IF YOU call within the next two hours you will receive two for the price of one. Not only that, shipping will be free! You can’t buy these in any store so you must act now; they are only available “as seen on TV”. Call now and get this amazing offer for not one; but two for the price of one!
I KNOW you have seen these TV commercials. The only way you miss them is if you never watch TV. I have bought a few of these items; “As seen on TV”, but in the stores. The price is still $19.95 for one and of course no extra shipping charge. For the most part the product is good but a come on is a come on, no matter how you look at it.
ON THE internet you will see advertisements that say; “risk free for 30 days”. Order today at no cost to you except for the shipping charge. So you apply for the 30 day order and pay the shipping charge. The following month you have a charge on your credit card for the total amount plus the shipping and low and behold the product comes in the mail. In small print you were to let them know, you didn’t want the product. Returning this item is like pulling teeth. Legally they do not have to refund you! But morally, they should!
I AM NOT advertising for Wal-Mart but their return policy is one of the easiest I have come across. We don’t return very many things but on occasion a return is necessary. You go to their customer service and give them the product being returned along with your sales receipt. Most times they give you what you paid in cash. Then you can go get the product you want and you have the money to pay for it; or not. Their policy is up front and personal, don’t you think?
MY SISTER Jewel, used to shop at Meyers and Franks before they became Macy’s. She would purchase something off their cosmetic line because they would give her a large bag with free products. Many times I was the recipient of her purchase, or the free gifts. The word ‘FREE’ has a way of catching us and we give in without a struggle.
THE WORDS; free, on sale, 50% off, marked down etc are the bait that has been used for years in selling and buying of merchandise. We buy things that we have a tendency of storing up, letting decay, wear out, give away or throw away; when we know they will not last forever! Eventually all things are biodegradable regardless of what people say.
“SINCE ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, they are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as an expiation by his blood, to be received by faith.” Romans 3:23-25a If God had put his gift of salvation in a bag along with a new shade of lipstick or a power tool marked 50% off would it be easier for you to accept?
“WHEN YOU were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But then what return did you get from the things of which you are now ashamed? The end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the return you get is sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:20-23
WHEN YOU were living your life of sinfulness what kinds of fruits did you end up with? I can assure you that when you accept God’s free gift you get it without paying a price because God’s gift is priceless. You couldn’t pay it, but God’s Son could! When you become a slave to Him, you will no longer be a slave to yourself. Oh what a relief it is when you don’t have to keep thinking; what’s in it for me and how can I keep up with the Jones! Oh what pleasure you will receive when you forget about yourself and can put Joy first in your life. Jesus first, others second and yourself last. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/18/11
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Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
RED! 2/13/11
RED was my mother-in-laws favorite color! I don’t remember her
wearing much red but we have some drinking glasses with red roses on them that her husband had given her, early on in their marriage. Obviously these glasses are very old and sit on a shelf! I remember the preacher of my youth preaching that it was better to be a Christian facing life, than “better red than dead!” This motto meant, becoming a communist was better than dying for the cause of freedom. This was one of the famous lines of the 50's!
JIM AND I wear red on Fridays to pay homage to all the America soldiers; dead, alive, or actively serving our country at home and abroad. It’s a little thing we do but we do it to pay honor! Tomorrow is Valentines day! We give out hearts to our sweethearts and kids and whomever we want and usually they are red. Oh, I have seen various other colored hearts but for the most part they are red!
I HAVE NEVER visited a ‘red light’ district but I have read and heard about them! A very old profession indeed! We have red lights along our streets to grab our attention and they say; stop! On occasion they say; stop then go! I have heard it said that Insurance on a red car is much higher than on any other color. Now why should that be? Even a bull in the ring charges after the red cape, or so we are told.
WHEN your finances are in the red it is as though a red light is flashing. You are in financial trouble! When I was a young adult, I had a sort of red dress and a man where I worked said; "Ah red! That’s enough to make a man forget the Ten Commandments!" Red apparently is a signal not only for anger; financial situations or to bring you to a stop; it is also a signal for indiscretions, or it should be!
WHEN WE BLEED, our blood runs red! When we have an open wound or an inflamed sore it usually is red. We are God’s creation and all humans have red blood. Not blue as you read in books; that merely indicates your royalty. Let’s face it, we all have red blood no matter what your ethnic background may be. According to Genesis we all came from Adam and Eve who were the first and therefore we have a physical body just like theirs.
“FOR THIS is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Matthew 26:28 As Christ hung on the cross with his hands and feet nailed to the posts and when the sword pierced His side, His blood flowed freely for you and me. His blood was red, the color of sin; if you are an artist. His heart carried the red blood through it, just like yours and mine. And He suffered shame, humiliation and degradation because of His love for the Father and the Father’s love for us.
“WHOM God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.” Romans 3:25 In other words; Jesus took our place on the cross and through our belief and faith in His shed blood we can be forgiven. WOW! What a Savior; What a God!
REPENTANCE and baptism are not a choice, they are commandments. When we think we can substitute it for a prayer only of belief, let me remind you that Satan believes also and He was condemned to the eternal lake of fire. Don’t allow yourself to be short changed through mans short cuts. Read the scriptures for yourself and forget man’s interpretations. “Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of sin and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38
RED is a beautiful color! However, I love Christ more! Fear should not blind us and cause us to see red. Instead, turn your eyes upon Jesus and see only Him! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/11/11
wearing much red but we have some drinking glasses with red roses on them that her husband had given her, early on in their marriage. Obviously these glasses are very old and sit on a shelf! I remember the preacher of my youth preaching that it was better to be a Christian facing life, than “better red than dead!” This motto meant, becoming a communist was better than dying for the cause of freedom. This was one of the famous lines of the 50's!
JIM AND I wear red on Fridays to pay homage to all the America soldiers; dead, alive, or actively serving our country at home and abroad. It’s a little thing we do but we do it to pay honor! Tomorrow is Valentines day! We give out hearts to our sweethearts and kids and whomever we want and usually they are red. Oh, I have seen various other colored hearts but for the most part they are red!
I HAVE NEVER visited a ‘red light’ district but I have read and heard about them! A very old profession indeed! We have red lights along our streets to grab our attention and they say; stop! On occasion they say; stop then go! I have heard it said that Insurance on a red car is much higher than on any other color. Now why should that be? Even a bull in the ring charges after the red cape, or so we are told.
WHEN your finances are in the red it is as though a red light is flashing. You are in financial trouble! When I was a young adult, I had a sort of red dress and a man where I worked said; "Ah red! That’s enough to make a man forget the Ten Commandments!" Red apparently is a signal not only for anger; financial situations or to bring you to a stop; it is also a signal for indiscretions, or it should be!
WHEN WE BLEED, our blood runs red! When we have an open wound or an inflamed sore it usually is red. We are God’s creation and all humans have red blood. Not blue as you read in books; that merely indicates your royalty. Let’s face it, we all have red blood no matter what your ethnic background may be. According to Genesis we all came from Adam and Eve who were the first and therefore we have a physical body just like theirs.
“FOR THIS is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Matthew 26:28 As Christ hung on the cross with his hands and feet nailed to the posts and when the sword pierced His side, His blood flowed freely for you and me. His blood was red, the color of sin; if you are an artist. His heart carried the red blood through it, just like yours and mine. And He suffered shame, humiliation and degradation because of His love for the Father and the Father’s love for us.
“WHOM God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.” Romans 3:25 In other words; Jesus took our place on the cross and through our belief and faith in His shed blood we can be forgiven. WOW! What a Savior; What a God!
REPENTANCE and baptism are not a choice, they are commandments. When we think we can substitute it for a prayer only of belief, let me remind you that Satan believes also and He was condemned to the eternal lake of fire. Don’t allow yourself to be short changed through mans short cuts. Read the scriptures for yourself and forget man’s interpretations. “Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of sin and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38
RED is a beautiful color! However, I love Christ more! Fear should not blind us and cause us to see red. Instead, turn your eyes upon Jesus and see only Him! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/11/11
Sunday, February 6, 2011
WARM UP! 2/6/11
THROUGH THE YEARS I have attended many games where the team players would appear and throw around the balls whether it was basketball or baseball. Sometimes a little bit of batting practice, and the pitchers are always at the side throwing their fast balls; getting their arms warmed up. Very few major league players do this except for the pitchers. Even when doing exercises, a little bit of warming up, is a good thing for your body, don’t you think?
SOMEWHERE in the 70's Pat Boone, along with Mrs. Boone and their four girls came to Medford. They were scheduled to appear at one at the Middle schools that had the large auditorium. We had attended the US Army Core Band performance there and once even Dr. Dobson came to speak. Tickets were sold out for the Boone’s performance and the Gospel Hymns were invited to be the WARM UP group. What an honor for our home grown Gospel Quartet and pianist! Lee, Lynn, Lance, Jim along with Kathleen were thrilled, and very good!
THE AUDIENCE was excited to hear the Gospel Hymns again; and the Hymns were thrilled they were a part of the evening. As soon as the Hymns came on the stage, the audience began to quiet down. Whispers were heard less and less and paper crackling stopped. The people clapped along with the music and applauded, wanting more. The Hymns did a good job, because when the Boone’s came on stage, the audience was more than ready.
WHEN I thought about the Gospel Hymns warming up for Pat Boone, as always, I begin to think of how we are warming up, for the second coming of our Lord and Savior. Oh, I know what you are saying; “what would that have to do with Jesus’ second coming?” It has become my thought pattern, through the years when remembering something, by bringing our Christian walk into focus. By doing this, I feel I am still on the path that Christ set for me and for you!
“IN THOSE DAYS came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea; “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said; “The voice of one crying in the wilderness; Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” Matthew 3:1-3 Do you imagine that John was “warming up the people” before Jesus came on stage? Do you suppose?
THE OLD TESTAMENT was God’s way of preparing the people for the coming of His Son, Jesus! The New Testament is the story of God’s Son and His promise to all those who follow Him! Those who belong to Jesus can be found here, there and everywhere preaching God’s word just as John the Baptist did in the beginning, when the word became flesh and dwelt among men.
LITTLE is mentioned about John the Baptist except for his birth; He was about six months older than Jesus, his cousin; He came from the hill country of Judah; The hand of the Lord was with Him; He grew and became strong in spirit; He was in the wilderness till his manifestation; He will be great before the Lord and filled with the Holy Spirit. He was imprisoned by Herod prior to his execution; he was the forerunner of Jesus and his ministry was prophetic. His chief preaching burden was the announcement of the coming kingdom, emphasizing the necessity for repentance and confession of sins.
JESUS SAID; “No one born of woman was greater than John!” Matthew 11:11 I am not a bench warmer, are you? I am not exercising, nor practicing to become more flexible in my kingdom work! I am warming up the people that I meet to prepare them for when they walk into heaven, or if they are so lucky to be here when Jesus appears again, in all His glory! Oh what a day that will be! The Gospel Hymns use to sing: “Get all excited, go tell everybody that Jesus Christ is king! Get all excited, go tell everybody that Jesus Christ is king! That Jesus Christ is still the king of kings; king of kings!” Starting today, be a warmup for Jesus! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/4/11
SOMEWHERE in the 70's Pat Boone, along with Mrs. Boone and their four girls came to Medford. They were scheduled to appear at one at the Middle schools that had the large auditorium. We had attended the US Army Core Band performance there and once even Dr. Dobson came to speak. Tickets were sold out for the Boone’s performance and the Gospel Hymns were invited to be the WARM UP group. What an honor for our home grown Gospel Quartet and pianist! Lee, Lynn, Lance, Jim along with Kathleen were thrilled, and very good!
THE AUDIENCE was excited to hear the Gospel Hymns again; and the Hymns were thrilled they were a part of the evening. As soon as the Hymns came on the stage, the audience began to quiet down. Whispers were heard less and less and paper crackling stopped. The people clapped along with the music and applauded, wanting more. The Hymns did a good job, because when the Boone’s came on stage, the audience was more than ready.
WHEN I thought about the Gospel Hymns warming up for Pat Boone, as always, I begin to think of how we are warming up, for the second coming of our Lord and Savior. Oh, I know what you are saying; “what would that have to do with Jesus’ second coming?” It has become my thought pattern, through the years when remembering something, by bringing our Christian walk into focus. By doing this, I feel I am still on the path that Christ set for me and for you!
“IN THOSE DAYS came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea; “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said; “The voice of one crying in the wilderness; Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” Matthew 3:1-3 Do you imagine that John was “warming up the people” before Jesus came on stage? Do you suppose?
THE OLD TESTAMENT was God’s way of preparing the people for the coming of His Son, Jesus! The New Testament is the story of God’s Son and His promise to all those who follow Him! Those who belong to Jesus can be found here, there and everywhere preaching God’s word just as John the Baptist did in the beginning, when the word became flesh and dwelt among men.
LITTLE is mentioned about John the Baptist except for his birth; He was about six months older than Jesus, his cousin; He came from the hill country of Judah; The hand of the Lord was with Him; He grew and became strong in spirit; He was in the wilderness till his manifestation; He will be great before the Lord and filled with the Holy Spirit. He was imprisoned by Herod prior to his execution; he was the forerunner of Jesus and his ministry was prophetic. His chief preaching burden was the announcement of the coming kingdom, emphasizing the necessity for repentance and confession of sins.
JESUS SAID; “No one born of woman was greater than John!” Matthew 11:11 I am not a bench warmer, are you? I am not exercising, nor practicing to become more flexible in my kingdom work! I am warming up the people that I meet to prepare them for when they walk into heaven, or if they are so lucky to be here when Jesus appears again, in all His glory! Oh what a day that will be! The Gospel Hymns use to sing: “Get all excited, go tell everybody that Jesus Christ is king! Get all excited, go tell everybody that Jesus Christ is king! That Jesus Christ is still the king of kings; king of kings!” Starting today, be a warmup for Jesus! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/4/11
Sunday, January 23, 2011
I HEARD IT ON THE GRAPEVINE! 1/22/11
WHEN I WAS a girl we had a grape vine growing in the alleyway behind our house. I don’t believe it was ours and not sure who it did belong to. What I remember is that it had green grapes on it and they were sour. Most berry patches of any kind whether they are black, red or even grapes, the vine they grow on are twisted, snarled and matted as they grow intertwine with one another.
THE PAST two months I have been leading a Ladies Bible Study on what I called; Christmas Hall of Fame. Of course we began where the story begins and finished long after December 25th with Herod and his plan to kill the baby boys, two years and younger. A couple of things jumped out at me and I want to share it with you.
WHEN GOD announced the birth of His son to the shepherds, they were amazed! They went, they saw and witnessed what they had been told. When they left, they told everyone about what they had seen, heard, witnessed and were never the same again. When Mary and Joseph took Jesus into the temple when He was about 40 days old, they were greeted by Simeon, a devout Jew and also Anna, a Prophetess, who lived in the temple. God revealed to both of them that this child was His son. Both Simeon and Anna begin to tell everyone they met, that the Messiah had been born and they saw him. They became witnesses along with the Shepherds and they were never the same!
LATER ON the wise men appear in Jerusalem looking for the baby who was born king of the Jews. When Herod hears of this, he calls the wise men before him and with his cunning, diabolical ways, asks that they go and find the child and let him know so that he could worship him also. Of course, God intervenes and the wise men go and see the child and then go home a different way and they too become witnesses of what they saw, heard and worshiped. They were never the same again! The Shepherds, Simeon, Anna and wise men were the beginning of God’s grapevine.
REMEMBER studying about Samuel F. B. Morse who invented the new- fangled system of communication using wires that looked to all the world like vines strung between poles? The telegraph lines transmitted many wild rumors during the Civil War. This caused people to understand that when you received a message through the “grapevine,” it was likely; gossip. Most battlefield dispatches were true, but some were unfounded. This caused many messages that were transmitted person-to-person to be called a “grapevine telegraph” who’s news was suspect.
GOD ESTABLISHED a grapevine telegraph when His son was born. He told the Shepherds, Simeon, Anna and the wise men! After they heard, saw and witnessed God’s message, that was foretold in Isaiah, they became a grapevine of truth. When we become followers of God’s word we too should tell all we meet, what we have heard, felt and witnessed, as God’s truth!
“AND JESUS came and said to 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, to the end of the age!” Matthew 28:19-20
I HEARD a preacher once say; “Go therefore, means; as you go!” As the Shepherds went they told everyone they met about the Christ Child being born in a manger. Simeon, the devout Jew and Anna, the Prophetess, told everyone from that day forward that the Messiah had come! The wise men and their caravan shared the news that the star they followed laid over the house of the Son of God and He was the new king of the Jews.
AS YOU GO; what are you saying? As you go; who are you sharing the “good news” with? As you go; who are you taking with you? “I am the vine, you are the branches, He who abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit!” John 15:4 By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/22/11
THE PAST two months I have been leading a Ladies Bible Study on what I called; Christmas Hall of Fame. Of course we began where the story begins and finished long after December 25th with Herod and his plan to kill the baby boys, two years and younger. A couple of things jumped out at me and I want to share it with you.
WHEN GOD announced the birth of His son to the shepherds, they were amazed! They went, they saw and witnessed what they had been told. When they left, they told everyone about what they had seen, heard, witnessed and were never the same again. When Mary and Joseph took Jesus into the temple when He was about 40 days old, they were greeted by Simeon, a devout Jew and also Anna, a Prophetess, who lived in the temple. God revealed to both of them that this child was His son. Both Simeon and Anna begin to tell everyone they met, that the Messiah had been born and they saw him. They became witnesses along with the Shepherds and they were never the same!
LATER ON the wise men appear in Jerusalem looking for the baby who was born king of the Jews. When Herod hears of this, he calls the wise men before him and with his cunning, diabolical ways, asks that they go and find the child and let him know so that he could worship him also. Of course, God intervenes and the wise men go and see the child and then go home a different way and they too become witnesses of what they saw, heard and worshiped. They were never the same again! The Shepherds, Simeon, Anna and wise men were the beginning of God’s grapevine.
REMEMBER studying about Samuel F. B. Morse who invented the new- fangled system of communication using wires that looked to all the world like vines strung between poles? The telegraph lines transmitted many wild rumors during the Civil War. This caused people to understand that when you received a message through the “grapevine,” it was likely; gossip. Most battlefield dispatches were true, but some were unfounded. This caused many messages that were transmitted person-to-person to be called a “grapevine telegraph” who’s news was suspect.
GOD ESTABLISHED a grapevine telegraph when His son was born. He told the Shepherds, Simeon, Anna and the wise men! After they heard, saw and witnessed God’s message, that was foretold in Isaiah, they became a grapevine of truth. When we become followers of God’s word we too should tell all we meet, what we have heard, felt and witnessed, as God’s truth!
“AND JESUS came and said to 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, to the end of the age!” Matthew 28:19-20
I HEARD a preacher once say; “Go therefore, means; as you go!” As the Shepherds went they told everyone they met about the Christ Child being born in a manger. Simeon, the devout Jew and Anna, the Prophetess, told everyone from that day forward that the Messiah had come! The wise men and their caravan shared the news that the star they followed laid over the house of the Son of God and He was the new king of the Jews.
AS YOU GO; what are you saying? As you go; who are you sharing the “good news” with? As you go; who are you taking with you? “I am the vine, you are the branches, He who abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit!” John 15:4 By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/22/11
Sunday, January 16, 2011
LOOKING GOOD! 1/16/11
MY BROTHER Lee and his son, Lance owned a dry cleaners
establishment for quite a few years. During the years I worked for them as a “go to” person they did very little advertising because their name and service was above reproach. However, I remember one month was called; “Good Grooming Month!” We wore red badges with white printing that said; “When you look good - you feel good!”
ONE OF THE THINGS I thought was amazing about the dry cleaning business, is that those who really wanted to look good had everything cleaned and pressed, including their blue jeans. That crease down the pant leg said a lot about the person who wore them. Of course we did laundry as well as dry cleaning. You have heard; “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”, haven’t you? Of course, that is not necessarily biblical word for word, but the premise is very true.
I HAVE a little decorative tin that sits on my little bookcase and has for many, many years. It was one of the first gifts, Jennifer gave me for Christmas. Of course she didn’t know at the time what it was and what I would use it for. Actually, it has just collected stuff over the years and once in a while I open and look to see what treasures made it’s way there. In putting Christmas away and bringing out the stuff we had put away during Christmas, I opened the tin. Low and behold, I found my “good grooming” badge.
ISN'T IT FUN when you find something that brings back floods of memories? Places, people and part of your life that seemed to have been put on the back shelf. For the most part, I enjoyed my time at the cleaners. I loved the people and maintained friendships through the years. Some have passed on and some are still around. No matter what comes and goes through your life, it leaves a mark. I look back on the scars and the blemishes, plus the beauty and thank God for where I have been because it has brought me to where I am today.
SOMETIMES we clean up on the outside and forget about how dirty we are on the inside. We forget about the kind of words we use. How obscene we can be! We forget the lies until it is time to remember what you had said and to whom you said it. Perhaps we should concentrate on cleaning up the inside and worry about the outside at a later date. We have a problem with looking at what looks good and think it must be good as well. Not so! Many times what looks good is deceiving, and it turns out to be no good at all.
“GOD LOOKS down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any that act wisely, that seek after God. They have all gone astray! They are all alike, corrupt; there is none that does good, no, not one!” Psalms 14:2-3 God’s goodness judges the world. No one in the world is good when you compare them to God. This world is under the power of sin but when we put on Christ, God looks down and see’s His son.
“I DO NOT understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Romans 7:15 Paul is saying exactly what I feel sometimes. Haven’t you felt this way? “Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law!” Romans 7:16 Here Paul is saying that when he does what is not good, then he know’s that he has allowed sin to rule.
“SO THEN it is no longer I that do it, but sin which dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want, is what I do.” Romans 7:17-19 Perplexing huh?
“Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin which dwells within me.” Romans 7:20 No wonder, Paul says later on; “Oh, wretched man that I am!” Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! My flesh may be sinful but I can “Set my mind upon the things above and not on the things of this earth!” Colossians 3:2 By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/15/11
establishment for quite a few years. During the years I worked for them as a “go to” person they did very little advertising because their name and service was above reproach. However, I remember one month was called; “Good Grooming Month!” We wore red badges with white printing that said; “When you look good - you feel good!”
ONE OF THE THINGS I thought was amazing about the dry cleaning business, is that those who really wanted to look good had everything cleaned and pressed, including their blue jeans. That crease down the pant leg said a lot about the person who wore them. Of course we did laundry as well as dry cleaning. You have heard; “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”, haven’t you? Of course, that is not necessarily biblical word for word, but the premise is very true.
I HAVE a little decorative tin that sits on my little bookcase and has for many, many years. It was one of the first gifts, Jennifer gave me for Christmas. Of course she didn’t know at the time what it was and what I would use it for. Actually, it has just collected stuff over the years and once in a while I open and look to see what treasures made it’s way there. In putting Christmas away and bringing out the stuff we had put away during Christmas, I opened the tin. Low and behold, I found my “good grooming” badge.
ISN'T IT FUN when you find something that brings back floods of memories? Places, people and part of your life that seemed to have been put on the back shelf. For the most part, I enjoyed my time at the cleaners. I loved the people and maintained friendships through the years. Some have passed on and some are still around. No matter what comes and goes through your life, it leaves a mark. I look back on the scars and the blemishes, plus the beauty and thank God for where I have been because it has brought me to where I am today.
SOMETIMES we clean up on the outside and forget about how dirty we are on the inside. We forget about the kind of words we use. How obscene we can be! We forget the lies until it is time to remember what you had said and to whom you said it. Perhaps we should concentrate on cleaning up the inside and worry about the outside at a later date. We have a problem with looking at what looks good and think it must be good as well. Not so! Many times what looks good is deceiving, and it turns out to be no good at all.
“GOD LOOKS down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any that act wisely, that seek after God. They have all gone astray! They are all alike, corrupt; there is none that does good, no, not one!” Psalms 14:2-3 God’s goodness judges the world. No one in the world is good when you compare them to God. This world is under the power of sin but when we put on Christ, God looks down and see’s His son.
“I DO NOT understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Romans 7:15 Paul is saying exactly what I feel sometimes. Haven’t you felt this way? “Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law!” Romans 7:16 Here Paul is saying that when he does what is not good, then he know’s that he has allowed sin to rule.
“SO THEN it is no longer I that do it, but sin which dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want, is what I do.” Romans 7:17-19 Perplexing huh?
“Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin which dwells within me.” Romans 7:20 No wonder, Paul says later on; “Oh, wretched man that I am!” Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! My flesh may be sinful but I can “Set my mind upon the things above and not on the things of this earth!” Colossians 3:2 By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/15/11
Sunday, January 9, 2011
SAFETY ZONES! 1/9/11
AS A CHILD I remember always wanting to be within my safety zones. It didn't matter what it was, I didn't want to get hurt, embarrassed or be afraid. I remember walking home after dark and looking behind me just in case someone else could be there, walking after dark also. I taught my children to walk in the cross walk and not in the middle of the street.
IT IS FUNNY some of the things I remember being afraid of. My sister Janice use to tell me to cover my mouth when I saw a bug because it could count my teeth and then I would die. To this day I cover my mouth when I see a worm, a bug, a snake or anything that creeps along the ground. You would think by this time I would have put all of that behind me.
I REMEMBER Janice telling me about when she bought some candy in the movie theater and each time she put some in her mouth she felt something around her mouth and would brush it off. When the lights came on, she discovered she had tiny, little worms in her package of candy. Yes, I was the most gullible of little girls and Janice knew she had me in the palm of her hand. I still look in the package!
TO THIS DAY I still need my safety zones. I need to feel secure! I noticed yesterday, as Jim and I traveled over the hill to Medford, the road signs that were designed to keep us safe and secure on the road. There are the speed limits; arrow's indicating the curve in the road; signs that said "safety corridor" for the next 18 miles; turn lights on for safety. These are designed to keep us alert and paying attention as we drive along the highways and byways on the roads that take us from here to there.
HAVE YOU EVER noticed that God's word is filled with directional information that keeps us to the path that leads to salvation and not destruction. The most familiar is called the Ten Commandments that are filled with; "Though shalt not's!" God wasn't just showing His power and His position as God Almighty. God was telling us that He loves us so much that if we abide by His rules we will be living within the Safety Zones of His kingdom.
PERSONALLY, I love the Safety Zones of His kingdom. "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." John 14:15 I believe keeping God's commandments is our Safety Zone. "He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me and he who loves me will be loved by my Father and I will love him and manifest myself to him." John 14:21 It reads simple, doesn't it. But it is far from simple!
LET'S READ ANOTHER verse that says the same thing. "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in His love!" John 15:10 It is obvious to me that if Jesus was to keep His Father's commandments to continually abide in His love, we too must keep Jesus' commandments, so that we too will continue to abide in the Father's love.
THE ALL IMPORTANT command is to love God and one another. It too sounds simple, doesn't it? In reality this is not simple at all. It takes decision making; concentration; perseverance and dedication on our part. God merely waits patiently as we continue to grow in putting our trust in Him. One of the keys to the kingdom is; "Let your heart hold fast my words, keep my commandments and live. Do not forget and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Get wisdom; get insight." Proverbs 4:4-5
TRAVELING on the road when it says; "safety corridor," doesn't mean that this area is safe. It is saying, be careful, be alert, watch for ice. When God says; "keep my commandments" this is no more a suggestion than the road sign. It is for your well being; your security and it leads to eternal life in our home away from home. This world is not my home, I am just passing through; my treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue. Take care to follow the map and stay on the path of righteousness. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/8/11
IT IS FUNNY some of the things I remember being afraid of. My sister Janice use to tell me to cover my mouth when I saw a bug because it could count my teeth and then I would die. To this day I cover my mouth when I see a worm, a bug, a snake or anything that creeps along the ground. You would think by this time I would have put all of that behind me.
I REMEMBER Janice telling me about when she bought some candy in the movie theater and each time she put some in her mouth she felt something around her mouth and would brush it off. When the lights came on, she discovered she had tiny, little worms in her package of candy. Yes, I was the most gullible of little girls and Janice knew she had me in the palm of her hand. I still look in the package!
TO THIS DAY I still need my safety zones. I need to feel secure! I noticed yesterday, as Jim and I traveled over the hill to Medford, the road signs that were designed to keep us safe and secure on the road. There are the speed limits; arrow's indicating the curve in the road; signs that said "safety corridor" for the next 18 miles; turn lights on for safety. These are designed to keep us alert and paying attention as we drive along the highways and byways on the roads that take us from here to there.
HAVE YOU EVER noticed that God's word is filled with directional information that keeps us to the path that leads to salvation and not destruction. The most familiar is called the Ten Commandments that are filled with; "Though shalt not's!" God wasn't just showing His power and His position as God Almighty. God was telling us that He loves us so much that if we abide by His rules we will be living within the Safety Zones of His kingdom.
PERSONALLY, I love the Safety Zones of His kingdom. "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." John 14:15 I believe keeping God's commandments is our Safety Zone. "He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me and he who loves me will be loved by my Father and I will love him and manifest myself to him." John 14:21 It reads simple, doesn't it. But it is far from simple!
LET'S READ ANOTHER verse that says the same thing. "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in His love!" John 15:10 It is obvious to me that if Jesus was to keep His Father's commandments to continually abide in His love, we too must keep Jesus' commandments, so that we too will continue to abide in the Father's love.
THE ALL IMPORTANT command is to love God and one another. It too sounds simple, doesn't it? In reality this is not simple at all. It takes decision making; concentration; perseverance and dedication on our part. God merely waits patiently as we continue to grow in putting our trust in Him. One of the keys to the kingdom is; "Let your heart hold fast my words, keep my commandments and live. Do not forget and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Get wisdom; get insight." Proverbs 4:4-5
TRAVELING on the road when it says; "safety corridor," doesn't mean that this area is safe. It is saying, be careful, be alert, watch for ice. When God says; "keep my commandments" this is no more a suggestion than the road sign. It is for your well being; your security and it leads to eternal life in our home away from home. This world is not my home, I am just passing through; my treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue. Take care to follow the map and stay on the path of righteousness. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/8/11
Sunday, January 2, 2011
HAPPY NEW YEAR! 1/2/11
I HAVE LIVED through 72, January 1. That means in
February I will be 73! It may be true that time flies when you are having a good time; but in reality it flies because you are getting older. When we were young, it took forever from one birthday to the next; now that we are older it comes sooner than we wish and we age whether we want to or not.
SINCE I have been writing about the past so much, I sometimes wish I could relive some of those times all over again. Not all of them mind you, just some of them! Like for instance when I was 10 years old and would climb the monkey bars and because I was smaller than most I could use the bars as I would the turning poles that you had to wait in line for.
THE FIRST time I bought myself a pair of navy blue slacks that had become fashionable. Or when Jean and I moved into our first apartment and lost weight because it was on the second floor and we had to climb stairs to get to it. There was a time when Jean and I could eat the whole pizza by ourselves and not feel too stuffed. Now, I am good if I can eat my whole, half of a sandwich and not feel too stuffed.
NOW DAYS, around new years, I hear people say; “this year I am going to do the things I wished I had done this past year.” Some say; “I never keep my New Years resolutions, so why bother making them.” Sounds to me like the glass half full or the glass half empty. I always want to be the glass half full but I know sometimes, I see my glass half empty. How do you see your life?
AS A YOUNG WOMAN I could stay up past Midnight and see the New Year in. Now, I am lucky if I can keep my eyes opened past 9:00 pm. Not long ago around midnight, I would wake up to horns honking and when living in the country, gun shots to welcome in the new year. Now, I just want to sleep! Leave me alone; don’t bother me; give me my space; been there and done that!
I LOVE LIFE, don’t you? I love the years, God has given me! “As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years. Or if due to strength, eighty years, yet their pride is but labor and sorrow. For soon it is gone and we fly away.” Psalm 90:10 The Psalmist says that our life is filled with labor and sorrow. It is true; we must work to survive and life brings sorrow.
"HEAR, MY SON and accept my sayings, and the years of your life will be many.” Proverbs 4:10 When we follow God, our days whether short or long, will be full. “For all of our days will decline; we will finished our years like a sigh.” Psalms 90:9 “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom.” Psalms 90:12 God is speaking to His eternity and man’s transition in life. God lives on but man must choose to live on with God.
I LOOK at this past year and have mixed emotions. Much to be thankful for but the sorrow God has said we would have, has also crossed my path. I look forward to this coming year as Jim and I begin to celebrate the 50's. In 1961Jim asked me to marry him! Christmas 2011 we will celebrate our 50th Christmas together. Of course all will take place if God’s willing and the creek don’t rise!
WHEN WE look back at our preteen years, during the teenage years and as an adult, what have we learned about ourselves? What have we learned about each other? What have we learned about God? “And He said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it; You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39
JESUS is asking us to love. We are to love God; love each other; and love ourselves! God has shown favor upon us by sharing His Son with us. His Son came down with love! Not with condemnation nor partiality; but with His abundant love. You have all the time you need in 2011 to love and bless others before you go to heaven! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/31/10
February I will be 73! It may be true that time flies when you are having a good time; but in reality it flies because you are getting older. When we were young, it took forever from one birthday to the next; now that we are older it comes sooner than we wish and we age whether we want to or not.
SINCE I have been writing about the past so much, I sometimes wish I could relive some of those times all over again. Not all of them mind you, just some of them! Like for instance when I was 10 years old and would climb the monkey bars and because I was smaller than most I could use the bars as I would the turning poles that you had to wait in line for.
THE FIRST time I bought myself a pair of navy blue slacks that had become fashionable. Or when Jean and I moved into our first apartment and lost weight because it was on the second floor and we had to climb stairs to get to it. There was a time when Jean and I could eat the whole pizza by ourselves and not feel too stuffed. Now, I am good if I can eat my whole, half of a sandwich and not feel too stuffed.
NOW DAYS, around new years, I hear people say; “this year I am going to do the things I wished I had done this past year.” Some say; “I never keep my New Years resolutions, so why bother making them.” Sounds to me like the glass half full or the glass half empty. I always want to be the glass half full but I know sometimes, I see my glass half empty. How do you see your life?
AS A YOUNG WOMAN I could stay up past Midnight and see the New Year in. Now, I am lucky if I can keep my eyes opened past 9:00 pm. Not long ago around midnight, I would wake up to horns honking and when living in the country, gun shots to welcome in the new year. Now, I just want to sleep! Leave me alone; don’t bother me; give me my space; been there and done that!
I LOVE LIFE, don’t you? I love the years, God has given me! “As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years. Or if due to strength, eighty years, yet their pride is but labor and sorrow. For soon it is gone and we fly away.” Psalm 90:10 The Psalmist says that our life is filled with labor and sorrow. It is true; we must work to survive and life brings sorrow.
"HEAR, MY SON and accept my sayings, and the years of your life will be many.” Proverbs 4:10 When we follow God, our days whether short or long, will be full. “For all of our days will decline; we will finished our years like a sigh.” Psalms 90:9 “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom.” Psalms 90:12 God is speaking to His eternity and man’s transition in life. God lives on but man must choose to live on with God.
I LOOK at this past year and have mixed emotions. Much to be thankful for but the sorrow God has said we would have, has also crossed my path. I look forward to this coming year as Jim and I begin to celebrate the 50's. In 1961Jim asked me to marry him! Christmas 2011 we will celebrate our 50th Christmas together. Of course all will take place if God’s willing and the creek don’t rise!
WHEN WE look back at our preteen years, during the teenage years and as an adult, what have we learned about ourselves? What have we learned about each other? What have we learned about God? “And He said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it; You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39
JESUS is asking us to love. We are to love God; love each other; and love ourselves! God has shown favor upon us by sharing His Son with us. His Son came down with love! Not with condemnation nor partiality; but with His abundant love. You have all the time you need in 2011 to love and bless others before you go to heaven! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/31/10
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