Friday, April 30, 2010

Letting Go of the Past

It is God's will that we move forward in our lives in fulfillment of His purposes.  One of the great deterrents of emotional healing is being anchored to past pain, injustice, and struggles.  The enemy's strategy is to lock us in our negative pasts.  It is the only true weapon he can use to block our progress.  If he can cause us to concentrate on where we have been instead of where we are going, he can interrupt God's will for us.
David G. Evans from his book entitled Healed Without Scars

Today's quote is a prime example of God leading me to the exact message He wants to send out into the world today.  God truly knows my heart.  Today's message is evidence of that very fact.  None of us are perfect.  We all have a past and parts of the past aren't pretty.  In fact, ugly.  Admission of sin, asking for forgiveness, forgiving self  and others, letting go of guilt and shame are paramount in moving forward and letting go of the past. 
There are particular feelings I don't like.  I'm sure no one really likes to feel guilty about anything.  God allows us the ability of a vast range of feelings and emotions so that we can understand that bad feelings of guilt and shame go hand in hand with doing or saying things that are contrary to how God wants us to lead our lives.  I have felt guilt and shame before.  I make a conscious effort to not do or say things that will bring about those feelings.  Sometimes, I fail.  If left to fester, they will manifest themselves in untold ways to destroy us.
As well, I have been on the mountaintop before.  There are those of you who know exactly the mountaintop to which I refer.  You are sitting there smiling because you have been there. 
There will be negatives and positives throughout our lives.  As my Mama used to say with a twinkle in her eye in her soft, southern drawl, "as long as the good outweighs the bad, everything will turn out alright."
Let go of anything that is dragging you down and keeping you from fulfilling God's purpose for your life. 
Take care and move forward today.  Love, Nan
P.S. Take a moment to visit my link to the right entitled Nan's Flowers.  I posted a few photos last night I believe you will enjoy. 

Thursday, April 29, 2010

......when a plan comes together

I love it when a plan comes together.
Col. John "Hannibal" Smith (the character played by George Peppard in the TV show The A-Team)

In order for a plan to come together, first, there has to be a plan.  Sometimes, we go through life not realizing there is a plan and a purpose for that plan.  I'm talking, of course, about God's plan for each and every one of us and how we fit into His plan. 
There are so many wonderful, exciting mysteries in life and it is thrilling to experience the revelation of a clue in a mystery.  It is usually a hair raising, aha moment when we "get it".  Then, we are surprised that we didn't "get it" much sooner.  We might ask ourselves, "How could I not have seen that one coming?"  That's an easy answer.  God will reveal clues to us when we are able to comprehend and understand them and not a moment sooner.
I love being "in touch" with God.  Those days when you come to Nan's Calendar and you don't see a new post, you may wonder "where is she; is she ok; what is she doing these days; are all her fingers working; has she lost interest in writing.  The answers are: here, there and everywhere, still working for the Lord; yes; living a fulfilled and happy life with God in the center of it; yes and no.  Even though there are days I'm absent from the computer, I am still in alignment with God's plan for me.  God puts me where He needs me when He needs me there and for as long as He needs me there.  I'm either in a state of helping someone or in a state of being helped wherever I am.  I'm never lost.  Wherever I go, there I am and God is with me.
Take a moment to go to your Bible and read Jeremiah 29:11.  Don't stop there.  Before you close your Bible, God may reveal a clue to a mystery that has been on your mind.  Have a wonderful day! Love, Nan

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Be The Example

It is possible to preach the gospel without being obvious.  We evangelize to others by the very way we lead our lives.  We are an example to everyone we meet each and every day whether we realize it or not.
ncf

An Example To Others
by: Nan Forehand

realize and understand what life is all about
life is all about sharing God's love
sharing God's love will give pleasure to Him
give pleasure to Him in your daily life
in your daily life be an example to others
an example to others is one willing to adapt and adjust
adapt and adjust and do it with a happy heart
a happy heart is one accepting God's will
God's will for your life is to be an example to others

written Friday, December 2, 2005

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Imagine, Believe, Achieve

                                                Imagine

                         to conceive in the mind
                     a world of a spiritual kind
              where peace and love abound
         this place exists and can be found
                    this place is called Heaven

Believe

to take as real and true
Jesus Christ died for me and you
to have faith without a doubt
Christ alone has omnipotent clout
Christ alone can save your soul

                  Achieve

            to do; accomplish
Jesus can cleanse our every blemish
 through Him nothing is impossible
       dare you say probable
         dare you to imagine
               to believe
              to achieve
                  dare
    to have enough courage

poems written by Nan Forehand

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

The Reasons I Write

Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done.
Psalm 105:1

This very Psalm is one of the reasons I write to you today.  Many of you reading this message may think you don't "know" me, but when you read my words printed here, I am giving you my heart and soul, all the while giving thanks and praise to God that I am alive and able to give to you encouragement and inspiration and hope.
I write because I know my writing is a gift from God.  I began writing inspirational poetry five years ago after having spent seven hours one night writing "my story" entitled Faith, Hope, and Love.  Writing my story revealed so many things to me about life, people, heartbreaks, forgiveness, acceptance, but most of all, it revealed the depth of God's love for me during the most difficult times of my life.  Thanks to Quentin Clingerman for creating his website http://www.wordchimes.com/ and for God leading me there, you can read plenty of inspirational poetry from many well spoken poets who write from the heart.
I have grown so much because of the wonderful people God has allowed in my life.  At the same time, I also allowed these people to influence my growth.  We are never alone.  God didn't design us to live solely and independently upon this earth.  We need others and others need us.  Rather than become co-dependent on each other, we are to be interdependent of each other.  Above all, God wants a personal relationship with each of us.  He created us because He loves us and wants us to remain near to Him.
I write because I want the world to know what God has done for me He has done for others, is doing for others now and will do for others in the future.  All that is necessary is a willing and contrite heart.  I remember a time before I met my husband when I was truly a shell of a person in many ways.  I will spare you the details, but because of sexual abuse it took years to become the woman you know today.  I am truly a different woman.  God has transformed me from a pitiful person who truly was ugly and ashamed to one who is not afraid to speak for God and tell others what He has done for me.  It was an amazing day when I felt the ugliness and shame slip away forever.  While I don't have a perfect figure, when I look in the mirror I like the person I see looking back at me.  I am truly grateful God loves me.   I am so very thankful for the love of my husband and his family(my family) and the love of my children, my family and my friends.  None of us is perfect.  We all have faults and flaws, but God still loves us.  Our families still love us.  There was a time when I didn't love my self.  When I learned to love my self and to respect myself and forgive myself, I was able to truly love others, respect others and forgive others.
If you have stayed with me long enough to read this line, you may have perceived me a bit long-winded, but this is exactly the message God wants me to share with the world today.  Have a wonderful day and give thanks to the LORD for all He has done for you.
Thanks be to God.  Peace be with you.  Love, Nan

Friday, April 16, 2010

Our Final Change

Yesterday's message regarding change triggered a comment.  I could have simply taken a chance that someone might notice the entry, but I feel its worth and importance can not and must not be left to chance that someone "might" catch interest and read it.
To the sender of the comment I want to say a deep, heartfelt thank you for taking the time and effort to send the comment and poem.  I did Google your brother and was delighted to find him at the site of Fellowship of Christian Poets http://www.christianpoets.com/  and read his profile.  It is my honor and privilege to post his poem here today for all to read and meditate upon his insightful words.  Give my best wishes to Mr. Adams and thank you again so much for responding to yesterday's message. 

Anonymous said...


As you may have heard, we who are older do not like a lot of change. You might be interested in a poem written by an older brother of mine.

Our Final Change

Here on earth we make many changes,
We live here, work there, do different things.
But one day we will cease to change.
We'll live in Heaven with the King of Kings.

Here we don't have a lot of control
Over our future, but depend on others.
We have to depend on the lives of many,
But soon, just on our Lord - our Elder Brother.

What a wonderful time we will have up there
With all the saints, the Angels and our Lord.
We will always be sure of the future,
As He has promised in His wonderful Word.

Here on earth we have very little security.
We have to depend on many things.
But, up there we'll have absolute security,
Based on the love of the King of Kings.

William Oren Adams
Plano , TX
United States of America

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Seasons of Change

When it comes to change, there are three seasons of timing: people change when they hurt enough that they have to, when they learn enough that they want to, and when they receive enough that they are able to.
John Maxwell

The only thing we can count on is change.  Everything this side of Heaven is temporary.  It's simply a matter of time.  Whatever season you are living through right now, know that it is temporary; the good, the bad, or ugly.  We have no control over the seasons of nature.  However, we do have the power within us to change our attitudes, change our minds, change our hearts.  It's up to us to decide when we are able, ready and willing to change.  We simply can't change other people, but we can change ourselves into better, more fulfilled human beings.
Take care and have a great day!  Love, Nan

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.  Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy.  In the day of my trouble, I will call to You, for You will answer me. 
Psalm 86:5-7

The presence of the Holy Spirit is with us in good times and bad.  No man made medicine on Earth has the power to heal a human spirit as does the healing touch of God.  His unfailing strength and gentle mercy are always available to us and at the ready when, with whispered breath, we call on Him for help.
ncf

Call Upon the Lord

by: Nan Forehand

Call upon the Lord
It doesn't cost more than you can afford

Call upon the Lord today
He wants to hear what you have to say

Call upon the Lord tomorrow
He'll take away all your sorrow

Call upon the Lord always
Let me tell you it really pays

Call upon the Lord when times are good
Talk to Him like you know you should

Call upon the Lord when times are bad
He'll lift you up and you'll be glad

Call upon the Lord in your youth
He'll be sure to reveal the truth

Call upon the Lord in your middle age
Life will be more exciting with each turn of the page

Call upon the Lord when you're at the end of your game
encourage someone else to do the same

Call upon the Lord twenty-four/seven
He'll call you His own and in His time bring you to heaven

written Sunday, August 7, 2005

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Emotional Health

My definition of emotional health is having total peace about who you are, what you're doing, and where you're going, both individually and in relationship to those around you.  In other words, it's feeling totally at peace about the past, present, and future of your life. It's knowing that you're in line with God's ultimate purpose for you and being fulfilled in that.  When you have that kind of peace and you no longer live in emotional agony, then you are a success.
Stormie Omartian from her book entitled Lord, I Want To Be Whole - The Power of Prayer and Scripture in Emotional Healing

Stormie lists seven steps to emotional health.
1) release the past
2) live in obedience
3) find deliverance
4) seek total restoration
5) receive God's gifts
6) reject the pitfalls
7) stand strong

If you stand in the need of emotional healing today as you read this message, God is talking to you.  I can very much relate to what this woman is talking about.  Everyone has a past and I'm no exception.  Thank God I am whole.  My healing wasn't a quick fix nor will it be so for anyone else.  It is entirely possible, though, to be whole in spirit.  Stormie and I are living proof that God performs miracles in our lifetime; so many miracles, in so many different ways. 
Some are inclined to think of God as distant and uncaring.  That couldn't be farther from the truth.  As I have stated before, I want you to do more than exist.  I want you to thrive.  God wants this for you more than I want it for you.  Make a covenant with yourself and God today and be the man or woman of God He knows you are, even when you aren't convinced of that yourself.  Trust Him.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity."  Jeremiah 29:11-14

If your spirit is being held captive by the thoughts in your own mind, God has power and will unleash that power within you to be free from the invisible bonds that squeeze the life out of you.

As you go about your business today, know you are in my prayers.  Peace be with you.  Love, Nan

Monday, April 12, 2010

Breath of the Soul

Pray without ceasing.  1 Thessalonians 5:17

Abide means "to stay with" or "live with.  We are asked to "stay with" God in prayer.  O. Hallesby, a Norwegian theologian, compared prayer to something as vital and continuous as breathing.  We don't take one breath and hold it all day long, he reminded us.  We continually exercise our lungs so the air can perform its life-giving functions.  Prayer is the breath of the soul.  We must "breathe" prayer continuously so God can continually give us the life of His Spirit.  Sue Monk Kidd from her book entitled God's Joyful Surprises

The depth and the power of prayer goes far beyond conscious awareness.  When the very essence of God permeates our lives as to abide in us, we experience a shift in awareness.  We begin to see others and ourselves in a new light.  To pray without ceasing is possible when we abide in Christ and He abides in us.

Take care and have a wonderful, joyful day in the Lord.  Have a day full of wonder and full of joy in the Lord!
Peace be with you.  Love, Nan

Friday, April 9, 2010

Healthy Giving

Healthy giving is part of healthy living.  The goal in recovery is balance - caring that is motivated by a true desire to give, with an underlying attitude of respect for ourselves and others.
The goal in recovery is to choose what we want to give, to whom, when, and how much.  The goal in recovery is to give, and not feel victimized by our giving.
Are we giving because we want, to, because it's our respnsibility? Or are we giving because we feel obligated, guilty, ashamed, or superior?  Are we giving because we feel afraid to say no?
Are the ways we try to assist people helpful, or do they prevent others from facing their true responsibilities?
Are we giving so that people will like us or feel obligated to us?  Are we giving to prove we're worthy? Or are we giving because we want to give and it feels right?  Melody Beattie from her book entitled The Language of Letting Go

That last line of the quote applies to me.  I'm giving because I want to give and it feels right.  There was a time in my life when some of the other scenarios of giving applied.  I've learned and I'm still learning.  We are all in a state of recovery.  The addiction to sin is rampant.  We are all in a walking recovery.  Which disciple was it who said "I do the things I don't want to do and I don't do the things I want to do." 
We all have a choice in each and every situation we encounter.  It is up to us to find that balance for which we seek.  Do the right thing because it is the right thing to do.  Think before speaking and think before acting. 
We were created to be loving and giving.  Then sin came into the world.  We are equipped to be conquerers of sin.  Healthy giving is a part of healthy living.  I want you to do more than exist in this world.  I want you to thrive!!!!  I want you to do more than take shallow breaths.  I want you to breathe deeply of the Breath of Life!  Take care and have a wonderful day!  Love, Nan

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Without Thought of Recompense

One is seldom urged to show love when one feels unloved....one feels unloved when one has not shown enough love to those around them!  The only way around is to love without thought of recompense. 
Constance Davis Balan

I'm fully aware my last message was written on March 31st.  I have been putting longer hours in my office of late, all in the name of progress.  By the time I would get home in the evening, I was mentally exhausted.  When I write a message to you, I want to be fresh and in a proper frame of mind to send you a message worthy of your time.   I've also heard it said "do the right thing because it is the right thing to do."  It was the right thing to do to go in early and work later than usual.  There are a lot of other factors involved, of which I will spare you the details.  I had no ulterior motive, (no preconceived plan ahead of time) such as a desire to make overtime,( in other words, adjusting my hours in order to make more money).  This, in fact, is a temporary situation which required more of my attention; my time; and my energy.  My integrity is intact and I did my job with a happy heart. 
Whatever you do in life, do it with no thought of recompense.  Do the right thing because it is the right thing to do, even when no one is looking, because Someone (God) is always watching. 
I write this message tonight, not for everyone, because it doesn't apply to everyone.  I write it because it is the message God put on my heart to write.  Someone out there needs to "hear" it.  Now, do more than hear it.  Apply it each day of your life.  In so doing, your conscience will always be clear and you won't have to defend yourself to anyone as to why you did what you did.  Plus, possibly without realizing it at the time, you become a positive example/positive influence for someone else.
Whether it's day or night in your part of the world, I will say good morning, good afternoon, or good night!  Have a wonderful day/evening and don't waste one precious minute of it!  Love, Nan