Mary Crisp Jameson - copyright material







Thursday, November 24, 2016

Thanksgiving Day, 2016

     Thanksgiving is here!  A time for families to come together in praise and thankfulness before feasting on a meal that is both traditional and tasty.  
     I am looking forward to seeing my siblings, along with lots of nieces and nephews, and I am thankful for another opportunity to join together with them this Thanksgiving holiday.
     Growing up, I have to admit, my brother and sisters did not always get along.  It sometimes took a parental demand for a hug and an "I'm sorry," comment to each other in order to solve some differences.  Other times, it took a good healthy dose of medicine, and in my case, it was a peach tree switch selected by none other than myself.  I didn't know it at the time, but the smallest peach tree limb always hurt the worse.  You guessed it,  I always selected the smallest one I could find on that tree.  I can still see my mother smiling as I made my selection, and I never remember hearing her  say, "This hurts me more than it does you."
     Today, I can truthfully say that I am thankful for the discipline I received.  It taught me respect and forgiveness.  I am thankful that my parents loved me enough to show me the way that I should live; they believed in the guidance provided in Proverbs 13:24, "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes."
     As I close my countdown to Thanksgiving with my final comments this season on  being thankful, I pray for safe travel as families unite together, and I pray for harmony and love among them all.   



    

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

1 Day Until Thanksgiving

     I am thankful for the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! 
     I am thankful to God who controls the universe.  I am thankful God chose to create me, mold me, and love me throughout my life.  
     I am thankful to Jesus who chose to be separated from His Father so He could be born in a lowly manager and walk among men.  I am thankful to Jesus for choosing to allow men to persecute and ridicule Him so I could saved.  I am thankful Jesus allowed Himself, for my sake, to be nailed to the cross.  He suffered and bled for me.  For that I am grateful. 
     I am thankful for the Holy Spirit which fills my soul and directs my path.
     This Thanksgiving season and daily, every season, let me praise God for who He is, the great Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End!

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

2 Days Until Thanksgiving

     Continuation on my Thanksgiving Day Countdown Blessings...

     With 2 days until Thanksgiving, and I have family coming in, it is time to do some house cleaning.  Those days of dusting and vacuuming come around too quickly for me.  I would much rather be outside racking, bagging, and burning leaves.  In either case, I am so thankful for my home.  I have been very blessed!
     When I think about my home and how much I love decorating it and making it look festive for the coming Christmas season, I can't help but think about the home God has prepared for me and how lowly it will make even the most elaborate one here on earth look.  Even the exterior will diminish anything we could ever imagine.  "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city is of gold, as pure as transparent glass."   The city itself will shine, "with the glory of God, and its brilliance like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal."  We will not need the sun or moon for the "glory of God will give us light." 
     For more about this great promised home which God has prepared for the believer, read Revelation 21.  I am so thankful that I have this wonderful home prepared for me.  "My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?"
     I pray that all will come to know Jesus and accept Him as their Savior so they, too, can join me in this great wonderland of joy.


 

Monday, November 21, 2016

3 Days Until Thanksgiving

     I am retired, but still grateful that I had such an amazing job which allowed me to work with a diverse people.  The experience taught me to appreciate the work other people do because I learned that people are not always considerate of those who are serving their needs.
     Today, I experienced an encounter at a customer service window.  The employee did not even acknowledge my presence.  She took care of my return but all the while continued to talk with her co-worker and never even spoke to me directly.   To me, it was rude, but I let it pass.  There was no need to allow it to spoil my day. 
     The next thing I did was make additional purchases and check out.  This time the cashier was extremely friendly as she handed me my bag; however, she failed to hand me both bags which caused me to have to return to the store.  Once again, I did not let this aggravate me for it would only have disturbed my mind, emotions, and my day.
     So today, I am still thankful to those who are still working and who daily serve my needs regardless of whether they meet my expectations or not. 

 
    

Sunday, November 20, 2016

4 More Days Until Thanksgiving

     I just read on Facebook a posting of 10 Life Lesson to remember this Thanksgiving.  They were:
1.  Always be grateful
2.  Share positivity
3.  Use words of praise
4.  Enjoy the little things
5.  Help when you can
6.  Expect miracles
7.  Appreciate who you've become
8.  Offer random acts of kindness
9.  Don't second guess yourself
10. Know you deserve the best

     I agree with all of these, and I am thankful for the people who present "good thinking."  I am even more thankful for the 10 commandments God gave to us.  These commandments were given many, many years ago, but they still apply to everyone today.   

            The 10 Commandments

  1. You shall have no other gods before Me.
  2. You shall not make idols.
  3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
  4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
  5. Honor your father and your mother.
  6. You shall not murder.
  7. You shall not commit adultery.
  8. You shall not steal.
  9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
  10. You shall not covet. 
     My prayer is that all people will be thankful for the instructions we have been given, that we will apply these instructions, and that we will be "one people under God." 

Saturday, November 19, 2016

5 Days Until Thanksgiving

     Today, and everyday, I am thankful for my daughter.  She is a gift which I have always cherished.  From the very first day God formed her, and I realized she was growing in me, a bond was formed.  Scripture tells us to "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."  I know I was not always the best example as a parent, but I am thankful that my daughter knows the Lord for He is her constant companion. 
     I am thankful that God knows all about my daughter.  As scripture tells us, "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered."   This lets me know that God hears and understands her needs and supplies them.  She is His child, as well. 
     I am thankful that when I am troubled for her, I know God holds her in the mighty palms of His hands.  When God molded her, he instilled within her the best of her dad, his quick instincts and vocal voice, and the best of her mom, her tender heart.  Then God gave my daughter some very unique personalities of her own.  I am thankful she is independent and her own unique person.  She blesses me everyday.
     In my thankfulness, I pray blessings upon the precious, beautiful daughter for whom God graced me.   I pray, God, you bring true friends into her life every day.  I am thankful you have always sent friends her way at the time she needed them.  I continue to pray for financial blessings, healing blessings in every area of her body, and I pray for career blessings with doors of opportunity along her journey as she walks with you, Lord, by her side.   I trust, claim, and receive these wonderful blessings for her, and I thank you Lord for your sheltering grace upon her. 

 

Friday, November 18, 2016

6 Days Until Thanksgving

     With my countdown to Thanksgiving, yesterday I talked about being thankful for my five traditionally recognized senses; hearing, sight, touch, smell, and taste.   
     On this sixth day before Thanksgiving, I would like to be thankful for a sixth sense which I have.  However, this is not only an uplifting feeling, but a firm knowledge and awareness that there is an actual living, indwelling presence in my heart extending from my very soul.  This presence is the Holy Spirit which I, as a Christian believer, have been given.  
     When I accepted Jesus as my Savior, God took action by taking up permanent residence within my body.   I am so thankful that I never walk alone. 

John 14: 17 "Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."

Thursday, November 17, 2016

7 Days Until Thanksgiving

     The count down to Thanksgiving...continued...
     With seven days until Thanksgiving, I am thankful that God equipped me when he created me with what is necessary to sustain me; my eyes to see, ears to hear, my sense of smell, taste, and touch.  What a blessing! 
     Thanking of the five senses, I searched and found the following poem by Eva Grant.
 5 Senses
 Wonderful World
I can see
Trees and grass,
The sun and sky;
I can taste
Chocolate ice cream,
Apple pie;
I can hear
Music, laughter,
Words you said;
I can smell
Perfume, flowers,
Baking bread;
I can touch
Silk and velvet,
A baby's skin;
What a wonderful
World I'm in!
 
Psalm 139:13 "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb."
 


Wednesday, November 16, 2016

8 Days Until Thanksgiving

     During my countdown to Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the simple things in life.  I am thankful for quiet streets with little traffic, small town environments where you may not know the people very well but you know who lives where, and friends developed over a lifetime who call you up when you haven't heard from them in years and offer you a gift of fresh killed wild game. 
    
Mark 4:27  "Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how."

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

9 Days Until Thanksgiving

    The pastor this last Sunday talked about joy in the Christian life.  He provided a quote that I had not heard.  "God is not a kill-joy, He just opposes what kills joy."   The title of the message was "Sing to the Lord."  As I listened, I realized that although I worry about things (which I shouldn't, unless I can fix them) and am sad in times of sorrow, I do still have a song in my heart because of the Holy Spirit living in me.  My daily song does depend on what is going on in my life.  "How?" some would ask, "Can you keep a song in your life when bad things are happening?"    My best answer comes with thankfulness for joy:

            J  - Journey daily with God
            O -Obey His commands
            Y -Yield to a life with Christ

Monday, November 14, 2016

10 MORE DAYS TO THANKSGIVING

    As we were reading Jeremiah 31:32 today in Sunday School, one part in it claimed my attention.  "Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord:"     It can't be overlooked!  The Lord "took them by the hand."   He was their true faithful guide and deliverer until He was rejected by them.  Is that what we do in our daily walk?  We don't trust enough to let God lead us by His hand.
     So what am I thankful for today?  It is the fact that God's mighty powerful hand is extended to me 24/7 if I will just trust Him more, place my hand in His, and let Him lead the way.
     On top of that, verse 33 goes on to tell us, "But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people."   Isn't this telling me also that not only is His hand extended to help me, but His covenant promises me the  Holy Spirit living in my heart, and I am truly one of God's people because I have accepted Him as my Savior.
    

Sunday, November 13, 2016

11 Days Until Thanksgiving

 
     When I was growing up, the picture below represented the kind of churches most often found in small rural communities.  Even though they were small churches, the people had large hearts full of respect and love for each other.  
 
 
 
     When I saw this picture on Facebook, I instantly thought about the campaign President-Elect, Donald Trump ran on, "Make America Great Again."  However, what will really "Make America Great Again?"  Only by putting God back into homes, schools, and country can this be done.  And, we cannot really put God into our homes, schools, and country unless we daily worship and find fellowship with Him.   
     I go back to one of my many favorite scriptures which is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14,  "If  my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
     I am thankful to have grown up in a family who made attending church a priority.  It set the tone for my salvation experience and my faith.  By believing that Jesus died for me, and that He is the Son of God I claim His promise of salvation.    

Saturday, November 12, 2016

12 Days On The Countdown to Thanksgiving

     With 12 days remaining until Thanksgiving, I have found yet another praise to give and in which to be thankful.   First of all, I am thankful for the disciples who traveled with Jesus.  They laid the path for the teaching of God's Word among the nations when Jesus gave what is called the Great Commission in Matthew 18:19-20,  "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."
     We have several church families who are taking up this call, at home and abroad.  We have pastors worldwide who are taking up the call of God to spread the Word.  I am so thankful to missionaries all over the world.
     I pray blessings upon a family who has led our church in song for many years.  They have just recently sold their new home and furnishings to "go and teach the nations."  During this call they have had  set-backs with two different health issues, but they have remained faithful to the call.  We have another young married couple, from our church, with two young children who are doing mission work out of the states.  There are others in our church who travel to foreign lands to witness.   I know God is blessing this work and for that I am grateful.  I give praise to God, and lift up prayers for protection, good health, and the success of their ministry as they win souls to Christ.  



 

Friday, November 11, 2016

13 Days To Thanksgiving

     When I proposed to give something I am thankful for every day until Thanksgiving,  I never realized how much this would effect my life.  This has been so much more rewarding than "shopping with the countdown to Christmas." 
     Today, I am thankful for the blessings of the seasons.  God made the seasons when he created the earth.  Psalm 104:19  He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down."  I further believe we will always have seasons although they may not come when expected or issue forth in the same way each year.  Daniel 2:21a "He changes times and seasons;..."   God controls the seasons.  The seasons occur in God's time.  Ecclesiastes 3:1  "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."
     However, when the seasons do come, there is a purpose.  Acts 14:17 says, "Yet he has not left himself without testimony:  He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."  Leviticus 26:4 also tell us, "I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees their fruit."
     Regardless of when the seasons do come, I am ready for each one.  I enjoy Spring when  daffodils, tulips, and early flowers shoot up from the ground and burst open with color.  I enjoy the spring rains and cool breezes.  In the summer,  I am ready for gardening and enjoying the fruits of my labor.  By the time summer heat runs me inside to cooler temperatures, I am ready for cool fall weather when I can glory in the beauty of colorful leaves.  Then finally,  as I labor to sweep up fallen leaves, I am ready for the chill of winter blowing in with promises of a few snow flakes to cover the barren land.  During all the seasons, I enjoy walks in the wood, wildlife, and nature.  I enjoy sunrises, sunsets, and rainbows.
     In my thankfulness regarding the seasons, I cannot leave out the verse in 2 Timothy 4:2 which tells me to, "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction."
    


 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




Thursday, November 10, 2016

14 Days to Thanksgiving

     Thanksgiving is just around the corner with only 14 days remaining until I feast on turkey, dressing, and all the yummy trimmings that go along with it.  In fact, my family, which will include siblings, nieces, nephews, and their children (about 30 people this year), has already planned the menu, and everyone has been designated what food they will prepare and bring.
     Even though the food spread out along the length of two tables is not the high-light of the day, but rather the fellowship with family, I am so thankful I am fortunate to have an abundance of food and water.  I may not have always had what I wanted at a meal, but I have always had plenty to eat and drink. 
     As I sat in "A Friendly Shade" planning the Thanksgiving menu, I am reminded that Thanksgiving is a holiday that should be more than just about being thankful.  It should be, as is everyday of the year, an opportunity to share my good fortunate with those less fortunate.  It is a time to share with those who have less; those who are daily hungry; those who will not have a feast upon their tables. 
     I am thankful to be a part of the Thanksliving program of sharing food through our church ministry where sacks of groceries are delivered within the community to those in need. 

Proverbs 22:9 "He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor."

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

15 Days Until Thanksgiving

     The election is now over, and we have a new President Elect.  I am thankful to the people who are willing to unite and pray for the new leadership in our country. 
     However, leadership doesn't start in the White House,  it starts in the home where parents should be teaching their children respect, pride for their country, Christian values, and love for all. 
     I am thankful for the parents who are striving to teach these values. 
     May God bless America!

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

16 Days Until Thanksgiving

     Today is election day and I will be so glad when it is over.  There has been too many negative speeches. Yet, I am so glad I live in a country with the right to vote and be able to voice my rights.  I am glad to be an American and proud to stand up for the flag of the United States of America.  
     Not only am I thankful to be an American voter, but I am thankful that God remains in control regardless of who is elected.

Sunday, November 6, 2016

17 Days Until Thanksgiving

     With Thanksgiving just 17 days away, I must say, I am thankful for my friends; the friends I made during school which I still have, the friends on Facebook, the friends from my workplace, and the friends in my church and community.  I will admit, some are more casual acquaintances than others, but they are all willing to be prayer warriors when the need arises.
     My closest friend is Jesus.  I am so thankful that Jesus is with me at all times.  I can call upon Him at any moment of the day.  I do not know what I would do or how I would handle life situations if I did not have Him in my life.  As Proverbs 18:24 says, "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." 
     To sum up my friendship with Jesus, nothing says it better than the lyrics to the song, "What A Friend We Have In Jesus."
    
What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
And what a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer
Oh, what peace we often forfeit
Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer


 

18 Days Until Thanksgivings

     With 18 more days until Thanksgiving, I am continuing the countdown and sharing some of the wonderful things for which I am thankful.
     I am so thankful for the opportunity to pray to a God who hears.  As I was studying the Book of Daniel, the author provided some insights into the power of prayer.  I know from Matthew 7:7, I am to "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:"
     The author explains that getting involved in prayer, "is not a way we get God to do what we want; prayer is a way we  get involved in what God wants." 
     The author further explains the three forms of prayer:

1. Ask: simply ask him. 
2.  Seek: that involves some investigation, study, trying to understand what God is doing. 
3.  Knock: that involves repetition, coming back again and again....We are to ask for some things, such as the things we need for personal strength --wisdom, love, power, grace. " 

     He states that "all three --ask, seek, and knock-- have the same guarantee. .. The answers are absolutely sure when prayer is made on the basis of what God has said He will do."  To quote the author, "The minute you began to pray the answer was given but delays are possible.  There are good angels of God ready to help us, but there are also evil angels, that are ready to oppose what God is doing."

     Isn't that interesting?  To sum this up with possible reasons for delayed responses is Ephesians 6:12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." 
     Yet verse 13 tells us to "Take  unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and have done all, to stand."

     The one thing I do know and have the assurance of is the fact that God is always in control and, every time I pray, peace enters my soul.  For this I am thankful. 

    

Saturday, November 5, 2016

19 Day Countdown To Thanksgiving

     My mom and dad are both deceased and, not only am I thankful they are in heaven with the Lord, but I am thankful God allowed me to have such good, hard-working parents who feared Him and raised me in His word.  When I think of my parents, I cannot help but consider the forgiveness of the father to the son found in Luke 15 when the prodical son returned home.  His father ran to meet him, kissed him, and called for a celebration.
     No matter how mean, selfish, or rebellious I was growing up, my parents always showed me love, just as I know my heavenly Father does the same, and so much more.  When I earnestly pray and humbly ask forgiveness, I know my heavenly Father wraps me in His arms and forgives me just as my parents did. 
     I was taught to love others, my family, and God.  For this, I am so thankful, and am reminded of Hebrews 13:1-2  "Let brotherly love continue.  Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

Friday, November 4, 2016

20 Days To Thanksgiving

     During my count down to Thanksgiving, I am so thankful that I have the privilege to live in American where I have the freedom to make choices, realizing that my choices effect and shape my life.  I am so very thankful I have the freedom to pray and worship God, and that I have chosen to accept Jesus into my heart. 
     In considering choices, I found a few quotes from others that correctly expresses my thoughts.

"Your life is a result of choices you made.  If you don't like your life, it's time to start making better choices."

"We make our choices, then our choices make us."

"May your choices reflect your hope, not your fears."

"Life is defined by the choices you make, so make the right ones."

"I am who I am today because of the choices I made yesterday."

     Then here's a prayer I found which further expresses my thoughts.

"Dear Lord,
     Lead me to make choices that bring your glory and allow me to experience the life you intended me to live."

Joshua 24:15 "And if it seem evil unto you to share the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve: Whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

 

Thursday, November 3, 2016

21 days to Thanksgiving

    This is a continuation of my thankfulness through Thanksgiving...
     I have a habit of coming up with all kinds of projects here in "A Friendly Shade."  So today, I'm so thankful for a spouse who is not only kind, thoughtful, and considerate, but who willingly assists me in getting my projects completed.  When he tells me, "No more projects,"  I have no doubt that he will remain supportive when another one develops and will be busy helping me develop the best method to get the project completed properly.          
     My husband truly practices the love given in 1st Corinthians 13:5-7 "Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered.  It keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."  I am so thankful for his loving ways.

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

22 Days Until Thanksgiving

With it being 22 Days Until Thanksgiving, I am continuing my challenge to do the Thanksgiving countdown by providing at least one thing I have to be thankful for every day. 

Today, I am thankful for teachers who are willing to work and give more time to their jobs than most people ever realize in order to educate our children; children who will be the future leaders of America.  Hopefully we will always be "one nation under God."  It is my prayer that God will be returned to the classroom and to the family home and dinner table.  
 
Leviticus 10:11  "And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the Lord hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses."

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

23 Days Until Thanksgiving


23 Days until Thanksgiving:

      The Christmas countdown usually begins right after or even before Thanksgiving.  In fact Thanksgiving is fast becoming the forgotten holiday.  More and more people are dressing up for Halloween and ensuring that their children share in the activities of  October 31, and then they jump right into Christmas decorating, the frantic buying process of purchasing gifts, and all the glitz and glamour that goes along with Christmas festivities.   
     What has happened to the history and the joy of Thanksgiving?  Sure, everyone wants the holiday, but do we miss the mark on sharing what Thanksgiving is all about?  Are we continuing to teach our children about the Pilgrims and how they prayed to God for their abundant harvest which, in all actuality, was not the abundance of food we see on tables today?
      In light of my thoughts here in "A Friendly Shade" regarding Thanksgiving,  I am proposing to share what I am thankful for daily during this countdown to Thanksgiving.

Today, I am thankful for those in professions who provide healthcare to those in need; those who are willing to step out of their complacent zones to search for answers to those who need healing.