IN OUR LIFE time we have experienced many firsts, haven’t we? First birthdays; first day of school; first day on the job; first in line; first tooth; first pair of glasses; first time behind the wheel; first bank account; first child and the list goes on and on and on! Coming from a large family of 14 children, each time I lose a sibling, it is like the first time because each one of them were unique. They came packaged entirely different in every way! This last year I lost my oldest sister Jean. She would have been 92 this month!
MOST TIMES we are only concerned with how we feel the first time we experience Christmas without someone, whom we have cherished and loved. Most times we feel their absence more during the Christmas celebration than we thought we would. When considering the promises of God, we should feel a little excitement about the possibility, of their first Christmas in heaven!
I HAVE TO ADMIT I never thought of my loved ones spending Christmas in heaven. I just knew they experienced their first day in heaven! Could there be any difference? Since there is no morning or night; everyday in God’s presence seemed good enough to me. To ponder Christmas in Heaven caused me to look on the internet. Many others thought about this and even wrote about it. One was by a 13 year old boy named Ben who died from a brain tumor in 1997. The other was by Anonymous who obviously was a seasoned Christian with maturity. Both were filled with glorious insights into the promises of God.
IT IS ALMOST SIX years since my brother Lynn passed away. At that time I asked Jim to write something that I could use in my blog; this is what he wrote:
CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN!
“There’s a birthday party in the heavenly realms, where the saints of God and the angels dwell. They’ve gathered around the King of Kings where they listen to the heavenly choir sing.
They sing the songs about the birth of Christ, they sing the songs about eternal life and the message they sing is one of love; that is sent from God above.
They celebrate the birthday of the Son of God, the day they call Christmas, where He once trod. Merry Christmas they say on the earth below, but they’ve seen nothing till they see the show, when the angels sing and choir joins in for the One who saves mankind from sin.
It’s Christmas in heaven and for some it’s the first; who recently lived their last day on earth. What a joy for them, they’ve been set free; to dwell with Jesus eternally. Along with Him, there’s Peter and Paul and John and James, and that’s not all; there’s brothers and sisters who’ve gone before; also husbands, wives, Moms and Dads, who’ve entered the door.
What a joy for them, those newly arrived; to sing to Him who gave them life. And best of all, they’ve all been given, the joy of their first Christmas in heaven!”
“HE WILL WIPE away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away. And He who sat upon the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Revelation 21:4-5a
I read a commentary at the end of this passage; “The Bible opens with man in the Garden of Eden in happiness and contentment. It ends with man in the new Jerusalem where he is again happy and content!
WE WEEP because we love; we sob because we miss; we look toward the heavens in anticipation; because we know we will meet again! Meanwhile, let’s remember to enjoy those who still surround us with their love. Let’s remember Christ did not come to cause us sorrow, but to bring us happiness from above. God bless you all as you remember the birth of our Lord!
Jane Ann Crenshaw (Blog from 12/17/10 updated ) 12-7/15
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Saturday, December 12, 2015
"O CHRISTMAS TREE!" 12/13/15
CHRISTMAS carols; Christmas classics’ and Christmas bells are ringing. Most are taking part this season, singing, chanting, playing instruments or ringing the bells. Can’t help but stop to listen or to take part in this joyous time of the year by filling the halls, and the night air, with Christmas music. I love it; don’t you?
MY SISTER Joyce, was born in the early part of January 1941; just after Christmas. My mother use to sing a Christmas carol that both Joyce and I remember but can not find it, even on the internet. We always imagined Mom gave her the middle name of Carol because of this little song. It goes like this; “Carol O Carol, Christmas is here; gladdest of birthdays of all the year; gladdest of birthdays of all the year!” Funny how songs and music helps to remember seasons; times; celebrations and especially Christmas!
WE PICKED UP our tree this afternoon. I like a flocked tree! Helps to manage the needles. We thought about buying a manufactured tree, but finding a flocked commercial one is hard! They look so fake! I know there is one out there, so we will just keep looking. Perhaps one is waiting just for us,and it will be on sale next month.
SOME YEARS AGO a discussion came up as to whether we should put a tree up in the Church. We all had trees in our home, but in the Church it would be sacrilege. In the 700's, a monk named Boniface wanted to prove, the belief that oak trees were sacred or magical was not true. He wanted people to understand that the creator of trees was to be worshiped, not the tree!
ONE CHRISTMAS, Boniface became frustrated with the pagan rituals and so he went out and chopped a large oak tree down in his anger. The mighty oak fell and crushed everything in its path except for a tiny fir tree. Boniface felt it was a miracle that the baby tree survived. Many years after that the people planted little saplings to celebrate Christmas, eventually decorations were added. Traditions followed with taking the trees indoors and even putting candles on them, which is also an interesting story how lights came about at Christmas time.
I CAN”T HELP being excited about the gaudiness of Christmas. Even just a little bit sets me off, but when it is out of the box, oh how my heart responds! The Christmas Tree song, “O Tannenbaum”, that we sing during this season, came out of Germany by an unknown composer. The melody is an old folk song. When it was translated into English it became known as “O Christmas Tree”. Did you know that the Fir Tree branches are unchanging?
THE SECOND verse says; “Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, you fill all hearts with gaiety. Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, you fill all hearts with gaiety. On Christmas Day you stand so tall, affording joy to one and all. O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, you fill all hearts with gaiety.” No two Christmas trees are alike! A decoration? Absolutely!
WHILE SHEPHERDS were tending their sheep at night a miraculous event happened. “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone over them. They were terribly afraid, but the angel said to them Don’t be afraid! I am here with good news for you which will bring great joy to all the people. This very day in David’s town your Savior was born - Christ the Lord! What will prove it to you is this; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12 Talk about extravaganza happenings! We decorate to the hilt and God fills the skies with angels and choirs and music to bring us news of great joy!
WE CONTINUE to celebrate Christ’s birth even today - the announcement the Angel gave, is still being given to all, except the child grew to be a man. He is no longer in the manger but fulfilled His mission bringing us the good news. His death, His burial and His resurrection! Thanks be to God I can still celebrate my Savior’s birth by giving Him the honor, the glory and all the praise that is due Him! Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/12/15
MY SISTER Joyce, was born in the early part of January 1941; just after Christmas. My mother use to sing a Christmas carol that both Joyce and I remember but can not find it, even on the internet. We always imagined Mom gave her the middle name of Carol because of this little song. It goes like this; “Carol O Carol, Christmas is here; gladdest of birthdays of all the year; gladdest of birthdays of all the year!” Funny how songs and music helps to remember seasons; times; celebrations and especially Christmas!
WE PICKED UP our tree this afternoon. I like a flocked tree! Helps to manage the needles. We thought about buying a manufactured tree, but finding a flocked commercial one is hard! They look so fake! I know there is one out there, so we will just keep looking. Perhaps one is waiting just for us,and it will be on sale next month.
SOME YEARS AGO a discussion came up as to whether we should put a tree up in the Church. We all had trees in our home, but in the Church it would be sacrilege. In the 700's, a monk named Boniface wanted to prove, the belief that oak trees were sacred or magical was not true. He wanted people to understand that the creator of trees was to be worshiped, not the tree!
ONE CHRISTMAS, Boniface became frustrated with the pagan rituals and so he went out and chopped a large oak tree down in his anger. The mighty oak fell and crushed everything in its path except for a tiny fir tree. Boniface felt it was a miracle that the baby tree survived. Many years after that the people planted little saplings to celebrate Christmas, eventually decorations were added. Traditions followed with taking the trees indoors and even putting candles on them, which is also an interesting story how lights came about at Christmas time.
I CAN”T HELP being excited about the gaudiness of Christmas. Even just a little bit sets me off, but when it is out of the box, oh how my heart responds! The Christmas Tree song, “O Tannenbaum”, that we sing during this season, came out of Germany by an unknown composer. The melody is an old folk song. When it was translated into English it became known as “O Christmas Tree”. Did you know that the Fir Tree branches are unchanging?
THE SECOND verse says; “Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, you fill all hearts with gaiety. Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, you fill all hearts with gaiety. On Christmas Day you stand so tall, affording joy to one and all. O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, you fill all hearts with gaiety.” No two Christmas trees are alike! A decoration? Absolutely!
WHILE SHEPHERDS were tending their sheep at night a miraculous event happened. “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone over them. They were terribly afraid, but the angel said to them Don’t be afraid! I am here with good news for you which will bring great joy to all the people. This very day in David’s town your Savior was born - Christ the Lord! What will prove it to you is this; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12 Talk about extravaganza happenings! We decorate to the hilt and God fills the skies with angels and choirs and music to bring us news of great joy!
WE CONTINUE to celebrate Christ’s birth even today - the announcement the Angel gave, is still being given to all, except the child grew to be a man. He is no longer in the manger but fulfilled His mission bringing us the good news. His death, His burial and His resurrection! Thanks be to God I can still celebrate my Savior’s birth by giving Him the honor, the glory and all the praise that is due Him! Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/12/15
Saturday, December 5, 2015
SHOPPING, SHOPPING, SHOPPING! 12/6/15
SHOPPING is not one of my forte’s! Don’t get me wrong I love buying gifts for others and preparing for festive gatherings. But to always have something in mind to buy is hard to do! I do love to window shop and when I spy something I think someone would like to have, I usually don’t have any money on me to buy; not even the window! Now my Jennifer listens and looks for things that she thinks the person she is buying for, would really like. She starts early and this year has been wrapping and checking her list. However, she gets right into giving. Not only family, but children from the Christmas tree at the bank. The shoe boxes that are filled and sent to third world countries!
JIM and I sang in the Chorale a few years back for a Christmas concert. One song that I would love to say Jim loved, but actually he didn’t, but remembers well. One line that the base sang along with the whole choir; “shopping, shopping, shopping ‘but don’t forget the cinnamon’!” We still laugh about that! I remember, it was a fun song to sing! So when we are shopping I never forget the cinnamon. I have three small bottles on the shelf!
BELIEVE it or not; I am almost done with my shopping. I did start wrapping but haven’t kept up with it. It looms over me like a black ugly cloud. I know I need to do it! I know it needs to get done! I know that I still have time! Tomorrow is always there! But today, I am decorating. I am putting old decorations into new places, since we have moved from where we were to where we are now. Happy days are here again! Life is good! Christmas is coming and the Christmas CD’s have been dusted and set out.
MUSIC has always been an important part of our lives! We have Christmas CD’s galore, and usually don’t have time to listen to them except when decorating the tree. This year we have been listening to Christmas music in the car, in our living room, and it thrills me! Yesterday I dusted off a huge book called “Readers Digest” Merry Christmas Songbook, that Jennifer gave to me many years ago, and I played out of it for the first time! So much fun!
I THANK GOD for Christmas and I thank Him for His Son of whom the day is named after; and the story of His birth! Without Jesus, the Christ child, this day would never have occurred! Without Jesus we would not be remembering the babe in the manger! Without Jesus we would not have heard the story of the shepherds or the wise men coming from the East! There would not have been the star, the innkeeper, the story of the Angel Gabriel or have heard about John the Baptist! We would never know how courageous Mary and Joseph were and how much Jesus loves His Father and how much they both love us!
I OFTEN THINK about those who shared Jesus with me when I was a child and about those who have taught me thru the years. Where would I be today if they had not loved me enough to teach me of His saving grace. Where would I be today if I had not been encouraged to study His Word and to teach others. It is thru others that I met Jesus, where would I be without Him! I hate to think about the alternatives because the evidence surrounds all of us!
MY LIFE AND YOURS would be completely different. We would be products of the world filled with envy, strife, anger, bitterness, evil desires, filthy words, hate and the list goes on and on. We love to quote Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil to give you a future and a hope.” Israel’s exile was brought about because of sin, but when sin was forsaken by the people, God’s purposes in mercy would then be realized. Even in days of old when God’s people sought Him whole-heartedly, they would find him. So it is with us today; “seek Him with all your heart and He promises you will find Him!” His plan for us is set, it is up to us to continually seek Him! I belong to Jesus, He has set me free; PRAISE GOD, He belongs to me! Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/5/15
JIM and I sang in the Chorale a few years back for a Christmas concert. One song that I would love to say Jim loved, but actually he didn’t, but remembers well. One line that the base sang along with the whole choir; “shopping, shopping, shopping ‘but don’t forget the cinnamon’!” We still laugh about that! I remember, it was a fun song to sing! So when we are shopping I never forget the cinnamon. I have three small bottles on the shelf!
BELIEVE it or not; I am almost done with my shopping. I did start wrapping but haven’t kept up with it. It looms over me like a black ugly cloud. I know I need to do it! I know it needs to get done! I know that I still have time! Tomorrow is always there! But today, I am decorating. I am putting old decorations into new places, since we have moved from where we were to where we are now. Happy days are here again! Life is good! Christmas is coming and the Christmas CD’s have been dusted and set out.
MUSIC has always been an important part of our lives! We have Christmas CD’s galore, and usually don’t have time to listen to them except when decorating the tree. This year we have been listening to Christmas music in the car, in our living room, and it thrills me! Yesterday I dusted off a huge book called “Readers Digest” Merry Christmas Songbook, that Jennifer gave to me many years ago, and I played out of it for the first time! So much fun!
I THANK GOD for Christmas and I thank Him for His Son of whom the day is named after; and the story of His birth! Without Jesus, the Christ child, this day would never have occurred! Without Jesus we would not be remembering the babe in the manger! Without Jesus we would not have heard the story of the shepherds or the wise men coming from the East! There would not have been the star, the innkeeper, the story of the Angel Gabriel or have heard about John the Baptist! We would never know how courageous Mary and Joseph were and how much Jesus loves His Father and how much they both love us!
I OFTEN THINK about those who shared Jesus with me when I was a child and about those who have taught me thru the years. Where would I be today if they had not loved me enough to teach me of His saving grace. Where would I be today if I had not been encouraged to study His Word and to teach others. It is thru others that I met Jesus, where would I be without Him! I hate to think about the alternatives because the evidence surrounds all of us!
MY LIFE AND YOURS would be completely different. We would be products of the world filled with envy, strife, anger, bitterness, evil desires, filthy words, hate and the list goes on and on. We love to quote Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil to give you a future and a hope.” Israel’s exile was brought about because of sin, but when sin was forsaken by the people, God’s purposes in mercy would then be realized. Even in days of old when God’s people sought Him whole-heartedly, they would find him. So it is with us today; “seek Him with all your heart and He promises you will find Him!” His plan for us is set, it is up to us to continually seek Him! I belong to Jesus, He has set me free; PRAISE GOD, He belongs to me! Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/5/15
Saturday, November 28, 2015
FOLLOW THE LEADER! 11/29/15
AS A YOUNG MAN Jim never sang in public but always in the shower. He was a man of few words. He hardly ever spoke unless it was to say something profound. He thought that when he grew up he was going to be a great 3rd baseman for the Yankee’s. When he was in his 30's he read the Bible cover to cover and was convicted that God is Lord and that changed everything for him.
AFTER COLLEGE and marriage he became a part of the Apollo Space Program back in the 60's. He worked on the Lunar Excursion Module (the LEM). He was part of the program working on the system that controlled the descent rate of the LEM. He was employed by TRW Systems until he moved to Oregon in 1970. Watching the movie “Apollo 13" was like reliving the first landing on the moon all over again for him; and the part the LEM played in the heroic effort and miracle of using it for what it was not created for.
WHEN JIM found himself among God’s people he was determined that when he retired he would live near the church and teach God’s word until he died. It looked like he wasn’t going to be able to do that until about 8 months after we began attending SWCC. He began teaching a Sunday School class once again. In giving his report at a Sunday School Teachers meeting, he said; “I probably would have ended up in the corner crying, if I couldn’t teach again.” When you give God control that is what can happen! When you begin to follow God, you find that giving Him first place can change everything. That is when your walk is personal!
I REMEMBER as a child playing follow the leader. Remember following the leader and you had to do everything he did or drop out? The person behind you would move up and take your place following the leader. Not very creative but a lot of fun, especially if you had a crush on the one in front of you. You got to hold onto his waist as you followed him. Sounds like I was aggressive. I wasn’t speaking from experience but perhaps wishful thinking!
“FOR TO THIS you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 So many times we feel it is ominous to assume we can be like Christ but that is exactly what the Apostles and the early disciples did. Paul was so bold as to say; “I urge you then, be imitators of me, as I imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 4:16 Later on, he writes; “So that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrew 6:12 The only way we can be imitators of those who led the church from it’s infancy, is by reading God’s word. We see their faithfulness and their dedication unto death.
“REMEMBER your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Hebrews 12:7-8 Paul is talking to us today! Listen to those who have assumed the rolls of Christian leadership within your church body. Check their actions and faith against those who teach us through the scriptures. “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 no beneficial strength.” Hebrews 13:9 Be careful who you have allowed to lead you in the ways of God. Look at their lives and listen intently to the things they say.
“BELOVED, do not imitate evil but imitate good. He who does good is of God; he who does evil has not seen God.” 3 John 11 Jim and I spend a lot of time in God’s word. What I don’t understand he clarifies for me. When he wants a better understanding, he asks me. We have grown closer together than most, because of our desires to know our Lord and to follow Him wherever He leads. Get on board and follow the leader, and see just how God can change your life; see how lives can be changed thru your walk! Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/13/10 (update 11/5/15)
AFTER COLLEGE and marriage he became a part of the Apollo Space Program back in the 60's. He worked on the Lunar Excursion Module (the LEM). He was part of the program working on the system that controlled the descent rate of the LEM. He was employed by TRW Systems until he moved to Oregon in 1970. Watching the movie “Apollo 13" was like reliving the first landing on the moon all over again for him; and the part the LEM played in the heroic effort and miracle of using it for what it was not created for.
WHEN JIM found himself among God’s people he was determined that when he retired he would live near the church and teach God’s word until he died. It looked like he wasn’t going to be able to do that until about 8 months after we began attending SWCC. He began teaching a Sunday School class once again. In giving his report at a Sunday School Teachers meeting, he said; “I probably would have ended up in the corner crying, if I couldn’t teach again.” When you give God control that is what can happen! When you begin to follow God, you find that giving Him first place can change everything. That is when your walk is personal!
I REMEMBER as a child playing follow the leader. Remember following the leader and you had to do everything he did or drop out? The person behind you would move up and take your place following the leader. Not very creative but a lot of fun, especially if you had a crush on the one in front of you. You got to hold onto his waist as you followed him. Sounds like I was aggressive. I wasn’t speaking from experience but perhaps wishful thinking!
“FOR TO THIS you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 So many times we feel it is ominous to assume we can be like Christ but that is exactly what the Apostles and the early disciples did. Paul was so bold as to say; “I urge you then, be imitators of me, as I imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 4:16 Later on, he writes; “So that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrew 6:12 The only way we can be imitators of those who led the church from it’s infancy, is by reading God’s word. We see their faithfulness and their dedication unto death.
“REMEMBER your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Hebrews 12:7-8 Paul is talking to us today! Listen to those who have assumed the rolls of Christian leadership within your church body. Check their actions and faith against those who teach us through the scriptures. “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 no beneficial strength.” Hebrews 13:9 Be careful who you have allowed to lead you in the ways of God. Look at their lives and listen intently to the things they say.
“BELOVED, do not imitate evil but imitate good. He who does good is of God; he who does evil has not seen God.” 3 John 11 Jim and I spend a lot of time in God’s word. What I don’t understand he clarifies for me. When he wants a better understanding, he asks me. We have grown closer together than most, because of our desires to know our Lord and to follow Him wherever He leads. Get on board and follow the leader, and see just how God can change your life; see how lives can be changed thru your walk! Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/13/10 (update 11/5/15)
Sunday, November 22, 2015
THANKS BE TO GOD! 11/22/15
HERE WE ARE once again planning our National day of “THANKSGIVING!” Many need to stop and think of what they are thankful for. Usually when sitting around the table with my family, we are asked to share one thing we are thankful for. One thing! Now that is hard. However, since these past few weeks, Morning Glory has been on the subject of abortions, I know what I am thankful for. MY CHILDREN; God’s blessing to Jim and me! What a joy they have been, even before and after the teen years, especially 16!
WHEN MY children were beginning their double digits, and even while we thought they were above reproach, we were told; “just wait until they are 16!” We waited and nothing happened! Don’t get me wrong, our kids weren’t perfect but we never experienced anything like what is described in books; the news on TV and in the papers; nor what seems to come down the pike as stereotypes. Sassy? Absolutely! Bossy? Sometimes! Wanting to wear designer clothes? Right on! Kept their rooms picked up and clean? Never experienced that! We loved them and gave them a safe place to live. We weathered the storms and they became exceptional and deserving adults! Deserving children makes a parent happy, and pleases God!
WE NEVER experienced the drug scene, alcohol, promiscuity, deceitfulness, and trouble with the law. Jim and I would like to take the credit, but the credit belongs to our Savior! He not only saves our souls but He also gives us an identity in Him, which saves us from the world! God made it easy with our children, and we thank Him every day! “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart, to the standard of teaching to which you were committed.” Romans 6:17
I LOVE THANKSGIVING DAY! I am thankful that those in power so many years ago set a day aside for the whole country to give thanks to our God! What an amazing time that must have been! Today, many would like to do away with it; even though so many other countries, have adopted a day of their own to give thanks. Amazing how the world view changes when new people move up the ladder. But even though many hearts change, those who are faithful will continue to receive God’s blessing! “O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures for ever!” Psalms 107:1
SINCE THE DAYS began when Jim and I realized we were reaching that stage of maturity whereby our bodies didn’t want to go when we did, and didn’t want to stop when we thought it should; we have been so thankful and blessed in walking with the Lord. Our walk together began when we were young, married, and with children. We have to admit that it has been like a roller coaster ride, you know; with all the ups and downs, but oh what a ride!
“THANKS BE TO GOD who in Christ, always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved, and among those who are perishing. To one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?
We are not like so many peddlers of God’s word; but as men of sincerity. For we are commissioned by God, in the sight of God; to speak of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-17
TO THOSE who have chosen Christ as their Savior I say; “Thanks be to God!” To those who have not chosen Christ as their Savior I say; “If you want to be happy; choose Christ!
If you want to be a winner; choose Christ! If you want to live life to the fullest; choose Christ!
“Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you; He exalts Himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all who come to Him! Isaiah 30:18 I am pleased that I can say ‘Thanks be to God’ for saving my soul! Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/26/15
WHEN MY children were beginning their double digits, and even while we thought they were above reproach, we were told; “just wait until they are 16!” We waited and nothing happened! Don’t get me wrong, our kids weren’t perfect but we never experienced anything like what is described in books; the news on TV and in the papers; nor what seems to come down the pike as stereotypes. Sassy? Absolutely! Bossy? Sometimes! Wanting to wear designer clothes? Right on! Kept their rooms picked up and clean? Never experienced that! We loved them and gave them a safe place to live. We weathered the storms and they became exceptional and deserving adults! Deserving children makes a parent happy, and pleases God!
WE NEVER experienced the drug scene, alcohol, promiscuity, deceitfulness, and trouble with the law. Jim and I would like to take the credit, but the credit belongs to our Savior! He not only saves our souls but He also gives us an identity in Him, which saves us from the world! God made it easy with our children, and we thank Him every day! “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart, to the standard of teaching to which you were committed.” Romans 6:17
I LOVE THANKSGIVING DAY! I am thankful that those in power so many years ago set a day aside for the whole country to give thanks to our God! What an amazing time that must have been! Today, many would like to do away with it; even though so many other countries, have adopted a day of their own to give thanks. Amazing how the world view changes when new people move up the ladder. But even though many hearts change, those who are faithful will continue to receive God’s blessing! “O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures for ever!” Psalms 107:1
SINCE THE DAYS began when Jim and I realized we were reaching that stage of maturity whereby our bodies didn’t want to go when we did, and didn’t want to stop when we thought it should; we have been so thankful and blessed in walking with the Lord. Our walk together began when we were young, married, and with children. We have to admit that it has been like a roller coaster ride, you know; with all the ups and downs, but oh what a ride!
“THANKS BE TO GOD who in Christ, always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved, and among those who are perishing. To one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?
We are not like so many peddlers of God’s word; but as men of sincerity. For we are commissioned by God, in the sight of God; to speak of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-17
TO THOSE who have chosen Christ as their Savior I say; “Thanks be to God!” To those who have not chosen Christ as their Savior I say; “If you want to be happy; choose Christ!
If you want to be a winner; choose Christ! If you want to live life to the fullest; choose Christ!
“Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you; He exalts Himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all who come to Him! Isaiah 30:18 I am pleased that I can say ‘Thanks be to God’ for saving my soul! Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/26/15
Saturday, November 14, 2015
ABORT OR NOT ABORT! 11/15/15
THERE ARE many different ways that are used to abort. I am not going into all of them but there are a couple of particularly repugnant methods of abortion, one of which is referred to as “partial birth abortion” and it goes like this. The Doctor reaches into the womb and turns the full term baby around. Then he proceeds with a breach birth. However, when the baby is all the way out except for the head, the doctor stops the birthing process. He then uses a pair of scissors to open a hole in the back of the baby’s head. He then inserts a tube through the hole into the baby’s brain. He then vacuums the baby’s brain out through this tube which of course, produces the desired result...a dead baby!
THIS ABOMINATION has been approved by some of the very highest officials of our land! I heard of another method a few years ago which I also want to share. I heard a young woman talk about her experience at the age of 14. She went to a clinic for 5 days when she was about 20 weeks along. She went through a preparation process, beginning with the first day by inserting a device in the birth canal to start the uterus to dilate, which ended on the fifth day. Then the Doctor inserted a saline solution into the embryonic sac, which caused the baby to suffocate and burn. Then she was instructed to sit upon a toilet where she aborted the baby. After the Doctor removed the after birth and cleaned her out, she was sent to a hotel for the night and then home. Mentally and physically she had never recovered!
INTERESTINGLY there are many birth control methods on the market. Some like the IUD, or the morning after pill, which aborts the fertilized egg. The pill, patch, the catchers mitt, micro chips under the skin, condoms and probably more, since I did my research. The IUD, is a coil that is wrapped around the wall of the uterus so that the fertilized egg has no place to land. I suppose that is a nice way to abort your baby! But it is still a way to abort! God created this process to give life! And who are we to kill it, but murderers!
IN A STAGE production called “Quilters”, in one scene there is a woman, who does not want another baby as this would be her 12th, and her last one laid her up for two months. As the women stand around her telling about all the babies they gave birth to, the Doctor is telling her that there was nothing he could do. Most of them had many with the highest number being 19. I suppose that is about the era that the formula appeared.
I OFTEN wondered why so many women of long ago had such large families! My mother told me that she used everything in the book to keep from getting pregnant, which made me wonder what books she read. I don’t know what I would have done without all of my siblings. Each one was unique in themselves and brought much love and pleasure to me. I could not imagine my life without them. I know that most of Mom’s pregnancies were a surprise. I heard her say once that if she lost one, she knew the Lord would give her another. However, when that happened; she said; “God knows best;” because she couldn’t have anymore babies!
TODAY Planned Parenthood Clinic’s, besides assisting in abortions, began a more lucrative side to their services, by harvesting the body parts. Their methods have changed; they wait for the baby to die in the womb or they remove the baby and leave it to die, so that things will be intact for experimental purposes. “To the woman He said, I will greatly multiply your pain in childbirth; in pain you will deliver, yet your desire shall be for your husband. Genesis 3:16 God tells Eve that her sorrow will be multiplied and she would conceive in sorrow. She would have pain! It matters not how we become pregnant, the results are the same. Those who are more blessed are those who know the Lord and do His will. Use your common sense in all instances. Mistakes and/or crimes are not the fault of the child! Your parents gave you life; give your baby a chance to live, and give God all the Glory and Honor! Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/22/15
THIS ABOMINATION has been approved by some of the very highest officials of our land! I heard of another method a few years ago which I also want to share. I heard a young woman talk about her experience at the age of 14. She went to a clinic for 5 days when she was about 20 weeks along. She went through a preparation process, beginning with the first day by inserting a device in the birth canal to start the uterus to dilate, which ended on the fifth day. Then the Doctor inserted a saline solution into the embryonic sac, which caused the baby to suffocate and burn. Then she was instructed to sit upon a toilet where she aborted the baby. After the Doctor removed the after birth and cleaned her out, she was sent to a hotel for the night and then home. Mentally and physically she had never recovered!
INTERESTINGLY there are many birth control methods on the market. Some like the IUD, or the morning after pill, which aborts the fertilized egg. The pill, patch, the catchers mitt, micro chips under the skin, condoms and probably more, since I did my research. The IUD, is a coil that is wrapped around the wall of the uterus so that the fertilized egg has no place to land. I suppose that is a nice way to abort your baby! But it is still a way to abort! God created this process to give life! And who are we to kill it, but murderers!
IN A STAGE production called “Quilters”, in one scene there is a woman, who does not want another baby as this would be her 12th, and her last one laid her up for two months. As the women stand around her telling about all the babies they gave birth to, the Doctor is telling her that there was nothing he could do. Most of them had many with the highest number being 19. I suppose that is about the era that the formula appeared.
I OFTEN wondered why so many women of long ago had such large families! My mother told me that she used everything in the book to keep from getting pregnant, which made me wonder what books she read. I don’t know what I would have done without all of my siblings. Each one was unique in themselves and brought much love and pleasure to me. I could not imagine my life without them. I know that most of Mom’s pregnancies were a surprise. I heard her say once that if she lost one, she knew the Lord would give her another. However, when that happened; she said; “God knows best;” because she couldn’t have anymore babies!
TODAY Planned Parenthood Clinic’s, besides assisting in abortions, began a more lucrative side to their services, by harvesting the body parts. Their methods have changed; they wait for the baby to die in the womb or they remove the baby and leave it to die, so that things will be intact for experimental purposes. “To the woman He said, I will greatly multiply your pain in childbirth; in pain you will deliver, yet your desire shall be for your husband. Genesis 3:16 God tells Eve that her sorrow will be multiplied and she would conceive in sorrow. She would have pain! It matters not how we become pregnant, the results are the same. Those who are more blessed are those who know the Lord and do His will. Use your common sense in all instances. Mistakes and/or crimes are not the fault of the child! Your parents gave you life; give your baby a chance to live, and give God all the Glory and Honor! Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/22/15
Saturday, November 7, 2015
NOT A MORAL ISSUE? 11/8/15
I DON”T usually start out with scriptures but this Morning Glory screams for God’s Word! Jeremiah 7:31; Jeremiah 19:5 and Jeremiah 32:35 all say; “And they have built the high place of Topheth, or the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I did not command, nor did it come into my mind.” WOW! “I did not command!” Human sacrifice such as that practiced at Hinnom was explicitly contrary to God’s command. Note: nor did it come into His mind!
AS YOU CAN SEE in regards to Baal worship and sacrificing baby boys and girls to their god Molech, God’s anger was kindled! Notice that this is written three times in Jeremiah; He mentions it over and over again. Many pagan religions were fertility gods, and also gods who required living sacrifices. God’s command to His people was to not intermarry or become involved with these pagan practices. They disobeyed!
WE KNOW THAT aborting babies is wrong, but you may not know that many people in the world, and some of the Christian community, do it not for sacrificing to a pagan god Molech, but to their god of convenience; embarrassment and for financial reasons. Actually that was the exact reason the people of biblical times sacrificed their baby’s. They sacrificed to their fertility god so that their crops would be abundant. However, today, some have chosen to abort from the womb because our laws say that is not murder. A murder charge is no longer given when killed outside of the womb (full term abortions), but is given when birthing is over and the baby is noted as a living breathing child, no longer a baby! Our laws have given women choice and many choose to abort instead of giving life! God’s command is for life!
WHEN YOU read the scriptures following the ones noted here, you will see just how disappointed God was with His people and how He brings down Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom. Later He called this place the valley of slaughter. Eventually the valley became the continually burning refuse dump for Jerusalem. In the New Testament it is referred to as Gehenna (or Hell), because it had the appearance of a “lake of fire.”
I LOVE the passage that reads; “For thou did form my inward parts, thou did knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise thee, for thou art fearful and wonderful! Wonderful are your works! You know me right well; for my frame was not hidden from you when I was being made in secret, intricately made, in the depths of the earth. Your eyes beheld my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalms 139:13-16 This passage describes how God created the process for re-creating His creation of man. It shows how even when we were mere substance, or mere egg and sperm that just collided, we were in motion with soul and spirit, which needed this process to give us a body. Most commentators don’t comment on the how many days, but I believe this is referring to the gestation period before birth!
IT BEGINS at conception! That could be through a sound marriage of love or through rape, incest, promiscuity. To kill that baby is murder! Just because at conception it looks like a piece of liver, it’s genetic code already exists, and it is completely different from the mother. At 11 weeks (the first trimester) the baby is formed, it’s organ systems are complete and functioning. He/she from this point on, grows only in size. Today you can actually see that baby in the womb and are able to give it a name. Why would you want to kill it!
IF WE truly believe that God is....then we will want to keep His commandments no matter how inconvenient it is...God loves us and wants us to be happy...we can only be happy if we do what is right, that is how through Christ, we can put on His righteousness! Think about what is happening and choose life! Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/22/15
AS YOU CAN SEE in regards to Baal worship and sacrificing baby boys and girls to their god Molech, God’s anger was kindled! Notice that this is written three times in Jeremiah; He mentions it over and over again. Many pagan religions were fertility gods, and also gods who required living sacrifices. God’s command to His people was to not intermarry or become involved with these pagan practices. They disobeyed!
WE KNOW THAT aborting babies is wrong, but you may not know that many people in the world, and some of the Christian community, do it not for sacrificing to a pagan god Molech, but to their god of convenience; embarrassment and for financial reasons. Actually that was the exact reason the people of biblical times sacrificed their baby’s. They sacrificed to their fertility god so that their crops would be abundant. However, today, some have chosen to abort from the womb because our laws say that is not murder. A murder charge is no longer given when killed outside of the womb (full term abortions), but is given when birthing is over and the baby is noted as a living breathing child, no longer a baby! Our laws have given women choice and many choose to abort instead of giving life! God’s command is for life!
WHEN YOU read the scriptures following the ones noted here, you will see just how disappointed God was with His people and how He brings down Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom. Later He called this place the valley of slaughter. Eventually the valley became the continually burning refuse dump for Jerusalem. In the New Testament it is referred to as Gehenna (or Hell), because it had the appearance of a “lake of fire.”
I LOVE the passage that reads; “For thou did form my inward parts, thou did knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise thee, for thou art fearful and wonderful! Wonderful are your works! You know me right well; for my frame was not hidden from you when I was being made in secret, intricately made, in the depths of the earth. Your eyes beheld my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalms 139:13-16 This passage describes how God created the process for re-creating His creation of man. It shows how even when we were mere substance, or mere egg and sperm that just collided, we were in motion with soul and spirit, which needed this process to give us a body. Most commentators don’t comment on the how many days, but I believe this is referring to the gestation period before birth!
IT BEGINS at conception! That could be through a sound marriage of love or through rape, incest, promiscuity. To kill that baby is murder! Just because at conception it looks like a piece of liver, it’s genetic code already exists, and it is completely different from the mother. At 11 weeks (the first trimester) the baby is formed, it’s organ systems are complete and functioning. He/she from this point on, grows only in size. Today you can actually see that baby in the womb and are able to give it a name. Why would you want to kill it!
IF WE truly believe that God is....then we will want to keep His commandments no matter how inconvenient it is...God loves us and wants us to be happy...we can only be happy if we do what is right, that is how through Christ, we can put on His righteousness! Think about what is happening and choose life! Jane Ann Crenshaw 10/22/15
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