With Athen's tour completed, we arrived around noon at our port of call at Paereus and boarded our ship called Aegean I. It appeared to be much older than we anticipated but there was no turning back. The decks were bleached but the lounge was well kept. Our rooms were off to the left of the entrance. It was very small and stark with hard twin beds that looked as if they might have been designed for hardened sailors instead of two classy Americans. There was a port hole between the beds just above a small stand. A suitable closet for clothes but the suitcases went under the beds. Also, in our room was a small bathroom which had no room at all except for what was intended. The shower filled one corner the toilet the other. The sink and counter were directly across the other wall leaving a small passage between. However, our room was adequate as well as the whole ship. It was ours to share in this adventure of a life time.
Interestingly enough we paid extra for the window and wished that we didn't have it because the swells of the sea could be seen as well as felt which didn't help our sick feelings. Our first lunch on ship was a buffet luncheon which was beautifully arranged but not very appetizing to me. Lots of pasta salads, fruits, etc. Jim like it and so did Marie! We left Port at 4:00 pm and began cruising at a good clip on the Mediterranean towards Ephesus and the Island of Patmos. We were excited!
On Monday, March 11 we docked at Miletus and boarded our buses for Ephesus. It was interesting to note that as a coastal town the city Ephesus, which our guide pronounced as Ephesoos, in Bible times was close to the water. Today, sand and silt had filled in the land so that the sea is quite a ways from the town. Ephesus, the city where John, Paul and Tmothy preached the gospel of Jesus Christ was almost to much to absorb. Lots of marble and rock; columns and arches filled the city; 25% has been excavated which consist of four city blocks; where to begin! How to explain, the splendor of the past melting into a graveyard of decay.
Outside of the city is a vendor shop selling lots of stuff. Among the stuff were small images of the Goddess Diana most of which look pregnant while others showed male genitals. I wasn't comfortable. Because I have already written a devotional called; "It was carved out of Marble," I will not go into a descriptive detail about our visit to Ephesus. However, the public restrooms of the 5th century were very interesting. Even the wealthy who had their own private facilities sent their servants ahead to warm up their seats. There was a musical combo which played through out the day for the visitors enjoyment and to hide any various noises and sounds. This was a fifteen holer! A continual flow of running water carried off the waste to somewhere outside the city through a hidden drain. Very ingenious, I must say. A different fellowship!
As we were leaving the city we walked up a short incline. Our tour guide stopped us and said; "stop and look back at Ephesoos!" We did and as on cue we all said; "Oh my God!" She said; "This is called Oh My God Hill, because that is what everyone says as they look back. The view was spectacular! A shadow of what was, with only glimmers of it's beauty remaining.
As we look upon the ruins of Ephesus of today, we couldn't help think about the Ephesus in its hey day. "Paul an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God to the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 1:1 Yes; Ephesus was once a great and mighty place of God. Timothy was to remain on at Ephesus to instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines. In the 11th century this beautiful city fell and the fall was great! Today we have seen churches fall and we wonder. Today there are many who leave their first love. However, we must put our trust in God for He is still in charge. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/22/09
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Holy Land continued Athen's
During our walk we discovered that Athens was having a trash strike as trash was everywhere, especially on corners around large trash bins. Not very pretty! After we returned, a breakfast buffet was served. Checking out of the hotel we left for our tour of Athens. It was 9:00 am and the beginning of a great morning!
I can't remember our guides name but she was woman with a wonderful accent. Our bus wandered thru Athens where she pointed out many areas of interest. We saw a statue of President Harry Truman who had been influential in helping Greece after WW2 and that is how they paid tribute to him. Athens has approximately 5 million people and Greece has around 10 million. The streets were very narrow, particularly for buses but we traveled them anyway. All of the bus drivers in all the countries we went to were insane. Saw no houses but lots of high rise apartments, condos and townhouses. Everyone in Athens have balconies because they want to BBQ like Americans do. The city layout and construction looks chaotic. Very dark streets and no yards. We felt this probably was a result of centuries of wars and unstable governments.
Our first stop was at the foot of Mars Hill. "And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said; 'Men of Athens', I observe that you are very religious in all respects." Acts 17:22 Before we got off the bus one of the cruise directors asked if there was a preacher on our bus. He asked this preacher if he would tell the story of Paul and Mars Hill. The preacher said he could not do that on such short notice so I volunteered Jim. Jim was excited and told the story how Paul met with the learned men and asked them about their objects of worship, especially the one with the inscription; "To An Unknown God." You are worshiping in ignorance Paul exclaimed. These men spent most of their time discussing new things. They were curious and of course Paul was more than willing to share Jesus Christ with them. "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent." Acts 17:30 Just like today, some sneered at Paul's words but many believed.
Jim walked up the rugged marbled steps to the top. The steps were worn and very slippery from many years of use. The view from the top was spectacular! It made the hair on the back of his head stand up knowing he was standing where the great apostle Paul had stood.
To the right of Mars Hill is the Acropolis ruins. Jim went again by himself to walk thru these ruins to the Parthenon. He was impressed with the fact it was built in the 5th century BC. This day it was being repaired and even so, so magnificient. To stand there admiring these huge structures and knowing that people have done that for 2500 years is a phenomenal experience. At the entrance of the acropolis were three replicas of sculptures by the philosopher Socrates. I knew he was a philosopher but never knew he was also an artisan.
We boarded the buses and went to the Stadium where the 1896 Olympics were held. All marble structure, originally built in the 4th century BC. It was amazing to see how small it was compared to the facilities that are being built wherever the Olympics are held today. The oval of the track was quite different. It was much narrower and longer than the tracks we use today. I assume that even with the different dimension of the oval that it was still 400 meters long. "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games, exercises self control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 I couldn't help but think of Paul looking at this track and using this analogy to bring us to focus on our race and the prize we seek. Let it be the Christ! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/21/09
I can't remember our guides name but she was woman with a wonderful accent. Our bus wandered thru Athens where she pointed out many areas of interest. We saw a statue of President Harry Truman who had been influential in helping Greece after WW2 and that is how they paid tribute to him. Athens has approximately 5 million people and Greece has around 10 million. The streets were very narrow, particularly for buses but we traveled them anyway. All of the bus drivers in all the countries we went to were insane. Saw no houses but lots of high rise apartments, condos and townhouses. Everyone in Athens have balconies because they want to BBQ like Americans do. The city layout and construction looks chaotic. Very dark streets and no yards. We felt this probably was a result of centuries of wars and unstable governments.
Our first stop was at the foot of Mars Hill. "And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said; 'Men of Athens', I observe that you are very religious in all respects." Acts 17:22 Before we got off the bus one of the cruise directors asked if there was a preacher on our bus. He asked this preacher if he would tell the story of Paul and Mars Hill. The preacher said he could not do that on such short notice so I volunteered Jim. Jim was excited and told the story how Paul met with the learned men and asked them about their objects of worship, especially the one with the inscription; "To An Unknown God." You are worshiping in ignorance Paul exclaimed. These men spent most of their time discussing new things. They were curious and of course Paul was more than willing to share Jesus Christ with them. "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent." Acts 17:30 Just like today, some sneered at Paul's words but many believed.
Jim walked up the rugged marbled steps to the top. The steps were worn and very slippery from many years of use. The view from the top was spectacular! It made the hair on the back of his head stand up knowing he was standing where the great apostle Paul had stood.
To the right of Mars Hill is the Acropolis ruins. Jim went again by himself to walk thru these ruins to the Parthenon. He was impressed with the fact it was built in the 5th century BC. This day it was being repaired and even so, so magnificient. To stand there admiring these huge structures and knowing that people have done that for 2500 years is a phenomenal experience. At the entrance of the acropolis were three replicas of sculptures by the philosopher Socrates. I knew he was a philosopher but never knew he was also an artisan.
We boarded the buses and went to the Stadium where the 1896 Olympics were held. All marble structure, originally built in the 4th century BC. It was amazing to see how small it was compared to the facilities that are being built wherever the Olympics are held today. The oval of the track was quite different. It was much narrower and longer than the tracks we use today. I assume that even with the different dimension of the oval that it was still 400 meters long. "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games, exercises self control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 I couldn't help but think of Paul looking at this track and using this analogy to bring us to focus on our race and the prize we seek. Let it be the Christ! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/21/09
Monday, September 28, 2009
THE HOLY LAND REVISITED! 9/28/09
On March 7, 2002 we left Klamath Falls for Portland. On March 8th we boarded a 737 to take us from Portland to Minnesota. Ever since 9/11 airports became cautious and checking in and out were eventful. For us it was uneventful so far. The trip was filled with a lot of turbulence. It was so cloudy you couldn't see anything below. We had two babies and no other children so the trip was pretty quiet. Carry on luggage was a pain for everyone. We were served breakfast, such as it was. We arrived safely and met up with Marie, Jim's sister. We boarded the DC-10 along with approximately 280 other people, including kids and babies. This trip was a bit noisy. It was dark when we were getting close to our destination. We could see the European cities below and they were beautiful. They looked like very large pieces of gaudy jewelry. The colors were so bright and shimmery in a pattern very much like a homemade quit. The restrooms were clean and welcomed. This was important as we had a layover in Amsterdam. This was good because now we could meet up with other members of our tour.
Usually I have a much stronger consititution than Jim but not on these flights. My legs were beginning to give me trouble. The first two flight descents caused me to have some motion sickness - the last flight it was just the flight in general. It was 10:00 am, Saturday morning in Amsterdam and 10:00 pm, Friday night in Klamath Falls March 9th. I called Jennifer and Danny was there picking up the boys. I was able to talk with both of them and assure them we were enjoying so far, the first leg of our trip of a life time. No sense telling them the seats were too close together and not enough leg room; the isles to narrow so I was just not sick but had claustrophobia. We wondered what the difference would have been for first class.
We eventually boarded a 757 from Amsterdam to Athens. The Austrian Alps were spectacular from above. Saw the Acropolis from the air as we flew into Athens! We landed at the new Athens airport, newly built in preparation of the 2004 Olympics. We met many of the cruise directors and also, Nicolas the Greek, our tour guide from the airport to Athens. By this time I was very sick. The driver drove very fast; I had to keep my eyes closed.
We must have ate 4 times during this 24 hour period. We also had been awake! Even though it was a hectic hour drive to the Athenium International Continental Hotel there was a dinner buffet waiting for us in a lovely room. We looked around the hotel and in the gift shop I bought a bottle of cologne, L'Air de Temps. Of course, I had forgotten mine. Our room was beautiful! The time change was difficult. We were told not to go to bed until after 8:00 pm even though we had been awake by this time for 27 hours with intermittent resting periods. We lasted until 6:45 pm. We awoke at 9:30 pm on the 9th and again at 12:30 am on the 10th.
Wide awake, we sat up and munched on things provided by the hotel, at a great price. We tried to go back to sleep but around 2:30 am we got up and dressed. Headed out for a walk around 4:00 am. As we made our way outside there were many cabs across the way with many drivers. They saw us and yelled; wanting us to take their cab wherever we wanted to go. We said no and walked on, but could hear them muttering; "Americans!" "How can we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?" Psalm 137:4 We can sing the Lord's song in a foreign land because He goes with us wherever we go! Even to Athens! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/21/09
Usually I have a much stronger consititution than Jim but not on these flights. My legs were beginning to give me trouble. The first two flight descents caused me to have some motion sickness - the last flight it was just the flight in general. It was 10:00 am, Saturday morning in Amsterdam and 10:00 pm, Friday night in Klamath Falls March 9th. I called Jennifer and Danny was there picking up the boys. I was able to talk with both of them and assure them we were enjoying so far, the first leg of our trip of a life time. No sense telling them the seats were too close together and not enough leg room; the isles to narrow so I was just not sick but had claustrophobia. We wondered what the difference would have been for first class.
We eventually boarded a 757 from Amsterdam to Athens. The Austrian Alps were spectacular from above. Saw the Acropolis from the air as we flew into Athens! We landed at the new Athens airport, newly built in preparation of the 2004 Olympics. We met many of the cruise directors and also, Nicolas the Greek, our tour guide from the airport to Athens. By this time I was very sick. The driver drove very fast; I had to keep my eyes closed.
We must have ate 4 times during this 24 hour period. We also had been awake! Even though it was a hectic hour drive to the Athenium International Continental Hotel there was a dinner buffet waiting for us in a lovely room. We looked around the hotel and in the gift shop I bought a bottle of cologne, L'Air de Temps. Of course, I had forgotten mine. Our room was beautiful! The time change was difficult. We were told not to go to bed until after 8:00 pm even though we had been awake by this time for 27 hours with intermittent resting periods. We lasted until 6:45 pm. We awoke at 9:30 pm on the 9th and again at 12:30 am on the 10th.
Wide awake, we sat up and munched on things provided by the hotel, at a great price. We tried to go back to sleep but around 2:30 am we got up and dressed. Headed out for a walk around 4:00 am. As we made our way outside there were many cabs across the way with many drivers. They saw us and yelled; wanting us to take their cab wherever we wanted to go. We said no and walked on, but could hear them muttering; "Americans!" "How can we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?" Psalm 137:4 We can sing the Lord's song in a foreign land because He goes with us wherever we go! Even to Athens! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/21/09
Friday, September 25, 2009
ALSO-RAN!
In the horse racing business the first three horses across the finish line were always recognized as the winner, place or show. The Newspapers of the 19th century would publish the results of the first three horses by describing their times, owners and winnings. Other horses would be mentioned, but many just as 'also-ran'. Most readers were familiar with the horses and so this was well accepted among them.
The presidential electrions became more and more like a horse race. Many parties had came about and the field would be crowded. In reporting results of an election, newspapers dismissed many aspirants for the White House as an also-ran. This is one who was so far back in the field that his finish order wasn't even computed. By the turn of the century, the horse and political term was being applied to a person badly beaten in any competition.
Have you ever known someone who would be considered an 'also-ran'? Several times I voted for Jim as Governor of Oregon. Once I voted for Ronald Reagan before he ever ran. I always felt, that if I couldn't find something in the person running for office that I could approve, I would write in a name that I could approve. I guess my off the cuff votes, if they were tallied, could be considered, an 'also-ran'.
I have never liked running for office. When I decided I wanted to be the Sunday School Superintendent, it was an elected position in our church. I went to the Elders and suggested with the help of God, I could transform their Sunday School, but I wanted the approval of the Elders and not by an election. In our Women's Ministry I hated running for office, but when I did, I would run if I didn't really care about being elected. Not a good form!
To me, elections are sort of like being chosen to play on a ball team, where I was usually last and I hated that, but I wanted to play, so I suffered the humiliation. These feelings have kept me from doing many things that I would like to have been a part of. Was it pride or low self esteem? I sure wouldn't have like being classified as an 'also-ran'! Now that I am old and can look back on my idiotic ways I think I was just not sure that others saw me as I did.
When I met Jesus and began an ambitious walk with Him, I knew that one thing I was sure not going to do, and that was to be left out when He comes again. I wanted to be sure that I was doing what He wanted me to do when He came in all of His Glory. I wanted to be sure that I wasn't someplace, doing something, saying the wrong thing and not open and honest when He appears at the sound of the trumpet. I certainly never wanted to be an also-ran! Am I the only one who feels this way?
John, the Revelator, learned many things that were to come. In the message to the church at Sardis it says; "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die." Revelation 3:2a Sardis was the ancient capital of Lydia. This church was living in the past and was virtually dead. The Spirit was saying that those who were a remnant of what it was should hold steadfast and repent.
As we read about the bridegroom and the ten virgins we learn that five were wise and five were foolish. The wise ones were prepared to wait as the bridegroom tarried. The foolish ones discovered when the trumpet sounded that they didn't have enough oil in their lamps. The important message here is; "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." Matthew 24:13 The lamps seem to be referring to their lives which are either prepared or unprepared. The oil is referring to that which prepares them to give forth light. Don't be among the foolish! Don't be an 'also-ran'! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/1/09
In the horse racing business the first three horses across the finish line were always recognized as the winner, place or show. The Newspapers of the 19th century would publish the results of the first three horses by describing their times, owners and winnings. Other horses would be mentioned, but many just as 'also-ran'. Most readers were familiar with the horses and so this was well accepted among them.
The presidential electrions became more and more like a horse race. Many parties had came about and the field would be crowded. In reporting results of an election, newspapers dismissed many aspirants for the White House as an also-ran. This is one who was so far back in the field that his finish order wasn't even computed. By the turn of the century, the horse and political term was being applied to a person badly beaten in any competition.
Have you ever known someone who would be considered an 'also-ran'? Several times I voted for Jim as Governor of Oregon. Once I voted for Ronald Reagan before he ever ran. I always felt, that if I couldn't find something in the person running for office that I could approve, I would write in a name that I could approve. I guess my off the cuff votes, if they were tallied, could be considered, an 'also-ran'.
I have never liked running for office. When I decided I wanted to be the Sunday School Superintendent, it was an elected position in our church. I went to the Elders and suggested with the help of God, I could transform their Sunday School, but I wanted the approval of the Elders and not by an election. In our Women's Ministry I hated running for office, but when I did, I would run if I didn't really care about being elected. Not a good form!
To me, elections are sort of like being chosen to play on a ball team, where I was usually last and I hated that, but I wanted to play, so I suffered the humiliation. These feelings have kept me from doing many things that I would like to have been a part of. Was it pride or low self esteem? I sure wouldn't have like being classified as an 'also-ran'! Now that I am old and can look back on my idiotic ways I think I was just not sure that others saw me as I did.
When I met Jesus and began an ambitious walk with Him, I knew that one thing I was sure not going to do, and that was to be left out when He comes again. I wanted to be sure that I was doing what He wanted me to do when He came in all of His Glory. I wanted to be sure that I wasn't someplace, doing something, saying the wrong thing and not open and honest when He appears at the sound of the trumpet. I certainly never wanted to be an also-ran! Am I the only one who feels this way?
John, the Revelator, learned many things that were to come. In the message to the church at Sardis it says; "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die." Revelation 3:2a Sardis was the ancient capital of Lydia. This church was living in the past and was virtually dead. The Spirit was saying that those who were a remnant of what it was should hold steadfast and repent.
As we read about the bridegroom and the ten virgins we learn that five were wise and five were foolish. The wise ones were prepared to wait as the bridegroom tarried. The foolish ones discovered when the trumpet sounded that they didn't have enough oil in their lamps. The important message here is; "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." Matthew 24:13 The lamps seem to be referring to their lives which are either prepared or unprepared. The oil is referring to that which prepares them to give forth light. Don't be among the foolish! Don't be an 'also-ran'! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/1/09
Thursday, September 24, 2009
HELP ME! HELP ME!
Many times we find ourselves in situations where we need help. When we are young, it is easy to say; "Help me! Help me!" As we grow older it becomes more difficult to ask for help. It is difficult to admit that we can be helpless. We will try very hard to overcome our difficulty but in the end, we realize if we could have just asked for help, life would be a easier. Failure usually is on the horizon when we can't ask for help and we keep struggling along on our own.
When my #1 grandson, Adam was almost two, we had been on the road. We decided to stop and visit the kids for a day or so before returning home. Adam had the flu bug! We arrived on Saturday and opted to stay home with him on Sunday to allow his parents to go to church and lead worship. Adam and I built a tent in the living room out of blankets and crawled around on the floor. Every so often I needed to attend to his physical needs! One moment he would feel good and then the next he was so sick. At one of these sick intervals, he was lying on the bed and with tears in his voice said; "Grandma, help me; help me!" My heart ached! I called the church and asked Faye if we could give him some Kaopectate. At this point I assured Adam that help was on the way. It wasn't long after we started the medicine, he began to mend.
We have Doctor's and nurses who can prescribe liquids, pills and even advice. We have across the counter medicines that are also in the form of liquids, pills and many books with advice. Trying to follow the directions can have its problems but many times all of this works and we get better.
My brother Lynn was undergong chemo and radiation treatment. The usual side affects became apparent immediately. As his immune system began to decline, his metabolism began to decline also and his numbers became lower and lower. His magnesium, potassium, white and red blood cells came into play and I know Lynn wanted to call out; "help me; help me!" Kathleen began to read labels more than ever before. She began to wrack her brain for the best foods and supplements to push down him. At one point she began to wonder what her mother and mother-in-law would do about getting more potassium in him. She narrowed in on molasses! Within no time his potassium levels began to increase. Now she was on a roll and began to look at magnesium. Through all of these experiments, Kathleen sought the face of the Lord!
"When you seek my face, Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:12-13 Proverbs 8:17 is one of those short phrases; "I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me." God has given us an avenue in which we can ask Him to help us. The avenue of prayer! In the sermon on the mount, Jesus specifically outlines how we should live. How we can fellowship with Him and His father who is in heaven. "Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you! For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds and to him who knocks it shall be opened." Matthew 7:7
Those of us who call ourselves Christians and walk among the saints in God's Kingdom, know that when we ask, seek and knock; God hears and will respond to our needs with His special love and care. Just like Kaopectate and molasses brought results to a physical need, God brings results not only to our physical need but to our mental, emotional and spiritual needs. Only through God can we experience the miracles of life! Lord, I pray that when I come to you it is with clean hands and a pure heart! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/19/08
Many times we find ourselves in situations where we need help. When we are young, it is easy to say; "Help me! Help me!" As we grow older it becomes more difficult to ask for help. It is difficult to admit that we can be helpless. We will try very hard to overcome our difficulty but in the end, we realize if we could have just asked for help, life would be a easier. Failure usually is on the horizon when we can't ask for help and we keep struggling along on our own.
When my #1 grandson, Adam was almost two, we had been on the road. We decided to stop and visit the kids for a day or so before returning home. Adam had the flu bug! We arrived on Saturday and opted to stay home with him on Sunday to allow his parents to go to church and lead worship. Adam and I built a tent in the living room out of blankets and crawled around on the floor. Every so often I needed to attend to his physical needs! One moment he would feel good and then the next he was so sick. At one of these sick intervals, he was lying on the bed and with tears in his voice said; "Grandma, help me; help me!" My heart ached! I called the church and asked Faye if we could give him some Kaopectate. At this point I assured Adam that help was on the way. It wasn't long after we started the medicine, he began to mend.
We have Doctor's and nurses who can prescribe liquids, pills and even advice. We have across the counter medicines that are also in the form of liquids, pills and many books with advice. Trying to follow the directions can have its problems but many times all of this works and we get better.
My brother Lynn was undergong chemo and radiation treatment. The usual side affects became apparent immediately. As his immune system began to decline, his metabolism began to decline also and his numbers became lower and lower. His magnesium, potassium, white and red blood cells came into play and I know Lynn wanted to call out; "help me; help me!" Kathleen began to read labels more than ever before. She began to wrack her brain for the best foods and supplements to push down him. At one point she began to wonder what her mother and mother-in-law would do about getting more potassium in him. She narrowed in on molasses! Within no time his potassium levels began to increase. Now she was on a roll and began to look at magnesium. Through all of these experiments, Kathleen sought the face of the Lord!
"When you seek my face, Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:12-13 Proverbs 8:17 is one of those short phrases; "I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me." God has given us an avenue in which we can ask Him to help us. The avenue of prayer! In the sermon on the mount, Jesus specifically outlines how we should live. How we can fellowship with Him and His father who is in heaven. "Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you! For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds and to him who knocks it shall be opened." Matthew 7:7
Those of us who call ourselves Christians and walk among the saints in God's Kingdom, know that when we ask, seek and knock; God hears and will respond to our needs with His special love and care. Just like Kaopectate and molasses brought results to a physical need, God brings results not only to our physical need but to our mental, emotional and spiritual needs. Only through God can we experience the miracles of life! Lord, I pray that when I come to you it is with clean hands and a pure heart! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/19/08
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
SWEET BOYS ARE LIKE THAT!
Lynn was a year younger than I. He was a sweet boy and he grew to be a sweet man! My first memories of him was when I pushed him into a galvanized tub of HOT water. It scalded his bottom and Jean remembers rushing him to the hospital. Obviously he was tormenting me as little boys do to their sisters and I reacted! Everyone likes Lynn!
I remember that our home chores were never delegated to the boys. They may have taken the trash out, except for the trash in the bathroom; and perhaps burned it in the incinerator and when they got older to mowing the lawn. They were usually free to participate in all sports activities after school and also on weekends. I always said; Mom loved the boys best.
I remember a movie scout was interested in Lynn. Of course you had to pay for the screen test. With his red hair, blue eyes and freckled face; why not? He was sitting on the front porch waiting to go for his test. he was very unhappy! I asked him what was wrong and he said; "I don'it want to be a movie star, I just want to play football!" Well, he did play football and baseball in school but he never became a movie star. Lynn had a talent for people! A room lights up when he walksinto it, making everyone present, glad they came.
My son Dan, was a sweet boy and has grown into a sweet man! He never showed any desire to be competitive in sports or competitive in anything for that matter. However, his talents overflowed! He is an accomplished pianist and vocalist! In his quiet, unassuming way he has thrilled thousands with his spirit and strength upon the keyboard and with his life.
Obedience is a trait that most want in their children but it is not always realized. I remember when Danny was 4. It was time to let him go out front and become more acquainted with the world on that side of the house. I told him he could take whatever he wanted outside but he and all his things were to stay upon the front porch. A very small front porch! His only instruction was that he couldn't go off the front porch. My neighbor called me over and I stood inside her front bedroom so I could look out the window and watch Danny. Kids came by and then went on their way but Danny stayed on the front porch. I was watching for about 10 minutes and then returned home. Today when Danny comes into a room, it lights up and everyone present are glad they came. It amazes me that most of the boys I have known, have been like that. My brothers, my son, my grandsons. Even my Jim! Sweet boys all and now they have become sweet men or will be.
When Jesus came into the world He was a sweet baby in the manger. He was an obedient child except for when he forgot the time and stayed to long in the Temple with the elders. After all He was about His Father's business! "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men." Luke 2:52 The story is told about the first miracle that Jesus performs. "This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him." John 2:11 This sweet man called Jesus, showed His power, for the first time in public and from then on never stopped amazing those He came in contact with. Even those who wanted to destroy Him! I believe that whenever Jesus walked into a room, it became alive not only with the light of the world but with the presence of God. Only God can take a withered soul and make it new and strong and full of the spirit! Only God can fill an empty vessel and bring it to overflowing with substance, springtime and perfume. Only God can say; "Come and I will make you more than you ever thought you could be." Some say; "Boys will be boys!" But I say; "Sweet boys will be like Jesus!" By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/26/08
Lynn was a year younger than I. He was a sweet boy and he grew to be a sweet man! My first memories of him was when I pushed him into a galvanized tub of HOT water. It scalded his bottom and Jean remembers rushing him to the hospital. Obviously he was tormenting me as little boys do to their sisters and I reacted! Everyone likes Lynn!
I remember that our home chores were never delegated to the boys. They may have taken the trash out, except for the trash in the bathroom; and perhaps burned it in the incinerator and when they got older to mowing the lawn. They were usually free to participate in all sports activities after school and also on weekends. I always said; Mom loved the boys best.
I remember a movie scout was interested in Lynn. Of course you had to pay for the screen test. With his red hair, blue eyes and freckled face; why not? He was sitting on the front porch waiting to go for his test. he was very unhappy! I asked him what was wrong and he said; "I don'it want to be a movie star, I just want to play football!" Well, he did play football and baseball in school but he never became a movie star. Lynn had a talent for people! A room lights up when he walksinto it, making everyone present, glad they came.
My son Dan, was a sweet boy and has grown into a sweet man! He never showed any desire to be competitive in sports or competitive in anything for that matter. However, his talents overflowed! He is an accomplished pianist and vocalist! In his quiet, unassuming way he has thrilled thousands with his spirit and strength upon the keyboard and with his life.
Obedience is a trait that most want in their children but it is not always realized. I remember when Danny was 4. It was time to let him go out front and become more acquainted with the world on that side of the house. I told him he could take whatever he wanted outside but he and all his things were to stay upon the front porch. A very small front porch! His only instruction was that he couldn't go off the front porch. My neighbor called me over and I stood inside her front bedroom so I could look out the window and watch Danny. Kids came by and then went on their way but Danny stayed on the front porch. I was watching for about 10 minutes and then returned home. Today when Danny comes into a room, it lights up and everyone present are glad they came. It amazes me that most of the boys I have known, have been like that. My brothers, my son, my grandsons. Even my Jim! Sweet boys all and now they have become sweet men or will be.
When Jesus came into the world He was a sweet baby in the manger. He was an obedient child except for when he forgot the time and stayed to long in the Temple with the elders. After all He was about His Father's business! "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men." Luke 2:52 The story is told about the first miracle that Jesus performs. "This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him." John 2:11 This sweet man called Jesus, showed His power, for the first time in public and from then on never stopped amazing those He came in contact with. Even those who wanted to destroy Him! I believe that whenever Jesus walked into a room, it became alive not only with the light of the world but with the presence of God. Only God can take a withered soul and make it new and strong and full of the spirit! Only God can fill an empty vessel and bring it to overflowing with substance, springtime and perfume. Only God can say; "Come and I will make you more than you ever thought you could be." Some say; "Boys will be boys!" But I say; "Sweet boys will be like Jesus!" By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/26/08
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
JOY'S OF BEING A DAUGHTER!
I was born a daughter! Some are born never fully understanding what that means. To be a daughter means that you have begun a school program that is mostly relegated to the home. Usually the school isn't actually available to you until you show signs of interest. The first time you say; "Mommy I help!" Or perhaps it could be; "Me do", is just the beginning!" Mom's teach daughters how to sort, fold, iron and run machines. Mom's teach daughters to dust, sweep, mop and vacuum. Mom's teach decorating skills and how to never throw anything away. There is always room on the wall for another picture. Mom's give cooking instructions and 'how to' books to read!
When the daughter leaves home the school is still open and available for refresher courses and even additional instructions on how to please your man. If she is the right kind of Mom, all of the above is clearly a joy to her soul. If she is not the right kind of Mom, all of the above is a pain and further instruction is; "you are old enough to figure it out for yourself."
When I became the Mom, I not only wanted to teach my daughter these things but I wanted my son to know how to do these things too. Willing sons make good husbands! Jennifer was a "me do" kind of gal. She needed to try it on her own, making her own mistakes and eventually, letting me help her. Jennifer and I live together and we find that the learning has been a little bit reversed. I have learned to let her lead! It's okay to do it her way, as long as I can show her my way. Of course most daughters listen and then do it their way in the end. That's how they become the teachers themselves. My daughter is now my friend! When you become friends, life is good!
Daughter-in-laws come from the same kind of school, but with a different name. Daughter-in-laws never seem to do things the same way that the Mother-in-law does them, because they are very much their Mother's daughter. Her techniques are a little different! Even though both techniques are different the same objective is reached. I have a daughter-in-law who is a pure delight to her in-law's souls. She supports her husband in his successes and failures. She is ready to pick up the pieces when her sons appear to be broken. She works, cleans, cooks, runs a taxi service. Performs in stage productions and leads Sunday Morning Worship with her husband. Her schedule is a busy one and it reminds me of when I was in her shoes. Faye knows where she wants to go and does her best to get there. We are friends! When you become friends, life is good!
Many have read Proverbs 31 about the woman of virture. This woman started out as a daughter. To paraphrase verses 28-31 it says; "Her children respect her and her husband praises her. Many other daughters have been noble but you, woman of Proverbs, excel them all. Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain. But the woman who fears the Lord, shall be praised! Give her the product of her hands and let her works praise her in the gates." Obviously, this woman went to 'Daughter school' and 'Daughter-in-law school' where she graduated with flying colors!
Matthew 10:34-35 Jesus says; "Do not think I came to bring peace. I did not! I came with a sword! I will set man against his father, daughter against her mother and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law." In verses 37-38 Jesus also says; "He who loves his family more than Me is not worthy of Me." However verse 39 says; "He who has found his life shall lose it and he who loses it for my sake shall find it." For Mom's, daughter's school is fun! For daughters, daughter's school is a life long challenge. But the joy that comes in the morning is from the Lord! He blesses those that belong to Him! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/29/08
I was born a daughter! Some are born never fully understanding what that means. To be a daughter means that you have begun a school program that is mostly relegated to the home. Usually the school isn't actually available to you until you show signs of interest. The first time you say; "Mommy I help!" Or perhaps it could be; "Me do", is just the beginning!" Mom's teach daughters how to sort, fold, iron and run machines. Mom's teach daughters to dust, sweep, mop and vacuum. Mom's teach decorating skills and how to never throw anything away. There is always room on the wall for another picture. Mom's give cooking instructions and 'how to' books to read!
When the daughter leaves home the school is still open and available for refresher courses and even additional instructions on how to please your man. If she is the right kind of Mom, all of the above is clearly a joy to her soul. If she is not the right kind of Mom, all of the above is a pain and further instruction is; "you are old enough to figure it out for yourself."
When I became the Mom, I not only wanted to teach my daughter these things but I wanted my son to know how to do these things too. Willing sons make good husbands! Jennifer was a "me do" kind of gal. She needed to try it on her own, making her own mistakes and eventually, letting me help her. Jennifer and I live together and we find that the learning has been a little bit reversed. I have learned to let her lead! It's okay to do it her way, as long as I can show her my way. Of course most daughters listen and then do it their way in the end. That's how they become the teachers themselves. My daughter is now my friend! When you become friends, life is good!
Daughter-in-laws come from the same kind of school, but with a different name. Daughter-in-laws never seem to do things the same way that the Mother-in-law does them, because they are very much their Mother's daughter. Her techniques are a little different! Even though both techniques are different the same objective is reached. I have a daughter-in-law who is a pure delight to her in-law's souls. She supports her husband in his successes and failures. She is ready to pick up the pieces when her sons appear to be broken. She works, cleans, cooks, runs a taxi service. Performs in stage productions and leads Sunday Morning Worship with her husband. Her schedule is a busy one and it reminds me of when I was in her shoes. Faye knows where she wants to go and does her best to get there. We are friends! When you become friends, life is good!
Many have read Proverbs 31 about the woman of virture. This woman started out as a daughter. To paraphrase verses 28-31 it says; "Her children respect her and her husband praises her. Many other daughters have been noble but you, woman of Proverbs, excel them all. Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain. But the woman who fears the Lord, shall be praised! Give her the product of her hands and let her works praise her in the gates." Obviously, this woman went to 'Daughter school' and 'Daughter-in-law school' where she graduated with flying colors!
Matthew 10:34-35 Jesus says; "Do not think I came to bring peace. I did not! I came with a sword! I will set man against his father, daughter against her mother and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law." In verses 37-38 Jesus also says; "He who loves his family more than Me is not worthy of Me." However verse 39 says; "He who has found his life shall lose it and he who loses it for my sake shall find it." For Mom's, daughter's school is fun! For daughters, daughter's school is a life long challenge. But the joy that comes in the morning is from the Lord! He blesses those that belong to Him! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/29/08
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