tag:knightsongministries.com,2005:/blogs/the-view-from-my-window?p=3The View from my Window2022-01-08T15:23:09-06:00KNIGHTsong Ministriesfalsetag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/68630292022-01-08T15:23:09-06:002023-10-16T09:54:22-05:00
CHANGES COMING…
Just a quick informative email to all of you who follow my blog. We’re...
<p>CHANGES COMING…</p>
<p>Just a quick informative email to all of you who follow my blog. We’re making some exciting changes here at KSM in 2022! You’ll here much more about that soon! First however, a little house keeping.</p>
<p>To streamline the blogging process, you will begin to receive blog notifications via a different source. Currently my blog notification reaches you in this form:</p>
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<p>The next blog (a very important one) will come like this:</p>
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<p>You may need to allow third party email from <<a href="mailto:noreply@sitezoogle.com">noreply@sitezoogle.com</a>> to avoid my notifications from landing in your SPAM folder. You may not have to as well. Depends on your browser of choice and your security preferences.</p>
<p>This notification email will be followed in about 15 minutes by a post from the latter. If you do not see it after a few hours, please check your spam folder or junk mail and allow it. This is a crucial time for us here at KSM, and I don’t want to mess up my communications! </p>
<p>Thanks for being a great friend of this ministry!</p>
KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/68501602021-12-23T11:02:30-06:002021-12-23T12:30:19-06:00ANTICIPATING THE MORNING…
<p>Hard to believe another Christmas has come…and nearly gone. </p>
<p>It is well before sunrise this morning as I write this. Once again I awoke quite early, seems I do that more and more often as the years go by. And once again the cinema runs at hundred feet per second replete with scenes of Christmases past. No sleep on this morning for sure. <br></p>
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<p>In one unexpected moment I am twelve years old again (that may sound familiar to those who have read my books) and I am lying in my bed in that little house on Cora Avenue in Akron. It is well past midnight… eyes wide open, and my ears wide open as well. I am listening to every rustle of wrapping paper as well as the opening and closing of every closet door in that house. I was desperately trying to figure out where to begin my search for hidden gifts the following December. I needed to find those hiding places that held the magic of Christmas morning. That year’s search you see, had proven futile once again. My parents were much better at hiding gifts than I was at finding them. That night I didn’t want to close my eyes, not for a second. The anticipation of the morning was too great.<br></p>
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<p>Swiftly the scene changed and it was me hiding the gifts, sometimes in the Attic, other times in the trunk of my car or my office at church. I had learned the art of stealth from the masters. Thanks to one of the “gifts” my mother gave us (a boxed red suit, complete with white beard, hat and black belt) Santa began a yearly Christmas Eve visit to our home. I well remember the year when Joey and Lynn figured out that Santa’s yearly visit coincided exactly with whenever Papa had to go out for milk. Seemed that Papa was always missing Santa Claus. On this year Papa made his “milk run” declaration, but before he could leave there was a knock at the door. Unless the ravages of time come and steal the best of memories I will never forget the look in their eyes when Santa walked in BEFORE Papa left… thanks in no small part to friend and fellow staff Pastor named Danny. There would be little rest in our small home in Illinois that night either. After sleep finally stole away the smiling little faces that warmed my heart, there were presents to find… and wrap.<br><br></p>
<p>It was in Missouri when the final embers of wonder made their appearance. This time the kids were awakened by frantic parents who had “heard something on the roof”. This time it was in the small hours well after the “seek, find and wrap” mission was complete. As I escorted the kids to the window, there was the departing image of a man in a red suit running across the front yard. Winter coats donned, a cursory check of the front yard did indeed reveal fresh footprints in the snow. How could this be? If that wasn’t enough, a permitted glimpse under the tree confirmed that we indeed had experienced a welcome visitor. Unfortunately they would have to wait till morning to open the gifts. As you might guess, that was assuredly a sleepless night!</p>
<p>I also remember a Christmas a few years later when that serene world I painted for myself lay in shambles. On that Christmas Eve I had invested all the energy I could muster. There would be no magic this year however, only a quiet sadness. </p>
<p>Soon though, as happens most often, years passed and time began its healing process as a new dream began to take shape. This Christmas there were seven of us. I drug that old Santa Suit out of the attic for one final curtain call. This time it was stuffed with newspaper and topped with a mickey mouse head. I thought it ushered in our first Christmas as a blended family rather nicely. There were more gifts than I could have ever imagined around our tree that year. Mickey Claus assured all of our first family vacation to Disney the following summer. <br></p>
<p>The “Great Game Room” Christmas followed, along with several others as life once again settled into a routine. All held lots of sacrifice, a myriad of great memories… and little sleep. And then there was “that” Christmas, the one I wrote about in TEARS IN A BOTTLE. The one where I lay wide awake in the hospital “hotel” with Matt lying a few floors down having been diagnosed with cancer. There would be little sleep that Christmas Eve either. It was then that I experienced the presence of God like I have few times in my life.</p>
<p>Then once again, years passed and we fought back to a more “normal” Christmas… whatever that is. The magic returned to our quiet existence as grandchildren entered the scene. For several years there was just one, and now there are five. These days Holidays are spent traveling and sharing Christmas concerts with friends all around the Country, and what a joy that has been! This year, our concert season culminated with a special evening at Prairie Valley, the little church in the country that’s not all that little any more. Last Sunday night we crowded 269 chairs in that tiny gym and then celebrated the genuine “reason for the season”. We joined together to laugh, reminisce and worship the Savior of the world with musicians from four to nearly eighty-four years of age. Every once in a while. the fabric of time folds upon itself in such a way that it can be readily stitched together. Such was to be the case on this brisk December night.<br></p>
<p>You can view the entire video here… https://fb.watch/a4j_wSHwJg/</p>
<p>After a little frivolity, the music to HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS began and time yielded up its constraining power. I stood at the piano on one side of our tiny makeshift stage. On the other side was the little boy who with glistening eyes couldn’t quite figure out how Santa showed up when Papa was there too. Only difference is now he’s two inches taller than I am. And in between us stood a small four year old child with a big voice, and an even bigger heart. Funny, she was about the same age as her Dad was all those years ago. With every note my Granddaughter sang the years seemed to melt away. She would look repeatedly into her Father’s eyes just as he had mine so many years earlier. For you see, she brought the missing magic to the evening. Christmas is not special because of a man in a red suit. It is special because of the Baby in the manger. You might imagine that there was little sleep for me that night. <br></p>
<p>See what you think…</p>
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<p>Again as KNIGHTsong Ministries closes another year, I have no idea what tomorrow holds. God still only gives me one step at a time. Now I know He doesn’t deal with everyone like that. It’s just that He knows me, and He knows that is all I can handle. He keeps teaching and I keep trying to learn. Perhaps that’s what this life is really all about anyway. </p>
<p>I have no idea what Christmases future hold. They may be wonderful, they may be difficult. My guess is, there will be some of each, yet I also realize that there may never be another. Whichever yours may be this year, don’t lose hope. HOPE… that’s what Christmas is all about. One day, whether in this life or the next, for those who have accepted Christ, every right will be made wrong, every question answered, every unfulfilled dream made complete. I won’t want to close my eyes there, not for a second. Maybe not now either, the anticipation of that morning is too great.</p>
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KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/68255412021-11-30T10:32:37-06:002021-11-30T12:15:04-06:00On the road…
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<p>There’s just something about being on the road that makes me smile. It was that way when I was on a childhood vacation, and it still is. Today we are back on the road to do our Christmas concert series, and guess what? I’m smiling. Our last “pre-pandemic” Christmas held 17 events. Last year was just 7 (for which we are still VERY grateful). This year holds 9. At least we’re going the right direction.</p>
<p>I’m not smiling because everything is great, its actually been a really crazy Thanksgiving week for our family. This list I share is not meant to be a series of “whines”, especially since it affects others in our family a lot more than it does Shaunda and me. HOWEVER, I’ll vent anyway… a week before Thanksgiving held gall bladder surgery for our oldest daughter. The Tuesday before Thanksgiving, a tonsillectomy for our oldest granddaughter. The day before Thanksgiving, how about elbow surgery for our 4 year old granddaughter courtesy of a preschool playground incident. Add to that a little extended family illness and things were more than a bit hectic. Good news though, between remote and local excursions we got a lot of grandkid time out of the deal! Especially Shaunda. The last two weekends held marathon Sunday night rehearsals preparing for our closing Christmas concert at Prairie Valley. I’ll be joining with all our musicians and “techies” along with a few other friends. As I drove to last night’s rehearsal I discovered a little extra energy by realizing that soon I would be “on the road”. And then a mile from the house (or RV in our case) I heard the unfortunately familiar “POP, whap whap whap” that signaled a blowout; on a fairly new set of tires. No worries, we have roadside assistance. This time however, Good Sam was not all that good. Five hours later (and after that last rehearsal) we gave up and my 83 year old Father in Law (or 84, or 87… it fluctuates with the weather and his need for attention) and I were changing a flat tire on my truck. I finally stumbled into bed rubbing rarely used muscles on the right side of my neck. So thus ends a very long week, and an even longer paragraph.</p>
<p>None of that really matters, after all, we’re on the road now, albeit several hours later than we anticipated. All of that is in the rear view, at least for now.</p>
<p>All participants in the “surgery triad” are doing well. And what teenager wouldn’t want mashed potatoes and popsicles for Thanksgiving? And with the white lines passing at a frantic pace (Shaunda is driving) I now remember how she put in countless hours this week as a concerned grandma, caregiver and extended family member even finding time somehow for a Sunday afternoon Anniversary party. She worked that one in between preparing Sunday lunch for our drummer and me, and then feeding <em>everyone</em> at our rehearsal last night. She had some help with that one from a great worship ministry friend who started the Lasagna while Shaunda was waiting with my truck for those first 2 of the 5 hours so I could make rehearsal in her’s. </p>
<p>’Tis true that I love to poke fun at my Father-in-law, and also ’tis tru that he does his share in return. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/11.2.0/72x72/1f642.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="🙂" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> He also does more than his share of helping out his kids…even though we’re all getting pretty old these days too! After all, what 83 year old guy gets down on the pavement to help change a flat tire? And my Mother-in-law’s help was invaluable over the past days as well!</p>
<p>No viewing the sunrise this morning even though we were heading east. Our unavoidable late start however, gave us yet another opportunity to say good-bye to those in-laws. We heartily laughed at the crazy week we had all just finished. With everyone on the mend we shared some kind words and some hugs. I think my Father-in law noticed I was rubbing my neck, so he squeezed extra hard. One final good-bye, a last wave, a parting chuckle and a “see you soon”, and we were finally heading down the road. I couldn’t help but think that if her folks passed away while we were gone or if this trip ended in a similar tragedy for us, that’s exactly how I would want our last goodbye to be. Laughter… no tears. And then unexpectedly I felt a little warmth on my cheek as a stray tear somehow escaped. </p>
<p>I have no idea how I will leave this world when it’s my final time to go “on the road” (or perhaps I should say “into the air”). Life has held some great moments for me. I have been blessed far greater than what I deserved that I never know quite how to express my gratitude. I have also learned that life often holds more difficult moments than great ones. Death, illness, financial reversal, wayward kids and wayward parents. There’s broken relationships, broken promises, bitter disappointments… flat tires and neck aches. </p>
<p>Maybe for me, it may be one final good-bye, a last wave, a parting chuckle and a “see you soon”. No tears. None of those heartaches will really matter then. They will all be in the rearview, and I will be in the bright “Sonshine”. </p>
<p>One last road trip. </p>
<p> Not north, south, west or east… just up. </p>
<p>Talk about something far, far greater than I deserve.</p>
KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/67900702021-10-28T21:38:55-05:002021-10-28T22:30:14-05:00How Could I Ask For More?
<p>I’ve been asked several times today how yesterday’s presentation of the first MATTHEW VIRGEL SCHOLARSHIP went. I’ve been thinking all day on exactly what to say, and I find myself tonight with a dozen thoughts, yet few coherent sentences. So let’s try this one a bit differently. How about some random thoughts and you can reach your own conclusion? Here we go…</p>
<p><strong>Extremely warm welcome </strong> Very professional, organized, competent and accommodating staff <strong>A room full of respectful students and professors…and some </strong><em><strong>very</strong></em><strong> special guests </strong> The chance to tell Matt’s story including an unapologetic presentation of the gospel <strong> The privilege to invest in a small way in the life of another young man </strong> To hear “thank you” a hundred times (literally) <strong>To not only meet Tyler and learn about his life, but also to meet his entire family</strong> To be in the same room and speak from the very same platform that Matt walked across some 14 years earlier when he received his diploma… <strong>and to sense that he was in some way watching intently everything that was happening </strong> To spend a few moments with a past <em>and</em> present President of this school over a plate of barbecue. <strong>To sense that God was “up to something” in a powerful way </strong></p>
<p>Or how about this one? <em>To watch my wife fight through those tears that will never have an end and embrace another son’s mother. To be so proud of her… how instead of living forever in the unrelenting grip of grief, she CHOSE to reach out and turn her misery into ministry.</em></p>
<p>What do you think? That ought to be enough, right?</p>
<p>Yet after all of this while fielding so many of those “thank you’s”, I noticed a young student waiting patiently in a long line to speak with me. Yet when it came her “turn”, it seemed that she could barley speak through her tears. Soon I would join her. For you see, after all of the nearly unbelievable “God moments” of this day, this precious young lady gave her heart to Christ.</p>
<p>You see Matt, your life though cut so tragically short, truly mattered… and it still does. But I guess you know that now much better than I do. Perhaps you even got a little “heavenly heads up” and you knew in advance what was coming. Could be that’s why you were watching so intently? </p>
<p>How could I ask for more? </p>
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<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignright"><img src="https://joeknight.us/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/THREE-OF-US.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><figcaption>The first MATTHEW VIRGEL SCHOLARSHIP recipient,<br>Tyler Webb!</figcaption></figure></div>
KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/67866682021-10-25T16:01:36-05:002021-10-25T18:30:09-05:00THE FIRST MATTHEW VIRGIL SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION!
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<p>I’ve been taking about a “pretty big development” for KNIGHTSONG Ministries in my blog, posts and in our appearances. It’s finally time to go public, at least the first part. We are absolutely thrilled to announce the presentation of the very first MATTHEW VIRGIL SCHOLARSHIP! Thanks to a generous supporter, we have partnered with Jacksonville College (Matt’s alma mater) right here in East Texas.</p>
<p>On Wednesday morning of this week (October 27, 2021) I have the privilege to tell Matt’s story in a chapel service at this school. Following his story, Shaunda and I will present the very first scholarship to a deserving young person. What an amazing way for Matt’s legacy to live on. To say that Shaunda and I are deeply moved and excited would be a tremendous understatement! We’ll post pictures, and give you an update soon after the presentation.</p>
<p>And that’s not all! There could indeed be a <em>much greater</em> aspect of this portion of our ministry in the near future. This development very well may one day affect worthy students all across the country. I can’t wait to tell you all about this one… </p>
<p>…early next year! </p>
KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/67748642021-10-13T06:41:17-05:002021-10-13T14:00:03-05:00You Should Have Heard Them Laugh…
<p>A cheerful heart is good medicine. Now I didn’t make that one up, someone far wiser than me, or any of us for that matter, said that a long time ago. I think he was on to something. As I look back over my life at the truly difficult days of the Journey, I can remember hours, weeks and even months when it seemed there was no laughter in my world. I have described grief to others as feeling like “someone turned off all the music”. Funny how even right now I remember how quiet it was… so very quiet. </p>
<p>There were other times that I remember laughter, but I was on the outside looking in. Growing up was a bit painful for me as it was for many of us. “Fitting in” with the cool kids was an art I never seemed to master. Years ago I finally gave up and simply embraced by “differentness”. It was not like I ever really had any other option.</p>
<p>In Junior High (long before there were Intermediate and Middle schools) my physical characteristics didn’t help much either. I knew the conversation had turned to me when I was addressed as “Two Ton Tubby”, or I heard: “Hey Human Bowling Ball, roll over here and see us!”. At my very wise Mother’s advice, rather than ignore it, I was going to join in their banter. I was going to let it “roll off my back”, so I “rolled over” to see them. They were not to ever know how deeply it hurt, so I joined in their laughter as well. Then I went home and cried.</p>
<p>You should have heard them laugh…</p>
<p>Each conference in which we have the great privilege to share a small part, is many ways the same. Yet each conference is totally unique. The idea for this video came at supper on Saturday evening. I was sitting next to a precious young mom, the first genuine “New Yorker” I had ever really talked to. Midway through the conversation I suddenly realized that though we were sitting right next to each other, we were actually shouting. It was what we had to do to be heard above the uproarious laughter in the room. </p>
<p>The spontaneous outbursts of joy came from every part of that beautiful dining area while the steady waves of the Atlantic Ocean rolled in. My heart was, and still is, overwhelmed at the incredible grace of God. To be quite honest, that “God moment” was indescribable. In the time it takes for our hearts to beat a few times I found myself overwhelmed in the embrace of their laughter. That place was full of the cheerful hearts of moms who had little to rejoice about according to the world’s thinking. Yet this was a group of moms who had, and were discovering the unseen, yet intense power of a heart in tune with the very God of the universe. They were making a simple, yet powerful choice to look outward and upward instead of inward. It wasn’t really like that just a day earlier when many met for the first time having no idea what to expect from a “Grief Conference”. </p>
<p>I remembered at that moment on that evening in that place how it felt years earlier when I thought that I would never laugh again. I was so wrong. With hearts fully embracing worship, we all (even this Dad) once again discovered what a difference Jesus Christ can make, even in life’s darkest moments. Maybe <em>especially</em> in life’s darkest moments.</p>
<p>You should have heard them laugh…</p>
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KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/66533222021-06-08T16:14:46-05:002021-06-08T18:00:15-05:00THE BLOG I THOUGHT I MIGHT NEVER WRITE…
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<p>Well here it is… the blog I thought I might never write. And to be quite honest, I still don’t know what the second step is for KSM, but I know the next one…finally! For those of you who have followed this ministry over the past years, you know that this is the way it has always been; a journey of faith, revealed one step at a time. And truly I believe this is what makes the life of faith so challenging, so exciting, so rewarding… and so much fun! And please help me share this message by link, by text, by email, or by whatever means you can. I have been quiet for so long, and because of certain algorithms the tech giants have chosen, many of our “friends” may never see this. Many of them no longer use social media at all. I’d really like to reconnect.</p>
<p>Over the past 14 months of full-on craziness I have blogged/posted very little. I felt like my Journey was no more challenging than yours, and I really didn’t have much to say anyway. So apart from a few posts and a couple of original song videos, I have been relatively quiet about our Journey. It also seemed that everyone has had a full plate over the past months. It just seemed so selfish to ask for your prayers. During this time our ministry turned rather organic. We’ve participated in a few podcasts and videos, but mostly we have ministered in one on one opportunities.</p>
<p>Now, however, it seems I finally have a few new things to share with you. FIrst, a quick recap. Ready? (I’m talking “quick” here.) In early fall 2019 it seemed as if God were saying “slow down a bit”. In January 2020 I agreed to take a part time position in a small church near our home and travel a bit less. One of the reasons I did this was to take care of a few personal medical concerns (nothing serious thank God!). On March 15, 2020 we discovered along with everyone else that a “bit less” travel really meant no travel at all! Our “forty-three of fifty-two Sundays” in 2020 turned to zero in a matter of a couple weeks. Then I became unexpectedly (but wonderfully) busy handling a greatly increased video and audio workload. In no small part due to our DOM, I also ended up installing several audio and video systems as MISSIONvideo found its way to the forefront. As the year drug on, a few of our special churches began having services and invited us to join them. Because of this I had a few opportunities to speak and to lead worship. (Truthfully, I think some of them made up reasons, just to be good to us one more time). At the same time the little church I was working with wasn’t quite so little anymore. We did several Christmas concerts and crawled into 2021 with everyone else. As more churches began to open up, the phone began to ring and the little church I was leading worship at wasn’t little at all anymore. Whew! But at least we now we’re all up to date, and we can finally get started!</p>
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<p><strong>2021…. </strong>All our 2021 available Christmas Concert Sundays are now spoken for, although I can take a couple “though the week” dates. As far as the rest of the year, anyone from the Texas Metroplex to west Texas want Sunday September 12? I also have Sunday, November 14 available for most anywhere. And that’s it for the rest of the year. We are still taking a few “through the week” and Sunday night dates however. And you remember how this all works, right? These church appearances in addition to being ministry opportunities, help make it financially feasible to do our “anytime, anywhere” thing. They also provide for us the ability to take part in conferences for other Parents who have shared a Journey similar to ours. And speaking of conferences, we now have three of those scheduled as well. There’s one each in Colorado, New Jersey and California. We have out of town concert and Church dates in North Carolina, Arkansas, Ohio and Texas. Among these are several opportunities to tell Matt’s story to brand new audiences. Can you believe it? Now we ALL know that this might just go away again. Perhaps the country will shut down for the next “crisis”. Maybe another gas pipeline will be compromised and we won’t be able to buy fuel. Could be that a financial meltdown will overtake us and our money will be no good at all. Might be that our religious freedoms will be trampled once again and church doors will close. Then again, the next musical instrument you hear may be a trumpet and we won’t have to be concerned about any of this ever again! </p>
<p><strong>2022 AND BEYOND…. </strong>This is the “next step” thing. I’m praying about a “relaunch” of sorts in the Fall. You know, the “redesign the website and social media pages, communicate with all the churches where we have been and see if there’s a future out there. But I’m not sure about all that just yet. Still haven’t had the “This is the way, walk ye in it” moment. So I guess I’m asking for your prayers for clarification here.</p>
<p><strong>NEW MAJOR PROJECT… </strong>One of the amazing opportunities that presented itself during the “pandemic party” involved producing a large number of audio/video hymn projects for a local Church. One of my dear friends approached me about this to help his church provide music while they were meeting “in the zoom” instead of the “in the room”. These unique arrangements called for a much more formal type of presentation than you are used to hearing me do. This caused me to dig deep into my musical past and rediscover idioms and chord progressions long ago forgotten as many of these arrangements tend to be a bit more “classical” in style. Add to those a couple of unique jazz arrangements I recorded with my friend, a very personal original tune or two as well as some additional hymnody and bonus traks. This has turned into by far the most ambitious, all new recording project I have <em>ever</em> attempted. KSM is considering a release of this project as a DVD/CD boxed set as well as downloadable files this Fall. Believe me, this is huge. I expect sell so many that the project will immediately go aluminum or maybe even tin. (Gold and Platinum are out of the question). I’m hoping to find a corporate or individual sponsor to help fund the packaging. Either way though, we’ll offer this one like we have always been led to do. An offering of any amount… and guess what? Whatever comes in we will use to keep KSM afloat and continue to tell Matt’s story anytime, anywhere.</p>
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<p><strong>AND NOW PERHAPS THE MOST EXCITING NEWS OF ALL…. </strong>All those years ago now when Matt announced to us that he wanted to be in the ministry, we wanted him to make the best educational choice possible. With that thought in mind, he and Shaunda boarded an airplane and flew east to check out one of the largest and arguably the most desirable Christian university in the country. About twelve hours into the “college days” experience, Matt announced that this one was a clear “no go”. A few weeks later, at the urging of his “Baddy”, we loaded up again (this time in the car) and headed to the south. Baddy personally knew the president of a small Bible College, then known as Jacksonville Baptist College. </p>
<p>Did I say small? How about <em>very</em> small. And not only small, but with the exception of a couple of newer buildings, the others had seen their last upgrades many years earlier. It’s doubtful that this institution would have been on many aspiring student’s short list. It was a likely “no” from me and an overwhelming “no” from Matt’s mom, but a resounding “yes” from Matt. He saw what we could not. A few months later following several hours of scrubbing on the shared dorm bathroom and a new piece of carpet in the dorm room, we drove off leaving Matt laughing and smiling at the dorm room’s front door. Shaunda, on the other hand, cried all the way home… literally. And thus began one of the most life-shaping experiences of Matt’s young life.</p>
<p>Matt earned a couple of really good scholarships from the school. One of those required him to sing bass in a southern gospel quartet. Guess what? He hated it. Guess what else? I LOVED it! (There occasionally <em>is </em>justice in this world.) Soon we also grew to love this special place in East Texas. We knew a lot of what Matt did at school, but not everything. Some things we found out at his special service. We knew he sang. We knew he ventured into drama for the first time. We knew he had coffee in the mornings with several professors and administrators. We knew he had good grades (mostly). We knew he loved his time at Jacksonville. We did not know, however, that he dressed up in a cougar costume as the school mascot for basketball games. Funny, he never told us about that.</p>
<p>It was at Jacksonville Baptist College that Matt fell deeply in love with the Word, and fixed his trajectory squarely towards ministry. It was here that he became acquainted with Criswell College and eventually chose to attend there to complete his Bachelor’s degree, winning a full ride scholarship to lead worship in the process. And it was during his first Christmas break from Criswell College, in his third year in Bible College, that Matt’s Journey would take the hard left turn that would see the end of his ministry… or would it? </p>
<p>And it was at this special place in deep East Texas, now known as Jacksonville College, that just last week Shaunda and I stepped out of her car into one of our few sunny days of late. We walked across the familiar campus to meet with the current outgoing President and the incoming President. We couldn’t help but notice that the campus, though still small, appeared clean and updated. We had scheduled this meeting to discuss perhaps our most exciting news of all. What is that news? Glad you asked!</p>
<p>A regular supporter of KSM approached me just before Christmas in 2020 with an idea. “Suppose you start a scholarship in Matt’s name so that his legacy may live on in another young man or woman”? And just that quick, there it was. Yet another Christmas miracle.</p>
<p>You will hear more about this soon as details of the process are finalized. But perhaps even as soon as the 2021 fall semester a young man or woman who wants to continue their own path towards a career in the Worship Ministry can start at the very same place Matt started, a small out of the way wonderful haven in East Texas. And they can have a substantial portion of their Journey paid for just as Matt did because of a special friend of this ministry.</p>
<p>We enjoyed a wonderful meeting with these two gentlemen where we got to share Matt’s incredible story of hope one more time. Then we were led across the street to the Alumni association building where we found a cache of yearbooks dating back may years. It included an 06/07 copy, the one Matt never bothered to pick up and bring home. A quick glance through the pages revealed several more pictures of Matt we had never seen, including the infamous “cougar” picture. Then just a couple pages over we saw a nearly full page picture of Matt when he was named Mr. JBC 2007, yet another fact he casually left out.</p>
<p>After a rainy six weeks, the skies early last Wednesday were uncharacteristically bright, but had now turned a bit cloudy, Both Shaunda’s and my heart must have swelled with pride as we were walking back to the car through a time warp, enveloped by a flood of emotion. As I rounded the last corner I looked up at the door of the exact same dorm room where we left Matt all those years ago. I couldn’t help but notice that once again Matt’s Mom was crying. So I thought I may as well join her. Soon we were on our way back north toward the small Texas town that we still call home. This time, however, we were soon laughing once again. As I drove along it seemed that Matt was there today too, and completely aware of everything that had just happened. Perhaps he had joined the “great cloud of witnesses” at least for that special morning. Perhaps he was also aware that his ministry might just live on in some small part through someone else even after we are gone.</p>
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<p><strong>FULL CIRCLE…. </strong>So all of this brings us full circle, and I once again ask you to pray, really pray for this ministry, Less than one hour after our meeting and after having quickly eaten half of my lunch, I joined a Zoom call (late) to discuss one of those conferences. It was at the end of this call that I was reminded again of how important this ministry that God has given us really is. Please don’t misread that. I am not important, and honestly neither is Matt. But the message is. Seems that at the end of one of this year’s sessions there will be a brand new component. There will be a special “memorial service” if you will. Because of the lockdowns there will be several moms joining us who lost their children during the pandemic… but were never able to have a memorial service at all. </p>
<p>Wow. How terribly sad. Do you see how important the message of hope in Christ is? What do we really have without Him? Very little I’m afraid, So thank you to those who have hosted us in your churches over the past months. Thanks to those who have chosen KSM for your video production, sound system, video system and audio recording needs. Thank you to our individual supporters who have faithfully carried us through. Thank you to the special people who have made the MATTHEW VIRGEL SCHOLARSHIP FUND possible. Thank you Prairie Valley for jumping way outside the box and inviting me to be your Worship Leader. Thanks to <em>all</em> of you. Because God laid this ministry on your heart and because of your prayers and financial support, there still IS a KSM today. And that was not a foregone conclusion friends. Many times over the past year I thought this crazy adventure might be over for good. I thought I might never again be able to share with you what was “coming next”. This is a blog I thought I might never write.</p>
<p>Pray for God’s continued blessings on this ministry. Pray that we correctly determine God’s direction for that next step after this one. Pray for us as we travel. And pray for Shaunda and me. Pray that when we stand before grieving Moms and Dads, that we will be willing vessels through which the all-powerful message of hope in Jesus can flow. </p>
<p>How great is our God!<br></p>
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KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/65556982021-02-22T10:38:10-06:002021-02-22T15:00:25-06:00So I married this “preppy” girl…
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<p>Now Shaunda is not “preppy” in the 90’s kind of way (you may remember turned up collars and spiked hair). No, she’s “preppy” in an “almost a survivalist” kind of way. And she’ll tell you that she has taken more than a little bit of teasing from the rest of us over the years.</p>
<p>Y2K was an exceptionally “preppy” time for Shaunda. That’s when I first remember scanning for “best by” dates at the warehouse store, but it certainly wasn’t the last. Several cases of bottled water and several dozen cans of tuna and corn later, we all learned that during Y2K, well, nothing really happened. Back then we even tried samples of survival food and decided that “survival” may not be worth it after all. Nothing to worry about though. By then we had enough canned corn to last three years. </p>
<p>Fast forward to March 2020 and you will find that we were still enjoying an additional bit of levity at Shaunda’s expense, but not nearly as much. This time we got to sit back and chuckle at the “great toilet paper fiasco” and the run on alcohol based hand sanitizer and bleach based anything. The “shortages” never turned into anything all that major either as supply finally caught up with demand, but yet we “prepped” on.</p>
<p>Then came the 2020 presidential elections, a time that I described as “stupid going stupid”. The rumors ranged from anarchy to apocalypse and were nearly more than a “prep happy” wife could bear. All this drove us well past bottled water and canned vegetables. Although I never imagined that any of the furthest out conspiracy theories would really happen, I felt there was enough of a possibility to warrant serious consideration. Shaunda was far beyond serious consideration. And though I was not sold, I figured it might be better to give in to some of her inclinations. </p>
<p>And so we were at it again. In addition to more corn and additional cases of water, we stretched way out this time and purchased a small generator for our RV along with two five gallon gas cans. While we were at it, why not purchase a couple extra RV sized propane bottles and have them filled? Not anything we would likely ever need you understand, but if it made Shaunda sleep a little better it was well worth the investment. </p>
<p>Then came the election followed by the inauguration, and it seemed to go the way of Y2K and toilet paper shortages (at least up to now). So there we sat with gallons of propane, a brand new generator and, oh yeah, even more canned corn and bottled water. </p>
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<p>Then out of nowhere a freak winter storm descended on Texas. Eight inches of snow. Ice and snow covered roads that forbade travel in a state where there are few salt trucks… and even fewer snow plows. And then a low of -3. Electricity failed, and so did water. Store shelves magically cleared. The mail didn’t come. And this was Texas. Texas is big. And this covered all of Texas. What in the world are we going to do?</p>
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<p>I know. Let’s see. The heat in our RV runs on propane. At extremely low temperatures however, exposed propane pipes result in the pressure being diminished. The propane would not adequately supply our furnace. No worries though. I have multiple propane tanks. I quickly learned to switch them out, warm them up and then switch them out again. Electricity? How about that brand new little generator? Enough to charge the RV batteries, run the refrigerator, power the auxiliary heater in the bedroom AND the electric blanket! We were never cold. And equally important, we discovered we could switch between the heater and one other appliance, like a toaster or a coffee pot! </p>
<p>Inconvenient? Yes! Devastating? No.</p>
<p>I’m not a fan of going days without a shower, but with no place to go and a brand new stick of deodorant, I was tolerable… I think. You can cook and make coffee with bottled water, eat off paper plates and use plastic utensils to limit the dirty dishes. And you will have all those paper and plastic products as well; at least you will if you have a “preppy” wife.</p>
<p>And all of this really matters…. when you are thirty-six hours without electricity and ten days without water while the thermometer plunges to those lows in the negative numbers, and never gets out of the teens. I began a routine of getting out of bed several times every nigh, putting on two sweatshirts and a spring jacket and walking into a totally dark night to gas the generator and switch out the propane tanks. </p>
<p>Unlike those other “panic times”, this one really happened. </p>
<p>Please don’t misunderstand me. I have nothing to complain about. Many have struggled far more than we have. Some are still without power, and many more without water. I have not waited in line for bottled water. We were not on the roads when the black ice caused a massive pileup in a neighboring town and claimed the lives of so many. We had plenty to share with others who had none. I went without very little (except sleep), mostly because I have a wife who listened to an inner voice instead of the voice of her husband. And I was somehow astute enough to listen to her outer voice. And for the record, my car’s gas tank is full. Would you have expected anything else? </p>
<p>Are you making any preparations? There will come a time when you will be glad you did… or wish you had.</p>
<p>Today the power is on. It was nearly 70 degrees after church yesterday. Our generator, no longer new, sits quietly awaiting it’s first oil change. The propane running smoothly. Water again flows freely. There is gas in the car, bread in the pantry… and still plenty of canned corn in the cabinet.</p>
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<p>And I am uniquely thankful. Thankful to be warm. Thankful to be alive. Thankful to be clean. Thankful to watch the video of my Grandchildren building a snowman and sliding down a hill in a plastic box. Thankful to not be thirsty… and especially thankful for a “preppy” girl who agreed to be my wife, and then stayed through all of this crazy Journey we call life. Oh yeah, and thankful that just this once I was not too stubborn to listen.</p>
<p>I wonder how many times God has whispered to us and our response was “that’s silly”. I don’t see a need for that. I’m pretty busy right now, no need to prepare for a future that may not come anyway.</p>
<p>One of the keys to surviving tomorrow is preparing today. I have stood with many grieving parents and reminded them (and me too) that times like these are why we go to Church when we’re tired. Why we read the Bible when watching TV takes so much less energy. Why we pray when we can barely breath.</p>
<p>I cannot assure you of how politics will play out or what civil insurrection may look like. I have no idea how much “smarter” men will become while rejecting God and actually becoming infinitely more foolish (seems like I read something about that). I sense all around me that creation is doing a bit of “groaning”. I do not know when this way of life as we know it will come to an abrupt end, but I know it will and I know how. It all begins (or ends based on your perspective) with the sound of a trumpet. Are you prepared for that? Are you “prepping” spiritually? If not, it will come like a “thief in the night”.</p>
<p>You don’t need a generator or extra bottles of propane to get ready for this eventuality. A full gas tank or ten thousand gallons of water won’t get you ready. The only hope for this one is to accept Jesus Christ as you personal Savior… and then you too can hold onto the “blessed Hope”. And remember what we’re told about that? As believers, this “looking forward to the blessed Hope” will cause us to purify ourselves. Perhaps it’s time to quit worrying about how far we can go into worldliness and still be considered a good church member, and start worrying about how far we can go into holiness to be ready for His return. </p>
<p>The Lord <em>is</em> coming, and I believe soon. I encourage you to make your “preparations”…</p>
<p>Because there will be a time when you will be glad you did… or wish you had.<br></p>
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KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/64620332020-10-23T12:40:28-05:002020-12-26T09:36:30-06:00KSM – October 2020
<p>Well…. what a strange year this has been for all of us! As I’m sure you noticed, it’s been quite a while since I shared anything about KSM, and there’s a couple reasons for that. First, it seems like everyone is having a rough go of it in one way or another, and second… well, there hasn’t been all that much to talk about. I told Matt’s story on March 15 of this year… and we all remember that date, don’t we? That was the last time I shared his story until October 4. </p>
<p>You may (or may not) recall that towards the end of last year I mentioned in my blog that I felt as if there was a realignment of priorities for our Ministry on the horizon. It seemed that things were “fundamentally changing”, although at the time I could have never known what that meant. A couple years into the our JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME, a small church well out into the country here in Texas approached me about helping with their media and worship. As time went on and as I began to be impressed that there were some “changes in the offing”, I was interested when they asked me to take an active role in their worship ministry several Sundays over the course of 2020. It seemed in my spirit that this was somehow the right thing to do, so I was thrilled to help. When we agreed on the dates I added them to my calendar. In February of this year in addition to seven conferences, revivals and several other “through the week” dates, there remained only 7 open Sundays for the <em>entirety</em> of 2020. </p>
<p>Enter… the pandemic. In a matter of a couple weeks, we simply had nowhere to go.</p>
<p>Like so many of you, I wondered what in the world was going on. What would I do now? And the message of THE GREATER JOURNEY began ringing in my heart… “one step at a time”; “just enough light for that next step”. So it was easy to pour my heart into this little church that had been so good to us, and where we enjoyed old friends, and made new friends. Right off I began editing “virtual services”, and soon helping other churches do the same. </p>
<p>And then once again, the miracles began.</p>
<p>This “little” church way out in the country complete with its own graveyard baptized their 61st new believer last Sunday. The Pastor is a guy older than me (can you believe that?). He doesn’t know any better than to just preach Jesus, and preach he does! Just before I “snuck out” for a couple of dates after September, there were 170 souls gathered for worship, most half my age. At some point in this Journey, our oldest son, Joe Jr., showed up on a Sunday with our beautiful Daughter-in-law and two of our grandchildren in tow. For the record, Junior is an amazing, guitarist, vocalist, saxophonist, audio engineer and so on. Soon he would join the worship ministry. In God’s incredible love He used the threads of both our lives to weave yet another amazing tapestry of His grace. Now nearly every Sunday when I’m at Prairie Valley I get to stand right beside my son and lead worship…once again. </p>
<p>As far as KSM is concerned, we are doing great. God has met our financial needs every month and every time in a unique way. Our regular supporters have somehow continued. The MISSIONAudio part of our picture has grown exponentially and we have received offerings from unexpected places; and we have never had to ask. The regular monthly support of our “little church” has been a huge factor in bridging the gap. We have been invited to lead worship and consult as of late as many churches are opening up. I can’t go into detail here, but God has also continually opened doors for Shaunda and I to minister “one on one” with other hurting parents. </p>
<p>Remember when I said that I told Matt’s story for the first time since March 15? That was on October 4. Our Director of Missions was asked to speak for the homecoming for a small church, also way out in the country, on the opposite end of our County. He invited me to lead worship for him that day. I was able, at his direction, to put a small band together and generate a worship set for this “big day”. As things sometimes happen though, he became ill the week before that October Sunday. “Would you cover for me” he asked. I was thrilled to say yes since this gentlemen has become a friend of KSM, and a friend of mine. He continued: “forget about what we were going to do and just tell Matt’s story”. I was thrilled. After all it had been months!</p>
<p>On that beautiful sunny morning Shaunda and I set up our equipment on the small wooden platform in the Church, the only structure located at a crossroads in this remote section of our County. The Pastor was gracious, apologizing for the expected small crowd. I took my turn and apologized for the fact that the band he wanted would not show up, nor would his expected speaker. </p>
<p>The most difficult part of our “Matt story” is explaining to people exactly what it is that we do. It’s not preaching, it’s not a concert, it’s not a video presentation…it’s something entirely different. I felt that I should share a bit of what we were going to do that morning with the Pastor since it was, shall we say, a bit out of the norm for a Homecoming Sunday. I shared how we structure the service as well as a bit of Matt’s story. I told him how Matt was in his third year of Bible College, and also how he chose to worship Jesus throughout his battle with cancer. I shared that he passed away at 22 years of age. All the while I was talking, I was carrying speakers, running cables and setting up my keyboard. </p>
<p>I noticed that as I spoke it became rather quiet and that he had quit responding to me. The first thing that went through my mind was “oh boy, here we go… this is NOT what he wants for today”. I stopped what I was doing and turned to look at him. It was only then I saw the tears streaming down his face. He didn’t really have to say a word. I knew exactly what was happening. He broke the silence with these words:</p>
<p>“You don’t have any idea, do you? You didn’t know that we lost our 21 year old son just a year ago?”</p>
<p>And right there in that little country church I once again felt God’s smile beaming down from heaven just as sure as I had felt the sunshine earlier that morning. There were only a few of us that day thanks in no small part to the crazy year we have all experienced. But that has never bothered me. Big crowd – small crowd. City church – Country church. Traditional Church – worshipping Church. On the road – at home in worship with Joe Jr. beside me. It just has never mattered. I simply want to believe that in some supernatural way my ministry connects earth and heaven. </p>
<p>Do I want your continued prayers? I sure do, although I am hesitant to ask when so many people have so many needs. Do I know what 2021 holds for us? I’d be foolish if I said I had any idea. I do know this however. As I shared in ON THE VIRGE, more than ever I just simply want to finish well. And who knows, with all that has gone on this year, it may not be that far away. I pray I always remember the hard learned lesson, and that I keep the “light of His word” as a “lamp unto my feet” illuminating the pathway just ahead so I know where to step next. If I do, one of these days I’ll see the finish line and take that final step. And maybe then I can finally hear those words: “well done, good and faithful servant”. </p>
KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/63417012020-06-03T23:28:49-05:002020-08-26T00:45:28-05:00Absolutely free! Well, almost…
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<p style="text-align:left">Ever feel like you just need a quiet place to get away from it all? Wow, who has not said that over these past few crazy months of 2020? I have such a place. It is the in the corner of the studios of KNIGHTsong Ministries (otherwise known as my in-laws spare bedroom) where I am seated at the piano. It has been at the piano that I have found my “quiet place” throughout my entire life.</p>
<p>And now, I want to share it with all of you absolutely free! Well, almost…</p>
<p>I have just finished the second recording project in the CANDLELIGHT SERIES. What is the CANDLELIGHT SERIES? This is my legacy project. As I get older I realize that one day I will no longer be around to play any more songs on the piano, so I wanted to leave a piece of myself behind for the grandchildren. The first installment was CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT, released last November. The latest is HYMNS BY CANDLELIGHT. This project may or may not be available in CD form in the future, but for now it is available exclusively on my website as a download, and is completely free of charge. Here’s the link: <a href="https://knightsongministries.com/music#">https://knightsongministries.com/music#</a>! I encourage you to download and share freely with anyone who might also need a quiet place.</p>
<p>These past few months have taken their toll on many churches, ministries and individuals, KSM included. With so much pain to go around, I have hesitated to even ask for your prayers. This is how the Lord impressed me to do just that. Here are 24 familiar hymns arranged in 5 thematic Medleys. They are piano only arrangements. I only ask that you pray for the future of this ministry as you download the files. That’s the “almost free” part! </p>
<p>There is no small print. You don’t have to share your email address or provide any information. There’s nowhere to enter a credit card nor is there a link to PayPal You couldn’t pay for this if you wanted to. This is not a veiled attempt to raise money. It is rather a gift from me to anyone who needs it. I am sharing my quiet place. </p>
<p>Like so many others who share similar vocations, the Pandemic completely cleared our calendar. It remains clear at least through August as concerts and conferences continue to cancel. We are seeking God’s will for our future as it seems that to continue would require a complete restart. Many of the places we have told Matt’s story are churches… all of whom have been dramatically affected by the lockdown as well. Who knows how this will likewise affect how they view bringing in a ministry like ours; and who could blame them?</p>
<p>So yet again…one step at a time…a lamp unto my feet…I need God’s guidance for the next step. And as such, I need your prayers. This latest project is of a quality you will be pleased with. Original renditions of familiar hymns have been meticulously recorded digitally and then mastered to high quality .mp3 files. This represents a huge piece of my life and many hours of rehearsal, recording, editing, mixing and mastering, This is surely not “a gift that costs me nothing”. All things considered however, I believe it to be a very small price to pay in exchange for the prayers of God’s people.</p>
<p>Stay well. Stay safe. Stay faithful. There is hope!<br></p>
KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/62585392020-03-22T16:25:30-05:002021-04-21T11:33:25-05:00I DON’T KNOW!!!
<p>Be honest now… How many times have you said that in the last few weeks? If you’re like me, it’s likely in the hundreds, and growing. What really is Corona? Is it primarily a sickness or a beverage? What is <em>really</em> going on? What do “they” know that “they” are not telling us? Who’s actually in charge? Is this a bioweapon; a terrorist attack? Is martial law right around the corner? Has the whole country gone crazy? All I can answer, over and over, is “I don’t know”. And oh yeah, the “biggie”…. Does anyone really need that much toilet paper? Sometimes I just want to scream! And I don’t pastor a church so I can’t even share how I feel…. BUT WAIT: I do have this blog! Besides, we have no where to sing or speak for a good while, so I also have some time on my hands.</p>
<p>Regardless of how you believe internally, or how you interpret the onslaught outwardly, there is without a doubt a pandemic in our nation… a pandemic of fear. I think I’ve figured out at the core why so many are responding in the way they are. Who knows? At some level it may even explain the whole “toilet paper” thing… or not.</p>
<p>We live in an “enlightened”, self-absorbed post-christian world. Our sincere Christian beliefs have been maligned, minimized, trivialized, mischaracterized, laughed at and then finally dismissed entirely. And this happened more than a generation ago. It is, however, was nothing new then. From the Old Testament times through modern history we see the overarching desire of man to eliminate God from his thought process. </p>
<p>And why not? If I don’t want someone to tell me that it’s wrong to “check out”, wear my favorite tie dye t-shirt and take a little “trip”, I must first rid myself of that still small voice.. If I want to experience the benefits of living together as a couple outside of marriage, I must first eliminate the stigma attached that this is also somehow wrong. “As long as we’re in love” I say. And should this “freedom” results in the creation of a brand new unborn life, I’ll call “it” by some other name. Then I can eliminate the problem and toss “it” in the trash. </p>
<p>And if You, God, dare tell me that any of this is wrong, well… Sorry, you’ve got to go. </p>
<p>I’ll just move You off Your “little throne” in my heart, and put myself there in Your place. I’ll make all the determinations concerning right and wrong; good and evil thank You very much. I want to do what I choose and then live guilt-free. After all, I’ve grown way too intelligent to believe in the existence of an all knowing God. Long ago I determined that archaic words written on paper that you can see through could not possibly have any relevance to my life. A loving God would not send anyone to hell. The Bible is full of errors and contradictions. Why would God let bad things happen to good people? There’s no God or my marriage would never have failed; my child would have never died. And then the horrible choice is made. Out with the ignorant old fashioned thinking of my parents… and their parents. They just didn’t want me to be happy. They wanted to pronounce everything that brings me pleasure as “wrong”. Move over God. There’s a new king in town… me.</p>
<p>Over the last few years, countless other tiny pieces of dirt and pebbles came loose from the earthen dam that held back the inglorious transition to total self reliance. So much so that we are now facing a time when the “cool” choice for our governmental system is leaning towards one that also discounts God all together. Forget the founding fathers. Forget the Bible. Forget right and wrong. Just give me free stuff. After all, I am the captain of my own ship. I determine my own fate. I will seek what makes me happy, I will make my own desires supreme, not the will of some imaginary ancient Patriarch wielding an outdated, contradictory book of rules. I have become my own “god”. It <em>is</em> all about me.</p>
<p>Then introduce into this tenuous environment of self reliance a credible threat, overblown or not, that totally upsets the day to day continuance of what we call “normal life”. And in a moment, everything unexpectedly changes, This is a threat we cannot see, smell, taste or touch. Something we can’t buy off. An intruder that cannot be shot and killed… with or without a bumpstock. And ultimately we are informed that this ruthless invader is an unrelenting and indiscriminate killer. </p>
<p>It’s no wonder we are afraid. It’s no wonder we can’t buy toilet paper. </p>
<p>And then it becomes clear. <em>There is overpowering fear because there is no supernatural Faith.</em></p>
<p>So where do we go from here? I don’t know. Will we experience martial law? I don’t know. Will we all set sick? I don’t know. Is all this the pre-cursor to the rapture? I don’t know. Is this a coup? I don’t know. Is this the beginning of the tribulation period? I don’t know. Will things ever be normal again? I don’t know. Is ID2020 the mark of he beast? I don’t know. Is the world coming to an end? I don’t know. Will the power grid fail? I don’t know. Will we even survive all this? I don’t know. As a matter fact, I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t know.</p>
<p>How’s all this “There is no God” philosophy working out for you now?</p>
<p>I also don’t know what is said in heaven, but I do know that God didn’t wake up one morning and say “Oh no! a virus! I didn’t see this coming”. He <em>did </em>see it coming. He also saw what was right before, and what is right after. </p>
<p>And then the ultimate answer becomes clear. I don’t know… <em>but God does</em>. </p>
<p>If you live in a world where you are the king, a world without Faith, you don’t have that hope. You traded all that for a good time; for the ability to have your world just the way you wanted it. You attempted to escape guilt on the downhill road to hopelessness. Here is what we can learn from “I don’t know” if we are only willing to rethink the bigger picture.</p>
<p>God has not changed, not yesterday, not today, not forever. And God stands full of mercy with open arms to welcome you back home, back to Faith, back to hope. All it requires is Repentance and Faith. Repentance… a turning away from the error of your judgement. Faith… trusting in the finished work of our Savior on the cross as payment for your sin. All you have to do is ask Him into your life. Abdicate you personal throne and invite Him to take that empty spot.</p>
<p>In the midst of all these “I don’t knows” is one giant I <em>do</em> know…</p>
<p>“I KNOW whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I’ve committed unto Him against that day…”</p>
<p>You see, the opposite of fear is faith. If things go as I expect they will, we will one day look back on all this having learned some valuable lessons. If it <em>is</em> the end of the world, I <em>do</em> know what comes next. Talk about the ultimate win/win! </p>
<p>That may not seem like much to you, but for those of us who know Christ, it is more than enough. Want to experience true hope through faith? The Father is waiting. You can start here: John 3:16 </p>
KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/62022782020-02-03T16:27:38-06:002020-02-03T17:30:39-06:00WINTER 2020<p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://joeknight.us/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/HEADER.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="162" width="755" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://joeknight.us/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2020-vision-lo-res-e1579723105704.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="319" width="594" /><strong>W</strong><em><strong>HO WOULD HAVE EVER BELIEVED IT?</strong></em><br>
As you may (or may not) have noticed, Shaunda and I have been off the grid for the last few weeks. Since leaving Family Fellowship in March of 2016, we have traveled nearly year round for four years covering more 100,000 miles (not counting flights), released 3 books (and a second edition of the first one) along with 3 recording projects all while telling Matt’s story nearly 200 times. Add to that the Christmas concerts and a couple new Live Worship Events and well, it has been a whirlwind to say the least! <em><strong>WHO WOULD HAVE EVER BELIEVED IT?</strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Last fall I shared with you through a blog that I could sense that something fundamental was changing in the way we were approaching this ministry, and that I wasn’t really sure what that meant. Well, I’m still not totally sure, but a few weeks off beginning right after Christmas has given some amazing clarity to those changes.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Whatever may come, our mission plan remains the same: to tell Matt’s story anytime, anywhere with no mention of finances. I can’t imagine that ever changing. Shaunda and I both continue to enjoy our “mobile lifestyle” in our “427 square feet of marital bliss”, and to be sure, that takes a huge dent out of the cost of living equation. I do however sense a need to slow down, if just a bit. So our approach looks markedly different in 2020… a sort of “2020 vision” if you will.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Want to know more details? Well I want you to, but you’ll have to wade through this newsletter and get to the last article to get it all. Instead, for now, let’s talk about what’s just ahead! Last year we accepted a gracious invitation to speak and sing at a “Sweetheart Luncheon” in Temecula CA in February of 2020. As time progressed, this fit right into our little “break time” perfectly. We’ll take a few days to get there, we decided, and a few days to get back… a “working vacation” if you will. Well, that gracious invitation has morphed into 3 banquet concerts over 3 days in Southern California! These are with our great Umbrella ministry friends. What a blessing. We couldn’t be happier. And again, <em><strong>WHO WOULD HAVE EVER BELIEVED IT?</strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So what else does 2020 hold now with our renewed “2020 vision”? How about another brand new LIVE WORSHIP EVENT and also a brand new Thanksgiving LIVE WORSHIP EVENT! We are scheduled for several more conferences this year as well, five on the calendar already, and it’s just the first of February. I am currently working to varying degrees with a half dozen churches through MISSIONvideo. In order to stay around here a bit more I’d like to add a couple more.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So here we are… the beginning of Year 5 with a brand new “2020 vision”. <em><strong>WHO WOULD HAVE EVER BELIEVED IT?</strong></em> Please let me take this opportunity to say thank you to all of you who through your prayers and support have turned this crazy dream of ours into an unbelievably powerful ministry. As for me? I have always been doing this thing “one step at a time”. You remember, just enough light on the pathway to know where to put my foot down next. And I have learned to love the Journey even more. I find myself constantly amazed. So <em><strong>WHO WOULD HAVE EVER BELIEVED IT?</strong></em> Why so many of you of course! How can I ever say “thank you” for that?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Want to know more? Read on!</p>
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</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://joeknight.us/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/MESSAGES-OF-HOPE.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="554" width="981" /><br>
<em><strong>MESSAGES OF HOPE Live Worship Event</strong></em><br>
Did you ever just wish God would lean down and whisper a personal message of hope in your ear? Well, He does regularly through His Word! MESSAGES OF HOPE is a brand new LIVE WORSHIP EVENT full of new music, scripture, stories… and hope! Watch for updates as a live video/audio of this project may even be available later this year. While through the week and select Sunday Night dates are open, there are only nine remaining Sunday mornings available for the entirety of 2020 where we can offer this or any other of our Live Worship Events. If you are at all interested, please contact us now… <a href="http://knightsongministries.com">knightsongministries.com</a></p>
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</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://joeknight.us/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/THANKSLIVING.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="526" width="954" /><em><strong>2020 HOLIDAY LIVE WORSHIP EVENTS</strong></em><br>
This year we are also offering the “THANKSLIVING” Live Worship Event (nope, that’s not a typo). This is another <em>brand new</em> worship experience for the Thanksgiving Season. This is the perfect presentation for special Thanksgiving Worship services and banquets. While several through the week and select Sunday Night dates are open, there is only ONE SUNDAY MORNING LEFT… November 8. Christmas concerts are on our radar as well, but the same is true for through the week and select Sunday Nights. We have only TWO SUNDAY MORNINGS, Nov 29 and December 6, available.</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>THE UPS AND DOWNS</strong></em><br>
I must admit that the release of the second edition of TEARS IN A BOTTLE was quite a learning experience, and a bit of a disappointment as well. I discovered quite a bit about Amazon’s business plan with regard to book reviews, and despite all the kindness and generosity of so many, we fell well short of our desired number of reviews. After a short season of “licking my wounds” and wondering where I went wrong, we are back on track to the second phase of our three phase release of the second edition of TEARS IN A BOTTLE. Watch for details as we release the digital version on our new website <a href="http://knightsongministries.com">knightsongministries.com</a>. It will be available there for an offering of any amount, and you don’t even have to leave a review. The third phase is a release of the paperback at our events on March 14 and March 15. All of my books are available on Amazon, but there you have to pay a specific amount. Same goes for the two latest recording projects. They are available on iTunes and the Android play store, but for a set fee. Soon all our product will be available on our website for a donation of any amount. It is here also that you can support this ministry. Much more to come soon!</p>
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MISSIONvideo<br>
God has graciously gifted me with a unique skill set for music and media, and then gave me a wonderful thirty five years in ministry to learn how to apply it specifically to the local church. Through MISSIONvideo I have the privilege of working hands on on a regular basis with a half dozen churches across several states. This includes worship planning, custom video and media creation, technical support and several other areas. Much of this work is done through the week and has contributed greatly to the financial stability of KSM. All projects are completed in return for monthly support of KNIGHTsong Ministries. And with our plans to curtail travel a bit in 2020, I am seeking up couple more churches. Interested? Check out <a href="http://missionvideo.us">MISSIONvideo</a> and give me a call. I can put you in touch with other Pastors and worship leaders to explore how this ministry benefits their church. In addition, we will soon make available the first 20 traks available for use in your worship. They are complete with video and audio and will soon be available for download on the donation model as well. I can even be customize them for your specific need by deleting any instrumentation you don’t need. <a href="http://missionvideo.us">missionvideo.us</a></p>
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<b style="font-style: italic;">THE ROAD AHEAD – A Special Partnership with a </b><span style="font-weight: 600;"><i>Special</i></span><b style="font-style: italic;"> People</b><br>
I hesitate to go into too much detail for fear of getting in God’s way, but maybe you can get an idea of what’s happening from the following. I wrote in ON THE VIRGE of an amazing church we encountered in a little town in downstate Indiana. It was a town that boasted a population number in the teens. On a bend of a county road sat a picturesque church that looked like it might have been more comfortable 70 years earlier. I noted two really unique things here however. First, the worshippers filled the room wall to wall, and second, they were constructing a brand new 600 seat Sanctuary in corn field behind their existing building. There were ten times as many worshippers that morning as there were in their entire community.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As we continued to travel and write, I shared other unique ministries that I discovered through my blogs. These were stories about other places that God seemed to be moving in a special way. It seems that without a doubt just such a place has arisen only a few miles south of Greenville Texas. This church too sits in the middle of a field. The unimposing structure also appears also to be a throwback to several decades earlier. This place even has its own cemetery. But don’t linger too long staring at the old wooden pews. If you do you might not find one to sit in. Prairie Valley was one of our first supporting churches. A group of less than two dozen worshippers… people who seemed unwilling to lock the doors and allow their little church to become only a distant memory like so many others.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Less than a year ago they called a great new Pastor. They are now baptizing new believers nearly every week. As a matter of fact, in the last few months they have added 50 new members, 40 of those being by salvation. You may want to read that line again and let it sink in. This is an amazing statistic.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">While back in Texas during this break time I found myself sitting in of those wooden pews. Only a few rows ahead sat several folks that I used to chase around our County while wearing my “other hat”. These are people that have recently received Christ and experienced seemingly genuine life-change. Crowding into this small room and sitting shoulder to shoulder there are now plans to reimagine an old gymnasium that also sits behind this church in a field… and use it as a temporary worship center. A worship center that needs a new sound system. Looks like this time I might be able to help just a bit. This time, it seems that through this special partnership I will be able to share some of their incredible journey with them. I will lead their worship team, work with their musicians, lead worship, help with their technical needs and serve in any way that I can.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For us, that means more time at home this year, something I really think is what Shaunda and I need to do. And it represents an unbelievably unselfish body of believers who are also willing to let us continue our ministry on many Sundays this year, while serving on their church staff many more. We have only planned one lengthy tour (7-8 weeks in the Fall to the East), and several shorter (2-3 week) jaunts. It likely means a few more more plane rides as well. But it also means more Sundays for us in this very special place, and many more weeks at home.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For KSM, this will likely mean less yearly income, but also less yearly expense. We are scheduled for several conferences as well as telling Matt’s story as many places as we can, and therefore several more plane rides. We will soon be seeking opportunities within driving distance in churches that still have Sunday evening services, and others willing to host special events on Fridays and Saturdays. We will also be seeking to fill those few remaining weekend opportunities this year telling Matt’s story or sharing through one of our Live Worship Events.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Remember the MISSIONvideo story from above? We’re praying that if it is in God’s will, some new churches will help bridge the financial gap that this year with its less touring may bring about. Sure would appreciate your prayers here, as well as for God to open up some of those Sunday night or other opportunities as well.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Telling Matt’s story has been something that, well, something that feels like maybe what God has been preparing me for all my life.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We’re not ready to give up this crazy dream just yet, and it seems we have found an entire church willing to help make that possible. Please stay with us as we learn together what is just around the next corner on <strong><em>the road ahead; made possible by a<b style="font-style: italic;"> special partnership with a s</b><span style="font-weight: 600;"><i>pecial</i></span><b style="font-style: italic;"> people</b></em>.</strong></p>
KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/59701542019-11-22T17:15:49-06:002019-11-22T20:15:26-06:00FOUR FRIDAYS #4
<p style="text-align:center" class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>FRIDAY NUMBER 4 November 22</strong></p>
<p>So next Friday is “Black Friday”… and while you’re in the Christmas shopping mood, can I make a not so subtle suggestion? </p>
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<p>Need a reminder of what the holidays are all about? Imagine Christmas Eve, preparations complete. Lights from the tree merge with the flicker of glowing candles. Or perhaps you just slipped into a quiet church where the bustle of the season takes a mandatory backseat to the reason for the season. With snow gently falling outside, simple, almost magical strains of your favorite carols emanate from an unseen grand piano. Imagine all this and you’ll know exactly what to expect from this Holiday cd/dvd.</p>
<p><strong><em>Carols by Candlelight… </em></strong>will give you the peace of mind to remember what this time of year is really all about. Slow down, enjoy this season and this moment with loved ones. Your perfect companion for those cozy evenings inside, enjoy every moment and remember. </p>
<p><strong><em>Carols by Candlelight … </em></strong>is available beginning the day after Thanksgiving at the all new knightsongministries.com, or at any of our concerts. The audio files are also available for download on iTunes and the Google plays store.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 600; background-color: rgb(232, 234, 235);"><i>AND THEN…</i></span></p>
<p><strong><em>Carols by Candlelight… </em>concerts begin! </strong>We have our <em>only</em> local concert on Sunday evening, December 1. We’ll be joining our great friends at Prairie View Baptist Church for a great evening of music and dessert. Praiei Valley is located on FM 513 between Interstate 30 and Lone Oak. This promises to be a great evening with a wonderful group of folks. What God is doing at this country church has to be seen to be believed. and here’s your chance! After that we’re off to the remainder of concerts and events in Texas, Arkansas and Ohio. <br></p>
<p>Beginning with exciting Holiday favorites featuring piano and vocals, and culminating with moments of reflection, this promises to be an amazing holiday experience. Slow down, enjoy this season and this moment with loved ones. Your perfect companion for rediscovering the beauty of Christmas, Enjoy every moment. You do <em>not</em> want to miss this. It might just change your Christmas.</p>
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KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/59618922019-11-15T11:24:58-06:002021-01-06T05:44:19-06:00FOUR FRIDAYS #3<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>FRIDAY NUMBER 2… November 15</strong></em><br><em><strong>KSM begins scheduling 2020, and on into the future</strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In an earlier post I mentioned that KSM was approaching some sort of paradigm shift. I also told you that I really didn’t; know exactly what that meant. Well, I’m still not certain, but now I have a little better idea.</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Shaunda and I stayed gone for the better part of the initial two years. That’s the way we had it planned, and exactly what we wanted. The second two years found us out on the road nearly as much. Well here I sit looking forward to a YEAR 5 (can you believe it?) with several coast to coast tours and more than 120,000 miles behind us, it may be time to look at this year differently.</p>
<p><img src="https://joeknight.us/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/LOGO-lo-res.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="158" width="281" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Last year we launched MISSIONvideo as a way to support KSM. You may recall me talking a little about this at the beginning of this year. I never mentioned it much after that, mostly because I had a limited amount of time to invest in this ministry approach, and those slots filled up almost immediately. Let’s put those two endeavors together, shall we? I think the main difference this year is that we will be based out of Texas a bit more.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><em><strong>Instead of heading for another geographical location (for an extended period) 3 or 4 times a year,</strong></em><br><br></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><em><strong>We may only head out once or twice, and base out of Greenville for the remaining months.</strong></em></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We are still “anytime, anywhere, with no mention of finances”. To make this work, we may actually have to drive a few more miles and fly to a a few more places. I will also need to keep the KSM studio growing with a couple of rather major purchases to facilitate the growth. The only real down side is that this may cost a bit more money.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So… what shall I do?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Send out a few letters and ask for money? Ah, c’mon. You know better than that! But… how about I clear up a little more through the week time and take on a couple more churches for MISSIONvideo next year? All right! That sounds a whole lot better. I think I’ll spend January and February focusing on this ministry. So what is “MISSIONvideo”? Glad you asked!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In MISSIONvideo I consult with churches in worship service development and produce custom media for them as well. I create custom worship traks complete with lyric videos, produce radio shows, podcasts and complete recording sessions. I can complete sound and video installs for television production and/or live-streaming. There are many other ways I can be involved as well. God has given me a lifetime of worship ministry experience, and this year alone I have worked with churches with attendance from 60 – 600. In turn, your church would support KSM on a monthly basis. I would then use those funds to purchase that extra fuel, some studio equipment and a few more plane tickets. Sound interesting? Let’s start a conversation. Give me a call.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This is also the time of year that I begin scheduling concerts, Live Worship Events and other ministry opportunities. Because of the slight difference in how we are approaching this year, it may actually be easier for us to visit your church on a specific date. Feel free to call with any dates that may fit in with your calendar. That being said, we already have a tour planned heading East from mid-September to mid-November. We also have 4 fly dates and 3 conferences scheduled for next year.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Know a way that Matt’s incredible story of hope could impact those around you? Give me a call or send me an email. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify; padding-left: 40px;"><strong>Concerned we might be busy? <em>ANYTIME</em>. </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify; padding-left: 40px;"><strong>Worried about the size of your church or organization? <em>ANYWHERE</em>. </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify; padding-left: 40px;"><strong>Afraid you can’t afford this level of ministry? <em>NO MENTION OF FINANCES</em></strong><em>.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Thats how it was intended to work. Let’s be honest. Some places we go we don’t even cover our expenses. Other places we have plenty to spare. Mix it all together and combine with the Churches, businesses and individuals that regularly support this ministry and it works. I don’t know how… it just works! Praise God!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://joeknight.us/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/FALL-2015-master-no-text.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="174" width="310" />Now, do <em>you</em> want to help us? Pray… no I mean it! Please pray! I’ve said this all around the country. Selling our house, quitting my job and hitting the world is <em>NOWHERE NEAR</em> as frightening as trying to do this ministry without the power of God when I stand before hurting people. By the way, with regard to that whole “sell your house” thing, don’t feel sorry for me!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This has been the most incredible journey my life.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We want to serve. We love to tell Matt’s story. Any takers?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://joeknight.us/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/TEARS-IN-A-BOTTLE-3.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="354" width="221" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Oh yeah… <em><strong>DID I MENTION THE BOOK RELEASE THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 EXCLUSIVELY ON AMAZON? DID I ASK YOU TO BUY A COPY (EVEN IF YOU ALREADY HAVE THE FIRST EDITION) AND LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW?</strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Thought I did. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/11.2.0/72x72/1f642.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="?" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<p></p>
KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/59544502019-11-08T12:50:53-06:002021-04-21T12:02:10-05:00FOUR FRIDAYS #2<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>FRIDAY NUMBER 2! </strong><strong>November 8</strong>
</h3>
<p><img src="https://joeknight.us/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/TEARS-IN-A-BOTTLE-3.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="2560" width="1600" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>TEARS IN A BOTTLE Lessons From A Broken Heart Second Edition is set </strong><strong>to be released on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17! And there is a HUGE request I have of you!</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You have been the greatest supporters of this ministry, and we are truly grateful. I am coming back to you once again however to ask you to help us with something <em>very</em> important. Please take a look at this simple video and pray about helping us out one more time. And please consider asking anyone in your sphere of influence if they would be willing to join us as well as we strive to take our story of hope to new audiences of hurting people.</p>
<p><iframe width="660" height="371" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gAZ9i-G-R08?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/59507982019-11-01T08:27:44-05:002020-12-30T06:53:40-06:00FOUR FRIDAYS #1<h1 style="text-align: center;"><strong>FOUR FRIDAYS!</strong></h1>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FRIDAY NUMBER 1… November 1</strong><br>
<em>The Road Ahead</em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When is FRIDAY #1? Why, it’s today! And today we release a very crucial timetable for KNIGHTsong Ministries. Once again we seek your help, there’s some big hills to climb just ahead! And today, I ask you to bathe these next three weeks and this ministry in your prayers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">To catch you up, we just completed several great weekends based out of East Texas, including another amazing conference experience. This one was at the beautiful seashore in New Jersey. Here, in addition to our breakout, music and speaking, Shaunda had the opportunity to lead a small group of moms. A small group of moms all who lost their children by homicide. Believe me, Shaunda’s part of this ministry holds some “hair standing up on the back of your head” stories of God’s amazing grace. You really need to hear from her. She certainly has something to say.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We then experienced great back to back weekends in Texas. By the way, I love to talk about these trips with my out of state friends. “Two weekends in Texas?“ they say, Must be nice to be so close to home”. I love telling them that one of those weekends was in West Texas near the New Mexico border, and the following was in East Texas near the Louisiana border. Ah yes! Texas is a whole other country.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The East Texas church was an especially blessed experience for us. I had the opportunity to lead worship and speak in their Sunday morning service. On this particular day we shared with a congregation, around half of whom were homeless to one degree or another because of the intense and unexpected flooding from Tropical Storm Imelda. We also got to spend some time with some amazing volunteers from multiple states that were in town to lend a hand. And wow, what a worship experience it was as we “raised a hallelujah” in the middle of their tragedy. Oh the tears… and oh how they worshipped!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Ready now for what’s ahead over the next three Fridays? Each one will come with their own share of posts and videos. And each one with a request for you to share them and help us make a difference in a hurting world. Here’s the main ideas for what’s coming in the next three weeks:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FRIDAY NUMBER 2 – November 8</strong><br>
<em>TEARS IN A BOTTLE second edition release date announced!</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FRIDAY NUMBER 3 – November 15</strong><br>
<em>KSM schedules 2020 and MISSIONvideo expands.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FRIDAY NUMBER 4 – November 22</strong><br>
<em>Carols by Candlelight CD/DVD release!</em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And for the record, right after that the fourth of the “Four Fridays”, the<br>
<em><strong>Carols by Candlelight concerts</strong> </em>begin!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">That means thirteen appearances in twenty-two days covering three states! So there you have it! See why we need your prayers? I have shared on multiple occasions that selling a house, leaving a job and heading out into a bit of uncertainty at my age was a bit precarious. But it pales in comparison to the fear I have of standing in front of hurting people without the power of God on my life. In this crazy world success is defined by dollar signs, large crowds and public acclaim. In God’s economy we realize that success in this world is not about success in this world at all; it is about “success” in the next world… “Well done, good and faithful servant”. Only then can we experience true “success” in this life.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">And for the record, don’t feel sorry for me. When I talk about what we have done, it is not in search of pity. This has been, without a doubt, the most incredible journey of my lifetime.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">And that’s FRIDAY #1.</p>
KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/59507992019-09-26T13:38:24-05:002020-09-26T02:17:50-05:00Eastbound…
<p>On the plane headed for the East Coast where we will minister to 85 moms…all who have lost children. </p>
<p>I’ll be sharing Matt’s story, we’ll be doing a breakout, and I get to close the conference on Sunday morning by sharing the hope we have through Christ. </p>
<p>I’ll take all the prayers you’re got!</p>
KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/59508002019-08-29T13:49:03-05:002020-09-07T00:27:05-05:00A SEASON OF CHANGE…<p style="text-align: center;"><em>(highlight video at the bottom, pictures from the tour inserted throughout)</em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://joeknight.us/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_8552.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="199" width="354" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We recently turned The Virge back towards home, westbound this time! Leaving Marion NC calls for a six-mile uphill climb towards Asheville and then on into the Smokey Mountains. This is a drive that never disappoints! Funny though, we left cool mornings and rainy afternoons headed for sunshine and temperatures in the 90’s… and we are supposed to be heading into Fall. Sounds more like we are heading back into summer, and four of the busiest, most challenging months we have ever seen.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We start out September (6&7) with some of our favorite folks from New Beginnings Fellowship for a weekend “campmeeting” south of Fort Worth where I’ll be speaking and leading worship. We’ll be driving home late that Saturday to be with Prairie Valley Church for their one day revival on the following day (8). We will be back at PV on Sunday night with a big evening of Southern Gospel music. Several of my great friends will be joining us, singing and playing in a live band. This special event even includes a reunion appearance of the Heartsong Quartet! Then we get to tell Matt’s story in Lone Oak, TX (15), near Greenville, a Saturday in Cleburne, TX (21) and then on to western Oklahoma. Here I will speak and sing on Sunday morning (22), and present a live worship event on Sunday night. This pastor is very special to us. He hosted our very first Live Worship Event after we set out on this Journey some three and one half years ago. We are thrilled to close out the month by flying to the east coast for another opportunity to share in an Umbrella Conference (27, 28, 29). Here I’ll be telling Matt’s story, leading worship and Shaunda and I will be doing a breakout. I will also be giving the closing message… I really need your prayers here. And that’s just September!</p>
<p><img src="https://joeknight.us/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_8519.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="222" width="395" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In October, in addition to the weekends, MissionVideo is currently working on three sound system installs and I plan to mix and master the recording project we began in Statesboro. I plan to also record CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT, a brand new Holiday CD/DVD for release around Thanksgiving. October also holds the release of the Second Edition of TEARS IN A BOTTLE. You can count on much more about that very soon. Then November includes yet another Umbrella Conference, this time near Austin TX on the weekend before Thanksgiving. December holds at least 9 Christmas concerts in three different states, Texas, Arkansas and Ohio. Whew!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Al that said, I’ll bet you won’t see this coming. Fall is certainly a time of transition, and I truly feel that this Fall holds yet another time of transition for KNIGHTSONG Ministries. I sense a major paradigm shift on the horizon. Want to know what that means? Well… so do I. I’m back at that whole “lamp unto my feet, light unto my path” thing. Remember that? Where God gives us light for only one more step. You can count on two things though. First, I will let you know when I do, and second, I’m going to be asking for your help and prayers yet again.</p>
<p><img src="https://joeknight.us/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_8479.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="203" width="361" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This tour, Georgia On My Mind. was really, well, amazing. I have seen Matt’s story impact lives, but I have never seen such a response. I am not a “bean counter”, but I can tell you that we had more people at the altars, saw more tears and experienced the most amazing worship you can imagine over and over. There were more changed lives and first time decisions to accept Christ than we have ever seen. And this is to say nothing of our one on one opportunities that we had to minister to people. Please understand when I say this, it was not me. I did nothing much different. It’s just that the power of the Holy Spirit was nearly tangible, night after night. I don’t think I will ever forget standing in the parking lot in Nebo NC last Sunday evening after our closing concert and gazing at the Blue Ridge Mountains. Part of me couldn’t wait to start towards home. Another part just wanted to relive the final moments of the powerful worship I had just experienced.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So to all of you in North Carolina, thank you for breathing a dose of revival into us. Thanks for the boat ride Dean and Mott, and for the burgers… and especially for the kind words of encouragement. Doug, Paul. Dennis and Jeff, thanks for trusting me with your pulpits and allowing us tell Matt’s story to your people for the first time. And before North Carolina, how about our Georgia friends? Thanks Dave and Dawn, and Joe, Katie and the twins… and all your amazing worship team. (Not me, didn’t you know that all great worship leaders are named “Joe”?) Thank you for sharing your platform Lance, and I still don’t have a tonneau cover like yours. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/11.2.0/72x72/1f642.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="?" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Scott and Janet, thank you for the wonderful fellowship (especially the seafood supper and coffee), and for positioning your awesome church in support of our journey.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">And to one of my heroes: It was indescribable, Pastor Glenn Stockton, to hear you speak once again. It is even more incredible to see you still serving God in spite of your painful journey of late. Maybe one day you, me, Shaunda, Matt…and Sarah can all spend some time together. When we do, I’ll still be grateful for your Godly example and the impact you made on me… when I was just a young preacher.</p>
<p><img src="https://joeknight.us/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_8462.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="223" width="396" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Speaking of young, many years ago a small, barely thirteen year old boy showed up at my door for piano lessons. I was in Bible College, so the money came in handy. It took me only a few minutes however, to realize that this youngster had an enormous talent and an equally enormous heart for God. That “little boy” now Pastors a church in Marion North Carolina. It is because of his desire to help this ministry that all of this took place. He was willing to contact his friends and open up many North Carolina doors. So to Paul and Marion, thank you for the hours we spent together, I cherish every one…well, most of them. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/11.2.0/72x72/1f642.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="?" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">One of the highlights of this trip is when Paul and I drove to Charlotte NC to visit the Billy Graham Library and Museum. Trust me friends, if you can, make the opportunity to visit this unexpectedly spiritual place. Comparable to any presidential library, yet Christ honoring at every turn. One particular display caught my attention a bit more than the others. Large letters adorning an entire wall said something like this: “The three most important things for a successful crusade”. Underneath these words was a large photograph of the three principle members of the crusade team: the preacher, the music director and the soloist. The misdirection worked beautifully. So many times we believe that what goes on on the platform is of the utmost importance. A closer examination of the photograph revealed a much different story.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">All three men you see, Billy Graham, Cliff Barrows and George Beverly Shea, had their heads bowed and eyes closed as they sat in intense prayer. The large sign posed the question. A smaller sign offered the answer. “The three most important things for a successful crusade? pray, pray pray. And it is at this juncture that I once again ask for your help. I have no idea what 2020 holds for this ministry, but I do sense that big changes of some description are just ahead. Would you join with us and… pray, pray pray?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Oh yeah, Matt. your ministry still continues. Your life…and death are still making an impact today. I guess that’s why God is waiting until the end of time for the final reckoning. There are still people coming to know Christ because of your great story. How great is our God!</p>
<p>Here’s some highlights from this tour…</p>
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KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/59508012019-07-12T11:19:43-05:002020-11-15T02:03:13-06:00GEORGIA ON MY MIND…
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<p>Wow, what a trip west! If you watched the video I posted after our California conference you got a feel for it. If you didn’t, don’t worry. You’ll have a chance at a different edit shortly. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/11.2.0/72x72/1f642.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="?" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Upon returning home… well then there’s that. We were on the go every weekend except for the fourth of July Holiday. No complaints here, just busy. This included a great opportunity for MISSIONvideo to install a video system for our great friends at FBC Hamshire including a digital switcher and remote displays. This church embraced the MISSIONvideo/KNIGHTsong Ministries concept of “ministry helping ministry”. One hundred percent of the profit from this (and all MISSIONvideo projects) goes directly to KSM. Shaunda and I keep none of it. I also had the privilege to lead worship while I was there. You can add to that two very special weekends with our dear friends and ministry partners, Bunny and Henry, one in Southeastern Arkansas and one in Cleburne Texas. And finally last weekend off and then…</p>
<p>This past Wednesday morning we departed for our second tour of 2019. This one we’ve called “Georgia On My Mind”. That’s the title of a familiar tune that I get to sing in the Bois D’Arc Dixieland Band, and the destination of our first ministry stop: Jonesboro Georgia (south of Atlanta). From there its on to Statesboro. In Statesboro I’ll have the opportunity to spend many hours over the following two weeks with the Worship Team from Believer’s Church, They are an awesome group of worshippers (and fine musicians), and the basement of our fifth wheel is loaded with recording gear. I’ll have the privilege of putting the two together to help them complete their first recording project. I’l be sharing out Journey with this great Church as well. After that we are scheduled to spend a few weekends with some churches in North Carolina and then return Texas in early September. </p>
<p>The year-end also looks promising. We are scheduled for a conference in New Jersey in September and another in Austin in November. Both of these are regional conferences for Mom’s who have lost children. Another great “Camp Meeting” is also scheduled in September where I will speak and lead worship with some other musicians including the southern gospel group Legacy Five. </p>
<p>The Calendar is filling up for Christmas too! This year’s concert is entitled CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT, and includes a brand new Christmas project of the same title. This recording will features an audio cd and an accompanying DVD as well. The music is different than you might expect, with many Holiday tunes presented in unique arrangements. I’ve produced several projects through the years with complete orchestrations and vocals. This one however, with the exception of one song, is piano… just piano. </p>
<p>Picture Christmas Eve, your presents all wrapped and the kids in bed asleep. The lights from the tree along with the some small glowing candles offer the only light in the room. You sit in your favorite chair with a cup of steaming hot Christmas tea. In the stillness of the evening with snow gently falling outside your window, simple, almost haunting strains of your favorite carols emanate from the corner of the room presented only by a grand piano. If you can imagine all of that then you’ll have a good idea of what these special LIVE WORSHIP EVENTS will be like. A very few weeknight dates are still open if you’d like to bring this event to your church or organization.</p>
<p>Who would have believed all this a few short years ago?</p>
<p></p>
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<h2>SO WHATS THE BIG DEAL?</h2>
<p>I know I mentioned this before, but something very exciting is coming to KNIGHTsong Ministries! Hard to believe, but it has been more that ten years since Matt passed away, and seven years since the release of my first book. TEARS IN A BOTTLE, Lessons From A Broken Heart. A few months ago it became quite obvious that the book could use some updating and could be of better service if some additional stories were added. Shortly after mentioning this project in our first newsletter of this year, I was contacted by a gentleman named David Stokes. David is a prolific and an excellent writer. I had read one of his books previously. He was just retiring from a successful ministry career. He had read that first newsletter and contacted me to “start a discussion”. I soon understood that David is also a publisher. </p>
<p>That initial contact indeed led to further discussions, then to a partnership and a wonderful opportunity. In a sentence, the second edition of TEARS IN A BOTTLE will be released later this year by by David’s publishing company. It is currently in the editing process. (And to say the least, that process has been challenging, educational, humorous and, well, sometimes painful!) I have certainly learned a lot. Combine this process with a professionally designed cover, a professionally designed interior and some aggressive promotion, and… we’ll see! The win for me here is at least the chance to tell Matt’s story to an expanded audience. The lifeblood of this ministry is to tell Matt’s story to people who have never heard it before.</p>
<p>Please pray with us about this. And watch for TEARS IN A BOTTLE, Lessons From A Broken Heart Second Edition on Critical Mass Books. There will be much more on this soon including some extra help I will ask of you. </p>
<p>Who would have believed all this a few short years ago?</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<h2>THE BOTTOM LINE</h2>
<p>Did the paragraphs above seem amazing at all to you? They sure did to me. Just three and one half years years ago I completed my last Sunday at Family Fellowship where I had served for 21 years. That day also marked more than 35 years in vocational ministry. To be quite honest, I love Family Fellowship and I loved my years there. And what’s more, I was a little bit intimidated by all this. In the midst of all that is when we started out on our initial two year Journey to share Matt’s story. And I believed at the time that two years was all it was likely to be. Yet here we are midway into YEAR 4 with two more opportunities to minister to hurting Moms on the schedule for a YEAR 5. And I honestly ask myself “How did all this happen?”</p>
<p>And the answer is really not all that difficult. It was God through so may of you. Many of you pray earnestly for us. Many of you supported us financially. Others of you have allowed us to come to your churches and tell Matt’s story. You have traded books and CDs for offerings for our ministry. You have sent letters, emails, texts and made phone calls. You have encouraged us. You have chosen to not forget Matt, his life, his death nor his unbelievable story of faith and hope. </p>
<p>As I look back, I can’t help but chuckle. If I had set out on this course and <em>planned</em> for all the churches to open their doors it would be one thing. If I had <em>planned</em> to write more books, to record more projects, to create of MISSIONvideo, to partner with a national ministry and to partner with a publisher, you might think I was a genius. But you know the truth. This entire Journey has been revealed to me only one step at a time: “a light unto my feet and a lamp unto my path”. Light for just one more step. And once again I ask for continued prayers for God’s guidance. I simply want to achieve all that God has for this ministry no matter how big, or no matter when He determines that it is enough.</p>
<p>And all of this leaves us with nothing to say… nothing, that is, but thank you. Please know that I don’t take you for granted either. Who would have believed all this a few short years ago?<br></p>
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KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/59508022019-05-24T08:32:57-05:002019-11-05T18:44:38-06:00SOMETHING GREATER…<p>There are four questions I get asked on a fairly regular basis. First, “What makes what you do a <em>ministry</em>? Aren’t you just going around singing and speaking?” Second,”What goes on at those conferences?” Third, “What is MISSION VIDEO?” And finally, “Where in the world are you now?” <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/11.2.0/72x72/1f642.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="?" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<p>Some have already viewed this video, but this morning I wanted to share it with all of you. At the very least it answers all four questions.</p>
<p>Do you ever wonder if you are <em>really</em> having an impact on the world around you? Don’t we all just want to be a part of something greater than ourselves?</p>
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KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/59508032019-05-13T19:58:32-05:002020-12-31T00:19:03-06:00A LITTLE HOUSEKEEPING…<p>To all,</p>
<p>There is a pretty big announcement (at least for us) coming right around the corner. I am soon going to ask all of you to help us with something, and It will have a time sensitive component to it.</p>
<p></p>
KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/59508042019-05-10T16:34:53-05:002019-11-05T18:44:38-06:00KSM Spring 2019 NEWSLETTER
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<p>After an amazing Holiday season, we experienced even more great services. Over the last two months we made some great friends serving in Galveston, Texas and Hamshire Texas. We also spent weekend services with great friends in Cleburne, Texas and Holiday Island, Arkansas. It was at Holiday Island on Easter Sunday that all of us found ourselves amazed by an incredible young lady. It was captured in the video entitled “Marlie”. If you haven’t seen this one, give it a look. It is guaranteed to touch your heart. </p>
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<figcaption><strong><em>Open the eyes of my heart…</em></strong></figcaption></figure>
<p>I am looking forward to a great Mother’s day celebration tomorrow (the day before Mother’s Day). On Sunday, right after church, we head out on a brand new adventure we are calling WEST BY NORTHWEST. </p>
<p>We begin in Palm Springs, CA with another national conference where we have the honor to minister once again to moms who have lost children. This conference, however, is extra special for us. Shaunda will have her first opportunity to speak! She and I are hosting a breakout entitled <em>SAME, but different</em>. We will share how differently moms and dads tend to process grief. We hope to offer some unifying solutions for <em>different</em> personalities to cope with the <em>same</em> tragedy. I’ve got to admit, I’m excited about this one! We then make stops in Oregon and Wyoming to tell Matt’s story. We finish up in West Texas with our great friends at Ashmore. Remember them? Click back through a few posts and re-read ONE CRAPPY DAY. That will bring a smile to your face for sure!</p>
<p><strong><em>THANK YOU… </em></strong> As we head out, I must say “thank you” once again to all who have made this upcoming adventure possible. North Carolina folks? Remember the time last year that we spent together, your prayers and your generous gifts? How about it Pastor? Remember when you said the Lord laid a dollar figure on your heart and you called me right after the evening service? You sent us another offering even after we left. This is why we can go.</p>
<p>How about our faithful supporting churches from Akron, Ohio to Campbell, Texas? How about the individuals and ministries who support this ministry regularly or with special offerings? What about the churches that have chosen MISSIONVIDEO for their technical needs full well knowing that any profit from the endeavor went 100% into KSM just for this purpose. This is why we can go.</p>
<p>This is a moment of appreciation for your individual prayers, and for your collective prayers. I remember when your churches paused at the close of the services and laid hands on us asking for God’s protection and blessing. For everyone who has chosen to remember what we do: Thank you. You are why we can go.</p>
<p>So to all of you who have whispered our names in your prayers or exchanged a financial gift for a book or a CD, yes to <em>ALL</em> of you: You will be the prayer of gratitude on our lips as Shaunda and I join hands and pray right before we head out… like we always do. Honestly, selling most everything we had and heading out on this Journey of a Lifetime was not my biggest concern. Trading our home with a concrete slab for one with two axles and four tires is not my biggest worry. “What <em>is</em> your biggest fear” you ask? I fear one day stepping on a church platform to share the grace of God through Matt’s story only to discover that the power of God no longer rests on my shoulder. </p>
<p>And that is why I continually ask you to pray. Only Christ can make a genuine difference in the lives of people. That is why we say “thank you”. That is why we need you all so much. And can you only imagine with might be just ahead? Watch closely, so much is happening right now! But as we head out on the highway once again to get down to the business of what we are called to do, please be assured of this:</p>
<p><em>You</em> will be the…<br></p>
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<figcaption><strong><em>Don’t really understand what MISSIONVIDEO does? Check it out…</em></strong></figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://joeknight.us/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/WP-mockup.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><figcaption><strong><em>AND HERE IT IS! Joe’s new CD, the first in a series of four collections in the WORSHIP PROJECT series. The CD is now ready to ship or is available for immediate download! This first installment is entitled HYMNS Volume 1, and includes many favorites including LEANING ON THE ARMS, VICTORY IN JESUS, WHAT A FRIEND, I’LL FLY AWAY REDEEMED, STANDING ON THE PROMISES and four more. </em></strong><br><br><strong><em>This CD is available for an offering of any amount to KNIGHTSsong Ministries. Go to my website <a href="http://www.joeknight.us">HERE</a>, send me an email, and we’ll ship it to you as soon as we can. This collection also available via download with the appropriate code. </em></strong><br><br><strong><em>Or better yet, send me an email and let me know that you too are praying for us, and I’ll send you the code ABSOLUTELY FREE! It’s just another way for us to say “Thank you” for your prayers!</em></strong></figcaption></figure>
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KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/59508052019-04-22T21:44:01-05:002021-04-21T12:02:09-05:00Marlie
<p>Want to trade 3 minutes for an incredible blessing?</p>
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KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/59508062019-03-15T14:42:52-05:002019-11-05T18:44:38-06:00THE MIRACLE OF THE MORNING<p style="text-align: justify;">They (whoever that is) say that “time heals all wounds”. I’m not so sure about that. Ten years ago today Matt made his final journey. I’m still waiting for that pain to fully heal.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This morning dawned bright and clear.…and quite cold by Texas standards. We are enjoying a few days at a nice, but small RV park south of Tyler Texas. This is not our first time here. This was our very first stop when we left on our JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME just over three years ago. It was here that “Cowboy Bob” and “Cowgirl Sparkle” made their first appearance as Granddaughter and Poppi danced around the heated indoor pool. It was while we were here that our FIRST RATTLE OUT OF THE BOX showed up a bit early, bringing grandchild #2 into our world… and into the NICU.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">All semblances of that struggle are now gone. Today held an early morning walk in the cold sunshine for Keegan and Poppi. Soon a small twig in the hands of both became convenient substitutes for swords, and a friendly fencing match ensued. A couple of more corners and the <em>Miracle of the Morning</em> showed itself as clear as the brisk air beneath the cloud free sky. Instantly, and without warning, the twig that had just stood in for a sword was magically transformed into a baseball bat. It was a miracle for anyone who would see. The “almost three year old” squad himself at an invisible home plate and announced: “Ball, Poppi, ball!”.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I immediately knew what was expected of me. A split second later the unmistakable crack of a “bat” broke the early morning silence and found both Keegan and Poppi staring towards left field. The imaginary ball I had just pitched cleared the unseen fence and sailed effortlessly into imaginary bleachers and into the hands of a cheering fan. If you have read TEARS IN BOTTLE or experienced THE GREATER JOURNEY, you know exactly where my mind was transported to at that very moment. And then the real magic happened. It was a true “<em>miracle of the morning</em>”.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Truth told, there had been no baseball. There was no actual crack of a bat. After all, the bat was nothing but a small twig. This early morning in the RV park was totally silent except for the enchanting song of the morning birds. There was no crowd to roar. It was merely that tiny twig in the hands of a small boy with a giant imagination. Yet my Grandson had experienced all of it… and so did I. Faith, you see, is the “substance of things hoped for, and the <em>evidence of things not seen</em>”; or in this case “things not heard” either. I simply had to be willing to “see the unseen”.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Reality is that I will never again sit in the stands and actually hear the crack of a baseball bat as that stout little catcher sends yet another one soaring over the friendly left field fence. I will never watch him block the plate awaiting the inevitable collision…all while smiling. Likewise, I will never again stand beside that same young man on a church platform watching and listening as his voice and guitar licks soar over a different horizon. If I choose to exercise faith however, I can hear both just as assuredly as my Grandson Keegan heard the cheering fans on this cold morning. After all, the key to genuinely grasping the Kingdom of God in this world is discovered by becoming like a small child.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Twig still in Keegan’s tiny hand, we rounded the last curve in the concrete roadway and ”The VIrge” came into view. As I looked, I saw that old RV parked on a seashore, in an open field in Indiana, in a moss covered state park in South Georgia, in the mountains of Southern California and dozens of other places where this Journey has led us over the first three years. True, they weren’t really there either, but I could see them just as surely as I had just seen the imaginary ball fly into pretend bleachers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It is no doubt an unfortunate reality that time does <em>not</em> heal all wounds, but to all of our friends who are walking our road, let me assure you of this. It does make the pathway easier. Easier, that is, if you choose to look through eyes of faith. There is hope out there for you, but you must <em>choose</em> to accept it. You must welcome its warm embrace. If you choose instead to wander in the wilderness of anger, bitterness or blame, hope will leave you stranded there all alone. The choice is up to you.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Its a shame that many of the older hymns are no longer heard in our churches. Outdated lyrics? sometimes. The sentiments however, are rarely so. Those tunes are tangible evidence that others have walked our same path as well, often hundreds of years earlier. In the words of one of those hymns you may not have heard in a while, we find the reality of <em>when</em> all those wounds will be healed.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound</em><br>
<em>and <strong>time</strong> shall be no more.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Do you see it? The wounds that time cannot heal will all be healed on that day when time itself shall cease to exist. On <em>that</em> day loneliness will be obliviated, every broken heart will be mended, every inequity made right, and every tear wiped from our eyes. To you all over this country who share our’s, or a similar Journey of grief, I offer you this. The biggest <em>miracle of the morning</em> for me was when I rounded the last bend and discovered hope. This same miracle is available to you as well. It has always been there. We simply have to be willing to look <em>past</em> our pain, <em>beyond</em> our bitterness and <em>through</em> eyes of faith.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For me, it was essential that I experienced this morning’s “home run” with the faith that reminded me of the next line of that same old song:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>And the <strong>morning</strong> breaks eternal</em><br>
<em>Bright and fair…</em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">And therein lies the real “M<em>iracle of the Morning</em>”… the reality of a promised, soon to come “eternal morning”.</p>
KNIGHTsong Ministriestag:knightsongministries.com,2005:Post/59508072019-02-28T12:23:26-06:002019-11-05T18:44:38-06:00JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 Newsletter<h2 style="text-align: center">
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<p style="text-align: justify">After a few days of rest over the Holidays, KSM (KNIGHTsong Ministries) is once again going full speed ahead. I can’t believe YEAR 4 has already begun. There are so many things I want to tell you about: recording projects, MISSIONVIDEO news, worship services, yet another BRAND NEW LIVE WORSHIP EVENT and so much more! So let’s get going.</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify">These weeks at home since the Christmas Concerts have found me busy nearly every day in the studio. You ready for a brand new recording project? How about 4 new projects? Volume 1 of “The Worship Project” is due to be released in a matter of a couple of weeks. You’ll hear more about this soon. And how about a brand new “concert type” version of a LIVE WORSHIP EVENT? I am finalizing the video files now. After a couple more trial runs in front of “friendly worshippers”, this one will be ready to share!<br>
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<p style="text-align: justify">We have been afforded some amazing opportunities as well to be involved with a couple of Churches during these first two months of 2019, but its time to move on. We leave on March 12 for 5 weeks in Southeast Texas. After a couple more weeks back home, we head back to California for another conference right after Mother’s day. Then its on to the Southeast Georgia Coast in July, North Carolina in August, back to New Jersey in September, Ohio in December… You get the picture.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">I am scheduling for the rest of our year as well before we head out. This year is setting up really different than the first three. As such, planning our calendar is, at the moment, more like finding the right place on the right Sunday in the right area of the Country. After this, we will be available for some Sunday nights and also other nights of the week for special events. Add to all this the driving force of this ministry, telling Matt’s story to new folks, and I once again am looking for your prayers… and your help! Following are the specific dates and areas where we still have open Sundays in 2019. Know anyone who might be blessed by Matt’s unbelievable story of hope? Could we make a return trip to your Church or event? I’d love to talk with you. Anytime, anywhere!</p>
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<i>April 28 in the DFW Metroplex May 5 based from East Texas June 16, June 23 based from East Texas </i> <em>July 7 based from East Texas July 28 in Georgia September 15, September 22 </em><em>based from East Texas </em><em>All of October based from East Texas December 1 and 22 for Christmas programs</em>
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<p style="text-align: justify">AND… add to this the plan that over the next five weeks I am hoping to complete two more major projects. What projects you ask? How about a brand new Christmas Concert and accompanying cd… Carols By Candlelight. Below is an early idea for the artwork. If thats not enough, how about a Kindle release of the second edition of TEARS IN A BOTTLE, along with our very first AUDIOBOOK later this year? And you wonder why I need your prayers. Actually, this is all possible <em>because</em> of your prayers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify"><img src="https://joeknight.us/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Screen-Shot-2019-02-28-at-10.56.21-AM.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="305" width="303" />Many of you have taken this Journey with us one step at a time. And lest I forget, thank you as well to those who have sacrificed through your unbelievable financial support. I have said “no” to no-one who has invited us. We just always say “yes”, because of you. Our May California conference to minister to Moms who have lost children, guarantees we will lose a lot of money. The same will happen in September when we head to New Jersey. However, the support of churches and individuals will make up the difference. As a matter of fact, when we head out we never know if we will even “break even” financially. Your gifts have paid the bills on the first of the month, and your prayers have encouraged my heart during the dark days. And I never worry about it!</p>
<p style="text-align: center">Ready for some more news?</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify">MISSIONVIDEO has quietly expanded into the world of audio.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Without fanfare, I have just completed my fifth Church project!</span> MISSIONAUDIO is a unique sound reinforcement approach limited to Church sound and video installation, training and maintenance.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This approach is intended to leverage my thirty-five years of Worship Ministry experience to help navigate sound system upgrades or new installations with an eye on quality, stewardship and training. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>My son, Joe Knight Jr., works with me on some projects. He brings youth, ingenuity, real world experience, (as technical director for the Crested Butte center for the Arts) and all the technical know how anyone would ever need. He will complete his Bachelors Degree in music business from the prestigious BERKLEE SCHOOL OF MUSIC this spring.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">This is once again “Ministry helping Ministry”. Here’s the “mission” part.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Just as with MISSIONVIDEO, a</span>fter expenses the <em>ENTIRETY</em> of any profit is deposited directly into the KSM account and used entirely to fund the telling of Matt’s story of hope.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I keep NONE of it for myself… hence the name “MISSIONAUDIO”. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> Want to learn more??? Give the website a look if you’re unsure what this is all about: <a href="http://www.missionvideo.us">www.missionvideo.us</a>.</span></p>
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<h1 style="text-align: center"><em>DOWN THE ROAD…</em></h1>
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<p style="text-align: justify">As I look <em>DOWN THE ROAD</em> from here, I find myself once again overwhelmed by God’s grace in my life. I have shared with you before that when we set out on this Journey I had no idea what to expect. Best case scenario, I imagined, was that we would not go completely broke before I finished the two years and then found another job.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">And now I look <em>back</em> at three books, three LIVE WORSHIP EVENTS and a major recording project. I look <em>ahead</em> to yet another brand new LIVE WORSHIP EVENT and two more recording projects. And who knows, maybe something big, something really big, just over the horizon. I look <em>around</em> and I see a complete small project recording studio and then I imagine people all over this country who have partnered with us.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">And then I look <em>inside</em>, and I don’t really like what I see.<em> </em> Only yesterday at the local Walmart I ran into a man I know from my Law Enforcement career. He works in a different discipline than I did. His discipline involves medics and helicopters, but unfortunately for victims and patients, our paths often crossed out on the street. He is however, a man for whom I have great respect. He told me how he reads every word I write, and I wonder if he’ll read these. I was reminded right then how when I look <em>inside,</em> I realize how utterly unworthy I am to even sit in this chair… except for the <em>grace of God</em>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">And then I look <em>up</em>… and I realize once again exactly where it all comes from. As the gray, cold days of winter drag on, I am reminded that we are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses”, and I once again find myself driven to finish well. To one day hear those words… “Well done, good and faithful servant”.</p>
KNIGHTsong Ministries