Posts filed under ‘Uncategorized’
A Little Bragging ~ about Cleveland, Ohio
Hi Friends!
I just have to share an article with you written in Forbes Advisor online recently. It’s about my city, Cleveland, Ohio. My pastor mentioned the article a few weeks ago in this message. I was just curious enough to check it out. Why would someone be interested in coming to Cleveland I thought? When you live somewhere all your life, things blend in and you don’t have fresh eyes to look all around you and see the beauty that’s there. The article my pastor was referring to is called The 50 Best Places to Travel with Credit Card Rewards in 2024.
The article written by Jerod Morales, Forbes Advisor Staff, starts like this: “Cleveland Rocks,” might not be a phrase at the tip of your tongue when thinking about the city. But you might just change your mind after exploring the city, which is also the home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. You’ll get more than just an education in the history of rock-n-roll in Cleveland. Admire memorabilia like handwritten song drafts and instruments played by some of the most legendary rock musicians. You can even show off your skills in “The Garage,” where fans can pick up real instruments for an impromptu jam.
The article also mentions Cleveland’s three professional sports teams. If you are a foodie, you’ll love the European atmosphere and delicacies at the West Side market. It’s the oldest market in the city. It’s a city landmark too.
The Forbes article, however, did not mention our world-renown Cleveland Orchestra, the Emerald Necklace park system, world-class medical care available through the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and our wonderful Cleveland Art Museum. It did inform us about a very interesting place to have cocktails — Vault at The 9, made up of century-old bank vaults beneath the Cleveland Trust Rotunda that have been converted into an upscale cocktail lounge. Sounds like a place to put on your bucket list. I put it on my list straight away.
Cleveland has a lot going for it. And we are hoping that the view of the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8 is a once in-a-lifetime memory that will bring even more notoriety to our city. The Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater at the Great Lakes Science Center has events and exhibits planned for you to see every star and galaxy in the universe on that day …. and the eclipse as well of course. Our city doesn’t miss a beat. We Rock!
Stay safe if you plan to watch the eclipse ~ here in Cleveland Marc’s stores are still selling the special glasses you’ll need to view this once-in-a-lifetime special event.
God bless you!
Nanci
Wisdom for Your Troubles
Hello Dear Friends!
It’s a beautiful day today. I think we have turned a corner with Daylight Savings time and Easter coming. All of which bring the promise of spring. I’m all for better weather, flowers, more sunshine, and no coats and boots!
Today I want to share a powerful bit of wisdom with you. Writing this post came out of my own frustrations. So, I want to ask you, have you ever had lots and lots of things to do and they don’t seem to end? Soon frustration and anger are what you feel most. The good feelings you often have of love and peace are clouded and overshadowed by all the negative things pent up inside you. You might wonder how God wants you to respond to your situation. I found a great answer for me and you in Sarah Young’s devotional book “Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence.” The Holy Spirit helps us to regain our peace and develop a grateful attitude towards our circumstances in this way. Sarah shares,
When you are plagued by a persistent problem – one that goes on and on –view it as a rich opportunity. An ongoing problem is like a tutor who is always by your side. The learning possibilities are limited only by your willingness to be teachable. In faith, thank Me for you problem. Ask Me to open your eyes and your heart to all that I am accomplishing through this difficulty. Once you have become grateful for a problem, it loses its power to drag you down. On the contrary, your thankful attitude will lift you up into heavenly places with me. From this perspective , your difficulty can be seen as a slight, temporary distress that is producing for you a transcendent Glory never to cease!
See: Isaiah 30: 20 – 21; 2 Corinthians 4:17 (AMP)
Make it a great day! He has Risen!
God bless you!
Nanci
A Valentine’s Day Story of Miracle Proportions
Dear Friends,
This is a true story. It’s a love story. But to protect the innocent, I’ve changed the names in the story. I hope you enjoy this the story of “Miracle Proportions.” Also, tell someone you love them too. Whether it be your children, your husband or wife, or a dear friend, love is always the best gift you can give them. Poet Nikki Giovanni said, “Love is the only true adventure.” Choose to give love today.
Make it a great Valentines’ Day week.
God bless you!
Nanci
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A Valentine’s Day Story of Miracle Proportions
“I am Gabriel,” the angel answered. “I stand in the presence of God, who sent me to speak to you and tell you this good news. Luke 1:19
A little love and God’s help is what this sweet story is all about. Once upon a time there was this couple in their 30’s living in Boise, Idaho. They were patient, kind, educated, employed and wanted to have children. But getting pregnant didn’t seem to be happening. So they found some helpful doctors and put it all in God’s hands.
In the fall of 2023 they found out babies were coming. But the story gets a bit more exciting as they find they are pregnant with triplets.
In the afternoon and evening hours of December 15, 2023 a trickle and more of water made Natalie aware her bed rest days were over. Saturday morning, December 16, 2023 three little ones announced it’s time for them to meet their sweet and loving parents. The surgeon performed a C section to bring them gently into the world. Papa Ross was there through it all to encourage his lovely wife. Family now had a new meaning. Christmas joy and some overwhelming feelings leaped in their hearts. The three babies were small but in some ways hearty. After all, they made it out of the womb, didn’t they? Like undercover agents they surprised us with their early Christmas mission. Finn, Foster, and Claire were Natalie and Ross’s early Christmas presents. Others in the family also considered the babies their early Christmas presents too. The journey of three new lives had just begun. Looking at the babies, one could see the tender and loving thoughts of concern, not worry, in both parent’s eyes.
Day One: The kids were escorted to their new home, the NICU at St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital in Boise. NICU stands for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and it could also be referred to as a Nice, Interesting, Comforting, and an all-around Understanding place (NICU). It was the ultimate place for these kids. It came complete with doctors and nurses and special technicians that rolled large carts into the room with equipment for testing. The babies were made comfortable in individual isolettes that simulated the cozy environment of mama’s womb.
At birth, Finn weighted the most coming in at 1.74 pounds, Foster weighted 1.68 pounds and Claire was more petite than her twin brothers. But you’d expect that for a little girl. Claire was 1.54 pounds. Somewhere in all the hustle and bustle, Natalie and Ross counted each little ones fingers and toes. Being that they were a little more than 10 weeks early, we all understand full well that God had seen them in the womb. He knew they were going to bust out early and bless us all for Christmas. Psalm 139: 13-14 tells us “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful and I know that full well.” We thank God for his hand in their creation and birth and for providing good medical care. Christmas postcards were sent out wishing friends Merry Christmas and telling them that the triplets were coming sometime in early 2024. Well, their story started a little earlier than expected.
Words of hope have been spoken over them. There have also been answers to so many prayers made on behalf of these children and their mom and dad. “The Littles,” as their mom calls them, continue to gain weight and make progress. Here’s some of the highlights from the daily updates their mom Natalie shared.
Highlights include:
- Because their lungs were not fully developed, all are on breathing equipment.
- By December 30, lung pressures and oxygen levels were better.
- All continue to have echocardiograms to check on heart murmurs which are typical in preemies.
- All three had cranial ultrasounds. Everything was normal.
- At first, the babies too sensitive to be held.
- At about Christmas time, all were stable enough to be held by mom and dad.
- Foster had more difficulties than his sister and brother including: 2 blood transfusions, an abdomen infection, and needing insulin and more.
- All had heart murmurs (shunt in the heart). After time and maybe with medication will heal. Foster’s is completely closed.
- At the first of the year, all were gaining weight.
- Christmas Eve was special. Mama read “The Polar Express” book to them and Papa read “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
- Christmas photos showed each baby with a sign that had their name and “My First Christmas” on them.
- Claire and Finn are doing fabulously on CPAP (breathing machine).
- They made some changes to wean Foster’s NAVA (ventilator) settings and they’re going to send a stool to the lab to see if it shows us anything they may have missed that is causing the GI bleed.
- The babies will remain in the NICU until about the end of March – or longer.
- We are all grateful for all the prayers and help that others have given.
- Please continue to keep these three dumplings in your prayers! Thank you!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Welcome to 2024 ~ Thoughts on Healing
Happy New Year Friends!
The New Year can be about many interesting things. It makes me think about some of the lyrics from the theme song to the animated film “Polar Express.” The song is called “Believe.” Some of the lyrics go like this:
Trains move quickly .. to their journey’s end .. Destinations .. are where we begin again.
Did you ever think where you are at this point in your life was/is your destination … and where you are to begin again? God has a new season ahead for you. And in this new season there may well be some type of healing for you – emotional, mental, spiritual, financial, and relational. Let’s explore a few things about healing together.
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Read the book of Acts in the Bible and you’ll find an abundance of healing encounters when Jesus touched the lives of others.
Many times, God uses a doctor’s skill and expertise to heal us when we aren’t well. But what if the medical specialists can’t help you, or you have some rare disease? Not to worry, friend. God can heal your arthritis or cancer and more. Nothing is too difficult for God! But let’s be frank. Healing may take time, and there is a connection between the words that you speak out of your mouth. If you are a follower of Christ, are you words in agreement with what God’s Word says? And if you’re not yet a follower of Christ, you can be. Just go to the tab at the top of this blog that says “Relationship with God.” And if you aren’t following Christ, the words that you speak are still very important. You must speak positive words into your life to get a positive outcome.
And remember, healing isn’t just about physical healing. With God it is about healing in every area of your life. God cares about you. And Jesus came that we might have life abundantly. That means plenty, overflowing, more than enough, and above all else that we are whole and healthy people.
In Hebrew, the word Jehovah means “God,” and Rapha means “to heal or to restore.” God is Jehovah-Rapha, your healer. Does God heal people today? He most certainly does.
Make it a great evening!
God bless you!
Nanci
Have You Ever Felt Too Little or Unimportant?
Hi Friends,
I thought I’d share this sweet story with you. I was reminded of it from one of my Facebook posts. If you’re a kid or a big kid like me, you’ll find the truth of Christmas and the goodness of God in this magical little story by Max Lucado.
Do you ever feel like you are too small or too ordinary? This is just how Itsy and Bitsy feel. When these two charming little mice hear that a King is coming to Bethlehem, they set off with great enthusiasm to find Him. Along the way, they are met with discouraging words telling them they are too little and unimportant for any king. Just when Itsy and Bitsy begin to believe they really aren’t big enough for the new King, they learn that Christ the King has indeed come for everyone.
And, friends, Christ has indeed come for everyone — and that is the message of Christmas!
Have a wonderful and joyful season as you learn more and celebrate the true meaning of a day that is celebrated all around the world.
God bless you!
Nanci
Give Thanks at All Times!
Friends,
I hate setting my clocks back one hour. As we know, it happens every year about this time – last week in fact. With the early darkened skies of daylight savings time many struggle with something called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Google told me that SAD is a type of depression that happens during a certain season of the year—most often fall and winter. There is no clear cause of SAD. Less sunlight and shorter days are thought to be linked to a chemical change in the brain and may be part of the cause of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Those types of chemical changes and more in our brains are also responsible for other mental health disorders. Many have told me that my November 2022 article “The Truth About A Secret That Many Keep” is very insightful and that everyone should read it. You’ll find it here: https://nancigravill.wordpress.com/2022/11/15/the-truth-about-a-secret-that-many-keep/
You may also want to read Pastor Rick Warren’s article, “It’s Not A Sin to Be Sick” which calls for an end to the stigma around mental illness and greater collaboration between science and medical professionals and people of faith. We’d like to push it under the rug and pretend it doesn’t exist. Sadly, it does. https://churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/325127-mental-health-and-the-church-rick-warren-its-not-a-sin-to-be-sick.html.
You may not have a mental illness or suffer from SAD, however, who hasn’t been disappointed by life. Let the life lessons that you have learned, help you form thoughtful, caring, and loving messages to share with those around you.
Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Do you know of anyone who will be alone on Thanksgiving? What about inviting them over to share a meal as you give thanks with your family? After all, Philippians 2:4 (AMP) says it best:
Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Don’t Forget to Make Today a Great Day!
God bless you!
Nanci
Happy Fall ~ Happy Habits
Happy Fall Dear Friends!
The leaves are beginning to turn red, orange, and yellow. I enjoy hearing them as they crunch under my feet. I love fall. How about you?
Today I’m sharing two pretty important concepts that can help you have more happiness every day.
God bless you!
Make it a great day!
Nanci
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We become what we repeatedly do.**
Happy Habits. Ever hear of them? Those are the things we all can do to make our lives better and more meaningful. It’s true. We become what we repeatedly do.
It’s your habits that define your life. They define who you are. For example, maybe you’re friendly or maybe you’re not. Maybe you’re grateful. Then again, maybe you’re a sour old dude and you feel like you don’t deserve what life has dished out to you. So, maybe you’re angry and bitter towards others. And while I hope you’re not, maybe you’re a stingy old goat. And that keeps you from thanking others or going out of your way to help someone else.
Happy habits include things like laughing which boosts your mood, counting your blessings, saying thank you, playing to your strengths by getting involved in task that you love and are good at, and being generous with your words or donating goods or money. In other words, you go about your life doing good things for others.
Try doing these “Happy Habit’ things and see how much happier you feel.
And while Happy Habits help you become happier, the unmistakable source of happiness and joy in our lives actually comes from God. In fact, every person has a God-shaped vacuum inside them. And only God can fill that place in their heart.
To learn more about a relationship with God, see the tab above, “Relationship with God.”
**Sean Covey is an American business executive, author, and speaker.
Looking for Love.
Hi Friends!
You may want to read the post before this one which is about True Love!
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Looking for Love
Years ago men and women wrote to each other for purposes of love and friendship. Letters were one of the few ways for a distant couple to remain in contact, particularly in wartime. Today, of course, we have dating sites to find everything from a date, friendship, activities partner, a prayer partner, and/or romantic love. And with the use of cell phones and computers today, finding love has other challenges caused by money-hungry scammers pretending to be someone they are not.
I’ve been on five dating sites since March. Through these past months, I’ve rarely found a date or otherwise that lived nearby. So how do you get to know someone who lives in another state or on another side of the world? Can a long-distance relationship really survive let alone thrive? A guy from one of the dating sites said long-distance relationships turn out to be nothing more than pen pals. That’s not necessarily true. I also think it depends on the willingness of the two people involved to creatively make it work. You CAN make it work if you try. After all, if you’re like me, I’ve found no one I wanted to date at the large church I go to and they stopped doing singles night at the grocery store several years ago. So how do you meet someone — someone nice?
The dating sites I used were Christian Cafe and Christian Dating For Free. I found these sites to be the best. I also found myself on eHarmony by mistake. eHarmony does not ask much of anything about your spiritual values. So, if you are a born-again believer, that’s not the site I would choose. By error, I somehow got on Dating.com (the worst ever) and Our Time. These sites also didn’t ask anything about your spiritual values either and I positively don’t recommend them to folks whose relationship with God is an important part of who they are!
To learn more about long-distance dating, please read the two articles below (links). You’ll find there are lots of great reasons that support the idea that long-distance relationships can be a great way to meet someone. As you read the articles, think about the qualities that are important in a good relationship like shared values, similar interests, respect, communication, integrity, honesty, and trust. You also want to make sure you are able to be yourself with that person. This last thing is really important because I believe that the greatest gift you can offer to another person is to be yourself. You are a delightful gift filled with interesting ideas and experiences. And it’s equally important that you share those gifts in a humble way with others. You’ll be surprised at how much good you can do in another person’s life just by sharing what you know and where you’ve been. However, the most important relationship you can ever have is a personal relationship with God. Please see the “Relationship with God” tab above on this blog to learn more. You may not realize this now, but anything worthwhile in life including relationships come from knowing a loving God who sees your value and has created you for a purpose.
Christian Article: How Should a Christian View Long Distant Relationships
https://www.gotquestions.org/long-distance-relationships.html
Article: Best Long Distance Relationship Tips
https://time.com/5316307/best-long-distance-relationship-tips-experts
Make it a great day!
God Bless You!
Nanci
True Love. Is There Such a Thing?
Hi Friends!
Inspired by a friend, here’s what I think of when I hear the words true love. What about you?
Tell someone you love them today — a sister, your mom, a good friend. Love does amazing things and nothing quite compares.
Make it a great day!
God bless you!
Nanci
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I’ve been singing this song called The French Waltz. And yes, parts of the lyrics are in French. The lyrics at one point say, “When the old people sit at their window. I am sure they’ll be happy to see. From the smile in their eyes, true love hasn’t died, wait and see.” It’s a pretty song that lately reminds me of a new friend’s comments to me about true love. I admit, I’ve never really thought about it before. But when I heard my friend mention it – when I heard the term true love, I immediately thought of Greta Garbo, Gone with the Wind, and a time in the 1950’s when women wore white gloves and didn’t pump their own gas. Poet Nikki Giovanni said we love because it’s the only true adventure.
Known as agape love, God’s love is unconditional. It is also the highest form of love there is — pure and sacrificial. And certainly, if you’ve never received love and/or felt God’s love in your life, then, sadly, you won’t be able to give love to another person. You and I know that you can’t give what you don’t have. And let’s face it, if you approach life being self-centered, bitter, jealous, or carry around unforgiveness in your heart, that makes for one very ugly human being. But isn’t it incredible that from the very first moment you came into this world, you needed love in order to thrive as much as you needed air to breathe?
The Bible says love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. (I Corinthians 13: 4-12).
So, friends, is there such a thing as true love? Does it really exist or is it like the tooth fairy or Santa Claus? Is it something that’s been made up for a culture that desperately needs to believe in something bigger than themselves? It sounds so nice, doesn’t it? We want to believe it. But is it something from a much more innocent time that we’ll never be able to grab hold of again? And if true love is a real thing, then, someone please tell me what does true love look like, what does it look like to you?
When Everything Changes
Hi Friends!
I can testify to this very fact: everything changes. I’m in a new season of my life and I’m trying to figure out what God is up to and how to move forward. What about you?
Make it a great day!
God bless you!
Nanci
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When Everything Changes ~ A Message from America’s Pastor, Max Lucado
~ (a little something for my friend Cliff) ~
Are you on the eve of change? A new chapter? A new season? Heaven’s message for you is clear: when everything else changes, God’s presence never does. You journey in the company of the Holy Spirit, who “will teach you everything and will remind you of everything” he has told you (John 14:26 NLT). So, make friends with whatever is next.
Change is a part of life, and a necessary part of God’s strategy. To use us to change the world, he alters our assignments. But, someone might ask, what about the tragic changes God permits? Some seasons make no sense. They do, however, if we see them from an eternal perspective. What makes no sense in this life will make perfect sense in the next. As Paul wrote, “These troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing” (2 Corinthians 4:17 CEV).
Nanci's "More Precious Than Gold + Fresh Hope" Blog 