I HAVE HEARD the expression ‘chew the fat’ all my life but never understood how it came about. I knew what it meant but why do we say that? In reading some fascinating tidbits I discovered that many thoughts have been recorded but no evidence is available to support the claims. For instance chew the fat has been attributed to sailors, who would chew on salt-hardened fat. Some say it came from the practice of North American Indians who would chew animal hides during their spare time. I’ve read that British farmers chewed on smoked pork but again no proof. I’ve eaten pork rinds but you can’t chew them for long before you swallow them!
WHEN our son Danny was still in a highchair, Jim gave him a piece of steak for him to chew on. He loved it! He held it in his hand and chewed and sucked until the dark piece of meat was totally white. Even while the juice was running down his chin and his arms, he refused to give it up!
TO CHEW the rag is another term closely related to chewing the fat. They say some natives, in the days of the early explorers of North America, liked to chew dried leaves, although they were smoking them in pipes also. Sailors sampled tobacco and liked it! UGH! Smoking on the wooden ships was restricted so they chewed. When tobacco was hard to come by, they chewed whatever they could find. ‘Pork fat; soft leather and rags!
TODAY the metaphor of chewing the fat or chewing the rag is implying a kind of general grumbling fest; to alleviate boredom; gossiping sessions, and a way to define telling tall tales like the proverbial fish story where the fish get bigger as the story is told and retold. So chewing the fat all comes down to idle conversation, friendly small talk, complaining, spreading gossip, humorous banter and even just wanting to hear yourself talk.
DID YOU KNOW that God’s Word addresses “chewing the fat or chewing the rag”? Perhaps not in those terms but there is no denying that God knew there would be days, in our lives , that we would find our hands idle and our mouths gushing with evil! I guess that is why the song writer of a children’s song says; “Oh be careful little mouth what you say!”
PROVERBS is full of good advice when it comes to the mouth. “Put away from your crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.” Proverbs 4:24 I like to chit chat but I don’t like my chatting to focus on others and their misfortunes or misdeeds. Doesn’t set well with me! Makes me upset and also it is worrisome. “Wise men lay up knowledge, but the babbling of a fool brings ruin near.” Proverbs 10:14 I have never considered myself wise and I do babble, but I certainly do not want to be the cause of someone’s ruin; do you?
OVER THE BACK FENCE is another expression that usually brings about thoughts of the old days of sitting on the porch, in a rocking chair listening to the crickets and visiting over the back fence. Many old cliche’s, that are worn-out or just common phrases, were born ‘over the back fence’! I’ve heard about Christians evangelizing over the back fence! What a good idea! “The mind of the wise makes his speech judicious, and adds persuasiveness to his lips! Proverb 16:23
IN THE early days of my marriage we had a wall in the back yard. I couldn’t see over it but my neighbor, Anita was tall and I could look up and see her face. We would visit over that wall! But then we would visit all the time. Having been a Lutheran, she became a Catholic after she married. We talked of many things and God was one of those subjects. During a vacation Bible School at my church, she came with her son and she helped in the nursery.
HER SON was in the VBS program and Nick, her husband, came along with Anita to see it all. God was our bond! A few years ago I was able to get in touch with Nick! After 40 some years we got a little caught up, and I would send him my Morning Glory blog. Nick passed away this month and my heart ached! But the glory is in the Father and He walks with me! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/29/13
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Saturday, June 22, 2013
THINKING OUT LOUD! 6/23/13
JIM AND I went to a dance yesterday! Lot’s of twirling, and shuffling with a two step off and on, followed by a bow here and a curtsy there. Everyone was moving to the rhythm of the music, keeping pace and having a good time. We would stop long enough to chat, because a little visiting never hurts.
THERE WAS work on the grounds, there was work on the buildings, there was lots of cleaning going on. Tables were scrubbed, removing lots of glue; while the lawns were mowed and the weeds were pulled. Flower beds were cleaned up, and a few trees were pruned and all the while there was laughter and lots of smiles exchanged between the brothers and the sisters.
THE PAINTERS began preparation as primer was put on door frames and texture was applied to some walls, even a coat of paint was put on an area outside the building and the Lord smiled down on all the dancers and was pleased!
BEFORE TODAY, there was another kind of dance going on. It took place in the class rooms as teachers taught their lessons; Bills were being paid; the news letter was prepared; prayers were being said; the scriptures were read; the Church secretary was in her place; communion was prepared and served; there was the teaching of the Gospel and fellowship was shared. People were being called upon; there were mid-week bible studies; the sick were visited and lots of encouragement was in the mix. The musicians were tuned up as the worship team led the worship service; the nursery and the children’s church was in full swing.
ANY ACTIVITY that does not support the Gospel produces discord. Failure to do the work regularly confuses the rhythm of the song. How do you respond when a singer sings a bad note? If it’s bad enough it can make you cringe! “Jesus is the cornerstone!” The church dance should never make anyone cringe.
PICTURE yourself as part of the “the dance”. Where are you in the dance? Taking the Lead? Holding back in fear? In rhythm with others? Stumbling, feeling you have two “left feet?” Are others out of sync with you? Are you a “wall flower,” watching but never participating? Reflect on what fears and sins and faulty steps keep you from joining joyfully in the graceful dance of the people of God. Confess those fears and sins and missteps to God. Giving thanks that God in Christ Jesus covers over those sins through the cross and calls you again to the dance!
THERE IS love in this place! Do you hear it? It’s the church dancing to the rhythm of God’s leading. The Gospel is the melody and any activity that supports it is the harmony. Faithfulness to do the work promptly is the rhythm and when everything is done in harmony and regularly, the dance is beautiful. “Finally all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humbled mind!” 1 Peter 3:8 Don’t try dancing alone! If you lead, then lead, but if you are to follow, then follow. Do all in one spirit, and to the glory of God!
OUR TALENTS are gifts from God! We use our talents as gifts from us to others. As we follow the rhythm and music of the Spirit, our talents join in the graceful dance of the people of God. We are partners in a dance, where God is the only important spectator. “Then let us no more pass judgment on one another, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” Romans 14:3 Don’t step on the toes of others. Be the kind of partner that God desires!
WHEN WE LOOK at the perfect unison of water ballet it takes our breath away. When God looks down at His people and watches them in perfect unison doing the work that He has assigned the church; I imagine it takes His breath away! What we accomplish together, far out weighs anything we can do alone! Yes, Jim and I went to a dance and I know God was pleased! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/22/13
THERE WAS work on the grounds, there was work on the buildings, there was lots of cleaning going on. Tables were scrubbed, removing lots of glue; while the lawns were mowed and the weeds were pulled. Flower beds were cleaned up, and a few trees were pruned and all the while there was laughter and lots of smiles exchanged between the brothers and the sisters.
THE PAINTERS began preparation as primer was put on door frames and texture was applied to some walls, even a coat of paint was put on an area outside the building and the Lord smiled down on all the dancers and was pleased!
BEFORE TODAY, there was another kind of dance going on. It took place in the class rooms as teachers taught their lessons; Bills were being paid; the news letter was prepared; prayers were being said; the scriptures were read; the Church secretary was in her place; communion was prepared and served; there was the teaching of the Gospel and fellowship was shared. People were being called upon; there were mid-week bible studies; the sick were visited and lots of encouragement was in the mix. The musicians were tuned up as the worship team led the worship service; the nursery and the children’s church was in full swing.
ANY ACTIVITY that does not support the Gospel produces discord. Failure to do the work regularly confuses the rhythm of the song. How do you respond when a singer sings a bad note? If it’s bad enough it can make you cringe! “Jesus is the cornerstone!” The church dance should never make anyone cringe.
PICTURE yourself as part of the “the dance”. Where are you in the dance? Taking the Lead? Holding back in fear? In rhythm with others? Stumbling, feeling you have two “left feet?” Are others out of sync with you? Are you a “wall flower,” watching but never participating? Reflect on what fears and sins and faulty steps keep you from joining joyfully in the graceful dance of the people of God. Confess those fears and sins and missteps to God. Giving thanks that God in Christ Jesus covers over those sins through the cross and calls you again to the dance!
THERE IS love in this place! Do you hear it? It’s the church dancing to the rhythm of God’s leading. The Gospel is the melody and any activity that supports it is the harmony. Faithfulness to do the work promptly is the rhythm and when everything is done in harmony and regularly, the dance is beautiful. “Finally all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humbled mind!” 1 Peter 3:8 Don’t try dancing alone! If you lead, then lead, but if you are to follow, then follow. Do all in one spirit, and to the glory of God!
OUR TALENTS are gifts from God! We use our talents as gifts from us to others. As we follow the rhythm and music of the Spirit, our talents join in the graceful dance of the people of God. We are partners in a dance, where God is the only important spectator. “Then let us no more pass judgment on one another, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” Romans 14:3 Don’t step on the toes of others. Be the kind of partner that God desires!
WHEN WE LOOK at the perfect unison of water ballet it takes our breath away. When God looks down at His people and watches them in perfect unison doing the work that He has assigned the church; I imagine it takes His breath away! What we accomplish together, far out weighs anything we can do alone! Yes, Jim and I went to a dance and I know God was pleased! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/22/13
Saturday, June 15, 2013
RULES FOR DADS! 6/16/13
TODAY is father’s day. A day to remember our fathers, which Jim and I do often. I love thinking about Jim as a young father, trying to become all that he could be to his children. But fathers are restricted because of their place in life as the provider. It keeps them away from home and even sometimes during the more, critical developing years. But when I watch my son, as a father to his three strapping boys, I can see that Jim’s rules have paid off.
WHEN JIM AND I became parents we knew it was the most natural thing to happen to us after we married. When the natural became a reality what were the rules? Jim knew that he now had responsibility to care not only for a wife, who was now a mother, but a baby of which he knew nothing about. What he did feel, was an overwhelming sense of pride, fear and excitement.
I REMEMBER asking Jim during the days of expectation if he was proud to become a father? He said; “No!” I can’t remember what else he said after that, but I was surprised. Most men would feel some pride about becoming a father for the first time. A few hours after my son was born, Jim stood at the foot of my hospital bed and said; “Remember when you asked me about being proud to be a father?” I said; “Yes!” “Well, I am very proud!” He was almost shy, and maybe a little bit embarrassed as he said that! But I understood exactly what he meant!
BECOMING a parent is the most common thing to happen to a man and woman who have promised themselves to each other. It is almost as American as baseball and apple pie! But is it? As I remember, it was the most amazing thing that happened to Jim and me. First it was Danny and then it was Jennifer; we became a family! A family comes with the good and the bad, but in retrospect, looking back, we wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. God has been good to us!
JIM has been a good father. His rules were, and still are very simple. One is, he is a man of integrity. He is honest and above reproach. The second one is, Jim has shown wisdom by learning to lean upon God, and being an example to his children. Thirdly, Jim has always tried to go the extra mile by becoming a Godly Father. In no way, is he perfect but then neither am I! However, these things are in the eyes of the beholder. The possibilities are unlimited; we are still experiencing God!
“TRAIN up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it!” Proverbs 22:6 I have to admit that raising our two children in the way they should go, wasn’t as easy as we thought it would be. I remember Jim saying once though, that God made it easy for us with Danny and Jennifer. WOW! Again, that doesn’t mean either one of them are perfect, but they are faithful to the Lord!
“FATHERS, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord!” Ephesians 6:4 The new rules of the day have got it all wrong when it comes to discipline. Sparing the rod doesn’t make much sense if you want get their attention. Sending them to their room, plus no TV for a week, doesn’t make sense either. We tried that and felt we were the ones being punished! The kids read their books and listened to their music; and were happy!!
“FATHERS, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged!” Colossians 3:21 Encouraging your children is necessary and critical to their well being! When you teach your children how to love and honor each member of the family, a sound relationship develops within the family. “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord! Colossians 3:20
OH LORD, my prayer today is for my three grandson’s; that they will also develop the same Godly characteristics of their Dad and Grandpa! To become Godly men with integrity and the wisdom to love you, their wives and their children. I pray that you will give them a future that will always include you, so that they can lead with confidence! Having children is a blessing; having children who love the Lord, is only from God! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/13/13
WHEN JIM AND I became parents we knew it was the most natural thing to happen to us after we married. When the natural became a reality what were the rules? Jim knew that he now had responsibility to care not only for a wife, who was now a mother, but a baby of which he knew nothing about. What he did feel, was an overwhelming sense of pride, fear and excitement.
I REMEMBER asking Jim during the days of expectation if he was proud to become a father? He said; “No!” I can’t remember what else he said after that, but I was surprised. Most men would feel some pride about becoming a father for the first time. A few hours after my son was born, Jim stood at the foot of my hospital bed and said; “Remember when you asked me about being proud to be a father?” I said; “Yes!” “Well, I am very proud!” He was almost shy, and maybe a little bit embarrassed as he said that! But I understood exactly what he meant!
BECOMING a parent is the most common thing to happen to a man and woman who have promised themselves to each other. It is almost as American as baseball and apple pie! But is it? As I remember, it was the most amazing thing that happened to Jim and me. First it was Danny and then it was Jennifer; we became a family! A family comes with the good and the bad, but in retrospect, looking back, we wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. God has been good to us!
JIM has been a good father. His rules were, and still are very simple. One is, he is a man of integrity. He is honest and above reproach. The second one is, Jim has shown wisdom by learning to lean upon God, and being an example to his children. Thirdly, Jim has always tried to go the extra mile by becoming a Godly Father. In no way, is he perfect but then neither am I! However, these things are in the eyes of the beholder. The possibilities are unlimited; we are still experiencing God!
“TRAIN up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it!” Proverbs 22:6 I have to admit that raising our two children in the way they should go, wasn’t as easy as we thought it would be. I remember Jim saying once though, that God made it easy for us with Danny and Jennifer. WOW! Again, that doesn’t mean either one of them are perfect, but they are faithful to the Lord!
“FATHERS, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord!” Ephesians 6:4 The new rules of the day have got it all wrong when it comes to discipline. Sparing the rod doesn’t make much sense if you want get their attention. Sending them to their room, plus no TV for a week, doesn’t make sense either. We tried that and felt we were the ones being punished! The kids read their books and listened to their music; and were happy!!
“FATHERS, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged!” Colossians 3:21 Encouraging your children is necessary and critical to their well being! When you teach your children how to love and honor each member of the family, a sound relationship develops within the family. “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord! Colossians 3:20
OH LORD, my prayer today is for my three grandson’s; that they will also develop the same Godly characteristics of their Dad and Grandpa! To become Godly men with integrity and the wisdom to love you, their wives and their children. I pray that you will give them a future that will always include you, so that they can lead with confidence! Having children is a blessing; having children who love the Lord, is only from God! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/13/13
Saturday, June 8, 2013
GETTING READY! 6/9/13
APPROXIMATELY 35 years ago Jim and my son Danny decided to climb Mt McLaughlin, in Oregon (some refer to it as Mt Pitt). Jim was in his early 40's and Danny was around 14. Now Danny was fit and trim; and even though Jim thought it was a challenge, he could do it! The mountain was not all that high, perhaps around 9000 ft; a real challenge, but doable!
WE GOT TO THE BASE of the mountain early; where the beginning of the trail seemed to beckon to the guys, but held no allure for Jennifer and me. Instead we had blankets, an ice chest filled with all good things, some books and magazines along with other stuff, so we could enjoy our day just laying around in the valley below; enjoying God’s green acres.
I BELIEVE they took off on their journey around 7:00 am! Keeping in mind that during the mid season of the 20th century, there were no cell phones; no hand held computers, just the sun to tell us what time of day it was, and a watch that we looked at often. During the morning there was a constant, intermittent stream of climbers hitting the trail. Around 10:00 am, a couple of young men went by, I stopped them and told them about my husband Jim and my son Danny. They said they would tell them they spoke with us when them saw them. Fat chance, I thought, unless Jim is on his way down!
LATE AFTERNOON, I saw the same two young men, still full energy, heading our way! Jennifer and I ran to the side of the path near us, and as they stopped, one of them asked me; “Are you Jane Ann!” I sighed a big sigh of relief; And said; "Yes, that’s me!" He said; “We passed your husband and son, going up and they were moving slowly, but they were doing okay. We spoke again to them as we passed them coming down. Your husband said he was fine and not to worry.”
WELL they did come down, and were so tired, even though they didn’t make it to the top. I could tell they were disappointed but not discouraged, because on the way home Jim talked about getting into better shape and doing it again. Danny was all for it, to him it was a great adventure. A year later they did do it again, along with my brother Lynn and nephew Lance. They went to the top and couldn’t stop talking it about for years and years!
“FOR THE MOMENT all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant; later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it!” Hebrews 12:11 Isn’t it true we often do things that we just are not prepared for? We make plans for a trip but don’t actually prepare for it until it is almost a reality. Lots of talk about new years resolutions and dues are paid, but after a few months we call it quits because it requires dedication and perseverance.
I THOUGHT about Jim’s and Danny’s mountain climbing event because I was thinking about Paul and how he would buffet his body so that he could run and win the race. “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.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-25a It is easy to compete but it is not easy to win, if you are not ready.
GETTING READY gives us a chance to run in confidence. Paul buffeted his body to be ready. He kept himself in condition so that he was ready when the Lord returned! “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us!” Hebrews 12:1
“THEREFORE, you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:44 Whatever is important to us, we make sure we are prepared and ready. Shouldn’t we be ready for when Christ returns? I am always thinking how wonderful it would be, to be here and ready when He comes again. Even so, I want to be ready no matter what; don’t you? I am sure that “the day of Jesus Christ” is at hand! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/8/13
WE GOT TO THE BASE of the mountain early; where the beginning of the trail seemed to beckon to the guys, but held no allure for Jennifer and me. Instead we had blankets, an ice chest filled with all good things, some books and magazines along with other stuff, so we could enjoy our day just laying around in the valley below; enjoying God’s green acres.
I BELIEVE they took off on their journey around 7:00 am! Keeping in mind that during the mid season of the 20th century, there were no cell phones; no hand held computers, just the sun to tell us what time of day it was, and a watch that we looked at often. During the morning there was a constant, intermittent stream of climbers hitting the trail. Around 10:00 am, a couple of young men went by, I stopped them and told them about my husband Jim and my son Danny. They said they would tell them they spoke with us when them saw them. Fat chance, I thought, unless Jim is on his way down!
LATE AFTERNOON, I saw the same two young men, still full energy, heading our way! Jennifer and I ran to the side of the path near us, and as they stopped, one of them asked me; “Are you Jane Ann!” I sighed a big sigh of relief; And said; "Yes, that’s me!" He said; “We passed your husband and son, going up and they were moving slowly, but they were doing okay. We spoke again to them as we passed them coming down. Your husband said he was fine and not to worry.”
WELL they did come down, and were so tired, even though they didn’t make it to the top. I could tell they were disappointed but not discouraged, because on the way home Jim talked about getting into better shape and doing it again. Danny was all for it, to him it was a great adventure. A year later they did do it again, along with my brother Lynn and nephew Lance. They went to the top and couldn’t stop talking it about for years and years!
“FOR THE MOMENT all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant; later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it!” Hebrews 12:11 Isn’t it true we often do things that we just are not prepared for? We make plans for a trip but don’t actually prepare for it until it is almost a reality. Lots of talk about new years resolutions and dues are paid, but after a few months we call it quits because it requires dedication and perseverance.
I THOUGHT about Jim’s and Danny’s mountain climbing event because I was thinking about Paul and how he would buffet his body so that he could run and win the race. “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.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-25a It is easy to compete but it is not easy to win, if you are not ready.
GETTING READY gives us a chance to run in confidence. Paul buffeted his body to be ready. He kept himself in condition so that he was ready when the Lord returned! “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us!” Hebrews 12:1
“THEREFORE, you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:44 Whatever is important to us, we make sure we are prepared and ready. Shouldn’t we be ready for when Christ returns? I am always thinking how wonderful it would be, to be here and ready when He comes again. Even so, I want to be ready no matter what; don’t you? I am sure that “the day of Jesus Christ” is at hand! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/8/13
Saturday, June 1, 2013
WHAT A DAY! 6/2/13
THIS IS THE season for remembering and making memories! Memorial day began our BBQ season and even though it rained before and after, Jim was able to BBQ. Nothing has a more pleasant and inviting odor than a BBQ, especially when you use briquets! No wonder God loved the sacrifice of animals and enjoyed the sweet fragrance. No wonder those times were pleasing to Him! That same fragrance reaches His throne today, when His children please Him.
NOTHING is so touching to us and our lives than when we take the time to remember, and to talk about; to look at pictures all the while listening to the patriotic songs of days gone by, and songs of today. I have two grandsons who have been and are in the military. Adam served in Iraq and is now considered a veteran. Ryan is actively serving on the base here in Klamath Falls. Jim and I both have had brothers who served in WWII and even in the Korean police action. I still call it war!
WITH MEMORIAL DAY behind us we now look forward to the making of memories as young people all over the country are graduating from their 18 years of preparation for the big world. The completion of their formative years is a great feat; not just for them but for their parents. Our #3 grandson, Jordan, graduated yesterday and today, as well as the last few weeks, his thoughts have been filled with gladness and sadness along with the ache of melancholy. Some of us have been there!
WITH higher education so costly, and jobs so few; the graduate ponders about their future. As a Christian, we are called upon to pray for these young people. We are not only called to pray for their future in education and means of support, but for their walk in the Lord. Satan is clapping his hands because so many of the these young people who enter the halls of higher learning, are also walking into the classrooms where they are taught to ignore all that they have learned about God, and to lean upon their own understanding as they learn all about life, as the professors know it.
YOUNG PEOPLE are taught to respect their elders and of course those who are classified among the most learned. We must pray that Christian young people will stand firm in their beliefs and those who, I like to call ‘pre-Christians’, will search the scriptures for themselves so that they will know the truth, because that is where they will be set free!”
WE ARE ALL familiar with Jeremiah 29:11 where we read “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope!” God is reassuring all of Israel that His plans never fail even though they will be in exile for a time. Many of our plans take us into directions that we never dreamed of. But God’s plan is for us to have a future and a hope in Jesus Christ. It may take us into directions that we never planned for but if we keep our focus and seek God’s face, he has promised us that we will find Him, and he is the only one that can restore us. He is the only way to Salvation!
“COMMIT your work to the Lord, and your plans will succeed!” Proverbs 16:3 Our amazing God looks and weighs the way of man. God knows all about how man walks and how he thinks; after all God created him in His image. I love reading Psalms because it gives you those little glimpses into man’s plight and his renewed strength. “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will act!” Psalms 37:5 Here is another way of saying the same thing; “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved!” Psalms 55:22
WHAT A DAY it was last Monday as we remembered our fallen soldiers and those who served and are still serving to protect our Country. What a day it was yesterday, to see memories in the making as we watched our youngest grandson receive his diploma of excellence; to hear the applause of the parents and to see the smiles adorn all the faces of those who attended. What a day! “Oh Lord, we lift up our young graduates to you to protect, restore and keep their paths straight. Help them to remain faithful until the great day of your return!” By Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/31/13
NOTHING is so touching to us and our lives than when we take the time to remember, and to talk about; to look at pictures all the while listening to the patriotic songs of days gone by, and songs of today. I have two grandsons who have been and are in the military. Adam served in Iraq and is now considered a veteran. Ryan is actively serving on the base here in Klamath Falls. Jim and I both have had brothers who served in WWII and even in the Korean police action. I still call it war!
WITH MEMORIAL DAY behind us we now look forward to the making of memories as young people all over the country are graduating from their 18 years of preparation for the big world. The completion of their formative years is a great feat; not just for them but for their parents. Our #3 grandson, Jordan, graduated yesterday and today, as well as the last few weeks, his thoughts have been filled with gladness and sadness along with the ache of melancholy. Some of us have been there!
WITH higher education so costly, and jobs so few; the graduate ponders about their future. As a Christian, we are called upon to pray for these young people. We are not only called to pray for their future in education and means of support, but for their walk in the Lord. Satan is clapping his hands because so many of the these young people who enter the halls of higher learning, are also walking into the classrooms where they are taught to ignore all that they have learned about God, and to lean upon their own understanding as they learn all about life, as the professors know it.
YOUNG PEOPLE are taught to respect their elders and of course those who are classified among the most learned. We must pray that Christian young people will stand firm in their beliefs and those who, I like to call ‘pre-Christians’, will search the scriptures for themselves so that they will know the truth, because that is where they will be set free!”
WE ARE ALL familiar with Jeremiah 29:11 where we read “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope!” God is reassuring all of Israel that His plans never fail even though they will be in exile for a time. Many of our plans take us into directions that we never dreamed of. But God’s plan is for us to have a future and a hope in Jesus Christ. It may take us into directions that we never planned for but if we keep our focus and seek God’s face, he has promised us that we will find Him, and he is the only one that can restore us. He is the only way to Salvation!
“COMMIT your work to the Lord, and your plans will succeed!” Proverbs 16:3 Our amazing God looks and weighs the way of man. God knows all about how man walks and how he thinks; after all God created him in His image. I love reading Psalms because it gives you those little glimpses into man’s plight and his renewed strength. “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will act!” Psalms 37:5 Here is another way of saying the same thing; “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved!” Psalms 55:22
WHAT A DAY it was last Monday as we remembered our fallen soldiers and those who served and are still serving to protect our Country. What a day it was yesterday, to see memories in the making as we watched our youngest grandson receive his diploma of excellence; to hear the applause of the parents and to see the smiles adorn all the faces of those who attended. What a day! “Oh Lord, we lift up our young graduates to you to protect, restore and keep their paths straight. Help them to remain faithful until the great day of your return!” By Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/31/13
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