WHEN I WAS in school one of the first things I learned about America is that it was a melting pot. A metaphor for a society of different nationalitites melting together into a harmonious common culture. It was used to describe the assimilation of immigrants to the United States. I understood that this concept was originally coined in the 1780's as a fusion of different nationalities, and culture blended into one flavor. Americans!
IT USE TO BE that when a foreigner came to America they learned the language and the culture; studied history, government etc and then became an American Citizen. They gave up the old ways of their country so they could be free to live and prosper. Not a bad concept!
TODAY, we fight over whether to speak English or retain their own language. They set up street names, after the country they came from, so they can retain a little bit of home. The Indian's born in this land declare themselves as "native Americans" which sets them apart. The colored people want to be called African Americans because it gives them a place in the sun as a special group of people. It seems that everyone who has some strong ties whether blood or appearance want to keep that as their identity. I suppose that is a natural feeling. I suppose if I had been born elsewhere I would want a little bit of that in me.
I WAS BORN in America! Through the years, when filling out papers, and it asks for my color or creed I just write; American, Christian. I have no other names! Why can't the rest of the people see that simply being an American sets them apart. Of course it comes with the bad but mostly, the good! History has been written, but why do we want to wade around in the whys and wherefores instead of enjoying what America has to offer.
BEING AN AMERICAN says that you live in the most prosperous land in the history of the world. The root is found in the Declaration of Independence. Being an American says we are generous. When there is a need somewhere in the world, we are there! On the Statue of Liberty it gives a call to all who are tired and poor, the humble masses yearning to be free. I suppose in our prosperity comes the takers, and not as many who are willing to give as well as take.
WHEN JESUS began His ministry, it was said; "Can anything good come out of Nazareth!" He was a stranger in His own land but He moved powerfully and deliberately. He was bringing life into the world. When America came into the world, it brought life with it because it was founded on Godly principles and ideals. Not everyone who came had those intentions but America thrived because of the hand of God.
THERE IS A anti Christian movement, that is setting out to destroy the armour that the Christians wear. I for one am not going to buckle under, nor am I going to faint. Since God has given me Morning Glory, I think I will use it in whatever way He lays out before me. I could care less if they put a mosque in New York. But I do care if it is to take the place of my God.
AS THE PEOPLE sacrificed their babies and children to the stone gods of Molech and Baal, God said; "I never commanded it, and it never entered my mind!" Jeremiah 7:31 God didn't know then that people would do such a thing as he mentions it two more times in Jeremiah. He destroys that piece of ground and turns it into the lake of fire as noted in Revelation 20:15, to which all those who reject Christ and His commandments, will ultimately be consigned.
INTERESTINGLY ENOUGH there are some who strap bombs on their children and send them out to bomb buildings, cars, bridges and in killing, call it a sacrifice for their cause. I think God is still shaking His head and saying; "I never commanded it, and it never entered my mind!"
"WHO IS THE LIAR but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist!" 1 John 2:22a The mosque belongs to the Anti Christ! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/17/10
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
ALL IS WELL! 8/15/10
REMEMBER the story of the Shunammite woman? I have loved reading this story along with teaching it to children and to women. I especially love the part when after her son dies and she goes to her husband and says; "Send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys that I may quickly go to the man of God and come back again." 2 Kings 4:22 Her husband was a little puzzled because there was no reason for her to go to the man of God. He asks her; "Why will you go to him today? She replies; "It will be well." 2 Kings 4:23-24
HER HUSBAND listens to her request, and her response to him, then quickly calls a servant and off she goes. It is always nice when our husbands listens to our sudden requests and knows us well enough that their response is positive, isn't it! When she is still in a distance from Elijah the servant comes to her and asks; "Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?" And she answered, "It is well."
IT IS WELL is one of my favorite lines in this story. It is well! This morning I can say that it is well with Jim. I have been playing nurse and have paid close attention to my instructions and for the most part Jim is listening and doing what I ask. He takes his blood pressure, checks his sugar, lets me check the pulse in his right foot but ignores me when I say so shower.
TOMORROW we will know if Jim is good to go in continuing his recovery mode. I know that the Shunammite woman was anxious about her son but calm because her trust was in God. We all know these feelings and we all have felt these moments of anxiety. Let us recite together; But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be yours as well. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day."
GOD IS talking about our life; food, drink and our bodies in general. Moment by moment; hour by hour; day by day should be our cry when we are faced with our frailness and mortality. There is no reason to cling to this life because heaven awaits. However, tomorrow can always be a glorious day! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/15/10
HER HUSBAND listens to her request, and her response to him, then quickly calls a servant and off she goes. It is always nice when our husbands listens to our sudden requests and knows us well enough that their response is positive, isn't it! When she is still in a distance from Elijah the servant comes to her and asks; "Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?" And she answered, "It is well."
IT IS WELL is one of my favorite lines in this story. It is well! This morning I can say that it is well with Jim. I have been playing nurse and have paid close attention to my instructions and for the most part Jim is listening and doing what I ask. He takes his blood pressure, checks his sugar, lets me check the pulse in his right foot but ignores me when I say so shower.
TOMORROW we will know if Jim is good to go in continuing his recovery mode. I know that the Shunammite woman was anxious about her son but calm because her trust was in God. We all know these feelings and we all have felt these moments of anxiety. Let us recite together; But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be yours as well. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day."
GOD IS talking about our life; food, drink and our bodies in general. Moment by moment; hour by hour; day by day should be our cry when we are faced with our frailness and mortality. There is no reason to cling to this life because heaven awaits. However, tomorrow can always be a glorious day! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/15/10
Saturday, August 14, 2010
MAJOR EVENTS! 8/14/10
THROUGHOUT MY LIFE I have experienced major events. As a kid just about everything out of the ordinary was a major event. When it comes to sports I witnessed my brothers and years later my grandsons excel in this arena of major events. Life is full of major events and many times we accept these occasions with a oh hum and move on. Once in a while one of these events causes us to set up and take notice. I know you all have been there in one way or another.
FOR QUITE A FEW YEARS I have witnessed many of my siblings go through difficulties that are best described as major health events. About seven years ago my son Danny experienced a huge event and two years ago I experienced a similar one. This week Jim went out on a limb and confided in his Doctor and has just experienced one of those same kind of events. Heart issues!
WHILE OUT WALKING this last Tuesday Jim experienced an episode. Two hours later he experienced another one exactly like the first except this time he was sitting in his chair. While at a routine follow up visit with his Doctor that same afternoon, Jim shared with him these two episodes and within two hours found himself in the hospital.
AFTER MUCH TESTING and finally an Angiogram, Jim had a stint put in his left major artery that was 95% blocked. I would say this was a major event, wouldn't you? That procedure was successful after several tries; however, they couldn't put the plug in where the catheter entered because the hole was to large. Jim had to wait in ICU and then the tubes, etc were removed only to find that a tiny aneurism was causing a problem.
AFTER SEVERAL days of trying to stop the leakage, no matter how small, was a trying ordeal. To operate or not to operate, that was the question. We finally were able to take Jim home without added surgery. Praise God!
I RECENTLY READ that we should endure the aches and pains of our body with patience. This is something that we should do also with our spiritual afflictions. Many times troubles come our way that we have no control over. Andrae Crouch's song helps me to put into perspective troubles that come. "I thank God for the mountains and I thank Him for the valleys; I thank Him for the storms He brought me through; For if I'd never had a problem, I wouldn't know that he could solve them; I'd never know what faith in God could do!"
WHEN WE REALIZE that God will not remove us from the pain and suffering but will walk along side us as we go through it, we are lifted higher and higher than we ever thought possible. Many times we think we are walking with God and we should, but when we realize that He is walking with us, it puts us on a different playing field. We discover that when it doesn't turn out exactly like we thought it would or wanted it to; God has shown us His way.
I KNOW I HAVE used this passage many times but then it is one of my favorites. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
WE HAVE EXPERIENCED many new emotions this week! We looked at each other with different eyes! These things come to us each time someone we love is hurting and suffering. Let us never forget the comforter is ours, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. Who comforts us in all our afflictions so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
GOD HAS GIVEN us experiences so that we may help others who will walk through the same things we have walked through. Let us help one another! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/13/10
FOR QUITE A FEW YEARS I have witnessed many of my siblings go through difficulties that are best described as major health events. About seven years ago my son Danny experienced a huge event and two years ago I experienced a similar one. This week Jim went out on a limb and confided in his Doctor and has just experienced one of those same kind of events. Heart issues!
WHILE OUT WALKING this last Tuesday Jim experienced an episode. Two hours later he experienced another one exactly like the first except this time he was sitting in his chair. While at a routine follow up visit with his Doctor that same afternoon, Jim shared with him these two episodes and within two hours found himself in the hospital.
AFTER MUCH TESTING and finally an Angiogram, Jim had a stint put in his left major artery that was 95% blocked. I would say this was a major event, wouldn't you? That procedure was successful after several tries; however, they couldn't put the plug in where the catheter entered because the hole was to large. Jim had to wait in ICU and then the tubes, etc were removed only to find that a tiny aneurism was causing a problem.
AFTER SEVERAL days of trying to stop the leakage, no matter how small, was a trying ordeal. To operate or not to operate, that was the question. We finally were able to take Jim home without added surgery. Praise God!
I RECENTLY READ that we should endure the aches and pains of our body with patience. This is something that we should do also with our spiritual afflictions. Many times troubles come our way that we have no control over. Andrae Crouch's song helps me to put into perspective troubles that come. "I thank God for the mountains and I thank Him for the valleys; I thank Him for the storms He brought me through; For if I'd never had a problem, I wouldn't know that he could solve them; I'd never know what faith in God could do!"
WHEN WE REALIZE that God will not remove us from the pain and suffering but will walk along side us as we go through it, we are lifted higher and higher than we ever thought possible. Many times we think we are walking with God and we should, but when we realize that He is walking with us, it puts us on a different playing field. We discover that when it doesn't turn out exactly like we thought it would or wanted it to; God has shown us His way.
I KNOW I HAVE used this passage many times but then it is one of my favorites. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
WE HAVE EXPERIENCED many new emotions this week! We looked at each other with different eyes! These things come to us each time someone we love is hurting and suffering. Let us never forget the comforter is ours, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. Who comforts us in all our afflictions so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
GOD HAS GIVEN us experiences so that we may help others who will walk through the same things we have walked through. Let us help one another! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/13/10
Sunday, August 8, 2010
HE GOT THE LOAN! 8/8/10
I RETIRED from a title company some years ago. While there, one of the title officers passed around a paper that I thoroughly enjoy reading and then quickly lost it. A few years ago I received another paper, not as official looking, through email. I kept it on my computer and wish to share it with you this morning.
A NEW ORLEANS Lawyer sought an FHA loan for a client. He was told the loan would be granted if he could prove satisfactory title to the parcel of the property being offered as collateral. The title to the property dated back to 1803, which took the lawyer three months to track down.
AFTER SENDING the information to the FHA, he received the following: (actual letter) "Upon review of your letter adjoining your client's loan application, we note that the request is supported by an Abstract of Title. While we compliment the able manner in which you have prepared and presented the application, we must point out that you have only cleared title to the proposed collateral property back to 1803. Before final approval can be accorded, it will be necessary to clear the title back to its origin."
ANNOYED, the lawyer responded as follows: (actual letter) "Your letter regarding title in Case No. 189156 has been received. I note that you wish to have title extended further than the 194 year covered by the present application. I was unaware that any educated person in this country, particularly those working in the property area, would not know that Louisiana was purchased, by the U.S. from France in 1803; the year of origin identified in our application. For the edification of uninformed FHA bureaucrats, the title to the land prior to U.S. ownership was obtained from France, which had acquired it by Right of Conquest from Spain. The land came into the possession of Spain by Right of Discovery made in the year 1492 by a sea captain names Christopher Columbus, who had been granted the privilege of seeking a new route to India by the Spanish monarch, Isabella. The good queen, Isabella, being a pious woman and almost as careful about titles as the FHA, took the precaution of securing the blessing of the Pope before she sold her jewels to finance Columbus' expedition. Now the Pope, as I'm sure you may know, is the emissary of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; and God, it is commonly accepted, created this world. Therefore, I believe it is safe to presume that God also made that part of the world called Louisiana. God, therefore, would be the owner of origin and His origins date back to before the beginning of time; the world as we know it AND the FHA. I hope you find God's original claim to be satisfactory. Now, may we have our loan? (Note) He hot the loan!
"IN THE BEGINNING God created the heavens and the earth!" Genesis 1:1 The first four words in this verse says; "In the beginning God!" You must believe that God is if you believe in God's Word. "IN THE BEGINNING was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1 Again you must believe that the Word is God; who was in the beginning. "All things were made through Him and without Him was not anything made that was made." John 1:3
FROM THESE SCRIPTURES we have come to believe and accept that all we have and will ever have comes from God. We are caretakers of our land, our possessions and even our existence. When we purchase a home and carry a mortage we say we are owners. When we purchase and carry no mortgage we say we are owners. God refers to us stewards; are we owners?
LET US consider how faithful or unfaithful we are as God's stewards; our responsibilities may be small or great. Our master is returning soon! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/6/10
A NEW ORLEANS Lawyer sought an FHA loan for a client. He was told the loan would be granted if he could prove satisfactory title to the parcel of the property being offered as collateral. The title to the property dated back to 1803, which took the lawyer three months to track down.
AFTER SENDING the information to the FHA, he received the following: (actual letter) "Upon review of your letter adjoining your client's loan application, we note that the request is supported by an Abstract of Title. While we compliment the able manner in which you have prepared and presented the application, we must point out that you have only cleared title to the proposed collateral property back to 1803. Before final approval can be accorded, it will be necessary to clear the title back to its origin."
ANNOYED, the lawyer responded as follows: (actual letter) "Your letter regarding title in Case No. 189156 has been received. I note that you wish to have title extended further than the 194 year covered by the present application. I was unaware that any educated person in this country, particularly those working in the property area, would not know that Louisiana was purchased, by the U.S. from France in 1803; the year of origin identified in our application. For the edification of uninformed FHA bureaucrats, the title to the land prior to U.S. ownership was obtained from France, which had acquired it by Right of Conquest from Spain. The land came into the possession of Spain by Right of Discovery made in the year 1492 by a sea captain names Christopher Columbus, who had been granted the privilege of seeking a new route to India by the Spanish monarch, Isabella. The good queen, Isabella, being a pious woman and almost as careful about titles as the FHA, took the precaution of securing the blessing of the Pope before she sold her jewels to finance Columbus' expedition. Now the Pope, as I'm sure you may know, is the emissary of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; and God, it is commonly accepted, created this world. Therefore, I believe it is safe to presume that God also made that part of the world called Louisiana. God, therefore, would be the owner of origin and His origins date back to before the beginning of time; the world as we know it AND the FHA. I hope you find God's original claim to be satisfactory. Now, may we have our loan? (Note) He hot the loan!
"IN THE BEGINNING God created the heavens and the earth!" Genesis 1:1 The first four words in this verse says; "In the beginning God!" You must believe that God is if you believe in God's Word. "IN THE BEGINNING was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1 Again you must believe that the Word is God; who was in the beginning. "All things were made through Him and without Him was not anything made that was made." John 1:3
FROM THESE SCRIPTURES we have come to believe and accept that all we have and will ever have comes from God. We are caretakers of our land, our possessions and even our existence. When we purchase a home and carry a mortage we say we are owners. When we purchase and carry no mortgage we say we are owners. God refers to us stewards; are we owners?
LET US consider how faithful or unfaithful we are as God's stewards; our responsibilities may be small or great. Our master is returning soon! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/6/10
Saturday, August 7, 2010
RED SUNSET! 8/7/10
UPRIGHT BRANCHING, oval tree! Foliage is dark green, glossy and in the fall the color is orange red to red. Can't wait! We put in a couple of new trees in our front yard. We saw the Red Sunset in a yard a few streets away from us this last fall and was thrilled at the brilliance of it's red color. Because there was a sale, buy one tree get a second one free; we ended up with a Purple Robe also. It is sort of on the order of our Golden Chain except the flowers are purple. During the fall it's foliage is yellowish!
MOST OF OUR Hollyhocks are red; we have a red front door and Jennifer has some red in her curtains. Jim's Mom loved red and we have some old glasses with red flowers in them that his Dad had given his mother many years ago. Years ago I wore a red chiffon over taffeta gown as a maid of honor in a wedding. I loved the dress, so I had it cut off and wore it as a cocktail dress without the cocktails. My favorite cologne is Red Door. Red is a spectacular color whether it is in your clothing; garden; your home or even in your hair.
I LOVE RED sunsets during the fall. The huge round harvest moon at night casts it's reflected lights around the perimeter of the sky line and fills it with colors of orange, reds and various shades of yellow. Just another one of God's masterpieces as he uses splashes of red!!
WHEN I WAS a child we would play outdoors until we were called in to go to bed. The sky was always a focal point as we would eventually run out of steam to the point of just laying on the grass looking up at the sky to see if we could count the stars. We would find the big dipper, the small dipper and speculate on what stars were actually planets.
THE SKY is our universe isn't it? The sky has kept the Astronomers in the scientific field busy since the beginning of time. The sky is a fascinating wonder of God's creation and probably was put there, not for our amusement and amazement, but purposely designed for our well being.
SOMETIMES, when I read the story of Job I am perplexed by how completely Satan set out to destroy his home, family, wealth, friendships, prominence, health and his faith in God. Seeing Red is what I imagined God saw, when he finally confronted Job with; "Where were you!" Sometimes I am amazed that anyone can falter in their belief of God and question His awesomeness and power. Has God ever said to you; "Where were you!"
WE ARE no better than Job! We falter throughout our days and entire life; stumbling, staggering and downright disobedient in our ways when it comes to knowing the will of God. Man is unable to understand totally God's creation and it's mysteries! We are still searching to understand the mysteries of animal and bird life let alone the mysteries of man.
"BEHOLD, God is great and we know Him not; the number of His years is unsearchable." Job 36:26 We revel in our own understanding and yet God is infinite and unsearchable. Man knows that God is, but he does not know who or what God is, except what He chooses to reveal.
"HE SEALS up the hand of every man, that all men may know His work!" Job 37:7 God uses His creation to establish mans days and his works. Through God's control of the elements He is able to control the actions of men. For instance, in the winter the farmer cannot plough and in blizzards all laborers stay at home. When we see God's sunsets, no matter where we live, we understand it is time for rest. Works for me!
WHEN GOD asks Job; "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me if you have understanding." Job 38:4 Sort of puts us into our place as part of His creation doesn't it? Sort of sets the tone of who is in charge, doesn't it? Where are you in your understanding of God? Are you at the foot of the cross? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/4/10
MOST OF OUR Hollyhocks are red; we have a red front door and Jennifer has some red in her curtains. Jim's Mom loved red and we have some old glasses with red flowers in them that his Dad had given his mother many years ago. Years ago I wore a red chiffon over taffeta gown as a maid of honor in a wedding. I loved the dress, so I had it cut off and wore it as a cocktail dress without the cocktails. My favorite cologne is Red Door. Red is a spectacular color whether it is in your clothing; garden; your home or even in your hair.
I LOVE RED sunsets during the fall. The huge round harvest moon at night casts it's reflected lights around the perimeter of the sky line and fills it with colors of orange, reds and various shades of yellow. Just another one of God's masterpieces as he uses splashes of red!!
WHEN I WAS a child we would play outdoors until we were called in to go to bed. The sky was always a focal point as we would eventually run out of steam to the point of just laying on the grass looking up at the sky to see if we could count the stars. We would find the big dipper, the small dipper and speculate on what stars were actually planets.
THE SKY is our universe isn't it? The sky has kept the Astronomers in the scientific field busy since the beginning of time. The sky is a fascinating wonder of God's creation and probably was put there, not for our amusement and amazement, but purposely designed for our well being.
SOMETIMES, when I read the story of Job I am perplexed by how completely Satan set out to destroy his home, family, wealth, friendships, prominence, health and his faith in God. Seeing Red is what I imagined God saw, when he finally confronted Job with; "Where were you!" Sometimes I am amazed that anyone can falter in their belief of God and question His awesomeness and power. Has God ever said to you; "Where were you!"
WE ARE no better than Job! We falter throughout our days and entire life; stumbling, staggering and downright disobedient in our ways when it comes to knowing the will of God. Man is unable to understand totally God's creation and it's mysteries! We are still searching to understand the mysteries of animal and bird life let alone the mysteries of man.
"BEHOLD, God is great and we know Him not; the number of His years is unsearchable." Job 36:26 We revel in our own understanding and yet God is infinite and unsearchable. Man knows that God is, but he does not know who or what God is, except what He chooses to reveal.
"HE SEALS up the hand of every man, that all men may know His work!" Job 37:7 God uses His creation to establish mans days and his works. Through God's control of the elements He is able to control the actions of men. For instance, in the winter the farmer cannot plough and in blizzards all laborers stay at home. When we see God's sunsets, no matter where we live, we understand it is time for rest. Works for me!
WHEN GOD asks Job; "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me if you have understanding." Job 38:4 Sort of puts us into our place as part of His creation doesn't it? Sort of sets the tone of who is in charge, doesn't it? Where are you in your understanding of God? Are you at the foot of the cross? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 8/4/10
Sunday, August 1, 2010
I LOVE HOLLYHOCKS! 8/1/10
MY MEMORY is vague as I remember the Hollyhocks of my youth. I see an alley behind our house on 4th avenue. Along a fence there were Hollyhocks blooming with red, pink, white with soft shades of pink, yellow and purple flowers popping out on long green stems with dark green foliage.
WHEN WE MOVED into our house in Klamath Falls,along the north side of the house, lots of long stems of green grew in the soft dirt which left no room to walk. At first they were just stumps and as the months passed and the weather warmed they grew tall. Around June and Into July they began to bloom. They were not only tall but full of color and sparkle which is what brought pleasurable memories flooding my mind.
THAT FIRST SUMMER my grandsons had picked many of the blooms and Faye, their mother, had memories of her own. She took those little flowers and made tiny girls spinning as though they were at a ball. I never knew you could do that! No one had ever showed me how to turn the flower upside down into a ball gown. They were so beautiful! Exquisite! Like, right out of a fairy tale. I discoverd that day, Faye and I love Hollyhocks!
THAT FALL Jim had a sidewalk put in, all around our house. This was so we could walk around the house as we got older without any problems. This meant he was going to have the Hollyhocks removed. I begged him not to take the ones out closest to the fence since the sidewalk would be up against the house. Today as I write, the fence is lined with tall stems filled with bright red blooms. Soon we will have many different colors lining the fence and I am already drawn back into my memories. In the morning as I talk with my Lord while walking around the house, I tell him; "Lord, thank you for Hollyhocks; I just love them!"
DO YOU HAVE A FLOWER that brings a memory along with it. Does it have a fragrance that reminds you of someone? When I smell the "Night Blooming Jasmine" I think of my mother. When I smell the fragrance of a Gardenia I remember my wedding and also think of my sister Joyce. God has given us such a wonderful tool that has so many wonderful aspects and yet we take it for granted. Our minds! While we have a mind let's use it to our advantage! Let's exercise it and keep it fresh and active! It's our mind that keeps us young; learning; seeking for answers.
WHEN MY MOTHER had forgotten something she would say; "I just put it out of my mind!" Perhaps she did and perhaps she had just forgotten. I am at the place in my life where I forget things. I forget where I put things; what I said and what I was going to do. My mother eventually came to a place in her life where she didn't even remember who her children were or who she was. She had Alzheimer's!
GOD USES HIS WORD to call to mind the ways of man, doesn't He? "A man's mind plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9 "A man of crooked mind does not prosper, and one with a perverse tongue falls into calamity." Proverbs 17:20 "Just as water reflects your image; so the mind of man reflects the man!" Proverbs 27:19
I HAVE HEARD that when Christ went to the cross, we were on His mind! Do you believe that? We know that His mother was on His mind because as He was suffering He made arrangements for John to care for her as his own mother. When the thief confessed his belief and asked to be remembered, he was immediately upon Jesus' mind. He prayed for the church while in the garden and yet the church was not yet in motion. We are the church and yes, I believe we were on His mind. We are on His mind today! One of my favorite verses, that I use often in Morning Glory is; "I should set my mind on the things above and not on the things of this earth!" Colossians 3:2 Oh, how I love you Lord; let me count the ways! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/27/10
WHEN WE MOVED into our house in Klamath Falls,along the north side of the house, lots of long stems of green grew in the soft dirt which left no room to walk. At first they were just stumps and as the months passed and the weather warmed they grew tall. Around June and Into July they began to bloom. They were not only tall but full of color and sparkle which is what brought pleasurable memories flooding my mind.
THAT FIRST SUMMER my grandsons had picked many of the blooms and Faye, their mother, had memories of her own. She took those little flowers and made tiny girls spinning as though they were at a ball. I never knew you could do that! No one had ever showed me how to turn the flower upside down into a ball gown. They were so beautiful! Exquisite! Like, right out of a fairy tale. I discoverd that day, Faye and I love Hollyhocks!
THAT FALL Jim had a sidewalk put in, all around our house. This was so we could walk around the house as we got older without any problems. This meant he was going to have the Hollyhocks removed. I begged him not to take the ones out closest to the fence since the sidewalk would be up against the house. Today as I write, the fence is lined with tall stems filled with bright red blooms. Soon we will have many different colors lining the fence and I am already drawn back into my memories. In the morning as I talk with my Lord while walking around the house, I tell him; "Lord, thank you for Hollyhocks; I just love them!"
DO YOU HAVE A FLOWER that brings a memory along with it. Does it have a fragrance that reminds you of someone? When I smell the "Night Blooming Jasmine" I think of my mother. When I smell the fragrance of a Gardenia I remember my wedding and also think of my sister Joyce. God has given us such a wonderful tool that has so many wonderful aspects and yet we take it for granted. Our minds! While we have a mind let's use it to our advantage! Let's exercise it and keep it fresh and active! It's our mind that keeps us young; learning; seeking for answers.
WHEN MY MOTHER had forgotten something she would say; "I just put it out of my mind!" Perhaps she did and perhaps she had just forgotten. I am at the place in my life where I forget things. I forget where I put things; what I said and what I was going to do. My mother eventually came to a place in her life where she didn't even remember who her children were or who she was. She had Alzheimer's!
GOD USES HIS WORD to call to mind the ways of man, doesn't He? "A man's mind plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9 "A man of crooked mind does not prosper, and one with a perverse tongue falls into calamity." Proverbs 17:20 "Just as water reflects your image; so the mind of man reflects the man!" Proverbs 27:19
I HAVE HEARD that when Christ went to the cross, we were on His mind! Do you believe that? We know that His mother was on His mind because as He was suffering He made arrangements for John to care for her as his own mother. When the thief confessed his belief and asked to be remembered, he was immediately upon Jesus' mind. He prayed for the church while in the garden and yet the church was not yet in motion. We are the church and yes, I believe we were on His mind. We are on His mind today! One of my favorite verses, that I use often in Morning Glory is; "I should set my mind on the things above and not on the things of this earth!" Colossians 3:2 Oh, how I love you Lord; let me count the ways! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/27/10
Saturday, July 31, 2010
AROUND THE CORNER! 7/31/10
HAVE YOU EVER thought about what lies just around the corner? It could be fame and fortune; excitement and pleasure; a long awaited surprise like a birthday, a wedding or perhaps a birth of a baby? Many times it takes a while to get to the corner but when we finally reach it, a feeling of anticipation can overtake us.
THE PROMOTION in the work place is anticipated, not quite in sight but, just around the corner it hangs in the balance. You have heard about moving into the corner office which meant you had basically arrived. I never quite made the corner office and even the one around the corner. However, I have experienced many different corners in my life, some with excitement and some with trepidation!
THE YEARLY moving up in a grade for me was a relief that I got promoted again. Graduation led to my becoming employed. My employment brought Jim into my life and with Jim, we became parents of two babies that grew and grew until one day we became in-laws and then the greatest corner of all to this day; three grandsons!
EACH YEAR I have celebrated a birthday and with each birthday I would round another corner of my life. I once was a baby; a toddler; then a child; a student; a teenager; a young adult; a young woman; a woman; a wife; a mother; middle aged woman; a grandmother; a mature woman; a retired woman; an old woman. Have you noticed that we all obtain titles each time we round a corner! All of the above come with the same wage! But titles are nice, aren't they!
IT AMAZES ME that I am married to a 74 year old man. I keep telling him I never thought about being married to an old man; but here I am! I suppose he feels the same way, since I am just right behind him! I don't exactly feel older; that is until I look in the mirror or when I experience yet another health issue that slows me up even more. I still want to be active in certain things like reading and teaching God's Word. I still want to see the light come on in the eyes of those wanting to know more about their Savior. I still want to be found ready just in case He comes in all His glory, while I am yet here in this place.
"SO THEN you are no longer strangers and sojourners but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit." Ephesians 2:19-22
AS WE HAVE GROWN in Jesus Christ we have built a firm foundation. We have only to stand firm in our belief; our faith and in our service within the Kingdom. I know very little about the construction of a building nor do I understand their terminology. I realize that to keep our faith from collapsing we must be strong just like buildings that have iron girders inside them to keep them from collapsing.
"FOR IT STANDS in scriptures; Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,a cornerstone chosen and precious and he who believes in Him will not be put to shame." 1 Peter 2:6 What is the cornerstone? It is a stone at the corner of two walls. This is important and demands attention. The signing of the Declaration of Independence was declared a cornerstone in American history.
JESUS IS THE CORNERSTONE OF THE CHURCH! Clear and simple! He was rejected and despised but yet He is the rock of ages that holds the church together. He is the cornerstone! He is the stone that causes men who do not believe to fall for they disobey the word. The church is the chosen race; God's own people! At age 10 I turned the corner and discovered hope eternal. You can too! Give Him your life; you'll be glad you did! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/27/10
THE PROMOTION in the work place is anticipated, not quite in sight but, just around the corner it hangs in the balance. You have heard about moving into the corner office which meant you had basically arrived. I never quite made the corner office and even the one around the corner. However, I have experienced many different corners in my life, some with excitement and some with trepidation!
THE YEARLY moving up in a grade for me was a relief that I got promoted again. Graduation led to my becoming employed. My employment brought Jim into my life and with Jim, we became parents of two babies that grew and grew until one day we became in-laws and then the greatest corner of all to this day; three grandsons!
EACH YEAR I have celebrated a birthday and with each birthday I would round another corner of my life. I once was a baby; a toddler; then a child; a student; a teenager; a young adult; a young woman; a woman; a wife; a mother; middle aged woman; a grandmother; a mature woman; a retired woman; an old woman. Have you noticed that we all obtain titles each time we round a corner! All of the above come with the same wage! But titles are nice, aren't they!
IT AMAZES ME that I am married to a 74 year old man. I keep telling him I never thought about being married to an old man; but here I am! I suppose he feels the same way, since I am just right behind him! I don't exactly feel older; that is until I look in the mirror or when I experience yet another health issue that slows me up even more. I still want to be active in certain things like reading and teaching God's Word. I still want to see the light come on in the eyes of those wanting to know more about their Savior. I still want to be found ready just in case He comes in all His glory, while I am yet here in this place.
"SO THEN you are no longer strangers and sojourners but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit." Ephesians 2:19-22
AS WE HAVE GROWN in Jesus Christ we have built a firm foundation. We have only to stand firm in our belief; our faith and in our service within the Kingdom. I know very little about the construction of a building nor do I understand their terminology. I realize that to keep our faith from collapsing we must be strong just like buildings that have iron girders inside them to keep them from collapsing.
"FOR IT STANDS in scriptures; Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,a cornerstone chosen and precious and he who believes in Him will not be put to shame." 1 Peter 2:6 What is the cornerstone? It is a stone at the corner of two walls. This is important and demands attention. The signing of the Declaration of Independence was declared a cornerstone in American history.
JESUS IS THE CORNERSTONE OF THE CHURCH! Clear and simple! He was rejected and despised but yet He is the rock of ages that holds the church together. He is the cornerstone! He is the stone that causes men who do not believe to fall for they disobey the word. The church is the chosen race; God's own people! At age 10 I turned the corner and discovered hope eternal. You can too! Give Him your life; you'll be glad you did! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/27/10
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