Our Hope Is Within God

Dec23

Most of you know me as the lady behind Ladybug Wreaths. You may have even read my book or followed my blog posts as I’ve shared my journey through fibromyalgia. I’ve spoken about my successes and some of my failures. But rarely do I speak about the really dark years, the ones where God allowed me to sink to the bottom of the "pit" with no hope of a better life.

Or at least, I thought there was no hope. God knew better.

My husband Steve 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 us.

Only by God’s power did our marriage survive the attacks from Satan. God is using this experience now in both of us, not only for the sake of our marriage, but to encourage others.

So many of you are battling chronic illnesses, and even for those who aren’t, you still might be facing tremendous hurt in your marriages. Allow God to speak to your heart this Christmas. Be open to His plan for your life and your marriage, whatever it may be.

My blog, my website, and our story reach people from all over the world; people in pain and have no hope. Our hope is within God, and we gladly share that with you. 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 healthier body along with courage built on a determination and strength that I never knew I possessed.

Ours 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. I share the details in my book, My Journey Through Fibromyalgia. But for today, I encourage you to pray with your spouse, if they’re willing, for God to restore your marriage. Pray alone, if you have to.

God is listening and He cares about your broken heart. Mine was so broken at one time that I thought it could never be mended. But by God's own strong and tender hands, He did so. I believe He will do this for anyone suffering from a broken heart who puts their faith in Him. God's strong, gentle hands can change lives, molding the pieces of your life back together even while you are experiencing deep hurt. He can miraculously make us whole (and sometimes better than we were before) by reaching into our soul, making our lives more beautiful, more fulfilling, and more meaningful than we could have ever possibly imagined.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

My prayer for you this Christmas is one of joy, peace, and reconciliation. Life is short and peace is scarce in our world. May you rest in the supernatural peace found in the birth of our Savior.

God bless,

Nancy

 

Looking Back… Thank you God That I am Tired…

Dec15

Looking Back…
This blog post was written almost 8 years ago.  It was the day when "My Secret Vendors" was first released. This first release contained 200 pages.  Now, after 7 rewrites, it contains OVER 750 pages of my "SECRETS" 

 

"Thank You God" By, Nancy Alexander

That I Am Tired…

Where Do I Start? I'll start where every good thing in our lives comes from — God. 

Knowing that I can and do get up every single morning and put on the "full armor of God" fills me with such security and confidence.  It ensures that I can have a day filled with Happiness and Joy which come from God's grace.  Now, that doesn't mean that I don't have bad days, I DO!  That doesn't mean that I don't slip back into the past very often and have to battle with "the evil one", I DO!  That does not mean that I don't slide down that "slippery slope" quite often that Beth Moore describes in her Bible Studies, because I DO!

It does mean that I have a Father who loves me beyond words…He is always there in my life holding out a hand to pull me out and rescue me…He is always there to soothe my broken heart…He is always there pouring blessings and miracles upon me that I certainly do not now, nor ever will deserve.

He had to choose between his "two loves" when he sent his son onto this earth!  How could a Father choose between His two loves:  one – flesh of His own flesh, and the other – His children created by Him to love and worship Him, and that He could also love and cherish in return.

I am speechless…I am in awe…that He chose His son to feel our pain and give His life so that there could be an open pathway flowing between us and our Father every single second of every single day for the rest of our lives.

God has worked such miracles in my family that there are way too many to list, and way too many to go into.  But I will say that during these last two years, He has made His presence known to us in such a way that leaves me amazed!

My husband, Steve, and I have just completed an exciting project together which was totally inspired by God — there is no other explanation.  We found that we could work side by side at our computers, electronically sharing and writing on the same pages at once.  With my strengths multiplying his weaknesses, and Steve's strengths doing the same for mine…well, that is something so wonderful we were blessed to share!  We enjoyed these (literally hundreds) of hours together and finished with an e-Book, a project that we never would have guessed could come to fruition.  And, we ended up with ideas to write at least 10 more books!

You see, God's hand was with us in this from the very beginning!  He sent people into our lives at just the right time when they were needed:  Jim Cockrum from www.SilentJim.com (an Internet Entrepreneur), who is so well known because of his honest and knowledgeable style — and who also charges $700 an hour just for a phone consultation; Linda Joseph from www.WebTechEnterprises.com (our coach), a very smart entrepreneur in her own right, a patient God-loving woman, who has handled so much of the technical "stuff" we didn't know how to do, or have the time to learn; and John Ritskowitz from www.marketing-medic.com (an amazing copywriter whom we were so blessed to be able to work with).  And, no, we could not afford these wonderfully brilliant people God sent into our paths, but He figured out a way!

Today was the "launch" date for this new book: "Secret Vendor List", where I totally and completely reveal ALL of my secrets and suppliers I worked 25 years to obtain.  In the wholesale/retail world, this is just NOT done!  Each retailer researches, studies, walks the halls in the large National Markets looking for the best suppliers with the best prices.  You know…the ones you can really trust!  Those are so hard to find these days!  I have felt led by God for some time with a soft spot in my heart for my customers…there is an attachment with them which I cannot explain…some really need help and that help just may be me.  So many of them are at places in their lives right now where I was for many years, and that is not a very pleasant or happy place to be.

Through our work (together, side-by-side) on this 200 page book, plus two more smaller e-Books, Steve and I have been working into the wee hours of the morning, and then jumping out of bed with a start the next morning to complete this amazing task.  Last night was one of those late nights, and this morning…well, another early morning.  So much to be done; newsletters to write; web pages to be redone; older e-Books to be revised and rewritten, auto-responders to be set up, and so much more!

Now…the joys…and amazement come as I am watching the "stats" as people come to my website and my blog from all over the world – 20 different countries so far!  I am answering emails about sales and downloads…I just feel so humbled that God reached down into our broken lives two years ago and changed them in such amazing ways! He has a plan for us.  He has a path for us…and we will certainly, blindly follow Him on this path for the rest of our lives knowing more Joy and Happiness awaits us than we can begin to imagine!

 

This is why I can thank God that I am tired! 

 

NOTE:  "My Secret Vendors" is even more popular today than it was when it was written.  Here is the link if you wish more information:  http://www.MySecretVendors.com​

Are You Afraid of Success? Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back!

Nov14

I’ve talked about my illness many times and how debilitating it could be. For years, fear held me back. I had a host of excuses lined up as to why I had every right to be afraid of failure. I didn’t think I “had what it took” – strength and determination. I didn’t want to be seen as a failure. I talk about my fears and weaknesses in my book, “My Journey Through Fibromyalgia: Rumors, Ravages & The Rescue.”

The fact is everyone has something that holds them back. It doesn’t have to be health issues or low self-esteem issues that dragged me down.

When my health improved, I finally realized that, yes, I really wanted to be successful. But the thought of being successful was fearful, too. You might be thinking, “Who would be afraid of succeeding?”

Success would bring a lot of changes. What if I succeeded and wasn’t prepared for all that went along with my “success?” It would bring attention to who I am – to what I do. What if I’m not the person others think I am?     

The questions rushed at me: “What if I do succeed?” “What would I do then?” “How would I handle it?”

The answers to those questions were slow coming to me. It took over seven years to step out of my comfort zone.

Well, actually, it really helps when someone pushes you out of your comfort zone! Knowing that I am in God’s will certainly doesn’t hurt, because I can trust that I have exactly what I need, exactly when I need it. Still, I let fear interfere with my decisions.

Several years ago, my friend Jim Cockrum, recognized as the most trusted Internet marketer and author of Silent Sales Machine, had this “grand” idea for me to start filming instructional videos. I was scared to death. There was no way I would have considered trying without that nudge.

My first video attempt didn’t turn out like I planned. Ten minutes into taping, my assistant made me throw away twenty poster boards with everything I thought I needed to say. Without the posters, and with flowers and a wreath in my hands, I talked for two hours non-stop. The videographer had to stop me so he could take a break.

That first video is still on YouTube and has now been viewed 147,120 times! And, yes there are many more videos. Last summer, views on my YouTube Channel flew past one million! I am still amazed!

The next time I was really pushed out of my comfort zone was when the Chamber of Commerce Business Women asked me to speak before their luncheon. I turned them down three times before relenting. Terrified, I carried pages of notes.

Guess what? I never even looked at the notes. I made eye contact instead and was a resounding success.

But the biggest challenge was when Jim Cockrum asked me to speak at his major conference in Orlando, Florida, two years ago. Was I scared? Oh yeah! But I did it. That video is also on YouTube.

You never know what you are capable of accomplishing until you try. Just turn your past loose and step out! Step Up!

I know you can do it!

Good Article on Having Surgery With Fibromyalgia

May5

Surgery When Suffering From
Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue

by Adrienne Dellwo

I read this informative article by Adrienne Dwllwo about how to prepare to go through surgery when you suffer from Fibro & Chronic Fatique…

"Fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) both can be exacerbated by physical trauma. It's common for people with these conditions to be especially concerned when facing surgery. They're generally worried that their condition(s) are likely to flare afterward, which may complicate recovery.

So far, we have very little research-based knowledge of the impact of surgery on FMS or ME/CFS or how our symptoms impact the recovery process. However, a couple of researchers have put together recommendations for us based on their knowledge of the conditions and what they've observed in their patients.

These experts are The Fibromyalgia Information Foundation, which was founded by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University, and Charles W. Lapp, MD, who founded the Hunter-Hopkins Center in Charlotte, NC, which specializes in FMS and ME/CFS.

The specific issues we could face after surgery are numerous. Here are those that are pointed out by the experts mentioned above as well as a couple of other considerations, as well as what you can do about each one."

CLICK HERE to read more…

My Fibromyalgia Book Has Been Released

Apr24

"My Journey Through Fibromyalgia:
Rumors, Ravages & The Rescue"

IS NOW ON AMAZON!


My book has finally been released! It has been such a long journey — over 6 years to write my book. This was hard. I suppose it's always hard to talk about about your fears, your pain and your battles. But, I did it so that those of you who are suffering the ravages of this disease could benefit from my own experiences. 

I've already received so many emails from ladies who have read my book, their words have touched my heart while bringing many tears! There were many times while writing My Story I decided to push it aside – sometimes for weeks – sometimes for months. It was always during those times when I would hear God's voice in different ways saying this was a story that could help so many — a story that had to be told.

If you have never been on my blog before, I want to take a moment to tell you a little about me. I am Nancy Alexander and I have lived with Fibromyalgia since I was 28 years old. I'll soon by 67 years old. 

I am married to the man of my dreams – my Knight in Shining Armor – Steve Alexander. The ravages of Fibromyalgia almost destroyed our marriage, but, thanks to God's faithfulness and His hand on our lives, we share a beautiful love story between us and the Lord we love and serve. 

We are also blessed with amazing Christian sons who married the women of their dreams – beautiful, caring wives who have given us 5 of the most precious grandchildren we could have ever imagined.

Now back to how Fibromyalgia almost destroyed my life and all I hold dear.  

After becoming almost totally disabled for close to 5 years, I had to make a decision. I had to fight for my life! I had to make a conscious choice about how I was going to deal with it. I've chosen to live positively and to fight back – to fight with all the strength I can muster up, which….sometimes isn't much.

Sure, I could have given up and lived my life alternating between the bed and the couch. It was hard to get up; it was hard to function as other people around me did; honestly, that wuld have been the easier choice.  

There is a difference between living my days in bed giving in to Fibromyalgia and making that conscious choice to ACTUALLY LIVE!  

I am "ACTUALLY LIVING" in Anderson, South Carolina with my hubby, Steve and our fur baby, Jenna. We have 2 amazing Christian sons married to the most beautiful wives (inside and out) who have given us 5 of the sweetest, mose precious grandchildren ever!!

I have received emails for more years than I can count from women who are fighting the same or similar battles as me. They are hurting… in pain, they tell their stories over and over again to many doctors in the medicat profession who don't believe they are physically ill, but mentally ill. 

I know how devistatingly hard that is, because the same thing happened to me. Then, you face family and friends who find it hard to believe you can feel well one day and not able to get out of bed the next day. 

I want to help YOU! This is what God has called me and my husband, Steve, to do. That is why we shared all the intimate details of my (our) story. We both want you to know that you CAN overcome! You CAN get help! You can have a career and you can succeed in reaching for and grabbing your dreams. I know — I have done that!  Do I still hurt? Yes, of course, I do!  Do I give up anymore? No, absolutely not! I run a very successful online business as I have learned to manage my health and my symptoms in such a way that I do have a happy, fulfilling life. 

I would like to give you an opportunity to read the first part of my book at no charge — the Prologue and Chapter 1. Maybe you'll decide thie book can help you and want to read more. I'm praying it will make a difference in your life; I pray that you'll be stronger and you'll fight for all the help you need.

To read the prologue and the first chapter of: "My Journey Through Fibromyalgia: Rumors, Ravages & the Rescue", CLICK HERE.

Love & Blessings, Nancy

 

What Dianne Dennis had to say about my book:

“Nancy,  It was an honor to read your book! I started reading Monday night and even though I knew the outcome I was not able to put it down! I read through page 108 until I couldn’t stay awake any longer! These are the words that came to mind as I read your story; resilience, compelling, moving, inspiring, heartbreaking, hopeful, insightful, honest, revealing.

You are one of the most resilient people I know! To live through what you have is mind boggling.  I just wanted to reach out and hug you when you felt so alone and misunderstood. I am so happy you finally found some relief and a physician who cares for you and that you and Steve found support and love again!

God bless you and Steve for sharing your struggles and story. It is going to help and inspire so many! Nancy I am so thankful to God that you are still with us!

I can not wait to purchase the hardcopy!  May God continue to bless you and Steve!"

Regards,   Dianne