Turning 60… The Best is Yet to Come…

Aug24

Upset??   Should I be upset that I will soon be turning 60?

No, My best years are yet to come! 

WOW, as I think about 60 years, that is a LONG time!  I think back and try to remember things that have happened in my life.  I am realizing that trying to remember 60 years worth of living is almost impossible.  We always remember milestones in our lives:  I remember that at 3 years old, my twin sisters were born – and how very proud I was!  I remember walking down the aisle at 12 years old, giving my heart to Jesus – knowing that He truly was my Savior and Lord.  I remember renewing my life and my faith to Him again when I was 37.  I remember my wedding day…how sweet and special that was – walking down that same aisle again, but this time to join my heart and my life forever with my True Love – Stephen Danner Alexander.  We were so young, and so much in love…thinking that our lives would always be so filled with the wonderful feelings we enjoyed that day.  I remember the birth of each of my children and how my heart overflowed with JOY, fear, and overwhelming responsibility — JOY won out!

  

Unfortunately, times of pain, fear, and uncertainty fill a lot of my memories.  Then there are times of death — my grandparents, my aunt and uncle, my parents, and Steve's dad.   Many years of pain, and fear that I would never be well again (or that no one would believe me or find out exactly what was wrong) always come to mind when remembering the past.  There are sooo many times in my life that I would NEVER like to remember or think of again; and there are so many memories that I want to hold in my heart forever!

I now know that the times in my life which were filled with pain and struggles are the times that God was working on me…pruning me…snipping here and snipping there to grow my Faith in Him like I never experienced before.  I thank God every day for each season of my life because it drew me closer to Him and to the ones I love.  He loves me, He leads me, and I only want what He has for me every single day for the rest of my life.

I do so desperately want to remember all of the everyday occurrences which filled most of my 60 years…special – loving times with Steve and our boys; Matt and Andy.  There were days filled with first boo-boo's, crawling, first steps, first words, and then as years went by…first days of school including tears – mine – not theirs.  The times I left little boys at camp for an entire week, only to pick up a much older – bigger, more grown up boy at the week's end were sooo emotional, but sooo special.  The talks and laughter with our boys, the walks, playing kickball, and numerous other games were so much fun for us all. 

And how could I forget first dates, the first time each son drove out of the driveway alone…by himself…with me praying him back home safely!  Sports were so important, as was music, board games, family gatherings, "tickle my back Mama", "scratch my hair Mom", ohhhh, so many special memories flood my brain as I am writing.  And then…their wedding days!  And just when you think the milestones can't get any sweeter, you experience the birth of your first grandchild.  Sooner than you can change a diaper, we had three more!  This is good!  Special memories, fond thoughts, and loving feelings…Oh, God, please never let me forget these!  Let them come back to my mind as each year of my life continues to come quicker and quicker.

My life has changed, it is different now.  I am a different person thanks to God's pruning.  I now enjoy and appreciate life, God's love, and family more than ever before.  Things that I have always thought were important are no longer important…they just aren't!  God, and his promise of eternal life is important!  Loving, caring, and sharing with my husband is important.  Somehow making a difference in the lives of our four grandchildren, so that they always remember "Mimi & Poppy" is important.  Seeing our boys as men — good Christian men with wonderful, God-loving wives is important.  Watching how they love, provide for, and care for their families is important.  Watching them as Dads is important.

Thank you Lord!  I cannot begin to count my blessings.  I could go on and on and on.  I am so thankful you are now leading my and my husband's lives.  I look forward to the days, months, and years we have left on this earth.

Again…NO…I am NOT upset that I will soon turn 60.  My very best years in life are yet to come.  I know who and what to appreciate now.  I know better how to love those who are important, and how to help those who are in need.

 We are only promised today, and today I will make the most of every single moment enjoying life to its fullest!!!

 

 

Grateful for Grandchildren

Jul27

 

Looking out of my big office window this morning,  I am so thankful to God for our family and the many blessings we have. I am so grateful to live in a country where there is peace – freedom to worship where we choose – homes where we feel safe and secure.  I am reminded of all that is going on in this world around us.  I want to keep others in my prayers today!  Steve and I are soooo blessed with strong, beautiful, and healthy grandchildren….

 

  

Ava Grace will soon turn two years old.  She is such a special little girl.  And she is all girl… a girly girl… a little "Diva" lol.  Steve and I always say if we are ever running low on JOY, and SMILES, then this is where we need to go.  She has plenty to share and keeps us smiling! Ava Grace talks nonstop.  And the newest thing right now is that she adds an "s" to every thing.  So she calls herself "Abas", I am "Mimis" and Steve is "Poppies".  We absolutely LOVE it!  Sooooo Precious!

Lucas is almost five years old!  I can hardly believe it.  We had a very special day with him a week ago checking out Clemson University.  He got to walk on the field – Death Valley – touch the rock, and run down the hill just as all the football players do.  That was such a wonderful day of laughter and smiles! 

Special moments between Grandfather and Grandson !  Yup, you guessed it!  They are discussing "Tiger Football".  Lucas is sooo smart, he took everything in and asked many questions.  He  got to go down on the field, and have his picture made with a Clemson Football Player!  Memorable Day!

And last, but not least is Austin…. He is almost 7 1/2 months old.  He was born December 6th, but was not due until the middle to the end of February.  Austin weighed 3lbs, 5 oz. at birth and was in the neonatal unit in Greenville, SC for many weeks.  But now just look at him – growing like a weed, and the most infectious smile you have ever seen.  He is such a Miracle, and a happy, happy, little boy!  He is smiling and laughing just about all the time.  And…he loves his bed!  (Takes after his daddy, I think!)

 

 

 And here is our latest little miracle!   In this picture, Wyatt Thomas Alexander was only one day old!  He weighed 8lbs, 1oz., and is precious!  I'll write more about him with more pictures in my next post, but I just had to go back and add him to this list of our grandchildren from my older post.  We now have FOUR!  Yea!!!!! Thank you God!  

Peace

Jun15

"Peace" By, Nancy Alexander

Exactly Why is This Post Entitled Peace?…

I am up bright and early with my Hubby – Steve… getting him off to work by 6:15.  Well, at least he is trying to get out the door by 6:15… I didn't help too much today – as a matter of fact I was sort of a hindrance having so much fun laughing, and talking with him this morning as he was trying to get out of bed  – already 15 minutes behind! Steve has a 45 minute commute to work, and has to start at 7 am. with a four-day workweek.   

 

Working at a nuclear plant has been a totally different experience for us both.  I absolutely LOVE having my hubby home on Fridays although the four long days are hard – they are soooo worth it!  We have the weekend to travel, just hang out at home enjoying life and each other, or have fun with our wonderful family, and friends. 

 

My mind is already filled with things I want to accomplish today.  I have so many things I want to do and need to do for my customers.  I am so very grateful that my Celiac disease, and fibromyalgia are under control now so that I can attack these dreams with a vengeance!

 

Now to the first task at hand: All right, JIM COCKRUM!!!  I owe you one… LOL…. You are the one who told me writing an outline for my new book (my story) would be easy!  "Do it now, while things are fresh on your mind…" you said.  "Then you can go back to it later and fill in all the details,"  were some of your suggestions and encouraging words. I have found that it is almost impossible to write an outline unless you remember at least some details and facts!!!   

 

This is all I can think about now, and I have many, many more things I need to do along with writing an outline for my book.  No, really I am just kidding, you have given me so much encouragement with thoughts and ideas through the years, I can NEVER repay you! Well… I'll tell you…. words, yes words are filling my head:  thoughts, details, when did that happen?, am I sure that is the way it was?   Really… really, was it like that?  Oh my gosh… I didn't remember that!  This is so funny I am laughing! 

 

Oh my… it really is sad as tears fall down my cheeks?  How did we, no I, make it?  Through God's help, love and guidance, I know is the only way. I am calling my sisters quite often… asking them questions until they are so frustrated, they both respond:  "I really have to go – I have a lot to do today!"  Sandra says to call Susan, and Susan says to call Sandra.  They are twins, you see, and I somehow thought the two of them together would remember facts with more details that I do —- Duh – WRONG!!!! Okay, calm down now.  This is supposed to be an outline – yes, an outline.  Do I remember what an outline is from reports, and papers in high school, college?  Yes, of course I do.  Well, maybe I do.  That was a long time ago.  Oops, I just blew it – I am not old!  I refuse to be old!  So it could not have been such a long time ago!

 

Yes, I know…. I am rambling here!  I suppose that is what happens when you go back to when you were a child, and try to remember events, happy times, sad times, joyous times,  family members, best friends…  the where's, the why's and the surely not's!  I think it takes all of this – maybe only as a catharsis for me to understand why God has led me on the path I have traveled to reach the promise of  P-E-A-C-E   that is "my life" right now. Would I be where I am now if I had not gone through the pain and the valleys?  No, I think not – I know not.  Would I be the person I am today without the pruning and the tearing down which God has done in my life?  No – I know not.  That is what formed me –  "Nancy".  These joyous times, happy times, sad times, and hopeless times were a big part of making "me" the person I am today.  The person who has a tender heart for others – family, especially –  a love of the beauty of nature –  a talent for decorating, floral design, gardening, and so many more fun, exciting blessings and hobbies!

 

You are probably saying…. now why is this post entitled Peace?  It is because I starting singing this song two days ago, and it hasn't left me yet: 

 

"It is Well With My Soul:" "When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul." Quoting Beth Moore:  "God's Word does not say we'll have peace like a pond.  If we were honest, we might admit to thinking of peaceful people as boring.  We might think, I'd rather forego peace and have an exciting life!  When was the last time you saw white-water rapids?  Few bodies of water are more exciting than rivers!  We can have active, exciting lives without suffering through a life of turmoil.  To have peace like a river is to have security and tranquility while meeting many bumps and unexpected turns on life's journey.  Peace is submission to a trustworthy Authority, not resignation from an activity."

One of my life goals is "Peace" – peace like a river!  So, I am off today praying for, finding, and enjoying the Peace which God has so generously bestowed upon my life.  I hope you are on the journey to fulfill the promise of peace in your life too! Have a glorious day, Nancy

A New Morning…

Jun10

It is a new morning… the sun is just starting to rise.  This day will never "be" again!  What will you do with yours??  I am planning what I should do with mine… what will I write on today that will make a difference in someone's life?  What can I do that will please God?  I have prayed for a new "Spirit" for today.  I pray that God will fill me with so much Grace and Love that it literally spills over onto others in my life. I am soooo grateful for my loving Hubby.  Steve is the best!  He loves me, he cherishes me, and he supports my business.  He is actually helping me plan and write a vendor report that all my customers are dying for.  And he is encouraging me to work on the outline for my new book – yes, I am finally writing a book. So many have been begging me to do this to help them in their journey fighting fibromyalgia.  The title is: 


"I CAN BE CURED"   –   "From Fibro To Freedom" 


Pray that God will bless and lead me on this journey in my life.  It will be painful at times… it will be joyful at times… and I'm sure these times of remembrances will bring many tears.  I will be praying for you today – that you have a joy-filled and pain-free life! Have a marvelously Blessed day.  Think of someone today who needs you; love someone today who may be un-loveable; and give thanks to God in every single thing whether it be good or bad! With God's peace… Nancy  

Excitedly Awaiting Spring

Mar11

 

"Excitedly Awaiting Spring" By, Nancy Alexander

First, I Want a NEW Spring Wreath…

 

 

Excitedly Awaiting Spring?…

 

We certainly are, how about you? The first thing to be done at my house every year is put a new spring/summer wreath on our front door. That really cheers me when there is still snow on the ground, and it is getting dark in the late afternoon – YUCK! A new wreath brings a longing for the bright days of Spring and Summer – which cheer my heart and excite my soul!

 

 

I don't know about your hometown, but where we live, in Anderson, South Carolina, there is a special event every Thursday evening called “Downtown Sounds”. Streets are blocked off, and a different band sets up every week. All types of chairs are filling the streets as families listen to wonderful music while enjoying a wide variety of food and beverages from local downtown restaurants. And yes!!! There is dancing in the streets… I can hardly wait! Woo Hoo! So, starting in April, you can guess where my family will be every Thursday for the rest of the summer. And I just can't help but bragging just a little… my hubby's band “ThoseGuys” will be one of the Downtown bands playing wonderful Beach, Rock & Roll, and Motown music! That's http://www.ThoseGuys.info

 

 

Twig Wreath

Now back to this wonderful new wreath. There is just something so refreshing about making your own wreath with all of the flowers you love such as daffodils and tulips which are already popping out of the ground at my house. I start my wreath with one of our exclusive Twig Wreath bases and along with the daffodils, I add mushrooms, mosses, and plenty of greens. Many other blossoms in different colors are tucked all around adding the bright, bold, and beautiful colors that we yearn for this time of year.ladybug

 

 

But, one very important thing we must not forget. That is “critters!” Your wreath will just be “crawling” with excitement and fun when you add birds in their nests, grasshoppers, butterflies, dragonflies, and of course – Ladybugs!

 

 

How would you like to make your very first Spring or Summer wreath to brighten your days, and your hearts?ladybug My “how-to” videos and “how-to” e-books are just the right thing. If you would like to try making your own, just click HERE to have a look at all of the e-books and videos I have available. There are even sample sections of almost every video available so you can get an idea of what you are purchasing.