........on the giving end.

I stopped by Food Lion for a few grocery items on the way home from work last night.  As I crossed the parking lot, I noticed, lying on the pavement, the back side of a personal check.  No one was close by as I picked it up.  It was obvious to me the owner of the check dropped it as she approached her vehicle.  The purchase receipt wasn't with it and it was still in good  condition.  I called the number listed on the check as I stood in the parking lot.  I asked for the lady whose name was printed on it.  She came to the phone and I explained how I came to have her check in my possession.  Her checking account number could have come into the wrong hands as easily as it came into my hands.  I could tell she is an older lady by the sound of her voice and she was tremendously thankful when I told her that I would send the check back to her by mail the next morning.  She could tell by my conversation with her that I could be trusted with this sensitive information.
I had a spare envelope in the car and walked back and addressed the envelope then and there and put the check in it for safe keeping while I did my shopping.  This morning as I dressed for work, this lady kept coming into my mind and I wanted to do more for her than return the check.  I only gave her my first name during the conversation and I gave her a basic idea of where I live.  As I have a nice collection of inspirational books in my library, I asked God which one would be the one to send her in the mail along with the check.  To give her one of my books would be the perfect gesture, especially since Allen thinks I have too many books.  I ask you, can one ever have too many books?  My library actually has 10 less books now, including this one, since I gave away nine other books within the past week.   But, those are stories for another day!  Oh, wait!  I did buy several books in the Goodwill store before going to work this morning!
I chose for her one of my favorite books.  It's a paperback version of "When I'm On My Knees" written by Anita Corrine Donahue.  It looked brand new, as I take very good care of my books.  I searched the book from front to back, looking for the right message.  As she pulls her check from between the pages she will notice a particular message.
I didn't write my return address on the outside of the envelope as I didn't think it was necessary.  It's not for me to get credit for doing a good deed, but I intended for her to have a surprise in her mailbox when she least expects it.  The book and check were put in the mail to her today.  I smile as I think of the joy God will have in His heart as she opens the envelope to find more than she expected to find.  I also smile and wonder what thoughts will go through her mind as she discovers her surprise.  I love surprises, especially giving them.  Though I won't be there to see her face when the book slides out of the envelope, I smile at the thought of it.
The title of the message I chose was "In You I Believe".  It is a beautiful message and regardless of what her relationship is with God, I know she will be touched by the message.  The last sentence reads as follows "In all the uncertainties around me, I trust in You, I believe in You, and I know You guard all that I do."
God guarded her personal checking account when she had no clue it could be in jeopardy.  God put me where He needed me when He needed me there to assist in protecting this senior lady's money.
I believe it was God's intention for me to find her check, and to not only return it, but to include a special inspirational book for her and to share the story with you tonight.
Yes, some things really are free.  She will receive, within a day or so, her check and a beautiful, free book and a fresh perspective of her fellow citizens.  And, I'm sure, she has a thankful heart that her checking account number didn't fall into the hands of someone who would have evil thoughts, which could turn into evil actions.   It is entirely possible she and I may have had a pleasant encounter in Food Lion prior to yesterday's incident and we may never be aware.  It's a mystery!
You never know when you will be on the receiving end of a most pleasant surprise when you least expect it!   Be alert for opportunities to be on the giving end!
My big white kitty is loving all over me as I type this message.  She's letting me know it's time to go to bed!  It is currently 11:16 p.m.  I lost track of the time!  She's right!  It's time to call it a day!  Take care!  Love, Nan

Because of Love

A word I used in this poem is one we don't hear very often.  The word dross means 1)scum on molten metal 2) refuse; rubbish.  Sometimes, it seems as though we do have scum over our eyes and can't see clearly (spiritually speaking).  We may be concerned about someone's behavior and say "why can't he see that what he is doing ...........?" You can fill in the blank.  Pray for him that Jesus will remove the "scum", "dross" from his eyes so he can see the err of his ways.  Sometimes, our thoughts don't lead to actions.  Sometimes, however, they do.  Our impure thoughts must be removed and replaced with thoughts and actions that serve and honor God.  I believe our time on earth is preparation for an eternity in heaven and we must be ready when the time comes.  As much as I believe in heaven, I also believe in hell.  Not everyone will enter the gates of heaven.  Yes, we must be cleansed and purified; all because of love.  Take care and know you are in my thoughts and prayers.  Love, Nan

Because of Love

written by: Nan Forehand
Saturday, April 7, 2007
we humans can't begin to comprehend
this love which knows no end
though Jesus hung and died on the cross
He continues to cleanse us of human dross
this dross we cannot see, but
Jesus will wash us clean as can be
He washes the dross from our spiritual eyes
sometimes it hurts and He hears our cries
our spirit and our mind He will caress
cleanliness is next to Godliness
cleanse us all He certainly must
we should be still and give Him our trust
He'll cleanse our heart and even our feet
and one day face to face we will meet

Sunday morning, the sixth of March

The emphasis of today's message is very simple.  Don't take a morning rain and a home cooked breakfast for granted.  The "ordinary" things in life are sometimes the most extraordinary.  Enjoy life's simple pleasures.  Even if you experience the rain and the breakfast with no company to join you, I'd love for you to share your special moments with me.  My email address is nan0599@yahoo.com.  I'd love to hear from you.
Author's note: I want you to be totally in the moment with me as you read this poem. It is a glorious morning as the welcome rain nourishes the earth. Timely rain, awesome breakfast, loving family and then off to church we go. This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!

Sunday morning, the sixth of March

beyond the dilapidated fence
lies the meadow green
wet, naked limbs nourished
by the Sunday morning rain
down by the valley, across the ridge
South Yadkin River flows
cardinal, finch and chickadee
shake off droplets and continue to feed
black lab expels hot, moist breath
on the cold, wet window pane
little tabby cat, a.k.a. water baby
cries excitedly at the door
jumps off the porch into the rain
through the house and to the deck
around the corner, I hear her tinkle bell
fragrance of pancakes and sausage
caress the fresh morning air
hot coffee and smiles across the table
peace, love and harmony linger there
Sunday morning, the sixth of March

A Loving Tribute

The following is the birth verse for anyone born on March 4th.

Colossians 3:4 NIV
When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

The poem I will share with you today is a tribute to my Mama.  I am so thankful I knew her.  I never knew my father.  In fact, never even knew what he looked like until I saw a photo of him three years ago that was taken before he married Mama. 
In the absence of my father, God has, in His perfect timing, placed godly men in my life.  And since Mama died, I have had the privilege of knowing some of the most wonderful, godly women.  Don't despair if you didn't know your own mother or father.  God needed their DNA to create you.  He wants you to experience a wholesome, healthy relationship with a mother/father figure, nevertheless.  Everyone needs to be loved.  Everyone has love to give.  There is so much more about love than warm feelings. Love is a command God gave us to do loving things. 

This is my command: Love each other. John 15:17

Reunion of My Mama and Me


Written by: Nan Forehand

Friday, March 4, 2011

radiant glow in my Mama's face
of furrowed brow and wrinkles not a trace
heavenly sparkle in her eyes
finished the race and won the prize
I envision her transformation
to truly see her will be jubilation
her spirit transcends space and time
inspired me to compose this rhyme
no more sickness, grief or pain
the victory she did claim
let go of what might have been
comforting, calming peace within
in the spirit realm she does reside
yet, she is ever by my side
once again her face I will see
reunion of my Mama and me
reunion of my Mama and me

Author's note: I had recently turned 25 when Mama (Carol) died. I'm now 51 years of age. Memories of her grow sweeter and more comforting as the days of my life unfold. It is my earnest desire to bring comfort and peace to you today. If your mama is alive, cherish her now. Give nothing and no one the power to cause a rift between you. Embrace her in your arms now and may you embrace each other in sweet memories later, until the glorious arrival of your own reunion day.

A Spirit of Unity

What do we live for; if it is not to make life less difficult to each other?   T. S. Eliot (1888-1965)

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.  If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.  If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. 
Romans 12:6-8

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.  Hebrews 3:13

Charles Wesley (1707-1788) wrote approximately 6,000 hymns, usually writing three hymns a week.  Many are still being sung in churches around the world.  One in particular speaks of a spirit of unity.  This hymn is entitled Blest Be The Dear Uniting Love.  Mr. Wesley penned the lyrics in 1742.  Today I want to share the lyrics with you and also a poem I wrote  regarding a spirit of unity.  I hope you don't tire of Nan's Calendar messages when, at times, they are a bit lengthy, as is the one today.  When the Spirit moves me, I must respond accordingly.  

1.


Blest be the dear uniting love
that will not let us part;
our bodies may far off remove,
we still are one in heart.
2.

Joined in one spirit to our Head,
where he appoints we go,
and still in Jesus' footsteps tread,
and do his work below.
3.

O may we ever walk in him,
and nothing know beside,
nothing desire, nothing esteem,
but Jesus crucified!
4.

We all are one who him receive,
and each with each agree,
in him the One, the Truth, we live;
blest point of unity!
5.

Partakers of the Savior's grace,
the same in mind and heart,
nor joy, nor grief, nor time, nor place,
nor life, nor death can part.
 
Spirit of Unity


written by Nan Forehand
March 26, 2006

the whole of God's universe
consists of peoples vastly diverse
millions on the face of the Earth
every one meek and mild at birth
somehow learned to fight
God's desire is that we unite
all for one and one for all
unisonant voices whatever befall
this talk of unity is nothing new
Charles Wesley wrote of it in 1742
oh what joy from deep within
set free from the entrapment of sin
freedom from sin is God's gift of immunity
go now and live in a spirit of unity

Romans 15:4-6

For everything that was written (in the Bible) in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

With Gentleness and Patience

We cannot always be doing great work, but we can always be doing something that belongs to our condition.  To be silent, to suffer, to pray when we cannot act, is acceptable to God.  A disappointment, a contradiction, a harsh word, an annoyance, a wrong received and endured as in His presence, is worth more than a long prayer.  We do not lose time if we bear loss with gentleness and patience, provided the loss was inevitable, and was not caused by our own fault.
Francois Fenelon (1651-1715) French theologian and writer

Fenelon, an archbishop, wrote Christian Counsel and Spiritual Letters.  It has been said these writtings illustrate his keen sense of spiritual counsel.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.  Romans 8:18

I feel privileged to have discovered today's quote in one of my many books.  As I opened the book this morning, this quote practically jumped off the page at me and caused my body to be covered with glory bumps!  To be so inspired by the writings of a man who died in 1715 is the same way I feel when I read my Bible.  In the book of Romans, Paul speaks of suffering.  No one is immune from suffering.  However, it is very important how we behave through the time of suffering that matters immensely.  And we will suffer.  As we suffer, we identify with the suffering endured by Jesus.  We also suffer because "the world" is hostile to God and because we are followers of God, it is no surprise that suffering comes our way.
It is important to remember that we can still be filled wth joy as we suffer grief or loss.  Yes, we mourn the loss of a loved one.  It is an honor and a tribute to that loved one when we speak to others of that person's life and their positive impact on ourselves and others during their lifetime.  Remember with gladness of heart the privilege of sharing in the joys of that person's life while in human form.  My Mama breathed her last breath in Sept. 1984, but she lives in my heart forever.  Her love will never die as long as I remember her and tell others of her love and compassion.  Because she lived, I am here today to encourage you!  Little did she know how my life would turn out!  It was a mystery to her what I would do with my life and it is a mystery to me what I will do with the rest of my life.  Rest assured, I will continue to be an encourager! 
I want to share a poem with you I wrote as a tribute to Mama.  In the poem I mention tears....at some point, I stopped crying.  I can't remember how long it has been since I cried as I remembered Mama, but in time, your tears will dry and you will remember your loved one with a smile and the lump in your throat will disappear.  I speak today of suffering and grief because that is what God has entrusted me to share with you.  Receive comfort and encouragement from the Lord through my humble offering to you.

Beautiful and Sweet as any Rose

written by Nan Forehand 
December 2004

Warm and soft
fragrance so sweet
caressed by the morning fair.
Strawberry blonde the color of her hair.
Instead of a thorn in her finger
a needle and thread would linger.
Smile slowly crossed ruby red lips
new calico dress slipped over my hips.
Thank you Lord she witnessed me wed.
Too soon dear Mother was dead.
Beautiful as a velvet rose
A Christian life she chose.
Yes, she’s been gone many years.
Wet cheeks still feel the tears.
Her Lord and Savior she did love
and He took her to His mansion above.
Up from the grave she arose
beautiful and sweet as any rose.
These words and a flower carved on her stone.
Mama now sits by her Master’s throne.

A Delicate Flower

I saw a delicate flower [that] had grown up two feet high, between the horses' path and the wheeltrack.  An inch more to right or left [would have] sealed its fate, or an inch higher.  Yet it lived to flourish as much as if it had a thousand acres of untrodden space around it, and never knew the danger it incurred.  It did not borrow trouble, nor invite an evil fate by apprehending it.
Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. Psalm 52:8

I especially enjoy the visual impression of today's quote and the moral of the story.  We are, as well, delicate flowers.  I'm sure you've heard it said before "bloom where you are planted".  Trust God that the horse and wagon will remain in their proper place on the road and that He will protect you.  Flourish where you are right now as if nothing in the world could possibly harm you.  God placed you where you are for a reason.  He will keep you safe, even as the wheels turn closely past you.  Keep your focus on God as your Source of protection so as to lose all thought of fear and danger.  Instead of saying "I don't want those wagon wheels or horses' hooves to trample me", replace that negative thought with positive affirmation of God's presence.  "The Lord is with me.  I am safe."  The last sentence is quite profound.  Don't borrow trouble by holding onto negative thoughts.  Fear is an open invitation to allow negative forces in your life.  Let go of any negatives and replace them with positives.  With God, nothing is impossible!
To God be the glory!