Surrender to the moment. Ride it out and through, for all it's worth. Throw yourself into it. Stop resisting. So much of our anguish is created when we are in resistance. So much relief, release and change are possible when we accept, simply accept. Melody Beattie
I remember the first time I rode Apollo's Chariot at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg (Va). It was a very intimidating roller coaster, to say the least. My family, eager to ride it, convinced me to get through the seemingly endless line of people and ride it with them. Throughout the whole ride, 2 min. 15 sec, at 73 mph, I kept my eyes tightly closed and screamed at the top of my lungs. I resisted for all I was worth during that first ride, but I lost my fear eventually. Because we lived meer minutes away from the amusement park and had season's passes, I could go any time I was able to arrange a visit. It is such sweet release when all fear is gone. Mind you, respect is of utmost importance, but the more I rode that roller coaster, the more I enjoyed it.
Today's quote can be applied to any given assignment. It is when we surrender that we gain the greatest victory. Have a wonderful day! Love, Nan
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Start Where You Are
Start where you are, with what you've got. As with other issues, acceptance and gratitude turn what we have into more. Melody Beattie
Satan separates and divides. God adds and multiplies. a church sign
At times, we all ponder our relationship with God. We may find ourselves lacking in knowledge and understanding of God. Start today with the understanding you have gained at this point in your life. By accepting God for God and being grateful for all you have and grateful for all that you don't have that you really don't want, the godly channel of your mind opens wider and you become able to absorb even more godly principles and begin to apply them in daily life. As you are able to accept and understand some of the simple truths about the nature and character of God, the more He will reveal Himself to you. Open your mind. Open your heart. Open your Bible.
With an open mind and an open heart....in Christian love. Nan
Satan separates and divides. God adds and multiplies. a church sign
At times, we all ponder our relationship with God. We may find ourselves lacking in knowledge and understanding of God. Start today with the understanding you have gained at this point in your life. By accepting God for God and being grateful for all you have and grateful for all that you don't have that you really don't want, the godly channel of your mind opens wider and you become able to absorb even more godly principles and begin to apply them in daily life. As you are able to accept and understand some of the simple truths about the nature and character of God, the more He will reveal Himself to you. Open your mind. Open your heart. Open your Bible.
With an open mind and an open heart....in Christian love. Nan
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Old Cheese vs. New Cheese
Imagining myself enjoying new cheese even before I find it, leads me to it.
Spencer Johnson, M.D.
Life is no straight and easy corridor along which we travel free and unhampered, but a maze of passages, through which we must seek our way, lost and confused, now and again checked in a blind alley. But always, if we have faith, a door will open for us, not perhaps one that we ourselves would ever have thought of, but one that will ultimately prove good for us.
A.J. Cronin
These quotes come from the book entitled Who Moved My Cheese, written by Dr. Spencer Johnson. I can totally relate to the insight provided here. I never planned for nor did I dream of a career in outpatient mental health. I was in a temporary job ten or more years ago and needed a full time job. I had faith that God would direct me accordingly. I had plenty of office experience, but no medical or mental health experience when I received a call from an office manager in a mental health practice that they were having difficulty finding someone for a position in their practice. Mind you, I was simply doing my job when this call came in to the office. I was working in a personnel office at the time. I needed a full time job and knew in my heart I was the person to fill this position. I didn't seek out that full time job. However, the job found me, because I believed without a doubt.
To make a long story short, I did get the job in the mental health office all those years ago. Today, I am still employed in a mental health office (not that same one as Allen retired from the Air Force and we moved back to his home town) and I know this career field, though I didn't originally seek it out, is the career field of God's own choosing for me. No, it wasn't always easy or pleasant, and sometimes I needed an attitude adjustment. Because I knew in my heart God chose it for me, I brought gratitude back into my heart and experienced peace that sustained me then and continues to sustain me each and every day.
I imagined in my mind that I would move from a temporary job to a full time job even before I was hired. As I often say in my office "if you can imagine a negative 'what if' you can also imagine a positive 'what if'. I imagine I will have a wonderful day today! How about you? You can if you think you can!
Take care. Love, Nan
Spencer Johnson, M.D.
Life is no straight and easy corridor along which we travel free and unhampered, but a maze of passages, through which we must seek our way, lost and confused, now and again checked in a blind alley. But always, if we have faith, a door will open for us, not perhaps one that we ourselves would ever have thought of, but one that will ultimately prove good for us.
A.J. Cronin
These quotes come from the book entitled Who Moved My Cheese, written by Dr. Spencer Johnson. I can totally relate to the insight provided here. I never planned for nor did I dream of a career in outpatient mental health. I was in a temporary job ten or more years ago and needed a full time job. I had faith that God would direct me accordingly. I had plenty of office experience, but no medical or mental health experience when I received a call from an office manager in a mental health practice that they were having difficulty finding someone for a position in their practice. Mind you, I was simply doing my job when this call came in to the office. I was working in a personnel office at the time. I needed a full time job and knew in my heart I was the person to fill this position. I didn't seek out that full time job. However, the job found me, because I believed without a doubt.
To make a long story short, I did get the job in the mental health office all those years ago. Today, I am still employed in a mental health office (not that same one as Allen retired from the Air Force and we moved back to his home town) and I know this career field, though I didn't originally seek it out, is the career field of God's own choosing for me. No, it wasn't always easy or pleasant, and sometimes I needed an attitude adjustment. Because I knew in my heart God chose it for me, I brought gratitude back into my heart and experienced peace that sustained me then and continues to sustain me each and every day.
I imagined in my mind that I would move from a temporary job to a full time job even before I was hired. As I often say in my office "if you can imagine a negative 'what if' you can also imagine a positive 'what if'. I imagine I will have a wonderful day today! How about you? You can if you think you can!
Take care. Love, Nan
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Lord, Show Us The Way
We need not avoid our active lives, but simply bring to them a new vision and shift of gravity. We are called to live a life rich and full, but rooted firmly in the center where all is drawn together in God and then flows out of His presence. That is when life becomes the silent dance revolving around Him, alive with the music of His love. Sue Monk Kidd
Lord, show us the way to accept our human limitations. Help us, at the same time, to show others the love You have shown us. Teach us how to change our negative attitudes and negative thinking to positive attitudes and positive thinking. Teach us to discover how to live more in Your likeness. Lord, You have given us all we need and abundantly so. For those times we think we don't have enough money or resources or time or energy or desire, convince our weak minds that You provide abundantly for all our needs. Strengthen our minds and our bodies to live in service to You and for You. To give to others as You have given to us is what we strive to do. Through our Bible reading, times of solitude, meditation and prayer, draw near to us as we draw near to You. Pour over us Your Holy Spirit. Fill us with Your love. Teach us to give with a happy heart, asking for nothing and expecting nothing in return. Forgive us when we fail you. Thank You for loving us. Be with those who are sad, sick and suffering. Soften the hearts of those who have turned away from You and lead them back to Your loving arms. Lord, show yourself to the leaders of our country that they may honor You by leading our nation according to Your will rather than the will of man.
To God, our Father, who is in control of all things; to Him be the glory forever. In His name I pray. Amen
Lord, show us the way to accept our human limitations. Help us, at the same time, to show others the love You have shown us. Teach us how to change our negative attitudes and negative thinking to positive attitudes and positive thinking. Teach us to discover how to live more in Your likeness. Lord, You have given us all we need and abundantly so. For those times we think we don't have enough money or resources or time or energy or desire, convince our weak minds that You provide abundantly for all our needs. Strengthen our minds and our bodies to live in service to You and for You. To give to others as You have given to us is what we strive to do. Through our Bible reading, times of solitude, meditation and prayer, draw near to us as we draw near to You. Pour over us Your Holy Spirit. Fill us with Your love. Teach us to give with a happy heart, asking for nothing and expecting nothing in return. Forgive us when we fail you. Thank You for loving us. Be with those who are sad, sick and suffering. Soften the hearts of those who have turned away from You and lead them back to Your loving arms. Lord, show yourself to the leaders of our country that they may honor You by leading our nation according to Your will rather than the will of man.
To God, our Father, who is in control of all things; to Him be the glory forever. In His name I pray. Amen
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Welcome Spring Welcome! - Haiku
This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
Welcome Spring Welcome! - Haiku
by: Nan Forehand
welcome Spring welcome!
we made it through the Winter!
blithesome Spring morning!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
visit http://www.wordchimes.com/ to enjoy poems by some of the best poets of our day (it is an honor for me to be counted among them) ncf
Welcome Spring Welcome! - Haiku
by: Nan Forehand
welcome Spring welcome!
we made it through the Winter!
blithesome Spring morning!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
visit http://www.wordchimes.com/ to enjoy poems by some of the best poets of our day (it is an honor for me to be counted among them) ncf
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Have A Little Faith
Faith acts as if something is, even when it is not, in order that it might be.
The moment you are saved by faith, God declares that you are righteous. In that declaration is the promise of the peace of God, access into His grace, and personal growth and transformation during tribulations.
Peace comes from knowing and experiencing the will of God through faith. In spite of the wounds you have received and the scars that have developed as a result, you have been positioned to experience peace that goes beyond our every day definition of the word. God's peace "surpasses all understanding" and is not dependant on circumstances.
The quotes I have brought you today all come from David G. Evans. His book entitled Healed Without Scars is a great book. I haven't read it from cover to cover, but he and I are certainly on the same wave length! Mr. Evans also said "Faith rises above knowledge and emotion."
I am currently in the process of reading several books at the same time; all as God is directing me, in order to reveal particular truths to me in His perfect timing.
A few years ago, I wrote a poem called Scars On My Heart (go to http://www.wordchimes.com/ if you'd like to read it.) Those scars have truly disappeared! Thanks be to God, my Savior. If you wear emotional scars on your heart, that's not a bad thing. You have survived something tramatic and lived to tell about it. No longer a victim, and more than a survivor, when your scars truly have vanished, it is absolutely to God's credit. He deserves the recognition and the glory for our complete recovery.
True deliverance is our being changed in the midst of a situation before the situation changes. This quote begins Chapter Ten. Donald Sutherland's character said "Have a little faith, baby" in a war movie called Kelly's Heroes. It's my favorite line in the movie. Have a little faith and God responds. Have great faith and be amazed at the depth of God's love, mercy and grace bestowed upon you. Remember, with God, nothing is impossible. With God, all things are possible. He's the very best in the business of making miracles happen!
Expect a miracle in your life today! Take care. Love, Nan
Have A Little Faith
once saw an old movie
a particular line quite groovy
twas Donald Sutherland who said
this line stuck in my head
when one needs a swift kick (figuratively)(with a smile)
I'm reminded of this old flick
say this line with a slow drawl
now remember this y'all
he didn't say don't and he didn't say maybe
he said "Have a little faith, baby."
now that wasn't so tough
short, sweet without a lot of fluff
but it carries a strong punch
'cause God loves you a whole bunch!
Mark 11:22
"Have faith in God," Jesus answered.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
The moment you are saved by faith, God declares that you are righteous. In that declaration is the promise of the peace of God, access into His grace, and personal growth and transformation during tribulations.
Peace comes from knowing and experiencing the will of God through faith. In spite of the wounds you have received and the scars that have developed as a result, you have been positioned to experience peace that goes beyond our every day definition of the word. God's peace "surpasses all understanding" and is not dependant on circumstances.
The quotes I have brought you today all come from David G. Evans. His book entitled Healed Without Scars is a great book. I haven't read it from cover to cover, but he and I are certainly on the same wave length! Mr. Evans also said "Faith rises above knowledge and emotion."
I am currently in the process of reading several books at the same time; all as God is directing me, in order to reveal particular truths to me in His perfect timing.
A few years ago, I wrote a poem called Scars On My Heart (go to http://www.wordchimes.com/ if you'd like to read it.) Those scars have truly disappeared! Thanks be to God, my Savior. If you wear emotional scars on your heart, that's not a bad thing. You have survived something tramatic and lived to tell about it. No longer a victim, and more than a survivor, when your scars truly have vanished, it is absolutely to God's credit. He deserves the recognition and the glory for our complete recovery.
True deliverance is our being changed in the midst of a situation before the situation changes. This quote begins Chapter Ten. Donald Sutherland's character said "Have a little faith, baby" in a war movie called Kelly's Heroes. It's my favorite line in the movie. Have a little faith and God responds. Have great faith and be amazed at the depth of God's love, mercy and grace bestowed upon you. Remember, with God, nothing is impossible. With God, all things are possible. He's the very best in the business of making miracles happen!
Expect a miracle in your life today! Take care. Love, Nan
Have A Little Faith
once saw an old movie
a particular line quite groovy
twas Donald Sutherland who said
this line stuck in my head
when one needs a swift kick (figuratively)(with a smile)
I'm reminded of this old flick
say this line with a slow drawl
now remember this y'all
he didn't say don't and he didn't say maybe
he said "Have a little faith, baby."
now that wasn't so tough
short, sweet without a lot of fluff
but it carries a strong punch
'cause God loves you a whole bunch!
Mark 11:22
"Have faith in God," Jesus answered.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Harmony
Harmony in my life is ........
tranquility
an internal calm
a soft, soothing balm
my soul's inner peace
from all agitation - a sweet release
a mind clear and free of storms
to dispel an evil thought as it forms
abiding in God with complete security
a life filled with utter surety
achieved through action
a focused effort from distraction
heard on the breeze as a melody sweet
as significant as my very own heartbeat
abundant in my dwelling place
in the look of love on my beloved's face
as important as the air
essential - of this, I'm keenly aware
tranquility
written by: Nan Forehand
1 Peter 3:8-12
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from decitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
tranquility
an internal calm
a soft, soothing balm
my soul's inner peace
from all agitation - a sweet release
a mind clear and free of storms
to dispel an evil thought as it forms
abiding in God with complete security
a life filled with utter surety
achieved through action
a focused effort from distraction
heard on the breeze as a melody sweet
as significant as my very own heartbeat
abundant in my dwelling place
in the look of love on my beloved's face
as important as the air
essential - of this, I'm keenly aware
tranquility
written by: Nan Forehand
1 Peter 3:8-12
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from decitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Family
Family - is at the center of life's meaning; individuals linked together by a golden chain of love; family celebrates triumphs and shares adversities across generations and across the miles like a never-ending hug. Family encircles each member with steadfast devotion and enduring love. Family is belonging to and believing in each other. Author Unknown
There is no doubt in my mind this quote is intended for you today. I found it scribbled on an aged piece of paper as I unpacked a box recently. I typed the quote with the intention of including it in the post and didn't finish the post. I came to the computer this morning with another thought in mind. I had typed almost the entire message and somehow it was all deleted before my eyes, much to my astonishment! I realized, as the glory bumps rose up on my arms, that God wanted the quote about "Family" included in the message, instead of the other one I had begun this morning.
God is in control of everything, including the quotes and messages posted here. We are all part of God's family. God is love and God is the head of our family.
God - is at the center of life's meaning; individuals linked together by a golden chain of love; God celebrates triumphs and shares adversities across generations and across the miles like a never-ending hug. God encircles each member with steadfast devotion and enduring love. Family is belonging to and believing in each other; all this, by the grace of God.
Thank you so much for your prayers on behalf of my brother, Woody. He did have a heart attack and had two stents put in. He is home recovering, but is having side effects from one of the medications. Please continue to remember him in prayer. Also, thank you for remembering Paul and Sharon Lowry in prayer. Visit www.caringbridge.org/sharonlowry to receive the latest updates. They are truly an amazing couple transformed by Grace and they are serving God as His disciples in the midst of the unknowns of Sharon's brain tumor. They know God is in control and they are a blessing to all of us. God blesses them and they bless God. Allen and I had a brief visit with Paul yesterday afternoon. Sharon was resting after her incredible day! God is good all the time and all the time God is good!
I have to get ready for work now!!! I lost track of time! Have a wonderful day! Love ya! Nan
Transformed by Grace - Tanka
By: Nan Forehand
by God's grace we are transformed
into His likeness
this grace creates disciples
ready and willing to serve
our purpose is clear
copyright 2008 Transformed by Grace
There is no doubt in my mind this quote is intended for you today. I found it scribbled on an aged piece of paper as I unpacked a box recently. I typed the quote with the intention of including it in the post and didn't finish the post. I came to the computer this morning with another thought in mind. I had typed almost the entire message and somehow it was all deleted before my eyes, much to my astonishment! I realized, as the glory bumps rose up on my arms, that God wanted the quote about "Family" included in the message, instead of the other one I had begun this morning.
God is in control of everything, including the quotes and messages posted here. We are all part of God's family. God is love and God is the head of our family.
God - is at the center of life's meaning; individuals linked together by a golden chain of love; God celebrates triumphs and shares adversities across generations and across the miles like a never-ending hug. God encircles each member with steadfast devotion and enduring love. Family is belonging to and believing in each other; all this, by the grace of God.
Thank you so much for your prayers on behalf of my brother, Woody. He did have a heart attack and had two stents put in. He is home recovering, but is having side effects from one of the medications. Please continue to remember him in prayer. Also, thank you for remembering Paul and Sharon Lowry in prayer. Visit www.caringbridge.org/sharonlowry to receive the latest updates. They are truly an amazing couple transformed by Grace and they are serving God as His disciples in the midst of the unknowns of Sharon's brain tumor. They know God is in control and they are a blessing to all of us. God blesses them and they bless God. Allen and I had a brief visit with Paul yesterday afternoon. Sharon was resting after her incredible day! God is good all the time and all the time God is good!
I have to get ready for work now!!! I lost track of time! Have a wonderful day! Love ya! Nan
Transformed by Grace - Tanka
By: Nan Forehand
by God's grace we are transformed
into His likeness
this grace creates disciples
ready and willing to serve
our purpose is clear
copyright 2008 Transformed by Grace
Friday, March 5, 2010
Heartbeat
One of the most beautiful sounds I have ever heard is the sound of a heartbeat. It is truly an incredible experience simply to be close enough to someone else to be able to hear and feel their heart beating.
ncf
At this moment in time, I am in a state of complete peace. Yes, it's the middle of the night and I'm here composing a message for you when I could be, should be sleeping. Right this moment, I belong here at the computer gathering my thoughts for you when you least expect me to be. Yet, the peace I feel is so profound that I must not delay in sharing it with you. I want you to experience peace as I do.
The sound of a heart beating within the chest of a loved one is priceless. I've searched for the perfect poem about the heartbeat and they all referred to lovers. I'm talking about a different kind of experience. I've searched my Bible for verses about the heart and I didn't find one that specifically mentions the heartbeat itself.
Do you remember, as a child, the peace and calm that overcame you when your parent held you close enough to hear their heart beating? Do you remember, as a parent, holding your little one close to your chest and feeling the tension fall away? The tension fell away because the very sound of your heart beating had such a profound effect on your child. And yes, lovers, think of the peace that engulfs you when you are lying there in each others arms listening to the heartbeat of the one you love. I know, also, that some of you survive a spouse who has already passed on. I want you to close your eyes and be still and quiet. Meditate on the very essence of your spouse and you can faintly hear that precious sound for which you've longed and missed. I recently read that when God wants you in heaven, nothing can keep you on earth. When God wants you on earth, nothing can take you to heaven. You are here on earth right now, because this is where God wants you to be. You can still experience peace in the here and now.
I know some of you reading my love note are single and don't have one with you right now whose heartbeat you can hear. You do have an intimate relationship with Jesus. We all do. Some people in a relationship live separately together. Perhaps they don't even realize what they are missing by being distant from those they love.
My Mama died 25 years ago and I can still remember how it felt to be in her arms, listening to her heart beating. Love never dies. Even death can not separate me from my precious Mama. What a treasure it was to be held in her arms.....the arms of love.
Draw close enough to Jesus to listen to His heartbeat. He will allow you to come close enough to Him to hear it. He will enfold you in His arms and you will experience the peace of a child held close to the breast of a beloved parent. Everything in life revolves around relationships. Our most important relationship is the one we have with our Creator. Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you.
Right now, my beloved brother, Woody is in a hospital due to a heart attack . In a few hours he will undergo surgery. I pray for God's hand to guide the surgeon so that soon I will be able to gently lay my head upon my brother's chest and hear his heart beating. What a precious sound.
I'm also keeping Sharon and Paul Lowry close in thought and prayer as they love each other through this reality of Sharon's brain tumor. How treasured to each other is the sound of the other's heart beating. You must take time to visit the caringbridge site set up for Sharon. It's located to the right in "My Favorite Links" section of the blog. As you read Paul's messages, you will absolutely be drawn to God through Paul's words. In this difficult time for Paul and Sharon lies one of their greatest triumphs. They both glorify God and bring Him honor and glory in the midst of so many unknowns. They are simply living in the glow of the Sonshine and in doing so, the shadows of doubt fall away behind them.
Before I came to the computer, I was, in fact, listening to Allen's heartbeat. Mr. Kitty is sound asleep here next to me and I gently laid my head close to his beautiful gray fur and listened to his heart beating softly in his chest. Life is good. Don't take the inestimable value of the heartbeat for granted.
Easter is just around the corner. Jesus lived and died on the cross and He arose. He abides in me and I abide in Him. My faith is in Him. I'm not worried about Woody or Paul and Sharon. As much as I love them, Jesus loves them more. He is their protector. He will sustain them. And, He will sustain you. Have a wonderful day!
In Christian love, Nan
ncf
At this moment in time, I am in a state of complete peace. Yes, it's the middle of the night and I'm here composing a message for you when I could be, should be sleeping. Right this moment, I belong here at the computer gathering my thoughts for you when you least expect me to be. Yet, the peace I feel is so profound that I must not delay in sharing it with you. I want you to experience peace as I do.
The sound of a heart beating within the chest of a loved one is priceless. I've searched for the perfect poem about the heartbeat and they all referred to lovers. I'm talking about a different kind of experience. I've searched my Bible for verses about the heart and I didn't find one that specifically mentions the heartbeat itself.
Do you remember, as a child, the peace and calm that overcame you when your parent held you close enough to hear their heart beating? Do you remember, as a parent, holding your little one close to your chest and feeling the tension fall away? The tension fell away because the very sound of your heart beating had such a profound effect on your child. And yes, lovers, think of the peace that engulfs you when you are lying there in each others arms listening to the heartbeat of the one you love. I know, also, that some of you survive a spouse who has already passed on. I want you to close your eyes and be still and quiet. Meditate on the very essence of your spouse and you can faintly hear that precious sound for which you've longed and missed. I recently read that when God wants you in heaven, nothing can keep you on earth. When God wants you on earth, nothing can take you to heaven. You are here on earth right now, because this is where God wants you to be. You can still experience peace in the here and now.
I know some of you reading my love note are single and don't have one with you right now whose heartbeat you can hear. You do have an intimate relationship with Jesus. We all do. Some people in a relationship live separately together. Perhaps they don't even realize what they are missing by being distant from those they love.
My Mama died 25 years ago and I can still remember how it felt to be in her arms, listening to her heart beating. Love never dies. Even death can not separate me from my precious Mama. What a treasure it was to be held in her arms.....the arms of love.
Draw close enough to Jesus to listen to His heartbeat. He will allow you to come close enough to Him to hear it. He will enfold you in His arms and you will experience the peace of a child held close to the breast of a beloved parent. Everything in life revolves around relationships. Our most important relationship is the one we have with our Creator. Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you.
Right now, my beloved brother, Woody is in a hospital due to a heart attack . In a few hours he will undergo surgery. I pray for God's hand to guide the surgeon so that soon I will be able to gently lay my head upon my brother's chest and hear his heart beating. What a precious sound.
I'm also keeping Sharon and Paul Lowry close in thought and prayer as they love each other through this reality of Sharon's brain tumor. How treasured to each other is the sound of the other's heart beating. You must take time to visit the caringbridge site set up for Sharon. It's located to the right in "My Favorite Links" section of the blog. As you read Paul's messages, you will absolutely be drawn to God through Paul's words. In this difficult time for Paul and Sharon lies one of their greatest triumphs. They both glorify God and bring Him honor and glory in the midst of so many unknowns. They are simply living in the glow of the Sonshine and in doing so, the shadows of doubt fall away behind them.
Before I came to the computer, I was, in fact, listening to Allen's heartbeat. Mr. Kitty is sound asleep here next to me and I gently laid my head close to his beautiful gray fur and listened to his heart beating softly in his chest. Life is good. Don't take the inestimable value of the heartbeat for granted.
Easter is just around the corner. Jesus lived and died on the cross and He arose. He abides in me and I abide in Him. My faith is in Him. I'm not worried about Woody or Paul and Sharon. As much as I love them, Jesus loves them more. He is their protector. He will sustain them. And, He will sustain you. Have a wonderful day!
In Christian love, Nan
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Silent Gratitude Isn't Much Use To Anyone
Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.
G. B. Stern
The quote above was printed in a book I was given today by a very special lady God brought into my life. "Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone," Stern said. I have worked side by side with this incredible lady, Gloria, for two years and today she wanted me to know how much she appreciated me and gave me the book and a beautiful bookmark. It is I who am so grateful for her presence and positive influence in my life these past two years. She knows me very well. In fact, she pointed out a particular page in the book and asked me to read it aloud. "My inclination is to say, 'You shouldn't have,' but knowing you as I do, you'll just shrug and act as if your gift was no big deal. Someone with a heart as big as yours deserves more than a simple thanks. So I want to say.....YOU BLESSED MY SOCKS OFF!' " I read these words to her as I remembered the gift I had given her a few weeks ago. It was a 12 month desk calendar entitled "Nan's Calendar 2010" with photos I had taken and a special bible verse on each page. I gave it to her because I wanted her to have it. The day I gave it to her was like most any other day. It wasn't her birthday or other significant occasion. It was simply the day I decided to give it to her.
I'm sharing this story with you today, not to swell up my own head, but to recognize Gloria for the sweet, kindhearted lady to whom I am so grateful for so many reasons. The gift of the calendar to her was a token of my appreciation for her and the many acts of kindness she has so freely bestowed upon myself and others.
Please continue to pray for Sharon Lowry and my brother, Woody. You may want to read those messages recently devoted to them and my requests for prayers on their behalf.
Below this message is a link I have included for you today. You simply must take time to watch this youtube video to the very end. I received a comment today from my friend, Geneva, which included the link. It is totally a God-thing that I received both the gift from Gloria and the youtube video from Geneva today. This is God's message to all of us. First and foremost, let God know of your gratitude to Him for all He has given you and all He has done for you and for all He will do for you. Remember, silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.
I am grateful to you for taking time out of your busy schedule to read Nan's Calendar. It is written with love in a grateful heart for you and all you mean to me. You didn't have to visit this blog today. You came for a visit because you wanted to come and I appreciate your visit. Please come again any time. The contents of each message is a mystery until God reveals it to me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3HnUfqCBfc
G. B. Stern
The quote above was printed in a book I was given today by a very special lady God brought into my life. "Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone," Stern said. I have worked side by side with this incredible lady, Gloria, for two years and today she wanted me to know how much she appreciated me and gave me the book and a beautiful bookmark. It is I who am so grateful for her presence and positive influence in my life these past two years. She knows me very well. In fact, she pointed out a particular page in the book and asked me to read it aloud. "My inclination is to say, 'You shouldn't have,' but knowing you as I do, you'll just shrug and act as if your gift was no big deal. Someone with a heart as big as yours deserves more than a simple thanks. So I want to say.....YOU BLESSED MY SOCKS OFF!' " I read these words to her as I remembered the gift I had given her a few weeks ago. It was a 12 month desk calendar entitled "Nan's Calendar 2010" with photos I had taken and a special bible verse on each page. I gave it to her because I wanted her to have it. The day I gave it to her was like most any other day. It wasn't her birthday or other significant occasion. It was simply the day I decided to give it to her.
I'm sharing this story with you today, not to swell up my own head, but to recognize Gloria for the sweet, kindhearted lady to whom I am so grateful for so many reasons. The gift of the calendar to her was a token of my appreciation for her and the many acts of kindness she has so freely bestowed upon myself and others.
Please continue to pray for Sharon Lowry and my brother, Woody. You may want to read those messages recently devoted to them and my requests for prayers on their behalf.
Below this message is a link I have included for you today. You simply must take time to watch this youtube video to the very end. I received a comment today from my friend, Geneva, which included the link. It is totally a God-thing that I received both the gift from Gloria and the youtube video from Geneva today. This is God's message to all of us. First and foremost, let God know of your gratitude to Him for all He has given you and all He has done for you and for all He will do for you. Remember, silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.
I am grateful to you for taking time out of your busy schedule to read Nan's Calendar. It is written with love in a grateful heart for you and all you mean to me. You didn't have to visit this blog today. You came for a visit because you wanted to come and I appreciate your visit. Please come again any time. The contents of each message is a mystery until God reveals it to me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3HnUfqCBfc
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Power of A Smile
"Is it possible that faith, hope, and love, along with laughter and confidence, combined with the will to live have therapeutic value?" author unknown
I believe that 10 minutes of genuine, "bust a gut funny" laughter has an anesthetic effect. It can't come as a surprise to you that I am not always positive. In fact, sometimes, I'm not in a good mood. But, remember, it's only temporary. Take today, for instance. I will spare you the details of a most challenging day in the world of mental health. Add to the challenge, if you will, computer issues and being on the phone with a "tech" guy talking me through numerous steps through a very complex computer system, trying to work out a "bug" in the system. I'm not as limber as I used to be and getting down under the desk (tugging on the cables connected to the back of the computer) wasn't the problem as much as it was to gracefully crawl out from under the desk, all the while, in full view of patients coming and going. Mind you, I'm learning more about computers all the time, but this particular experience was a bit foreign to me. I was mentally exhausted by the time I left the office.
I had to force my mouth into the shape of a grin for most of the drive home. Believe it or not, it worked. I kept my mouth in the shape of a smile long enough that I truly began to feel better. My mind is conditioned to understand that when my cheek muscles strain upward, it must mean I'm in a good mood. When my cheek muscles are drawn down beyond my chin, my brain interprets that as a sign that I must not be in a good mood. When I left my office, I did not feel like smiling. I smiled anyway!
Today is my niece's birthday and all of us planned to attend dinner tonight in her honor. What happened earlier in my day wasn't important enough to ruin our evening with family. I was able to let go of the events of the day and they didn't have a negative effect on my attitude the rest of the evening. We were all happy to be together. Even with the cold wind blowing the snow sideways outside, our hearts experienced the warmth of a family gathering.
Sure, I'm tired, but it's a "good" tired. And, yes, I believe in positive stress and negative stress. Positive stress is what I experienced today. We were very productive in the office, in spite of the fact that the computers were an issue most of the day. Had I buckled under the weight of negative stress, today's message would have been quite different, indeed.
Live a lot. Laugh a lot. Love a lot. Fully live, not merely exist. Laugh til your cheeks hurt. Love like you've never been hurt. Just do it. Today is a gift. Don't waste it.
Take care. Love ya! :) Nan :)
I believe that 10 minutes of genuine, "bust a gut funny" laughter has an anesthetic effect. It can't come as a surprise to you that I am not always positive. In fact, sometimes, I'm not in a good mood. But, remember, it's only temporary. Take today, for instance. I will spare you the details of a most challenging day in the world of mental health. Add to the challenge, if you will, computer issues and being on the phone with a "tech" guy talking me through numerous steps through a very complex computer system, trying to work out a "bug" in the system. I'm not as limber as I used to be and getting down under the desk (tugging on the cables connected to the back of the computer) wasn't the problem as much as it was to gracefully crawl out from under the desk, all the while, in full view of patients coming and going. Mind you, I'm learning more about computers all the time, but this particular experience was a bit foreign to me. I was mentally exhausted by the time I left the office.
I had to force my mouth into the shape of a grin for most of the drive home. Believe it or not, it worked. I kept my mouth in the shape of a smile long enough that I truly began to feel better. My mind is conditioned to understand that when my cheek muscles strain upward, it must mean I'm in a good mood. When my cheek muscles are drawn down beyond my chin, my brain interprets that as a sign that I must not be in a good mood. When I left my office, I did not feel like smiling. I smiled anyway!
Today is my niece's birthday and all of us planned to attend dinner tonight in her honor. What happened earlier in my day wasn't important enough to ruin our evening with family. I was able to let go of the events of the day and they didn't have a negative effect on my attitude the rest of the evening. We were all happy to be together. Even with the cold wind blowing the snow sideways outside, our hearts experienced the warmth of a family gathering.
Sure, I'm tired, but it's a "good" tired. And, yes, I believe in positive stress and negative stress. Positive stress is what I experienced today. We were very productive in the office, in spite of the fact that the computers were an issue most of the day. Had I buckled under the weight of negative stress, today's message would have been quite different, indeed.
Live a lot. Laugh a lot. Love a lot. Fully live, not merely exist. Laugh til your cheeks hurt. Love like you've never been hurt. Just do it. Today is a gift. Don't waste it.
Take care. Love ya! :) Nan :)
Monday, March 1, 2010
A feeling is a feeling is a feeling
a feeling is a feeling is a feeling
sometimes a feeling isn't so appealing
at the time, the feeling may be rather intense
on second thought, complete and utter nonsense
a feeling may frighten
while another may brighten
one may bring about a headache or heartburn
not to mention, make the stomach churn
not dealing with a feeling; worse yet, to avoid
can be as dangerous as taking an anabolic steroid
a feeling doesn't have to be justified
in order to be bona fide
it need not bring about guilt or shame
when in doubt, call upon the Father's name
a spiritual approach is a good start
to revive a burdened and contrite heart
written by: Nan Forehand
Monday, March 1, 2010
Isaiah 57:15-16
For this is what the high and lofty One says---
he who lives forever, whose name is holy:
"I live in a high and holy place,
but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
and to revive the heart of the contrite.
I will not accuse forever,
nor will I always be angry,
for then the spirit of man would grow faint before me---
the breath of man that I have created."
sometimes a feeling isn't so appealing
at the time, the feeling may be rather intense
on second thought, complete and utter nonsense
a feeling may frighten
while another may brighten
one may bring about a headache or heartburn
not to mention, make the stomach churn
not dealing with a feeling; worse yet, to avoid
can be as dangerous as taking an anabolic steroid
a feeling doesn't have to be justified
in order to be bona fide
it need not bring about guilt or shame
when in doubt, call upon the Father's name
a spiritual approach is a good start
to revive a burdened and contrite heart
written by: Nan Forehand
Monday, March 1, 2010
Isaiah 57:15-16
For this is what the high and lofty One says---
he who lives forever, whose name is holy:
"I live in a high and holy place,
but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
and to revive the heart of the contrite.
I will not accuse forever,
nor will I always be angry,
for then the spirit of man would grow faint before me---
the breath of man that I have created."
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