A dear friend told Steve, my husband, several years ago that JOY was more important in life than happiness. He was right! He is right! You can't find happiness without joy.
James 1:2-6, 12says…"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who know him."
God has chosen to anoint us with Grace, Joy, and Happiness these last two years. Steve and I both carry small silver pocket stones which are soft and smooth from our handling with the word "Joy" inscribed upon them. These stones remind us each day that we have been given the most amazing gift we might ever hope to receive.
We are happy and joy filled every single day. God is blessing our lives beyond our imaginings with each other and with our wonderful family. Our boys have chosen Godly, beautiful women as wives, and they have given us grandchildren who definitely know the definition of JOY much more than most could ever hope!
We are blessed with an online business which includes a new coaching club which definitely has God's hand upon it! This new coaching site, "Best Of Nancy" is really an answer to prayer. I have been given the awesome opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of so many women. Some of these women face health problems such as I did for so many years. To be able to help them set up businesses and sell online is amazing!
I want to thank each of our new members in "Best Of Nancy", and for all of our friends who have been beside us as we travel on this remarkable journey. We aren't there yet…we truly believe the best is yet to come! We truly believe God has amazing plans for our lives. In the meantime, as we travel this road, we are filled with immeasurable JOY!
My heart is overflowing this morning. We just got home from church a little while ago. Our pastor talked about… "It's Not About Me." And, it is not. It is about you – everyone who has been sent into my path. And something else was mentioned this morning during the sermon: "Sing Until the Whole World Hears…" That's what I want and need to do! Well, not necessarily sing, because in spite of all the gifts I have been blessed with, singing is not one of them! But, I want to use my voice, which is my God-given talent, to encourage you by introducing you to color, design, and the opportunity to learn to make something beautiful with your own hands. So, I will sing, so to speak, as I encourage many of you (who are burdened with chronic diseases, depression, and a lack of direction and joy in your lives) by singing as loudly as I know how. This way I can get my message across to those of you who are in pain and need encouragement! NOW, THAT IS WHERE I CAN SING!
Lately, my husband and I have felt like God is definitely leading us on His path. It is a very curvy path so we can't see too far ahead. It is dark in places, and all we can see is God's hand reaching out to us motioning us to follow Him. We are following with 'blind' faith, but we are DEFINITELY following. And, we will follow wherever and whenever God leads us. We thought by now that we would know exactly where this path leads. We have some idea, because of the brokenness we have both experienced in these last few years. God has reached down into "our pit" and has pulled us out of pain and suffering. He has held us and has opened our eyes to such beauty, joy, and splendor – more than we could have ever imagined. I feel it is now my/our responsibility to help those who contact me daily wanting to know how to do what I do while dealing with a chronic illness.
God has Richly Blessed us in So Many Ways!
Our own experiences with 'brokenness' are what we fall back on when we tell others: "We understand, we have been there, we can help you." Our 'beautifully broken' lives were put back together by His own hands. In so doing, He has equipped us to be able to help and encourage others whose lives are broken right now. But, sometimes, this means we need talk about our past problems and our secrets. We need to share the circumstances of our brokenness – you know, the things you really never want to talk about with anyone else. He is definitely leading us in a specific direction on this path of His! He will give us strength, He will give us courage, He will reach out to us and hold on tightly as we put our 'trust' in Him. We read His word, pray, and listen with open hearts searching for his voice – "His Leading". But in spite of our searching, we have still not been able to discern exactly what His will is for us.
And…We are SO Richly Blessed With Family!
At 61 years old, we now feel like so many years of our lives were taken up battling the insidious diseases of Fibromyalgia and Celiac. These diseases struck early in my life, which means I have fought them for over 30 years. They not only attacked my physical body, they were also attacking our marriage and our family at the same time. I researched and I was the first to diagnose what was wrong, after being sick for 15 years, but it was not until around 5 years ago that God led us to a marvelous, Christian specialist. If I had not received help when I did, I probably would not be on this earth today — or, if I was, I would most certainly be in a wheel chair. That is what my doctor has told me. She literally said to me that 90 to 95% of people suffering what I have would be dead by now. Hearing that has definitely made a difference in the way we both feel about life, and our purpose here upon this earth!
A desperate woman in tears called me at home yesterday. This was like so many other calls and emails I receive — sometimes every single day. She has MS, as well as another serious health problem. Her grown daughter lives at home with her because she needs a kidney and is also in very serious shape. This woman is married, her husband has a full time job, but he still will do all he can to help his wife and daughter enjoy happy, productive lives. She says she and her daughter are just "waiting to die". They have no hope, they have no joy, they have no happiness, they have nothing to look forward to. She cannot work. She thinks every day; "What can I do?" What can I do to bring some joy into my life? What would my body be able to do? Anything, Lord, anything???
Oh… this touches my heart deep within my soul! I was there! I know how she feels! I remember having hope for the first few years as I prayed day after day for healing. But, year after year, as time went on, my hope and my determination were gradually disappearing. I couldn't take care of my children. I felt like such a failure as a mother and a wife. I prayed every day. I pleaded with God; "Please God, please…show me what I need to do! Please lead me to a doctor who understands that I am really sick and is willing to try to find out what is wrong with me. Please give me a heart that is filled with joy and happiness as I look around at my beautiful family wanting to enjoy a 'normal' life with them. Please give me some way to make extra money to help pay our mounting bills. Please help me to use my artistic talents to do something, or to make something beautiful. When each day is over, I want to feel like I have been the BEST mother I could be. I want to feel like I have been the BEST wife I could be. And, I want to have been able to do something creative with my hands — something that brings a smile to my face as well as to other faces that is proof – proof that Nancy was here today, that she lived her life today as best as she possibly could, and that she created something beautiful that proves she was here!"
As I was talking to this lady on the phone yesterday, she told me she wanted every product that I offered. She had just joined our coaching club (www.BestOfNancy.com), and she wanted all of my DVDs, my "Secret Vendor List", and my wreath-making easel. She and her daughter were SO VERY excited that they had finally found something they thought they could do that would really bring joy to each day. Her husband was willing to figure out a way they could each work standing and sitting as needed.
I say over and over in just about everything I write that my goal is to make a difference in the lives of others as I teach them a hobby that has made such a difference in my life. I want to give to 'you' a reason to get out of bed in the morning…to wake up with such a start of anticipation that you just cannot lie in bed, no matter how bad you feel. Your brain starts thinking. This makes your body be energized as it is filled with thoughts of something special you can do that day! YOU CAN DO THIS! Even in my weakest, darkest times, I could find a few minutes, then a few hours, and then even days when I could got my mind on something fun and exciting, I then the energy followed! YES, YES, YES… YOU Certainly Can do this too!
This morning as I sat in church, my husband and I both felt touched by God at the same time. We then got a glimpse of the path we are supposed to be on. That doesn't mean it will be easy — but we were never promised that life would be easy. We were only promised that God would always be with us – beside us. He has been beside me/us all along as we have been on this painful journey. We now know that we have traveled this journey so that we could help, encourage, and sympathize with others who are now on this journey.
Technically, I still have Fibromyalgia, and will always have Celiac Disease. I eat exactly what I need to eat on my Celiac diet. I take the supplements my Dr. says will help and even cure my body. We are SO BLESSED! Please let me encourage you and teach you to do something in your life which will bring a smile along with a sense of accomplishment! And, together… "We Will Sing Until The Whole World Hears…"
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!
"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!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Through a dear friendship God has shown me very recently that He continues to follow through with His plans for my life in awesome ways, but in doing so, He has ended up using my own life to complete His plans in the life of another.
God's plans are miraculous, they are complex, they are much more than our "mere mortal lives" can comprehend. God has shown me this in a way that has amazed me and filled me with "awe" for Him! An acquaintance from the church we used to attend contacted me a few months ago about a picture I had taken and placed on Facebook. It was an unusually pretty picture of a cardinal perched outside my office window.
My husband knew Laurie better than I did because he sang in the church choir with her for several years, and on more than one occasion, sang duets with her.
For quite a while I had been drawn to her in some mysterious way… to her witness… her life… and her story. I had even felt led to call and talk to her at different times when life "got me down". And, as a matter of fact, one of the last times we attended this church, she came up to my husband and me saying we were in her thoughts and her prayers and if we needed anything to just call – she was there.
For some reason, I had an intuition or a feeling that her sweet, inviting spirit, which could only be from God, could soothe my heart. I never got up the nerve to make that call on my own. God was leading me to take a step that I could not or did not take, so he took charge and made that first step for me. "For I know the plans I have for you…"
One day, only a few months ago, Laurie sent a private message through facebook that amazed me. And I also had this feeling that God's plans for me were at work. Through several messages back and forth, we immediately became fast friends, and then just as quickly, became prayer partners.
Within 2 weeks, I was sitting at Laurie's comfortable kitchen table laughing, talking, sharing, and praying with a "friend" I felt I had known my entire life. The sun shining through her window gave my body a warmth and comfort that "all" was right in my world! Now I know, our friendship has grown so fast, it could only have been a gift from God.
We now have laughed, giggled, prayed, and cried together on many occasions. My day is not complete without a "PM" (private message) from Laurie's Facebook page. She has a way of making laughter jump out of printed words that make my heart giggle! The closeness and prayers we send back and forth through out PMs speak through the printed words that make me feel all IS right within this world!
…"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
God turned the tables and amazed us both. His plans were two-fold. Silly me… to have thought God brought Laurie into "my" life to help "me" rise above situations I couldn't handle alone. Do you see? Did you get this? Me… me… I was thinking only of me and my pain! It is very easy to think "me" when the problems of life attack us and we don't feel strong enough to attack them back.
Now, I want to tell you more about Laurie Thompson, my friend, and why I felt she could make a difference in my life. Laurie had something I needed and desperately wanted — JOY. PEACE, and a very strong Faith! I had seen it shining through her life like a beacon with her amazing smile, laughter that drew you in, making you laugh until you cried, and her unending concern for others.
Laurie had been in a tragic accident when she was only fourteen years old. She had been a strong young woman riding her horses and playing basketball. Laurie did all the things a normal girl her age loved to do.
After a horrific accident, she was told she would be permanently paralyzed from the waist down, that she would never be able to see out of one eye. On top of that she was also told she would certainly never be able to have children. That accident was almost too much for a fourteen year old to have to deal with. She wouldn't have made it had she not called out to God to help her — to save her.
Laurie never reveals the pain she is always in. She uses a cane to balance herself as she walks with an "unsteady" gate. The paralysis did improve some after the accident and is now from her knees down instead of from her waist down. She can drive her car with hand controls instead of gas and brake pedals. And she and her husband Kevin have three beautiful children.
Laurie has an amazing ministry. She is a singer/songwriter, accomplished speaker, and a published author. Laurie writes her own songs, and now has three CDs available for purchase.
A book was just finished and signed with a publisher: Laurie's Story: Discovering Joy in Adversity. Her book will be in all of the major book stores for sale in September, or you can purchase it on her website.
She never gives a moment's thought to herself when anyone else is in need. She did face such pain and adversity in those young years and came out on the other side with JOY shining through her heart and her life that could only have come from God himself!
TO PRE-ORDER LAURIE'S BOOK Laurie’s Story: Discovering Joy in Adversity
NOW, back to why "I" was brought into Laurie Thompson's life!
As we became friends getting to know each other better, I noticed she only had a small blog as a website. It was just a regular blog that anyone could get with the template already made, but it contained her speaking engagements, along with all her other pertinent information. She had a short version of her life story, which would touch any heart.
As I looked at her website one day, I noticed she had changed her picture. It was such a pretty picture of her face, and as I was looking, I noticed there were streaks on her black jacket. So, one day I suggested that maybe we could do something about that. She died laughing, as she does so often, telling me that she took a picture of a picture already in a frame on her desk to put it on her website.
Ah….. the lights came on in my mind. Here is something I can finally do to help my new friend who has helped me so much.
I love photography, and had been blessed to be able to purchase a very nice NIKON camera several years ago. I love to take pictures, and although they are not by any means professional, I have learned a lot on my own by taking thousands upon thousands of pictures. I have always wanted to take photography classes, and hopefully will get around to that one day.
I sent Laurie a message on a Wednesday after looking at the weather forecast. "It is supposed to be a pretty weekend; why don't we get together and take a few pictures", I suggested. She seemed a little surprised, but said she would check with her husband and let me know. Another message on Friday confirmed they had a short time Saturday afternoon in between taking children all the places they needed to go. Laurie suggested going to her parent's farm, saying she loved the rustic setting. She thought that would make a great background for good "ministry" photos. So, we were set to meet on Saturday to take a "few" pictures!
Now, if you are a novice photographer like me, you know that setting the camera on "rapid" fire and taking 6 to 10 pictures of each pose is always best. I had found that I was usually pretty lucky to end up with one or two which are not blurry.
Oh, but God had GREAT plans for us that day!
It was warm – much warmer than expected, but not hot. The sky was so blue and the first glimpse of spring were in the air. The farm was absolutely beautiful with weathered rustic barns, cedar split-rail fencing, and horses in their pastures. Bradford pear trees in full bloom lined the long winding driveway. "What a perfect setting," I thought as I was praying that I could get some really good pictures that day.
I took picture after picture after picture. The setting was perfect, the lighting was perfect, and Laurie looked beautiful. God was present at our photo shoot! I took 850 pictures that day, and these were the best pictures I had ever taken. I know it was because God's hands were steadying my hands that day.
I came home that day and mentioned the pictures of my friend Laurie to my business associate, Linda, who lives in Connecticut. I sent Linda a link to a newspaper article (CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE; Woman overcomes injuries in auto accident to serve the Lord daily...) that had been written about Laurie in our local newspaper on the 25th anniversary of her accident.
A short while later, Linda sent me a note saying; "We need to talk about Laurie!" So the next day as Linda and I were talking about our business plans, she suggested that I ask Laurie a question.
The question was: "If the sky were the limit, what kind of website would you like to have?" I smiled, I think I even cried. I asked, "Are you serious?" and she said of course. Now, I need to say that my friend, Linda is an exceptional webmaster! She has changed the entire scope of my business.
I create products, and she plans how they should be sold. She designs websites for which she can charge thousands of dollars for, and is one of the most talented people I know when it comes to the technical aspect of selling on the Internet.
Now, I am going to give you a link to Laurie's new website! It is http://LaurieThompsonMinistries.com. I took the pictures, and put together a video of Laurie's pictures with a song she wrote playing in the background. Linda designed and created a wonderful website, and Linda's daughter, Kelsey (19 years old) designed Laurie's exceptional header!
So, as you can see, God used me to help Laurie in her ministry as he used Laurie to help me in my pain;
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Isn't God Good? I certainly see His hand in my life and in the lives of others around me each and every day!
