Just recently our Nation celebrated Roe v Wade! Even though the woman who started this ball rolling has since repented and has become a Christian the world around us has continued to use that court case to bring about the continual fall of our Country.
The saga began when Dan & Faye gave us an early Christmas present! They asked us to sit down and then handed us a very small package to open. Inside was a pair of tiny red booties! We looked up and they were grinning from ear to ear. They just announced to us that they were pregnant. WOW!
Through the next 8 months as we watched Faye blossom, we were more and more convinced that we were to become grandparents soon and very soon. I can’t even explain our excitement and concern for our young parents to be. Jim and I survived! Why shouldn’t they!
As it got closer to Faye’s time we went to Klamath Falls to visit them. I picked up a used bassinet and some shear material that we had at the church. I helped Faye put together a pretty little bassinet even knowing that it would be a boy. But this was the only material I could get my hands on. Dan & Faye had already purchased a beautiful crib with bumper pads and quilts. I also found a small two drawer dresser that Danny stripped and repainted. It brought back memories of my putting our nursery together for him. Did I ever mention I love old stuff?
When we received the call that Faye had gone into labor, we were ready and on the road and heading for Klamath Falls. When we arrived at the Hospital, Jim took some movies showing the place that our first grandchild would be introduced into the world. Faye’s labor was long and hard. She had a mid-wife who was capable and Faye & Dan had great respect for her as a Christian. The time finally arrived when we heard a cry! Jim took pictures of the door with the cry behind it and then up at the clock on the wall. Our grandson was here! A beautiful little boy entered into a world of chaos from a place of safety, peace and the warm of his Mother’s womb.
Danny brought Adam out for us to see! You could see his red hair and ruddy complexion as he tried to put his fist into his mouth. I was amazed at how calm Danny was and how nervous I was. I held him for a moment and then had to give him back as the Nurse needed to attend to him. A few years later we went through the same experience with Ryan and then Jordan.
Having your own children and then grandchildren is a blessing! I realize there are many in the world who do not agree with this concept and opt to terminate pregnancies left and right. In the Old Testament, in regards to Baal worshipers and their sacrificing baby boys and girls to their god Molech, God says; "I never commanded it and it never entered my mind"!
Today, those who abort babies do so because they believe in lies! The lie that the fetus is not a person. The lie that the fetus is not alive until it is born! The lie that the body belongs to the woman and it is her right to choose. The lie that the fetus has no rights! The lie in our law that says it is not murder! Aborting babies is wrong! However, many people in the world and some of the Christian community do it not for sacrificing to a god Molech but to their god of convenience, embarrassment and financial reasons. No matter what the reason; it is wrong!
Once, it was to the fertility god so that their crops would be abundant. Today, it is just not a moral issue! We may live in a depraved world, but we are not of the world! Those of us who still cherish babies are blessed by God! Those of us who have had children and grand-children experience a joy that abounds with the patter of little feet and bright sunshiny faces. Babies are to be nurtured and loved. They may walk on our feet when little and on our hearts when they are grown but isn’t that what we do to God? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/6/08
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Before we finish up this week, I want to let you know that I will be gone 2/5 thru 2/10, however I have a subject which I will begin with tomorrow. It is a heavy subject and some elements of it celebrated it's becoming a law some days ago. Abortions! Please check in and see what God has to say about the plague that has destroyed more lives in our generation the dreaded word 'cancer'.
WHY MARRIAGE?
The thought of marriage always filled me with the idea of giving up my freedom. I wasn't sure exactly what freedom I was giving up, except I wouldn't be able to do whatever I wanted to do. However, I really was never able to do whatever I wanted to do anyway. Some of the things cost money and other things I didn't want to do by myself. When I did get married, I discovered I had more freedom than I ever imagined. But then I am among the blessed ones who married a man who sought God's word and discovered that God had lots to say upon the subject.
Those who follow God's teachings know that marriage is viable. It is able to maintain lives that come together in one purpose. It is the first institution God created for mankind! God feels that marriage can bring happiness not only to the man and his wife but for his whole household.
Someone once told me that after the first five years of marriage and the rosy glow has
worn off you will then love each other as brother and sister. Heaven forbid! If I wanted to be married to a brother or sister I could have stayed single. With 7 brothers and 6 sisters, there were plenty to go around. Becoming adjusted to the give and take in marriage is not easy. It is not easy making number one in your daily routine, pleasing your mate. Becoming accountable to someone day in and day out is also not an easy task. But these things are all viable!
God created man and woman for marriage and home. Interestingly enough in Genesis 2, God created Adam and Eve as adults and then God says that man should leave his mother and father and cleave unto his wife. That phrase, in God's word is for us! This was God's idea of marriage. One man and one woman!
In Colossians 3:18-21 God goes further with His plan. The wife should submit to her husbands authority; The man is to love his wife and care for her as he would care for himself; Children are to be raised to obey their parents; Parents are to be sure to discipline their children. Note that in verse 17 which precedes these verses says; "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him". Note in verse 23 following these verses God says; "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not unto men". In Ephesians 5:22-6:9 God's instructions are given in more detail as Paul encourages the Ephesians. In 5:31-32 it says; "For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church". When we accept Christ and become a part of His church we are to leave our Fathers and Mothers and cleave unto Him and we shall become one, just as Jesus and His Father are one.
Our world, that we are a part of says; "Marriage is not just for man and a woman but
should include same sexes. A man should be able to marry a man or a woman should be able to marry a woman". Well, I suppose a man can marry a man and a woman a woman, but it is wrong! Their marriage is not viable! It can not sustain itself! It is not productive nor can it ever be. God knew what He was doing when He instituted marriage between a man and a woman. Man hasn't a clue as to what he declares is good because man is not in himself good. God made man to be good! But because man's desires rules his head, he has become clueless as to what is best for him. The husband was not created to be the wife, nor the wife created to be the husband. It is okay to share these rolls because we are helpmates! But when we live our lives as God has outlined for us, there is hope even for the marriage that appears to be in trouble. Yes; marriage is a good thing, created by God, for us to enjoy! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/2/08
WHY MARRIAGE?
The thought of marriage always filled me with the idea of giving up my freedom. I wasn't sure exactly what freedom I was giving up, except I wouldn't be able to do whatever I wanted to do. However, I really was never able to do whatever I wanted to do anyway. Some of the things cost money and other things I didn't want to do by myself. When I did get married, I discovered I had more freedom than I ever imagined. But then I am among the blessed ones who married a man who sought God's word and discovered that God had lots to say upon the subject.
Those who follow God's teachings know that marriage is viable. It is able to maintain lives that come together in one purpose. It is the first institution God created for mankind! God feels that marriage can bring happiness not only to the man and his wife but for his whole household.
Someone once told me that after the first five years of marriage and the rosy glow has
worn off you will then love each other as brother and sister. Heaven forbid! If I wanted to be married to a brother or sister I could have stayed single. With 7 brothers and 6 sisters, there were plenty to go around. Becoming adjusted to the give and take in marriage is not easy. It is not easy making number one in your daily routine, pleasing your mate. Becoming accountable to someone day in and day out is also not an easy task. But these things are all viable!
God created man and woman for marriage and home. Interestingly enough in Genesis 2, God created Adam and Eve as adults and then God says that man should leave his mother and father and cleave unto his wife. That phrase, in God's word is for us! This was God's idea of marriage. One man and one woman!
In Colossians 3:18-21 God goes further with His plan. The wife should submit to her husbands authority; The man is to love his wife and care for her as he would care for himself; Children are to be raised to obey their parents; Parents are to be sure to discipline their children. Note that in verse 17 which precedes these verses says; "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him". Note in verse 23 following these verses God says; "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not unto men". In Ephesians 5:22-6:9 God's instructions are given in more detail as Paul encourages the Ephesians. In 5:31-32 it says; "For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church". When we accept Christ and become a part of His church we are to leave our Fathers and Mothers and cleave unto Him and we shall become one, just as Jesus and His Father are one.
Our world, that we are a part of says; "Marriage is not just for man and a woman but
should include same sexes. A man should be able to marry a man or a woman should be able to marry a woman". Well, I suppose a man can marry a man and a woman a woman, but it is wrong! Their marriage is not viable! It can not sustain itself! It is not productive nor can it ever be. God knew what He was doing when He instituted marriage between a man and a woman. Man hasn't a clue as to what he declares is good because man is not in himself good. God made man to be good! But because man's desires rules his head, he has become clueless as to what is best for him. The husband was not created to be the wife, nor the wife created to be the husband. It is okay to share these rolls because we are helpmates! But when we live our lives as God has outlined for us, there is hope even for the marriage that appears to be in trouble. Yes; marriage is a good thing, created by God, for us to enjoy! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/2/08
Thursday, January 29, 2009
I have heard from some who agree, being with their mate is sufficient in itself. Marriage is a bond that creates a unity of ideals, thoughts and identity. I am still myself but more complete!
How many of you have renewed your wedding vows? I am sure many of you have and for those of us who haven’t perhaps that day will come. Perhaps you choose to let well enough alone!
Let’s take a look at the possibility of SAYING "I DO" AGAIN!
March 2007 there was an article in the USA Weekend written by Judy Mandell. It had tips for renewing your wedding vows. The following is sort of a short synopses of her tips.
Unlike the etiquette involved in planning the first-time wedding, renewing your vows is pretty much open to personal preferences.
1) Timing: There is no right time or age. You can celebrate and renew the vows however the
spirit moves you. Most popular is 10, 15, 25, 50 and 60th.
2) Guests: Invitations are not obligational nor are they necessary. Ask who you want!
3) The celebration: Entirely up to you! It can be elaborate or a living room event.
4) Vows: Anyone you choose can lead you through your renewal vows. This ceremony is not
binding and does not require legality.
5) Gifts: Not required, nor appropriate.
6) Clothes: Brides can wear any color or style they want. Unlike the white wedding dress, the
"veil" still represents virginity, therefore, ‘no veil’ because it signifies a first-time bride.
I’ve been to a few anniversary celebrations where the vows were renewed. One was held in my living room. Our dear friends and pastor for many years were celebrating their 25th. Their children wanted to give them a surprise party. Our home was not very large but we crammed in as many as we could. The most fun was that the renewing of the vows were not in the plans, but it happened anyway. Pastor Shafer, who we all knew and loved was in attendance and as it worked out, he renewed their vows; How fun!
Another time was a 50th anniversary. These were new friends of ours and also one of our pastors. This setting was in the church and the celebration was a simulation of a legal and binding ceremony including rings. I suppose any occasion is good for giving gifts of rings; don’t you think?
I have often thought I would like for Jim and me to renew our vows. Jim has never wanted to do that! Mainly, because it is just not something he wants to do. He feels it was a success the first time, why try to make it any better than it already is. However, I still think about it! I suppose it’s the romance of the thought. After all the first time around was romance personified! Can the freshness and newness ever be recaptured again?
The picture God gives us of the church, is the church as the bride and Christ, the bridegroom. This picture gives us an idea how intimate Christ wants to be with his church. This picture gives us an example of the word faithfulness and commitment. Renewing our vows gives us a picture of coming back to our first love, because Acts 3:19a says; "Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out". Acts 26:18b Jesus says; "that they may receive forgiveness of sins and place among those who are sanctified by faith in me". He is talking about those who turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God.
Renewing our marriage vows is also a way to let the one we committed ourselves to, so many years before, know that our place in the sun is still beside them. I love being married! How about you? Jane Ann
How many of you have renewed your wedding vows? I am sure many of you have and for those of us who haven’t perhaps that day will come. Perhaps you choose to let well enough alone!
Let’s take a look at the possibility of SAYING "I DO" AGAIN!
March 2007 there was an article in the USA Weekend written by Judy Mandell. It had tips for renewing your wedding vows. The following is sort of a short synopses of her tips.
Unlike the etiquette involved in planning the first-time wedding, renewing your vows is pretty much open to personal preferences.
1) Timing: There is no right time or age. You can celebrate and renew the vows however the
spirit moves you. Most popular is 10, 15, 25, 50 and 60th.
2) Guests: Invitations are not obligational nor are they necessary. Ask who you want!
3) The celebration: Entirely up to you! It can be elaborate or a living room event.
4) Vows: Anyone you choose can lead you through your renewal vows. This ceremony is not
binding and does not require legality.
5) Gifts: Not required, nor appropriate.
6) Clothes: Brides can wear any color or style they want. Unlike the white wedding dress, the
"veil" still represents virginity, therefore, ‘no veil’ because it signifies a first-time bride.
I’ve been to a few anniversary celebrations where the vows were renewed. One was held in my living room. Our dear friends and pastor for many years were celebrating their 25th. Their children wanted to give them a surprise party. Our home was not very large but we crammed in as many as we could. The most fun was that the renewing of the vows were not in the plans, but it happened anyway. Pastor Shafer, who we all knew and loved was in attendance and as it worked out, he renewed their vows; How fun!
Another time was a 50th anniversary. These were new friends of ours and also one of our pastors. This setting was in the church and the celebration was a simulation of a legal and binding ceremony including rings. I suppose any occasion is good for giving gifts of rings; don’t you think?
I have often thought I would like for Jim and me to renew our vows. Jim has never wanted to do that! Mainly, because it is just not something he wants to do. He feels it was a success the first time, why try to make it any better than it already is. However, I still think about it! I suppose it’s the romance of the thought. After all the first time around was romance personified! Can the freshness and newness ever be recaptured again?
The picture God gives us of the church, is the church as the bride and Christ, the bridegroom. This picture gives us an idea how intimate Christ wants to be with his church. This picture gives us an example of the word faithfulness and commitment. Renewing our vows gives us a picture of coming back to our first love, because Acts 3:19a says; "Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out". Acts 26:18b Jesus says; "that they may receive forgiveness of sins and place among those who are sanctified by faith in me". He is talking about those who turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God.
Renewing our marriage vows is also a way to let the one we committed ourselves to, so many years before, know that our place in the sun is still beside them. I love being married! How about you? Jane Ann
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Today is my brother and his wife’s anniversary! We have celebrated together many times and we will again next week as we go to Seaside and stay at a Chateau. It is always good to walk down memory lane with those who love to remember when. Did you knows, are one of my favorites and so this morning you are going to get some ‘did you knows’. Enjoy!
WEDDING DID YOU KNOWS!
Did you know the ‘engagement ring’ legally belongs to the man until the marriage take place. If the engagement is broken, the woman is to return the ring. After the wedding, the ring belongs to her.
Did you know the ‘wedding ring’ according to many, represents eternity because it is round without an end and cannot be broken unless from an outside force, making it a symbol that the couple is to be united forever.
Did you know the ‘ring’ is worn on the third finger of the left hand because it was once thought that a vein or nerve in this finger ran directly to the heart.
Did you know that the ‘wedding veil may have developed during a Roman custom of having the bride wear a full length veil that was later used as her burial shroud. Today, because wearing white doesn’t mean anything, the veil has taken on the sign of virginity.
Did you know that the tossing of the bouquet is said to have started in France in the 1300's. At that time the bride had been throwing a garter or a stocking.
Did you know baths were usually taken in May when the weather was warmer and weddings took place in June because baths had just been taken. The bride began carrying a bouquet because the body odors were already becoming apparent by the time June rolled around and the perfume from the flowers helped to hide the unpleasant scents..
Did you know having the groom carry the bride over the threshold probably comes from the ancient practice of capturing a wife.
Did you know the honeymoon tradition may have started in the days of marriage by capture. During which the honeymoon was a period that the groom waited, hoping his wife’s parents would stop being angry.
Did you know the wedding cake was originally a hard flat bread that the groom would take a bite of and then hit the bride over the head with it. It was a fertility superstition! Later on the guests were asked to bring sticky buns which were placed in circles and each guest would put theirs on top of the one before them. It would become stacked pretty high, depending upon how many guests showed up. The tradition was that the groom would try to kiss the bride over the top of the stacked sticky buns. I think it also was a fertility superstition!
Did you know that a French chef (Anthony Koran - not sure of the spelling of the name), during the Roman era, didn’t like the looks of the stacked sticky buns so he created the first wedding cake. Believe it or not they were heavy sponge like cake with all the frosting, fondants and glazes that are being used today only a little more refined. He even took sugar and water cooked to a high temperature which turned it into syrup and could be drizzled and air dried just like they do today and call it spun sugar. Most of the tricks that are used today to make such elaborate, decadent wedding cakes have been in the books for centuries but apparently the cakes are bigger and taller today.
Did you know that in Hebrews where Paul talks about general Christian obligations he says in 13:4; "Let marriage be held in honor among all and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the immoral and adulterous". Marriage is serious stuff! Marriage should not be entered into lightly! Marriage can be difficult! Marriage can be fun and rewarding! What have you brought into your marriage? Jane Ann
WEDDING DID YOU KNOWS!
Did you know the ‘engagement ring’ legally belongs to the man until the marriage take place. If the engagement is broken, the woman is to return the ring. After the wedding, the ring belongs to her.
Did you know the ‘wedding ring’ according to many, represents eternity because it is round without an end and cannot be broken unless from an outside force, making it a symbol that the couple is to be united forever.
Did you know the ‘ring’ is worn on the third finger of the left hand because it was once thought that a vein or nerve in this finger ran directly to the heart.
Did you know that the ‘wedding veil may have developed during a Roman custom of having the bride wear a full length veil that was later used as her burial shroud. Today, because wearing white doesn’t mean anything, the veil has taken on the sign of virginity.
Did you know that the tossing of the bouquet is said to have started in France in the 1300's. At that time the bride had been throwing a garter or a stocking.
Did you know baths were usually taken in May when the weather was warmer and weddings took place in June because baths had just been taken. The bride began carrying a bouquet because the body odors were already becoming apparent by the time June rolled around and the perfume from the flowers helped to hide the unpleasant scents..
Did you know having the groom carry the bride over the threshold probably comes from the ancient practice of capturing a wife.
Did you know the honeymoon tradition may have started in the days of marriage by capture. During which the honeymoon was a period that the groom waited, hoping his wife’s parents would stop being angry.
Did you know the wedding cake was originally a hard flat bread that the groom would take a bite of and then hit the bride over the head with it. It was a fertility superstition! Later on the guests were asked to bring sticky buns which were placed in circles and each guest would put theirs on top of the one before them. It would become stacked pretty high, depending upon how many guests showed up. The tradition was that the groom would try to kiss the bride over the top of the stacked sticky buns. I think it also was a fertility superstition!
Did you know that a French chef (Anthony Koran - not sure of the spelling of the name), during the Roman era, didn’t like the looks of the stacked sticky buns so he created the first wedding cake. Believe it or not they were heavy sponge like cake with all the frosting, fondants and glazes that are being used today only a little more refined. He even took sugar and water cooked to a high temperature which turned it into syrup and could be drizzled and air dried just like they do today and call it spun sugar. Most of the tricks that are used today to make such elaborate, decadent wedding cakes have been in the books for centuries but apparently the cakes are bigger and taller today.
Did you know that in Hebrews where Paul talks about general Christian obligations he says in 13:4; "Let marriage be held in honor among all and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the immoral and adulterous". Marriage is serious stuff! Marriage should not be entered into lightly! Marriage can be difficult! Marriage can be fun and rewarding! What have you brought into your marriage? Jane Ann
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Today is our 47th anniversary! Last year I wrote the following devotional and wish to share it with you again. This evening we will go to dinner because next week we will be taking a short trip with my brother, his wife and some friends to celebrate anniversaries. Anniversaries, a time of remembrance and a time to draw close.
NEW SLIPPERS AND STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE
January 27th is our anniversary. We have made it a practice to take a short trip and/or do something special together to celebrate that day. In 2008 we planned to attend a family wedding and so we stayed home to attend. However, we had made previous arrangements to go away for a few days in April to celebrate with three other couples in our family.
Jim and I very seldom buy each other anniversary gifts. Once, we dressed to the nines and went out in a snow storm. We drove about 15 miles to this wonderful old house that had became a restaurant of renown. The Mon Desir! Most who tasted their delicious fare would say it was an elegant night out. The snow storm was so bad that it was difficult to see the road. Some corners were hard to maneuver, but we arrived safely because Jim knew the way. That evening Jim gave me an inexpensive emerald neckless with earrings to match. It was the thought, not the cost that mattered! I know I gave him something but all I can remember is setting near a window watching the snow fall and looking at Him. A very romantic evening!
Since we didn’t plan to do anything special on this date, we went to Wal-Mart to get me a pair of slippers. The ones I had been wearing fell apart! As we looked for me, we decided Jim should get a new pair too. We left the store with our slippers and went to a BBQ joint that had just recently reopened so that Jim could have a steak. Of course I really knew why we went there. You guessed it! They serve strawberry shortcake all year round. It’s big enough for us to share. Jim looks lovingly at me across the table and says; "What did you do on your 46th anniversary? And then answers his own question with; "Why we bought new slippers and had strawberry shortcake". As we left Red’s, the snow was falling so hard and fast that during the short time we were in the restaurant our car disappeared under a blanket of snow. Seemed like dajevu! We were originally married in Southern California, who knew we would be always celebrating with snow.
How blessed we are! It matters not if we go away and stay in a grand hotel or just go shopping and to a local eatery. Jim and I love to be together! We are not necessarily like a pair of comfortable old shoes but close to it. Jim always makes me feel special! I pray that I make him feel special! Feeling the touch of his hand and knowing that there is nothing I can do or can say that could make it any better than this, is a blessing from God!
God says; "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you". These things that God talks about are in Matthew 6:25-34. What we should eat, wear, sleep, even our health. When a marriage has God as its Lord and master all things are possible.
When things get tight, we manage. When we are troubled, there is a light just up ahead. When we are apart, we feel naked. When we take care of the things that are important to God, He takes care of the things that are important to us.
I often wonder how the world survives without the Lord and His kingdom. Most of the time they seem more prosperous than us. But are they? He is our comforter and guide. James 4:14 is a curious verse. It says; "Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away". It is good to make plans for tomorrow. It is good to have savings put away. It is good to find pleasure in the moment. The best of all is eternity with Him and it encompasses all of our tomorrow’s. Without Him there is no peace and no direction!
Because of Him, we celebrated happily, in a snowstorm with new slippers and strawberry short cake. Because of Him we can find pleasure just being together and doing simple things that draw us to God and to each other. How wonderful is that! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/29/08
NEW SLIPPERS AND STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE
January 27th is our anniversary. We have made it a practice to take a short trip and/or do something special together to celebrate that day. In 2008 we planned to attend a family wedding and so we stayed home to attend. However, we had made previous arrangements to go away for a few days in April to celebrate with three other couples in our family.
Jim and I very seldom buy each other anniversary gifts. Once, we dressed to the nines and went out in a snow storm. We drove about 15 miles to this wonderful old house that had became a restaurant of renown. The Mon Desir! Most who tasted their delicious fare would say it was an elegant night out. The snow storm was so bad that it was difficult to see the road. Some corners were hard to maneuver, but we arrived safely because Jim knew the way. That evening Jim gave me an inexpensive emerald neckless with earrings to match. It was the thought, not the cost that mattered! I know I gave him something but all I can remember is setting near a window watching the snow fall and looking at Him. A very romantic evening!
Since we didn’t plan to do anything special on this date, we went to Wal-Mart to get me a pair of slippers. The ones I had been wearing fell apart! As we looked for me, we decided Jim should get a new pair too. We left the store with our slippers and went to a BBQ joint that had just recently reopened so that Jim could have a steak. Of course I really knew why we went there. You guessed it! They serve strawberry shortcake all year round. It’s big enough for us to share. Jim looks lovingly at me across the table and says; "What did you do on your 46th anniversary? And then answers his own question with; "Why we bought new slippers and had strawberry shortcake". As we left Red’s, the snow was falling so hard and fast that during the short time we were in the restaurant our car disappeared under a blanket of snow. Seemed like dajevu! We were originally married in Southern California, who knew we would be always celebrating with snow.
How blessed we are! It matters not if we go away and stay in a grand hotel or just go shopping and to a local eatery. Jim and I love to be together! We are not necessarily like a pair of comfortable old shoes but close to it. Jim always makes me feel special! I pray that I make him feel special! Feeling the touch of his hand and knowing that there is nothing I can do or can say that could make it any better than this, is a blessing from God!
God says; "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you". These things that God talks about are in Matthew 6:25-34. What we should eat, wear, sleep, even our health. When a marriage has God as its Lord and master all things are possible.
When things get tight, we manage. When we are troubled, there is a light just up ahead. When we are apart, we feel naked. When we take care of the things that are important to God, He takes care of the things that are important to us.
I often wonder how the world survives without the Lord and His kingdom. Most of the time they seem more prosperous than us. But are they? He is our comforter and guide. James 4:14 is a curious verse. It says; "Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away". It is good to make plans for tomorrow. It is good to have savings put away. It is good to find pleasure in the moment. The best of all is eternity with Him and it encompasses all of our tomorrow’s. Without Him there is no peace and no direction!
Because of Him, we celebrated happily, in a snowstorm with new slippers and strawberry short cake. Because of Him we can find pleasure just being together and doing simple things that draw us to God and to each other. How wonderful is that! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/29/08
Monday, January 26, 2009
WHY MARRIAGE! 1/26/09
This week we are going to talk about proposals, weddings and why marriage! Some is just fun stuff but underlying all of it is a message that God gave us. God has longed for all of us to be content; He has given us choice so that we can fulfill our desires; He has always been there waiting, waiting and waiting; The most wonderful bridegroom ever!
WHAT WAS YOUR MARRIAGE PROPOSAL LIKE?
My Mother was 16 when she married my Dad! She said she was lying in bed when Daddy asked her to marry him. In bed! Lying in Bed! Mom explained; "I was in a hospital bed, having just had my appendix’s removed. I often wondered if it was the same hospital I was born in. The Jennie Edmunson Hospital! Council Bluffs had a fire that year. Mom said she could see the flames from her hospital room when I was born.
Jim’s Mom had an unbelievable proposal. At least to me, since I am Miss prude! Sunday evening she met a young man at the pie sociable. Wednesday evening as she was standing at the front gate to her yard, this same young man and his friend came walking down the lane. He stopped at her gate and said; "Saturday, I will be by to get you and we will get married". She didn’t even know this man! Needless to say I was shocked! I asked her; "Did you marry him?" She shook her head and said; "Of course!" She was 15 years old!
I was 23 when Jim brought me home after a ‘Young Adult’ outing. He pulled up in front of my house and turned the motor off. He turned towards me and said; "I love you"! I said; "Thank you!" What a way to begin a proposal! I know I was stunned that anyone would love me, but before I could rationalize the situation, he was asking me to marry him and I was saying yes. We were married six months later.
‘They’ say, that the first biggest investment a couple can make is buying their first home. The second is purchasing a new car! I beg to differ with whomever ‘they’ are. The biggest investment a couple ever make is in each other; marriage! Buying a home is big and so is buying a car but because getting married is the biggest decision made, it should also be considered your biggest investment. ‘They’ also say, that if the marriage doesn’t work, you can always get a divorce. How sad when couples enter matrimony with the idea of divorce already in play. For me, divorce was never an option! Our desires, need to stop listening to ‘they’ and pay closer attention to what our hearts and minds are saying.
I have boxes in my closet full of wedding memorabilia and babies coming to live at our house. I look at them once in a while! I suppose keeping them helps me to not forget those wonderful events in my life. Events that changed my life forever!
There is another life changing event that is far more eventful than getting married. It is called being ‘born again’. Romans 6:1-2 talks about accepting Christ and continuing in sin. How can we do that? Paul explains in verses 3-4 that when we are baptized into Christ Jesus we are baptized into his death. That is no idle thought! When we are baptized, we are being buried, putting to death the old man of sin and then are raised by the power of the Father to walk in a new life. Getting married is considered a new life and it is for a time. Becoming ‘born again’ through baptism is a new life that is promised forever. Jane Ann
WHAT WAS YOUR MARRIAGE PROPOSAL LIKE?
My Mother was 16 when she married my Dad! She said she was lying in bed when Daddy asked her to marry him. In bed! Lying in Bed! Mom explained; "I was in a hospital bed, having just had my appendix’s removed. I often wondered if it was the same hospital I was born in. The Jennie Edmunson Hospital! Council Bluffs had a fire that year. Mom said she could see the flames from her hospital room when I was born.
Jim’s Mom had an unbelievable proposal. At least to me, since I am Miss prude! Sunday evening she met a young man at the pie sociable. Wednesday evening as she was standing at the front gate to her yard, this same young man and his friend came walking down the lane. He stopped at her gate and said; "Saturday, I will be by to get you and we will get married". She didn’t even know this man! Needless to say I was shocked! I asked her; "Did you marry him?" She shook her head and said; "Of course!" She was 15 years old!
I was 23 when Jim brought me home after a ‘Young Adult’ outing. He pulled up in front of my house and turned the motor off. He turned towards me and said; "I love you"! I said; "Thank you!" What a way to begin a proposal! I know I was stunned that anyone would love me, but before I could rationalize the situation, he was asking me to marry him and I was saying yes. We were married six months later.
‘They’ say, that the first biggest investment a couple can make is buying their first home. The second is purchasing a new car! I beg to differ with whomever ‘they’ are. The biggest investment a couple ever make is in each other; marriage! Buying a home is big and so is buying a car but because getting married is the biggest decision made, it should also be considered your biggest investment. ‘They’ also say, that if the marriage doesn’t work, you can always get a divorce. How sad when couples enter matrimony with the idea of divorce already in play. For me, divorce was never an option! Our desires, need to stop listening to ‘they’ and pay closer attention to what our hearts and minds are saying.
I have boxes in my closet full of wedding memorabilia and babies coming to live at our house. I look at them once in a while! I suppose keeping them helps me to not forget those wonderful events in my life. Events that changed my life forever!
There is another life changing event that is far more eventful than getting married. It is called being ‘born again’. Romans 6:1-2 talks about accepting Christ and continuing in sin. How can we do that? Paul explains in verses 3-4 that when we are baptized into Christ Jesus we are baptized into his death. That is no idle thought! When we are baptized, we are being buried, putting to death the old man of sin and then are raised by the power of the Father to walk in a new life. Getting married is considered a new life and it is for a time. Becoming ‘born again’ through baptism is a new life that is promised forever. Jane Ann
Friday, January 23, 2009
To finish out our week of "What would Jesus do" I hope the following would cause you to reflect on the times when you asked that question and the times you didn't. To reflect upon the importance of daily walking with Jesus. My mothers pat answers were; "What do you think or Do you think you should"? Jim's answer is always; "You have to deal with it". They always put it back into my court. When asking "What would Jesus do" the answer is more defined.
IN HIS STEPS
To personify Jesus in us, is to become like Him. Many of us are personable; good looking, having a pleasing personality; someone others like having around. But do we personify Jesus? A book written by Charles M. Sheldon called "In His Steps", is a story about an affluent congregation who’s comfortable lifestyle is disrupted by a poor, unemployed stranger who dies, basically on their doorstep. The preacher, Henry Maxwell examines himself and proposes a plan to some of his congregation; "who will pledge themselves, earnestly and honestly for an entire year, not to do anything without first asking the question; "What would Jesus do?"
This book begins with the premise that is found in 1 Peter 2:21 that says; "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps".
This book was originally written in 1896 to be presented to young people and by 1935 it was considered second in circulation to the Bible and still today considered a moving publication of Jesus personified. The concept is not new; "What would Jesus do"? Nor the idea of walking "In His Steps"! However, a new Christian will receive this pattern of living to be more idealistic than realistic. According to the book it became more realistic than idealistic!
1 Peter 3:8-12 is a passage of scripture that brings the Christians conduct into full view. Let’s take heed, to this passage as we walk in His steps, lest we should fall; "Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humble mind; Do not return evil for evil or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing; For he that would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile; let him turn away from evil and do right; let him seek peace and pursue it, for the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer; But the face of the Lord is against those that do evil".
Think about "what would Jesus do" when you come to a crossroads. Think about "what would Jesus do" when you are making a life choice. Think about "What would Jesus do" as you continue your journey; "In His Steps". Jane Ann
IN HIS STEPS
To personify Jesus in us, is to become like Him. Many of us are personable; good looking, having a pleasing personality; someone others like having around. But do we personify Jesus? A book written by Charles M. Sheldon called "In His Steps", is a story about an affluent congregation who’s comfortable lifestyle is disrupted by a poor, unemployed stranger who dies, basically on their doorstep. The preacher, Henry Maxwell examines himself and proposes a plan to some of his congregation; "who will pledge themselves, earnestly and honestly for an entire year, not to do anything without first asking the question; "What would Jesus do?"
This book begins with the premise that is found in 1 Peter 2:21 that says; "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps".
This book was originally written in 1896 to be presented to young people and by 1935 it was considered second in circulation to the Bible and still today considered a moving publication of Jesus personified. The concept is not new; "What would Jesus do"? Nor the idea of walking "In His Steps"! However, a new Christian will receive this pattern of living to be more idealistic than realistic. According to the book it became more realistic than idealistic!
1 Peter 3:8-12 is a passage of scripture that brings the Christians conduct into full view. Let’s take heed, to this passage as we walk in His steps, lest we should fall; "Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humble mind; Do not return evil for evil or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing; For he that would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile; let him turn away from evil and do right; let him seek peace and pursue it, for the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer; But the face of the Lord is against those that do evil".
Think about "what would Jesus do" when you come to a crossroads. Think about "what would Jesus do" when you are making a life choice. Think about "What would Jesus do" as you continue your journey; "In His Steps". Jane Ann
Thursday, January 22, 2009
WHERE AM I?
I began my walk with Jesus when I was 10 years old. I didn’t understand all that would entail at that time but as the years passed by I found myself in many struggles. I wanted what my friends had and I wanted to become someone. These desires were vague, because I didn’t know what I wanted and/or who I wanted to become. At one point I thought about mission work. For a time I wanted to be a singer. I really never thought about getting married because I didn’t date much. Even though in Jeremiah God says; "I have a plan for you" He is talking about a plan where He is in your life. With the life we choose, God says; "Okay, I can take you where you are and make you more than you even thought you could be; but to do that, you have to turn your life over to me".
Turning our lives over to God is something that seems far reaching. Actually, it is merely accepting Jesus Christ and learning to be obedient to His word. It seems hard when you start but as soon as you get the hang of it, it becomes more and more, a way of life. Becoming righteous is merely doing what is right. It is saying; "What would Jesus do"! You become circumspect as to where you go, who you hang out with; the way you dress and the way you walk and talk.
What would Jesus do, if he was asked to linger longer at the party and break the curfew? What would Jesus do, when you witnessed a shop lifter in action? What would Jesus do when the clerk gave him too much change? What would Jesus do if he saw a lawbreaker intimidating the store clerk, a passerby or a child waiting for the school bus? Come on now, you can think of many incidents that you could ask yourself; "What would Jesus do"?
I would like to think that when I quietly ask; "Oh God, help me"; that I would listen and pay attention to his response to my call. I would like to think that When God says in Jeremiah 36:13; "When you seek my face, you will find me and I will hear your prayer" that I will believe Him. I would like to think that when I send Satan packing, I will feel the presence of our Heavenly Father and know that He is with me and will not forsake me.
I am comfortable knowing that what Jesus would do is also something that I can do. Jesus said in John 14:9b; When you have seen me you have seen the Father". According to Acts 2:38, on my acceptance of Jesus Christ through baptism, I was promised the gift of the Holy Spirit. Some day I will be able to say; "When you look at me, you are seeing Jesus. That day is the day when I will have been perfected in Jesus Christ! Oh to be like Christ, should be our theme! Jane Ann
I began my walk with Jesus when I was 10 years old. I didn’t understand all that would entail at that time but as the years passed by I found myself in many struggles. I wanted what my friends had and I wanted to become someone. These desires were vague, because I didn’t know what I wanted and/or who I wanted to become. At one point I thought about mission work. For a time I wanted to be a singer. I really never thought about getting married because I didn’t date much. Even though in Jeremiah God says; "I have a plan for you" He is talking about a plan where He is in your life. With the life we choose, God says; "Okay, I can take you where you are and make you more than you even thought you could be; but to do that, you have to turn your life over to me".
Turning our lives over to God is something that seems far reaching. Actually, it is merely accepting Jesus Christ and learning to be obedient to His word. It seems hard when you start but as soon as you get the hang of it, it becomes more and more, a way of life. Becoming righteous is merely doing what is right. It is saying; "What would Jesus do"! You become circumspect as to where you go, who you hang out with; the way you dress and the way you walk and talk.
What would Jesus do, if he was asked to linger longer at the party and break the curfew? What would Jesus do, when you witnessed a shop lifter in action? What would Jesus do when the clerk gave him too much change? What would Jesus do if he saw a lawbreaker intimidating the store clerk, a passerby or a child waiting for the school bus? Come on now, you can think of many incidents that you could ask yourself; "What would Jesus do"?
I would like to think that when I quietly ask; "Oh God, help me"; that I would listen and pay attention to his response to my call. I would like to think that When God says in Jeremiah 36:13; "When you seek my face, you will find me and I will hear your prayer" that I will believe Him. I would like to think that when I send Satan packing, I will feel the presence of our Heavenly Father and know that He is with me and will not forsake me.
I am comfortable knowing that what Jesus would do is also something that I can do. Jesus said in John 14:9b; When you have seen me you have seen the Father". According to Acts 2:38, on my acceptance of Jesus Christ through baptism, I was promised the gift of the Holy Spirit. Some day I will be able to say; "When you look at me, you are seeing Jesus. That day is the day when I will have been perfected in Jesus Christ! Oh to be like Christ, should be our theme! Jane Ann
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
WHAT DID YOU DO TODAY?
Most times I like to say; "Can anything good come out of New York"? We watched during 9/11 where New Yorkers became family and showed the world their place in the sun was important. They came to the aid of their state and their country! They brought the whole nation together in one effort for all to survive. Tragedy does that!
Last week some amazing things took place in New York again. We watched the news with our eyes riveted as the story unfolded. We watch the first responders arrive and those traveling on the tour boats and the ferries all come together to become the rescuer’s of a massive undertaking. Most of them apparently were just in the right place at the right time. Everyone worked together and brought about a ‘miracle on the Hudson’.
A flock of geese intercepted a US Airway Jet, flight 1549 carrying 155 passengers and crew members. Captain Solenberger and his co-pilot responded quickly to the fallen engines. With wheels up and a thump, they brought the plane down with a splash landing on the frigid Hudson River, in Manhattan New York. The Captain called it a ‘double bird strike’!
In waters of approximately 32 degrees and with the fast thinking of the Pilots, and the Rescuers, this natural disaster was limited to the shock landing because all survived with minor hypothermia and injuries. This is positive movie material with one of those happy endings.
We face challenges daily, but not often are we brought face to face with a miraculous event such as this. Quick thinking saved the day! Proper training for most was apparent!
Have you ever read a book and you seem to move right onto the pages and the story is all about you? Have you ever seen yourself as the hero or heroine, moving from one intricate point of the story into another, never stopping to think how you could do all those amazing things. Have you ever wished when you finished the book and closed it’s cover that you could just keep the story going because it makes you feel so alive? Many times through my life I have felt like that, not just in stories but in many of the activities that God brought my way.
When we begin our day, we never plan to become a hero or a heroine. Proverbs is filled with many one liners put together with many more. I chose this one for today because it fits. Proverbs 16:9; "A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps". I would like to think that God, for whatever reason, used the rescuer’s to bring about a miracle to remind us of His power, His love and to show us that He is still in control. Isn’t that something that Jesus would do? Jane Ann
Most times I like to say; "Can anything good come out of New York"? We watched during 9/11 where New Yorkers became family and showed the world their place in the sun was important. They came to the aid of their state and their country! They brought the whole nation together in one effort for all to survive. Tragedy does that!
Last week some amazing things took place in New York again. We watched the news with our eyes riveted as the story unfolded. We watch the first responders arrive and those traveling on the tour boats and the ferries all come together to become the rescuer’s of a massive undertaking. Most of them apparently were just in the right place at the right time. Everyone worked together and brought about a ‘miracle on the Hudson’.
A flock of geese intercepted a US Airway Jet, flight 1549 carrying 155 passengers and crew members. Captain Solenberger and his co-pilot responded quickly to the fallen engines. With wheels up and a thump, they brought the plane down with a splash landing on the frigid Hudson River, in Manhattan New York. The Captain called it a ‘double bird strike’!
In waters of approximately 32 degrees and with the fast thinking of the Pilots, and the Rescuers, this natural disaster was limited to the shock landing because all survived with minor hypothermia and injuries. This is positive movie material with one of those happy endings.
We face challenges daily, but not often are we brought face to face with a miraculous event such as this. Quick thinking saved the day! Proper training for most was apparent!
Have you ever read a book and you seem to move right onto the pages and the story is all about you? Have you ever seen yourself as the hero or heroine, moving from one intricate point of the story into another, never stopping to think how you could do all those amazing things. Have you ever wished when you finished the book and closed it’s cover that you could just keep the story going because it makes you feel so alive? Many times through my life I have felt like that, not just in stories but in many of the activities that God brought my way.
When we begin our day, we never plan to become a hero or a heroine. Proverbs is filled with many one liners put together with many more. I chose this one for today because it fits. Proverbs 16:9; "A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps". I would like to think that God, for whatever reason, used the rescuer’s to bring about a miracle to remind us of His power, His love and to show us that He is still in control. Isn’t that something that Jesus would do? Jane Ann
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
HOW TO BE INVOLVED!
Many times we find ourselves watching a situation and wonder if we should get involved. It is like standing outside of a window, looking in. Many times we watch and then quickly walk on by, in hopes that everything turns out alright, or that perhaps nobody saw us there in the first place. With a sigh of relief, we know we made the best decision because, what could we have done anyway.
One afternoon after the kids arrived home from school, we climbed into the car and headed towards town. I turned off the main highway onto the road that would take us about 13 miles into town. Just pass where I turned we came upon a fight between two boys around the age of 11 or 12. Several other kids were standing around watching. It was obvious they all had just gotten off the bus and had started down the dirt road leading to their homes when the fight broke out. I pulled the car off the road and turn the engine off. I started to open the car door and my kids begged me not to get involved; they would probably have trouble at school the next day, if I did. I got out anyway! I yelled and yelled at the boys to stop. They were now in the ditch, pommeling each other and I could see blood. I started to go into the ditch when another car stopped and a man got out. He stopped the fight!
I have no idea what I was going to do and I probably would have gotten hurt in the ditch but I couldn’t stand by and watch what was going on, nor could I just drive on by. However, I did worry about the kids and the possibility of repercussions at school. Many good doers are hurt in the process of doing good. But what if you aren’t hurt? What if you can save the day? What would Jesus do?
1 John 4:7 says we are to love one another. John is talking about us loving our Christian brothers and sisters but in Matthew 19:19 Jesus says we are also to love our neighbor as ourselves. We can’t do that unless we become involved! We will not be led astray when we fulfill God’s commandments. We are doing what Jesus would do! We get into trouble when we do what our neighbors are doing. We are asked only to love them, not become like them!
Becoming involved can be done in many ways; like praying for others; fixing food to satisfy and help out; mowing a lawn or shoveling snow; visiting the sick and or sharing God’s word even when it is not received well. Becoming involved can result in saving the lost as in James 5:19-20 where it says; "My brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins". This verse tells us that bringing back anyone to the right path is a necessary work for all believers.
What would Jesus do? What he did is ‘involvement personified’! Now ask yourself; "What am I do!" Jane Ann
Many times we find ourselves watching a situation and wonder if we should get involved. It is like standing outside of a window, looking in. Many times we watch and then quickly walk on by, in hopes that everything turns out alright, or that perhaps nobody saw us there in the first place. With a sigh of relief, we know we made the best decision because, what could we have done anyway.
One afternoon after the kids arrived home from school, we climbed into the car and headed towards town. I turned off the main highway onto the road that would take us about 13 miles into town. Just pass where I turned we came upon a fight between two boys around the age of 11 or 12. Several other kids were standing around watching. It was obvious they all had just gotten off the bus and had started down the dirt road leading to their homes when the fight broke out. I pulled the car off the road and turn the engine off. I started to open the car door and my kids begged me not to get involved; they would probably have trouble at school the next day, if I did. I got out anyway! I yelled and yelled at the boys to stop. They were now in the ditch, pommeling each other and I could see blood. I started to go into the ditch when another car stopped and a man got out. He stopped the fight!
I have no idea what I was going to do and I probably would have gotten hurt in the ditch but I couldn’t stand by and watch what was going on, nor could I just drive on by. However, I did worry about the kids and the possibility of repercussions at school. Many good doers are hurt in the process of doing good. But what if you aren’t hurt? What if you can save the day? What would Jesus do?
1 John 4:7 says we are to love one another. John is talking about us loving our Christian brothers and sisters but in Matthew 19:19 Jesus says we are also to love our neighbor as ourselves. We can’t do that unless we become involved! We will not be led astray when we fulfill God’s commandments. We are doing what Jesus would do! We get into trouble when we do what our neighbors are doing. We are asked only to love them, not become like them!
Becoming involved can be done in many ways; like praying for others; fixing food to satisfy and help out; mowing a lawn or shoveling snow; visiting the sick and or sharing God’s word even when it is not received well. Becoming involved can result in saving the lost as in James 5:19-20 where it says; "My brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins". This verse tells us that bringing back anyone to the right path is a necessary work for all believers.
What would Jesus do? What he did is ‘involvement personified’! Now ask yourself; "What am I do!" Jane Ann
Monday, January 19, 2009
WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? 1/19/09
In my early career as a Secretary/Clerk I found myself learning how to defend my faith through the premises of doing as you are instructed. Don, who was one of the departmental administrators would bring shipping requests to me. I would create a shipping voucher and an invoice of which a copy would be shipped with the item and the rest would be mailed to the buyer upon verification of shipment. At the end of the month he would bring quite a few shipping requests into me. The dollar amounts of these shipments would be placed on the monthly financial status report and he would be looking good. At the beginning of the month he would bring several cancellations of those shipments in and the new month would start out with a big negative. It took me several months to see that Don was filling the same orders every month and then cancelling them. I didn’t care what Don was doing, but I didn’t want to be a part of it. I realized this was only washing each month but I didn’t like the connotations.
The next time Don brought the shipping orders in, I checked with the shipping department and only filled the ones that were actually ready for shipment. He came in and asked for the rest. I refused to do them! He stomped around and left my office and went into the CEO’s office and complained. I knew I would be in trouble but I felt this was causing me to compromise my faith.
The complaint went as high as the President of the company and I was eventually called into his office. He asked me about the problem and immediately I began to cry. I knew this man liked me and I didn’t think he really knew what to do about my tears. After I finished telling my side of the story, he told me to go back to my office and that he would see to it that only those items being shipped would be invoiced in the future.
Needless to say, Don wasn’t very thrilled working with me but I felt so much better about myself. I have carried these principles with me throughout my private and public working career. Sometime during the 90's a slogan appeared within the youth programs in the churches. "What would Jesus do"! I loved that and wish I had thought up that phrase and put it on pins, bracelets and on necklaces. It says it all! I always want to do what Jesus would do!
Jesus pretty much outlines in His "Sermon on the Mount" what He would do. Matthew chapters 5 - 7 gives us a clear idea what He wants from His followers. He starts out with what we call the Beatitudes. Clearly, if we are people who do these things, how blessed we would be. He tells us that we are salt and light to the world! Unless our righteousness exceeds that of the religious leaders we would never enter the kingdom of heaven. He reminds us about the ten commandments and says that even if we think of doing these things we are just as guilty as if we had done them. We are to let our yes be yes, our no be no and nothing more. We are to resist retaliation for those who hurt us. We are to love our neighbors and enemies. When we give, do it in secret. We are not to toot our own horns. We are to pray in secret for our Father sees and hears in secret. We are not to seek riches here on earth but store up treasures in heaven. We are to trust in God only and be free of anxiety. We are not the judge as God is the only true judge.
We are to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. We are to use the narrow gate only. We are to beware of false leaders and we are to be known by our fruits.
In Chapter 7:21 Jesus says; "Not every one who says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven". Sometimes it is hard to remember to ask ourselves; "What would Jesus do"? Sometimes we find ourselves at a crossroads and stand there wondering which way to turn. However, it is important for our credibility and our own personal happiness to ask "WWJD"! Is it all, or nothing at all? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/5/08
The next time Don brought the shipping orders in, I checked with the shipping department and only filled the ones that were actually ready for shipment. He came in and asked for the rest. I refused to do them! He stomped around and left my office and went into the CEO’s office and complained. I knew I would be in trouble but I felt this was causing me to compromise my faith.
The complaint went as high as the President of the company and I was eventually called into his office. He asked me about the problem and immediately I began to cry. I knew this man liked me and I didn’t think he really knew what to do about my tears. After I finished telling my side of the story, he told me to go back to my office and that he would see to it that only those items being shipped would be invoiced in the future.
Needless to say, Don wasn’t very thrilled working with me but I felt so much better about myself. I have carried these principles with me throughout my private and public working career. Sometime during the 90's a slogan appeared within the youth programs in the churches. "What would Jesus do"! I loved that and wish I had thought up that phrase and put it on pins, bracelets and on necklaces. It says it all! I always want to do what Jesus would do!
Jesus pretty much outlines in His "Sermon on the Mount" what He would do. Matthew chapters 5 - 7 gives us a clear idea what He wants from His followers. He starts out with what we call the Beatitudes. Clearly, if we are people who do these things, how blessed we would be. He tells us that we are salt and light to the world! Unless our righteousness exceeds that of the religious leaders we would never enter the kingdom of heaven. He reminds us about the ten commandments and says that even if we think of doing these things we are just as guilty as if we had done them. We are to let our yes be yes, our no be no and nothing more. We are to resist retaliation for those who hurt us. We are to love our neighbors and enemies. When we give, do it in secret. We are not to toot our own horns. We are to pray in secret for our Father sees and hears in secret. We are not to seek riches here on earth but store up treasures in heaven. We are to trust in God only and be free of anxiety. We are not the judge as God is the only true judge.
We are to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. We are to use the narrow gate only. We are to beware of false leaders and we are to be known by our fruits.
In Chapter 7:21 Jesus says; "Not every one who says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven". Sometimes it is hard to remember to ask ourselves; "What would Jesus do"? Sometimes we find ourselves at a crossroads and stand there wondering which way to turn. However, it is important for our credibility and our own personal happiness to ask "WWJD"! Is it all, or nothing at all? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/5/08
Friday, January 16, 2009
I find it interesting that when I start with one of my devotions, the following discussions sort of take me by surprise. I do prepare them a week before I use them but I am not always prepared where the discussion takes me. This week truly had a mind of its own. It led me through some issues that I personally deal with. Advertisements and the rating system! However, I am always brought back to the same theme; "Our God is Good"! When I fall, He is there to pick me up; He dusts me off and helps me to start all over again. He is my hearts desire!
WHAT ARE THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART?
If you could put the desire of your heart into one word; what would it be? I think mine would be "happy". When you are happy, you feel content. You wear a smile and feel confident. When you are happy, all circumstances in your life are running smoothly. Being happy indicates that you must have everything you want and everybody loves you. Interestingly enough, God has never promised us happiness; He has promised us joy!
Do I have joy? Well, I do know that even though it is a desire of mine, I am not happy all the time. It has been said that; "happiness depends upon happenings"! Things that happen in my life are not always conducive to my being happy. Many times I am sad! But do I have joy? Because of the times we live in I am saddened by what I see and hear. I am saddened how the world has helped to increase the kinds of advertisements that we are bombarded with. I am saddened how many of the church family fall into the traps set by Satan through these ‘just do it’ and ‘everybody is doing it’ syndromes. Even though I find the things around me becoming more and more depressing, John 3:16 gives me hope and joy that in due time, Jesus will come again. I believe in His promises and in the saving grace of our Lord and Savior.
Do you have joy? Psalms 30:5 says; "For His anger is but for a moment, and His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning". Years ago a dear neighbor of ours had a little 4 year old boy named Damon. One morning shortly after I lost my brother, she came over with Damon. She told me he greeted her that morning with; "Oh what a glorious morning"! Of course he was parroting his mother but coming from one so small it was joy to my ears and a reminder that God has promised us glorious mornings in spite of our happenings.
I was reminded this morning of the story of Cain and the words that God spoke to him in Genesis 4:6-7; "Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it."
Do we have joy? Psalms 37:3-4 says; "Trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will dwell in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart". In spite of all that I have experienced in my lifetime, and in spite of my disappointments along with great losses; I have joy! My God is real! He lives within in me! How can I not have joy! How about you; Does your joy come with the morning? Jane Ann
WHAT ARE THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART?
If you could put the desire of your heart into one word; what would it be? I think mine would be "happy". When you are happy, you feel content. You wear a smile and feel confident. When you are happy, all circumstances in your life are running smoothly. Being happy indicates that you must have everything you want and everybody loves you. Interestingly enough, God has never promised us happiness; He has promised us joy!
Do I have joy? Well, I do know that even though it is a desire of mine, I am not happy all the time. It has been said that; "happiness depends upon happenings"! Things that happen in my life are not always conducive to my being happy. Many times I am sad! But do I have joy? Because of the times we live in I am saddened by what I see and hear. I am saddened how the world has helped to increase the kinds of advertisements that we are bombarded with. I am saddened how many of the church family fall into the traps set by Satan through these ‘just do it’ and ‘everybody is doing it’ syndromes. Even though I find the things around me becoming more and more depressing, John 3:16 gives me hope and joy that in due time, Jesus will come again. I believe in His promises and in the saving grace of our Lord and Savior.
Do you have joy? Psalms 30:5 says; "For His anger is but for a moment, and His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning". Years ago a dear neighbor of ours had a little 4 year old boy named Damon. One morning shortly after I lost my brother, she came over with Damon. She told me he greeted her that morning with; "Oh what a glorious morning"! Of course he was parroting his mother but coming from one so small it was joy to my ears and a reminder that God has promised us glorious mornings in spite of our happenings.
I was reminded this morning of the story of Cain and the words that God spoke to him in Genesis 4:6-7; "Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it."
Do we have joy? Psalms 37:3-4 says; "Trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will dwell in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart". In spite of all that I have experienced in my lifetime, and in spite of my disappointments along with great losses; I have joy! My God is real! He lives within in me! How can I not have joy! How about you; Does your joy come with the morning? Jane Ann
Thursday, January 15, 2009
LIVING IN THE FAST LANE!
Driving on a many lane highway in America can be known by different names but are all considered ‘freeways’. Most of them have ‘a fast lane’. In California it is on the far left of the 4, 5 or 6 lane highway. The car must have at least one passenger besides the driver. I kind of think the fast lane is a little redundant because everyone is driving fast, trying hard to be faster than the next car or at least just as fast. Isn’t there a rule of thumb that you must go with the flow of the traffic so you don’t cause an accident because you are too slow?
When we lived in California I use to be one of those on the freeways. However, then there wasn’t as much traffic as there is today. When we visit California now, Jim has to lay aside his usual laid back mode of driving casual. He must be alert with both hands holding tight to the wheel and eyes vigilant, knowing that at anytime he is going to have to become defensive. When Jim is under these conditions, he becomes a different kind of person. It shows me that with Jim there can always be surprises in store for me.
Living the fast lane is sort of driving offensively. We want it now and we don’t care who we have to take it from to get it. We want to be there now, and we don’t care who we hurt to get there! We want success today, and it doesn’t matter how many we trample to reach the corner office! I want to be like everyone else, because I don’t want to stand out like a sore thumb. You probably can think of many more cliches that will help make my point.
Slow down! Look around and enjoy the flowers as you smell the roses! Become alive with knowing that the air can be filled with perfume and sweetness! Don’t excel so you can be like all the others. Excel so that you can become the person that God has created you to be.
Galatians 6:7 says; "Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap". A scripture we seldom look at is found in Hosea 10:2; "Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain salvation upon you". When we listen to the fast talkers and buy into their wares we are hobbling ourselves just like a horse is hobbled to keep him from running away. Receiving the desires of our hearts can only become the norm when we turn our lives over to the Lord and dwell in His steadfast love. Living with Jim has helped me to slow down. He has always been able to drive like he had a speed control even before they were put on cars. Think about who you are when you allow the world to move into your space. Jane Ann
Driving on a many lane highway in America can be known by different names but are all considered ‘freeways’. Most of them have ‘a fast lane’. In California it is on the far left of the 4, 5 or 6 lane highway. The car must have at least one passenger besides the driver. I kind of think the fast lane is a little redundant because everyone is driving fast, trying hard to be faster than the next car or at least just as fast. Isn’t there a rule of thumb that you must go with the flow of the traffic so you don’t cause an accident because you are too slow?
When we lived in California I use to be one of those on the freeways. However, then there wasn’t as much traffic as there is today. When we visit California now, Jim has to lay aside his usual laid back mode of driving casual. He must be alert with both hands holding tight to the wheel and eyes vigilant, knowing that at anytime he is going to have to become defensive. When Jim is under these conditions, he becomes a different kind of person. It shows me that with Jim there can always be surprises in store for me.
Living the fast lane is sort of driving offensively. We want it now and we don’t care who we have to take it from to get it. We want to be there now, and we don’t care who we hurt to get there! We want success today, and it doesn’t matter how many we trample to reach the corner office! I want to be like everyone else, because I don’t want to stand out like a sore thumb. You probably can think of many more cliches that will help make my point.
Slow down! Look around and enjoy the flowers as you smell the roses! Become alive with knowing that the air can be filled with perfume and sweetness! Don’t excel so you can be like all the others. Excel so that you can become the person that God has created you to be.
Galatians 6:7 says; "Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap". A scripture we seldom look at is found in Hosea 10:2; "Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain salvation upon you". When we listen to the fast talkers and buy into their wares we are hobbling ourselves just like a horse is hobbled to keep him from running away. Receiving the desires of our hearts can only become the norm when we turn our lives over to the Lord and dwell in His steadfast love. Living with Jim has helped me to slow down. He has always been able to drive like he had a speed control even before they were put on cars. Think about who you are when you allow the world to move into your space. Jane Ann
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Many times a follower of Morning Glory will leave a comment at the end of the daily message. Please check out those comments because most times they are pertinent to the discussion of the week. I appreciate your comments whether commenting on the blog or by your sending me an email. If it is an email comment I will try to incorporate your input into my thoughts. Now for the continuation of ‘Only your hairdresser will know’; day three.
BILL BOARD’s
One afternoon as we were driving down one of the main streets in our town I noticed a billboard to the left of us, had a new display. It was for a local jewelry store! It was an ad for selling jewelry but what jumped out at me was the sexual connotations that depicted children having been put to bed hearing the sounds of the mother as she exclaimed her ecstacy while opening her gift. I felt it was inappropriate! Immediately, I called the jewelry store on my cell phone and expressed my disappointment in the store for displaying such an ad. They removed it and replaced it with a more defined and appropriate ad that was more on selling jewelry than grabbing the attention of sexually oriented buyers.
We saw these things coming but as the world was drinking it all in, the Christian community said; "This too shall pass". It is true that fads come and go but I believe the notion that selling sex has only just appeared in our society, is bogus. If you read Song of Solomon 3:10 you will find that even Solomon had a chariot built and had pictures of love inlaid on the leather seats. The scriptures said; "from the daughters of Jerusalem". The problem today is that we have so many avenues of advertisement and so many who want to see, feel and touch that our laws are willing to use the 1st Amendment to give their approval. Because our political correctness and so called freedoms, we have allowed ourselves to become a community of immorality.
Why do you suppose the news is filled with sexual predators who are either, wanted, have been captured or released and required to register wherever they move to? Why are there so many children, boys and girls, being molested, raped and murdered? Why are women found dead by the roadside, having been raped and murdered? It is because of the exploitation of sexual, pornographic and explicit displays that have become the norm in books, movies, television and on the world wide web. We are even teaching it in our schools under the guise of education. Safe sex is better than no sex? Marriage is the only safe sex according to my book!
Don’t be duped! This is not okay! Living the ‘if it feels good, do it’ kind of life leads only to destruction. Not only while living an earthly life but also our eternal life. For many, self-control, is an attribute that has gone by the wayside. 1 Corinthians 7:5b says; "Lest Satan tempt you through lack of self-control". Recognize that Satan knows your weak points and he plays them like a violin. Very precise with, sweetness, full of melody and rhythm; it seems so right
Proverbs 4:14-15 says; "Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on". Just because you read it in books and because you see it being allowed in movies, television and on the internet; Just because your best friend says it is okay; run as quickly as you can away from the temptations that are inspired by the world, because you know in your heart that the worlds way is not the Lords way. Living in the fast lane doesn’t get you to your destination faster! Jane Ann
BILL BOARD’s
One afternoon as we were driving down one of the main streets in our town I noticed a billboard to the left of us, had a new display. It was for a local jewelry store! It was an ad for selling jewelry but what jumped out at me was the sexual connotations that depicted children having been put to bed hearing the sounds of the mother as she exclaimed her ecstacy while opening her gift. I felt it was inappropriate! Immediately, I called the jewelry store on my cell phone and expressed my disappointment in the store for displaying such an ad. They removed it and replaced it with a more defined and appropriate ad that was more on selling jewelry than grabbing the attention of sexually oriented buyers.
We saw these things coming but as the world was drinking it all in, the Christian community said; "This too shall pass". It is true that fads come and go but I believe the notion that selling sex has only just appeared in our society, is bogus. If you read Song of Solomon 3:10 you will find that even Solomon had a chariot built and had pictures of love inlaid on the leather seats. The scriptures said; "from the daughters of Jerusalem". The problem today is that we have so many avenues of advertisement and so many who want to see, feel and touch that our laws are willing to use the 1st Amendment to give their approval. Because our political correctness and so called freedoms, we have allowed ourselves to become a community of immorality.
Why do you suppose the news is filled with sexual predators who are either, wanted, have been captured or released and required to register wherever they move to? Why are there so many children, boys and girls, being molested, raped and murdered? Why are women found dead by the roadside, having been raped and murdered? It is because of the exploitation of sexual, pornographic and explicit displays that have become the norm in books, movies, television and on the world wide web. We are even teaching it in our schools under the guise of education. Safe sex is better than no sex? Marriage is the only safe sex according to my book!
Don’t be duped! This is not okay! Living the ‘if it feels good, do it’ kind of life leads only to destruction. Not only while living an earthly life but also our eternal life. For many, self-control, is an attribute that has gone by the wayside. 1 Corinthians 7:5b says; "Lest Satan tempt you through lack of self-control". Recognize that Satan knows your weak points and he plays them like a violin. Very precise with, sweetness, full of melody and rhythm; it seems so right
Proverbs 4:14-15 says; "Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on". Just because you read it in books and because you see it being allowed in movies, television and on the internet; Just because your best friend says it is okay; run as quickly as you can away from the temptations that are inspired by the world, because you know in your heart that the worlds way is not the Lords way. Living in the fast lane doesn’t get you to your destination faster! Jane Ann
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
PAMPER SHAMPOO
The day came when I was able to purchase some of the products that I heard on the radio and saw advertised on the TV. One of the first was Pamper Shampoo! I know, if you were around at that time, you would still remember the tune which was very catchy. But for our discussion I will give you the words. "Pamper, Pamper Pink Shampoo; Gentle as a lamb, so right for you; Gentle as a lamb, Yes mam! Pamper, Pamper Pink Shampoo". I bought it, tried it and loved it!
In the beginning of TV ad’s many came with a catchy song which would get into our heads and I am sure, helped us to realize that we must have that product. Another type of advertisement was Dick Lane who sold cars. He usually was seen on Cliffy Stone’s Home town Jamboree every Saturday night. He would wear his bib overalls, colorful plaid shirt and slap the car he was drawing your attention to. His name became a household word! I don’t know if he sold many cars but most enjoyed his part on Home Town Jamboree along with Tennessee Ernie Ford. Today, it is Billy Mays, who yells as he sells his products.
I like seeing and remembering the old advertisements because they take me back to a time that was innocent, calm and free to be me. Today, advertisements have taken on an entirely different flair, that it is embarrassing to watch. Today, we are open to all products regardless as to how personal or even if they are just one step this side of pornography. I find it amazing that cigarette advertisements are illegal because they are bad for our physical health. Yet it is okay to advertise contraceptives and or male/female enhancement drugs which depict how far the worlds view of morality has fallen. The world apparently is going to push the envelope as far as it can.
We know that birth control is used and we know that sex happens but do we need to have it as a daily diet, advertised on our televisions, in papers and magazines. We have ratings on Movies and some TV shows but where is the ratings on advertisements. I believe the Christian community should be appalled at this and start complaining to those who use these particular types of commercials to make money. It is not only embarrassing but insults our mentality.
It sounds like I am on my soapbox, doesn’t it. Well, I guess I am! There are many things that I feel passionate about and this is one of them. We can mute the sound and even change the station but what we should do is not return to that station and let the owners and others as well, know that their gimmicks and advertisement tools are for evil and not for good.
In Proverbs 1:20-23 the writer says; "Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice, on the top of the walls she cries out at the entrance of the city gates. She speaks; How long, Oh simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?"
In John 15:16 Jesus says; "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, He may give it to you". I think Jesus is saying that from the very beginning He chose the church to be His kingdom. I think Jesus is saying that the church has been chosen to be obedient to His word; to reach others; bringing them into submission to Him. I think it says that we need to be circumspect as to how we live so that, whatever we ask of Him, He will give us what our hearts desire.
Oh be careful little hands what you do; little eyes what you see; little feet where you go and little voice what you speak. Garbage in, garbage out! Jane Ann
The day came when I was able to purchase some of the products that I heard on the radio and saw advertised on the TV. One of the first was Pamper Shampoo! I know, if you were around at that time, you would still remember the tune which was very catchy. But for our discussion I will give you the words. "Pamper, Pamper Pink Shampoo; Gentle as a lamb, so right for you; Gentle as a lamb, Yes mam! Pamper, Pamper Pink Shampoo". I bought it, tried it and loved it!
In the beginning of TV ad’s many came with a catchy song which would get into our heads and I am sure, helped us to realize that we must have that product. Another type of advertisement was Dick Lane who sold cars. He usually was seen on Cliffy Stone’s Home town Jamboree every Saturday night. He would wear his bib overalls, colorful plaid shirt and slap the car he was drawing your attention to. His name became a household word! I don’t know if he sold many cars but most enjoyed his part on Home Town Jamboree along with Tennessee Ernie Ford. Today, it is Billy Mays, who yells as he sells his products.
I like seeing and remembering the old advertisements because they take me back to a time that was innocent, calm and free to be me. Today, advertisements have taken on an entirely different flair, that it is embarrassing to watch. Today, we are open to all products regardless as to how personal or even if they are just one step this side of pornography. I find it amazing that cigarette advertisements are illegal because they are bad for our physical health. Yet it is okay to advertise contraceptives and or male/female enhancement drugs which depict how far the worlds view of morality has fallen. The world apparently is going to push the envelope as far as it can.
We know that birth control is used and we know that sex happens but do we need to have it as a daily diet, advertised on our televisions, in papers and magazines. We have ratings on Movies and some TV shows but where is the ratings on advertisements. I believe the Christian community should be appalled at this and start complaining to those who use these particular types of commercials to make money. It is not only embarrassing but insults our mentality.
It sounds like I am on my soapbox, doesn’t it. Well, I guess I am! There are many things that I feel passionate about and this is one of them. We can mute the sound and even change the station but what we should do is not return to that station and let the owners and others as well, know that their gimmicks and advertisement tools are for evil and not for good.
In Proverbs 1:20-23 the writer says; "Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice, on the top of the walls she cries out at the entrance of the city gates. She speaks; How long, Oh simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?"
In John 15:16 Jesus says; "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, He may give it to you". I think Jesus is saying that from the very beginning He chose the church to be His kingdom. I think Jesus is saying that the church has been chosen to be obedient to His word; to reach others; bringing them into submission to Him. I think it says that we need to be circumspect as to how we live so that, whatever we ask of Him, He will give us what our hearts desire.
Oh be careful little hands what you do; little eyes what you see; little feet where you go and little voice what you speak. Garbage in, garbage out! Jane Ann
Monday, January 12, 2009
ONLY YOUR HAIRDRESSER KNOWS 1/12/09
Many years ago there was an advertisement regarding hair. If you used this product, only your hairdresser would know. When I was young my hair was red. Not the beautiful flaming red, nor the deep dark enchanting red. Mine was more of the auburn drab red. However, it was thick! In my early twenties I coveted the red hair of the beauty operator that was doing my hair. I asked her to make my hair like hers. My first mistake was coveting! The second mistake was giving into an easy solution, or so I thought.
She used a permanent process. Permanent meaning it would last longer than four weeks and then you had to keep up with the roots....This was not only an inconvenience but costly because it started me on the road for one fix after another until my hair was not as thick as it used to be nor was it as red but sort of a mousey brown with red highlights. My hair was becoming damaged goods and I didn’t even use hair spray. That is until I was in my middle thirty’s and needed major help. It was then, I bought my first can of hair spray! Now I can’t live without it!
In my sixty’s I began to use various medicines to help keep me alive longer. The rumor is that the benefits of medicines outweigh the side effects. I fell for that and it took me six years to realize that was also a phrase used to convince you of the need for the product. During my awakening regarding medicines I lost a lot of hair. My hairdresser said I had to choose between color or perms. I bought a wig to match my color! Didn’t like it! I couldn’t go out of the house without a perm and so decided that white hair was better than no hair at all. Then I bought a little wiglet that covered the worse areas. And on it goes!
Years ago, an elderly friend of mine suggested I use salt and baby oil. I did try that during my adventure into old age and it worked. I had forgotten all about that! I tried it again, against the advice of my hairdresser. After five weeks of shampooing, rubbing salt into my scalp, rinsing it off, applying a small amount of baby oil into my hair and scalp, rinsing it off followed by shampooing again, my hair began to show signs of growing back and becoming thicker. I suppose it could be my imagination but I really do think it helped my hair to grow.
There are those who undergo certain types of Chemo treatment that will cause you to lose your hair. Even though you may lose your hair, when the treatment is complete, your hair will grow back. On these occasions, we are reminded that ‘bald is beautiful’!
In Eccl. 1:2 it says; "Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity"! Vanity, as used here, alludes to the uselessness and emptiness of life which is not lived in fellowship with God. In reading Eccl 12:1-8 we find the writer is telling us that everything is useless and that we should live for God always. Eventually, we will all go to our eternal home and the mourners will go about their business. In verses 6-8 he refers to the silver cord or the golden bowl. The pitcher broken at the fountain or the wheel broken at the cistern. Our riches will be dust and returned to the earth just as we will. Our spirit returns to God! Again he repeats; "Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, all is vanity". He concludes with verses 13-14 with; "At the end of what you have heard"; "Fear God, and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or bad". I guess that puts to rest the idea that, only your hairdresser will know.
It is good to be presentable. It is good to look good. It is good to be happy. But do it as Colossians 3:23 says; "heartily, as serving the Lord and not men". As to thinning hair, or being bald, even though ‘bald is beautiful’; I think my spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak! However, bald does look good on Jim! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/4/08
She used a permanent process. Permanent meaning it would last longer than four weeks and then you had to keep up with the roots....This was not only an inconvenience but costly because it started me on the road for one fix after another until my hair was not as thick as it used to be nor was it as red but sort of a mousey brown with red highlights. My hair was becoming damaged goods and I didn’t even use hair spray. That is until I was in my middle thirty’s and needed major help. It was then, I bought my first can of hair spray! Now I can’t live without it!
In my sixty’s I began to use various medicines to help keep me alive longer. The rumor is that the benefits of medicines outweigh the side effects. I fell for that and it took me six years to realize that was also a phrase used to convince you of the need for the product. During my awakening regarding medicines I lost a lot of hair. My hairdresser said I had to choose between color or perms. I bought a wig to match my color! Didn’t like it! I couldn’t go out of the house without a perm and so decided that white hair was better than no hair at all. Then I bought a little wiglet that covered the worse areas. And on it goes!
Years ago, an elderly friend of mine suggested I use salt and baby oil. I did try that during my adventure into old age and it worked. I had forgotten all about that! I tried it again, against the advice of my hairdresser. After five weeks of shampooing, rubbing salt into my scalp, rinsing it off, applying a small amount of baby oil into my hair and scalp, rinsing it off followed by shampooing again, my hair began to show signs of growing back and becoming thicker. I suppose it could be my imagination but I really do think it helped my hair to grow.
There are those who undergo certain types of Chemo treatment that will cause you to lose your hair. Even though you may lose your hair, when the treatment is complete, your hair will grow back. On these occasions, we are reminded that ‘bald is beautiful’!
In Eccl. 1:2 it says; "Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity"! Vanity, as used here, alludes to the uselessness and emptiness of life which is not lived in fellowship with God. In reading Eccl 12:1-8 we find the writer is telling us that everything is useless and that we should live for God always. Eventually, we will all go to our eternal home and the mourners will go about their business. In verses 6-8 he refers to the silver cord or the golden bowl. The pitcher broken at the fountain or the wheel broken at the cistern. Our riches will be dust and returned to the earth just as we will. Our spirit returns to God! Again he repeats; "Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, all is vanity". He concludes with verses 13-14 with; "At the end of what you have heard"; "Fear God, and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or bad". I guess that puts to rest the idea that, only your hairdresser will know.
It is good to be presentable. It is good to look good. It is good to be happy. But do it as Colossians 3:23 says; "heartily, as serving the Lord and not men". As to thinning hair, or being bald, even though ‘bald is beautiful’; I think my spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak! However, bald does look good on Jim! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/4/08
Friday, January 9, 2009
EMULATE!
Webster’s definition for this word is to; "to strive to equal or surpass another". Are you an emulator? Do you try to be somebody else? Those who are actor’s are emulators! They have an emulous character. They desire to imitate or rival another, sometimes to selfish ends. Many times we emulate another person because we admire them so much that we inadvertently take on some of their characteristics.
I have watched my children as they were growing take on facial expressions that some of their friends had. This is part of growing up! We all have done this. Children become involved in click’s because of their desire to be accepted within a certain group. This can also be applied to gangs of today. Children who are feeling left out and wanting to belong will get caught up with undesirable behavior because of the desire to emulate and be accepted.
Some children, who feel left out and know it is wrong to run in packs of disobedient behavior, become withdrawn and are considered loners. Personally, I don’t believe that is entirely wrong behavior. I believe that is being considerate of who you are and who you want to be. I have to admit I would be considered one of those if it were not for the church and for the grace of God. Hebrews 6:12 says; "Do not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises".
One of my favorites persons in the scriptures, outside of Jesus Christ, is Paul. His strength of character is what I want. In 1 Corinthians 4:16 Paul encourages us with; "I urge you then, be imitators of me." Paul continues in 1 Corinthians 11:1 with; "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ"! Again in Philippians 3:17 Paul says; "Brethren, join in imitating me, and mark those who so live as you have, an example in us".
It goes like this; Christ lived to show us how to live; Paul became an imitator of Christ to show us that we could live like Christ; We, who imitate Paul are imitator’s of Christ; Those who see Christ in us will be imitator’s of us and so it will continue until Christ comes again.
The characteristics of Paul and Jesus Christ are worth imitating; don’t you think? If we should light just one little candle with the character of Jesus Christ, think how bright our world would be. Jane Ann
Webster’s definition for this word is to; "to strive to equal or surpass another". Are you an emulator? Do you try to be somebody else? Those who are actor’s are emulators! They have an emulous character. They desire to imitate or rival another, sometimes to selfish ends. Many times we emulate another person because we admire them so much that we inadvertently take on some of their characteristics.
I have watched my children as they were growing take on facial expressions that some of their friends had. This is part of growing up! We all have done this. Children become involved in click’s because of their desire to be accepted within a certain group. This can also be applied to gangs of today. Children who are feeling left out and wanting to belong will get caught up with undesirable behavior because of the desire to emulate and be accepted.
Some children, who feel left out and know it is wrong to run in packs of disobedient behavior, become withdrawn and are considered loners. Personally, I don’t believe that is entirely wrong behavior. I believe that is being considerate of who you are and who you want to be. I have to admit I would be considered one of those if it were not for the church and for the grace of God. Hebrews 6:12 says; "Do not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises".
One of my favorites persons in the scriptures, outside of Jesus Christ, is Paul. His strength of character is what I want. In 1 Corinthians 4:16 Paul encourages us with; "I urge you then, be imitators of me." Paul continues in 1 Corinthians 11:1 with; "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ"! Again in Philippians 3:17 Paul says; "Brethren, join in imitating me, and mark those who so live as you have, an example in us".
It goes like this; Christ lived to show us how to live; Paul became an imitator of Christ to show us that we could live like Christ; We, who imitate Paul are imitator’s of Christ; Those who see Christ in us will be imitator’s of us and so it will continue until Christ comes again.
The characteristics of Paul and Jesus Christ are worth imitating; don’t you think? If we should light just one little candle with the character of Jesus Christ, think how bright our world would be. Jane Ann
Thursday, January 8, 2009
NO HANDLES?
Upon my highschool graduation a salesman visited some of the homes in his territory, of the senior girls who attended my school. He was selling cook ware. Flavor-seal by Cory! It was called the bridal set! The price was reasonable and you could make payments. I began using them when my sister and I moved into an apartment a couple of years later. 50 some years later, I am still using these pots and pans. I have replaced the handles twice and had the cook ware refinished once. I am desperate for new handles, again!
For things like pots and pans, handles are to be grasped with the hand. For a person to have handles, it is being known by their habits, lack of morals and/or character. The scriptures say that we are to be above reproach; having no handles!
As a young woman, I became acquainted with a young man who wanted to date me. I didn’t date much if at all and so I would accompany him with a group where I could be with everyone and not just him. Some place in all of that I discovered he was dating my best friend. When he asked me out again I said no, because of my friend. He began to spread rumors about me! I never heard the rumors but my brother Lloyd did. He went to the pastor to put a stop to it. When Lloyd told me about it, he said that Mr. Ellett said not to worry because anyone who knew me, would know the stories were not true. According to Mr. Ellett, I had no handles! Wow! I may have passed the test that day because according to James 1:12 it says; "Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him". We undergo testing many times in our lives. I pray that I am still passing!
It is not surprising that our character shows up when we are faced with compromising situations. 1 Peter 4:12 says; "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which comes upon you to prove you, as though something strange were happening to you". When we are called ‘Beloved’ it is because the message is directed to those who belong to Christ. Peter begins chapter 4 by saying that it is okay for us to be challenged for the name of Christ, but we are not to suffer as a murderer, thief, wrong-doer or a trouble maker. We should not be ashamed to suffer as a Christian. In Chapter 5:6 it says; "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you". See what I mean? Character does count! Jane Ann
Upon my highschool graduation a salesman visited some of the homes in his territory, of the senior girls who attended my school. He was selling cook ware. Flavor-seal by Cory! It was called the bridal set! The price was reasonable and you could make payments. I began using them when my sister and I moved into an apartment a couple of years later. 50 some years later, I am still using these pots and pans. I have replaced the handles twice and had the cook ware refinished once. I am desperate for new handles, again!
For things like pots and pans, handles are to be grasped with the hand. For a person to have handles, it is being known by their habits, lack of morals and/or character. The scriptures say that we are to be above reproach; having no handles!
As a young woman, I became acquainted with a young man who wanted to date me. I didn’t date much if at all and so I would accompany him with a group where I could be with everyone and not just him. Some place in all of that I discovered he was dating my best friend. When he asked me out again I said no, because of my friend. He began to spread rumors about me! I never heard the rumors but my brother Lloyd did. He went to the pastor to put a stop to it. When Lloyd told me about it, he said that Mr. Ellett said not to worry because anyone who knew me, would know the stories were not true. According to Mr. Ellett, I had no handles! Wow! I may have passed the test that day because according to James 1:12 it says; "Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him". We undergo testing many times in our lives. I pray that I am still passing!
It is not surprising that our character shows up when we are faced with compromising situations. 1 Peter 4:12 says; "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which comes upon you to prove you, as though something strange were happening to you". When we are called ‘Beloved’ it is because the message is directed to those who belong to Christ. Peter begins chapter 4 by saying that it is okay for us to be challenged for the name of Christ, but we are not to suffer as a murderer, thief, wrong-doer or a trouble maker. We should not be ashamed to suffer as a Christian. In Chapter 5:6 it says; "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you". See what I mean? Character does count! Jane Ann
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
WHAT PRODUCES CHARACTER?
Seven or eight months ago we switched from Direct TV to Charter so we could bundle our TV, telephone and get high speed internet. With Direct TV we were able to get many programs that we enjoyed, even though we complained about all the trash. But we wanted to get rid of ‘dial up’ and liked the sounds of the convenience of the offer. Since we have had cable there is very little that we can watch and often suggest we get a new TV because this one has nothing good on it. Needless to say that we have broken the habit that we acquired upon retiring. Watching TV from morning to night! Cable must be a gift from God!
As a young woman I enjoyed reading romance novel’s! Especially, the gothic’s! I had so many of them that when I realized I could save money by checking them out of the library, I became a regular. I then discovered the library would take my old paperbacks. I kept the hardbacks because I truly love books and just felt I couldn’t give them up.
Now that I am an old woman I know that even though I read good books with good morals and good conclusions, it still is a lot of garbage in. I discovered that reading some of those stories did not help in building my character. Even though the hero and heroine were of good report, it couldn’t hold a candle to the training I have received by living my life as a Christian, receiving my instructions from God’s word. Endeavoring to be humble in the sight of the Lord.
Don’t get me wrong; that doesn’t mean I have a perfect character, nor am I a perfect Christian. It means that the road I am on is leading me day by day, to become the person that God has created me to be. I am on the right track. His word corrects me and admonishes me. I do my best to pay attention and take everything personally. How about you?
I have a calendar by my computer that I received from "My Mechanic Auto Repair". For January it says; "The measure of success is not how high you climb, but how high you bounce once you hit bottom".
In Romans 5 Paul is talking about being justified by faith through Jesus Christ. In verses 3-4 Paul says; "More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character, and character produces hope". Reading about life does not produce character. Character is not produced by lesson’s in a class room. Character comes from being nurtured by good parents, enduring all that life hands you through trials, love, obedience and perseverance. A good character comes with no handles. Jane Ann
Seven or eight months ago we switched from Direct TV to Charter so we could bundle our TV, telephone and get high speed internet. With Direct TV we were able to get many programs that we enjoyed, even though we complained about all the trash. But we wanted to get rid of ‘dial up’ and liked the sounds of the convenience of the offer. Since we have had cable there is very little that we can watch and often suggest we get a new TV because this one has nothing good on it. Needless to say that we have broken the habit that we acquired upon retiring. Watching TV from morning to night! Cable must be a gift from God!
As a young woman I enjoyed reading romance novel’s! Especially, the gothic’s! I had so many of them that when I realized I could save money by checking them out of the library, I became a regular. I then discovered the library would take my old paperbacks. I kept the hardbacks because I truly love books and just felt I couldn’t give them up.
Now that I am an old woman I know that even though I read good books with good morals and good conclusions, it still is a lot of garbage in. I discovered that reading some of those stories did not help in building my character. Even though the hero and heroine were of good report, it couldn’t hold a candle to the training I have received by living my life as a Christian, receiving my instructions from God’s word. Endeavoring to be humble in the sight of the Lord.
Don’t get me wrong; that doesn’t mean I have a perfect character, nor am I a perfect Christian. It means that the road I am on is leading me day by day, to become the person that God has created me to be. I am on the right track. His word corrects me and admonishes me. I do my best to pay attention and take everything personally. How about you?
I have a calendar by my computer that I received from "My Mechanic Auto Repair". For January it says; "The measure of success is not how high you climb, but how high you bounce once you hit bottom".
In Romans 5 Paul is talking about being justified by faith through Jesus Christ. In verses 3-4 Paul says; "More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character, and character produces hope". Reading about life does not produce character. Character is not produced by lesson’s in a class room. Character comes from being nurtured by good parents, enduring all that life hands you through trials, love, obedience and perseverance. A good character comes with no handles. Jane Ann
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER?
Webster’s Dictionary says that ‘character’ is; a mark on an object that can give identification of ownership, origin and/or brand; symbols as letters or figures; one’s moral strength; a description of a person’s qualities; and a person in a story or as a character in a play.
Many times I would choose to be around a person because of their good character. Not necessarily because of their good behavior because many times we act impulsively which is not in character of our moral behavior. Conversely, I also may choose to not associate with those of bad character, even though they may have moments of good and or sound judgement. I have always been circumspect when it came to relationships. I suppose I have missed out on a lot!
My problem is that some biblical teachings would jump out at me and I would take them to the next level. For instance; ‘You are known by the company you keep’. I am an addictive person and therefore I don’t want to get myself in a position that would cause me to fall into a trap of self destruction. Because I am obsessive, I would be up at all hours wanting Jim to teach me how to play chess. Because my brain is slow in processing instructions, written or verbal, I was obsessed with understanding his moves. It was the same when I learned how to play solitaire! I was even obsessed with doing crossword puzzles. I knew if I drank anything harder than a soda pop I would become an alcoholic. I tried smoking and even though I didn’t do it right, it was hard to quit.
I have learned to be honest with my dealings financially, personally and with my relationships. It is hard for me to do things in secret, although there was a time that secret was an avenue I often took. When I realized that God see’s also in secret, my secret places disappeared. In Numbers 32:23b it says; "your sins will find you out"! Live with no handles!
Now that you know about me and my obsessive behavior which helps to define my character, what about you. What is your character like? Jane Ann
Webster’s Dictionary says that ‘character’ is; a mark on an object that can give identification of ownership, origin and/or brand; symbols as letters or figures; one’s moral strength; a description of a person’s qualities; and a person in a story or as a character in a play.
Many times I would choose to be around a person because of their good character. Not necessarily because of their good behavior because many times we act impulsively which is not in character of our moral behavior. Conversely, I also may choose to not associate with those of bad character, even though they may have moments of good and or sound judgement. I have always been circumspect when it came to relationships. I suppose I have missed out on a lot!
My problem is that some biblical teachings would jump out at me and I would take them to the next level. For instance; ‘You are known by the company you keep’. I am an addictive person and therefore I don’t want to get myself in a position that would cause me to fall into a trap of self destruction. Because I am obsessive, I would be up at all hours wanting Jim to teach me how to play chess. Because my brain is slow in processing instructions, written or verbal, I was obsessed with understanding his moves. It was the same when I learned how to play solitaire! I was even obsessed with doing crossword puzzles. I knew if I drank anything harder than a soda pop I would become an alcoholic. I tried smoking and even though I didn’t do it right, it was hard to quit.
I have learned to be honest with my dealings financially, personally and with my relationships. It is hard for me to do things in secret, although there was a time that secret was an avenue I often took. When I realized that God see’s also in secret, my secret places disappeared. In Numbers 32:23b it says; "your sins will find you out"! Live with no handles!
Now that you know about me and my obsessive behavior which helps to define my character, what about you. What is your character like? Jane Ann
Monday, January 5, 2009
I DON'T KNOW AND I DON'T WANT TO FIND OUT! 1/5/09
As we teach our children about life, it is hard to know if they are really paying attention. Oh, I know we send them off to school in hopes that the teachers really do know more and can get across to our children the importance of learning and therefore they learn. We watch them stumble as they learn to walk. Their words are precious until they begin to say them properly.
We want them to be confident and yet we hold them back from making to many decisions at an early age. When it is time for self confidence and real decision making we are apprehensive as to whether they are truly capable of doing it. We wonder what kind of character our sons and daughters have formed and how they will display it in life.
My son and daughter have always shown Jim and me that they were made of the right stuff. I know that was primarily because they were raised in the church, knowing Jesus Christ. Even thought Jim and I tried to be Godly parents, we were not perfect and neither were we always right about everything. But as Jim always said; "God made it easy with Dan and Jennifer". These two kids came with all the makings for great possibilities that outweighed any possible side effects. In other words, everyone makes mistakes! Most patterns need to be reworked in order to make them fit. Conditions can make for road blocks but when you have the right stuff and it comes down to the wire, you can make it through, even if it is a little bumpy.
When Danny was 17 and a senior in High School, he was an accomplished vocalist and pianist. He and his musical friends in the choir and jazz groups were having a talent show. Miss Rogue Valley was a member of this elite group. Her talent for the pageant was piano but for this occasion she wanted to sing. The instructor saw it differently! A group of kids made a plan so Julie could sing and still play the piano. In between one of the performances Danny would go to the piano and start playing Julie’s song. She would walk out on stage and sing. By then, the music instructor couldn’t do anything about it. He told me this plan and I listened. Wished them all well and went to my seat next to Jim. I told Jim the plan! He was somewhat disappointed and normally he wouldn’t do or say anything. This plan bothered him!
He went back stage and found Danny. He said; "Your Mom just told me about the plan to help Julie sing on stage"! Danny repeated what they were planning to do. His Dad said; "Well, I would rather you didn’t, but you do what you think best!" The talent show was very good but Julie never sang. When the show was over and we were able to talk with Danny, I asked what happened with Julie’s song. Danny said; "Well, I just told the kids that my Dad didn’t like the idea so I wasn’t going to do it". I asked; "what did they say about that?" They said; "What could your Dad do about it"? "So, I just told them, I didn’t know and I didn’t want to find out ". If buttons really could pop, our buttons would have exploded. His response told us about his character! It told us of his care and concern for others. It showed us his respect for his father and his obedience was evident. I suppose I could go on and on and on!
Without even going into the scriptures, you know that Christ talks about the kind of person we should be. He asks us to be obedient to His word and to care about each other. In 2 Timothy 2:15 it says; "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth". Another scripture found in Colossians 3:16 says; "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him, to God the father". Obtaining perfection is our goal, through Jesus Christ, for Matthew 5:48 says; "we are to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect". Character does count! Character speaks volumes. What are you saying? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/1/08
We want them to be confident and yet we hold them back from making to many decisions at an early age. When it is time for self confidence and real decision making we are apprehensive as to whether they are truly capable of doing it. We wonder what kind of character our sons and daughters have formed and how they will display it in life.
My son and daughter have always shown Jim and me that they were made of the right stuff. I know that was primarily because they were raised in the church, knowing Jesus Christ. Even thought Jim and I tried to be Godly parents, we were not perfect and neither were we always right about everything. But as Jim always said; "God made it easy with Dan and Jennifer". These two kids came with all the makings for great possibilities that outweighed any possible side effects. In other words, everyone makes mistakes! Most patterns need to be reworked in order to make them fit. Conditions can make for road blocks but when you have the right stuff and it comes down to the wire, you can make it through, even if it is a little bumpy.
When Danny was 17 and a senior in High School, he was an accomplished vocalist and pianist. He and his musical friends in the choir and jazz groups were having a talent show. Miss Rogue Valley was a member of this elite group. Her talent for the pageant was piano but for this occasion she wanted to sing. The instructor saw it differently! A group of kids made a plan so Julie could sing and still play the piano. In between one of the performances Danny would go to the piano and start playing Julie’s song. She would walk out on stage and sing. By then, the music instructor couldn’t do anything about it. He told me this plan and I listened. Wished them all well and went to my seat next to Jim. I told Jim the plan! He was somewhat disappointed and normally he wouldn’t do or say anything. This plan bothered him!
He went back stage and found Danny. He said; "Your Mom just told me about the plan to help Julie sing on stage"! Danny repeated what they were planning to do. His Dad said; "Well, I would rather you didn’t, but you do what you think best!" The talent show was very good but Julie never sang. When the show was over and we were able to talk with Danny, I asked what happened with Julie’s song. Danny said; "Well, I just told the kids that my Dad didn’t like the idea so I wasn’t going to do it". I asked; "what did they say about that?" They said; "What could your Dad do about it"? "So, I just told them, I didn’t know and I didn’t want to find out ". If buttons really could pop, our buttons would have exploded. His response told us about his character! It told us of his care and concern for others. It showed us his respect for his father and his obedience was evident. I suppose I could go on and on and on!
Without even going into the scriptures, you know that Christ talks about the kind of person we should be. He asks us to be obedient to His word and to care about each other. In 2 Timothy 2:15 it says; "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth". Another scripture found in Colossians 3:16 says; "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him, to God the father". Obtaining perfection is our goal, through Jesus Christ, for Matthew 5:48 says; "we are to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect". Character does count! Character speaks volumes. What are you saying? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/1/08
Friday, January 2, 2009
RESOLUTIONS
January 2009! Resolutions are being formulated in the minds of many who have decided
to make some changes and/or to resolve to do better. The beginning of every year I resolve to lose weight and then I make that same resolution many times throughout the year. Especially the day after an eating frenzy! Another resolution is to read through the Bible! You know; cover to cover! I have followed many ‘read through the Bible’ programs and accomplished my goal at least once. I always seemed to get bogged down when it comes to the twelve books of Prophecy. However, I have read the New Testament many, many times!
In our little church in White City we would have a read through the Bible program and we had several who would read the Bible year after year. One little lady had read it almost 20 times. Another had read it 17 times. My Jim has read it least 10 times! Each time you read, something new catches your attention. It is too much to catch everything, so it is important that we take the time to read His word often. I have heard it said, "It is important to be in His word so that His word will be in you"!
What are some of the things you always start again at the beginning of a new year? Let me help you! How about cleaning the garage; The attic?; Closets; straightening kitchen cupboards and dresser drawers; Maybe it’s the pantry or the freezer; some probably need to throw away left overs from last year, that are still holding a spot in the refrigerator. For some, it could be some of these things. For others, life just keeps moving on because they have the ability to always have a place for everything and everything is in it’s place. Oh to be one of those!
Remember the proverbial junk drawer? I used to have that and junk room. It was suppose to be a bedroom but since it wasn’t being used as one, it was easy to just fill it with odds and ends that I wasn’t sure what to do with. That would be one of my favorite resolutions year after year. To clean the junk room! It would get rearranged and dusted but I had a problem with throwing anything away.
In Matthew 12, Jesus gives us a warning against seeking signs. At one point Jesus says in verse 39b; "But no sign shall be given, except the sign of the prophet Jonah". What was the sign of Jonah? It was that he would be in the belly of the whale three days and three nights; And so shall the Son of man be"! Then Jesus explains in verses 43-45 that the unclean spirits that inhabited our bodies will leave when we accept Jesus as our Savior. But this spirit has no place to go so it decides to return to it’s original abode. Upon returning he find’s it empty, swept clean, and all in order. This is nice, he says; and so he goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than himself and they enter and begin setting up housekeeping once again. This poor fellow finds his state is now worse than it was before. Unless we fill our bodies and our minds with the Holy Spirit and recognize that He is within us by using our whole being in the service of the King, we will be among those within this perverse generation.
Making resolutions are okay! Making decisions to improve is good! We don’t have to wait for a new year to begin again with Jesus. Today, is the day of Salvation! "Jesus is so special that once you let Him enter your life, it becomes richer and fuller and more wonderful than you ever thought it could be". Have you any room for Jesus? Jane Ann
January 2009! Resolutions are being formulated in the minds of many who have decided
to make some changes and/or to resolve to do better. The beginning of every year I resolve to lose weight and then I make that same resolution many times throughout the year. Especially the day after an eating frenzy! Another resolution is to read through the Bible! You know; cover to cover! I have followed many ‘read through the Bible’ programs and accomplished my goal at least once. I always seemed to get bogged down when it comes to the twelve books of Prophecy. However, I have read the New Testament many, many times!
In our little church in White City we would have a read through the Bible program and we had several who would read the Bible year after year. One little lady had read it almost 20 times. Another had read it 17 times. My Jim has read it least 10 times! Each time you read, something new catches your attention. It is too much to catch everything, so it is important that we take the time to read His word often. I have heard it said, "It is important to be in His word so that His word will be in you"!
What are some of the things you always start again at the beginning of a new year? Let me help you! How about cleaning the garage; The attic?; Closets; straightening kitchen cupboards and dresser drawers; Maybe it’s the pantry or the freezer; some probably need to throw away left overs from last year, that are still holding a spot in the refrigerator. For some, it could be some of these things. For others, life just keeps moving on because they have the ability to always have a place for everything and everything is in it’s place. Oh to be one of those!
Remember the proverbial junk drawer? I used to have that and junk room. It was suppose to be a bedroom but since it wasn’t being used as one, it was easy to just fill it with odds and ends that I wasn’t sure what to do with. That would be one of my favorite resolutions year after year. To clean the junk room! It would get rearranged and dusted but I had a problem with throwing anything away.
In Matthew 12, Jesus gives us a warning against seeking signs. At one point Jesus says in verse 39b; "But no sign shall be given, except the sign of the prophet Jonah". What was the sign of Jonah? It was that he would be in the belly of the whale three days and three nights; And so shall the Son of man be"! Then Jesus explains in verses 43-45 that the unclean spirits that inhabited our bodies will leave when we accept Jesus as our Savior. But this spirit has no place to go so it decides to return to it’s original abode. Upon returning he find’s it empty, swept clean, and all in order. This is nice, he says; and so he goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than himself and they enter and begin setting up housekeeping once again. This poor fellow finds his state is now worse than it was before. Unless we fill our bodies and our minds with the Holy Spirit and recognize that He is within us by using our whole being in the service of the King, we will be among those within this perverse generation.
Making resolutions are okay! Making decisions to improve is good! We don’t have to wait for a new year to begin again with Jesus. Today, is the day of Salvation! "Jesus is so special that once you let Him enter your life, it becomes richer and fuller and more wonderful than you ever thought it could be". Have you any room for Jesus? Jane Ann
Thursday, January 1, 2009
WHAT IS YOUR BEGINNING? 1/1/09
This morning is the first day of a new year. 2009! I remember when the world was facing 2000 and the Y2K crisis! The computers were going to crash because they wouldn't know if it was 1900 or 2000. However, the computers carried on into the millenium without a hitch. A lot has happened in these past years! Our shores have been attacked; we are engaged in wars; we are in an economic slump, world wide and some would say that the sky is falling. But I choose to look at the bright side and say; "God is in control"! Hallelujah!
Everything has a past! Good or bad, there is a past! Lots of times we refer to history to help us to remember the past. For instance lets take a look at the 7/11 Store. Many of you may already know these things but I find some trivia interesting. The 7/11 Store began sometime during the depression which was in the 30s and it’s beginning was as an "ICE HOUSE". This means they only sold blocks of ice to be used in "ice boxes" which were used to keep food cold. We now have refrigerators and only a few ice boxes are still being used. The name of 7/11 was to advertise the hours of the store. They were open from 7:00 am until 11:00 pm. Hence, 7/11! Through the years they thought of changing it to 24/7 but decided it was best to just leave it alone. When folks would come for their ice, they would ask why they didn’t also sell, milk.....Soooo, they sold ice and milk. Then they were asked about eggs....Sooooo, they sold ice, milk and eggs. Bread was the next selection. Before you knew it, they started adding many items that were regularly requested and today they stock well over 4000 different items to satisfy their customers. In 1957 they began to serve "slurpies" and they became an instant success. That is a little bit of the trivial past of how the 7/11 store began. What about you? What past do you have? Does your past keep you from moving on.......or does it hold you back?
My past began in a Ice House! Although I hadn’t even made it on the scene yet. My Mom and Dad ran a Ice House! However, their success was not in the Ice House but in raising a family of fourteen children. I guess success depends upon your perspective. My beginning was very humble. With so many children, you would think the competition for attention would have been fierce. Perhaps it was but I don’t remember. I never felt unloved but sometimes I felt the need to be heard, so I talked a lot. Sometimes I felt I wouldn’t get enough to eat so I ate a lot. Sometimes I wanted more but learned to be satisfied. To this day I love hand me downs or second hand clothes. Used furniture is the first must see, and new is the last option.
After we held Jean’s 80th birthday celebration, she said; " I think this day will last me forever"! Sometimes as we get older these sort of celebrations cause us to look at how far we have come. Yet, when we were 6 or 7 we could hardly wait to put our young past behind us and get on with getting older. Everything has a past! Good or bad, there is a past!
No matter who we become, who we were somehow keeps rearing it’s head. A good past we are willing to keep with us forever but a bad past we want to forget. Have you ever wondered "How do we forget the past?" One of the reasons we can’t totally forget is because we are still hanging onto the guilt of past failures. It could be a refusal to go to a person we have hurt and seek forgiveness. It could be a secret thing that we are afraid to reveal even to ourselves and lastly, unresolved anger. Some are huge problems that hold us back.
In Philippians 3:7-17 Paul tells us he wanted to forget his past and he wanted to press forward. Paul had a great deal to forget; He persecuted the Christians! He had them imprisoned and even put to death. How does that compare to what you must leave behind? What was Paul pressing towards? He called it, "the prize of the upward calling". Eternal life! Paul says that he was not perfect! He was not complete or yet finished here on earth! Paul was saying he had no righteousness of his own but that only found in Christ through faith. Paul knew that as a man he still had areas that needed God’s workmanship. It was necessary for Paul to forget what was behind so that he could press forward to what was ahead. God has promised to forgive and forget! With Christ, we are made new to begin again! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/9/08
Everything has a past! Good or bad, there is a past! Lots of times we refer to history to help us to remember the past. For instance lets take a look at the 7/11 Store. Many of you may already know these things but I find some trivia interesting. The 7/11 Store began sometime during the depression which was in the 30s and it’s beginning was as an "ICE HOUSE". This means they only sold blocks of ice to be used in "ice boxes" which were used to keep food cold. We now have refrigerators and only a few ice boxes are still being used. The name of 7/11 was to advertise the hours of the store. They were open from 7:00 am until 11:00 pm. Hence, 7/11! Through the years they thought of changing it to 24/7 but decided it was best to just leave it alone. When folks would come for their ice, they would ask why they didn’t also sell, milk.....Soooo, they sold ice and milk. Then they were asked about eggs....Sooooo, they sold ice, milk and eggs. Bread was the next selection. Before you knew it, they started adding many items that were regularly requested and today they stock well over 4000 different items to satisfy their customers. In 1957 they began to serve "slurpies" and they became an instant success. That is a little bit of the trivial past of how the 7/11 store began. What about you? What past do you have? Does your past keep you from moving on.......or does it hold you back?
My past began in a Ice House! Although I hadn’t even made it on the scene yet. My Mom and Dad ran a Ice House! However, their success was not in the Ice House but in raising a family of fourteen children. I guess success depends upon your perspective. My beginning was very humble. With so many children, you would think the competition for attention would have been fierce. Perhaps it was but I don’t remember. I never felt unloved but sometimes I felt the need to be heard, so I talked a lot. Sometimes I felt I wouldn’t get enough to eat so I ate a lot. Sometimes I wanted more but learned to be satisfied. To this day I love hand me downs or second hand clothes. Used furniture is the first must see, and new is the last option.
After we held Jean’s 80th birthday celebration, she said; " I think this day will last me forever"! Sometimes as we get older these sort of celebrations cause us to look at how far we have come. Yet, when we were 6 or 7 we could hardly wait to put our young past behind us and get on with getting older. Everything has a past! Good or bad, there is a past!
No matter who we become, who we were somehow keeps rearing it’s head. A good past we are willing to keep with us forever but a bad past we want to forget. Have you ever wondered "How do we forget the past?" One of the reasons we can’t totally forget is because we are still hanging onto the guilt of past failures. It could be a refusal to go to a person we have hurt and seek forgiveness. It could be a secret thing that we are afraid to reveal even to ourselves and lastly, unresolved anger. Some are huge problems that hold us back.
In Philippians 3:7-17 Paul tells us he wanted to forget his past and he wanted to press forward. Paul had a great deal to forget; He persecuted the Christians! He had them imprisoned and even put to death. How does that compare to what you must leave behind? What was Paul pressing towards? He called it, "the prize of the upward calling". Eternal life! Paul says that he was not perfect! He was not complete or yet finished here on earth! Paul was saying he had no righteousness of his own but that only found in Christ through faith. Paul knew that as a man he still had areas that needed God’s workmanship. It was necessary for Paul to forget what was behind so that he could press forward to what was ahead. God has promised to forgive and forget! With Christ, we are made new to begin again! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/9/08
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