HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHURCH! 5/27/12

IT BEGAN ONE DAY TOWARD THE END OF SPRING IN A LAND SO DRY AND BARE. IT WAS AT THE TEMPLE, "THE TWELVE" WERE THERE AND THE PEOPLE FILLED THE SQUARE. THERE CAME A SOUND SO FIERCE LIKE A HURRICANE'S ROAR THAT THE PEOPLE STOPPED AND STARED. THERE WAS FEAR IN THAT PLACE, THERE WAS LOVE IN THAT PLACE, FOR THE SPIRIT OF GOD WAS THERE. PETER GOT UP AND BEGAN TO PREACH IN A WAY BEYOND HIS MEANS. HIS MESSAGE WAS CLEAR AND FIRM AND STRAIGHT AND HOPE BEGAN TO GLEAM. THE CROWD WAS CHANGED IN THE WATER THAT DAY, THEIR LIVES NO MORE FORLORN. IT WAS ON THAT DAY TOWARD THE END OF SPRING THAT CHRIST'S BODY, "THE CHURCH",WAS BORN. IN THE DAYS AND WEEKS AND MONTHS THAT PASSED, THE CHURCH BEGAN TO MOVE AND IT GREW AND FILLED AND STRETCHED AND CHANGED THE WORLD THAT THE PEOPLE KNEW. THEY CALLED THEMSELVES CHRISTIANS AND WERE ALL ON FIRE, AND THEY WORKED IN THE POWER OF GOD. AND SOULS WERE SAVED AND THE PEOPLE CHANGED WHEREVER THE CHURCH HAD TROD. SATAN'S PANIC BEGAN ON THAT DAY IN SPRING WHEN HIS DOOM BECAME SO CLEAR, AND AGAINST THE CHURCH HE BEGAN TO MOVE. HE ATTACKED IN FURY AND FEAR. THE WAR GOES ON TO THIS VERY DAY. THE BATTLE, IT RAGES RIGHT HERE. THE FACE OF THE ENEMY CHANGES EACH DAY AND HIS GROWL PRODUCES FEAR. HE SEEMS SO STRONG AND I SEEM SO WEAK THAT I'M TEMPTED TO RUN AND HIDE. UNTIL I LOOK UP TO THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH AND KNOW HE'S ON MY SIDE. SO LOOK UP CHURCH AT THE HEAD OF YOURSELF AND STOP AND SMILE AND GRIN AND KNOW IN YOUR HEART THERE'S NO NEED TO FEAR CAUSE GOD'S CHURCH, IN THE END, STILL WINS! THE CHURCH 6 DECEMBER 1984 By Jim Crenshaw

LET THE SUN SHINE IN! 5/20/12

WHEN I WAS a teenager, I remember cleaning the windows in the dining room. There were two small wall cupboards on each side of one of those windows that had two shelves each. These shelves were filled with double rows of books. I am sure I was not the only one that ever had that job, but I loved taking out all those books and dusting them one by one. I used Bon-ami on the windows and was always pleased how the sun would shine in when I was finished. I HAVE often wondered if people still use that for cleaning their windows. Using a clean rag dipped in water, and after rubbing this chalk like bar on it, you would wipe it all over the window. It would dry and leave a cloudy film on the glass. Taking another soft cloth you would wipe it off! Tiny flakes would fall on the window sill and the floor, kind of like dandruff. Easy clean up and the windows would shine! THIS MORNING I took all the curtains down and washed the windows on the inside. Windex and three rags later I washed all but the kitchen and the office windows. The difference between using Bon-ami and Windex is that with the bar you are cleaning the windows and with the liquid you are washing them. I never realized the difference until today! With cleaning you rub on with one rag and wipe off with another. With washing you are merely moving the dirt around leaving a large amount of residue on your rag. I AM NOT complaining because they are cleaner than they were before I started, but they just don’t shine like years ago! A lot of things we have today are just not quite the same as before. Take for instance chrome. Remember how the chrome on the cars would glisten in the sun? Today, you have to look hard to find chrome on a car. How about the glass milk bottles that had about one cup of cream on top for one price. Today, you buy milk in a plastic jug and the cream is in a different container, and you pay separately for them. WHAT GOES around comes around, is a favorite saying of those who were around in the fifties. However, I find that is basically relative to clothing, shoes, hair styles and cosmetics; but not foods, packaging and cars. I tried for years to find a product I used when my children were small. It was called “Whip N Chill”. Oh so good, and so easy! A pudding that set instantly and could be layered on it’s side with rainbow colors or a pie. Now we have instant puddings but they are just not as easy or as good! I found out a few years ago that it had been discontinued in the early 70's! So sad! I AM NOT a person who likes changes! When I liked a pair of shoes I would buy a couple of them and buy them again as they wore out. Today you can’t get the same shoe again because the stores don’t keep them very long. I bought a pair of sandals a couple of years ago and went into Penney’s last summer to buy another! You guessed it; they were discontinued! “JESUS CHRIST is the same yesterday and today and for ever!” Hebrews 13:8 Isn’t that the most comforting scripture in all the Bible! Jesus never changes! He is the same as He was in the beginning. His Word is the same as it was when it was first written. God’s promises have never been altered by Him to fit different circumstances. They meet the needs of all people in all places in all situations. PAUL warns against apostasy when he says; “Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is well that the heart be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not given proper nourishment.” Hebrews 13:9 Pay attention to what the scriptures tell you. Cling tightly and hold fast so that you will become faithful in your devotion to our heavenly Father. LET THE SON shine in by having a strong and steadfast attachment to Jesus Christ. Do not be led astray by the teaching of men. Confirm what you hear, by being in the Word! Jesus sacrificed for us, is it to much to ask for our sacrifice of praise, in acknowledging His name? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/17/12

JUST ANOTHER MOTHER'S DAY! 5/13/12

ONE OF MY favorite days is Mother’s Day. When I was young and into motherhood myself, we celebrated my Mother, on Mother’s Day. When my grandson’s came into play, I wanted to celebrate our daughter-in-law; Faye! I loved the period of time when it was for me, but when Faye became a mother, my children were grown and her’s were just beginning. She was the mother now, and being the grandmother, well, it is just grand! LAST THURSDAY we were on our way to Wal-Mart to do some last minute shopping to prepare for the weekend when Jim slowed the car down and said look! I looked ahead of me and thought I saw a small Peacock crossing the road. As I watched in awe, I saw her tail feathers move out of shape. It wasn’t a Peacock but Mrs. Mallard with at least thirteen little ones following behind her. My heart began to race at such a wondrous sight! The chicks were about 6 weeks old, walking as close behind their mother as possible, two by two. One fell and the others scattered, but quickly all made their way back into their marching column. WE SAT there as cars began to line up behind us. Mrs. Mallard was oblivious to the big machines waiting on both sides of the road as she strutted proudly, taking her time, so her family could keep up. We sat there with smiles on our faces, as we have so many times, when we are faced with God’s creation which brings us amusement and amazement. The mother and her babies scurried safely into the ditch and up the other side of the road. They continued on without a thought or notice of those waiting for them to cross. WE ARE ALL amazed at God’s creatures big and small. We are all amazed that He has chosen to love us! We stand with our mouths open while we gaze at the color and majesty of all that we survey and yet out of all that He made, He loves us! Do you imagine when we are within God’s will, that He pauses and looks at us in amusement and amazement? Do you think His heart begins to race as He watches us with pleasure and satisfaction because we are His? “HIS DELIGHT is not in the strength of the horse, nor His pleasure in the legs of a man; but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His steadfast love.” Psalms 147:10-11 We recently watched the Kentucky Derby, and just looking at those powerful athletes that God created, we are in awe. But God says they are nothing compared to those who love and obey Him! They are nothing compared to us! NOW THAT I no longer have my Mother, I wish she were here! Now that I can’t go to her for comfort and sound guidance, I wish I could! Today I wish I had asked for her recipes, instead I just try to remember what I heard and saw her do. But the God who gave me my Mother, knew that she would not be with me always. I am thankful that my Mother saw to it that I was in a Sunday School. I am thankful that I had a Mother who kept her word. I am thankful that my Mother was a disciplinarian who gave me boundaries. “THEN THE LORD GOD formed man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7 Today we remember our Mothers, who gave us life, but God gave us breath. God gave us cause to love Him and to praise Him! God so loved the world that He sent His Son to give us eternal life. Some of the world will refuse Him, but those who love Him and praise Him, stand alone in a world that is condemned. I PRAY that those who read this Morning Glory, have a mother who has given the best of what she has; Jesus the Savior. We can’t cry over spilt milk nor can we worry about how wrong things were. We have today! A Godly woman meets the call to be a Christian Mom. Our heavenly Father's love is everlasting! Give honor to your Mothers; they gave you life! Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/11/12

BLOOD PRESSURE RISING! 5/6/12

A LITTLE OVER a month ago I began keeping a blood pressure log. I would check my blood pressure one hour after I take my medicine, which is twice a day. I know some of you out there, are familiar with this procedure. I was once told that if I would plant my feet flat upon the floor and take several deep breaths before I took my blood pressure, I would have a better reading than if I just took it. It works! However, the Doctor says, that your blood pressure should read good no matter what you are doing or feeling. Now, I suppose that depends upon how many pills you are taking that would keep you from the reading of cause and effect. CAUSE AND EFFECT is my usual. I have to sit down for at least 5 minutes with my feet planted on the floor and taking the deep breaths so I would have a good reading. Otherwise they say “your reading is elevated, we need to find out why it is so erratic.” Perhaps it is because I am so erratic! This morning my #1 grandson, Adam is experiencing a throat condition which he often has. Strep; sore; and now an abscessed tonsil. Also this morning I discovered I had doubled booked myself for Saturday. I could feel my blood pressure rising, and this morning, I was to go in and have my B/P checked! REMEMBER years ago, when you felt angry, you were to stop, take a deep breath and count to ten. I have heard that works; it helps to dispel some of the anger. Well if that works well for your well being, why can’t doing the same for your blood pressure be good? Oh, I know that your physiology is comprised of many different pressures and that is why we take medicines. But it seems to me if you can stop, sit still, while deep breathing, and it helps; it should be to your benefit. “COME UNTO ME, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 Did I mention that when I am about to take my B/P I also pray to become calm. Jesus promises that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. It doesn’t add to ours; it gives us relief, from ours. Anxiety plays a big part when my blood pressure is rising. I can feel it creep up my neck! A CHEERFUL heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 Did you know that I can have a cheery heart and high blood pressure at the same time? However, medicines can cause me to have a downcast spirit, which also makes my blood pressure rise. Trying to find out why my readings are so erratic is a puzzle. I guess to just stop everything and live in a closet would be the answer. But wouldn’t I want to decorate the closet? There goes the B/P rising! I AM NOT as concerned about this problem as much as the Doctors are. I use to be! But where did it get me? A stroke; two heart attacks; and a bad stomach. Well the stroke was minor; the two heart attacks resulted in two stints and the stomach is still up for testing. I am most verbal with my aches and pains. Jim receives the brunt of it all! I give him the blow by blows and He is patient. God says in Matthew 6:31 “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, what shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? Or What shall we wear?” We all do that don’t we? We look in our wallet’s and worry! “BUT SEEK first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” Matthew 6:33 We do seek His kingdom and His righteousness and still worry about all things. We still cause our B/P to rise because we cannot let it go. We cannot wait! The now syndrom keeps drumming in our heads; what are we going to do; what are we going to do; what are we going to do? “THEREFORE, do not be anxious about tomorrow; for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day!” Matthew 6:34 Adam had his tonsil lanced and is feeling much better. My B/P was not bad enough to warrant a change in medicines. I get to have an endoscopy for my stomach and a carotid ultra sound next week. Nothing more to worry about today! All is well when you seek first His kingdom. Just writing this blog has cleared the blues away and my cheerful heart is once again the best medicine of all. Praise God! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/3/12

WHOSE TABLE DO YOU SIT AT? 4/29/12

ON OUR recent trip to celebrate with both our families, we were treated to breakfast at my sister Joetta’s home, which was prepared by her daughter Leslie. Swedish pancakes! After a lively discussion of “these are not crepes, these are Swedish pancakes; I felt inclined to write a blog! This happens often, and because this statement blind sided me, I knew I had to investigate. “Is there a difference?” Depends on what part of the world you come from. MY OTHER niece Jill, was there, and I knew she made “crepes!” I kept calling Leslie’s Swedish pancakes; crepes! I saw thin pancakes and my “know it all instinct”said crepes to me. I am willing to call them Swedish pancakes because they were oh so good! Very thin; with Lingolnberry jam spread on them and then rolled up; sprinkled on top with powdered sugar; very exotic. Oh my! OF COURSE I went on the internet and read all about them. Come to find out there are variations all over the world, but they all come down to one thing; they are very thin pancakes! However, no one can make them as much fun as Leslie. She has style; flair and uses the Lingolnberry jam. She has a story, but mostly what she has is her style! What is pictured on the plate and what happens in the mouth makes all the difference in the world, and it tells the tale. You can’t deny how good they look and taste. You can’t deny how personable the breakfast chef is! JIM AND I love our families! Our visits are always special! We hate to leave but always take with us the warmth and smells of the times spent together. God says we are to love one another within the church body but He also says we are to love and honor those within the family. The pastor of my youth, gave Jim and me a small blue book that I have used through the years in lessons taught. Beatitudes for the Family by Leland Foster Woods. I use two of them in this Morning Glory. THE MAIN AIMS! “Happy is the family whose members know what a home is for, and keep the main aims in view. Who give more thought to affection than to the shelter that houses it; and more attention to persons than to the things amid which they live. For a home is shelter for love and a setting for joy and growth, rather than a place to be kept up. It is a hallowed place, to which its member shall turn with a lifting of the heart.” GROWING up in such large families has given Jim and me an edge in family life. We know how to share and to help. We know how to care for and to love. We know the idiosyncracies and the desires of each heart. We laugh together, we cry together. We share in each others pains and joys. A family such as ours, keeps in touch with one another with support and concerns. So sad that the world does not know how family love helps one another to grow and bond in this life. THE CHURCH is taught to love one another; pretty much as a family is to love one another. The bond that holds the church together in love, is Jesus Christ. “O taste and see that the Lord is good! Happy is the man who takes refuge in Him!” When we put our trust in the Lord, we find that we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. In our earthly family our Mothers and Fathers were the glue that oozed out upon the family. When the Mother and Father are gone, which is the case for Jim and me; family becomes the bond that holds us in an embrace that should never break. UNLESS our family is grounded in the Church of our Lord, our embrace becomes fickle. We become insecure with all relationships. We flounder in the world of separation. “The Church, a Larger Family!” Happy is the church that is a larger family, whose members trust one another and share imperishable treasures. Who do not ignore, nor criticize one another, but seek the good together and find it in their midst. They shall know God better because they love one another and in vitality of fellowship, they shall find the depths of truth.” What is pictured at God’s table and what happens when we taste and see, makes all the difference in the world, and it tells the tale. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/25/12

AGAIN, I SAY REJOICE! 4/15/12

I HAVE HEARD many times how Paul must have disliked women. The Word doesn’t indicate he was ever married; or that he had a following of women. But I am here to tell you that he understood women almost as much as Jesus did! I love the position that Paul describes for a man and a woman. I love how he has taken the burden off of me and placed it upon Jim’s shoulders. It has not taken anything from me, but has given so much!

“I PERMIT no woman to teach or to have authority over men; she is to keep silent.” 1 Timothy 2:12 When the church was first beginning many conditions had to be put into place so there would be order. God placed men in authority, not only in submission to Christ as the head of the church, but over the women in his life and the women of the church. As the church began to move, women became more prominent, and Paul was there, as some women became teachers.

I SIT in many Bible Studies! Jim is usually there with me! Open discussion are always part of the program. Even though I have a verse on my office wall, that reads; “Set a guard over my mouth, O lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3; I still have a tendency, to need, to be heard. I want them to know that either I agree or I don’t. Jim is patient, Jim is kind, Jim is loving and I have to admit for the most part, he allows me, to be me! On occasion his hand says; enough!

ONE OF MY favorite New Testament stories is about Priscilla and Aquila. Paul developed a relationship with these two. They shared the same business, tent making, and so they spent a lot of time together. When Apollos comes into the picture the scriptures say; “He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and explained to him the way of God more accurately.” Acts 18:26

PAUL DID NOT find this contrary to his teaching of a woman’s place in the church. For one thing she was acting under the authority of her husband. God had blessed her with boldness and proper instructions. She was confident and capable. I don’t line myself along with Priscilla but I have a need to do what I do. God is why I do and say the things I do and say. Jim has given me authority and restraint. And as long as God is willing, I will keep trying!

I HAVE A FRIEND, her name is Donna. I met her almost 6 or 7 years ago. I learned from her how to pray positively. It is so simple and yet refined! I was reminded of her as I read Philippians once again. “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 Pray with thanksgiving! Anticipate God’s answer; one way or another!

DONNA would end just about every prayer with; “And thank you God for what you are going to do!” God says to give thanks up front! God says make it personal today! God says when you pray in my will, my will, will be done. Believers are to pray with thanksgiving for the perfect answer,they know God will give them, in response to their petitions.

AN EFFECTIVE prayer must be accompanied by thanksgiving, which means that we thank God for the answer as soon as we have asked. This kind of prayer brings a peace which passes all understanding because it is independent of circumstances and rests upon the perfection and love of God Himself.

EVER since I began to take my time in prayer by walking and talking to God, my prayer life has taken on a new dimension. It is true that God is continuing a good work in everyone of us. However, we must pay attention! Paul says; “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9 Having men in our lives who love the Lord, helps us to Rejoice in the Lord always! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/9/12

CAN IT BE TRUE? 4/8/12

I CANNOT count how many times I must have said that. I have
no idea how many times that thought, has floated around in my head. Can it be true! Why is it we just can’t believe something even while it is happening? When Jim asked me to marry him, I asked myself; can this be true? Jim wants to marry me? Why me? I can’t believe this! Can this really be true?

WHEN WE decided to buy a house I could hardly believe that we were going to own a home. When the Doctor said; I was pregnant, the first thing that entered my head was; “ really? “ And the second and third, oh my; I am a Mom! Usually when we think these things it is because it is a good thing that is happening to us.

I SUPPOSE if we ever bought a lottery ticket and won, the first thing we would say is; I can’t believe it! And then it would be; “ What do we do now!” It would be fun to know, what we would think or say; but then we will never know, because the first thing you have to do is buy a ticket!

WHEN JESUS began His earthly ministry, and called the twelve, they must have thought; “can this be the one; can it be true?” They weren’t sure, but they dropped everything they knew, and followed Him. What would you have done back in the day, if Jesus came your way and said; “follow me!” Would you have hesitated or wondered; “is this guy for real!”

WHEN MY brother Layton and then Larry died, I thought; “this can’t be happening!” But I knew it was true! No one tells you these kind of things unless it is true! When Jesus carried His cross up the via Dolorosa, while the crowds pushed and shoved, do you suppose they were thinking; “this just can’t be happening;” not to Jesus! Why Jesus! But then, they were there; they saw it all!

AS THE CROWD Shuddered at the scene before them, they were witnesses to the pounding of the nails. They witnessed His poor battered body being laid upon the old rugged cross and then it was stood up, and dropped into place in the middle of two guilty thieves. The crowd believed what they saw, but they couldn’t believe it was actually happening. They didn’t want to believe it!

WHEN the sun rose on the third day, the tomb was found empty. Jesus wasn’t there and again they wondered; “can this be true?” “Did some one take Him away?” The men said He was alive! Oh how they wanted to believe! “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 What the women and later on the men saw, was not a faith situation. What they witnessed was real; and because God had it written down, we read about it in God’s Word today. No one told them; they saw! We have not seen but we have read their witness.

MANY look about as the Christian world celebrates Easter and say; show me how the candy and bunny rabbits, the pretty clothes and shoes can bring me salvation? Show me how this man Jesus can save me! Show me where I can find the peace that shields from the catastrophic events of this world. Show me, make me believe, I want what you have, but make me believe! Show me! Show me!

WE CAN show and tell, till we are blue in the face. But according to Paul, “Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ.” Romans 10:17 Paul continues with; “But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have heard!” their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” Romans 10:18

WE HAVE a story to tell. What we have heard through the teaching of the Word; what we read for ourselves in God’s Word; and however it is conveyed to us, the Word of God is indispensable to salvation. In Christ’s day, the people believed because they saw! He is alive they said! Jesus is alive! They ate with Him, they talked with Him, they walked with Him and the people became alive!

JESUS said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” John 20:29 Can it be true? Yes, it is true! His miracles are still evident and the power of His love is yours! Jesus says; “come!” By Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/2/12 HAVE A HAPPY EASTER!