Heaven Sent Sentiments

Monthly Archives: November 2019

• Thanksgiving 1988

  Posted at 11:25 AM by Shanon Crenshaw, on November 26, 2019

  “Enter his gates with Thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” (Psalm 100:4-5 NLT)

  

  A table full of food and laughter. Joy. Family memories. Those recollections, and so much more, bring a smile to my face and my heart as I recall Thanksgiving 1988 at my Aunt Irene’s house, as we crowded around a makeshift table in the living room and shared so much more than a meal.

  I came across this picture several days ago in an old family photo album. Remember the ancient version, where you had to peel back the page and “stick” the pictures on to adhere, and then smooth it carefully back down so nothing wrinkles?! Yeah, that kind. I even have several Polaroid pictures tucked into this album which really makes me feel older.

  Oh, the nostalgia of it all.

  This is why this particular Thanksgiving stands out to me. Three women– my mom, Aunt Irene, and family friend Carol Ann–would pass away from cancer much too young, and leave a legacy of memories that live in the details emerging and felt from this picture.

  There is no way my sixteen-year-old self could have imagined the short window of time each one of my family members had beyond that beautiful Thanksgiving day. Precious times. Precious memories. This is why, creating relationships and spending time together is so important to me.

  Here comes the cliché and cheesy part, so cover your ears and recite, “la-la-la-la-la” if you don’t want to hear it, BUT, it is so true that relationships and spending time with those you love are the most important and lasting aspect of your life!

  Honestly, I look at this picture and reflect on the people, love, and amazing memories that were created. Because I know, deep in my heart, that we were created to love just as Jesus loves us (John 15:12).

  Our God created us to love, fellowship, and care for all of the people He brings into each of our lives. Is it easy? No, but it is worth it and when we surrender our hearts and lives to Jesus, He gives us all we need to accomplish any task He places before us.

  “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3 NIV)

  This Thanksgiving, I urge you to take some time and be thankful for that moment. That special time God has given you to love, create memories, and focus on the people that He invited to the table around you. There is no accident or coincidence in that.

  Live. Love. Forgive. Laugh. Be in the moment. Be thankful. Share the love of Jesus with all of the generations seated at the table and change ALL of their tomorrows.

  Perhaps, just like me, you may not be given another chance. The Thanksgiving I shared with my mom, Aunt Irene, and Carol Ann in 1988 was the time last we were all sharing a meal together. I am eternally grateful to God for that time of love, laughter, and memories.

  I would like to close with a prayer by Joyce Meyer from her, “The Power of Being Thankful” devotional:

  “Father, I am grateful for the relationships I have with the people in my life. Let your love flow through me as I purpose to strengthen these relationships. I thank you that I can do my part to build healthy, life-giving, stress-free relationships.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.

  All the Glory to God,

  Shanon

  Meyer, Joyce. “The Power of Being Thankful.” Stress-free Relationships, November 19. Faith Words Publisher. Printed. November 26, 2019.

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  Posted in A-Ha Moments | 0 Comments | Tagged blessings, Christian, grateful, Jesus, Psalm 100:4-5, thanksgiving

• Newly Created in Christ

  Posted at 1:02 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on November 21, 2019

  

  George Washington’s Mount Vernon August 2018

  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

  I love history, especially when I am able to visit places that I was only first introduced to through the pages of history in grade school.

  I remember, during the summer of 2018, when my family was blessed to go to Washington, D.C. We had the pleasure of touring Mount Vernon, the family home of our first U.S. President–George Washington.

  Before we could enter his house, we were waiting on the front porch–the very one that proudly and distinctly faces the Potomac River.

  

  View of Potomac River from Mount Vernon, August 2018

  I stepped out of line, walked to the very edge, and centered myself right at the end of the porch. I closed my eyes, silenced my inner thoughts, and imagined our first U.S. President, standing right where I was, pondering and thinking over leading the U.S. to victory in the American Revolutionary War.

  The feeling was so surreal. I tried to absorb and imagine all of the conversations, dreams, and family memories concealed in the walls of this 262-year-old mansion. Oh, if those walls could talk!

  In reality, I love historical buildings of any kind–whether they are in ghost towns, city centers, or even old European castles and the grounds on which they are built.

  However, the buildings are just physical pieces often made of wood, nails, plaster, etc. The “bones” or structure of the old building are usually kept the same, but the inside is updated and changed by the new owner.

   In reality, the inside is the most important part, because this is where LIFE happens!

  Relationships are formed.

  Memories are made.

  Lives are changed!

  I believe the same thing happens when we turn over our lives to Jesus and inwardly He creates something new in us (2 Cor 5:17). Our physical bodies stay the same–our height doesn’t change, our nationality doesn’t change, and our gender doesn’t change.

  What does change is the inside of us.

  “As new creations, Christians share his glory (3:18) with a renewed knowledge of God (Col. 3:10) and a transformed way of thinking and behaving (Ro. 12:2) that begins to reflect God’s holiness (i.e. moral purity, spiritual wholeness, separation from evil and dedication to God’s purposes, Eph. 4:24)” (Fire Bible Commentary for 2 Cor. 5:17, page 2203).

  How amazing is that!! As a Christian, you are brand new on the inside! The Holy Spirit gives you new life, and you are not the same anymore. “This is not a superficial change that will be quickly superseded by another novelty. This is an entirely new order of all creation under Christ’s authority. It requires a new way of looking at all people and all of creation” (2 Cor. 5:17 commentary, page 1967, NLT).

  Wrapping this up, all of the feelings I felt at Mount Vernon had more to do with the people and relationships that I imagined in all of those rooms and less with the physical presentations throughout the house.

  Because the reality is this: the best things that happen in life occur on the inside. Whether it is in a house, a building, or each individual person. And the One that changes everything is Jesus!

  My question to you is this: does your new life with Jesus reflect this new perspective? I pray it does because the love, life, and light in you have the ability to affect and shine in every relationship in your life! Everywhere you go any house, any building, any castle in Europe!

  All the glory to God,

  Shanon

  Works Cited:

  Fire Bible: Global Study Edition. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Commentary. New International Version. Life Publishers International. 2009. Print.

  Life Study Application Bible. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Commentary. New Living Translation. Second Edition. Tyndale House Publishers, INC. 1996. Print.

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  Posted in God at Work | 0 Comments | Tagged 2 Corinthians 5:17, Christain Blogger, Christian, Jesus, New Creation in Christ

• A Purpose to Pain

  Posted at 11:43 AM by Shanon Crenshaw, on November 12, 2019

  

  “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” John 6:44

  Several days ago, I was remembering a conversation I had with a friend of mine. She was asking me how I could believe and trust in God with all of the hardships that I had experienced over the years.

  She went on to explain to me how she had a similar background to mine and couldn’t seem to let go of the pain and grief she was feeling.

  Ohhh, how I could relate and my heart went out to her. I know the suffering that loss can bring and the bondage it can carry.

  Immediately I knew God was at work in her heart. In the bible, it says, “But keep the Lord Christ holy in your hearts. Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have” 1 Peter 3:15.

  Jesus, upon surrendering my life and heart to Him, turned the bondage of anger, depression, and sadness I was carrying into the love, hope, and joy that ONLY He can do!! I’ve got to share His Good News with everyone!

  Upon this realization, that God was at work in her heart, I immediately prayed to the Lord for His wisdom and guidance and listened in two ways: first, to what my friend was sharing. I didn’t listen with the intent to only reply, I truly heard what she was saying. Second, I listened for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and trusted that He would give me the words to share at just the right moment.

  There is NO coincidence to these moments–they are God-ordained. I believe God can use each one of us to answer a prayer that has been lifted up by someone in that person’s life.

  It could be an aunt, uncle, grandparent, mom–or even that very person that you are talking to–who is seeking Jesus and the relationship that leads to God and eternal life.

  This is where God uses all of our sufferings, pain, and heartache for His Glory. He is the only one that can do that. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28 NIV.

  In that moment, God used a deep pain that I had experienced when I was younger to connect with a young woman who was seeking healing and love from the Lord Who could heal her in the same way He healed me. I cherish these moments when hearts bond and healing begins in the Name of Our Lord Jesus. It was all God and all for His Glory!

  But you know what else happens each time God uses me in this way? His Power helps heal the pain I experienced even further, and it is replaced with a purpose that can only come from Him! A purpose to the pain and suffering we experience in this world through our Lord Jesus! Amen!!

  Henry & Richard Blackaby and Claude King, in Experiencing God explain it this way:

  “People don’t ask questions about spiritual matters unless God is at work in their lives. When you see someone seeking God or asking questions about Christianity you are witnessing God at work. That is something only God does in people’s lives” (Blackaby, King pg. 69, emphasis mine).

  God has a purpose for where you are right now and what you’ve been through. You are unique, fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and He has a plan for your life! Surrender your life to Him and allow Him to work in every aspect of your life.

  I can’t wait to hear all about it!! Share the joy of Jesus in your life, with me and with others! Amen!!

  All the glory to God,

  Shanon

  Works Cited:

  Blackably, Henry, and Richard. Claude King. “Experiencing God: Knowing and doing the Will of God.” B&H Publishing Group. 2008. Print.

  Image of: John 6:44 by Inspirational Bible Verse Images–Knowing Jesus.https://images.knowing-jesus.com/John/6/44

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  Posted in God at Work, Healing | 1 Comment | Tagged Christian Testimony, Healing after death, John 6:44, purpose to pain, Sharing the Hope of Jesus

• Called Home

  Posted at 1:26 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on November 7, 2019

  

  

  my mom, Sue

  Born Again. Those two words give insight into the complete identity of my mother, Sue. She proudly wore a gold necklace with a charm bearing those words, together with a gold cross, for as long as I can remember. They were a testament to her, and the world, of Who she belonged to–Jesus Christ.

  ***

  Years and years ago, I can remember an off-handed comment a clerk made while we were paying for items in the checkout line at a store. The gentlemen helping us must have been about sixteen years old. Upon noticing my mom’s necklace, their conversation began like this:

  Clerk: “Born again, huh? What’cha do, die?”

  Mom: “Yes, as a matter of fact I did. I died to my old self and now I am made new in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…”

  What I remember most about that conversation is not just what was said, but the matter to which my mother explained her relationship with Jesus through the fruit of the Spirit: love, patience, kindness, joy, self-control, faithfulness, etc. She in no way gave into the negative connotations that were underlying the manner in which the conversation began. Only God knows the eternal details of the conversation that day, but I believe seeds were planted that day–in me as well as him.

  That is just one example of many in the daily way my mom lived her life in a relationship with Jesus. Her born-again life.

  ***

  On November 7, 1990, my mom met her Savior face-to-face, and that born-again gold necklace that she had worn faithfully for years was removed for the last time from her neck and given to me.

  I treasured her necklace and wore it several times throughout the years. But it wasn’t her, and I discovered that if I really wanted to feel close to my mom it was through the Word of God, and my relationship with Him that I felt her the strongest.

  The reasoning is very simple: her faith in God was the most important thing that she shared with me every day of her life.

  Her death from this world didn’t change who she was, the removal of her necklace didn’t change who she was, and her physical presence in my life didn’t change who she was because: she is a child of God, her death marks the beginning, not the end. In the words of Billy Graham:

  “One day you’ll hear that Billy Graham has died. Don’t you believe it. On that day I’ll be more alive than ever before! I’ve just changed addresses.”

  And that is what I choose to believe about my mother today, the day she went home to heaven. She is more alive in heaven than she ever was here on earth! I imagine her reunited with all of her loved ones and meeting all the sisters and brothers that had gone on before. Rejoicing and praising the Lord, just one heartbeat away from me. Amen!!

  If you spend any length of time with me you know two things: I love Jesus and I speak about my mom often, and all the others that have gone to heaven: my Grandma and Grandpa Corbin, Aunt Irene, Grandma Marji, Julius Marcus, Aunt June, my father in law Donnie, our good friend David Gideons, among several others.

  I continue to share the memories and love of each one because they had (and continue to have) such an impact on my life. They are not here on this earth, but I will see them again.

  I would like to close this with a poem, “When Mom was called home,”  that my older sister Melanie wrote at 2:30 in the morning on August 22, 1991–written about nine months after our mother died. If my memory serves me correctly, she just woke up in the middle of the night and wrote it out.

  The tears I cry,

  Are not in vain,

  The tears I cry,

  Are tears of pain.

  The day I died,

  my soul cried out,

  I asked my God,

  what’s this all about.

  I heard God say,

  In a quiet voice,

  Don’t cry my child,

  Let your heart rejoice.

  The pain you had,

  Is no longer there,

  Come into my arms,

  Because I care.

  For it is my will,

  and you shall see,

  That your family will have,

  Both you and me.

  Your life on earth,

  Filled the world with love,

  Because I once sent you,

  from heaven above.

  You touched the world,

  and showed you cared,

  You leaned on me,

  and I was there.

  I gave you support,

  you gave me your mind,

  I made you a person,

  so special and kind.

  You asked me into your heart,

  And I came in,

  I forgave you for,

  Your life of sin.

  I promised I would never,

  Leave your side,

  And you promised me,

  my love you would always abide.

  I am now calling,

  you home my dear,

  I hope I have made,

  The answer clear.

  Thank you, Mom, for sharing Jesus with me. With God and His faithfulness every day, I continue to share the Good News of Jesus every day. See you again someday. Love you.

  

  Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” John 3: 3

  All the glory to God,

  Shanon

  Works Cited:

  Image of “Born Again” means to be a Christian. trumpetcalling.org. web. 7 November 2019. https://trumpet-call.org/2018/08/24/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-born-again-christian/

  “10 brilliant things Billy Graham said about heaven.” Premier Christianity. 22 February 2018. Web. 7 November 2019. premierchristianity.com

  Wallace, Melanie. “When mom was called home.” 22 August 1991. Print. 7 November 2019.

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  Posted in God's Blessings | 3 Comments | Tagged Born Again, Christian, Healing after death, Jesus

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  Shanon Crenshaw

  God is first and foremost in my life. I LOVE: my husband Steve, daughters Suzanne and Savannah, my AMAZING family and friends, the majestic beauty of the Pacific Northwest, traveling and camping, a GREAT cup of coffee with my morning devotionals, and my Sumner Family Church family. :)

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