God will give to each person according to what he has done. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism. All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not those who hear the law who are righeous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.
Romans 2:6-13
The writer of these verses, Paul, wants us to know that we can not earn eternal life. We know that eternal life is a gift from God when we choose to accept it. Allen and I have taught our children that for each decision they make, there are rewards or consequences accordingly. They may not reap the rewards or consequences quickly, but they surely will eventually. Those of us who trust God will want to do good and will do good. We know that no amount of good deeds, however, will earn us everlasting life. When we choose to obey God's will for our lives, we discover a life of peace that surpasses understanding. Yes, there will be turmoil and heartache in this life, but remember, it's temporary (the turmoil, heartache and this life). When we allow God's truths to become woven and embedded into the fabric of our lives through regular and faithful time spent in His Word and in the company of other believers, we will better understand how to live according to His purpose for our lives. Do the right thing because it is the right thing to do and do it without expecting praise or reward. Do the right thing when you see no one around you, and be assured that our Heavenly Father knows all and sees all.
When I sat down to the computer this morning, I had no clue what would be the message for today. I asked God to tell me what I'm supposed to tell you. I opened my Bible and it open up to the book of Romans. These verses I've shared with you today are the ones that God has led me to share with you.
Have a good day! Be good and do good. Love, Nan
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
One Thing Life Has Taught Me
One thing life has taught me: if you are interested, you never have to look for new interests. They come to you. When you are genuinely interested in one thing, it will always lead to something else.
Eleanor Roosevelt
I'm interested in life. I'm interested in people. In a few days, I will celebrate my 51st birthday. Yes, I said "celebrate", and yes, I did state my correct age and happily so. I'm happy be on earth as long as God needs me here. Each day of life is a reason to celebrate. I look forward to each new day and the new discoveries I will make before laying down my head on my pillow to sleep. Speaking of which, it's 12:04am and I'm still being productive, sitting here writing to you! As I think of you, I hope you are peacefully sleeping right now and wake refreshed, ready for your own new discoveries that will come with the rising sun. Reminds me of a poem I wrote in 2006 called
Contented Sleep
By: Nan Forehand
hard at work and hard at play
grateful for the miracle of this day
blessed assurance from my LORD
with Him I'm never bored
a life lived to the max
God taught me how to relax
not a worry, not a care
I gave them all to Him in prayer
oh, the benefits I reap
sweet, contented sleep
thankful for the day just passed
slumber time has come at last
He watches over me when I sleep
oh, the benefits I reap
sweet, contented sleep
contented sleep
sleep
shhh
sleep
Thursday, September 28, 2006
"yawn" it's time to say good night Nan, "good night!" sweet dreams!
Eleanor Roosevelt
I'm interested in life. I'm interested in people. In a few days, I will celebrate my 51st birthday. Yes, I said "celebrate", and yes, I did state my correct age and happily so. I'm happy be on earth as long as God needs me here. Each day of life is a reason to celebrate. I look forward to each new day and the new discoveries I will make before laying down my head on my pillow to sleep. Speaking of which, it's 12:04am and I'm still being productive, sitting here writing to you! As I think of you, I hope you are peacefully sleeping right now and wake refreshed, ready for your own new discoveries that will come with the rising sun. Reminds me of a poem I wrote in 2006 called
Contented Sleep
By: Nan Forehand
hard at work and hard at play
grateful for the miracle of this day
blessed assurance from my LORD
with Him I'm never bored
a life lived to the max
God taught me how to relax
not a worry, not a care
I gave them all to Him in prayer
oh, the benefits I reap
sweet, contented sleep
thankful for the day just passed
slumber time has come at last
He watches over me when I sleep
oh, the benefits I reap
sweet, contented sleep
contented sleep
sleep
shhh
sleep
Thursday, September 28, 2006
"yawn" it's time to say good night Nan, "good night!" sweet dreams!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Better-looking Wrinkles
Remember, we get better-looking wrinkles from laughing than from frowning.
Ruth Walker
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22
Laughter has healing powers and comes easily from a grateful heart. For that special moment we are laughing, all is well with the world and the spirit is filled with joy. Have you had your prescription of laughter filled today? I know. For me, it's 7:30 am and I must get up from here and get ready for work, but let me tell you....I've already had a good belly laugh right by myself this morning. It was a hoot, so funny, in fact, I almost snorted!
Since my last birthday, I have come of age to join the Red Hat Society and thanks to my great friend, Gloria, I joined our local chapter this spring. Yesterday, two lady friends of mine from work and I went on an adventure during our lunch break. We all love to treasure hunt and at this particular thrift store, I came across an awesome book for $2.00. It has lots of quotes and inspirational stories. The quote I share today comes from a lady who lives (lived-I don't know if she's still living) in the same county where I grew up! It's a very rural county in the eastern part of the state. I can hardly wait to share this tidbit of trivia with Allen when I see him this evening! He lovingly teases me about the people (me included) who come from this county. What can I say----most of us are just a bunch of country bumpkins! And I say that with love in my heart! Of all the places in the world to come from, this lady comes from my little county and she's quoted in this awesome book!!!! Go figure! Good going, Ruth! And for those of you who don't know, my middle name is Ruth. Nancy Ruth to be specific.
I know....too much trivia for you? Lighten up and laugh about something today. Laughter is contagious, by the way. Even if it's a "silly something" to laugh about, laugh anyway! You'll be glad you did! Take care! Love, Nan
Ruth Walker
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22
Laughter has healing powers and comes easily from a grateful heart. For that special moment we are laughing, all is well with the world and the spirit is filled with joy. Have you had your prescription of laughter filled today? I know. For me, it's 7:30 am and I must get up from here and get ready for work, but let me tell you....I've already had a good belly laugh right by myself this morning. It was a hoot, so funny, in fact, I almost snorted!
Since my last birthday, I have come of age to join the Red Hat Society and thanks to my great friend, Gloria, I joined our local chapter this spring. Yesterday, two lady friends of mine from work and I went on an adventure during our lunch break. We all love to treasure hunt and at this particular thrift store, I came across an awesome book for $2.00. It has lots of quotes and inspirational stories. The quote I share today comes from a lady who lives (lived-I don't know if she's still living) in the same county where I grew up! It's a very rural county in the eastern part of the state. I can hardly wait to share this tidbit of trivia with Allen when I see him this evening! He lovingly teases me about the people (me included) who come from this county. What can I say----most of us are just a bunch of country bumpkins! And I say that with love in my heart! Of all the places in the world to come from, this lady comes from my little county and she's quoted in this awesome book!!!! Go figure! Good going, Ruth! And for those of you who don't know, my middle name is Ruth. Nancy Ruth to be specific.
I know....too much trivia for you? Lighten up and laugh about something today. Laughter is contagious, by the way. Even if it's a "silly something" to laugh about, laugh anyway! You'll be glad you did! Take care! Love, Nan
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
In The Heavenly Realms
2 Corinthians 5:1-10 (NIV)
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
I just received a Caringbridge notification. The verses I have shared with you are the first verses I read this morning as I wiped the sleep from my eyes as I read from Paul Lowry's journal for Sharon. I want to quote Paul. "Sharon is with our LORD. Very early this morning (Wed 8-25-2010) Sharon peacefully departed her body for her destination with the Father.
Sharon did not lose her battle with cancer because you cannot lose something that has already been won. Death has no power over us for we are eternal because of what Jesus Christ did for us."
Please continue to lift Paul and his family in prayer as they go through the days ahead.
In Christian love, Nan
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
I just received a Caringbridge notification. The verses I have shared with you are the first verses I read this morning as I wiped the sleep from my eyes as I read from Paul Lowry's journal for Sharon. I want to quote Paul. "Sharon is with our LORD. Very early this morning (Wed 8-25-2010) Sharon peacefully departed her body for her destination with the Father.
Sharon did not lose her battle with cancer because you cannot lose something that has already been won. Death has no power over us for we are eternal because of what Jesus Christ did for us."
Please continue to lift Paul and his family in prayer as they go through the days ahead.
In Christian love, Nan
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Soar With The Eagle, My Son
On Saturday evening, Aug. 21, 2010, at 7pm, the Eagle Scout Court of Honor convened and our son, John was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout. It was a beautiful candlelight ceremony held in our church, attended by 75 friends and family. Until that night, John didn't know I had written the poem I am sharing with you tonight. My part in his ceremony was a surprise for him. I spoke privately with the Master of Ceremony shortly before the court convened and shared with him that I wanted a moment at the podium. Coming from a person who is not known as a public speaker, I shared my poem, bringing emotion and tears to the eyes of some as they listened to a mother's heart being spilled out before God and everyone present. Allen's dad, John's Grandpa, who is also an Eagle Scout, presented John with the Eagle Scout award. I wrote the poem January 9th, before John went before the Eagle Scout Board of Review, with Paul Lowry in attendance in the board room with John. We owe Paul a great debt for his devotion and dedication to scouting and his trememdous support of John. Paul was unable to attend the ceremony as he is constantly by Sharon's side. Be sure to take a look at the photo I have included for you of John and I in an embrace with my Allen looking on in delight.
Our pastor opened the ceremony with a word of prayer and lifted up Paul and Sharon as they continue in need of prayer.
A Psalm for My Son, John
(Soar With The Eagle, My Son)
Oh Lord, most gracious God
You search my mind and my heart.
My innermost desires have always been known to You.
How great the blessings You have bestowed upon me.
My soulmate, my daughter and my son are priceless and cherished.
I praise You for the blessings of family and friends.
Today, I give praise and honor to You, oh God,
for the blessing of my son in my life.
Before he came forth into this world,
You knew his destiny.
As much as I love him,
You love him more.
All the days of his life
instruct him in the way he should go.
Impart unto him love, knowledge, wisdom,
compassion, and strength of character.
May his integrity never be breached.
May Your good and Holy Spirit lead him
on level ground all the days of his life.
Though he is human and he will make mistakes,
I trust You, oh God, to fulfill Your purpose for his life.
Through those times when he does the things
he doesn't want to do and doesn't do the things
he wants to do, love him and forgive him when he fails you.
My son is a heritage from You, Most Precious Lord.
May he always and forever be secure as he daily puts his faith in You.
He knows his life is in Your hands.
Mould him and shape him into the man he is becoming.
Your promise preserves his life.
Keep evil far from him.
As he travels through this earthly life
keep a hedge of protection around him.
Lord, my son is a delight to my soul and he gives me peace.
My heart sings as he wraps me up in a tender embrace of love.
Lord, give him wings to soar with the eagle.
Direct his steps in the way he should go.
Shine Your light into his inmost being.
Use his life as an example of Your unfailing love.
My soul rejoices for my son is a rare gem
being polished by my Lord and Savior.
As he matures into manhood and becomes husband
and father himself, lead him, guide him, and direct
him in all he says and does so that his words
and his actions are pleasing unto You.
Heavenly Father, in You, I put my hope and my trust.
With absolute faith and with no room for doubt,
I will honor You and praise You all the days
of my life. You are worthy, Lord. You are worthy.
So let it be.
Amen
written by Nan Forehand
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Our pastor opened the ceremony with a word of prayer and lifted up Paul and Sharon as they continue in need of prayer.
A Psalm for My Son, John
(Soar With The Eagle, My Son)
Oh Lord, most gracious God
You search my mind and my heart.
My innermost desires have always been known to You.
How great the blessings You have bestowed upon me.
My soulmate, my daughter and my son are priceless and cherished.
I praise You for the blessings of family and friends.
Today, I give praise and honor to You, oh God,
for the blessing of my son in my life.
Before he came forth into this world,
You knew his destiny.
As much as I love him,
You love him more.
All the days of his life
instruct him in the way he should go.
Impart unto him love, knowledge, wisdom,
compassion, and strength of character.
May his integrity never be breached.
May Your good and Holy Spirit lead him
on level ground all the days of his life.
Though he is human and he will make mistakes,
I trust You, oh God, to fulfill Your purpose for his life.
Through those times when he does the things
he doesn't want to do and doesn't do the things
he wants to do, love him and forgive him when he fails you.
My son is a heritage from You, Most Precious Lord.
May he always and forever be secure as he daily puts his faith in You.
He knows his life is in Your hands.
Mould him and shape him into the man he is becoming.
Your promise preserves his life.
Keep evil far from him.
As he travels through this earthly life
keep a hedge of protection around him.
Lord, my son is a delight to my soul and he gives me peace.
My heart sings as he wraps me up in a tender embrace of love.
Lord, give him wings to soar with the eagle.
Direct his steps in the way he should go.
Shine Your light into his inmost being.
Use his life as an example of Your unfailing love.
My soul rejoices for my son is a rare gem
being polished by my Lord and Savior.
As he matures into manhood and becomes husband
and father himself, lead him, guide him, and direct
him in all he says and does so that his words
and his actions are pleasing unto You.
Heavenly Father, in You, I put my hope and my trust.
With absolute faith and with no room for doubt,
I will honor You and praise You all the days
of my life. You are worthy, Lord. You are worthy.
So let it be.
Amen
written by Nan Forehand
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Strength To The Weary
Isaiah 40:28-31 (New International Version)
28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
My mind and my thoughts are focused on Paul and Sharon Lowry and their family this morning. Many of you have joined me in continuing to lift them up in prayer as they live through this difficult time since Sharon was diagnosed with brain tumors this past February. I received a Caringbridge notification last night that Hospice has been called in to serve their needs.
Even in their times of weakness they have been strong. They have been such shining examples of faith, hope, and love to all whose lives they have touched and will continue to touch. God speaks to us through them in the way they live the verses I have included today. That's what they do. They live as they have been taught to live according to the Holy Word.
I have such great respect for them. They personify the poem I wrote in December 2005 I am sharing with you today. They understand what life is all about. They have devoted their lives to sharing God's love. They know sharing God's love gives Him pleasure. They have pleased God in the way they daily live. Their lives are truly examples to others. They have been willing to adapt and adjust and I know they have done so with happy hearts. They have accepted God's will. They are being examples to you even though you don't know them personally, because you know them through me and what I am sharing with you about their lives, their love, their weaknesses and their strength. But above all, give their suffering a special meaning as you draw closer to God. Yes, there is a degree of suffering we can't deny. But there has also been such an outpouring of love and devotion that goes beyond words to express.
Whatever you are going through today, God will give you exactly as much strength as you need it when you need it just as He is giving Paul and Sharon and their family strength for each day. Take care and make sure you don't waste one minute of this precious gift of life that is yours. Everyone needs a good example. Be an example to others today. In Christian love, Nan
An Example To Others
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
28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
My mind and my thoughts are focused on Paul and Sharon Lowry and their family this morning. Many of you have joined me in continuing to lift them up in prayer as they live through this difficult time since Sharon was diagnosed with brain tumors this past February. I received a Caringbridge notification last night that Hospice has been called in to serve their needs.
Even in their times of weakness they have been strong. They have been such shining examples of faith, hope, and love to all whose lives they have touched and will continue to touch. God speaks to us through them in the way they live the verses I have included today. That's what they do. They live as they have been taught to live according to the Holy Word.
I have such great respect for them. They personify the poem I wrote in December 2005 I am sharing with you today. They understand what life is all about. They have devoted their lives to sharing God's love. They know sharing God's love gives Him pleasure. They have pleased God in the way they daily live. Their lives are truly examples to others. They have been willing to adapt and adjust and I know they have done so with happy hearts. They have accepted God's will. They are being examples to you even though you don't know them personally, because you know them through me and what I am sharing with you about their lives, their love, their weaknesses and their strength. But above all, give their suffering a special meaning as you draw closer to God. Yes, there is a degree of suffering we can't deny. But there has also been such an outpouring of love and devotion that goes beyond words to express.
Whatever you are going through today, God will give you exactly as much strength as you need it when you need it just as He is giving Paul and Sharon and their family strength for each day. Take care and make sure you don't waste one minute of this precious gift of life that is yours. Everyone needs a good example. Be an example to others today. In Christian love, Nan
An Example To Others
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
Sunday, August 1, 2010
My Eternal Flame
Love is like an eternal flame, once it is lit, it will continue to burn for all time.
Kamila
You never know what an encouraging word can accomplish! Thanks to a lady named Michele who took the time to send me an encouraging email today and thanks to a fellow poet, Reason A. who sent me a timely comment and link to a poetic site, God created, through me, a poem whose origin I just discovered today!
God is love and God is the Alpha and the Omega. God's love is an eternal flame. With His heavenly breath, He blew into us the breath of life and with that, He lit an eternal flame within each of us. As you encourage another person, the words carried on your breath perform a miracle. We are truly never without hope. God created us in His image and in so doing, lit our eternal flame. We simply must fan the smouldering embers of another person's eternal flame when it dies down and is seemingly nothing but a pile of ashes. Though these ashes appear dead and useless, an encouraging word may be all that is necessary to create a spark that sets the flame aglow once more.
My earthly body is temporary. One day, I will take my last breath as a human being. My soul and my eternal flame know no boundaries of space and time. When I am gone, don't mourn my passing. Rejoice with me, instead. When you think of me, my eternal flame will glow inside of you and warm your heart.
Since today marks the third anniversary of Nan's Calendar, it is fitting to share this new poem with you. It is entitled
My Eternal Flame
my soulful existence perpetual
soul's embers lingering
it awaits heavenly intervention
words spoken, encourage
sparks combust - ignition
flame glowing relentless incessantly
written by Nan Forehand
Sunday, August 1, 2010
This form of poetic expression is called Rhopalic verse. It can be very deceptive, in that it appears quite simple. However, much time and deliberation are necessary in order to transform thoughts into a poem that is pleasing to the ear and to the soul. The syllables of the words in each line are one, two, three, four, etc.
Take care. Love, Nan
Kamila
You never know what an encouraging word can accomplish! Thanks to a lady named Michele who took the time to send me an encouraging email today and thanks to a fellow poet, Reason A. who sent me a timely comment and link to a poetic site, God created, through me, a poem whose origin I just discovered today!
God is love and God is the Alpha and the Omega. God's love is an eternal flame. With His heavenly breath, He blew into us the breath of life and with that, He lit an eternal flame within each of us. As you encourage another person, the words carried on your breath perform a miracle. We are truly never without hope. God created us in His image and in so doing, lit our eternal flame. We simply must fan the smouldering embers of another person's eternal flame when it dies down and is seemingly nothing but a pile of ashes. Though these ashes appear dead and useless, an encouraging word may be all that is necessary to create a spark that sets the flame aglow once more.
My earthly body is temporary. One day, I will take my last breath as a human being. My soul and my eternal flame know no boundaries of space and time. When I am gone, don't mourn my passing. Rejoice with me, instead. When you think of me, my eternal flame will glow inside of you and warm your heart.
Since today marks the third anniversary of Nan's Calendar, it is fitting to share this new poem with you. It is entitled
My Eternal Flame
my soulful existence perpetual
soul's embers lingering
it awaits heavenly intervention
words spoken, encourage
sparks combust - ignition
flame glowing relentless incessantly
written by Nan Forehand
Sunday, August 1, 2010
This form of poetic expression is called Rhopalic verse. It can be very deceptive, in that it appears quite simple. However, much time and deliberation are necessary in order to transform thoughts into a poem that is pleasing to the ear and to the soul. The syllables of the words in each line are one, two, three, four, etc.
Take care. Love, Nan
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