Once I found an old pair of Levi's and wanted to wear them but they had a couple of holes in the seat. Now today that would be fashionable, but back then it wasn't. I asked Daddy to fix them for me. As I wore them I knew there were some chuckles coming my way but I paid no attention because I was wearing Levi's! My cousin Vern was visiting when I returned home and Daddy had me turn around so he could show off his handy work. Vern burst out laughing and so did my Dad. He had sewn one large patch across the seat of my pants which showed all the rough edges. I might as well of worn them with the holes! I felt so embarrassed and never wore them again.
I think my father was happiest when he was home cooking and cleaning. The only thing I didn't like about his cooking was his chocolate pudding! It was made from scratch of course and it was sort of bitter. I would hold my breath on each bite and then swallow quickly so as to not taste it. I always ate it but I didn't like it! It was not a good thing for Mom and Daddy to be in the kitchen together. She would come after him and taste, then re-season. He would come after her, taste and then re-season.
My father was an alcoholoic and didn't hold a job for long. However, I remember he was a good housekeeper and cook. I loved it when I came home from school and he would be there. He would play the piano and I would sing. Many times when I baby sat my niece Linda, I would bring her over and Daddy would play and put her right to sleep. I have many fond memories of my Dad but I also have many troublesome memories of when he was drinking. However, we lived in a different time and grew up with wholesome attitudes which gave us healthy directions for our lives.
When Father's day roles around, I think about my Dad. I think about pictures I have of him and remember times that were good when he was sober. Other times, that were not so good, I just push to the back of my memory because they do me no good. Why set around remembering the hard times when you can't do anything about them. Even though life has its problems, with God all things are possible. The day before my Father died he was buried in the watery grave of baptism. He was brand spanking new when he strolled into heaven. I have no doubts that regardless of his fleshly life, I will meet him one day in glory.
We often think of our Fathers making us happy. It is the custom that our Fathers work so we have plenty. It is up to the Father to be sure we have a roof over our heads and food in our tummies. But did you ever think about you making your father happy? "A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother." Proverbs 10:1 I think if I were to paraphrase this I would say; "A wise son or daughter makes a father happy but when foolish, saddens the heart of their mother!" Think back; have you made your father happy?
It has been said; "Like father like son!" I take this to mean that the son is just like his father; don't you? "So that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." Matthew 5:45 Jesus is saying that we are to love like the Father loves; Our heavenly Father, that is!
I don't recall my brothers taking much after my father, at least not as much as I have seen my mother in sisters and myself. I have heard it said; "Don't be like your father!" I take this to mean that your father has some bad habits and you should not copy them. If we base our thoughts on who we should be in Christ, it matters not who our biological father was or how we were treated. If we strive to become who God has created us to be, we should start looking like him.
"You therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:58 The only way for us to become perfect is through Jesus Christ. To even resemble the Father we must look to the son for His instructions. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/15/10
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
THE GOLDEN CHAIN! 6/13/10
Several times we have moved into a different house and come spring time we were surprised by the colors, fragrance and ambience that takes place in our yard. Not knowing what had been planted before we arrived, it was with anticipation watching the yard come alive. Once it was wild flowers throughout the pasture; in the city there were many rose bushes lining the driveway and many lilac trees lining the back fence. We even had a tulip tree where the flowers would open up in the spring and close back up in the fall and winter, only to open again come spring.
In the back yard of the home we are presently living, there were several trees and two in the front. The two in the front eventually were blown over by the wind, but the ones in the back have been surprises. One in particular, although unknown to us, was fairly young. The first couple of years it just had green leaves and looked dead the rest of the year. The branches grow down and out, then turn upwards! The third year it developed long stringy things and bright golden flowers appeared. The first time around it was rather sparse and we wondered what it was called.
The following year the long stringy things that never went away, became longer and more appeared. This time when they bloomed it was absolutely the most spectacular, glowing tree I had ever seen. When the sun shown round about it, it was as though it was a statue covered in gold! Asking around, we were told it was a Golden Chain Tree. Since then I have seen many of them throughout the area but none as radiant as ours.
In the world it is hard to determine if some plant life is God created or man's hybrid. I have had several hybrid rose bushes and trees that eventually return to their natural state. One of them was a beautiful bare root with lavender roses. After two years it was a yellow centered rose with small red petals that were loose like a wild climber you might see on the side of a road. This happens often when grafting takes place in order to create a special flower. When that which was grafted in with the existing bare root loses its strength, the flower becomes what it was in the beginning.
But when the grafting is successful the old remains as part of the new foundation that has been laid; but it continues to be renewed because of the strength of the grafting. "A man shall not be established by wickedness; but the root of the righteous shall not be moved." Proverbs 12:3 When our old self joins in newness with God we become something beautiful; our existence has new potential to become all that God created us to be.
In Matthew 7:24b-25 Jesus talks about the wise man who built his house upon the rock and the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. "As the whirlwind passes, so is the wicked no more; but the righteous is an everlasting foundation." Proverbs 10:25 When we choose to hold onto what we have been given in Jesus Christ our foundation will remain firm; we will be grounded upon the rock.
"And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; and the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house and it fell; and great was the fall of it." Matthew 7:26-27
I am sure our Golden Chain Tree is a hybrid, but the grafting of the root took hold and even though it has great beauty today it probably will not last as long as the mighty oak that is planted by the streams of water. We wear gold rings; gold earrings; we buy gold as an investment and yet we overlook the fact that even though gold is an earthly material it will become glorified in heaven. Yes, in heaven! It is mentioned in Revelation 21:18 "And the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass!"
Meanwhile, I will enjoy our tree that sets just outside our diningroom window in all its splendor and majesty. It will cause me to think of the grandeur of heaven with all its precious stones; where there is no temple because both the Father and the Son will be present in all their glory. A place where there is no need of sun, neither the moon to shine for the glory of God will be all the light that is needed.
Can you imagine? Can you fix your mind on things above? Can you see yourself glorified in the heavenly places? Perhaps the Golden Chain Tree will be there, along with golden glass covered pathways strewn with God's love! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/10/10
In the back yard of the home we are presently living, there were several trees and two in the front. The two in the front eventually were blown over by the wind, but the ones in the back have been surprises. One in particular, although unknown to us, was fairly young. The first couple of years it just had green leaves and looked dead the rest of the year. The branches grow down and out, then turn upwards! The third year it developed long stringy things and bright golden flowers appeared. The first time around it was rather sparse and we wondered what it was called.
The following year the long stringy things that never went away, became longer and more appeared. This time when they bloomed it was absolutely the most spectacular, glowing tree I had ever seen. When the sun shown round about it, it was as though it was a statue covered in gold! Asking around, we were told it was a Golden Chain Tree. Since then I have seen many of them throughout the area but none as radiant as ours.
In the world it is hard to determine if some plant life is God created or man's hybrid. I have had several hybrid rose bushes and trees that eventually return to their natural state. One of them was a beautiful bare root with lavender roses. After two years it was a yellow centered rose with small red petals that were loose like a wild climber you might see on the side of a road. This happens often when grafting takes place in order to create a special flower. When that which was grafted in with the existing bare root loses its strength, the flower becomes what it was in the beginning.
But when the grafting is successful the old remains as part of the new foundation that has been laid; but it continues to be renewed because of the strength of the grafting. "A man shall not be established by wickedness; but the root of the righteous shall not be moved." Proverbs 12:3 When our old self joins in newness with God we become something beautiful; our existence has new potential to become all that God created us to be.
In Matthew 7:24b-25 Jesus talks about the wise man who built his house upon the rock and the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. "As the whirlwind passes, so is the wicked no more; but the righteous is an everlasting foundation." Proverbs 10:25 When we choose to hold onto what we have been given in Jesus Christ our foundation will remain firm; we will be grounded upon the rock.
"And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; and the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house and it fell; and great was the fall of it." Matthew 7:26-27
I am sure our Golden Chain Tree is a hybrid, but the grafting of the root took hold and even though it has great beauty today it probably will not last as long as the mighty oak that is planted by the streams of water. We wear gold rings; gold earrings; we buy gold as an investment and yet we overlook the fact that even though gold is an earthly material it will become glorified in heaven. Yes, in heaven! It is mentioned in Revelation 21:18 "And the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass!"
Meanwhile, I will enjoy our tree that sets just outside our diningroom window in all its splendor and majesty. It will cause me to think of the grandeur of heaven with all its precious stones; where there is no temple because both the Father and the Son will be present in all their glory. A place where there is no need of sun, neither the moon to shine for the glory of God will be all the light that is needed.
Can you imagine? Can you fix your mind on things above? Can you see yourself glorified in the heavenly places? Perhaps the Golden Chain Tree will be there, along with golden glass covered pathways strewn with God's love! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/10/10
Saturday, June 12, 2010
GREEN PUNCH! 6/12/10
While living in Sam's Valley many years ago, we had new carpet laid in the living room; music room and the dining room which was all open to each other. Great for entertaining as they say on HGTV. The carpet was a high low, variegated light browns, tans and was very nice. In our bedroom we had a high low variegated green. We loved having parties especially around the holidays. As usual we hosted a Christmas Eve gathering for the family which as usual, was a large number.
Jim always made the punch, his own recipe and this Christmas was no different. Red punch was usually his choice at this time of the year and so red punch it was. In cleaning up afterwards we found a punch spill in the middle of our open concept for entertaining. It jumped out at us and immediately was a problem which of course caused me to become very unhappy. I tried all of the products that would take out carpet stains. I called everyone I knew and tried their suggestions.
I finally contacted a home extension person and they suggested a number for me to call and to try a scientific product that consisted of several ingredients; that in combination would eradicate the red stain perfectly, even though it is the hardest color to remove. I don't know if because of all that I had already dumped on the stain, or because this scientific miracle was just another hoax, the stain remained. I covered it over with a rug as a temporary measure and later on had a plug (of new carpet) inserted. Jim never served red punch again! Years later and even today we have had green carpet in our living area and when serving punch, it is green.
Today when you don't want to plant grass and wait for it to grow you can put in sod which is grass already sprouted and green. Cost a little more but over night you have green grass and can even walk on it. We have so many things we can use to cover up flaws especially in makeups. You can cover up freckels (to some extent), wrinkles, acne and even scars. Our world makes millions on coverups and I know that many fall into the trap of looking younger by even using body pads that bring on the curves giving us more shapely figures.
If you want to look younger and have the big bucks, you go for it and still it is just a cover up, because you are perhaps looking younger but in reality you are still the age you were before the cover up. Come on now; face the facts! Looking older comes with age for most of us. Only the few have soft, supple skin at the grand age of 90 but the majority end up looking and feeling their age. We should not fear the aging of the body; we should not fear growing old.
"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul." Matthew 10:28a Let us not pretend to be something we are not, nor should we wear masks disguising who we really are because God sees through these coverups. Jesus goes onto say; "But rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell!" Matthew 10:28b
"He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out. He who winks the eye causes trouble, but he who boldly reproves makes peace. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life; but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence." Proverbs 10:9-11
Walking free of lies helps us to walk tall and being free of all encumbrances is walking in truth!
As a child I experienced telling lies; tattle telling and stories. All children do! To say that your children never lie is making yourself out to be a liar. However, somewhere along the way you find that your children have integrity. You can trust them; and you believe them. They outgrow the lies, tattle telling stories, just as you did. I am a positive thinker! I want to believe and trust in those I love and unless proved otherwise I believe and trust them.
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed but rightly dividing the word of truth!" 1 Timothy 2:15 If we desire the will of God in our lives, we must regularly and diligently study God's word and understand its proper meaning. When we do this the applications become a part of ourselves. We no longer walk in the shadows of God's word but walk out in the sunlight to be seen by all that we meet. Let our lights so shine that those we meet will want what we have and not just a copy of what they think they see in us. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/9/10
Jim always made the punch, his own recipe and this Christmas was no different. Red punch was usually his choice at this time of the year and so red punch it was. In cleaning up afterwards we found a punch spill in the middle of our open concept for entertaining. It jumped out at us and immediately was a problem which of course caused me to become very unhappy. I tried all of the products that would take out carpet stains. I called everyone I knew and tried their suggestions.
I finally contacted a home extension person and they suggested a number for me to call and to try a scientific product that consisted of several ingredients; that in combination would eradicate the red stain perfectly, even though it is the hardest color to remove. I don't know if because of all that I had already dumped on the stain, or because this scientific miracle was just another hoax, the stain remained. I covered it over with a rug as a temporary measure and later on had a plug (of new carpet) inserted. Jim never served red punch again! Years later and even today we have had green carpet in our living area and when serving punch, it is green.
Today when you don't want to plant grass and wait for it to grow you can put in sod which is grass already sprouted and green. Cost a little more but over night you have green grass and can even walk on it. We have so many things we can use to cover up flaws especially in makeups. You can cover up freckels (to some extent), wrinkles, acne and even scars. Our world makes millions on coverups and I know that many fall into the trap of looking younger by even using body pads that bring on the curves giving us more shapely figures.
If you want to look younger and have the big bucks, you go for it and still it is just a cover up, because you are perhaps looking younger but in reality you are still the age you were before the cover up. Come on now; face the facts! Looking older comes with age for most of us. Only the few have soft, supple skin at the grand age of 90 but the majority end up looking and feeling their age. We should not fear the aging of the body; we should not fear growing old.
"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul." Matthew 10:28a Let us not pretend to be something we are not, nor should we wear masks disguising who we really are because God sees through these coverups. Jesus goes onto say; "But rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell!" Matthew 10:28b
"He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out. He who winks the eye causes trouble, but he who boldly reproves makes peace. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life; but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence." Proverbs 10:9-11
Walking free of lies helps us to walk tall and being free of all encumbrances is walking in truth!
As a child I experienced telling lies; tattle telling and stories. All children do! To say that your children never lie is making yourself out to be a liar. However, somewhere along the way you find that your children have integrity. You can trust them; and you believe them. They outgrow the lies, tattle telling stories, just as you did. I am a positive thinker! I want to believe and trust in those I love and unless proved otherwise I believe and trust them.
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed but rightly dividing the word of truth!" 1 Timothy 2:15 If we desire the will of God in our lives, we must regularly and diligently study God's word and understand its proper meaning. When we do this the applications become a part of ourselves. We no longer walk in the shadows of God's word but walk out in the sunlight to be seen by all that we meet. Let our lights so shine that those we meet will want what we have and not just a copy of what they think they see in us. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/9/10
Sunday, June 6, 2010
GLORY GIRL! 6/6/10
In September 2008, around the time my sister Jewel was recovering from bladder surgery; subsequent heart attack and stroke, I began blogging Morning Glory Devotionals on the internet. Jewel was not doing well! My brother Lynn was recovering from Squamish Cancer surgery and was beginning Chemo and radiation treatment. I had started writing Morning Glory earlier that year and wanted to look into having them published but discovered blogging instead.
Lynn began reading them and became a follower from the beginning. I was so happy to give him pleasure in any way that I could. He knew I was praying for him unceasingly and I felt that even though these were my memories, they were his also. Perhaps reading them would give him some pleasure ever so slightly, but pleasure all the same. I read them to Jewel when she was able to listen.
Upon one of our visits with Lynn and Kathleen, we celebrated Sunday morning with a lesson I had recently given on "Glory". The word means so many things in the scriptures. That morning we looked up many of the scriptures that talked about God and His Glory. We discussed many aspects relating only to God's Glory and God blessed us that morning with peace and understanding as we sat around their table.
Each time we visited after that Sunday morning Lynn called me his "Glory Girl!" He will never know how much that meant to me. But I will always remember until that day I too enter into God's Glory, a home of which I long for. As time passed he didn't call me that anymore and I think it was because he wasn't able to read Morning Glory as before.
Moments like these give me pause to remember all of God's blessings, even when they appear in the midst of sorrow and turmoil. God's blessing surround us when we are not even conscious of them. I have learned through the years to look for God's blessings at the time of the happening; I have learned to accept his peace at the time it is offered. This doesn't mean I do not grieve; nor does it mean that I am happy all the time, but it does mean that putting my trust in God lifts me up when I am down. We are to live moment by moment in Jesus Christ!
"If a man loves me, he will keep my word and my Father will love him and we will come to him and make our home with Him." John 14:23b This means that the Holy Spirit; the comforter; will come and live in those who believe and trust in Him! Paul talks about the mystery in Colossians 1:27b "Which is Christ in you, the hope of GLory!"
Why is it that we fight against living our faith in Christ Jesus? Why is it that we want to partake in God's Glory and be a member of His body and yet we want our cake and to eat it too! If we are to live moment by moment in Jesus Christ we need to be aware of the Holy Spirit living within us. "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord and on his law he mediates day and night. 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." Psalm 1:1-3
"Pease I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 Jesus is talking with His disciples here and this promise is for us also. Losing Jewel and then Lynn in such a short period of time of each other, is hard on the physical body. My heart aches; my mind wanders; my emotions are like a roller coaster. Written by "Glory Girl" (J.A.Crenshaw) 6/2/10
Lynn began reading them and became a follower from the beginning. I was so happy to give him pleasure in any way that I could. He knew I was praying for him unceasingly and I felt that even though these were my memories, they were his also. Perhaps reading them would give him some pleasure ever so slightly, but pleasure all the same. I read them to Jewel when she was able to listen.
Upon one of our visits with Lynn and Kathleen, we celebrated Sunday morning with a lesson I had recently given on "Glory". The word means so many things in the scriptures. That morning we looked up many of the scriptures that talked about God and His Glory. We discussed many aspects relating only to God's Glory and God blessed us that morning with peace and understanding as we sat around their table.
Each time we visited after that Sunday morning Lynn called me his "Glory Girl!" He will never know how much that meant to me. But I will always remember until that day I too enter into God's Glory, a home of which I long for. As time passed he didn't call me that anymore and I think it was because he wasn't able to read Morning Glory as before.
Moments like these give me pause to remember all of God's blessings, even when they appear in the midst of sorrow and turmoil. God's blessing surround us when we are not even conscious of them. I have learned through the years to look for God's blessings at the time of the happening; I have learned to accept his peace at the time it is offered. This doesn't mean I do not grieve; nor does it mean that I am happy all the time, but it does mean that putting my trust in God lifts me up when I am down. We are to live moment by moment in Jesus Christ!
"If a man loves me, he will keep my word and my Father will love him and we will come to him and make our home with Him." John 14:23b This means that the Holy Spirit; the comforter; will come and live in those who believe and trust in Him! Paul talks about the mystery in Colossians 1:27b "Which is Christ in you, the hope of GLory!"
Why is it that we fight against living our faith in Christ Jesus? Why is it that we want to partake in God's Glory and be a member of His body and yet we want our cake and to eat it too! If we are to live moment by moment in Jesus Christ we need to be aware of the Holy Spirit living within us. "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord and on his law he mediates day and night. 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." Psalm 1:1-3
"Pease I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 Jesus is talking with His disciples here and this promise is for us also. Losing Jewel and then Lynn in such a short period of time of each other, is hard on the physical body. My heart aches; my mind wanders; my emotions are like a roller coaster. Written by "Glory Girl" (J.A.Crenshaw) 6/2/10
Saturday, June 5, 2010
SPECIAL DAYS! 6/5/10
I have had so many special days in my life that sometimes it is hard to remember that some of those days were special and some were more special than others. Today my #2 grandson is graduating from high school. This is a great milestone in his life and will always be remembered by him. Today causes me to become a little melancholy; Ryan is grown up and doesn't need an old Grandma as much as he did when he was small. Then he was learning to walk, to run, to tumble and graduating into back flips; forward flips which caused most of those watching to just flip out altogether.
With Ryan graduating and Adam just being back from Iraq gives me pause as to what the future holds for these two wonderful young men. Then I take a deep breath and remember that #3 is still in school! Jordan is beginning to stretch his legs to become all that he can be; following in his brothers footsteps! I couldn't be any more pleased with my role as a Grandmother, having these 3 young men as my grandsons. Today is just another button popping day! Special? You bet it is!
I graduated in 1956 from Leuzinger High School! Our big day was Thursday night and the following Monday morning I reported to work on my very first job. Was I excited? Of course I was! Thursday night was full of excitement and expectations but Monday morning was full of fear and anticipation. Everybody is different but we face the same obstacles no matter what color or what place we find ourselves. My story keeps unfolding and I find it amazing at all of the turn of events that have taken place. Today is all about Ryan, but because of who I am to him, I am in his story during this time in his life.
Go ahead! Take time out to remember the day you graduated; the first day on the job; leaving for more education or perhaps the military. Go ahead! Take time and walk down the aisle, remembering the choice you made right out of highschool. Putting your lives on hold to have a family and resuming more education or taking a job further on down the road. Your life is amazing no matter if you think you are a failure or not accomplished enough. Lives are more important than jobs, education and/or how you have traveled. Life is all about who you were and who you have become.
When I write my thoughts of remembrances I cannot leave out the road I chose as a young girl to follow Jesus. I know that many of you can agree that making the choice to follow Him has made all the difference in your life; in your world! I have known some who made the same choice, but later on changed their minds and decided to become a part of the world and make plans to join back up with Jesus later on in life. I have discovered as I have witnessed this that the problems that occur sometimes are insurmountable. Sometimes that second chance doesn't come. Perhaps you have heard; "the best laid plans of mice and men!"
Remember the story in Jeremiah 29? The exile was brought about because of sin, but when sin was forsaken by the people, God's purposes in mercy could then be realized. In verse 11-14 we read; "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me; when you seek me with all your heart!"
God was talking to the Israelites because further on He says he will restore their fortunes and bring them back to the place from which He sent them when they went into exile. However, the promise of verses 11-14 are good for us today. His plan and hope is for us to inherit the eternal life that is promised through Jesus Christ. When we seek Him with all our hearts we will find Him waiting and ready to receive us with open arms. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/2/10
With Ryan graduating and Adam just being back from Iraq gives me pause as to what the future holds for these two wonderful young men. Then I take a deep breath and remember that #3 is still in school! Jordan is beginning to stretch his legs to become all that he can be; following in his brothers footsteps! I couldn't be any more pleased with my role as a Grandmother, having these 3 young men as my grandsons. Today is just another button popping day! Special? You bet it is!
I graduated in 1956 from Leuzinger High School! Our big day was Thursday night and the following Monday morning I reported to work on my very first job. Was I excited? Of course I was! Thursday night was full of excitement and expectations but Monday morning was full of fear and anticipation. Everybody is different but we face the same obstacles no matter what color or what place we find ourselves. My story keeps unfolding and I find it amazing at all of the turn of events that have taken place. Today is all about Ryan, but because of who I am to him, I am in his story during this time in his life.
Go ahead! Take time out to remember the day you graduated; the first day on the job; leaving for more education or perhaps the military. Go ahead! Take time and walk down the aisle, remembering the choice you made right out of highschool. Putting your lives on hold to have a family and resuming more education or taking a job further on down the road. Your life is amazing no matter if you think you are a failure or not accomplished enough. Lives are more important than jobs, education and/or how you have traveled. Life is all about who you were and who you have become.
When I write my thoughts of remembrances I cannot leave out the road I chose as a young girl to follow Jesus. I know that many of you can agree that making the choice to follow Him has made all the difference in your life; in your world! I have known some who made the same choice, but later on changed their minds and decided to become a part of the world and make plans to join back up with Jesus later on in life. I have discovered as I have witnessed this that the problems that occur sometimes are insurmountable. Sometimes that second chance doesn't come. Perhaps you have heard; "the best laid plans of mice and men!"
Remember the story in Jeremiah 29? The exile was brought about because of sin, but when sin was forsaken by the people, God's purposes in mercy could then be realized. In verse 11-14 we read; "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me; when you seek me with all your heart!"
God was talking to the Israelites because further on He says he will restore their fortunes and bring them back to the place from which He sent them when they went into exile. However, the promise of verses 11-14 are good for us today. His plan and hope is for us to inherit the eternal life that is promised through Jesus Christ. When we seek Him with all our hearts we will find Him waiting and ready to receive us with open arms. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 6/2/10
Sunday, May 30, 2010
BOUNDARIES! 5/30/10
When we moved from California to Oregon we bought six and one half acres in a place called Sam's Valley. We knew immediately our property because, because it had a fence that set the boundaries. However, when we put some cows in the back pasture the fence didn't keep them within their boundaries; instead they saw their world as being boundless. Many times we had to round up the cattle and wondered; "how did they ever get out?" Can you picture citified youngsters with sticks in hand encouraging two huge cows down the dirt road onto a very busy highway and back into their fields of green pasture?
My mother set boundaries for her children; young and old. It began with; "This is my home and as long as you live here you will abide by my rules." Remember hearing that? As a child growing up I don't remember hearing bad words; alcohol being served nor back mouthing my parents, although I argued. Just because my father was an alcoholic and some older brothers and sisters may have drank some, I don't remember it being in our home.
When we are raised without limit's we don't know when to stop or when to go home. Without border's we think the world is our oyster and want to eat and eat without limits. Not only did I grow up with boundaries in my home, but also within the confines of the school system; the work place; in marriage and especially with rearing my own children.
Jim and I both felt that what we did influenced our children. We knew that contrary to popular belief, that if we raised our children to know God and God's family they had a better chance of growing up knowing God as we do. Did we badger them into accepting Christ? No! Did we tell them unless they did they would go to hell? No! They could have rebelled against everything but they didn't. They embraced it and have established boundaries for themselves!
Although being perfect parents did not streamline our game plan, but trying to live wholesome Christian lives rubbed off on our children anyway. Our Jennifer said once; "I hated school but when I would get home I was happy again." Home should be a happy, carefree place for children to come home to. Yes, with boundaries but the kind of boundaires that creates satisfaction to encourage growth and anticipation of all the possibilities that lie ahead.
In chapter 8 of Proverbs we learn about wisdom. You ask what does wisdom have to do with knowing our boundaries? Boundaries has everything to do with having wisdom! "Does not wisdom call and understanding lift up her voice? On top of the heights beside the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand. Beside the gates at the opening to the city, at the entrance of the doors she cries out. To you, O men I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. O naive ones, discern prudence and O fools, discern wisdom." verses 1-5
Without wisdom under our belts we have a tendency to overstep our bounds. We act unwisely; we cause ourselves to fall and reap the consequences. "When He set for the sea its boundary, so that the water should not transgress His command, He also marked out the foundations of the earth." verse 29 Even in creation God set boundaries for his handy work; for our safety and our pleasures. God say; "While you are living under my guidance, in my kingdom; you are to keep my commandments." Sounds a little like Mom's rules doesn't it?
"Now therefore, O sons, listen to me, for blessed are they who keep my ways. Heed instruction and be wise and do not neglect it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts. For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord!" verses 32-35 Growing up we tug constantly at the restraints, but as we grow older we begin to understand that faith in God reigns us in; pulling us towards His love; keeping us within the boundaries of His kingdom. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/11/10
My mother set boundaries for her children; young and old. It began with; "This is my home and as long as you live here you will abide by my rules." Remember hearing that? As a child growing up I don't remember hearing bad words; alcohol being served nor back mouthing my parents, although I argued. Just because my father was an alcoholic and some older brothers and sisters may have drank some, I don't remember it being in our home.
When we are raised without limit's we don't know when to stop or when to go home. Without border's we think the world is our oyster and want to eat and eat without limits. Not only did I grow up with boundaries in my home, but also within the confines of the school system; the work place; in marriage and especially with rearing my own children.
Jim and I both felt that what we did influenced our children. We knew that contrary to popular belief, that if we raised our children to know God and God's family they had a better chance of growing up knowing God as we do. Did we badger them into accepting Christ? No! Did we tell them unless they did they would go to hell? No! They could have rebelled against everything but they didn't. They embraced it and have established boundaries for themselves!
Although being perfect parents did not streamline our game plan, but trying to live wholesome Christian lives rubbed off on our children anyway. Our Jennifer said once; "I hated school but when I would get home I was happy again." Home should be a happy, carefree place for children to come home to. Yes, with boundaries but the kind of boundaires that creates satisfaction to encourage growth and anticipation of all the possibilities that lie ahead.
In chapter 8 of Proverbs we learn about wisdom. You ask what does wisdom have to do with knowing our boundaries? Boundaries has everything to do with having wisdom! "Does not wisdom call and understanding lift up her voice? On top of the heights beside the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand. Beside the gates at the opening to the city, at the entrance of the doors she cries out. To you, O men I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. O naive ones, discern prudence and O fools, discern wisdom." verses 1-5
Without wisdom under our belts we have a tendency to overstep our bounds. We act unwisely; we cause ourselves to fall and reap the consequences. "When He set for the sea its boundary, so that the water should not transgress His command, He also marked out the foundations of the earth." verse 29 Even in creation God set boundaries for his handy work; for our safety and our pleasures. God say; "While you are living under my guidance, in my kingdom; you are to keep my commandments." Sounds a little like Mom's rules doesn't it?
"Now therefore, O sons, listen to me, for blessed are they who keep my ways. Heed instruction and be wise and do not neglect it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts. For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord!" verses 32-35 Growing up we tug constantly at the restraints, but as we grow older we begin to understand that faith in God reigns us in; pulling us towards His love; keeping us within the boundaries of His kingdom. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/11/10
Saturday, May 29, 2010
A NEW NORMAL! 5/29/10
Memorial Day for most has become a 'new normal' for many. We have heard this phrase bantered about this past year because of the recession, the economic decline and/or the depression, not to mention the odysseys of those holding office within our government. Our local news calls it 'living in the new normal.' However, since Lynn's passing, his family and his siblings are now beginning a 'new normal.'
You can go on the internet and type in 'The New Normal' and learn all you ever wanted to know about it. Beginning new normals is not easy, when it comes upon you without your being willing to change. However, when we plan for the change the new normal is welcomed and we are excited about it. Whether it is getting married; having children; moving to a new place or into a different house; a new job or career can all be classified as a new beginning or 'the new normal!'
As a child, when we moved from Iowa to California we began a new normal. When Jim and I moved from California to Oregon, we began a new normal and even more of a new normal when we moved to Klamath Falls. And so it goes! Everyday can hold many new experiences that changes our daily routine and can be considered our 'new normal.'
March 1st of 2008 I suffered a heart event. At least that is what they kept calling it. We usually say; heart attack! They put a stint in an artery that was 80% blocked. Upon my recovery I discovered I had energy that I had never had before. As a blah morning person where I did what I had to do, I was moving about doing what I had to do and things I didn't think about doing until they had to be done. I didn't realize it right away but Jim and I both began to take notice of my energy level, especially in the mornings. I was living a 'new normal' and didn't even know that my normal before was perhaps abnormal. I just knew I wasn't a morning person!
Have you been there? Abnormal, I mean! Before you became a Christian you belonged to the world and when you became a Christian, the scriptures say you became peculiar; abnormal in the world. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:1-2
After March 2nd I began living my 'new normal' because the blood was flowing easier through my arteries to my heart giving me new energy. When Christ suffered on the cross over two thousands years ago, his shed blood gave us the opportunity to have a new life which gives us a 'new normal' to live free from sin. "Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Romans 6:4
God has promised us a 'new normal' life when we walk with Him because; "Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him." Romans 6:8 Sometimes I feel like my new life in Christ becomes routine and doesn't feel new but just normal. However, there is nothing normal about walking with Christ. Just like an old chorus of my childhood; "Everyday with Jesus is sweeter than the day before! Everyday with Jesus I love Him more and more!"
I don't know how you feel about the 'new normal' but this Memorial Day is another 'new normal' for me, as I remember the passing of Lynn and the reunion he had in the promised land. I am thankful that I know the Father through my Savior, Jesus! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/28/10
You can go on the internet and type in 'The New Normal' and learn all you ever wanted to know about it. Beginning new normals is not easy, when it comes upon you without your being willing to change. However, when we plan for the change the new normal is welcomed and we are excited about it. Whether it is getting married; having children; moving to a new place or into a different house; a new job or career can all be classified as a new beginning or 'the new normal!'
As a child, when we moved from Iowa to California we began a new normal. When Jim and I moved from California to Oregon, we began a new normal and even more of a new normal when we moved to Klamath Falls. And so it goes! Everyday can hold many new experiences that changes our daily routine and can be considered our 'new normal.'
March 1st of 2008 I suffered a heart event. At least that is what they kept calling it. We usually say; heart attack! They put a stint in an artery that was 80% blocked. Upon my recovery I discovered I had energy that I had never had before. As a blah morning person where I did what I had to do, I was moving about doing what I had to do and things I didn't think about doing until they had to be done. I didn't realize it right away but Jim and I both began to take notice of my energy level, especially in the mornings. I was living a 'new normal' and didn't even know that my normal before was perhaps abnormal. I just knew I wasn't a morning person!
Have you been there? Abnormal, I mean! Before you became a Christian you belonged to the world and when you became a Christian, the scriptures say you became peculiar; abnormal in the world. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:1-2
After March 2nd I began living my 'new normal' because the blood was flowing easier through my arteries to my heart giving me new energy. When Christ suffered on the cross over two thousands years ago, his shed blood gave us the opportunity to have a new life which gives us a 'new normal' to live free from sin. "Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Romans 6:4
God has promised us a 'new normal' life when we walk with Him because; "Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him." Romans 6:8 Sometimes I feel like my new life in Christ becomes routine and doesn't feel new but just normal. However, there is nothing normal about walking with Christ. Just like an old chorus of my childhood; "Everyday with Jesus is sweeter than the day before! Everyday with Jesus I love Him more and more!"
I don't know how you feel about the 'new normal' but this Memorial Day is another 'new normal' for me, as I remember the passing of Lynn and the reunion he had in the promised land. I am thankful that I know the Father through my Savior, Jesus! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/28/10
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