Heaven Sent Sentiments

Author Archives: Shanon Crenshaw

• Is Today the Day?

  Posted at 5:30 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on January 18, 2019

  

  Going Home…

  Have you thought about it? God has. In fact, because He is omniscient, He has all of your days and my days recorded in His book, before even one came to pass. “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day passed” (Psalm 139:16 NIV).

  The Bible teaches that God knows the exact moment when each man is to die (Job 14:5).

  This week I have found myself more focused on these Truths of God than ever before. You see, I have heard of several unexpected deaths this week of people I know and it brought the subject of death to the forefront of my mind.

  God is awesome and His timing is perfect. Yesterday, January 17th, when my heart was heavy with prayer, love, and concern for my friends, God spoke to me through scripture and the amazing gift of fellow believer Billy Graham.

  “How different would today be if you knew it would be your last one on earth before meeting God face to face? We should strive to live everyday as if it were our last, for one day it will be” (Graham, Billy. emphasis mine).

  ***

  Honestly, God has been hard at work changing me from the inside out over the last several years. I am ready for Him to call me Home, even if it is today. Years ago, I would have been concerned about leaving my kids, husband, and family behind. How would they be without me? What if, missing me, caused them to have problems with their faith and their relationship with God?

  God reassured me that, He was always with me when I walked through that very situation at eighteen years old, and that He would be there in the same way for my family as well. In fact, He loves them more than I ever could. He is a good, good Father. My fears have been replaced by His promises.

  So, I live every day seeking God first. I shower all the people God places in my life with love, prayer, and my time. I place importance on experiences and people rather than on material things.

  Please understand I am not trying to be boastful or proud. This is all the work of God, He changed me. I am eternally thankful that He did.

  What about you? How would you answer Billy Graham’s question? Are you living today knowing that when you die you will meet Jesus face to face?! Does your family and friends around you know about Jesus and the Good News He brings to the whole world?

  

  Don’t tarry…for the day is coming. Ask Jesus into your heart to be your Savior. Seek God every day. Pray and love without ceasing.

  “Our Father and our God, when my time on earth is finished, please draw me safely into Your heavenly home. I pray that You will take me into Your presence when You are ready for me to go. Help me to be ready for that time. If my work on earth is not yet finished, then please give me the spiritual strength to continue. In Jesus’ name. Amen” (Graham, Billy).

  That prayer was at the end of the devotional for that day, January 17th, and it said beautifully what my heart could not put into words. I love the God-given wisdom of Billy Graham.

  If you have not begun a devotional for 2019, I highly recommend, “Unto the Hills. A Daily Devotional.” by Billy Graham. I was blessed enough to find it for $2.99 at my local thrift store. This girl loves a bargain. 🙂 Check it out!!

  May God bless you today and always!

  All the glory to God,

  Shanon

  Graham, Billy. “Unto the Hills. A Daily Devotional.” Tyndale House Publishers. Print. 1996.

  Image of “The Sinners Prayer by Bill Graham.” YouTube. Alter Calls and Sinners Prayer.

  Image of “Welcome Home” by Sts. Joseph and Paul Catholic Church.

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  Posted in God at Work | 4 Comments | Tagged Christian blogger, death, Eternal life, sinners prayer, Welcome home to jesus

• Deserts, Valleys, and Hills

  Posted at 7:55 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on January 11, 2019

  

  The second week of January began in a predictable way, weather-wise, here in the Pacific Northwest. The clouds and the wind were rolling in, billowing and forming a thick layer of insulation against a gray and darkening sky. A light rain fell on the evergreen and tall pine trees surrounding my Washington home. The season of Winter has definitely made its grand and wet appearance.

  And yet…

  Right now, I feel as though I am walking through the desert–a dry, parched land with a scorching sun and hot, unrelenting winds. Not in a physical sense (although a hot, dry sunny day does sound nice!) but in a spiritual sense. Spiritually dry. Another term I could use to describe what I am going through is walking through the valley.

  I know that, over the last several weeks, there has been a shift in the awareness I was feeling in regard to God’s presence in my life. Now, I know without a doubt, that God will never leave me nor forsake me (Joshua 1:5). Whether or not I “feel” His presence, I know that He is there. I believe in this Truth and in no way feel abandoned. However, I wanted to understand more of what I was going through and share my experiences with one of my nearest and dearest God-fearing “moms” that the Lord has blessed me with.

  During our conversation, she reassured me that what I was experiencing, she could also relate to, and that she had walked through it. She asked if I had ever heard of, “dark night of the soul.” I had not. Charisma magazine author, Joy F. Strang, describes it in this way,”…a season of dryness–called a dark night of the soul by 16th century mystic John of the Cross–during which it seemed as if God was not there.” While visiting together, my friend and I, discussed this subject, and others, while we shared the Word of God, prayer, wisdom, and lots of hugs. And coffee! 🙂

  Joy F. Strang, in her article titled, “Why you’re in a Spiritual Desert,” describes her own experience of being spiritually dry.

  “During my “dark night” I realized that on our path to spiritual maturity, we don’t go from mountaintop to mountaintop. We have to walk through valleys as well. Even after we have arrived in our “promised land” we may experience spiritually dry times.

  David confirmed this truth in Psalm 63, in which he expressed the thirst he had for God in the midst of a “dry and weary land” (v. 1). He wrote the psalm in the desert of Judah—a dry region in the promised land! David had experienced God intensely before (see v. 2) but found himself for a season in a place “where there [was] no water” (v. 1)”

  For a moment, let’s focus on, “we don’t go from mountaintop to mountaintop.” A mountaintop experience can be described as a place (or time) where we can clearly hear God’s voice and we are able to follow His leading because it is clear to us. God’s presence leaves us feeling empowered, strong, inspired and loved. We feel confident, through this mountaintop experience, that with God, we “can do anything through Christ who gives us strength” (Philippians 4:13).

  As much as it would be amazing to never leave the mountaintop, the reality of living in a sinful world, is that many seasons of our life are spent in the valley. This is where our faith is really grown and matured and used by God.

  Billy Graham has this to say in regard to mountaintops and valleys: “we are made for the valley of life. God will sometimes allow a view from the hills, but only so that we might be refreshed enough to return to the valley–where the action is–that we may be of service to Him. Mountaintops are for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys“ (Graham, Billy, v).

  Did you catch that?! “…but fruit is grown in the valleys.” This is where the action is, where our faith and our fruit, grow together in a way that can be powerfully used by God!

  ***

  I’ll share a few things that I am doing right now while I am experiencing this dry season.

  1) I asked God to search my heart and reveal to me any sin that I need to repent of and receive His forgiveness.

  2) I start my day in the bible. By doing this, I know the foundation of my day begins with Him, and my heart and mind are better prepared to respond to His presence throughout the day. This is also a time when I read my devotional, I begin a new one each year.

  3) I always begin my day with prayer. Depending on what I have going on for the morning, the length of time varies. However, two things never change. Every day I begin and end my day with prayer and thanksgiving.

  4) I ask God to open my heart in a way to be of service to others throughout my day. He has never disappointed me and has given me lots of ways to bless others. As a result, this takes the focus off of me and my own cares, and I get to share the love of Jesus with those He brings into my life.

  5) I listen to music that reminds me of God’s presence in my life. I listen to it in my car, while I’m cleaning the house, getting ready to write, and especially when I am feeling sad and depressed. There is nothing that can turn my mood around quicker than when I put on my favorite Christian artist, turn the volume up loud, and dance for my Savior, “much like David was dancing before the Lord with all his might” (2 Samuel 6:14).

  6) Several times throughout the day I pause and pray. Whenever I drive by my daughter’s school, I say a prayer. When an emergency vehicle is going by, I say a quick prayer. When I am anxious, stressed, or not feeling well, I say a prayer. And especially when God brings someone to my mind, I say a prayer for them. Praying in this way again takes the focus off of me and my worries, and directly releases them to God.

  

  Our faith and fruit grow the most when we are close to the vine (Jesus) and filled with the Living Water. This requires action on our part through the Word of God, prayer, and submitting to God every single day.

  I encourage you, no matter what season you are in, to develop a prayer, bible reading, praise, and worship schedule that allows you to be as close as possible to the God of the Hills and Valleys!    God Bless You!

  All the Glory to God,

  Shanon

  Image of  “It takes a valley and a God…” by CHRISTian Poetry Deborah ann

  Image of “You’re God of the Hills and Valley’s by Taurenwells VEVO

  Graham, Billy. “Unto the Hills: A Daily Devotional.” Foreward, page v. Word Publishing. Print. 1996.

  Strang, Joy F. “Why You’re in a Spiritual Desert.” Charisma Magazine. Web. 31 May 2015.

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  Posted in Uncategorized | 14 Comments | Tagged Faith, hills and valleys, Jesus, Prayer

• I’ve got the Power, do you?

  Posted at 9:13 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on December 27, 2018

  

  Good afternoon!! I hope everyone is doing well today! God is so good and this picture of baby ducks reminded me of His awesome protection!

  I love animals, especially baby animals. I ran across this picture in a magazine and HAD to save it! It was taken in Forest Farm Park, Cardiff Wales, England. This precious mommy duck was protecting her five babies from the rain. Don’t you just love the intricate pattern she used to snuggle all five under the protection of her wings? Precious!

  “Ok, Tommy you’re first. Get close to Mommy’s wing. Settle in. Jordan, your next. Turn around. Get close to your brother…” “Awww, mom. I never get to face front….” 🙂

  Anyway–this picture brought to my mind one of my favorite scriptures from Colossians, and I may have shared it with you before.

  Colossians 3:3 (NIV) “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

  WOW, isn’t that amazing?! As a believer, your life is “hidden with Christ.” Hidden means concealed and safe. Protected. Loved. Secure. This is not only a future hope, but an accomplished fact right now.

  Our service and conduct do not earn our salvation, but they are the results of our salvation. Take heart that your salvation is secure, and live each day for Christ. (Colossians 3:3 commentary, NIV).

  I don’t know about you, but every day I witness a battle going on all around me–extreme negativity, greed, false witness, lies, etc. The enemy is all around trying to seek, kill, and destroy us.

  Daily, I need the security of our Almighty God, and I believe His “wings” of protection will cover every aspect of my life. However, I need to be an active participant in the battle.

  God expects us to, “be strong in the LORD and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” Ephesians 6: 10-18. The Armor of God is the Helmet of Salvation, the Shield of Faith, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Belt of Truth, the Sword of the Spirit, and the Gospel of Peace.

  

  One thing to keep in mind, this needs to be a daily practice. Imagine, if you would, a soldier who goes off to fight in a war that he never prepared for.

  — He never uses a weapon.

  —He never strategizes with his commanding officer or fellow comrades.

  —He never gets physically fit to withstand the rigors of war.

  —He never gets fitted properly for his helmet, boots, clothing, and other gear, which results in poor fit and wear.

  ***

  How would it go? Not well, for sure! His day of reckoning with the enemy would not be as successful as if he had prepared daily to fight the battle.

  Preparation builds confidence, assurance, and strength. When we use the Armor of God daily, we are committing all the scripture, prayer, strength, peace, truth, and righteousness to our mind, body, and soul. I believe that it becomes a visceral part of us, through our Holy Spirit.

  Then, I believe the Holy Spirit within us, helps draw out the right scripture, prayer, strength, measure of peace, etc. that is needed at any particular time. Does that make sense?

  For example, you are going through a difficult trial, and one day, a scripture comes to your mind on strength, courage, or whatever the Holy Spirit knows will help you.

  Those words speak life and power in such a magnified way that it is as though God is wrapping you in His arms and covering you with His mighty protection.

  It comes down to this, we need to fill our mind, body, and soul with the Word of God, Shield of Faith, Peace, Trust, Helmet of Salvation, and Righteousness daily. You will see Jesus every single time you do each one of those things.

  Oswald Chambers, in his devotional dated December 24th, has a magnificent way of explaining this:

  “When you really see Jesus, I defy you to doubt Him. If you see Him when He says, “Let not your heart be troubled…” (John 14:27), I defy you to worry. It is virtually impossible to doubt when He is there. Every time you are in personal contact with Jesus, His words are real to you. “My peace I give to you…” (John 14:27)– a peace which brings an unconstrained confidence and covers you completely, from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. “…your life is hidden with Christ in God,” and the peace of Jesus Christ that cannot be disturbed has been imparted to you.”

  Amen!! Do you feel the power in those words?! I urge you to begin today and prepare for the battle all around you, “Be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV.

  Amen! All the glory to God!!

  Shanon

  Chambers, Oswald. My Utmost For His Highest daily devotional. December 24th, The Hidden Life. Discovery House. 1992. Written.

  Image of Mother with her baby ducks by pressreader, First For Women. Web.

  Image of Ephesians 6: 13-17 by wordpress.com, JesusQuotesandGodThoughts. Web.

  Life Application Study Bible. Colossians 3:3 commentary. Page 2034. NLT. Tyndale House Publishers. 1996. Written.

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  Posted in God at Work | 2 Comments | Tagged Armour of God, Christian blogger, Ephesians 6:10-18, God's protection, Holy Spirit Power, Jesus Saves

• Drawn to Jesus

  Posted at 7:10 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on December 20, 2018

  

  Good morning!! I’ve got to admit, I love the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season! Decorating the Christmas tree, all the holiday baking, and gathering together with family and friends to break bread and create memories.

  One thing I’ve discovered is that the light of Jesus in my heart needs to shine even brighter during the season of His birth!

  Many of my family and friends, whom I may not see any other time of year, get a glimpse of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world through me, that they may not otherwise witness.

  The same is true of you my friends, your homes may be filled with saved and unsaved hearts. Our churches will be filled with people of all backgrounds, faiths, hurts, desperation, etc!!

  We all need the saving grace of Jesus! Titus 2:11, “For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.”

  ***

  I’ve got to admit, sometimes I feel as though my heart really breaks and hurts when I see people struggling and hurting without Jesus in their life. I used to take on their problems/situations and do everything I could to try to help them. It was definitely a stressful and unhealthy way to live–I just wanted so desperately for them to have Jesus in their lives! Can you relate?!

  I am so thankful that Jesus knows my heart and He spoke to me through the following devotional:

  Oswald Chambers, June 10th

  “Remember that you can never give another person what you have found, but you can cause him to have a desire for it.”

  Those words really spoke to my heart: Only God can change them. I can’t do what only God can do. Duh, right? 🙂 My heart so desperately wanted them to change, I was getting the lines crossed on what I could do and what only God could do.

  This is what I can do: I live my life with the light and love of Jesus shining brightly, sharing the gospel of Jesus wherever I go. Praying, loving, accepting someone right where they are, giving, inviting…everyone I know to the saving grace of Jesus!

  ***

  I recently discovered a poem my mom had written. The paper is worn and yellow. My mother’s very distinct handwriting graces the page. The theme of her poem exactly emulates what Oswald Chambers highlighted in the quote above: others may not understand her faith or love for Jesus, but just as God drew her to Jesus, she knows others can receive the same opportunity.  “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws Him” John 6:44.

  You do not know Him as I do,

  it must be very strange to you.

  That I can love what I can’t see,

  and you can’t feel His love for me.

  *

  I won’t pretend I’m special though–

  I’m not the only one, you know.

  To share a hopeful destiny,

  though you can’t feel His love for me.

  *

  　It may be anger that draws you near,

  it could be sorrow–even fear.

  I hope you’re drawn, though I can see,

  that you can’t feel His love for me.

  *

  Once, it was me who sat with closed eyes,

  and opened my heart to the enemy’s lies.

  But, what was His power when Jesus was through?

  You can’t feel it for me, but I know it for you.

  　by Sue Corbin

  On this day, and every other day, I am going to commit to living my life for Jesus in such a way that others desire to hear the Good News of Jesus!

  All the glory to God,

  Shanon

  Chamber, Oswald. “My Utmost For His Highest.” June 10th devotional. Discovery House Updated Edition. Print. 1992.

  Image of The Grace of God Appeared by calvaryhelena.com

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  Posted in God at Work | 7 Comments | Tagged Christian blogging, Drawn to Jesus, Grace of God, Jesus, salvation

• Pick Up Your Cross

  Posted at 12:02 AM by Shanon Crenshaw, on December 10, 2018

  

  Good morning, friends!! Today was a great day in the house of the Lord, and I pray you are having an amazing Sunday. 🙂

  Today in church, Pastor Mike was continuing a sermon he began last week titled, “Follow the Star.”  The three Kings, or Magi, were following the star because they knew it would lead them to Jesus Christ their Messiah.

  They were traveling on a journey of thousands of miles bringing gifts, worship, and joy to baby Jesus.

  Think about it, this journey was long, at least over a year, and the star continued to shine brightly and guided them to their Messiah!

  This star lead them to the Savior, in the same manner that the cross you bear daily will lead you to the Savior.

  I know that I combined a lot into that sentence, but when Pastor Mike said it this morning, it combined two things that God has placed on my heart this morning:  Jesus’ birth and the cross we bear.

  ***

  Over the last week and a half, the Lord has been placing one scripture heavily on my heart and mind. In fact, several of my daily devotionals have spoken to me about it. The scripture is Luke 9:23 (NIV)

  

  Ok, God. Wow, this is a tough one. What does denying self mean, and how do I carry my cross daily?? The February 18th Experiencing God day-by-day devotional says this:

  Your “cross” is God’s will for you, regardless of the cost. Taking up your cross is a choice; it is not beyond your control. You may have health problems, a rebellious child, or financial pressures, but do not mistake these as your “cross to bear.” Neither the circumstances you face nor the consequences of your own actions are your cross.

  Your cross will be to voluntarily participate in Christ’s sufferings as He carries out His redemptive purposes (Phil. 3:10). Paul said he rejoiced in his sufferings because he knew that by them he was able to participate in the suffering required to bring others into Christian maturity (Col. 1:24).

  We tend to want to go immediately from “denying ourselves” to “following Jesus.” But you can never follow Jesus unless you have first taken up your cross. There are aspects of God’s redemptive work that can be accomplished only through suffering.

  Just as Christ had to suffer in order to bring salvation, there will be hardships you may have to endure in order for God to bring salvation to those around you. Jesus did not talk with His disciples about the cross until they had come to know He was the Christ (Matt. 16:21).

  You will never be able to endure the suffering of the cross unless you have first been convinced that Jesus is the Christ. Once you have settled your relationship with Christ, He will introduce you to your cross. There is no Christianity without a cross.

  If you are waiting for a relationship with God that never requires suffering or inconvenience, then you cannot use Christ as your model. God’s will for you involves a cross. First, take up your cross; then you can follow Him.

  ***

  Commitment to Christ means taking up your cross daily, giving up your hopes, dreams, possessions, and even your very life if need be for the cause of Christ. Only if you willingly take up your cross may you be called His disciple (Luke 14:27). The reward is worth the price. (Gotquestionsministries.org).

  If you wonder if you are ready to take up your cross, consider these questions:
  • Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing some of your closest friends?
  • Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means alienation from your family?
  • Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means the loss of your reputation?
  • Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your job?
  • Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your life?

  God’s will in my life will not look the same as yours, and if I am committed to following Him daily, it will always change according to His will. Right now, the Lord has me writing for Him, being a stay-at-home mom to my daughters and making a home for my family, volunteering my time helping in the church office, participating in bible studies, and seeking His will daily in developing my writing. I don’t know what my future holds, but God does, and I love the people He places in my life to love and minister to.

  God’s will may also be: becoming a missionary in a faraway land, accepting a job with half the pay to lead others to Christ, becoming a youth pastor and mentoring tomorrow’s generation, becoming a stay-at-home mom or dad and ministering to your children and their friends, working in the medical field and showing the love of Jesus to others in their weakest moments. The list goes on and on.

  God will use your strengths, weaknesses, hurts, pain, brokenness, and every other part He has created in you when you completely surrender to Him. Apostle Paul said it best when he explained that his message came from Christ and that he was chosen before he was even born in Galatians 1: 11-16:

  ¹¹ I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. ¹² I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

  ¹³ For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. ¹⁴ I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. ¹⁵ But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased ¹⁶ to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles…”

  God did not waste any part of Paul–his background, his training, his citizenship, his mind, or even his weaknesses. Are you willing to let God do the same for you?

  You will never know all He can do with you until you allow Him to have all that you are: complete surrender!

  Remember, the cross you bear daily can lead you to Jesus, in fact, He wants you to cast all of your cares on Him, and He will sustain you. (Psalm 55:22).

  All the Glory to God!!

  Shanon

  Blackaby, Richard. Experiencing God Day By Day (Kindle Locations 897-899). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

  Image of Bethlehem Star-Magi by Messianic Bible

  Image of Deny Yourself by GrittyGrace.com

  Image of Pick Up Your Cross by lovedasif.com

  “What did Jesus mean when He said, “Take up your cross and follow Me”?. Got Questions ministries.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/take-up-your-cross.html

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  Posted in God at Work | 6 Comments | Tagged Christian blogger, God's will, Healing, Jesus, Take up your cross, The cross

• Restore Your Soul

  Posted at 5:43 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on December 3, 2018

  

  Good morning, happy Monday!! Don’t you just love cute animal and baby pictures?! Warms my heart every time. The pigeon-burrowing owls, above, never ceases to make me smile. Photographer Mario Gustavo Fiorucci won the 2016 Comedy Wildlife Photography Award for that picture and it is easy to see why. 🙂

  I’ve got to admit, the picture above completely portrays the way my schedule has been lately—a little sideways. Since Thanksgiving, the Crenshaw household has been a little more chaotic and off-schedule, BUT incredibly blessed.

  I don’t know about you, but when my schedule goes wacky for any reason, I feel “off.” Not stressed, necessarily, but not as peaceful.

  What I realized this morning is that the biggest thing that changed for me is that my scheduled rest and prayer time is not as often as my soul needs right now. I need quiet time, in my prayer closet, a few times a week to seek Jesus, be still, and pray whatever the Holy Spirit prompts.

  I believe this works best for me because I am naturally an introverted person. I “recharge” in my quiet and alone space. I need that rest time to quiet my thoughts, heart, and soul. My heart is more receptive to Jesus when I do this and I am a more peaceful, calm person to be around! 🙂

  What about you? What restores your soul? A friend of mine is the complete opposite of me. She recharges by loud, fun worship music along with a Holy Spirit-led conversation about Jesus. When Jesus is the center, it cannot be wrong, am I right?!

  I thank God that even when our days are sideways or a little off, when we seek Him with our whole heart—He will meet us right where we are!! Praise God!!

  

  All the glory to God!!

  Shanon

  Image of Jeremiah 29:13 by mostlysensible.com.

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  Posted in Reflections/Stillness | 6 Comments | Tagged heal, Jesus, love, Prayer, restore your soul, smile

• Torn Pages of Time

  Posted at 11:26 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on November 23, 2018

  

  My daughters and I

  For Christmas last year, my daughters gave me one of those page-a-day calendars. Each day has a beautiful picture and bible scripture on it. As I tore off yesterday’s scripture, I realized how few I have left for this year.

  That simple swipe of a page caused me to reflect for a moment on all of the many triumphs, disappointments, hardships, and blessings that occurred this year.

  Appropriately in line with my thoughts was today’s scripture, right out of Ecclesiastes 7:13-14. King Solomon wrote:

  “Consider what God has done:

  Who can straighten what he has made crooked?

  When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad consider:

  God has made one as well as the other.

  Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.”

  Remember that God is with you through all times; He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6) I truly believe that He holds me by my right hand.

  When I have experienced my deepest and darkest times, I close my eyes and actually visualize Him seated right next to me, holding my hand. It brings me the most complete, nurturing love and comfort that only my Heavenly Father can provide. Try it, you will be blessed. 🙂

  “By recognizing that God is working in us through all situations, we can rejoice in success and prosperity and learn to trust God through failure and adversity” (Ecclesiastes 7: 8-14 commentary.)

  God holds my all days, as well as yours. Remember, God doesn’t change; only our situations do.

  

  During these times of thankfulness, take some time to thank God for His never-ending presence in your life. Times change, people change, relationships change but He is the one that we can always count on–His promises never change!

  Praise God!!

  All the glory to God,

  Shanon

  Image of Jesus Christ: The same yesterday, today, and forever” by http://www.preachit.org.

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  Posted in God at Work | 2 Comments | Tagged Christian blogging, Faith, God, God is at work, Jesus, love

• God’s Will: Washington Mountains

  Posted at 4:00 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on November 14, 2018

                Good morning! What a beautiful day! God’s glory is shining and brilliant here in the Pacific Northwest. Here is a picture of Mount Rainier that I see every day when I leave my neighborhood. I’m in awe of the beauty of His creation all the time, can you imagine the splendor and beauty of Heaven? I try, but the limitations of my earthly mind can’t even begin to comprehend it! 🙂

  God brought us out to Washington state, five years ago this Thanksgiving, because of my husband’s job. This state was never on our “radar” because neither one of us had ever been here. I am so thankful to God that He brought us here and none of it was our doing. In fact, in our worldly plans and vision, we were counting on a different move and promotion to Florida. I am so glad that God’s plans and will for my life are not my own.

  Eight years ago, my husband was working a full year straight towards a promotion and moving to the East Coast. Many special projects, meetings, and extra hours helped solidify his promotion to Regional Manager of Loss Prevention of the Florida/Georgia market for the company he works for. It was practically a done deal. I picked out the new city we would live in, where our daughters would attend school, and a “tentative” timeframe for our move. Yet, it wasn’t meant to be.

  My husband came home from work one Fall evening looking upset. Standing in our kitchen, he relayed the news to me that they had given the job to another Regional Manager. Apparently, his wife was suffering from cancer and would get better treatment in Florida. Also, they had family in that area. My husband was devastated, as though all of his “extra” work would be wasted. I hugged my husband, and spoke the following words, “I’m not ready to leave my doctor’s yet. I don’t know why.”

  Time moved forward, and the new year dawned, my 39th year on this planet. As many of you know, my mom died of cancer at this very age. I am very meticulous with taking care of myself and going to all of my yearly check-ups. This year was not any different, except my test results were not good.

  One of my doctors, because of my family history, did additional testing that she normally never would have. In fact, she told me that she was going to be using my situation and subsequent testing as a teaching example. I went through several procedures, medicines, and check-ups. At the last visit, she told me I was going to be okay and that I just needed check-ups every three months for the next couple of years. What she said next floored me, I had no idea the severity of my situation, but God did. She said this to me: “If I hadn’t done the additional testing, you may not have been here next year.”

  Immediately, my heart and mind went back to the first thought I had after my husband did not get his promotion, “I’m not ready to leave my doctor’s yet.” Wow! In this moment, I learned to trust God with any change He brings to my life. He knows my whole story, my husband’s story, and my kids’ story. I trust Him with everything.

  You see, after my mom died I lived in paralyzing fear that any illness I had was cancer and that I would die young like my mom. It got so bad that any affliction I had, had to be major and terminal. Through this situation and His Word, God revealed to me that He holds all of my days and will move mountains (or prevent a move) to keep me in the will He has for my life. This is why Psalm 139:16 is so close to my heart:

  “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.”

  He has my days, my anxiety of sickness, dying young, leaving my children at a young age, etc., all in the palm of His hand. I rest and trust in God’s provision, presence, and promises. I leave the outcome to God.

  Jesus Calling, November 19th says the following, “Leave outcomes to me. Follow me wherever I lead, without worrying about how it will all turn out. Think of your life as an adventure, with Me as your Guide and companion. Live in the now, concentrating on staying in step with Me. You already know the ultimate destination of your journey: your entrance into heaven. So keep your focus on the path just before you, leaving outcomes up to me” (Young, 338).

  God had better plans for my husband’s job. Two and a half years after he worked incredibly hard for a promotion that wasn’t meant to be, God blessed him with a better job in Washington State. He orchestrated every step that brought us out here. Has it been easy and non-stressful? No! Moving, changing jobs, uprooting children, finding a new church, doctor, etc. is not easy. However, God’s presence was (and is) in ALL of it, and there is no better place to be than in the center of God’s will. Amen?!!!

  I pray that whether you are in plentiful or want, sorrow or joy, you draw your strength from God and leave the outcome to Him. Nothing is wasted when you trust Him and allow His will to lead your life. After all, He knew all of your days before one came to pass. 🙂

  “Trust Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8

  All the glory to God!!

  Shanon

  Young, Sarah. “Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence.” Thomas Nelson Publishing. Print. 2004.

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  Posted in Unexpected Suprises | 2 Comments | Tagged Christian blogger, Faith, God is Faithful, Jesus, Trust in God

• Mom’s Homecoming with Jesus

  Posted at 4:13 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on November 7, 2018

  

  My mom, Sue, is the first person that introduced me to Jesus. She did this in two ways, by living her life with a personal relationship with Jesus and by having several conversations with me, about Jesus, sitting Indian style on her king-size bed. During one of those conversations, just my mommy and me, I made a decision that changed my life and heart forever.

  I can still picture the bedroom – all browns, beiges, and avocado green circa the late 1970s! My mom and dad’s bed was near their bedroom door with nightstands on each side. Brownish-bronze lamps with beige lampshades graced each side table. A long, wooden mirrored dresser stood opposite the large window in their bedroom. I can picture it so clearly–like a Polaroid snapshot in time–because that is one moment that changed my life forever. I made a personal dedication to Jesus that day, and I wanted Him to live in my heart forever. I was eight years old.

  God used my mother’s relationship with Jesus to change my life those many years ago–and ten years later He would do the same thing again–although this defining moment brought me to my knees in a desperate way.

  

  November 7, 1990, twenty -eight years ago today exactly, my mother went Home to Jesus. She died three months after she was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 39. I was only 18 years old and my heart felt literally broken. Like it could never be the same again.

  If you know me and have read my blog, you know that I have touched on this several times. It is because this is the biggest life-changing moment in my life. God has used all of what I experienced through my mother’s death for His glory. He has taken every tear, heartache, and hurt, and transformed them through His grace-to joy, understanding, and love.

  This journey, since the loss of my mom, has not been easy, but Jesus has never left my side and He has shown me that He was with me then and He is with me now! I have testimony after testimony of God’s guidance, provision, and presence during those difficult days and our journey together thus far. It has been my experience that:

  “After the dust of a trial settles, we are able to see more clearly the footprints and fingerprints of God’s guidance, provision, and presence” (Crenshaw, Shanon 2015).

  I cannot begin to tell you the number of times God has placed people in my life to share my testimony on this, and I love it, because my light shines bright because of Him! All the glory to God! Don’t you just love it when He transforms a hardship in your life in such a powerful way and then He gives you the privilege of sharing His light and love in your life with others? It’s incredible!! 🙂

  I would like to close with this. Time and time again, the scripture the Lord used the most in healing me was Psalm 139. He spoke life and peace to my heart by using the whole chapter, at different times, over the years. My favorite verse is the following: “…All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:16. This particular verse has brought me so much peace. I just love it. He is the God of all of my days.

  

  **I’ve included two of my mom’s favorite things in this post. At the time of her death, her favorite song was “Friends” by Michael W. Smith. It continues to be one of mine as well and I think of her every time I hear it. Also, my parents had a print of this picture, of Jesus hugging someone coming Home, hanging in our house when I was growing up. It now hangs in my bedroom, by the door, and I see it every time I go in my room.

  Until we meet again Mommy, with Jesus, your love and memory are in my heart daily!!

  

  All the glory to God,

  Shanon

  Image of Coming Home to Jesus! Giant Hug! by Pinterest.

  Image of Heaven in my Heart: A hug from Jesus by Heaven in my Heart blogstop.com

  Image of Friends by Michael W. Smith by likesuccess.com

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  Posted in Healing | 9 Comments | Tagged Christian blogger, Faith, Healing after death, Jesus, love

• Ice Cream and God’s Protection!

  Posted at 9:15 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on November 4, 2018

  

  Hello friends, Happy November! I cherish this month with the last of the leaves falling, cozy sweater, and boot weather, and my heart is so full of thanks for God who gives so abundantly and lovingly! God is love! 🙂

  Do you know that God in Heaven loves you more than you could ever imagine?! He loves you so much that He sent His only Son to die for your sins, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV). Not only does God want to save you, He has promised to guide you (Proverbs 3:6), protect you (Psalm 121: 7-8), strengthen you (Philippians 4:13), deliver you (Jeremiah 20:13), heal you (Jeremiah 17:14), and love you because nothing “… can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8: 38-39). These are just a few of the promises of God! Hang on tight there is more…He has awesome plans for YOU!

  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).

  God gave my daughter and me a glimpse of these promises last Friday, November 2nd. God is amazing! But first, let me start this by saying that I choose to see God’s hand in everything. I do not believe in coincidence. I believe God orchestrates every part of my life and I “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)

  ***

                  I drive my daughter to and from school every day. It had been a trying week for both of us, so I thought we would get ice cream after school together on Friday. Just the two of us. However, it seemed to be taking longer than usual for her to get to the car. She is rarely late. About ten minutes later, I noticed her walking towards the Jeep.

  “Sorry, I’m late mom. Grace was trying to get a hold of her Uncle so that we could give her a ride home. But he didn’t get back to us in time before the bus showed up.”

  “That’s okay, honey. I understand. Ready to get some ice cream?”

  About five minutes later we pulled into the parking lot of Baskin Robbins. Not too far from where we parked, we noticed a few police vehicles, a red SUV right alongside them, and a few officers walking around surveying the scene. I knew this was definitely not a traffic accident.

  Savannah and I went inside Baskin-Robbins and placed our order. While the employee was getting our ice cream, I asked her what was going on outside. She said, “About fifteen minutes ago, there was a “road rage” incident, and a vehicle shot out the back window of the red SUV.” Wow. Right near where we are parked. In my neighborhood. I would never have imagined it could happen!

  Then I had an “A-Ha Jesus” moment. We were fifteen minutes late getting here!!! My daughter and I may have very well been in the middle of it….but God! Our late “setback” kept us safe. I believe it.

  

  I have learned, over time and with God’s grace, to take setbacks in stride. Whether they are appointment delays, traffic, canceled plans, etc. God knows the whole story. There could be a whole multitude of reasons why the setback happened or is happening. But God knows and I trust Him.

  So many good things came out of this! Obviously, my daughter and I shared some time together protected by our glorious Father in Heaven. But, I also used this as a teaching moment with my daughters. I explained to them that even when it appears that things may not be going our way, the One that holds our today’s and tomorrow’s is working everything out for good, and we can always trust Jesus!

  I’ve got to say that I truly love these teachable moments with my daughters. When the light of Jesus shines in their eyes, and they truly feel the touch of the Holy Spirit and the promises of Christ, my heart is so full of JOY!! I pray that they will draw on these moments in the future as they grow and walk with the LORD.

  My friends, problems, and setbacks will happen in our lives. We may not be able to control the fact that they happen, but we can control how we respond to them and Who we talk to about them.

  While reading the November 3rd devotional from Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling, these words spoke to my heart:

  “Every time something thwarts your plans or desires, use that as a reminder to communicate with me. This practice has several benefits…talking with Me blesses you and strengthens our relationship. Another benefit is that disappointments, instead of dragging you down, are transformed into opportunities for good. When you reframe setbacks as opportunities, you find that you gain much more than you have lost” (Young, Sarah. November 3rd, emphasis mine).

  Isn’t God’s timing awesome?! I read that devotional the day after my daughter, Savannah and I experienced a change in our plans and we saw it as an opportunity to see the goodness of God in it! I pray that the next time you experience a change of plans in your life, pray to God about it and release it back to Him, trusting Him for the outcome. May God continue to bless you!

  All the glory to God,

  Shanon

  Image of “Sometimes you are delayed…” by Quotes about strength by Pinterest.com.

  Young, Sarah. “Enjoying Peace in His Presence” devotional. Thomas Nelson. Print. 2004.

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  Posted in A-Ha Moments | 1 Comment | Tagged A-Ha God moments, Christian blogging, Faith, God, God's protection, Jesus Saves

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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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