Thursday, November 11, 2010

I Gave Something Back

I need to know that people are feeling better or lighter or understanding something more about their lives because of my work.  The one thing you can take to your grave at the end of it all is that you gave something back.   Patrick Swayze

We are all given the same number of hours each day.  God gave all of us 24 hours to eat, sleep, work, pray, play and the list goes on and on.  He gave us free will to make decisions as to how we will fill these 24 hours.  I love reading and have spent more time of late reading good wholesome books.  Also, Allen and I are planning a trip.  After working all day with a computer, phones, sitting at a desk, etc, I appreciate quiet time at home.
I've learned to slow down a little and I don't cram as much into today as in my yesterdays.  In so doing, there are days I don't even sit down to my computer at home.  Therefore, you receive Nan's Calendar on a less frequent basis than before.  You are still in my thoughts and prayers regardless of what I am doing throughout the day.  Never doubt my concern for you and your wellbeing.  I certainly want you to look forward to reading these devotionals when they come to you.
A long time ago, I know I looked death in the face and am alive to tell about it.  I cherish each and every day I live and breathe.  I am so thankful to be alive and to be a positive influence to others.  Nan's Calendar is one way I am giving back to God for all that I am, all that I will become, all that I have and all that I don't have. 
The work I do eight hours a day is specialized work.  It is a career God chose for me.  I don't hold a degree.  I hold the promises of God in my heart and I share those promises with anyone who comes into my path and opens their heart to receive them.  I am where I am because it is where God wants me to be.  Yes, I give something back at my office every day.  The greatest rewards to me are not the dollars that come into my checking account regularly.   I appreciate the money I earn, I appreciate more, the ability and the opportunity to give back to my community through words of encouragement and hope.  Faith, hope and love......that's what it is all about.  God gives us faith, hope and love and we are to share these gifts and not keep them for ourselves. 
Yes, I gave at the office and I give to you now.  At the end of it all, I will know in my heart I gave something back......love to you all.  Nan

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

The Quiet Mind

To the quiet mind all things are possible.  What is a quiet mind?  A quiet mind is one which nothing weighs on, nothing worries, which, free from ties and from all self-seeking, is wholly merged into the will of God and dead as to its own.  Such a one can do no deed however small but it is clothed with something of God's power and authority.  Meister Eckhart

God's power and authority is truly over our lives.  As I told you about my brothers being scattered across the country, I didn't tell you where they were in my youth and where they reside today.  In the days of my youth, they served as young men in our armed forces and eventually settled, two in California and one in New York.  I grew up in rural southeastern North Carolina.  As the years passed, God began to bring them closer to the east coast.  I married Allen and went to Germany for eight and a half years.  Two brothers moved to Wilmington, NC.  The other remained in New York all these years. 
God brought us back to the U.S. and continued to work for good in our lives.  One brother moved still closer, even though neither one of us knew it at the time.  Allen retired from the Air Force after serving for 24 years and we moved back home to North Carolina.  God had relocated my brother to merely an hour away from me.  Wilmington is a few hours away.  It would be several years before God's plan would be revealed to us all. 
Even when we have no clue, God is working for good in our lives.  That is what having faith is all about.  Believe the impossible is possible through God's power and authority over all things and all circumstances.  I believe there is no such thing as coincidence.  Everything happens for a reason and for a purpose. 
When we allow our minds to be quiet our being opens up to a whole new realm of possibilities.  Let go of anything that is negative and let God's positive power and authority reign supremely over your life.  Trust me, you will see results you never imagined possible.  I get excited just thinking about it!
Have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Elixir of Youth

For faith is the peculiar elixir of youth .....Whoever has faith is young, no matter how old he is; whoever has lost faith is old, even at 21.    Dr. Frank Crane

I found this quote in a book I am currently reading entitled A Treasury of Courage and Confidence. 
A cold evening in January 2008, my husband, Allen came home and told me of his discoveries that day.  He found clues through the miracle of the internet leading to the whereabouts of my three brothers I had never met at that time in life.  I always knew of them, and that they were scattered across the country, not realizing at the time, they didn't know a sister existed.
God led Allen in this search, and presented this information to me.   I had a choice as to what to do with the information.  It took a great deal of courage to pick up the phone.  I believe in God and I have faith in His plan for my life.  I prayed to God that He would give me the words necessary to explain myself.  As I began to leave my message on my brother's answering machine, I felt suddenly warmed and knew in my heart God intended for this mystery to be revealed and that I would at long last meet my brothers.  The reality is better than I ever dreamed it would be!
Since that time, two brothers and I met. This beautiful love story continues to glow and grow in our hearts.
Fastforward........Last Tuesday evening, I finally looked into the eyes of my third brother, Gene and we embraced for the first time in our lives.  A death in the family brought all of us together, and as we grieved and celebrated the life of Jeannie, we also rejoiced that she no longer needs a wheel chair.  At the same time, we praised God for this miracle of coming together of brothers and sister for the first time; all in the same room together, three brothers and a sister, (along with wives and extended family). 
Through courage and confidence interwoven with golden threads of faith, the course of history of our lives has changed forever.  Our lives are filled with more love and thankfulness than ever before.  That void in my heart as been filled with the love of brothers who finally know me and I, them.  Our love and appreciation for the God who created us all has deepened, because we know the truth.
My brothers, who are all older than me, have lived a lifetime without a sister, and now, by the grace of God, have a sister they know loves them and in fact, loved them before we ever met face to face. 
It's the same for me and Jesus.  We haven't met in person, but I love Him and He loves me.  Just imagine how great it will be when we finally meet in heaven!  I'm not afraid of death.   I'm so full of the love of life there is no fear left in me.
Is there a void in your heart that can only be filled by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior? When you let His love fill your heart, you will never be lacking for anything again. Your life will be better than you can imagine. It won't be perfect or without trials and troubles, but with faith, hope and love in your heart, you will be able to face any trial or trouble with courage and confidence, because you will know the truth.

Make sure you never miss a dose of this incredible elixir of youth.......faith.  Don't leave home without it!