Anna was 12 when she came over from the old country; Germany! Like Pat she was not educated but she loved America and learned all she could about the country she was living in. I am sure working as a housekeeper for a lawyer afforded her time to learn about the ways of the rich and famous in the United States.
They lived in a small four room house. It was cluttered as the furniture was big and very old fashioned even for the forties. I suspect much of her furniture had come with her from the old country. The flowered wall paper was so soiled that you could hardly see the leaves or petals. There was one particular piece that stood out from the rest in my memory. It was a cupboard with many different sizes and shapes of dishes. She could be found often washing the dishes and polishing the wood. I think it was her most cherished possession!
Anna, being from the cold country brought a lot of the old ways with her. Her dress style came with many slips of different colors and she wore two dresses at a time. When she sat down she would pull at her skirts to be sure her legs were covered. For her legs to be exposed would be a bad thing for Anna.
Anna had a favorite saying; "That's the way it goes." This would come out of her mouth no matter what the conversation was. Janice and I went to visit with her and our main objective was to say "That's the way it does" before she did. Janice won! We left feeling embarrassed! My sister Joetta tells the story about inviting Anna over to have a piece of cake that Joetta had just baked. Joetta asked her if she wanted another piece. Anna said; "Oh, Yes!" "I went to town but I didn't buy what I was going to, instead I..... Here Anna wandered off with; "But I did see and talked to some friends." Then she named several people. Obviously, Anna wasn't always working with a full deck. But she was always quiet and sweet.
Anna was a little lady with very long hair. It was so long that when she parted it for braiding, she would sit on half of it while she braided the other half. She always wore her hair in braids across the top of her head. Very prim and proper, not to mention very self conscious.
When her husband Pat died, she closed up her home and went to live with the Hess's. Not really sure who they were, perhaps the Lawyer and his family. My mother went to Iowa in 1952 for a visit. Having had several operations, Anna was dying of cancer. Mom found her in a convalescent home. Anna was 72 when whe passed away which was not long after Mom's visit.
"And let not your adornment be merely external; braiding the hair and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses." 1 Peter 3:3 A puzzling scripture. Now, what is wrong with braiding your hair? Peter is talking about adorning yourselves to draw attention to yourself. "But rather by means of good works, as befits women making a claim to godliness." 1 Timothy 3:10
Today, much of our appearance has to do with the culture we live in. There are those who adorn themselves with bright and shiny things on the outside which blinds those who wish to see what is on the inside. "But let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious in the sight of God." 1 Peter 3:4 Pierced body parts comes to my mind of adorning oneself to draw attention.
I was just a little girl who was so impressed with this couple with the old world ways still imbedded in their lifestyle, that I was able to pick up on their gentle ways and sincerity of life.
I was just a child and yet when I became a teenage, I did a paper for my Senior English class on the "Most Unforgettable Character I had ever met;" using them as my subject. Today, it causes me to wonder if my lifestyle has ever impressed a child; I wonder if my ways have caused someone to remember me! I wonder! I wonder. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/13/09
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
WHO IS YOUR NEIGHBOR? - Unforgettable!
His brogue told of his origin from Port Ireland; his face was that of an ageless Gaelic elf, wrinkled and brown. Under peaked white brows, his eyes were steel gray. He was tall with stooped shoulders and moved with a quick, bobbing gait. He was in his seventies when we came to live next door to him and his wife, Anna.
I must have been a very small child when I first met this couple. I must have heard most of what I remembered about them from my family, because Pat McCarthy passed away in 1946 at the age of 78 from a stroke. We moved to California in 47; I was 9 years old!
Hearing these stories caused Pat to become one of the most unforgettable character's I had ever met. Once he brought a letter he received in the mail and handed it to my Dad. Pat never had an education but he did know how to read. He knew his name when he saw it and the name on this letter wasn't his. My Dad looked at it and said he would take care of it and so Pat left it in my Dad's capable hands and returned home. The letter was addressed to 'Occupant.'
Twice a week Pat would come over to our house and would ask my brother Lloyd if he could use the phone; "Morning Roy," Morning Roy"; "Can I use your phone?" Lloyd would dial for him and with intensity he would listen for someone to answer and then with his Irish brogue he would say; "Eve's Bakery?" Hello, Hello, this is Pat McCarthy speaking!" He would order his day old bread and then hang up the receiver cross ways. Most times he would stay and visit with Lloyd for a while.
Pat's Ingersoll watch, that he had owned for over 20 years, quit working. He brought it over and asked my Dad to look at it and maybe fix it. usually an Ingersoll watch only cost about $1.00 at that time and was guaranteed for one year. My Dad confirmed it wasn't working anymore and suggested he throw it away or take it back to the store. Pat left disappointed but still with watch in hand.
Another time Pat ordered a pair of shoes from the Sears catalogue. When they didn't come he called the company to find out why the delay. The Sales Manager said that the shoes were C.O.D. When Pat heard that, he thought they had misunderstood him so he explained as only Pat could; he didn't order C.O.D. he ordered shoes.
We live in the largest melting pot in the world. It may have started with the Mayflower and the Pilgrims but down thru the ages people of many origins, color, languages; of Asian, Oriental and ethnic cultures have made their home in America. We live in a complex world when it comes to having neighbors of foreign descent. We live looking at our neighbors with suspicision. With wonder and perplexities. Should we allow them into our circle or should we keep our distance. It wasn't always like this, but America is a different place in a different time.
I don't think Pat had a profession except perhaps being a professional handyman. He did odd jobs! He would never qualify for a pension and so his wealth was not in his possessions. He was a man well liked. He was kind and considerate.
"Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant."
1 Corinthians 13:4 It is amazing that the most familiar verses are sometimes the hardest for us to put into action. The love chapter is telling us to be kind! "And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32 We are to love our neighbors, whoever they are! Kindness is a character trait of love.
"And the Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged." 2 Timothy 3:24 Ask yourself; "Is my middle name, kind?" I pray it can be, because that is what God wants us to be. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/13/09
I must have been a very small child when I first met this couple. I must have heard most of what I remembered about them from my family, because Pat McCarthy passed away in 1946 at the age of 78 from a stroke. We moved to California in 47; I was 9 years old!
Hearing these stories caused Pat to become one of the most unforgettable character's I had ever met. Once he brought a letter he received in the mail and handed it to my Dad. Pat never had an education but he did know how to read. He knew his name when he saw it and the name on this letter wasn't his. My Dad looked at it and said he would take care of it and so Pat left it in my Dad's capable hands and returned home. The letter was addressed to 'Occupant.'
Twice a week Pat would come over to our house and would ask my brother Lloyd if he could use the phone; "Morning Roy," Morning Roy"; "Can I use your phone?" Lloyd would dial for him and with intensity he would listen for someone to answer and then with his Irish brogue he would say; "Eve's Bakery?" Hello, Hello, this is Pat McCarthy speaking!" He would order his day old bread and then hang up the receiver cross ways. Most times he would stay and visit with Lloyd for a while.
Pat's Ingersoll watch, that he had owned for over 20 years, quit working. He brought it over and asked my Dad to look at it and maybe fix it. usually an Ingersoll watch only cost about $1.00 at that time and was guaranteed for one year. My Dad confirmed it wasn't working anymore and suggested he throw it away or take it back to the store. Pat left disappointed but still with watch in hand.
Another time Pat ordered a pair of shoes from the Sears catalogue. When they didn't come he called the company to find out why the delay. The Sales Manager said that the shoes were C.O.D. When Pat heard that, he thought they had misunderstood him so he explained as only Pat could; he didn't order C.O.D. he ordered shoes.
We live in the largest melting pot in the world. It may have started with the Mayflower and the Pilgrims but down thru the ages people of many origins, color, languages; of Asian, Oriental and ethnic cultures have made their home in America. We live in a complex world when it comes to having neighbors of foreign descent. We live looking at our neighbors with suspicision. With wonder and perplexities. Should we allow them into our circle or should we keep our distance. It wasn't always like this, but America is a different place in a different time.
I don't think Pat had a profession except perhaps being a professional handyman. He did odd jobs! He would never qualify for a pension and so his wealth was not in his possessions. He was a man well liked. He was kind and considerate.
"Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant."
1 Corinthians 13:4 It is amazing that the most familiar verses are sometimes the hardest for us to put into action. The love chapter is telling us to be kind! "And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32 We are to love our neighbors, whoever they are! Kindness is a character trait of love.
"And the Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged." 2 Timothy 3:24 Ask yourself; "Is my middle name, kind?" I pray it can be, because that is what God wants us to be. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/13/09
Friday, November 6, 2009
POT LUCK - Parent, SLow Down!
Jim and I are people watchers! We always comment on how fast people walk! When they are alone we wonder; "Where are they going and why are they in such a hurry?" Many times they are holding a child's hand. Why is it that the adult can't see or even feel that more times than not, they are dragging the child behind them. The child is running as fast as their little legs can go, to keep up or to keep from falling down. I want to yell: "Slow down? Can't you see that those little legs can't keep up with you today!" Many times when the child is holding them back, they reach down and swing the child up into their arms and begin to walk even faster.
I have heard it is customary for the men in Asian countries to walk ahead of their women. She follows along at a running pace to keep up and yet never along side. My legs are short! I use to walk very fast, taking many steps to keep up. Then I met Jim! Jim says he has short legs and maybe he does. What I know about Jim's legs are that they walk slow and I have no trouble keeping up with him. He even holds my hand! Recently we learned he is considered an old geezer! He has many old ways about him and I would never trade him for anything new!
This morning as I sat at the computer, I noticed a young father with leash in hand, walking behind his dog and running behind him was his young son. The child would run and catch up, still behind his father who continued walking very fast. Soon he was way behind again. As I watched him try several times to catch up, I decided I needed to address this issue. "Parent, slow down!" Your child is walking behind you and when he falls, will you be there to pick him up? Or are you going to yell at him for being so slow!" Stop and look back; let him catch up with you! Unless you let him walk beside you, eventually he won't want to walk with you at all.
Having been a parent of small children and grandchildren, I can't say that I always followed my own rules of today. But, I like to think that I was aware of my children and put their needs before my own. I like to think that I was careful where I walked so that my children would grow up looking at all the paths and choosing circumstpectfully. I like to think when they were small, I changed my pace to match theirs. I did not expect their little legs to keep up with my giant steps; such as they were. Parent, slow down!
Parent, you have much to learn from your children. I know that you are the teacher, but even teachers learn from their students. "He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said; Truly I say to you, unless you become like little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one of these in My name receives Me." Matthew 18:2-5 Jesus goes on to explain that we are not to cause even one of these children to stumble. If we do, it would be better for us to drown with a millstone around our necks. Not a pleasant picture!
A child that has to run behind their parent to keep up will eventually stop following. They will attach themselves to a pace that is easier for them to keep up with. Don't be a stumbling block to your children. Take their hand and teach them to walk beside you. "And if your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut if off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame, than having two hands or two feet to be cast into the eternal fire." Matthew 18:8 In other words get rid of what causes you to stumble, so that you can be whole.
Children are deserving of your attention from the beginning to the end. You as a parent are deserving of your children's attention from the beginning to the end. However, if you can't slow up long enough for them, they will not slow down for you when the time comes. Parent take heed; for that time will come before you know it. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/21/09
I have heard it is customary for the men in Asian countries to walk ahead of their women. She follows along at a running pace to keep up and yet never along side. My legs are short! I use to walk very fast, taking many steps to keep up. Then I met Jim! Jim says he has short legs and maybe he does. What I know about Jim's legs are that they walk slow and I have no trouble keeping up with him. He even holds my hand! Recently we learned he is considered an old geezer! He has many old ways about him and I would never trade him for anything new!
This morning as I sat at the computer, I noticed a young father with leash in hand, walking behind his dog and running behind him was his young son. The child would run and catch up, still behind his father who continued walking very fast. Soon he was way behind again. As I watched him try several times to catch up, I decided I needed to address this issue. "Parent, slow down!" Your child is walking behind you and when he falls, will you be there to pick him up? Or are you going to yell at him for being so slow!" Stop and look back; let him catch up with you! Unless you let him walk beside you, eventually he won't want to walk with you at all.
Having been a parent of small children and grandchildren, I can't say that I always followed my own rules of today. But, I like to think that I was aware of my children and put their needs before my own. I like to think that I was careful where I walked so that my children would grow up looking at all the paths and choosing circumstpectfully. I like to think when they were small, I changed my pace to match theirs. I did not expect their little legs to keep up with my giant steps; such as they were. Parent, slow down!
Parent, you have much to learn from your children. I know that you are the teacher, but even teachers learn from their students. "He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said; Truly I say to you, unless you become like little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one of these in My name receives Me." Matthew 18:2-5 Jesus goes on to explain that we are not to cause even one of these children to stumble. If we do, it would be better for us to drown with a millstone around our necks. Not a pleasant picture!
A child that has to run behind their parent to keep up will eventually stop following. They will attach themselves to a pace that is easier for them to keep up with. Don't be a stumbling block to your children. Take their hand and teach them to walk beside you. "And if your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut if off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame, than having two hands or two feet to be cast into the eternal fire." Matthew 18:8 In other words get rid of what causes you to stumble, so that you can be whole.
Children are deserving of your attention from the beginning to the end. You as a parent are deserving of your children's attention from the beginning to the end. However, if you can't slow up long enough for them, they will not slow down for you when the time comes. Parent take heed; for that time will come before you know it. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/21/09
Thursday, November 5, 2009
POT LUCK - Mother-in-laws are a Gift!
When I first met my Mother-in-law she was 70 years old. The same age as I, at this writing! Jim and I had only been engaged for about a week and now he was going to introduce me to his mother and his family. What was I getting into! She lived in a small 8 x 35, one bedroom trailer. She fixed Jim, whom she called Richard, and me a fried chicken dinner with all the trimmings. We ate off TV trays and I began to know this woman who created the man I was going to be married to for the rest of my life. She was the one that instilled in this man some of the thing that drew me to him. She was the one who cradled, nurtured and caused him to become a respectful, gentle and loving man that when he said 'I love you'; all I could say was 'thank you'. She was the one who successfully set him on the road to manhood.
Mittie Ann was 5 foot 6 and stout. I was 4'10 & 1/2 and weighed all of 105 lbs. I was a little intimated! I knew she was looking me over very closely and I am sure she didn't care if I looked her over or not. It was her son she would be releasing to this snip of a girl, who thought she could take care of him better than she had. As we sized one another up I realized that for all her size she was every bit as gentle as her son was. That didn't mean you could put anything over on her or ruffle her feathers. She was a mother to be reckoned with when it came to her children. I knew we could be friends! I was right!
We had been married 13 years when she came to live with us on the acreage in Sam's Valley. She lived in a small trailer just up from our house with easy access. Sidewalks were put in for her and a stair rail to steady her so she could easily go up and down for her walks. Her diabetes was taking its toll on her but life was good and she could go to church every Sunday. It became necessary for us to monitor her grocery shopping to make sure she was eating properly. It was hard for her to bathe but we had an easy walk-in shower which we encouraged her to use. It was becoming apparent that she felt I was now her boss and she had no say in anything. The kids heard her mumbling something about; "Why did he marry that woman!" Life was becoming difficult for this grand old lady who was almost 90!
I hear a lot of derogatory comments from other wives complaining about their mother-in-laws. I know I have done mine! But in retrospect I have no complaints about Jim's Mom! She never interfered with the raising of our children, she just loved them. She never complained about my cooking and was helpful in teaching me many things. She never wanted to be any trouble but she wanted to be included in everything. She loved taking us out to dinner on Sundays and even helped us in some difficult, economic times.
When I think of Mother-in-laws I go to the book of Ruth. The relationship that developed between Naomi and the two daughters was not by accident but by divine intervention. Naomi loved God and shared this love with her daughter-in-laws. Naomi's first desire was to take these two girls with her when she returned home but decided the best thing for them was to stay where they were. She was going home! They were already home; they should stay!
In Ruth 1:14 the writer tells us; "They lifted up their voices and wept." Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law and returned home, but Ruth clung to her. In verse 18 Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, so she said no more. They both went to Bethlehem! A love and devotion unheard of in many circles, is a story that can belong to any woman who is willing to look at her mother-in-law and realize that she is a gift from God. I know that the wives of today cannot be found saying to their mother-in-law; "All that you say I will do." Husbands and wives are a reflection of their mothers. The wife that can see the gem that comes with their husband is the wife who honors her mother-in-law. How blessed she is! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/29/08
Mittie Ann was 5 foot 6 and stout. I was 4'10 & 1/2 and weighed all of 105 lbs. I was a little intimated! I knew she was looking me over very closely and I am sure she didn't care if I looked her over or not. It was her son she would be releasing to this snip of a girl, who thought she could take care of him better than she had. As we sized one another up I realized that for all her size she was every bit as gentle as her son was. That didn't mean you could put anything over on her or ruffle her feathers. She was a mother to be reckoned with when it came to her children. I knew we could be friends! I was right!
We had been married 13 years when she came to live with us on the acreage in Sam's Valley. She lived in a small trailer just up from our house with easy access. Sidewalks were put in for her and a stair rail to steady her so she could easily go up and down for her walks. Her diabetes was taking its toll on her but life was good and she could go to church every Sunday. It became necessary for us to monitor her grocery shopping to make sure she was eating properly. It was hard for her to bathe but we had an easy walk-in shower which we encouraged her to use. It was becoming apparent that she felt I was now her boss and she had no say in anything. The kids heard her mumbling something about; "Why did he marry that woman!" Life was becoming difficult for this grand old lady who was almost 90!
I hear a lot of derogatory comments from other wives complaining about their mother-in-laws. I know I have done mine! But in retrospect I have no complaints about Jim's Mom! She never interfered with the raising of our children, she just loved them. She never complained about my cooking and was helpful in teaching me many things. She never wanted to be any trouble but she wanted to be included in everything. She loved taking us out to dinner on Sundays and even helped us in some difficult, economic times.
When I think of Mother-in-laws I go to the book of Ruth. The relationship that developed between Naomi and the two daughters was not by accident but by divine intervention. Naomi loved God and shared this love with her daughter-in-laws. Naomi's first desire was to take these two girls with her when she returned home but decided the best thing for them was to stay where they were. She was going home! They were already home; they should stay!
In Ruth 1:14 the writer tells us; "They lifted up their voices and wept." Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law and returned home, but Ruth clung to her. In verse 18 Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, so she said no more. They both went to Bethlehem! A love and devotion unheard of in many circles, is a story that can belong to any woman who is willing to look at her mother-in-law and realize that she is a gift from God. I know that the wives of today cannot be found saying to their mother-in-law; "All that you say I will do." Husbands and wives are a reflection of their mothers. The wife that can see the gem that comes with their husband is the wife who honors her mother-in-law. How blessed she is! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/29/08
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
POT LUCK - A Love Story!
I watch House Hunters on HGTV and many times a young couple have on their wish list a "man room", or "man cave." Many couples agree that they want a weekly night out. She wants to be with her friends and he wants a night with the guys. It used to be that when you married you wanted to be with each other for the rest of your lives. At least, that was how Jim and I saw it. Oh, we like being around our friends and our family but it isn't something that we feel we need to do to prove we are individuals or so we could be ourselves and not a couple.
When our family moved from Iowa to california we moved next door to a young couple. They had three small girls. A lovely couple that was not afraid to show their devotion to one another. Shortly after we moved in, Nelda brought food! Through the years as we watched their little girls grow up, they also watched our family grow up. I remember Nelda saying to me that she wondered why we walked so straight with our heads high. She thought we were a little stuck up, and full of confidence. As she began to know us she wanted whatever we had. Nelda and Bob were tall. The tallest in our family was probably 5'8". I suppose we walked straight with our heads held high, so we could look tall! I think she was right about being confident.
Eventually Bob, Nelda and the girls began going to our Sunday School and Church. They became acquainted with Jesus Christ and realized that was what we had that she wanted. Bob built Nelda a bigger house and rented out their small house. Jean and I eventually rented it! I lived there just a few years but Jean lived there for over 30. Jean had to raise her own rent because the Landlords just wouldn't do that. At Christmas time they would return the rent money to us. Some Landlords may have considered this but Bob and Nelda actually did it. I remember once receiving a little Christmas stocking with my rent money nicely tucked inside.
They traveled nationally and internationally and enjoyed their travels together. As years passed and Nelda's health began failing, Bob took care of her. When he physically couldn't care for her, he reluctantly put her in a nursing home. He couldn't stand not being with her daily, and because his health was not good, he applied and was admitted into the same nursing home. They shared the same room! Patty, Pam and Teresa watched their parents devotion for one another. Once, I received an email showing two beds with Pam standing between them. Nelda was in the one on my left and Bob was in the one on the right. In April 2008, Nelda went ahead of Bob to be with her Lord. Bob apparently couldn't stand being separated. he followed her two months later. What a love story! What an inspiration for all married couples.
Today many marry and divorce so quickly they never have experienced the love that God says can be between a man and a woman. Bob would have been 90 his next birthday. Nelda was 87! Love is decided upon, it doesn't just happen. We don't fall in love! God didn't fall in love with us, He decided to love us. Jesus didn't fall in love with us, He decided to love us because that is what His father wanted. God has given us many scriptures on love but the one I want to use here is found in 1 John 4:15-21. "If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us." It goes on to say that when we live in God we know God's love. Our love is made complete because we have confidence in Him. The reason for this, is because in this world we are like Him, not the world. In verse 19 it says; "We love because He first loved us." A love between a husband and wife who also love God receive the blessings that only God can give. Bob and Nelda's life together was a true love story! It started with them as one and ended with them as one! This surely beats having a man room any day! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/29/08
When our family moved from Iowa to california we moved next door to a young couple. They had three small girls. A lovely couple that was not afraid to show their devotion to one another. Shortly after we moved in, Nelda brought food! Through the years as we watched their little girls grow up, they also watched our family grow up. I remember Nelda saying to me that she wondered why we walked so straight with our heads high. She thought we were a little stuck up, and full of confidence. As she began to know us she wanted whatever we had. Nelda and Bob were tall. The tallest in our family was probably 5'8". I suppose we walked straight with our heads held high, so we could look tall! I think she was right about being confident.
Eventually Bob, Nelda and the girls began going to our Sunday School and Church. They became acquainted with Jesus Christ and realized that was what we had that she wanted. Bob built Nelda a bigger house and rented out their small house. Jean and I eventually rented it! I lived there just a few years but Jean lived there for over 30. Jean had to raise her own rent because the Landlords just wouldn't do that. At Christmas time they would return the rent money to us. Some Landlords may have considered this but Bob and Nelda actually did it. I remember once receiving a little Christmas stocking with my rent money nicely tucked inside.
They traveled nationally and internationally and enjoyed their travels together. As years passed and Nelda's health began failing, Bob took care of her. When he physically couldn't care for her, he reluctantly put her in a nursing home. He couldn't stand not being with her daily, and because his health was not good, he applied and was admitted into the same nursing home. They shared the same room! Patty, Pam and Teresa watched their parents devotion for one another. Once, I received an email showing two beds with Pam standing between them. Nelda was in the one on my left and Bob was in the one on the right. In April 2008, Nelda went ahead of Bob to be with her Lord. Bob apparently couldn't stand being separated. he followed her two months later. What a love story! What an inspiration for all married couples.
Today many marry and divorce so quickly they never have experienced the love that God says can be between a man and a woman. Bob would have been 90 his next birthday. Nelda was 87! Love is decided upon, it doesn't just happen. We don't fall in love! God didn't fall in love with us, He decided to love us. Jesus didn't fall in love with us, He decided to love us because that is what His father wanted. God has given us many scriptures on love but the one I want to use here is found in 1 John 4:15-21. "If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us." It goes on to say that when we live in God we know God's love. Our love is made complete because we have confidence in Him. The reason for this, is because in this world we are like Him, not the world. In verse 19 it says; "We love because He first loved us." A love between a husband and wife who also love God receive the blessings that only God can give. Bob and Nelda's life together was a true love story! It started with them as one and ended with them as one! This surely beats having a man room any day! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/29/08
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
POT LUCK - Music, Music, Music!
Perry Como use to host a TV variety show! Often he would have a little gal named Theresa Brewer on and the first line of the song she would sing was; "Put another nickel in; in the nickelodeon; all I want is loving you and music, music, music." I love to sing! For 10 cents you could buy a song sheet off the magazine stands. My sisters and I would lean this 8 1/2 x 11 paper book at the back of the sink and sing and sing while we did dishes. Many familes did this! It is a lost art! We learned to harmonize at an early age. Had aspirations but no drive to compete in the world of music. However, we enjoyed all the opportunities that came our way.
My Dad played the piano; Lloyd, the drums; Lonnie played a little Saxophone and most of the girls the piano. I heard that my mother played the violin. Years later, Lynn learned the guitar and so did my Jim. Later Lynn mastered the bass guitar. Many of our children play instruments. Danny is excellent on the piano, his teacher was Kathleen, Lynn's wife. Then there is Lance, Leslie, Jill and Julie all accomplished on the piano. Many learned but wouldn't play for others like Laura, Melony, Layton and Pamala. Everyone had voices! My sisters and I were every bit as good as the Lennon Sisters! I sang with a double trio called the Harmonettes! Lee, Gene, Joetta and I sang in the Gospelaires Quartet with Kathleen at the piano. Even before that, Lynn and I were in a quartet that had no name. In the early 70's another quartet, the Gospel Hymns came on the scene with Jim, Lynn, Lee and Lance and again with Kathleen at the piano. They sang together for about 14 years up and down the Oregon coast and Northern California. Music has always been a part of our life; my life!
When young, I sang at weddings and a few funerals. After highschool I was always the singer and never the bridesmaid or bride for that matter. Because of love of music I was a soloist. I sang in groups, choirs and even was a choir director. I was a church pianist only because there was no one else to fill the bill. My grandsons are talented with two playing guitars and one on the drums. All three have voices and make us proud! My enjoyment in music has always been voice and piano. Don't ask me to dance when you see my body move, my feet have no rhythm!
Because of my love for music, we encouraged both our children to pursue music with voice and piano. Danny took to it quite easily, but our quiet, shy Jennifer gave it a try but was not willing to go any further. She had trouble find her pitch when singing but I knew that could be fixed. At Bible College the music instructor took her under her wings and Jennifer discovered she could sing. She sang once in our family group and did a couple of solos at church. She decided that really wasn't her and pursued other interests more to her liking. Danny, on the other hand is the professional and performs regularly; constantly in demand!
Because of side effects of medicine, my last singing engagement was for a Ladies Christmas Tea in 2007. When you lose something you love it is hard but not unmanageable. I pray that I will sing again; however, I look forward to the heavenly choir and 'Holy, Holy, Holy.'
"I will sing and make music!" Psalm 108:1 "Sing to the Lord a new song!" Isaiah 40:10a "And they sing a new song before the throne." Revelations 14:3a "Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness to God." Colossians 3;16b As you can see David was happy when he wrote about singing. Isaiah says he would sing to stringed instruments in 38:20. John heard the music in heaven. Paul says it is important for the church. I had fun singing secular songs but my favorites are songs about the love of God. Songs like; "His name is Wonderful," "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus," delights my soul. Hearing others singing about my God is like hearing the birds chirping in the early morning. Bill Wright says; "The language of heaven is praise, we need to learn to speak it now!" By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/15/08
My Dad played the piano; Lloyd, the drums; Lonnie played a little Saxophone and most of the girls the piano. I heard that my mother played the violin. Years later, Lynn learned the guitar and so did my Jim. Later Lynn mastered the bass guitar. Many of our children play instruments. Danny is excellent on the piano, his teacher was Kathleen, Lynn's wife. Then there is Lance, Leslie, Jill and Julie all accomplished on the piano. Many learned but wouldn't play for others like Laura, Melony, Layton and Pamala. Everyone had voices! My sisters and I were every bit as good as the Lennon Sisters! I sang with a double trio called the Harmonettes! Lee, Gene, Joetta and I sang in the Gospelaires Quartet with Kathleen at the piano. Even before that, Lynn and I were in a quartet that had no name. In the early 70's another quartet, the Gospel Hymns came on the scene with Jim, Lynn, Lee and Lance and again with Kathleen at the piano. They sang together for about 14 years up and down the Oregon coast and Northern California. Music has always been a part of our life; my life!
When young, I sang at weddings and a few funerals. After highschool I was always the singer and never the bridesmaid or bride for that matter. Because of love of music I was a soloist. I sang in groups, choirs and even was a choir director. I was a church pianist only because there was no one else to fill the bill. My grandsons are talented with two playing guitars and one on the drums. All three have voices and make us proud! My enjoyment in music has always been voice and piano. Don't ask me to dance when you see my body move, my feet have no rhythm!
Because of my love for music, we encouraged both our children to pursue music with voice and piano. Danny took to it quite easily, but our quiet, shy Jennifer gave it a try but was not willing to go any further. She had trouble find her pitch when singing but I knew that could be fixed. At Bible College the music instructor took her under her wings and Jennifer discovered she could sing. She sang once in our family group and did a couple of solos at church. She decided that really wasn't her and pursued other interests more to her liking. Danny, on the other hand is the professional and performs regularly; constantly in demand!
Because of side effects of medicine, my last singing engagement was for a Ladies Christmas Tea in 2007. When you lose something you love it is hard but not unmanageable. I pray that I will sing again; however, I look forward to the heavenly choir and 'Holy, Holy, Holy.'
"I will sing and make music!" Psalm 108:1 "Sing to the Lord a new song!" Isaiah 40:10a "And they sing a new song before the throne." Revelations 14:3a "Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness to God." Colossians 3;16b As you can see David was happy when he wrote about singing. Isaiah says he would sing to stringed instruments in 38:20. John heard the music in heaven. Paul says it is important for the church. I had fun singing secular songs but my favorites are songs about the love of God. Songs like; "His name is Wonderful," "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus," delights my soul. Hearing others singing about my God is like hearing the birds chirping in the early morning. Bill Wright says; "The language of heaven is praise, we need to learn to speak it now!" By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/15/08
Monday, November 2, 2009
POT LUCK - "Go Very Fast!"
Today is my 300th blog. I certainly have enjoyed doing this and hope you who follow enjoy God's word through this type of perspective.
Some years ago I saw a movie about an Alien from another planet, who is played by Jeff Bridges. He inhabits the body of a woman's husband who recently died. Because he looks like her husband, she befriends him and in one scene, teaches him to drive. In reviewing some of the rules, she saks him questions regarding the signal lights. What is red for, she asks; "Stop!" What does green stand for; "Go!" How about yellow, she asks; He replies; "Go very fast!"
Jim and I often realize that many times we do speed up when we see that it is about to change from green to yellow. Laughing about it was what we did, but today I think that hurrying through the yellow could cause us to stop forever, living in this world.
How many times have you thought, I can make it through that yellow, and speed up only to get caught half way through, to finish on a red. You look around praying that no one of importance was there to witness that. All to often a ticket has been issued because we respond to our efforts to go very fast, instead of on the side of caution.
We teach our children to look both ways before crossing the street. We teach our children to look before they leap. We remind them and ourselves to not make hasty decisions. Many times, we decide to sleep on it. So why is it we have to speed up to get through the yellow light. What is there about having to slow up and stop for the red. Does anyone have a realistic answer? I know most would just say; "Because!"
In our world if we want to get a ticket for some special concert that will only be in town for one night; We will park out in front of the theater; stand in line; freeze; giving our order for fast food to a stranger; and even sleep, leaning up against the wall because we are afraid if we don't, we won't get a good seat, or even get in the theater. I have never done this!
Impatience is not a virtue! Impatience is not a Godly trait! Impatience is a flower that blooms in the spring, full of fragrance and color. We need to slow down. We need to take our time. We need to realize even though time waits for no man, man can regulate his time by pacing himself. When we approach the yellow light we should take note because that means something is about to happen.
It is interesting that we learn some things that are definite. They are precise and have fixed limits. Red means to stop! Green means to go! Most of us adhere to these guide lines but yellow gives us a larger boundary. We can still go but we must be prepared! Aha! The lights come on. So that is what the yellow light is for!
"I, Wisdom, dwell with prudence and I find knowledge and discretion." Proverbs 8:12 Wisdom is indeed the element of who we are that takes precautions and proceeds with confidence. When God created the heavens and earth, He set in place all the elements so that they would not go crashing around into one another but would run their courses fully functional and precise. "He set the sea its boundary so that the water should not transgress His command." Proverbs 8:29a
When God gave us the ability to learn; when He gave us knowledge, He also gave us the ability to discern how to use our knowledge and it is called wisdom. "Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom." James 3:13 It has been said that the wise man uses his wisdom to obey the laws of the universe and the laws of his country. "The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul. The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." Psalm 20:7 How gracious is our Lord when it comes to our personal adherence and obedience to the rules. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/22/09
Some years ago I saw a movie about an Alien from another planet, who is played by Jeff Bridges. He inhabits the body of a woman's husband who recently died. Because he looks like her husband, she befriends him and in one scene, teaches him to drive. In reviewing some of the rules, she saks him questions regarding the signal lights. What is red for, she asks; "Stop!" What does green stand for; "Go!" How about yellow, she asks; He replies; "Go very fast!"
Jim and I often realize that many times we do speed up when we see that it is about to change from green to yellow. Laughing about it was what we did, but today I think that hurrying through the yellow could cause us to stop forever, living in this world.
How many times have you thought, I can make it through that yellow, and speed up only to get caught half way through, to finish on a red. You look around praying that no one of importance was there to witness that. All to often a ticket has been issued because we respond to our efforts to go very fast, instead of on the side of caution.
We teach our children to look both ways before crossing the street. We teach our children to look before they leap. We remind them and ourselves to not make hasty decisions. Many times, we decide to sleep on it. So why is it we have to speed up to get through the yellow light. What is there about having to slow up and stop for the red. Does anyone have a realistic answer? I know most would just say; "Because!"
In our world if we want to get a ticket for some special concert that will only be in town for one night; We will park out in front of the theater; stand in line; freeze; giving our order for fast food to a stranger; and even sleep, leaning up against the wall because we are afraid if we don't, we won't get a good seat, or even get in the theater. I have never done this!
Impatience is not a virtue! Impatience is not a Godly trait! Impatience is a flower that blooms in the spring, full of fragrance and color. We need to slow down. We need to take our time. We need to realize even though time waits for no man, man can regulate his time by pacing himself. When we approach the yellow light we should take note because that means something is about to happen.
It is interesting that we learn some things that are definite. They are precise and have fixed limits. Red means to stop! Green means to go! Most of us adhere to these guide lines but yellow gives us a larger boundary. We can still go but we must be prepared! Aha! The lights come on. So that is what the yellow light is for!
"I, Wisdom, dwell with prudence and I find knowledge and discretion." Proverbs 8:12 Wisdom is indeed the element of who we are that takes precautions and proceeds with confidence. When God created the heavens and earth, He set in place all the elements so that they would not go crashing around into one another but would run their courses fully functional and precise. "He set the sea its boundary so that the water should not transgress His command." Proverbs 8:29a
When God gave us the ability to learn; when He gave us knowledge, He also gave us the ability to discern how to use our knowledge and it is called wisdom. "Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom." James 3:13 It has been said that the wise man uses his wisdom to obey the laws of the universe and the laws of his country. "The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul. The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." Psalm 20:7 How gracious is our Lord when it comes to our personal adherence and obedience to the rules. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/22/09
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