DO YOU live in a “whatever” world? I saw this line in a recent Lookout,published by Standard Publishing Company. I can’t remember when I began to hear “whatever” but I remember how angry I would feel when it was said to me. It was mostly young people who would respond with “whatever” when they were asked to do something; to go somewhere; and even when they were called to the dinner table. Yes, I know; many don’t use the dinner table anymore.
EVEN MY children used this term and usually it was said out of their own frustrations not necessarily as a derogatory comment toward me. However, it made me angry all the same! For the most part you wouldn’t consider the words “whatever” as a slang but I think it became a slang word. According to Webster it means; “Anything at all which, as whatever you may require.” Doesn’t sound anger inducing, but the way it is said does.
IF YOU take the word ‘what’, Webster says; that it is a word of wonder. For instance; “what do you think?; what do you want?; do what I say; it is only what was to be expected;” etc, etc, etc! Now the word ever is a little puzzling. Webster says; “At any time; at all times; ever so, very, very much.”
WHEN I HEAR someone say “whatever” as a response, I feel it comes across as a negative response. They are saying; “I don’t want to do that but I don’t have a choice in the matter!” “Whatever,” happened to; “whatever you say; Let’s do it; Okay!” With a little lilt in your voice the person who is asking feels great and the person responding obviously, feels great also. Together a great time is just ahead, I am sure!
“WHATEVER you do, in word or deed; do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 Now this is a positive way to use that word, isn’t it? Here is another one; “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might!” Ecclesiastes 9:10 One of my most favorite is; “Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 Now if I could only pay closer attention to my eating!
“I CAN do anything I want to if Christ has not said no, but some of these things aren’t good for me. Even if I am allowed to do them, I’ll refuse to, if I think they might get such a grip on me that I can’t easily stop when I want to. For instance, take the matter of eating. God has given us an appetite for food and stomachs to digest it. But that doesn’t mean we should eat more than we need. Don’t think of eating as important, because some day God will do away with both stomachs and food.” (The Living Bible) 1 Corinthians 6:12-13
“YOU KNOW the old saying, “First you eat to live, and then you live to eat”? Well, it may be true that the body is only a temporary thing, but that’s no excuse for stuffing your body with food, or indulging it with sex. Since the Master honors you with a body, honor him with your body!” (The Message) 1 Corinthians 6:13
LIVING IN a “whatever” world doesn’t give us a licence to do whatever we want or to say whatever we want. When we live as the world does we have said “whatever” to Christ instead of saying “yes” to Him. “ We labor to please God because we will be judged by what we do; good or bad! 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 We know that works cannot save us but this scripture says we are to work to please God and He will look at all we have done. I am glad that I find it a pleasure to labor for the Lord; no matter the task! Pay attention to how you respond to others and consider the effect it has on your Christian walk. Take care to bring honor to Him who found you worthy! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 3/26/11
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
LONG MAY YOUR FLAG WAVE! 3/20/11
LIVING as many years as I have, I have seen flags waving from long, tall poles in front of public buildings; businesses; and smaller poles at private homes. It is not my practice to complain about peoples homes or how they keep their lawns. Usually my eyes are drawn to the flag, when there is one waving in the breeze. I love the sight of the American flag. I love the thoughts that it conjures up in my minds eye. I love the way it makes me feel! Patriotism is not dead!
WHEN I go into a public building I always check to see if the American flag is in place; even in the church! There, the American flag should be at my left and the Christian flag to my right as I face the platform. Did you know that? There are many rules regarding the American flag and personally I feel we should adhere to those rules regarding “Old Glory”; but sadly today, many find it fashionable to trample on it; to burn it in effigy, and even to fly it when it is totally destroyed by the elements. When the flag is ready to be destroyed, it should be by fire and reverently. I volunteered to do that for Goodwill. I took them home to be burned in our burning barrel. I burned one flag and cried all the way through it. I took the others back and said they would have to get someone else to do this.
DID YOU know that Betsy Ross, a seamstress, was asked to make the first flag because she impressed George Washington and his committee of three, with her ability of cutting out a 5 pointed star in a single snip? A little woman, who lived in a little house would be remembered down through the ages, for creating one of the nation’s most widely recognized symbols.
I REMEMBER attending a Memorial service at the White City Domiciliary where my brother Lynn was the guest speaker. As part of the service, many tattered and torn, bullet ridden flags were on display. They were part of an American history traveling display. Many tears were shed that day as we viewed these precious memento’s of our sacred past. I would have been proud to fly one of those totally ragged flags from my flag pole. The sacrifice was evident and no sign of forgetfulness or desecration that we see from flag poles today.
DID YOU know that in the fourth stanza of our National Anthem it says “And this be our motto; In God is our Trust.” The United States adopted “In God we Trust” as it’s national motto in 1956. Today, there are those who wish to abolished that along with the flag. The flag that was still standing, was about 30' x 42 3/4' and is presently hanging in the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. My sister Joyce and I stood before it and sang the Stars Spangle Banner and cried.
WE USE the term; patriotic, to show our allegiance to our Country and it’s rule. In Christianity we hear the term; fanatic which indicates one who is overzealous for a cause or belief. Sort of like being patriotic isn’t it? I remember as a girl being told I was a fanatic because I wanted to be at church, in the youth group and I even joined a club at school called Campus Fellowship. It use to make me a little embarrassed! Today, I agree I am a fanatic for Christ; aren’t you? “For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed.” Mark 8:38a
I HAVE a cross to the right of my front door. It sets it the corner so it can be seen from the street. You could call that, my flag for my fanaticism, sort of like patriotism when waving my American flag. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to every one who has faith.” Romans 1:16a Yes, I know whom I believe and I am persuaded that He will keep me until He returns. Are you a Patriot? Are you a fanatic? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 3/19/11
WHEN I go into a public building I always check to see if the American flag is in place; even in the church! There, the American flag should be at my left and the Christian flag to my right as I face the platform. Did you know that? There are many rules regarding the American flag and personally I feel we should adhere to those rules regarding “Old Glory”; but sadly today, many find it fashionable to trample on it; to burn it in effigy, and even to fly it when it is totally destroyed by the elements. When the flag is ready to be destroyed, it should be by fire and reverently. I volunteered to do that for Goodwill. I took them home to be burned in our burning barrel. I burned one flag and cried all the way through it. I took the others back and said they would have to get someone else to do this.
DID YOU know that Betsy Ross, a seamstress, was asked to make the first flag because she impressed George Washington and his committee of three, with her ability of cutting out a 5 pointed star in a single snip? A little woman, who lived in a little house would be remembered down through the ages, for creating one of the nation’s most widely recognized symbols.
I REMEMBER attending a Memorial service at the White City Domiciliary where my brother Lynn was the guest speaker. As part of the service, many tattered and torn, bullet ridden flags were on display. They were part of an American history traveling display. Many tears were shed that day as we viewed these precious memento’s of our sacred past. I would have been proud to fly one of those totally ragged flags from my flag pole. The sacrifice was evident and no sign of forgetfulness or desecration that we see from flag poles today.
DID YOU know that in the fourth stanza of our National Anthem it says “And this be our motto; In God is our Trust.” The United States adopted “In God we Trust” as it’s national motto in 1956. Today, there are those who wish to abolished that along with the flag. The flag that was still standing, was about 30' x 42 3/4' and is presently hanging in the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. My sister Joyce and I stood before it and sang the Stars Spangle Banner and cried.
WE USE the term; patriotic, to show our allegiance to our Country and it’s rule. In Christianity we hear the term; fanatic which indicates one who is overzealous for a cause or belief. Sort of like being patriotic isn’t it? I remember as a girl being told I was a fanatic because I wanted to be at church, in the youth group and I even joined a club at school called Campus Fellowship. It use to make me a little embarrassed! Today, I agree I am a fanatic for Christ; aren’t you? “For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed.” Mark 8:38a
I HAVE a cross to the right of my front door. It sets it the corner so it can be seen from the street. You could call that, my flag for my fanaticism, sort of like patriotism when waving my American flag. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to every one who has faith.” Romans 1:16a Yes, I know whom I believe and I am persuaded that He will keep me until He returns. Are you a Patriot? Are you a fanatic? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 3/19/11
Sunday, March 13, 2011
SPRING TRAINING! 3/13/11
WHEN I WAS A GIRL, I remember hearing; “In the spring, a young man’s fancy turns to love!” Now I don’t know if that is true or not! But every year around this time, about 30 ball teams in the USA find themselves in “spring training!” Lots of trading is going on and I hear tell that Manny is no longer with the LA Dodgers but perhaps in Texas. When you got it, you got it, but when you are passed around, you don’t got it as much anymore.
I HAVE TO ADMIT when Manny was hitting good I found that exciting, but then I would notice how slow he was in left field and I wondered why he was worth so much. Years ago the salaries were not as great and when the players retired they either invested and did well or spent most of it and had trouble keeping up with the Jones. One thing most of the old timers had was pizzaz. Most of them were decent kind of guys and most kids that found a ball player they could idolize, found they had many to choose from. Today, not so much!
IT USE TO BE called America’s favorite past time. It went with fried chicken, corn on the cob and Mom’s apple pie. My brother’s loved playing base ball and so did my husband; who would probably give his old baseball mitt, if he could play third base just one more time. However, that would have to be over my dead body! My three grandson’s were a lot of fun to watch but my son Danny, was never interested. He could run; he could throw but he never was too keen on sports or being involved in any competitive activity.
COME TO THINK OF IT, I never like being in competition either. I wouldn’t run for office unless I thought it was a sure thing or I really didn’t care if I won or not. I tried out for a talent show once and didn’t make it so never would try again. Why waste my time or anybody else’. One thing I am sure of, if you want to be a part of the team you must keep up your skills with practice, knowledge and taking care of your body through strength training.
“DO YOU NOT KNOW that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Well, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air; but I pummel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
PRACTICE MAY NOT make perfect but it does give you a fighting chance. “Look to yourselves, that you may not lose what you have worked for, but may win a full reward.” 2 John 8 Paul says we must exercise our self control and John says we must not lose what we have worked for. Do you realize that it is your faith in Jesus Christ that is working through you in love. ”You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?” Galatians 5:7
I AM NOT athletically inclined but I am physically, mentally, and spiritually involved in what Paul calls “the good fight!” He says; “I have won the race!” I am competing against Satan while I am playing on God’s team. It is a moment by moment series of thought provoking, sharpening tools, with play by play blows. What is my goal? It is bringing the sinner out of the darkness of the world, into the light of God’s kingdom.
“BUT I DO NOT count my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the grace of God.” Acts 20:24 It is important for professional ball players to have spring training. It is even more critical for the Christian to begin their daily battle for Christ by putting on their full armor and remember, to never leave home without it. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 3/12/11
I HAVE TO ADMIT when Manny was hitting good I found that exciting, but then I would notice how slow he was in left field and I wondered why he was worth so much. Years ago the salaries were not as great and when the players retired they either invested and did well or spent most of it and had trouble keeping up with the Jones. One thing most of the old timers had was pizzaz. Most of them were decent kind of guys and most kids that found a ball player they could idolize, found they had many to choose from. Today, not so much!
IT USE TO BE called America’s favorite past time. It went with fried chicken, corn on the cob and Mom’s apple pie. My brother’s loved playing base ball and so did my husband; who would probably give his old baseball mitt, if he could play third base just one more time. However, that would have to be over my dead body! My three grandson’s were a lot of fun to watch but my son Danny, was never interested. He could run; he could throw but he never was too keen on sports or being involved in any competitive activity.
COME TO THINK OF IT, I never like being in competition either. I wouldn’t run for office unless I thought it was a sure thing or I really didn’t care if I won or not. I tried out for a talent show once and didn’t make it so never would try again. Why waste my time or anybody else’. One thing I am sure of, if you want to be a part of the team you must keep up your skills with practice, knowledge and taking care of your body through strength training.
“DO YOU NOT KNOW that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Well, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air; but I pummel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
PRACTICE MAY NOT make perfect but it does give you a fighting chance. “Look to yourselves, that you may not lose what you have worked for, but may win a full reward.” 2 John 8 Paul says we must exercise our self control and John says we must not lose what we have worked for. Do you realize that it is your faith in Jesus Christ that is working through you in love. ”You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?” Galatians 5:7
I AM NOT athletically inclined but I am physically, mentally, and spiritually involved in what Paul calls “the good fight!” He says; “I have won the race!” I am competing against Satan while I am playing on God’s team. It is a moment by moment series of thought provoking, sharpening tools, with play by play blows. What is my goal? It is bringing the sinner out of the darkness of the world, into the light of God’s kingdom.
“BUT I DO NOT count my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the grace of God.” Acts 20:24 It is important for professional ball players to have spring training. It is even more critical for the Christian to begin their daily battle for Christ by putting on their full armor and remember, to never leave home without it. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 3/12/11
Sunday, March 6, 2011
IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU! 3/6/11
WHAT was the best decision you made this past week? Did it involve only you? Were you asked to do something that someone else could have done? My answers would be; I don’t know, to all three questions. I don’t think in terms of the best decision because usually when I decide to do something it is because it needs to be done or I just want to do it. Usually if Jim is okay with it, he does it with me!
IN A WOMEN’S study called “You’ve Got What it Takes; ” by Dr. Judy Hamlin, there is a section called “Life out of balance”. I have used the illustration given with walnuts and rice; sometimes with ping pong balls and beans. When you put all the ping pong balls or the walnuts into the empty mayonnaise jar you have plenty of room to add the rice or beans. If you do it in the reverse the jar fills up with rice or beans and there is barely enough room for anything else.
WHEN it is all about us we have a tendency to fill our lives with all the things we want. Things that make us happy; wanted; beautiful/handsome. We don’t really think about anyone else, just what pleases us. I call that age; the 1 to 5 syndrome! Some never seem to grow up!
I HAVE made two very important decisions, in my life, that changed the directions I could have gone in! The first one was when I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior when I was 9 years old. I took it personally! I have wandered, but never far enough to be lost in the shuffle of life. The second was when I accepted Jim’s proposal of marriage. I was old enough! I was ready for children! I was scared to death! But he said he loved me and I believed him!
THE BALANCE of life is when you learn about Jesus Christ. When you have Jesus in your everyday life you can walk perpendicular; upright, vertical! You will have time for God’s priorities for you. I can hear you ask; what are those priorities? Let’s look at God’s word!
“THEN Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1 “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of scriptures, to preaching and to teaching.” 1 Timothy 4:13 “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Being a servant of God means we are to be prepared and we can only do that by reading His word and talking to Him. Telling others of those things we have learned!
“BE DRESSED, ready for service and keep your lamps burning.” Luke 12:35 You must manage your own family well and see that your children obey their mothers and fathers with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can He take care of God’s family.)” 1 Timothy 3:4-5 “If anyone does not provide for his relatives and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8
LET’S put some of these in perspective! God, family, church, work, service, friends, organizations, school and your list could go on and on and on. When our life is in balance the first 7 ping ball balls could be; God, family, church, service, friends, organizations, school and all the beans you add, are all of the everyday things that you do; you want to do; and things you thought you never could do.
WE DON’T always make the right decisions; nor do we always do the right things; we are vulnerable to our own desires. Evaluate your time; identify areas you need to work on. I have never regretted my first two decisions. I have never felt burned out or inadequate! God has shown me how to do all the things that I have been asked to do, not to mention all the things that I have asked to do. Remember that in “2011, God has given us all the time we need, to do all the things He wants us to, as we continue our journey to heaven. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 3/5/11
IN A WOMEN’S study called “You’ve Got What it Takes; ” by Dr. Judy Hamlin, there is a section called “Life out of balance”. I have used the illustration given with walnuts and rice; sometimes with ping pong balls and beans. When you put all the ping pong balls or the walnuts into the empty mayonnaise jar you have plenty of room to add the rice or beans. If you do it in the reverse the jar fills up with rice or beans and there is barely enough room for anything else.
WHEN it is all about us we have a tendency to fill our lives with all the things we want. Things that make us happy; wanted; beautiful/handsome. We don’t really think about anyone else, just what pleases us. I call that age; the 1 to 5 syndrome! Some never seem to grow up!
I HAVE made two very important decisions, in my life, that changed the directions I could have gone in! The first one was when I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior when I was 9 years old. I took it personally! I have wandered, but never far enough to be lost in the shuffle of life. The second was when I accepted Jim’s proposal of marriage. I was old enough! I was ready for children! I was scared to death! But he said he loved me and I believed him!
THE BALANCE of life is when you learn about Jesus Christ. When you have Jesus in your everyday life you can walk perpendicular; upright, vertical! You will have time for God’s priorities for you. I can hear you ask; what are those priorities? Let’s look at God’s word!
“THEN Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1 “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of scriptures, to preaching and to teaching.” 1 Timothy 4:13 “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Being a servant of God means we are to be prepared and we can only do that by reading His word and talking to Him. Telling others of those things we have learned!
“BE DRESSED, ready for service and keep your lamps burning.” Luke 12:35 You must manage your own family well and see that your children obey their mothers and fathers with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can He take care of God’s family.)” 1 Timothy 3:4-5 “If anyone does not provide for his relatives and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8
LET’S put some of these in perspective! God, family, church, work, service, friends, organizations, school and your list could go on and on and on. When our life is in balance the first 7 ping ball balls could be; God, family, church, service, friends, organizations, school and all the beans you add, are all of the everyday things that you do; you want to do; and things you thought you never could do.
WE DON’T always make the right decisions; nor do we always do the right things; we are vulnerable to our own desires. Evaluate your time; identify areas you need to work on. I have never regretted my first two decisions. I have never felt burned out or inadequate! God has shown me how to do all the things that I have been asked to do, not to mention all the things that I have asked to do. Remember that in “2011, God has given us all the time we need, to do all the things He wants us to, as we continue our journey to heaven. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 3/5/11
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