The Author Post: Blog #20, "The Irish Claddagh: Friendship, Love & Loyalty"

I thought it appropriate to bring a little "Irish" to my blog this month, since St. Patrick's Day is this weekend. As you may have guessed by my name, Heather Erin (Conley) Nelson, I am a good part Irish, with light auburn hair and all! No blarney about that! Being Irish is in my blood and my rich Irish heritage goes way back to the earliest of my ancestors.

I love this time of year with Spring about to "bloom" as we come into a season of "renewal." It is a time of new birth and rebirth. A time for renewing vows and promises to ourselves. A time when the gray shades of winter begin to lighten with each passing day. A time to rise above all hope toward a brighter future. I know you're getting excited now about all the windows of opportunity opening for you, because I know I am!

The Irish Claddagh Story ties into this nicely. It offers the feeling of faith and enduring love, no matter how grim everything seems. 

Legend has it that an Irish young man, Richard Joyce, bound for the West Indian slave plantations - the Irish Caribbean island of Montserrat - was kidnapped in rough seas by a band of Mediterranean pirates, leaving behind his one true love, and was sold to a Moorish goldsmith. Over the many long years of his exile, the goldsmith helped him perfect the skills of a master craftsman.

In 1689, King William III negotiated the return of the slaves and Joyce returned to Galway. In Ireland, a young women who had never stopped faithfully waiting for her true love to return was still waiting for Joyce, whom after years apart, presented her with the now famous  Claddagh gold ring - a symbol of their enduring love. Two hands to represent their friendship, the crown to signify their loyalty and lasting fidelity, and the heart to symbolize their eternal love for each other. They soon married, never to be separated again.

When Richard Joyce and his true love reunited, they began to renew their love that was so faithful and true. They began to start a fresh, new life together, with fresh, new hope for a wonderful future. Let this time of the year be a fresh, new beginning for you, too. Strengthen your faith in God, set new goals, reach to new and exciting heights and let God guide your life to new levels of abundance!! The past and present are only stepping stones to new and great adventures.

FYI:

The Claddagh is a unique and distinctive Irish love symbol. The traditional Claddagh jewelry or friendship ring is worn by both men and women all over Ireland and is probably the most widely known of Irish jewelry designs. The Claddagh Ring became popular outside the Claddagh about the middle of the last century, especially as it was the only ring made in Ireland worn by Queen Victoria and later by Queen Alexandra and King Edward VII.  

How to wear the Claddagh

Worn on the right hand, crown turned inwards, your heart is yet unoccupied.

Worn on the right hand, crown turned outwards, shows a special commitment to someone.

Worn on the left hand, crown outwards, let our love and friendship reign forever - never to be separated.

Anyway, God created us to be true friends, to love, and to be loyal to one another. This is the only way to live in harmony in order to be Blessed richly and in order for God to pour down His favor on us. We can certainly learn a lot from the ancient legends of Ireland, from the Irish and from numerous Irish Blessings and Prayers that were written years ago. I will leave you with a few:

An Irish Prayer

May God give you... For every storm, a rainbow, For every tear, a smile, For every care, a promise, And a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, A faithful friend to share, For every sigh, a sweet song, And an answer for each prayer.

An Old Irish Blessing

May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam. May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures. May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours!

A Wish for a Friend

Wishing you a rainbow For sunlight after showers— Miles and miles of Irish smiles For golden happy hours— Shamrocks at your doorway For blessings and laughter too, And a host of friends that never ends Each day your whole life through!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY AND TOP O' THE MORNING TO YOU ALL!!
Faithfully, H. Erin Nelson, Author

The Author Post: Blog #19, "WBRK RADIO INTERVIEW announcement on BERKSHIRE VIEWPOINT"

Hi Everyone!!

• This Blog is an announcement for my upcoming Radio Interview on WBRK 1340AM in Pittsfield, Massachusetts this Wednesday, July 18th, from 11:00am - NOON. I will be interviewed by Radio Talk Show Host Extraordinaire, Donna Todd Rivers on her show: BERKSHIRE VIEWPOINT.

It is such an exciting time, as this is my first interview!! I hope you will listen! 

• WBRK 1340AM, Pittsfield, MA

• LISTEN ONLINE:  http://wbrk.com Radio Talk Show Host extraordinaire DONNA TODD RIVERS of "BERKSHIRE VIEWPOINT," Pittsfield, Mass. will be interviewing me THIS WEDNESDAY, JULY 18th FROM 11:00AM - NOON. This will be my first Radio Interview where I will chat about my journey to becoming a Christian author which led me to my children's book series: BIBLETOONS!! Donna will also be promoting my Storytime/Book Signing at Barnes & Noble on Saturday, July 21st, 555 Hubbard Ave., Pittsfield, MA from 1 - 3PM. When I thought about what I'd say in the interview, something "sparked" in me that took me back through my whole life, realizing the steps and roads of faith that led me to this particular moment in time. I hope you will join us for some interesting and inspiring thoughts. GO ONLINE TO LISTEN FROM ANYWHERE, http://wbrk.com. Scroll down to the radio in the middle and simply press PLAY! (Allow any plug-ins). It is going to be so much FUN! Faithfully, H. Erin Nelson

The Author Post: Blog #18, "Everything is Coming Up ROSES!"

The statement or saying, "Everything is coming up roses" is a hopeful view of what IS and CAN be! It is a vision of everything around you; every sight, every circumstance, every success and every positive effort. Picture yourself in your world viewing everything as just this and seeing roses popping up wherever you look!

It is fascinating to me that we can actually CHOOSE the roses! We can choose how we look at our circumstances either in a positive or negative way. Changing the way we look at things makes the things we look at change! Remember, good ALWAYS comes from bad situations (or situations that we simply think are bad) IF we stay focused on our BIG picture of success. God always has a plan for us during our "storms" and watches us to see how we'll handle them. Passing God's tests brings light to our future and lifts us gently to the next level of accomplishment! Yes, another rose just popped up!

In the event of a storm, look first to the rainbow on the other side. God so brilliantly created beauty in life to reflect on us and to be reminders of what is and could be. Why do you think He created rainbows as a sign of hope and beauty for things to come. He created rainbows to appear AFTER the storm. Look to the end of YOUR storm, and you will see His promise and dedicated smile reflecting through.

He also created sunrises as a sign of hopeful things to come today and sunsets as a reminder of the day's accomplishments, giving us a peaceful rest at the end of a wonderful day, and knowing that great things are in store for tomorrow. 

On the road to being an author, there were a few storms. However, I looked ahead and imagined my "What if."  
My book, Bibletoons: Book One, "Adventure with Noah" became published, book signings began to happen, I began to see my book displayed in stores and online, and now the media events are taking root. Everywhere I look, roses are popping up very nicely. I began with an image of what God was leading me to in my future, I planted that image deeply in my conscientiousness and the seeds took shape..in the form of roses!

Your thoughts are the beauty of your soul. Handle them with care. Nurture them with God's light, spread your beautiful thoughts and prayers to others and soon you'll see that Everything is coming up roses! 

The Author Post: Blog #17, "Open YOUR Future to Wealth and Prosperity..A New Day is Dawning!"

Are you holding back on all of God's goodness by focusing on lack? Then, you must change your direction immediately! God wants to prosper you beyond your wildest dreams, and to do that, all He asks is for you to act in a positive manner and think only of thoughts that will increase you. No matter what you are going through in your life, whether it is trying to pay bills, health issues, marriage challenges or simply coping with life's hardships, there is an answer and direction that will increase your life into wealth and prosperity. God WANTS to bless you richly!


In order for you to begin on your journey into your chosen purpose, you must first unblock anything that is holding you back. God is paving the way to His purpose for YOU! Shape your life and get back on track. Focus on all the GOOD things in life that you are truly thankful for. Know that God has brought you this far and will continue to bring you to your limitless future. "If God brought you to it, He will bring you through it." Think of ONLY good thoughts and open yourself up to a new desire to succeed. Changing your energy to the goodness of God will erase negativity from your life and you will IMMEDIATELY begin to ATTRACT all that is POSITIVE. Meditate on richness rather than on lack. Pray for God IN EARNEST to bring you to a whole new level and KNOW beyond a doubt that everything is working out for you. 


When you change your energy to the direction of God, only good things will prosper in your life. Say things in praise such as "How can life get any better than this?" and "Is there anything better in the world?" and God will bless you with more. These questions will open up a whole new experience for you. When you say, "How can life get any better than this?" God sees it as your being satisfied with what you have, blessing you with more.


No matter how difficult things get, if you stay in a positive attitude, casting all your cares on the Lord and staying strong in your Faith, His answers will be overwhelming.


This is true in writing, too. Have you ever heard of "writer's block?" Well, it is when thoughts won't come to mind and writing ceases to flow. When you unblock negativity from your life, your pen will begin to flow smoothly and consistantly, clearing the path for imagination to grow. This is true with any occupation.


I have put off getting rid of a great deal of unwanted "junk" and "clutter" in my home for awhile. So, I made a decision to cleanse. I've cleaned out box after box in our basement, closets upstairs and I've been going through each room, cleaning out anything I will never use again. It began with my daughter "major cleaning" her room and it became contagious. (Yes, that's right, my daughter cleaned her room without being asked and she influenced ME! God works in awesome ways!) As I spent the last couple weeks doing this, I felt so cleansed. God honored that. Remember, cleanliness is next to Godliness.


As it is good to cleanse our homes, it is also good to cleanse ourselves on the inside. In the Bible, a very powerful verse in Hebrews 10:22 states, "Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water." It is always a great feeling being clean and refreshed..like after taking a shower, when you drive around in a nice clean car, when you clean your home or when you open a window after the long winter. God wants us all to experience cleanliness and freshness. Open the window of your soul and let all the sparkle in!


This blog has a DIRECT connection to Jesus dying on the cross to CLEANSE us of our sins. Isaiah's prophetic words in Isaiah 53:4-5 speak of how Christ's sacrifice for us would heal us. He writes that by His stripes we are healed and that He has taken our grief and carried our sorrows. Jesus did all this because of our transgressions.


Think about it for a minute. Jesus took on all the sins of the world so that we could live a life free from all burdens. So, I ask you now, "Why are you still carrying around your burdens? Will you give these burdens to the Lord and be cleansed so that you can live a true life of happiness?"


Isaiah 53:4-5, "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed."


Many Christians don't have enough faith to believe that God can actually heal and cleanse them. God's Word says that "all you need is the faith of a mustard seed." This is the smallest seed in existence!


Unblock all the negativity in your life and open the windows of enrichment. Direct your thoughts wisely. Encourage everyone you meet every day.

Center your attention around God and also around your family, lifting them up with love and peace.  These things will cause you to succeed beyond measure so that you experience INFINITE WEALTH AND PROSPERITY. Begin right NOW. There's no time like the present! What are you waiting for?!  Unblock everything that is holding you back now, and experience your calming bliss. God Bless You All!

The Author Post: Blog #16, "His Love...Our Greatest Gift of All"

As an author, there is so much to write about, especially around the Christmas season. It is so easy this time of year to reflect on all the goodness surrounding us and the spirit of thankfulness left over from Thanksgiving. However, as I look around at all the busyness, it gives me a feeling of discontent. People are shopping from store to store to buy gifts for each other. To some, it doesn't matter what they buy, just as long as there are presents to open. Some or most of the gifts probably end up in a drawer or closet, forgotten about. 


In the past, I often found myself thinking how I would afford Christmas. Christmas shouldn't be something to afford! As I drew more toward Christ, I realized that Christmas would be what I made it..loving! Gifts were nice, but not the most focused and important part of Christmas.


It makes me think of the Wise Men. They traveled a great distance bearing extravagant gifts for the Christ-child of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They wanted nothing but the best for the baby who was born as a Savior to save the world. But, they had it all wrong. Do you think that Jesus would have thought any less of them if they came to greet and welcome Him with only the smiles on their faces? No, of course not! That isn't who Jesus is. Besides, he was a baby and babies love to look at people smiling at them and acting like a child!


He is the one who loves us just for being in His world. We are His greatest treasures! Yes, He created us to be thoughtful and caring givers and receivers, but not of material items that won't matter the next hour or day. He created us in His image to be givers and receivers of Love..HIS LOVE...OUR GREATEST GIFT OF ALL, and the way He intended us to celebrate His  birth on Christmas.


The Three Wise Men are a good example of elaborate giving. In today's society, the theory of, the more expensive the gift, the more people will appreciate it, is misconstrued. This has developed more and more over the years and people have been misguided. As I recall when my daughters were toddlers, they received so many big and costly toys. We lugged these toys to my parent's home when we visited, and wouldn't you know it, all they wanted to do was for my Mother to get out all her pots and pans and wooden spoons so they could BANG on them! A perfect example of "the simple things in life." That is what is truly important..focusing on the "simple things." 


There were the Three Wise Men who were kings, dressed in velvet robes and wearing crowns of the most precious jewels, and giving a wealth of gifts.....and then came a little poor boy up to the manger who had nothing to give the Baby Jesus.  All he owned besides the worn clothes on his back and his donkey...was his drum. So, he played a song on his drum as a gift. That dear little boy gave from his heart..the only thing he knew how to do.


Put away your busy thoughts for a moment and think about your life and all the precious time you have to look forward to with those special loved ones around you. Instead of buying all the latest technology or electronics, plan a special event for your family to share in..a drive to see the Christmas lights, a walk in the snow, playing a guitar or piano and singing Christmas Carols, reading Christmas stories, baking cookies or enjoying a candlelit dinner. There are endless possibilities. Go back to the days of old and create your own treasured memories. 


Bask in all the Glory around you this Christmas season and remember to give the true gift of Love to all those around you. Smile a lot, hug a lot and be especially kind and considerate to those who mean the most to you.  GIVE the Abundant Love of Jesus this Christmas and RECEIVE the Richest Blessings in return!


Merry CHRISTmas to you all. 

The Author Post: Blog #15, "Preparing for Rain..Get Ready, Get Set..GO!"

In life, as in a race, we have to get ready (focus on what we want to accomplish), and get set (prepare for what is ahead), and GO (with earnest). We must "prepare for rain" in order to see God at work in our lives. In one of my very favorite movies, "Facing the Giants," there is a scene that goes like this: "I heard a story about two farmers who desperately needed rain, and both of them prayed for rain, but only one of them went out into his fields to receive it. Which one do you think trusted God to send the rain?...The one who prepared his fields for it. Which one are you? God will send the rain when He's ready. WE NEED
TO PREPARE OUR FIELDS TO RECEIVE IT!"...and then we will BLOOM WHERE WE ARE PLANTED!

This is a wonderful and insightful analogy of how God works in our lives. He only asks that we do our share and prepare for His blessings.

It all begins with PLANTING THE SEED. When we get a passionate idea that excites us about our future, and we think to ourselves, "What if?" Then, our mind begins to wander with the wonderful possibilities of that unique, passionate idea. We are planting the seed for that idea to take root. Then, we go out and make the choice to make it happen!  Making it happen is when our faith and motivation sets in and we then pursue our goal to the end.

This is where the excitement happens! When God steps in, seeing our earnest, He begins the numerous blessings in our life. He paves the way for each step to succeed, seeing it through to the end..where abundance in all its glory prevails!

I began this very process with a simple thought for a story. I wanted more than anything to become an author. Not just any author, but one whom God would be proud of. I planted the seed for this to occur.  Then, I began to write my series, "Bibletoons." I wanted God to approve of every word I wrote, focusing and letting my words flow. I was preparing my fields for rain.

When I completed my manuscript and submitted it to Tate Publishing, I knew I did my very best for God. Then, I was at the next step of my dream. A few weeks later, I received word that it was accepted and would be sent to production soon, making the publishing date for January, 2012. My manuscript, now edited and polished, is being sent to Layout and Design, where it will soon become my very first book, "Adventure With Noah." I am now blooming where I am planted..becoming an author and working on the next book in my Christian children's series.

Abundance is here for anyone who has an idea and puts it to work. Plant your seed, prepare for rain and bloom where you are planted! God is always with us to guide us along to our well deserved abundance. Share your passion for success with Him and He will show you a life you've always dreamed about. Make it happen..Get Ready (Prepare for Rain), Get Set (Plant the Seed), and Go (Bloom).

If you haven't already seen "Facing the Giants," I highly recommend that you do. It is a wonderful story of facing your fears with the faith of God's guidance and going against all odds to accomplish your dreams.

Besides "Facing the Giants," other Christian movies by Alex Kendrick, Owner/Director/Actor, Sherwood Pictures, and Associate Pastor at Sherwood Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia, are "Flywheel," "Fireproof" and his brand new awesome film, "Courageous." You will want to watch them all! These films will encourage you, as they did me, to build courage and step out in faith to an abundant future. 

The Author Post: Blog #14, "Engaged in a Wonderful Life"

There are different definitions for the word, "engaged."  It is an adjective meaning:

Employed, occupied, or busy.
Committed, as to a cause.

Pledged to marry; betrothed: an engaged couple
There are many ways in life in which we are engaged. We can be engaged in our work, engaged and occupied in our activities, or engaged and busy with our every day schedules. These types of engagements keep us diligently pressing toward a future of promise.  We press forward with much effort, gaining accomplishments, taking care of our families and earning pay to make it all possible.  It is good to be engaged in our every day events, as long as we focus on the positive results and making each moment count.  


Sometimes we get so wrapped up in these types of engagements, that life somehow passes too quickly, and we haven't stopped for a moment to reflect on all the goodness around us.  It is so essential to relax once in awhile, to sing, laugh, enjoy little things, stop to see a friend, and simply marvel at our lives.  Look at your life as a blessed opportunity to reach out and do something good that you normally wouldn't do, or maybe that you do all the time!  Most importantly, have FUN with your life.  After all, it is what you make it.  Choose to make it more rewarding, which leads me to the next definition of "engaged."


Being engaged or committed to a cause is a spectacular gift that you give others.  Participating or being active toward a cause gains much self worth.  There are endless causes in the world that need our attention.  Good causes help us develop compassion and love in our lives for others.  Joining a cause helps us stand up and lend a helpful hand to what we believe in.  It gives us strength and builds incredible character.  God blesses us with treasures in heaven for all the good deeds we do down here!  Lending a hand to a worthy organization, whether it be through fund raising, sports, comfort or feeding the hungry, it engages us in a whole other aspect of life and increases the love inside of us...which leads me, again, to the final definition of "engaged."


Being engaged also means to pledge yourself to someone with unconditional love.  It is a sacred promise to the special person you love saying that you want to spend the rest of your life with them, and that you will always be there for them to share all of life's experiences, caring for them in a way that no one else can.  It is so important that when you're engaged to be married, you center your commitment around the nine "Fruits of the Spirit," as listed in the Bible:


"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." (Galatians:5-22). Any marriage formed on these principles is sure to succeed.  Always practice these special qualities each and every day to live an abundant and happy life full of love and caring.


This post means so much to me because I recently became engaged to a man whom I've shared the past ten years with in a long distance relationship. (One hour away).  We've grown together as a loving couple and cherish every moment ever spent together.  I love the way Tony always makes me laugh, and his calm spirit allows him to always speak with a pleasant voice.  He gets up happy and goes to bed happy! He prides himself as an insurance agent and has a great friendship with his boss.  He always encourages me in all that I do..my writing, web designing and anything that is important to me. (We are even writing a Christian novel together!)


Most importantly, he has always been loving and kind to my two daughters, never raising his voice to them, but teaching them life's valuable lessons and always praising their accomplishments.


My family thinks the world of him because he treats them all with respect and caring.  Being the oldest of nine fun-loving sisters and brothers, Tony has gained a title of "authority," being lovingly pulled in all different directions, and not having it any other way. He is a fabulous father to his two sons, who have grown to be responsible and hard-working young men.  He became a grandfather this past February, and his new, sweet little granddaughter is the apple of his eye! He learned how to treat people from his loving parents.  


Tony is like all three definitions that I've explained the positive side of.  He always takes time out to enjoy life, and enjoys life in whatever he's doing.  He is a Rotary President and helps give back to his community through amazing charitable events and contributions.  He also carries with him all the fruits of the Spirit, he really does!  I am so excited to be engaged and in a commitment that goes beyond anything I could have ever imagined, and with my very best friend whom I love and adore who has taught me through the years to be the best possible person I can be through God.


Make life all it can be with these valuable lessons and choose to be aware of the little things, lend a helping hand, and love unconditionally.

The Author Post: Blog #13, "Let Abundance Flow Into Your Life"

Looking back on my childhood, I can see now how God had His hand on my life from the start.  I lived in a beautiful home, had nice clothes to wear, attended good schools, had fun neighborhood kids to hang out with, a big sister whom I looked up to and kind and loving parents.  Money was never discussed, it was simply always in great supply.  My Dad worked hard running his machine shop and Mom taught school off and on while we were growing up.  Life was fun and carefree.


When we were old enough, we got jobs to add to our spending money.  Then, my sister graduated and went to college and I followed a couple years later.  Life as we knew it began to change as we changed. After college, we went out on our own in separate places to begin new lives, and for the first time in my life at that point, it was my responsibility to earn my way.  It was a difficult task that had more disadvantages than advantages.  I was pretty dependent on my parents for so many years, and it was like a slap in the face having to depend mainly on myself.

Life today is somewhat repeating itself, only not exactly the same circumstances.  I am a single mother of two college girls and trying to make my way in the world, not only for myself (being last on the list) but mainly for my daughters.  I want so much to give them everything I had growing up, but is is difficult with only one income in our family, although their father has been a great provider, which has helped immensely.  Still, however, bills and mortgage payments have been challenging each month. Jobs have come and gone in order to try and get a little further each year.

Through the journey, my strength has grown and God's favor has increased.  Then, the tuition payments began.  The past three years have been the most challenging years financially, and yet the most rewarding years at the same time.  I couldn't be more pleased at watching my two girls grow and blossom into beautiful, gifted young ladies.


So, I am saying that, although times can get challenging and unnerving, look to the good in your life that God has placed smack dab in front of you!!  Treasure each and every moment of each and every day.  Expect great things to happen.  Keep your eyes on the Lord and see the good in people.  Be aware of what you say and how you speak to others, especially those in your family.  Make a point to encourage someone each day.  The more you practice these simple acts of honor, the more abundance will flow into your life.

For the past eleven years, I have owned WorldHorizons WebCenter and design web sites for businesses.  I love my work and enjoy the people I meet.  My work has paid the bills and continues to open me to new and exciting places.  I have remained faithful throughout these eleven years, and God has blessed me each month with being able to make enough to stay afloat.  And then there's Tony, the incredible man God placed in my life who makes everything bearable, keeping me on the right track with his words of encouragement.

When I turned fifty last November, I wondered if I would ever make enough to do all the things I needed to do..repairs for my Dad's home (where I grew up), needs for my daughters, new furniture, etc., etc., as well as keep the mortgage and tuition payments up.

I continued to pray, remain faithful, and expect the flow of blessings.  Now, at the precise time in my life that God has chosen, I have become what I always had dreamed of..a signed author.  The first book in my Christian Children's Chapter Book Series: "Bibletoons," is to be published in January, and I have a renewed hope on the horizon.  2012 is certain to be what I have been building up for my whole life!  A new start, a new chance to challenge myself, and a whole new outlook on life.

Has God taken His own sweet time?..Maybe.  But it is just that..His time.  At any rate, I CAN see the light at the end of the tunnel, I feel, because I've lived the kind of Christian life that I think God is proud of, and because I expected it.  

Mind you, things aren't all fun and games.  There have been endless set backs and bumps along the way, but all in all, I've made it to a wonderful place where I'm excited to be.  Now, I'm praying.."God, help me make it just a few more months!"  I know that I'll be working harder that I ever have promoting my book, etc., but I say, "Bring it on!"

I'll always maintain my web business, enjoy writing books, and most importantly of all, watch my girls prosper, for the love of God is so great, and His promise to all who remain obedient and faithful is for that endless abundance to flow right into our streams of income, health and family.  Remember, we WILL all see the strong hands of God at work if we believe!!  Have a peaceful and restful night knowing that God is in complete control of your life. Is there anything better in the world!?