The BEST Sisters of Faith RETREAT YET is coming in OCTOBER!

• Want more of God in your life?
• Want to connect with some awesome sisters of faith? 
• Do you need victory over situations?
• Need refreshing in your spirit and soul?

(Please read this post in it's entirety for complete details on the retreat-if you plan to attend, you will need to NOTIFY me immediately. THEN send your $$ into Susan)

The retreat is has been changed--the dates are still

October 7-9--just relocated!

Panama City Beach, Florida

As you know--with the economy--and so many being financially strained--I had been really concerned about the retreat being held here.  I felt uneasy-although I only shared that with a few--not to stress anyone--fully expecting God to work out HIS Will and Purpose for us. I had just not quite settled it in my spirit of having it here. It sounded logical--even good on paper. It sounded wonderful to even think of the possibility of filling this place for Jesus. But the feeling of uneasiness would not leave.

I asked some to begin to pray.  Certain that God would answer.

In April of this year I began a 21 day fast. It was for 2 reasons. The mission trip I am to join in July required it. But I also did it for the speaking that God lined up for me to do for Mother's Day and for next Saturday (June 5--pray please)

AFTER the time of prayer and fasting was over (this was tough--spiritually and physically) I came to the calm sweet knowledge from the Lord--that the requirements I was putting on myself were not HIS. They were of my own doing.

He has not called me to host a retreat for thousands. (I am grinning here) (He doesn't put more on us than we can carry or do.)

He simply reminded me of my passion. Reaching and loving on a few.

Thus, A Sisters Retreat is reborn. A time away to pray, fellowship--share the joys of the journey--and the pain. I have some ideas that I have thought of--but I learned during this fast--when I had gone without food--and had sought God for HIS purpose and plan--that I needed to GIVE UP my agenda to HIM. I couldn't follow anyone else's plan--it had to be ALL GOD.

When I felt in my spirit that we would have a retreat (I had actually told the LORD that we could just cancel it--but He had other plans)--I began to seek HIM for the where--and the how.

Where: Panama City Beach, Landmark Condominiums http://www.landmarkpcb.com/

How much: For each of us-- it is $34 (plus tax) each for the weekend. Each person is responsible for their own food, etc. We have a limit of 48 guests--and the spaces are already filling!

You have until June 19 to get the registration fee in to us.

Don't wait until June 19 to mail it.  

If we don't have it in before the deadline,

we cannot place you as registered. 

Each condo will have 6 guests.  Sharing of room/bed should not be a problem for us "sisters".

From 2001 or so, my sisters, Aimee, Wanda, along with my mother and her sister began having "Sister's Retreats--and that began to build a grand passion in my heart. To come together as a unit--having served God where we each were--but yet needing time to refresh our spirits in Him. Needing to lean on one another--for there were battles that others of us had fought that some of us were just beginning. We needed that godly counsel.

In the quiet of the kitchen table in the early morning over breakfast we shared passages of Scripture. We gathered around one another and prayed. And girls....the Spirit of the Lord not only moves on Sunday's in our churches, but He moves whenever we invite Him into our hearts and homes. Into our lives as we give ourselves--completely--without reservations.

We spent time shopping interesting antique stores, and favorite stores. Whether we bought anything besides our food in quaint little eatery's or not-- was of no importance. We went home refreshed like no other vacation has ever done! Because we met with Jesus. We invited Him daily to be a part--show His love along the way! It was incredible! Every single time!

With each retreat being more anointed and refreshing than the last--I had so hoped that each heart would experience something precious and similar to that at the 2009 Bloggers Retreat. It was great--yet, there was something missing.

Can I tell you where it was found? In my living room. As 3 of us sat together huddled up talking of the awesome things we had each experienced in our daily lives-God showed up. Tiffany-Barbara and I prayed-laughed- and tears fell as God blessed us with His presence. On the other end of the couch were 3 others--probably experiencing something similar--but I wasn't listening--I was basking in what was going on in our circle. I had hoped that each group there that special weekend--- experienced the same in their rooms. I can only testify to what He did for me.

It is time we get apart from the harried schedules you each have--and take some time to devote to pray. Just that. Seclude your heart with Him.

Wouldn't it be grand to be walking along the beach--as the sun is rising or setting--and feel the presence of Almighty God right beside you? He will be wherever YOU are and whenever YOU invite Him to participate in YOUR DAY. AND what if---you encounter some soul that God places in YOUR path--to lead them to Him? Wow.

Once you have registered, information will be passed along to you at that point via e-mail or phone call.
Check in is at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. I will let everyone find their way there. Maps are available online with good directions. For those driving it should not be a problem.

For those flying in--there is a NEW local airport--Southwestern Airlines and Delta fly in this is their link: http://www.iflybeaches.com/ . You can grab a taxi or shuttle to the condo from there. Not far at all from there.

I will post schedules of getting together to eat supper that night with each of you via e-mail-as well-you will be assigned a condo with a "condo mom" and she will be contacting you as well. We will relax and you can use the pools, hot tubs, beaches, exercise room--or shopping--until supper time. There is a club house that I have asked to use for a few minutes on Thursday night to give just a general welcome. Nothing formal nor fancy. We will have a written schedule of time when we will leave for "Seaside Beaches and Village" the next day.

Breakfast will be at the condos--with morning devo's provided by the condo mom-or whoever she assigns. Each of the condo mom's will be given a list of her sister's that will be staying with her--with contact info. The condo mom will contact each sister as to what they prefer to eat for breakfast--enjoy your terrace! Everyone* will go in together to purchase their breakfast foods. (*Each group of 6 ladies) Each group will provide their own snack foods/drinks etc. Condo mom will simply tell you what she needs you to bring--keep it easy for all! There are local stores to make purchases easy! We will actually be going to one Thursday night--so all the breakfast items can be purchased then. We just don't want to buy more than we will eat. ;)

A few links for your viewing pleasure:

http://www.theseasidestyle.com/per-spi-cas-sity/
http://www.seasidefl.com/ShopAndDineMap.asp
http://www.seasidefl.com/default.asp
http://www.seasidefl.com/communityChapel.asp (even though the church wouldn't be open --we could have pictures made in front--it really is beautiful in person)
http://www.seasiderep.org/ (Their ampitheatre hosts free seating-lawn style-, but the October Calendar is not up yet.)
http://www.seasidefl.com/ShopAndDineMap.asp (on the left of this map-you will see list of shops and restaurants. We will only have lunch here that day. Photo opportunities galore!)

We will return that afternoon to the condo's in time for rest-showers-dip in the pool or beach. We will journey to some local restaurants for dinner (list will be provided) and meet back at the club house.

Check out is at 10:00 a.m. Saturday Promptly!

I will let everyone to get back to the airports via shuttles or taxi's--whatever they provide on their own. A rental car would be much more handy--if two or three went together--that way, you would have the luxury of hitting some stores you might have missed before your plane leaves. I leave the details of that to those who fly.

To those who drive, of course after 10:00 a.m. check out-- you are free to stay in the area as long as you wish! Whatever you do--wherever you go--take JESUS back to where you came from--inviting them to join YOU in something similar in the spring--where you live!

$36 cost
--if you want a T-shirt--
you need to include the amount of $10 along with your shirt size.

Make ALL checks payable to Sisters by Heart, Inc.

YOU have until JUNE 19 to get me your registration!!! If I don't have it...I can't consider you registered. WE ONLY Have 48 spaces...they will go in a BLINK.
(just been notified several are GONE)

E-mail me to let me know you are MAILING your registration. av_knight(at)hotmail.com

Mailing address for registration: 
Marianna First Assembly of God
ATTN:  Susan Baldwin/Sisters by Heart, Inc.
4186 Lafayette Street
Marianna, Florida 32446



 We hope to see you there!  (We are not taking comments on this post)

I Still Trust Him

So....here we are.
Angie and Aimee. The oldest girl and the baby girl.

Our picture is forever altered. For there was a face that fit right in the middle. Wanda's.

We carry on.
In Faith.
Forever Trusting.
Always believing....in Him.
After all, we do have a job to do.
Share His truth.
With everyone we can.
All who will recieve.

"And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15

We will be her voice. We will share the love of Christ with others. We will carry on.

I feel that both Aimee and myself have a new found determination to do more. Go further. Carry more. Tell more. Be more for Christ, Who was all for us.

We began with the T-Shirts. They speak a message.

Sisters we are....faith we have...Christ we share.

And the verse? "Wait on the Lord. "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." Psalm 27:14

I can't tell you what she saw when she took His hand and entered in....but I can tell you what I felt. I felt the glory of God as I have never experienced it before.

I felt---more than saw....a glimmer of His Presence as the heavens parted for her to make her entrance as He extended His hand. As a conductor lifts his arm and completes an emotionally riviting piece of music....sweeping His arm upward, reaching higher for the highest note to be heard...I felt her move in spirit to the "higher places" with the Father. The beginning of the most beautiful song heard imaginable.

Sisters of faith...and sisters that have not yet decided to accept His love....Accept Him.  Accept His love. Accept His Gift. Christ Jesus' life. His sacrifice. Accept Him today!
I intend to hear that song for myself. Her song as well as mine. For we each have one you know. At least it's what I believe. Whatever I need to change in my life...I will change. Whatever He chooses for me....I accept. He is my all. My Savior. My Father and soon coming King.

If Wanda could tell us something today...it might be:

"Sisters, the cross will be heavy at times, but you will never have to carry it alone. The Lord will be your guide...as He was mine. Remember the past victories and rejoice! Remember the countless blessings and take heart! There truly is joy in the morning!


Within myself, I had no strength, but through the power and strength of trusting in God---He gave me what I needed. Everytime. You can make it to the end! You can finish the race!"


Keeping the faith and following Him,

Changes coming soon. 
New things on the horizon.  
Be on the LOOKOUT! :)

Don't forget my other home:  The Knightly News!





"For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.  Habakkuk 2:3 NASB

The Final Photos from the Retreat...

Good times....

Long remembered...and treasured, as are so many sweet surprises.

Hugging each neck was like a present for me. A big surprise gift tucked in the holding of a dear friend from miles away...close to heart.

I give God the glory for all the blessings He POURED into my life from the hearts of these dear friends...

And we have 3 little friends who think you can talk into a banana....

Can you hear me now???

The Retreat (not exactly like the post on The Knightly News)

I know I've bombarded you already with a slide show...

But this one goes beyond the cute.

This one shares the heart of the retreat.

I have to say God has a great variety of girls. From all walks of life. All colors of skin. All with the same heart condition before we met Him.

And then...we meet HIM. The One who gave all, IS all, and loves us all!

I have lots of emotion that surfaces when I watch this slide show. Every single time. While I didn't know what to expect, God did. He knew WHO was coming because He selected them.

I want to thank Marsha, Susan and Aimee for listening to me carry on ---over and over about my vision--thoughts and ideas. They put up with me and didn't complain one single time....at least to me :) This could have been done without any of us...but we wouldn't have had the joy and tears that flow freely as we now can look back over the months of preparations! God is awesome to have invited us into His vision for us!

I would like to thank Juno, Aimee's husband and pastor of Sneads Assembly of God Church, for graciously allowing us to host the retreat from their location. We enjoyed the sanctuary, The Green Frog Cafe` (Aimee's creation), the Prayer Room (Susan's creation, inspired by God) and the shopping district! Juno and Valaree, along with Becky, our worship leader tag teamed with the power point presentations! Awesome job y'all!

We also enjoyed the fellowship and enormous assistance of two of their sweet sisters...Janice Lambert and Mary Hightower! Girls, you have rocked my world with sweetness!

Becky Knight (beckyknight.com) did an outstanding job in leading us to the throne of God in worship! Thank you darlin'!

Each speaker laid it out there --clearly--for us to understand and benefit from their knowledge in the Word and their field of expertise! Girls, y'all are the bomb!

The Holy Spirit moved in such a way, not a heart left untouched! More on that later!!

One last thank you. But this one is most important. Thank you to my darling man. I also refer to him as "Sweet Man", for that is exactly what he is. He made 7 cakes y'all. 7. Peanut Butter, Butternut, German Chocolate, and Red Velvet. Everyone of them devoured. We took home a piece or two of 2...the others...well...I guess someone ate it up!

I thank him for his love and support through all of this. And every time I said the dreaded words, "hey! I have an idea"...he refrained (somehow) from his normal come back of, "ooooohhhhh Loooorrrrdddd". Knowing that almost every idea I get, somehow will involve him. A can of paint, possibly the pressure washer, and usually the hammer. How could I not love this man! Thank you Jeff. You are my one and only.

If God whispers something in your heart, something that seems impossible, or perhaps might even seem ridiculous to the average person, but you KNOW in your heart, if obeyed could change someone's life, especially yours, Do it. (Sorry, Tiff-I know that was a way too long sentence!)

Do whatever it takes on your part to fulfill what God has called you to do. No matter what it costs you, I promise, you will not be sorry. You will bubble over with the unexpected joy that will pour forth! Your tired bones will be REVIVED!


There is more to come...something from my heart to every speaker...Mary Snyder, Connie Haile, Lisa Shaw, Marsha Harwood, Tiffany Stuart, Lynn Donovan, Joanne Kraft and Alecia Corbin. That will be a separate post. You girls have no idea what you have done in my life. AND the lives of each lady. I have received private e-mails of the things you said that triggered a response in their hearts and lives...and good changes are coming. ALL because you obeyed the voice of God when preparing your messages.

I can't thank you enough! We are on the brink of something awesome! I can't wait to see what God does next year!!! Oh my! How will I ever stand it!

Much planning to begin soon!!!


Fully Trusting Him,

JUST a FEW!

Just a few pictures---more are found on each speakers blog and The Knightly News. As we each unpack our bags, we will share more pictures and memories made this weekend.

God has been incredible. Showering HIS girls with marvelous love!

Talk to you SOON!

Blog Book Tour with Elisa Morgan!

She Did What She Could

Five words of Jesus that will change your life by Elisa Morgan (Tyndale House Publishers)

Most of us care. We really do. We care about poverty and injustice, about orphans and the sick. And yet, weighed down by the everyday load of bringing home a paycheck, putting food on the table, and taking care of our family demands, we question our ability to make a difference.



Bombarded by one celebrity help-the-world-athon after another, we shrug our shoulders in futility and do absolutely nothing.



Enter SDWSC. Based on the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume in Mark 14, SDWSC provides overwhelmed, yet service-seeking, significance-starved readers a realistic response to the seemingly unmeetable needs around us.



Five letters. ~Unthinkable power.



What if we did just that?

What if?

S•D•W•S•C Five letters that have the power to change your life, free your spirit, and transform your world!

What is the premise behind your new book, She Did What She Could?

Most of us care deeply about the needs around us – poverty, injustice, everyday concerns of those in our families and in our offices and in our neighborhoods. But faced with the challenges of getting food on the table and children to and from activities and keeping up with our jobs etc, we feel more than a little overwhelmed. Who has the time or the energy to start another nonprofit or to participate in yet another celebrity-help-the-world-athon? We conclude we have to do something BIG to make a difference. Not true. We don’t have to do something BIG to make a difference. In a Bible story where Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus with a beautiful gift of perfume before his death, Jesus applauds her action saying, “She did what she could.” We can make a difference every day by simply doing what we could in the given moment before us.

When did the idea for this book/movement come to you?

I’d been reading what I call the “Girl Stories” in the gospels – stories where a woman is the main character. I was stopped in my tracks by Mary’s acting out her love for Jesus and by his pairing her action with the gospel. Mary lived loved. She acted out her faith by doing something with who she was and what she had in a moment that mattered. At the same time I was reading that story, I was suddenly overwhelmed by issues in our world like the HIV-AIDS pandemic and poverty and needs everywhere I turned. I began to think about the power of one of us acting and then another and another. I began to prayerfully wonder – what if I did what I could – just like Mary did? And then each of us did what we could? The whole world could be changed!

What percentage of church members are active in ministry?

It’s reported that 20% of the people do 80% of the work.

What reasons do you think members have for not serving?

Lots of folks don’t participate due to the busyness of life and the perception that unless we do something BIG it won’t make a difference. We feel guilty that we can’t do MORE. We feel inadequate because we aren’t more godly - or because of something hidden in our past. We feel incompetent because we aren’t trained. We’re tired and overwhelmed. And then there’s the fact that lots of us aren’t even “members” of a church. We’re not sure what to do with church – even though we love Jesus. We have a million struggles that keep us from “doing”. SDWSC gives a bite-size offering to everyone to participate in living out our faith and making a difference.

Do you feel that many church members are intimidated by those who are very involved at church?

You bet. If you’re not in the “in crowd” or gifted with public gifs like teaching or are marginalized in some way, it’s WAY intimidating to step up and say, ”Hey, I’d like to help.” SDWSC welcomes ALL to join in and act. It refreshes those who are weary in well-doing as well.

In the book, you point out that this message of everyone doing what they can is Biblical. What story are you referring to specifically?

The story is told in Mark 14 but is also told in Matthew and John as well. Just before Jesus’ death on the cross for the sins of all humankind, Mary of Bethany took a jar of nard, a very expensive perfume, and poured it on Jesus – as a symbol of anointing his body before his death. In a moment when the gesture would mean the most to him. You get the impression that Mary hadn’t really planned out this action. It seems more spontaneous. And while the nard was expensive, that wasn’t the main point. Mary acted out of her understanding that Jesus really was the Christ and he really loved her. She wanted to give back. She took what she had – nard – and acted with it in a moment that mattered to Jesus and to the world. She did what she could.

You’ve shared your message with the MOPS organization. What has the response been so far to the SDWSC (She Did What She Could) movement?

Moms are passionate about being the best moms they can be. They’re also passionate to make a difference in their world. They know that they may not be able to do something GIANT in the day to day of raising children. SDWSC gives them a methodology for acting in a way that matters in their daily lives. With a neighbor or a coworker. With a child. To care for the earth. To reach out to someone who has less and needs more. Moms have pasted the SDWSC flare on their Facebook pages and are telling the SDWSC stories, encouraging others to do what they can as well.

How do you hope churches and ministries will use your message to mobilize their members?

Those who’ve never served can be invited to join in with the practical – doable – message of SDWSC. And those who are weary in well-doing can be encouraged that Jesus doesn’t ask us to do EVERYTHING or ALL we could but rather WHAT we could do.

How do you hope readers can change their lives with your message?

She did what she could (SDWSC) is a mantra that rules my days as opportunities come before me. I run each through the grid of SDWSC. Is it something that I can uniquely handle? Is it a moment that matters NOW? Will I make a difference if I do WHAT I could – not ALL or EVERYTHING I could? I hope and pray that readers will do the same. She did what she could. When I do what I could and you do what you could and we do what we could – we can change the world. We can be the body of Christ in action, on the earth, demonstrating individually and together what it means to live loved.

About the Author

Elisa Morgan is a nationally recognized speaker and the author of more than fifteen books, including the best–selling What Every Mom Needs and Mom's Devotional Bible.

Elisa has served as CEO of MOPS International since 1989. She is also the publisher of MomSense and FullFill magazines and is a frequent contributor to Christianity Today. Elisa is married to Evan (vice president of strategic development for RBC Ministries, known internationally for Our Daily Bread, and founder of christiancourses.com). They have two grown children and one grandchild and live in Centennial, Colorado.



*****************************************

I encourage you, get the book! I was overwhelmed with what I read in the area of life application. So many ideas on ways to put this into our lives as a habit---not just a practice.



GET the BOOK! You will be so blessed!

How We Do Retreats…

A decision is made. WE NEED TO GET AWAY!

We call each other and find out who has what---when. (If you understood that sentence---you might be one of us!)

Then we set a weekend! We call again to confirm that NO ONE has anything to hinder—and assure one another that whatever comes up can be handled!

We then make plans.

We decide on the “where”.

We find out how much it’s going to cost to rent the facility.

We divide the cost of the house, cabin or condo between each of us. Then we share in the cost of gas and food.

There are a lot of “we’s” in the above statements---but it is a combined effort all the way around! (As for the co0kies being snatched…see---it’s combined---Aunt Evielean bakes…we EAT!)

I wish I could say we drew straws or said ennie-minnie-miney-moe to decide who drives…but no matter who’s vehicle is used…I drive. Not my choice. But it’s okay. I have learned that I am either in the driver’s seat…or I am the vehicular “ONSTAR”. (Aimee named me that after our She Speaks Conference---she drove---but I HAD to be the OnStar :) to watch for the signs…of the times…you know. We went through Atlanta. Remember??

We make SURE the snacks are well within reach for munching while traveling! We have our Bibles in hand (well, all except me—I have the steering wheel in hand), and whatever book we might be reading.

There is great music ready to go (sort of like the Jack Nicholson movie, “As Good As It Gets”…sometimes we make our own CD from a compilation of the Worship songs we all enjoy! (I made everyone a CD last year to take home.)

We load up, join hands and pray, and take off!

We generally have the trip planned, however, we have been known to stop at an interesting looking Flea Market, Thrift Store, or Antique Store on the spur of the moment. These are great adventures!

We eat out when we need to—but generally, we take food to cook for our dinner meal, or go to the grocery store. Usually we have a cook crew and clean up crew. Aimee calls it the “Butler System”.

I wish you could hear her…actually, I may talk her into demonstrating this process in an upcoming video commercial for the Bloggers Retreat!

After the “Butler” (Aimee pronounces it “But-la”) does the cleaning up, we get ourselves ready for bed.

But bedtime will be a few hours yet. It’s just more relaxing to us to read and sing in our p.j.’s and robes. Not all restaurants allow this.

We gather in the living room, around the fireplace (it was very cool weather at night during this retreat), and with the worship music playing softly in the back ground, we start our sharing.

Jesus is shared---talked about, worshiped and sang to. We sing old songs and new ones.

We have a Bible Study session—many times impromptu –and I can tell you those are AWESOME lessons! We share stories of faith and perseverance and testimonies from our own lives, AND we have an incredible time of prayer for one another. Usually around midnight we shuffle off to bed.... :)

The above pictures was from the retreat of 2007. It was the last Sister's Retreat Wanda joined us on.

Today, she is already enjoying the next retreat---

An incredible journey to heaven!

This collage was made by Susan, a dear sister of faith. She attended the Retreat of 2008. It was a blessed one.

Aimee and I spent weeks planning, praying and getting everything together. We wanted many things to be a surprise for our “adopted sisters”. We surprised them with PURPLE bags---full of surprises! That was fun!

I believe they had a good time. I know that Aimee and I enjoyed ourselves! God was indeed present! And He was so good!

Before we left on this retreat to North Georgia, I felt the strong desire to share my love for Jesus to many women who may have never had the experience of the love of a sister. I can tell you there is nothing like it! You don’t even have to be REAL life sisters to enjoy the fellowship of sisterhood!

This group pictured above are not all related. Not by birth---oh, there are a few of us, but there are those who are simply sisters by choice. Not birth.

I invite you to join us on the Bloggers Retreat 2009!! You will have a GREAT time!

Be a sister by choice!!

See you here!

Angie

Sisters of Faith Presents…

 

Some mighty incredible sistas!! All together in one place!

Girls, this promises to be the most incredible time you could ever imagine! 

Already Marsha, of Marsha’s Musings is settin’ on go to give away a “free” registration to this event!

A note to our regular readers (if we have any)--We want you to do several things:  .

*Pray for us.  All of the speakers, the workers, the bloggers who want to come, the worship leader, the prayer team, the cooks, and the transportation for all! 

*Pray for the anointing in the worship services—for lives to be touched, women blessed, and ministered to!

*Pray for the LORD to provide a way for you to come!

We will be learning LOTS and having fun while doing so! These ladies are full of fun and information on how you can get started blogging and turn that blog into ministry for Jesus Christ!

There will also be personal testimonies shared—did I already mention you will be BLESSED? YOU will!  You will hear from all the sweet faces pictured!

To get a sneak peek at the workshops, head over to “Free To Be Me Bloggers Retreat” and click your heart away in the sidebar!

Be sure and visit Lisa Shaw (you’ll find her over in the sidebar), she is doing a special VLOG for the retreat (I think that’s what it’s called) and you can see it tomorrow!

Our keynote speaker is Mary Snyder --- you will LOVE her---she will have you laughing and, yes maybe even crying--- she will bless you with her wit and wisdom from life’s experiences and the Word!

We cannot wait until October---there is much going on in our little corner of the world! We hope to see you here!

BE SURE you stay tuned to the Free To Be Me Bloggers Retreat site…there will be updated information continually---you can register there and see who else is coming!

So---what are you waiting for?

Keeping the Faith~

Angie and Aimee!

Basking in His Light

 

The porch swing at my mother’s is a favorite place of reflecting.  Yo-Yo, the spoiled cat,  likes to attend his daily regimen of grooming while bathed in the light filtering  through the screen.

There has been many pouring of heart and soul on this porch for more years than I can count.  I have been prayed over and read to, prayed for in the quiet dawn, and as the hush of dusk fell on the grounds.

I have felt the power behind the prayers prayed from this porch.  God heard.  AND He answered.  Today, I need to sit on that porch of prayer and peace.  Today, I need to feel the strength that comes from the prayer---the power and anointing is ours when He reaches down, through and into our lives and meets the need. 

The need?  I can’t put a name to it.  Have you ever been in that place?  Where the prayers you pray seem to stop at the ceiling?  The urgent need of your life remains nameless to you, all the while He knows the need of your heart.  I’ve been there more than once.  I sit in that place today.  Even though I can’t get to that porch today, I can get to the cross.  Unload and unwind.  Allow the fingers of the Holy Spirit to kneed away the frustrations of life and apply the balm that soothes and strengthens.

Strength is gathered.  Soldier boots are pulled on and laces tightened.  With the renewed strength for the journey, we carry on in a run now---headed for the finish line.  Doing all we can for the cause of Jesus Christ!

You save the humble,
       but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low.

²⁹ You are my lamp, O LORD;
       the LORD turns my darkness into light.

³⁰ With your help I can advance against a troop;
       with my God I can scale a wall.  2 Samuel 22:28-30 NIV

Keep praying and believing sisters!

Love, Angie

Yard Sale Ideas!

ON SATURDAY

Aimee and I had a yard sale!  It was great fun---hot—tiring—but fun. We were able to clean out some clutter, make a few dollars for a retreat project and share some sweet treats along the way!

 

Aimee made white chocolate macadamia nut cookies…and I made some red velvet cake balls.  Yeah, I know.  I’ve made them before---but these are so good!

 

We had them bagged up in cute bags, had some water and soft drinks on ice, and when the “shoppers” felt that they didn’t need any “stuff”, they bought sweet treats!

Another idea, if you are a blogger, or have a ministry you are focusing on, as in raising money for, have some cards made up (you can do that on the computer!) and pass them out.  It is a great way to witness and who knows, someone’s life may be touched, just from a silly old yard sale!

BEST IDEA, make SURE you have some comfy fold up chairs for your tired rear-ends to rest in the shade! Bring an umbrella (large one) if you have no trees nearby to park thyself!

Wear a handy-dandy money changing apron.  Aimee bought me one last year at a craft show and it is made from old jeans and some cute lavender fabric for pockets.  If all else fails, go to your local (homegrown) hardware store and ask for a nail apron! They have ROOMY pockets and long ties! (You will look oh so cute!)

LARGE pockets are necessary to hold all that money you will make---a calculator, some gum, pen for marking prices you forgot, extra price stickers (we bought colored dot stickers) and germ-x wipes. Yes.

Well, that’s all the time we have today! I’ve shared some yard-sale secrets---oh, one more thing, Smile! Big!  Share the love of the Lord!  You never know what condition they left their house or heart in---it will bless them, and you!

Love y’all!

Angie and Aimee

Retreat News Flash!

The Bloggers Retreat information has been relocated!

You will find it all here:  Free To Be Me Bloggers Retreat! 

Click on the link and join in the retreat!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Angie & Aimee!

Some Things Bear Repeating~~~

Aimee had written a post a long time back (sound familiar?) and it has a message that is relevant for our day…today. You will find it HERE.

There is another one that I had written about “Grace Under Fire”…not the TV show. It too, is relevant for our day…today.

The wind is blowing today---I feel it… and I can see the effects.

What will the changing winds bring?

A closer walk with Him if we seek HIM….but only if…

and

Flower design is created by Summer at Summertime Designs--she has some really cool "freebies"! Check her out!

Join the Mother's Day Reflections!

Head on over and read Jeff's post at the Knightly News!

My mother's day reflection was written last year...for our Mother---who was More than a Mother!

Victorious Living - A Sister's Story - Connie Haile

My name is Connie Haile. I became a Christian when I was 21. At 21 I had been married, divorced, and married again and going to have a child with my second husband…who is wonderful by the way.

I just played church for three years then the devil became to play with my mind….long story short I was very fearful of being sick. It just came out of the blue . I had never battled with anything like that before. I didn't know the Word or the power of His name. I just got worse and worse….I would sit in the yard with my little girl everyday after Mike went to work.

The Lord one day sent me someone that knew the power of God's word…..she and two other wonderful people who just took me under their wing and taught me how to stand on the word and not be moved by what I was feeling or hearing from the devil.

That was one of the hardest things I had ever had to do. Back then we didn't know about panic attacks or pills that would help. So, it was just me and my Precious Heavenly Father. It was a long hard battle but I never crumbled….I didn't want to be this way and if God said he would do it ….I took him at his word.

Praise Jesus I am set free from the spirit of fear! People often say that there is no way that I don't have bad, blue days…..but I stand with great confidence that no I don't have blue days……why, because I make a choice to walk in His Joy everyday of my life…I can't afford to open the door to fear…the lack of joy is fear….no thank you, been there done that and don't ever want to go back.

So then when my youngest was 2 and my oldest was 5 my husband decided that he didn't love me anymore and wanted a divorce. Talk about a shocker!

I had been telling a friend whose husband had left her, that God would bring him back, she just needed to stand on the word…..I shared scripture with her all of the time…four months to be exact almost everyday.

This one particular day we were sitting in my drive way and I was giving her my daily speech about the power of God's word and if she would just stand, Jim would come home. She looked at me funny.

I said to her, "I know you are thinking, how do you know, you have never been in my shoes." She said that was exactly right. I got out of the car and went inside and it wasn't long when Mike came home to deliver the news. He began to tell me how he didn't love me anymore and that he was going to move out. I just stood there and then I told him I had to leave but would be back. I called my friend and she came and picked me up to take me to my spiritual parents house. We prayed for several hours.

I just knew when I got home everything was going to be fine. But I was wrong . He was sitting on the couch with all of his stuff waiting to go. Needless to say, he left.

What was I going to do? I had to do what I had been telling Susan. For months I had told her about the power of God's word…..I couldn't back up now…so I did exactly what I preached to her about.

Mike would call me, sometimes everyday telling me he didn't love me anymore………….this went on for 9 months. I just stood firm on His word. Sometimes several times a day I would say, Thank you Father that Mike loves me as Christ loves the church.

God honored his word above his name. It was a true test of my faith and sometimes things in the natural looked really dark, but God's Word always changed things for my good. I had to learn a lot about myself and change a lot of things about myself…it wasn't just about Mike leaving, it was about how the Lord wanted me to change some of the dumb things I did as a wife.

Mike came home and told me that he did everything in his power to stop loving me but the harder he tried the more he loved me. The Lord reminded me how I stood on the scripture. "Mike loves me as Christ loves the church."

The more I stood on that scripture the more Mike loved me. God's word never fails.

That was 27 seven years ago and Mike and I have been married 34 years.

Then March of last year I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. It was in my lungs and several other places. I told the first doctor that I was healed in Jesus name and he told me that it was my faith that had kept me alive this long. The doctors in Dothan told Mike I only had 3 to 6 weeks to live.

It was decided that I go to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fl. So off we went….I was on oxygen and in a wheelchair. We met the doctor and she quickly told me that she wanted to do chemo. I told her that I was healed in Jesus name and she turned around and told me that only God could heal me. The chemo was only going to control and comfort me. Healing was not in the equation.

I told her to just hide and watch! She ordered scans of all sorts. We got the results back and she told us that there was cancer in several places. She wanted to start chemo immediately but I told her that I wanted to go home and spend time with my family. I also told her that I would do chemo only if they could promise me that I would not throw up. I told them I didn't not want to do that everyday. They promised that would not happen as long as I take the medicine they gave me. They honored their word because I never got sick or felt bad. God is so faithful.

I began to listen to healing cd's 24/7, and I quoted healing scriptures all the time. I guarded myself from negative people. Couldn't afford to hear anything negative. I stayed guarded.

The word says to be careful what you hear and that is what I did. The devil was out to kill me and I was not going to give him the pleasure of taking me out…..I was going to put a good fight of faith.

I had 8 rounds of chemo….my blood levels never went below normal. My blood platelets never went below normal either. The doctor was so amazed with my blood. Everyday I would say out loud so that every demon from hell could hear it, "Thank you Father, that your blood flows thru my veins bringing healing and health to all of my flesh." He honored His word above His name.

The second set of scans showed that all the tumors had shrunk 50%. My doctor was so excited and so was everybody in the clinic. That was the first miracle….When I finished chemo I had more scans made. The results came back and the cancer in my brain, liver and bones was gone! The tumor in my breast was a 10 and had shrunk to a 1.5! We were so excited and she was amazed…..remember she said that healing was not in the equation. Of course, she says that I responded so well to chemo….I would tell her.. no I am healed in Jesus name. She would just look at me.

Next and last step was 7 weeks of radiation. I lived with my son and his wife for that time in Tampa. That was a real test of faith,--- not living with them, but what radiation had to offer. But because of the power of God's word working in me…..I made it. Going through radiation brought me to another level of bringing my thoughts captive. I would lay on that table and because of some of the procedures it was very painful and lengthy. It is times like these that one must bring their thoughts captive or the pain and just crazy thoughts would take you to a place of fear. It was a battle sometimes but the Lord always carried me through.

That 7 weeks was such a wonderful time of ministry. Everyday there was someone to pray for or just give a smile. The power of a smile should never be under estimated. There is healing power in a smile…I saw that everyday.

When you are wondering what can I do for someone in a situation like that ..….give them a smile.

The end of December I had more scans and Praise the Lord, my doctor stood amazed at the results. She said that she never dreamed they would be like this……healed and whole. God is so faithful to his word no matter what the battle is. The devil is a liar and he will do all he can to get you to listen to his lies and turn from the word of God. No matter what the battle is Jesus is still the same…..He promises that He will never leave us or forsake us. His Word has 365 "fear not's"…that is one for each day. How sweet is He to make sure we will have a promise for everyday so we won't be afraid. He has made provision for us for everything we are going through.

I would not be here today if it weren't for Him and the power of His word! So whatever it is you are facing….get the Word, find the scripture you need, and hold on to it! Speak it out of your mouth until it becomes life within you and makes its home in your heart! For out of the abundance of your heart your mouth speaks….stand strong….

He is your refuge, your fortress, and the God in whom we trust. His joy is our strength. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in us to quicken our mortal body. Glory to God and the promises go on and on!

Thank you Connie! There is power in her words! The power comes from the Holy Spirit that lives within her!

We want this blog to be a place where you can come and find hope for your situtation! The BIBLE is the key---to unlock the heart of God for your life! YOUR situation! As Connie said, stand on His Word. HE never fails!

We have a WINNER!

The winner of the Bloggers Retreat Giveaway is....Vicki of "Windows To My Soul"!! Congratulations Vicki!!

We used the "Random Number Generator " for our results!

There are more updates coming on the Retreat Site---so STAY TUNED!!!


&

Happy Birthday to Wanda on Saturday!

&

and our brother Jeffery!

From the Devotional Book

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

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

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

"SMACK". Right between the eyes.

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

My mother always told us, "Actions speak louder than words". Yes. I know. A mother's wisdom.

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

It is alright to wait before the Lord to get the instructions. Or the roadmap---but there are times, when He bids us go--have faith in Him and go---and He directs us step by step.

Wanda's favorite verse was Psalm 27:14. Wait on the Lord. As you are waiting "before Him"...meaning on your knees, in your prayer closet, or on your face, in your private devotions, He is doing the strengthening. He will be your strength. When you feel you have gone your absolute limit....give it up.

To Him. And when He answers, however He may choose to answer, give Him all the praise.

We do. We give God the glory and praise for Wanda's life and testimony. AND for what He continues to do---through the faithful perseverance of one darling sister. We praise Him.

Thanks for sticking around with us! We promise to post more faithfully! We are blessed to be sisters of faith with you!

About the Sisters

I began this blog on January 4, 2008.

In the wee hours of the morning, on the 5th floor of Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida Aimee and I sat as Wanda lay between us sleeping. Aimee tossed and turned in her makeshift bed of a pull out chair. I sat in a recliner that was old and made too much noise to actually "recline".

We listened to the breathing of our sister, Wanda and thanked the Lord for what He had blessed our lives with...but secretly, we both wondered just how long this earthly blessing would last.

To tell you about us...just a wee bit:

There were three sisters.  Actually, we are all sisters if you believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior.  But here at this place, you will hear about all the sisters of our lives. The older sisters, the middle sisters and probably the younger sisters.

We can take you to the places in our spiritual walk where victories have been won. We can show you battle scars.... all of us. Some are scars of the heart figuratively, some literally.

As you journey with us, be patient. We will share what we can, when we can. But we hope that if you happen upon this blog....maybe, just maybe you will feel the presence of the Lord and be blessed.

The night the blog was born, I sat there in that dimly lit room trying to come up with a way to "keep Wanda alive". I thought that if I gave her something to think on everyday, something to plan toward, then surely, surely, she would keep on living. If only just for me.

I was selfish in my thoughts. Wanda's life and yes, even her passing had a purpose. The dreams of her life are still being realized by us today.  I think she passed part of her dream on to me.  The dream to touch the lives of others.  I hope what you find here touchs your life.

Wanda wrote only one post. It is called "God's Waiting Room". Incredible does not adequately describe it.

As I sat at her little kitchen table the night, I wrote down the words she shared, I shed a few tears. More fell on the keyboard as I typed them for you to read. Her heart--her thoughts--God's love extended.

She left this life on February 12, 2008 for a better place. One without oxygen tanks or heart problems.

Aimee and I continue on. Looking forward with great anticipation for that day when we will join our precious sister once again. And oh we will sing just like we do on our Sisters Retreats!

Join Aimee and me, as we take you on a journey of our faith--through the writings of our blog. You may need kleenex---or a depends---depending on who is writing!  At the updating of this entry, Aimee has decided to leave the writing to me for the most part.  But if you go back far enough, you will find some of Aimee's writings.  AND they are worth the search!

Get comfy! We hope you will come again and again.

Keeping the faith,

The Sisters!

 Pictured above: Wanda, Angie, Aimee with our mother, Valeria; Photo #2-Aunt Evielean, Mother, and Aunt Elaine; Picture #3 April, Angie, and Tiffany.