Archives

Facebook & “Women Making a Difference”

Jul14

"Facebook" By, Nancy Alexander

Women Making a Difference…

 

"Women Making a Difference"

When I was studying Facebook last week, reading about all of its options and opportunities, something very different and new came into focus for me.  It was one of those "Ah-Hah" moments as I looked at the faces of my friends and associates.  


I saw face after face after face of women that ARE making such a difference in the lives of others.  There are Internet Marketers, Entrepreneurs, Authors, Singers, Songwriters, Inspirational Writers of Books and Blogs, Ladies who teach and encourage others with their multi-faceted talents and gifts.  Mothers, who care for, inspire and direct their children to grow up to make a difference, Women who have a Heart for those in Orphanages, and so, so many more!


For many years now, I have been working very hard building up my Internet presence and my business.  For me, Facebook has always been a social networking site used to keep up with friends — helping us to know what was going on with them in their daily lives as we celebrated their joys and accomplishments.  We prayed for these same friends holding them deep to our heart as they faced many of life's challenges.  Facebook then went on to become a way to promote my business with the new "Facebook Fan Page", and now my new Payvment Store where I sell my DVD, and e-Books.  But now, at least for me as well as many others, there is another and more exciting avenue on the Facebook Horizon.


God has always been my "Rock, Strength, Courage, and Inspiration".  He changed my business years ago as He has also changed my life DRAMATICALLY as He loved me and carried me in many times of trouble.  My Internet business, which was always a driving factor in what I planned and did in my life, is different now.  Yes, I guess you would say I am what they call an Internet Entrepreneur.  Oh, but that is not nearly as important as where God has been leading me for some time now.


HE has given me a "HEART" for others!  And…on a regular basis "Breaks MY Heart for What Breaks His".


So many ladies email me daily who suffer from the same insidious disease I have suffered from for over 30 years…Fibromyalgia.  They tell me they want and need what I have.  They want a reason to get out of bed in the morning with a desire and a goal in their hearts which given them strength and energy to push through the hurt that their bodies deal out on a regular basis.  They want to be able to own their own business and earn extra income to help support their families. They see that I have strived to do this in spite of dealing daily with a chronic disease…a disease which, by the way, GOD IS HEALING ME OF RIGHT NOW…TODAY!


So, my goals and my life are different now!  I am on a "Mission for God"!  I don't know exactly where it is leading, but He does!  He is walking on a path before me calling me to follow.  I cannot see where the path leads; I cannot even see too far ahead on this path.  I DON'T NEED TO!  I KNOW I am NOW going in the right direction because God is there calling me forward!


So…"Women Making a Difference" came to be!


As with the path God is leading me on, I cannot see too far ahead into the future of this "group", but I know it is right and good and meant to be!


I know that I am being led to somehow join each of "us" together as we share our goals and our dreams with encouragement and support in every endeavor in our lives.  Each one of you is already making a difference in the lives of those you know and come in contact with every single day, so You are:
"A Woman Making a Difference"!


Just imagine — With God's Leading — How Amazingly Strong Our Influences Combines Together Can Become!


I have prayed "The Prayer of Jabez" every single day since 2001!  When I first prayed this prayer and read:  "Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory", I would stop and think;  this does NOT apply to me – I cannot!  How can God enlarge my territory when I can hardly ride in a car to Greenville, SC only 30 minutes away?


Well, shame on me for doubting Him!  God HAS enlarged my territory to be able to reach and talk with people from all over the world. So, we have no idea what God has in store for us as a group of "Women Who Really DO Make a Difference" in our worlds!


Just click on this link if you would like to send me an email about Women Making a Difference:  WomenMakingADifference@groups.facebook.com  We would like for you to join us and write a little about yourself.  Tell us your dreams, your desires, and share with us your goals and accomplishments.  We want to cheer you on in this "crazy" world we live in letting you know that many who care are standing behind you!


I watch in amazement every single day how my God CAN and IS changing lives all around me…
ESPECIALLY MINE!


Blessings… Nancy


If you would like to go to my Facebook page and read about all the ladies in the "Women making a Difference Group", just click on this link:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/  then click on the link in the left sidebar entitled:  "Women Making a Difference.'


I Love Vacations

Jun16

 

"I Love Vacations" By, Nancy Alexander

Probably for Reasons Different Than Most…

Yes, I know…Everyone Loves Vacations!

My reasons are different than most.  Truthfully, I have always loved vacations.  As a child we didn't have much money, but my daddy made sure our family of five would have a vacation every single summer! 


Daddy saved quarters all year long.  I could hear him each day as he returned home from work, taking them out of his "pocket change" as he dropped them into a brass jug which sat on the fireplace mantle.  We would sometimes only be able to stay for three nights, then as the years passed, it was a Week Long Trip!  These were very special weeks for my sisters and I growing up. 


We stayed at the very same place the first week of June in Myrtle Beach, SC every single year.  We would arrive around lunchtime on a Sunday afternoon and watch for a family with girls the same age as us to arrive from Ohio.  They came the very same week every single year too.  Daddy made sure we also had the money to eat a nice seafood meal once during the week, and a nice breakfast out once also.  The rest of the time, our mother prepared a big meal at lunchtime every day in that tiny "kitchenette".  We enjoyed those meals so much as three little girls very always very hungry after swimming all morning long. 


The first few years after Steve and I married, we had wonderful vacations too.  We went to the beach — Myrtle, of course — as that was where each of our families had spent vacation time every year.  We also visited the mountains when we got a chance.


Then, a few years after our boys were born, I was stricken with this strange illness which stopped our vacations for the most part.  Sure, there were years or maybe only months at a time when I felt a little better and we could go back to our "favorite" beach.  But those trips were few and far between.  Any extra money was spent on doctor, after doctor, after doctor as well as different "miracle" drugs, and strange "holistic" cures which never worked. 


I finally diagnosed myself with Fibromyalgia after being sick for at least 15 years.  Honestly, I don't know why it was so important to be diagnosed because there was still no help, and the doctors still tried the same drugs.  The only good thing that came out of being diagnosed was my own peace of mind. 


After being told it was either "housewife syndrome" or "in my head" or "severe depression" time and time again, I was somewhat relieved that I could finally tell people:  "See!  I really am sick!  I told you I was!"  But, where was the cure?  Why didn't I get better since I had been diagnosed?  The pain, the stress of having a "chronic" illness, and the unreasonable thoughts of others just added to what I was already feeling — I had no hope!  For me, the cure didn't come for 16 more years.


I know…I am sure…I am totally convinced that God used this time, and this pain to grow me into the person I am today for a reason.  I receive emails from women just like me who have gone undiagnosed for many years.  They are hopeless and they feel like they are loosing their minds — just as I did.  Some of them consider suicide…yes…just as I did!


But they are not loosing their minds!  Fibromyalgia has now FINALLY been proven to be a legitimate disease.  There is hope and there is a cure!  I know because I am now being cured of this insidious, misunderstood disease.  I have a ministry over that reaches women all over the world through the "web".  I encourage and support these women by telling them what I went through and show them where I am today.  I give God ALL the Praise and the Glory!



 

So… Why Is This Post Called "I Love Vacations"?

 

The reason is… my husband Steve and I just returned from a wonderful vacation!  God has sent the right people into my life at just the right time.  I am being healed, I do eat a special diet, and I do take just the right supplements, and I am getting off any prescription drugs (there were not many) that I was on.  I am able to enjoy life again!  I want each of you to join me on this path too! 


We spent two days with our children and grand-children in Charleston, SC.  That was so much fun!  And, we got to attend a GREAT service at New Spring Charleston!  Here are pictures of Matt and Sara at work along with pictures of Lucas and Ava learning about the Fruits of the Spirit!~  Our son Matt is Production Director at New Spring Charleston, and our daughter-in-law, Sara is acting in a play in Kid Spring Charleston.  Little Wyatt is busy breaking all the hearts in the nursery!  We are so very proud of them and their work there!


Lucas Practicing Ava Enjoying a Song Singing About Fruits of the Spirit
Sara Acting on Stage at Kid Spring Charleston Matt - an Impressive and Hard Job as Production Director


I am going to be talking more about my diet and my cure for Fibromyalgia in more posts.  But, for today, I wanted to share a few pictures with you of our wonderful vacation.  Vacations for me these days are more special than for most.  You see…I was sure I would never again be able to travel and enjoy life the way my husband and I are enjoying it now. 


Just looking at the sites as we ride down a long highway has a special meaning now.  Simple things like walking on the beach while holding hands with my husband, and feeling the sand squish up between my toes brings such joy.  I thank God for each sunrise and sunset that I can watch over the deep blue ocean!  Each day that I can enjoy on this earth with my husband, our children and grand-children is such a special gift from God!


I didn't have Internet access for most of our 10 day vacation.  I thought that I would, and I took my laptop with me along with my bag of "office supplies" that I was sure I would need.  But God took care of that for me…He knew I needed a rest so that is what I got… a most wonderful, restful vacation.


We have been talking about Internet businesses in our membership site lately; http://www.BestOfNancy.com.  It is wonderful to be an Internet Entrepreneur and have a business that is run on auto-pilot while I am away.  I don't believe there was a single day while we were gone that I didn't have money coming in.  Now, this type of business is by far better that the storefront business I used to have!



 

How God Used Floral Design to Save Me…

Mar30

"Floral Design Saved Me?" By, Nancy Alexander

How God Used Floral Design to Save my Life…

Twenty-eight years of age (that’s how old I was when I became sick); it was very depressing to wake up in the morning not knowing how my body was going to feel when I stood up…and I mean waking up "if" I had been able to sleep at all the night before. The question always appeared at dawn’s first light: would I be able to do anything to make my day worthwhile? 

 

Would I be able to drive my children to school? Could I really attend tonight’s basketball game? Would I be able to get in my car and run errands? For a while, no…I couldn't do any of these!  Even accomplishing the simplest of tasks around my home, tasks that everyone else would take for granted, was not taken for granted by me. You see, I have been sick for over 30 years with Fibromyalgia and Celiac disease, along with the various other health problems related to these conditions.

 

Why am I telling you this? I receive heart-wrenching emails every single day from my customers who feel just exactly the same way that I did for many years.  In almost every email I read stories just like mine, from women just like me.  They desperately want and need to get well; to feel productive again; to have a life!  Or, if they have finally given up on that desire, they at least want to have something in their lives to make them feel like they have something – anything to want to get out of bed every day.


I have just launched a new membership site called www.BestOfNancy.com along with my friend and partner, Linda.  In the forums on this site, I can talk to each of you.  I'll finally be able to answer questions, every question that I have received during my day!  The only difference is that now, with my new membership site, I won't only be filled with just intentions of trying to answer every email when there is just no time left, but I can answer each question.  I can get to know you better as I help you reach for your dreams!

 

For a reasonable monthly fee, I am so honored that my partner Linda have been given the opportunity to teach, inspire, and guide you to the life of your dreams, just as I found this life not so many years ago when I truly thought my life was over.

 

For years, as my Fibromyalgia symptoms appeared and disappeared back and forth so many times, I felt like there were two different people living in my body.  I tried to run retail shops in several locations.  Considering the trying times along with severe pain I was facing, I fought with all my might every single day to succeed in providing the finest of silk floral arrangements and wreaths to the most elegant homes in Anderson, SC and the surrounding area. But, in order to be able to run my business, I always hired more people to work for me than I really could afford to pay; you see, I couldn't depend upon my own body…so I had to depend upon others.  There were times when I would have to leave and go home at a moment's notice — or even lie down on the floor until the severe dizzy spell would pass.  I never wanted to have to close my shop because of my illness. 


Later, after the economy started to change, my husband and I decided we could no longer afford to keep my business open.  That was such a hard decision for me.  I felt like I was having to give up the only thing that had given me purpose — except my children, of course.  There were then and still are now the joy of my life.  Our boys have married wonderful wives who have given us the four most beautiful  grand-children on the planet!  I know, I know… just a little bit prejudiced here!  LOL


After closing my business, I was determined not to give up.  It would have been very easy for me to give in to my pain and despair staying at home all day feeling sorry for myself.  But, NO, I couldn't do that!  Someone had mentioned eBay to me.  Even though I didn't know much at all about it, I began to read and read and read.  It wasn't easy, but I figured it out finally and after only 5 or 6 months, became a power seller on eBay, that is – before eBay began to implode.  Now, I am a successful entrepreneur, teacher, writer, and businesswoman, selling my floral creations and educational products from my own website.

 

This all happened for me because I took a hobby that I was pretty good at and took a chance at making it something more. A hobby is something that makes you feel good about yourself, an activity that you can share with friends and neighbors and one that, hopefully, you are really good at – if not, you can learn!  And when illness or a tragedy knocks the breath out of you and literally flattens you, that same hobby can be the support you need to climb back up and face your battles.

 

Let me tell you more about my gift from God…a hobby that gave me such a purpose and drive to greet every day. Floral design gave me joy, value, excitement, a reason to feel alive, and a reason to jump out of bed with such a start in the morning that even I was surprised.

 

Oh, can you just imagine?  This hobby of mine can become your new hobby, too.  Even more, this new skill can bring in much needed extra income, if you want to take it in that direction. Maybe you’re a mother with young children to care for and you don’t have a job outside of your home. Maybe you are a widow, who is alone and needs something to keep your mind and hands busy.  My heart’s desire is to share this wonderful hobby that I love so much, but you must realize that you will have to accept the joy and excitement that comes with it…at no extra charge!  Depending on what you do with this new skill, you may also receive bonuses, like confidence, pride and some extra cash for your bank account!

 

You might be a young-at-heart Baby Boomer who needs the sense of accomplishment, inspiration, and joy that comes when you complete your first project with your own two hands – all by yourself!  I honestly believe my floral experiences and business skills have equipped me at this point in my life, to teach, encourage, help and inspire you to do more than you ever thought possible.

 

I can finally say, and truly believe, that I am GRATEFUL for my illness, because God has used it for a greater good, to encourage me to spend time taking stock of my life.  I focused on my skills and goals, which brought me to this point in my life where I now understand that one of my strongest goals is to follow God's leading and give something back to each one of you reading this. 

 

What do I have to offer you? I offer you my care, my interest in your lives, my talent, experience, skills and creative energy doing something that I love, and something that has changed my life in a very positive way.  Floral design can turn your life around, too!

 

What if you woke up every morning with a smile on your face? When was the last time you popped your eyes open with such a feeling of excitement and anticipation that you JUMPED out of bed, anxious to begin the best day of your life? And what if that happened every single day? Just Imagine that! No more rolling over and going back to sleep!

 

I sincerely want you to feel the joy that I feel and the energy I get when I pick out flowers for a special wreath, or centerpiece design. Oh, and the giddy feeling that I get when I hold a bunch of flowers in my hand and envision how they will look on my finished project for that day can be “catching”. This is what can happen when you develop a passion for any kind of floral design such as making wreaths, centerpieces, wall baskets and more!

 

I have had a career as an Internet Marketer for almost eight years now.  I pour my heart into every wreath, arrangement, video, or book so that I can share myself and my joys with anyone who is interested.

 

I am so excited for you, knowing what lies ahead! Something magical happens when I stand in front of those cameras. Most of the time I am shy and maybe a little withdrawn, but not when I'm teaching. I am able to stand there and describe every single step in the wreath design process with you because I LOVE IT!

 

The words flow out of my mouth. I can stand 2 or 3 hours straight, with no break, when I am teaching wreath instruction. This overwhelming feeling of being energized, strong, and knowledgeable is empowering when I teach this wonderful hobby or craft that I love.
  

As you gain experience, you will advance in your designs and your creative desires will certainly begin to show in your work.  Friends and neighbors will be curious about where you purchased your special design.  When they find out you created it yourself, you will be surprised how many people will want you to make one for them.  



 

At first, you may not have enough confidence in your abilities to charge for your creations, but, I can assure you that, with more and more requests for your creations, your confidence will grow and grow.

 




 

Then you’ll know; you’ll just know that you have the gift of a talent that has given you joy and a reason to face each and every beautiful day.  You are creative; you are talented.  You can, if you so desire, begin to charge for making these special wreaths and arrangements.

 




 

Then, I assure you, you will feel so very good about yourself, your talent, your accomplishments, and your life!  You WILL realize your creations are coveted by your family, neighbors and friends and certainly worth getting paid for.  You can begin to earn extra income!   Of course, that is an exceptional bonus, but that does not mean as much as the personal feelings of accomplishment, pride and confidence you now carry! 

 


I truly am honored and feel completely unworthy to be given the awesome responsibility to encourage, teach and inspire you!  But I thank God for the chance to do just that!


Fibromyalgia… The Cure Begins!

Jan3

"Fibromyalgia" By, Nancy Alexander

The Cure Begins…

I ended my last post in December, 2010, after telling you of the many struggles and pain Fibromyalgia brought into my life.  So, here I am now…the third day of a new year…so many changes…so many things are different.  I – Nancy Alexander – have a new life and an unbelievable, overwhelmingly happy one at that!

 

It seems very appropriate to start this New Year – 2011 – with a story of
healing, peace, joy, miracles, pain relief, and happiness as well as thoughts of "I can" instead of "I can't"!

I can even play in the snow with Lucas & Ava now!

Even my dreams for the last 30-plus years have been filled with visions, as well as nightmares, of what I cannot and would not ever be able to do.  Well…No More!!  Thank You God!

I am a different person!  I am being healed from Fibromyalgia — the disease which has no cure — and I am doing things with my family and my husband that I thought I would never be able to do or enjoy again!  I am enjoying life!  I am working hard at my business!  I am traveling again for the first time in many years.  I can go somewhere and sit for longer than 30 minutes!  I can go to movies with my husband!  And — best of all — I can go to church at my husband's side every single week!

 

To be able to go on vacations again — to the beach — the mountains — anywhere we want to go!  These are experiences I thought I would never be able to enjoy again!  The possibilities are now endless.  I can go up steps again.  I can walk on a treadmill.  We go to concerts, college football and basketball games.  I no longer have to sit at home while my husband enjoys these without me!  I can, and do, go with him!!

 

Our marriage and our love has been rejuvenated because a sickness such as the one I had kills the closeness between a husband and wife.  It almost killed us…we almost didn't make it.  This insidious disease came very close to ending our marriage of 38 years before we came across my "cure".  I know you may have heard about cures before but when you researched and read more about these "claims", their answers were just not what you were desperately searching for.  There really was no healing and no renewal of life, body, and soul.

  

 

I am writing this post today…January 3, 2011…to tell you a different story — a true story — one with a happy, pain-free and joyous ending. 

 

 

It all begins at the end.  God allowed me to sink to the bottom of the "pit" with no hope of a better life.  My husband and I no longer had a life together.  We were strangers in the same house growing further and further apart with each passing year.  Neither of us could understand my illness with all of its debilitating pain and strange peculiarities.  How could Steve understand what I was going through when I couldn't even understand it myself to explain it to him?  And then God reached out His hand to me and my husband — pulling us out of this "pit".  God is using this experience now in both of us.  We will cheerfully and "blindly" follow God's leading anywhere for any reason – as long as it is "His path".  

This blog, my website, and our story are reaching people from all over the world; people who are in pain and have no hope.  Well, your hope is within God.  He has poured His miracles down upon us by giving my husband a new heart, and a new understanding, along with an undying – cherishing, forever-after kind of love!  And me – well, I have a new healthy body along with courage built on a determination and strength that I never knew I posessed.  These miracles have left us both "speechless"!  But, at the same time, we are certain that miracles such as these cannot be "hidden" or "kept quiet".  This is a very painful, and personal story…but one that we feel God wants us to share with those who are desperately searching for the answer in their painful lives. He is using our time in the "pit" to help so many others.  So…that is why I am revealing so much of our journey to you.

 

 

I had put myself into the hands of so many doctors — dedicated, intelligent doctors, who could not help because they knew so little about Fibromyalgia.  But my first breakthrough was with a nearby women's hospital physician, who specialized in Fibromyalgia.  I found her myself and made an appointment.  She gave me a firm diagnosis — "yes, you definitely have a severe case of Fibromyalgia".  Then she wanted to try the same old drug regimen that every other doctor had tried, but nothing really new to offer.  I had the same reactions to these medicines again just as when I had tried them before…and eventually I gave into the fact I had been avoiding…she could be of no help to me!  I finally realized any relief…any cure…would come from my own determination and research — so my journey began!


 I was lucky to finally switch to our neighbor as our family doctor.  On my first visit to him, he told me up front, "You know much more about Fibromyalgia than I ever will.  I don't totally agree with everything you think may be causing your illness, and I don't totally agree with some of supplements you believe are helping you, but I am willing to treat you, refer you to any doctor you want to see, send you anywhere you want to go, and try any drug which your research leads you to believe might help."  I have always appreciated his friendship, his honesty, and his willingness to try things with me…he is still our doctor and a very good friend.

 

Now, let's move forward to what I consider the first of two turning points in my life, when I finally began finding help and answers!

 

My research saved my life.  It led me to a specialist in Atlanta, Georgia.  This endocrinologist practiced medicine about 2 hours from my home.  He is an older doctor – a very sweet man – whose specialty is diabetes and also Fibromyalgia, because he suffers from it himself.  I called his office wanting to know if he would do a phone consultation with me.  At that time — which was in May of 2006 — I could hardly ride in a car for 30 minutes.  So, I knew I couldn't make the two hour ride to Atlanta, Georgia.  He did agree to a phone consultation. 

    

This doctor with a strong faith in God, a kind manner and his knowledge was the first step in saving my life!  He understood everything I said; he understood all of my symptoms; and he understood why I was not getting better.  He even understood something I had noticed years before; that I had become extremely chemically and environmentally sensitive to everything.  Even cleaning supplies had to be chosen carefully.  Some clothes and materials literally hurt my body.  I had stopped wearing scented perfume or lotion – sometimes having to leave church or other event because someone sat near me with perfume or cologne on which made me ill.  Many smells and chemicals made my muscles much worse.  Weather changes such as storms or higher barometric pressure made me feel like I had been run over by an eighteen-wheeler!  I had even begun to notice that certain foods were a problem for me too, but I HAD NO IDEA…LITERALLY NO IDEA…THE PART THESE FOODS PLAYED IN MY ILLNESS!!

How God Has Used Me

Oct22

"How God Has Used Me" By, Nancy Alexander

Gratitude Because God IS Using "Little Ole Me"…

I feel a feeling of gratitude today because God is using me, yes…."little ole me".  I don't mean to sound surprised, and I don't mean to boast — but me?? — I have always trusted God as my savior – my Lord – involved in and orchestrating everything in my life… I grew up in what I considered an unhappy home… no abuse or anything drastic like you hear so much of these days .. just unhappy, and feeling unloved.  (I do know different now, but didn't then and couldn't understand as a child.) 

But, well, finally – now things are different!  The signs from God's leading in my and my husband's lives are bold, attention-getting, crying your eyes out, screaming to the top of your lungs, singing praises to the Lord… kinds of signs and "holy touches"! 

Me…Nancy…Nancy Alexander from Anderson, South Carolina (a middle-sized Southern town of not much significance) — who has never gone far away from home except for a few trips to Washington, DC, when my uncle was alive, or the wonderful cruise my husband surprised me with for our 25th anniversary — the Nancy who got really sick at 28 years old when she had two little boys to take care of, who had dreams of being a GREAT Mom — a beautiful, sexy, encouraging wife to a husband who adored, cherished, and looked upon none other — one who would make a difference in this world one day by touching lives, leading others to my Lord and Savior by being the sort of Christian that others admire — traveling through and praising God for this beautiful world that we live in (or) just being the "Matriarch" of our little family — being looked up to — honored — loved — overwhelmed with the hugs and kisses and "Mom, I Love You" stuff… this was what my dreams were made of and what I wanted more than anything else in this world!

I have found that God definitely has plans for us, and that He certainly answers prayer.  I know that my prayers have been answered, but God and I have had to engage in many breakdowns, talks and tears (mine), about the fact that he didn't answer my prayers and pleadings in my time, but in His — 30 to 35 years later.  (And, by the way…it took that same son, Matt, just recently to remind me that even though it has been sooo many years…God HAS answered my prayers!)  I now can and do Praise His Name for His faithfulness, steadfastness, and love because these answers to my hopes, dreams, and pleadings have been much more than I could have ever imagined.

Yes, His time is certainly NOT our time and His dreams for us and for me personally came at His "right time".  These dreams which are being answered now in my life, totally and completely take my breath away, with faith in God…dreams eventually are answered.  These answers are maybe not the answers we expect, but can be beyond our own imaginings.  I would not be the person I am today without the many years of being pruned by God; without going through the many impossible situations with health issues, family and life.  I tried so hard for so many years; I thought I would never be freed.  But… I now know that I would not be blessed with the experience I now possess with which I can help others I come across in this world (and notice… I did say world!) – without the many years of God's hard work in my life.

Don't worry, I'm not going to go through my entire life's story here, but I just want to tell you about a tiny little book:  "The Prayer of Jabez", given to me by my son Matt in 1990, and how it made such an impact in my life.  I knew I was in trouble and had known for some time… life was a "chore", life was not what I had dreamed, expected, and wanted it to be — my life was broken and filled with pain and hurt; I even knew that if I lived long enough, I would probably end up in a wheelchair.  I had come close to giving up so many times, but didn't have the courage or strength to even do that. 

Anyway, this tiny little book with the sweet inscription in the front from my son, Matt, led me to read it that day.  It is such a tiny book that it can be read in one day — but the words, and the meanings of those words have taken me many years to learn how they apply to my life.  This short prayer; "The Prayer of Jabez" has been prayed by me every single day of my life since I received it in 1990 — and on some days of turmoil and stress — more than once.

I began many years ago praying this prayer for me – myself first – to be healed; then, later on I changed the names, and prayed for Steve, my husband, and second my sons, Matt and Andy.  So every single night I pray this prayer four times.  As I lay my head down on my pillow, I began these prayers.  I could not sleep unless I did.  I used to pray them silently, until I realized that Satan cannot hear our thoughts, only our spoken words…so I started praying them aloud — I wanted him to know the strength of my trust in God.

The Prayer as I have prayed it:  "And Jabez called upon the God of Israel; Oh that You would bless me indeed.  That You would enlarge my territory, and that your hand would be with me; and you would keep me from evil so that I might not cause pain."

(or) 1 Chronicles 4:10
"Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that Thou would bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast (territory), and that Thine hand might be with me, and that Thou would keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!"  And God granted him that which he requested." 

I knew these were powerful words.  I read the book several times, but when I would get to two specific phrases each time, I would find myself thinking… (how in the world would this ever apply to me…?).  That didn't stop me, though, and I kept right on praying.

The first phrase that I just could not understand was "That You would enlarge my territory", and the second was "And keep me from evil so that I might not cause pain".  God has now revealed to me exactly what each of these phrases means.  Each statement has changed my life in such amazing ways;  both for the good – but one involving anticipation and excitement, and the other – well, let's just say the other caused a great deal of pain.  But just for now, I want to talk about the first one — the one which brought unbelievable hope, praises, joy and excitement to my mundane life.

Each time I would stop and think.  Here I am… a woman with a finally diagnosed disease of fibromyalgia — and eventually celiac disease.  How in the world could God enlarge my territory?  For a while I could hardly ride in a car for 30 minutes.  A few times through the years when fibromyalgia released its terrible grip on my body and my soul for a short while, I could go a few places;  like Atlanta on several buying trips for a business I kept holding onto; or…there was that one time when I was able to go on a cruise that my husband surprised me with; and a couple of times through the years when I was able to make the 5 hour trip to Myrtle beach.

But, "enlarge my territory"!?…

Well, this is where I certainly did God an injustice!  I did not trust Him like His word commands us to do.  But, can you see how I would question; how could He enlarge "my" territory when I can hardly ride in the car for more than 30 minutes…I couldn't even go up a flight of stairs.  I could never visit all of the states in the United states as many people do (and I would love to do), and I certainly could not (even if the funds were available), fly to other countries.  To me, for many years, that was what "enlarge my territory" meant – to be able to spread the word of God far and wide to all the ends of the earth. 

Then, a couple of years ago, I picked up this little book again.  It had been lying on my bedside table for years just for the comfort it gave me to see it there.  As I picked up this book and started reading again, I flipped over to the chapter where it was talking about expanding my territory.  As I flipped through the pages, reading quickly, my heart started to flutter a little – I felt something in the pit of my stomach….I HAD BEEN WRONG!  Here they were talking about this applying to our everyday lives.  To people we come in contact with everyday. To businesses which needed God's help to grow and expand…but in His direction only. 

So, that night as I began to pray, I began to envision in my mind that – YES – God can expand my territory.  To my friends, my neighbors, and my business selling wreaths on eBay and the Internet.  Then, every night thereafter, I had those thoughts in my mind as I spoke the words aloud – instead of the negative and distrustful thoughts and words of doubt clouded with a little hope that had always hung around in the back of my mind. 

And now where do I begin?  How do I tell you the miraculous ways that God has enlarged my territory?  Well, my business is flourishing, but not in the way you might think — in monitory terms — although I have started to finally make a little money instead of just having a fun hobby that I excelled in and cost us a fortune!  Oh, but God is so good, his dreams for us are more incredible than ours could ever be!

My husband, Steve and I have just written a book for and about my business.  It is a book on how to do what I do — how to start an Internet business when you know nothing about the Internet — and yes… a list of every supplier that I buy from, and what I buy from each.  This is something that NO business owner EVER DOES!!  These suppliers and vendors are searched out and tested for many years.  In writing and selling this book, I am creating my own competition!

DO YOU SEE???? DO YOU SEE the point I am trying to get across here?  God's plan for me was not to become a successful Internet Entrepreneur merely making and selling wreaths.  His plan was not for me to just become a success filming how-to videos on wreath design (although that's a part of my life and business). 

HIS plan for me was to reach ladies (far and wide — "expanding my territory"), ladies who are and were just like me.  They are trapped in bodies that are weak and sick.  They have fibromyalgia or other health issues which have gone undiagnosed for many, many years….just like mine.  No one understands, maybe they have not found a Doctor yet who even believes they are "truly" sick.  They need hope, they need joy…they need a reason to get out of bed every morning…they need God's help and inspiration. 

I am so humbled… I am so overwhelmed… I am so overjoyed that God is using "me" to help these women!  In the last 11 days that my book has been for sale, we have sold over 50 copies!  I am receiving so many emails, it is not humanly possible to answer them all, from women all over the world who are desperate.  They are where I was so many years ago!  God is leading me to help them in ways that I cannot yet begin to fathom!  I could let this totally consume me, but I have peace and trust in God now that I know what "He" is doing, and is doing so well!  I am only along for the ride – along with my faithful, loving husband, and a renewed marriage – and we are open to do whatever God's will is for us!  We finally KNOW FOR SURE that "His will" cannot be matched by any earthly designs.

So…. "enlarge my territory"!?…      

Okay…. get this…. in the last two weeks, I have had people on my website from over "Thirty-Five" countries!  I have several "big" Internet Marketers" waiting for me to set my book up for Affiliate Sales so that they can sell it.  They believe in me…and my gift — my talent and they say my story has touched them deeply! 

 

So…don't tell me that God cannot enlarge your territory because he did just that to me — Nancy Alexander — from Anderson, South Carolina!