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Visit us at Fixablelife.org The Rockeys have created two full recovery programs designed for gender-specific small groups.

Life Renewal offers life-changing information that will create personal insight, inspire the active resolution of issues and healing of relationships, and create insurance for a new and improved life. Ron and Nancy Rockey are educators who, for 30 years, have internationally taught seminars designed to acquaint individuals with the emotional wounds they may have received, and offer them tools for overcoming the negative results of those wounds; feelings of fear, sadness, worthlessness, and anger can be overcome if a person is teachable. "Binding the Wounds" is a spiritual approach and "The Journey" was created for the secular community. Written materials, such as their books "Belonging", "Betrayed" and "Heart Connection" are available for purchase at Fixablelife.org.

10/25/2026

TRUST AND OBEY

Trust has been the subject of two previous blogs, both composed on the very same day. Now, here is the third:

"When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way.
When we do His good will, He abides with us still,
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there's no other way,
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey"

Do you recognize this old hymn?

It goes on in Verse 2:
Not a shadow can rise, Not a doubt in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away.
Not a doubt nor a fear, not a sigh nor a tear
Can abide while we trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet
Or we'll walk by His side in the way
What He says we will do, where He sends, we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Trust and obey for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Towner was recruited by Dwight L. Moody as a singing evangelist. He was heard by a Presbyterian minister - J.L.Shammas, who wrote a poem on the subject of " Trust and Obey" and sent it back to Towner. He got discouraged while writing the words and threw it in a wastebasket. His wife picked it up and encouraged him to finish it. In 1893 he became head of the music at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. At age 70, he passed away from a seizure while conducting music at a revival meeting.

This whole subject makes me wonder what has happened to the Christian Church worldwide. We might sing the hymn at church, but we ignore its true meaning. We agree to God's 10 Commandments, but many ignore the 4th, as if it were unimportant. They reveal that they are celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Sunday, the 1st day of the week. While that was a blessed event, it was NOT our command or instruction. It saddens me to realize that while many agree about the commandments, they refuse to include the 4th.

Do people ask you why you don't go shopping or why you are "into your Bible and Christian literature" on the day they have fun shopping for groceries or new clothes? If others ask, you might direct them to the ten commandments given by the hand of God to Moses on Mount Sanai. They can be found in Exodus 20:1-17.

Be brave! Share the truth! They will be gratified that you did.

Lovingly,

Nancy

10/21/2026

Trust, Trusted, Trusting God – or . . .

Trust and Refuge are words that collaborate; in my opinion. They can be supportive while partnering with each other as guidance and comfort, especially in times of distress. A refuge is a hiding place, a place of safety and comfort, where fear does not overwhelm even though the storms of life are raging. The Bible teaches of a “City of Refuge” where those who had murdered unintentionally, could run to for protection. Today, criminals run to get away from prosecution, don’t they?

My two favorite hymns are “Under His Wings” and “You are my hiding place.”

“Under His wings I am safely abiding
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild.
Still, I can trust Him, I know He will keep me,
Resting in Jesus for I am His child.
Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever.
Under his wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.”

Think of a little bird, who is fierce storms, rests in the crevice of a rock with his head safely tucked under his wing. He has no worries there, because he is aware that the rock is his protection.

“You are my Hiding Place, You always fill my heart
With songs of deliverance, whenever I am afraid
I will trust in You, I will trust in You,
Let the weak say “I am strong in the strength of the Lord.”

Recently, my firstborn daughter became critically ill. She endured major surgery, was hospitalized for a lengthy time. Oh my, the hours I spent in prayer for my girl! But I kept reminding myself that she belonged to the safety of the Rock (Jesus), and He was fully in charge of her wellbeing and recovery. She is at home now, still in the healing process, and will be yet for a while. Do you think that’s why I am so interested in the topic of trust? YES!

To occupy my time while she was hospitalized, I did a thorough search for the word “Trust” in Scripture. I was blessed to find 54 such references in the Old Testament alone. A few of these references have a negative connotation. They refer to those who place their trust in themselves, their riches, their abilities; they’re self-centered. I would list all texts about trust here, but for the sake of brevity, they will be posted in a follow-up Blog.

For now, please just note that our trust should focus not on ourselves, but, in the loving and healing power of the Lord.

May this be your goal until it becomes your habit, is my prayer for you.

Lovingly,

Nancy

10/20/2026

Gratitude

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. There are reasons to be thankful on that day besides the usual big meal. Family, friends, turkey, stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, boiled onions in cream sauce, bright green peas, and lots of cranberry sauce. If you’re not full after all of that, well, pumpkin pie is coming soon – with whipped cream, of course. Hungry yet?

This year, however, our family is especially thankful. Personally, I wish Ron was still alive, so that we could hold hands around the table. We would thank Our Heavenly Father for His constant watch of care and the miraculous turn of events in the family. This miracle allowed our daughter to return home from a surgical operation for a life-threatening condition, and a week-long hospital stay. Yesterday she was discharged from the hospital. Of course, not only her attentive and loving husband, but our entire family was praying for her. Also, many others around the country were praying, and we thanked them! There may be more tests that our daughter must endure, but that is not certain. We still keep thanking and praying – maybe you will join us.

In a wonderful book of poetry and prose, written in 1972 and entitled "God’s Treasury of Virtues,” there is written this poem by Mrs. Will L. Murphy in a book entitled God’s Treasure of Virtues:

There’s a peace in my heart that the world never gave,
A peace it cannot take away.
Tho’ the clouds may surround like a cloud,
I’ve a peace that has come there to stay.

Published by Melodies of Peace Gospel Publishing House in 1972.

There are several other verses that are equally lovely, but I chose this one because it coincides with my feelings today. Grateful, thankful, praising our Lord and Savior for His Goodness to my daughter and to our entire family.

Lovingly,

Nancy

10/16/2026

BLESSED ASSURANCE

This morning I am so grateful! It’s only 9:30 AM and several wonderful things have occurred. One is unmentionable. Another is that my computer, which had been malfunctioning, allowed me to send a Blog to my publisher. A third is that I was able to give away to the kitchen here, three tomatoes in exchange for several rubber gloves. WHY? I have given up on tomatoes for a while, and the gloves are needed for opening yogurt containers. Now, I just need some plain Greek yogurt without sugar. It’s amazing how much sugar is in everything.

This morning, I am thankful also that I was privileged to read Max Lucado’s thought for the day – “Pray it Through.” Don’t we all need reminders to take all our love and our burdens to the Lord in prayer. Here, where I live in an Assisted Living Facility, there are so many sad, pain-filled, lonely people. Some have little or no contact with family. Others are blessed to live in private rooms, have family and friends, and frequently go out to a beauty parlor or to play bridge games. My trips out are only to Walmart (once a month) or an occasional visit with one of my two daughters. Thanksgiving is coming up soon, and I look forward to that celebration with my family!

One of my favorite activities is to pray for fellow residents. Usually at night, as I’m in my bed, I picture them in the Dining Room at their assigned table. It encourages me to name them and pray more specifically for their needs; those I’m aware of. This is a planned exercise. We are commanded in Scripture to do good unto others. Why shouldn’t we, considering all the magnanimous blessings that we receive from God? His love, so bountiful every moment of our lives, by His GRACE constrains us to reciprocate toward others.

Our faith in God’s power, love and kindness gives us the Blessed Assurance that He is mine and I am His. Oh, what joy!

The old hymn says it this way:

Blessed assurance, Jesus in mine.

Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine.

Heir of salvation, purchased of God

Lost in His goodness, washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all day long.

So yes, today and every day let’s be grateful for that Blessed Assurance! Jesus is yours!

Lovingly,

Nancy

10/11/2026

CHROMOSOMES: The Tiny Packages That Help Shape Our Characteristics

A simple look at how DNA, genes, and chromosomes influence the characters and traits we see in living things.

What Are Chromosomes?
Chromosomes are thread-like structures found inside the nucleus of most cells. They are made of DNA, which acts like an instruction manual for the body. Instead of floating around loosely, DNA is carefully wrapped and organized into chromosomes so cells can store, copy, and pass on genetic information.

How Genes Fit In
A gene is a smaller section of DNA found on a chromosome. Each gene carries instructions for a specific job, often by guiding the body to make proteins. These proteins help build cells, control body processes, and influence traits such as hair color, eye color, blood type, or even the ability to digest certain foods.

From Chromosomes to Character
In biology, a character is an inherited feature, such as flower color in pea plants or earlobe shape in humans. A trait is the specific version of that character, such as purple flowers instead of white flowers, or attached earlobes instead of free-hanging earlobes. Chromosomes carry the genes that help determine which traits appear.

Why We Look Like Our Families
Humans usually have 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. One chromosome in each pair comes from the mother, and the other comes from the father. This is why children often share traits with both parents but are not the same as either one. Each person receives a unique mix of genetic instructions. To say that we are fearfully and wonderfully made would be the exact opposite of a hyperbole!

When God designed the human at the beginning of time, He fashioned internal organs like heart, kidneys, liver, intestines, etc. This article’s topic goes deeper and more surface. Which is it, you might ask. It is about how chromosomes develop character – our thoughts and feelings.

Now combine what you have already read here with life experiences. Relationships, Harsh or abusive treatment, sadness, depression or loss, and you have a combination that can create misery. Think about your personal life experiences; earliest relationships with parents and other family members. Are your memories love-filled happy ones? Do you have an intimate love relationship with God, the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit? Those relationships bring joy, fulfillment and happiness.

So, here is another recommendation for you - Examine yourselves, and determine what is needed in your life, and then “Go for It” with determination. You have the DNA, the Chromosomes necessary. You have a brain – I know because you are reading this article. Always, God be with you as you do so!

Lovingly,

Nancy

P.S. Just a bit more science

Dominant and Recessive Traits
Some traits follow simple inheritance patterns. A dominant trait may show up even if a person inherits only one copy of the gene version for that trait. A recessive trait usually appears only when a person inherits two matching recessive versions. However, many human traits are more complex and are influenced by several genes as well as the environment.

Examples of Inherited Characters
Eye color and hair color
Blood type
Dimples or no dimples
Attached or free-hanging earlobes
Some inherited health risks

The Big Idea
Chromosomes are important because they carry DNA instructions that help shape inherited characters. Genes on chromosomes influence traits, and those traits make each organism unique. While chromosomes do not decide everything about a person or living thing, they provide the biological starting point for many of the characteristics we notice.

10/09/2026

A Fluffy Tale

My husband and I were in Russia on a lecture tour; perhaps 20 years ago. We had an appointment for several lectures. At the third lecture, a woman came to speak to me.

She had limited ability to speak in English, and I could not speak in the Russian language. I feared we would be at a speech impasse, but . . .

In her hands, she carried a small brown paper bag. Out of the bag, she removed the thickest and brightest pair of socks I had ever seen. They were two shades of orange with a thin strip of light beige. She pointed to the beige strip and said, “My dog’s tail.” I was flabbergasted! Again, she spoke, “For you, thank you.”

With a wide mouth I stared at her and finally decided to thank her. I hugged her warmly and she hugged me back. My eyes were filled with tears, perhaps they ran down my cheeks too.

I have had them hidden in a very safe place ever since. They remind me of a precious and sometimes overwhelmingly wonderful time when my Ron was still living, and we traveled extensively to teach – wonderful memories!

A few weeks ago, I was to do the Children’s story at church. In a large black, zippered bag, I took those treasures with me. When the appropriate time came, I sat with the children, told the story, and pulled out the socks. The children sat there with mouths wide open, reminiscent of my wide-open mouth when I was given the socks in Russia. Each one touched the beige stripe gently, feeling its softness. One child asked if she had to cut off the dog’s tail to make the socks. I explained it was simply the FUR on the dog’s fluffy tail that she had removed and then knitted into those socks.

When the church service was over, I was asked by adult members numerous times to pull those socks out of my bag. The adults wanted to see and touch the soft beige stripe too. They were amazed, and this began a conversation with women about how she had done the knitting. I could only guess.

Love and gratefulness move people to do many loving things. Children draw pictures for their moms and dads, Grandmas, and Grandpas. Heartwarming stories abound, even in this dangerous world today, of people who do kind things for others. It doesn’t take much effort to express God’s love, especially when we are loved by our own Heavenly Father. The admonition “Be kind one to another” is repeatedly found in Scripture.

Let’s do at least one thing for someone this week. In so doing we are following the love and example of Jesus.

With my love,

Nancy

10/07/2026

PATIENCE

The Bible lists “Patience as one of the Gifts of the Spirit.” Someone, don’t know who, was quoted as saying: “Lord, give me patience and I want it right now.” Of course, that statement shows how desperately the one who said it, really needs Patience.

Have you ever found yourself to be impatient over the slightest things? I certainly have! Trying to unscrew a cap off a water bottle, trying to write a Blog, and having difficulty choosing the correct word, zipping up a Ziploc bag, cleaning food out of your teeth? You could probably add it to this list.

As a parent, do you find it troubling when your highchair bound toddler decides to paint whatever is nearby with his food? Or maybe when your cat uses your living room rug as his litter box? Or when the wind extricates your raked autumn leaves into a whirlwind? Or perhaps you see someone you judge to be a “no good bum”, waving a sign as you pass by, asking for money?

I’ll have to be honest. As a parent it was easy, too easy, for me to not have needed patience with my daughters. Oh, how I regret my perfectionist ways, disallowing my children to be normal children!

So, what are we talking about here?

Billy Graham wrote: “Patience is the transcendent radiance of a loving and tender heart, which in its dealings with those around it, looks kindly and graciously upon it. Patience graciously, compassionately and with understanding judges the faults of others without unjust criticism. Patience also includes perseverance – the ability to bear up under weariness, strain and persecution when doing the work of the Lord.”

Bishop Horne, (1776-1780) was Vice Chancelor of the University of Oxford, an academic and a soldier. He wrote: “Patience is the guardian of faith, the preserver of peace, the cherisher of love, the teacher of humility. Patience governs the flesh, strengthens the spirit, sweetens the temper, stifles anger, extinguishes envy, subdues pride: she bridles the tongue, restrains the hand, tramples upon temptations, endures persecution, consummates martyrdom.”

A quote from Henry Ward Beecher reads: “There is no such thing as preaching patience to a people unless the sermon is so long that they have to practice it while they hear.”

Evelyn Hunderhill wrote: “Patience with our own self is a duty for Christians and the only real humility. For it means patience with a growing creature whom God has taken in hand and whose completion He will affect in His own time and in His own way.”

Stuart Hamblen wrote: “Lord, to wait down on my knees
Till in your own good time You answer my pleas
Teach me not to rely on what others do
But to wait in prayer for an answer from You.
Stuart Hamlen was a musician and writer.

Washington Gladden wrote the hymn “Oh Master Let Me Walk with Thee.” third stanza reads:

“Teach me Thy patience still with Thee

In closer, dearer company. In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,

In trust that triumphs over wrong.”

Charles {Chuck} Swindoll said, “You must do the most difficult thing for compassion to do.”

Tall orders, right? But you know, our Savior had to do the most difficult thing because of His love, His compassion for us – suffer on the Cross. Isn’t it the least we can do to be patient, for His sake and the sake of ourselves and others”

May God grant us His patience while He helps us develop ours!

Nancy

10/04/2026

FAITHFULNESS

"Great is Thy faithfulness, Oh God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
All I have needed Thy hand has provided, Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning, new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand has provided.
Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me!"

This very well-known hymn of praise and thanksgiving was composed in 1923 by Thomas Obediah Crisholm. He came to Christ at age 27 through the ministry of H.C. Morrison. But Chisholm's health was unstable. However, through ups and downs, he discovered blessings from God every morning. The 3rd Scriptural chapter of Lamentations became precious to him: "His compassions they fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your Faithfulness."
Thomas sent his poem to William M. Runyan, who composed the tune. For several years it found no popularity until heard by Dr. Will Houghton of The Moody Bible Institute, where it became their official theme song. It was sung many times by George Beverly Shea at the Billy Graham crusades. Thomas died in 1960, and until his death was known in his town as having a pleasant demeanor wherever he went. In his lifetime, he wrote 1200 poems and hymns.

Scripture has always been the impetus for many hymns! Consider THE MESSIAH and the many words found in the Word also written in that composition.

Philippians 4:13 is the promise we claimed for what I needed - a child. Married for three years without birth control, I was desperate! We had been told by a very wise pastor, Glenn C**n, that if we claimed the promise and we believed, we would receive. And we did! Our firstborn came 8 months later - a preemie. That same promise was claimed six months later, and sure enough along came our daughter 8 months later. What a joy and answer to "ask, claim and receive! What is Faithfulness; how can it be defined?"

The Greek word: 'PEITHO" means "to persuade."
Corrie Ten Boom wrote "In God's faithfulness lies eternal security."
Billy Graham wrote " Faith is the avenue to salvation. Not intellectual understanding. Not money. Just simple faith. The faith of a mustard seen, so small you can hardly see it. But if you will put that little faith in the person of Jesus, your life will be changed. He will come with supernatural power into y np ,atter how diligently the tempter tries to s***f it.
Madeleine L'Engle wrote: "faith, like prayer, is a gift, a gift of knowing that the light shines in the darkness, of knowing that the light cannot be put out no matter how diligently the tempter tries to s***f it."
Dwight L. Moody wrote: " faith is the chain that links us to every promise of God/"
Charles R. Swindoll wrote "Wisdom comes , , , not by trying to do great things for God . . . but more from being faithful to the small, obscure tasks that few people ever see."
Evelyn Underhill, a British writer wrote these words: "Faith is consecration in overalls. It is the steady, acceptance and performance of the common duty and immediate task without any reference to personal preferences -because it is there to be done and so is a manifestation of the will of God."
Anne Frank wrote in "the Diary of Anne Frank," "whoever is happy will make others happy too. He who has courage and faith Will never perish in misery!"
Max Lucado wrote of a deacon in Colchester, England, who on a very snowy morning was considering staying home from church. He went to find only thirteen people present, without a preacher. He (John Egglen) preached. His sermon lasted only ten minutes. They had a visitor that day, a 13- year-old boy. Deacon Egglen looked straight at the boy and said: "Young man, look to Jesus. Look! Look! Look!" The boy, then a man answered, "I did look, and there and then the cloud on my heart lifted, the darkness rolled away, and at that moment I saw the sun." The boy's name? Charles Hadden Spurgeon, England's prince of preachers.
Charles Hadden Spurgeon wrote: "Christian, take good care of thy faith; for recollect faith is the only way whereby thou canst obtain blessings. If we want blessings, nothing can fetch them down but faith. Faith is the angelic messenger between the soul and the Lord Jesus in glory. Let the faith be withdrawn, and we can neither send up prayer nor receive the answer."

Verse 3 of the song: "Pardon for sin and a peace that endured, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide.
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness. Morning by morning, new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand has provided, great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

Our prayer should be, Lord, Let me be always faithful.

With love,

Nancy

10/01/2026

During the Delivery

Finally, the time has come. The long-awaited pregnancy is nearly over. Contractions have squeezed closer together. The pain has become excruciating. The gurney is taken to the Delivery Room. There, the huge light is on. The stirrups are ready, and an OB nurse awaits.

The doctor has been called, the pricey but worth it specialist. Everyone hopes or prays that he will arrive in time to usher this newborn into the world.

There is much commotion as Mom is slid to the delivery table. Her feet are pressed into stirrups, and the real fun is about to begin. Forceps are available if needed.

The doctor arrives, gowns, gloves, sits on the stool at the end of the table. He is ready to receive the baby.

The decibels in the atmosphere heighten, as birth Mom is instructed to "Push, Push, Push." If all goes well, that new baby will exit his/her mother's womb with painful joy. And if the baby doesn't come right away, a reason must be determined. Newborn examinations are followed. If necessary, steps are taken to right the child's position. Finally, the arrival of the baby!

Now the question remains, What about the effect, long and short-term, will the new one experience?

We look now at the writings of Dr. Thomas Verny, psychiatrist, as well as those of other researchers and specialists. Verny writes in his book "Pre-Parenting": Maternal feelings and moods are linked to hormones and neuro- transmitters across the placenta. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol prime the growing brain to react in fight or flight mode, even when inappropriate - throughout life. But Maternal emphasis in joy and love bathes the growing brain in feel-good endorphins and neuro-hormones such as Oxytocin, promoting a life-long sense of well-being."

Dr. Cahairat Panthuraamphorn, an obstetrician at the Hua Chiew Hospital in Bangkok, and an expert in birth explains That inside the womb a fetus can hear mother's heartbeat and voice at 72 decibels, feel warmth and gain familiarity with mother. Whereas at birth they hear screaming, phones ringing, the bleep, bleep of the fetal monitor, shouting sounds (push, push) and the loud conversation of the health team. A birth like this is like bringing an individual from a rural setting to New York City with all its traffic and machinery.

These psychological events of birth are charged with emotional and symbolic power. I recall the births of my two children with consternation. WHY? They were both premature, had to live in NICU (neonatal Intensive Care Units) for ten days without the presence and interaction with me. In my opinion, it is God alone who brought them through those traumatic experiences to be as normal as they are today - both happily married professionals.

Both Ron and I were so grateful as we watched them grow and mature! Were there effects of their trauma? No doubt. But again, God has intervened to create the least amount of damage.

If you have someone, a relative or friend who was there, or remembers the circumstances of your birth. Do your best to be open and honest with yourself, because that's when healing happens. What effects have been experienced into your adulthood? God Bless You as you do your research!

Lovingly,

Nancy R

09/26/2026

THE SOLID ROCK

A very dear friend loves rocks. Her yard is full of them. Some are even shaped like hearts. Others just fascinate her. Considering her location, Arizona, they might be beneficial. Dust storms, because of the dryness, happen occasionally, and the rocks perhaps help to keep the dust from choking them.

This morning, one of my hymns of choice is:

“My Hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ the Solid Rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.

All other ground is sinking sand.

When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found.

Clad in His righteousness alone; faultless to stand before His throne.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

Years ago, my fear was of sinking sand. The kind of sand that sucks you in and from which it is nearly impossible to extricate yourself. I had nightmares about it. That sand can cause your death. No wonder that in scripture, the Lord counsels us to build on the Rock, and that Rock is Jesus Christ.

Not long ago, I read a book which chronicled the cross-country travel of early settlers. Some had traveled from the east coast of the U.S. to California. This was a true account of the obstacles and trials encountered. Angry Native Americans whom they survived only by sharing a trinket or two with them. Strange men, who just wanted their money. Flooded streams and rivers to forge to continue. Sometimes they were waylaid, unable to cross them. Why were these poor souls in this predicament? Because they had been promised gold in California. Having eaten all there was to eat, and trying to feel their oxen and cattle too, they made soup from grass, when grass could be found.

Did they survive? They did! Oh, yes, they were skin and bones upon arrival, but their persistence and faith in God gave them the victory. In flooded streams and rivers, rocks were their salvation. Wouldn’t you rather remain on the Rock rather than search for gold here; until He comes for us? I would!

Lovingly,

Nancy

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