CHOOSE HIS PEACE! 12/28/14

WITH THE busyness of the Christmas Holiday put away and all the wrappings being prepared for storage, we can sit back and reflect on what brought about this celebration in the first place. When God’s angels appeared to the shepherds, one of the things they said was; "PEACE among men in whom I am well pleased!" God’s message was not for the world when He said PEACE, He was speaking to those in whom He had found and will find favor in. I believe that is His CHURCH!

I’VE HEARD the expression "Peace on purpose!" When God gave us choice, He elevated mankind to a higher level than the animals. Although many of the human species think and act like animals, they chose their disruptive powers and evil ways, on purpose. To those who decide to live peaceably and to decide to become a peacemaker for God, is like being placed above the clouds, where they can look down into sunshine.

"ON THE day, when evening had come, He said to them; "Let us go across to the other side." Mark 4:35     We are familiar with this story on how Jesus took a nap in the bottom of the boat and a great storm, of hurricane proportion, arose and beat upon the craft, scaring the Apostles because they new they would die. They woke Jesus up and said; "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" Mark 4:38b

JESUS got up from His well deserved nap and calmed the storm with words of power; "Peace, be still!" Mark 4:39b     Often times we just read the rest of the story and then go on. However, in chapter 5 is where we find the end of that story; "They came to the other side of the sea." Mark 5:1a They weathered the storm with the help of the Master! They came thru with flying colors! They were able to dust themselves off and start all over again!

STORMS come un-announced and invade our feeling of contentment and peace. Sometimes we can see them coming, and no matter how we prepare, they still come and wreck havoc. "Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it!" Psalms 34:14     We can walk through every storm because with God, we never walk alone. Always look for a blessing, when the storms come and the peace, that will come, will keep you calm.

MANY TIMES we want to make war with ourselves. We want to drown in our own tears; we love to tear ourselves apart. But when we think about it and remember; God doesn’t make junk! He created you in His image! WOW! He can take you from where you are and can remold and refine you into becoming the person He has created you to be!

WHATEVER the storm, remember it will pass! If you are mindful and look for the blessings, many things will happen. You will draw closer to God; have more compassion for hurting people; you will become more thankful and filled with appreciation; and you will become stronger in your soul!

I HEARD somewhere that God sends; God promotes, and when you live in Christ, God can cause magnificent growth to remain strong. Remember the story of Joseph and the coat of many colors. He taunted his brothers; they sold him into slavery. He finds a job of importance and lands in jail. From there God promotes him again and he becomes second in command of a very large and important country. Who said; when at first you don’t succeed, try, try again?  

WHEN YOU walk with the Lord, choosing to live peaceably, He can take you to the top. To stay there, you must pursue peace. "When you walk with the Lord, in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey!"    What a glorious old song to remind us of Who God is, and why He sent His Son as a babe in a manger. Where would the Church be without it’s Savior; where would I be without Jesus? Choose His peace!               By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/27/14

NO DATES GIVEN! 12/21/14

EVEN IF some very smart person discovered a more realistic date for Jesus' birth, December 25th will always be Christmas. It has become a tradition! However, we know Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manger. But nothing is said about snow on the ground! Evidently the date of the birth wasn't important to God, or He would have made it known. Our world is trying its hardest to squeeze Christ out of Christmas, and we need to try all the harder to keep Him in our Christmas celebrations. We should use every opportunity to point to the birth of Christ during our celebrations. That is what St Nicholas was doing with his life when he was discovered wearing his red bishops cape, and delivering gifts in secret.

HE SIMPLY went about in secret, doing good, so others wouldn't be bombarding him for gifts. We so want the glory for what we do, don’t we. But not St Nicholas! I think Christ is more concerned about the attitude of our hearts toward him, than the date on which we focus the celebration. He is not bound by time and space like we are. In our limited sphere we like a date to keep us on track.

"BEHOLD, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things which are written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished." Luke 18:31 Jesus is talking to the Apostles about the things that He was to endure; in verses 32-33 He clarifies them. He, Jesus, would be handed over by the Jews to the Gentiles to be mocked, treated terribly and spat upon. They would scourge Him, put Him to death and on the third day He would rise again.

NO ONE seems to question that Jesus rose on the 3rd day. No one says that Friday to Sunday morning would only be 1 ½ days after He died. However, the Jews counted each day, therefore, there was Friday, Saturday and then Sunday; three days! He did die on Friday and rose on the third day which was Sunday! Dates and days are important only if we place importance upon them. I am thankful that December 25th was the date that was set for Jesus’ birth; I am thankful that God gave man the ability to figure out the calendar by using the stars and the pattern of the solar system, so that we might understand the seasons and that dates could be set for us to celebrate His birth and His resurrection from the dead; Easter!

I HAVE a few ‘think so’s’ I would like to share with you. In our countries history we find books that have recorded dates, times and seasons so that we will not forget and so that we will know that something happened. We read these recorded informational facts and we believe it because they are facts; it is our history. In the Old Testament, dates, seasons and times were also important. Many times a celebration was scheduled for the 10th day of the seventh month in the 4th year....(I just made up that date) Many times God would set a date to schedule a celebration, a cleansing or a season that He felt was important and didn’t want the people to forget. There was even a time set aside for sacrificing an animal for forgiveness.

IN THE New Testament very few dates were set by God. Why do you think that is? I believe it is because our beliefs in God the Father and His Son, are to be based on faith. The gospel tells us about His birth, death and resurrection, but no dates were given. We have heard about these things, read about them in God’s Word, and have believed by faith! The date is not important! What is important is a date was set for the census; and it was taken. 

UNKNOWN to Caesar Augustus, God used him to set a date so that Mary and Joseph could go to Bethlehem to fulfill all prophecy. The census places the birth of Jesus in 4 B.C. However, it is noted that the calendar was in error, for some reason. So what does that mean! It doesn’t matter; the records indicate the census was taken, as the birth of Christ was foretold; the rest is history. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! To celebrate His birth is a great celebration for all man kind.
Hallelujah, "It’s a boy!"               By Jane Ann Crenshaw (12/19/08)

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES! 12/14/14

DID YOU KNOW that the origin of Santa Claus began in the 4^th century with St. Nicholas, Bishop of Nyra; an area in our present day, Turkey? He was a generous man devoted to children. Later he became the patron saint of Russia. In 1822 Clement C. Moore gave us "The night before Christmas" where he gave our present day idea of Santa Claus. Somewhere in the early 1900's the Coke a Cola bottling company gave us an image that we see today.

THE CHRISTMAS TREE had its start in Germany and went to England via Prince Albert. The tree didn’t appear in America until the late 19^th century; and still had its flavor of Germany. Although I love the decorated Christmas trees that we have in our homes today, they really have no place in the Christmas story. However, did you know that the Christmas trees are useful in removing dust and pollen from the air. Who would have thought!

I WAS SURPRISED when I looked into the Christmas cards. Cards were originally used to teach writing. At Christmas the kids were encouraged to make cards with prose on them. It caught on and many would send out their own cards. Until around 1843 Sir Henry of England was too busy to write his own cards so that season the composed Christmas cards came into being. Aren’t you glad that we don’t have to do our cards from start to finish. I am afraid I wouldn’t be sending cards! How about You?

THERE ARE many tid bits on the internet that can fill you in on many "did you knows", regarding Christmas, New Years and the like. However, every home has their own traditions and I find some of them just as fascinating. Betty, a friend of mind was stationed with her husband in Germany. Every Christmas they made cookies and hung them on the tree. People would come to visit and when they came thru the door, they would get to take a cookie off the tree. Before the tree was taken down, it was easy to know who had the most visitors during the season. Those who had no cookies left! It must have been sad for those who had lots of cookies still on the tree.

WHEN I was growing up I remember there were no presents under the tree until Christmas morning. I couldn’t peek and count how many were for me, like Jim did. Never could find anything hidden. We weren’t allowed in Mom’s bedroom. But I have heard how she would spend many a night fixing, repairing, painting and sewing getting ready for her family. We didn’t get a lot of presents, but on Christmas morning there would be gifts scattered all around the tree clear, into the middle of the room and beyond. Growing up in a large family had it’s minuses, but still many pluses.

I DON"T REMEMBER ever not knowing, that Christmas was a celebration of the birth of Jesus. I don’t remember thinking much about Santa Claus until I had my own family. I don’t remember having a bad Christmas experience. I was the 10^th child out of 14 and our Christmas mornings were full of expectations.

"FOR TO US a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder, and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6     This passage is one of my favorite Christmas announcements.  These names for Jesus are only a few; there are more. "God; the Almighty; the bread of life; good shepherd; Lord of glory; Son of David; King of kings and the Lamb!" He came as a child so he could grow up among His people and show them the father. He had to become like us so that we could become like Him! Only God could come up with a plan like this and for me, it is working! He is my Lord and Savior! He says to the world; "Come unto me all who are heavy laden and I will give you rest!"
That’s my Lord and Master!    By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/13/14

WAITING IN LINE! 12/7/14

WHAT IS so fast about waiting in line? Most fast food chains have a line of cars waiting to move forward to place an order. If you go inside you may find yourself in a line waiting to place your order. The only difference between fast foods and a sit down restaurant is you get waited on to order in the latter, while in the others you can sit or stand, but in any case you wait! I hate waiting and I guess that can tell you what kind of patience I have.

HOW ABOUT YOU? Is waiting, or patience, your long suit or does it show up your short comings? Waiting is the name of the game! We wait to visit the Doctor; we wait after an engagement to get married; we wait at least nine months for the child to be born; and we wait until they grow up so we can get some rest. We wait until dawn to begin a new day and we wait for the sun set so we end our day with sleep. We are always waiting for someone or something, and we wait for the second coming of Jesus!

HOW MANY of you are recognizing the different values of the Christmas season by following the days of Advent. We are doing it at our church and I am leading a Ladies Bible Study that is featuring the Advent. I even receive emails daily thru the month of December, all talking about the Advent of Jesus Christ.

IT DOESN’T matter how you follow the Advent, or that they are all the same. Our church began with HOPE, Jesus is the light of the world. The Ladies Bible Study begins with WAIT. The Israelites waited for the Messiah and when He came they didn’t even recognize Him. Today our hope is in Jesus Christ and we wait for His return!

FOLLOWING the days of Advent helps us to keep our focus on Jesus Christ. I know that the glitz and glitter of this season is something to behold. It attacks our eyes, what we are seeing; it attacks our noses; of the smells that surround us. It attacks our tastes buds and we can’t wait to taste the familiar flavors of Christmas mixed in with the new. The stores are all lit up calling my name; "Jane Ann come shop here, we have what you are looking for!"

BUT WITH all the sounds, the smells, the colors and tissue paper, those who follow Him are called by His name; Christian! We need to be reminded of who we are when we get so caught up in what the world is offering at this time of the year. I love the idea of Santa Claus; I love the giving and the receiving of gifts. I love decorating my home and putting up a tree. I specially like a fresh, flocked tree and even though my children and my grandchildren are grown, I like the secular walk in the park kind of celebration, but I love the mystery of the spiritual aspect of Christmas .

MAKE NO MISTAKE, I know the difference. I know whom my redeemer is and that He is alive! I know who I have chosen to follow and I know that He came as a child and was born in Bethlehem. I know that He grew up and as a man began a ministry that turned the world upside down. "But they that wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31    While we wait for the Lords return, perhaps we should be (waiting on) serving Him!

MANY YEARS before the birth of Jesus, the Old Testament prophets were writing and talking about waiting for one who would be like a light in the darkness. Those to whom they spoke, were weary with impatience. They wanted the Messiah now! They yearned for God to be on their clock. Years added to more years, but through the events of history, through priests and poets, God said; "WAIT!" However, it is how one waits that matters. Advent does not give us permission to rush to the manger; it says "WAIT!" May God bless you during this season!      Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/6/14

NO MATTER WHAT, BE THANKFUL! 11/30/14

RECENTLY I was reminded about the pilgrim’s during their first winter of 1621. This was not a time of bounty but a time of despair and heartache. The Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock 393 years ago, experienced nothing but hardships. They lived under a difficult rule and everybody gave into the same pot. The crops were far and few between. They waited for the supply ship to come, and when it did, it brought more mouths to feed but not any food. We have studied about the loss of life, but did you realize, that half of all the people that had made the trip, died?

ABUNDANCE came only in the corn harvest. This was stored for their second winter but was not enough. They rationed out the corn, with everyone getting their portion. They hoped that the game and fish would see them through, however, supplies dwindled away. The story goes that because the supplies were so low, everyone was forced to a daily ration of only five kernels of corn. Amazingly, they survived on so little food; no one died of starvation!

AT THE END OF 1622, out of desperation, the leaders gave up and told all those who were there, that they were on their own. No longer did they have to share their wealth, but were given a piece of ground and were told to take care of themselves. What a novel idea! Take care of yourself, and not expect your neighbor to take care of you.

THE PILGRIMS didn’t have much, but they possessed a great gratitude to God. They came, they conquered the ground, they planted and reaped a strong harvest. They helped each other as they began to till their own land and made friends with the Indians. These people were devoted to purpose, sincere, and devoted in their faith to God! This is how our nation began! Their perseverance is to be admired because it has brought us here today!

AFTER THAT third winter, 1623, they held the famous Thanksgiving Dinner with turkey and the bounty from their farms. They invited their new friends, the Massasoit and the Wampanoag Indians, that also brought game to add to the feast. But because of the deprivation they experience in the previous years they adopted a custom of putting five kernels of corn upon each empty plate before the dinner was served. Each member of the family would pick up a kernel and tell what they were thankful for. It was to remind them that their first winters were dreadful and their portion was only five kernels of corn per person each day.

THIS LAST Thursday, as my family sat around our Thanksgiving table, each one was to tell what we were thankful for. As I began to think about what I was thankful for I was mentally making my list and thought about family, Jim, my children and my grandchildren. Our home, friends, my siblings and our church. All of a sudden it was my turn and I blurted out; I am thankful "I have High Fructose corn syrup Malabsorption". I have a stomach condition where I no longer eat like normal people. But I am very thankful! I have not been in the ER since December 25, 2013. I praise the Lord everyday for my condition!

I REJOICE in the Lord, I am very thankful! Like Paul, I too do not complain of want, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be thankful! In all circumstances God’s peace is mine. I just have to reach out and grab hold of it! Paul says the secret to face plenty and hunger, abundance and want - is by knowing that with God’s strength I can survive. (Paraphrase) Philippians 4:10-13

"REJOICE in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 No matter what, be thankful!        By Jane Ann Crenshaw 11/30/14

A FIRST THANKSGIVING! 11/23/14

D0 YOU ever wonder about the very first thanksgiving experienced by the pilgrims and their new best friends, the Indians? I know what I have read in history books! I am aware of how the new thinkers are wanting to change history to suit themselves! However, the very first thanksgiving had to be full of many firsts. The first large gathering of people full of excitement because of their great crops that year. The first gathering of foreigners on this new land and those who felt this land was theirs alone. The first time these people came together in unity and began to share in thanking God. Wow! Not to mention the first, of eating new kinds of food!

I WAS two weeks shy of 24 when Jim and I married . As the year moved on we began to approach our first thanksgiving as a married couple. My family gatherings were always large because there were so many. We had just moved into our first home and I was going to be making my first pies! Growing up I baked cakes, Joyce did pies.....I was excited and Clarence, my brother-in-law was giving me pointers and even came out to taste my crust. My spirits were not daunted by his constructive criticism, because these were my very first and they looked good!

WE LEFT for church as was our custom on Thanksgiving Day, and then on to celebrate with family. Later that night as we returned home, Jim and I noticed that all the lights were on and the front door was standing wide open. Our new puppy, Frosty, was sitting behind the screen door whimpering. We approached the door cautiously. We could hear the TV, and carefully went inside! No one was there! Our back door was badly scratched from Frosty’s trying to get out to do her business. Evidence that she couldn’t wait was apparent on the carpet by the front door. Obviously, with all the excitement of the morning surrounding ‘pies’, we forgot to secure our home and care for our baby. Some of the air in our bubble began to leak as we tried to put things back in order. How could we have done that? How could we both have neglected our new home, and baby in such a careless manner?

EXCITEMENT does that to a person! Are you excited when Sunday morning comes? When the church family is planning their big thanksgiving dinner, are you excited? Do you get excited when you know that the church doors will be open and knowing family fellowship is just ahead? Through the years I have known many who are always there when the doors are open. They must be excited! I know that I am, but then I am one who hates to miss out on anything!

THE BOOK of Psalms is full of David’s heart declaring his thanks to the Lord.    "O Lord, I love the habitation of thy house, and the place where the glory dwells!" Psalms 26:8    "Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. Psalms 95:2-3     "Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name for the Lord is good; His loving kindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness is to all generations". Psalms 100:4-5      Aren’t you excited and thankful to belong to the Kingdom of God?

THE EARLY pilgrims suffered many hardships when they entered the domain of the Indians. Many Conflicts arose among the good and the bad! Those who sought peace were able to find it with those who were also seeking peace. When I think about my beginnings with Jim, I marvel at how far we have come together, in the Lord. We are thankful everyday, but around the day we call Thanksgiving, it becomes more of a concentrated effort. I pray this week is filled with excitement and expectations; I pray that blessings will be many; I pray that the peace of God will surround this world of confusion; I pray that the lost will be found! I pray that God’s kingdom in this world will    "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands! That they will Come into His presence with singing!" Psalms 100:1-2      By Jane Ann Crenshaw (11/11/08) 11/22/14

ACCOUNTABLE OR NOT ACCOUNTABLE! 11/16/14

WITHIN THE political arena we have a birds eye view of those who run our country. Many decades ago some Godly men created laws that were set up for the United States of America, and they called these law’s the "Constitution!" It included the preamble and the by-laws! This Constitution was set up so that the President would be accountable to the Congress and the Congress and the President, would be accountable to the people. For it was for "We the People" that this country was ordained by God! God’s blessing fell upon this country and remained as long as "We the People" followed His laws.

WE RECENTLY held elections and the Republican Party will soon hold the cards in the Congress. They will hold the majority in the House and the Senate! Our system asks for checks and balances, or accountability. However, we have a President that believes his power is within himself and if he can’t get the Congress to bow to his bidding, he will go it alone and make and break laws at his own will. This is unconstitutional; it is breaking the law; and shouldn’t there be some repercussions? Shouldn’t there be talks about impeachment? Shouldn’t he have to go spend time at Guantanamo Bay?

IF OUR president was charged and found guilty of murder, he would have to go before the courts! If he was found guilty running a red light; shouldn’t he be given a ticket? Now I ask you, where does it say that the President can do whatever he wants to do? Are we so conditioned by watching cute movies about the sins of the President, that we go away laughing? Are we so wrapped up in our own problems we figure when he gets caught, perhaps he will then be punished? Should the President be allowed to walk all over our laws and get away with it?

ARE YOU accountable to someone? I know that I am! As Christians we should be accountable to one another but in the long run we are accountable to God! In Romans Paul talks about the condition of those who died without hearing of Christ. He talks about the law that the Jews were under. "For no human being will be justified in his sight by the works of the law, since through the law comes knowledge of sin." Romans 3:20    In this verse Paul was talking to the Jews; however, this also can apply to law in general. In the present state of human nature, perfect obedience to law is impossible. The law is a standard of measurement which makes man aware that he is a sinner, but does not offer him any hope of a way to escape from guilt.

WE HAVE LAWS that we must abide by. Parents institute laws for the children to live by; the schools provide laws within the school so we can learn; when we marry we are to abide by the laws of marriage. Our city and state has laws to keep us out of trouble. God has given us a way to live, that is not of the law of the Old Testament, but through His Son’s grace upon the cross. When we are obedient to God our reward is eminent; eternal life with the Father.

WHEN WE BREAK the laws that we live under, we find ourselves in trouble. We pay fines; go to jail; don’t get a diploma for learning; get a divorce; live in poverty. "But now in the present time He deals with men’s sins; to demonstrate His righteousness. In this way God shows that He Himself is righteous and that He puts right, everyone, who believes in Jesus." Romans 3:26   In the past God overlooked men’s sins and did not punish them immediately. But now, since the Cross and until time ends, God deals with men’s sins. We see that sin and salvation are not make-believe! God puts right with Him, those who reach out through faith to make themselves part of Christ. PRAY for our President that he will quickly meet up with Jesus Christ, and become the kind of President God has created him to be! Having a man of color for President, should have been a very good thing. It is not the color that is the problem, but the man! However, while there is breath; there is still hope!   By Jane Ann Crenshaw 11/14/14

WISH I MAY, WISH I MIGHT! 11/9/14

HAVE YOU EVER wished upon a star? I know I have, but I wouldn’t wish to have any of my dreams to come true today. Especially after having drank certain tea’s or have taken certain pills. Dreams are erratic enough without the aid of having consumed something to help you sleep. "I wish I may, I wish I might, I wish my dreams comes true tonight!" How spooky is that?

GOD PLACED the stars in the heaven’s to bring additional light so we could navigate. They are the directional’s that man has used from the beginning to guide over land and sea during the night. Today we have what they call GPS! It can be used day or night and recently the police were able to track a kidnapper because the car company had placed it in his car.

EVIL will find a way! So what a man thinks in his heart, he will do. What are your thoughts? What are your plans for today? What were you dreaming of yesterday? How are you doing so far? Ask yourself; "am I wealthy or rich with stuff? Am I successful in all of my financial endeavors?" I know that, in the sense that the world sees lots of money and stuff, I am far from living in those standards! So far, because of Christ, my life is far better than I could have ever dreamed it could be.

"FLEE THE EVIL desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord, out of a pure heart." 2 Timothy 2:22     This isn’t talking entirely about sensual desires, but the grand ambitions for power, becoming prideful, allowing brashness and stubbornness to rule you so that you can succeed. Those who are still in their youth, this passage is the encouragement you need to seek God’s kingdom first. Many of us remember our youth and our pursuits of happiness but today, we know the value of leaning upon the Lord.

MAKING PLANS is what most of us love to do. Making a plan for the day doesn’t always turn out as we planned. We had planned to sell our house this last Summer but it didn’t sell! Why? Haven’t a clue but it does go to show making plans doesn’t always mean success will follow. We can plan, but we shouldn’t place a lot of hope on the plan. We are just a puff of smoke. The day will come and go; we get older; our health is failing; but God is faithful!

MANY QUOTE Jeremiah 29:11 that says; "For I know the plans I have for you says, the Lord." I love that verse, but the plan God has is "Plans for our welfare and not for evil, to give us a future and a hope."      God’s plan is for us to seek His face and to call upon His Son and take Him as our Savior! That is for our welfare, giving us a future here to serve Him, and the hope of eternity in heaven. God’s plan excites me everyday; does it excite you?

LET"S LOOK at some scriptures in Proverbs. "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3     Committing our work to the Lord comes with paying attention to God’s will. God will not establish our plans if we are not walking with Him.   "A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs His steps." Proverbs 16:9      Get the picture?     "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established." Proverbs 19:21    Is it getting clearer? Can you sink your teeth into this?

I PRAISE the Lord everyday for my husband. He sets the pattern for our lives and we both serve the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind. One last verse to encourage all those who serve the Lord with gladness. The first part of Proverbs 21:5 says; "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance." Job lived a life full of days! Mary, the sister of Martha, lived a life doing what she could! We can live a life not seeking earthly rewards because we know that our eternity is with our Savior in heaven with the Father. How good is that? Living a life of thanksgiving is abundant living!
By Jane Ann Crenshaw 11/8/14

RUN AFTER PEACE! 11/2/14

WHEN THERE is trouble it is hard to find peace, let alone seek it and pursue it. Through the years I have noticed that trouble is always lurking around every corner. But I have never tried to look for trouble! Trouble just seems to come and go just like every other life event. However, peace is something we all want! God says we are to seek peace and to pursue it! What does that mean in a world like ours.

MANY HAVE written about peace in the world and about the peace that God gives. I too have written about this before. However, we live in a world of constant turmoil and so we ponder, how can we live in peace.

PAUL writes to Timothy about the coming of apostasy. This is about those turning away from their own faith in God, and seeking their own pleasures. Paul never minces with words, he just says it like it is.   "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of stress. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanderers, dissolute living, fierce, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding the form of religion but denying the power of it. Avoid such people! For among them are those who make their way into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and swayed by various impulses, who will listen to anybody and can never arrive at a knowledge of truth." 2 Timothy 3:1-7

DOES this sound like what is going on today? Can we find peace amongst these things? God says we can! Paul says to avoid such people. These are not the kind of people I hang out with, but I read about them in the papers and hear about them on the news. It use to be other countries and we called them 3^rd world countries. But now it is here in America. Are we now considered a 3^rd world country also?

BEHEADING has become murder of choice. And our country wants to ban guns! Next on the list will be knives. What about the heart? What about turning their destructive natures into seeking God’s truths! I don’t have to tell you readers of what is going on but I feel it is important that we Christians begin to stand up and speak God’s truth. We cannot turn our heads, shaking them in shame, and just go on!

"DEPART from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it!" Psalms 34:14 There it is! In this chapter, David is praising God’s goodness, and encouraging trust in the Lord; seeking Him with all our hearts. However, David is also warning against sin; how the righteous will be delivered, but the wicked will be condemned. Does that inspire us to have peace? It should!  If we continue in the faith and are obedient to God’s word then we know we will be delivered into the bosom of Abraham! That is the peace that God promises to those who are faithful!

IN THE scriptures there were the Gentiles and the Jews. Paul was warning them against refusing God. In Hebrews chapter 12 beginning with verse 12 Paul encourages the people to push ahead with all their strength.   "Try to be at peace with all men, and try to live a holy life, because no one will see the Lord without it." Hebrews 12:14    You must make an effort to be at peace with everyone including your enemies.

IN VERSE 15 Paul says that no one should turn back. Don’t be like the sheep that has gone astray. Christians are to work together to keep each other headed in the right direction. We live in a lost world but that doesn’t mean we are going down with it. Esau was a bad example because he sold his birth right. Let’s keep keeping on in the faith, regardless of what is happening in the world. Don’t give your future away out of immorality or from fear. Our God is faithful, lets be faithful also, and we shall find peace!     By Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/31/14

GOD'S GROWING A KINGDOM! 9/21/14

I KNEW a little toe headed girl who was a preacher’s daughter; one who could laugh at the sun. She grew up in the Sunday School and we were able to watch her grow from a gangly little girl into a tall, lovely blond. Now as blonds go, Connie had her moments of being off the wall, but she showed all of us what kind of metal she was made of, as she grew into womanhood. She was becoming the kind of woman God created her to be!

CONNIE married a young man she had met in school and I bet she was just as surprised as the rest of us were, of the match she made, because they became missionaries! Todd, with his pilots license and later on medical skills, along with Connie and her experience as a dental surgery assistant, became valuable to the mission field that began in the 80's, on some small islands in Micronesia.

FROM THERE, they found themselves in Africa and today the Philippines. Because they were here close by, we saw them. Connie and Todd are amazing! Although their two girls and their adopted sons are now grown with one of the girls being married and almost a Mom, they are still excited about their call. Although they are not novices, but seasoned in their field, their enthusiasm is still full of vim and vigor! After seeing them again, I couldn’t help but remember the Morning Glory I had written in 2009, which was not long after I started writing!

LET ME share one of her stories again. "I was pregnant with my second daughter," Connie begins! "When it was time, Todd had flown the only American Doctor to Guam, through a tropical storm to save a young man who fell from a coconut tree. The Island Doctor was the only one left and he is like our EMT’s and he looked a little like Bozo the clown. Short curly hair that went straight out the sides and bald on top. He always wore a pink striped shirt with maroon corduroy pants, every time I saw him. I had a lady lawyer friend with me when I went to the hospital. There was no power or water on the island because the storm had knocked it out. There was just a trouble light hanging from an extension cord that was hooked up to a generator which was out on the lawn. There were huge bugs! The walls in the hospital only went down, part way, and chickens along with other things were running around. The old saying; "Were you born in a barn" is something my baby would be able to say yes to; complete with the chickens and bugs. The Island Doctor did come in to deliver my baby but he waited and waited to come in because I wasn’t screaming and he said; "all white women scream when they deliver, so I didn’t think it was time yet. However, the Island Doctor did deliver Courtney!"

MANY MISSIONARIES go into the field not fully realizing all that will be demanded of them. But they do it anyway! They worry and fret, but they choose to continue! Our Connie, our little blond, who grew up under our watchful eyes, had become so courageous and unafraid because God said; "I will be with you even to the end of the age!

AS I WATCHED these two the other night, I couldn’t help but be pleased to see them once again in person. "As she sang her song about being one little candle, chasing away the shadows, I could still see some of our little Connie, rushing here and there! Only God could corral this energy and place it around the world to make a difference in His kingdom. Only God can take a life and plant the desire to step out of the box and into His plan!

"SHOUT joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the Lord Himself is God; it is He who has made us and we are His people and the sheep of His pasture." Psalms 100:1-3 God does amazing things through those who are willing to go into the world. Connie says; "It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus!" What is your mission?    By Jane Ann Crenshaw    (8/12/09)   9/18/14

A GREAT REUNION! 9/14/14

MOST OF US have been to a reunion. Sometimes it is like pulling teeth to get there, but when we do it is always a good time. At High school reunions we look around and say; "WOW these are all old people!" But we have a good time anyway. With family reunions there is always so many to visit with and so much to do, sometimes it can go on forever. Reunions are exhausting but when you lay your head down at night, you can’t help but be filled with contentment and joy!

MY BROTHER’S wife Clara, passed away this morning. It was not unexpected but then again, no one was ready. When a loved one goes into that ‘long good night’ we are not prepared for our earthly relationship to be over. Our minds and bodies go into a grieving mode that it is not fully prepared for. We say, she went home. In the Christian world we also say; "This world is not my home, I’m just passing through!" When she left this place and walked into paradise she was immediately in the presence of God! How amazing is that! Would we have wanted her to miss that today? Maybe tomorrow would have been better, but why not today!

SO MANY of my loved ones are already there and when they saw Clara I can imagine their faces. I can imagine their joy; I can imagine how pleased the Savior is to see her there!  That’s what a great reunion is all about! There are some choruses to a couple of old songs that have crossed my mind. "When the Saints go marching in; When the Saints go marching in; oh how I want to be in that number, when the Saints go marching in." Not sure if there are parades in heaven, but just to be counted in the number of the Saints that are there, living their eternal life with all those other Saints; it has to be glorious!

THE OTHER song that keeps buzzing around in my mind is; "When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be, when we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory!"   Our victory in Jesus is our goal and when we reach our goals a lot of celebrations should take place! Meanwhile here, our hearts ache! God brings us comforts through family and friends and I appreciate that. But I also find comfort through the scriptures that say; "Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted His people, and will have compassion on His afflicted."

THE CHORUS of another old song says; "O victory in Jesus, my Savior forever, He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood; He loved me ere I knew Him and all my love is due Him, He plunged me into victory, beneath the cleansing flood."    Without the cross; without His sacrifice; without His redeeming blood, we would just go to sleep and know nothing!  But that is because "The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law." 1 Corinthians 15:56     Many would just say; "Lets eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die!"

BUT BECAUSE Jesus experienced the cross; because His blood was shed "not all will sleep but all will be changed." In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. When Jesus comes again, all will be magnified. However, this happens today when a Saint leaves this place. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!" 1 Corinthians 15:57

BEING with family today as we comforted one another, Jesus was glorified. All the while I kept repeating to myself something I had heard years ago. A popular singer told about his father dying earlier in the week. He said; "What a fantastic afternoon Charlie had!" Well, come to think of it; "What a fantastic morning Clara had!" We can only praise God for His love for us and for His Son who has made all things possible in Him! We praise Him in the morning and we praise Him at noon; we praise Him in the evening and we pray that He will come soon!
By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/13/14

WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME? 9/7/14

WE CAN go for years and not be aware of a physical problem until; "bang" out of the blue it hits you. You never had a clue! The ER recommends an Orthopedic who takes an Xray and says; "Your fibula had a growth sticking out with a sharp point that hit your nerve in your right leg. Jim had surgery to remove the growth and was left with a slight limp. Not a bad one but one he probably would have for the rest of his life. Now he couldn’t run the 10k race or even the 100 meter! He now wouldn’t be able to do the long jump; ever! Come to think of it, he couldn’t do those things anyway! But now, he never would! Sound familiar? We all put off doing things, thinking that maybe, someday!

WHEN IS the right time to take a chance or take a risk? In spite of being young or old, just do it! If it enhances the kingdom of God; don’t wait until tomorrow. Tomorrow comes with it’s own problems. But today, is the day that Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! I love it when God’s Word just flows into my head!

MANY YEARS ago I was a church choir director. Didn’t have clue how to do that, but had sung in many choirs. Having attended many "big" musical productions at a local church, I decided to give that a try. The opportunity was there and we began to do musical productions with what we had, and many of the members of the church, were willing to take part in all of the different aspects of it. The whole production was to use music to create interest, and drama in telling the story. In learning the music, using the stage to it’s full potential, and getting everyone on the same page was always utter chaos. But God used it all for His glory!

SOME YEARS ago Jim and I invited a visiting Evangelist to our home for dinner. We lived about 10 miles out in the country and was always thrilled when we could have company!  Our fellowship with Mr. White was wonderful. The discussion was exciting and I had respect for him and his incites into God’s Word. As we talked he soon discovered that we were involved in just about everything that went on in our small congregation. Not by choice, but by desire, because we wanted to see this little church grow in the service of the King.

THERE WAS a problem though! I wasn’t complaining as I told him my story, but I needed a solution! So I began with; "I have a full time job, and I am the Sunday School Superintendent; High school Sunday School Teacher, and the Youth Director! I also was the choir director, doing big programs for Easter and Christmas. I was chairman for one month a year, and prepared communion for Sunday Worship and a potluck. For 20 years I served as Installation Chairperson, for the women’s ministry. My problem was that I never seem to have time to take care of my home. Since my family was also involved in all the happenings at the church, the four of us were locked into Saturdays house cleaning! This frustrated me!

"GET A MAID!" Mr. White was very calm as he said; "get a maid!" I didn’t, but I loved his response! Many times we allow things to hold us back from using every opportunity to serve the Lord. God has blessed me since I began my life with him! I use everything God has given me and some, to serve Him! So does Jim! Our marriage is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ! "Was not Abraham, our father justified by works, when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works." James 2:21-22

MANY talk about busy work! We should be busy! When is the right time? The church was built by Jesus Christ through men who sacrificed their all by being busy about the Lord’s work! "For as the body apart from the spirit, is dead, so faith apart from works. is dead!" James 2:26 Even in my old age, God is using me in a women’s ministry! WOW! I am truly blessed because the right time is always NOW!       By Jane .Ann Crenshaw (5/1/08) 9/5/14

A SAFE HARBOR! 8/31/14

I LEARNED at a very young age that I shouldn’t grumble or complain, but I did it anyway. As I grew older I argued with my mother. She didn’t spank me anymore but even so, her fuse was short and she could make me feel that I was getting in the heat of it, just by her look! It doesn’t take a person long to realize when they are in over their heads. I have always had an inquisitive and argumentative nature. If I didn’t want to do something I would grumble all the way. Talking back always had its consequences, and not knowing when to stop was even worse. But doing nothing also comes with problems!

AS A highschool Sunday School teacher and leader of the Youth Group, I met a brother and sister. The girl was absolutely beautiful to look at. She had long dark, beautiful hair, dark eyes with thick lashes and beautifully shaped eye brows. Her brother was fairly quiet compared to her and he was not filled with as much hatred as she was. Both of them expressed their dislike of their mother and father. The sister didn’t care who heard her verbal tirades, and how awful the parents were, and how much she hated them. I tried to talk with her but she couldn’t listen because her heart was filled with hatred, it encompassed her whole being.

ONE EVENING during a family conflict, she ran into heavily, moving traffic, and was killed. Jim and I were on our way home from church and happened upon the situation and took the youngest of the family to a friend while the parents went to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. We went to be with this devastated Mom and Dad. We found them sitting beside their beautiful daughter stroking her hair, caressing her arm, and with tears already dried on their cheeks, talking lovingly to her because, now they could; she couldn’t yell back at them.

DURING the short time we knew this family, it was difficult for us to see why the teenager hated their parents so, and how devastated the parents were at her death. The parents arranged three different services for this girl, not to mention the day long viewing. We attended all of them! I often thought they did this because they could shower love and attention on a daughter that couldn’t rebel anymore! Their love was able to overshadow the hatred!

WE ARE ALL familiar with the story of the Israelites and how they would grumble and complain and how God continually supplied all their needs. We remember how they would praise and thank Him and then would turn against Him with more grumbling and complaining. God would send disease and much trouble amongst them to get their attention and they would repent and return to Him, for a time. Over and over again God would be patient, but in the long run, they were no longer His chosen people. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believed in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life! John 3:16 God sent His Son and opened His arms to the whole world!

THE WORLD that God sent His Son for, is in utter chaos! Those who have chosen Jesus as their Savior are being executed by those who call their god Allah! They feel no shame because they are filled with hatred! Satan loves hatred! Satan acts like a roaring Lion, seeking all he may devour! My heart aches for those who are being persecuted and murdered right in front the eyes of the world. What can we do? Where can we go? Where is our safe harbor?

PSALMS 23 gives us the peace that passes all understanding! "Jesus is our shepherd; our grass is green. We walk by still waters; our souls are renewed. Our trust is in Him! As we walk in the shadow of death, and evil is all around us, we are comforted by His presence! His promises are true and sure; His goodness and mercy walks with us! We are only passing through, in this life, for our home is in the Lord’s house" My prayer is that those who are standing firm, and are suffering in the balance, will grow stronger in the Lord, day by day! Oh how our hearts ache; Come quickly Lord Jesus! Amen!       By Jane Ann  Crenshaw (5/12/08)   8/30/14

WHITER THAN SNOW! 8/24/14

TODAY there is lots of discussion as to which soap to use to keep your whites white. Years ago it wasn’t the soap as much as it was time, muscle and help. Growing up in a large family you are given jobs. One of the first jobs, of importance, that my sister Joyce and I did was the laundry. Joyce was 10 and I was 13! I imagine you are thinking to yourself; "big deal!" Well, it was a big deal in our household!

MY DAD had built sort of a lean-to behind the garage. Our laundry room had a dirt floor covered with a piece of linoleum. The washer would be old, but most of the time it worked. When it was broke, they called Crazy Johnnie to repair it; which is another story! One of my favorite washers had a wringer we turned by hand. Another one had a small spin dry hole which I hated. When it wasn’t working we would wash in the big tub next to the washer and use the scrub board. When we emptied either the washer or the wash tub we would take the drain hose outr, and lay it across the sidewalk, onto the grass. Ugly wash water would run out!

I SUPPOSE all of that was much better than pounding them on a rock in the lake, huh?   However, the good part was we only washed clothes on Saturday mornings, which means we washed 8 twin size sheets, 4 standard bed sheets, enough towels that were hung double on 7 clothes line that were approximately 17ft long. We had a total of 14 clothes lines, at least that is how I remember it! We had 16 living there, so you can go ahead and do the math.

AFTER Daddy died, we moved, and my bother Lonnie bought Mom a new washer with a wringer, and eventually a "dryer!" Our prayers for Mom going onto the TV show, Queen for a Day, was totally squashed. Well, it didn’t matter anymore, anyway, because my new job was ironing! Ugh!!!

WHEN the sheets were dry we made the beds. I didn’t get Lonnie’s bed made once, and around 1:00 am he knocked on my bedroom door. I had to get up and make his bed! A job isn’t done until it is done! I don’t remember who folded the towels but I do know they got used again, because we would wash the same towels eery weekend. Joyce and I talk and laugh about that time in our lives. We agree, it was hard, but when our job was done we were done until next Saturday. Life is like that, isn’t it!

MY MOTHER had a lot on her plate; raising and caring for her family, while working outside of the home. But she did it! Her children helped! And believed me, we all have praised her and call her blessed! I don’t know how it was with the older kids but as one of the younger ones, I didn’t want to find out what would happen if I didn’t do it. I may have argued a lot, but I did try hard to stay out of trouble. "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord; though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." Isaiah 1:18 Using soap to whiten our clothes is the same as our being obedient to the Lord, so we will appear white to Him. Not dingy gray or bright red , but white; clean, pure and soft to the touch.

"WOE TO YOU scribes and Pharisees; hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within they are full of dead men’s bones and uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but within you are full of  hypocrisy and iniquity. Matthew 23:27-28 Jesus talks about the hypocrites being as white washed tombs. Outwardly they appear beautiful and righteous but on the inside they were dead!

BEFORE Christ came into our lives we were like white washed tombs; looking good on the outside but dead on the inside. Having to do the washing is pretty much the same idea. Isaiah tells us to wash ourselves, make ourselves clean by removing the evil from our lives. When we belong to Jesus, He sets us free; we come alive!     By Jane Ann Crenshaw (1/19/08) 8/23/14

SUFFERING COMES! 8/17/14

WHEN I CONSIDER the pictures of all the suffering in the world I am filled with sadness and dismay! Russia occupying the Ukraine, and the ISIS trampling over Iraq and into Syria shouting out the unthinkable; "denounce your affiliations to Christ or die!" Years ago it was the suffering in the Sudan; with starving babies with extended stomachs. When I watch the devastation caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunami’s, earthquakes and war, I too wonder; "How do we find peace and understanding in this?  God is there watching the goings on throughout our world. God is patiently waiting! He wonders; "Why does it take them so long to understand me and my ways?" 

I READ a short story about an essay that was to be written in a class room regarding ‘peace.’ It tells about a small bird perched on a branch that was protruding from a massive rock near a fierce waterfall. The waterfall was not as huge as Niagra Falls but it was big. The waters cascading down with such force that it could crush anything and everything in it’s descent. The waters had a fine spray that showered over all that was around it. The noise was deafening and could be heard from miles around. This little bird who sat perched was neither afraid or worried. He just sat there calmly taking in his surroundings, without a care in the world. This is peace!

"BE ANXIOUS for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the ‘peace of God’ which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 The places that Jim and I visited on our trip of a life time to the Holy Land, showed us the poverty of the world. We saw first hand how people live without Christ. We saw their need and felt compassion.

IT IS GOOD for us with much, to share with those who have little or nothing at all. It is good for us to share in programs that allow food, clothing and medical supplies to be shipped and taken to these people of need. It is good for us to show the world that God cares and His care comes through the people who care! However, their needs are greater than food, clothing and medical supplies. Their need is to know the God who cares for their souls.

GOD’S WORLD can be our world if we just reach out and take His gift! God makes it possible for us to walk through fire; through torture; through crisis after crisis by stretching forth His hand and taking ours. I have heard it said; "Sin has no rights!" Before we can fix other worlds, we must return ours to God. There is no job too big for Him! America can turn around!  We have men and women who are willing to die for our Country. We should never let their deaths be in vain. So I say; "Wake up America! God is calling us! The answer is Jesus! Seek Him while you may. Know Him today; stand up and be counted!"

EVER SINCE Jesus died on the cross, the Christians have been persecuted. Somewhere in the world a devoted follower of Christ, has suffered and died, even today. I think about Stephen, the first martyr and then there was the 12. Since the church began, many have suffered. What is happening in our world today, has been happening for centuries.

EVEN SO, there is still work to be done! Jesus has never stopped doing His work, but He wants those who are willing to follow His lead. The world is full of pagans who need Christ. If we understand the church wins then let’s act like winners! We cry because of our failures and losses and yet we know that peace is Jesus Christ. Let’s be a church in motion; "For Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God!" Romans 10:17 I too wonder how I would respond if confronted with the decision to deny Christ or die! Heaven awaits those who remain firm! Can I stand the test? Can I do that? I too pray like John; "come Lord Jesus!" By Jane Ann Crenshaw (9/30/09) 8/16/14

THE LIGHTHOUSE! 8/10/14

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. But it was Faye’s lighthouse and I loved it! My dear friend passed away many years ago, but I have the picture Jim painted for me of Faye’s lighthouse hanging in my bedroom. When I look intently at the area surrounding the lighthouse I can see my friend playing, and her stories come alive once again, in the memories of my heart.

LIGHTHOUSES have been the background of mysteries for books, movies and romance for poems and songs. Stories of long lost loves have 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 any more, but still wanted because of the nostalgia that surrounds them. Still wanted because of the memories passed down for generations 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 my brother Lynn would sing it, along with the Gospel Hymns Quartet, I would cry! I don’t cry from sadness, I cry because I believe it is true. Lynn at the age of 28, was being tossed about in the sea of life. God healed him physically and spiritually, and gave him almost 43 more years, to bring glory and honor to Him, through the life he lived.

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 Jesus said; "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world!" John 9:5 WOW! Jesus is our lighthouse of hope in this world of darkness. Only He can turn our despair into hope! Our hope is like an anchor. As the storms howl around us, Jesus our anchor, holds firm to us in this unseen world. Paul says that we are to cling to Jesus! "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of our soul!" Hebrews 6:19a In other words; Our Christian hope is anchored in eternity! Lynn found that to have the Son of God, gave him life! Does your anchor hold?
By Jane Ann Crenshaw (8/28/09) 8/8/14

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 8/3/14

TODAY is my sons birthday. The exciting thing about his birthday today, is that we get to celebrate it today! We use to celebrate on the 3^rd until he went off to Bible College. Then it seems like he was always gone on his birthday. I remember once taking a cake to the camp grounds where he was helping! I think we did that several times! After he married, we celebrated on a day when we all could get together. When families live close together it’s not so hard, but when miles separate them, you have to make plans. Weekends were always good!

THINKING about his birthday caused me to think about the song. When did it first appear? Who wrote it? I found some interesting tidbits and want to share them with you. It all began in 1893 when two sisters were working at the Louisville, Kentucky Experimental Kindergarten, one as a teacher and the other as the Principal. The sisters combined their talents and expertise and wrote a little song that they called "Good Morning to All." They had it published in a collection of "Song Stories of the Kindergarten!" Some 31 years later a man names Robert H. Coleman published the song (again) without the sisters’ permission, adding a second verse as "Happy Birthday to You!"

THE SECOND verse became so popular that the first verse was totally forgotten. After a court battle the Hill family legally owns the song, and is entitled to royalties. However, you do not have to pay to sing the song. But if you consider commercial purposes then you would!  Another tidbit I find interesting is that the little Happy Birthday song, is the most popular song on everyone’s chart. And why not; it is sung just about every moment of one day, in everyone’s life! I wish I knew the words to the first verse though!

DAVID wrote many songs of which I believe, Jesus sang! "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands!" Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing!" Psalms 100:1-2 David was a talented man! We always picture him as the warrior, heading off to battle. But David was a man filled with loyalty and justice. He desired a heart of integrity and he wanted God to look upon him with favor. He writes many times about singing with gladness of heart and being filled with joy. Sounds like the ‘happy birthday song!’

I DON"T know if God thinks of our birthdays as a day of importance. He didn’t give us a date for His Son! However, we do! We always remember the day we were born, and as a child, we looked forward to our birthdays, and could hardly wait until we were older! Jim would tell our grandsons that when they became 6, they would grow a mustache, just like his! Adam (our first grandson) was five. I asked him if he was excited to become 6 on his birthday. He said; "I am going to be 7 and I am changing my name to Kyle!" Now, where did that come from. Could it be, he didn’t want a mustache? And Kyle; no one seems to know where that came from!

"HAPPY the people to whom such blessings fall! Happy the people whose God is the Lord!" Psalms 144:15 David had been offering a prayer for prosperity for God’s people.  He was asking that their sons would be like plants full grown. Their daughters like pillars in a palace. That their store houses would be full and their fields filled with cattle and sheep.

"HE IS LIKE a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers!" Psalms 1:3 My prayer for my son is that he would continue to walk with the Lord; to love his wife with the passion of a man in love; to respect his sons and to continue becoming the man God has created him to be. A life well lived for God; is a life well spent. "Happy Birthday to you; Happy Birthday to you: Happy Birthday to Danny; Happy Birthday to you!" By Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/31/14

A HUMMINGBIRD LECTURE! 7/27/14

 
OUR NEIGHBORS across the street, had transformed their front yard into  a garden of color and beauty. One afternoon while sitting on the lawn swing on my front porch, my attention was drawn to a hummingbird that was in it’s very own heaven of color and fragrance, in my neighbors garden. As I watched this tiny bird moving quickly from flower to flower, it all of a sudden changed course and flew across the street right into my yard and planted herself upon a rail right in front of me. My deck had a bench that ran around one end of it which had a support back. Underneath was this rail upon which my visitor sat perched, and began to lecture me!

I WAS SO bewildered because I had never seen a hummingbird do anything quite like that. After she ended her tirade, she flew back to the garden. I watched more intently and again she changed directions and flew back to perch on my rail. This time I tried to talk to her! I asked if she had come a long way to find the garden across the street. She replied, but again I felt she was chastising me. She cocked her tiny head from side to side. She made a couple of tiny turns and then starred at me again. I had to laugh, because it all seemed so absurd! Startled, she flew back to the garden! I continued to watch and she returned one more time. This time she just sat there and then she flew away. Needless to say, for several days after that, I looked for her. She may have returned to the garden, but she never perched on my rail again.

WHENEVER I think of this tiny miracle of life, I am reminded of the story/movie; "The Secret Garden." I know many of you have read stories and have had some experience of your own that almost seem unbelievable, and yet they are real. My question was why did she act like that? Why was she so angry at me? Perhaps she felt threatened by my proximity to her garden. Perhaps she had been planning on making a nest and wanted to do that in secret.

I THINK that God sends these little splashes of joy into our lives to remind us who He is. He is the one that created all things. He is the one that brought the world and all that is in it, into existence. God said let there be, and it was! God’s sense of humor is evident with the fish in the seas; the birds in the air; the flowers and trees; the hills and mountains; the rock walls and rim rocks that circle the hills; the winds; the rains; the snow that fall every so lightly; the changes of the seasons which delight our eyes; the smells that permeate our surroundings and cause us to remember. When God was through indulging Himself through His creation, He saw that everything was good!

THEN HE looked around and saw that He wanted more. So He created animals of all species; babies and full grown. Then His greatest masterpiece of all; man! Again, God looked around and saw that everything was good! Somewhere during or after His creation, a situation happened in heaven and God asked Lucifer to leave with no uncertain terms. During Adam and Eve’s sojourn in the beautiful garden of Eden, that God had created for them, a most disturbing incident took place. Lucifer, now called the serpent confronted Eve with a most disparaging question. "Indeed, has God said; "You shall not eat from any tree of the garden?"

"WE MAY eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden; but God said, "You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden; neither shall you touch it, lest you die!"  Genesis 3:2-3 Satan deceived Eve and she ate! Eve gave the fruit to Adam and he ate! Sin destroyed the beautiful world that God created for them! Today we endure, in a world that was once perfect! Adam and Eve were put out of the garden and it has never been the same since. Man was created to live on earth forever, but now through Jesus Christ, we can live forever with Him in heaven. Enjoying God’s creation is God’s gift to the world. God’s plan, from the beginning, is still working! How about you? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/25/14 (10/24/08)

WHEN THE STORMS COME! 7/20/14

STORMS COME in different forms. They can be rain, wind, snow, hurricanes, tornadoes and even a tsunami. They can also be events that cause major distress, such as a death of a loved one or loss of a job. Circumstances beyond our control can not only cause mental, emotional, but physical discomfort. All family’s experience storms of different kinds, but the one I want to talk about is unusual to say the least.

IN 82, DANNY left for Boise Bible College. In September of 83, Jennifer left for the same college. My brother Lonnie at that time, had begun an extensive renovation of his home to accommodate my mother who was in the difficult stages of Alzheimer. She was coming to spend the holidays with us, and Jennifer was coming home for Thanksgiving. One Sunday evening we pulled into the driveway! Living in the country, it was not unusual to see skunks but this time the skunk was tripping along side our house and disappeared into a 1' square opening just under the south end of our home. We both saw it, and immediately Jim said; "I think we have trouble"! Actually that was not the half of it! With the Thanksgiving holiday just ahead, we prayed that our visitor was just passing through and had no plans to stay. The following Tuesday we left for Idaho to pick up Jennifer from school and my mother who had been staying with my sister Jeri, during the first phase of my brothers renovations.

WHEN WE arrived back home we saw no evidence of our visitor from a few days earlier. A couple of nights after Thanksgiving we went to bed as usual. This night was to be the last night we did anything as usual. No more peace and sugar plums dancing in our heads, for a very long time. Around 2 or 3 am we were awakened with a strange pawing sound in the heating vents under our manufactured home. Immediately, our hearts began pounding in our chests. Jim got up and dressed! I headed towards the bathroom! A nightmare of a storm began and lasted until after spring break; March of 84! We not only battled the difficulties of caring for my mother but standing as sentinels with gun in hand, briquet fires to smoke the enemy out, and many, many sleepless nights.

EVENTUALLY, we had to take my Mother back to my sisters, so we could concentrate on our skunk battle strategy. Poisons to feed them, along with gun in hand, Jim led the final charge and ended the life of the last invader. The final battle of "Skunk Ridge in Sam’s Valley," took place under the north end of our home while being outnumbered 14 to 1! And then, all was quiet on the battlefront. During our time of trouble Jim would not talk! His mind and his strength was on the adversary and not on me. You could say it was our winter of discontent, and I understood! Our home had literally been turned upside down! We had spent so many nights responding to the sounds of scratching. Getting dressed and heading to the bathroom was routine! Watching my mother wandering throughout the house and listening for the enemy, consumed us! The siege of the skunks was almost more than we could bear, especially wearing the noticeable skunk cologne during all those months. We could hardly stand one another! When we found a hospital cleansing product to scour our home with, we were able to clean the house a total of 7 times, from top to bottom, after each skunk bombing. But nothing worked on us!

"I WOULD hasten to my place of refuge. From the stormy wind and tempest." Psalm 55:8 God was my refuge! "The Lord is my light and my salvation Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life. Whom shall I dread?" Psalms 27:1-3 Jim trusted in God and was strong! He did what he could! This passage talks about evildoers and adversaries causing us to stumble and fall. The hosts will come upon you and in spite of war all around, you shall have confidence. Yes, we battled a storm which left it scars, but with Christ as our captain, we won the prize for endurance. Praise God!
By Jane Ann Crenshaw (2/2/08) 7-19-14

LET'S ENJOY THE DAY! 7/13/14

THE WINTER of 2007 and 08, we actually felt like we had moved into the land of snow. If I remember rightly, it began in November and never had a chance to melt until long into the end of spring, and early summer. We were fully dressed in a beautiful white frock which gradually turned into slush with tones of ugly brown with streaks of gray and white. Even though many were on their roofs removing a disaster waiting to happen the birds were out looking for their regular restaurant haunts. Some were still open as the owners would refill their feeders twice daily. Others, were apparently closed due to bad weather! I have heard that birds will return daily to the same food supply. I know Jim and I do!

WE NOTICED that the robins that year, were a little more plump than usual, but only to the point that we noticed. Nothing more! Did they know something we didn’t? At the time we had a small tree in the front that had red non-eatable berries. In the back we had a medium size red berry tree, of a different kind. Usually in the spring, we have to clean up these berries because the birds never touched them. Not so this particular season! A good size flock of Robins found our back yard, and it became their winter resort!

THAT YEAR their red/orange chests protruding almost to the ground, were amazing! One Robin took possession of the ground, under the wheelbarrow planter. When other Robins wanted to join him, he became aggressive and chased them away. The snow that had fallen off the roof created little mounds and the birds pecked their way through it to locate the ice berries underneath! Oh how much fun we had watching all the activity in our back yard!

INTERESTINGLY enough, we discovered that while eating the worms we grow in our front yard, the Robins stayed slim and trim. But because the worm café was closed, they were eating only dessert and believe me it was beginning to show. Not only the Robins, but much smaller birds were filling out as they ate right along with them. There is no segregation within the fine feathered friends at the dinner table, unless you are trying to eat off each others plate!

THAT particular winter we enjoyed ourselves while sitting in the warmth of our home, watching the birds pigging out under the berry tree. We were amused and amazed at the nature displayed in our yard. I usually worried a lot about the snow and the problems which caused dangerous situations, but that year the snow brought to the birds, joy, delight and of course berry’s!

THIS YEAR not so much snow, rain or any of the precipitation that is required for a productive growing season. The snow pack was sparse and so the water needed for the lakes to fill our canals, which carry the much needed water to the area’s farm land, is lacking. A drought has come to our area and the local news talks about the controversies as to who should get the water. This year the Indians lay claim to water that has served the surrounding area. Years ago it was to save the sucker fish. But what about the farmers, who feed the many, and those who rely on the water for other irrigation? God says; "Put your trust in me!"

"DO NOT be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink. Look  at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life?" Matthew 6:25-27 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day!" Matthew 6:34 Let us enjoy today! Don’t worry about what might happen. Solve what is happening today and don’t borrow from tomorrow. Instead, let’s feast on the berries of life with joy and anticipation. Worrying about tomorrow destroys peace. Praising God when the morning comes, brings peace!
By Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/11/14

GOD SENT A DOVE! 7/6/14

I REMEMBER going to the movie theater years ago and along with the feature there was a documentary about a tumble weed. As Jim ate his popcorn I became engrossed in the story of a lost tumble weed. I squirmed in my seat, as the wind blew this little weed in and out of traffic and all kinds of possible dangers. I was so affected by what was happening on the screen, that I felt joy and also pain. When I think about that tumble weed, I understand why children become so caught up in animated stories and why adults love the computerized games that they play with. It consumes their interest to the point, that it almost becomes real, a part of them! The cartoon, or the thing in their hands takes on a life of its own, that they feel its joy, and even its pain. We are happy when we win and sad when we lose! Isn’t that the way we are?

HOWEVER, we do live in the real world! Playing with paper dolls as we did years ago, or even playing hand held games, it is all make believe! It is not real! Sometimes when we watch the birds around the bird feeder in our yard, it is almost like watching a make believe, animated video. But the birds are real! Are you aware that they are watching us, while we are watching them. We love to watch them and do whatever we can to entice them into our view.

GOD sent a Raven back in the days of Noah! God sent some birds to feed Elijah, as he sat upon the hill during a 3 year drought! God sent a Dove when Jesus was baptized, and one Saturday morning God sent us a Dove also. So unexpected; so bewildering; so sad!

EARLY one Saturday morning I was sitting in my recliner and Scotty, the cat was laying on the floor beside me. All of a sudden we heard a loud thud inside the fireplace chimney wall. Scotty ran to the fireplace to see better and I was in a panic because I could hear the flapping of wings and knew that a bird had fallen down the chimney. Thankfully it was not the season for a fire, but then we seldom ever had a fire! I hollered for Jim and we pondered our next move. Obviously it was our move, because the bird couldn’t seem to find its way out, even after Jim opened the damper. I called several chimney sweeps, but none could come until Monday noon!  What were we to do? I made the appointment and we waited along with intermittent flapping of wings.  

SUNDAY morning I told our story to our church family and everyone had a solution! Only one became a consideration on Monday morning. The flapping of wings were now growing far and few between and I was so sad and worried for this little bird. Finally, I decided to try the lamp trick. I placed a lamp just inside the fireplace and turned it on. Jim fix a secured path from the fireplace to the sliding glass door. It didn’t take long! As soon as our visitor saw the light he went towards it and fell through the damper! Jim helped the little fella to make its way towards the door and followed him outside.

THE DOVE hopped along the sidewalk while Jim went to turn the hose on to give him a drink of water. As I stood there watching in awe, the water coming on, frightened him and he took off into the air as though he had just stopped for a moment and was now on his way, full strength! I cried! Jesus said; "You can buy two sparrows for a penny; yet not a single one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent." Matthew 10:29 The sparrow was the smallest and the least valuable of birds. So cheap, yet God is aware of them!

GOD is also aware of you! "The people who live in darkness will see a great light. On those who live in the dark land of death, the light will shine." Matt 6:16 Those in religious ignorance live in darkness. Light means truth! Our world was in darkness when His Word was not available. When His Word became available; light has shown all around us! Christ is the light of the world! Stop flapping your wings and become real!       By Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/5/14

NAKED DEFIANCE! 6/29/14

NOT LONG after we moved to Oregon, we discovered several roadside picnic areas along the Rogue River. In these spots the river was narrow and curvy, cascading downwards towards the estuaries that eventually would flow into the Pacific Ocean. Although there were several of these picnic areas, we had our favorite. It had only a few tables and place to park your vehicle. That part of the wayside wasn’t spectacular, but getting beyond the brush and the trees there was the river and ‘Naked Defiance!’

NAKED DEFIANCE defied the bend in the river! It stood tall, stately, and unbending as it overlooked the rushing waters. With years of penetrating watchfulness, on stormy days, when the rains would come, and the river would rise, the water would submerge the lower half of this old tree, until eventually it washed all the dirt away and left the rugged roots exposed. This massive tree eventually became vulnerable and yet immoveable.

THIS TREE, needless to say, was our main attraction! Oh it was fun watching the water racing down and out of sight around the bend; listening to the birds and wishing we could get in the water. However, it was far too swift! Through the years the water had carved out a small beach and we would lay on our blanket and watch the kids playing close to the shore. No wading, nor getting too far out, so as to get caught in the swift undercurrents. We would be all by ourselves, being one with nature! Asking; "Was this tree part of God’s initial creation?

FOR YEARS I wanted Jim to paint me a picture of Naked Defiance, as it stood there tall and stately. It fascinated me to see so much of it exposed to the elements and wondered why it just didn’t topple over. The picture of this tree is in our memory, the photo’s are hidden in albums.

YEARS went by and one day we returned to revisit our old friend by the river. A restoration project had been underway while we were just living our lives! The ground had been reinforced and rebuilt up around the rugged roots of that stately old tree. The beach was gone and the water was rapidly moving along, paying no attention, that the curve in the bend of the river had been restored to it’s natural state. You couldn’t just walk out to the water edge anymore, but we stood on a small knoll, standing under the outstretched branches of this massive tree overlooking the rushing waters.

I KNOW many of you have seen such trees or some quite similar, as you have traveled our grand country. I know that you have stories to tell of your experiences, wondering about God’s creation. I know we all, always stand amazed as we see the scriptures come to life, many times over.

"BLESSED is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out it’s roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for it’s leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8 We still call him ‘Naked Defiance’ even though, today, we probably should call him ‘God’s Masterpiece!’ There he stands fully dressed, in all his grandeur. Fully strengthened by the soil that surrounds him and the waters that had been giving him nourishment since the beginning.

I CALL a stretch of Hwy 62 in Southern Oregon, just past Prospect; "The Cathedral of Trees!" Massive, defiant and full of majesty! Tree’s that stretch towards and fill the sky with its branches. Oh to be like these huge trees covering the expanse above. Oh to be like Naked Defiance standing by the water, being strong and faithful with branches held out towards the sun, soaking in all of God’s goodness! We too are God’s creation! Do we attract the attention that Naked Defiance did? Can a restoration movement begin in us?          By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/28/14

TURN ON YOUR TABLET! 6/22/14

WHAT IS our world coming to? I received an e-mail a while back and filed it for future use. I came across it the other day and decided it had merit and that I needed to add it to my Morning Glory topics. It was referred to as a satire and was sent from one pastor to another. It has humor but it is oh so true, and isn’t far off from actually becoming a matter of fact! It begins with the Pastor greeting his congregation: "Praise the Lord!" The congregation greets the pastor with; "Hallelujah!"

THEN THE MORNING BEGINS: Pastor: "Will everyone please turn on your tablet, PC, iPad, smart phone, and Kindle Bibles to 1 Corinthians 13:13. And please switch on your Bluetooth to download the sermon.." (A short pause!) "Now, Let us pray committing this week into God’s hands. Open your Apps, BBM, Twitter and Facebook, and chat with God!"    (S-i-l-e-n-c-e) . THE PASTOR continues; "As we take our Sunday tithes and offerings, please have your credit and debit cards ready." "You can log on to the church Wi-Fi using the password ‘Lord909887.’ 
A. "THOSE who prefer to make electronic fund transfers are directed to computers and laptops at the rear of the church.
B. THOSE who prefer to use iPads can open them.
C. THOSE who prefer telephone banking, take out your cell phones to transfer your contributions to the church account."

THE HOLY atmosphere of the Church becomes truly electrified as ALL the smart phones, iPads, PCS and laptops beep and flicker! The Pastor continues with the; "Final blessing and closing announcements......."
A. THIS week’s ministry cell meetings will be held on the various Facebook group pages where the usual group chatting takes place. Please log in and don’t miss out.
B. THURSDAY’s Bible study will be held live on Skype at 1900 hrs GMT. Please don’t miss out!
C. YOU CAN follow your Pastor on Twitter this weekend for counseling and prayers.
D. GOD BLESS you and have a nice day!

THE ONLY question I have regarding the possibility of all of this is; "WHAT ABOUT ME!" I don’t have all that stuff and if I did, I am not sure I would know how to do all of that, and be able to walk close with the Lord. I need to be refueled and reset! I want that time to remember the Lord right along side all of His followers. I have needs, that electronics could never fill! Not even if they were done by robots or automated!

I LOVE IT when we come together and sing songs giving Him all our praise and worship. I love it when we honor Him by focusing our attention upon Him and giving Him our words of love. I love it when we can bring our sacrifice of praise into His house! The highlight for me is when we come together around His table and remember how much He loves me! WOW! My heart is filled up with His love for me and His people. Makes me feel good and gives me the power to continue keeping on!

"THIS IS THE DAY that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalms 118:24 Let’s forget about our toys and come into His house to worship Him and to magnify His name. Nothing is more glorious than to be in God’s house with God’s people giving Him all the praise and the glory that is due Him! Amen! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/19/14

(Pastors Raymond Scott and Phil Roland)

A FATHER TO REMEMBER! 6/15/14

IS THERE A difference between being a Father or a Dad? Is it a matter of the name or is it in what happens between a man and his child? When I refer to my Dad as my Father, I am saying that he is my birth Father; I am in his ima; I have his genes! When I refer to my Father as my Dad, he is the one who raised me! I look towards several of my brothers as father figures, because they were always there for me and took care of me! God was the Father of Jesus but Joseph raised Jesus. As his "legal" Father, he was his Dad. I have never really considered the difference between father and Dad but according to the dictionary a Father is a male parent; A dad is the 15^th letter of the Arabic alphabet. Hummm

LET’S LOOK at some biblical fathers and see if our fathers can relate to any one of them. Enoch was a Father; and he was also the Dad and taught his children about God! Noah was a Father, and he was also a Dad and encouraged his sons to help build the Ark! Abraham was a Father, and he played with his children and they loved him as a Dad! King David was a Father, but had trouble with his children - kings are sometimes aloof. Hard to be a Dad when you are aloof, he shed many a tear over his children! Joseph was a legal Father. Jesus was his step-son! And he was a Dad! He allowed Jesus in his shop and taught him to be a carpenter. He taught Him in the ways of God. Jesus knew the scriptures because He was taught my Joseph. God is the epitome of Fatherhood! His relationship with Jesus was so full that Jesus could do nothing else, but live for Him.

WE ARE GOD’S adopted children; we are brothers and sisters of Jesus through adoption! This makes God our Dad? He loves us as His own! He cares for us and hurts, when we hurt. He says; "Come unto me!" Jesus says; I am your friend - No matter how we want to look at it, Jesus is our Savior and friend, and God is our heavenly Father

a. Psalms 68:5 "A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, is God in His holy habitation." God has chosen to love us, as His children!
b. Psalms 103:13 "Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him!" We should love, honor and obey our earthly fathers; God we should fear with love, honor and obedience!
c. Proverbs 10:1 "A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish son is a grief to his mother." Knowing the difference between a wise and foolish son is good!
d. Proverbs 17:21 "He who fathers a fool does so to his sorrow. And the father of a fool has no joy!" A disobedient child, is a worldly child - pray for them!
e. Isaiah 64:8 "But now, O Lord, You are our Father. We are the clay, and you our potter; and all of us are the work of your hand." Mankind was created by God, therefore we must submit to Him, so He can finish His work, in us!
f. Matthew 7:21 "Not every one who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father, who is in heaven."   God knows our hearts, therefore we cannot fool Him; because He is no fool!
g. Matthew 10:37 "He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."   Loving, honoring and obeying our parents is the will of the Father. Doing this is  God’s will; this shows we love the Father more, when we are in His will.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all you Fathers who have allow God to change you into the kind of Dad that is needed in this world. Loving your children; teaching them about God the Father and Jesus, His Son! Teaching them to observe all things that are of God! Enjoy your day and Praise the Lord for your children! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/15/14

HIS TRUTH IS MARCHING ON! 6/8/14

I REALIZE as I get older my mind wanders back to a time before husband, 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 do dads 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!" When it works it is very good, but when it has problems boy do I get frustrated!

SOME YEARS back a dear friend from my youth sent me an email. He too liked to wander back into time and remember. His email began; "Dear Junior Church friends from long ago." Believe me when he said long ago he meant it. He was in his early 70's! He goes on with the following; "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! 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. 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."

I HAVE to agree with Wayne, that our youth was an amazing time! Not quite the same today! To many choices out there for kids, teenagers and young adults. Because our world says so many things are okay, even though they are contrary to God’s Word, trouble becomes second nature to them. If it is not against the law, then it must be okay! If others don’t turn their noses up regarding these abominations, as they are called in God’s Word, then it must be okay, because our culture has changed.

MY HEART aches for our youth that are searching for answers and find them in all the wrong places. Churches are more and more dropping the idea of having Sunday School that teaches our young people about God, His Son and how to live for Him. Instead they offer things that don’t include babies; toddlers, pre-Schoolers, primary age and so on. The seekers are the ones we must teach so that they can teach. "And they were bringing children to Him, that He might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it He was indignant, and said to them, "Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God." Mark 10:13-14

GOD CALLS young and old, His children! Jesus continued saying; "Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. And He took them in His arms and blessed them, laying His hands upon them." Mark 10:15-16 I thank the Lord everyday for the church that took five kids under their wings with love and nurtured them by teaching them about Jesus and His Father, showed us His Word and taught us to walk in His ways. Were we good at it? No! Are we still trying? Yes! Will we ever succeed? Succeed is a measure we may never meet here, but God has promised us that the day is coming!

WHEN THE CHURCH began on that day called Pentecost, God had all of us in mind!  Many believe that much is wasted on the youth. Depends upon who’s pew you are sitting in. God is faithful and as long as we remain standing on His promises, there is a place for all of us.   Keep the fire lit and fan the flames, Jesus is coming again! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/7/14