Prayer | Heaven Sent Sentiments

Tag: Prayer
- Seasons of Change
  
  Posted at 6:27 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on May 1, 2020
  Hello everyone! It has been weeks and weeks since I’ve posted. I apologize for that. I wish I had a really great, big “reason” to share with you, but I don’t. All I can say is this, God is at work in my life and is taking me into a different season.
  
  Season. My first response to that word is leaves changing in the Fall or how the Summer sunshine can initiate vacation plans or beach trips. After all, there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens…(Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV).
  
  But, Spiritual changes are what I am talking about, and going through—lessons on perseverance, faith, trust, prayer, and knowledge.
  
  Sixty days ago today–yes, I said sixty–I began a life and Spirit changing bible study by Jennifer LeClaire titled, “Transform: A 90-Day Spirit Prayer Challenge”. Here is a peak at the study from her website:
  
  “The 90-Day Spirit Prayer Challenge is a series of teachings, insights on praying in the Spirit and pray-along sessions that will encourage you to stay on track with what God said He wants to do in this prophetic word” (LeClaire, Jennifer).
  
  Daily, during the last sixty days, I have been watching each video, journaling and writing down scripture, and most importantly, praying in the Spirit for an hour each day. I can not put into words how much this Spiritual Prayer Challenge has transformed my life. Physically, mentally, spiritually….in ALL ways.
  
  I’ll admit, that it has been very challenging, but that fact has made me even more determined to keep my eye on the prize and to persevere with each prayer and scripture I learn.
  
  This morning, during my prayer time, the Holy Spirit reminded me of where I was this time last year. In Peace with where God was taking me during that season. I was getting ready to speak in front of a hundred people, two days in a row, for my church’s annual Divine Design Mother’s Day Celebration. There is no doubt in my mind that, that whole experience and season was God-ordained.
  
  Just in the same way, this one is.
  
  God carried me through that season with His Wisdom, as I placed my faith in what He was bringing me through during that time. And that is what I am doing today. Right now, I am not writing as much on my blog, but I know Who is bringing me through this chapter and this season. And, oh, what a season it is!!
  
  On day eleven, week two, of this bible study, the Holy Spirit revealed to me what one of my “next steps” will be in the future. A confirmation of what was revealed to my husband the very weekend I spoke at Divine Design last year. Stay tuned…I can’t wait to share what God is doing in my life, in His timing….:)
  
  All the Glory to God,
  
  Shanon Crenshaw
  
  Works Cited:
  
  Image of Ecclesiastes 3:1 by kingjamesbibleonline.org.
  
  Leclaire, Jennifer. Transform: A 90-Day Spirit Prayer Challenge. Web. January 2020. https://schoolofthespirit.tv/courses/transform/.
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  Posted in God at Work | 2 Comments | Tagged Christian blogger, Ecclesiastes 3:1, Jesus, Prayer
- Deserts, Valleys, and Hills
  
  Posted at 7:55 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on January 11, 2019
  The second week of January began in a predictable way, weather-wise, here in the Pacific Northwest. The clouds and the wind were rolling in, billowing and forming a thick layer of insulation against a gray and darkening sky. A light rain fell on the evergreen and tall pine trees surrounding my Washington home. The season of Winter has definitely made its grand and wet appearance.
  
  And yet…
  
  Right now, I feel as though I am walking through the desert–a dry, parched land with a scorching sun and hot, unrelenting winds. Not in a physical sense (although a hot, dry sunny day does sound nice!) but in a spiritual sense. Spiritually dry. Another term I could use to describe what I am going through is walking through the valley.
  
  I know that, over the last several weeks, there has been a shift in the awareness I was feeling in regard to God’s presence in my life. Now, I know without a doubt, that God will never leave me nor forsake me (Joshua 1:5). Whether or not I “feel” His presence, I know that He is there. I believe in this Truth and in no way feel abandoned. However, I wanted to understand more of what I was going through and share my experiences with one of my nearest and dearest God-fearing “moms” that the Lord has blessed me with.
  
  During our conversation, she reassured me that what I was experiencing, she could also relate to, and that she had walked through it. She asked if I had ever heard of, “dark night of the soul.” I had not. Charisma magazine author, Joy F. Strang, describes it in this way,”…a season of dryness–called a dark night of the soul by 16th century mystic John of the Cross–during which it seemed as if God was not there.” While visiting together, my friend and I, discussed this subject, and others, while we shared the Word of God, prayer, wisdom, and lots of hugs. And coffee! 🙂
  
  Joy F. Strang, in her article titled, “Why you’re in a Spiritual Desert,” describes her own experience of being spiritually dry.
  
  “During my “dark night” I realized that on our path to spiritual maturity, we don’t go from mountaintop to mountaintop. We have to walk through valleys as well. Even after we have arrived in our “promised land” we may experience spiritually dry times.
  
  David confirmed this truth in Psalm 63, in which he expressed the thirst he had for God in the midst of a “dry and weary land” (v. 1). He wrote the psalm in the desert of Judah—a dry region in the promised land! David had experienced God intensely before (see v. 2) but found himself for a season in a place “where there [was] no water” (v. 1)”
  
  For a moment, let’s focus on, “we don’t go from mountaintop to mountaintop.” A mountaintop experience can be described as a place (or time) where we can clearly hear God’s voice and we are able to follow His leading because it is clear to us. God’s presence leaves us feeling empowered, strong, inspired and loved. We feel confident, through this mountaintop experience, that with God, we “can do anything through Christ who gives us strength” (Philippians 4:13).
  
  As much as it would be amazing to never leave the mountaintop, the reality of living in a sinful world, is that many seasons of our life are spent in the valley. This is where our faith is really grown and matured and used by God.
  
  Billy Graham has this to say in regard to mountaintops and valleys: “we are made for the valley of life. God will sometimes allow a view from the hills, but only so that we might be refreshed enough to return to the valley–where the action is–that we may be of service to Him. Mountaintops are for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys“ (Graham, Billy, v).
  
  Did you catch that?! “…but fruit is grown in the valleys.” This is where the action is, where our faith and our fruit, grow together in a way that can be powerfully used by God!
  
  ***
  
  I’ll share a few things that I am doing right now while I am experiencing this dry season.
  
  1) I asked God to search my heart and reveal to me any sin that I need to repent of and receive His forgiveness.
  
  2) I start my day in the bible. By doing this, I know the foundation of my day begins with Him, and my heart and mind are better prepared to respond to His presence throughout the day. This is also a time when I read my devotional, I begin a new one each year.
  
  3) I always begin my day with prayer. Depending on what I have going on for the morning, the length of time varies. However, two things never change. Every day I begin and end my day with prayer and thanksgiving.
  
  4) I ask God to open my heart in a way to be of service to others throughout my day. He has never disappointed me and has given me lots of ways to bless others. As a result, this takes the focus off of me and my own cares, and I get to share the love of Jesus with those He brings into my life.
  
  5) I listen to music that reminds me of God’s presence in my life. I listen to it in my car, while I’m cleaning the house, getting ready to write, and especially when I am feeling sad and depressed. There is nothing that can turn my mood around quicker than when I put on my favorite Christian artist, turn the volume up loud, and dance for my Savior, “much like David was dancing before the Lord with all his might” (2 Samuel 6:14).
  
  6) Several times throughout the day I pause and pray. Whenever I drive by my daughter’s school, I say a prayer. When an emergency vehicle is going by, I say a quick prayer. When I am anxious, stressed, or not feeling well, I say a prayer. And especially when God brings someone to my mind, I say a prayer for them. Praying in this way again takes the focus off of me and my worries, and directly releases them to God.
  
  Our faith and fruit grow the most when we are close to the vine (Jesus) and filled with the Living Water. This requires action on our part through the Word of God, prayer, and submitting to God every single day.
  
  I encourage you, no matter what season you are in, to develop a prayer, bible reading, praise, and worship schedule that allows you to be as close as possible to the God of the Hills and Valleys! God Bless You!
  
  All the Glory to God,
  
  Shanon
  
  Image of “It takes a valley and a God…” by CHRISTian Poetry Deborah ann
  
  Image of “You’re God of the Hills and Valley’s by Taurenwells VEVO
  
  Graham, Billy. “Unto the Hills: A Daily Devotional.” Foreward, page v. Word Publishing. Print. 1996.
  
  Strang, Joy F. “Why You’re in a Spiritual Desert.” Charisma Magazine. Web. 31 May 2015.
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  Posted in Uncategorized | 14 Comments | Tagged Faith, hills and valleys, Jesus, Prayer
- Restore Your Soul
  
  Posted at 5:43 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on December 3, 2018
  Good morning, happy Monday!! Don’t you just love cute animal and baby pictures?! Warms my heart every time. The pigeon-burrowing owls, above, never ceases to make me smile. Photographer Mario Gustavo Fiorucci won the 2016 Comedy Wildlife Photography Award for that picture and it is easy to see why. 🙂
  
  I’ve got to admit, the picture above completely portrays the way my schedule has been lately—a little sideways. Since Thanksgiving, the Crenshaw household has been a little more chaotic and off-schedule, BUT incredibly blessed.
  
  I don’t know about you, but when my schedule goes wacky for any reason, I feel “off.” Not stressed, necessarily, but not as peaceful.
  
  What I realized this morning is that the biggest thing that changed for me is that my scheduled rest and prayer time is not as often as my soul needs right now. I need quiet time, in my prayer closet, a few times a week to seek Jesus, be still, and pray whatever the Holy Spirit prompts.
  
  I believe this works best for me because I am naturally an introverted person. I “recharge” in my quiet and alone space. I need that rest time to quiet my thoughts, heart, and soul. My heart is more receptive to Jesus when I do this and I am a more peaceful, calm person to be around! 🙂
  
  What about you? What restores your soul? A friend of mine is the complete opposite of me. She recharges by loud, fun worship music along with a Holy Spirit-led conversation about Jesus. When Jesus is the center, it cannot be wrong, am I right?!
  
  I thank God that even when our days are sideways or a little off, when we seek Him with our whole heart—He will meet us right where we are!! Praise God!!
  
  All the glory to God!!
  
  Shanon
  
  Image of Jeremiah 29:13 by mostlysensible.com.
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  Posted in Reflections/Stillness | 6 Comments | Tagged heal, Jesus, love, Prayer, restore your soul, smile
- Me?! Talk to God?
  
  Posted at 12:04 AM by Shanon Crenshaw, on September 16, 2018
  Hello! What a week it has been, so busy! It is already the middle of September, can you believe it? Although, with the explosion of pumpkin-spice items everywhere, you would think it was the middle of October, am I right?! 🙂
  
  Well, my writing took a different turn this week. Thank you, Jesus! I was about halfway done with this week’s blog and guess what? God led me on a different path. Prayer. I am really not surprised though, God began stirring my heart on the subject of prayer last week during church.
  
  Sumner Family Church, where I attend, has a heart and a focus on community and what leads to community? Relationships, and what develops relationships? Conversations!! I know that was a lot of questions and answers, but stick with me, we get to the heart of it in a minute. What is the fundamental part of conversations?
  
  Spending time together, getting to know one another, and talking.
  
  Conversations are the essential building blocks for all relationships. This includes friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and God. Yes, God. We talk to God through prayer.
  
  “Prayer is keeping company with God.” Clement of Alexandria
  
  Last Sunday, my church began, “Prayer Journey” which is “designed to establish a thriving prayer life in the families of SFC.” I love this! Through the next six weeks, we will have a weekly prayer focus, bi-weekly blogs, text/e-mail reminders, and Friday night community groups in which we are coming together as a church to pray! Amen!
  
  In its simplicity, and what I tell my kids, is that praying is talking to God. I remember when I was quite young, I wasn’t sure what to say to God, so I remember my prayers had more of a King James slant with many thou’s and thy’s. There is nothing wrong with praying that way, it just wasn’t natural to me. I discovered the best way for me to pray and converse with God is to be me.
  
  I pray privately in my prayer closet while driving in my car, on the phone when I need to, and anytime the Holy Spirit moves me to. I pray through words, silent reverence, song, and my prayer language. I pray daily to make conversing with God a routine. “You will never be able to pray everywhere, all the time, until you have learned to pray somewhere, some of the time” (Water, Mark).
  
  I was encouraged further this week by the first e-mail I received in regard to the Prayer Journal. It reminded me that each one of us is going through different seasons of our life and, because of that, my prayer life will not look like yours! Whew! Here is an excerpt from the e-mail:
  
  “Pastor Mike talked about embracing differences on Sunday. This got me thinking about all of us embracing our own differences. In a world of comparison, how have our differences affected my view of my family and myself? Prayer in my life and in my family’s is going to look different from my neighbors. Mealtime can be too chaotic, so we pray at bedtime with the kids. Praying together as a couple everyday becomes a “checklist” item, so instead we set aside one night a week to pray and dig in deeper together with God. Have I embraced that, or have I created some ideal situation in my head that must be met in order for prayer time to be “successful”? My 19-month-old has no concept of not screaming his head off during prayer time some nights
  
  The differences of what prayer looks like in your family, or for you personally, make it no less valuable for you than to anyone else. The point is you’re choosing God. You’re choosing to spend time with Him. That should be the focus. If you’ve never had a “big” prayer life, maybe baby steps are needed. Perhaps you’ve had a wonderful prayer life and want to spend this season digging in deeper with God. Everyone’s prayer life is going to look a little different – and that’s okay. Give yourself permission to look different. We’re all growing in this together! (Sumner Family Church, emphasis mine).
  
  Isn’t that Beautiful? I love the way that was put together and I had to share it with my fellow believers and friends.
  
  There should be no “prayer comparison” between the Jones’, the Crenshaw’s, and the Cagle’s. Praise God! But, there should be an active conversation between you and God. Every day.
  
  What/where is your favorite way to speak to God? While out on a walk admiring the beauty of His creation? Singing songs in the pews of church on a Glorious Sunday morning? While driving on your way to work? If you would like to share, please do. 🙂
  
  ALL the glory to God,
  
  Shanon
  
  Image of “Conversations with God” by darussalambblog.com
  
  Image of “Pray.Faith.God by tobendlight.com
  
  Sumner Family Church. Prayer Journey e-mail.http://sumnerfamilychurch.com/
  
  Water, Mark. “Prayer made easy.” Hendrickson Publishers. Print. 1999.
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  Posted in God at Work | 4 Comments | Tagged Christian blogging, Church, Faith, God, Prayer, Talking 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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Heaven Sent Sentiments

Tag: Prayer

Seasons of Change

Posted at 6:27 PM by Shanon Crenshaw, on May 1, 2020

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Deserts, Valleys, and Hills

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

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Restore Your Soul

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

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Me?! Talk to God?

Posted at 12:04 AM by Shanon Crenshaw, on September 16, 2018

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Shanon Crenshaw

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