Nancy’s Ramblings

Today, I am soooo excited about my new book!  I literally have been working on this for almost two (2) years!  Yes, that's what I said.  Well, you know…life happens…we get a little behind…new thoughts take the place of old ones…and you start over again. 

Then, surprisingly, the second revision was better than the first, and the third revision was better than the second, and so on…  So thank Heavens for detours, and delays!  There are many good works — and some upsetting works – that God has orchestrated in our lives.  These touches from God have caused detours, renewals of life and spirit, health and marriage, and a new appreciation for what really matters! 

These detours have been so instrumental in my life, my work, my success, and my joys.  But today, I want to talk about a detour that put me (us) on a path to much success, and happiness!  My husband, Steve and I have literally been working 30 to 60 hours a week for quite a while now on this new book.  And from these hours of writings have come many new inspirations, topics, and desires for other books in the future.  

Since it is not Formally named yet, for now, we'll call it:

"The FIRST Secret List of Floral Design Suppliers — EVER PUBLISHED!" 

I really wasn't kidding when I said this process started almost two years ago.  So many of my customers and friends who have purchased my instructional videos on wreath design have been calling, writing, and emailing me wanting to know where I purchase my supplies.  They are learning to make wreaths similar to mine and without the types of supplies I use (at reasonable prices), they just couldn't get the exact same look that they loved so much in Ladybug Wreath Designs.

Above you can see a sample of one of the wreaths from www.ladybugwreaths.com.  Our wreaths are different, "wild & woodsy", are inspired by nature and filled with "critters"!  Each one is on a "wild birch" base which is totally and completely unique to us.  In this new book, my customers will have the opportunity to purchase supplies such as these to make their own wonderfully beautiful wreaths!

Okay, now back to the book.  This one literally started as a one page spread sheet almost 20 months ago.  I kept trying to work on it, to finish it so I could get it out to my customers, but was always held back.  I knew it needed more, I knew I wanted to give my customers much, much more than they could ever expect, but what?….and how?….  So, I waited.  I prayed.  God has his own timing and I am learning to be patient and wait on Him.

During these last months, God has inspired my creative spirits in such a way that I am speechless!  This book will be well over 150 pages long!  It is chock full of so much information that my customers will jump for joy!  Each of them will benefit from my twenty-five years of experience in the floral design field, and will have my hand-picked list of suppliers that is exclusive only to Ladybug Wreaths.  These are wonderful companies and vendors with exceptional products and most with reasonable prices.  I searched, and experimented, and placed many orders, formed friendships, and work relationships with these suppliers, so…to me… they are the BEST!

So, as I start back working today on this book, I just wanted to post on my blog as to what I have really been up to.  I want you to know that I am doing something that has been inspired by God and I am happier than I have ever been.  We have also started on books of many other subjects also such as:  Business: Storefront, or Internet;   How to be Cured From Fibromyalgia;   Yard Sales as a Business Resource;   How to Paint, Distress, Yard Sale Furniture;   Painting Flowers, Ivy, etc. on Old Furniture;   Decorating Your Home With Color;  Searching and Finding Your Own Style;   How to Sell on eBay;  and…  Taking Professional Pictures of Your Items for Sale!

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!!!

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 spcial 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!  

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

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 unloveable; and give thanks to God in every single thing whether it be good or bad! With God's peace… Nancy  

Beautiful Song by Selah:  All of Me

Thank you Lord for being there… For Loving Us…. For Caring For Us!

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

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.

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? 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.

http://www.Those-Guys-Band.com

I am very grateful to be able to begin a New Year with so many blessings of family, and wonderful things going on in our lives and in my business.  I was very distressed to have to start this new year with a severe toothache which required some extensive dental work trying to save a tooth which already had a root canal, and a post and a crown.  It looks this one is going to be a very expensive tooth to keep, and the process has just begun.  You see, I am very afraid of going to the dentist. 

This started for me and my twin sisters when we were very young with a bad dentist who always hurt us, and did a very poor job on any dental work.  All three of us have already had to have all of our original fillings replaced, and still have problems.  Of course, we all have very soft teeth also, and I suspect that is a part of having fibromyalgia.  I was so anxious before my dentist appointment that I sat down in my quiet spot, and looked into my devotional; Streams in the Desert.  I just knew in my heart there would be something there that day to calm me as I faced this dreaded visit. 

And yes there was… It was there just for me on that very day.  God is so amazing!  Here are a few words which calmed my soul that day. "When ye pray, believe"  (Mark 11:24).  When there is a matter that requires definite prayer, pray till you believe God, until with unfeigned lips you can thank Him for the answer.  "For we which have believed do enter into rest" (Heb. 4:3).   The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.  Meuller   Faith is not a sense, nor sight, nor reason, but a taking God at His word.   Evans     You will never learn faith in comfortable surroundings.  God gives us the promises in a quiet hour;  God seals our covenants with great and gracious words, then He steps back and wants to see how much we believe; then He lets the tempter come, and the test seems to contradict all that He has spoken.  It is then that faith wins its crown.  That is the time to look up through the storm, and among the trembling, frightened seamen cry, "I believe God that is shall be even as it was told me."  

So, you see, God spoke to me that day, and I went into that office assured that God was with me and would take care of and calm me because I had already believed and thanked him for doing so…. This new year brings so many things that I am also very grateful for.   Matt and Sara sold the house they moved out of in September, moving into a newly purchased house right before Ava was born.  They rushed the move so they would not have to bring home a new baby and then have to go to the trouble of showing a house, and move afterwards.  Well, this was right befor the economy took a more severe turn for the worse, leaving this young family having to pay two house payments for the last five months. 

So, Thank You Lord, that their house has sold, and they can begin to get finances in order again (which, of course they will – I only wish we were as smart with our money in our twenties and early thirties). I am also grateful that Stephanie, Andy's wife, is now doing fine since she was robbed at the bank where she is head teller.  This was a terrifying experience for her, but she handled it just like she was trained to do.  No one knew they were being robbed until after the robber left.  This crazy man went on to rob three other banks in the area, but I saw on the news tonight where he was caught.  Thank you Lord! I am very grateful that "Nana", my husband's Mother is back at home and recovering from dislocating both shoulders.  This has been a hard journey for her.  She is such a strong woman of faith and of body.  I only hope I can be half as strong as she when I am 85 years old. I am grateful that we can begin the new year with bright eyed anticipation looking forward to all that God has in store for us.  I just know that there are amazing blessings in our horizon. I am also grateful that I went on my "fibro" diet when I did almost three years ago.  I truly believe that had I not taken matters into my own hands and studied and followed my Doctor's suggestions that I would probably be in a wheel chair by now.  My fibromyalgia was so severe that I could hardly function – as a matter of fact, I couldn't!  Now, I can run my own eBay store and website, and am an Internet Marketing Consultant!  Yes, I know – a big title – but that just means I can set up websites, blogs, and mailing list tracking, and adwords to help other businesses with their dreams!  God is so Good! 

As a matter of fact, last week while my sweet husband was out for the Holidays, I set up a blog site for him.   He has been a poet for years, and of course, I think has done a wonderful job with each and every poem.  He now has a site where he can post and share them.  He writes about real-life situations which involve our friends and family.  Each and every one is touching, and humorous.  Hop on over and read some,   http://www.silverfoxprose.com   I'm sure you'll enjoy them too!

 As we undecorate our home today, I will miss the warm glow from the candles in all the windows, and the spotlights shining on the front of our home.  I have such a cozy feeling when our house is decorated, and then a kind of empty feeling when everything is put up.  But I don’t worry, I’ll soon have our home filled to overflowing again.  I certainly have a way of doing that!  lol

Christmas this year was about as special as it could get.  Family parties were hosted at our house, our wonderful boys, Matt and Andy along with their very special wives, Sara, and Stephanie filled our home with laughter and joy!  Oh, and I have to say that having two grandchildren, Lucas, and Ava this year was so much fun.  They say: “Christmas is for children…”, and well, it certainly is. 

There were toys spread everywhere along with wraping paper, books, baby seat, and swing, and lots more!  Ava was passed from person to person as everyone wanted to hold her.  Matt and Sara are such good, loving and caring parents – we are so proud.

Andy and Stephanie, his new bride were always here to play with the children, help me in the kitchen, and watch football with Steve on TV.  We are so VERY blessed that our children live so close to us, and that they enjoy coming home as often as they do.

Oh yes, Steve, my hubby, is always playing just as hard as Lucas, if not more so.  Those “boys” have so much fun together.  It’s just great to see that special bond they share.

Ava looks so SWEET in her little Christmas sleeper.  She has the bigest eyes, and the sweetest smile.  She just makes my heart melt!

I hope each and every one of you had a very special, heart-warming Christmas just as we did.