Saturday, April 28, 2012
WHOSE TABLE DO YOU SIT AT? 4/29/12
ON OUR recent trip to celebrate with both our families, we were treated to breakfast at my sister Joetta’s home, which was prepared by her daughter Leslie. Swedish pancakes! After a lively discussion of “these are not crepes, these are Swedish pancakes; I felt inclined to write a blog! This happens often, and because this statement blind sided me, I knew I had to investigate. “Is there a difference?” Depends on what part of the world you come from.
MY OTHER niece Jill, was there, and I knew she made “crepes!” I kept calling Leslie’s Swedish pancakes; crepes! I saw thin pancakes and my “know it all instinct”said crepes to me. I am willing to call them Swedish pancakes because they were oh so good! Very thin; with Lingolnberry jam spread on them and then rolled up; sprinkled on top with powdered sugar; very exotic. Oh my!
OF COURSE I went on the internet and read all about them. Come to find out there are variations all over the world, but they all come down to one thing; they are very thin pancakes! However, no one can make them as much fun as Leslie. She has style; flair and uses the Lingolnberry jam. She has a story, but mostly what she has is her style! What is pictured on the plate and what happens in the mouth makes all the difference in the world, and it tells the tale. You can’t deny how good they look and taste. You can’t deny how personable the breakfast chef is!
JIM AND I love our families! Our visits are always special! We hate to leave but always take with us the warmth and smells of the times spent together. God says we are to love one another within the church body but He also says we are to love and honor those within the family. The pastor of my youth, gave Jim and me a small blue book that I have used through the years in lessons taught. Beatitudes for the Family by Leland Foster Woods. I use two of them in this Morning Glory.
THE MAIN AIMS! “Happy is the family whose members know what a home is for, and keep the main aims in view. Who give more thought to affection than to the shelter that houses it; and more attention to persons than to the things amid which they live. For a home is shelter for love and a setting for joy and growth, rather than a place to be kept up. It is a hallowed place, to which its member shall turn with a lifting of the heart.”
GROWING up in such large families has given Jim and me an edge in family life. We know how to share and to help. We know how to care for and to love. We know the idiosyncracies and the desires of each heart. We laugh together, we cry together. We share in each others pains and joys. A family such as ours, keeps in touch with one another with support and concerns. So sad that the world does not know how family love helps one another to grow and bond in this life.
THE CHURCH is taught to love one another; pretty much as a family is to love one another. The bond that holds the church together in love, is Jesus Christ. “O taste and see that the Lord is good! Happy is the man who takes refuge in Him!” When we put our trust in the Lord, we find that we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. In our earthly family our Mothers and Fathers were the glue that oozed out upon the family. When the Mother and Father are gone, which is the case for Jim and me; family becomes the bond that holds us in an embrace that should never break.
UNLESS our family is grounded in the Church of our Lord, our embrace becomes fickle. We become insecure with all relationships. We flounder in the world of separation. “The Church, a Larger Family!” Happy is the church that is a larger family, whose members trust one another and share imperishable treasures. Who do not ignore, nor criticize one another, but seek the good together and find it in their midst. They shall know God better because they love one another and in vitality of fellowship, they shall find the depths of truth.” What is pictured at God’s table and what happens when we taste and see, makes all the difference in the world, and it tells the tale. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/25/12
Saturday, April 14, 2012
AGAIN, I SAY REJOICE! 4/15/12
I HAVE HEARD many times how Paul must have disliked women. The Word doesn’t indicate he was ever married; or that he had a following of women. But I am here to tell you that he understood women almost as much as Jesus did! I love the position that Paul describes for a man and a woman. I love how he has taken the burden off of me and placed it upon Jim’s shoulders. It has not taken anything from me, but has given so much!
“I PERMIT no woman to teach or to have authority over men; she is to keep silent.” 1 Timothy 2:12 When the church was first beginning many conditions had to be put into place so there would be order. God placed men in authority, not only in submission to Christ as the head of the church, but over the women in his life and the women of the church. As the church began to move, women became more prominent, and Paul was there, as some women became teachers.
I SIT in many Bible Studies! Jim is usually there with me! Open discussion are always part of the program. Even though I have a verse on my office wall, that reads; “Set a guard over my mouth, O lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3; I still have a tendency, to need, to be heard. I want them to know that either I agree or I don’t. Jim is patient, Jim is kind, Jim is loving and I have to admit for the most part, he allows me, to be me! On occasion his hand says; enough!
ONE OF MY favorite New Testament stories is about Priscilla and Aquila. Paul developed a relationship with these two. They shared the same business, tent making, and so they spent a lot of time together. When Apollos comes into the picture the scriptures say; “He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and explained to him the way of God more accurately.” Acts 18:26
PAUL DID NOT find this contrary to his teaching of a woman’s place in the church. For one thing she was acting under the authority of her husband. God had blessed her with boldness and proper instructions. She was confident and capable. I don’t line myself along with Priscilla but I have a need to do what I do. God is why I do and say the things I do and say. Jim has given me authority and restraint. And as long as God is willing, I will keep trying!
I HAVE A FRIEND, her name is Donna. I met her almost 6 or 7 years ago. I learned from her how to pray positively. It is so simple and yet refined! I was reminded of her as I read Philippians once again. “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 Pray with thanksgiving! Anticipate God’s answer; one way or another!
DONNA would end just about every prayer with; “And thank you God for what you are going to do!” God says to give thanks up front! God says make it personal today! God says when you pray in my will, my will, will be done. Believers are to pray with thanksgiving for the perfect answer,they know God will give them, in response to their petitions.
AN EFFECTIVE prayer must be accompanied by thanksgiving, which means that we thank God for the answer as soon as we have asked. This kind of prayer brings a peace which passes all understanding because it is independent of circumstances and rests upon the perfection and love of God Himself.
EVER since I began to take my time in prayer by walking and talking to God, my prayer life has taken on a new dimension. It is true that God is continuing a good work in everyone of us. However, we must pay attention! Paul says; “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9 Having men in our lives who love the Lord, helps us to Rejoice in the Lord always! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/9/12
“I PERMIT no woman to teach or to have authority over men; she is to keep silent.” 1 Timothy 2:12 When the church was first beginning many conditions had to be put into place so there would be order. God placed men in authority, not only in submission to Christ as the head of the church, but over the women in his life and the women of the church. As the church began to move, women became more prominent, and Paul was there, as some women became teachers.
I SIT in many Bible Studies! Jim is usually there with me! Open discussion are always part of the program. Even though I have a verse on my office wall, that reads; “Set a guard over my mouth, O lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3; I still have a tendency, to need, to be heard. I want them to know that either I agree or I don’t. Jim is patient, Jim is kind, Jim is loving and I have to admit for the most part, he allows me, to be me! On occasion his hand says; enough!
ONE OF MY favorite New Testament stories is about Priscilla and Aquila. Paul developed a relationship with these two. They shared the same business, tent making, and so they spent a lot of time together. When Apollos comes into the picture the scriptures say; “He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and explained to him the way of God more accurately.” Acts 18:26
PAUL DID NOT find this contrary to his teaching of a woman’s place in the church. For one thing she was acting under the authority of her husband. God had blessed her with boldness and proper instructions. She was confident and capable. I don’t line myself along with Priscilla but I have a need to do what I do. God is why I do and say the things I do and say. Jim has given me authority and restraint. And as long as God is willing, I will keep trying!
I HAVE A FRIEND, her name is Donna. I met her almost 6 or 7 years ago. I learned from her how to pray positively. It is so simple and yet refined! I was reminded of her as I read Philippians once again. “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 Pray with thanksgiving! Anticipate God’s answer; one way or another!
DONNA would end just about every prayer with; “And thank you God for what you are going to do!” God says to give thanks up front! God says make it personal today! God says when you pray in my will, my will, will be done. Believers are to pray with thanksgiving for the perfect answer,they know God will give them, in response to their petitions.
AN EFFECTIVE prayer must be accompanied by thanksgiving, which means that we thank God for the answer as soon as we have asked. This kind of prayer brings a peace which passes all understanding because it is independent of circumstances and rests upon the perfection and love of God Himself.
EVER since I began to take my time in prayer by walking and talking to God, my prayer life has taken on a new dimension. It is true that God is continuing a good work in everyone of us. However, we must pay attention! Paul says; “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9 Having men in our lives who love the Lord, helps us to Rejoice in the Lord always! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/9/12
Saturday, April 7, 2012
CAN IT BE TRUE? 4/8/12
I CANNOT count how many times I must have said that. I have
no idea how many times that thought, has floated around in my head. Can it be true! Why is it we just can’t believe something even while it is happening? When Jim asked me to marry him, I asked myself; can this be true? Jim wants to marry me? Why me? I can’t believe this! Can this really be true?
WHEN WE decided to buy a house I could hardly believe that we were going to own a home. When the Doctor said; I was pregnant, the first thing that entered my head was; “ really? “ And the second and third, oh my; I am a Mom! Usually when we think these things it is because it is a good thing that is happening to us.
I SUPPOSE if we ever bought a lottery ticket and won, the first thing we would say is; I can’t believe it! And then it would be; “ What do we do now!” It would be fun to know, what we would think or say; but then we will never know, because the first thing you have to do is buy a ticket!
WHEN JESUS began His earthly ministry, and called the twelve, they must have thought; “can this be the one; can it be true?” They weren’t sure, but they dropped everything they knew, and followed Him. What would you have done back in the day, if Jesus came your way and said; “follow me!” Would you have hesitated or wondered; “is this guy for real!”
WHEN MY brother Layton and then Larry died, I thought; “this can’t be happening!” But I knew it was true! No one tells you these kind of things unless it is true! When Jesus carried His cross up the via Dolorosa, while the crowds pushed and shoved, do you suppose they were thinking; “this just can’t be happening;” not to Jesus! Why Jesus! But then, they were there; they saw it all!
AS THE CROWD Shuddered at the scene before them, they were witnesses to the pounding of the nails. They witnessed His poor battered body being laid upon the old rugged cross and then it was stood up, and dropped into place in the middle of two guilty thieves. The crowd believed what they saw, but they couldn’t believe it was actually happening. They didn’t want to believe it!
WHEN the sun rose on the third day, the tomb was found empty. Jesus wasn’t there and again they wondered; “can this be true?” “Did some one take Him away?” The men said He was alive! Oh how they wanted to believe! “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 What the women and later on the men saw, was not a faith situation. What they witnessed was real; and because God had it written down, we read about it in God’s Word today. No one told them; they saw! We have not seen but we have read their witness.
MANY look about as the Christian world celebrates Easter and say; show me how the candy and bunny rabbits, the pretty clothes and shoes can bring me salvation? Show me how this man Jesus can save me! Show me where I can find the peace that shields from the catastrophic events of this world. Show me, make me believe, I want what you have, but make me believe! Show me! Show me!
WE CAN show and tell, till we are blue in the face. But according to Paul, “Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ.” Romans 10:17 Paul continues with; “But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have heard!” their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” Romans 10:18
WE HAVE a story to tell. What we have heard through the teaching of the Word; what we read for ourselves in God’s Word; and however it is conveyed to us, the Word of God is indispensable to salvation. In Christ’s day, the people believed because they saw! He is alive they said! Jesus is alive! They ate with Him, they talked with Him, they walked with Him and the people became alive!
JESUS said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” John 20:29 Can it be true? Yes, it is true! His miracles are still evident and the power of His love is yours! Jesus says; “come!” By Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/2/12 HAVE A HAPPY EASTER!
no idea how many times that thought, has floated around in my head. Can it be true! Why is it we just can’t believe something even while it is happening? When Jim asked me to marry him, I asked myself; can this be true? Jim wants to marry me? Why me? I can’t believe this! Can this really be true?
WHEN WE decided to buy a house I could hardly believe that we were going to own a home. When the Doctor said; I was pregnant, the first thing that entered my head was; “ really? “ And the second and third, oh my; I am a Mom! Usually when we think these things it is because it is a good thing that is happening to us.
I SUPPOSE if we ever bought a lottery ticket and won, the first thing we would say is; I can’t believe it! And then it would be; “ What do we do now!” It would be fun to know, what we would think or say; but then we will never know, because the first thing you have to do is buy a ticket!
WHEN JESUS began His earthly ministry, and called the twelve, they must have thought; “can this be the one; can it be true?” They weren’t sure, but they dropped everything they knew, and followed Him. What would you have done back in the day, if Jesus came your way and said; “follow me!” Would you have hesitated or wondered; “is this guy for real!”
WHEN MY brother Layton and then Larry died, I thought; “this can’t be happening!” But I knew it was true! No one tells you these kind of things unless it is true! When Jesus carried His cross up the via Dolorosa, while the crowds pushed and shoved, do you suppose they were thinking; “this just can’t be happening;” not to Jesus! Why Jesus! But then, they were there; they saw it all!
AS THE CROWD Shuddered at the scene before them, they were witnesses to the pounding of the nails. They witnessed His poor battered body being laid upon the old rugged cross and then it was stood up, and dropped into place in the middle of two guilty thieves. The crowd believed what they saw, but they couldn’t believe it was actually happening. They didn’t want to believe it!
WHEN the sun rose on the third day, the tomb was found empty. Jesus wasn’t there and again they wondered; “can this be true?” “Did some one take Him away?” The men said He was alive! Oh how they wanted to believe! “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 What the women and later on the men saw, was not a faith situation. What they witnessed was real; and because God had it written down, we read about it in God’s Word today. No one told them; they saw! We have not seen but we have read their witness.
MANY look about as the Christian world celebrates Easter and say; show me how the candy and bunny rabbits, the pretty clothes and shoes can bring me salvation? Show me how this man Jesus can save me! Show me where I can find the peace that shields from the catastrophic events of this world. Show me, make me believe, I want what you have, but make me believe! Show me! Show me!
WE CAN show and tell, till we are blue in the face. But according to Paul, “Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ.” Romans 10:17 Paul continues with; “But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have heard!” their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” Romans 10:18
WE HAVE a story to tell. What we have heard through the teaching of the Word; what we read for ourselves in God’s Word; and however it is conveyed to us, the Word of God is indispensable to salvation. In Christ’s day, the people believed because they saw! He is alive they said! Jesus is alive! They ate with Him, they talked with Him, they walked with Him and the people became alive!
JESUS said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” John 20:29 Can it be true? Yes, it is true! His miracles are still evident and the power of His love is yours! Jesus says; “come!” By Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/2/12 HAVE A HAPPY EASTER!
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