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God Put a Burden on My Heart

Jul30

I receive so many emails…

Each and every day wanting to answer each one personally.  I REALLY want to answer each one personally.  There just aren't enough hours in the day.

God has put such a burden on my heart for people who struggle every single day just to make it through the day.  I used to pray every day:
 
"Lord, if there is a lesson you want me to learn, PLEASE tell me, I will learn it." 
"Lord, if there is something you want me to do that I am not doing, PLEASE tell me, and I will do it." 
"Lord, if there is any thing I can do to make money to help pay the bills and feel productive, PLEASE tell me how, and I will do it." 
There were many, many prayers such as this, lots of tears, lots of Doctor visits, and debt that you cannot begin to imagine.
 
Finally, after much prayer, and literally fighting for my life for so many years, God did answer my prayer.  And it took my 35 year old son just a couple of months ago (when I was a little down, and still remembering the "lost years") to tell me; "Mom, God DID answer your prayers!"  "It wasn't in your time, but it certainly was in His time!"
 
Matt was right!  If I had not been through all that I have for the last 30 years, I would not be right here, right now, with a huge following of women who want help and encouragement…. and certainly "JOY"!  They want something to live for, a hobby they love, and a way to make some extra income.  I can certainly help you with that!
 
I have been praying "The Prayer of Jabez"  for 11 years now.  I pray it at least once per day — and sometimes two or three times. (You can read the prayer here on my blog: http://nancysramblings.com/?p=395)  Well, every single time I prayed this prayer and got to the point where it says:    "That You would enlarge my territory, and that your hand would be with me" ,  I would think…How in the world can God expand my territory?  At that time, I could hardly even make the 30 minute drive to Greenville, SC, without being in severe pain.  So, how in the world could He expand my territory when I couldn't travel anywhere?? 
 
Well, I want to tell you something that totally amazes me beyond words.  God is soooo good, He is soooo wonderful, He has blessed me in soooo many ways!  Do you know that in the last four weeks, there have been people on my website and my blog from over 30 different countries?!!  I receive emails from them.  They say that I inspire them.  It isn't me….but God "is" using me, and for that I am so grateful.
 
As far as "Joy" goes…that can only come from God.  For Christmas, my husband gave me two silver chains.  I wear them every single day.  On the oval one (with a heart in the center) he had imprinted: "SHMILY", which stands for: "See How Much I Love You", and on the other tag is printed "JOY".  Joy is a very important word for us.  We pray for it every day, and no matter what our circumstances are, we search for it in every single thing…"It is There!…God gives it freely!"

 


By The Way…Steve had this Necklace Made for Me From:
http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/
Check out her site — I LOVE It!!! 

 

You are in my heart and in my prayers!  Don't ever, ever, ever give up!  God is there to love and care for you…as well as giving you "JOY"!

Watch my newsletters to find out when the membership site will open (probably in about one month), and also when the business class will start!
 
JOY and Blessings … Nancy

Overcoming Fear With Confidence & Trust in God…

Mar12

"Overcoming Fear…" By Nancy Alexander

With Confidence & Trust in God

Lately in "Best of Nancy", my Coaching Site, we have been discussing the subjects of "fear" and "confidence".

Fear keeps us from stepping out and trying a lot of things at times, doesn't it?  Well, I certainly have experienced this one, and I know that in my life fear has played a very big part of who I am vs. who I want to become as a child of God.  Fear has affected my confidence in me and my abilities.  Fear has controlled many situations, keeping me from experiencing the joy and freedom that we all want and need.  Self-confidence, or the lack of it, takes away from life and doesn't give anything back.   

Don't say it!!  I know what you're thinking.  You're thinking what many people tell me all the time.  "No…. you definitely don't have a lack of confidence!  You can't!  Just look at all you have accomplished!  You have several websites, a membership site, are well known on the Internet for your unique, and custom-designed wreaths" 

The point I'm trying to make here is that the assumptions we make of others are not always true.  It is very easy to put on a facade that hides the pain and loneliness which lies underneath.  I am not saying this to gain sympathy.  I don't want or need sympathy.  I am saying this to help and encourage the many women who contact me daily and weekly.  I am winning this battle – I am winning it with God's help!  I know that each of YOU can win this battle also!!

There are so many things in our lives which hold us back and paralyze us with fear.  Fear is debilitating.  It can cause isolation, a severe lack of self-confidence, and it can totally take over your life.  I know, because I fought many of these fears when – as a young woman of only 28 with two young children, I became sick.  We went from doctor to doctor with many different diagnosis's – such as "housewife syndrome"!  They were all totally ridiculous!  I had to reach out and depend on God to help me face my fears, as well as build confidence and self-esteem. 

Each of us in "Best of Nancy" has been discussing our fears and how we can overcome them.  I am certainly NO expert in this area, but, at the same time, I have had a lot of experience working to overcome my fears.  I have battled depression, panic attacks, lack of self-confidence, Fibromyalgia and Celiac Disease.

I overcame one particular fear after a friend and mentor, Jim Cockrum, and I were talking on the phone about how to grow my business.  He suggested that I start filming videos in order to teach my students more effectively.  Well, as I was answering him, "Yes, that would be a great idea…!", I was thinking to myself, "Absolutely not!  I cannot do that — no way!" 

God knew better!  I finally did start filming videos.  I have 19 of them for sale so far (in addition to many free ones).  Yes, at first it was hard, it was scary, but now, I totally and completely enjoy getting to welcome all of my students into my studio while I teach them how to make something exceptional!  The funny thing is, I can hardly stop talking while I am teaching — go figure!!  And…I am still totally amazed when I go to my YouTube Channel:  http://www.YouTube.com/LadybugWreaths and see that I have had over 739,000 views of my videos.

Now, for the main reason I started this post today…  IT IS A PRAISE – IT IS A VICTORY!!

My husband, Steve and I go to NewSpring Church in Anderson.  They have around 8,000 to 10,000 in attendance on any given Sunday in our church with multiple services.  But, if you count New Spring's other locations, which also broadcast these services all over the state of SC, their total goes up to around 18,000.  In addition to this, their services are spread all over the world by pod-casts. 

One of my own personal fears has been to stand up in front of a group.  Well, Steve had been asked to join the NewSpring choir this year.  They normally only have a choir once a year.  I went to the practice with him just planning on sitting, watching, and enjoying the wonderful music.  After getting there, I was asked to sing with them.  After several excuses, I finally gave in and walked up on the stage.  The NewSpring band, and the music are a "big production" there.  I totally enjoyed that because there were no people in the audience.  We were singing to empty seats!  I knew all along that there was NO WAY that I could get up there with the church full of several thousand people.

Steve and I missed the first performance, but were called when NewSpring decided to do an encore performance at last night's Sunday evening service.  Thanks to the discussions we have been having in "Best of Nancy", I gathered what courage I had and went!  I didn't know if I would even be able to walk out on the stage, let alone sing, but I went anyway. 

Thanks to God's hand upon me and the calming of the Holy Spirit, I DID IT!!!!!  I SANG MY HEART OUT BEFORE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE PRAISING GOD FOR ALL HE HAS DONE FOR ME. I COULDN'T STOP SMILING!  I WAS NOT NERVOUS, I WAS SOOO HAPPY!  And… you'll never guess the name of the song we sang.  It was "OVERCOME"!!

“He Touched Me”

Feb9

"He Touched Me" By Nancy Alexander


God Answered My Prayer This Morning…

God blessed me this morning in such a way that I have to share it with you.  I have talked before about how fibromyalgia is such an awful, insidious disease.  It precipitates all manner of problems and I believe I have probably experienced them all.

I have also shared with you that I am getting well, I am being cured.  As a matter of fact, I am so much better that I have a totally and completely different life than I had for over 30 years! 

I can travel, which means we have been able to take some wonderful vacations during these last three years.  Before that, I went for so many years without a vacation, that I can hardly remember how long.  I can do things with my family and grandchildren that I would only have dreamed of before.  I can work many hours a day at my Internet business, selling wreaths and teaching so many of you how to set up an "online presence", so you can sell your products.

How did God touch me today?  Well, for the last four days, I have felt really bad.  I felt like I had gone back in time with my body and my mind.  I was afraid.  As a matter of fact, FEAR is so very strong in the hearts and minds of those who suffer from this.  It was so disheartening to me, knowing I have experienced the joy of revival and renewal in my mind, body, and spirit – I could NOT go back there!  I did everything I knew to do to figure out why… the relapse?  I prayed this morning for God's help, His peace, His leading in what I should do, and how I should handle this.

I take a lot of supplements.  Those vitamins and minerals have made such a difference in my life.  I fill week-long containers with them in advance, because I take so many.  This morning, as I got out my supplements, along with one prescription drug, I counted.  They numbered nine, instead of ten.  I wondered what could be wrong, and then I saw!  The most important prescription that I needed to take was not there.  I checked the other compartments for each day of the week; and it was missing from every single morning dose.  

This drug is one my doctor put me on ten years ago right after having surgery.  He actually switched me to it in the hospital without my knowledge, or consent.  It is Xanax.  After I got used to it, I found that it did help the pain.  It helped all of the fibromyalgia/celiac symptoms, so I kept taking it – not knowing that it is meant to be a short-term drug, and not taken for nearly as long as I have.  No one ever told me.  No one ever cautioned me — that is until I saw the wonderful nutritionist that I am seeing now.  She has been telling me for a while that this is detrimental to my health and has to go.  It does not mix well with many of the vitamins and minerals which I need to take every day to keep my body healthy and strong.  So, that is the next thing in my doctor's plan for me — to get me off Xanax.  It has to be done slowly and carefully since I have been on it for so long. 

So, back to my story…as I noticed what was missing from my morning supplements, I was overjoyed.  The fibro/celiac was NOT returning like I had feared.  My body was NOT regressing.  I was NOT going back into the life I had led for so long.  I was going through withdrawal after leaving Xanax off for 4 days.  Please… if you are taking drugs like this, talk to your doctors.  Maybe they can help you find something healthy you can take, so you won't get caught in the trap that I did!  But, don't try to do this alone; don't EVER try to do this alone!… only with your doctor's help.

After my discovery this morning, I sat down in my kitchen to eat break fast praising God for answering my prayer.  As I did, the sun rose over the hill in front of our home.  It was brighter and more beautiful than I ever remember it being from that spot sitting at our kitchen island.  As I tried to watch it, I was blinded from how bright it was.  I saw it shining through the antique stained glass windows which I have propped in my window sill. 

I knew this was a sign – a sign from God.  I ran and grabbed my camera.  I am posting a couple of the pictures here – but no matter what setting I turned my camera to, I just could not capture the majesty of that particular sunrise this morning.

God had really answered my prayer.  And now, only a few short hours later, I can feel my body coming back to where it should be. I know without a doubt, HE WILL ANSWER YOUR PRAYERS, TOO.

I Thank You God

Nov22

"I Thank You God" By, Nancy Alexander

Blessings of Life, Health, Love & Happiness…

I've been working pretty hard in the last few weeks.  I realized that my "Secret Vendor List" had been out for exactly one year, and an update needed to be done.  At first, I thought the things that needed to be checked, and/or changed were minor – that these things wouldn't take long at all.  I could certainly get this done in just a couple of days.  Well, that thought is ALWAYS my downfall!  I am somewhat of a perfectionist, and if I'm going to do something, then, it is going to be right. 

I know you're wondering how this is getting around to blessings, right?  Well, I mentioned the update of my eBook in the first paragraph to let you know why Steve and I went to one of my supplier's warehouses last Friday.  This particular vendor/supplier did not have a catalog, or a website, so I needed to take new pictures of some of their merchandise and we planned to film a video to use to promote my book as well.  This is a three-generation wholesaler – good people – I have purchased materials and supplies from for many years.  And, since I wanted the very best information for my customers – our trip was planned.

While we were in their "huge" warehouse finishing the filming of my video, I called my friend and employee Kim asking her questions about supplies we needed.  Kim asked me how I was doing.  I hesitated just a little as I wondered why she asked that particular question, finally answering: "Fine".  Then before hanging up, I felt the urge to ask her why.

As we talked, Kim reminded me that only a few short years ago – maybe four – when I went to this warehouse to purchase materials and supplies, I had to be pushed around in a wheelchair because of the grip Fibromyalgia had on my body.  Then, she also reminded me of the years before that, when I couldn't even make the trip in a car and she went for me many times.  We hung up with a: "You Go Girl" which made me smile to myself.  But then – such a sobering thought. 

I suddenly remembered the many trips when I had to use my wheelchair.  I remembered many other places we went where we had to pull out that "shiny, metal chair on wheels".  I was embarrassed to use it, but I didn't have many options, if there were places I wanted to go.  I could stay at home – which I did do on many occasions – or I could go and let Steve or someone else push me around.  I was very self-conscious.  I didn't want people who knew me to see me in a wheelchair.  Every time I could, I would get up and walk beside it as if to show people…see…I don't really have to be riding in this thing ALL of the time!  Today, my heart breaks for those who cannot get up out of those chairs to walk beside them. 

These thoughts came flooding back as I stood in the middle of this huge warehouse talking to my friend, Kim.  I was grateful that she reminded me that day of where I had been only a few short years ago.  And, Oh God… as I am feeling SO grateful that I am not there today, I feel so unworthy that His healing grace made such a difference in me that I no longer have to use that chair. 

Do you know that on that particular Friday, we arrived at 11:30 (after spending quite a while riding in the car) and began filming with one of the owners.  I took a short break to eat after our filming session which lasted about 2 1/2 hours.  I sat in our car for less than ten minutes as I ate a few bites of my salad.  Then I quickly jumped out and began doing my shopping for the supplies I needed that day.  When we checked out and left, I noticed it was 4:30!  From 11:30 to 4:30, I had only sat down for ten minutes.  THAT IS FIVE HOURS!! The rest of my time was spent walking and filming and walking and shopping as I went back and forth over this warehouse several times looking for what I needed!  I Thank You God, that I can and have experienced YOUR Amazing Miracles for my life!  And, Jesus, PLEASE forgive me when I am not ALWAYS VERY AWARE of what YOU have done in my life! 

Now, as I am talking about blessings, I am going to back up just a little more.  For this last week, as I have been thinking about our many blessings, other thoughts have been coming to my mind.  I had sad thoughts about the pain of my chronic illness and how it had always affected any plans to host a party, or a family gathering. I suppose I am thinking about this because we will host quite a house full of people on Thanksgiving this year.

My Fibromyalgia used to make our holidays so different than they are today.  I always wanted to host family gatherings; I wanted our home to be decorated; I wanted things to be perfect.  I wanted wonderful smells coming from my kitchen with tables set up adorned with beautiful table cloths, our best china, and eye-catching centerpieces appropriate for each holiday.

But my body would never cooperate when it came time to clean and cook and do all of these fun (and, I thought, necessary) things like decorating and having the garden and yard looking 'perfect'.  This left my dear, sweet husband, Steve stuck with lists of tasks he really didn't enjoy doing – but since he also looked forward to having family over just as I did, he tackled these mundane tasks getting them done without complaining. 

When I think back, I let chronic, constant pain cloud my thoughts, my heart, and my eyes when it came to everything my dear Steve was doing to make these gatherings be all that I wanted them to be.  I never really showed him the appreciation I felt within my heart for his support, and constant help as he went through those long lists of things needing to be accomplished.  I LOVE YOU My Darling Steve…and am TRULY grateful that you were always here by my side taking care of me and doing whatever else needed to be done.

Things ARE different around our home now!  We still host parties and family gatherings every chance we get!  I am so grateful that Steve and I are working right along beside each other cooking, cleaning, and decorating as we prepare for the arrival of our guests.  No, Steve doesn't necessarily HAVE to help me now…and no, I don't always necessarily HAVE to ask for his help.  My body is different now.  I can do most of the things I want to do as we enjoy our family.  I don't have long lists of things for Steve to do.  Our garden and our yard may…or may not…be 'perfect'! 

You see, I have learned a very important lesson!  All of the above things don't matter!  They are not what's most important!  We (Steve and I) are together!  We love, and cherish each other.  We enjoy doing things together!  We enjoy hosting parties and meals together!  But, it is life, it is people, it is friendships, it is family, it is love, and…it is God's grace.  Those are the things that matter now!  The long "to do" lists don't exist anymore!  It doesn't matter if the grass is cut, if the leaves are covering the driveway, if the weeds are taller than the flowers and bushes in our flower beds.  We are together, we are in love, we are happy, we are blessed with our children and precious grandchildren and we thank our God above for it all. 

We don't know what awaits us tomorrow.  But, for today, we are filled with grateful hearts that we can live, love, and experience JOY, PEACE, and HAPPINESS…one day at a time!

 

Prayers in the Dark

Feb10

 

"Prayers in the Dark?" By, Nancy Alexander

I am Praying for Steve as he Drives off in the Dark…

My life is FULL!  But, I am NOT complaining!  I am grateful!  Some days I can hardly believe it is lunch time when my sweet husband calls around 12:30 to remind me to eat!  I know… I know… that's pretty bad, isn't it?  I just get soooo busy!  🙂


I get up at 5 am every morning (Monday through Thursday) with my husband.  I take a shower, fix my hair which consists of running my fingers through it and kind of shaking it out, and put on my makeup.


In the kitchen we pack a breakfast and a lunch for Steve while preparing a hot cup of coffee for him to drink on his 45 minute commute in the dark.


Then comes the very best part of our day; we sit facing each other in our office as we open our couple's devotional book.  These devotionals were started two years ago when extremely painful circumstances in our lives led us to make major changes if "we" were going to survive as "one".  Without these changes, we would never have been given the opportunity to Live, Love, and Cherish each other in life and marriage as is God's plan.


We read a couple's devotional every single morning.  And in the last two years, have gone through several really good devotional books.  When we finish, they are put aside as we know we will go back to each one again someday.


We recently started a new book.  This one gives us such encouragement as we start our early day in the dark of night!  It is "The One Year DEVOTIONS for Couples" by David & Teresa Ferguson.  The daily scripture and encouraging words about keeping a marriage alive have turned out to be a beautiful way for us to begin each day. 


Before Steve leaves…still sitting facing each other…we hold hands and pray together praising God for our blessings as we lift up each other along with our children, grandchildren, and family.  And, we also pray for so many people we know who are facing illness and disaster in their lives right now – on a daily basis.  Our prayer list just seems to grow and grow.  About two days ago, it grew unbelievably as God touched my life…but I'll tell you about that in my next post!  This morning we were truly blessed to be able to go to God in prayer – together – as we do every single day! 


Then, Steve drives out of our driveway a little after 6 am each morning.  I stand at our office window waving goodbye as I pray for God's protection over him as he drives to work on long, and winding, dark roads.  When the two or three alarm clocks (actually sounds like six!)  go off so early in the morning, Steve encourages me to stay in bed a while longer and get a little more sleep.  Ohhhh, but I cannot!  These early morning hours of devotional and "praying in the dark", are the most special moments of my day!


Now, don't get the wrong idea here… we are not "the perfect couple" with no problems.  It does seem as though I have painted this "unreal" picture depicting the life of a happily married "perfect" couple with no problems. 



But, remember in the beginning of this post, I said there were circumstances which brought us to this point, and there were.  We just happen to be among the few truly blessed couples who have been able to weather the storm by turning to God for His help.  We are very much in love and trust in God enough to follow Him as He shows us "His" way — which we didn't always see or understand. 


We are both now 60 years old.  We have been through a lot of pain, hurts and tears to get to the point where we are now.  We had to learn the hard way that God's grace IS Sufficient and Faithful to Forgive, Redeem, and Love us no matter what!


After Steve is off to work, then my work day begins!  And…NO…I don't go back to bed!  I filmed two how-to videos last week and while they are being edited, I am working on the covers for my videos with a young man, Hrvoje Livnjak from Zagreb, Croatia. 


I am also writing my newest EBook entitled "My Yard Sale Treasures", and with the help of Linda Joseph, my dear friend and assistant, we are putting the finishing touches on my new Membership Site!  I'll talk more about this in another post also!


Gotta get busy…It's 2 pm, and I just ate lunch!  (Sorry Steve!) 

Have a blessed day as you follow your heart and God's Leading!