Category: God at Work

• Satan’s Favorite Word: Tomorrow

  Posted at 7:27 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on August 19, 2019

  

  Hi everyone!!

  I  love this picture: it reminds me a little of how  I felt on Saturday–a little sideways. Let me explain.

  I began writing this message on Saturday, to get ahead of my schedule of posting on Monday-Wednesday-Friday. To say I’m computer-challenged is just half of it and through many errors, I accidentally posted on Saturday. Or did I ?!

  So, instead of thinking I blundered, I chose to believe God wanted someone to read it on Saturday. 🙂

  I updated the title and I am resubmitting it today. Thank you, God, for today! What a blessing!!

  ***

  Hello everyone! What a beautiful day. Our weather here in the PNW has had the undertones of Fall–which I love, it’s my favorite season– but it reminds me just how fast time goes!

  Summer went by so quick, I don’t think my kids had one chance to say they were bored on the long, lazy days of summer!

  All of those thoughts on time got me thinking of right now. Today.

  “What am I filling this day with and Who is leading it?”

  Last week, while visiting a friend, she shared a book with me by Dr. David Jeremiah, “Slaying the Giants in Your Life.” While flipping through the book I landed on some words of Truth that I really needed to hear. Life-changing, heartfelt, and God-given words.

  “Years ago, a very famous preacher surveyed the Bible to find out what were the most important words in the scripture. For instance, he wanted to find out what was the saddest word in the Bible, and what was the happiest word. But when he came to the most dangerous word in the Bible, the word that he chose was the word “tomorrow”” (Jeremiah, Dr. David, emphasis mine).

  Think about it. Procrastination leads people to put off fighting addictions. Or making that doctor’s appointment that can prevent a disease or bring about the right treatment plan. It has altered the dreams of students and their educational steps to fulfillment of degrees and higher learning. Also, may have kept many people stuck in the rut of a dead-end job, never taking a chance on what a different opportunity may bring.

  Most importantly, “it has kept more men and women from coming to Christ than any other word in the dictionary. Let me tell you today that Satan’s favorite word of all words is “tomorrow,” but the word that is dear to the heart of God is “today” (Jeremiah, Dr. David, emphasis mine).

  Today.

  Again, the question comes to mind, “What am I filling today with, and Who is leading it?”

  The reason I believe those words of Truth put such a deep check in my heart is that I was putting off my writing until tomorrow and allowing Satan to steal and destroy what God is trying to do today–through my writing and through my life. Not anymore, No way!

  So here I am TODAY. Leaning on and Trusting in the promises of God. He is leading me on this path of ministering through writing. The Lord began this journey in me years ago, and the Holy Spirit is leading me into this new adventure. This is one scripture that really inspires me:

  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

  So today I decide to live intentionally pursuing God first (through His Word, prayer, and worship) so that my eyes, ears, and heart are open to any divine appointments God brings my way. A word of encouragement to a friend or stranger. Calling someone who needs to hear that Jesus loves them. A hug that speaks a thousand words without a single word being spoken. Speaking the Good News of Salvation today to someone God knows doesn’t have tomorrow….

  I do not want to miss any opportunity God brings my way, today, because “…your life is like a morning fog–it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.” (James 4:14 NLT)

  Today is God’s day and can be filled with His divine appointments for you, so:

  What are YOU filling this day with and Who is leading it?

  All the Glory to God,

  Shanon

  Image of Divine Appointments–The Journey Bible Church. journeybiblechurch.org.

  Jeremiah, Dr. David. “Slaying the Giant of Procrastination.” 17 August 2019. Web.

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  Posted in God at Work | 2 Comments | Tagged Christian blogger, God's will, Hope in Jesus, Jesus, Living tomorrw, today

• Molded in His Image

  Posted at 9:05 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on August 15, 2019

  

  Hello, everyone! I hope this summer has been a good one for you, and full of many of the LORD’s blessings. God blessed my family and I with some amazing vacation travels together and memories that will last a lifetime! 🙂

  ***

  Years ago, when I decided to fully commit my life to the LORD, I knew that upon complete surrender, my life would not be mine anymore. And I didn’t (and don’t) want it to be. Day-by-day and trial-by-trial I want to submit to becoming more like my Savior, Jesus Christ.

  After all, He is the Potter and I am His clay.

  “But now, O LORD,

  You are our Father,

  We are the clay, and You are the potter;

  And all we are the work of Your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8)

  Dr. David Jeremiah explains it this way:

  “The dominant thing in Scripture is a simple one: God is the potter and humanity is the clay. It is another way to express God’s sovereignty over all humanity; a way to express our need to yield to His divine plan; a way to encourage us to find the purpose for which we have been made; a way to accept the divine purpose for all of God’s handiwork.”

  Over the years, God has created in me the desire to share the love and hope of Jesus with the people around me. He has molded me and shaped me through all of my pain, hurts, and disappointments to share the Joy of what only Jesus can do upon surrender to Him.

  One smile at a time, one friendship at a time, one hug at a time, and one word at a time.

  All Him and all for His Glory.

  ***

  Over the last few weeks, I’m sorry to say and I apologize, I’ve allowed my writing to get off track. But you know what? God has never left my side and, through the Spirit and His Word, He has been nudging me back on track. Reminding me of who I am in Him and to yield to Him as the Potter so that He can complete what He began in me.

  While reading, The Power of Being Thankful by Joyce Meyer last week, her September 10th devotional really spoke to what I was experiencing:

  “Many times God tells us to do something or gives us an assignment and we begin doing it. But then the enemy comes against us, and when we turn to fight him, we turn away from God.

  Satan knows that if he can distract you, he can ultimately defeat you. So when the enemy begins to stir up a storm in your life, be thankful God has the victory and do these simple things: pray and trust God” (Meyer, September 10th).

  So, when Satan began stiring up a storm of self-doubt and insecurity in me, I began praying to God for wisdom, courage, and strength to move forward in what He has called me to do.

  It wasn’t overnight and it was His timing, but through the Holy Spirit He revealed details to me in moving forard and yielding to Him.

  One of the changes is in relation to my writing goals with this blog. I am committing to publishing every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

  *Monday’s subject is completely focused on what the Holy Spirit leads me to share.

  *Wednesday’s subject will be focused on blessings from God, both mine and others.

  *Friday’s subject will be focused on inspirational quotes or readings that the Lord would like me to share and focus on.

  I’m sure it is evident from this blog that I am so far from having it all together and doing things perfectly. But if there is only one thing that comes through my words I hope it is this, I love Jesus with everything that I am and I want others to know the same hope and love that can ONLY be found in Him!

  

  And so, hand-in-hand with my Savior the journey continues….

  All the glory to God,

  Shanon

  Image of “Mold me dear Lord into a new soul…” by Pinterest.com

  Image of “Walking with God” by Christ Alliance Church  ChristAlliance.org.

  Jeremiah, Dr. David. “What It Means To Be Clay In The Hands Of The Potter.” DavidJeremiahblog.com. Web.

  Meyer, Joyce. “The Power of Being Thankful: 365 Devotions.” Faith Works Publishing. 2014. Print.

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  Posted in God at Work | 0 Comments | Tagged Christian, Clay and the Potters hands, Hope of Jesus, Jesus, writing

• Prescription for anxiety: Jesus

  Posted at 5:33 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on June 11, 2019

  

  Greetings from the Pacific Northwest! We just got back from camping this weekend near Lake Cushman and I loved exploring the Glory of God’s Creation. Friends, family, hiking, and campfires…heaven on earth to me.

  Yesterday was my husband, Steve’s, birthday!! Happy birthday to one of THE greatest blessings God has ever given me! 🙂

  ***

  The month of June can be full of changes. High School and college graduations. Grade-level changes for elementary, middle, and high school kids. Career changes and relocations often occur during the summer months.

  What is often a very close cousin to change? Yup, you guessed it: anxiety. At least it has been for me. There is one scripture I meditate on quite frequently when I feel this way:

  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4: 6-7).

  God’s peace is the opposite of human anxiety. Godly prayer takes the focus off the difficulty of the situation and puts it on the Power of God.

  Also, when we commit our troubles and concerns to God in prayer, His peace will stand guard at the door of our hearts and minds, preventing the cares, worries, and heartaches of life from troubling our lives and robbing us of our hope (Fire Bible Commentary, page 2283).

  I like to think of it this way: I can choose to meditate on my problem or God. One will drag me down and keep my focus on me and my solutions to the problem. The other choice, God, will lift my spirit up, bring me joy, and strengthen me to do His desires.

  The one I feed the most, will grow the most.

  Several people I know, right now, are on the cusp of many changes that are college, career, and school-related. As a mom, aunt, and friend it is easy for me to take on too much “worry,” even for those I care about, and not rest in the One Who knows the best next step on the path for each one.

  I make a choice, each day, and as needed, to stay hyper-aware of how I feel and get right back on track with God when I feel anxiety creeping in and trying to get a foothold. It takes practice but gets easier each time.

  I have also begun really stepping out in faith and entrusting that person or situation to God. Sheila Walsh illustrates this process perfectly in, “A Fresh Infusion of Joy”:

  “Stop for a moment and think about the person you’ve been most anxious about.

  What if you really entrusted that person to God, believing that His care is perfect? Imagine how that would open up space in your heart for joy…the joy of anticipating God’s good work in the lives of those you love and the joy of what His good work will mean for them. I don’t think that kind of focus on God’s faithfulness and great love would leave any room for worry, do you?

  The people we love on our God’s schedule, not ours, and He is good and powerful. He is faithful and true. So may we release them into God’s loving hands, remembering that’s the safest place in the world for them.”

  Make the choice today to drink from the Living waters of Jesus, and never be thirsty again. Only Christ can fill our empty souls for eternity and provide for our essential emotional, physical, and spiritual needs now.

  So, what are you mediating on: your problem/situation or Jesus? The one you focus on the most is going to dominate your life. Choose wisely and for eternity.

  All the Glory to God,

  Shanon

  Fire Bible: Global Study Edition. New International Version. Life Publishers International. 2009. Print.

  Image of Isaiah 12:3 by Spirit 105.3 Daily verse.

  Walsh, Sheila, and Sherri Craig. “5 minutes with Jesus: A Fresh Infusion of Joy.” Thomas Nelson Publishing. 2016. Print.

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  Posted in God at Work | 5 Comments | Tagged changes and anxiety, God, Healing, Healing power of God, Jesus, prescrption for anxiety

• God-Sized Dreams

  Posted at 8:05 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on May 30, 2019

  

  Good afternoon everyone! What a beautiful day! It has been a few weeks since I’ve posted, but WOW! God has been at work in me in a mighty, mighty way! The words He whispered to my heart, on an October evening last year, brought my trust and obedience to Him to a whole new level. Definitely my faith in action, for the following scriptures:

  “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)

  “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (NIV)

  Wednesday evening, October 24, 2018, I was sitting in my ladies’ bible study small group helping facilitate when God spoke these words to my heart, “You will be the next speaker at Divine Design.”

  Divine Design is a Mother’s Day weekend get-together that is put on each year by our women’s ministry team that includes a meal, guest speaker, raffles, pictures, and much more, to honor the women in our lives. It is a two-day event, Friday evening and Saturday at noon. It is such a good time and amazing fellowship takes place.

  After I heard the words God spoke to my heart, I felt them come alive and rise up in me as the Holy Spirit brought life to God’s will.

  As the evening moved on, the seed that God planted grew and grew! I couldn’t wait to share the news with my husband when I got home!

  My husband was in Memphis, TN for business, so I called him the minute I got home, “I have a very strong feeling that Kim (ladies’ ministry director) is going to ask me to be the next speaker for Divine Design. I’m telling you this now, so when she asks me in the future, you will remember that God laid this on my heart, first.”

  Over the next few days–leading up to Sunday–Divine Design was very heavy on my heart. I thought about what I would say, my confidence, my speech, what I would wear, how I would get my make-up done, etc. All of it is confidence building. All of it God.

  Let me explain why. The one thing that I would never do on my own is public speaking. I enjoy being an introvert, being on the sidelines, and watching as others are in the spotlight.

  But God calls us to do things that are way beyond our comfort zone and abilities. Why? Because that “forces” us to completely depend on Him and the Holy Spirit.

  On Sunday morning, October 28th, our guest speaker was a Missionary family from Portugal that we help support and his message focused on our interruptibility for God’s plans in our lives. God was connecting the dots of my blog writing, with this message, and I felt the sudden urge to share this with Kim, our Pastor’s wife, after church.

  “This is what I wrote about two blogs ago.”

  She said, “I know. I read it this morning.”

  “Really?”

  We moved off to the side of the sanctuary and sat down. She prayed for me and said she wanted me to be the next speaker for Divine Design! Confirmation! Then I shared with her how God spoke to my heart, etc.

  Yes, of course, I will do it!!

  From the moment God planted the seed about speaking, there was never a doubt in my mind about being obedient to Him. And again, that confidence comes from Him, not me, because He has been faithful throughout my life.

  ***

  Fast forward several months. Over time, God had given me peace and some direction on the message I would be sharing on Mother’s Day weekend. In fact, by the time April rolled around, I had the whole outline of topics and the first five pages written, courtesy of the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Trust me, you know when your writing is Holy Spirit ordained–it is almost effortless flowing of words that almost feel like an extension of your abilities.

  Then nothing. Not one word.

  When I tried to write it felt forced and I did not have peace with it. So, I did more of what I had been doing. Praying. Reading. Seeking. Worshipping. And most importantly trusting. I KNEW beyond any doubt that God brought me to this and He will provide in His timing and His way.

  On Wednesday, May 1st, (I’m starting to see a pattern with Wednesdays!!) I was driving to bible study and I was listening to a song that I’ve heard dozens of times. In fact, it’s one of the songs I chose to be a part of my message, “Everlasting God” by Lincoln Brewster.

  “Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord, wait upon the Lord”

  “Our hope, our strong deliverer”

  Those words jumped out at me! I finally understood that the very song that was being used for Divine Design is what God was trying to do through me. He was building my trust in Him. He is my Strength. My Deliverer. My Hope.

  He would give me the words to finish my message in His perfect timing, which turned out to be the next afternoon, May 2nd. From mid-afternoon to 9 p.m. that night, I wrote with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and finished the last five pages of the message that God wanted me to share. It all came together perfectly, the way He allowed it–seven days before I was to share it with the ladies!!!

  The weekend was awesome and I had a really good time fellowshipping and speaking with everyone. God showed up in a mighty and powerful way!

  What I value most of this whole experience is how God has transformed my heart, mind, character, and relationship with Him. I am eternally grateful.

  Recently I was reading a book titled, “Whisper: How to Hear the Voice Of God” by Mark Batterson and I love what he wrote about God-given dreams:

  “The goal of going after a God-given dream isn’t just accomplishing it. In fact, accomplishing the dream is of secondary importance. The primary goal is who you become in the process. Big dreams make big people because we have to trust a big God. Nothing keeps us on our knees like God-sized dreams. They force us to live in raw dependence upon God. Without Him, the dream cannot be realized. God sized dreams force us to lean in a little closer, and that’s when God has us right where He wants us.”

  Writing, that is my God-sized dream. I am committed to keep doing, each day, what God places in front of me. I won’t be perfect, but I will be faithful! 🙂

  And yeah, He has spoken some new dreams to my heart. And He has given some conformations to me. I will reveal all to you, in His time and His way. Stay tuned!!

  All the glory to God!!!

  Shanon

  

  My husband Steve and our two daughters

  

  My dad and I

  Batterson, Mark. “Whisper: How to Hear the Voice of God.” Multnomah publishing. 2017. Written.

  Brewster, Lincoln. Everlasting God. 2010.

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  Posted in God at Work | 8 Comments | Tagged Christian, Faith, God's timing, God's will, transformed, Trusting God

• Spiritual Vitamins

  Posted at 4:51 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on April 15, 2019

  

  Good morning my friends! What a beautiful day! This morning I was reflecting back on the last several years of my life, and I realized the ONE fundamental change that God made in my life.

  Almost five years ago, on June 23, 2014, God gave me the desire to read the Word of God every single day.

  I was on summer break from my college classes, and God laid it on my heart to read every page of the bible from beginning to end and date each time accordingly in His book. God stirred something powerful in me from that moment on, I couldn’t get enough of His Word!

  I have done this several times since then, and I love to reflect back on the different dates in each book (from several translations), notes /prayers I wrote on those days, and I am SO thankful to God for giving me this desire.

  Let me say this was purely a gift from God and obedience on my part. Praise be to God for the work HE is doing in me. I am eternally grateful!

  This is the revelation I had today:

  Reading the bible every day and applying its principles and Truths is similar to the fountain of youth, in my opinion. Let me explain when looking at pictures of myself now and from years ago, I look remarkably different!

  There is a sparkle and lightness to my eyes, and a “softness” to my features. My smile is deeper and more inviting. My heart is lighter, yet more full of love and compassion. I sleep better, no longer carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. I have a spring in my step, knowing the God I read about daily is walking beside me and holding me by my right hand. He is my Creator and I trust Him with every day of my life.

  ***

  Don’t get me wrong, I’ve read the bible throughout my life in a sporadic pattern until that beautiful June day when God told me He wanted more of me. He changed me that day, in every way.

  I believe there is definitely a strong correlation between a well-worn and read bible and a more youthful, less stressed person! I know, because I see it in myself!

  Reading the bible every day has become a necessary part of my morning routine, and it keeps me healthy, much like brushing my teeth does. 🙂

  I encourage you to start reading your bible every day. God wants more of You!! He wants all of you!! It’s your spiritual vitamins! When used and applied daily, it will reduce anxiety, calm your mind, and change your life from the inside out like only God can!! Amen!!

  All the Glory to God,

  Shanon

  Image of the well-worn bible by His Truth, my voice

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  Posted in God at Work | 4 Comments | Tagged bible, Christian, Jesus, life changing, Sanctification, spiritual vitamins

• I Am Expecting…

  Posted at 6:00 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on March 29, 2019

  

  I AM EXPECTING….

  God to show up!!

  Did you know that EXPECTANCY is the perfect swap for anxiety?! I learned that and so much more this past weekend at the ladies’ retreat I went to with my church family.

  All I can say is Woo-hoo, hands raised high!! God showed up in such a powerful way that I am still unpacking all the wisdom I was given, the hurt/pain that was discarded, the tears that were shed, AND the joy, laughter, and love that was shared throughout the weekend with my sisters!!

  Our main teaching was by Beth Moore, “The Basket Case.” I highly recommend this study to anyone who has ever experienced anxiety. Is anyone out there besides me?!

  One of my biggest takeaways was the wisdom that I shared above, “Expectancy is the perfect swap for anxiety.”

  ***

  Unfortunately, anxiety plagued a lot of my younger years. I can remember, especially when it came to health problems, I always expected the worst-case scenario. If I had a bad headache, must be a tumor. Sore throat, strep infection. Chest pain, heart attack. I was suffering so much with worry and expectation of illness in my body that it was affecting all areas: mind, body, and soul.

  I need to share this about that time period of my life. The enemy ran with the circumstances of my life at that time to personify and exaggerate the fears I was experiencing in my life. At the height of these problems, my mom had just died of cancer at the age of 39, so the enemy made me very aware that I could suffer the same fate.

  Joyce Meyer explains it this way, “When I was expecting something bad to happen, my expectation was from Satan. If we are not careful, this expectation will open the door to Satan’s evil plans for our lives by waiting for bad things”(Meyer, Joyce, emphasis mine).

  Wow. I had no idea that I was giving that kind of power to the enemy. At eighteen, I was broken, crushed, and hurt so much that I was an easy target for the evil in this world that seeks to destroy the Will God has for my life.

  Are you giving more power to the enemy by focusing on the evil forebodings of….

  “It’s always been like this, why would he/she ever change….”

  “I’ve been sick for the last ten years, why should tomorrow be any different…”

  “They’ve been addicted for half their life, and I’ve been praying just that long, it’s hopeless….”

  NO! Not Anymore! DO NOT GIVE MORE POWER TO THE ENEMY!!

  EXPECT GOD TO SHOW UP AND GIVE THE POWER TO HIM ONLY!!

  Over the last few decades, GOD has changed me! He can change you too! Those fears have not been a part of my life for a very long time! Praise God!

  I am expecting God to show up by:

  Expecting JOY over my circumstances…

  Expecting a healing…

  Expecting clarity…

  Expecting redemption…

  Expecting love…

  Do not expect tomorrow to be the same, because God has the power to change your circumstances at any given time! Tomorrow may be that day! Expect Him to show up and work mightily on your behalf!

  Remember, when we seek God and expect good things, we open the door to God’s plans.

  

  Train your focus to be “up” on God, not “down” on your problems!

  All the glory to God,

  Shanon

  Image of “Great Expectations” by Suffering to Glory-the Inner Soul by theinnersoulinme.com

  Image of Lamentations 3:25, “The LORD is good to them…” by biblepic.com

  Meyer, Joyce. “Expecting Something Good to Happen.” joycemeyer.org. Web.

  Moore, Beth. “The Basket Case.” Living Proof Ministries. 2017.

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  Posted in God at Work | 1 Comment | Tagged anxiety, bible, Christian, Expect God, Jesus, Joy, Power of God

• Already?! It can’t be!!

  Posted at 12:25 AM by Shanon Crenshaw, on March 17, 2019

  ,

  

  Happy Saturday!! The first day of Spring is just around the corner!! Yay! It officially begins on Wednesday, March 20, 2019. So many of us can’t wait for warmer, sunny days because this Winter has been downright hard! And cold. And snowy. And dark. And did I say snowy?!

  Today is such a beautiful day to be outside, taking our German Shepherd, Sasha, for a walk, but first I want to spend some time in my writing room with you. My family, my friends, and the new friends I have met while on my blogging journey.

  I am very grateful to each of you. Thank you for taking the time to be a part of the first year of my blog!!

  One year ago today, this journey began!! Woo-hoo!!!

  Praise God for the year He has given me! It has not been easy! I still don’t know what I am doing most of the time, BUT He is still present and having me proceed on what He is calling in my life.

  Isn’t the not knowing sometimes the hardest part?! I know it is for me. I’m such a planner and I love a schedule. Routines are my friend. God doesn’t work that way. In fact, He usually starts small and gradually allows growth to happen as we prove we are capable of handling it.

  This journey is small and it’s His. It is between me and God and all He invites to read the blog I call Heaven Sent Sentiments. I love what He has started with me and I will continue as long as He allows.

  One of my favorite things to do and I try really hard to remember to do it, is to journal. Especially at times when God Is or Has moved mightily in my life.

  So today, I reflected on what I wrote in my journal around this time one year ago. Several confirmations were given to me, through others, about moving forward with my writing journey. I’d like to share one with you.

  ***

  First, a little background on the entry. I had asked a friend of mine from church to read a twenty-page memoir I had written for my Advanced Creative Writing class. She thought my story was wonderful and asked if she could pass it on to a friend who was a published author. Of course, I am open to any and all critiques!

  This is the message I received from my friend. I’m keeping the names private to protect the innocent. 🙂  Also keep in mind, that this will not necessarily be grammatically correct, I write fast when I journal!:

  “She really felt like she was a part of your story and told me to tell you to keep writing in the Spirit.

  Also, here are the two passages of scripture that she really wants you to focus on. Isaiah 46: 9-11 and Jeremiah 33:3. She told me to tell you not to get discouraged. God knows the end from the beginning, and He may seem slow or not available at times, but be ready. He will come upon you when it is time and finish what He has started. Let Him use you to write whatever His heart wants to say to encourage His people.”

  ***

  I am so glad I reviewed my journal today because I have experienced times that seemed slow, and at times it did seem as though God was not available. I have made mistakes, gotten viruses in my computer, and had many problems with people not getting my blog emails. It’s been an adventure for sure and you now what?

  God’s presence has never left. This dream He started in me is still there. And Christ in me is stronger today than this time last year because of the work He has done in me.

  Continue to work in me, Heavenly Father. Your will be done not mine. Amen!!

  All the Glory to God!!

  Shanon

  Image of Isaiah:46 9-11 by Pinterest.

  Image of Jeremiah 33:3 by abstractdesktopnexus.com verseof theday

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  Posted in God at Work | 6 Comments | Tagged Christian, Faith, God's will, One year anniversary, perseverance

• I Hate to “Brag” …

  Posted at 5:56 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on March 4, 2019

  I hate to “brag”, but

  I’m on a first-name basis

  with the world’s best-selling Author.

  

  I could introduce you to Him, if you like.

  Thank you, mitchteemley. for sharing this blog post with me!  Love it!! You pulled me in from the title and I couldn’t resist delving further! I love to “brag” about the Author of the greatest Message and book in the world!!

  

  All the glory to God,

  Shanon

  I Hate to Brag

  Image of the bible by ptl.org

  Image of John 3:16 by MYBIBLE.com

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  Posted in God at Work | 2 Comments | Tagged Best selling Book, bible, Christian, God, Jesus Saves, John 3:16

• Don’t Fret, Keep Resting!!

  Posted at 5:52 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on March 2, 2019

  Hello everyone!! Wow, what a week I have had! The enemy is always seeking a way to sideline and corrupt the plans that God has for us in doing His will, right? None of us are immune to his tactics.

  A few close friends know how my week has gone and I will not give any more thought, words, or power to the enemy. God is on my side and it is His full armor I put on daily to fight against the evil powers on this earth.

  I was talking with several of my close Godly friends this week, and we are all going through more spiritual warfare than usual. We are planning and getting ready for a higher-than-normal group of women for a retreat this March and we KNOW a breakthrough will be happening!! Praise God!!

  So, no, the enemy needs to back off!!  We stand together, hands held high, firmly rooted in the Word of God, and fully armored against the Evil of this world!!

  I wanted to share a portion of one of my favorite blogs from July. It is something I needed to be reminded of and wanted to share it with you.  🙂

  ***

  I’m going to change gears here and focus on Chamber’s devotional titled, “One of God’s Great Don’ts.”

  “Do not fret–it only causes harm.” Psalm 37:8

  Do you fret? I wasn’t sure just how much I did it because, honestly, I couldn’t remember exactly what it meant. According to the online dictionary, it means, “be constantly or visibly worried or anxious.” Yup, we were once very close cousins. Anxiety used to be a very big part of my life. In fact, I would say it affects many family members as well. Remember, we were close cousins? 🙂 I believe many traits can be generational, whether it is a tendency toward anger, anxiety, depression, jealousy, etc. Those traits are all sin and the opposite of what Jesus wants us to have which is the fruit of the spirit.

  “Worry always results in sin. We tend to think that a little anxiety and worry are simply an indication of just how wise we really are, yet it is actually a much better indication of just how wicked we are. Fretting rises from our determination to have our own way. Our Lord never worried and was never anxious, because His purpose was never to accomplish His own plans but to fulfill God’s plans. Fretting is wickedness for a child of God” (Chambers, July 4th, emphasis mine).

  The sentence that really convicted me today is the one I emphasized. Have my own way… If I am praying to God and seeking His help, worry should never enter the equation, right? He has searched me and knows me (Psalm 139:1) and He knows all the days ordained for me (Psalm 139:16).

  God knows everything and He is always with me. I wasn’t alone when my dad was recovering from triple bypass open heart surgery, He was right there. When my doctor told me the extra testing she did, because of my family history of cancer, saved my life, God was right there. He moved mountains, to make sure I was right where I needed to be, to be healed. Three months before my doctor made her discovery, my husband was just about guaranteed a promotion–after a year of extra work towards it- and a transfer that would have taken us from the West Coast, where my doctor was, to the East Coast, where no one knew my family history. Thank God He didn’t give us our heart’s desire at that time!

  Remember, God and God alone is the only one that truly knows all that you are going through and has the best plans for you and how to get you through it.

  

  When God moved mountains to keep me on the West Coast, it was literally life-changing and eye-opening for me. I realized He has all of my days. I want God’s plans, not my plans. If a trip is canceled, He knows what’s best. A job that fell through, He knows what’s best. A missed promotion, well you already know that one. I’m sure you recognize the pattern here. Trust me, I know it isn’t easy. I just take it one day at a time, leave it all at the altar, and know He keeps His promises.

  We will end our conversation with the final thoughts from Oswald’s July 4th devotional. “Set all your opinions and speculations aside and “abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1). Deliberately tell God that you will not fret about whatever concerns you. All our fretting and worrying is caused by planning without God” (Chambers).

  ***

  

  Yongsung Kim Artwork

  Are you resting under the shadow of the Almighty? I pray that you are! His arms are stretched out wide to give you love, comfort, and rest for your weary souls. He is waiting, rest in the arms of your Lord.

  All the glory to God,

  Shanon

  Chambers. Oswald. “My Utmost For His Highest.” July 4th, One of God’s Great Don’t’s. Discovery House Publishing. Updated edition, 1992.

  Fire Bible: Global Study Edition. New International Version, Life Publishers International, 2009.

  Images: Yongsong Kim. “Rest in the arms of your Lord”.

  4th of July from Pinterest.

  “For I know the plans…” www.facebook.com/MYBIBLEVERSES.

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  Posted in God at Work | 0 Comments | Tagged bible, Don't fret, Faith, God's will, Jesus, Peace, perseverance, Resting in jesus

• True Test of Surrender

  Posted at 6:53 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on February 25, 2019

  

  Hello! It’s a beautiful, sunny day here in the Pacific Northwest West and Mount Rainier looks gorgeous covered in snow. I love it!

  In my writing room, on my desk, and on my walls, I have various quotes from different authors and teachers of mine that inspire, educate, and direct my thoughts on my writing and my faith.

  Today, I was re-reading a quote that I had written down from my Oswald Chamber’s devotional, dated April 28th, that I had focused on last year.

  “The true test of abandonment or surrender is refusing to say, “Well, what about this?” The moment you allow yourself to think, “What about this?” you show that you have not surrendered and that you do not really trust God.

  But once you do surrender, you will no longer think about what God is going to do. If you totally abandon yourself to God, He immediately says to you, “I will give your life to you as a prize…” And once you do get to the point of total surrender to Him, you will be the most surprised and delighted person on earth.”

  Reading this today really convicted my heart. I have a few projects I am working on that are definitely God-given—-jobs that I would never have taken on myself. I truly feel blessed that these opportunities were provided to me by Him. 🙂

  However, today I find myself asking that very question about one of them in particular, “Well, what about this?”

  When that happens, I focus so much more of my effort and concern on fixing what I perceive to be wrong, instead of praying and leaving it to God and His timing, knowing that resting in where He has me today is right where I need to be.

  Now don’t get me wrong, I work here and there on normal mistakes and problems, that can easily come up. The “problems” I’m talking about are where you know deep down inside yourself you’ve given it enough attention and you need to move on, but…just one more thing! You don’t have peace anymore about it and all clear thoughts are gone.

  At this point, I know that the surrender I once had given to God is gone, and I need to give complete surrender back to Him. It is not my will I want done, but His.

  I know that God has brought me to this very moment in time. I believe that He is the Orchestrator of my life and that every event in my life has His seal of approval.

  Flora Tan, a Christian blogger, explains it perfectly in this way, “As a Christian, yielded to God’s will and committed to do His will, I know that I might not be perfect but as I surrender my life to Him day-by-day, He holds my destiny in His hands and brings to perfection that which is lacking in me through situations and life experiences.”

  Our Father and our God, I surrender my heart and life to You,

  Day-by-day,

  moment-by-moment,

  I surrender all to You,  knowing that You alone are the Author and Perfecter of my faith. (Hebrews 12:2)

  

  All the glory to God,

  Shanon

  Chambers, Oswald. My Utmost For His Highest. “What You Will Get, April 28th devotional.” Discovery House. 1992. Print.

  Image of Philippians 1:6 by 4GIVENministry.com.

  Image of “I surrender…” by I Surrender All–Adams Rib. adamsribpodcast.com.

  Tan, Flora. Christian blogger. 2018. www.a-simple-christian.com

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  Posted in God at Work | 6 Comments | Tagged abandonment, Christian, God's plan, God's will, Jesus, Surrender to God

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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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