love, Thank you

Friends-in-life….Sisters-in-Christ

A. Knight

I have been blessed…incredibly by the Lord…by family in my life. AND friends. Friends who “feel” like family.

Some of these precious friends are even like sisters. Some of these sisters, I have never laid eyes on in person, but still, they are near and dear to my heart. Since I can’t run out and buy everyone a present…although I would LOVE to!—-Instead I give you a little “award”. Even though I don’t display awards on my blog (because it’s all about HIM and not me) I do enjoy giving them.

So without further ado….the “Sisters-of-Faith” award goes to:

Denise of Shortybears Place. Have you ever posted anything that Denise didn’t visit and make a kind comment on? I don’t think so. She takes time to visit EVERYONE and showers them with the love of Christ. I have been the blessed recipient of those blessings.

Lynn of Spiritually Unequal Marriage. I can’t tell you how much I have pestered her with woes and crisis. She has prayed and loved. The blessing of that is indescribable. A call to her location has picked my weary heart up on more than one occasion. The best one…was on my drive home. I am so glad you were home that day.

Iris of Sting my Heart. Without Thankful Thursday where would we be? We would certainly not be thinking of as many Thankful thoughts. She was the first one who befriended me here in blogland. She made me feel right at home with her heart for Christ. I have poured a few problems into her lap as well.

Laurel of Laurel Wreath Reflections. She has been there. She has listened. Encouraged. Prayed. And Loved. We have been like kids—passing notes in class—she sends me just the right “funny” on just the day I need it! (I try to make her laugh too—hopefully I spread some of that joy back!)

Chris of Chris Kerr Jewelry. I bought a pair of precious earrings. The blessing went further. They had a cross stamped on them–I soon got a necklace to match. I wore these everyday while we were praying for Wanda. While we were in the hospital, at home, at church, at work. I think people began to believe I only had one pair of earrings and one necklace. But there was a message in the set. There was a lot of love that went into the creation process. AND there was prayers behind each movement of the making. I have almost rubbed the word “pray” from the necklace. It was something tangible when my heart was needing a shoulder so bad. I felt the connection I so desperately needed those days.

Vicki of Windows to my Soul. Vicki is a born encourager. A lifter of heart. Her words embrace me when I visit. I have never left there the same. Always a fresh new thought or outlook. She has taught me so much. I felt the connection the first time I “walked through” and saw the breeze blowing the curtains back.

Lori of All You Have to Give. A sister-at-heart. Someone who I have never met…yet we have much in common. From needing kleenex—(thank you) to cleaning bathtubs…girl–you are a great source of help in this child’s need. I outnumber you in years…but you have wisdom beyond your own. You have no idea what you mean to me.

Elaine of Peace for the Journey. Elaine is a blessed new friend. Although I am just getting to know her, and she, me (probably very bad grammar—but I am not concerned today! ;), I have found much encouragment in her words—faith abounding from her heart—and a wealth of wisdom on her blog.

There are so many others that bless me, Jennifer, Marsha, Robin, Darnelle, Sarah, Tiffany, and Linda….girls, you are awesome to me. Each one of you picked up my crushed heart when Wanda left this life for the “real life”. You have prayed for me, loved on me, and visited me in many different ways. Thank you. Each visit to your site gives me such a lift of my head—you have all stepped in —and in your unique ways have filled a gap in my life. You have become sisters-in-my-heart. This child is grateful. I love you all.

Each of you are talented—sweet of spirit—and a blessing to every soul that lands on your bloggity doorstep. Keep the faith. Keep the message going. So that others will know Him.

This little award is actually the design from the T-Shirts that I had made to benefit BGMC (Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge) in Wanda’s memory. So this award has a bit of her as well. Her favorite verse, her favorite color and our Sisters of Faith logo.

Keep going for Him sisters!

Life

Monday Surprises

A. Knight

The blessings of the Lord are innumerable in my life….yes, despite everything that comes against us…we can find joy and peace and happiness when we stop looking at the circumstances and start looking at the Giver of Life.

It’s a daily process. We are bombarded daily, but daily we give it over to Him.

This little sweet doll had an ear infection….but the good thing about that is he got to see his Nana after his doctor visit.

Having a friend with a camera handy at all times is a blessing as well!

Cy is making a face because his daddy is holding his cup of “goldfish”…and Cy wants them back!

I hope your Monday was good. Here we are on Tuesday…keep trusting, keep believing, keep praying.

I was up late LATE last night after prayer, writing my post for Laced with Grace. I am taking a short break until July. Many things going on…..as they are with each of you!

Now, don’t forget the give-away….if you don’t remember what it is….scroll down a bit….it’ll all come back to you! And stayed tuned tomorrow….for “Faith for the Prodigal”.

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faith

He Whispers Sweet Peace

A. Knight

My sweet sister, Aimee called me late yesterday with the words to this song (below) as an encouragement for my weary heart.

I am so tired….of the attacks from the enemy on seemingly every side against the families—striving for the cause of Christ. But friend, as long as we live, until the day of His return…which is nearing…we will be attacked—pushed….shoved….even tormented at times.

If I told you all the things that has been going on in our lives since the beginning of this year—-you would even find it hard to believe.

When my mother stood before us at Christmas with what I feel now, may have been a prophetic statement, I really don’t think I am stretching it to say that either….(you’d have to know what we have all been dealing with)…her words come clearly back to me with the news of yet another “crisis”.

Her words, “family, I feel that we are headed for some difficult times. Times and situations where only prayer can help us. Times that we will need to call on God as never before. Pray as you never have before. But as you pray, remember family, the Anchor holds. Keep your lives anchored to the Lord children, He will never fail you.”

She stood in the living room of our home at Christmas and poured her heart out to us as we listened….and wondered about her seemingly direct line to the throne. She has one. As far back as I can remember, she has had that line—directly attached to the ear of the Father. He has always listened intently. She has always leaned on Him. Her Savior and Lord. She taught us to do the same.

When He wakes me from sleep, I can’t help but obey. I may stumble around a bit getting there…but get there I do.

Oh, yeah. Almost forgot. The song. (See how bogged down my mind is?) Thank Aimee for this one. I love you all! (The book is pictured as your reminder of the give-away)

A song for today:

HE WHISPERS SWEET PEACE TO ME

Sometime when misgivings darken the day…..
And faith’s light I cannot see….
I ask my dear Lord…to brighten the way……..
He whispers sweet peace to me…..

Chorus:

He whispers sweet peace to me…..to me
He whispers sweet peace to me…..to me
When I am cast down….in spirit and soul….
He whispers….sweet peace to me…..

Verse Two:

I could not go on without him…I know…..
The world would ‘ore whelm my soul…..
For I could not see…the right way to go….
When temptations o’re me roll….

Verse Three:

I trust Him through faith…by faith hold His hand….
And sometimes my faith is weak…..
And then when I ask Him to take command…..
It seems that I hear him speak…..

Verse Four:

He speaks in a still…small voice we are told….
A voice that dispels all fear….
And when I’m in doubt….or troubled in soul….
That still small voice….I can hear…..

He whispers sweet peace to me…..to me
He whispers sweet peace to me…..to me
When I am cast down….in spirit and soul….
He whispers….sweet peace to me…..

Lyrics by Will M. Ramsey Public Domain

Devotion, faith, Thankful Thursdays

Thursday—

A. Knight

I almost didn’t do my Thankful Thursday. I was just gonna read others….but you know you can’t do that. So after I read Kim’s from Season of my Heart…..I had e-mailed with her and low and behold…..a thankful post was the result. Sort of…..anyway, this is the product of the e-mail to Kim…and I am sharing it instead of the normal Thankful post. Iris, you are right on with TRUST. TRUST and FAITH go hand in hand.
“I don’t know what stage of “loss” I am dealing with in my sister’s passing…but today—well—let’s just say–I’m not doing a TT post…not because I don’t have anything to be thankful for…..—but my mind just can’t get there. Does that make any sense??

As I drive to and from work—40+ miles each way—I am listening to the Beth Moore study—“Living Beyond Yourself”….and I will just say there are days I quickly grab my pen and write down something that hits me like a ton of bricks! Her ministry has been a blessing in my life.

But more than that, I have been blessed by so MANY blogging friends that I stand (or sit) amazed at His mercy and goodness.” AND I am thankful …for all of that and so much more in my life. Thank You Lord. For Your blessings on me.

Thank you girls. Each and every single one. I love you.
“The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.”~ Psalm 9:9-10 (ESV)
I love the verse—well, I love them all—but today—must have been for me. Thanks Iris. Visit Iris for more thankful hearts….
Drinking from an overflowing cup….
Life Issues

Faith for the Prodigal

A. Knight

“True faith is that which marks a beginning, but you keep it active by your actions. True faith keeps on believing right on to the very end.” ~Stephen Potter

Do we have true faith? Can we continue to believe and trust when the situation looks hopeless? Thinking today about faith and trust I wonder at times about my own. Marsha, the mother of missionaries to Africa, told me a couple of months ago, that “many people don’t have faith to pray for a situation for the long haul”. We can’t see the end. We don’t know the answer. Are we still going to believe for what we can’t see? Are we willing to say to Him, Lord, I don’t know what You are doing in this child of mine’s life….but I have faith in You and I trust that this child I gave back to You when she was born is under Your watchful eye. The child. No matter how old they grow to be, they will always be your child. They are being watched.

However, the child has a will. To do right or wrong. To choose evil over good. The choice is a gift God gave to each of us. We have the right to determine which path to take. The wide one that looks easy as pie? Or the narrow, winding, sometimes even treacherous road that at times has a fog on it so thick you can’t see your hand in front of you. That’s the road that is toughest in the here and now. But it’s the “then” —the “eternal” that we are trusting for . It’s what we are believing for.

When you give birth to that precious little babe, they don’t come with a tag like washing instructions….”pre-shrunk—will not shrink, machine wash gentle cycle, no bleach, tumble dry low, iron medium heat if necessary”. There is no label that says, “rebellious, firm hand, but loving, sniff clothes regularly”.

It is hard to say—or point to a day when the loving child turns into the prodigal. The one that wants to take all his or her possessions and leave for “the better life”. Humph. Better indeed.

The passage labeled as the “Parable of the Lost Son”, has a few verses I want to point out. You know the story by heart. But read this:

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:17-20 NIV (emphasis mine)

While he was still a long way off. The KJV says “great way off”. In my minds eye, I see that father. I think the father watched the roadway every day with “expectation”. Not only did he desire his son to come home, he expected him to come home. He wasn’t sure what condition he would arrive in. But he knew he would come home. In the deepest part of his heart, he knew that at some point he would reach the end of himself, and that his selfish ways would bring him to his knees. Right smack-dab in the middle of the pig pen.

I believe he watched expectantly for years. I don’t think the prodigal’s funds were lost in a week. Not even a month. I believe it was years. The Bible clearly tells us what the “lost son” was doing —but until the son arrives back home in a state of shame…the only thing we know that the father did while his son was away…was watch and wait. I think he watched everyday. The Bible makes no comment about the mother of the son. She may not have even been living. But if she was, I like to believe, that while the father was outside watching the roadway, the mother was inside on her knees praying for the child to find the right road home.

Sometimes the mother does both. Watching and praying for each prodigal to make it home.

Oh, by the way, go ahead and get their garments ready, get the family ring shined. Get the bathtub set, the water just right, soaps, towels all in place. For isn’t that him? Coming just now down the road?

Father, my heart cries out to You for each prodigal. I was one. You, O Lord have never turned Your back on one seeking You. You have lavished us with Your love and attention. May we each love our own prodigals as You have loved us. With compasssionate love. Forgiving love. Merciful love. Teach us Your ways O Lord. I praise Your holy name for all that You are, all that You desire to be in me, and all that You are bringing to pass in our lives for Your glory. In Your holy name I pray~Amen.

Keeping the Faith,
The Sisters (Angie)

Borrowed Blessings, Family, Fun, Life, love

Weekend Fun!

A. Knight

A couple of these are from this past summer….the top two to be exact. But I thought I’d share a spoonful of sugar with ya! Now, don’t overdose! That sweetness can get sticky! After you’ve picked up the umteenth truck or almost broken your toe on a car—while kicking it’s wheels before test-drivin’ it!
The top dude loves to play Ninja. The next one down holding the stick, loves to BE NINJA. But he loves to whine more. Which is why I am looking into Ginger Plowman’s new book, “No More Whining”.
The one pictured at the picnic table and with the storybooks and bears is my Rylan. I call him mine for many reasons. His mommy doesn’t mind.
The picture with Papa “trying” to read to a couple of them is funny, because we had more fun watching and listening to Papa deal with this lap full of boys who love books, but love to squirm and ask multiple questions while you are reading…hence, this doesn’t happen very often, so a picture to capture the moment was necessary!
The last sugar-dumplin’ is my Cy-Man. His name is just Cy. But like all grandparents, we have pet names for our kids. Tiffany was “Frog Legs”, April was and is Weezie, and the boys have their own names as well.
My sister, Aimee and I worked on a project last night….more to come on that. It wasn’t a blog. It was a room project. My sister, Wanda’s sewing room. Like I said, more to come on that.
Prayer Requests

Monday is on the way!

A. Knight

It will be here shortly. Is already here for some. A prayer request was given today and I know the mother that added it would appreciate all the prayers that can be prayed for her and her family. (Read about it by clicking on the hand prints for prayer button on the side bar.)

My precious buddy Lori, over at “All You Can Give” created the button Hand Prints For Prayer, before Wanda passed away, and it has a very special meaning for me. Remember the “hand prints”? I still have them. The book is growing. I am adding hand prints to have for prayer time. I still have some family members to “trace” their hands.

If you have any prayer requests for others to pray about, you may add it by clicking on the button on my sidebar (Amy—thank you for making it easy!) and add it via comment. You don’t even have to leave you name, it can be completely anonymous.

Also, don’t forget the Mother’s Day give-away. Read on down to find out what it is.

Most importantly —include God in your everyday schedule. Not just Sundays. Invite Him to join you as you drive to work. As you make breakfast. Spend quality time with Him each day. Be listening should He call. Answer the call. Say yes—to what He asks.

Missions

Saturday Life!

A. Knight

Don’t forget the give-away! Read about it here!

Quick announcement—mainly because I have two very important guests today! Rylan and Zackary—possibly April and Cy as well! We have much playing to do. But if you stop by, I will clear a spot for you to sit, I will put us on some hot water for a cup of tea, it may be raining, so we’ll open the blinds and watch the rain, share our hearts, and listen to little boy-chatter! I am over at the Cafe today. The Internet Cafe!

For Sisters of Faith

Jesus the One and Only

A. Knight


If you have been tuned in recently, you may “guess” at the HUGE hint I just laid out. This is the “gift” for the give-away. Now, for the story behind it.

For my birthday this past year, Wanda gave me a gift card to LifeWay. She knew how much I enjoyed that store! She also bought one for Aimee—the baby sista—her birthday had been in August, but each one of us have a tendency to get so busy we sometimes are late with gifts for birthdays…but never telephone calls! (If they charged for each local call….I could not afford to eat! We girls can do us some talkin’—I mean to tell you some big time girl talk!)

I left work one day at lunch and scurried over to LifeWay, this was in December, which is when my birthday was 🙂 *grin* :), and knew exactly what I wanted when I walked in. This Bible study. I was already currently involved in a study, but I was excited about doing this one. I had in my mind to buy one for Wanda too, as a surprise for her birthday in February so that we could do the study together.

Wanda gave Aimee her gift card to LifeWay, about a week after I had received mine. It wasn’t until after Wanda had passed away that Aimee used her gift card. So it was with deep emotion that she took her sweet self into LifeWay and bought the same book! Aimee didn’t know that I was going to get Wanda one.

So girls, here I have this “extremely special” Bible Study book to give to some sweet individual. All you have to do is say “enter me” with each comment. You may comment as many times as you like. This will go from now until the end of April.

Mother’s Day is on May 11th, and it will be mailed to you in plenty of time. Wanda was an exceptional mother and wife—like none other I have known. She would be thrilled for you to have her “Bible Study Book” and get closer to the Lord! After all, she is with the One and Only today! In His presence! Oh, how I miss my darling sister. Even though I know she is happy and whole….I still miss those daily (about 5 or more times a day) phone calls! I still miss her tiny frame sitting beside me in Bible Study at church and on Sunday mornings. Okay, I must stop here with this. Or the keyboard will become a bigger mess!

Anway, we (me, you and Aimee), will have our books and we can do this study together! Be blessed in the Lord! For He is good and His mercies endureth forever!

P.S.—if you are wondering why I don’t give this to my mother….ssshhhh! (Remember Mother’s Day is coming up!)

*Due to the cost of postage and the weight of this book, this drawing is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.

Life, Thankful Thursdays

Thankful for Mother and Grandbuddy!

A. Knight


My mother was blessed with the most awesome gentle man as her loving husband on January 6, 1990. He became what is officially–and affectionately known to each of our family members and many of my friends as, Grandbuddy.

The pathway for each of our lives has been greatly influenced by our sweet mother. She has been the stability that was needed, and necessary in the precarious world in which we live. She remains as such today. I love you mother. I love you Grandbuddy.

I am also thankful for my sweet man! The thirtieth of June we will celebrate 26 wonderful years of love—through all the trials that have rolled our way….the love continues to remain steadfast. Thank you Lord for the companion of my heart.

I am thankful for each family member. Not every one has the blessing of having your sisters as your best friends, sister-in-laws as dear sisters, or your brother-in-laws as dear brothers—but I have that! Thank you Lord for my dear brother who is faithfully serving his country in a foreign land, and his sweet wife and dear baby girl who are holding down the home front. Our children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters, all wonderful treasures!

I am thankful for the Word. For what He reveals when I am digging in the Word. For the “verse of the day” that I get from Aimee! I am thankful for job, home, church and friends. Not necessarily in that order! I am thankful that we have such an awesome church family—who share and pray for our needs and burdens.

I am thankful for old hymns (one particular sweet song that Bernadine reminded me of this week!) and I am thankful for new worship songs! The message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ rings true and goes forth in both!

I am thankful for an awesome “surprise” I recieved the is week….mmmm—my tea sure tastes sweeter in this “truthful” mug! Thank you sweet friend!

I am thankful for Iris who hosts this awesome and growing group of Christ followers! Our desire is to not only “pray without ceasing” but to have thankful hearts—even in the trying and painful circumstances of our lives. Even as I type this, my mind and heart pauses on the hard thing of the past week. It has filtered into this week and caused a few tears. But I know that God has His hand upon His children. He does not slumber.

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” ~ Colossians 3:12-14 ESV

The book of Colossians is chock full of amazing scripture. This is the third time this week that references from Colossians have been given to me or I’ve come upon. Must mean that the Lord is directing my heart and life to dig in!

[As a side note….I have decided that since I am such a “poor” hint giver—I will tell you tomorrow what the “gift” for the give-away is for Mother’s Day…and I will share with you why I have chosen this specific item. The drawing will begin with all comments from now until April (when you say “enter me”), you do not have to post my blog give-away on your blog, but if you choose to do so, that is sweet–and I thank you.]

Back on Thankful Thursday….I love Thursdays—I love reading what everyone has to share. I am always uplifted and encouraged to see and visit with other sisters-in-Christ as they pour their thankful hearts out to magnify the Lord.

So, head over to Iris’ place and get caught up in the thankfulness of Thursdays!!!