Healing | Heaven Sent Sentiments

Category: Healing
- Praying For Our Brother
  
  Posted at 5:56 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on May 29, 2020
  Words. That is the title of one of my favorite songs by Hawk Nelson. It can be found on their sixth studio album, “Made” and the first one to feature Jonathan “Jon” Steingard as the front man.
  
  Jon Steingard made the news this week for more than just the amazing worship music he, and Hawk Nelson, create in their Christian band.
  
  He made a public declaration that he no longer believes in God.
  
  My heart was devastated when I heard this and I immediately began praying for him. He needs the most love, prayers, and support that we can give him.
  
  So much is being said about this right now on several news stations, but I was incredibly inspired by the words shared on Facebook by his brothers/fellow band members:
  
  “One of our best friends, one with whom we have walked, worked and lived alongside for 20+ years revealed some of his innermost feelings on his faith journey this past week. Our mission as Hawk Nelson has always been to inspire and encourage all people with the truth that God is FOR them and not against them. In that message’s most simple and purest form, that THEY matter. So now we turn that truth towards one of our own. That God is still FOR Jon & he still matters. Why? Because that truth doesn’t change just because we question it.”
  
  How we treat one another when they are at a different stage in their journey based on their life experiences is part of a bigger conversation. We are called to love one another unconditionally, as God loves us. We should also encourage and challenge one another in our Faith, seeking the truth” (newreleasetoday editorial).
  
  No judgement in those words, just pure, unconditional love and support when their (our) brother, Jon, needs it the most.
  
  More than anything, we need to be praying for him and his family. Apostle Paul, in 1 Timothy 2:1 reminds us about praying for others:
  
  “I urge, then, first of all that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—”
  
  Please join me in praying for him, and all the other people that the Lord may be bringing to your mind to pray and intercede for. I believe it is not only a responsibility to pray for others, but it is a gift as well. The love and prayer we have and share with others can affect them for eternity!! Amen!! So, keep praying, seeking, loving, and believing because God is ALWAYS at work!!
  
  On a personal note, several songs by Hawk Nelson have truly inspired me. I mentioned Words earlier, but I also love He Still Does (Miracles). If you have not listened to it before or it has been awhile check it out. Those are the words we need to inspire us right now. God is ALWAYS at work and miracles are all around us and happening all the time!!
  
  Something to keep in mind as you continue to listen to their music. The message through their lyrics and their voices are from God, make no mistake where it came from. God gives the message, man is the vessel through which it is given. Keep listening to the worship music and let God minister to you through their gift and Him.
  
  Remember….
  
  A broken heart can be restored
  
  A broken soul can be reborn
  
  And greater things are still in store
  
  For us, for us [Hawk Nelson, He Still Does (Miracles)]
  
  All the Glory to God,
  
  Shanon
  
  Works Cited:
  
  McNeese, Kevin. “I No Longer Believe In God”-A Conversation About Jon Steingard. New Release Today Website. 27 May 2020. https://www.newreleasetoday.com/article.php?article_id=2862
  
  Image of “There is Power in Prayer” by http://www.AHealthyWebsite.com 29 May 2020. Web.
  Share this:
  Tweet
  Email
  Print
  More
  Telegram
  Like this:
  Like Loading...
  Posted in Community of Shared Hope, Healing | 0 Comments | Tagged Hope in Jesus, Jesus Saves, power in prayer
- 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 can’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 saddness 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–that 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 that 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
  Share this:
  Tweet
  Email
  Print
  More
  Telegram
  Like this:
  Like Loading...
  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
- Fall Mourning
  
  Posted at 11:34 AM by Shanon Crenshaw, on September 23, 2019
  Today as I was preparing to write and praying, God kept bringing this to my mind: Be Still and rest in My presence.
  
  My heart is a bit heavy today. I can’t think of the first day of fall without remembering my daughter’s first best friend: Jared Wells.
  
  They met in kindergarten and quickly became inseperable. Two peas in a pod. (By the way, the pictures up above came from my daughters scrapbook ). His mother, Paula, and I also became good friends bonding over our love of the Lord, our daily walks after we took the kids to school, and life in general. Many afternoons of sun, fun, and laughter were spent together. We even had the pleasure to take him to Disneyland for the first time! 🙂
  
  Their friendship lasted until around third grade when they moved away to Arizona. This was before Facebook and all other social media platforms so keeping in touch wasn’t as simple. Life got busy: we moved, they moved, I had another daughter, etc.
  
  I’d like to say I kept in touch on Facebook once it became available, but it’s a chore to me to post, because I don’t like posting about myself in general. And, my daughter Suzanne, was not allowed to have her own Facebook profile until she was 18–I know, mean mom!! So, Facebook became more of a visual way of keeping in touch rather than a communication tool.
  
  Years went by, middle school, and finally we get to senior year–2014/2015. Ironically, I started reading the book of Job on the first day of Fall 2014. The reason I can say this is because several times the Lord has placed it very strongly on my heart to read the Bible cover to cover and date it as I go along, almost as though I am journaling through it. Here is an image of my bible dated on that particular day.
  
  About two days later, I got a very strong prompting to check my friend Paula’s Facebook page. It was so incredibly strong I couldn’t ignore it.
  
  I remember letting out a small scream and crying as I read the beginning of her post:
  
  Jared Wells 1997-2014
  
  Apparently, September 23rd–the first day of Fall–he was out running before school, training for a marathon, when he was hit by a van and instantly killed. He was a senior in high school and planned for a career in the military. My heart broke that day for so many reasons and I pray often for his parents and sisters.
  
  I sought God’s wisdom and discernment on how and when to tell my daughter. She is extremely sensitive and this was her first real experience with loss. It was several weeks before we had the conversation, but in my heart of hearts I knew she had some inclination to it and I’ll explain why.
  
  About a week after Jared passed away he would have celebrated his birthday. He loved pumpkin pie and would have wanted it for his birthday. Through social media, his mother asked everyone to have pumpkin pie on his birthday, in his honor, and post the pictures. Tons of pictures poured onto her page.
  
  Before I told my daughter what had happened to Jared we celebrated her 18th birthday. What kind of cake did she want?! Pumpkin pie!!! She never asked for that before and she hasn’t since. I can’t help but think that somehow this was connected to Jared, and their strong friendship. I believe, through Christ our hearts and souls are connected, even after death. Even though in her mind she didn’t know the loss, her heart did.
  
  It warmed my heart so much that night and I thought of Jared. What an amazing best friend he was to my daughter the first few years of school and what an amazing young man he was becoming.
  
  I shared all of that with her and she knows, like me, what a gift people are to us and we should never take any relationship or day for granted. Everything we receive are gifts from God and today, even more than usual, I cherish everything.
  
  So, yes, today God I am resting in your Prescence. I am going to Be still. Be thankful. Love every person you have allowed me to share my life with and share the hope that your Son, Jesus, can bring to every person!!
  
  All the glory to God,
  
  Shanon
  
  Image of “Be Still…” by CHEKABC–Christian Schooling @ home http://chekabc.ca/blog/be-still-and-know-that-i-am-god
  Share this:
  Tweet
  Email
  Print
  More
  Telegram
  Like this:
  Like Loading...
  Posted in Healing, Reflections/Stillness | 4 Comments | Tagged Be still and know that I am God, best friends, Fall Mourning, Healing after death, Jesus Saves
- From Death to Life
  
  Posted at 11:12 AM by Shanon Crenshaw, on September 16, 2019
  Good morning! Today is going to be a typical September day weather wise in the Pacific Northwest–gray, cloudy, with rain storms scheduled for this afternoon. Yet, I’m comfortable here in my writing room, sitting at my desk, while enjoying another cup of coffee. I cherish the start of my day in this way: coffee and Jesus! 🙂
  
  After my morning devotional, I was getting caught up in an older issue of Charisma magazine, that somehow got buried in the stack, and I hadn’t had a chance to read it yet. Yikes!! It’s from January 2019, and here we are almost to the start of 2020–how did that happen?! All I can say is God’s timing is perfect– He led me down memory lane to a moment that I treasure.
  
  ***
  
  By the time my sister Danielle was a young adult, she had experienced many heart-breaking afflictions that left her feeling broken: the death of our mom at the age of seventeen, severe mental and physical abuse of her husband, suicide attempt of that same husband, severe depression, etc. All of this occured before she was twenty-five. Alcohol was how she coped–it numbed and pushed down all the excuriating pain she felt.
  
  I always prayed for her and tried to give her encouraging prayers, cards, and books knowing that the Lord was the ONLY one that could change her heart. In His timing and her surrender.
  
  Years went by, and she hit rock bottom. I won’t go into those details–they are hers to share–but it brought me to my knees and into the deepest intercessory prayer I can remember at that time. The LORD met me right there, as I poured my heart out to Him, over her.
  
  One part of my prayer stands out: “God, either here on earth or in Heaven, I want to worship You, with her right next to me.” Amen.
  
  The Holy Spirit, right then, confirmed in my heart that, that would happen. There was no denying it and I rested in that Hope every time doubt set it. I trusted in His promises and His timing.
  
  Months and even a year or two went by. I received a call from her one day. She was in rehab, in a church program, not too far from my house. “Could I come for a visit and bring some Dr. Pepper?” “Yes and Amen!”
  
  We slowly got to know eachother again and hung out a few times. She called me one day and invited me to church. We held hands and sang together that morning declaring our love for Jesus and trusting in His promises. Yay!!
  
  Several Sundays after that, my sister called me and said she was wanting to be water baptized, but she was afraid. I told her that I would be baptized with her, if she would like. So, on August 15, 2004, my sister and I were baptized. I remember feeling the Holy Spirit so strongly and imagining my mom, looking down from Heaven and seeing two of her daughters together, commiting our lives to Christ in such a profound way! Praise God!!!
  
  ***
  
  Those memories were reignited by an article I read today in Charisma magazine. Tony Suarez, vice president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership conference, lost his young wife to cancer after a six month battle. Through the Holy Spirit and his kids, God was able to bring so much beauty and hope out of the tragedy.
  
  “”My oldest [son], Cole, said, ‘Daddy says there is no cancer in heaven, so if you have to go to heaven so that you’re OK, it’s OK,'” Suarez says. “He released her to heaven and told her, ‘I’m going to make you proud. I’m going to live for God, and if Daddy gives me permission, I want to be baptized and I want you to see me get baptized.’ As crazy as that might sound to other people, at Jessica’s funeral, I baptized all three of my children in water. It was a prophetic symbolism that day. I buried her in the ground; I buried my children’s sin in the waters of baptism”” (Charisma magazine, January 2019).
  
  What a beautiful gift those kids received: the funeral of their mother will always be remembered in the Light of Jesus being their Savior!! I pray they will always remember the healing and hope that God will continue to provide as they trust in Him.
  
  What about you? I’d love to hear your stories of hope, baptism, and surrender to Jesus!! 🙂
  
  All the glory to God,
  
  Shanon
  
  Charisma magazine. “Tony Suarez: How the Holy Spirit Got Me Through My Wife’s Death.”
  
  January 2019. Page 22. Print.
  
  Image of Ezekiel 36:26 by: “February 22, 2018–Bible verses of the day–Ezekiel 36:26.” Daily Verses.net. https://dailyverses.net/2018/2/22
  
  Image of Psalm 71:5: “Scripture of the day.” Wellspring Christian Ministries. https://wellspringchristianministries.org/2018/10/22/psalm-715/
  Share this:
  Tweet
  Email
  Print
  More
  Telegram
  Like this:
  Like Loading...
  Posted in God at Work, Healing | 2 Comments | Tagged Baptism, Broken hearted healing, Christian blogger, Ezekiel 36:26, Intercessory Prayer, Jesus Saves
- Comfort the Broken Hearted
  
  Posted at 11:44 AM by Shanon Crenshaw, on September 2, 2019
  This picture was taken of me around Christmas time, during the late 1970’s.
  
  Every year, about a week or so after Christmas, all of my dad’s brother’s, his sister, and their families would head to my grandparents farm in Indiana for the annual, “Corbin Christmas.” We would exchange gifts, enjoy meals together, and run around the property playing in the snow, chasing each other, laughing, and making memories.
  
  ***
  
  My mother told me years ago that this was one of her favorite pictures of me. She said that she could see the young girl I was, and glimpses of the woman I would become. It didn’t makes sense to me then, but it does now.
  
  As I look at the picture today, I see the little girl, with her head down, because she didn’t like much attention centered on her. She was more comfortable with being in the background, content to watch others and be by herself. And she enjoyed it.
  
  To many she was called extremely shy, and she was, but she was also a deep thinker, very sensitive to the feelings of others, and preferred to not have the focus on her.
  
  When she made friends in school, she prefered one best friend over many, and still remembers their names to this day– even though she moved away from them over thirty-five years ago.
  
  She was different and often “teased” for being too short, too quiet, for not fitting in, or for that fact that she was a slow reader and needed extra help from the teacher.
  
  But God knew what He was doing when He, “created my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13).
  
  He knew her sensitivity to others could grow into a compassion for people.
  
  He knew He could draw her out from the sidelines, and help her befriend others possibly standing alone and maybe shy like herself.
  
  He knew the extra help reading, with her teacher and her mom, would give her the confidence to persevere in school and many of the tasks He brings to her. Oh and by the way, she reads anything she gets her hands on now. 🙂
  
  He knew all the heartaches, difficulties, and challenges she faced could be opportunities for Him to use her for His Glory through His Comfort, Guidance, and Grace.
  
  ***
  
  It all began when I was around the age in the picture and I gave my heart and my life to Jesus. He is the reason I am who I am today.
  
  You know, I never used to like the young girl in this picture for all the reasons stated above. I was too different. But I love her now.
  
  Once God got a hold of me, He took all of my insecurities, doubts, and “obstacles” and over time turned them into something amazing and useable for His Glory!
  
  Go ahead, see the difference in me now, and let me tell you about the Source–Jesus–and the difference He can make in your life and the lives of others!!
  
  All the Glory to God!!!
  
  Shanon
  
  Image of 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 by Heartlight®Gallery. heartlight.org. https://www.heartlight.org/gallery/3358.html
  Share this:
  Tweet
  Email
  Print
  More
  Telegram
  Like this:
  Like Loading...
  Posted in God at Work, Healing | 0 Comments | Tagged Broken hearted healing, Christian blogger, Christian Testimony, Comfort and Healing of Jesus, Jesus Saves
- Rest In Peace, Suzie
  
  Posted at 6:19 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on April 4, 2019
  Hello my friends. It has been a tough couple of weeks. On Tuesday, April 2, I was able to hold our beloved and cherished cat, Suzie, as the vet administered the medicine that would end her suffering and pain. 😦
  
  It is very difficult to write this. My thoughts are all over the place, along with my emotions. People that have never had a pet or experienced the loss of a pet, may not understand the depth of love and connection you can feel towards an animal. Dogs and cats give truly unconditional love!
  
  The one thing that has been constant through the illnesses that brought us to this point with her is God!! His perfect peace, love, and comfort has wrapped around each of our hearts and has given us the courage and strength to handle this in the best way possible for our beloved pet Suzie.
  
  I have to say, I am so proud of the courage and strength both of my daughter’s have shown during this difficult time. Many of the things they have shared with me only come down to God-given wisdom, peace, and grace! It truly shows that the Holy Spirit is active and working in their hearts! Praise God!!
  
  My husband Steve has been my steadfast partner through all of this. He went to every appointment with me and helped me make the decisions that have been so hard. Thank you, my love.
  
  Our hearts are broken, but God’s peace, love, and healing has all ready begun to repair the hurt that takes place during the loss of any kind.
  
  ***
  
  Our beloved, Suzie Q
  
  What an absolute joy she was to our family! She joined our family when our oldest daughter, Suzanne, was six years old. She picked out her name, Suzie, and from the start they were best buds. They spent two and a half years together before our youngest daughter, Savannah, joined in on the laughs, silliness, joy, and smiles that having a playful cat brings into one’s life!
  
  Our oldest daughter is now twenty-two, so that means our precious kitty spent sixteen years with us! What a blessing from God!
  
  We will cherish every memory we had with our sweet girl. She was a perfect gift from God for our family! Here are a few other pictures of her. Rest in peace, sweet girl. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts! 🙂
  
  Suzie (on left) and our other kitty, Penelope, looking at the birds on the ground out in our front yard.
  
  Our youngest daughter, Savannah, with Suzie. She was so cuddly and sweet!
  
  Our oldest daughter, Suzanne with Suzie. She was so chill as you can see! 🙂
  
  All the glory to God!!
  
  Shanon
  Share this:
  Tweet
  Email
  Print
  More
  Telegram
  Like this:
  Like Loading...
  Posted in Healing | 5 Comments | Tagged Christian, God's peace, Jesus, loss of a pet, love
- 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 1970’s! 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, 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 scriptures 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. In 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 is 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
  Share this:
  Tweet
  Email
  Print
  More
  Telegram
  Like this:
  Like Loading...
  Posted in Healing | 10 Comments | Tagged Christian blogger, Faith, Healing after death, Jesus, love
- Restful Migraines, Part Two
  
  Posted at 7:21 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on October 13, 2018
  Good morning!
  
  This post will be short and sweet today because I am still having migraine problems. It appeared to me that my migraine that started on Friday (10/5) was over Monday (10/8). It was a very long weekend and I stayed in bed the whole time. I don’t know what was worse staying in bed or the head pain, I was about to climb the walls, I was so restless!
  
  Monday was better, but Tuesday was perfect. I felt like my old self, and I was knocking off many items on my to-do list.
  
  Wednesday dawned and first thing after I dropped my daughter off at school, I go to a bible study at a friends house. Everything was going well, until towards the end. I could feel the headache coming back. My friends prayed for me and I packed up and left.
  
  About an hour later, I had to pick up my daughter from school. While I was waiting, I was feeling worse and worse. I called my Aunt, who is an RN, and she suggested I make an appointment with my doctor because this came on suddenly for me and I have no history of migraines.
  
  I was able to get an appointment for Monday and cleared my schedule for the rest of the day to rest. Nothing worked to ease the pain, so I asked my husband to take me to urgent care the following morning.
  
  Thursday morning, after the doctor’s assessment, I was given a “migraine cocktail” which consists of three shots. One for nausea, one for pain, and one for sleep. It did help, my migraine went away, but I am still suffering with other side effects.
  
  I am still keeping my appointment for Monday because I still don’t feel well. I still don’t know why I am going through these migraines. Please pray for me.
  
  My reading, writing and driving are still effected because of the migraines. If I made mistakes in my writing, please blame it on the migraine, LOL!
  
  I was encouraged today by the October 14 devotional in Jesus Calling by Sarah Young:
  
  Be prepared to suffer for Me, in my Name. All suffering has meaning in My kingdom. Pain and problems are opportunities to demonstrate your trust in Me. Bearing your circumstances bravely–even thanking Me for them–is one of the highest forms of praise.
  
  When suffering strikes, remember that I am sovereign and that I can bring good out of everything. Do not try to run from your pain or hide from problems. Instead, accept adversity in My Name, offering it up to Me, for My purposes. Joy emerges from the ashes of adversity through your trust and thankfulness.
  
  I trust You, Jesus. Thank you that You are always with me. Give wisdom, guidance, and discernment to my doctors on Monday morning. Thank you for loving me!
  
  All the glory to God!
  
  Shanon
  Share this:
  Tweet
  Email
  Print
  More
  Telegram
  Like this:
  Like Loading...
  Posted in Healing | 2 Comments | Tagged Christian blogger, Jesus, migraines, Resting in jesus
- Restful Migraine
  
  Posted at 4:50 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on October 8, 2018
  Hi, friends, how are you today? The last several days had me laid up, mostly resting, because I had the worst migraine I have ever experienced! I couldn’t read, I couldn’t write, or do much of anything, but rest.
  
  God certainly got my attention, my heart was telling me to take it easy, but my flesh was saying: just. one. more. thing! Here is what I learned:
  
  *If the Holy Spirit is telling me to rest, I need to slow down! I don’t know all that is going on in me physically, mentally, spiritually, etc.!! However, the Holy Spirit does. If I would have heeded the warning, maybe my migraine would not have happened or have been so severe.
  
  *I also learned that a life out of balance, no matter what it is, is still out of balance. It could be related to work, my children’s activities, family obligations, church activities, or some from all the above, but if I am spread to thin, all areas suffer. Especially my relationship with Jesus, because He has to come first.
  
  He is the roots of my being, and my life grows and prospers out of the foundation of Him in my life.
  
  My prayer life, every morning, anchors me and is the foundation of my day. I realized that last week, that changed, and, wow(!) what a difference to my whole week! My mornings beginning with prayer, is a “must” for me. 🙂
  
  In light of my restful weekend, and time spent with Jesus in prayer, I want to share, once again, my blog: “Don’t fret, rest!”. It spoke life into me again when I re-read it.
  
  All the glory to God,
  
  Shanon
  
  Image of “Come to me….” by Bible Study Tools. “33 top bible verses about rest.”
  
  Don’t Fret, Rest!
  
  Posted at 7:06 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on July 3, 2018
  
  Hello everyone, happy summer!! Here in the Pacific Northwest, they say summer doesn’t technically start until after 4th of July because our temperatures are still on the cooler side and we have cloudy days. However, that all changes tomorrow…
  
  Today, I was reading my devotional, “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chamber’s and it was so good that I read ahead. Again. Do you ever do that?! Sometimes I can’t help myself, but I also believe the Spirit prompts us forward to speak to us for a particular reason or situation. Soooo…
  
  Happy early 4th of July!! Yay!! Barbecues, family, friends, ice cream, and maybe a few sparklers thrown in just for the fun of it. Be safe and celebrate the independence of this amazing country we are fortunate and blessed to call home.
  
  ***
  
  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, 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 by-pass 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 hearts 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 in 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 cancelled, 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).
  
  ***
  
  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.
  
  May God bless you,
  
  Shanon
  
  ***
  
  Chambers. Oswald. “My Utmost For His Highest.” July 4th, One of God’s Great Dont’s. Discovery House Publishing. Updated edition, 1992.
  
  Fire Bible: Global Study Edition. New International Version, Life publishers
  Share this:
  Tweet
  Email
  Print
  More
  Telegram
  Like this:
  Like Loading...
  Posted in Conviction, Healing | 0 Comments | Tagged anxiety, Christian blogger, Jesus, Rest in the Lord, restful migraines
- Tears and Pain
  
  Posted at 5:04 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on September 29, 2018
  Good morning friends! It is a beautiful, clear, sunny fall day here in the Pacific Northwest and, I say, “Thank you, Jesus!” I know, all too soon, the days will be shorter, darker, and much-needed rain will be nourishing the thousands of Evergreens blanketing this state. Also, snow will thicken and cover the Cascade Mountains and gorgeous Mount Rainier! Breathtaking images that remind me of our creator. 🙂
  
  Today I was focusing my thoughts on a message I had received last Tuesday, from a close friend and mentor, Vicki-Lynn. During our messages, she said, “God doesn’t waste our pain.” I needed that reminder especially this week. There is not any “major” thing going on, but many, many hiccups. Do you ever have those days where one thing after another goes wrong?! And then the next day is kind-of similar? So when the third day comes around, it takes a ton of momentum and a whole lot of Jesus to throw the covers off of you, roll out of bed, and say “Good Morning, I am ready for today!!”
  
  At the beginning of this week, I would not have been able to greet you with the same enthusiasm and smiles had I not reflected on my friend’s perfectly timed message and God’s word. Diving into God’s Word helped me to greet this morning in a fresh, Holy-Spirit anointed way. Check it out:
  
  Isn’t that reassuring? God does not waste any tears, hardships, lessons, and it doesn’t matter how big or small the difficulties are to us. He sees and knows them all! Pastor Jim Duggan reflects on a revelation God gave him during a very difficult time:
  
  “God reminded me that not only is He an all-knowing God, but a purposeful God. He even finds a purpose for our pain. God comforted me that day with the knowledge that He would use my experience to prepare me to help others who may one day experience the same thing. My hurt was real, and it ran real deep. But God’s grace dives deeper than any depth to which our heart can plunge.”
  
  It seems as though every day we are bombarded with conflicts among countries, divided political parties, violence in schools, problems at work, families in crisis mode, etc., which leads to high levels of stress and, in turn, pain.
  
  BUT GOD…
  
  God sees and knows you, my friend! He wants to take every burden and hurt you carry, and give you the love and peace that only He can give you. He has an incredible plan for You and He will use your experiences for His glory to help others!! Isn’t that incredible?!
  
  But, how, right?! Here are some steps I have used to move from hurt to help to hope:
  
  1. Have a relationship with Jesus and talk to Him daily. If the Lord Jesus is not your personal Savior, and you are ready to trust Jesus with your life, pray:Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior. Thanks for making me a child of God. I now surrender my life to You and Your purposes. Give me, by Your Holy Spirit, the boldness to confess my faith in You to others. I ask this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
  
  2. Ask God to help you to move from hurting to helping. Pastor Jim Duggan explains it this way, “Rather than asking God to deliver you from your hurt, ask Him to use your hurt to help others.” God has promised to comfort us, be with us, and strengthen us. Trust God and ask Him to empower you. He will and this is where you shift from hurting to helping.
  
  3. Once you have placed your trust in God and released your hurt to Him, He can use your pain to help others and this offers hope to you and all the people God places in your life. “The things we learn about life, God, and ourselves in the difficult moments are the greatest lessons. Only a God as great as Jehovah can cause His glory to shine through our pain” (Duggan, Jim). Amen! Praise God!
  
  From hurt to help to hope
  
  Have faith. Be courageous. God can use you and He will prepare you for it. Rest in His presence, seek the Holy Spirit, and talk to Him daily. He loves you, my friend!
  
  My question to you now is this:
  
  How is God going to use your hurt to help others?
  
  We are all surrounded by hurting people. You are valued and people need to hear your story! We all have experienced some type of pain whether it is: sickness, addiction, financial problems, job loss, death of a loved one, etc. God can use everything.
  
  Ask God and take courage in Him–today is the day You can bless others!!
  
  All the glory to God,
  
  Shanon
  
  Duggan, Pastor Jim. “God Does Not Waste Our Pain.” October 24, 2017. JimDuggan.org.
  
  Image of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 by Dr. J’s Apothecary Shoppe. wordpress.com.
  
  Image of Mt. Rainier Fall Colors by Mike Peters.
  Share this:
  Tweet
  Email
  Print
  More
  Telegram
  Like this:
  Like Loading...
  Posted in God at Work, Healing | 2 Comments | Tagged Christian blogger, God, hurt to hope, Jesus, redemption, Tears and Pain
← Older posts

Follow Heaven Sent Sentiments on WordPress.com
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. :)

View Full Profile →
Archives
Categories
Categories
Translate

Top Posts & Pages
Follow Blog via Email

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Email Address:

	Blake H on Obedience and Faith in Ac…
	Jeremy on Mom’s Homecoming with…
	Dawn Bendon on “Spiritual GPS”
	Becoming His Tapestr… on “Spiritual GPS”
	Shanon Crenshaw on “Spiritual GPS”

Category: Healing

Posted at 5:56 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on May 29, 2020

Share this:

Like this:

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

Share this:

Like this:

Posted at 11:34 AM by Shanon Crenshaw, on September 23, 2019

Share this:

Like this:

Posted at 11:12 AM by Shanon Crenshaw, on September 16, 2019

Share this:

Like this:

Posted at 11:44 AM by Shanon Crenshaw, on September 2, 2019

Share this:

Like this:

Posted at 6:19 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on April 4, 2019

Share this:

Like this:

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

Share this:

Like this:

Posted at 7:21 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on October 13, 2018

Share this:

Like this:

Posted at 4:50 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on October 8, 2018

Posted at 7:06 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on July 3, 2018

Share this:

Like this:

Posted at 5:04 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on September 29, 2018

Share this:

Like this:

Archives

Categories

Translate

Recent Comments

Top Posts & Pages

Follow Blog via Email