CHRISTMAS EVE we attended two candle light services. Afterwards, we blew out the candles and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus. We read a little story which told of the journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus, our Savior. We ate small sandwiches and lots of other good stuff with a chocolate cake for dessert; Jesus' birthday cake! We opened presents, as though it was Christmas morn. A night of love for each other and we felt the love coming down from above.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY we opened stocking stuffer's, shared in a wonderful meal of primerib and enjoyed the kind of family day that only comes on Christmas. We took naps and later on went to a Catholic Eucharist which is the Holy Communion where Danny plays and leads the Saturday worship in music. Adam worked which has begun a new chapter in our lives. Can't always plan on the whole family coming together on Christmas day!
JIM AND I completed this years 12 Days of Christmas and felt blessed to have been able to visit with at least 13, which included 3 of our own family. We began doing what we call 12 Days of Christmas in 1995. We stopped right after we moved when we retired in 2001 and started up again in 2007. I love visiting ahd hearing about all these people who were once young and full of vigor of youth. We don't call on the elderly only, but they are the ones who need to be called on the most.
THERE ARE many programs that require a sacrifice of time, money and self. I read about these and often wondered where I would fit in. I fit in the church! The church has needs! It needs the tithe of it's members to operate in the black. It needs your time to fill in all the nooks and crannies of the family. It needs caring people who are willing to offer comfort, food and support wherever needed. It never fails that around Christmas, these things are most in need.
GIFTS are not the real meaning of Christmas; food is not the real meaning of Christmas; shopping is not the real meaning of Christmas. The real meaning is "Love came down" and the needs of the people are far more important than any of the things we think we must get done. I discovered a little song written by Estelle Levin and Lee Pockriss. Let's see if you remember it!
"KATHY got a dolly that cries and blinks its eyes; Jimmy got an automatic plane that really flies. But we were poor that Christmas, so Momma stayed up all night long. Sitting in the kitchen making us a present; it was this song." (Verse 1)
(Chorus) "CHURCH bells ring-a-ling, angels sing-a-ling; Happy Birthday, Jesus. Snow flakes ting-a-ling, sleigh bells jing-a-ling; Happy Birthday Jesus. All year long we wait just to celebrate this Christmas morn. 'Cause we want You to know we're so glad you were born. Oh, have a very, merry happy birthday Jesus.
"TEDDY bears get broken, and trains will rust away; All the fancy playthings seem to fall apart one day. But I was very lucky, when everybody's gift was gone, I still had my present; Momma's song of Christmas, lived on and on." (verse 2)
"CHRISTMAS is for children, and now I have my own; Their eyes are full of wonder when all the toys are shown. But I'll give them something better than anything that's on TV. Something very special, something made forever, this melody; (verse 3) Chorus: CHURCH bells ring-a-ling, angels sing-a-ling; Happy Birthday Jesus. Snow flakes ting-a-ling, sleight bells, jing-a-ling; Happy Birthday Jesus. All year long we wait just to celebrate this Christmas morn. 'Cause we want You to know we're so glad you were born. Oh, have a very, merry Happy Birthday, Jesus."
I TRUST your Christmas celebration included the baby Jesus being born; I pray that you do not keep Him in the manger. He grew into a man who went about doing good so that you would learn how to follow Him to the cross. Jesus said to all; "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23 By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/22/10
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
FIRSTS! 12/19/10
IN OUR LIFE times 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.
RECENTLY, I read a couple of poems on the internet. Both were called “My First Christmas in Heaven!” One was by a 13 year old boy named Ben you died shortly after, from a brain tumor in 1997. The other was by Anonymous who obviously was a seasoned Christian with maturity. Both were filled with glorious incites into the promises of God.
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. But considering the promises of God, we should probably feel a little excitement about the possibility’s, of their first Christmas in heaven!
I HAVE TO ADMIT, I never thought of my loved ones in those terms; which is beyond imagination! I never really thought about them at a Christmas party or experiencing anything other than their first day in heaven. I have to admit, I wonder what it was like but never imagined their first Christmas....Since there is no morning or night; everyday in God’s presence seemed good enough to me. Let’s ponder a first Christmas in Heaven!
CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN By Jim Crenshaw "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 to earth 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 the 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; And husbands and wives 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.”
JIM HAS a talent of putting words to his guitar. Sounds a little like Johnnie Cash when he puts it all together. Even so, you can say the poem with a little pizzaz if you give it a little swing with the rhythm of Johnnie. I am sure he wouldn’t mind!
"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 The commentary at the end of Revelation of my Harper Study Bible RSV 1952/1962 says; “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 contented.”
WE WEEP because we love much; we sob because we miss much; we look towards the heavens in anticipation; because we know we will meet again in a different place and a different time. 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 . By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/17/10
RECENTLY, I read a couple of poems on the internet. Both were called “My First Christmas in Heaven!” One was by a 13 year old boy named Ben you died shortly after, from a brain tumor in 1997. The other was by Anonymous who obviously was a seasoned Christian with maturity. Both were filled with glorious incites into the promises of God.
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. But considering the promises of God, we should probably feel a little excitement about the possibility’s, of their first Christmas in heaven!
I HAVE TO ADMIT, I never thought of my loved ones in those terms; which is beyond imagination! I never really thought about them at a Christmas party or experiencing anything other than their first day in heaven. I have to admit, I wonder what it was like but never imagined their first Christmas....Since there is no morning or night; everyday in God’s presence seemed good enough to me. Let’s ponder a first Christmas in Heaven!
CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN By Jim Crenshaw "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 to earth 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 the 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; And husbands and wives 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.”
JIM HAS a talent of putting words to his guitar. Sounds a little like Johnnie Cash when he puts it all together. Even so, you can say the poem with a little pizzaz if you give it a little swing with the rhythm of Johnnie. I am sure he wouldn’t mind!
"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 The commentary at the end of Revelation of my Harper Study Bible RSV 1952/1962 says; “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 contented.”
WE WEEP because we love much; we sob because we miss much; we look towards the heavens in anticipation; because we know we will meet again in a different place and a different time. 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 . By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/17/10
Friday, December 10, 2010
FOURTEEN DAYS AND COUNTING! 12/10/10
THIS MORNING Jim, Jennifer and I set out for Eugene to go shopping in the Mall! We are leaving early enough so we will have plenty of time. Hoping to connect with my sister-in-law Kathleen and perhaps a couple of friends. It should be a great time of visiting; getting caught up; having lunch and did I mention, shopping?
IF EVER there was someone born to shop, it is Jennifer. Ever since she learned how to count money, write checks and then began using a debit card, shopping is a daily activity; especially around Christmas. I keep reminding her; "You are not Santa Claus!" She smiles and then files another completed list. Another thing Jennifer likes to do is organize the wrapping and keeping track of what is a present and what is merely a stocking stuffer. Believe me, everyone needs a Jennifer!
EVEN THOUGH I love to Christmas shop; even though I love the lights, tinsel and clitter; even though I love the smell of baking and of course eating all the goodies; I have never forgotten that this is Christ's birthday! How can I! How can anyone not remember what this season is all about?
I REMEMBER hearing a preacher talk about putting a manger scene in the front window instead of a Christmas tree. I remember he suggested bringing gifts for those who were less fortunate, instead of family. I remember, he thought that using the money to give to the needy instead of purchasing a tree, decorations and whatever else you normally would buy; would be as though you were giving the gifts to the newborn baby Jesus.
I SORT of remember that my sister Janice and her family were going away for Christmas and so she decided that she would use something other than a tree because they wouldn't be home. For some reason, instead of a manger scene, I keep thinking she decorated a tumble weed. That was possible, living in California. However, I don't remember everything as it was; I suppose I could have dreamt that.
LET'S PUT CHRIST BACK into Christmas and not only sing the carols and attend the pageants and the Christmas Eve Service, but let's greet one another with; "Happy Christ's Day!" The word Christmas has become so commercialize that clarifying it, would help to put the meaning back in it's place. We say; "Happy Birthday" to each other; we sing Happy Birthday when the occasion arrives. Why not wish Jesus a "Happy Birthday" in our Christmas greetings and see what happens. Could this start a revolution or what? Oh I know it would be just as politically incorrect as Merry Christmas is!
"FOR UNTO you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord!" Luke 2:11 How astounding is that? When Jesus was born, He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. Who could make up stuff like this? "And all they, that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the Shepherds." Luke 2:18
JUST AS MARY pondered these things in her heart, we too ponder these things! However, we can go back and read and reread and feel the peace that passes all understanding. I for one will never forget that we celebrate Christ's birthday on December 25th; 14 days and counting!
HAPPY CHRIST'S BIRTHDAY to all Morning Glory followers. Enjoy your family and friends! Get all excited when you see the lights and sing the songs. Let's give God the glory for such a time as this; remember, He is the giver of life and a Christian's life begins with HIm! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/9/10
IF EVER there was someone born to shop, it is Jennifer. Ever since she learned how to count money, write checks and then began using a debit card, shopping is a daily activity; especially around Christmas. I keep reminding her; "You are not Santa Claus!" She smiles and then files another completed list. Another thing Jennifer likes to do is organize the wrapping and keeping track of what is a present and what is merely a stocking stuffer. Believe me, everyone needs a Jennifer!
EVEN THOUGH I love to Christmas shop; even though I love the lights, tinsel and clitter; even though I love the smell of baking and of course eating all the goodies; I have never forgotten that this is Christ's birthday! How can I! How can anyone not remember what this season is all about?
I REMEMBER hearing a preacher talk about putting a manger scene in the front window instead of a Christmas tree. I remember he suggested bringing gifts for those who were less fortunate, instead of family. I remember, he thought that using the money to give to the needy instead of purchasing a tree, decorations and whatever else you normally would buy; would be as though you were giving the gifts to the newborn baby Jesus.
I SORT of remember that my sister Janice and her family were going away for Christmas and so she decided that she would use something other than a tree because they wouldn't be home. For some reason, instead of a manger scene, I keep thinking she decorated a tumble weed. That was possible, living in California. However, I don't remember everything as it was; I suppose I could have dreamt that.
LET'S PUT CHRIST BACK into Christmas and not only sing the carols and attend the pageants and the Christmas Eve Service, but let's greet one another with; "Happy Christ's Day!" The word Christmas has become so commercialize that clarifying it, would help to put the meaning back in it's place. We say; "Happy Birthday" to each other; we sing Happy Birthday when the occasion arrives. Why not wish Jesus a "Happy Birthday" in our Christmas greetings and see what happens. Could this start a revolution or what? Oh I know it would be just as politically incorrect as Merry Christmas is!
"FOR UNTO you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord!" Luke 2:11 How astounding is that? When Jesus was born, He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. Who could make up stuff like this? "And all they, that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the Shepherds." Luke 2:18
JUST AS MARY pondered these things in her heart, we too ponder these things! However, we can go back and read and reread and feel the peace that passes all understanding. I for one will never forget that we celebrate Christ's birthday on December 25th; 14 days and counting!
HAPPY CHRIST'S BIRTHDAY to all Morning Glory followers. Enjoy your family and friends! Get all excited when you see the lights and sing the songs. Let's give God the glory for such a time as this; remember, He is the giver of life and a Christian's life begins with HIm! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/9/10
Saturday, December 4, 2010
A B C D 12/4/10
ALL LITTLE girls, at least when I was a little girl, when given an apple, would twist the stem and say her ABC's and the letter, the stem came off with, was the first initial of the boy she would marry. Do you remember doing that? I really don't know if the boys had a similar system for knowing who they would marry, but little girls had several. To this day, when I have an apple in my hand, I automatically start twisting the stem and saying my ABC's. I still try for J, because when I was a girl, the boy's name I had the biggest crush on, began with a J. Today, I want to be faithful to the man I married who's name begins with a J; even with twisting the stem on an apple.
WE LEARN so well when we are children. We learn and remember! I am not saying that all children are smart; I am saying that when we are children we learn more than we do, when we are older. Children learn to crawl, walk and talk. Children learn colors; how to write their name; to add and and subtract and even to tie their shoes. Most of these things they retain all their lives by doing them every day. Circumstances only can keep a child from learning these things and even losing the ability as they grow older. But on the whole, most start out well prepared.
I WAS REMINDED about the stem on the apple a few days ago. I was preparing Jennifer's lunch for her to take to work and before I washed the apple I began to automatically twist the stem. I said to Jim; "I do this every time I pick up an apple!" Without even looking at what I was doing, he said; "doing your ABC's?" He knew! I suppose I had mentioned that to him before. He seldom forgets!
WHY IS IT I can remember to do that, but have trouble remembering what I am suppose to be doing; like fixing Jennifer's lunch. Oh yes, sometimes I forget and remember when I hear her in the kitchen putting it together. I still know how to tie my shoes, even though I have difficulty doing it. We take this gift, God has so expertly instilled in us, for granted! Oh yes we do! We take everything for granted when in fact, we should be thankful for the way God has put us together, in such an unprecedented way; that is still baffling the greatest minds of all time.
AS I GET OLDER and wiser, these thoughts come into my mind; how I have been able to function all these years. My life is becoming, apparently more fragile. My hands don't want to work as they use to. My tongue gets a little twisted when I am speaking. My eyes don't see as well and in a few years I probably will need hearing aids so I can distinguish the correct sounds of words. Until then my hearing is normal, for a woman my age!
"FOR YOU formed my inward parts, You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You, for You are fearful and wonderful. Wonderful are Your works! You know me right well; my frame was not hidden from You, when I was being made in secret; intricately wrought in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance that was being formed. And in Your book were all the days fashioned for me; when as yet there was none of them." Psalms 139:13-16
I HAVE pondered this passage because, some believe it indicates that God has ordained all the days that I should live. I wonder! Sin has caused the death process and sin is what takes it's toll on the body. We begin the aging process as soon as we take our first breath! I have witnessed newborn's, children, young adults in the prime of their lives and the elderly living beyond their years and yet they die at such inopportune times. What determines when it is time?
"IF NO ONE knows what will happen, who can tell him when it will happen? No man has authority to restrain the wind; or authority over the day of his death!" Ecclesiates 8:7-8a Our trust and obedience is required here, not our understanding! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/1/10
WE LEARN so well when we are children. We learn and remember! I am not saying that all children are smart; I am saying that when we are children we learn more than we do, when we are older. Children learn to crawl, walk and talk. Children learn colors; how to write their name; to add and and subtract and even to tie their shoes. Most of these things they retain all their lives by doing them every day. Circumstances only can keep a child from learning these things and even losing the ability as they grow older. But on the whole, most start out well prepared.
I WAS REMINDED about the stem on the apple a few days ago. I was preparing Jennifer's lunch for her to take to work and before I washed the apple I began to automatically twist the stem. I said to Jim; "I do this every time I pick up an apple!" Without even looking at what I was doing, he said; "doing your ABC's?" He knew! I suppose I had mentioned that to him before. He seldom forgets!
WHY IS IT I can remember to do that, but have trouble remembering what I am suppose to be doing; like fixing Jennifer's lunch. Oh yes, sometimes I forget and remember when I hear her in the kitchen putting it together. I still know how to tie my shoes, even though I have difficulty doing it. We take this gift, God has so expertly instilled in us, for granted! Oh yes we do! We take everything for granted when in fact, we should be thankful for the way God has put us together, in such an unprecedented way; that is still baffling the greatest minds of all time.
AS I GET OLDER and wiser, these thoughts come into my mind; how I have been able to function all these years. My life is becoming, apparently more fragile. My hands don't want to work as they use to. My tongue gets a little twisted when I am speaking. My eyes don't see as well and in a few years I probably will need hearing aids so I can distinguish the correct sounds of words. Until then my hearing is normal, for a woman my age!
"FOR YOU formed my inward parts, You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You, for You are fearful and wonderful. Wonderful are Your works! You know me right well; my frame was not hidden from You, when I was being made in secret; intricately wrought in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance that was being formed. And in Your book were all the days fashioned for me; when as yet there was none of them." Psalms 139:13-16
I HAVE pondered this passage because, some believe it indicates that God has ordained all the days that I should live. I wonder! Sin has caused the death process and sin is what takes it's toll on the body. We begin the aging process as soon as we take our first breath! I have witnessed newborn's, children, young adults in the prime of their lives and the elderly living beyond their years and yet they die at such inopportune times. What determines when it is time?
"IF NO ONE knows what will happen, who can tell him when it will happen? No man has authority to restrain the wind; or authority over the day of his death!" Ecclesiates 8:7-8a Our trust and obedience is required here, not our understanding! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/1/10
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