Nan's Calendar

by Nan Forehand,  Statesville, NC

Subject: Nan's Calendar Feb. 18th - Spring Cleaning!
Date: Feb 18, 2011 12:10 PM
Whew!    Time for a break!  When I rose from bed this morning, knowing "I have the day off", I knew it would be a perfect day for cleaning windows in my house.  I just love to look out the beautiful sparkling clean windows at the birds feeding on the nearby feeder in the back yard.  Plus, I needed to remove the "Bob snort" from the glass in my back door!  Wow! What a difference that makes!  I can see clearly now through the glass!  Bob is a jewel of a pet.  He is a black Lab. pound puppy we adopted from the animal shelter nearly four years ago.  He doesn't look the size of a puppy anymore!
I've been productive since early this morning, but had to stop and take a break!  As I thought about the topic of today's message, there came to mind a poem I wrote several years ago.  I think it is quite appropriate to share it with you today.  Now I must return to my windows.  I hear the Windex calling my name!

Spiritual Maintenance

written by: Nan Forehand
December 22, 2006

I dare say, most of us don't like to do it
alas, at times we must, I'll admit
think along these lines, if you will
right now, while you're quiet and still
this in relation to deep house cleaning
a bit of wisdom you may be gleaning
remember to change your smoke alarm battery
don't be fooled by deceptive flattery
when was the last time you cleaned your oven
always give your family lots of lovin'
you either bend over or get on your knees to scrub the tub
try getting on your knees when you give your spirit a scrub
if you've a fireplace, don't get choked removing the ashes
when you make a mistake, don't give yourself fifty lashes
sparkling windows bring in the light
plenty of rest and your eyes will be bright
vacuum that carpet, don't delay
you're never too old to play
give those cobwebs a clean sweep
it's ok, when at times you need to weep
as for the HVAC, clean the filters of dust particles
read only the wholesome magazine articles
do you despise dusting the furniture
your inner self you must nurture
how long does it take to mop the floor
when opportunity knocks, open the door
most times you break a sweat mowing the grass
do yourself a favor, attend a Sunday School class
not fond of the clean up, but love to cook
the most valuable possession in the house is The Good Book
has the furniture not been moved in ages
open your Bible - read the words on the pages
rake those leaves before they crumble
reach for God, He's there when you stumble
WHEW!! it's a job, but don't leave it to chance
do it now - your spiritual maintenance

Romans 12:1-2

Therefore, I urge you, brothers (and sisters) in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will