WHEN DOES WORRY BECOME STRESSFUL?
I guess worry is the first step to becoming stressful or full of anxiety. We learn to worry at a very young age, don't we? Our #1 grandson, Adam was a worrier! His parents were very busy which not only consumed most of their days but into the evenings because they were employed by a local church. Being worship leaders and administrators kept them up front which made the church, Adam's second home.

Many times they would drop Adam and of course the other boys as time went on, at our home while they would go off for an engagement at another church or perhaps just time for themselves. When evening would roll around, Adam was expectant. When was his Mom and Dad coming home? I always felt it would be a good thing for his parents to call him often, but they knew best. Good parents always know what is best!

On many occasion he would stand or sit in front of our picture window and watch the road when he felt it was time for them to come and get him. At some point the chairs would be found on the corner of the front yard with Adam waiting and watching. I am not sure when he stopped worrying about whether his Mom and Dad would remember to pick him up, but in time he trusted them, because they always showed up!

Worry is second nature to most! Worry for some becomes a standard! Worry, in the early stages teaches us to use any means to alleviate the fears that bring on worry. Eating is one; craving chocolate could be another. Today, many go for a run or if they have a pool, they do a few laps. If we don't get a handle on the early stages of worry, they grow into stressful periods and eventually anxiety fills our lives and we become depressed. Medicines are recommended and like takes a different turn. If not recognized, we find ourselves spiraling out of control!

During my days of medications, I was spiraling out of control. My days and nights were filled with distress and anxiety. I have empathy for those who experience days like that, don't you? We all have experienced some of these kinds of days! Praise God for the right meds!

A small amount of stress is healthy and a natural part of life. It can help you to do more and be productive. Some people do their best work while under pressure. However, too much is not a good thing! Some events come into our lives that cause the kind of stress that bring on physical and/or emotional/mental illnesses. Too much stress can lead to anxiety which causes us to indulge in unhealthy behavior. Smoking; alcohol and even drugs.

"Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad". Proverbs 12:25 I remember my days of being heavy hearted, only to realize it was my thoughts of constant worry. "Casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you!" 1 Peter 5:7 The next verse says; "Be on the alert, the devil prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." Don't let Satan get the upper hand! Recognize his presence!

We are all familiar with the story of Martha and Mary. In Luke Chapter 10, we find Martha being worried about many things. She was distracted with all her concerns of being a good hostess that she even asked Jesus to help her out, by letting Mary help her. However, in verse 41-42 Jesus says; "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things, but only a few things are necessary; really only one, and Mary has chosen the good part, which should not be taken away from her." The lesson learned here, is to get your preparations done before Bible study in your home, or whatever else is going on. Have the coffee and cookies all ready. Have the dinner on the table and allow yourself to become one of the guests. Don't be so busy serving that you miss the opportunity of taking part in the celebrations. Jane Ann

IS THERE A TIME TO WORRY? 6/29/09

This week we are going to look at one of the plagues of our century; Worry and anxiety! It comes to all of us at one time or another. Sometimes it is caused because of a medical condition , but many times it is self enduced. I am not an expert in this field, but I have walked this path and know that it no picnic. However, I find myself leaning more and more upon our Savior and know the peace I find there.
I am a worrier! At one time in time my anxiety was so great, I worried about everything! Great or small I could make it a BIG problem. The summer of 2007, Jim and Jennifer went down South for about 5 days to visit his family. A long drive! I stayed home because I didn't want to miss seeing Adam, Our #1 grandson, leave for boot camp. Since I was alone, my anxiety set it. Now, I know I shouldn't worry, but this thing worry had been plaguing me for quite a while. I blamed it on my medications! For six years the side affects were varied, so were the medicines. In January I had some of my Meds changed but I was still experiencing major side affects and anxiety.

I remember sitting on the deck overlooking our little English Garden. I had just watered the flowers as Jim had instructed me. For no reason, I began to cry! Our God is so good! That morning I was reminded that; "Yes, I worry, but I am content". "Yes I worry, but God has promised me peace." "Yes I worry, but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". If something would have happened to Jim and Jennifer on this trip God would have been my comfort. Through sorrow and complete devastation I would be comforted and given the peace that passes all understanding. You know why? Our focus is on heaven!

The spring of 2008, Jim and Jennifer left for another trip to be with his family. This time with all the preparations and saying good-byes I felt no anxiety. No worries! I was just fine!
However, earlier that year I suffered a heart event and all my medicines had been changed and I no longer was experiencing any of the side effects of the previous medicines. I can leave Jim and Jennifer in God's hands and know that He will take care of them and me.

How many of you worry about tomorrow? Because Paul didn't worry about what tomorrow held, he could rejoice daily knowing his faithful God was in control. Worrying about what the future holds does absolutely no good; it simply robs us of today's joys. Paul expressed his joy for the day even though tomorrow threatened to be difficult. He also encouraged the Philippians to rejoice as he did, regardless of their circumstances.

Jim has reminded me many times that the Apostles were focused upon Christ and heaven. That was why they could give up everything to follow Him and to establish His Church. They had concerns but worry did not overpower them. We too have a destination! HEAVEN! Because we know where we are headed, this can bring contentment into our lives. When we find it difficult to have this kind of contentment and worry overtakes us, we only need to come to the Father for His reassurance.

Are you aware that prayer is a gift from God! Using this gift often brings results of profound magnitude. It is the one gift that can be used at anytime and anyplace. The scriptures show us that we are to be circumspect when we pray. We should never enter prayer lightly! Psalm 24:1-6 says; "We are to come to Him with a contrite heart and clean hands." Psalm 5:3 says; "We are to approach the throne seeking God in faith and expectancy." In James 5:16c it tells us that if we approach God, knowing Him, we should not be afraid. It doesn't say that only the righteous can approach God, however, it does say they have great power.

When my worry button is pushed, I immediately yell at Satan and then seek God's face. It took a heart event for me to have my medicines changed but in fact my heart event was an answer to prayer. In short, approach the Father with clean hands, a pure heart, humbled and exalting God. Do what is right; muster up faith of a grain of a mustard see; Love life; Turn from evil; Seek peace. Have confidence and remember who you are and who He is. We all have witness ansers to prayer, but we have seen nothing yet! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/24/08

WE ARE MANY BUT WORK AS ONE!
The world is made up of different colors, ethnic groups, life styles and even languages. It is understandable that they don't get along. The church is made up of one body! The head is the same and never changes! However, the body, because it lives in the world, wants to use the same methods of disciplines, requirements and performance as sought after in the world. Sometimes it is easy to think we are still a part of the world because we live in it. But in fact, we are not of the world! Why don't we get along? We are suppose to, you know!

Growing up, I thought there was no better place than being in Sunday School, Church or the Youth Groups. Going to a Sunday Night Sing at a neighboring church was an added bonus. A fifth Sunday Rally was just frosting on the cake. Pot lucks, programs, the Sunday Night Long Song Service, where we could choose our favorites was something to look forward to.

Since I have grown up I have discovered the nitpicking, criticisms and all out war that has become a part of the body. I don't always agree with how some things are done like decorations, how the furniture is placed, how the communion meditation is said, but none of those things are as much for me as it is for the Lord. My attitude and my appreciation, not to mention how my love is evident, is what God is looking for in me. The Lord is not waiting for my likes and dislikes, He is waiting for my adoration and willingness to be a part of His body.

I know most of you have heard; "Don't bite the hand that feeds you!" Do you know what it means? To give its full meaning; "Don't repay kindness with wrong doing!" When we turn against, criticize, talk about or even fight against those who volunteer to encourage the church to grow, we are biting the hand that feeds us. We turn against ourselves, our friends, our families! In the long run, we may regret our actions, because the hand you are biting is our Lord Jesus Christ!

"An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest." Luke 9:46 When Jesus heard this He merely took a child and said; "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives Him who sent me; for He who is least among you all is the one who is great." Luke 9:48 Where do you stand in this hall of humility?

Remember the story of David, the shepherd boy? In 1 Samuel Chapter 17, we find David arriving at the battle in the valley of Elah where King Saul and his men were fighting the Philistines. David questions why they have allowed this Giant to make fun of them? Why doesn't someone go and fight him? Not even King Saul, the king above all kings would go up against the giant Goliath. David decides that he could do it! David tells the king how the Lord had saved him from the lions and bears, and He will save him from this Philistine.

David confronts the giant Goliath and says; "You come to me with a sword, spear and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Hosts and the God of the armies of Israel." Before he slays the giant, he says; "So that all may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear, for the battle is the Lord's and He will give you into our hand."

God grows the church not you and me! God level's the playing field, not you and me! When God calls, He uses who He wills, not you and me! We may fight amongst ourselves and hurt one another, but God says; "Love one another, encourage one another, humble yourselves in His sight." How true or false are you in your worship? God says to those who were fasting; "Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high." Isaiah 58:4 If we stop these ways and doing these things; "Then you shall call and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, here I am." Isaiah 58:9 Jane Ann

SPECIAL OLYMPICS!
In 1960 Dr. Frank Hayden, a Medical Professor in Toronto Canada and Eunice Kennedy Shriver were seeing the beneficial value in enabling athletic opportunities for developmentally disabled children by offering summer camps. Through this venture the program took off like wild fire and today the Special olympics are offered all over the world and have become just as important in the world of sports, as the Ancient Olympics did over 2000 years ago in Greece.

During my highschool days, football was the highlight of every Friday night during the first quarter of the school year. I can't recall the name nor what grade he was in but I do remember one of the football players. He was slight build and his left arm was limp. It would hang at his side and some times it was in a sling but I remember, he was on the football team.

Jim remembers about 10 years ago a pitcher playing in the National League. His right hand was partially missing and he used only his left hand. He would come out onto the mound with his glove on his left hand. He would catch the ball in the glove and when he was ready to pitch he would put the glove with the ball under his right arm. Removed the ball with his left hand, pitch the ball, reach over and put his left hand into the glove as quick as a wink and be ready to catch the ball again. Obviously, no handicap here!

I have seen on TV, wheelchair basketball and of course other competitive sports where the players were able to compete without handicaps even though they were handicapped. Isn't it amazing what a person can do, when they give it a try and put their minds to it.

When those, in reality shouldn't be able to, actually can participate; we stand in the bleachers and cheer full of pride for their achievements and also for their tenacity. When we are close to one of the achievers we are full of pride and expect everyone else to show that pride also.

I find that sometimes in the church, we work under a handicap even though we are not necessarily handicapped. God has given us all talents of one kind or another. God expects us to use these talents and to even use muscles that are under developed, in His service.

During my most active years of service within the church body, my overload button should have gone off many times. It is true the more you do, the more that is expected of you. In January of 1979, while my plate was pretty full, the preacher came to me and said he wanted a choir to do a Cantata for Easter as an added celebration in dedicating our new Sanctuary. We didn't have a choir! We didn't even have many who had shown a desire for a choir! Being a singer didn't make me a choir director! I said; "I can't direct a choir!" He assured me I could and one of my problems is that I could never say no to anything that was asked of me within the church. With the Lord's direction, we formed a choir and I led this choir for almost 10 years.

Do you remember the conversation Moses had with God at the burning bush as found in Exodus 3? Moses, with all his insecurities shook his head and said no to God. "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?" Further on Moses says; "If I come to the people". Do you suppose Moses dares to argue with God? Can you imagine the ring in God's voice when he replies to Moses with; "I Am who I Am!" I shudder to think how Moses must have recoiled under the thunderous sound of God's voice. Moses continues to argue with God and says; "Oh my Lord, I am not eloquent; I am slow of speech and of tongue!" Eventually God, realizing that this man He had chosen, was bringing Him to anger, said; "Aaron will go with you and I will speak to your mouth and you will speak to his mouth and Aaron will be glad in heart". God kept His promises to Moses and even hardened Pharaoh's heart!

Whenever we come face to face with our Lord, we are standing on holy ground! We can take off our shoes, but we need to be ready and willing to do as we are asked. Jane Ann

MOST INSPIRATIONAL PLAYER!
When my brother Lynn was playing football in his senior year in highschool, I remember one of the other players. I think his name was Bob! He was one of the best players! At the end of the school year when all the awards were handed out, he was given the trophy for the "Most Inspirational Player". As a spectator, I wondered why Bob, because there were many others I would have thought were far more inspirational.

I asked Lynn and he said because he was always asking the coach; "Put me in Coach, put me in!" It didn’t matter whether he was needed but he was always willing. Well, I still thought there were others that deserved that trophy more than Bob. But of course I thought Lynn was their most valuable player.

Have you ever thought of yourself as the most ‘anything’ player? I remember trying out for a choir in 4th grade and although I could read and sing alto, I was chosen last. However, because I was chosen last didn’t keep me from wanting to be in the choir nor from continuing my singing career, such as it was. At that time in my life, singing was still one of my favorites.

Through out the years, I became an encourager of those who are now doing my favorite things. I can be moved by those who are just learning to be team players as well as the veterans. I sometimes have problems with those who aren’t willing to play with those who are not as experienced as they think they are. But I can tolerate them! Everyone still needs to learn!

What do you consider to be the most valuable player on the church team? The one who is always there; the one who is early for practice and performance; the one who listens to the instructions and follows through; the one who is willing to help others; the one who complains the loudest, or the one who keeps trying. Have you ever been the most inspirational player?

"And Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people." Acts 6:8 We are all familiar with the story of Stephen! We know that he was young and courageous and was counted as one of the first deacons. The scriptures say that he was a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. The leaders were afraid of Stephen because he spoke with such authority and wisdom. They set out to destroy him just as they did with Jesus.

In the early church, Stephen stands out as the ‘most inspirational player’! He not only stood up before the many leaders but he reminded them of the scriptures they taught and called them stiff necked people, unclean in their hearts and ears as they resist the Holy Spirit. Stephen was stoned! "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God!" Acts 7:56 How many team players have we stoned?

Not everything is done to my liking and not everyone is perfect in the part we play. But everyone is in a performance before God, not for each other. Not everyone performs the same tasks but are to become equipped; "For the work of the ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." Ephesians 4:12-13

Paul continues with, "We are to speak in love, and to grow up in Christ because He is the head and we form the whole body, joined and knit together by every joint with which it is supplied when each part is working properly, continuing to grow and renew itself in love." Ephesians 4:15-16

Since the church is a body of team players, let us achieve to become inspirational to each other so that we can continue to grow and renew our body through love, encouragement and to "maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace!". Ephesians 4:3 Jane Ann

BAD SPORTSMANSHIP!
When we were kids, one of the things I hated most was having two team captains and the rest of us stood around while these two captains would choose their team. Of course the friends were all chosen first and the rest of us would stand on one foot and then the other and each one just new they would be chosen last. I hated that! Probably because since I wasn’t the greatest school ground or front yard athlete. I was a girl and always chosen last!

I don’t remember my having bad sportsmanship but I remember others who did. If they didn’t get on the team they wanted, they would pout and/or cry and stomp off the field. Even some of the good players would do that. I always just felt bad , but tried to keep it to myself because I wanted to play on a team, regardless.

Whatever activity, requiring many participants and even if chosen last, I wanted to be on the team. Not until I was older was I able to take charge and of course that was within my Sunday School and/or Church. I never was in charge or a number one player while in school. The competition was great, but on the church grounds I was always at home and in my element.

Even so, there were many that had hurt feelings and would slam the door while running from the room because they didn’t get the part they wanted in a play or quit the choir because they didn’t get the solo they wanted. Left the church because they couldn’t be on the main ‘worship team’. Sportsmanship is something we have to develop and perhaps never perfect until we are mature enough in Christ, to recognize that we can’t always get our way, no matter what it is we want. Especially with or without consequences!

It has been said; "It isn’t whether we win or lose, but how we play the game!" For me, I was happy to just be included. How about you? What did you learn, coming up the ranks of good or bad sportsmanship? Did you always win the blue ribbon or get a trophy? Were you one of the honorable mentioned? Or were you one of the forgotten few that never even got mentioned.

Most don’t realize that within the church we are all team players. The interesting thing about church team players is that we have a tendency to criticize one another. In other words we examine sharply to form a judgment. When we find a fault we want to put blame on someone. The most amazing thing is that we don’t even have to be on a team and actually participating, but be just one of the members making deliberate judgements because it is not our favorite. We want something different, regardless of the hearts that are on the teams.

Most remember Ecclesiastes for; "There is nothing new under the sun!" However; "The words of the wise heard in quiet, are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good." Eccl. 9:17-18 The complaints and criticism of those in charge and the fools can destroy what is good. Think before you bring down those who are willing to use their talents and sacrifice their time for the sake of the Lord. "But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please men, but to please God who tests our hearts." 1 Thess. 2:4

Only God knows the hearts of the team players. Only God knows if the ‘worship team’ is worth their metal; Only God knows the hearts of those in the Women’s Ministry. Only God knows you inside and out. Don’t make judgements unless you are judging a sin not a service. Jane Ann

TEAM PLAYERS GO ONTO WIN! 6/22/09

Some things have come to my attention these past few weeks. Things that I have seen happen over and over within the church body. I have never understood the why and wherefore these things come about, but I can only attribute them to Satan and how he can undermind the workings of the church. I have personally gone to those who have started these dysfunctional disturbances, however, I am not immune and I am guilty. We are all guilty! This week let's look at who is the captain and what position each of us are to play in order to be winners on God's team.
TEAM PLAYERS GO ONTO WIN!
When my brother Larry was a senior in High School, he was a running back on the Varsity football team. I loved going to the football games on Friday nights, even after I was out of high school. Lots of excitement with plenty of yelling, singing and chanting until you thought you would just burst. One of Larry’s most exciting games was when he received the pass pretty close to the 50 yd line and was running down the sideline heading towards the goal line while all the other players were pursuing further back on the field. Larry was well clear and running for all he was worth. The crowds in the stands were yelling and screaming, encouraging him on. When all of a sudden, Larry turned his head and looked back! As soon as he did that his pace dropped, bringing runners closer behind him. All of a sudden he tripped, by catching his foot in a small hole in the field, and fell. Immediately, he was covered by the opposing team. I am sure that this all happened pretty early in the game. These things happen in football and the team players rally around and quickly move onto the next play. That’s what makes it so exciting, except for winning of course.

My #3 grandson, Jordan who was in the 7th grade, was playing his first year of basketball. To him it is just a game and so far was having a good time. At one point in a game he found himself with the ball and the players of both teams were down at the opposing teams basket. He stopped long enough to assess his position and with no one to throw the ball to, lopped it with an over the head throw towards the basket not intending to score, but just getting rid of the ball. Standing about 10 ft outside of the three point line, he tossed the ball smoothly into the basket. The crowd went crazy! Now this play was a little different from another play he made when he forgot they switched baskets at half time and he dribbled the ball all the way to the visitors basket and tried to make a basket. This time everyone laughed, including Jordan.

When I was a child, at the end of each service an ‘invitation’ would be made to those who wished to accept the Lord and to be baptized. One time a young man came forward. The pastor asked him; "Do you play baseball?" The young man said yes! Then the pastor asked him; "Are you a team player?" The young man said yes! The pastor went on to say; "Do you want to play on God’s team?" The young man said yes! Philippians 1:6 tells us that God has begun a work in us which He will take to it’s completion. When we decide to be a player on God’s team He begins that work immediately. Not just when a game is scheduled. God’s team is always in play! In other words we need to be strong! Our eyes focused on what is ahead! Pressing on towards the goal.

Did you know that we are not strong enough to fight Satan’s attacks alone? Not only did God give us the Holy Spirit but in Hebrews 10:24-25 Paul tells us that we also need the support of God’s people, His team, the church! Galatians 6:1 tells us that we are to stimulate one another to love and good works and to encourage each other. We must come together in worship and fellowship. We need each other, working together as a team so it is possible for us to help carry each others burdens. I love watching competitive sports but I like it more when they are having fun.

I know that Life is serious and team play is serious! "And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted". Matthew 23:12 In competitive sports we can win or lose. If we want to play on the wining team; If we want to excel as a team player; If we want to carry that ball for the winning point, then we need to let God be our coach!
When we play by God’s rules, we are winners! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/8/08