ONCE IN A WHILE I get a brain storm. I then wonder, “why didn’t I think of that sooner?” I am always reminding myself that; “life is short,” so now I am excited! A few years after our retirement we decided that the three of us should share in the evening meal preparations. So I cook one week and Jim cleans up my mess. The next week Jim cooks and Jennifer cleans up. The week Jennifer cooks, I clean up. It works so well that one week out of the three we all get a week off. What an idea! But that’s not the brain storm!
BECAUSE my stomach has not been well, when I cook, I fix mashed potatoes; mainly because it is a comfort food and easy on my stomach. I have been cooking this week which was working well because Jennifer is recovering from knee surgery. One night I fix pork chops and mashed potatoes; spaghetti; hamburgers with just meat, cheese, condiments but no lettuce, onions or tomatoes. Tonight I decided I would fix meat loaf with mashed potatoes. I realized that these are some of my favorite things! Especially the mashed potatoes because it is the most comforting of all!
THIS is the brain storm! When Jim cooks he always prepares his favorite things. Chili, Jambalaya and Clam Chowder. He serves each of these for two nights. Jennifer fixes some of her favorites, but I always ask what should I fix? From now on, I am cooking the things I like! Why not? Life is short; “please pass me the mashed potatoes!” Eating is one of God’s gifts to our flesh. We love the smells; the tastes; the textures; and mostly, how satisfying it is to our souls.
WHEN our #2 grandson Ryan, was about 10 years old I told him the story about the man who was very well to do. He picked up a quarter that he found on a sidewalk; looked at it and then put it into his pocket. When asked why he looked it over and then kept it; and why did he pick it up at all, He said; "it was a reminder to him that In God we Trust!” When I saw Ryan pick up a penny I asked him, what it had written on it. He said; “God loves me!” Good enough! It was a reminder to Ryan that God loves him! When Jim and I pick up a coin, we are reminded that “God loves us!”
WE TALK about the milk in God’s Word! We say that milk is good for children because of Vitamin D, but as they mature, meat is needed to give strength and endurance. However, we should never tire of the milk of God’s Word. It is what brought us into God’s love. Because of the milk, we have learned that we love Him because He first loved us. He loved the world unconditionally through the cross. His love for us, is what has given us a desire to mature and to become all that we can be in Him.
TO BRANCH off and taste of the solid food is what all Christians yearn for. God has given us a desire within us, to seek Him and to grow in Him. “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their minds trained by practice to distinguish good from evil.” Hebrews 5:12 When we begin to eat the meat, it is when we love Him in return. We search His words and learn to obey His instructions. We become His messengers and we serve one another. Our hope is realized in His gospel, the good news.
“AND HE said to His disciples; “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat, nor about your body, what you shall put on. For life is more than food and the body more than clothing.” Luke 12:22-23 Our life in the flesh, is but a span of time. It is not forever! Our spiritual life spans eternity! When I say “life is short”, I am referring to our life in the flesh.
GOD tells us that we should enjoy the things He has given us and not be anxious about them. “Instead, seek His kingdom, and all these things shall be yours as well.” Luke 12:31 This is a key scripture. I use to have it on my refrigerator, but now it is in my heart. So why not consider that this life is short? Why not consider the meat of God’s word and in the mean time; “please pass the mashed potatoes!” “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice!” By Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/20/12
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Saturday, July 14, 2012
PROVIDENTIAL? 7/15/12
LAST WEEKS Morning Glory was about Destiny or Chance! What about God’s providence? “God’s care for mankind.” His preparation and foresight in thoughtful arrangements to bring about His plans and hopes for His people! In Genesis chapter 9 God establishes a covenant with Noah. It was to bring orderliness and regularity of the seasons and of nature. Noah’s children were to be fruitful and to replenish the earth. A system of law and government was to be set up, along with penalties for crime. All foods and meat, except for the blood, was given. And the seal of this covenant was the rainbow! And of course the promise was that the earth should never again be destroyed by a universal flood such as this was. Do God’s providential acts, occur even today?
WE READ about the story of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. We know a covenant had been established between God and Abraham, and again with Isaac and then Jacob! This covenant was to establish a nation; a people for God. Jacob, who was later called Israel, had a son named Joseph. Is this God’s providential way to bring His people together in one place? “He sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave!” Psalms 105:17
WE READ in Genesis chapter 12 about the exodus of God’s people. God, through Moses freed the Israelites from their bondage and the slavery that had become their lot during their stay in Egypt. Once out of Egypt, where were they to go and how were they to get there? “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light. That they might travel by day and by night; the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.” Genesis 13:21-22 Is this one more act of God’s providential care? Did God make plans on how to navigate these people?
WE READ in 1 Samuel chapter 16 where God sends Samuel to see a man called Jesse. Samuel hadn’t even finished his grieving over King Saul and now God wants him to anoint the new King. But Samuel did as the Lord said and after meeting all of the sons of Jesse and feeling a little out of sorts, and after asking Jesse if he had seen all of his sons; Jesse calls his youngest. When he arrives God says; “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.” God knows His plans and He works through His people. That is why it is called God’s providential care! When we pay attention to God’s plans we too are used by Him!
TO BE used of God is one of the greatest gifts we will ever experience in our fleshly life. We often wonder, when did we ever experience being used of God. I know I have wondered! I have always felt God’s protection when I look back over my youth and when I was a young adult. I escaped so many different kinds of situations because of my innocence and because of my being totally unaware that I could be hurt or drawn into a place I didn’t want to be. Could that be God’s providential care?
WHEN Jim came into my life I wasn’t looking for a husband. When my brother Layton suggested I look at Jim for myself, I did, and was surprised to discover he was worth looking at. Was that providential care? Danny had been attending a local University for a year, and then we were made aware that his plan was to leave the area to attend a Bible College in another state with his friend, who had just graduated from high school. It was at this College that Danny met Faye and began their Christian walk together as man & wife! Providential? Or “all good things come from God!”
WE READ books about our early America, and how God’s providential care lead President Washington through the battles that set us apart from other countries and caused our forefathers to establish a union under God! We saw how God led, through battles, men who called upon His name. He, who sits on the throne with power and glory! “Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you!” Psalms 128:1-2 Learning to lean is when we begin to understand God’s providential care. We learn that success, depends upon the blessings of God! By Jane Ann .Crenshaw 7/7/12
WE READ about the story of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. We know a covenant had been established between God and Abraham, and again with Isaac and then Jacob! This covenant was to establish a nation; a people for God. Jacob, who was later called Israel, had a son named Joseph. Is this God’s providential way to bring His people together in one place? “He sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave!” Psalms 105:17
WE READ in Genesis chapter 12 about the exodus of God’s people. God, through Moses freed the Israelites from their bondage and the slavery that had become their lot during their stay in Egypt. Once out of Egypt, where were they to go and how were they to get there? “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light. That they might travel by day and by night; the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.” Genesis 13:21-22 Is this one more act of God’s providential care? Did God make plans on how to navigate these people?
WE READ in 1 Samuel chapter 16 where God sends Samuel to see a man called Jesse. Samuel hadn’t even finished his grieving over King Saul and now God wants him to anoint the new King. But Samuel did as the Lord said and after meeting all of the sons of Jesse and feeling a little out of sorts, and after asking Jesse if he had seen all of his sons; Jesse calls his youngest. When he arrives God says; “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.” God knows His plans and He works through His people. That is why it is called God’s providential care! When we pay attention to God’s plans we too are used by Him!
TO BE used of God is one of the greatest gifts we will ever experience in our fleshly life. We often wonder, when did we ever experience being used of God. I know I have wondered! I have always felt God’s protection when I look back over my youth and when I was a young adult. I escaped so many different kinds of situations because of my innocence and because of my being totally unaware that I could be hurt or drawn into a place I didn’t want to be. Could that be God’s providential care?
WHEN Jim came into my life I wasn’t looking for a husband. When my brother Layton suggested I look at Jim for myself, I did, and was surprised to discover he was worth looking at. Was that providential care? Danny had been attending a local University for a year, and then we were made aware that his plan was to leave the area to attend a Bible College in another state with his friend, who had just graduated from high school. It was at this College that Danny met Faye and began their Christian walk together as man & wife! Providential? Or “all good things come from God!”
WE READ books about our early America, and how God’s providential care lead President Washington through the battles that set us apart from other countries and caused our forefathers to establish a union under God! We saw how God led, through battles, men who called upon His name. He, who sits on the throne with power and glory! “Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you!” Psalms 128:1-2 Learning to lean is when we begin to understand God’s providential care. We learn that success, depends upon the blessings of God! By Jane Ann .Crenshaw 7/7/12
Saturday, July 7, 2012
DESTINY OR CHANCE? 7/8/12
JIM AND I took a train ride for our 50th anniversary. The train we took began for us in Klamath Falls and was destined for Van Nuys California. Because of a derailment, our train never left Klamath Falls and we were bused to Sacramento and then we were put on a train, that was destined for Van Nuys. Our arrival in Van Nuys was not according to the schedule but we were still headed in the right direction!
ISN”T that how life is? We set out to do one thing and before we know it we are doing something else altogether. Many believe that our lives are predestined for us and how we get there is problematic. We have a destiny and therefore we are destined to fulfill that destiny. I see our destiny; is to become like Christ and we also die! We cannot escape death! If we look at our lives with doom and gloom then I suppose our lives are destined to be grim. Doom seems to be final and mostly irrevocable, but Jesus Christ brings light into the darkness and we can see forever!
“AGAIN I saw that under the sun, the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to the men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all. For man does not know his time. Like fish which are taken in an evil net, and like birds which are caught in a snare, so the sons of men are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them.” Eccl 9:11-12 The salvation of man is totally in accordance with God’s will! We have to admit that this is one of those divine mysteries in which God began to work out His sovereign will through those stories in the Old Testament, in such a way, as to preserve the divine image of Jesus Christ, in which man was created, and man, with his own free will.
LET’S TAKE a look at chance! By chance we took the bus because it was made available otherwise we would have had to wait 24 hours before we could leave on the next train. It all sounds ominous and complicated, but in fact, many think in these terms. Before the beginning, God’s plan was predestined for His people, because the Church, did not come about by chance! The Church was designed and predestined to begin after Christ established His kingdom, upon the cross.
“AND THOSE whom He predestined He also called; and those whom He called He also justified; and those whom He justified He also glorified!” Romans 8:30 The Church was predestined for all, but not all have chosen the Church. The Church was set up in accordance to God’s will and God gave us our will. The two wills are not compatible! We must submit to God’s will in order to become part of His kingdom; the Church! Christ has made a way and it is the only way!
“EVEN US whom He has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles; As indeed He says in Hosea, Those who were not my people, I will call my people.” Romans 9:24-15a As you can see here, Paul tells us that all are called. In 15b Paul continues with; “And her, who was not beloved, I will call my beloved.” He is talking about the Church; Isn’t that beautiful? Aren’t you glad that you have responded to His call? Do you remember who you were?
“DO YOU not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor sexual perverts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
IT AMAZES me when I picture putting off the old and putting on the new. It all comes down to justification and sanctification, or as some call it ‘grace!' In justification God did something for us. In sanctification, God does something in us. Justification has to do with our standing before God; sanctification concerns our character and conduct. The goal for each of us is to conform to the person of Jesus Christ, and be kept sound and blameless. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/22/12
ISN”T that how life is? We set out to do one thing and before we know it we are doing something else altogether. Many believe that our lives are predestined for us and how we get there is problematic. We have a destiny and therefore we are destined to fulfill that destiny. I see our destiny; is to become like Christ and we also die! We cannot escape death! If we look at our lives with doom and gloom then I suppose our lives are destined to be grim. Doom seems to be final and mostly irrevocable, but Jesus Christ brings light into the darkness and we can see forever!
“AGAIN I saw that under the sun, the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to the men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all. For man does not know his time. Like fish which are taken in an evil net, and like birds which are caught in a snare, so the sons of men are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them.” Eccl 9:11-12 The salvation of man is totally in accordance with God’s will! We have to admit that this is one of those divine mysteries in which God began to work out His sovereign will through those stories in the Old Testament, in such a way, as to preserve the divine image of Jesus Christ, in which man was created, and man, with his own free will.
LET’S TAKE a look at chance! By chance we took the bus because it was made available otherwise we would have had to wait 24 hours before we could leave on the next train. It all sounds ominous and complicated, but in fact, many think in these terms. Before the beginning, God’s plan was predestined for His people, because the Church, did not come about by chance! The Church was designed and predestined to begin after Christ established His kingdom, upon the cross.
“AND THOSE whom He predestined He also called; and those whom He called He also justified; and those whom He justified He also glorified!” Romans 8:30 The Church was predestined for all, but not all have chosen the Church. The Church was set up in accordance to God’s will and God gave us our will. The two wills are not compatible! We must submit to God’s will in order to become part of His kingdom; the Church! Christ has made a way and it is the only way!
“EVEN US whom He has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles; As indeed He says in Hosea, Those who were not my people, I will call my people.” Romans 9:24-15a As you can see here, Paul tells us that all are called. In 15b Paul continues with; “And her, who was not beloved, I will call my beloved.” He is talking about the Church; Isn’t that beautiful? Aren’t you glad that you have responded to His call? Do you remember who you were?
“DO YOU not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor sexual perverts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
IT AMAZES me when I picture putting off the old and putting on the new. It all comes down to justification and sanctification, or as some call it ‘grace!' In justification God did something for us. In sanctification, God does something in us. Justification has to do with our standing before God; sanctification concerns our character and conduct. The goal for each of us is to conform to the person of Jesus Christ, and be kept sound and blameless. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/22/12
Saturday, June 30, 2012
USHERING IN A NEW ERA! 7/1/12
THE SUPREME COURT ushered in their interpretation of the United States Constitution to the chagrin of the American people. Oh it is true many are celebrating in the streets, because they have grown accustom to receiving instead of working. Again, I am not complaining but I do have that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Where this country is headed is further down the broad road that is leading to destruction and farther from the “will of God!
EVEN THOUGH “Obamacare” is not to become fully in effect until 2014 it has already been showing up in many of the changes in health care; pharmaceutical prices, treatments and how long you have to wait for appointments. If it wasn’t for ER many would be dying on the streets to receive care! Maybe that is a little strong but the sick feeling I have in the pit of my stomach, causes me to feel medically deprived.
GROWING UP poor, didn’t mean that we did not have medical emergencies. It didn’t mean that the Doctor would not make house calls. It didn’t mean that if you need hospitalization, that you would be turned down. When my sister Joyce was being born; Daddy was told to put his clothes back on and go get the Doctor. Joyce was born at home! When I hurt my leg on the jungle gym while playing on the school grounds, Mom took me to the Doctor who put me in the hospital for x-rays. I spent the night! Bruised my leg but “I spent the night!” When my Mom needed surgery on her lungs she was admitted into Harbor General which was a “state” hospital. I remember sitting in the Doctor’s office along with my younger siblings to get shots for Whooping Cough!
BEING TURNED away has never been an American motto. However, self induced medical conditions should be up to the person to pay for them. I’m talking about drugs, alcohol and other self induced conditions like pregnancies or life style diseases and/or self inflected wounds. People are fined by the Fire Dept for their having to put out grass fires or house fires that are started by negligence. Self induced is the problem of the person who has indulged in these kinds of life styles.
I PRAY for those under those conditions. I am sorry for what is happening to them and their families. I wish I could wiggle my nose and Jesus would become their Savior and their lives would be changed in an instant. The only one who can make this life, in this world, liveable is Jesus Christ. The only way to live with the dictates of our government is to be living under the wings of our Lord. He has promised us a life of peace and joy. Our government can only promise us a life of taxation!
FREEDOM? We still live in the best country in the world! We still live under the best conditions possible in the world. We still breathe in and breathe out on a daily bases. However, that does not come from the promises of our congress but because God created us with that ability. Praise God, for whom all blessings flow.
“BE SUBJECT for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing right you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. Live as free men, yet without using your freedom as a pretext for evil; but live as servants of God. Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. 1 Peter 13-17 By not taking liberties in the freedoms that God has given us, we stand apart from the world.
“IF MY PEOPLE who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 We who live in God’s freedom do pray and remember these words. But the key here is to “turn from our wicked ways, then He will hear us from heaven and will forgive us our sins and will heal our land! Oh soul who is wearied and troubled; turn from your wicked ways and seek America’s freedom from the oppressors!
By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/28/12
EVEN THOUGH “Obamacare” is not to become fully in effect until 2014 it has already been showing up in many of the changes in health care; pharmaceutical prices, treatments and how long you have to wait for appointments. If it wasn’t for ER many would be dying on the streets to receive care! Maybe that is a little strong but the sick feeling I have in the pit of my stomach, causes me to feel medically deprived.
GROWING UP poor, didn’t mean that we did not have medical emergencies. It didn’t mean that the Doctor would not make house calls. It didn’t mean that if you need hospitalization, that you would be turned down. When my sister Joyce was being born; Daddy was told to put his clothes back on and go get the Doctor. Joyce was born at home! When I hurt my leg on the jungle gym while playing on the school grounds, Mom took me to the Doctor who put me in the hospital for x-rays. I spent the night! Bruised my leg but “I spent the night!” When my Mom needed surgery on her lungs she was admitted into Harbor General which was a “state” hospital. I remember sitting in the Doctor’s office along with my younger siblings to get shots for Whooping Cough!
BEING TURNED away has never been an American motto. However, self induced medical conditions should be up to the person to pay for them. I’m talking about drugs, alcohol and other self induced conditions like pregnancies or life style diseases and/or self inflected wounds. People are fined by the Fire Dept for their having to put out grass fires or house fires that are started by negligence. Self induced is the problem of the person who has indulged in these kinds of life styles.
I PRAY for those under those conditions. I am sorry for what is happening to them and their families. I wish I could wiggle my nose and Jesus would become their Savior and their lives would be changed in an instant. The only one who can make this life, in this world, liveable is Jesus Christ. The only way to live with the dictates of our government is to be living under the wings of our Lord. He has promised us a life of peace and joy. Our government can only promise us a life of taxation!
FREEDOM? We still live in the best country in the world! We still live under the best conditions possible in the world. We still breathe in and breathe out on a daily bases. However, that does not come from the promises of our congress but because God created us with that ability. Praise God, for whom all blessings flow.
“BE SUBJECT for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing right you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. Live as free men, yet without using your freedom as a pretext for evil; but live as servants of God. Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. 1 Peter 13-17 By not taking liberties in the freedoms that God has given us, we stand apart from the world.
“IF MY PEOPLE who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 We who live in God’s freedom do pray and remember these words. But the key here is to “turn from our wicked ways, then He will hear us from heaven and will forgive us our sins and will heal our land! Oh soul who is wearied and troubled; turn from your wicked ways and seek America’s freedom from the oppressors!
By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/28/12
Saturday, June 23, 2012
6/24/12 DOING SILLY THINGS!
I REMEMBER an email that circulated some years ago and a poem that began with; “When I am old, I will wear purple!” At 50 that was pretty cute! At 60 I began to believe I could wear purple! At 70 I am beginning to think that standing on a corner with a stick is pretty silly. Yesterday, Jim was sitting at the computer and I stopped at the door and asked if he would get the mail from the mail box. He stopped quickly what he was doing and stumbled as he got up and made his way to where I was standing. He laughed and leaned against the door frame and said; I’m old! We laughed not because he is old, but because sometimes we actually feel old!
EXCEPT for a few aches and pains; the legs don’t quite move as quick as they use to and our arms are not as strong, but we still feel young inside. We have to look in the mirror to be reminded by the wrinkles, sagging skin, thin hair, or no hair, to realize our age. Sometimes after getting down on the floor, we are reminded that things don’t work like they to use to, when we try to get up again.
DAN & FAYE spent their 25th anniversary by doing the things they like to do. She called it “doing the silly things we like to do!” I was reminded of the silly things that Jim and I use to like to do. Now we like to watch babies and toddlers do their silly antics and we remember when our children and grandchildren did those things. We smile and laugh and want it to continue. But Moms and Dads aren’t at the place where they want to enjoy that. They make them stop and behave so they will grow up to be presentable in public. But the presentation that some make, is suspect, when they grow up!
TEENAGERS are not fun to watch! I think for the most part it is because their closets have a mixer just inside the door, and they turn it on when they are picking out what they want to wear. I think they carry tools in their pockets so they can stick things on their noses, eye brows and lips which sets them apart from attractiveness and to the brink of ugliness. I am not complaining; it is their choice. But I like to look at beauty, sweetness, and happiness rather than puzzlement. I find myself searching for a winner as we watch the parade in the Malls. Of course Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
TEENAGERS who truly care about themselves are set a part. For the of life me, I don’t know why, all teenagers don’t want to look good! Or have self esteem, and just be themselves. Life is so short and is to be enjoyed. Making a statement all the time has to get old! I grew up with hand me downs and I love shopping at the thrift stores so looking good, doesn’t mean having financial means.
“AS IN water, face reflects the face; so the mind of man reflects the man!” Proverbs 27:19 It has been said that we are what we eat, but I wonder if it really should say; “We are what we think!” What is in the mind of our young people that they want to regress into the primitive ways of man? I remember being silly in my youth but I don’t remember trying to attract negative attention. I guess that would have embarrassed me! Sometimes what I see today, sort of embarrasses me!
I KEEP reminding myself that God looks upon the heart while man looks upon the outward appearance. But I read in Isaiah 65 “I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, “Here am I, here am I,” to a nation that did not call on my name. I spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices.” My heart aches for these young people who have set their minds and attention on things that are worthless. “Even a child makes himself known by his acts, whether what he does is pure and right.” Proverbs 20:9
GOD’s DESIRE is for people to “walk in the way of good, and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will inhabit the land, and those of integrity will remain in it!” Proverbs 2:20 Maybe Jim and I have lost some of our silly ways and maybe our sense of humor is not what it used to be. We just wish that the young people we see today could enjoy life as we have and still do. In Christ all things are possible! Keep faithful with your light shining, and smile! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/22/12
I REMEMBER an email that circulated some years ago and a poem that began with; “When I am old, I will wear purple!” At 50 that was pretty cute! At 60 I began to believe I could wear purple! At 70 I am beginning to think that standing on a corner with a stick is pretty silly. Yesterday, Jim was sitting at the computer and I stopped at the door and asked if he would get the mail from the mail box. He stopped quickly what he was doing and stumbled as he got up and made his way to where I was standing. He laughed and leaned against the door frame and said; I’m old! We laughed not because he is old, but because sometimes we actually feel old!
EXCEPT for a few aches and pains; the legs don’t quite move as quick as they use to and our arms are not as strong, but we still feel young inside. We have to look in the mirror to be reminded by the wrinkles, sagging skin, thin hair, or no hair, to realize our age. Sometimes after getting down on the floor, we are reminded that things don’t work like they to use to, when we try to get up again.
DAN & FAYE spent their 25th anniversary by doing the things they like to do. She called it “doing the silly things we like to do!” I was reminded of the silly things that Jim and I use to like to do. Now we like to watch babies and toddlers do their silly antics and we remember when our children and grandchildren did those things. We smile and laugh and want it to continue. But Moms and Dads aren’t at the place where they want to enjoy that. They make them stop and behave so they will grow up to be presentable in public. But the presentation that some make, is suspect, when they grow up!
TEENAGERS are not fun to watch! I think for the most part it is because their closets have a mixer just inside the door, and they turn it on when they are picking out what they want to wear. I think they carry tools in their pockets so they can stick things on their noses, eye brows and lips which sets them apart from attractiveness and to the brink of ugliness. I am not complaining; it is their choice. But I like to look at beauty, sweetness, and happiness rather than puzzlement. I find myself searching for a winner as we watch the parade in the Malls. Of course Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
TEENAGERS who truly care about themselves are set a part. For the of life me, I don’t know why, all teenagers don’t want to look good! Or have self esteem, and just be themselves. Life is so short and is to be enjoyed. Making a statement all the time has to get old! I grew up with hand me downs and I love shopping at the thrift stores so looking good, doesn’t mean having financial means.
“AS IN water, face reflects the face; so the mind of man reflects the man!” Proverbs 27:19 It has been said that we are what we eat, but I wonder if it really should say; “We are what we think!” What is in the mind of our young people that they want to regress into the primitive ways of man? I remember being silly in my youth but I don’t remember trying to attract negative attention. I guess that would have embarrassed me! Sometimes what I see today, sort of embarrasses me!
I KEEP reminding myself that God looks upon the heart while man looks upon the outward appearance. But I read in Isaiah 65 “I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, “Here am I, here am I,” to a nation that did not call on my name. I spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices.” My heart aches for these young people who have set their minds and attention on things that are worthless. “Even a child makes himself known by his acts, whether what he does is pure and right.” Proverbs 20:9
GOD’s DESIRE is for people to “walk in the way of good, and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will inhabit the land, and those of integrity will remain in it!” Proverbs 2:20 Maybe Jim and I have lost some of our silly ways and maybe our sense of humor is not what it used to be. We just wish that the young people we see today could enjoy life as we have and still do. In Christ all things are possible! Keep faithful with your light shining, and smile! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/22/12
Saturday, June 16, 2012
HONOR THY BROTHERS! 6/17/12
BECAUSE today is Father’s Day I would like to
pay honor to my Father. I honor him because he gave me life! I love him because he was my father! I remember him because he was my Father! I was 15 when he died and I was saddened years later, when I realized how much I didn’t know about him. He told me he was a “Breakfast Cook” but I always thought of him as a chef. He was an alcoholic and never held a job for long. I discovered that he spent time with my older siblings and even taught my older brothers how to swim. One of the things that I am most grateful for, is that all fourteen of us, came from one set of parents.
BECAUSE today is Father’s Day I would like to pay honor to two of my brothers who raised me and my four younger siblings, and deserve to be honored as Fathers. Lloyd was 16 when he became disabled to the point that he no longer attended school, and so he took care of the younger kids. I was about 3! He is the one that would say to me each morning; “Morning Glory!” He fixed us lunch and I think prepared dinner. He prepared potatoes like the food network, before there was a food network. He had food sense and it showed in every dish he made. He was well read and could give you an answer to most subjects. He would learn a new word everyday and I for one, will never forget; “No thank you, I have had a sufficiency; anything more would be a superfluous delicacy!”
LONNIE was a little younger than Lloyd and was able bodied. Lonnie was quieter than some of my brothers, but he was built with an inner core that said; “I am responsible for this family now that Daddy is gone!” He worked hard and gave much of his wages to support the family. The other older siblings gave also, including me when I was old enough. But it was Lonnie that was Mom’s “go to” person for all of the extras. He was firm with his instructions. I bought a car and he made me change the tire twice and then said; “Don’t call me to come and fix a flat nor to put gas in the car. Find yourself a mechanic and he will soon know your car!” Lonnie also told me to never run out the door when your boyfriends honk their horns; he must come to the door! I never had boyfriends who drove cars! Also I was never to sit in a car with a boy unless I was engaged to him!
WHEN I was getting married, I wanted Lonnie to give me away! However, I knew that I had to ask Lloyd. He was older than Lonnie and he had taken care of me when I was very little. It was a hard choice but I talked with Lonnie about it and he agreed that Lloyd was to be asked. Lonnie didn’t attend weddings or most holiday functions or even most celebrations. He agreed to pick up my attendants and bring them to the church. He stayed for my wedding and then left before the reception. Both of these men were single all of their lives and we were their children. It hurt me when they passed away, when I was in my 50's and 60's. I hold them up as ones who trained me!
SOME would say that a single man lives for himself. Some might say that a single man sows as many oats as he can for he lives to eat, drink and to be merry. These two men took the responsibilities that were handed to them and we were very blessed. “A stupid son is a grief to a father; and the father of a fool has no joy.” Proverbs 17:21 My father knew what Lloyd had given us kids, but if my father could have known how Lonnie stepped up to the plate, I wonder how that would have made him feel. I know how it made me feel!
>“LISTEN to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future.” Proverbs 19:20 We kids, learned a lot from the love of these two men. So different from each other and yet both of them were family oriented. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 I often wonder if my brothers knew just how much they have influenced us kids. I often think about the obvious ways that Lloyd showed us his love and the quietness of Lonnie who would knock on my door and tell me, every morning; “It is your turn in the bathroom!” Today I give them honor, and say “thank you!” By JA Crenshaw 6/15/12
Saturday, June 9, 2012
KEEPING FIT! 6/10/12
KEEPING FIT was not in most vocabularies when I was a child because our play ground was the outdoors. The foods in the stores did not include chips and dips or even french fries. Nacho’s hadn’t been invented by a man called Nacho! We did have hamburgers and hotdogs but the weight didn’t really become a problem until I was in high school. Perhaps that was because my mother emptied the Helm’s Bakery truck every Saturday night. Our freezer was then full of all kinds of pastries and bread.
LOOKING through some papers that I have saved through the years I came across a couple of tidbits that you might find interesting. “Looking to work more vegetables in to your kids’ diet?” Jen Sigmund says; “I cut up fruits and veggies and set them on the table about thirty minutes before dinner. I don’t draw attention to them, I just start fixing dinner. Nine times out of ten, when I go to set the table, they are gone!” We usually do that before we serve a big dinner, and call them veggies!
HOW ABOUT this one? Roasted Pumpkin Seeds are the healthiest Halloween snack around!
Scoop the seeds out of your pumpkin and rinse them well. Blot the seeds dry with a paper towel, then toss them with a tablespoon of vegetable oil for each cup of seeds, and salt to taste. Spread the seeds on a cookie sheet and bake at 375 until golden brown; about 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool before serving!
JUST DON”T tell your kids that these are loaded with minerals, such as zinc, iron, and magnesium, as well as protein, fiber and heart-heathy fatty acids. Most have a reluctance to eat something that is suppose to be “healthy” for you. Most have a reluctance to eat anything that appears to be a “new” diet for them. Most do not even realize that “diet” means a daily fare of food and drink.
GOD has set forth many daily dietary plans for us. These are not necessarily for our stomachs but for our health and well being. “A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. The mind of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. All the days of the afflicted are evil, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.” Proverbs 15:13-15 God says that when we belong to him and are walking in the path of His son, our lives will be full of joy!
IN PHILIPPIANS 2, Paul tells us to do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than ourselves. In chapter 4, he tells us to not worry about anything, but to pray daily with supplications and thanksgiving. In Colossians 3 Paul continues with whatever you do in word or deed, to do all in the name of Jesus Christ. In Ecclesiastes 9, Solomon says; “whatever our hands find to do, do it with all your might.” 1 Corinthians 10, Paul continues with; “whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul says; “You know the old saying? First you eat to live, and then you live to eat? Well, it may be true that the body is only a temporary thing, but that’s no excuse for stuffing your body with food, or indulging it with sex. Since the Master honors you with a body, honor him with your body!” (The Message)
“I CAN DO anything I want to if Christ has not said no, but some of these things aren’t good for me. Even if I am allowed to do them; I’ll refuse to, if I think they might get such a grip on me that I can’t easily stop when I want to. For instance, take the matter of eating. God has given us an appetite for food and stomachs to digest it. But that doesn’t mean we should eat more than we need. Don’t think of eating as important, because some day God will do away with both stomachs and food.” 1 Corinthians 6:12-13 (The Living Bible) Allowing things to control us, leads us away from God!
I JUST LOVE the way God’s Word clarifies how we should live to have joy! “He gives food to all flesh, for His steadfast love endures for ever. O give thanks to the God of heaven, for His steadfast love endures for ever.” Psalms 136:15-26 I can’t help but say with David in Psalms 138 “I give thee thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/8/12
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