WE ALL HAVE completed many seasons in our lives. Each grade is an end of a season, in growing up, when we receive our academic certificates. When we complete our final degrees in higher learning we come to the end of our academic achievements. Our singleness season comes to an end, when we marry. Children come and some marriages end; loved ones pass away and new seasons begin.
JUST LIKE all seasons of life, one ends and another begins. Which came first? Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter? Living in California the seasons were not as defined as they are in Oregon. I loved the climate in California, but in Oregon the definitions are amazing!
WHEN I BEGAN writing Morning Glory, it was a beginning of an exciting season for me! Growing old was not one of my favorite things to do! But at 70, my life became fuller and richer in Jesus Christ. Don’t get me wrong! I loved the process in becoming who I am today.
I have loved everyone who came into my life from the beginning. Today I even love the ones I could have done without! Probably the feelings were mutual!
SOME AVENUES, in the paths I have taken, took me off course. But Morning Glory gave me purpose thru God, who gave me a desire. Jim gave me encouragement. The internet gave me a tool and God’s church gave me a place. This season started in a person of age, who by the world’s standards, was almost done. I am not done, but Morning Glory blogging is!
“STUDY TO SHOW thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed but rightly dividing the Word of Truth!” 2 Timothy 2:15 (kjv) We are to do our best to please God! Every Christian is to take this passage to heart. The scriptures tell us that it is God, whom we are to please. I have carried this verse close to my heart ever since I memorized it in my 4th grade Sunday School Class. Second to this was; “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and , lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” Matthew 28:19-20 (kjv)
CHRISTIANS are to share their faith in Jesus! Ultimately, as we go, we are to share the Gospel, and to make disciples! As a woman I always hesitated, even though I never was shy in letting others know about my faith. In Morning Glory I became the teacher and my goal was
to bring Christ’s followers into a closer walk in their everyday life. I shared by giving milk to those who still needed it, and meat to those who were ready to digest it!
THREE THINGS I want leave you with. Number one is to study the Word! Reading it is good, but when you are in it to apply it, things will begin to happen in your life. Number two is, do not be afraid to tell someone that you believe, “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God!” What a difference that can make in your own life. What a difference that can make in another’s life, even though you may never know about it!
THIRDLY, but by no means last; become obedient to God’s Word and be baptized. Many want to write baptism off as merely an outward expression of an inward conviction. But it is far more than that! We are baptized into the trinity, embodied in Jesus. Through baptism we receive forgiveness of our past sins, and we can be forgiven for all future sins, when we ask forgiveness! This, in itself, is important! But also, upon baptism, we receive the “Gift of the Holy Spirit!” The Spirit does not just come upon us at will, but comes to dwell within us. Nowhere else does a believer receive this gift, except thru baptism. Jesus said to do this; so do it! It is not our invitation for others to do this, it is God’s invitation! How can you refuse?
THANK YOU LORD for giving me this special season; “Morning Glory!” Morning Glory readers; “thank you!” My life is in a new season, for God is good! Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/7/16
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Sunday, September 4, 2016
BANQUETS! Sept 4,2016
IN THE CHURCH I grew up in we held many banquets throughout the year! We also had potluck’s but our banquets were always grand! There was a Mother’s and Daughter’s Banquet, the Father’s and Son’s Banquet, the Birthday Banquet and even an annual, Youth Banquet, which was held on Mission’s weekend. All of these occasions came with a theme, decorations, guest speakers, music and dressing up.
IN THOSE days we had monthly committees and a chairman that would head up such affairs. There were plenty of people to help fill in by cooking, setting up, serving and taking down! With paid reservations and tickets in hand, our meals were served and it was a super night out for all!
THE BIRTHDAY Banquet was well attended! There would be a table for each month of the year which was decorated by that months committee. They would provide a special cake for their table and prizes would be given out for the various categories. This banquet was a potluck, but no one minded because it was always so much fun and special.
THE MOTHER’S and daughters banquet sometimes would be held in the school cafeteria because it was the largest Banquet. Women love to show up in their very best and to especially show off their daughters. My Mother often won the prize for the most daughters present! The Fathers and Son’s was also well attended but always held at the church.
IN MY YOUTH I was involved in many of the Youth Banquets. It was a well attended affair because we not only had a great youth program, but our youth also had many friends whom they would invite. Tickets were sold! I remember once borrowing decorations from Cheney’s Dept store in town. Our programs were always fun and well encouraged by the whole Church family. Our speaker would be the visiting missionary. Our favorite meal served was Swiss steak! The steak was browned and sauteed in gravy, along with mashed potatoes, green beans, salad and of course dessert. Our ladies knew how to cook!
EVEN NOW, when I hear there is going to be a banquet my ears perk up and I want to know more. Jesus liked banquets! He attended many and just because they knew Jesus was coming it was always well attended!
“LET US REJOICE and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready!” Revelations 19:7 (rsv) We, the church are the bride and we are to be clothed in all our finery of righteous deeds. “And the angel said to me; Write this, blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” Revelations 19:9 (rsv) The church is held in high esteem because we are the Bride of the Lamb!
THE SCENE now changes! It is a frightening and repulsive scene that makes an Alfred Hitchcock movie, like the Birds, seem about as tame as Walt Disney’s Donald Duck. What a contrast! At the marriage banquet of the Lamb, the saints dine personally with Jesus. At the ‘great supper’ the sinners are the feast for the vultures. “Then I saw an angel standing in the sun and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly in mid heaven; “Come, gather for the great supper of God, to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great!” Revelations 19:17-18 (rsv) How perplexing this picture is!
GOD’S TWO BANQUETS; “the marriage supper and the great supper”, show us
God’s victory over evil, will be final. The joy of the church, the bride, reigns supreme! If we refuse the invitation to the marriage supper, we will be attending the great supper! Our reservation has already been paid for! What’s it going to be; the marriage supper or the great supper? What’s it going to be; heaven or hell? Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/3/16
IN THOSE days we had monthly committees and a chairman that would head up such affairs. There were plenty of people to help fill in by cooking, setting up, serving and taking down! With paid reservations and tickets in hand, our meals were served and it was a super night out for all!
THE BIRTHDAY Banquet was well attended! There would be a table for each month of the year which was decorated by that months committee. They would provide a special cake for their table and prizes would be given out for the various categories. This banquet was a potluck, but no one minded because it was always so much fun and special.
THE MOTHER’S and daughters banquet sometimes would be held in the school cafeteria because it was the largest Banquet. Women love to show up in their very best and to especially show off their daughters. My Mother often won the prize for the most daughters present! The Fathers and Son’s was also well attended but always held at the church.
IN MY YOUTH I was involved in many of the Youth Banquets. It was a well attended affair because we not only had a great youth program, but our youth also had many friends whom they would invite. Tickets were sold! I remember once borrowing decorations from Cheney’s Dept store in town. Our programs were always fun and well encouraged by the whole Church family. Our speaker would be the visiting missionary. Our favorite meal served was Swiss steak! The steak was browned and sauteed in gravy, along with mashed potatoes, green beans, salad and of course dessert. Our ladies knew how to cook!
EVEN NOW, when I hear there is going to be a banquet my ears perk up and I want to know more. Jesus liked banquets! He attended many and just because they knew Jesus was coming it was always well attended!
“LET US REJOICE and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready!” Revelations 19:7 (rsv) We, the church are the bride and we are to be clothed in all our finery of righteous deeds. “And the angel said to me; Write this, blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” Revelations 19:9 (rsv) The church is held in high esteem because we are the Bride of the Lamb!
THE SCENE now changes! It is a frightening and repulsive scene that makes an Alfred Hitchcock movie, like the Birds, seem about as tame as Walt Disney’s Donald Duck. What a contrast! At the marriage banquet of the Lamb, the saints dine personally with Jesus. At the ‘great supper’ the sinners are the feast for the vultures. “Then I saw an angel standing in the sun and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly in mid heaven; “Come, gather for the great supper of God, to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great!” Revelations 19:17-18 (rsv) How perplexing this picture is!
GOD’S TWO BANQUETS; “the marriage supper and the great supper”, show us
God’s victory over evil, will be final. The joy of the church, the bride, reigns supreme! If we refuse the invitation to the marriage supper, we will be attending the great supper! Our reservation has already been paid for! What’s it going to be; the marriage supper or the great supper? What’s it going to be; heaven or hell? Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/3/16
Saturday, August 27, 2016
A WORLDLY DISEASE! August 28, 2016
WHEN I WAS a child my mother would give instructions on how not to catch things. We were to wash our hands; never to sit on a public toilet; never use a friends comb; and to never chew someone else’s gum. There were probably more than that, but these are the ones I remember. Catching colds is not as easy when you wash your hands often. If you don’t use another’s comb you have less chance of getting lice. It was a good thing when papers were given for toilet seats because I ended up with edema, because I would not use a public toilet. Public toilets came with worms or a venereal disease. And chewing someone else’s gum was just plain nasty.
IN THIS WORLD we have many diseases. Some are curable or can be managed with medicines. The most dreaded are deadly! No matter what medicines you take, and even when there is a remission, you know in your heart that you will probably succumb to it. Medicines vary in cost and many times a patient cannot afford to buy it. The world vendors of medicine make big bucks on someone’s illness. These are the ways of the world! God’s Word says His children are in the world, but not a part of the world.
IN MY OLD age I have come think about worldly disease in an entirely different way.
I call it ‘worldlyfluenza.’ You all have heard of influenza? You may have even contracted it!
Usually it is considered an epidemic because, it usually, is passed around. It is sort of like a cold which affects the throat, results in headaches and muscle aches. No one wants to have it!
HOWEVER, we all start out with a light case of worldlyfluenza. When we first learn about God’s creation, we learn about His place in the world; His plan from the beginning, and especially sin. Our eyes and ears are opened to the causes, symptoms and remedies. Many listen and watch and make a huge decision to believe in God. Those who believe, accept and agree, receive a medicine that can cure this worldly disease! If you refuse then you remain under the health conditions of worldlyfluenza. How sad is that!
JESUS prayed for His Disciples. He says that He did not pray for the world, but for those His Father had given Him. The cure for worldlyfluenza is Jesus Christ! He is the medicine that is offered by God! I started taking small doses as a child but took more and more as I grew older. Today, I can’t get enough of this Godly medicine. How about You?
“I DO NOT pray only for them, but also for those who believe in me because of their message. I pray that they may all be one, Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me, and I am in you. May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent me.” John 17:20-21(gn) Jesus prayed for us! Way back when He was here as the God-man! He prayed for you and me. He wanted us to not just believe, but to remain in Him! To be healthy, wealthy and wise!
GOD did not cause the sins of man. God allowed sin when He allowed man to be free to choose Him or not! “Ever since God created the world, His invisible qualities, both His eternal power and His divine nature, have been clearly seen. Men can perceive them in the things that God has made. So they have no excuse at all!” Romans 1:20 (gn)
MOST PEOPLE know there is a God, but they do not give Him the honor and glory due Him, because they want to remain in the world as they know it. They may have chosen God in the beginning, but they have developed another case of the worldlyfluenza. “The fool says in his heart; “There is no God.” “They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none that does good.” Psalms 14:1 (rsv) God doesn’t keep anyone from making a fool of themselves!
“THE STEADFAST love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is His faithfulness,. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in Him.” Lamentations 3:22-24 (rsv) Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/27/16
IN THIS WORLD we have many diseases. Some are curable or can be managed with medicines. The most dreaded are deadly! No matter what medicines you take, and even when there is a remission, you know in your heart that you will probably succumb to it. Medicines vary in cost and many times a patient cannot afford to buy it. The world vendors of medicine make big bucks on someone’s illness. These are the ways of the world! God’s Word says His children are in the world, but not a part of the world.
IN MY OLD age I have come think about worldly disease in an entirely different way.
I call it ‘worldlyfluenza.’ You all have heard of influenza? You may have even contracted it!
Usually it is considered an epidemic because, it usually, is passed around. It is sort of like a cold which affects the throat, results in headaches and muscle aches. No one wants to have it!
HOWEVER, we all start out with a light case of worldlyfluenza. When we first learn about God’s creation, we learn about His place in the world; His plan from the beginning, and especially sin. Our eyes and ears are opened to the causes, symptoms and remedies. Many listen and watch and make a huge decision to believe in God. Those who believe, accept and agree, receive a medicine that can cure this worldly disease! If you refuse then you remain under the health conditions of worldlyfluenza. How sad is that!
JESUS prayed for His Disciples. He says that He did not pray for the world, but for those His Father had given Him. The cure for worldlyfluenza is Jesus Christ! He is the medicine that is offered by God! I started taking small doses as a child but took more and more as I grew older. Today, I can’t get enough of this Godly medicine. How about You?
“I DO NOT pray only for them, but also for those who believe in me because of their message. I pray that they may all be one, Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me, and I am in you. May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent me.” John 17:20-21(gn) Jesus prayed for us! Way back when He was here as the God-man! He prayed for you and me. He wanted us to not just believe, but to remain in Him! To be healthy, wealthy and wise!
GOD did not cause the sins of man. God allowed sin when He allowed man to be free to choose Him or not! “Ever since God created the world, His invisible qualities, both His eternal power and His divine nature, have been clearly seen. Men can perceive them in the things that God has made. So they have no excuse at all!” Romans 1:20 (gn)
MOST PEOPLE know there is a God, but they do not give Him the honor and glory due Him, because they want to remain in the world as they know it. They may have chosen God in the beginning, but they have developed another case of the worldlyfluenza. “The fool says in his heart; “There is no God.” “They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none that does good.” Psalms 14:1 (rsv) God doesn’t keep anyone from making a fool of themselves!
“THE STEADFAST love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is His faithfulness,. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in Him.” Lamentations 3:22-24 (rsv) Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/27/16
Saturday, August 20, 2016
WHICH WAY TO TURN? August 21, 2016
WHEN YOU reach a fork in the road do you have a plan already in place? When the hour is late and you are tired of driving do you have any idea what the plan is now? Many times I have found myself in those kinds of spots. If you are on familiar turf, no problem! But if you are not, which way would you turn? Do your, short quick, decisions pan out? Sometimes, but not always!
ON A RETURN trip home from Southern California, it was late and we were all tired and no hotel vacancies available in Sacramento. Jim and I had a card that we had used on occasion. We just had to call, give our number, and they would locate a hotel room for us in the vicinity. We gave them one instruction “off I-5! Following the GPS on Dan & Faye’s phone we ended up off of old 99, in a hotel that left much to be desired! Not one of us was happy!
WE FOUND ourselves up a creek without a paddle! We spent the night, ever watchful of our surroundings and location. I would say that was one of the worse traveling experiences and hotel, I had ever encountered. The only thing that sustained me was God and the company I was in!
ONE OF the things I found interesting was the use of the GPS; global positioning satellite. Years ago we would look at a map for locations and a map of towns for location of an address. Phone books with maps, gave us pin pointed instructions for addresses. The computer was able to give us direct instructions from our home to wherever we wanted to go. Today there is GPS via phone! It tells when to turn, to go forward and to stop! Amazing huh!
WE HAVE yet to use the GPS system available thru satellite, but we have learned to use the GP system that keeps us out of trouble and from straying off the beaten path of life. When a decision has to be made to which way we are to turn, we turn to the GP system and our direction is redirected. We are on track. We are safe again! Now to us, that is amazing!
GOD POSITIONING system! GPS! How cool is that? Paul used it many times during his missionary travels. He used it when he was in trouble and when he was in prison. Paul was stopped by GPS on the road to Damascus and was given instructions on how to use it for a period of three years. Remember his sojourn in Arabia? What do you think he was doing there all that time. He was learning God’s positioning system!
IN BIBLE STUDY this week I was reminded of God’s faithfulness to those who are His children. “For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of the affliction we experienced in Asia; for we were so utterly, unbearable crushed that we despaired of life itself. Why, we felt that we had received the sentence of death; but that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead; He delivered us from so deadly a peril, and He will (continue to) deliver us; on Him we have set your hope that He will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us in answer to many prayers.” 2nd Corinthians 1:8-11 (rsv)
PAUL does not give details about what had happened but we are familiar with Paul and his travels. We know the dangers he faced and how he overcame. Paul does not exaggerate his difficulties, he just tells it as it was. The point is; God was there all the time. He delivered him at appointed times and Paul recognized God’s presence in those times. Do we? Do we recognize God’s answers to prayer? Do we recognize God’s saving us at the appointed time?
WHEN we pray for one another, God’s comforts us and those we pray for! When we share in our abundance, God blesses us and those we have blessed. Think once more about who He is. God sent His Son, Jesus! Jesus came and died giving those who believe and accept Him, the Holy Spirit! This is the direction to turn to! Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/20/16
ON A RETURN trip home from Southern California, it was late and we were all tired and no hotel vacancies available in Sacramento. Jim and I had a card that we had used on occasion. We just had to call, give our number, and they would locate a hotel room for us in the vicinity. We gave them one instruction “off I-5! Following the GPS on Dan & Faye’s phone we ended up off of old 99, in a hotel that left much to be desired! Not one of us was happy!
WE FOUND ourselves up a creek without a paddle! We spent the night, ever watchful of our surroundings and location. I would say that was one of the worse traveling experiences and hotel, I had ever encountered. The only thing that sustained me was God and the company I was in!
ONE OF the things I found interesting was the use of the GPS; global positioning satellite. Years ago we would look at a map for locations and a map of towns for location of an address. Phone books with maps, gave us pin pointed instructions for addresses. The computer was able to give us direct instructions from our home to wherever we wanted to go. Today there is GPS via phone! It tells when to turn, to go forward and to stop! Amazing huh!
WE HAVE yet to use the GPS system available thru satellite, but we have learned to use the GP system that keeps us out of trouble and from straying off the beaten path of life. When a decision has to be made to which way we are to turn, we turn to the GP system and our direction is redirected. We are on track. We are safe again! Now to us, that is amazing!
GOD POSITIONING system! GPS! How cool is that? Paul used it many times during his missionary travels. He used it when he was in trouble and when he was in prison. Paul was stopped by GPS on the road to Damascus and was given instructions on how to use it for a period of three years. Remember his sojourn in Arabia? What do you think he was doing there all that time. He was learning God’s positioning system!
IN BIBLE STUDY this week I was reminded of God’s faithfulness to those who are His children. “For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of the affliction we experienced in Asia; for we were so utterly, unbearable crushed that we despaired of life itself. Why, we felt that we had received the sentence of death; but that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead; He delivered us from so deadly a peril, and He will (continue to) deliver us; on Him we have set your hope that He will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us in answer to many prayers.” 2nd Corinthians 1:8-11 (rsv)
PAUL does not give details about what had happened but we are familiar with Paul and his travels. We know the dangers he faced and how he overcame. Paul does not exaggerate his difficulties, he just tells it as it was. The point is; God was there all the time. He delivered him at appointed times and Paul recognized God’s presence in those times. Do we? Do we recognize God’s answers to prayer? Do we recognize God’s saving us at the appointed time?
WHEN we pray for one another, God’s comforts us and those we pray for! When we share in our abundance, God blesses us and those we have blessed. Think once more about who He is. God sent His Son, Jesus! Jesus came and died giving those who believe and accept Him, the Holy Spirit! This is the direction to turn to! Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/20/16
Sunday, August 14, 2016
SOMETHING FOR NOTHING! 8/14/16
MOST are looking for a bargain. When it happens, we go with it as though we made it happen. Short of a month ago we bought ink for our printer. After a few weeks, our printer quit! Jim had already replaced the color and so put the black cartridge in. It wouldn’t print. The clerk at Staples said it looked like we needed to replace the photo print cartridge in order for the black to work. Didn’t work!
WE ENDED up buying a printer, that was already sold out, except for the display. We bought the display and they gave us credit for the ink we purchased last month. With the sale price being low and a new box of cartridges, along with the credit for the old ink, we got a good deal. We felt we were getting something for almost, nothing.
HOWEVER the printer didn’t work; period. So we took it back and had it checked out. We were encouraged to buy a different one. This one was priced higher but they gave it to us
for the same price as the sale item. So along with the credit for cartridges and the price of the new set of cartridges the cost of our new printer was even less then the first transaction. We are not wheeler and dealers. Staples wasn’t required to credit us the cartridges, but they did! Staples wasn’t required to give us the same price for the purchased printer, but they did!
HAVE YOU ever received a phone call saying; “you have been selected to win a free, all expenses paid, vacation to the Bahama’s!” I used to listen to see exactly what it would cost us but I now just hang up. Those vacation via the phone calls are not for nothing! They make it sound like its, too good to be true, adventure. And usually you pay too much for it!
DO YOU KNOW that before the law, there was lawlessness in the land. Death had already come into the world which came thru sin. Death continued when God gave Moses the law. Under the old dispensation; the law brought order as the world began to understand right from wrong. But they still died! We live under the new dispensation of the cross. Christ came so that we may have life! He came to give us a closer look at His Father; God!
WE LIKE TO talk about God’s Grace. We like to talk about being saved by grace thru Jesus Christ, and how we can live without condemnation. We like to discuss how we are set free from the law of sin and death; because God could take us, where the law could not. We like to talk about God’s free gift of eternal salvation, how it is ours and we don’t have to do anything to earn it, nor to receive it.
“GOD SO loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believed in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life!” John 3:16 One of the most memorized verses in all of scripture. But do you understand what it is saying? God’s grace is love! He loved everyone in the world and, wants everyone in the world to believe in His son Jesus; whom He sent to save us! His message is so simple. Yet we want to discuss, dissect, chew and regurgitate it instead of letting it consume us and be filled with thanksgiving, and excitement, because we belong in His kingdom.
GOD DIDN’T have to that! But He did! GOD could have continued as He was; but He didn’t! Instead He paid the price thru His Son and His Son paid the price on the cross. It looks like we received something for nothing! Instead we received eternal life instead of eternal death in hell, however, we have to do something! So what are you going to do about it?
YOU HAVE to accept the gift! You have to give up your life living in bondage to the world and become His child who is free. “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2 Don’t keep saying you can’t earn it. Or you don’t have to do anything to receive it! Instead, accept the gift, and let it change you by being happy in the service of the King! Love one another! Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/11/16
WE ENDED up buying a printer, that was already sold out, except for the display. We bought the display and they gave us credit for the ink we purchased last month. With the sale price being low and a new box of cartridges, along with the credit for the old ink, we got a good deal. We felt we were getting something for almost, nothing.
HOWEVER the printer didn’t work; period. So we took it back and had it checked out. We were encouraged to buy a different one. This one was priced higher but they gave it to us
for the same price as the sale item. So along with the credit for cartridges and the price of the new set of cartridges the cost of our new printer was even less then the first transaction. We are not wheeler and dealers. Staples wasn’t required to credit us the cartridges, but they did! Staples wasn’t required to give us the same price for the purchased printer, but they did!
HAVE YOU ever received a phone call saying; “you have been selected to win a free, all expenses paid, vacation to the Bahama’s!” I used to listen to see exactly what it would cost us but I now just hang up. Those vacation via the phone calls are not for nothing! They make it sound like its, too good to be true, adventure. And usually you pay too much for it!
DO YOU KNOW that before the law, there was lawlessness in the land. Death had already come into the world which came thru sin. Death continued when God gave Moses the law. Under the old dispensation; the law brought order as the world began to understand right from wrong. But they still died! We live under the new dispensation of the cross. Christ came so that we may have life! He came to give us a closer look at His Father; God!
WE LIKE TO talk about God’s Grace. We like to talk about being saved by grace thru Jesus Christ, and how we can live without condemnation. We like to discuss how we are set free from the law of sin and death; because God could take us, where the law could not. We like to talk about God’s free gift of eternal salvation, how it is ours and we don’t have to do anything to earn it, nor to receive it.
“GOD SO loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believed in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life!” John 3:16 One of the most memorized verses in all of scripture. But do you understand what it is saying? God’s grace is love! He loved everyone in the world and, wants everyone in the world to believe in His son Jesus; whom He sent to save us! His message is so simple. Yet we want to discuss, dissect, chew and regurgitate it instead of letting it consume us and be filled with thanksgiving, and excitement, because we belong in His kingdom.
GOD DIDN’T have to that! But He did! GOD could have continued as He was; but He didn’t! Instead He paid the price thru His Son and His Son paid the price on the cross. It looks like we received something for nothing! Instead we received eternal life instead of eternal death in hell, however, we have to do something! So what are you going to do about it?
YOU HAVE to accept the gift! You have to give up your life living in bondage to the world and become His child who is free. “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2 Don’t keep saying you can’t earn it. Or you don’t have to do anything to receive it! Instead, accept the gift, and let it change you by being happy in the service of the King! Love one another! Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/11/16
Sunday, August 7, 2016
HOW IS YOUR WALK? August 7, 2016
FOR SOME years I have had a problem with my right leg. Before the problem with my leg I had some problems with my feet which overshadowed the problem with my leg. Neuropathy is the condition with my feet and not much can be done. I can live with that for now! However, my right knee would buckle and I would lose feeling which made the bottom of my foot feel like it was sliding. It didn’t happen all the time but when it did, I found myself leaning towards mini-strokes.
I DEVELOPED a slight limp! About four months ago it happened again so we went to the on call Doctor, and was told it was not mini strokes but possibly a nerve problem. X rays, Chiropractor; MRI, consultations and diagnoses later; I had a steroid shot in my lower back to relax the nerves that were bunched up, causing me to lose the feeling in my right leg. Medicines can only do so much! And it is true that practice is what happens when the Doctor is trying to fix you. Medicines come with side affects and may or may not work.
TODAY I am back at square one! At first the meds seem to work, and after about 4 or 5 days the feel good, hallelujah spirit subsided and the limp returned, and the loss of feeling gave me pause in my stride. I have a back brace which helps the discomfort in my back. I have a cane that will enable me to stand when it happens. Tylenol see’s me thru daily, and of course with Jim encouraging and lifting me up; and more importantly, thru Christ I can do all things!
ALWAYS I am reminded that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. When I look at my physical walk and my spiritual walk I become conflicted! Paul says what I do, I don’t want to do. In Ephesians 4:30, Paul encourages us to not grieve the Holy Spirit! I don’t want to do that but I know that on occasion, I do! Immorality, impurity or covetousness must not be your MO. “Let there be no filthiness, nor silly talk, nor levity, which are not fitting; but instead let there be thanksgiving.” Ephesians 5:4
NO CHRISTIAN wants to go against the Holy Spirit! The things that we should not do are made known to us thru God’s Word. But sometimes the fine print is overlooked. We engage in things that we rationalize in our minds as ‘reaching out’; after all, we can do all things thru Christ! “Therefore do not associate with them (hang out with the disobedient) for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:7-10
I KNOW MANY of my brothers and sisters in Christ do things that I feel they should not be doing. If I condemn them I am interrupting my fellowship with God. I am grieving the Holy Spirit. I am not ordained to do the job of the Holy Spirit. My job is to be in fellowship with Christ. If I can encourage a fellow traveler to get back on the right path; that can be a good thing! All good things come from God!
“LOOK CAREFULLY then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart.” Ephesians 5:15-19 I have come to understand that all who believe, are sealed with the Holy Spirit, but not all are true believers, and remain as they were; which leads to a life without Christ.
SORT OF like my leg when the feeling is lost. It buckles and is useless. I have to grab hold before I fall. My goal as a Christian is to always be aware of the Spirit within me!. Yes, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak! I will continue to get my leg fixed and will continue to strive to become all that God has created me to be! Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/6/16
I DEVELOPED a slight limp! About four months ago it happened again so we went to the on call Doctor, and was told it was not mini strokes but possibly a nerve problem. X rays, Chiropractor; MRI, consultations and diagnoses later; I had a steroid shot in my lower back to relax the nerves that were bunched up, causing me to lose the feeling in my right leg. Medicines can only do so much! And it is true that practice is what happens when the Doctor is trying to fix you. Medicines come with side affects and may or may not work.
TODAY I am back at square one! At first the meds seem to work, and after about 4 or 5 days the feel good, hallelujah spirit subsided and the limp returned, and the loss of feeling gave me pause in my stride. I have a back brace which helps the discomfort in my back. I have a cane that will enable me to stand when it happens. Tylenol see’s me thru daily, and of course with Jim encouraging and lifting me up; and more importantly, thru Christ I can do all things!
ALWAYS I am reminded that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. When I look at my physical walk and my spiritual walk I become conflicted! Paul says what I do, I don’t want to do. In Ephesians 4:30, Paul encourages us to not grieve the Holy Spirit! I don’t want to do that but I know that on occasion, I do! Immorality, impurity or covetousness must not be your MO. “Let there be no filthiness, nor silly talk, nor levity, which are not fitting; but instead let there be thanksgiving.” Ephesians 5:4
NO CHRISTIAN wants to go against the Holy Spirit! The things that we should not do are made known to us thru God’s Word. But sometimes the fine print is overlooked. We engage in things that we rationalize in our minds as ‘reaching out’; after all, we can do all things thru Christ! “Therefore do not associate with them (hang out with the disobedient) for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:7-10
I KNOW MANY of my brothers and sisters in Christ do things that I feel they should not be doing. If I condemn them I am interrupting my fellowship with God. I am grieving the Holy Spirit. I am not ordained to do the job of the Holy Spirit. My job is to be in fellowship with Christ. If I can encourage a fellow traveler to get back on the right path; that can be a good thing! All good things come from God!
“LOOK CAREFULLY then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart.” Ephesians 5:15-19 I have come to understand that all who believe, are sealed with the Holy Spirit, but not all are true believers, and remain as they were; which leads to a life without Christ.
SORT OF like my leg when the feeling is lost. It buckles and is useless. I have to grab hold before I fall. My goal as a Christian is to always be aware of the Spirit within me!. Yes, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak! I will continue to get my leg fixed and will continue to strive to become all that God has created me to be! Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/6/16
Saturday, July 30, 2016
THE BEGINNING OF HOPE! July 31, 2016
IN OUR faithful walk with Jesus we forget just how weak we are. Remember the last time you sinned? Can you see just how weak you were? I know we all experience the weakness of our flesh. We want so badly to stay faithful and strong and yet our weakness seems to win out. We are sinful people! God knew that, and that is why His forgiveness was the first promise He gives us upon our acceptance and obedience, thru baptism. Without His forgiveness we would have no hope!
IN MY study this morning I was reading Matthew and Luke regarding Peter and his denial of Christ. My heart always aches for him; when he did that! That was the farthest thing from his mind, even though Jesus warned him it would happen! “Satan has received permission to test all of you, as a farmer separates the wheat from the chaff. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you turn back to me, you must strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32
IN MY school days my biggest obstacle were tests. If we were doing verbal questions and answers I did fine! If we were to do a practical experience like ‘show and tell’, I was okay. But if I was given a paper and we were to answer the questions; yes or no; thought problems; etc, I always received the lowest grade in the class. I always felt confident but when the time came, I failed! Peter was so confident in following Jesus! So sure of who He was in his new faith! But when the time came, he didn’t pass the test. He had faith but was standing on shaky ground!
DO YOU think we are tested by Satan like Peter and the other disciples? If so, how many times have you been tested and have failed? I can only speak for myself; many times over! Man’s hope can only be found in Jesus Christ! When Jesus came into the lives of the three fishermen, and the other men He called to follow Him, that was the beginning of hope for them. When I walked into the doors of a little church, at the age of 9, it was the beginning of hope for me! Where were you when you received the beginning of hope?
WE HOPE for things that we cannot see. Hope is something we long for! It is not a person, place or thing. I hoped I would graduate from high school. I hoped to be married one day. I hoped to have children. I now hope for great grandchildren before I die. We are simple people with little imagination. The beginning of hope in Jesus Christ is to know the Savior. It is to realize that eternity is forever and when you die, your soul needs a home.
“LET US hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep His promise. Let us be concerned with one another, to help one another to show love and to do good. Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another.” Hebrews 11:23-25b When we went down in the clean, refreshing water of baptism, we professed our faith in Christ as our Savior. Christians are under a new standard. We are not to quarrel and fight with each other. We are to lift each other up in love! This new life gives up old habits for new ones. We meet together to worship! We are called to feel each others pain and joys within the kingdom. When one hurts we all hurt! When one celebrates we celebrate with them!
“YOU need to be patient, in order to do the will of God and receive what He promises. For, as the scripture says; Just a little while longer, and He who is coming, will come; He will not delay. My righteous people, however, will believe and live; but if any of them turns back, I will not be pleased with him. We are not people who turn back and are lost. Instead, we have faith and are saved.” Hebrews 11: 36-39 Paul is talking to the Jewish Christian here. But it also applies to each of us. We live by faith and are saved! Yes, we are tested when we are tempted. Christ is our hope; He is our champion! Jesus saves! Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/26/16
IN MY study this morning I was reading Matthew and Luke regarding Peter and his denial of Christ. My heart always aches for him; when he did that! That was the farthest thing from his mind, even though Jesus warned him it would happen! “Satan has received permission to test all of you, as a farmer separates the wheat from the chaff. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you turn back to me, you must strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32
IN MY school days my biggest obstacle were tests. If we were doing verbal questions and answers I did fine! If we were to do a practical experience like ‘show and tell’, I was okay. But if I was given a paper and we were to answer the questions; yes or no; thought problems; etc, I always received the lowest grade in the class. I always felt confident but when the time came, I failed! Peter was so confident in following Jesus! So sure of who He was in his new faith! But when the time came, he didn’t pass the test. He had faith but was standing on shaky ground!
DO YOU think we are tested by Satan like Peter and the other disciples? If so, how many times have you been tested and have failed? I can only speak for myself; many times over! Man’s hope can only be found in Jesus Christ! When Jesus came into the lives of the three fishermen, and the other men He called to follow Him, that was the beginning of hope for them. When I walked into the doors of a little church, at the age of 9, it was the beginning of hope for me! Where were you when you received the beginning of hope?
WE HOPE for things that we cannot see. Hope is something we long for! It is not a person, place or thing. I hoped I would graduate from high school. I hoped to be married one day. I hoped to have children. I now hope for great grandchildren before I die. We are simple people with little imagination. The beginning of hope in Jesus Christ is to know the Savior. It is to realize that eternity is forever and when you die, your soul needs a home.
“LET US hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep His promise. Let us be concerned with one another, to help one another to show love and to do good. Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another.” Hebrews 11:23-25b When we went down in the clean, refreshing water of baptism, we professed our faith in Christ as our Savior. Christians are under a new standard. We are not to quarrel and fight with each other. We are to lift each other up in love! This new life gives up old habits for new ones. We meet together to worship! We are called to feel each others pain and joys within the kingdom. When one hurts we all hurt! When one celebrates we celebrate with them!
“YOU need to be patient, in order to do the will of God and receive what He promises. For, as the scripture says; Just a little while longer, and He who is coming, will come; He will not delay. My righteous people, however, will believe and live; but if any of them turns back, I will not be pleased with him. We are not people who turn back and are lost. Instead, we have faith and are saved.” Hebrews 11: 36-39 Paul is talking to the Jewish Christian here. But it also applies to each of us. We live by faith and are saved! Yes, we are tested when we are tempted. Christ is our hope; He is our champion! Jesus saves! Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/26/16
Saturday, July 23, 2016
THE UNEXPECTED! 7/24/16
I HAD A DOCTOR’S appointment and as always, my husband went with me. Before we left the house, Jim was experiencing some rapid heart beats. This is not unusual for him since he has A-Fib! Those who are familiar with that know what he was going thru. As the nurse checked me in, I ask that she also take his blood pressure. When the Doctor came into see me, he also looked at Jim. His final words for Jim; “you need to go to the ER!”
THAT in itself wasn’t a surprise as this Doctor told him that once before, and he had a stint put in. Just the words “going to the ER” is not one of our favorite phrases in conversation. Most times it is a testing of patience and anxiety control. However, we went to the ER! Medicines are also not one of our favorites topics. However, they gave him a new pill to go along with the others he was already taking. Could cause dizziness!
EARLY the next morning Jim was hit with the unexpected! It began with dizziness but continued with other discomforts! Was it caused from the new pill? Is this an allergy attack?
What are we suppose to do now? I made a few, very early morning, phone calls. The main consensus was to go to the ER again!
IT TURNS out it was not the new medicine and his heart was good. His digestive track was not! Aren’t Doctor’s and Nurses amazing! When the unexpected happens they are always ready to give us their best. Sometimes it doesn’t work out but when we have trust in our Lord, and because we know the conditions of living in this world, we can get thru these catastrophic interruptions by following the rules of those who are trained to see what we cannot.
PEOPLE are always saying; “God is in charge!” It is true God created; God knows how everything works; He has a plan; and He never changes! Our bodies get sick; we hurt; the malfunctions are numerous as we age. God never gives us sickness, broken limbs nor anguish. They are all part of our physical make up. But God is always there to see us thru when we give Him our will!
AFTER our first visit to the ER with the A-fib, we thank the Lord for seeing Jim thru and giving both of us courage. The next visit we also gave God the Glory and Jim took the medicine prescribed once again. Our prayer was, that the medical professionals were right, that it was not the Meds that caused the second visit. Trial and error is always one way to find out for sure!
ONE OF MY favorite Chapters in the old testament is Psalms 136. It goes thru a series of exhortations to give thanks; to praise our creator; to praise our deliverer; and to praise God for His steadfast love. Each verse ends with “for His steadfast love endures for ever!” How amazing is that?
NO MATTER how many unexpected events come, God has always promised to be with us and to never forsake us! How amazing is that? Mary experienced the unexpected when the Angel Gabriel came to her. She wasn’t ready, but she was willing! When our bodies fail us we are never ready, but when you belong to Jesus, you find yourself willing. “O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures for ever!” Psalm 136:1
AS WE HAVE grown older we find we are willing to continue to be His servant, knowing that we will continue to suffer in our present state. We will continue to confess His name and to share His story as long as we can! “O give thanks to the God of heaven, for His steadfast love endures for ever.” Psalm 136:29
WE HAVE known many who have continued to walk in feeble flesh, but their power in faith overshadowed all their infirmities. “I give thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before all others, I sing your praises!” Psalm 138:1 Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/23/16
THAT in itself wasn’t a surprise as this Doctor told him that once before, and he had a stint put in. Just the words “going to the ER” is not one of our favorite phrases in conversation. Most times it is a testing of patience and anxiety control. However, we went to the ER! Medicines are also not one of our favorites topics. However, they gave him a new pill to go along with the others he was already taking. Could cause dizziness!
EARLY the next morning Jim was hit with the unexpected! It began with dizziness but continued with other discomforts! Was it caused from the new pill? Is this an allergy attack?
What are we suppose to do now? I made a few, very early morning, phone calls. The main consensus was to go to the ER again!
IT TURNS out it was not the new medicine and his heart was good. His digestive track was not! Aren’t Doctor’s and Nurses amazing! When the unexpected happens they are always ready to give us their best. Sometimes it doesn’t work out but when we have trust in our Lord, and because we know the conditions of living in this world, we can get thru these catastrophic interruptions by following the rules of those who are trained to see what we cannot.
PEOPLE are always saying; “God is in charge!” It is true God created; God knows how everything works; He has a plan; and He never changes! Our bodies get sick; we hurt; the malfunctions are numerous as we age. God never gives us sickness, broken limbs nor anguish. They are all part of our physical make up. But God is always there to see us thru when we give Him our will!
AFTER our first visit to the ER with the A-fib, we thank the Lord for seeing Jim thru and giving both of us courage. The next visit we also gave God the Glory and Jim took the medicine prescribed once again. Our prayer was, that the medical professionals were right, that it was not the Meds that caused the second visit. Trial and error is always one way to find out for sure!
ONE OF MY favorite Chapters in the old testament is Psalms 136. It goes thru a series of exhortations to give thanks; to praise our creator; to praise our deliverer; and to praise God for His steadfast love. Each verse ends with “for His steadfast love endures for ever!” How amazing is that?
NO MATTER how many unexpected events come, God has always promised to be with us and to never forsake us! How amazing is that? Mary experienced the unexpected when the Angel Gabriel came to her. She wasn’t ready, but she was willing! When our bodies fail us we are never ready, but when you belong to Jesus, you find yourself willing. “O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures for ever!” Psalm 136:1
AS WE HAVE grown older we find we are willing to continue to be His servant, knowing that we will continue to suffer in our present state. We will continue to confess His name and to share His story as long as we can! “O give thanks to the God of heaven, for His steadfast love endures for ever.” Psalm 136:29
WE HAVE known many who have continued to walk in feeble flesh, but their power in faith overshadowed all their infirmities. “I give thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before all others, I sing your praises!” Psalm 138:1 Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/23/16
Saturday, July 9, 2016
WHAT WAS YOUR WILDERNESS LIKE? 7/10/16
ADAM AND EVE were born in a garden. It was full of greens, yellows, orange, vibrant reds, brown and all the colors imaginable! The smells were fragrant and eatables, there for the taking. God was there! One tree was not to be touched! Adam and Eve were forbidden to eat from that tree, and they were not even to touch it. But, they did! And their trek thru the wilderness, began. They were to tend the earth, plant their own foods, and eat what was planted. Their desert life was void of the beautiful surroundings that God had given in the beginning. God did not walk with them there! God saw what was happening but He didn’t interfere.
I SUPPOSE you could say all of us were born in the wilderness! My life in the wilderness began meagerly. I remember my brother Lloyd, who took care of us little ones. He would make stuff out of tomatoes; mustard sandwiches, potatoes this and potatoes that! I never slept alone until I moved into an apartment with my older sister Jean, at the age of 19 or 20. Most of the time there were three of us in a bed. I didn’t mind, they kept me warm! Did you wear hand me downs? I still like thrift stores and hand me downs!
WHAT WAS your wilderness like? Did you have a Mom and Dad? Did you have siblings to share everything with? Or did your wilderness come with many advantages. Did you get new shoes several times a year? Were your clothes always store bought? Did you always have a dime to go the movies? Even if you did, you were still in the wilderness!
IN GRADE SCHOOL, a friend of mine was taking Catechism. When she was 12 she completed her schooling, and the Catholic Church had a Confirmation. She asked me to come! I sat in the very back and watched! I understood nothing! Everything was so different from what my church did! After it was all over I had lots of questions. She answered the best she could and I said; “I don’t think I could ever become a Catholic, because I could never learn all that stuff you had to learn to become one. I told her, “at my church, I just confessed that Jesus was the Christ the Son of the living God, and was baptized. “ For years I thought my religion was easier than being a Catholic. I was still living in the wilderness!
TO MY AMAZEMENT, when I began to know Jesus thru His Word, I discovered that following God’s Word was not easy. As a matter of fact, while living in the world, it was hard! At one point, I thought perhaps being a Catholic would have been easier. However, at my baptism I received the greatest gift. I received the Holy Spirit. As I grew closer to Jesus I discovered that life was easier, happier, more peaceful. That was when I had left the wilderness for the Kingdom! That was when I decided to put Christ first in my life!
“SEEK YE first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you!” Matthew 6:33 The things that were to be added, are all the necessary things we need. Things like; what we would eat, drink, wear, and how to live. Everything we needed to serve the Lord with. If we allow God, he will even give us a mate for a life time. He did me!
TO BE A Christian (a Christ one), His kingdom should be our first concern. He requires faith, love and holy living from us. We leave the wilderness when we put Him first in our lives.
Everything else must be second. When we love Him first, we have plenty of room for loving, our family, friends and His church. Jesus said; “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30 This is the greatest and most important of the commandments. This sums up our obligation to God. One who loves God will not rebel against Him. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years because of their rebellious nature. They loved God, but they refused to follow. It was too hard for them! With Jesus and the Holy Spirit, all things are possible! Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/7/16
I SUPPOSE you could say all of us were born in the wilderness! My life in the wilderness began meagerly. I remember my brother Lloyd, who took care of us little ones. He would make stuff out of tomatoes; mustard sandwiches, potatoes this and potatoes that! I never slept alone until I moved into an apartment with my older sister Jean, at the age of 19 or 20. Most of the time there were three of us in a bed. I didn’t mind, they kept me warm! Did you wear hand me downs? I still like thrift stores and hand me downs!
WHAT WAS your wilderness like? Did you have a Mom and Dad? Did you have siblings to share everything with? Or did your wilderness come with many advantages. Did you get new shoes several times a year? Were your clothes always store bought? Did you always have a dime to go the movies? Even if you did, you were still in the wilderness!
IN GRADE SCHOOL, a friend of mine was taking Catechism. When she was 12 she completed her schooling, and the Catholic Church had a Confirmation. She asked me to come! I sat in the very back and watched! I understood nothing! Everything was so different from what my church did! After it was all over I had lots of questions. She answered the best she could and I said; “I don’t think I could ever become a Catholic, because I could never learn all that stuff you had to learn to become one. I told her, “at my church, I just confessed that Jesus was the Christ the Son of the living God, and was baptized. “ For years I thought my religion was easier than being a Catholic. I was still living in the wilderness!
TO MY AMAZEMENT, when I began to know Jesus thru His Word, I discovered that following God’s Word was not easy. As a matter of fact, while living in the world, it was hard! At one point, I thought perhaps being a Catholic would have been easier. However, at my baptism I received the greatest gift. I received the Holy Spirit. As I grew closer to Jesus I discovered that life was easier, happier, more peaceful. That was when I had left the wilderness for the Kingdom! That was when I decided to put Christ first in my life!
“SEEK YE first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you!” Matthew 6:33 The things that were to be added, are all the necessary things we need. Things like; what we would eat, drink, wear, and how to live. Everything we needed to serve the Lord with. If we allow God, he will even give us a mate for a life time. He did me!
TO BE A Christian (a Christ one), His kingdom should be our first concern. He requires faith, love and holy living from us. We leave the wilderness when we put Him first in our lives.
Everything else must be second. When we love Him first, we have plenty of room for loving, our family, friends and His church. Jesus said; “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30 This is the greatest and most important of the commandments. This sums up our obligation to God. One who loves God will not rebel against Him. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years because of their rebellious nature. They loved God, but they refused to follow. It was too hard for them! With Jesus and the Holy Spirit, all things are possible! Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/7/16
Sunday, July 3, 2016
BECAUSE I SAID SO! July 3, 2016
THIS WEEKEND America celebrates it’s 240th year of independence. In 1776 the Declaration of Independents was signed, sealed and delivered to the King of England. It did not declare, because we said so”, in so many words. But the theme was clear that the people declared they were free from tyranny.
WHEN MY children were growing up, and questioned my authority, I would respond with “because I said so!” I didn’t send them a declaration, but I made it clear I was in charge of our home, under the authority of their Father. Most of the time, that worked!
AS A BIBLE scholar, and teacher, I have become more and more aware of the license many have taken in explaining the meanings of God’s Word. I have been raised in the Christian Church. I have visited many other denominations, and question their decisions to reject or permit things that Jesus, himself, declared we should do, or not do, for our Spiritual well being.
SOME SAY that baptism is merely an act of expression and not necessary! Some have declared acceptance of alternate life styles, instead of helping them to give up the ways of the world. Many have declared that only belief in Christ is all that is needed to receive His gift of eternal life. God’s Word has been reduced to “once saved, always saved!” My heart aches for those who have been led down the slippery slope of life.
“AND JESUS said unto them; “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of world!” Matthew 28:19-20
THIS SCRIPTURE is the warrant for water baptism. It is not optional with a believer; it is rather the expressed command of Christ. To dismiss it, as a merely psychological transaction, is to dishonor His Word! Baptism is an invitation from Christ Himself. It is not yours or mine to decide whether it is necessary or not! Just do it, because Jesus said so!
GOD”S word, in Leviticus, says that a man should not lay with a man, a woman with a woman, and a man is not to lay with an animal. “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NASB) Man doesn’t have to be politically correct. God said it, not man!
“NOT EVERYONE 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.” Matthew 7:21 Not everyone, implies, that even those who have come to the Lord will not be able to enter if they are not obedient. No one can please the Lord who does not obey Him and love Him.
WHEN I read Revelation I know it is symbolic for the most part. A lot of it I can take literally, just as I do when I am reading the Gospels, and the letters. God doesn’t pull punches. He is not just giving us Words to fill a book. His heart desire is for us to become His children.
He wants us to be perfect just as He is perfect. Because we cannot be perfect on our own, He sent His only Son, Jesus. He came and lived in the world that was created for us. He showed us how to become like Him. He made a way for us to come to the Father.
THE KEYS to the kingdom is to Love, Honor and Obey the Father! Jesus’ death on the cross gave us a way. His resurrection is the declaration, we can be free! Another key is love! We love the sinner, after all we are all sinners! Hear the Word; believe what God’s Word says; Confess before others that you believe Jesus is the Christ; repent of your sins and be baptized! The first four you do again and again, but baptism you do only once! Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/2/16
WHEN MY children were growing up, and questioned my authority, I would respond with “because I said so!” I didn’t send them a declaration, but I made it clear I was in charge of our home, under the authority of their Father. Most of the time, that worked!
AS A BIBLE scholar, and teacher, I have become more and more aware of the license many have taken in explaining the meanings of God’s Word. I have been raised in the Christian Church. I have visited many other denominations, and question their decisions to reject or permit things that Jesus, himself, declared we should do, or not do, for our Spiritual well being.
SOME SAY that baptism is merely an act of expression and not necessary! Some have declared acceptance of alternate life styles, instead of helping them to give up the ways of the world. Many have declared that only belief in Christ is all that is needed to receive His gift of eternal life. God’s Word has been reduced to “once saved, always saved!” My heart aches for those who have been led down the slippery slope of life.
“AND JESUS said unto them; “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of world!” Matthew 28:19-20
THIS SCRIPTURE is the warrant for water baptism. It is not optional with a believer; it is rather the expressed command of Christ. To dismiss it, as a merely psychological transaction, is to dishonor His Word! Baptism is an invitation from Christ Himself. It is not yours or mine to decide whether it is necessary or not! Just do it, because Jesus said so!
GOD”S word, in Leviticus, says that a man should not lay with a man, a woman with a woman, and a man is not to lay with an animal. “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NASB) Man doesn’t have to be politically correct. God said it, not man!
“NOT EVERYONE 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.” Matthew 7:21 Not everyone, implies, that even those who have come to the Lord will not be able to enter if they are not obedient. No one can please the Lord who does not obey Him and love Him.
WHEN I read Revelation I know it is symbolic for the most part. A lot of it I can take literally, just as I do when I am reading the Gospels, and the letters. God doesn’t pull punches. He is not just giving us Words to fill a book. His heart desire is for us to become His children.
He wants us to be perfect just as He is perfect. Because we cannot be perfect on our own, He sent His only Son, Jesus. He came and lived in the world that was created for us. He showed us how to become like Him. He made a way for us to come to the Father.
THE KEYS to the kingdom is to Love, Honor and Obey the Father! Jesus’ death on the cross gave us a way. His resurrection is the declaration, we can be free! Another key is love! We love the sinner, after all we are all sinners! Hear the Word; believe what God’s Word says; Confess before others that you believe Jesus is the Christ; repent of your sins and be baptized! The first four you do again and again, but baptism you do only once! Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/2/16
Saturday, June 25, 2016
JESUS KNEW! 6/26/16
WHEN Jesus left home He knew the direction He was headed. He knew there were things He needed to accomplish. When He quietly began, His Mother caused Him to become headlines, before He was actually ready. Even so, in His quiet, humble ways, He continued into the field He was prepared for, and He never looked back. From His beginning, He knew the path before Him, and He was more than ready, as He headed out. He knew it, and He knew the Father was with Him all the way!
WHEN we begin a new adventure, make a change, move from here to there, we prepare. We begin to save money. We get all our ducks in a row. We seek help. We begin to get excited, and sometimes we just want to call the whole thing off. In our preparation we are not sure of the direction we are headed, for we usually only have an idea; a wish list or a dream! As we grow older and our seasons change, we adjust to our new normal. We look back and remember and then continue in our new normal. We continue to wish a lot, and dream! We are the ones who decide whether we are too young or too old! We are the one who settles for what is, instead of keeping on in the direction that we were heading. Sometimes we get bored!
LOOKING back is what causes us to stumble. Jesus kept His eyes on the Father and His mind set was sure. We change our minds all the time! We think we have made our minds up and then something happens. We take detours and even explore! We have to mentally remember that even though we are not where we want to be, we are not where we use to be!
IN MY studies this week I found myself in chapter 4 of both Matthew and Luke. These are passages following Jesus’ baptism by John. Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. In preparation Jesus fasted for forty days and nights. Afterwards He was hungry, thirsty, and physically tired. Two things we learn from these passages is that Jesus was tempted and sinless! However, there is so much more to learn here!
JESUS never belonged to Satan. When Satan came he tried to lead Jesus in tempting him. He asked Jesus to prove that He was the son of God. Jesus responded with “It is written; Man does not live on bread along!” Satan took Him up on a high place and showed all the kingdoms of the world in a flash of a moment. “I Satan, will give you authority and all their glory, if you will worship me?” Again Jesus answers with; “It is written; You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only will you serve!” Quick as a wink Satan took Jesus to Jerusalem and they sat upon a pinnacle of the temple. Again Satan wanted Jesus to show proof of His deity with; “Throw yourself off and let the angels save you, as it is written!” Jesus responded with; “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.” Jesus knew!
JESUS KNEW that Satan had no hold on Him! Before His baptism the Holy Spirit came upon Him. After His baptism, Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit. After Satan came on the scene in the Garden of Eden, all life has been has been under his wings. He has shown each one how to live in sin and to become accustomed to being sinners. You and I have been there! We know what it is like to be a sinner!
JESUS KNEW He had the power to withstand Satan’s arrows and Jesus also knew that Satan left Him in the wilderness, only to return when it was time. Satan did return, and used many people, to complete Jesus’s directional path on the Calvary Road. We have known Satan but now we belong to Jesus! We too have power to withstand Satan arrows. Let’s be sure, not wishy washy! Let’s know who we are when the sun rises in the morning, and sets in the evening. Let’s understand who the Father is and who we decided to become! Satan’s wings no longer cover us! We are under the wings of angels provided for us by the Father, through His Son Jesus; who came to save the lost! You and me! Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/23/16
WHEN we begin a new adventure, make a change, move from here to there, we prepare. We begin to save money. We get all our ducks in a row. We seek help. We begin to get excited, and sometimes we just want to call the whole thing off. In our preparation we are not sure of the direction we are headed, for we usually only have an idea; a wish list or a dream! As we grow older and our seasons change, we adjust to our new normal. We look back and remember and then continue in our new normal. We continue to wish a lot, and dream! We are the ones who decide whether we are too young or too old! We are the one who settles for what is, instead of keeping on in the direction that we were heading. Sometimes we get bored!
LOOKING back is what causes us to stumble. Jesus kept His eyes on the Father and His mind set was sure. We change our minds all the time! We think we have made our minds up and then something happens. We take detours and even explore! We have to mentally remember that even though we are not where we want to be, we are not where we use to be!
IN MY studies this week I found myself in chapter 4 of both Matthew and Luke. These are passages following Jesus’ baptism by John. Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. In preparation Jesus fasted for forty days and nights. Afterwards He was hungry, thirsty, and physically tired. Two things we learn from these passages is that Jesus was tempted and sinless! However, there is so much more to learn here!
JESUS never belonged to Satan. When Satan came he tried to lead Jesus in tempting him. He asked Jesus to prove that He was the son of God. Jesus responded with “It is written; Man does not live on bread along!” Satan took Him up on a high place and showed all the kingdoms of the world in a flash of a moment. “I Satan, will give you authority and all their glory, if you will worship me?” Again Jesus answers with; “It is written; You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only will you serve!” Quick as a wink Satan took Jesus to Jerusalem and they sat upon a pinnacle of the temple. Again Satan wanted Jesus to show proof of His deity with; “Throw yourself off and let the angels save you, as it is written!” Jesus responded with; “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.” Jesus knew!
JESUS KNEW that Satan had no hold on Him! Before His baptism the Holy Spirit came upon Him. After His baptism, Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit. After Satan came on the scene in the Garden of Eden, all life has been has been under his wings. He has shown each one how to live in sin and to become accustomed to being sinners. You and I have been there! We know what it is like to be a sinner!
JESUS KNEW He had the power to withstand Satan’s arrows and Jesus also knew that Satan left Him in the wilderness, only to return when it was time. Satan did return, and used many people, to complete Jesus’s directional path on the Calvary Road. We have known Satan but now we belong to Jesus! We too have power to withstand Satan arrows. Let’s be sure, not wishy washy! Let’s know who we are when the sun rises in the morning, and sets in the evening. Let’s understand who the Father is and who we decided to become! Satan’s wings no longer cover us! We are under the wings of angels provided for us by the Father, through His Son Jesus; who came to save the lost! You and me! Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/23/16
Sunday, June 19, 2016
DO YOU RESEMBLE YOUR FATHER? 6/19/16
ALL LIFE has a father! Although all have a father in order to be conceived, not all are raised by a father. Many children are adopted and raised by one they call Dad. Dad is one that cares for and takes care of a child. Many fathers are Dad’s! Not all Dad’s and/or fathers are good, and not all, are bad! Who do you resemble? Who do you take after? Who stands behind you and lift’s you up when you fall? Who continues to love and encourage you even on your bad days? Who is there when you are discouraged and want to give up?
I LOVE bible stories that talk about children and their parents. I love considering these stories as I have lived my life. I love the scriptures that reveal what kind of children we should be, and if we are as we should be, then who we become as an adult. “A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother!” Proverbs 10:1 I realize I am not a son, but a daughter. I take that verse seriously anyway!
MY EARTHLY father died relatively young! During the years I knew him, he was an alcoholic. He was more of a father to my older siblings than he was to me. But when he spoke to me, I listened! He was my father! My argumentative nature did not argue with him! It did with my mother! My father played the piano and I loved that! He also was a breakfast cook (chef) and I loved that! He had wisdom that he was not even aware of, and I loved that! As far as I know, he had only one love, and that was my mother!
DO I RESEMBLE my father? He was shorter than most fathers and I am short. He had a ruddy completion with freckles on his arms. I had red hair, with freckles. He drank and I do not! He used some bad language which I don’t. He couldn’t hold a job but I persevered. He had blue eyes, my eyes are blue! He lacked self confidence and so did I, until I met Jesus!
EVEN THOUGH people see me, recognize me and call me by my father’s name; and those who know, and remember the name I have taken in marriage; are more apt to recognize the name I was given when I was adopted by the Father, who lives in heaven.
WHEN I MET JESUS, I became acquainted with His father and chose to be adopted into the family of God. It changed everything! This family is the salt of the earth, and it is the light of the world.” That is what a believer is like! Salt and light! (Ref: Matthew 5:13-16)
Jesus said that we are blessed to be a part of His family! People now recognize me by my new name; Christian!
I HAVE no complaints about my childhood and how I was raised. I have no complaints when I was gainfully employed, nor about my life as a wife and mother. When I was old enough to understand what my heavenly Father was offering me, wise enough to allow Him to change me, everything in my life changed! It made all the difference in Jim’s and my little family!
DO I RESEMBLE my heavenly Father? Physically? No! Coloring? No! Eyes? I don’t know! I know that I am drawing closer every day to becoming all that God has created me to be! I know my spirit is being renewed every day! I know that I am still growing in the Word and as long as I stay in His Word, He is drawing me nearer and nearer to Him!
“YOU, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48
The word perfect here means complete; mature. However the comparison is made between God and His children. So it surely means more than mature. Perhaps when we can become selfless by loving and being kind to others our perfection is getting more refined. Not in just the family, but to those who are not deserving. God so loved the world that He gave His only Son! That kind of love! “But Jesus looked at them and said to them; “with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible!” Matthew 29:26 Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/18/2016
I LOVE bible stories that talk about children and their parents. I love considering these stories as I have lived my life. I love the scriptures that reveal what kind of children we should be, and if we are as we should be, then who we become as an adult. “A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother!” Proverbs 10:1 I realize I am not a son, but a daughter. I take that verse seriously anyway!
MY EARTHLY father died relatively young! During the years I knew him, he was an alcoholic. He was more of a father to my older siblings than he was to me. But when he spoke to me, I listened! He was my father! My argumentative nature did not argue with him! It did with my mother! My father played the piano and I loved that! He also was a breakfast cook (chef) and I loved that! He had wisdom that he was not even aware of, and I loved that! As far as I know, he had only one love, and that was my mother!
DO I RESEMBLE my father? He was shorter than most fathers and I am short. He had a ruddy completion with freckles on his arms. I had red hair, with freckles. He drank and I do not! He used some bad language which I don’t. He couldn’t hold a job but I persevered. He had blue eyes, my eyes are blue! He lacked self confidence and so did I, until I met Jesus!
EVEN THOUGH people see me, recognize me and call me by my father’s name; and those who know, and remember the name I have taken in marriage; are more apt to recognize the name I was given when I was adopted by the Father, who lives in heaven.
WHEN I MET JESUS, I became acquainted with His father and chose to be adopted into the family of God. It changed everything! This family is the salt of the earth, and it is the light of the world.” That is what a believer is like! Salt and light! (Ref: Matthew 5:13-16)
Jesus said that we are blessed to be a part of His family! People now recognize me by my new name; Christian!
I HAVE no complaints about my childhood and how I was raised. I have no complaints when I was gainfully employed, nor about my life as a wife and mother. When I was old enough to understand what my heavenly Father was offering me, wise enough to allow Him to change me, everything in my life changed! It made all the difference in Jim’s and my little family!
DO I RESEMBLE my heavenly Father? Physically? No! Coloring? No! Eyes? I don’t know! I know that I am drawing closer every day to becoming all that God has created me to be! I know my spirit is being renewed every day! I know that I am still growing in the Word and as long as I stay in His Word, He is drawing me nearer and nearer to Him!
“YOU, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48
The word perfect here means complete; mature. However the comparison is made between God and His children. So it surely means more than mature. Perhaps when we can become selfless by loving and being kind to others our perfection is getting more refined. Not in just the family, but to those who are not deserving. God so loved the world that He gave His only Son! That kind of love! “But Jesus looked at them and said to them; “with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible!” Matthew 29:26 Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/18/2016
Sunday, June 12, 2016
CLANDESTINE OPERATIONS! 6/12/16
HAVE YOU ever done things in secret? I am talking about intentionally, deliberately keeping secrets to the point of doing and saying things not in character, just to make something, extra ordinary, happen? Why do it in secret? Why put yourself in these kinds of positions, that around every corner you need to create a scenario to cover what you did, or what you are about to do? To make something special for someone you love! Absolutely! Okay, now you know I have been in planning stages, doing all the necessary preparations, and then when there is no return; creating daily scenario’s to keep what was in motion, under wraps until the big day! For months I have been filled with secrets!
I HAVE lived most of my life paying attention to the truth. Don’t lie! Even when I do a deceitful thing, I tell someone. I wasn’t always like that! Like most children we lie to either protect ourselves from punishment, or because we want something, and then try to show our innocence, when we are not innocent!
HAVE you ever read a scripture and have it jump right out at you as though pointing a finger and saying; “you are guilty, you liar!” That is what a story in Numbers 32 did to me many, many years ago. It lives with me always! When the Israelites were beginning to settle east of the Jordan, assignments were being made. Instructions were given by Moses and if they followed the Lord in all these ways, God would subdue the land, and they could take possession. However, in verse 23, they are warned by God; “But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out.” When you read further in God’s Word, you will find many reminders regarding lying! “A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies.” Proverbs 14:5
I HEARD my Dad say; “It is easier to tell the truth, than it is to remember!” Isn’t that the truth! When speaking the truth, the truth is always there in memory. When you tell stories, you have to remember because the lie is always followed with more and more embellishments. You become an actor playing a part. You need to memorize your lines to keep the story going. In my secret project, my made up stories became, total improvisation!
THE BIG DAY was yesterday! My husband will be 80 in a week, so celebration was called for. Family and friends came and surprised Jim, and I mean we surprised Him; big time! This whole process took a lot out of me because I needed to impose on others to put it all together. Secret phone calls, wanting the car to go by myself (which I never do) and cleaning my house, along with putting plants into pots to spruce up the yard. So much to do in so little time because I couldn’t start the big stuff too early.
THE DIFFERENCE between practicing the sin of lying for my preservation or self indulgence, I was deliberately giving false information to keep Jim from suspecting anything towards a celebration of his birthday. If I had asked he would have said no and I couldn’t go against his wishes. The only thing that I could tell myself in order to keep this up was that Jim is a deserving man. I want as many who can. to come and celebrate with him! I thank the Lord every day for Jim and give God all the honor and glory for bringing this man into my life.
“DO NOT LET anyone deceive you with foolish words; it is because of these very things that God’s wrath will come upon those who do not obey Him. Ephesians 5:6 I pray God will forgive me for the foolishness of words in order to surprise Jim. “Since you are God’s dear children, you must try to be like Him. Your life must be controlled by love, just as Christ loved us and gave His life for us, as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 Christ has changed us from enemies to friends of God! What I did, had no malicious intent, but only love! Happy birthday Jim! Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/10/16
I HAVE lived most of my life paying attention to the truth. Don’t lie! Even when I do a deceitful thing, I tell someone. I wasn’t always like that! Like most children we lie to either protect ourselves from punishment, or because we want something, and then try to show our innocence, when we are not innocent!
HAVE you ever read a scripture and have it jump right out at you as though pointing a finger and saying; “you are guilty, you liar!” That is what a story in Numbers 32 did to me many, many years ago. It lives with me always! When the Israelites were beginning to settle east of the Jordan, assignments were being made. Instructions were given by Moses and if they followed the Lord in all these ways, God would subdue the land, and they could take possession. However, in verse 23, they are warned by God; “But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out.” When you read further in God’s Word, you will find many reminders regarding lying! “A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies.” Proverbs 14:5
I HEARD my Dad say; “It is easier to tell the truth, than it is to remember!” Isn’t that the truth! When speaking the truth, the truth is always there in memory. When you tell stories, you have to remember because the lie is always followed with more and more embellishments. You become an actor playing a part. You need to memorize your lines to keep the story going. In my secret project, my made up stories became, total improvisation!
THE BIG DAY was yesterday! My husband will be 80 in a week, so celebration was called for. Family and friends came and surprised Jim, and I mean we surprised Him; big time! This whole process took a lot out of me because I needed to impose on others to put it all together. Secret phone calls, wanting the car to go by myself (which I never do) and cleaning my house, along with putting plants into pots to spruce up the yard. So much to do in so little time because I couldn’t start the big stuff too early.
THE DIFFERENCE between practicing the sin of lying for my preservation or self indulgence, I was deliberately giving false information to keep Jim from suspecting anything towards a celebration of his birthday. If I had asked he would have said no and I couldn’t go against his wishes. The only thing that I could tell myself in order to keep this up was that Jim is a deserving man. I want as many who can. to come and celebrate with him! I thank the Lord every day for Jim and give God all the honor and glory for bringing this man into my life.
“DO NOT LET anyone deceive you with foolish words; it is because of these very things that God’s wrath will come upon those who do not obey Him. Ephesians 5:6 I pray God will forgive me for the foolishness of words in order to surprise Jim. “Since you are God’s dear children, you must try to be like Him. Your life must be controlled by love, just as Christ loved us and gave His life for us, as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 Christ has changed us from enemies to friends of God! What I did, had no malicious intent, but only love! Happy birthday Jim! Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/10/16
Saturday, June 4, 2016
OH PIFFLE! 6/5/16
I FIND it ironic how my Mom can pop into my head when I am just looking thru a dictionary. Mom had an 8th grade education, but she was filled with wisdom, cliche’s, prudence, sound judgment and good learning. My brother Lloyd used the dictionary daily, to learn new words. He would try them out on everyone, including me. To this day, I still use some of his favorite phrases and on occasion, remember Moms! This morning I came across; piffle! One of my Mom’s favorites!
FOOLISH nonsense; twaddle; idle talk or action. Sounds like a Mom word, doesn’t it?
Twaddle means to chatter. I chatter! I always have and probably always will! To chatter means to talk at random. Profound, I am not! Truthful, probably not always! However, my name is Christian, therefore, I persevere to learn all that I can from God’s Word, so I can speak about things that fill me with excitement and joy! Will my children, grandchildren, think of me when scanning thru the dictionary? Probably not, but hopefully they will remember what books I read!
“ALL SCRIPTURES is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for corrections, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 This passage is chock full of the nutrients of healthy living. These words are not idle chatter, nor nonsense! I take it seriously and strive to allow it to change me. I am still in training, I am loving the work the Lord has given me!
THE REBUKING or reproofing is something hard to swallow, but is necessary to show us our errors. When it corrects our faults it is pointing us in the right direction. The instructions are literally showing what God expects from us and what trials will come our way.
And oh, the blessings and the promises! God leaves nothing to our imagination. He spells everything out and says; “Come!”
IN THE BOOK of John, God tells us that the Word, was in the beginning. You and I know that the Bible didn’t exist in print until man was already established and could print things. Did you know that the Word is a noun! The Word became a man and His name is Jesus! Jesus was in the beginning! “Through Him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without Him. The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out!” John 1:3-5
THE WORD, who is Jesus, is the life that God reveals to us in human terms, so that we can understand who He is, what He does, and who we are and what we need! His light takes away our ignorance and error. The darkness of the world cannot put His light out! Doesn’t this excite you? Are you intrigued about His presence in this world and how you can become a part of His kingdom? I am not asking these questions for the sake of asking questions; I really would like to know how you feel about Jesus the Christ, and about God’s written Word that became flesh! And how all of that put together in one book, can make a big difference in your life!
DOCTRINE is not being taught as much as in the beginning of the Church. Paul encourages Timothy to “preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own liking's, and will turn away from listening to the truth, and wonder into myths.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4 Don’t listen to trickling, watered down, chatter. Pay attention when the leader says; “you don’t have to; or that isn’t necessary; or it’s not talking about that!” Instead ask the questions; “Show me why God says that? Why does the Bible say that, if it isn’t necessary? Then why does it say it that way, if that is not what it is talking about? Or just say; "Oh piffle!" Jesus says; “Come!” Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/31/16
FOOLISH nonsense; twaddle; idle talk or action. Sounds like a Mom word, doesn’t it?
Twaddle means to chatter. I chatter! I always have and probably always will! To chatter means to talk at random. Profound, I am not! Truthful, probably not always! However, my name is Christian, therefore, I persevere to learn all that I can from God’s Word, so I can speak about things that fill me with excitement and joy! Will my children, grandchildren, think of me when scanning thru the dictionary? Probably not, but hopefully they will remember what books I read!
“ALL SCRIPTURES is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for corrections, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 This passage is chock full of the nutrients of healthy living. These words are not idle chatter, nor nonsense! I take it seriously and strive to allow it to change me. I am still in training, I am loving the work the Lord has given me!
THE REBUKING or reproofing is something hard to swallow, but is necessary to show us our errors. When it corrects our faults it is pointing us in the right direction. The instructions are literally showing what God expects from us and what trials will come our way.
And oh, the blessings and the promises! God leaves nothing to our imagination. He spells everything out and says; “Come!”
IN THE BOOK of John, God tells us that the Word, was in the beginning. You and I know that the Bible didn’t exist in print until man was already established and could print things. Did you know that the Word is a noun! The Word became a man and His name is Jesus! Jesus was in the beginning! “Through Him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without Him. The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out!” John 1:3-5
THE WORD, who is Jesus, is the life that God reveals to us in human terms, so that we can understand who He is, what He does, and who we are and what we need! His light takes away our ignorance and error. The darkness of the world cannot put His light out! Doesn’t this excite you? Are you intrigued about His presence in this world and how you can become a part of His kingdom? I am not asking these questions for the sake of asking questions; I really would like to know how you feel about Jesus the Christ, and about God’s written Word that became flesh! And how all of that put together in one book, can make a big difference in your life!
DOCTRINE is not being taught as much as in the beginning of the Church. Paul encourages Timothy to “preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own liking's, and will turn away from listening to the truth, and wonder into myths.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4 Don’t listen to trickling, watered down, chatter. Pay attention when the leader says; “you don’t have to; or that isn’t necessary; or it’s not talking about that!” Instead ask the questions; “Show me why God says that? Why does the Bible say that, if it isn’t necessary? Then why does it say it that way, if that is not what it is talking about? Or just say; "Oh piffle!" Jesus says; “Come!” Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/31/16
Saturday, May 28, 2016
PICNIC'S ARE ALWAYS IN STYLE! 5/29/16
A PICNIC is always the way to go when celebrating with a lot of people. When I was a very small child I remember going on a picnic in Iowa. I remember it was not a park. It was not in town. It was on the way to no where! At least to my very young way of thinking. I could have been the youngest child at the time. We stopped, got out of the car, set up our lunch on the side of the road, with lots of tall green grass, trees and birds singing. I don’t remember what we ate. I don’t remember doing anything special. But I do remember that my oldest brother Lisle, was there.
FUNNY how your mind works, isn’t it1 I have always been able to see that picnic, but that is all I remember. As a young girl, living in California, we went on many picnics, with lots of food, always in a park, and when we would first get there, we would move from spot to spot until it was just the right spot for our family picnic. My mother would make coffee, and why anyone would drink it, is beyond me. She put the coffee in a cloth, and tie it up in a ball. Put the ball in into the bottom of the large blue coffee pot, with white spots, and boiled it on the park stove. It was a late morning, all afternoon, affair. No one was in a hurry to go home!
FOOD was then a big part of the picnic, just as it is today. Home fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans and cake. There may have been other dishes but that is all of my favorites! The adults sat around on blankets, while all the kids ran too and fro without a care in the world.
Sometimes there would be a soft ball game. Some times just talking, and yelling at the kids!
WITH MY own little family, we would picnic, meeting up with other family members at a park. Good times are spent with family! Good times are relaxing around the picnic table, wading in the river, kids chasing one another; and just being together. I Can’t help it; but those were some of my favorite things to do. I still like a picnic, but I am now one of those sitting around the table talking.
DID YOU KNOW that the feeding of the 5000 is the only miracle that can be found in all four Gospels? I don’t know about you, but I believe that Jesus had a thing for great picnics. In this story the picnic was held on the northeast shore of the Sea of Galilee. A spot two miles southeast of the Jordan entrance. The time was the Passover. One year before Jesus’ death! This was a time, when many were on their way to Jerusalem. But this year Jesus didn’t go to Jerusalem, because it was not yet time for Him. He celebrated this Passover on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. All the food that the Apostles had were five loaves and two fishes. So Jesus planned a picnic! He invited all that had been gathered around Him. He gave the orders that the people sit down in groups of 50 and 100. He fed five thousand men plus women and children that day! And Jesus wasn’t wasteful! After everyone had their fill, He commanded that the twelve baskets of left-overs be gathered up. A divine principle for us to live by; “the more we give, the more we have left over!”
LATER ON Jesus had another picnic where He fed 4000 people! Same menu with seven baskets left over. You would have thought the disciples would have been used to Jesus’ miraculous ways. But evidently not! Not long after the second picnic Jesus overheard His disciples discussing food! “They started discussing among themselves, about not having any bread. Jesus responded saying; Why are you discussing about not having any bread? Don’t you know or understand yet? Are your minds so dull? You have eyes, can’t you see? You have ears, can’t you hear? Don’t you remember when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand? How many baskets of leftovers did you take up? They answered “Twelve!” Jesus said; And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand?’ “Seven!” And you still don’t understand?” Mark 8:16-21 Do you understand who Jesus is? Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/24/16
FUNNY how your mind works, isn’t it1 I have always been able to see that picnic, but that is all I remember. As a young girl, living in California, we went on many picnics, with lots of food, always in a park, and when we would first get there, we would move from spot to spot until it was just the right spot for our family picnic. My mother would make coffee, and why anyone would drink it, is beyond me. She put the coffee in a cloth, and tie it up in a ball. Put the ball in into the bottom of the large blue coffee pot, with white spots, and boiled it on the park stove. It was a late morning, all afternoon, affair. No one was in a hurry to go home!
FOOD was then a big part of the picnic, just as it is today. Home fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans and cake. There may have been other dishes but that is all of my favorites! The adults sat around on blankets, while all the kids ran too and fro without a care in the world.
Sometimes there would be a soft ball game. Some times just talking, and yelling at the kids!
WITH MY own little family, we would picnic, meeting up with other family members at a park. Good times are spent with family! Good times are relaxing around the picnic table, wading in the river, kids chasing one another; and just being together. I Can’t help it; but those were some of my favorite things to do. I still like a picnic, but I am now one of those sitting around the table talking.
DID YOU KNOW that the feeding of the 5000 is the only miracle that can be found in all four Gospels? I don’t know about you, but I believe that Jesus had a thing for great picnics. In this story the picnic was held on the northeast shore of the Sea of Galilee. A spot two miles southeast of the Jordan entrance. The time was the Passover. One year before Jesus’ death! This was a time, when many were on their way to Jerusalem. But this year Jesus didn’t go to Jerusalem, because it was not yet time for Him. He celebrated this Passover on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. All the food that the Apostles had were five loaves and two fishes. So Jesus planned a picnic! He invited all that had been gathered around Him. He gave the orders that the people sit down in groups of 50 and 100. He fed five thousand men plus women and children that day! And Jesus wasn’t wasteful! After everyone had their fill, He commanded that the twelve baskets of left-overs be gathered up. A divine principle for us to live by; “the more we give, the more we have left over!”
LATER ON Jesus had another picnic where He fed 4000 people! Same menu with seven baskets left over. You would have thought the disciples would have been used to Jesus’ miraculous ways. But evidently not! Not long after the second picnic Jesus overheard His disciples discussing food! “They started discussing among themselves, about not having any bread. Jesus responded saying; Why are you discussing about not having any bread? Don’t you know or understand yet? Are your minds so dull? You have eyes, can’t you see? You have ears, can’t you hear? Don’t you remember when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand? How many baskets of leftovers did you take up? They answered “Twelve!” Jesus said; And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand?’ “Seven!” And you still don’t understand?” Mark 8:16-21 Do you understand who Jesus is? Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/24/16
Saturday, May 21, 2016
AT A LOSS FOR WORDS! 5/22/16
I DON’T believe I have ever been at a loss for words, however, I am still learning to be quiet! The scripture on my office wall says; “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalms141:3 I have always had a lot to say on any given subject, even if I didn’t know anything about it. It is just in me, to talk! I have never been profound, nor do I experience other’s clinging to every word I say. So when I say I am confounded by God’s gift these past 30 some years, you have to understand why I keep writing. Why I keep teaching. Why my desire is to delight in the Lord!
TEACHING children is cool, because children put their trust in you and listen, participate, and encourage you to keep keeping on; teaching children. Teaching adults is an altogether, different story. You have to be one step ahead, because there is always someone who knows more on the subject, and who is articulate to boot. You may have stories, but adults, have stories too, and learning how to let every one share, is a key that opens the door to teaching; especially women!
I BELIEVE that in teaching God’s Word, He has made the process so much easier, and so much fun, that you don’t even realize your teaching. Today, the term ‘facilitator’ is used when leading a Bible Study, or a Sunday School class. I don’t facilitate, as most facilitators do, except thru the process of teaching. In the old Webster Dictionary the word facilitate means; to make easy! The word teach, means; To give instruction; to impart knowledge to; to cause to learn; to direct the development of. I have found that when only facilitating is the process, I leave with every ones story, and opinions. When teaching takes place I have learned, what the scripture is saying. I can take it with me, and do further searching, into God’s Word.
A YOUNG pastor, in his Wednesday night studies, showed me how to facilitate and to teach. I loved it and I learned from it, how to become a better teacher, thru facilitating. Does that make sense to you? I very seldom take one verse and talk about it for an hour. I love to take a subject and see how God directs me on the subject at hand. It is easier for me to grab hold of, and walk with it thru my daily living! I am not boasting, just offering my true confessions!
I HAVE always been a slow learner. Tests were not easy! I am a hands on kind of girl! When I am shown what to do, it is easier for me to do it! I once was told there was a name for how I learn, but it must not be important, since I can’t remember anymore what that was.
SINCE I started writing my memories, and began adding how God’s Word has redirected me in my walk, it has been easier and easier for me to teach, even as I write. Thru this process I have been able to take what I have written, and prepare lessons to teach Women’s studies. Our amazing God has helped me to teach adults, and not be afraid, because of my feeling of inadequacies. Our Amazing God has given me a desire to lift up and encourage others to reach out, and trust Him, in all ways, so that they can become all that God has created them to be.
I AM LIVING proof of God’s amazing life altering skills. Instead of sitting around wishing you could, or wanting for something to fall into your lap; give it to God and let Him mold you, and make you into a vessel of completeness, in Him. “Make me to know thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me, for thou art the God of my salvation; for thee I wait all the day long. Psalms 25:4-5
GOD HAS always been with me, because He has kept me from falling to far into the pit!
The temptations that came my way, I was always pulled out of, one way or another. My brother Lloyd, use to say; “everything just goes over your head!” To God be the Glory forever and ever! He is my rock and my shield! Am I perfect? No! Am I lost? No! I am saved by the grace of my Lord and Savior. Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/21/16
TEACHING children is cool, because children put their trust in you and listen, participate, and encourage you to keep keeping on; teaching children. Teaching adults is an altogether, different story. You have to be one step ahead, because there is always someone who knows more on the subject, and who is articulate to boot. You may have stories, but adults, have stories too, and learning how to let every one share, is a key that opens the door to teaching; especially women!
I BELIEVE that in teaching God’s Word, He has made the process so much easier, and so much fun, that you don’t even realize your teaching. Today, the term ‘facilitator’ is used when leading a Bible Study, or a Sunday School class. I don’t facilitate, as most facilitators do, except thru the process of teaching. In the old Webster Dictionary the word facilitate means; to make easy! The word teach, means; To give instruction; to impart knowledge to; to cause to learn; to direct the development of. I have found that when only facilitating is the process, I leave with every ones story, and opinions. When teaching takes place I have learned, what the scripture is saying. I can take it with me, and do further searching, into God’s Word.
A YOUNG pastor, in his Wednesday night studies, showed me how to facilitate and to teach. I loved it and I learned from it, how to become a better teacher, thru facilitating. Does that make sense to you? I very seldom take one verse and talk about it for an hour. I love to take a subject and see how God directs me on the subject at hand. It is easier for me to grab hold of, and walk with it thru my daily living! I am not boasting, just offering my true confessions!
I HAVE always been a slow learner. Tests were not easy! I am a hands on kind of girl! When I am shown what to do, it is easier for me to do it! I once was told there was a name for how I learn, but it must not be important, since I can’t remember anymore what that was.
SINCE I started writing my memories, and began adding how God’s Word has redirected me in my walk, it has been easier and easier for me to teach, even as I write. Thru this process I have been able to take what I have written, and prepare lessons to teach Women’s studies. Our amazing God has helped me to teach adults, and not be afraid, because of my feeling of inadequacies. Our Amazing God has given me a desire to lift up and encourage others to reach out, and trust Him, in all ways, so that they can become all that God has created them to be.
I AM LIVING proof of God’s amazing life altering skills. Instead of sitting around wishing you could, or wanting for something to fall into your lap; give it to God and let Him mold you, and make you into a vessel of completeness, in Him. “Make me to know thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me, for thou art the God of my salvation; for thee I wait all the day long. Psalms 25:4-5
GOD HAS always been with me, because He has kept me from falling to far into the pit!
The temptations that came my way, I was always pulled out of, one way or another. My brother Lloyd, use to say; “everything just goes over your head!” To God be the Glory forever and ever! He is my rock and my shield! Am I perfect? No! Am I lost? No! I am saved by the grace of my Lord and Savior. Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/21/16
Sunday, May 15, 2016
ACRYLIC NAILS! 5/15/16
ACRYLIC NAILS! WHEN I WAS working at a Title Company, in a department that brought me before the public, I began having my nails done, so my hands would look a little bit nicer. Actually they began to look a whole bunch nicer!
SINCE I retired I haven’t been so inclined to spend the time or the money, caring for my nails. I had learned to live again with broken, peeling, chipped and just plain ugly nails. Never was good at keeping them polished but I do keep them filed! During the process of cleaning my house and other chores, I must break every nail except for my thumbs.
MY #1 GRANDSON was getting married last year, and after many years of bad nails, I decided it was time to go back to having my nails done! New processes are available, and so if I should stop again, it won’t be so hard in the recovery! Why shouldn’t my hands look nice? Even if what I did was fake. Today they are not fake, but still a little over the top!
EVERY SINCE the wedding I have continued to have my nails done. Even started taking vitamins for “Hair, Nails and Skin”. Why not! Wasn’t sure they would work, but they have. Not so much my hair or my skin, (which needs help), but my nails are doing great! Part of the process is that when I do break a nail, or if it peels, or chips they put on an acrylic to fix it while it grows back again. Fake? I guess so!
I AM GLAD that I have continued having my nails done because I am a woman, and women like to look nice. I do have a problem, though. My Nail Technician is working two jobs. When she does my nails, she is just getting off of her other job. She is tired but willing to keep keeping on. To my chagrin, the color on my toes do not match the color, on my hands!
WHEN GOD instituted marriage, He designed it to last for the life time of the couple. When God instituted marriage He designed it for a man and a woman. When God instituted marriage He meant for it to be a lasting legacy passed down for generations. Marriage is not for fakes or even close to it. I have loved being married! I have loved being a Mom! I love being a Grandma, and I love being a family! But I especially love being a woman!
“LET MARRIAGE be held in honor among all.” Hebrews 13:4a God designed marriage because it was to be viable between a man and a woman. “And Jesus said to them, The sons of this age, marry and are given in marriage; but those who are accounted worthy to attain age, and to the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage.” Luke 20:34-35 From this scripture we know that only the living is given in marriage and those who are dead, and have risen to live with God, do not marry, nor are given in marriage.
“AND GOD blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it.” Genesis 1:28a I believe this scripture is clear that God designed marriage for a man and a woman because only a man and a woman can multiply and fill the earth. Today’s thinking is completely off the wall; thinking that the marriage bed between two men or two women can produce anything but abomination is ludicrous! Later on in Genesis 9:1 God tells Noah and his family the same thing. So time doesn’t change anything because God is the same yesterday, today and forever! This is the legacy that is passed down from generation to generation. To consider marriage between anything other than a man and a woman is to consider a fake relation. It doesn’t go anywhere, it can’t do anything, and it takes a long time to heal when the relation ends!
“HAPPY is the pair that gives much thought to being well acquainted, both before marriage and afterwards; For to be married to a stranger fills the heart with loneliness, but to be married to one who is also a friend, makes marriage and friendship more sweet.” Leland Foster Wood Marriage is designed to enjoy to the fullest! Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/6/16
SINCE I retired I haven’t been so inclined to spend the time or the money, caring for my nails. I had learned to live again with broken, peeling, chipped and just plain ugly nails. Never was good at keeping them polished but I do keep them filed! During the process of cleaning my house and other chores, I must break every nail except for my thumbs.
MY #1 GRANDSON was getting married last year, and after many years of bad nails, I decided it was time to go back to having my nails done! New processes are available, and so if I should stop again, it won’t be so hard in the recovery! Why shouldn’t my hands look nice? Even if what I did was fake. Today they are not fake, but still a little over the top!
EVERY SINCE the wedding I have continued to have my nails done. Even started taking vitamins for “Hair, Nails and Skin”. Why not! Wasn’t sure they would work, but they have. Not so much my hair or my skin, (which needs help), but my nails are doing great! Part of the process is that when I do break a nail, or if it peels, or chips they put on an acrylic to fix it while it grows back again. Fake? I guess so!
I AM GLAD that I have continued having my nails done because I am a woman, and women like to look nice. I do have a problem, though. My Nail Technician is working two jobs. When she does my nails, she is just getting off of her other job. She is tired but willing to keep keeping on. To my chagrin, the color on my toes do not match the color, on my hands!
WHEN GOD instituted marriage, He designed it to last for the life time of the couple. When God instituted marriage He designed it for a man and a woman. When God instituted marriage He meant for it to be a lasting legacy passed down for generations. Marriage is not for fakes or even close to it. I have loved being married! I have loved being a Mom! I love being a Grandma, and I love being a family! But I especially love being a woman!
“LET MARRIAGE be held in honor among all.” Hebrews 13:4a God designed marriage because it was to be viable between a man and a woman. “And Jesus said to them, The sons of this age, marry and are given in marriage; but those who are accounted worthy to attain age, and to the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage.” Luke 20:34-35 From this scripture we know that only the living is given in marriage and those who are dead, and have risen to live with God, do not marry, nor are given in marriage.
“AND GOD blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it.” Genesis 1:28a I believe this scripture is clear that God designed marriage for a man and a woman because only a man and a woman can multiply and fill the earth. Today’s thinking is completely off the wall; thinking that the marriage bed between two men or two women can produce anything but abomination is ludicrous! Later on in Genesis 9:1 God tells Noah and his family the same thing. So time doesn’t change anything because God is the same yesterday, today and forever! This is the legacy that is passed down from generation to generation. To consider marriage between anything other than a man and a woman is to consider a fake relation. It doesn’t go anywhere, it can’t do anything, and it takes a long time to heal when the relation ends!
“HAPPY is the pair that gives much thought to being well acquainted, both before marriage and afterwards; For to be married to a stranger fills the heart with loneliness, but to be married to one who is also a friend, makes marriage and friendship more sweet.” Leland Foster Wood Marriage is designed to enjoy to the fullest! Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/6/16
Saturday, May 7, 2016
MOTHERS! 5/8/16
MOTHERS! “SHE CARRIED me under her heart, loved me before I was born. Took God’s hand in hers and walked through the valley of shadows that I might live. Bathed me when I was helpless, clothed me when I was naked and fed me when I was hungry. She rocked me to sleep when I was weary and sang to me in the voice of an angel. Held my hand when I learned to walk; suffered with my sorrow and laughed with my joy. She glowed with my triumph and while I knelt at her side, she taught my lips to pray. Through all the days of my youth she gave strength for my weakness, courage for my despair, and hope to fill my hopeless heart. Was loyal when others failed; was true when tried by fire; was my friend when other friends were gone. Prayed for me through all the days when flooded with sunshine or saddened by shadows. Though we lay down our lives for her we can never pay the debt we owe to a mother.” Author unknown. I suppose I will never meet “Author unknown” this side of heaven. I have read his or her works for many years and have pondered the person.
ON MAY 8, 1914 the U.S. Congress passed a law designating the second Sunday in May as Mothers Day. The following day, May 9th, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation declaring the first National Mothers Day as a day to show the flag, to honor Mothers who sons, had died in the war. I never knew that the flag was raised to honor mothers on Mothers day. I believe that is a fact, that is good to know!
MY MOTHER was a note taker. I found many of her notes in an old file cabinet many months after she had passed away. I want to share a couple of her notes on mothers. The first one is entitled; “Blessed is Mother!” “Blessed is she whose daily tasks are a labor of love, for she translates duty into privilege. Blessed is she who mends socks and toys and broken hearts, for her understanding is a balm to humanity. Blessed is she who serves laughter and smiles at every meal, for she shall be blessed with goodness. Blessed is she who preserves the sanctity of the Christian home for hers is a sacred trust that crowns her with dignity.”
MY MOTHER wanted things, for her children, but could only give what she had. The second note is entitled; “Mothers Prayer!” “Dear Father; as I light this candle may I be faithful to the tasks you have given me to do as a Mother. I pray for a loving heart when I would be unkind; patience when things go wrong; understanding when my children come to me for guidance; wisdom in the decisions I must make as a Mother. I do not ask for a starry crown, just may I be a Christ like Mother.” Needless to say, I loved finding her little notes! My Mother wasn't always like the notes she wrote down, but she was a mother to be reckoned with. Her kids turned out okay!
I HAVE LOVED being a mother. I loved watching my children grow and grow and grow. Today my son has children of his own and I know through thick and thin, he enjoys being a father as he has watched his three sons grow and grow and grow. My daughter lives with me still and has continued to amaze me with her ability to live life to the fullest. I was asked once; “How do you feel about your two children?” This was a preacher friend asking me this question and I told him; “I would have to think about that.”
WHEN YOU love your children it is hard to separate your love and how you feel because God supplies you with all the love you need for each one. I gave his question a lot of thought and finally concluded that Danny is my joy! He makes me laugh and pleases me with his intelligence, his creativity and talents. Jennifer is my heart! She had many obstacles to overcome which gave way to fear, frustrations and tears; unceasing prayer gave way to victory. She is strong and courageous, loving and kind. One is my joy and one is my heart; how can I live without either one? They have taught me how to have the fruit of the spirit in me. “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23 Enjoy being a Mother on this special day! By Jane Ann Crenshaw (5/6/16 updated)
ON MAY 8, 1914 the U.S. Congress passed a law designating the second Sunday in May as Mothers Day. The following day, May 9th, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation declaring the first National Mothers Day as a day to show the flag, to honor Mothers who sons, had died in the war. I never knew that the flag was raised to honor mothers on Mothers day. I believe that is a fact, that is good to know!
MY MOTHER was a note taker. I found many of her notes in an old file cabinet many months after she had passed away. I want to share a couple of her notes on mothers. The first one is entitled; “Blessed is Mother!” “Blessed is she whose daily tasks are a labor of love, for she translates duty into privilege. Blessed is she who mends socks and toys and broken hearts, for her understanding is a balm to humanity. Blessed is she who serves laughter and smiles at every meal, for she shall be blessed with goodness. Blessed is she who preserves the sanctity of the Christian home for hers is a sacred trust that crowns her with dignity.”
MY MOTHER wanted things, for her children, but could only give what she had. The second note is entitled; “Mothers Prayer!” “Dear Father; as I light this candle may I be faithful to the tasks you have given me to do as a Mother. I pray for a loving heart when I would be unkind; patience when things go wrong; understanding when my children come to me for guidance; wisdom in the decisions I must make as a Mother. I do not ask for a starry crown, just may I be a Christ like Mother.” Needless to say, I loved finding her little notes! My Mother wasn't always like the notes she wrote down, but she was a mother to be reckoned with. Her kids turned out okay!
I HAVE LOVED being a mother. I loved watching my children grow and grow and grow. Today my son has children of his own and I know through thick and thin, he enjoys being a father as he has watched his three sons grow and grow and grow. My daughter lives with me still and has continued to amaze me with her ability to live life to the fullest. I was asked once; “How do you feel about your two children?” This was a preacher friend asking me this question and I told him; “I would have to think about that.”
WHEN YOU love your children it is hard to separate your love and how you feel because God supplies you with all the love you need for each one. I gave his question a lot of thought and finally concluded that Danny is my joy! He makes me laugh and pleases me with his intelligence, his creativity and talents. Jennifer is my heart! She had many obstacles to overcome which gave way to fear, frustrations and tears; unceasing prayer gave way to victory. She is strong and courageous, loving and kind. One is my joy and one is my heart; how can I live without either one? They have taught me how to have the fruit of the spirit in me. “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23 Enjoy being a Mother on this special day! By Jane Ann Crenshaw (5/6/16 updated)
Saturday, April 30, 2016
HANDS! 5/1/16
(a father’s observations of his 4 year old daughter, his grandmother, and the hands of Jesus) “OUR LAURA had fallen asleep on the way into our Easter service. With my head bent, I began to study her as she slept on my lap. Hands! I studied her little hands. Have you ever noticed how small and delicate a four year old’s hands are? How unmarked by this life’s cares? She slept on, unaware of all that was going on around her!
HANDS! My mind wandered to another set of hands. Two weeks earlier, we watched and tried to comfort my Grandmother as she lay on her death bed. At ninety-six, she had lived a full life! Her greatest struggle was evident as we each took turns holding her hands and stroking her forehead. We spoke words of love and comfort to ease her anxious heart. Reminding her of Jesus and how His resurrection is giving her passage into His home. Her hands were not nearly as pretty to look at. They were now worn and gnarled by a long life of labor for those she loved. Now they were cold and mottled black with blown IV”s and approaching death. I remember that for at least two weeks, I couldn’t get the smell of death off my hands!
I ASKED MYSELF; Was Grandma not once a little girl herself? Did she ever fall asleep on her parents’ lap, to have her Mother or Father study her hands? Did they wonder what she would become? Did they wonder what those hands would do in life, for God and for others? Hands! We go through a cycle of life, and death is well known to each one of us. I caressed Laura’s hands, and she grabbed my finger in her sleep. Why do such tiny, beautiful hands, straight from our Creator, have to grow old and knobby and finally molder in a grave?
WITH THESE thoughts, I looked through my tears to the service. I listened to the words and music presented. Hands! There is another set of hands. Hands that were as small as any newborn’s. Hands that grew and handled woodworking tools in a masterful manner. Teen-age hands that grew to share meals with the hungry and to comfort the homeless. Hands that created this world with love. Hands that gestured to the surrounding meadows, water or pointed to the heavens while their owner shared eternity with His listeners. Hands of love that reached out and healed countless diseases, including the untouchable leprosy. Hands that defied death itself and, coursing with the Creator’s power, returned life to the lifeless. Hands that were nailed to a rough-hewn tree, until they too were lifeless. Hands that touched each of with His love!
THE ENORMITY of what Jesus did for us hit me with a power I have not known before. Death seems so final, so certain, but Jesus died for each one of us. Those nail-marred hands made it possible for us to be restored to eternal life. To restore the original cycle. Death will not always be able to lay claim to us. As I studied those little hands, I thanked God for what He has done for us. I pray that we will use our hands to hasten Christ’s return and to share His love with those around us. Jesus said; “if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away!” Matthew 5:30a Hands! What will our hands do for God today?”
WHAT will your hands do? Solomon says in the 9th chapter of Ecclesiastes, that men are in the hand of God. “For I have taken all this to my heart and explain it that righteous men, wise men, and their deeds are in the hand of God. Man does not know whether it will be love or hatred; anything awaits him. Eccl 9:1 One fate is for the wicked, and one fate is for the righteous. Kind of scary but we have a choice. “Whatever your hand finds to do, verily, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or wisdom in hell where you could end up.” Eccl 9:10 Love is of God! You have heard it said that God loves the sinner but not the sin! Consider what your hands find to do. Knowing what is right or wrong only works when you do what is right! “For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning; that we should love one another!” 1 John 3:11 HANDS! Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/29/16
HANDS! My mind wandered to another set of hands. Two weeks earlier, we watched and tried to comfort my Grandmother as she lay on her death bed. At ninety-six, she had lived a full life! Her greatest struggle was evident as we each took turns holding her hands and stroking her forehead. We spoke words of love and comfort to ease her anxious heart. Reminding her of Jesus and how His resurrection is giving her passage into His home. Her hands were not nearly as pretty to look at. They were now worn and gnarled by a long life of labor for those she loved. Now they were cold and mottled black with blown IV”s and approaching death. I remember that for at least two weeks, I couldn’t get the smell of death off my hands!
I ASKED MYSELF; Was Grandma not once a little girl herself? Did she ever fall asleep on her parents’ lap, to have her Mother or Father study her hands? Did they wonder what she would become? Did they wonder what those hands would do in life, for God and for others? Hands! We go through a cycle of life, and death is well known to each one of us. I caressed Laura’s hands, and she grabbed my finger in her sleep. Why do such tiny, beautiful hands, straight from our Creator, have to grow old and knobby and finally molder in a grave?
WITH THESE thoughts, I looked through my tears to the service. I listened to the words and music presented. Hands! There is another set of hands. Hands that were as small as any newborn’s. Hands that grew and handled woodworking tools in a masterful manner. Teen-age hands that grew to share meals with the hungry and to comfort the homeless. Hands that created this world with love. Hands that gestured to the surrounding meadows, water or pointed to the heavens while their owner shared eternity with His listeners. Hands of love that reached out and healed countless diseases, including the untouchable leprosy. Hands that defied death itself and, coursing with the Creator’s power, returned life to the lifeless. Hands that were nailed to a rough-hewn tree, until they too were lifeless. Hands that touched each of with His love!
THE ENORMITY of what Jesus did for us hit me with a power I have not known before. Death seems so final, so certain, but Jesus died for each one of us. Those nail-marred hands made it possible for us to be restored to eternal life. To restore the original cycle. Death will not always be able to lay claim to us. As I studied those little hands, I thanked God for what He has done for us. I pray that we will use our hands to hasten Christ’s return and to share His love with those around us. Jesus said; “if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away!” Matthew 5:30a Hands! What will our hands do for God today?”
WHAT will your hands do? Solomon says in the 9th chapter of Ecclesiastes, that men are in the hand of God. “For I have taken all this to my heart and explain it that righteous men, wise men, and their deeds are in the hand of God. Man does not know whether it will be love or hatred; anything awaits him. Eccl 9:1 One fate is for the wicked, and one fate is for the righteous. Kind of scary but we have a choice. “Whatever your hand finds to do, verily, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or wisdom in hell where you could end up.” Eccl 9:10 Love is of God! You have heard it said that God loves the sinner but not the sin! Consider what your hands find to do. Knowing what is right or wrong only works when you do what is right! “For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning; that we should love one another!” 1 John 3:11 HANDS! Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/29/16
Saturday, April 23, 2016
REVERENTIAL FEAR! 4/24/16
I LOVE dictionary searches. I love an old dictionary because they have the original meanings before the world took charge, and gave us new meanings. Webster in 1965 says that to be reverent is to show deep respect; expressing a mixture of love and awe. To be reverential means, to manifest reverence. I have listened to many discussions regarding fearing the Lord. Many conclude that it means to respect Him because He is God! Some say; we should have a fear of God because He is the one that can kill not only the body, but the soul! I suppose then we should say we have respect for His nature. Our loving Him has to be shown by how we treat Him! He asks for our obedience to His ways. How does any of this have to do with our reverential fear of the Lord?
LET”S LOOK as some ways that we know God. We believe and know that God is the creator! He hears our prayers! He punishes the rebellious and rewards the righteous. We are taught He is our Father and dwells in heaven. Jesus, His Son has made it possible, with his death and resurrection, for us to go directly to the Father in prayer! Upon our acceptance of Christ as our Savior, and thru baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit that comes to live within us. The Word tell us that He not only hears our prayers but answers them! The Holy Spirit knows His mind! He understands His thoughts and His desires for us. He wants us to walk the walk!
“YET FOR US there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.”
1 Corinthians 8:6 We do not exist for ourselves but for Him! “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things, To Him be glory for ever. Amen!” Romans 11:36 God is the source of all we need. “Yet Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand!” Isaiah 64:8 He molded us and made us!
WHEN JIM paints a picture; he owns it? He can keep it or give it away! Would you say since God is the potter and we are the clay that He owns us? He can keep us or let us go? He designed the process through a man and a woman and he designed the hidden place in the women to nurture and grow us until the time we are ready to live outside of her body. You may want to argue that God knew us before we were even born, and he knew who and what we would even become. I believe that God designed the church for all those who would believe in Him and follow His Word. I have chosen to believe, how about you!
WHEN I was a child I knew that if I defied my mother I would be punished. I knew if I did something, even when she couldn’t possibly see or know, she would find out. I tried very hard to not bring her any grief, or shame upon my family. Oh I argued a lot! Never won but if she said it was white, then I knew it was black. She was my mother, and during that era, she was law! She ruled, and saw to it that I was cared for, and my needs were met. I didn’t always get what I wanted, but my needs were met. Why would I want to disappoint her or not give her the respect, along with fear, that was due her while living in her home! She loved me!
I LOOK upon God in the same way! I don’t want to grieve Him, nor disappoint him. I want to be obedient and I strive to walk the path He has set out for me. I fail many times, but God has promised to always be there for me! He not only supplies my needs but I even receive some things that I want. God is with me wherever I go! He waits for me to repent when I sin and is ready to forgive. However, His forgiveness is conditional on my forgiving others!
WE NEED to know God the Father, the Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. We need to have reverential fear because He is our maker, our keeper, and our Savior. When we remain in Him we are in the safest place, when we do not remain in Him; beware! I am not afraid of God because I love Him and I know He loves me! But what if? Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/22/16
LET”S LOOK as some ways that we know God. We believe and know that God is the creator! He hears our prayers! He punishes the rebellious and rewards the righteous. We are taught He is our Father and dwells in heaven. Jesus, His Son has made it possible, with his death and resurrection, for us to go directly to the Father in prayer! Upon our acceptance of Christ as our Savior, and thru baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit that comes to live within us. The Word tell us that He not only hears our prayers but answers them! The Holy Spirit knows His mind! He understands His thoughts and His desires for us. He wants us to walk the walk!
“YET FOR US there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.”
1 Corinthians 8:6 We do not exist for ourselves but for Him! “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things, To Him be glory for ever. Amen!” Romans 11:36 God is the source of all we need. “Yet Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand!” Isaiah 64:8 He molded us and made us!
WHEN JIM paints a picture; he owns it? He can keep it or give it away! Would you say since God is the potter and we are the clay that He owns us? He can keep us or let us go? He designed the process through a man and a woman and he designed the hidden place in the women to nurture and grow us until the time we are ready to live outside of her body. You may want to argue that God knew us before we were even born, and he knew who and what we would even become. I believe that God designed the church for all those who would believe in Him and follow His Word. I have chosen to believe, how about you!
WHEN I was a child I knew that if I defied my mother I would be punished. I knew if I did something, even when she couldn’t possibly see or know, she would find out. I tried very hard to not bring her any grief, or shame upon my family. Oh I argued a lot! Never won but if she said it was white, then I knew it was black. She was my mother, and during that era, she was law! She ruled, and saw to it that I was cared for, and my needs were met. I didn’t always get what I wanted, but my needs were met. Why would I want to disappoint her or not give her the respect, along with fear, that was due her while living in her home! She loved me!
I LOOK upon God in the same way! I don’t want to grieve Him, nor disappoint him. I want to be obedient and I strive to walk the path He has set out for me. I fail many times, but God has promised to always be there for me! He not only supplies my needs but I even receive some things that I want. God is with me wherever I go! He waits for me to repent when I sin and is ready to forgive. However, His forgiveness is conditional on my forgiving others!
WE NEED to know God the Father, the Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. We need to have reverential fear because He is our maker, our keeper, and our Savior. When we remain in Him we are in the safest place, when we do not remain in Him; beware! I am not afraid of God because I love Him and I know He loves me! But what if? Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/22/16
Saturday, April 16, 2016
WHAT IS APPROPRIATE? 4/17/16
THE DICTIONARY says; suitable to the occasion; proper, suitable. The opposite of appropriate is unfit; incongruous, irrelevant and unsuitable! Recently it came to my attention that those in the world could consider God’s Word as inappropriate on occasion. Didn’t surprise me but still causes me to ponder when and where God’s Word would be appropriate to the world.
THE WORLD considers everything and everywhere appropriate for what they subscribe to. Most Christians do not subscribe to the ads on TV, radios, movies and even in some songs as appropriate. I always turn them off, amazed that anyone would watch that smut! But they are out there for all society to see, hear and be bombarded with. How come the Christian has to be submissive to the worlds desires but the world can complain, ridicule and deem God’s Word as offensive and inappropriate?
I SUPPOSE many would consider this topic, as in-material and even much to do about nothing. Although those in power in America have interpreted the Constitution to say there should be a separation of church and state, however, it was not designed for that reason. As a matter of fact, that idea is only an interpretation, not fact! Laws now declare the mere mention of God is inappropriate in the schools, and sign of allegiance in government buildings is forbidden. No wonder the world considers God’s Word as being inappropriate on occasion.
“WHOEVER teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the true words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching of our religion is swollen with pride and knows nothing. He has an unhealthy desire to argue and quarrel about words.” 1 Timothy 6:3-4a The believer does not destroy social and political differences. Instead of leading others to rebel, it helps to make them better and more faithful. Christianity changes the attitude of those in charge to become more understanding and even cause them to become a believer too. Many fight against becoming anything, other than what they deem suitable for themselves alone.
“DO NOT be afraid of those who can kill the body but, not the soul; rather be afraid of God, who can destroy both, body and soul in hell!” Matthew 10:38 I remember the little things kids would say to one another when they were hurt by someone. “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me!” That always seemed to sooth our broken spirit. In my mature years I have discovered that I do not have to shrink back from teaching God’s Word, because it is God’s Word of thought; not mine. However, I believe that what I believe is real! Sorry about those who hear but do not have ears to hear! The teacher does not have to defend God’s Word. God will do that! I merely share what I have learned in God’s Word!
“USE SOUND words that cannot be criticized, so that your adversary’s may be put to shame by not having anything bad to say about us.” Titus 2:8 Paul is saying here that we are to rebuke, but do it in a spirit of love and be careful about making rash statements. Your purpose is to produce a healthy faith in those whom you teach. God says that even if the world rejects you; you continue to teach my Word to the world!
“FOR THE message about Christ’s death on the cross is nonsense to those who are being lost; but for us who are being saved, it is God’s power. So then, where does that leave the wise men? Or the scholars? Or the skillful debaters of this world? God has shown that this world’s wisdom is foolishness! For God, in His wisdom, made it impossible for men to know Him by means of their own folly (wisdom). 1 Corinthians 1:18-21a People divide themselves into two groups on the basis of Christ. Those who are being lost make fun of the whole idea. Those who are being saved believe that God’s Word is medicine for their souls! The Lord’s love endures forever and ever! Again, I say Amen! Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/13/16
THE WORLD considers everything and everywhere appropriate for what they subscribe to. Most Christians do not subscribe to the ads on TV, radios, movies and even in some songs as appropriate. I always turn them off, amazed that anyone would watch that smut! But they are out there for all society to see, hear and be bombarded with. How come the Christian has to be submissive to the worlds desires but the world can complain, ridicule and deem God’s Word as offensive and inappropriate?
I SUPPOSE many would consider this topic, as in-material and even much to do about nothing. Although those in power in America have interpreted the Constitution to say there should be a separation of church and state, however, it was not designed for that reason. As a matter of fact, that idea is only an interpretation, not fact! Laws now declare the mere mention of God is inappropriate in the schools, and sign of allegiance in government buildings is forbidden. No wonder the world considers God’s Word as being inappropriate on occasion.
“WHOEVER teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the true words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching of our religion is swollen with pride and knows nothing. He has an unhealthy desire to argue and quarrel about words.” 1 Timothy 6:3-4a The believer does not destroy social and political differences. Instead of leading others to rebel, it helps to make them better and more faithful. Christianity changes the attitude of those in charge to become more understanding and even cause them to become a believer too. Many fight against becoming anything, other than what they deem suitable for themselves alone.
“DO NOT be afraid of those who can kill the body but, not the soul; rather be afraid of God, who can destroy both, body and soul in hell!” Matthew 10:38 I remember the little things kids would say to one another when they were hurt by someone. “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me!” That always seemed to sooth our broken spirit. In my mature years I have discovered that I do not have to shrink back from teaching God’s Word, because it is God’s Word of thought; not mine. However, I believe that what I believe is real! Sorry about those who hear but do not have ears to hear! The teacher does not have to defend God’s Word. God will do that! I merely share what I have learned in God’s Word!
“USE SOUND words that cannot be criticized, so that your adversary’s may be put to shame by not having anything bad to say about us.” Titus 2:8 Paul is saying here that we are to rebuke, but do it in a spirit of love and be careful about making rash statements. Your purpose is to produce a healthy faith in those whom you teach. God says that even if the world rejects you; you continue to teach my Word to the world!
“FOR THE message about Christ’s death on the cross is nonsense to those who are being lost; but for us who are being saved, it is God’s power. So then, where does that leave the wise men? Or the scholars? Or the skillful debaters of this world? God has shown that this world’s wisdom is foolishness! For God, in His wisdom, made it impossible for men to know Him by means of their own folly (wisdom). 1 Corinthians 1:18-21a People divide themselves into two groups on the basis of Christ. Those who are being lost make fun of the whole idea. Those who are being saved believe that God’s Word is medicine for their souls! The Lord’s love endures forever and ever! Again, I say Amen! Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/13/16
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)