Heaven Sent Sentiments

Tag: Christian

• Least of These

  Posted at 11:23 AM by Shanon Crenshaw, on December 7, 2019

  

  That scripture came to my mind this week when I was reading an encouraging story about Mother Teresa. “In Mother Teresa, the Wino, and Me” Robert F. Baldwin recounts his story of meeting Mother Teresa and hearing her speak in an auditorium several years ago:

  “During her talk, she told us how she and the members of her order, the Missionaries of Charity, seek to recognize Christ in the poorest of the poor.

  She told a story of how one of the sisters had spent an entire day bathing the wounds of a dying beggar who was brought to them from the streets of Calcutta. Mother Teresa’s voice dropped to a whisper as she told the hushed auditorium that, in reality, the nun had been bathing the wounds of Jesus” (Baldwin, Robert F.).

  In the bible, in Matthew 25: 34-40, Jesus speaks more in-depth to how we are to treat those we come in contact with:

  “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

  Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

  “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'”

  The story that Robert Baldwin wrote brought tears to my eyes and deep emotion to my heart. I do try very hard to do what I can for others; whether it is kind words, a warm hug, sympathetic ear, monetary help, food, etc.

  But the big a-ha moment I had was the visualization of the nun and how I imagined her lovingly, with a tender touch, cleansing the wounds of this dying beggar as though she was actually bathing the flesh of our Savior!

  In all honesty, I have never “seen” helping others through that lens–perspective or viewpoint– before.

  It makes perfect sense though, doesn’t it?! Because God is omniscient (knows everything), omnipresent (present everywhere), and omnipotent (has unlimited power). God sees everything, is a part of everything, with unlimited power.

  My mind and spirit, through this incredible revelation, reflected back to some of the ways I had helped in the past and I saw it differently–through the Words of Jesus in Matthew 25:40.

  When I gave warm clothes to the shelter, He was the recipient of a slightly used coat with a brown scarf.

   When I had the chance to serve and feed the hungry in the park? Yeah, He was there, in line, between the young family and an older lady.

  I pray that I never forget the story of Mother Teresa and the nun. I want to approach each day in a way that whomever the Lord brings my way, I’ll do my best to help them as though it was My Lord.

  To do this I am:

  *Committing to pray daily for the Lord to comfort those in need and to give me the eyes to see how I can serve those all around me and whomever He directs me to.

  *Next, I am committing to ACT and BE OBEDIENT to what the Lord calls me to do. Set my feet in motion and love, share, serve, spread the Gospel of Jesus, etc. to the lost and hurting world.

  Help me to become more like You every day, Lord. May I be Your hands and feet on this earth, spreading the Gospel and the love of Jesus to everyone! Amen!

  

  All the Glory to God,

  Shanon

  Works Cited:

  Baldwin, Robert F. “Mother Teresa, the Wino, and Me.” Chicken Soup for the Soul: Stories of Faith. Published by Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC. Print. 2008.

  Matthew 25:40 “Every life is worth the same to God, PRICELESS!” crosscards. Web. 6 December 2019. https://www.crosscards.com/cards/facebook-ecards/12072015-matthew-25-40-social.html

  The Beauty of truth: faith, Hope, & Love. “Christ has no body but yours…” perfectthewayyouarerightnow.com.  Pinterest. 7 December 2019. Web. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/161848180332707038/

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  Posted in A-Ha Moments | 0 Comments | Tagged bible, Christian, God, Jesus, Least of these, Matthew 25:40

• Thanksgiving 1988

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

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

  

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

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

  Oh, the nostalgia of it all.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  All the Glory to God,

  Shanon

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

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

• Newly Created in Christ

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

  

  George Washington’s Mount Vernon August 2018

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

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

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

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

  

  View of Potomac River from Mount Vernon, August 2018

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

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

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

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

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

  Relationships are formed.

  Memories are made.

  Lives are changed!

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

  What does change is the inside of us.

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

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

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

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

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

  All the glory to God,

  Shanon

  Works Cited:

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

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

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

• Called Home

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

  

  

  my mom, Sue

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

  ***

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

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

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

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

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

  ***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The tears I cry,

  Are not in vain,

  The tears I cry,

  Are tears of pain.

  The day I died,

  my soul cried out,

  I asked my God,

  what’s this all about.

  I heard God say,

  In a quiet voice,

  Don’t cry my child,

  Let your heart rejoice.

  The pain you had,

  Is no longer there,

  Come into my arms,

  Because I care.

  For it is my will,

  and you shall see,

  That your family will have,

  Both you and me.

  Your life on earth,

  Filled the world with love,

  Because I once sent you,

  from heaven above.

  You touched the world,

  and showed you cared,

  You leaned on me,

  and I was there.

  I gave you support,

  you gave me your mind,

  I made you a person,

  so special and kind.

  You asked me into your heart,

  And I came in,

  I forgave you for,

  Your life of sin.

  I promised I would never,

  Leave your side,

  And you promised me,

  my love you would always abide.

  I am now calling,

  you home my dear,

  I hope I have made,

  The answer clear.

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

  

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

  All the glory to God,

  Shanon

  Works Cited:

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

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

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

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

• Testimonies of Hope: Morning Glory!

  Posted at 8:00 AM by Shanon Crenshaw, on September 6, 2019

  

  Good morning everyone! Happy Friday!! I’m heading out camping this weekend with my family one last time before the rain and colder temperatures set in during the fall and winter months. We are going to the same campground as pictured above. I love getting outdoors and resting in the peace and serenity of God’s Creation–so restorative and beautiful.

  ***

  Have you ever considered the thought that all the work God is doing through you and in you is not just for today, but for eternity?

  In all honesty, these two testimonial quotes really broadened my thoughts, perspective, and hope in light of all God is allowing me to go through here in relation to my spending eternity there with Him in Heaven. Take a look:

  Dr. Billy Graham writes, “I have a friend who lost his job, a fortune, his wife, and his home. But he tenaciously held to his faith–the only thing he had left. One day he stopped to watch some men doing stonework on a huge church. One of them was chiseling a triangular piece of stone.

  “What are you going to do with that?” asked my friend. The workman said, “See that little opening way up there near the spire? Well, I’m shaping this down here so it will fit up there.”

  Tears filled my friend’s eyes as he walked away, for it seemed that God had spoken through the workman to explain the whole ordeal through which he was passing, “I’m shaping you down here so you’ll fit in up there.”

  After you have “suffered a while, make you perfect…settle you,” echo the words of the Bible (Graham, Dr. Billy 154-155).

  While I was reading that testimony, it opened up my heart and mind to ALL God is doing not only in my life but to those around me as well. I’ve got to admit oftentimes I think only of what God is doing through me today, and how, through Him, I can make a difference in this world. I never gave much thought to the fact that He is shaping me down here to fit in in Heaven!! Amazing!

  Consider, also, this quote that Victor Hugo said of death:

  “When I go down to the grave I can say, like so many others: I have finished my work, but I cannot say I have finished my life. My day’s work will begin the next morning. My tomb is not a blind alley. It is a thoroughfare. It closes in the twilight to be open in the dawn” (Graham, Dr. Billy 104).

  I find so much hope in these testimonies. They assure me that, because I have salvation through Jesus Christ, all that I am going through has a purpose, even though I may not know it here on earth.

  

  Joy is coming and nothing is wasted!! Can you imagine it?! What will YOUR first morning be like with Jesus?

  Running and skipping around pain-free? Hugging loved ones you haven’t met yet or seen in a very long time? Finally, shaking loose from the bondage of addiction? Eating foods/meals that disease has prevented you from having? Yes, I imagine good food/meals in Heaven, after all, Jesus ate a piece of fish with some of His disciples after His resurrection (Luke 24: 40-43), right?? 🙂

  Oh, the Glory to be revealed that day!! Until then, keep using me, Father, for Your Glory!!

  All the Glory to God,

  Shanon

  Graham, Dr. Billy. “Unto the Hills: A Daily Devotional.” March 27, pg.104. May 3, pgs. 154-155. WORD Publishing. Print.

  Image of Romans 8:18 Pinterest. Hope for tomorrow’s counseling. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/50806302026658068/?nic=1

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  Posted in Testimonies of Hope | 2 Comments | Tagged bible, Christian, Christian Testimony, heaven, Hope in Jesus, John 3:16

• Community of Shared Hope- School Blessings

  Posted at 8:00 AM by Shanon Crenshaw, on September 4, 2019

  

  Yesterday, September 3, was my youngest daughter’s first day of eighth grade. It included one of her least favorite things–picture taking. It all started about eighteen years ago when our oldest daughter started kindergarten. I decided to make a sign with her name, grade, and the date for her to hold onto while we took pictures together. We do this every year–all the way through senior year!! Woo-hoo! Great fun when you are six. Not so much when you are fourteen.

  However, she likes to make mom happy so she obliges–and pulls her best friend in to join the fun. 🙂 Yay!!

  

  I love both of these young women and I pray for all my daughters (biological/friends) daily. One of my favorite “blessings and pure joys” of my week occurred right after I dropped them off on their first day of school.

  They were early, so the sidewalk they were walking on was pretty empty. While I was waiting for my turn at the light, I was able to watch them walk towards the gym together, side-by-side, and hold the door open for one another, as they disappeared into the halls. I was silently praying for their friendship, school day, and the year while they walked.

  What a blessing. I will cherish that snapshot in time forever.

  Every day, after I drop my daughter off at school, I pray– for her, the students, the staff, and the entire school campus. I make it a daily habit and I believe we all should. This year, I’m going to take it a step further and say a quick prayer for every school I pass while I drive around town.

  

  Would you join me?? Our schools desperately need the Guidance, Protection, Provision, and Mercy that only our Lord Jesus can bring. Amen!!  Thank you.

  All the Glory to God,

  Shanon

  Image of Back to School Blessing provided by Pinterest–Prayer for Anxiety https://www.pinterest.com/pin/513973376202503729/

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  Posted in Community of Shared Hope | 6 Comments | Tagged Back to school prayer, Christian, Christian blogger, Jesus, Pray for our students

• Community of Shared Hope

  Posted at 3:07 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on August 21, 2019

  

  HOPE. I don’t know about you, but I could use a healthy dose of it right now. Everywhere I turn the headlines and words I hear can be so discouraging.

  That’s why I am so thankful that not only does God hear the cries of my heart, but He has answered them in multiple ways!!

  First, and ultimately, through my Savior Jesus Christ. He alone is THE source of my HOPE!!

  Second, He answered my prayers by revealing the HOPE of Jesus through His Word, the sermons at my church recently, and through encouraging songs.

  Finally, Thank you God for giving me the desire deep in my heart to seek You first, and to share encouragement, hope, and love through You, and the community of people you invite around me. 🙂

  ***

  Jesus is THE ultimate source of hope! And we, as a community of believers (the church), are called to not only share the Gospel but to spread the Hope of Jesus!

  My church, SFC, last week began a series titled, Empowered to Hope. It is such a blessing and so timely to what my heart and soul needed at this season of my life.

  I am thankful that God knows what I need even before I do, and that this message was put in place by Him, and delivered through my faithful, God-fearing Pastor, just when that seed of discouragement was beginning to take root in my spirit. Not anymore, though.

  While listening to this teaching, I was reminded of who I want to be in Christ. An encourager. Someone that puts God first, and follows through with the will that He placed in my life and heart.

  Years ago, when God planted the seed of writing in my heart, He was in the process of showing me, through the Holy Spirit, that He was ALWAYS there and He was ALWAYS at work.

  

  Even through the deepest darkest pits of grief, despair, and discouragement, He was the flickering light of Hope, showing me the Way to Him. Oftentimes, it was the community of believers–the church–that spoke His Word, shared His love, and welcomed me into their arms while I cried and sought God.

  That is who I want to strive to be every day. An encourager of Jesus, one that shares the hope of what Jesus is doing and changing in my life– ready to share everything God places in my heart to do and be!!

  Our Pastor, Mr. Mike Price, shared this in his message, Empowered to Hope: Week 2:

  “If we are going to make a difference in the world it is going to come through hope filled people. Hope filled people change the world…we can point to what Jesus has already done in us.”

  That is who I want to be and I need your help. Please join me in being an encouragement to the community of people God invites us to share our lives with, to share the message of the Gospel with, and to share the Hope and Love of Jesus.

  So I’m dedicating every Wednesday of this blog to sharing the hope and encouragement of Jesus.

  How do we (I) do that?!

  By sharing something from your day or week that Jesus has done, that encouraged you so strongly, that you can’t help but share it!

  I’ll begin.  Jesus used my Pastor’s message last Sunday and this song, “Hope Can Change Everything” by Bart Millard and other artists, to move my discouragement to encouragement this week!! Amen!! God is so good and faithful!!

  Here’s a snippet of the words:

  A breath can give you life

  A hand can turn the page

  A word can give you strength

  To face another day

  Hope, yeah hope

  Reaches in the heart of your darkest night

  Lifts you off the ground when you’ve lost the fight

  Keeps you hanging on through the disbelief

  Every day, every step, every dream

  Hope can change everything

  Hope can change everything

  Jesus–THE HOPE–that can change everything. What is He changing for you and in you?

  All the glory to God,

  Shanon
  “Hope Can Change Everything” lyrics by www.lyricsondemand.com. Web. 21 August 2019.

  Image of Andy Stanley quote: Jesus is the hope…” quotefancy.com. Web 20 August 2019.

  Image of “let-the-light-of-Christ-shine” by southernspiritonline.org.

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  Posted in Community of Shared Hope, God at Work | 5 Comments | Tagged Christian, Community of Believers, Faith, hope, Hope in Jesus, love, Shared Hope, Sharing the Gospel of Jesus

• 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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• 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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  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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