit of explanation on them before I posted the blog–and he just hasn’t had time yet.

Where did the summer go?

We will back-track a bit in a few days.

For now, I’m working on the last details of our Sister’s Retreat. I feel the LORD working mightly. I’ve had my ear and heart to the Word for weeks now–and He doesn’t disappoint in letting me know His heart.

So, if you can pardon my absence just a few more days. . . .

Have a blessed Sunday.

Continue to pray for Denise Walden in this time of grieving–and Denise Oldham–as they face this crisis with her eyesight and Eddie’s dad. They will all appreciate your prayers.

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

Jeff's Posts, Mission Trip

Day 5 Peru! Jeff did his own captions!

A. Knight

YEAH!!!

Jeff has done my reporting job for me! He did the captions of the pictures—before he sent them to me! GREAT JOB Precious Man! (Same man as “Sweet Man”–he’s just REALLY precious to me!)

They are really good. He takes you on a little “work journey” to see how they moved some bricks… you will like this!

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It looks like he’s gonna start you out with his lunch though. They are getting fed VERY well from what I have heard…and no one looks hungry.

Thank you to WHOEVER took the picture of my darlin’ man! It was really good to get to see him today on here!

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

Jeff's Posts, Mission Trip

Day FOUR.

A. Knight

Okay people. These guys are a bit tired…you can tell by those that fell asleep on the way back to the hotel from the job site. Who can blame them? I know they are working hard–and long every day. God bless them ALL!

Jeff added some descriptions to some of the photos, I added some as well. He will clarify any mistakes when he gets home. I try and remember all that he tells me (Since I’m not the blog-reporter on site. THANK YOU MARCELLA for posting signs in your yard rallying for me to win! That’s a little joke. Don’t say very little.)

Thank you to all my blog readers for praying for these guys. I have a friend, Denise in Tennessee who is faithfully praying for these awesome guys every single morning! Thank you Denise!

Okay guys! Let’s get on with the next day’s work! LOOKS like much progress is being made.

Oh, by the way, someone asked me at church about the floor being held up by the “pole trees”. That is not permanent. They will work in that area next. The local church members, not our guys.

Hey Marcella—they have a toilet on site that FLUSHES. Tell Krystal. She would want to know if the toilet got a “blessing”. If you went to Honduras, you will know what I mean by that! Our toilet on our site did not flush. Nope.

Okay. Enough chit-chat. Look at the photos. You can tell I am a bit tired, my writing is the pits. Sorry. Will do better.

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

© The Knightly News 2007-2010

Jeff's Posts, Mission Trip

Sunday in Peru!

A. Knight

They had a wonderful day today! A bit cooler–but very good!

Jeff said that Brandon Spencer preached a powerful message! They had a good crowd there at church–and wonderful fellowship with the people. Very friendly–awesome spirit among them all.

You can tell from the pictures on the beach that the guys enjoyed themselves. I didn’t see anyone swimming….must be the temp.

IF I WERE THERE—I WOULD BE TELLING YOU ALL MUCH MORE OF THE HAPPENINGS. PLEASE CONTACT PASTOR THOMAS MOORE AND HAVE HIM PICK ME AS THE MISSIONS BLOG-REPORTER. AS A MATTER OF FACT–FOR THOSE OF YOU ON HIS FACEBOOK PAGE…FACEBOOK HIM A NOTE. JUST LIKE YOU DID THE WALMART NOTES. I DON’T THINK ANYONE IS RUNNING AGAINST ME.

PUT MY SIGN IN YOUR YARD THOUGH–JUST IN CASE.
 (y’all from here do know I’m joking–right?)

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© The Knightly News 2007-2010

faith, Family

Saturday with Us!

A. Knight

Okay. This is a BIG TIME first.

Get in the truck with me and Aimee and hit the road for Milton, FL. But first we will stop off in Bonifay and pick up Mother. (First time we had to wait on her! We were EARLY!)

But that’s not the BIG TIME FIRST.

The big time first is the fact that I’m letting you ride! I think we will all fit. I’m a truck lover. I don’t get to drive it everyday–since it is Jeff’s and all…but since the fellow is busy “missionarian” in a far away place–I’m taking liberties. 70 mph liberty. (ONLY on the interstate.)

Buckle up!

As you go through the slide show–I have set it NOT on auto play. It will begin when YOU say so.

Aimee and I left around 7ish to get Mother (knowing we had to make a gift pit-stop for a card for a grandson’s birthday) and we “waited” patiently on getting our coffee. Patiently.

After we are all settled in the truck we set out. Oooh. Almost forgot. Aimee prayed first–then I prayed–and asked the LORD to give us a surprise today–I told Him we would be looking–with our eyes and hearts wide open for whatever it would be. He does not disappoint.

We made our first stop at the grand kids. Visiting with daughter and children was most fun–but we didn’t stay long! Get yourself BACK in the truck! We have stuff to DO!

I check my watch as we enter the most delightful antique store! Almost lunch. Didn’t I JUST read a sign that said “Piano Dining”? Or something like that! Anyway, we file in. My eyes are peeled for the “treasure” that I know God will surprise us with!

The FIRST items we saw–AT the door we came in no less–were these darling bunnies!

I thought–THAT was the surprise! Since, if you know us, and knew our sister, Wanda, then you knew she collected bunny rabbits! However; this, I soon learned, was not the surprise.

Fast forward to browsing the the entire store and then deciding this was a great place to settle in for lunch. As we wandered up to the front area of the incredible establishment, we happened to see the baby grand piano about the same time as a man and his young daughter were wandering over.

I got Aimee to pose by the piano and took her picture–she did the same for me. We are odd like that. Taking odd pictures at odd times. But that’s us. A bit odd. 🙂 (smiling big)

As the man walked over and made a comment about us playing the piano I quickly said–“oh I don’t play–do you?”

“A little” was his reply.

“By all means, play us something”! (I am rather bossy at times)

As he sat down and struck a few notes on the shiny black and white keys, I felt a flutter–this was no “a little” pianist. He could play. Really play.

Aimee asked him quickly after he started playing something I recognized as an old country western song if he could play “Amazing Grace”.

Oh mercy. If you could have heard that. Sent a chill bump of heaven washing over my skin. He only played a little of it–I think he felt it too. We applauded. There were other guests in the restaurant by this time and they joined in the clapping of happy hands at the wonderful music that this “true musician” brought forth from the large black box of strings and keys.

I felt immediately as I sat enjoying the sounds, there is much to this man’s story. We enjoyed the melodies–recognizing all of the old tunes of  country music past. As he got up, he and his daughter, Cameron Aubrey stopped and we talked briefly with her as she told us what her plans was for the day–it was evident she was very happy about spending some “daughter-daddy” time.   As we told him thank you, I felt an immediate stirring. There was something I was to do.

“But what if he thinks I’m crazy Lord?” Why do I wrestle with that? That should not be a concern when the Father hands out an instruction!  Yet, still I seem to struggle with that!

I heard the door in the back of the building open as their voices trailed out. I got up in a hurry, grabbed one of my cards and rushed to the back entrance where they had just exited. He was already rounding the corner and I did the country girl thing. I hollered.

“Hey wait!”

He turned around and then came up to the edge of the porch where I was standing, his little girl close beside him. I looked him square in the face and said this:

“Every time my mother and sister have a day “out” we always give it to God. We prayed this morning and told the Lord we would be looking for a surprise from Him today. You were that surprise. Your music was incredible. A gift. Thank you for playing for us.”

I wanted to cry at that point, but reigned it in. There was much in his life I felt in my heart. He told me of his parents and his heritage of Gospel Music. I knew. God also knows. 

I almost felt as if I were looking into the eyes of a one-time Prodigal.  Being one myself–I can recognize them sometimes.  Where we are, where we’ve been–and where we are headed God alone knows the full picture.

Friends, I don’t know about you today–but my heart continually seeks Him. What can I do for Him today?–and What is He trying to show me? and Are my eyes focusing on the present? –Or, perhaps too busy either looking at the past–or worrying about the future.

Where are you today? Do you feel lost? Lonely? Friendless?

Let me tell you of the One who is ALWAYS there. Always. Never leaves our side–paints a sunrise and sunset for you every-single-day. Blows on the leaves and makes them rustle in the trees. All that for you. And me.

Never doubt His love. He walked up a long -hard- difficult hill for us. And I for one will be forever grateful.

“Long before God laid down earth’s foundations, He had me in mind, had settled on me as the focus of His love, to be made whole and holy by His love. Long, long ago He decided to adopt me into His family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure He took in planning this!) He wanted me to enter into the celebration of His lavish gift-giving by the hand of His beloved Son.” Ephesians 1:4-6 (THE MESSAGE)

The “me” in that passages represents YOU. Isn’t it wonderful to be loved like that!

A surprise is waiting for you too.

Are you looking?

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By the way, I received permission from Mr. Kenny McGhee for this posting!  I hope you enjoyed going with us!  We loved having  you along!  What fun!!

AND if you are one of the ones signed up and paid up for the Sisters Retreat next month–this is a sampling of our fun! 😉

© The Knightly News 2007-2010