With Athen's tour completed, we arrived around noon at our port of call at Paereus and boarded our ship called Aegean I. It appeared to be much older than we anticipated but there was no turning back. The decks were bleached but the lounge was well kept. Our rooms were off to the left of the entrance. It was very small and stark with hard twin beds that looked as if they might have been designed for hardened sailors instead of two classy Americans. There was a port hole between the beds just above a small stand. A suitable closet for clothes but the suitcases went under the beds. Also, in our room was a small bathroom which had no room at all except for what was intended. The shower filled one corner the toilet the other. The sink and counter were directly across the other wall leaving a small passage between. However, our room was adequate as well as the whole ship. It was ours to share in this adventure of a life time.
Interestingly enough we paid extra for the window and wished that we didn't have it because the swells of the sea could be seen as well as felt which didn't help our sick feelings. Our first lunch on ship was a buffet luncheon which was beautifully arranged but not very appetizing to me. Lots of pasta salads, fruits, etc. Jim like it and so did Marie! We left Port at 4:00 pm and began cruising at a good clip on the Mediterranean towards Ephesus and the Island of Patmos. We were excited!
On Monday, March 11 we docked at Miletus and boarded our buses for Ephesus. It was interesting to note that as a coastal town the city Ephesus, which our guide pronounced as Ephesoos, in Bible times was close to the water. Today, sand and silt had filled in the land so that the sea is quite a ways from the town. Ephesus, the city where John, Paul and Tmothy preached the gospel of Jesus Christ was almost to much to absorb. Lots of marble and rock; columns and arches filled the city; 25% has been excavated which consist of four city blocks; where to begin! How to explain, the splendor of the past melting into a graveyard of decay.
Outside of the city is a vendor shop selling lots of stuff. Among the stuff were small images of the Goddess Diana most of which look pregnant while others showed male genitals. I wasn't comfortable. Because I have already written a devotional called; "It was carved out of Marble," I will not go into a descriptive detail about our visit to Ephesus. However, the public restrooms of the 5th century were very interesting. Even the wealthy who had their own private facilities sent their servants ahead to warm up their seats. There was a musical combo which played through out the day for the visitors enjoyment and to hide any various noises and sounds. This was a fifteen holer! A continual flow of running water carried off the waste to somewhere outside the city through a hidden drain. Very ingenious, I must say. A different fellowship!
As we were leaving the city we walked up a short incline. Our tour guide stopped us and said; "stop and look back at Ephesoos!" We did and as on cue we all said; "Oh my God!" She said; "This is called Oh My God Hill, because that is what everyone says as they look back. The view was spectacular! A shadow of what was, with only glimmers of it's beauty remaining.
As we look upon the ruins of Ephesus of today, we couldn't help think about the Ephesus in its hey day. "Paul an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God to the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 1:1 Yes; Ephesus was once a great and mighty place of God. Timothy was to remain on at Ephesus to instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines. In the 11th century this beautiful city fell and the fall was great! Today we have seen churches fall and we wonder. Today there are many who leave their first love. However, we must put our trust in God for He is still in charge. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/22/09
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Holy Land continued Athen's
During our walk we discovered that Athens was having a trash strike as trash was everywhere, especially on corners around large trash bins. Not very pretty! After we returned, a breakfast buffet was served. Checking out of the hotel we left for our tour of Athens. It was 9:00 am and the beginning of a great morning!
I can't remember our guides name but she was woman with a wonderful accent. Our bus wandered thru Athens where she pointed out many areas of interest. We saw a statue of President Harry Truman who had been influential in helping Greece after WW2 and that is how they paid tribute to him. Athens has approximately 5 million people and Greece has around 10 million. The streets were very narrow, particularly for buses but we traveled them anyway. All of the bus drivers in all the countries we went to were insane. Saw no houses but lots of high rise apartments, condos and townhouses. Everyone in Athens have balconies because they want to BBQ like Americans do. The city layout and construction looks chaotic. Very dark streets and no yards. We felt this probably was a result of centuries of wars and unstable governments.
Our first stop was at the foot of Mars Hill. "And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said; 'Men of Athens', I observe that you are very religious in all respects." Acts 17:22 Before we got off the bus one of the cruise directors asked if there was a preacher on our bus. He asked this preacher if he would tell the story of Paul and Mars Hill. The preacher said he could not do that on such short notice so I volunteered Jim. Jim was excited and told the story how Paul met with the learned men and asked them about their objects of worship, especially the one with the inscription; "To An Unknown God." You are worshiping in ignorance Paul exclaimed. These men spent most of their time discussing new things. They were curious and of course Paul was more than willing to share Jesus Christ with them. "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent." Acts 17:30 Just like today, some sneered at Paul's words but many believed.
Jim walked up the rugged marbled steps to the top. The steps were worn and very slippery from many years of use. The view from the top was spectacular! It made the hair on the back of his head stand up knowing he was standing where the great apostle Paul had stood.
To the right of Mars Hill is the Acropolis ruins. Jim went again by himself to walk thru these ruins to the Parthenon. He was impressed with the fact it was built in the 5th century BC. This day it was being repaired and even so, so magnificient. To stand there admiring these huge structures and knowing that people have done that for 2500 years is a phenomenal experience. At the entrance of the acropolis were three replicas of sculptures by the philosopher Socrates. I knew he was a philosopher but never knew he was also an artisan.
We boarded the buses and went to the Stadium where the 1896 Olympics were held. All marble structure, originally built in the 4th century BC. It was amazing to see how small it was compared to the facilities that are being built wherever the Olympics are held today. The oval of the track was quite different. It was much narrower and longer than the tracks we use today. I assume that even with the different dimension of the oval that it was still 400 meters long. "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games, exercises self control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 I couldn't help but think of Paul looking at this track and using this analogy to bring us to focus on our race and the prize we seek. Let it be the Christ! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/21/09
I can't remember our guides name but she was woman with a wonderful accent. Our bus wandered thru Athens where she pointed out many areas of interest. We saw a statue of President Harry Truman who had been influential in helping Greece after WW2 and that is how they paid tribute to him. Athens has approximately 5 million people and Greece has around 10 million. The streets were very narrow, particularly for buses but we traveled them anyway. All of the bus drivers in all the countries we went to were insane. Saw no houses but lots of high rise apartments, condos and townhouses. Everyone in Athens have balconies because they want to BBQ like Americans do. The city layout and construction looks chaotic. Very dark streets and no yards. We felt this probably was a result of centuries of wars and unstable governments.
Our first stop was at the foot of Mars Hill. "And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said; 'Men of Athens', I observe that you are very religious in all respects." Acts 17:22 Before we got off the bus one of the cruise directors asked if there was a preacher on our bus. He asked this preacher if he would tell the story of Paul and Mars Hill. The preacher said he could not do that on such short notice so I volunteered Jim. Jim was excited and told the story how Paul met with the learned men and asked them about their objects of worship, especially the one with the inscription; "To An Unknown God." You are worshiping in ignorance Paul exclaimed. These men spent most of their time discussing new things. They were curious and of course Paul was more than willing to share Jesus Christ with them. "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent." Acts 17:30 Just like today, some sneered at Paul's words but many believed.
Jim walked up the rugged marbled steps to the top. The steps were worn and very slippery from many years of use. The view from the top was spectacular! It made the hair on the back of his head stand up knowing he was standing where the great apostle Paul had stood.
To the right of Mars Hill is the Acropolis ruins. Jim went again by himself to walk thru these ruins to the Parthenon. He was impressed with the fact it was built in the 5th century BC. This day it was being repaired and even so, so magnificient. To stand there admiring these huge structures and knowing that people have done that for 2500 years is a phenomenal experience. At the entrance of the acropolis were three replicas of sculptures by the philosopher Socrates. I knew he was a philosopher but never knew he was also an artisan.
We boarded the buses and went to the Stadium where the 1896 Olympics were held. All marble structure, originally built in the 4th century BC. It was amazing to see how small it was compared to the facilities that are being built wherever the Olympics are held today. The oval of the track was quite different. It was much narrower and longer than the tracks we use today. I assume that even with the different dimension of the oval that it was still 400 meters long. "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games, exercises self control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 I couldn't help but think of Paul looking at this track and using this analogy to bring us to focus on our race and the prize we seek. Let it be the Christ! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/21/09
Monday, September 28, 2009
THE HOLY LAND REVISITED! 9/28/09
On March 7, 2002 we left Klamath Falls for Portland. On March 8th we boarded a 737 to take us from Portland to Minnesota. Ever since 9/11 airports became cautious and checking in and out were eventful. For us it was uneventful so far. The trip was filled with a lot of turbulence. It was so cloudy you couldn't see anything below. We had two babies and no other children so the trip was pretty quiet. Carry on luggage was a pain for everyone. We were served breakfast, such as it was. We arrived safely and met up with Marie, Jim's sister. We boarded the DC-10 along with approximately 280 other people, including kids and babies. This trip was a bit noisy. It was dark when we were getting close to our destination. We could see the European cities below and they were beautiful. They looked like very large pieces of gaudy jewelry. The colors were so bright and shimmery in a pattern very much like a homemade quit. The restrooms were clean and welcomed. This was important as we had a layover in Amsterdam. This was good because now we could meet up with other members of our tour.
Usually I have a much stronger consititution than Jim but not on these flights. My legs were beginning to give me trouble. The first two flight descents caused me to have some motion sickness - the last flight it was just the flight in general. It was 10:00 am, Saturday morning in Amsterdam and 10:00 pm, Friday night in Klamath Falls March 9th. I called Jennifer and Danny was there picking up the boys. I was able to talk with both of them and assure them we were enjoying so far, the first leg of our trip of a life time. No sense telling them the seats were too close together and not enough leg room; the isles to narrow so I was just not sick but had claustrophobia. We wondered what the difference would have been for first class.
We eventually boarded a 757 from Amsterdam to Athens. The Austrian Alps were spectacular from above. Saw the Acropolis from the air as we flew into Athens! We landed at the new Athens airport, newly built in preparation of the 2004 Olympics. We met many of the cruise directors and also, Nicolas the Greek, our tour guide from the airport to Athens. By this time I was very sick. The driver drove very fast; I had to keep my eyes closed.
We must have ate 4 times during this 24 hour period. We also had been awake! Even though it was a hectic hour drive to the Athenium International Continental Hotel there was a dinner buffet waiting for us in a lovely room. We looked around the hotel and in the gift shop I bought a bottle of cologne, L'Air de Temps. Of course, I had forgotten mine. Our room was beautiful! The time change was difficult. We were told not to go to bed until after 8:00 pm even though we had been awake by this time for 27 hours with intermittent resting periods. We lasted until 6:45 pm. We awoke at 9:30 pm on the 9th and again at 12:30 am on the 10th.
Wide awake, we sat up and munched on things provided by the hotel, at a great price. We tried to go back to sleep but around 2:30 am we got up and dressed. Headed out for a walk around 4:00 am. As we made our way outside there were many cabs across the way with many drivers. They saw us and yelled; wanting us to take their cab wherever we wanted to go. We said no and walked on, but could hear them muttering; "Americans!" "How can we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?" Psalm 137:4 We can sing the Lord's song in a foreign land because He goes with us wherever we go! Even to Athens! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/21/09
Usually I have a much stronger consititution than Jim but not on these flights. My legs were beginning to give me trouble. The first two flight descents caused me to have some motion sickness - the last flight it was just the flight in general. It was 10:00 am, Saturday morning in Amsterdam and 10:00 pm, Friday night in Klamath Falls March 9th. I called Jennifer and Danny was there picking up the boys. I was able to talk with both of them and assure them we were enjoying so far, the first leg of our trip of a life time. No sense telling them the seats were too close together and not enough leg room; the isles to narrow so I was just not sick but had claustrophobia. We wondered what the difference would have been for first class.
We eventually boarded a 757 from Amsterdam to Athens. The Austrian Alps were spectacular from above. Saw the Acropolis from the air as we flew into Athens! We landed at the new Athens airport, newly built in preparation of the 2004 Olympics. We met many of the cruise directors and also, Nicolas the Greek, our tour guide from the airport to Athens. By this time I was very sick. The driver drove very fast; I had to keep my eyes closed.
We must have ate 4 times during this 24 hour period. We also had been awake! Even though it was a hectic hour drive to the Athenium International Continental Hotel there was a dinner buffet waiting for us in a lovely room. We looked around the hotel and in the gift shop I bought a bottle of cologne, L'Air de Temps. Of course, I had forgotten mine. Our room was beautiful! The time change was difficult. We were told not to go to bed until after 8:00 pm even though we had been awake by this time for 27 hours with intermittent resting periods. We lasted until 6:45 pm. We awoke at 9:30 pm on the 9th and again at 12:30 am on the 10th.
Wide awake, we sat up and munched on things provided by the hotel, at a great price. We tried to go back to sleep but around 2:30 am we got up and dressed. Headed out for a walk around 4:00 am. As we made our way outside there were many cabs across the way with many drivers. They saw us and yelled; wanting us to take their cab wherever we wanted to go. We said no and walked on, but could hear them muttering; "Americans!" "How can we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?" Psalm 137:4 We can sing the Lord's song in a foreign land because He goes with us wherever we go! Even to Athens! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/21/09
Friday, September 25, 2009
ALSO-RAN!
In the horse racing business the first three horses across the finish line were always recognized as the winner, place or show. The Newspapers of the 19th century would publish the results of the first three horses by describing their times, owners and winnings. Other horses would be mentioned, but many just as 'also-ran'. Most readers were familiar with the horses and so this was well accepted among them.
The presidential electrions became more and more like a horse race. Many parties had came about and the field would be crowded. In reporting results of an election, newspapers dismissed many aspirants for the White House as an also-ran. This is one who was so far back in the field that his finish order wasn't even computed. By the turn of the century, the horse and political term was being applied to a person badly beaten in any competition.
Have you ever known someone who would be considered an 'also-ran'? Several times I voted for Jim as Governor of Oregon. Once I voted for Ronald Reagan before he ever ran. I always felt, that if I couldn't find something in the person running for office that I could approve, I would write in a name that I could approve. I guess my off the cuff votes, if they were tallied, could be considered, an 'also-ran'.
I have never liked running for office. When I decided I wanted to be the Sunday School Superintendent, it was an elected position in our church. I went to the Elders and suggested with the help of God, I could transform their Sunday School, but I wanted the approval of the Elders and not by an election. In our Women's Ministry I hated running for office, but when I did, I would run if I didn't really care about being elected. Not a good form!
To me, elections are sort of like being chosen to play on a ball team, where I was usually last and I hated that, but I wanted to play, so I suffered the humiliation. These feelings have kept me from doing many things that I would like to have been a part of. Was it pride or low self esteem? I sure wouldn't have like being classified as an 'also-ran'! Now that I am old and can look back on my idiotic ways I think I was just not sure that others saw me as I did.
When I met Jesus and began an ambitious walk with Him, I knew that one thing I was sure not going to do, and that was to be left out when He comes again. I wanted to be sure that I was doing what He wanted me to do when He came in all of His Glory. I wanted to be sure that I wasn't someplace, doing something, saying the wrong thing and not open and honest when He appears at the sound of the trumpet. I certainly never wanted to be an also-ran! Am I the only one who feels this way?
John, the Revelator, learned many things that were to come. In the message to the church at Sardis it says; "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die." Revelation 3:2a Sardis was the ancient capital of Lydia. This church was living in the past and was virtually dead. The Spirit was saying that those who were a remnant of what it was should hold steadfast and repent.
As we read about the bridegroom and the ten virgins we learn that five were wise and five were foolish. The wise ones were prepared to wait as the bridegroom tarried. The foolish ones discovered when the trumpet sounded that they didn't have enough oil in their lamps. The important message here is; "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." Matthew 24:13 The lamps seem to be referring to their lives which are either prepared or unprepared. The oil is referring to that which prepares them to give forth light. Don't be among the foolish! Don't be an 'also-ran'! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/1/09
In the horse racing business the first three horses across the finish line were always recognized as the winner, place or show. The Newspapers of the 19th century would publish the results of the first three horses by describing their times, owners and winnings. Other horses would be mentioned, but many just as 'also-ran'. Most readers were familiar with the horses and so this was well accepted among them.
The presidential electrions became more and more like a horse race. Many parties had came about and the field would be crowded. In reporting results of an election, newspapers dismissed many aspirants for the White House as an also-ran. This is one who was so far back in the field that his finish order wasn't even computed. By the turn of the century, the horse and political term was being applied to a person badly beaten in any competition.
Have you ever known someone who would be considered an 'also-ran'? Several times I voted for Jim as Governor of Oregon. Once I voted for Ronald Reagan before he ever ran. I always felt, that if I couldn't find something in the person running for office that I could approve, I would write in a name that I could approve. I guess my off the cuff votes, if they were tallied, could be considered, an 'also-ran'.
I have never liked running for office. When I decided I wanted to be the Sunday School Superintendent, it was an elected position in our church. I went to the Elders and suggested with the help of God, I could transform their Sunday School, but I wanted the approval of the Elders and not by an election. In our Women's Ministry I hated running for office, but when I did, I would run if I didn't really care about being elected. Not a good form!
To me, elections are sort of like being chosen to play on a ball team, where I was usually last and I hated that, but I wanted to play, so I suffered the humiliation. These feelings have kept me from doing many things that I would like to have been a part of. Was it pride or low self esteem? I sure wouldn't have like being classified as an 'also-ran'! Now that I am old and can look back on my idiotic ways I think I was just not sure that others saw me as I did.
When I met Jesus and began an ambitious walk with Him, I knew that one thing I was sure not going to do, and that was to be left out when He comes again. I wanted to be sure that I was doing what He wanted me to do when He came in all of His Glory. I wanted to be sure that I wasn't someplace, doing something, saying the wrong thing and not open and honest when He appears at the sound of the trumpet. I certainly never wanted to be an also-ran! Am I the only one who feels this way?
John, the Revelator, learned many things that were to come. In the message to the church at Sardis it says; "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die." Revelation 3:2a Sardis was the ancient capital of Lydia. This church was living in the past and was virtually dead. The Spirit was saying that those who were a remnant of what it was should hold steadfast and repent.
As we read about the bridegroom and the ten virgins we learn that five were wise and five were foolish. The wise ones were prepared to wait as the bridegroom tarried. The foolish ones discovered when the trumpet sounded that they didn't have enough oil in their lamps. The important message here is; "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." Matthew 24:13 The lamps seem to be referring to their lives which are either prepared or unprepared. The oil is referring to that which prepares them to give forth light. Don't be among the foolish! Don't be an 'also-ran'! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/1/09
Thursday, September 24, 2009
HELP ME! HELP ME!
Many times we find ourselves in situations where we need help. When we are young, it is easy to say; "Help me! Help me!" As we grow older it becomes more difficult to ask for help. It is difficult to admit that we can be helpless. We will try very hard to overcome our difficulty but in the end, we realize if we could have just asked for help, life would be a easier. Failure usually is on the horizon when we can't ask for help and we keep struggling along on our own.
When my #1 grandson, Adam was almost two, we had been on the road. We decided to stop and visit the kids for a day or so before returning home. Adam had the flu bug! We arrived on Saturday and opted to stay home with him on Sunday to allow his parents to go to church and lead worship. Adam and I built a tent in the living room out of blankets and crawled around on the floor. Every so often I needed to attend to his physical needs! One moment he would feel good and then the next he was so sick. At one of these sick intervals, he was lying on the bed and with tears in his voice said; "Grandma, help me; help me!" My heart ached! I called the church and asked Faye if we could give him some Kaopectate. At this point I assured Adam that help was on the way. It wasn't long after we started the medicine, he began to mend.
We have Doctor's and nurses who can prescribe liquids, pills and even advice. We have across the counter medicines that are also in the form of liquids, pills and many books with advice. Trying to follow the directions can have its problems but many times all of this works and we get better.
My brother Lynn was undergong chemo and radiation treatment. The usual side affects became apparent immediately. As his immune system began to decline, his metabolism began to decline also and his numbers became lower and lower. His magnesium, potassium, white and red blood cells came into play and I know Lynn wanted to call out; "help me; help me!" Kathleen began to read labels more than ever before. She began to wrack her brain for the best foods and supplements to push down him. At one point she began to wonder what her mother and mother-in-law would do about getting more potassium in him. She narrowed in on molasses! Within no time his potassium levels began to increase. Now she was on a roll and began to look at magnesium. Through all of these experiments, Kathleen sought the face of the Lord!
"When you seek my face, Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:12-13 Proverbs 8:17 is one of those short phrases; "I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me." God has given us an avenue in which we can ask Him to help us. The avenue of prayer! In the sermon on the mount, Jesus specifically outlines how we should live. How we can fellowship with Him and His father who is in heaven. "Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you! For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds and to him who knocks it shall be opened." Matthew 7:7
Those of us who call ourselves Christians and walk among the saints in God's Kingdom, know that when we ask, seek and knock; God hears and will respond to our needs with His special love and care. Just like Kaopectate and molasses brought results to a physical need, God brings results not only to our physical need but to our mental, emotional and spiritual needs. Only through God can we experience the miracles of life! Lord, I pray that when I come to you it is with clean hands and a pure heart! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/19/08
Many times we find ourselves in situations where we need help. When we are young, it is easy to say; "Help me! Help me!" As we grow older it becomes more difficult to ask for help. It is difficult to admit that we can be helpless. We will try very hard to overcome our difficulty but in the end, we realize if we could have just asked for help, life would be a easier. Failure usually is on the horizon when we can't ask for help and we keep struggling along on our own.
When my #1 grandson, Adam was almost two, we had been on the road. We decided to stop and visit the kids for a day or so before returning home. Adam had the flu bug! We arrived on Saturday and opted to stay home with him on Sunday to allow his parents to go to church and lead worship. Adam and I built a tent in the living room out of blankets and crawled around on the floor. Every so often I needed to attend to his physical needs! One moment he would feel good and then the next he was so sick. At one of these sick intervals, he was lying on the bed and with tears in his voice said; "Grandma, help me; help me!" My heart ached! I called the church and asked Faye if we could give him some Kaopectate. At this point I assured Adam that help was on the way. It wasn't long after we started the medicine, he began to mend.
We have Doctor's and nurses who can prescribe liquids, pills and even advice. We have across the counter medicines that are also in the form of liquids, pills and many books with advice. Trying to follow the directions can have its problems but many times all of this works and we get better.
My brother Lynn was undergong chemo and radiation treatment. The usual side affects became apparent immediately. As his immune system began to decline, his metabolism began to decline also and his numbers became lower and lower. His magnesium, potassium, white and red blood cells came into play and I know Lynn wanted to call out; "help me; help me!" Kathleen began to read labels more than ever before. She began to wrack her brain for the best foods and supplements to push down him. At one point she began to wonder what her mother and mother-in-law would do about getting more potassium in him. She narrowed in on molasses! Within no time his potassium levels began to increase. Now she was on a roll and began to look at magnesium. Through all of these experiments, Kathleen sought the face of the Lord!
"When you seek my face, Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:12-13 Proverbs 8:17 is one of those short phrases; "I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me." God has given us an avenue in which we can ask Him to help us. The avenue of prayer! In the sermon on the mount, Jesus specifically outlines how we should live. How we can fellowship with Him and His father who is in heaven. "Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you! For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds and to him who knocks it shall be opened." Matthew 7:7
Those of us who call ourselves Christians and walk among the saints in God's Kingdom, know that when we ask, seek and knock; God hears and will respond to our needs with His special love and care. Just like Kaopectate and molasses brought results to a physical need, God brings results not only to our physical need but to our mental, emotional and spiritual needs. Only through God can we experience the miracles of life! Lord, I pray that when I come to you it is with clean hands and a pure heart! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/19/08
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
SWEET BOYS ARE LIKE THAT!
Lynn was a year younger than I. He was a sweet boy and he grew to be a sweet man! My first memories of him was when I pushed him into a galvanized tub of HOT water. It scalded his bottom and Jean remembers rushing him to the hospital. Obviously he was tormenting me as little boys do to their sisters and I reacted! Everyone likes Lynn!
I remember that our home chores were never delegated to the boys. They may have taken the trash out, except for the trash in the bathroom; and perhaps burned it in the incinerator and when they got older to mowing the lawn. They were usually free to participate in all sports activities after school and also on weekends. I always said; Mom loved the boys best.
I remember a movie scout was interested in Lynn. Of course you had to pay for the screen test. With his red hair, blue eyes and freckled face; why not? He was sitting on the front porch waiting to go for his test. he was very unhappy! I asked him what was wrong and he said; "I don'it want to be a movie star, I just want to play football!" Well, he did play football and baseball in school but he never became a movie star. Lynn had a talent for people! A room lights up when he walksinto it, making everyone present, glad they came.
My son Dan, was a sweet boy and has grown into a sweet man! He never showed any desire to be competitive in sports or competitive in anything for that matter. However, his talents overflowed! He is an accomplished pianist and vocalist! In his quiet, unassuming way he has thrilled thousands with his spirit and strength upon the keyboard and with his life.
Obedience is a trait that most want in their children but it is not always realized. I remember when Danny was 4. It was time to let him go out front and become more acquainted with the world on that side of the house. I told him he could take whatever he wanted outside but he and all his things were to stay upon the front porch. A very small front porch! His only instruction was that he couldn't go off the front porch. My neighbor called me over and I stood inside her front bedroom so I could look out the window and watch Danny. Kids came by and then went on their way but Danny stayed on the front porch. I was watching for about 10 minutes and then returned home. Today when Danny comes into a room, it lights up and everyone present are glad they came. It amazes me that most of the boys I have known, have been like that. My brothers, my son, my grandsons. Even my Jim! Sweet boys all and now they have become sweet men or will be.
When Jesus came into the world He was a sweet baby in the manger. He was an obedient child except for when he forgot the time and stayed to long in the Temple with the elders. After all He was about His Father's business! "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men." Luke 2:52 The story is told about the first miracle that Jesus performs. "This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him." John 2:11 This sweet man called Jesus, showed His power, for the first time in public and from then on never stopped amazing those He came in contact with. Even those who wanted to destroy Him! I believe that whenever Jesus walked into a room, it became alive not only with the light of the world but with the presence of God. Only God can take a withered soul and make it new and strong and full of the spirit! Only God can fill an empty vessel and bring it to overflowing with substance, springtime and perfume. Only God can say; "Come and I will make you more than you ever thought you could be." Some say; "Boys will be boys!" But I say; "Sweet boys will be like Jesus!" By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/26/08
Lynn was a year younger than I. He was a sweet boy and he grew to be a sweet man! My first memories of him was when I pushed him into a galvanized tub of HOT water. It scalded his bottom and Jean remembers rushing him to the hospital. Obviously he was tormenting me as little boys do to their sisters and I reacted! Everyone likes Lynn!
I remember that our home chores were never delegated to the boys. They may have taken the trash out, except for the trash in the bathroom; and perhaps burned it in the incinerator and when they got older to mowing the lawn. They were usually free to participate in all sports activities after school and also on weekends. I always said; Mom loved the boys best.
I remember a movie scout was interested in Lynn. Of course you had to pay for the screen test. With his red hair, blue eyes and freckled face; why not? He was sitting on the front porch waiting to go for his test. he was very unhappy! I asked him what was wrong and he said; "I don'it want to be a movie star, I just want to play football!" Well, he did play football and baseball in school but he never became a movie star. Lynn had a talent for people! A room lights up when he walksinto it, making everyone present, glad they came.
My son Dan, was a sweet boy and has grown into a sweet man! He never showed any desire to be competitive in sports or competitive in anything for that matter. However, his talents overflowed! He is an accomplished pianist and vocalist! In his quiet, unassuming way he has thrilled thousands with his spirit and strength upon the keyboard and with his life.
Obedience is a trait that most want in their children but it is not always realized. I remember when Danny was 4. It was time to let him go out front and become more acquainted with the world on that side of the house. I told him he could take whatever he wanted outside but he and all his things were to stay upon the front porch. A very small front porch! His only instruction was that he couldn't go off the front porch. My neighbor called me over and I stood inside her front bedroom so I could look out the window and watch Danny. Kids came by and then went on their way but Danny stayed on the front porch. I was watching for about 10 minutes and then returned home. Today when Danny comes into a room, it lights up and everyone present are glad they came. It amazes me that most of the boys I have known, have been like that. My brothers, my son, my grandsons. Even my Jim! Sweet boys all and now they have become sweet men or will be.
When Jesus came into the world He was a sweet baby in the manger. He was an obedient child except for when he forgot the time and stayed to long in the Temple with the elders. After all He was about His Father's business! "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men." Luke 2:52 The story is told about the first miracle that Jesus performs. "This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him." John 2:11 This sweet man called Jesus, showed His power, for the first time in public and from then on never stopped amazing those He came in contact with. Even those who wanted to destroy Him! I believe that whenever Jesus walked into a room, it became alive not only with the light of the world but with the presence of God. Only God can take a withered soul and make it new and strong and full of the spirit! Only God can fill an empty vessel and bring it to overflowing with substance, springtime and perfume. Only God can say; "Come and I will make you more than you ever thought you could be." Some say; "Boys will be boys!" But I say; "Sweet boys will be like Jesus!" By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/26/08
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
JOY'S OF BEING A DAUGHTER!
I was born a daughter! Some are born never fully understanding what that means. To be a daughter means that you have begun a school program that is mostly relegated to the home. Usually the school isn't actually available to you until you show signs of interest. The first time you say; "Mommy I help!" Or perhaps it could be; "Me do", is just the beginning!" Mom's teach daughters how to sort, fold, iron and run machines. Mom's teach daughters to dust, sweep, mop and vacuum. Mom's teach decorating skills and how to never throw anything away. There is always room on the wall for another picture. Mom's give cooking instructions and 'how to' books to read!
When the daughter leaves home the school is still open and available for refresher courses and even additional instructions on how to please your man. If she is the right kind of Mom, all of the above is clearly a joy to her soul. If she is not the right kind of Mom, all of the above is a pain and further instruction is; "you are old enough to figure it out for yourself."
When I became the Mom, I not only wanted to teach my daughter these things but I wanted my son to know how to do these things too. Willing sons make good husbands! Jennifer was a "me do" kind of gal. She needed to try it on her own, making her own mistakes and eventually, letting me help her. Jennifer and I live together and we find that the learning has been a little bit reversed. I have learned to let her lead! It's okay to do it her way, as long as I can show her my way. Of course most daughters listen and then do it their way in the end. That's how they become the teachers themselves. My daughter is now my friend! When you become friends, life is good!
Daughter-in-laws come from the same kind of school, but with a different name. Daughter-in-laws never seem to do things the same way that the Mother-in-law does them, because they are very much their Mother's daughter. Her techniques are a little different! Even though both techniques are different the same objective is reached. I have a daughter-in-law who is a pure delight to her in-law's souls. She supports her husband in his successes and failures. She is ready to pick up the pieces when her sons appear to be broken. She works, cleans, cooks, runs a taxi service. Performs in stage productions and leads Sunday Morning Worship with her husband. Her schedule is a busy one and it reminds me of when I was in her shoes. Faye knows where she wants to go and does her best to get there. We are friends! When you become friends, life is good!
Many have read Proverbs 31 about the woman of virture. This woman started out as a daughter. To paraphrase verses 28-31 it says; "Her children respect her and her husband praises her. Many other daughters have been noble but you, woman of Proverbs, excel them all. Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain. But the woman who fears the Lord, shall be praised! Give her the product of her hands and let her works praise her in the gates." Obviously, this woman went to 'Daughter school' and 'Daughter-in-law school' where she graduated with flying colors!
Matthew 10:34-35 Jesus says; "Do not think I came to bring peace. I did not! I came with a sword! I will set man against his father, daughter against her mother and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law." In verses 37-38 Jesus also says; "He who loves his family more than Me is not worthy of Me." However verse 39 says; "He who has found his life shall lose it and he who loses it for my sake shall find it." For Mom's, daughter's school is fun! For daughters, daughter's school is a life long challenge. But the joy that comes in the morning is from the Lord! He blesses those that belong to Him! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/29/08
I was born a daughter! Some are born never fully understanding what that means. To be a daughter means that you have begun a school program that is mostly relegated to the home. Usually the school isn't actually available to you until you show signs of interest. The first time you say; "Mommy I help!" Or perhaps it could be; "Me do", is just the beginning!" Mom's teach daughters how to sort, fold, iron and run machines. Mom's teach daughters to dust, sweep, mop and vacuum. Mom's teach decorating skills and how to never throw anything away. There is always room on the wall for another picture. Mom's give cooking instructions and 'how to' books to read!
When the daughter leaves home the school is still open and available for refresher courses and even additional instructions on how to please your man. If she is the right kind of Mom, all of the above is clearly a joy to her soul. If she is not the right kind of Mom, all of the above is a pain and further instruction is; "you are old enough to figure it out for yourself."
When I became the Mom, I not only wanted to teach my daughter these things but I wanted my son to know how to do these things too. Willing sons make good husbands! Jennifer was a "me do" kind of gal. She needed to try it on her own, making her own mistakes and eventually, letting me help her. Jennifer and I live together and we find that the learning has been a little bit reversed. I have learned to let her lead! It's okay to do it her way, as long as I can show her my way. Of course most daughters listen and then do it their way in the end. That's how they become the teachers themselves. My daughter is now my friend! When you become friends, life is good!
Daughter-in-laws come from the same kind of school, but with a different name. Daughter-in-laws never seem to do things the same way that the Mother-in-law does them, because they are very much their Mother's daughter. Her techniques are a little different! Even though both techniques are different the same objective is reached. I have a daughter-in-law who is a pure delight to her in-law's souls. She supports her husband in his successes and failures. She is ready to pick up the pieces when her sons appear to be broken. She works, cleans, cooks, runs a taxi service. Performs in stage productions and leads Sunday Morning Worship with her husband. Her schedule is a busy one and it reminds me of when I was in her shoes. Faye knows where she wants to go and does her best to get there. We are friends! When you become friends, life is good!
Many have read Proverbs 31 about the woman of virture. This woman started out as a daughter. To paraphrase verses 28-31 it says; "Her children respect her and her husband praises her. Many other daughters have been noble but you, woman of Proverbs, excel them all. Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain. But the woman who fears the Lord, shall be praised! Give her the product of her hands and let her works praise her in the gates." Obviously, this woman went to 'Daughter school' and 'Daughter-in-law school' where she graduated with flying colors!
Matthew 10:34-35 Jesus says; "Do not think I came to bring peace. I did not! I came with a sword! I will set man against his father, daughter against her mother and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law." In verses 37-38 Jesus also says; "He who loves his family more than Me is not worthy of Me." However verse 39 says; "He who has found his life shall lose it and he who loses it for my sake shall find it." For Mom's, daughter's school is fun! For daughters, daughter's school is a life long challenge. But the joy that comes in the morning is from the Lord! He blesses those that belong to Him! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/29/08
Monday, September 21, 2009
MORE POT LUCK 9/21/09
THE PREACHER'S WIFE!
Upon my first visit to the church where I learned to love the Lord, I met 'the preacher's wife'! Unlike the movie where the preacher's wife and the preacher are having problems communicating and need the help of an angel sent from heaven, this preacher's wife was already an angel as far as I was concerned.
Her daughter, Iona Kay and I became friends and have remained friends since the 4th grade. Because of Iona Kay and our friendship, and the fact that her mother was the preacher's wife, Mrs. Ellett became a woman who I had much admiration for. She would invite me to go along
with her and her daughters to visit her mother and father. Sometimes we would go to her familiy homes in Newport Beach & play in the bay, Huntington Beach and a place near Loma Linda & Redlands were we would play in the orchards. Such an adventure for a girl like me!
I know that I was a chatter box! I know that I was always under foot. She was loving and kind to me and I know this family thought since I came from such a large family, that I needed their attention. Actually, I loved their attention and always wanted more.
Mrs. Ellett was a piano teacher. She let Iona teach me how to read notes. Many times when we were alone, she would give me my own mini concert. Even thought it required a lot from her, whe would stop and play 'Moonlight Sonata'. To this day, this classic is one of my favorites. She had many students but she found time to form a double trio. The six girls that were chosen to be in this group were in the 6th and 7th grade. Although Carol was a little younger, she could sing just as good as the rest of us. We learned three part harmony and even sang on TV once.
Mrs. Ellett would arrange for our singing engagements and the name "The Harmonette's" became known within our community. We sang at our 8th grade graduation and were still performing throughout our highschool years until our Junior year. One of the girls married that year. It was hard for her to want to continue because she now had other things to do and to think about and eventually became pregnant. Her mother refused to let her stop! She told me about the problem and I suggested I would be the one to quit and then she could stay home with her new husband.
I didn't know until many years later how much I had hurt Mrs. Ellett. Sometimes we do things for the right reason that turn out not as good as we thought it would. If I had thought it would have hurt as much as it did, I wonder if I would have felt that sorry for my friend, to quit. Hind sight is always 20/20! However, it was getting close for the rest of us to be pursuing different avenues.
The word sonata is a musical composition written for the the piano. Many times when we see a bright full moon we are amazed by how bright it shines and how it can aluminate the earth. That is how I see the Mrs. Ellett of my youth and my growing up years. A bright moonlit sonata composed just for me during a time I needed musical encouragement. "Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from goodwill. The latter do it out of love." Philippians 1;15-16a I believe that Paul is saying that when we encourage and uplift others we do it out of love and goodwill. "Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also the interests of others." Philippians 2:4 It is better when we do this in Christ! Who is your 'moonlight sonata'? Who encouraged you? I became a soloist, a choir member, a choir director, a church pianist because Mrs. Ellett encouraged me by teaching me stage presence; to stay on key and to take a chance. She would say; "Oh Janie!" And then go on loving me. Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/29/09
Upon my first visit to the church where I learned to love the Lord, I met 'the preacher's wife'! Unlike the movie where the preacher's wife and the preacher are having problems communicating and need the help of an angel sent from heaven, this preacher's wife was already an angel as far as I was concerned.
Her daughter, Iona Kay and I became friends and have remained friends since the 4th grade. Because of Iona Kay and our friendship, and the fact that her mother was the preacher's wife, Mrs. Ellett became a woman who I had much admiration for. She would invite me to go along
with her and her daughters to visit her mother and father. Sometimes we would go to her familiy homes in Newport Beach & play in the bay, Huntington Beach and a place near Loma Linda & Redlands were we would play in the orchards. Such an adventure for a girl like me!
I know that I was a chatter box! I know that I was always under foot. She was loving and kind to me and I know this family thought since I came from such a large family, that I needed their attention. Actually, I loved their attention and always wanted more.
Mrs. Ellett was a piano teacher. She let Iona teach me how to read notes. Many times when we were alone, she would give me my own mini concert. Even thought it required a lot from her, whe would stop and play 'Moonlight Sonata'. To this day, this classic is one of my favorites. She had many students but she found time to form a double trio. The six girls that were chosen to be in this group were in the 6th and 7th grade. Although Carol was a little younger, she could sing just as good as the rest of us. We learned three part harmony and even sang on TV once.
Mrs. Ellett would arrange for our singing engagements and the name "The Harmonette's" became known within our community. We sang at our 8th grade graduation and were still performing throughout our highschool years until our Junior year. One of the girls married that year. It was hard for her to want to continue because she now had other things to do and to think about and eventually became pregnant. Her mother refused to let her stop! She told me about the problem and I suggested I would be the one to quit and then she could stay home with her new husband.
I didn't know until many years later how much I had hurt Mrs. Ellett. Sometimes we do things for the right reason that turn out not as good as we thought it would. If I had thought it would have hurt as much as it did, I wonder if I would have felt that sorry for my friend, to quit. Hind sight is always 20/20! However, it was getting close for the rest of us to be pursuing different avenues.
The word sonata is a musical composition written for the the piano. Many times when we see a bright full moon we are amazed by how bright it shines and how it can aluminate the earth. That is how I see the Mrs. Ellett of my youth and my growing up years. A bright moonlit sonata composed just for me during a time I needed musical encouragement. "Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from goodwill. The latter do it out of love." Philippians 1;15-16a I believe that Paul is saying that when we encourage and uplift others we do it out of love and goodwill. "Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also the interests of others." Philippians 2:4 It is better when we do this in Christ! Who is your 'moonlight sonata'? Who encouraged you? I became a soloist, a choir member, a choir director, a church pianist because Mrs. Ellett encouraged me by teaching me stage presence; to stay on key and to take a chance. She would say; "Oh Janie!" And then go on loving me. Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/29/09
Friday, September 18, 2009
Many of you have experienced the same things I have or something similar. A pain here, or a lump there! The experience takes us from being invincible to vulnerable in a matter of minutes. We live in a time of fast remedies but often our lives appear at the brink of mortality. We can be given a period of time or we can be given a reprieve. Read the following "At the end of the Day" and know that our trusting in God makes all the difference. God bless you! Jane Ann
AT THE END OF THE DAY!
In 2001 I began a regiment of pills. Upon retirement I began taking more pills to take my diabetes from diet controlled to medicine intervention. Also my blood pressure and Cholesterol needed help. The following years I experienced many health issues that eventually turned out to be medicine related. In 2006 I questioned some of the Meds and instead of just adding more they were being changed. However, my health issues were continuing to be a problem. Water retention was one of the big issues. Early in 2008 I was given another pill!
I didn't take the Microzide, (water pill) the morning of 3/1/08. After I take the Toprol I feel okay it is when I take the Microzide that I am flushed and feverish. I decided I would go to the Doctor's office and see the on call Doctor. My B/P in the office was 150/86. It has been higher! She agreed to allow me to stop the water pill but that it could cause problems. She suggested special stockings or I should walk which would help to keep the edema in check. I was to also follow up this visit with my regularly scheduled visit, with my regular Doctor.
I went home with the idea that I would get a head start and curtail any further edema. Jim and Jennifer were going to the store so I decided I would take a relatively short walk. I left the house at 11:30 am and about 11:45 I decided it was too cold to be out walking. I turned to head back and a cold wind hit me in the face and I swallowed it. I felt my chest tighten! It started to snow a little so I lifted my jacket over my head to where my eyes only were exposed, so I could see to walk. I began to walk a little faster and then a little more. In my brisk walking I discovered I was having chest pains. I thought it was because of the cold. I picked up my pace! The pains in my chest also seemed to pick up the pace. I began to slow down. I kept slowing my pace until I was almost at a snails pace. I wondered if I could be having a heart attack. As soon as I entered the house I dropped my jacket to the floor and headed to the bathroom. I had heard a lot about taking aspirin. I looked for the 81 mg aspirin. I couldn't find it so I took Jim's 325 mgs. I went into the living room and sat down in my chair. I called my daughter Jennifer who was with Jim. No answer! I tried my daughter-in-law Faye; no answer! I tried my grandson, Adam. No answer! With my chest still hurting, I tried Faye again and this time she answered. I asked where she was and she said she was in Medford. I knew I was in real trouble then. I told her what I thought and she said to stay put, don't move and she would take care of everything and she did. Within minutes the Paramedics were at my door.
I found myself in the ER around 12:50 pm. Eventually I was diagnosed with a heart attack and would need an angiogram. The following morning a stint was put in the 80% blocked artery. The pain was gone but now I was to begin a "rest of my life" regiment. A heart Doctor would be involved in my care because of this cardiac event and again my medicines were re-evaluated.
3 John 2 says; "Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health; I know that it is well with your soul!" When I read this verse I realize, being well with our souls outweighs our good health. I remember that I was upset when I first experienced the pain but throughout the whole process I wasn't afraid. We must put our trust in God! He has promised us that He would never leave us! My prayer is that God will take all fears away, because at the end of the day, isn't that what we all desire? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/19/09
In 2001 I began a regiment of pills. Upon retirement I began taking more pills to take my diabetes from diet controlled to medicine intervention. Also my blood pressure and Cholesterol needed help. The following years I experienced many health issues that eventually turned out to be medicine related. In 2006 I questioned some of the Meds and instead of just adding more they were being changed. However, my health issues were continuing to be a problem. Water retention was one of the big issues. Early in 2008 I was given another pill!
I didn't take the Microzide, (water pill) the morning of 3/1/08. After I take the Toprol I feel okay it is when I take the Microzide that I am flushed and feverish. I decided I would go to the Doctor's office and see the on call Doctor. My B/P in the office was 150/86. It has been higher! She agreed to allow me to stop the water pill but that it could cause problems. She suggested special stockings or I should walk which would help to keep the edema in check. I was to also follow up this visit with my regularly scheduled visit, with my regular Doctor.
I went home with the idea that I would get a head start and curtail any further edema. Jim and Jennifer were going to the store so I decided I would take a relatively short walk. I left the house at 11:30 am and about 11:45 I decided it was too cold to be out walking. I turned to head back and a cold wind hit me in the face and I swallowed it. I felt my chest tighten! It started to snow a little so I lifted my jacket over my head to where my eyes only were exposed, so I could see to walk. I began to walk a little faster and then a little more. In my brisk walking I discovered I was having chest pains. I thought it was because of the cold. I picked up my pace! The pains in my chest also seemed to pick up the pace. I began to slow down. I kept slowing my pace until I was almost at a snails pace. I wondered if I could be having a heart attack. As soon as I entered the house I dropped my jacket to the floor and headed to the bathroom. I had heard a lot about taking aspirin. I looked for the 81 mg aspirin. I couldn't find it so I took Jim's 325 mgs. I went into the living room and sat down in my chair. I called my daughter Jennifer who was with Jim. No answer! I tried my daughter-in-law Faye; no answer! I tried my grandson, Adam. No answer! With my chest still hurting, I tried Faye again and this time she answered. I asked where she was and she said she was in Medford. I knew I was in real trouble then. I told her what I thought and she said to stay put, don't move and she would take care of everything and she did. Within minutes the Paramedics were at my door.
I found myself in the ER around 12:50 pm. Eventually I was diagnosed with a heart attack and would need an angiogram. The following morning a stint was put in the 80% blocked artery. The pain was gone but now I was to begin a "rest of my life" regiment. A heart Doctor would be involved in my care because of this cardiac event and again my medicines were re-evaluated.
3 John 2 says; "Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health; I know that it is well with your soul!" When I read this verse I realize, being well with our souls outweighs our good health. I remember that I was upset when I first experienced the pain but throughout the whole process I wasn't afraid. We must put our trust in God! He has promised us that He would never leave us! My prayer is that God will take all fears away, because at the end of the day, isn't that what we all desire? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/19/09
Thursday, September 17, 2009
HABITS!
As a child I use to bite my fingernails. Don't know why but many children do that! I met a woman when I was in my late teens who inspired me to stop. She never said a word to me about it but I loved her hands. When I was a young mother and experienced a major disappointment, or so I thought, I began to smoke. Never was very good at it! I did this in rebellion and I thought, in secret! Obviously not a very well kept secret because God knew!
Another word for habits is 'addiction!' We have heard about addictions all of our lives. There are those who are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, running, exercise of all kinds, food and the list goes on. Some are good habits and should be kept, but some are very bad to the point of destruction.
We are not born with habits, but today many are born with addictions due to the mother's activities during pregnancy. Because we are not born with them we can change them! In other words it is a decision that we make. Sometimes our choices are good and we have good results. Many times our choices are not good! They are bad for us and for those around us. These kinds of choices that turn into bad habits bring about bad results. They can be detrimental to our health, relationships not to mention our walk with God.
I've heard it said that changing habits is not breaking a habit but rethinking your habit. In other words it is a matter of transformation which is a complete change in appearance, attitudes or personality. There is a diet program called "Prism" which use the formula of transformation as found in Romans 12:2 that says; "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. That you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." This program was designed for a life time not for a quick fix.
No matter what your plight is, God has a sure fire root cause and how to fix it. Let's take diet for instance! "The righteous eat to the satisfying of his soul; but the belly of the wicked shall want." Proverbs 13:25 Food is something we need in order to live. However many of us live to eat! We either like how it feels in our mouths or we crave the taste, not to mention the crunch. How about you? In 1 Corinthians 6:13a Paul says; "Food is for the stomach and the stomach for food." Makes sense doesn't it! Paul is talking about not becoming mastered by anything! The Message translates verse 13 as; "First you eat to live, and then you live to eat!" Now that is a real mind boggler! "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God!" 1 Corinthians 10:31 We are to consider all things and how it will glorify our God.
Those of us in Christ can relate to Romans 14:17 where it says; "For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Cool huh! In amongst the scriptures talking about husbands and wives, Paul says; "For no man ever hates his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, as Christ does the church because we are members of His body." Ephesians 5:29-30 In other words man readily takes care of himself!
Whatever habit we find ourselves enmeshed in, we can find a way out, if we desire to restore and build up what was. We can go on a diet; We can seek help and go into rehabilitation; We can renew our minds and let the Savior guide us through His word; We can seek out His kingdom for fellowship. But we have to be willing to discipline ourselves enough to begin the transition into complete transformation. We cannot reach perfection by ourselves but in Jesus Christ we can do all things. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/7/08
As a child I use to bite my fingernails. Don't know why but many children do that! I met a woman when I was in my late teens who inspired me to stop. She never said a word to me about it but I loved her hands. When I was a young mother and experienced a major disappointment, or so I thought, I began to smoke. Never was very good at it! I did this in rebellion and I thought, in secret! Obviously not a very well kept secret because God knew!
Another word for habits is 'addiction!' We have heard about addictions all of our lives. There are those who are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, running, exercise of all kinds, food and the list goes on. Some are good habits and should be kept, but some are very bad to the point of destruction.
We are not born with habits, but today many are born with addictions due to the mother's activities during pregnancy. Because we are not born with them we can change them! In other words it is a decision that we make. Sometimes our choices are good and we have good results. Many times our choices are not good! They are bad for us and for those around us. These kinds of choices that turn into bad habits bring about bad results. They can be detrimental to our health, relationships not to mention our walk with God.
I've heard it said that changing habits is not breaking a habit but rethinking your habit. In other words it is a matter of transformation which is a complete change in appearance, attitudes or personality. There is a diet program called "Prism" which use the formula of transformation as found in Romans 12:2 that says; "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. That you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." This program was designed for a life time not for a quick fix.
No matter what your plight is, God has a sure fire root cause and how to fix it. Let's take diet for instance! "The righteous eat to the satisfying of his soul; but the belly of the wicked shall want." Proverbs 13:25 Food is something we need in order to live. However many of us live to eat! We either like how it feels in our mouths or we crave the taste, not to mention the crunch. How about you? In 1 Corinthians 6:13a Paul says; "Food is for the stomach and the stomach for food." Makes sense doesn't it! Paul is talking about not becoming mastered by anything! The Message translates verse 13 as; "First you eat to live, and then you live to eat!" Now that is a real mind boggler! "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God!" 1 Corinthians 10:31 We are to consider all things and how it will glorify our God.
Those of us in Christ can relate to Romans 14:17 where it says; "For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Cool huh! In amongst the scriptures talking about husbands and wives, Paul says; "For no man ever hates his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, as Christ does the church because we are members of His body." Ephesians 5:29-30 In other words man readily takes care of himself!
Whatever habit we find ourselves enmeshed in, we can find a way out, if we desire to restore and build up what was. We can go on a diet; We can seek help and go into rehabilitation; We can renew our minds and let the Savior guide us through His word; We can seek out His kingdom for fellowship. But we have to be willing to discipline ourselves enough to begin the transition into complete transformation. We cannot reach perfection by ourselves but in Jesus Christ we can do all things. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/7/08
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
SUMMER STORMS!
One morning in August, Jim and I took our usual walk around the neighborhood as we try to do on the two odd days in the week. It was wonderfully cool but I was prepared for the sunshine with my trusty umbrella. We were bothered by some mosquito's but on the whole it was nice. Not quite half way through our walk we felt a few rain drops and noticed some menacing dark clouds in the distance. Pretty soon the drops were coming somewhat regular and before we knew it, it was raining. We picked up our speed, which for us is unusual in itself. My umbrella is one I purchased at Disneyland. You know the kind; with frills around the edge and you can have designs and/or names put on them. This was a pretty little white one and was used for sunshine, wind but never rain. I have others for that!
The rain came harder and harder and soon there were small pellets of sleet. You know what sleet is; it is rain freezing as it falls and most time it is white because a little bit of snow is mixed in with it. Many refer to it as hail but hail is much larger and can hurt when it hits you! The sounds of thunder began rolling. The sounds of falling rain began to increased and mix with the sounds of rushing water as we approached the manholes which gave access to the drain pipes under ground. As we passed the manholes the loud sound would diminish and then it would be just the falling rain and sleet.
Jim was pretty drenched by this time and my umbrella was not leaking but the water was running off of it and down my back so that I was getting pretty drenched as well. The most interesting thing about this walk in the rain was that under normal circumstances I would have been beside myself. But this was Thursday; I had no plans today and tomorrow morning I get my hair done. I enjoyed our unplanned walk in the rain! I enjoyed the smell of rain on the cement! Even though I enjoyed this experience, I don't want to do it again anytime soon!
I remember Joyce, my sister and I walking home from school in the middle of the road carrying our shoes and splashing in the rain water and not caring that we were wet. I remember not worrying about our hair, or our clothes. Rain always felt good! Don't know when that changed but it did, until this morning.
As we jumped over the rain filled curbs to cross the street towards home, I wondered about the days of Noah. I wondered how the rain must have fallen. Perhaps hard and fast or perhaps just a steady drenching; including enough thunder to cause people outside, to run for shelter. "In the six hundreth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up and the windows of heaven were opened. And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights." Genesis 7:11-12
As for in the days of Joyce and me splashing our way home, it was before storm drains, so the water had no place to go. In the days of Noah there were no storm drains and the continual rising of the water covered the whole earth. "And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered. Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered." Genesis 7:18-20 15 cubits upward was about 22.5 feet which was higher than the tallest mountain.
Personally I like watching the rain from inside. I use to think the best thing on a rainy day was reading a good book and eating an apple. I have always like the rain but I have never like being out in it. That is, until that morning in August.
Thank you God for giving me this pleasure in my old age and letting me share it with Jim. Thank you God for washing away the heat of the day on that August morning and giving our community a cool refreshing drink. Thank you for this refreshment to our souls and the lifting of our spirits as the end of summer approaches. Amen! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/6/09
One morning in August, Jim and I took our usual walk around the neighborhood as we try to do on the two odd days in the week. It was wonderfully cool but I was prepared for the sunshine with my trusty umbrella. We were bothered by some mosquito's but on the whole it was nice. Not quite half way through our walk we felt a few rain drops and noticed some menacing dark clouds in the distance. Pretty soon the drops were coming somewhat regular and before we knew it, it was raining. We picked up our speed, which for us is unusual in itself. My umbrella is one I purchased at Disneyland. You know the kind; with frills around the edge and you can have designs and/or names put on them. This was a pretty little white one and was used for sunshine, wind but never rain. I have others for that!
The rain came harder and harder and soon there were small pellets of sleet. You know what sleet is; it is rain freezing as it falls and most time it is white because a little bit of snow is mixed in with it. Many refer to it as hail but hail is much larger and can hurt when it hits you! The sounds of thunder began rolling. The sounds of falling rain began to increased and mix with the sounds of rushing water as we approached the manholes which gave access to the drain pipes under ground. As we passed the manholes the loud sound would diminish and then it would be just the falling rain and sleet.
Jim was pretty drenched by this time and my umbrella was not leaking but the water was running off of it and down my back so that I was getting pretty drenched as well. The most interesting thing about this walk in the rain was that under normal circumstances I would have been beside myself. But this was Thursday; I had no plans today and tomorrow morning I get my hair done. I enjoyed our unplanned walk in the rain! I enjoyed the smell of rain on the cement! Even though I enjoyed this experience, I don't want to do it again anytime soon!
I remember Joyce, my sister and I walking home from school in the middle of the road carrying our shoes and splashing in the rain water and not caring that we were wet. I remember not worrying about our hair, or our clothes. Rain always felt good! Don't know when that changed but it did, until this morning.
As we jumped over the rain filled curbs to cross the street towards home, I wondered about the days of Noah. I wondered how the rain must have fallen. Perhaps hard and fast or perhaps just a steady drenching; including enough thunder to cause people outside, to run for shelter. "In the six hundreth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up and the windows of heaven were opened. And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights." Genesis 7:11-12
As for in the days of Joyce and me splashing our way home, it was before storm drains, so the water had no place to go. In the days of Noah there were no storm drains and the continual rising of the water covered the whole earth. "And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered. Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered." Genesis 7:18-20 15 cubits upward was about 22.5 feet which was higher than the tallest mountain.
Personally I like watching the rain from inside. I use to think the best thing on a rainy day was reading a good book and eating an apple. I have always like the rain but I have never like being out in it. That is, until that morning in August.
Thank you God for giving me this pleasure in my old age and letting me share it with Jim. Thank you God for washing away the heat of the day on that August morning and giving our community a cool refreshing drink. Thank you for this refreshment to our souls and the lifting of our spirits as the end of summer approaches. Amen! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/6/09
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
IT'S EASY AS ONE, TWO, THREE!
What's easy as one, two, three? Getting out of bed if you are an early riser; If you are a runner, taking that first run at dawn; Going shopping for a new outfit, if you are trim and fit; Going to night school, if you are academically inclined. Notice the pattern here? The 'if' word is present. The 'if' word changes the equation on the first thought of action.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4;13 I believe Paul is correct; I believe that to be true! However, what 'if' I don't want to do all things or maybe I can't do all things. In my mind I can do many things. My thought patterns are very talented and creative, but my physical attributes leave a little to be desired. My capabilities are limited!
I use to be able to handle many projects at the same time and was successful in bringing them all to a spirited conclusion. However, as I have gotten older I find that too many projects cloud the mind and my agility is not up to the task. I guess that old song; "The old gray mare just ain't what she use to be", comes from a writer with experience.
As I read God's word, I have discovered that just about everywhere, God says; "I will do this, if you do this. The word 'if' is so small that we habitually skip over it as we read. "If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies which I shall teach them, their sons also forever shall sit upon your throne." Psalms 132:12 We know that David's sons did not keep God's covenant and His testimonies and David's kingdom was split into two. One was Judah and the other was Israel. Do you remember which was David's?
"You are My friends, if you do what I command you." John 15:14 We call Jesus our friend but are we His friends. To be His friend, we are to keep His commandments. "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch, and dries up; and they gather them and cast them into the fire, and they are burned." John 15:6 This is talking about those who have not chosen Jesus Christ as their Savior and/or continue to live in sin.
"If you abide in Me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you." John 15:7 We often ask ourselves why God doesn't seem to answer our prayers. We should ask instead; "Am I abiding in Him and is His word abiding in me!" "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love." John 15:10 When we are obedient, we are showing God our love and devotion. God says we will continue in 'His ' love; when we keep His commandments.
John 15 and 16 are great chapters for the church, because it explains how we came to be. "You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you." John 15:16 Many believe this verse is saying that God chose us as individuals. Actually, it is saying that God chose the church as His kingdom and we then choose to be become a part of His church. "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you." John 15:18 The world hates the church! The world says be tolerant like us; the church says we are to love you not agree with you. The world crucified our Lord! Yet God still loves the world!
"But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you." John 16:7 Without His blood being shed there would have been no resurrection and no church. There is no other way, but for us to come to Him through His son, Jesus Christ. We should not water down God's word to make it easier for us to follow. The "if''s" are not easy to swallow! Following God's word is not as easy as falling off a log but we can abide in it. We can do all things through Him who strengthen's us. Easy as one, two, three? What do you think? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/21/09
What's easy as one, two, three? Getting out of bed if you are an early riser; If you are a runner, taking that first run at dawn; Going shopping for a new outfit, if you are trim and fit; Going to night school, if you are academically inclined. Notice the pattern here? The 'if' word is present. The 'if' word changes the equation on the first thought of action.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4;13 I believe Paul is correct; I believe that to be true! However, what 'if' I don't want to do all things or maybe I can't do all things. In my mind I can do many things. My thought patterns are very talented and creative, but my physical attributes leave a little to be desired. My capabilities are limited!
I use to be able to handle many projects at the same time and was successful in bringing them all to a spirited conclusion. However, as I have gotten older I find that too many projects cloud the mind and my agility is not up to the task. I guess that old song; "The old gray mare just ain't what she use to be", comes from a writer with experience.
As I read God's word, I have discovered that just about everywhere, God says; "I will do this, if you do this. The word 'if' is so small that we habitually skip over it as we read. "If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies which I shall teach them, their sons also forever shall sit upon your throne." Psalms 132:12 We know that David's sons did not keep God's covenant and His testimonies and David's kingdom was split into two. One was Judah and the other was Israel. Do you remember which was David's?
"You are My friends, if you do what I command you." John 15:14 We call Jesus our friend but are we His friends. To be His friend, we are to keep His commandments. "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch, and dries up; and they gather them and cast them into the fire, and they are burned." John 15:6 This is talking about those who have not chosen Jesus Christ as their Savior and/or continue to live in sin.
"If you abide in Me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you." John 15:7 We often ask ourselves why God doesn't seem to answer our prayers. We should ask instead; "Am I abiding in Him and is His word abiding in me!" "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love." John 15:10 When we are obedient, we are showing God our love and devotion. God says we will continue in 'His ' love; when we keep His commandments.
John 15 and 16 are great chapters for the church, because it explains how we came to be. "You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you." John 15:16 Many believe this verse is saying that God chose us as individuals. Actually, it is saying that God chose the church as His kingdom and we then choose to be become a part of His church. "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you." John 15:18 The world hates the church! The world says be tolerant like us; the church says we are to love you not agree with you. The world crucified our Lord! Yet God still loves the world!
"But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you." John 16:7 Without His blood being shed there would have been no resurrection and no church. There is no other way, but for us to come to Him through His son, Jesus Christ. We should not water down God's word to make it easier for us to follow. The "if''s" are not easy to swallow! Following God's word is not as easy as falling off a log but we can abide in it. We can do all things through Him who strengthen's us. Easy as one, two, three? What do you think? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/21/09
Monday, September 14, 2009
MORE POT LUCK 9/14/09
THE CATERPILLAR MARATHON!
In 1963, Jim and I were pretty settled into our first real home together. I was pregnant and life was good! One sunny afternoon we pulled up in front of our home and after getting out of the car we stood amazed starring at the unprecedented event taking place. Ican't tell you how far and wide the event was unfolding, because our eyes were fixed upon the whole width of our property and the roof of our house and garage.
As though to a distant drummer we saw hundreds of every size, make and color of caterpillar, marching across the width of our house, garage and the surrounding yard, coming towards us as though we were the drum majors waiting for our signal to turn and lead the march.
I remember our wanting to get inside of our house to see if there were caterpillars inside but to get there we had to squish many caterpillars along the way. There was no room to walk without squishing the caterpillars. Thankfully, the inside of our house was okay!
The marathon didn't last long? Behind our home was a huge vacant lot that spanned the whole track of homes we lived in. Where the marathon began we did not know and where it ended we never heard. However, we figured they climbed our retaining wall in the back, crawled up over the trees and bushes right over our house, across the street and over those houses and possibly ended up in the ocean which was about 3 miles to the right of us and about 10 miles straight ahead of us. To get there from either direction, the caterpillars had their work cut out for them.
The interesting thing is, I never read about it in the papers, nor did I hear anything about it on the news. No one wrote a book about it and I have never heard anyone talk about it except for Jim and me. Now why is that? Were we the only ones to witness such a phenomenon? If so why? Perhaps it was a confined event! Perhaps it was the beginning of global warming!
I like to think they were headed for a little park that was in the middle of our housing development and they were preparing to begin their metamorphous into butterflies. There are many plants that caterpillars love and hundreds of them will attack such plants, eat the leaves and then hang from their cocoons until the time is ripe and they become free to fly away for yet another adventure, but this time, souring through the sky as butterflies.
Nature is amazing and yet we take it all for granted. The world around us is such a spectacular panoramic display and yet we say; "Oh hum!" We learn about the caterpillar and the butterfly in school and we teach about the metamorphosis that takes place, in Sunday schools. This process completely befuddles the evolutionists! There is no explanation for it except for the great designer and creator; God Almighty!
This metamorphous that happens with these two creatures, is the same that we experience when in 2 Corinthians 5:17 it says; "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come." We are like the caterpillar, the old creation, becoming the new creation, the butterfly. Our natural bodies become spiritual! More incredible than the caterpillar becoming a butterfly is that when our natural body dies the corruption and mortality attached to the mortal body is removed. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 says; "We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, as the last trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, we shall be changed." Furthermore, it says; "It is important that we reman steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." Personally, I don't care for caterpillars but I love to watch the butterflies, don't you? The beauty of God's wonders, is amazing! The wonder of our God is Awesome! It keeps my eyes opened, awaiting God's next spectacular event. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/29/09
In 1963, Jim and I were pretty settled into our first real home together. I was pregnant and life was good! One sunny afternoon we pulled up in front of our home and after getting out of the car we stood amazed starring at the unprecedented event taking place. Ican't tell you how far and wide the event was unfolding, because our eyes were fixed upon the whole width of our property and the roof of our house and garage.
As though to a distant drummer we saw hundreds of every size, make and color of caterpillar, marching across the width of our house, garage and the surrounding yard, coming towards us as though we were the drum majors waiting for our signal to turn and lead the march.
I remember our wanting to get inside of our house to see if there were caterpillars inside but to get there we had to squish many caterpillars along the way. There was no room to walk without squishing the caterpillars. Thankfully, the inside of our house was okay!
The marathon didn't last long? Behind our home was a huge vacant lot that spanned the whole track of homes we lived in. Where the marathon began we did not know and where it ended we never heard. However, we figured they climbed our retaining wall in the back, crawled up over the trees and bushes right over our house, across the street and over those houses and possibly ended up in the ocean which was about 3 miles to the right of us and about 10 miles straight ahead of us. To get there from either direction, the caterpillars had their work cut out for them.
The interesting thing is, I never read about it in the papers, nor did I hear anything about it on the news. No one wrote a book about it and I have never heard anyone talk about it except for Jim and me. Now why is that? Were we the only ones to witness such a phenomenon? If so why? Perhaps it was a confined event! Perhaps it was the beginning of global warming!
I like to think they were headed for a little park that was in the middle of our housing development and they were preparing to begin their metamorphous into butterflies. There are many plants that caterpillars love and hundreds of them will attack such plants, eat the leaves and then hang from their cocoons until the time is ripe and they become free to fly away for yet another adventure, but this time, souring through the sky as butterflies.
Nature is amazing and yet we take it all for granted. The world around us is such a spectacular panoramic display and yet we say; "Oh hum!" We learn about the caterpillar and the butterfly in school and we teach about the metamorphosis that takes place, in Sunday schools. This process completely befuddles the evolutionists! There is no explanation for it except for the great designer and creator; God Almighty!
This metamorphous that happens with these two creatures, is the same that we experience when in 2 Corinthians 5:17 it says; "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come." We are like the caterpillar, the old creation, becoming the new creation, the butterfly. Our natural bodies become spiritual! More incredible than the caterpillar becoming a butterfly is that when our natural body dies the corruption and mortality attached to the mortal body is removed. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 says; "We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, as the last trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, we shall be changed." Furthermore, it says; "It is important that we reman steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." Personally, I don't care for caterpillars but I love to watch the butterflies, don't you? The beauty of God's wonders, is amazing! The wonder of our God is Awesome! It keeps my eyes opened, awaiting God's next spectacular event. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/29/09
Thursday, September 10, 2009
WHERE WERE YOU ON 9/11?
On 9/11/68 I returned from grocery shopping to hear the news that my brother Layton drowned. He was 32! On 9/11/78 I received news that the pastor of my youth, Mr. Lertis R. Ellett was killed in a car accident. On 9/11/01 I had just gotten out of bed and walked into the livingroom, Jim greeted me with; "A plane just flew into one of the twin towers in New York." I stopped in my tracks and twenty minutes later, together we watched as another plane flew into the other twin tower. Our world, as we knew it changed forever!
Jim got up and went outdoors. The tears streaming down my cheeks I watched as though I was cemented into the carpet on my floor. I watched as the people ran for their lives and the cloud of dust that filled the air on my TV, began to choke me. I went outdoors to be with Jim and he held me as we began our grieving process for those who were murdered in New York, Washington DC and Pennsylvania that morning; And for America who, has not and probably will never recover from these acts of terror, because of their separation of church and state mentality.
For 41 years, 9/11 has been a day of memory for me, and for America only 8 years. It took me many years to stop reeling from Layton's death but with God my grieving has given me new purpose. Because America has moved so far away from God their grieving has turned to anger and disagreement. Their grieving has become a shouting match and greed. Their grieving has turned to insubordination with the government and 'we the people'. The only way through this grieving process is to turn back to God. America needs to return and become a nation, under God! Not a nation for the republic of the government but a republic of the people and by the people and for the people. We must seek God first and foremost; The rest will come!
Grieving is a natural state! Many fight the process but it is necessary for our well bring. Grieving is necessary because without the process we can't fully regain our stability of reality. I was one that fought the process because I was not able to let go. God is patient not only in His coming again but He is patient with us as we deal with the major blows that life brings us. He allows us to flounder but when we seek his face, He has promised we will find Him. How many times would I call His name and wait for Him to pick up the pieces and mend my heart again. How many times since the 'war on terror' began have I called His name and have begged Him to heal our land. How many times have I wished that I could gather the saints of the church and offer protection through the Son of God. How many times!
Our God has given us life through His son and yet His son lamented over Jerusalem and even for us today. "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings and you would not! Behold, your house is forsaken and desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say; 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord'."
After 9/11 God answered our prayers by sending the Firemen; Policemen; The Coast Guard; The National Guard and even the President to find the lost, raise up the down trodden and to give encouragement to our whole country. God answered our prayers by bringing the volunteers and the retired veterans together to the forefront and creating a military force second to none in the world. The Army, Marines, the Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and the National Guard putting their lives on the line to defend and to protect the freedoms of the United States of America not to mention the countries that need to be liberated from tyranny. Get down on your knees America! Get down and seek God's forgiveness! Allow God to raise us up once again so we can declare; 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/5/09
On 9/11/68 I returned from grocery shopping to hear the news that my brother Layton drowned. He was 32! On 9/11/78 I received news that the pastor of my youth, Mr. Lertis R. Ellett was killed in a car accident. On 9/11/01 I had just gotten out of bed and walked into the livingroom, Jim greeted me with; "A plane just flew into one of the twin towers in New York." I stopped in my tracks and twenty minutes later, together we watched as another plane flew into the other twin tower. Our world, as we knew it changed forever!
Jim got up and went outdoors. The tears streaming down my cheeks I watched as though I was cemented into the carpet on my floor. I watched as the people ran for their lives and the cloud of dust that filled the air on my TV, began to choke me. I went outdoors to be with Jim and he held me as we began our grieving process for those who were murdered in New York, Washington DC and Pennsylvania that morning; And for America who, has not and probably will never recover from these acts of terror, because of their separation of church and state mentality.
For 41 years, 9/11 has been a day of memory for me, and for America only 8 years. It took me many years to stop reeling from Layton's death but with God my grieving has given me new purpose. Because America has moved so far away from God their grieving has turned to anger and disagreement. Their grieving has become a shouting match and greed. Their grieving has turned to insubordination with the government and 'we the people'. The only way through this grieving process is to turn back to God. America needs to return and become a nation, under God! Not a nation for the republic of the government but a republic of the people and by the people and for the people. We must seek God first and foremost; The rest will come!
Grieving is a natural state! Many fight the process but it is necessary for our well bring. Grieving is necessary because without the process we can't fully regain our stability of reality. I was one that fought the process because I was not able to let go. God is patient not only in His coming again but He is patient with us as we deal with the major blows that life brings us. He allows us to flounder but when we seek his face, He has promised we will find Him. How many times would I call His name and wait for Him to pick up the pieces and mend my heart again. How many times since the 'war on terror' began have I called His name and have begged Him to heal our land. How many times have I wished that I could gather the saints of the church and offer protection through the Son of God. How many times!
Our God has given us life through His son and yet His son lamented over Jerusalem and even for us today. "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings and you would not! Behold, your house is forsaken and desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say; 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord'."
After 9/11 God answered our prayers by sending the Firemen; Policemen; The Coast Guard; The National Guard and even the President to find the lost, raise up the down trodden and to give encouragement to our whole country. God answered our prayers by bringing the volunteers and the retired veterans together to the forefront and creating a military force second to none in the world. The Army, Marines, the Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and the National Guard putting their lives on the line to defend and to protect the freedoms of the United States of America not to mention the countries that need to be liberated from tyranny. Get down on your knees America! Get down and seek God's forgiveness! Allow God to raise us up once again so we can declare; 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/5/09
WHERE THE POWER CONNECTS!
When we think of worship we are confronted with what goes on at the beginning of the morning church service. It is traditional and yet not formal like many denominations. Years ago it was different and change came about in the early 80's with the introduction of "praise songs" instead of "hymns." Through the last 28 years or so, lots of controversy has reared it's ugly head and churches have split into two services and if that is not bad enough into two different congregations.
In the 80's Jim and I attended the North American Christian Convention which was being held in Anaheim, California. When everyone came together for the service at the close of each day we were impressed with how the service flowed. No MC to introduce each act! The song leader didn't lead by waving his arms! The words were put on massive overhead screens for everyone to see and there were a mixture of hymns and choruses. It was very moving! No interruptions and lots of continuity. It flowed! The last night, towards the very end, I left for the ladies room and as I was returning, I found myself standing alone in the hall, outside of the huge auditorium, listening to the people singing the Lord's Prayer a cappella. I love to sing! But I didn't sing. I was so moved, I cried! I was worshiping! I don't believe I had ever experienced anything like that evening! I am not saying that I had never worshiped but never had I felt the tug upon my heart and my mind at the same time, as I did that night.
Because of that evening, I wondered if others had experienced what I had felt. I talked with Betty, who also had attended the convention. She was an accomplished pianist and choir director and found she was interested in the new format called "worship." We saw that this was part of the new movement which was spreading within the churches. We could become a part of it or be left behind wondering what it is all about. Together, and with the help of many others, we offered a 'Rogue Valley Church Music Workshop', where we gave incites of what we had learned and how the churches could be influential in leading their congregations in a closer walk with God through a complete worship experience with a team called 'worship leaders.'
It was coming without our help and we had no idea that some of God's people would fight it with such intensity as to stop attending church and/or fighting with the worship teams. However, I loved it! Praise the Lord that He is so patient! Praise the Lord with a new song!
When I was a child we sang choruses. In the church services we sang hymns. Today we sing 'praise and worship songs.' Song's have words! These words express a thought! These thoughts can be in the form of praise, worship, communion, congregational, testimony, invitations, prayer and/or closing. It is all in the words! Praise and worship are directed to God alone!
The Psalms is where many of the 'praise and worship songs' come from. In Psalms 29:2 it says; "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness." In other words, forget about yourself and worship God! In Psalms 95:6-7; "It says; "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care." Psalms 132:7; "Let us go to His dwelling place; let us worship at His footstool." We sing to prepare us and lead us in worship!
2 Chronicles 29:27-30 tells about Hezekiah and his people as they sacrificed to the Lord. The service began with singing accompanied by trumpets and instruments. The whole assembly bowed in worship being led by the worship team. When the offerings were completed the assembly continued in praising with gladness and worshiping. I love being a part of worship. I love feeling the spirit within the church move! God knows the hearts of his worshipers as He listens to their praise! "Listen, Oh my soul, to my Lord!" By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/24/08
When we think of worship we are confronted with what goes on at the beginning of the morning church service. It is traditional and yet not formal like many denominations. Years ago it was different and change came about in the early 80's with the introduction of "praise songs" instead of "hymns." Through the last 28 years or so, lots of controversy has reared it's ugly head and churches have split into two services and if that is not bad enough into two different congregations.
In the 80's Jim and I attended the North American Christian Convention which was being held in Anaheim, California. When everyone came together for the service at the close of each day we were impressed with how the service flowed. No MC to introduce each act! The song leader didn't lead by waving his arms! The words were put on massive overhead screens for everyone to see and there were a mixture of hymns and choruses. It was very moving! No interruptions and lots of continuity. It flowed! The last night, towards the very end, I left for the ladies room and as I was returning, I found myself standing alone in the hall, outside of the huge auditorium, listening to the people singing the Lord's Prayer a cappella. I love to sing! But I didn't sing. I was so moved, I cried! I was worshiping! I don't believe I had ever experienced anything like that evening! I am not saying that I had never worshiped but never had I felt the tug upon my heart and my mind at the same time, as I did that night.
Because of that evening, I wondered if others had experienced what I had felt. I talked with Betty, who also had attended the convention. She was an accomplished pianist and choir director and found she was interested in the new format called "worship." We saw that this was part of the new movement which was spreading within the churches. We could become a part of it or be left behind wondering what it is all about. Together, and with the help of many others, we offered a 'Rogue Valley Church Music Workshop', where we gave incites of what we had learned and how the churches could be influential in leading their congregations in a closer walk with God through a complete worship experience with a team called 'worship leaders.'
It was coming without our help and we had no idea that some of God's people would fight it with such intensity as to stop attending church and/or fighting with the worship teams. However, I loved it! Praise the Lord that He is so patient! Praise the Lord with a new song!
When I was a child we sang choruses. In the church services we sang hymns. Today we sing 'praise and worship songs.' Song's have words! These words express a thought! These thoughts can be in the form of praise, worship, communion, congregational, testimony, invitations, prayer and/or closing. It is all in the words! Praise and worship are directed to God alone!
The Psalms is where many of the 'praise and worship songs' come from. In Psalms 29:2 it says; "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness." In other words, forget about yourself and worship God! In Psalms 95:6-7; "It says; "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care." Psalms 132:7; "Let us go to His dwelling place; let us worship at His footstool." We sing to prepare us and lead us in worship!
2 Chronicles 29:27-30 tells about Hezekiah and his people as they sacrificed to the Lord. The service began with singing accompanied by trumpets and instruments. The whole assembly bowed in worship being led by the worship team. When the offerings were completed the assembly continued in praising with gladness and worshiping. I love being a part of worship. I love feeling the spirit within the church move! God knows the hearts of his worshipers as He listens to their praise! "Listen, Oh my soul, to my Lord!" By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/24/08
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
THE GENIUS IN ALL OF US!
Hanging on our livingroom wall are two water colors, beautifully mounted and framed. We also have a black and white painting, beautifully mounted and framed, of a small child half in shadow. These were painted by my son Danny when he was 14, a freshman in highschool. Sitting on my TV is a woven basket that holds some Peacock feathers that my daughter, Jennifer created in art class, also in her freshman year. It originally came with large paper flowers that eventually died by being exposed to the elements for far too long. We cherish the things our children create; they are an extension of ourselves! When Jim was entering kindergarten, his mother made for him a 'sit upon' which he was to use in the hallway, to sit upon during air raid drills. It now hangs on the wall in our office. I probably cherish it more than he does.
Early in my marriage and when my children were small, I too was into crafts and created things out of nothing. You know, that is what create means; to make something out of nothing! Today I am not crafty, my hands don't work like they use to. Jim paints! He has been painting for many years now and even has his own studio at home. He is generous and gives them away on occasion. We have many hanging on our walls and I think they are good enough to sell.
At one point in time, we joined a diet program where one of the key phrases was "To become the person we were created to be." Of course this program was not only to lose weight but to increase in wisdom and stature before God and man. I grew to love saying; "to become the person God has created me to be." We do this by looking at the inside, not the outside!
We find in Genesis 1:32, God said that all He had created was very good! We are part of His creation, therefore we are very good! God created us! We are an extension of Him! There is a little song that says; "He's still working on me." PBPWMGINFWMY was a popular anagram that says; "Please be patient with me, God is not finished with me yet." In Jeremiah 18:6 it talks about God being the potter and we are the clay. We should be willing to let God mold us and make us after His will. But too often we question God; "What are you going to make of me Lord?....I don't want to be a cup....I want to be a fine big pitcher....I don't want to be functional....I want to be beautiful....How are you going to do it Lord?....I don't want it to hurt....Can it be overnight?....I don't want gray hair Lord, I want red....Lord I just want hair!"
Who are we, to question God about what He intends to do with us? How can the clay question the potter? If you could watch Thomas Kinkade do a painting, would you make suggestions about how he might do it better? Instead we say; "Wow! Look at that!" How then, can we question the master potter; the master painter; the master artist of all time. How can we question God, about His work of fashioning us into the person He created us to be? Relax, trust in God and let Him do His work....You'll love the results!
In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 it says; "You are the temple of the Holy Spirit." Think of it! Think of the temple that Solomon built for God. It was magnificent! You are the magnificent temple of the Holy Spirit! Do you feel like it? If you don't, let Him continue His work in you by being about the Lord's business. It is easy to say, I don't have time or I don't know how to do that. It is easy to not make commitments. Yet we demand that God be real in our lives! Even so, we are afraid to be real in God's life! God will continue to mold us until it is time for us to enter into the heavenly realm. Each time I write one of these devotions I am excited and amazed how God is still interested in my becoming the person He has created me to be. How about You? Are you becoming that person God created you to be? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/27/08
Hanging on our livingroom wall are two water colors, beautifully mounted and framed. We also have a black and white painting, beautifully mounted and framed, of a small child half in shadow. These were painted by my son Danny when he was 14, a freshman in highschool. Sitting on my TV is a woven basket that holds some Peacock feathers that my daughter, Jennifer created in art class, also in her freshman year. It originally came with large paper flowers that eventually died by being exposed to the elements for far too long. We cherish the things our children create; they are an extension of ourselves! When Jim was entering kindergarten, his mother made for him a 'sit upon' which he was to use in the hallway, to sit upon during air raid drills. It now hangs on the wall in our office. I probably cherish it more than he does.
Early in my marriage and when my children were small, I too was into crafts and created things out of nothing. You know, that is what create means; to make something out of nothing! Today I am not crafty, my hands don't work like they use to. Jim paints! He has been painting for many years now and even has his own studio at home. He is generous and gives them away on occasion. We have many hanging on our walls and I think they are good enough to sell.
At one point in time, we joined a diet program where one of the key phrases was "To become the person we were created to be." Of course this program was not only to lose weight but to increase in wisdom and stature before God and man. I grew to love saying; "to become the person God has created me to be." We do this by looking at the inside, not the outside!
We find in Genesis 1:32, God said that all He had created was very good! We are part of His creation, therefore we are very good! God created us! We are an extension of Him! There is a little song that says; "He's still working on me." PBPWMGINFWMY was a popular anagram that says; "Please be patient with me, God is not finished with me yet." In Jeremiah 18:6 it talks about God being the potter and we are the clay. We should be willing to let God mold us and make us after His will. But too often we question God; "What are you going to make of me Lord?....I don't want to be a cup....I want to be a fine big pitcher....I don't want to be functional....I want to be beautiful....How are you going to do it Lord?....I don't want it to hurt....Can it be overnight?....I don't want gray hair Lord, I want red....Lord I just want hair!"
Who are we, to question God about what He intends to do with us? How can the clay question the potter? If you could watch Thomas Kinkade do a painting, would you make suggestions about how he might do it better? Instead we say; "Wow! Look at that!" How then, can we question the master potter; the master painter; the master artist of all time. How can we question God, about His work of fashioning us into the person He created us to be? Relax, trust in God and let Him do His work....You'll love the results!
In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 it says; "You are the temple of the Holy Spirit." Think of it! Think of the temple that Solomon built for God. It was magnificent! You are the magnificent temple of the Holy Spirit! Do you feel like it? If you don't, let Him continue His work in you by being about the Lord's business. It is easy to say, I don't have time or I don't know how to do that. It is easy to not make commitments. Yet we demand that God be real in our lives! Even so, we are afraid to be real in God's life! God will continue to mold us until it is time for us to enter into the heavenly realm. Each time I write one of these devotions I am excited and amazed how God is still interested in my becoming the person He has created me to be. How about You? Are you becoming that person God created you to be? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/27/08
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
TEACHING WOMEN!
Fourteen years ago, my desire was to reach one young woman who needed the Lord. I became the leader of a Ladies Sunday Morning class! After about 6 years of teaching 'Women of the Bible and other various subjects' directed towards women becoming the persons God has created them to be, I discovered I loved teaching women!
Because of this experience I have found a special place in my heart for older women. Women of God who are in that time of their lives where each day is a matter of determination and fortitude and not measured by seemingly endless accomplishments or great expectations. Although many of those from my first class have crossed over the threshold, there are a few that I still keep in touch with. I loved these women and thank the Lord for using me in such a special way as to help them to prepare to enter the gates of heaven.
When we moved I began another group of ladies in a different town but within the same family of God. These women were also a mixture of young and old like the first group of ladies and yet they were seeking God's word to fulfil their hopes and aspirations as they continued in the service of the King. These women were not afraid to share with one another and were willing to bring God's word to a fuller understanding within each of their hearts. What a joy! What great love that can develop when we allow God to work among us and to change us.
I have heard teacher's being called facilitators, which mean they basically lead a discussion group. Most times a conclusion is not reached but just a concensus of opinions. I consider myself a teacher because I believe God's word can bring us to understanding and knowledge. That does not mean that I have a full understanding of God's word or wisdom, but together a truth can be reached which is satisfying until the next time we read the scripture again.
Most are afraid to become teachers because of James 3:1-2 which says; "Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgement. For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well." I suppose if you are not following the teachings of Jesus Christ, those verses would set you back. Having the Holy Spirit within enables me and others to teach because we are not in the habit of practicing sin. We are well aware of the stumbling blocks and 'asking forgiveness' is always on our tongues.
I often tell the story of a child walking down the street with his mother. Pulling on her hand, that he was holding, he exclaimed; "Mom, Mom, look there is God!" Pointing across the street he saw his Sunday School teacher. When we teach God's word we could be setting ourselves up for just the same kind of recognition. It is important that as the teacher of God's word, we remember Psalms 25:4-7; Asking the Lord to make known His ways; to teach us His truth; That we should wait upon Him all day; we request that God would remember us with His love and compassion. Skipping down to verse 11; "For thy names sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity, for it is great!"
Most importantly, read Romans 8:12a; "Those who teach, are to teach themselves. If we teach "do not steal", we are not to steal either!" In other words the things we teach against, we should not be doing ourselves! Remember we are to; "Practice what we preach!"
Teaching can cause one to become puffed up, therefore teachers should be careful. I love the verse found in Titus 2:3. "Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good." Also Colossians 3:17 says; "Whatever you do in word and deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Thank you Lord for using me! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/29/08
Fourteen years ago, my desire was to reach one young woman who needed the Lord. I became the leader of a Ladies Sunday Morning class! After about 6 years of teaching 'Women of the Bible and other various subjects' directed towards women becoming the persons God has created them to be, I discovered I loved teaching women!
Because of this experience I have found a special place in my heart for older women. Women of God who are in that time of their lives where each day is a matter of determination and fortitude and not measured by seemingly endless accomplishments or great expectations. Although many of those from my first class have crossed over the threshold, there are a few that I still keep in touch with. I loved these women and thank the Lord for using me in such a special way as to help them to prepare to enter the gates of heaven.
When we moved I began another group of ladies in a different town but within the same family of God. These women were also a mixture of young and old like the first group of ladies and yet they were seeking God's word to fulfil their hopes and aspirations as they continued in the service of the King. These women were not afraid to share with one another and were willing to bring God's word to a fuller understanding within each of their hearts. What a joy! What great love that can develop when we allow God to work among us and to change us.
I have heard teacher's being called facilitators, which mean they basically lead a discussion group. Most times a conclusion is not reached but just a concensus of opinions. I consider myself a teacher because I believe God's word can bring us to understanding and knowledge. That does not mean that I have a full understanding of God's word or wisdom, but together a truth can be reached which is satisfying until the next time we read the scripture again.
Most are afraid to become teachers because of James 3:1-2 which says; "Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgement. For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well." I suppose if you are not following the teachings of Jesus Christ, those verses would set you back. Having the Holy Spirit within enables me and others to teach because we are not in the habit of practicing sin. We are well aware of the stumbling blocks and 'asking forgiveness' is always on our tongues.
I often tell the story of a child walking down the street with his mother. Pulling on her hand, that he was holding, he exclaimed; "Mom, Mom, look there is God!" Pointing across the street he saw his Sunday School teacher. When we teach God's word we could be setting ourselves up for just the same kind of recognition. It is important that as the teacher of God's word, we remember Psalms 25:4-7; Asking the Lord to make known His ways; to teach us His truth; That we should wait upon Him all day; we request that God would remember us with His love and compassion. Skipping down to verse 11; "For thy names sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity, for it is great!"
Most importantly, read Romans 8:12a; "Those who teach, are to teach themselves. If we teach "do not steal", we are not to steal either!" In other words the things we teach against, we should not be doing ourselves! Remember we are to; "Practice what we preach!"
Teaching can cause one to become puffed up, therefore teachers should be careful. I love the verse found in Titus 2:3. "Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good." Also Colossians 3:17 says; "Whatever you do in word and deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Thank you Lord for using me! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/29/08
Monday, September 7, 2009
POT LUCK 9/7/09
Yesterday morning was promotion sunday at my church. I didn't even have to suggest doing it in September! The children being promoted were recognized; and all the teachers presently being a part of the Sunday School, along with those who have taught down through the years. God was to be praised! The Sunday School can make a difference in the life of children of all ages. It can make a difference in all the years of your life.
HIS TRUTH IS MARCHING ON!
I have realized as I get older my mind wonders back to a time before husbands, children, in-laws, employment and even retirement. I had a whole different life! For me it was a good life! For me I was happy and full of promise of what was to come! I have pictures on my walls and cards in albums; I have trinkets and things to cause my mind to go back to another time full of people that I loved. Today I have a computer that has e-mail! Yes; "I get mail!" A year ago I received an e-mail from a member of the youth group I belonged to as a girl. A youthful time that spanned single digits, teens and beyond. I want to share what Wayne has to say about a time that for those who were a part of it, will never be forgotten.
"Dear Junior Church Friends from long ago. We use to sing songs from the small "Victory" spiral song book. Iona Kay, or sometimes her mother would accompany us on the piano. Bashful Jane Ann would sometimes lead our song service. We were taught at that young tender age by our talented minister and his wife on how to lead songs properly. What a Bible and Christian education we had. We use to have Bible quiz's and Bible drills where the first one to find the scripture would stand up and read it. What fun to be the first one to find it! How lucky we were, not to have to sit through a boring adult church service. Today, I still carry my Bible most every Sunday and follow most all scripture readings. I do not have to be told how to find them in my Bible. This also reminds me of Junior High; High School; Friday night rallies; Sunday night sings, especially the Compton Sings; the Mid winter and Spring conferences; and summer camps."
Some of those who grew up within the walls of these youth groups from long before 1947 to 1960 and beyond, are still in touch through a yearly get together. Those who can, go and those who can't will hear about it from those who did. A bond developed amongst those who were led by a variety of leaders who loved the Lord and were willing to share their love with the youth.
One of our main leaders was the pastor; Lertis R. Ellett.
In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus says; "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." I heard a young preacher say that the phrase 'Go ye therefore' literally means; 'As you go.' That would mean as we go along in life we are to teach, baptize and do all that God has commanded of us.
When I was young that was exactly what our youth leaders did. I believe that those I knew and grew up with were prepared to do just that. I don't believe that any of them became missionaries in foreign countries but they all became strong, unbending Christians in the work place and in their homes. I believe that all have made a difference in their communities because of who they became in Christ.
I love the passage in Ephesians 5:1-21 where Paul is giving us instructions to be imitators of God. We are to walk in love! We must walk above reproach in all manner of life! We are not to allow ourselves to be deceived or misled, nor become children of disobedience! We once lived in darkness but now we are to walk as children of light and expose the darkness to the light. We are to always learn what is pleasing to the Lord by doing all things that are visible and do nothing in secret. We are to walk carefully, making the most of our time. Most of all, we are to give thanks for all things, being subject to one another.
Sometimes we think things are wasted on the youth! Nothing is wasted on the youth! All things in love and patience will achieve it's goal if Jesus is the theme. Praise God for those who chose to take Jesus as they go into the world and Praise God for those they meet on the way. Sometimes I've wondered where I would be without the youth group I grew up in; Where would I be without Mr. Ellett? Where would I be without Jesus? Thank you Wayne, for reminding me! Thank you Lord for saving my soul! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/25/08
HIS TRUTH IS MARCHING ON!
I have realized as I get older my mind wonders back to a time before husbands, children, in-laws, employment and even retirement. I had a whole different life! For me it was a good life! For me I was happy and full of promise of what was to come! I have pictures on my walls and cards in albums; I have trinkets and things to cause my mind to go back to another time full of people that I loved. Today I have a computer that has e-mail! Yes; "I get mail!" A year ago I received an e-mail from a member of the youth group I belonged to as a girl. A youthful time that spanned single digits, teens and beyond. I want to share what Wayne has to say about a time that for those who were a part of it, will never be forgotten.
"Dear Junior Church Friends from long ago. We use to sing songs from the small "Victory" spiral song book. Iona Kay, or sometimes her mother would accompany us on the piano. Bashful Jane Ann would sometimes lead our song service. We were taught at that young tender age by our talented minister and his wife on how to lead songs properly. What a Bible and Christian education we had. We use to have Bible quiz's and Bible drills where the first one to find the scripture would stand up and read it. What fun to be the first one to find it! How lucky we were, not to have to sit through a boring adult church service. Today, I still carry my Bible most every Sunday and follow most all scripture readings. I do not have to be told how to find them in my Bible. This also reminds me of Junior High; High School; Friday night rallies; Sunday night sings, especially the Compton Sings; the Mid winter and Spring conferences; and summer camps."
Some of those who grew up within the walls of these youth groups from long before 1947 to 1960 and beyond, are still in touch through a yearly get together. Those who can, go and those who can't will hear about it from those who did. A bond developed amongst those who were led by a variety of leaders who loved the Lord and were willing to share their love with the youth.
One of our main leaders was the pastor; Lertis R. Ellett.
In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus says; "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." I heard a young preacher say that the phrase 'Go ye therefore' literally means; 'As you go.' That would mean as we go along in life we are to teach, baptize and do all that God has commanded of us.
When I was young that was exactly what our youth leaders did. I believe that those I knew and grew up with were prepared to do just that. I don't believe that any of them became missionaries in foreign countries but they all became strong, unbending Christians in the work place and in their homes. I believe that all have made a difference in their communities because of who they became in Christ.
I love the passage in Ephesians 5:1-21 where Paul is giving us instructions to be imitators of God. We are to walk in love! We must walk above reproach in all manner of life! We are not to allow ourselves to be deceived or misled, nor become children of disobedience! We once lived in darkness but now we are to walk as children of light and expose the darkness to the light. We are to always learn what is pleasing to the Lord by doing all things that are visible and do nothing in secret. We are to walk carefully, making the most of our time. Most of all, we are to give thanks for all things, being subject to one another.
Sometimes we think things are wasted on the youth! Nothing is wasted on the youth! All things in love and patience will achieve it's goal if Jesus is the theme. Praise God for those who chose to take Jesus as they go into the world and Praise God for those they meet on the way. Sometimes I've wondered where I would be without the youth group I grew up in; Where would I be without Mr. Ellett? Where would I be without Jesus? Thank you Wayne, for reminding me! Thank you Lord for saving my soul! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/25/08
Friday, September 4, 2009
THE LIGHTHOUSE!
We have many books and calendars that depict the lighthouses of America. Many have become historical monuments and very few are still in operation. My friend Faye was raised in North Carolina where some of her family manned the Okracoke Lighthouse. As she would talk about it her eyes would light up and her voice would be excited. I couldn't help but be mesmerized by her excitement and wished I too could go there one day. I never did! However, my friend Iona Kay and her husband did. They purposely went to NC to see Faye's lighthouse.
Every time Jim would get a new lighthouse book I would quickly thumb through it and scour the index so I could locate the Okracoke Island where Faye's lighthouse stood. Finally, we found it! I couldn't help being disappointed! I always imagined it being stately and regal. Big and tall on the little island; beaming it's warning. Instead it was smaller than most and sort of coned shaped. It was Faye's lighthouse and I loved it. My dear friend passed away many years ago but the picture Jim painted for me, hangs in my bedroom; and her memory in my heart.
Lighthouses have been the scene of mysteries for books, movies, and romance for poems and songs. Stories of long lost love has been passed along the shorelines about the woman in white as she waits for her captain to return from sea. The reality is; a lighthouse was a necessary structure on a shore or coast with a powerful light at the top to guide ships. The base surrounding the lighthouse would become treacherous to any ship approaching and the Captain would look to the lighthouse and was able to turn away from danger.
Today the ships have navigational instruments and buoys which are floating objects moored in shallow water. The lighthouse is not necessary anymore, but still wanted because of the nostalgia that surrounds them. Still wanted because of the mysteries and the stories that cling to them. Still wanted because of what they have meant to the mariner's down through the ages.
Ronnie Hinson gave us one of the most beloved gospel songs ever written. It talks about the lighthouse on the hillside, that overlooks life's sea. he likens the lighthouse that guided ships to safety to a light that shines in darkness to guide a soul that is tossed about in the storms of life. He says; "If it wasn't for the lighthouse, my ship would be no more; And I thank God for the lighthouse. I owe my life to Him. For Jesus is the lighthouse, and from the rocks of sin; He has shone a light around me that I could clearly see; If it wasn't for the lighthouse, tell me, where would this ship be?" When I hear this song sung, I cry! Every time I listen to my brother Lynn singing the first verse with the Gospel Hymns Quartet coming in on the chorus; I cry! Lynn at the age of 28 was given healing and a second change. This last July he became 70 years old!
How many of you readers, were heading down the road of despair, due to illness and/or circumstances beyond your control? How many family members or friends do you know that were/or are living a life of despair? How many of you know what it is like to have been given a second chance due to the lighthouse that brought light into your darkness? How many of you met Jesus while on these roads and were pulled to safety?
"In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in darkness." John 1:4-5a Jesus said; "I am the light of the world, He that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12 "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." John 9:5 "And this is the record, that God hath given, which is eternal life, and this life is in His son." 1 John 5:11 Jesus is the lighthouse of hope in our world of darkness. Only He can turn our despair into hope! "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of our soul!" Hebrews 6:19a "He that has the Son has life; and he that does not have the Son of God does not have life."
1 John 5:12 Does your anchor hold? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/28/09
We have many books and calendars that depict the lighthouses of America. Many have become historical monuments and very few are still in operation. My friend Faye was raised in North Carolina where some of her family manned the Okracoke Lighthouse. As she would talk about it her eyes would light up and her voice would be excited. I couldn't help but be mesmerized by her excitement and wished I too could go there one day. I never did! However, my friend Iona Kay and her husband did. They purposely went to NC to see Faye's lighthouse.
Every time Jim would get a new lighthouse book I would quickly thumb through it and scour the index so I could locate the Okracoke Island where Faye's lighthouse stood. Finally, we found it! I couldn't help being disappointed! I always imagined it being stately and regal. Big and tall on the little island; beaming it's warning. Instead it was smaller than most and sort of coned shaped. It was Faye's lighthouse and I loved it. My dear friend passed away many years ago but the picture Jim painted for me, hangs in my bedroom; and her memory in my heart.
Lighthouses have been the scene of mysteries for books, movies, and romance for poems and songs. Stories of long lost love has been passed along the shorelines about the woman in white as she waits for her captain to return from sea. The reality is; a lighthouse was a necessary structure on a shore or coast with a powerful light at the top to guide ships. The base surrounding the lighthouse would become treacherous to any ship approaching and the Captain would look to the lighthouse and was able to turn away from danger.
Today the ships have navigational instruments and buoys which are floating objects moored in shallow water. The lighthouse is not necessary anymore, but still wanted because of the nostalgia that surrounds them. Still wanted because of the mysteries and the stories that cling to them. Still wanted because of what they have meant to the mariner's down through the ages.
Ronnie Hinson gave us one of the most beloved gospel songs ever written. It talks about the lighthouse on the hillside, that overlooks life's sea. he likens the lighthouse that guided ships to safety to a light that shines in darkness to guide a soul that is tossed about in the storms of life. He says; "If it wasn't for the lighthouse, my ship would be no more; And I thank God for the lighthouse. I owe my life to Him. For Jesus is the lighthouse, and from the rocks of sin; He has shone a light around me that I could clearly see; If it wasn't for the lighthouse, tell me, where would this ship be?" When I hear this song sung, I cry! Every time I listen to my brother Lynn singing the first verse with the Gospel Hymns Quartet coming in on the chorus; I cry! Lynn at the age of 28 was given healing and a second change. This last July he became 70 years old!
How many of you readers, were heading down the road of despair, due to illness and/or circumstances beyond your control? How many family members or friends do you know that were/or are living a life of despair? How many of you know what it is like to have been given a second chance due to the lighthouse that brought light into your darkness? How many of you met Jesus while on these roads and were pulled to safety?
"In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in darkness." John 1:4-5a Jesus said; "I am the light of the world, He that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12 "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." John 9:5 "And this is the record, that God hath given, which is eternal life, and this life is in His son." 1 John 5:11 Jesus is the lighthouse of hope in our world of darkness. Only He can turn our despair into hope! "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of our soul!" Hebrews 6:19a "He that has the Son has life; and he that does not have the Son of God does not have life."
1 John 5:12 Does your anchor hold? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/28/09
Thursday, September 3, 2009
THE SEASHORE!
There are beaches, the warf, the jetty, sandy picnic area's, the pier and docks. These are places we all like to go when we go to the seashore. Before the 20th century these places were always referred to as the seashore. It wasn't until somewhere in the early 1900's and especially in the 50's that you had to specify exactly where you were going. So many places had sprung up on the seashore that it was necessary to identify where you could be found. One of my favorite places was the Redondo Beach Pier in Southern California.
A group of us went to Tony's on the Pier and had clam chowder. After that, when Jim would pick me up after his night class, we would go to Tony's on the Pier for clam chowder. Then we walked around the pier watching the people closing up their fishing paraphernalia; putting their poles away or cleaning their fish. Very romantic! It became one of our favoritie places. The smells, the sound of the seagulls and the lonely sound of the boats, returning from the fishing barge, bring back many fond memories of our courtship smiling days.
Today the sea is referred to as a small body of salt water that is part of the oceans. In the scriptures the Sea of Galilee was a fresh water lake that was fed by the Jordan River, which also flowed out of Galilee and into the Dead Sea. no matter how we picture the sea, the ocean comes into view. Having been in a boat on the Sea of Galilee, I can tell you that it is big; blue and magical as you sit in the middle of this lake and know that Jesus had sat there 2000 years before.
As we read about the beginning of Jesus' ministry we find that He spent a lot of His time at the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Many times we would find Jesus and some of the Apostles in a boat, perhaps to get from one place to another and many times to get away from the crowds that would gather wherever Jesus went. A lot of the New Testament takes place on the shores of the Mediterranean. Paul traveled by boat and so we see that the ocean and sea's were favorite places in the lives of those who we have grown to love and follow.
"And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." "And immediately they left their nets and followed Him. And going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed Him. Mark 1:10-20
A life long learned trade, handed down from generation to generation. A lucrative occupation for they had hired hands on board. As long as the fish were plentiful, their jobs were secured. Along comes the man Jesus and everything changes. They had heard about Him! They had already been influenced by John the Baptist but now; here was this strange man with His strange ways and they couldn't get enough of Him or the things He said and the things He did. When Jesus said come; they went!
They left their nets still needing to be mended. They left their families to follow a man they had just met. They did not know what was ahead, but they felt strongly that they must follow Him. And follow Him is what they did! Then Jesus told His disciples; "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Matthew 15:24-25 The true Christian is dead to the world, to the old life and to the old self. he is alive to God and Christ. This is part of every moment of the Christian. This if a life-principle! Why is it so hard to follow? Why is it? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/27/09
There are beaches, the warf, the jetty, sandy picnic area's, the pier and docks. These are places we all like to go when we go to the seashore. Before the 20th century these places were always referred to as the seashore. It wasn't until somewhere in the early 1900's and especially in the 50's that you had to specify exactly where you were going. So many places had sprung up on the seashore that it was necessary to identify where you could be found. One of my favorite places was the Redondo Beach Pier in Southern California.
A group of us went to Tony's on the Pier and had clam chowder. After that, when Jim would pick me up after his night class, we would go to Tony's on the Pier for clam chowder. Then we walked around the pier watching the people closing up their fishing paraphernalia; putting their poles away or cleaning their fish. Very romantic! It became one of our favoritie places. The smells, the sound of the seagulls and the lonely sound of the boats, returning from the fishing barge, bring back many fond memories of our courtship smiling days.
Today the sea is referred to as a small body of salt water that is part of the oceans. In the scriptures the Sea of Galilee was a fresh water lake that was fed by the Jordan River, which also flowed out of Galilee and into the Dead Sea. no matter how we picture the sea, the ocean comes into view. Having been in a boat on the Sea of Galilee, I can tell you that it is big; blue and magical as you sit in the middle of this lake and know that Jesus had sat there 2000 years before.
As we read about the beginning of Jesus' ministry we find that He spent a lot of His time at the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Many times we would find Jesus and some of the Apostles in a boat, perhaps to get from one place to another and many times to get away from the crowds that would gather wherever Jesus went. A lot of the New Testament takes place on the shores of the Mediterranean. Paul traveled by boat and so we see that the ocean and sea's were favorite places in the lives of those who we have grown to love and follow.
"And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." "And immediately they left their nets and followed Him. And going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed Him. Mark 1:10-20
A life long learned trade, handed down from generation to generation. A lucrative occupation for they had hired hands on board. As long as the fish were plentiful, their jobs were secured. Along comes the man Jesus and everything changes. They had heard about Him! They had already been influenced by John the Baptist but now; here was this strange man with His strange ways and they couldn't get enough of Him or the things He said and the things He did. When Jesus said come; they went!
They left their nets still needing to be mended. They left their families to follow a man they had just met. They did not know what was ahead, but they felt strongly that they must follow Him. And follow Him is what they did! Then Jesus told His disciples; "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Matthew 15:24-25 The true Christian is dead to the world, to the old life and to the old self. he is alive to God and Christ. This is part of every moment of the Christian. This if a life-principle! Why is it so hard to follow? Why is it? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/27/09
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
SANDY LAND!
Years ago the Gospel Hymns Quartet were singing at a Christian Church in Lincoln City on the Oregon coast. Jim and I stayed at a widow's home after the program. She was a gracious hostess and we enjoyed her matter of fact ways. She even had a short wave radio so she could listen into all the police calls. Her home backed up to a small wooded area and on the other side was a sandy beach where the ocean backed into a small cove leaving a private swimming pool for all the homes that curved around the end where her house was.
About 500 ft across from her sandy swimming pool was an island that several homes had been built on. The island was longer than it was wide and of course was surrounded by water. The only way out to those homes was by boat and the only thing on the ground was sand mixed with dirt and not very much vegetation. My first thought was; "How wide was the island when those houses were built?" "Did it start out as a pensinsula?"
On the Florida coast I have seen pictures of homes being built on stilts to keep them above the tides coming in and washing them away. Many Islands along the Atlantic ocean also have homes built on stilts to protect them from the waters below. My question is always; "Why?" Why would people want to build their homes under such precarious conditions? Why would that be attractive or adventurous?
How many new homes being built, later on end up with cracks. you see cracks in the ceilings; cracks in the foundations and cracks on the walls. If you live in California, you say; "These cracks must have been caused by an earthquake!" Some cracks are expected and most can be fixed. You don't have to condemn a fairly new home because of a few cracks.
How many homes have you stayed or lived in that are near the ocean? We lived about 3 miles from the ocean and experienced the fog but the closer you lived to the ocean you experience the dampness that would permeate your whole house and the musty smells that permeated not only your home but your linen's, clothing and furniture. Living near the water affords absolutely breathtaking views. But living near the water has it's drawbacks, also.
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; the rain fell and the floods came; the winds blew and beat upon that house; but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; the floods came; the winds blew and beat against that house and it fail; And great was the fall of it." Matthew 7:24-27
Preceding this passage, Jesus says; "Not everyone who says to me; Lord, Lord will enter the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father." When they explained how righteous they were; Jesus said; "Depart from me, I never knew you!"
Such a state is like living on a sandy land. It is like pretending to be what you are not! It is thinking that the show we put on for others is exactly what is seen by God. All the things we do in secret are made known to Him. We use to sing a chorus about building your house on the sandy land. The tune is lively and words are memorable. It reminds us how we are to build our spiritual home that houses the Holy Spirit. "Don't build your house on the sandy land. Don't build it too near the shore. For it might be kind of nice, but you'll have to build it twice and you'll have to build your house once more. You got to build your house upon the rock. You've got to build a firm foundation on a solid spot. For the storms....may....come and go, but the peace of the Lord you'll know." By Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/26/09
Years ago the Gospel Hymns Quartet were singing at a Christian Church in Lincoln City on the Oregon coast. Jim and I stayed at a widow's home after the program. She was a gracious hostess and we enjoyed her matter of fact ways. She even had a short wave radio so she could listen into all the police calls. Her home backed up to a small wooded area and on the other side was a sandy beach where the ocean backed into a small cove leaving a private swimming pool for all the homes that curved around the end where her house was.
About 500 ft across from her sandy swimming pool was an island that several homes had been built on. The island was longer than it was wide and of course was surrounded by water. The only way out to those homes was by boat and the only thing on the ground was sand mixed with dirt and not very much vegetation. My first thought was; "How wide was the island when those houses were built?" "Did it start out as a pensinsula?"
On the Florida coast I have seen pictures of homes being built on stilts to keep them above the tides coming in and washing them away. Many Islands along the Atlantic ocean also have homes built on stilts to protect them from the waters below. My question is always; "Why?" Why would people want to build their homes under such precarious conditions? Why would that be attractive or adventurous?
How many new homes being built, later on end up with cracks. you see cracks in the ceilings; cracks in the foundations and cracks on the walls. If you live in California, you say; "These cracks must have been caused by an earthquake!" Some cracks are expected and most can be fixed. You don't have to condemn a fairly new home because of a few cracks.
How many homes have you stayed or lived in that are near the ocean? We lived about 3 miles from the ocean and experienced the fog but the closer you lived to the ocean you experience the dampness that would permeate your whole house and the musty smells that permeated not only your home but your linen's, clothing and furniture. Living near the water affords absolutely breathtaking views. But living near the water has it's drawbacks, also.
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; the rain fell and the floods came; the winds blew and beat upon that house; but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; the floods came; the winds blew and beat against that house and it fail; And great was the fall of it." Matthew 7:24-27
Preceding this passage, Jesus says; "Not everyone who says to me; Lord, Lord will enter the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father." When they explained how righteous they were; Jesus said; "Depart from me, I never knew you!"
Such a state is like living on a sandy land. It is like pretending to be what you are not! It is thinking that the show we put on for others is exactly what is seen by God. All the things we do in secret are made known to Him. We use to sing a chorus about building your house on the sandy land. The tune is lively and words are memorable. It reminds us how we are to build our spiritual home that houses the Holy Spirit. "Don't build your house on the sandy land. Don't build it too near the shore. For it might be kind of nice, but you'll have to build it twice and you'll have to build your house once more. You got to build your house upon the rock. You've got to build a firm foundation on a solid spot. For the storms....may....come and go, but the peace of the Lord you'll know." By Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/26/09
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
DRIFTWOOD!
As you drive along the Pacific Ocean coast line it is continually changing. Along the California coast you see sandy beaches with beach combers and surfers soaking in the warm water and the California sun. Further on up you find huge rocks here and there on which seagulls land for a rest from their flight. Up and down the Pacific coast, there are picturesque views.
The Oregon coast line is mostly for those who are beach combers, hunting for clams, shells and taking pictures. Among our first visits to the Oregon coast we found driftwood. Lots and lots of driftwood. You could almost say the beaches in the southern part of the Oregon coast is a graveyard for driftwood. I loved climbing over the huge pieces looking for just the right ones to put in my yard. On several trips, our trunk would be full of driftwood!
Oregon and Washington use to be known for their Logging Industry and the many Mills that refined the tree's into lumber. The process was putting the logs into water and then later they used sprinkler's to keep them wet. Water always moves down stream and hence the logs, branches and pieces would break lose and head further down stream until they would eventually end up on some beach ready for the driftwood harvest.
Today, you can buy driftwood on line. Driftwood that had been found all the way from Canada down and around Mexico and on and on and on. Fir; Cedar; Spruce; Hemlock, to name a few. Being sculptured by nature and time they have become a profitable commodity. The Logging Industry and many Mills have closed but driftwood is growing. You can even buy mountain driftwood which has a weathered look fitting it's terrain. Most pieces exhibit a muscular grain and some show intricate boring's of insects.
Many times we are like driftwood. We allow ourselves to drift along with waves of indifference and complacency. We allow ourselves to be carried along by circumstances we feel are beyond our control. We drift and when we find ourselves cast upon the shores of deviation we are surprised and wonder; "How did we get this far?" Many times we drift because we are dreamers. Reality is not our game! But reality is life!
"Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it." Hebrews 2:1 In grade school I was a dreamer. The teacher would be speaking and I would be looking out the window and my mind would drift to anything and everything that had nothing to do with what the teacher was saying. I dreaded tests! "Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God." Ecclesiastes 5:7 I thank the Lord for the day I met Jesus. I thank the Lord for taking my life and giving me purpose and direction!
"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings; for it is well that the heart be strengthened by grace, not by food which have no value." Hebrews 13:7-9 Become like Christ who speaks to us through His word. Imitate and emulate the lives of the Apostles. Make their faith your own!
"You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, beware lest you be carried away with the error of lawless men and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2Peter 3:17-18 Let's don't be drifters now or ever. Let's put on Christ and keep on course.
When drifting along with the current, it is easy to find yourself cast off course. When we belong to Christ, we are free to become the person God wants us to be. We are free to stand tall and say; "I belong to Christ and He belongs to me!" By Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/25/09
As you drive along the Pacific Ocean coast line it is continually changing. Along the California coast you see sandy beaches with beach combers and surfers soaking in the warm water and the California sun. Further on up you find huge rocks here and there on which seagulls land for a rest from their flight. Up and down the Pacific coast, there are picturesque views.
The Oregon coast line is mostly for those who are beach combers, hunting for clams, shells and taking pictures. Among our first visits to the Oregon coast we found driftwood. Lots and lots of driftwood. You could almost say the beaches in the southern part of the Oregon coast is a graveyard for driftwood. I loved climbing over the huge pieces looking for just the right ones to put in my yard. On several trips, our trunk would be full of driftwood!
Oregon and Washington use to be known for their Logging Industry and the many Mills that refined the tree's into lumber. The process was putting the logs into water and then later they used sprinkler's to keep them wet. Water always moves down stream and hence the logs, branches and pieces would break lose and head further down stream until they would eventually end up on some beach ready for the driftwood harvest.
Today, you can buy driftwood on line. Driftwood that had been found all the way from Canada down and around Mexico and on and on and on. Fir; Cedar; Spruce; Hemlock, to name a few. Being sculptured by nature and time they have become a profitable commodity. The Logging Industry and many Mills have closed but driftwood is growing. You can even buy mountain driftwood which has a weathered look fitting it's terrain. Most pieces exhibit a muscular grain and some show intricate boring's of insects.
Many times we are like driftwood. We allow ourselves to drift along with waves of indifference and complacency. We allow ourselves to be carried along by circumstances we feel are beyond our control. We drift and when we find ourselves cast upon the shores of deviation we are surprised and wonder; "How did we get this far?" Many times we drift because we are dreamers. Reality is not our game! But reality is life!
"Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it." Hebrews 2:1 In grade school I was a dreamer. The teacher would be speaking and I would be looking out the window and my mind would drift to anything and everything that had nothing to do with what the teacher was saying. I dreaded tests! "Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God." Ecclesiastes 5:7 I thank the Lord for the day I met Jesus. I thank the Lord for taking my life and giving me purpose and direction!
"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings; for it is well that the heart be strengthened by grace, not by food which have no value." Hebrews 13:7-9 Become like Christ who speaks to us through His word. Imitate and emulate the lives of the Apostles. Make their faith your own!
"You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, beware lest you be carried away with the error of lawless men and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2Peter 3:17-18 Let's don't be drifters now or ever. Let's put on Christ and keep on course.
When drifting along with the current, it is easy to find yourself cast off course. When we belong to Christ, we are free to become the person God wants us to be. We are free to stand tall and say; "I belong to Christ and He belongs to me!" By Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/25/09
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