I LEARNED at a very young age that I shouldn’t grumble or complain, but I did it anyway. As I grew older I argued with my mother. She didn’t spank me anymore but even so, her fuse was short and she could make me feel that I was getting in the heat of it, just by her look! It doesn’t take a person long to realize when they are in over their heads. I have always had an inquisitive and argumentative nature. If I didn’t want to do something I would grumble all the way. Talking back always had its consequences, and not knowing when to stop was even worse. But doing nothing also comes with problems!
AS A highschool Sunday School teacher and leader of the Youth Group, I met a brother and sister. The girl was absolutely beautiful to look at. She had long dark, beautiful hair, dark eyes with thick lashes and beautifully shaped eye brows. Her brother was fairly quiet compared to her and he was not filled with as much hatred as she was. Both of them expressed their dislike of their mother and father. The sister didn’t care who heard her verbal tirades, and how awful the parents were, and how much she hated them. I tried to talk with her but she couldn’t listen because her heart was filled with hatred, it encompassed her whole being.
ONE EVENING during a family conflict, she ran into heavily, moving traffic, and was killed. Jim and I were on our way home from church and happened upon the situation and took the youngest of the family to a friend while the parents went to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. We went to be with this devastated Mom and Dad. We found them sitting beside their beautiful daughter stroking her hair, caressing her arm, and with tears already dried on their cheeks, talking lovingly to her because, now they could; she couldn’t yell back at them.
DURING the short time we knew this family, it was difficult for us to see why the teenager hated their parents so, and how devastated the parents were at her death. The parents arranged three different services for this girl, not to mention the day long viewing. We attended all of them! I often thought they did this because they could shower love and attention on a daughter that couldn’t rebel anymore! Their love was able to overshadow the hatred!
WE ARE ALL familiar with the story of the Israelites and how they would grumble and complain and how God continually supplied all their needs. We remember how they would praise and thank Him and then would turn against Him with more grumbling and complaining. God would send disease and much trouble amongst them to get their attention and they would repent and return to Him, for a time. Over and over again God would be patient, but in the long run, they were no longer His chosen people. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believed in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life! John 3:16 God sent His Son and opened His arms to the whole world!
THE WORLD that God sent His Son for, is in utter chaos! Those who have chosen Jesus as their Savior are being executed by those who call their god Allah! They feel no shame because they are filled with hatred! Satan loves hatred! Satan acts like a roaring Lion, seeking all he may devour! My heart aches for those who are being persecuted and murdered right in front the eyes of the world. What can we do? Where can we go? Where is our safe harbor?
PSALMS 23 gives us the peace that passes all understanding! "Jesus is our shepherd; our grass is green. We walk by still waters; our souls are renewed. Our trust is in Him! As we walk in the shadow of death, and evil is all around us, we are comforted by His presence! His promises are true and sure; His goodness and mercy walks with us! We are only passing through, in this life, for our home is in the Lord’s house" My prayer is that those who are standing firm, and are suffering in the balance, will grow stronger in the Lord, day by day! Oh how our hearts ache; Come quickly Lord Jesus! Amen! By Jane Ann Crenshaw (5/12/08) 8/30/14
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Sunday, August 24, 2014
WHITER THAN SNOW! 8/24/14
TODAY there is lots of discussion as to which soap to use to keep your whites white. Years ago it wasn’t the soap as much as it was time, muscle and help. Growing up in a large family you are given jobs. One of the first jobs, of importance, that my sister Joyce and I did was the laundry. Joyce was 10 and I was 13! I imagine you are thinking to yourself; "big deal!" Well, it was a big deal in our household!
MY DAD had built sort of a lean-to behind the garage. Our laundry room had a dirt floor covered with a piece of linoleum. The washer would be old, but most of the time it worked. When it was broke, they called Crazy Johnnie to repair it; which is another story! One of my favorite washers had a wringer we turned by hand. Another one had a small spin dry hole which I hated. When it wasn’t working we would wash in the big tub next to the washer and use the scrub board. When we emptied either the washer or the wash tub we would take the drain hose outr, and lay it across the sidewalk, onto the grass. Ugly wash water would run out!
I SUPPOSE all of that was much better than pounding them on a rock in the lake, huh? However, the good part was we only washed clothes on Saturday mornings, which means we washed 8 twin size sheets, 4 standard bed sheets, enough towels that were hung double on 7 clothes line that were approximately 17ft long. We had a total of 14 clothes lines, at least that is how I remember it! We had 16 living there, so you can go ahead and do the math.
AFTER Daddy died, we moved, and my bother Lonnie bought Mom a new washer with a wringer, and eventually a "dryer!" Our prayers for Mom going onto the TV show, Queen for a Day, was totally squashed. Well, it didn’t matter anymore, anyway, because my new job was ironing! Ugh!!!
WHEN the sheets were dry we made the beds. I didn’t get Lonnie’s bed made once, and around 1:00 am he knocked on my bedroom door. I had to get up and make his bed! A job isn’t done until it is done! I don’t remember who folded the towels but I do know they got used again, because we would wash the same towels eery weekend. Joyce and I talk and laugh about that time in our lives. We agree, it was hard, but when our job was done we were done until next Saturday. Life is like that, isn’t it!
MY MOTHER had a lot on her plate; raising and caring for her family, while working outside of the home. But she did it! Her children helped! And believed me, we all have praised her and call her blessed! I don’t know how it was with the older kids but as one of the younger ones, I didn’t want to find out what would happen if I didn’t do it. I may have argued a lot, but I did try hard to stay out of trouble. "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord; though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." Isaiah 1:18 Using soap to whiten our clothes is the same as our being obedient to the Lord, so we will appear white to Him. Not dingy gray or bright red , but white; clean, pure and soft to the touch.
"WOE TO YOU scribes and Pharisees; hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within they are full of dead men’s bones and uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but within you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Matthew 23:27-28 Jesus talks about the hypocrites being as white washed tombs. Outwardly they appear beautiful and righteous but on the inside they were dead!
BEFORE Christ came into our lives we were like white washed tombs; looking good on the outside but dead on the inside. Having to do the washing is pretty much the same idea. Isaiah tells us to wash ourselves, make ourselves clean by removing the evil from our lives. When we belong to Jesus, He sets us free; we come alive! By Jane Ann Crenshaw (1/19/08) 8/23/14
MY DAD had built sort of a lean-to behind the garage. Our laundry room had a dirt floor covered with a piece of linoleum. The washer would be old, but most of the time it worked. When it was broke, they called Crazy Johnnie to repair it; which is another story! One of my favorite washers had a wringer we turned by hand. Another one had a small spin dry hole which I hated. When it wasn’t working we would wash in the big tub next to the washer and use the scrub board. When we emptied either the washer or the wash tub we would take the drain hose outr, and lay it across the sidewalk, onto the grass. Ugly wash water would run out!
I SUPPOSE all of that was much better than pounding them on a rock in the lake, huh? However, the good part was we only washed clothes on Saturday mornings, which means we washed 8 twin size sheets, 4 standard bed sheets, enough towels that were hung double on 7 clothes line that were approximately 17ft long. We had a total of 14 clothes lines, at least that is how I remember it! We had 16 living there, so you can go ahead and do the math.
AFTER Daddy died, we moved, and my bother Lonnie bought Mom a new washer with a wringer, and eventually a "dryer!" Our prayers for Mom going onto the TV show, Queen for a Day, was totally squashed. Well, it didn’t matter anymore, anyway, because my new job was ironing! Ugh!!!
WHEN the sheets were dry we made the beds. I didn’t get Lonnie’s bed made once, and around 1:00 am he knocked on my bedroom door. I had to get up and make his bed! A job isn’t done until it is done! I don’t remember who folded the towels but I do know they got used again, because we would wash the same towels eery weekend. Joyce and I talk and laugh about that time in our lives. We agree, it was hard, but when our job was done we were done until next Saturday. Life is like that, isn’t it!
MY MOTHER had a lot on her plate; raising and caring for her family, while working outside of the home. But she did it! Her children helped! And believed me, we all have praised her and call her blessed! I don’t know how it was with the older kids but as one of the younger ones, I didn’t want to find out what would happen if I didn’t do it. I may have argued a lot, but I did try hard to stay out of trouble. "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord; though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." Isaiah 1:18 Using soap to whiten our clothes is the same as our being obedient to the Lord, so we will appear white to Him. Not dingy gray or bright red , but white; clean, pure and soft to the touch.
"WOE TO YOU scribes and Pharisees; hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within they are full of dead men’s bones and uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but within you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Matthew 23:27-28 Jesus talks about the hypocrites being as white washed tombs. Outwardly they appear beautiful and righteous but on the inside they were dead!
BEFORE Christ came into our lives we were like white washed tombs; looking good on the outside but dead on the inside. Having to do the washing is pretty much the same idea. Isaiah tells us to wash ourselves, make ourselves clean by removing the evil from our lives. When we belong to Jesus, He sets us free; we come alive! By Jane Ann Crenshaw (1/19/08) 8/23/14
Sunday, August 17, 2014
SUFFERING COMES! 8/17/14
WHEN I CONSIDER the pictures of all the suffering in the world I am filled with sadness and dismay! Russia occupying the Ukraine, and the ISIS trampling over Iraq and into Syria shouting out the unthinkable; "denounce your affiliations to Christ or die!" Years ago it was the suffering in the Sudan; with starving babies with extended stomachs. When I watch the devastation caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunami’s, earthquakes and war, I too wonder; "How do we find peace and understanding in this? God is there watching the goings on throughout our world. God is patiently waiting! He wonders; "Why does it take them so long to understand me and my ways?"
I READ a short story about an essay that was to be written in a class room regarding ‘peace.’ It tells about a small bird perched on a branch that was protruding from a massive rock near a fierce waterfall. The waterfall was not as huge as Niagra Falls but it was big. The waters cascading down with such force that it could crush anything and everything in it’s descent. The waters had a fine spray that showered over all that was around it. The noise was deafening and could be heard from miles around. This little bird who sat perched was neither afraid or worried. He just sat there calmly taking in his surroundings, without a care in the world. This is peace!
"BE ANXIOUS for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the ‘peace of God’ which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 The places that Jim and I visited on our trip of a life time to the Holy Land, showed us the poverty of the world. We saw first hand how people live without Christ. We saw their need and felt compassion.
IT IS GOOD for us with much, to share with those who have little or nothing at all. It is good for us to share in programs that allow food, clothing and medical supplies to be shipped and taken to these people of need. It is good for us to show the world that God cares and His care comes through the people who care! However, their needs are greater than food, clothing and medical supplies. Their need is to know the God who cares for their souls.
GOD’S WORLD can be our world if we just reach out and take His gift! God makes it possible for us to walk through fire; through torture; through crisis after crisis by stretching forth His hand and taking ours. I have heard it said; "Sin has no rights!" Before we can fix other worlds, we must return ours to God. There is no job too big for Him! America can turn around! We have men and women who are willing to die for our Country. We should never let their deaths be in vain. So I say; "Wake up America! God is calling us! The answer is Jesus! Seek Him while you may. Know Him today; stand up and be counted!"
EVER SINCE Jesus died on the cross, the Christians have been persecuted. Somewhere in the world a devoted follower of Christ, has suffered and died, even today. I think about Stephen, the first martyr and then there was the 12. Since the church began, many have suffered. What is happening in our world today, has been happening for centuries.
EVEN SO, there is still work to be done! Jesus has never stopped doing His work, but He wants those who are willing to follow His lead. The world is full of pagans who need Christ. If we understand the church wins then let’s act like winners! We cry because of our failures and losses and yet we know that peace is Jesus Christ. Let’s be a church in motion; "For Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God!" Romans 10:17 I too wonder how I would respond if confronted with the decision to deny Christ or die! Heaven awaits those who remain firm! Can I stand the test? Can I do that? I too pray like John; "come Lord Jesus!" By Jane Ann Crenshaw (9/30/09) 8/16/14
I READ a short story about an essay that was to be written in a class room regarding ‘peace.’ It tells about a small bird perched on a branch that was protruding from a massive rock near a fierce waterfall. The waterfall was not as huge as Niagra Falls but it was big. The waters cascading down with such force that it could crush anything and everything in it’s descent. The waters had a fine spray that showered over all that was around it. The noise was deafening and could be heard from miles around. This little bird who sat perched was neither afraid or worried. He just sat there calmly taking in his surroundings, without a care in the world. This is peace!
"BE ANXIOUS for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the ‘peace of God’ which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 The places that Jim and I visited on our trip of a life time to the Holy Land, showed us the poverty of the world. We saw first hand how people live without Christ. We saw their need and felt compassion.
IT IS GOOD for us with much, to share with those who have little or nothing at all. It is good for us to share in programs that allow food, clothing and medical supplies to be shipped and taken to these people of need. It is good for us to show the world that God cares and His care comes through the people who care! However, their needs are greater than food, clothing and medical supplies. Their need is to know the God who cares for their souls.
GOD’S WORLD can be our world if we just reach out and take His gift! God makes it possible for us to walk through fire; through torture; through crisis after crisis by stretching forth His hand and taking ours. I have heard it said; "Sin has no rights!" Before we can fix other worlds, we must return ours to God. There is no job too big for Him! America can turn around! We have men and women who are willing to die for our Country. We should never let their deaths be in vain. So I say; "Wake up America! God is calling us! The answer is Jesus! Seek Him while you may. Know Him today; stand up and be counted!"
EVER SINCE Jesus died on the cross, the Christians have been persecuted. Somewhere in the world a devoted follower of Christ, has suffered and died, even today. I think about Stephen, the first martyr and then there was the 12. Since the church began, many have suffered. What is happening in our world today, has been happening for centuries.
EVEN SO, there is still work to be done! Jesus has never stopped doing His work, but He wants those who are willing to follow His lead. The world is full of pagans who need Christ. If we understand the church wins then let’s act like winners! We cry because of our failures and losses and yet we know that peace is Jesus Christ. Let’s be a church in motion; "For Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God!" Romans 10:17 I too wonder how I would respond if confronted with the decision to deny Christ or die! Heaven awaits those who remain firm! Can I stand the test? Can I do that? I too pray like John; "come Lord Jesus!" By Jane Ann Crenshaw (9/30/09) 8/16/14
Saturday, August 9, 2014
THE LIGHTHOUSE! 8/10/14
WE HAVE many books and calendars that depict the lighthouses of America. Many have become historical monuments and very few are still in operation. My friend Faye was raised in North Carolina where some of her family manned the Okracoke Lighthouse. As she would talk about it her eyes would light up and her voice would be excited. I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by her excitement and wished I too, could go there one day. I never did! However, my friend Iona Kay and her husband did. They purposely went to NC to see Faye’s lighthouse.
EVERY TIME Jim would get a new lighthouse book I would quickly thumb through it and scour the index so I could locate the Okracoke Island where Faye’s lighthouse stood. Finally, we found it! I couldn’t help being disappointed! I always imagined it being stately and regal, big and tall on the little island; beaming it’s warning. Instead it was smaller than most and sort of coned shaped. But it was Faye’s lighthouse and I loved it! My dear friend passed away many years ago, but I have the picture Jim painted for me of Faye’s lighthouse hanging in my bedroom. When I look intently at the area surrounding the lighthouse I can see my friend playing, and her stories come alive once again, in the memories of my heart.
LIGHTHOUSES have been the background of mysteries for books, movies and romance for poems and songs. Stories of long lost loves have been passed along the shorelines about the woman in white as she waits for her captain to return from sea. The reality is; a lighthouse was a necessary structure on a shore or coast, with a powerful light at the top to guide ships. The base surrounding the lighthouse would become treacherous to any ship approaching and the Captain would look to the lighthouse and was able to turn away from danger.
TODAY the ships have navigational instruments and buoys which are floating objects moored in shallow water. The lighthouse is not necessary any more, but still wanted because of the nostalgia that surrounds them. Still wanted because of the memories passed down for generations that cling to them. Still wanted because of what they have meant to the mariner’s down through the ages.
RONNIE HINSON gave us one of the most beloved gospel songs ever written. It talks about the lighthouse on the hillside, that overlooks life’s sea. He likens the lighthouse that guided ships to safety to a light that shines in darkness to guide a soul that is tossed about in the storms of life. He says; "If it wasn’t for the lighthouse, my ship would be no more; And I thank God for the lighthouse. I owe my life to Him. For Jesus is the lighthouse, and from the rocks of sin; He has shone a light around me that I could clearly see; If it wasn’t for the lighthouse, tell me, where would this ship be?"
WHEN my brother Lynn would sing it, along with the Gospel Hymns Quartet, I would cry! I don’t cry from sadness, I cry because I believe it is true. Lynn at the age of 28, was being tossed about in the sea of life. God healed him physically and spiritually, and gave him almost 43 more years, to bring glory and honor to Him, through the life he lived.
JESUS SAID; "I am the light of the world, he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12 Jesus said; "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world!" John 9:5 WOW! Jesus is our lighthouse of hope in this world of darkness. Only He can turn our despair into hope! Our hope is like an anchor. As the storms howl around us, Jesus our anchor, holds firm to us in this unseen world. Paul says that we are to cling to Jesus! "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of our soul!" Hebrews 6:19a In other words; Our Christian hope is anchored in eternity! Lynn found that to have the Son of God, gave him life! Does your anchor hold?
By Jane Ann Crenshaw (8/28/09) 8/8/14
EVERY TIME Jim would get a new lighthouse book I would quickly thumb through it and scour the index so I could locate the Okracoke Island where Faye’s lighthouse stood. Finally, we found it! I couldn’t help being disappointed! I always imagined it being stately and regal, big and tall on the little island; beaming it’s warning. Instead it was smaller than most and sort of coned shaped. But it was Faye’s lighthouse and I loved it! My dear friend passed away many years ago, but I have the picture Jim painted for me of Faye’s lighthouse hanging in my bedroom. When I look intently at the area surrounding the lighthouse I can see my friend playing, and her stories come alive once again, in the memories of my heart.
LIGHTHOUSES have been the background of mysteries for books, movies and romance for poems and songs. Stories of long lost loves have been passed along the shorelines about the woman in white as she waits for her captain to return from sea. The reality is; a lighthouse was a necessary structure on a shore or coast, with a powerful light at the top to guide ships. The base surrounding the lighthouse would become treacherous to any ship approaching and the Captain would look to the lighthouse and was able to turn away from danger.
TODAY the ships have navigational instruments and buoys which are floating objects moored in shallow water. The lighthouse is not necessary any more, but still wanted because of the nostalgia that surrounds them. Still wanted because of the memories passed down for generations that cling to them. Still wanted because of what they have meant to the mariner’s down through the ages.
RONNIE HINSON gave us one of the most beloved gospel songs ever written. It talks about the lighthouse on the hillside, that overlooks life’s sea. He likens the lighthouse that guided ships to safety to a light that shines in darkness to guide a soul that is tossed about in the storms of life. He says; "If it wasn’t for the lighthouse, my ship would be no more; And I thank God for the lighthouse. I owe my life to Him. For Jesus is the lighthouse, and from the rocks of sin; He has shone a light around me that I could clearly see; If it wasn’t for the lighthouse, tell me, where would this ship be?"
WHEN my brother Lynn would sing it, along with the Gospel Hymns Quartet, I would cry! I don’t cry from sadness, I cry because I believe it is true. Lynn at the age of 28, was being tossed about in the sea of life. God healed him physically and spiritually, and gave him almost 43 more years, to bring glory and honor to Him, through the life he lived.
JESUS SAID; "I am the light of the world, he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12 Jesus said; "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world!" John 9:5 WOW! Jesus is our lighthouse of hope in this world of darkness. Only He can turn our despair into hope! Our hope is like an anchor. As the storms howl around us, Jesus our anchor, holds firm to us in this unseen world. Paul says that we are to cling to Jesus! "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of our soul!" Hebrews 6:19a In other words; Our Christian hope is anchored in eternity! Lynn found that to have the Son of God, gave him life! Does your anchor hold?
By Jane Ann Crenshaw (8/28/09) 8/8/14
Saturday, August 2, 2014
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 8/3/14
TODAY is my sons birthday. The exciting thing about his birthday today, is that we get to celebrate it today! We use to celebrate on the 3rd until he went off to Bible College. Then it seems like he was always gone on his birthday. I remember once taking a cake to the camp grounds where he was helping! I think we did that several times! After he married, we celebrated on a day when we all could get together. When families live close together it’s not so hard, but when miles separate them, you have to make plans. Weekends were always good!
THINKING about his birthday caused me to think about the song. When did it first appear? Who wrote it? I found some interesting tidbits and want to share them with you. It all began in 1893 when two sisters were working at the Louisville, Kentucky Experimental Kindergarten, one as a teacher and the other as the Principal. The sisters combined their talents and expertise and wrote a little song that they called "Good Morning to All." They had it published in a collection of "Song Stories of the Kindergarten!" Some 31 years later a man names Robert H. Coleman published the song (again) without the sisters’ permission, adding a second verse as "Happy Birthday to You!"
THE SECOND verse became so popular that the first verse was totally forgotten. After a court battle the Hill family legally owns the song, and is entitled to royalties. However, you do not have to pay to sing the song. But if you consider commercial purposes then you would! Another tidbit I find interesting is that the little Happy Birthday song, is the most popular song on everyone’s chart. And why not; it is sung just about every moment of one day, in everyone’s life! I wish I knew the words to the first verse though!
DAVID wrote many songs of which I believe, Jesus sang! "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands!" Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing!" Psalms 100:1-2 David was a talented man! We always picture him as the warrior, heading off to battle. But David was a man filled with loyalty and justice. He desired a heart of integrity and he wanted God to look upon him with favor. He writes many times about singing with gladness of heart and being filled with joy. Sounds like the ‘happy birthday song!’
I DON"T know if God thinks of our birthdays as a day of importance. He didn’t give us a date for His Son! However, we do! We always remember the day we were born, and as a child, we looked forward to our birthdays, and could hardly wait until we were older! Jim would tell our grandsons that when they became 6, they would grow a mustache, just like his! Adam (our first grandson) was five. I asked him if he was excited to become 6 on his birthday. He said; "I am going to be 7 and I am changing my name to Kyle!" Now, where did that come from. Could it be, he didn’t want a mustache? And Kyle; no one seems to know where that came from!
"HAPPY the people to whom such blessings fall! Happy the people whose God is the Lord!" Psalms 144:15 David had been offering a prayer for prosperity for God’s people. He was asking that their sons would be like plants full grown. Their daughters like pillars in a palace. That their store houses would be full and their fields filled with cattle and sheep.
"HE IS LIKE a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers!" Psalms 1:3 My prayer for my son is that he would continue to walk with the Lord; to love his wife with the passion of a man in love; to respect his sons and to continue becoming the man God has created him to be. A life well lived for God; is a life well spent. "Happy Birthday to you; Happy Birthday to you: Happy Birthday to Danny; Happy Birthday to you!" By Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/31/14
THINKING about his birthday caused me to think about the song. When did it first appear? Who wrote it? I found some interesting tidbits and want to share them with you. It all began in 1893 when two sisters were working at the Louisville, Kentucky Experimental Kindergarten, one as a teacher and the other as the Principal. The sisters combined their talents and expertise and wrote a little song that they called "Good Morning to All." They had it published in a collection of "Song Stories of the Kindergarten!" Some 31 years later a man names Robert H. Coleman published the song (again) without the sisters’ permission, adding a second verse as "Happy Birthday to You!"
THE SECOND verse became so popular that the first verse was totally forgotten. After a court battle the Hill family legally owns the song, and is entitled to royalties. However, you do not have to pay to sing the song. But if you consider commercial purposes then you would! Another tidbit I find interesting is that the little Happy Birthday song, is the most popular song on everyone’s chart. And why not; it is sung just about every moment of one day, in everyone’s life! I wish I knew the words to the first verse though!
DAVID wrote many songs of which I believe, Jesus sang! "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands!" Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing!" Psalms 100:1-2 David was a talented man! We always picture him as the warrior, heading off to battle. But David was a man filled with loyalty and justice. He desired a heart of integrity and he wanted God to look upon him with favor. He writes many times about singing with gladness of heart and being filled with joy. Sounds like the ‘happy birthday song!’
I DON"T know if God thinks of our birthdays as a day of importance. He didn’t give us a date for His Son! However, we do! We always remember the day we were born, and as a child, we looked forward to our birthdays, and could hardly wait until we were older! Jim would tell our grandsons that when they became 6, they would grow a mustache, just like his! Adam (our first grandson) was five. I asked him if he was excited to become 6 on his birthday. He said; "I am going to be 7 and I am changing my name to Kyle!" Now, where did that come from. Could it be, he didn’t want a mustache? And Kyle; no one seems to know where that came from!
"HAPPY the people to whom such blessings fall! Happy the people whose God is the Lord!" Psalms 144:15 David had been offering a prayer for prosperity for God’s people. He was asking that their sons would be like plants full grown. Their daughters like pillars in a palace. That their store houses would be full and their fields filled with cattle and sheep.
"HE IS LIKE a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers!" Psalms 1:3 My prayer for my son is that he would continue to walk with the Lord; to love his wife with the passion of a man in love; to respect his sons and to continue becoming the man God has created him to be. A life well lived for God; is a life well spent. "Happy Birthday to you; Happy Birthday to you: Happy Birthday to Danny; Happy Birthday to you!" By Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/31/14
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