Tag: prayer

faith, Life, love, marriage

Happy Anniversary-to My Love.

A. Knight

Happy Anniversary 2015

You started this morning with “Endless Love”….the very song that we claimed as “our song” 33 years ago.

I didn’t wear a floor length white gown…You didn’t wear a tux.  We didn’t have all the bells and whistles of a big cathedral…but tucked inside the heart of us, was a steadfast-strong love.  A love that could endure hardship– the kind that would last years.  There were times it was so hard I began to try and figure out which of us broke the mirror.  Neither of us.  It was not a run of bad luck because a broken looking glass–it was just life stuff.  And it happens to everyone at some point.

But we never went hungry.  You saw to that.  I cooked–what you provided (even though we had chicken legs for every meal over a week) –you always said, “thanks-I enjoyed it”  (Do people still say that?) –and we shared our heart with our Father–and were thankful for the two best and dearest blessings of life, our baby girls.  And God saw us “through” each and every trial.

I told Aimee this week that of all the trials that had come our way, God had always saw us through.  He had never removed Himself from our situation–no matter how tough it might have been.

When you tell someone our “story” of how and where we married, I smile inside–because they really have no clue.  Young adults who are now planning those amazing weddings –[with the glitter and candlelight]– I hope they realize without God as the center of their marriage–AND the center focus of each one’s own life, their marriage may not survive the holocaust against the sanctity of holy matrimony in the coming years (even as of this week).

We don’t live in Mayberry…

I hold dear and am so jealous to maintain our love and the special bond that we hold sacred.  There are moments in our lives etched in my brain.  Like this morning when you handed me your phone to play this song and said  you were trying to get it to facebook but was having trouble.  And moments when you held our babies.  And our grandbabies.  And the morning that the mouse had chewed my favorite skirt that my mother made me and I cried and you pulled me onto your lap and I believe you would have shot the mouse…

Sure, like any couple, there have been tough times–times when the love wasn’t burning with passion–but we choose to remember and hold onto the precious times and learn from mistakes of the past.  It’s an incredulous expression you get from those that you tell, “Angie and I have never had an argument”… I want to even laugh now, because while I know it’s true–we have a certain gift from God in that.  I quickly assure them, “It’s not that we’ve never had a disagreement–or that I’ve never had my feelings hurt–or that neither of us has ever been mad at the other”… we have.  All of that.  But it’s what we choose to do.  We talk our way through it when the time is right…and the temperaments are calm–and after God has been sought.

[I want to say to anyone reading and you have just gasped at the thought of not “giving them a piece of your  mind”…honey, give your mind to Christ.  If you start handing out pieces to your spouse every time they make  you upset–you’ll have none left in a few years–]

I am so NOT perfect.  Even after 33 years– I still mess things up.  I still burn cookies and pizza because I get caught up in something else.  And I’m glad that after 33 years– we are just as much in love as the day we said “I DO!” in front of God, our 3 witnesses, the Justice of the Peace–in the Radio Shack.  (I guess that will give folks something to talk about!) LOL.

When we renewed our vows on our 5 year anniversary and took communion with our then Pastor Wayne Fussell, I walked out feeling just as married as I had before–but there was a deeper sense of commitment–that would be needed in the coming years.  God has been INCREDIBLY awesome to knit us together as one.

A side note to couples– pray for one another.  If you don’t you won’t make it.  That’s just the truth.  

When Guy Tatum gave the “Band of Brothers” their new “One Year Bible” and encouraged them to “pray for their wives” (I know this not because Jeff told me [there’s a sacred code of honor among this prayer group of men], but because it showed up in our lives),  it made an impact on our marriage–in our home–MOST OF ALL, in ME!   My “security” level went through the roof–because Jeff took the time each morning to hold me and pray for me.  And if by chance I left before he was able to get back home to pray (he left for his camp work around 6:00 each morning), then he would call me as I drove to work.  He prayed, I drove, I cried, and I praised God for him.  And I GREW spiritually.  Hey–it doesn’t have to be a long prayer–just ask God to bless them and keep them safe! Start there!  Ask God to protect their mind from the enemy attacks–I can promise you this–there is an enemy out there who wants to destroy all marriages that God has put together–and the enemy starts with insecurity in the heart and home.

Yes, our actions do speak louder than our words!

If you want a marriage that lasts…finding the one God has created JUST FOR YOU is first on the list of to-do’s before the I-Do’s.  You won’t know by trying them all…you will know by waiting on God and praying.  2)  Put God FIRST.  3)  PRAY TOGETHER.  It’s the cement in your love.  You could have the most passionate love–but it will not be that way in 50 years…I mean face it–you will AGE. And aging shows up. 🙂  What you lay as the foundation of your marriage in the early years, will carry you through the later years.  If your spouse is your best friend–you will enjoy life, love and marriage a whole lot more.  To the fullest!

And the final thing that will hold your heart, home and marriage secure:  Put God FIRST.  I know I repeated that one–but God is the only one who knows and does what is best for each one of us….when my honey has hurt my feelings–I tell God.  When I have made him aggravated…I know he tells God.  Because it is the Holy Spirit who softens my heart–and it is the Holy Spirit that helps Jeff see my side.  Not that my side is the right side.  Jeff often maintains his view, but at least he can see where I’m coming from and he can better understand.  See?  It’s God who holds the manual for marriage….and it’s The Bible.

I gave all of that for free…call it Jeff and Angie Marital Advice 101.  What I give my darling man, is all of me for the rest of this earthly life.  God is first– and I’m thankful that He gave me you.  He knew just who I would need to lead me further spiritually–and who would love me for all my days….the young vibrant and fun days–as well as these “wee bit older” and hot flashin’ days.  You are my dearest-bestest-friend and I promise to love you and bless and cherish you–till death do us part.

You are my –Endless Love….

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Missions

A Note To My 9 Year Old Missionary Friend.

A. Knight

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Dear Kaylee,

Your vision and heart for others will reap rewards long after the dust settles from this trip.

The seeds sown through the work of your hands, and the fingers of others (the kids in your children’s church) will multiple countless times–until a great Harvest.  When I looked at these kids–I thought about you–your heart and what you did so that they could have a constant reminder of their decision to follow Jesus Christ.

Your  act of faith and obedience amazed me–as so many “grown-ups” walk in fear so often…. (I, myself have been that grown-up).  Thank you for teaching us all a lesson.

The lesson I learned–big jobs-small jobs–ALL jobs matter in the Kingdom of God.  Every single thing we do to express our love for God–thankfulness for our salvation–MATTERS…

I know you have a heart for missions–I am going to pray that God will continue to grow that feeling–and that He shows you every time what He wants you to do.  Don’t be afraid to tackle a larger than life kind of job.  If God plants the seed in your heart–pray it through and believe He can accomplish it through YOU.  HE CAN!!

Sarah, you and Cory have two amazing girls.  I know you realize that.  I am amazed at the heart of those two–what you have sown into them is growing, maturing and blossoming into God’s purpose–His useful vessel that He will continue to use to pour out on others… I’m so glad to have been a part of what He started in her life! 🙂

To all other mama’s and daddy’s out there:  Read the Bible with your children….pray with them–besides the blessing at mealtime.  Talk to them about missions–about how we all have a part we can play to plant seeds of salvation for others ALL OVER THE WORLD.  Young kids like Kaylee can play just as big a part as the one who packs a suitcase and boards a plane.  It’s up to all of us to do our part!

 This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.  Matthew 24:14 NASB

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Special thanks to David Pettis for having cards printed to explain the colors and serve as a reminder of the day they made a decision to follow Jesus.  They are a great tool to use to witness!

Bolivia

Lasting Impressions

A. Knight

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Have you ever wanted to do something that made a lasting impression?  A good one.  I’ve encountered my share of bad impressions, and they’ve lasted a while, but good impressions, I believe last longer.  Good impressions live in the hearts and minds of others and in times of heartache, a good impression is often retrieved for comfort.

Do you enjoy giving a long thought out gift for a dear friend or loved one?  They see you–and know you love them and care for their well being.  But, let me share with you something I discovered:

Often in giving, the best feeling is knowing they don’t have to know who you are.  The recording of your love and compassion is recorded for all eternity.

The greatest joy for me, is watching these teachers receive what YOU gave.  If you could see into the eyes and hearts of these teachers and the principal (standing beside Jeff), you would experience the joy of giving–as never before.  It was like Christmas to these.

Necessary items that our schoolers take for granted, these do not.  We are so accustomed to running to the dollar store or local wally-world that we forget there are those who have no such luxury.

Luxury?  A trip to the dollar store?

Indeed.

These teachers (and there are about 9 not pictured), have the joy of teaching and training the next generation–but they must do so with such limited income and in order to teach, most of them give more than just their time.  They give their income.

In order to have paper for the students, the teachers buy it.

To color, write or draw, more often than not, the tool comes from the teachers.  We discovered that in order to make copies, the teacher has to travel about 30 minutes to a neighboring town to make copies because the school had no copier or printer.  The Lord supplied that need through someone who sent with us a copier for the principal.  And several purchased print cartridges.

This past year, we took more supplies and more printers.  Three to be exact.  So that the teachers could all have access to things that are needed in the class room.  God burdened someone’s heart with that treasure for the school at Don Lorenzo.

This year, we are traveling back, but to 4 different schools.  We hope, through generous donations to be able to take supplies, and even a printer or two.  The school supplies are of utmost importance.  Through your gifts of crayons, pencils, sharpeners, rulers, glue, etc. we are able to bless them and help with the education process of these growing children.

100_1598This little girl (Ruth), who every team member came to love in 2013, needed a new walker.  We took up an offering among us and had enough to buy her a nice walker that will grow with her and help her navigate the dirt road where she lives–and we made a lasting impact on her life.

We really never know what needs we will encounter that we aren’t expecting.  But, rest assured, we always encounter needs.

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The needs are there.

The needs are often more than we can meet.

But with the help of friends back home, we can.  It takes us all working together to bear the burden for others.

We will take new testaments for the children, and gifts for the teachers, through the very generous donations from a group of women in a local church, they have supplied us with handmade pot holders!  (We are beyond excited!)

So, maybe you have read all this and wonder, “what can I do to make a lasting impression”.  I’m glad you asked!

We are taking New Testaments, soccer balls with scripture on them, and school supplies.  You may simply make your check out to Focus Forward Ministries, Inc. and drop it in the mail to Post Office Box 5773, Marianna, Florida 32447, and mark it Mission to Bolivia.  We leave May 30 and hope to take boxes of generous love and donations to those we have grown to love and care about!

IF you are near us and would like to drop off a box to us to pack with our belongings, you know where we live!  We gratefully accept your support and prayers!

And, if you know us well, you know that God has been working in our hearts for a “new step of faith”…and we sure would appreciate all your prayers.  Really.

Time is short–and our desire is to do all we can–with every breath in our bodies, until He calls us home.  we want our impression to be Jesus.  And He is everlasting.

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© Angie Knight 2015.  All rights reserved.  Photos copyright protected.  All rights reserved.

Life

Intentionally Sacred

A. Knight

A scrap of paper was all I could find that morning, but I knew I had to record what I felt.  There was a significant pause that I felt as I entered the room.  This room was no ordinary room.  It was the space that my brother-in-law used as his meeting place with Christ–every morning.  There was a pause indicative of time with God here.  Tangible.  The hush stalled me in the doorway and I slipped off my shoes.01-IPAD-2014 302tomas

My senses came fully aware of everything in an instant.  The feel of the nubby texture of the carpeting underneath my feet; the ticking of time; and my breathing.

The clock reminded me of the time that is passing.  Hours, minutes and seconds swiftly escaping-never to return.

There was a holy hush in the room.  The ssshhh sound of aerated water coming from the filtered faucet.  Water from a backyard hose makes an altogether different sound.

I eased into one of the wing-back chairs and remembered what my sister, Aimee said about this style of chair–with its tall sides, “feels like I can lean over and rest my head on the shoulder of God.”  Yes, that’s it exactly in this reverent room.

Windows directly across afforded an expanse of creation that was breathtaking.  Growing things and flitting wings; both birds and butterflies.

Deep breath as the Presence of Holy invades–as a permanent Resident.  He knows this place.  He knows His place.  In me–all of me.  I ask for more.  Tears sting as a song of praise fills my mind.  He’s so good.

Outside this world,  this intentionally sacred place, there exists a cacophony of actions, things that would pull the mind and body into a distorted knot–the minute the feet left the threshold.  But inside, the ointment, the oil of healing–mind, body, and soul, was applied.  But it’s all a choice.  Yours and mine.

Before I asked her, I knew holy discussions ensued in this room.  His prayer room.  My brother-in-law, the minister.  The one younger than my Jeff, yet he was the one who offered us John 9:1-3, when we were waiting on our first born.  He was the one we went to at every stage of change–good or bad, through-out our married life.  His relationship with his Father was felt in the room.  I could still sense it.  The residual effect of times spent in the Presence of The Holy One stung my eyes as they filled and spilled down my face.  Like the fragrance of incense.  It remained.

The sound of snapping lids closing containers tight brought my mind out of its place of prayer.  Life.  Constantly reminding us we are here for a season and purpose.

I rose from my seat and began going about the room recording the light changes with pictures–wanting to somehow preserve the feel of the room.01-IPAD-2014 300

There are many times I feel that sacredness in my own house–but it must be an intentional action.  The feeling is not often enough.  I’ve not been as intentional as life cries out for it to be.

Toma told me that morning that she and Whit had always shared the front room for devotion.  As I walked into that room I felt the same Presence of God hovering–as if beckoning me to pause.  To be intentional.  To rest there… I can’t linger.  My heart wants to–but my mind pulls me to hurry through the day.

I imagine that the same thing happens to you.

Friend, there is something –or rather Someone found in the sacred moments of a pause.  To be intentional about creating a sacred place in our homes and hearts.  I have to work at it.  It won’t happen accidently.  Even placing things in the room in such a way that brings harmony.  Sacred moments don’t happen without us being intentional about seeking Him.

That morning my scribbling words on a scrap of paper marked me.  I came home and wrote it in my prayer journal.  I needed to pull those moments back in close.  To remind myself to become more intentional about everything.

“Life.  Living intentionally for eternity”, became the focus.  A new season for us.  We stepped out in faith to the unknown.  Really.  Even today I know without God, none of this is possible….but hand Him an impossible situation–and He is ABLE.

Living an intentionally life of sacred holiness will not happen by accident.  Purpose and passion is demanded.  Giving up our rights to ourselves.  When God speaks, nudges, or whispers to us–something is required.  Sometimes “action”–but other times, “stillness”.  Too often we mistake the action for stillness-the pause.

Father, help me recognize Your Voice.  Help me to become more aware of You than ever before–I long to live intentionally sacred before You. I give You all of me–holding nothing back. All glory and honor goes to You! In Jesus holy name, Amen.

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