Tag Archive | God

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"!!

Hope When You’re Physically Down

Nov4


"Hope When You're Physically Down" By, Nancy Alexander

Beauty in Nature CAN Inspire Hope…

How do you keep going when you're physically down?  I keep getting asked this question over and over.  WOW, where do I start? 

First of all, there is one thing that I find really helps me and I encourage you to do this too.  I want to encourage you to appreciate the beauty found around you today in a smile, in nature, and in those who are dear to you.  I have learned through my own chronic illness that the things I always thought were the most important in this life really aren't.

"I am only passing through this moment…"  ~Beth Moore~

Chronic Illnesses are as severe a problem for you as they were for me.  Pain was the main focus of my life for so many years.  It colored the way I thought and felt, and reacted to the world around me.  I had to learn this the hard way.  I used to beg and plead with God;  "Please show me what I need to do – please show me what I need to change – please teach me the lessons I need to learn – I will do anything to only get well or even better."  God, in His wisdom knew that the lessons I needed to learn came only with time.  As always, He sees "Eternity" and we see "right now".


Picture I took recently of a Night blooming Cereus at my neighbor's home.

It is hard to see the beauty in a flower, a sunset or sunrise, or even a loved one's eyes when you are suffering in silence.  It is hard to think of doing something that would make your day productive when it is clouded with this "thing" which has such a deep, dark hold on you.  It is hard to see the needs of others when your own pain is first and foremost in every single day.  God used this to mold me and shape me and prune me.  All of these were painful experiences, but I truly believe He did this so that my heart would be one that would 'break' for others.  I see your pain, I feel your pain, and I sincerely want to do anything I can to relieve your pain and make your life joyful!

The answer for me was, and is God!  I don't know where I would be today without all of the miracles God worked in my life.  I do know that I would not be sitting here at my computer writing to all of you, my friends, students, and faithful followers were it not for God and all the Miracles 'He' has performed in my life.  For example, all of the "Professionals" who were finally able to diagnose and treat the causes of my chronic, debilitating illness.  This illness was so bad that when we built our home 12 years ago, my husband and our builder decided to make every doorway 3 feet wide because they thought I would very quickly need that space to maneuver a wheelchair through each.  I didn't find this out until about 3 year ago.  And, no, I no longer need that wheelchair that I used to be forced to use from time to time.

I am speechless when I think of the people who were sent into my life to encourage, uplift, inspire, diagnose and help me to heal.  My friend and mentor, Jim Cockrum and I have talked about this many times calling them "Divine Appointments".  You may not believe in them, but I certainly do.

I don't want to push my faith on you knowing that every person has their own beliefs, but in telling a story of me; "Beautifully Broken Me" as my friend Molly Alexander writes in her blog, I cannot forget the obvious and must share with you how I got to this point in my life.  That's what many of you have been asking me all these years.  I do believe God has led me on a path for many years for a specific purpose, and that is to be able to help and encourage YOU!

"By picking up the pieces of a broken life and putting them back together, a person cannot help but be changed.  This change is a beautiful thing that results in a deeper understanding of others and their situations, and gives us a chance to share our experiences with them, showing them that there is a way out – a light at the end of the tunnel."


"I believe that I have not just been broken, but put back together by God in a beautiful way – a way that I could have never imagined on my own."  ~Molly Alexander~

Molly has expressed my own thoughts and feelings in such a beautiful way.  Isn't it amazing that I can now see, live, and enjoy the beauty around me?  I am blessed every time I look into my husband's eyes and see how much he cherishes me.  I am blessed when our home is filled with our boys, their wives, and our four precious grandchildren running around calling "Mimi come outside and play with me." "Mimi do you have a surprise for me?"   "Mimi, read to me."

God has used over 30 years of pain and brokenness to bring me to this place; this moment, where I am right here and right now.  He brought me here for a very specific reason and that is to be an encourager of those of you who are suffering and in pain!  There TRULY is hope!

A New Morning…

Aug8

"I Can Be Cured" By, Nancy Alexander

From Fibro… to Freedom…

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 I come in contact with.

I am soooo grateful for my loving husband, and a marriage "Made in Heaven"!  Steve loves me, he cherishes me, and he supports my business.  He encourages me, helps me plan, write, and develop this business which is a gift from God.  Steve is helping me finally write a book — on my life and my battles with Fibromyalgia.  So many friends and customers have been begging me to do this to help them in their journeys fighting this awful disease.  The title will be: 

"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 unlovable; and give thanks to God in every single thing whether it be good or bad!

With God's peace… Nancy  

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.'


My Heart Aches With Yours…

May3

"My Heart Aches With Yours…my Love" By, Nancy Alexander

As I am Saddened by the Loss of Your Dear Friend…

My heart aches with yours… my love,
As you are saddened by the loss of a dear friend…
He left this earth to join God above, but that is NOT the end.

My arms reach out to surround you…
To comfort and to love…
Desiring to wipe away the pain you feel…
With a heart knowing God awaited him above.


In His mansions of glory and His streets paved with gold,
Your friend’s life has just begun for Eternity we’re told.
He feels no pain, only Happiness, Joy and Peace…
For he is near God with Crowns of Gold at His feet.


I feel an ache within your soul…
Because we share a oneness that makes us whole.
My heart sees your eyes wet with tears…
I need to wrap my arms around you and be near.


Although I met this friend of yours only once upon a time,
The remembrances of that short meeting will forever be on my mind.
I remember the pride you took in your introductions that day…
Anxious for me to meet a man who worked right across the way.
And anxious for him to meet me, your wife…
Filled me with pride and joy that I am sharing your life.


His smile drew me in just as, I’m sure, it did you…
I know he was a good man with a good heart too.
Many words you have spoken of him flood my thoughts today…
I feel as though I knew him well through those many words you’d say.


There were words of admiration as well as sympathy too…
As you watched him struggle day after day with nothing you could do.
He was a good man with a good heart and soul…
I know that from YOU, my love…if the truth be told.


Many things his heart desired that his body just could not do…
You feel a deep loss today as I do along with you.
Your friends are friends of mine, my dear…
Your admirations shared too…
And heart-felt hurts felt deeply within, as I grieve along with you.


My arms are holding you…
My lips are touching yours…
My heart feels your heart's pain…
Nothing in this life is in vain.


I Thank God every day that we are one…
Sharing our lives, thoughts and dreams because of the "Son".
I love you my darling… Laney



 

I wrote this poem yesterday morning and sent it to my husband at work 
after he found that a dear friend from work had died over the weekend.