WHEN I WAS a girl we had a grape vine growing in the alleyway behind our house. I don’t believe it was ours and not sure who it did belong to. What I remember is that it had green grapes on it and they were sour. Most berry patches of any kind whether they are black, red or even grapes, the vine they grow on are twisted, snarled and matted as they grow intertwine with one another.
THE PAST two months I have been leading a Ladies Bible Study on what I called; Christmas Hall of Fame. Of course we began where the story begins and finished long after December 25th with Herod and his plan to kill the baby boys, two years and younger. A couple of things jumped out at me and I want to share it with you.
WHEN GOD announced the birth of His son to the shepherds, they were amazed! They went, they saw and witnessed what they had been told. When they left, they told everyone about what they had seen, heard, witnessed and were never the same again. When Mary and Joseph took Jesus into the temple when He was about 40 days old, they were greeted by Simeon, a devout Jew and also Anna, a Prophetess, who lived in the temple. God revealed to both of them that this child was His son. Both Simeon and Anna begin to tell everyone they met, that the Messiah had been born and they saw him. They became witnesses along with the Shepherds and they were never the same!
LATER ON the wise men appear in Jerusalem looking for the baby who was born king of the Jews. When Herod hears of this, he calls the wise men before him and with his cunning, diabolical ways, asks that they go and find the child and let him know so that he could worship him also. Of course, God intervenes and the wise men go and see the child and then go home a different way and they too become witnesses of what they saw, heard and worshiped. They were never the same again! The Shepherds, Simeon, Anna and wise men were the beginning of God’s grapevine.
REMEMBER studying about Samuel F. B. Morse who invented the new- fangled system of communication using wires that looked to all the world like vines strung between poles? The telegraph lines transmitted many wild rumors during the Civil War. This caused people to understand that when you received a message through the “grapevine,” it was likely; gossip. Most battlefield dispatches were true, but some were unfounded. This caused many messages that were transmitted person-to-person to be called a “grapevine telegraph” who’s news was suspect.
GOD ESTABLISHED a grapevine telegraph when His son was born. He told the Shepherds, Simeon, Anna and the wise men! After they heard, saw and witnessed God’s message, that was foretold in Isaiah, they became a grapevine of truth. When we become followers of God’s word we too should tell all we meet, what we have heard, felt and witnessed, as God’s truth!
“AND JESUS came and said to them; All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you and lo, I am with you always, to the end of the age!” Matthew 28:19-20
I HEARD a preacher once say; “Go therefore, means; as you go!” As the Shepherds went they told everyone they met about the Christ Child being born in a manger. Simeon, the devout Jew and Anna, the Prophetess, told everyone from that day forward that the Messiah had come! The wise men and their caravan shared the news that the star they followed laid over the house of the Son of God and He was the new king of the Jews.
AS YOU GO; what are you saying? As you go; who are you sharing the “good news” with? As you go; who are you taking with you? “I am the vine, you are the branches, He who abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit!” John 15:4 By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/22/11
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
LOOKING GOOD! 1/16/11
MY BROTHER Lee and his son, Lance owned a dry cleaners
establishment for quite a few years. During the years I worked for them as a “go to” person they did very little advertising because their name and service was above reproach. However, I remember one month was called; “Good Grooming Month!” We wore red badges with white printing that said; “When you look good - you feel good!”
ONE OF THE THINGS I thought was amazing about the dry cleaning business, is that those who really wanted to look good had everything cleaned and pressed, including their blue jeans. That crease down the pant leg said a lot about the person who wore them. Of course we did laundry as well as dry cleaning. You have heard; “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”, haven’t you? Of course, that is not necessarily biblical word for word, but the premise is very true.
I HAVE a little decorative tin that sits on my little bookcase and has for many, many years. It was one of the first gifts, Jennifer gave me for Christmas. Of course she didn’t know at the time what it was and what I would use it for. Actually, it has just collected stuff over the years and once in a while I open and look to see what treasures made it’s way there. In putting Christmas away and bringing out the stuff we had put away during Christmas, I opened the tin. Low and behold, I found my “good grooming” badge.
ISN'T IT FUN when you find something that brings back floods of memories? Places, people and part of your life that seemed to have been put on the back shelf. For the most part, I enjoyed my time at the cleaners. I loved the people and maintained friendships through the years. Some have passed on and some are still around. No matter what comes and goes through your life, it leaves a mark. I look back on the scars and the blemishes, plus the beauty and thank God for where I have been because it has brought me to where I am today.
SOMETIMES we clean up on the outside and forget about how dirty we are on the inside. We forget about the kind of words we use. How obscene we can be! We forget the lies until it is time to remember what you had said and to whom you said it. Perhaps we should concentrate on cleaning up the inside and worry about the outside at a later date. We have a problem with looking at what looks good and think it must be good as well. Not so! Many times what looks good is deceiving, and it turns out to be no good at all.
“GOD LOOKS down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any that act wisely, that seek after God. They have all gone astray! They are all alike, corrupt; there is none that does good, no, not one!” Psalms 14:2-3 God’s goodness judges the world. No one in the world is good when you compare them to God. This world is under the power of sin but when we put on Christ, God looks down and see’s His son.
“I DO NOT understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Romans 7:15 Paul is saying exactly what I feel sometimes. Haven’t you felt this way? “Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law!” Romans 7:16 Here Paul is saying that when he does what is not good, then he know’s that he has allowed sin to rule.
“SO THEN it is no longer I that do it, but sin which dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want, is what I do.” Romans 7:17-19 Perplexing huh?
“Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin which dwells within me.” Romans 7:20 No wonder, Paul says later on; “Oh, wretched man that I am!” Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! My flesh may be sinful but I can “Set my mind upon the things above and not on the things of this earth!” Colossians 3:2 By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/15/11
establishment for quite a few years. During the years I worked for them as a “go to” person they did very little advertising because their name and service was above reproach. However, I remember one month was called; “Good Grooming Month!” We wore red badges with white printing that said; “When you look good - you feel good!”
ONE OF THE THINGS I thought was amazing about the dry cleaning business, is that those who really wanted to look good had everything cleaned and pressed, including their blue jeans. That crease down the pant leg said a lot about the person who wore them. Of course we did laundry as well as dry cleaning. You have heard; “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”, haven’t you? Of course, that is not necessarily biblical word for word, but the premise is very true.
I HAVE a little decorative tin that sits on my little bookcase and has for many, many years. It was one of the first gifts, Jennifer gave me for Christmas. Of course she didn’t know at the time what it was and what I would use it for. Actually, it has just collected stuff over the years and once in a while I open and look to see what treasures made it’s way there. In putting Christmas away and bringing out the stuff we had put away during Christmas, I opened the tin. Low and behold, I found my “good grooming” badge.
ISN'T IT FUN when you find something that brings back floods of memories? Places, people and part of your life that seemed to have been put on the back shelf. For the most part, I enjoyed my time at the cleaners. I loved the people and maintained friendships through the years. Some have passed on and some are still around. No matter what comes and goes through your life, it leaves a mark. I look back on the scars and the blemishes, plus the beauty and thank God for where I have been because it has brought me to where I am today.
SOMETIMES we clean up on the outside and forget about how dirty we are on the inside. We forget about the kind of words we use. How obscene we can be! We forget the lies until it is time to remember what you had said and to whom you said it. Perhaps we should concentrate on cleaning up the inside and worry about the outside at a later date. We have a problem with looking at what looks good and think it must be good as well. Not so! Many times what looks good is deceiving, and it turns out to be no good at all.
“GOD LOOKS down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any that act wisely, that seek after God. They have all gone astray! They are all alike, corrupt; there is none that does good, no, not one!” Psalms 14:2-3 God’s goodness judges the world. No one in the world is good when you compare them to God. This world is under the power of sin but when we put on Christ, God looks down and see’s His son.
“I DO NOT understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Romans 7:15 Paul is saying exactly what I feel sometimes. Haven’t you felt this way? “Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law!” Romans 7:16 Here Paul is saying that when he does what is not good, then he know’s that he has allowed sin to rule.
“SO THEN it is no longer I that do it, but sin which dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want, is what I do.” Romans 7:17-19 Perplexing huh?
“Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin which dwells within me.” Romans 7:20 No wonder, Paul says later on; “Oh, wretched man that I am!” Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! My flesh may be sinful but I can “Set my mind upon the things above and not on the things of this earth!” Colossians 3:2 By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/15/11
Sunday, January 9, 2011
SAFETY ZONES! 1/9/11
AS A CHILD I remember always wanting to be within my safety zones. It didn't matter what it was, I didn't want to get hurt, embarrassed or be afraid. I remember walking home after dark and looking behind me just in case someone else could be there, walking after dark also. I taught my children to walk in the cross walk and not in the middle of the street.
IT IS FUNNY some of the things I remember being afraid of. My sister Janice use to tell me to cover my mouth when I saw a bug because it could count my teeth and then I would die. To this day I cover my mouth when I see a worm, a bug, a snake or anything that creeps along the ground. You would think by this time I would have put all of that behind me.
I REMEMBER Janice telling me about when she bought some candy in the movie theater and each time she put some in her mouth she felt something around her mouth and would brush it off. When the lights came on, she discovered she had tiny, little worms in her package of candy. Yes, I was the most gullible of little girls and Janice knew she had me in the palm of her hand. I still look in the package!
TO THIS DAY I still need my safety zones. I need to feel secure! I noticed yesterday, as Jim and I traveled over the hill to Medford, the road signs that were designed to keep us safe and secure on the road. There are the speed limits; arrow's indicating the curve in the road; signs that said "safety corridor" for the next 18 miles; turn lights on for safety. These are designed to keep us alert and paying attention as we drive along the highways and byways on the roads that take us from here to there.
HAVE YOU EVER noticed that God's word is filled with directional information that keeps us to the path that leads to salvation and not destruction. The most familiar is called the Ten Commandments that are filled with; "Though shalt not's!" God wasn't just showing His power and His position as God Almighty. God was telling us that He loves us so much that if we abide by His rules we will be living within the Safety Zones of His kingdom.
PERSONALLY, I love the Safety Zones of His kingdom. "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." John 14:15 I believe keeping God's commandments is our Safety Zone. "He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me and he who loves me will be loved by my Father and I will love him and manifest myself to him." John 14:21 It reads simple, doesn't it. But it is far from simple!
LET'S READ ANOTHER verse that says the same thing. "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in His love!" John 15:10 It is obvious to me that if Jesus was to keep His Father's commandments to continually abide in His love, we too must keep Jesus' commandments, so that we too will continue to abide in the Father's love.
THE ALL IMPORTANT command is to love God and one another. It too sounds simple, doesn't it? In reality this is not simple at all. It takes decision making; concentration; perseverance and dedication on our part. God merely waits patiently as we continue to grow in putting our trust in Him. One of the keys to the kingdom is; "Let your heart hold fast my words, keep my commandments and live. Do not forget and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Get wisdom; get insight." Proverbs 4:4-5
TRAVELING on the road when it says; "safety corridor," doesn't mean that this area is safe. It is saying, be careful, be alert, watch for ice. When God says; "keep my commandments" this is no more a suggestion than the road sign. It is for your well being; your security and it leads to eternal life in our home away from home. This world is not my home, I am just passing through; my treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue. Take care to follow the map and stay on the path of righteousness. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/8/11
IT IS FUNNY some of the things I remember being afraid of. My sister Janice use to tell me to cover my mouth when I saw a bug because it could count my teeth and then I would die. To this day I cover my mouth when I see a worm, a bug, a snake or anything that creeps along the ground. You would think by this time I would have put all of that behind me.
I REMEMBER Janice telling me about when she bought some candy in the movie theater and each time she put some in her mouth she felt something around her mouth and would brush it off. When the lights came on, she discovered she had tiny, little worms in her package of candy. Yes, I was the most gullible of little girls and Janice knew she had me in the palm of her hand. I still look in the package!
TO THIS DAY I still need my safety zones. I need to feel secure! I noticed yesterday, as Jim and I traveled over the hill to Medford, the road signs that were designed to keep us safe and secure on the road. There are the speed limits; arrow's indicating the curve in the road; signs that said "safety corridor" for the next 18 miles; turn lights on for safety. These are designed to keep us alert and paying attention as we drive along the highways and byways on the roads that take us from here to there.
HAVE YOU EVER noticed that God's word is filled with directional information that keeps us to the path that leads to salvation and not destruction. The most familiar is called the Ten Commandments that are filled with; "Though shalt not's!" God wasn't just showing His power and His position as God Almighty. God was telling us that He loves us so much that if we abide by His rules we will be living within the Safety Zones of His kingdom.
PERSONALLY, I love the Safety Zones of His kingdom. "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." John 14:15 I believe keeping God's commandments is our Safety Zone. "He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me and he who loves me will be loved by my Father and I will love him and manifest myself to him." John 14:21 It reads simple, doesn't it. But it is far from simple!
LET'S READ ANOTHER verse that says the same thing. "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in His love!" John 15:10 It is obvious to me that if Jesus was to keep His Father's commandments to continually abide in His love, we too must keep Jesus' commandments, so that we too will continue to abide in the Father's love.
THE ALL IMPORTANT command is to love God and one another. It too sounds simple, doesn't it? In reality this is not simple at all. It takes decision making; concentration; perseverance and dedication on our part. God merely waits patiently as we continue to grow in putting our trust in Him. One of the keys to the kingdom is; "Let your heart hold fast my words, keep my commandments and live. Do not forget and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Get wisdom; get insight." Proverbs 4:4-5
TRAVELING on the road when it says; "safety corridor," doesn't mean that this area is safe. It is saying, be careful, be alert, watch for ice. When God says; "keep my commandments" this is no more a suggestion than the road sign. It is for your well being; your security and it leads to eternal life in our home away from home. This world is not my home, I am just passing through; my treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue. Take care to follow the map and stay on the path of righteousness. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/8/11
Sunday, January 2, 2011
HAPPY NEW YEAR! 1/2/11
I HAVE LIVED through 72, January 1. That means in
February I will be 73! It may be true that time flies when you are having a good time; but in reality it flies because you are getting older. When we were young, it took forever from one birthday to the next; now that we are older it comes sooner than we wish and we age whether we want to or not.
SINCE I have been writing about the past so much, I sometimes wish I could relive some of those times all over again. Not all of them mind you, just some of them! Like for instance when I was 10 years old and would climb the monkey bars and because I was smaller than most I could use the bars as I would the turning poles that you had to wait in line for.
THE FIRST time I bought myself a pair of navy blue slacks that had become fashionable. Or when Jean and I moved into our first apartment and lost weight because it was on the second floor and we had to climb stairs to get to it. There was a time when Jean and I could eat the whole pizza by ourselves and not feel too stuffed. Now, I am good if I can eat my whole, half of a sandwich and not feel too stuffed.
NOW DAYS, around new years, I hear people say; “this year I am going to do the things I wished I had done this past year.” Some say; “I never keep my New Years resolutions, so why bother making them.” Sounds to me like the glass half full or the glass half empty. I always want to be the glass half full but I know sometimes, I see my glass half empty. How do you see your life?
AS A YOUNG WOMAN I could stay up past Midnight and see the New Year in. Now, I am lucky if I can keep my eyes opened past 9:00 pm. Not long ago around midnight, I would wake up to horns honking and when living in the country, gun shots to welcome in the new year. Now, I just want to sleep! Leave me alone; don’t bother me; give me my space; been there and done that!
I LOVE LIFE, don’t you? I love the years, God has given me! “As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years. Or if due to strength, eighty years, yet their pride is but labor and sorrow. For soon it is gone and we fly away.” Psalm 90:10 The Psalmist says that our life is filled with labor and sorrow. It is true; we must work to survive and life brings sorrow.
"HEAR, MY SON and accept my sayings, and the years of your life will be many.” Proverbs 4:10 When we follow God, our days whether short or long, will be full. “For all of our days will decline; we will finished our years like a sigh.” Psalms 90:9 “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom.” Psalms 90:12 God is speaking to His eternity and man’s transition in life. God lives on but man must choose to live on with God.
I LOOK at this past year and have mixed emotions. Much to be thankful for but the sorrow God has said we would have, has also crossed my path. I look forward to this coming year as Jim and I begin to celebrate the 50's. In 1961Jim asked me to marry him! Christmas 2011 we will celebrate our 50th Christmas together. Of course all will take place if God’s willing and the creek don’t rise!
WHEN WE look back at our preteen years, during the teenage years and as an adult, what have we learned about ourselves? What have we learned about each other? What have we learned about God? “And He said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it; You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39
JESUS is asking us to love. We are to love God; love each other; and love ourselves! God has shown favor upon us by sharing His Son with us. His Son came down with love! Not with condemnation nor partiality; but with His abundant love. You have all the time you need in 2011 to love and bless others before you go to heaven! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/31/10
February I will be 73! It may be true that time flies when you are having a good time; but in reality it flies because you are getting older. When we were young, it took forever from one birthday to the next; now that we are older it comes sooner than we wish and we age whether we want to or not.
SINCE I have been writing about the past so much, I sometimes wish I could relive some of those times all over again. Not all of them mind you, just some of them! Like for instance when I was 10 years old and would climb the monkey bars and because I was smaller than most I could use the bars as I would the turning poles that you had to wait in line for.
THE FIRST time I bought myself a pair of navy blue slacks that had become fashionable. Or when Jean and I moved into our first apartment and lost weight because it was on the second floor and we had to climb stairs to get to it. There was a time when Jean and I could eat the whole pizza by ourselves and not feel too stuffed. Now, I am good if I can eat my whole, half of a sandwich and not feel too stuffed.
NOW DAYS, around new years, I hear people say; “this year I am going to do the things I wished I had done this past year.” Some say; “I never keep my New Years resolutions, so why bother making them.” Sounds to me like the glass half full or the glass half empty. I always want to be the glass half full but I know sometimes, I see my glass half empty. How do you see your life?
AS A YOUNG WOMAN I could stay up past Midnight and see the New Year in. Now, I am lucky if I can keep my eyes opened past 9:00 pm. Not long ago around midnight, I would wake up to horns honking and when living in the country, gun shots to welcome in the new year. Now, I just want to sleep! Leave me alone; don’t bother me; give me my space; been there and done that!
I LOVE LIFE, don’t you? I love the years, God has given me! “As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years. Or if due to strength, eighty years, yet their pride is but labor and sorrow. For soon it is gone and we fly away.” Psalm 90:10 The Psalmist says that our life is filled with labor and sorrow. It is true; we must work to survive and life brings sorrow.
"HEAR, MY SON and accept my sayings, and the years of your life will be many.” Proverbs 4:10 When we follow God, our days whether short or long, will be full. “For all of our days will decline; we will finished our years like a sigh.” Psalms 90:9 “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom.” Psalms 90:12 God is speaking to His eternity and man’s transition in life. God lives on but man must choose to live on with God.
I LOOK at this past year and have mixed emotions. Much to be thankful for but the sorrow God has said we would have, has also crossed my path. I look forward to this coming year as Jim and I begin to celebrate the 50's. In 1961Jim asked me to marry him! Christmas 2011 we will celebrate our 50th Christmas together. Of course all will take place if God’s willing and the creek don’t rise!
WHEN WE look back at our preteen years, during the teenage years and as an adult, what have we learned about ourselves? What have we learned about each other? What have we learned about God? “And He said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it; You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39
JESUS is asking us to love. We are to love God; love each other; and love ourselves! God has shown favor upon us by sharing His Son with us. His Son came down with love! Not with condemnation nor partiality; but with His abundant love. You have all the time you need in 2011 to love and bless others before you go to heaven! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/31/10
Sunday, December 26, 2010
CHRISTMAS PAST! 12/26/10
CHRISTMAS EVE we attended two candle light services. Afterwards, we blew out the candles and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus. We read a little story which told of the journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus, our Savior. We ate small sandwiches and lots of other good stuff with a chocolate cake for dessert; Jesus' birthday cake! We opened presents, as though it was Christmas morn. A night of love for each other and we felt the love coming down from above.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY we opened stocking stuffer's, shared in a wonderful meal of primerib and enjoyed the kind of family day that only comes on Christmas. We took naps and later on went to a Catholic Eucharist which is the Holy Communion where Danny plays and leads the Saturday worship in music. Adam worked which has begun a new chapter in our lives. Can't always plan on the whole family coming together on Christmas day!
JIM AND I completed this years 12 Days of Christmas and felt blessed to have been able to visit with at least 13, which included 3 of our own family. We began doing what we call 12 Days of Christmas in 1995. We stopped right after we moved when we retired in 2001 and started up again in 2007. I love visiting ahd hearing about all these people who were once young and full of vigor of youth. We don't call on the elderly only, but they are the ones who need to be called on the most.
THERE ARE many programs that require a sacrifice of time, money and self. I read about these and often wondered where I would fit in. I fit in the church! The church has needs! It needs the tithe of it's members to operate in the black. It needs your time to fill in all the nooks and crannies of the family. It needs caring people who are willing to offer comfort, food and support wherever needed. It never fails that around Christmas, these things are most in need.
GIFTS are not the real meaning of Christmas; food is not the real meaning of Christmas; shopping is not the real meaning of Christmas. The real meaning is "Love came down" and the needs of the people are far more important than any of the things we think we must get done. I discovered a little song written by Estelle Levin and Lee Pockriss. Let's see if you remember it!
"KATHY got a dolly that cries and blinks its eyes; Jimmy got an automatic plane that really flies. But we were poor that Christmas, so Momma stayed up all night long. Sitting in the kitchen making us a present; it was this song." (Verse 1)
(Chorus) "CHURCH bells ring-a-ling, angels sing-a-ling; Happy Birthday, Jesus. Snow flakes ting-a-ling, sleigh bells jing-a-ling; Happy Birthday Jesus. All year long we wait just to celebrate this Christmas morn. 'Cause we want You to know we're so glad you were born. Oh, have a very, merry happy birthday Jesus.
"TEDDY bears get broken, and trains will rust away; All the fancy playthings seem to fall apart one day. But I was very lucky, when everybody's gift was gone, I still had my present; Momma's song of Christmas, lived on and on." (verse 2)
"CHRISTMAS is for children, and now I have my own; Their eyes are full of wonder when all the toys are shown. But I'll give them something better than anything that's on TV. Something very special, something made forever, this melody; (verse 3) Chorus: CHURCH bells ring-a-ling, angels sing-a-ling; Happy Birthday Jesus. Snow flakes ting-a-ling, sleight bells, jing-a-ling; Happy Birthday Jesus. All year long we wait just to celebrate this Christmas morn. 'Cause we want You to know we're so glad you were born. Oh, have a very, merry Happy Birthday, Jesus."
I TRUST your Christmas celebration included the baby Jesus being born; I pray that you do not keep Him in the manger. He grew into a man who went about doing good so that you would learn how to follow Him to the cross. Jesus said to all; "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23 By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/22/10
ON CHRISTMAS DAY we opened stocking stuffer's, shared in a wonderful meal of primerib and enjoyed the kind of family day that only comes on Christmas. We took naps and later on went to a Catholic Eucharist which is the Holy Communion where Danny plays and leads the Saturday worship in music. Adam worked which has begun a new chapter in our lives. Can't always plan on the whole family coming together on Christmas day!
JIM AND I completed this years 12 Days of Christmas and felt blessed to have been able to visit with at least 13, which included 3 of our own family. We began doing what we call 12 Days of Christmas in 1995. We stopped right after we moved when we retired in 2001 and started up again in 2007. I love visiting ahd hearing about all these people who were once young and full of vigor of youth. We don't call on the elderly only, but they are the ones who need to be called on the most.
THERE ARE many programs that require a sacrifice of time, money and self. I read about these and often wondered where I would fit in. I fit in the church! The church has needs! It needs the tithe of it's members to operate in the black. It needs your time to fill in all the nooks and crannies of the family. It needs caring people who are willing to offer comfort, food and support wherever needed. It never fails that around Christmas, these things are most in need.
GIFTS are not the real meaning of Christmas; food is not the real meaning of Christmas; shopping is not the real meaning of Christmas. The real meaning is "Love came down" and the needs of the people are far more important than any of the things we think we must get done. I discovered a little song written by Estelle Levin and Lee Pockriss. Let's see if you remember it!
"KATHY got a dolly that cries and blinks its eyes; Jimmy got an automatic plane that really flies. But we were poor that Christmas, so Momma stayed up all night long. Sitting in the kitchen making us a present; it was this song." (Verse 1)
(Chorus) "CHURCH bells ring-a-ling, angels sing-a-ling; Happy Birthday, Jesus. Snow flakes ting-a-ling, sleigh bells jing-a-ling; Happy Birthday Jesus. All year long we wait just to celebrate this Christmas morn. 'Cause we want You to know we're so glad you were born. Oh, have a very, merry happy birthday Jesus.
"TEDDY bears get broken, and trains will rust away; All the fancy playthings seem to fall apart one day. But I was very lucky, when everybody's gift was gone, I still had my present; Momma's song of Christmas, lived on and on." (verse 2)
"CHRISTMAS is for children, and now I have my own; Their eyes are full of wonder when all the toys are shown. But I'll give them something better than anything that's on TV. Something very special, something made forever, this melody; (verse 3) Chorus: CHURCH bells ring-a-ling, angels sing-a-ling; Happy Birthday Jesus. Snow flakes ting-a-ling, sleight bells, jing-a-ling; Happy Birthday Jesus. All year long we wait just to celebrate this Christmas morn. 'Cause we want You to know we're so glad you were born. Oh, have a very, merry Happy Birthday, Jesus."
I TRUST your Christmas celebration included the baby Jesus being born; I pray that you do not keep Him in the manger. He grew into a man who went about doing good so that you would learn how to follow Him to the cross. Jesus said to all; "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23 By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/22/10
Sunday, December 19, 2010
FIRSTS! 12/19/10
IN OUR LIFE times we have experienced many firsts, haven’t we? First birthdays; first day of school; first day on the job; first in line; first tooth; first pair of glasses; first time behind the wheel; first bank account; first child and the list goes on and on and on.
RECENTLY, I read a couple of poems on the internet. Both were called “My First Christmas in Heaven!” One was by a 13 year old boy named Ben you died shortly after, from a brain tumor in 1997. The other was by Anonymous who obviously was a seasoned Christian with maturity. Both were filled with glorious incites into the promises of God.
MOST TIMES we are only concerned with how we feel the first time we experience Christmas without someone, whom we have cherished and loved. Most times we feel their absence more during the Christmas celebration, than we thought we would. But considering the promises of God, we should probably feel a little excitement about the possibility’s, of their first Christmas in heaven!
I HAVE TO ADMIT, I never thought of my loved ones in those terms; which is beyond imagination! I never really thought about them at a Christmas party or experiencing anything other than their first day in heaven. I have to admit, I wonder what it was like but never imagined their first Christmas....Since there is no morning or night; everyday in God’s presence seemed good enough to me. Let’s ponder a first Christmas in Heaven!
CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN By Jim Crenshaw "There’s a birthday party in the heavenly realms; Where the saints of God and the angels dwell; They’ve gathered around the King of kings; Where they listen to the heavenly choir sing.
They sing the songs about the birth of Christ; They sing the songs about eternal life; And the message they sing is one of love; That is sent to earth from God above.
They celebrate the birthday of the Son of God; The day they call Christmas where He once trod; Merry Christmas they say on the earth below; But they’ve seen nothing till they see the show; When the angels sing and the choir joins in; For the One who saves mankind from sin.
It’s Christmas in heaven and for some it’s the first; Who recently lived their last day on earth; What a joy for them, they’ve been set free; To dwell with Jesus eternally.
Along with Him, there’s Peter and Paul; And John and James and that’s not all; There’s brothers and sisters who’ve gone before; And husbands and wives who’ve entered the door.
What a joy for them, those newly arrived; To sing to Him who gave them life; And best of all, they’ve all been given, The joy of “their first Christmas in heaven.”
JIM HAS a talent of putting words to his guitar. Sounds a little like Johnnie Cash when he puts it all together. Even so, you can say the poem with a little pizzaz if you give it a little swing with the rhythm of Johnnie. I am sure he wouldn’t mind!
"HE WILL WIPE away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away. And He who sat upon the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Revelation 21:4-5a The commentary at the end of Revelation of my Harper Study Bible RSV 1952/1962 says; “The Bible opens with man in the Garden of Eden in happiness and contentment. It ends with man in the new Jerusalem where he is again happy and contented.”
WE WEEP because we love much; we sob because we miss much; we look towards the heavens in anticipation; because we know we will meet again in a different place and a different time. Meanwhile, let’s remember to enjoy those who still surround us with their love. Let’s remember Christ did not come to cause us sorrow but to bring us happiness from above. God bless you all as you remember the Birth of our Lord . By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/17/10
RECENTLY, I read a couple of poems on the internet. Both were called “My First Christmas in Heaven!” One was by a 13 year old boy named Ben you died shortly after, from a brain tumor in 1997. The other was by Anonymous who obviously was a seasoned Christian with maturity. Both were filled with glorious incites into the promises of God.
MOST TIMES we are only concerned with how we feel the first time we experience Christmas without someone, whom we have cherished and loved. Most times we feel their absence more during the Christmas celebration, than we thought we would. But considering the promises of God, we should probably feel a little excitement about the possibility’s, of their first Christmas in heaven!
I HAVE TO ADMIT, I never thought of my loved ones in those terms; which is beyond imagination! I never really thought about them at a Christmas party or experiencing anything other than their first day in heaven. I have to admit, I wonder what it was like but never imagined their first Christmas....Since there is no morning or night; everyday in God’s presence seemed good enough to me. Let’s ponder a first Christmas in Heaven!
CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN By Jim Crenshaw "There’s a birthday party in the heavenly realms; Where the saints of God and the angels dwell; They’ve gathered around the King of kings; Where they listen to the heavenly choir sing.
They sing the songs about the birth of Christ; They sing the songs about eternal life; And the message they sing is one of love; That is sent to earth from God above.
They celebrate the birthday of the Son of God; The day they call Christmas where He once trod; Merry Christmas they say on the earth below; But they’ve seen nothing till they see the show; When the angels sing and the choir joins in; For the One who saves mankind from sin.
It’s Christmas in heaven and for some it’s the first; Who recently lived their last day on earth; What a joy for them, they’ve been set free; To dwell with Jesus eternally.
Along with Him, there’s Peter and Paul; And John and James and that’s not all; There’s brothers and sisters who’ve gone before; And husbands and wives who’ve entered the door.
What a joy for them, those newly arrived; To sing to Him who gave them life; And best of all, they’ve all been given, The joy of “their first Christmas in heaven.”
JIM HAS a talent of putting words to his guitar. Sounds a little like Johnnie Cash when he puts it all together. Even so, you can say the poem with a little pizzaz if you give it a little swing with the rhythm of Johnnie. I am sure he wouldn’t mind!
"HE WILL WIPE away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away. And He who sat upon the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Revelation 21:4-5a The commentary at the end of Revelation of my Harper Study Bible RSV 1952/1962 says; “The Bible opens with man in the Garden of Eden in happiness and contentment. It ends with man in the new Jerusalem where he is again happy and contented.”
WE WEEP because we love much; we sob because we miss much; we look towards the heavens in anticipation; because we know we will meet again in a different place and a different time. Meanwhile, let’s remember to enjoy those who still surround us with their love. Let’s remember Christ did not come to cause us sorrow but to bring us happiness from above. God bless you all as you remember the Birth of our Lord . By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/17/10
Friday, December 10, 2010
FOURTEEN DAYS AND COUNTING! 12/10/10
THIS MORNING Jim, Jennifer and I set out for Eugene to go shopping in the Mall! We are leaving early enough so we will have plenty of time. Hoping to connect with my sister-in-law Kathleen and perhaps a couple of friends. It should be a great time of visiting; getting caught up; having lunch and did I mention, shopping?
IF EVER there was someone born to shop, it is Jennifer. Ever since she learned how to count money, write checks and then began using a debit card, shopping is a daily activity; especially around Christmas. I keep reminding her; "You are not Santa Claus!" She smiles and then files another completed list. Another thing Jennifer likes to do is organize the wrapping and keeping track of what is a present and what is merely a stocking stuffer. Believe me, everyone needs a Jennifer!
EVEN THOUGH I love to Christmas shop; even though I love the lights, tinsel and clitter; even though I love the smell of baking and of course eating all the goodies; I have never forgotten that this is Christ's birthday! How can I! How can anyone not remember what this season is all about?
I REMEMBER hearing a preacher talk about putting a manger scene in the front window instead of a Christmas tree. I remember he suggested bringing gifts for those who were less fortunate, instead of family. I remember, he thought that using the money to give to the needy instead of purchasing a tree, decorations and whatever else you normally would buy; would be as though you were giving the gifts to the newborn baby Jesus.
I SORT of remember that my sister Janice and her family were going away for Christmas and so she decided that she would use something other than a tree because they wouldn't be home. For some reason, instead of a manger scene, I keep thinking she decorated a tumble weed. That was possible, living in California. However, I don't remember everything as it was; I suppose I could have dreamt that.
LET'S PUT CHRIST BACK into Christmas and not only sing the carols and attend the pageants and the Christmas Eve Service, but let's greet one another with; "Happy Christ's Day!" The word Christmas has become so commercialize that clarifying it, would help to put the meaning back in it's place. We say; "Happy Birthday" to each other; we sing Happy Birthday when the occasion arrives. Why not wish Jesus a "Happy Birthday" in our Christmas greetings and see what happens. Could this start a revolution or what? Oh I know it would be just as politically incorrect as Merry Christmas is!
"FOR UNTO you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord!" Luke 2:11 How astounding is that? When Jesus was born, He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. Who could make up stuff like this? "And all they, that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the Shepherds." Luke 2:18
JUST AS MARY pondered these things in her heart, we too ponder these things! However, we can go back and read and reread and feel the peace that passes all understanding. I for one will never forget that we celebrate Christ's birthday on December 25th; 14 days and counting!
HAPPY CHRIST'S BIRTHDAY to all Morning Glory followers. Enjoy your family and friends! Get all excited when you see the lights and sing the songs. Let's give God the glory for such a time as this; remember, He is the giver of life and a Christian's life begins with HIm! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/9/10
IF EVER there was someone born to shop, it is Jennifer. Ever since she learned how to count money, write checks and then began using a debit card, shopping is a daily activity; especially around Christmas. I keep reminding her; "You are not Santa Claus!" She smiles and then files another completed list. Another thing Jennifer likes to do is organize the wrapping and keeping track of what is a present and what is merely a stocking stuffer. Believe me, everyone needs a Jennifer!
EVEN THOUGH I love to Christmas shop; even though I love the lights, tinsel and clitter; even though I love the smell of baking and of course eating all the goodies; I have never forgotten that this is Christ's birthday! How can I! How can anyone not remember what this season is all about?
I REMEMBER hearing a preacher talk about putting a manger scene in the front window instead of a Christmas tree. I remember he suggested bringing gifts for those who were less fortunate, instead of family. I remember, he thought that using the money to give to the needy instead of purchasing a tree, decorations and whatever else you normally would buy; would be as though you were giving the gifts to the newborn baby Jesus.
I SORT of remember that my sister Janice and her family were going away for Christmas and so she decided that she would use something other than a tree because they wouldn't be home. For some reason, instead of a manger scene, I keep thinking she decorated a tumble weed. That was possible, living in California. However, I don't remember everything as it was; I suppose I could have dreamt that.
LET'S PUT CHRIST BACK into Christmas and not only sing the carols and attend the pageants and the Christmas Eve Service, but let's greet one another with; "Happy Christ's Day!" The word Christmas has become so commercialize that clarifying it, would help to put the meaning back in it's place. We say; "Happy Birthday" to each other; we sing Happy Birthday when the occasion arrives. Why not wish Jesus a "Happy Birthday" in our Christmas greetings and see what happens. Could this start a revolution or what? Oh I know it would be just as politically incorrect as Merry Christmas is!
"FOR UNTO you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord!" Luke 2:11 How astounding is that? When Jesus was born, He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. Who could make up stuff like this? "And all they, that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the Shepherds." Luke 2:18
JUST AS MARY pondered these things in her heart, we too ponder these things! However, we can go back and read and reread and feel the peace that passes all understanding. I for one will never forget that we celebrate Christ's birthday on December 25th; 14 days and counting!
HAPPY CHRIST'S BIRTHDAY to all Morning Glory followers. Enjoy your family and friends! Get all excited when you see the lights and sing the songs. Let's give God the glory for such a time as this; remember, He is the giver of life and a Christian's life begins with HIm! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/9/10
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