Posted on by Kristina Knowles

A late lunch with…

Complete and total strangers.

My boyfriend and I were sitting in a lobby of a restaurant while waiting for a table. Another couple was waiting as well, I struck up a conversation with them. I felt like we had known them forever. When the hostess called their name, we were disappointed that the conversation had to come to an end.

However, something so special happened. “Carl” came back to us and invited us to sit with him and his wife for lunch. I have lived a long amazing life and yet to have this happen until now. We accepted and our conversation started where we left off in the lobby.

We were laughing with “Carl” and “Betty” and some serious, tearful moments about life. It was so fun to sit down with two total strangers and get along so well with them. It reminded me of Joseph and his brothers. Joseph’s bothers never spoke a kind word to him, hated him so much that they sold him. God had different plans for Joseph, thankfully that not even Joseph’s brothers could change.

I know families that struggle with getting along and loving on each other. The grudges are so strong and powerful that they ignore forgiveness. Evil forces would love nothing more to keep families broken and unhappy. Not God, He is the opposite of everything dark, mean, evil or hate-filled.

Yes, it’s true “Carl” and “Betty” and Chris and I don’t have any history together. No past to worry about, no old hurt feelings and no grudges. We have a clean slate of openness and newness. And that is exactly how God expects us to wake up every day to be towards each other regardless of how long or short we’ve known each other.

Another surprise, “Carl” got up to use the bathroom and paid for the entire meal and tip. We insisted to let us pay but he said it was too late. I am so grateful to God for experiences that make you so thankful. Great food, beautiful time together and amazing company.

Thanks be to God, Kristina!

Posted on by Kristina Knowles · 2 Comments

Thanks to Ancestry.com…

A family is reunited with their long lost sister that was put up for adoption.

I recently met 3 sisters, 2 of which knew each other their whole life. They were meeting for the first time, I couldn’t of been more excited for them but I had questions. From my understanding the mother and father had 7 children and put this baby girl up for adoption. Can you imagine, why this sister, why this daughter, why, why, why? I wanted more answers but I had to let them spend time with each other.

People always fascinate me with their decisions. What church to go to? What school to go to? Where to work and why? Which person to marry? How many children? Where to live? What to wear? What to eat? Which team to root for? Who to like? Who to love? Who to hate?

I don’t know why these parents decided to put this daughter up for adoption but despite that the siblings found each other because of Ancestry.com. They trusted each other enough to meet somewhere in between to see if this was real. I was very moved by their story. I am positive this is one of thousands of stories being made because of the data being entered by millions of people around the world.

And if you are wondering if they looked alike or had similar habits or hobbies? Yes, yes, yes, even though they didn’t grow up together she favored one sister in facial features big time and favored the other sister in personality and some facial features. Especially when they smiled you could see it and they were smiling a lot.

If I woke up one morning to find out I had a long lost sister, I would be so excited and blessed. Unfortunately my mother has insured me this will not be happening, oh well a girl can pray. However, God is such an amazing God. He let this amazing meeting take place. It was beautiful to watch and experience.

I am so grateful these women shared their story with me, I was blown away with them letting me ask as many questions as I did. We even joked about the flip side of meeting a long lost loved one. Is this a scam, do they want or need money or worse are looking for organs? Truth be told everyone should put the proper precautionary measures in place before embarking on meeting anyone for the first time. I would also pray to God for discernment and guidance.

Thanks be to God

Posted on by Kristina Knowles

I don’t dress like a…

Christian. Wow, really!?

A friend recently told me that a person I don’t even know or have ever met said I don’t dress like a Christian. I was taken back by her comment, then I had a really good laugh. I take pride in my beautiful wardrobe for my work-outs, my career, my casual time and my lounge wear. And then I started to think.

Wait a minute, hold up! Is this really about my wardrobe? Or is this a feeble attempt to condemn me for my style choices vs. their own style choices in the name of God? Timothy 2:9 Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,

“Adorn themselves in respectable clothing”, I feel and believe I practice this. Now every once in awhile I will wear a cute sundress because the weather is HOT. Modesty and self-control are very important to me as well. Again, we all have our own interpretation of what these words mean; respectable, modest and self controlled when dealing with our clothing choices. I am extremely frugal, so I tend not to wear costly attire anyway. I studied fashion so I am well of aware of the major mark-ups on clothing.

What I will admit, over the years I have changed my look and my outlook on my clothing choices. I have progressed in a different direction the minute I became a wife, then a mother, then Mrs. Virginia, then a Director, then a Minister. All of these life events changed my view on myself. If I see someone wearing something I deem inappropriate, I pray for them. And you can do the same thing, instead of publicly condemning someone for their own personal choice of clothing. Shaming someone for their clothing choices is wrong.

God loves us, just as my clothing choices have changed over the years so has my relationship with God. I am proud of who I am, I am proud of my Son, I am proud to have the family and friends that He has put in my life. I am not perfect but I am good enough!

I am a Christian.