WOW! That sounds ominous doesn’t it? I use to go to movies that I knew would be scary and so I was forewarned! In advance I was prepared to be scared, to cry, to feel sad, and even on occasion to laugh. But when God says; WOE unto you; I am prepared for the worst! Looking in the dictionary you will find that woe means; sorrow, grief, and misery. Worse yet, woebegone means miserable. Not to mention woeful, which means sorrowful or pitiful. Doesn’t make for a good time, does it?
WHEN I read or hear someone talking about the need of Christians to be more tolerant or that we are intolerant, right away I have this sinking feeling inside of me that says; “woe unto you!” I don’t think there is a scripture that says; “woe unto you that are intolerant of the things that God says we are to be tolerant of.” However, the words used are not tolerance or intolerance but good and evil.
I NEVER heard much about being tolerant or intolerant until “political correctness made the charts on propriety. How we felt about certain issues was re-measured, and political correctness was put into place as the standard for tolerance. When this happened America’s light fell! She has fallen so far that it seems almost impossible for her to be put back upon the lamp stand. No one can see her and no one wants to see her and besides that, they don’t really care about anything she has to say. To call her a leader is politically incorrect. After all, she must be the same, as all the other countries.
SHE HAS almost succeeded becoming as other countries. Only one thing is still standing in the way of her reaching that stature. Many of her people are still working hard at standing firm, by standing on the rock of ages; Jesus Christ, the Messiah! That is Christianity! This country was established as a union under God! I recently read a scripture in a piece of mail. “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20 I don’t want to be one of them; do you?
THIS IS is a passage regarding perversion of the standards of morality. Another passage which alludes to the intellectual pride and self-sufficiency of those who consider themselves all wise; “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight! Isaiah 5:21
I RECENTLY heard a town nearby, has opened up a homosexual establishment for what purpose I do not know. But it can’t be good! It is not my place to condemn because they are already condemned. At first I wanted to pray that God would rain fire upon them. But instead I will pray for their souls and that in the meantime, they will have no new recruits.
NO MATTER how man thinks he is going to succeed in bringing America low, the Christian always falls back upon “all things are possible through God!” When we seek God’s face with all our heart, mind and soul, He has promised we will find Him. “O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In His hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are His also. The sea is His, for He made it; for His hands formed the dry land.” Psalms 95:1-5
“EVEN though they band together against the life of the righteous, and condemn the innocent to death. The Lord has become our stronghold, and our God the rock of our refuge. He will bring back on them their iniquity and wipe them out for their wickedness; the Lord our God will wipe them out.” Psalms 94:21-23 It is true that God’s Word, written so many years ago, still rings true today!
I AWAKE each morning in my own little world. I awake with peace in my heart! I awake looking forward to my day! Of course before I am fully awake, I need my coffee. Perhaps two cups! Sometimes I’m a little frustrated like the woman who ran out of oil. But as she kept pouring, per Elisha’s instruction, her cup overflowed. Aren’t we like that? Let’s keep drinking from the water of life and live as though there is no tomorrow! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/22/13
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Saturday, February 16, 2013
VERTICALLY CHALLENGED! 2/17/13
WHEN IT IS MY week to cook, depending upon whether we used up the last batch of spaghetti sauce, I make another 5 quarts. Today I made spaghetti sauce and left one quart in the crock pot to which I added, some already store bought meat balls, and about 8 ounces of cooked spaghetti. I went to give it another stir and a memory came! I was about 18 or 19 years old. I was one of the leaders of the College and Career group; I think! I made arrangements for our group to use the high school Olympic swimming pool. I made a large amount of spaghetti and a green salad with oil and vinegar dressing. The memory, was me standing upon a step stool, in the church kitchen, stirring the tall, large kettle full of spaghetti.
BEING vertically challenged is what I am all about. Yesterday, I joined CURVES! I was shown around and even encouraged to get acquainted with all of the machines as the coach walked me through it. I was surprised at the variety and how easy some were and how hard some were because of my short legs, arms and torso. Curves were prepared for that, and so on several, I have to use a pillow at the small of my back, so I can reach and complete the circuit of exercise.
I CAN”T even count the many times I have had to ask strangers to help me in the grocery stores. Invariably, the item I want is on the top shelf. Go figure! When Jim is with me, I always try to reach, and he always comes to my rescue with; “do you want me to get that for you?” He is always puzzled as to why I even try when he is there. However, there is that something inside all of us, that makes us want to try anyway. We want to see! We want to be accepted! It is even hard buying clothing that are designed for those who are considered petite. Being short has many draw backs, but I just keep telling myself; dynamite comes in small packages too!
ONE OF MY favorite stories that I taught in Sunday School to children, was about Zacchaeus. We even sang a little song; “Zacchaeus was a wee little man and a wee little man was he. He climbed up in a Sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see. And as the Savior passed that way, He looked up in the tree and He said; “Zacchaeus, you come down, for I’m going to your house today!”
ZACCHAEUS was a determined little man. He was not well liked because he was a tax collector and a dishonest one at that! When those who were in the crowd saw what happened, they were puzzled as to why Jesus would want to go to his house! Why would he even want to associate with such a despicable person. If they knew what we know in the scriptures; it would not have surprised them at all. It would have been something we would have expected of our Savior!
IT IS OBVIOUS that Zacchaeus became convicted and knew in his heart, what this man Jesus, was all about. During their visit Zacchaeus repented and offered to give half of his goods to the poor. He went further and promised to return fourfold to anyone he had cheated. Jesus was pleased and saw that this little man’s heart had grown in maturity, and was changed.
ZACCHAEUS was a Jew and came from the house of Abraham. Jesus says; “For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 Jesus spent three years restoring Israel. Zacchaeus was one that was restored! God does not look upon the outward appearance. God looks upon the heart! The Jews and Gentiles received the pleasure of the presence of Jesus, who walked among them. We have pleasure, of the presence of Jesus living within us!
I DON”T mind being short! As a matter of fact, I am use to it! Jim doesn’t mind that I am short; he too is use to me this way. I sometimes wish I was taller, but then that wouldn’t be me. God wants us to be satisfied with who we are in Him, and that makes all the difference; doesn’t it? What we need to do is ask the question; “is HE satisfied with me; with you? The world does not satisfy Him. But then, we are not of this world. Vertically challenged? Challenged in a different way? I can do all things through Him, who strengthens me!” Philippians 4:13! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/16/13
BEING vertically challenged is what I am all about. Yesterday, I joined CURVES! I was shown around and even encouraged to get acquainted with all of the machines as the coach walked me through it. I was surprised at the variety and how easy some were and how hard some were because of my short legs, arms and torso. Curves were prepared for that, and so on several, I have to use a pillow at the small of my back, so I can reach and complete the circuit of exercise.
I CAN”T even count the many times I have had to ask strangers to help me in the grocery stores. Invariably, the item I want is on the top shelf. Go figure! When Jim is with me, I always try to reach, and he always comes to my rescue with; “do you want me to get that for you?” He is always puzzled as to why I even try when he is there. However, there is that something inside all of us, that makes us want to try anyway. We want to see! We want to be accepted! It is even hard buying clothing that are designed for those who are considered petite. Being short has many draw backs, but I just keep telling myself; dynamite comes in small packages too!
ONE OF MY favorite stories that I taught in Sunday School to children, was about Zacchaeus. We even sang a little song; “Zacchaeus was a wee little man and a wee little man was he. He climbed up in a Sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see. And as the Savior passed that way, He looked up in the tree and He said; “Zacchaeus, you come down, for I’m going to your house today!”
ZACCHAEUS was a determined little man. He was not well liked because he was a tax collector and a dishonest one at that! When those who were in the crowd saw what happened, they were puzzled as to why Jesus would want to go to his house! Why would he even want to associate with such a despicable person. If they knew what we know in the scriptures; it would not have surprised them at all. It would have been something we would have expected of our Savior!
IT IS OBVIOUS that Zacchaeus became convicted and knew in his heart, what this man Jesus, was all about. During their visit Zacchaeus repented and offered to give half of his goods to the poor. He went further and promised to return fourfold to anyone he had cheated. Jesus was pleased and saw that this little man’s heart had grown in maturity, and was changed.
ZACCHAEUS was a Jew and came from the house of Abraham. Jesus says; “For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 Jesus spent three years restoring Israel. Zacchaeus was one that was restored! God does not look upon the outward appearance. God looks upon the heart! The Jews and Gentiles received the pleasure of the presence of Jesus, who walked among them. We have pleasure, of the presence of Jesus living within us!
I DON”T mind being short! As a matter of fact, I am use to it! Jim doesn’t mind that I am short; he too is use to me this way. I sometimes wish I was taller, but then that wouldn’t be me. God wants us to be satisfied with who we are in Him, and that makes all the difference; doesn’t it? What we need to do is ask the question; “is HE satisfied with me; with you? The world does not satisfy Him. But then, we are not of this world. Vertically challenged? Challenged in a different way? I can do all things through Him, who strengthens me!” Philippians 4:13! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/16/13
Saturday, February 9, 2013
HIS WORD IS MY SONG! 2/10/13
TODAY IS my 75th birthday. I want to remember what use to be my passion, and what is my passion today. I use to be able to sing. I loved to sing! I sang with my sisters; I sang in the school choir and at church. I sang in three different quartets at the church and a double trio called the Harmonettes, directed by the pastor’s wife. I sang with a quartet called the Gospel Aires and we even had our own sound system. Sort of like, have sound will travel. I sang solo’s a lot and when I was 18 I sang at my first wedding. That summer I must of sang at 6 weddings. After that, I was considered the female, “wedding” church vocalist. My brother Lee, was the male vocalist. Yes, I was always the vocalist and never the bride. That is until Jim came along!
THIS WAS back in the day when words of a song said something, and the melodies carried you away in wonder. Lee was considered a crooner and I sang ballad’s! Let me think! I sang songs like ‘More;’ ‘The Twelth of Never;’ ‘There were Bells on the Hills;’ and ‘I love you truly!’ Lee sang songs like; ‘The Hawaiian Wedding song;’ and we both sang ‘The Wedding Prayer!”
I CONTINUED to sing until about 10 years ago. Medicines came into my life and one of the many side affects, was to cause my throat a problem. The Doctor wasn’t concerned about my throat and even though I would try, my range had changed. Today I can sing, maybe second soprano; but then there is not much call for that range. Singing in worship is about all I can do, and I can settle for that! I believe it is true that when you don’t use it; you can lose it, but thankfully God has other plans.
EARLY in 2008 the Doctor suggested I needed to keep my mind active so I should do crossword puzzles to exercise my brain and so I could retain memory, along with other normal brain functions. His suggestion of crossword puzzles wasn’t attractive to me because I had already been there and done that during the early years of being a young wife and mother.
YEARS ago Jim and I had started writing our earliest memories. I got as far as 9 years old and got bored so I began writing memories of my siblings and my mother and father. I read a book by Max Lucado called “Every Day Deserves A Chance.” He wrote so easy and simply. I loved it! I thought, I could write like that! I never could before but, that is what I thought. In February of 2008 I began writing Morning Glory!In September I began a daily blog called Morning Glory Devotionals. To my amusement and amazement I am still writing and blogging.
I CAN’T SING anymore, but low and behold, God has given me a new desire and that is to write. My meds are under control. I still can’t sing, but now I write. Those of you who have followed Morning Glory have noticed the improvements through the years. Those of you who have known me most of my life are aware of my insecurities. Those of you who have tuned in recently know that the songs I sing are from the word’s of His Word!
JESUS said; “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” no one comes to the Father, but by me! John 14:6 Jesus also said; “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 14:23 Prior to those words, Jesus says; “He who rejects me and does not receive my sayings has a judge; the word that I have spoken will be his judge on the last day.” John 12: 46 God’s Word is so very important!
GOD’S WORD is the final say so about who we must become and how we shall continue to live in the flesh. We must take the Holy Spirit seriously! He lives within us and therefore when we do and say anything contrary to the will of the Father, the Spirit is grieved. The Father is not pleased and we reject all that Jesus came to do. I pray daily to become the woman God has created me to be. Am I successful? No! That is why I pray daily!
“LET NOT your hearts be troubled, believe in God, believe also in me!” John 14:1 When Jesus went to the cross He prepared a place for you and me. It is okay that I can’t sing anymore the way I use to; God has given me a better way through His Word! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/9/13
THIS WAS back in the day when words of a song said something, and the melodies carried you away in wonder. Lee was considered a crooner and I sang ballad’s! Let me think! I sang songs like ‘More;’ ‘The Twelth of Never;’ ‘There were Bells on the Hills;’ and ‘I love you truly!’ Lee sang songs like; ‘The Hawaiian Wedding song;’ and we both sang ‘The Wedding Prayer!”
I CONTINUED to sing until about 10 years ago. Medicines came into my life and one of the many side affects, was to cause my throat a problem. The Doctor wasn’t concerned about my throat and even though I would try, my range had changed. Today I can sing, maybe second soprano; but then there is not much call for that range. Singing in worship is about all I can do, and I can settle for that! I believe it is true that when you don’t use it; you can lose it, but thankfully God has other plans.
EARLY in 2008 the Doctor suggested I needed to keep my mind active so I should do crossword puzzles to exercise my brain and so I could retain memory, along with other normal brain functions. His suggestion of crossword puzzles wasn’t attractive to me because I had already been there and done that during the early years of being a young wife and mother.
YEARS ago Jim and I had started writing our earliest memories. I got as far as 9 years old and got bored so I began writing memories of my siblings and my mother and father. I read a book by Max Lucado called “Every Day Deserves A Chance.” He wrote so easy and simply. I loved it! I thought, I could write like that! I never could before but, that is what I thought. In February of 2008 I began writing Morning Glory!In September I began a daily blog called Morning Glory Devotionals. To my amusement and amazement I am still writing and blogging.
I CAN’T SING anymore, but low and behold, God has given me a new desire and that is to write. My meds are under control. I still can’t sing, but now I write. Those of you who have followed Morning Glory have noticed the improvements through the years. Those of you who have known me most of my life are aware of my insecurities. Those of you who have tuned in recently know that the songs I sing are from the word’s of His Word!
JESUS said; “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” no one comes to the Father, but by me! John 14:6 Jesus also said; “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 14:23 Prior to those words, Jesus says; “He who rejects me and does not receive my sayings has a judge; the word that I have spoken will be his judge on the last day.” John 12: 46 God’s Word is so very important!
GOD’S WORD is the final say so about who we must become and how we shall continue to live in the flesh. We must take the Holy Spirit seriously! He lives within us and therefore when we do and say anything contrary to the will of the Father, the Spirit is grieved. The Father is not pleased and we reject all that Jesus came to do. I pray daily to become the woman God has created me to be. Am I successful? No! That is why I pray daily!
“LET NOT your hearts be troubled, believe in God, believe also in me!” John 14:1 When Jesus went to the cross He prepared a place for you and me. It is okay that I can’t sing anymore the way I use to; God has given me a better way through His Word! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/9/13
Saturday, February 2, 2013
FAMILY RESEMBLANCE! 2/3/13
FOR THE MOST part, except for dark hair for some and red for others, my siblings resemble one another. Of course we always talk about the blood line heritage, which sounds like a mixture of a little of this and a little of that, with a little French thrown in for good measure. However, since we all came from Adam and Eve it would seem that we are all red blooded for a reason. No matter the color or nationality, our blood runs red!
I HAVE NEVER paid much attention to genetics or hereditary character tendencies, until recently when I learned, that my thinning hair is caused by genetics. A scalp biopsy and blood work indicates that somewhere down the line on either side of my parents, someone on the female side, had a tendency towards baldness. The follicles are present but revert to a baby stage of being fine and thin. Of course I can do something to alter the course I am on, but what a bother.
IT’S OKAY that my Dad had freckles and that many of my siblings had freckles. It’s okay that as Jim once described my family, as being a small army of little people, I am short; cute but short! Most of my siblings inherited our parents musical talents and Jim and I both have passed this down to our son Dan and his sons. Not to mention along with Faye’s inherited talents.
ISN”T IT amazing, when you think about it, we really have come a long way, so that we do not look like each other, nor even have the same character traits. Within the church, we call each other brothers and sisters and yet we know very little about each other, except that we belong to the family of God!
IN THE SCRIPTURES when Jesus is told that his Mother, brothers and sisters were outside, he replies with; “these are my mother and my brothers," indicating the people around him. He was in the process of bringing together his followers into the family that we now call the church.
WHEN WE look around at each other we do not readily see the family resemblance, do we? Even after we become acquainted, at least to call each other by name, we still do not see any likeness, do we! It is even stretching it somewhat to find any similarities. But after a while, when we learn to accept one another in love, we begin to get a glimmer of our Father, don’t we.
I HAVE BEEN doing a study on the fruit of the Spirit. I have begun to see my Father’s resemblance in many of my brothers and sisters in Christ. I also began to recognize my Father in my siblings. I am amazed! In Genesis 1:24 God said; “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” In verse 27 he says; “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. And God blessed them and God said to them; Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it.”
UNKNOWN to man, they were obedient to God. Because those who came before us were fruitful and they did multiply. But it wasn’t until the Spirit moved into those who were obedient unto Christ that the characteristics of the Father, were made available to them. God is love and therefore we are to love. God is good and therefore we are to be good. God is faithful and therefore we are to be faithful.
THE FRUIT gives us access to Godly attitudes and characteristics. Patience, kindness and goodness towards one another, is a reflection of love, joy and peace. Faithfulness, gentleness and self control keeps us keeping on representing Christ, in us. Jesus came in that day, so the people could know the Father. The Spirit has come to live in us, so that the world may know Jesus Christ. Open your eyes and recognize the family resemblance. Put on God’s attributes and become like Him!
MY PRAYER is that thru Morning Glory Devotionals you, dear reader, will come to know just how much the Father and the Son loves you. They have not left us alone, for they, themselves, live within the ones who have responded to their invitation. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/3/13
I HAVE NEVER paid much attention to genetics or hereditary character tendencies, until recently when I learned, that my thinning hair is caused by genetics. A scalp biopsy and blood work indicates that somewhere down the line on either side of my parents, someone on the female side, had a tendency towards baldness. The follicles are present but revert to a baby stage of being fine and thin. Of course I can do something to alter the course I am on, but what a bother.
IT’S OKAY that my Dad had freckles and that many of my siblings had freckles. It’s okay that as Jim once described my family, as being a small army of little people, I am short; cute but short! Most of my siblings inherited our parents musical talents and Jim and I both have passed this down to our son Dan and his sons. Not to mention along with Faye’s inherited talents.
ISN”T IT amazing, when you think about it, we really have come a long way, so that we do not look like each other, nor even have the same character traits. Within the church, we call each other brothers and sisters and yet we know very little about each other, except that we belong to the family of God!
IN THE SCRIPTURES when Jesus is told that his Mother, brothers and sisters were outside, he replies with; “these are my mother and my brothers," indicating the people around him. He was in the process of bringing together his followers into the family that we now call the church.
WHEN WE look around at each other we do not readily see the family resemblance, do we? Even after we become acquainted, at least to call each other by name, we still do not see any likeness, do we! It is even stretching it somewhat to find any similarities. But after a while, when we learn to accept one another in love, we begin to get a glimmer of our Father, don’t we.
I HAVE BEEN doing a study on the fruit of the Spirit. I have begun to see my Father’s resemblance in many of my brothers and sisters in Christ. I also began to recognize my Father in my siblings. I am amazed! In Genesis 1:24 God said; “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” In verse 27 he says; “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. And God blessed them and God said to them; Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it.”
UNKNOWN to man, they were obedient to God. Because those who came before us were fruitful and they did multiply. But it wasn’t until the Spirit moved into those who were obedient unto Christ that the characteristics of the Father, were made available to them. God is love and therefore we are to love. God is good and therefore we are to be good. God is faithful and therefore we are to be faithful.
THE FRUIT gives us access to Godly attitudes and characteristics. Patience, kindness and goodness towards one another, is a reflection of love, joy and peace. Faithfulness, gentleness and self control keeps us keeping on representing Christ, in us. Jesus came in that day, so the people could know the Father. The Spirit has come to live in us, so that the world may know Jesus Christ. Open your eyes and recognize the family resemblance. Put on God’s attributes and become like Him!
MY PRAYER is that thru Morning Glory Devotionals you, dear reader, will come to know just how much the Father and the Son loves you. They have not left us alone, for they, themselves, live within the ones who have responded to their invitation. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 2/3/13
Saturday, January 26, 2013
"OH HAPPY DAY!" 1/27/13
IT SEEMS like yesterday that we celebrated our 50th anniversary, but here it is again. 51 years today and I guess we are still counting. When you are just beginning you don’t think that far into the future. Your mind is not set upon the possibilities of being old and especially old at the same time. I knew we would still be married but never, in my wildest dreams, did I realize I would be married to an old man. But then, Jim is married to an old woman!
WE PRAISE the Lord everyday for each other and we praise the Lord for these many years we have had as a couple. We truly can say; “we’ve come a long way baby!” We have seen many changes in the world, our country, our family and in our walk with the Lord. We praise the Lord every day that He has always been faithful, just as He has promised.
I REMEMBER one day in the late 70's, Jim sat down with his mother, pencil and pad in hand. He was going to talk to her about her life. At the time she was pushing 90 and her mind was still pretty sharp. She had been born in 1891 and had seen a lot of things take place, that we just took for granted. The automobile, war machines, the airplane, telephone, telegraph, the space program and french fries. Oh, and not to mention the talkies, street cars, indoor plumbing along with an icebox and flush potties. She loved life and she loved Jim and she loved pizza!
IT IS TRUE some of those things she saw for the first time, we also experienced. The space program for one. Jim had a part, along with thousands of other personnel, and after many years it was completed and finalized when Neil Armstrong and his crew, landed “the Eagle” upon the moon. What a time to be alive! What a time to experience all the possibilities from the residual perplexities left over, in and about from God’s creation, and because of the creative ingenuity of man, space became a reality instead of just story book material. The heavens proclaim the glory of God’s creation!
NOT A ONE of us know the hour or the day when we will be called home. “But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” Matthew 10:30 God knows your days are numbered as well as mine. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t look forward to tomorrow. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t get all excited about what is going on at the school our grandson’s attend. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be excited about the promotions that is offered when a job is being well done. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be at our church meeting place when the doors are open.
FOR THE CHRISTIAN, home is where the Father is and the Father dwells in the heavens. Not a one of us can predict when Jesus will come again. “But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch; for you do not know when the time will come.” Mark 13:32-33
EVEN THOUGH we have seen many amazing things in our life time, there will be many things we will still not know. “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority.” Acts 1:7 However, there is one thing that we do know and that is Christ will return to earth in the same manner as He ascended into heaven. We need to just keep looking up!
I CAN”T HELP but look forward to the possibility of many more years with Jim. We have such a good time together. This year we began reading the Bible, again; beginning with Matthew. I get so excited and look forward to the morning when we can start again. We read a chapter and then we talk about what we just read. The Holy Spirit reveals new stuff to us every morning, and then Jim explains it all to me.
WE BOTH have creative juices flowing when it is time to prepare another lesson. His Sunday School class and for me, Soul Sisters Bible Study. Even though we no longer can do some of the things that we use to do, God has seen fit for us to continue with teaching His Word. Praising God is one of our favorite things to do. Being together is also one of our favorite things to do. Thank you for listening to my thoughts on this “happy day!” By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/26/13
WE PRAISE the Lord everyday for each other and we praise the Lord for these many years we have had as a couple. We truly can say; “we’ve come a long way baby!” We have seen many changes in the world, our country, our family and in our walk with the Lord. We praise the Lord every day that He has always been faithful, just as He has promised.
I REMEMBER one day in the late 70's, Jim sat down with his mother, pencil and pad in hand. He was going to talk to her about her life. At the time she was pushing 90 and her mind was still pretty sharp. She had been born in 1891 and had seen a lot of things take place, that we just took for granted. The automobile, war machines, the airplane, telephone, telegraph, the space program and french fries. Oh, and not to mention the talkies, street cars, indoor plumbing along with an icebox and flush potties. She loved life and she loved Jim and she loved pizza!
IT IS TRUE some of those things she saw for the first time, we also experienced. The space program for one. Jim had a part, along with thousands of other personnel, and after many years it was completed and finalized when Neil Armstrong and his crew, landed “the Eagle” upon the moon. What a time to be alive! What a time to experience all the possibilities from the residual perplexities left over, in and about from God’s creation, and because of the creative ingenuity of man, space became a reality instead of just story book material. The heavens proclaim the glory of God’s creation!
NOT A ONE of us know the hour or the day when we will be called home. “But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” Matthew 10:30 God knows your days are numbered as well as mine. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t look forward to tomorrow. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t get all excited about what is going on at the school our grandson’s attend. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be excited about the promotions that is offered when a job is being well done. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be at our church meeting place when the doors are open.
FOR THE CHRISTIAN, home is where the Father is and the Father dwells in the heavens. Not a one of us can predict when Jesus will come again. “But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch; for you do not know when the time will come.” Mark 13:32-33
EVEN THOUGH we have seen many amazing things in our life time, there will be many things we will still not know. “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority.” Acts 1:7 However, there is one thing that we do know and that is Christ will return to earth in the same manner as He ascended into heaven. We need to just keep looking up!
I CAN”T HELP but look forward to the possibility of many more years with Jim. We have such a good time together. This year we began reading the Bible, again; beginning with Matthew. I get so excited and look forward to the morning when we can start again. We read a chapter and then we talk about what we just read. The Holy Spirit reveals new stuff to us every morning, and then Jim explains it all to me.
WE BOTH have creative juices flowing when it is time to prepare another lesson. His Sunday School class and for me, Soul Sisters Bible Study. Even though we no longer can do some of the things that we use to do, God has seen fit for us to continue with teaching His Word. Praising God is one of our favorite things to do. Being together is also one of our favorite things to do. Thank you for listening to my thoughts on this “happy day!” By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/26/13
Saturday, January 19, 2013
LOOK UP! 1/20/13
WHEN WE look around us we can’t help but know that God is! Those who say ‘there is no God’ live in a fantasy world. They refuse to look around them and especially to look up. When I look up and see the white fluffy clouds with their blue background, my eyes are filled with glory. When I look up and see the storm clouds gathering and the darkened sky surrounding my view, I am being warned that a storm is on it’s way. When the skies are one color of off white, with gray, the day is gloomy, and all the signs point to possible snow. Looking up is always an adventure!
MANY years ago I received an email on a subject that always warms my soul. A portion of God’s amazing creation; “The Buzzard, the Bat, and the Bumblebee.” When I began to think about my Morning Glory blog, I was at a loss. Then I came across this email. I know you will enjoy the following, because I did.
IF YOU put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 x 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as it is habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top!
THE ORDINARY bat that flies around at night, a remarkable nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.
A BUMBLEBEE, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.
PEOPLE, in many ways, are like the buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee. We struggle about with all our problems and frustrations, never realizing that all we have to do is look up! Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, but faith looks up! “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalms 121:1-2
LIVE SIMPLY, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and trust in our God who loves us. God will never let us down. “To thee I lift up my eyes, O thou who art enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till His mercy is upon us.” Psalms 123:1-2
WE READ many scriptures that tells us to ‘wait upon the Lord’. Some are saying that we should wait upon the Lord as a servant. Some say that we are to stand firm as we wait for the Lord’s return. In Chapter 49 of Isaiah we read about God’s redeemer coming to restore Israel and to bring light to the Gentiles. It is the Messiah’s call and mission to all the world. Towards the end of verse 23 it says; “Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who wait for me, shall not be put to shame.”
WE ARE often impatient and in haste. God is never in a hurry. A long time passed between the promise of the Savior and His initial coming. A long time has passed between the first coming of Jesus, and His coming again is still to take place. We are to be assured that His promise is for those who wait for Him, and they will not be put to shame. God will justify their confidence for having waited.
DO YOU think we are like the buzzard, the bat and the bumblebee? Do you think we land into circumstances and feel we have no way out? We do have a way out, even though we struggle; it is through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Grab hold of His promise and stand firm. Lift up your head church; our Salvation draws near. So keep looking up, for our refuge is in Jesus Christ and nothing else. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/12/13
MANY years ago I received an email on a subject that always warms my soul. A portion of God’s amazing creation; “The Buzzard, the Bat, and the Bumblebee.” When I began to think about my Morning Glory blog, I was at a loss. Then I came across this email. I know you will enjoy the following, because I did.
IF YOU put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 x 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as it is habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top!
THE ORDINARY bat that flies around at night, a remarkable nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.
A BUMBLEBEE, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.
PEOPLE, in many ways, are like the buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee. We struggle about with all our problems and frustrations, never realizing that all we have to do is look up! Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, but faith looks up! “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalms 121:1-2
LIVE SIMPLY, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and trust in our God who loves us. God will never let us down. “To thee I lift up my eyes, O thou who art enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till His mercy is upon us.” Psalms 123:1-2
WE READ many scriptures that tells us to ‘wait upon the Lord’. Some are saying that we should wait upon the Lord as a servant. Some say that we are to stand firm as we wait for the Lord’s return. In Chapter 49 of Isaiah we read about God’s redeemer coming to restore Israel and to bring light to the Gentiles. It is the Messiah’s call and mission to all the world. Towards the end of verse 23 it says; “Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who wait for me, shall not be put to shame.”
WE ARE often impatient and in haste. God is never in a hurry. A long time passed between the promise of the Savior and His initial coming. A long time has passed between the first coming of Jesus, and His coming again is still to take place. We are to be assured that His promise is for those who wait for Him, and they will not be put to shame. God will justify their confidence for having waited.
DO YOU think we are like the buzzard, the bat and the bumblebee? Do you think we land into circumstances and feel we have no way out? We do have a way out, even though we struggle; it is through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Grab hold of His promise and stand firm. Lift up your head church; our Salvation draws near. So keep looking up, for our refuge is in Jesus Christ and nothing else. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/12/13
Saturday, January 5, 2013
REACH FOR THE STARS! 1/6/13
LIFE IS a series of steps. First we are born, learn right from wrong; go to school and learn reading, writing, and arithmetic; enter into highschool for higher learning and for some, further learning to achieve degree’s in academic education. All of these steps took desire, perseverance and hard work.
SOME TAKE longer than others to achieve their potentials. But somewhere along the way we say; “we have arrived!” After achieving some of these steps to our full potential, we then move onto the next ladder. We have worked hard to be where we are, so now we are ready to take on the world in our chosen field, or perhaps a field we didn’t actually choose, but took, to survive.
COME ON NOW, you have been there and done this. I know, because I have also! It is true that many after highschool, married and began a family and so reaching for the stars seemed almost impossible. Didn’t have time to fulfill the dreams, but worked hard to maintain a standard of living.
GETTING married for me was stepping onto the third and longest ladder. I would have to admit that this was the most colorful, action packed, kind of roller coaster that I had ever encountered in all my (almost) 24 years. Wasn’t easy getting adjusted to becoming a twosome, as it was being just me! Wasn’t easy having to be accountable to this stranger, that was now always there. It took desire, perseverance and the most hard work I had ever experienced. Worth it? Absolutely!
THEN CAME the children! I had never learned how to discipline myself, let alone become a disciplinarian. You know what I mean! No one has ever written a book on how to raise children that really fits the bill because, no two children are alike! God does not give us a book of instructions that comes with each baby. But what God gave me, was a love that overwhelmed me. This love was not just for my children, but the twosome that was now a foursome. Wasn’t easy becoming a mother! Wasn’t easy establishing rules and keeping promises and at the same time, developing a right atmosphere so that our children would grow to enjoy life.
GOD PLACED the stars in the heavens so that the night would have light. God placed the Holy Spirit within His people so that they would have access to light all the days of their earthly life. I have heard that “reaching for the stars” is a metaphor for “following your dream” or “grabbing the brass ring.” On television there are programs with this idea of letting your talent give you all that the world can give. Some are successful as the world deems success!
BECOMING a Christian at the age of 10, I didn’t have the foggiest idea what I had committed myself too. What I did know was that this was the right thing to do! As the years passed and I began to learn more and more of what was required of me as a Christian, I knew it was going to take desire, perseverance and lots of hard work. I remember once thinking I could never be a Catholic, because they had to memorize so much. When I realized that being obedient to God’s will was stretching my total self, did I know that memorization, was nothing compared to the path I had chosen.
“THEREFORE, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13 We must be diligent in all ways to be careful not only to work at our salvation, but we must work out our salvation, by doing all that is to be done, as a follower and doer of God’s will by persevering to the end. Salvation is not a means to an end. Salvation is something we should set our minds and hearts upon because we cannot totally attain it without taking care of it. Paul says with fear and trembling, because this is something we need to be highly concerned about with circumspection. Trembling for fear you come up short. Be careful to do everything that is required, as you walk! “Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest remains, let us fear just in case we fail to reach it.” Hebrews 4:1 By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/4/13
SOME TAKE longer than others to achieve their potentials. But somewhere along the way we say; “we have arrived!” After achieving some of these steps to our full potential, we then move onto the next ladder. We have worked hard to be where we are, so now we are ready to take on the world in our chosen field, or perhaps a field we didn’t actually choose, but took, to survive.
COME ON NOW, you have been there and done this. I know, because I have also! It is true that many after highschool, married and began a family and so reaching for the stars seemed almost impossible. Didn’t have time to fulfill the dreams, but worked hard to maintain a standard of living.
GETTING married for me was stepping onto the third and longest ladder. I would have to admit that this was the most colorful, action packed, kind of roller coaster that I had ever encountered in all my (almost) 24 years. Wasn’t easy getting adjusted to becoming a twosome, as it was being just me! Wasn’t easy having to be accountable to this stranger, that was now always there. It took desire, perseverance and the most hard work I had ever experienced. Worth it? Absolutely!
THEN CAME the children! I had never learned how to discipline myself, let alone become a disciplinarian. You know what I mean! No one has ever written a book on how to raise children that really fits the bill because, no two children are alike! God does not give us a book of instructions that comes with each baby. But what God gave me, was a love that overwhelmed me. This love was not just for my children, but the twosome that was now a foursome. Wasn’t easy becoming a mother! Wasn’t easy establishing rules and keeping promises and at the same time, developing a right atmosphere so that our children would grow to enjoy life.
GOD PLACED the stars in the heavens so that the night would have light. God placed the Holy Spirit within His people so that they would have access to light all the days of their earthly life. I have heard that “reaching for the stars” is a metaphor for “following your dream” or “grabbing the brass ring.” On television there are programs with this idea of letting your talent give you all that the world can give. Some are successful as the world deems success!
BECOMING a Christian at the age of 10, I didn’t have the foggiest idea what I had committed myself too. What I did know was that this was the right thing to do! As the years passed and I began to learn more and more of what was required of me as a Christian, I knew it was going to take desire, perseverance and lots of hard work. I remember once thinking I could never be a Catholic, because they had to memorize so much. When I realized that being obedient to God’s will was stretching my total self, did I know that memorization, was nothing compared to the path I had chosen.
“THEREFORE, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13 We must be diligent in all ways to be careful not only to work at our salvation, but we must work out our salvation, by doing all that is to be done, as a follower and doer of God’s will by persevering to the end. Salvation is not a means to an end. Salvation is something we should set our minds and hearts upon because we cannot totally attain it without taking care of it. Paul says with fear and trembling, because this is something we need to be highly concerned about with circumspection. Trembling for fear you come up short. Be careful to do everything that is required, as you walk! “Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest remains, let us fear just in case we fail to reach it.” Hebrews 4:1 By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/4/13
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