My True Gold Medal Moment (My Testimony)

As a little girl, I wasn’t interested in watching the Olympics. Even though my Mom told my sister and me that it only took place every four years, I wanted to play with my dolls instead.

As a teen, I became enthralled with the beauty and pageantry and the excitement of elite figure skating and gymnastics competitions.

I was hooked on the Olympics!

I inhaled every skating or gymnastics competition on TV. I’d record the competitions or exhibitions and watch them over and over again.

I was mesmerized.

I was sooo enamored with the Olympics that I started taking figure skating AND gymnastics lessons.

I’m so grateful to my parents for spending hours shuttling me to or from skating or gymnastics lessons (I actually got good driving practice with my Dad on the way to the gym.)

My parents also enjoyed taking me to watch skating shows and buying me skating and gymnastics magazines and memorabilia.

I didn’t just want to be in the gym or rink, I wanted to meet all my favorite Olympians.

Amazingly, I got to meet many of them during a prestigious gymnastics summer camp I went to.

That wasn’t enough.

My Dear Dad also took us to watch our very first Gymnastics Olympic Trials. I think I went to watch two more Olympic Trials live after that.

That still wasn’t enough.

I dreamed of traveling to all the Olympic stadiums around the world.

I was amazed that I got to visit the Olympic stadium in Athens Greece as a teen when my parents sent my sister and me on a trip to Europe through my high school.

I still wanted more.

My obsession with the world’s biggest sporting event would compel me to study journalism. Although there were several reasons why I majored in journalism, my ultimate dream was to go to an Olympics as a reporter.

Where did I get that audacious dream?

I’m not sure, but I’d go on to meet and interview or photograph many of my favorite Olympians.

You can see a few pics from what I call my “Olympiac Daze” in this short video.

And amazingly, my dream of going to an Olympics as a reporter and spectator came true very early on in my journalism career.

I went to the Summer Olympics to chase elite athletes.

God had a divine plot twist for me.

God chased me down at the Olympics.

My life has never been the same.

I still write and speak about that moment because God met me in such a special way that day in Olympic Park.

MY TRUE GOLD MEDAL MOMENT

It was my last day at the Olympics. I had had a wonderful week attending some events, meeting some athletes, and soaking in all the sights and sounds.

I loved seeing the world come together in PEACE for this global sporting event. I loved hearing the different languages being spoken and seeing the fans and athletes wearing their flags with pride and cheering for their home countries. I reveled in all the festivities I could.

Making it to an Olympics was my gold medal moment.

Or so I thought.

I had been captivated by making it to the Games for so many years. But on my final day there, I still felt empty.

I had gotten myself to the other side of the world and it still wasn’t enough.

I realized it would never be enough.

On my last day there, I was at Olympic Park crying.

I think all of my Mom’s and sister’s prayers finally kicked in.

God had finally gotten my attention.

I realized I didn’t deserve all these blessings and wonderful experiences.

I had been running away from God.

As I pursued my journalism career and my passion for sports, I had drifted further and further from God.

I loved God, but I had tried to put Him on a shelf.

I was making my plans and asking God to bless them.

I had my own dreams and desires and vision for my life.

I had gotten myself pretty far.

Notice, all the “I’s” in my recent statements?

I had been rebelling against God and not asking Him for guidance and direction.

Big mistake.

There at Olympic Park, I was overwhelmed by God’s grace and love and mercy.

Without a pastor or evangelist near me, I surrendered my life to God.

Looking back, that was my ultimate Gold Medal Moment.

OUR DREAMS VS. GOD’S DREAMS FOR US

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying sports or exceling in your career.

But if your identity, worth, and value are wrapped up in your interests, hobbies, career, title, or relationships, watch out.

Does God have first place in your heart?

God wants to be at the center of our life.

God wanted to be at the center of my heart.

At the Olympics and soon afterward, God graciously showed me that I had made idols out of sports and my career.

That was a defining and sacred moment when God called me at the Olympics. He later called me to lay down my journalism career. (Please note He doesn’t ask everyone to do that.)

I’ve been on a faith adventure ever since.

That journey has been long and winding, but has included many adventures including going to Israel (years ago) as well as going on five short-term missions trips to five countries.

It’s also included serving as a prayer counselor at a Billy Graham Crusade and a Luis Palau Festival and training as a volunteer chaplain.

I’m now using my writing and speaking gifts to encourage people as they walk by abounding faith, hope, and love and dare to live their God-given dreams. You can learn more at AboundingFaith.com.

I’ve spoken to a group of Christians working at the United Nations, students at a Christian college, given my brief testimony at an evening service at Times Square Church, and more. I’ve also hosted a few of my own events and am now a contributing writer for Our Daily Bread Ministries.

I’m also a Bible school instructor. Surprisingly enough, one of my recent students was a two-time Olympian. Only God could orchestrate that!

None of these were my idea.

I’ve just continued to try to follow as the Lord leads.

I’m honored to be the author of six Christian living books and devotionals.

I write about how God called me to follow Him in my new book God-Given Dreams: 6 Ways to Live Your Divine Purpose (NavPress, available wherever books are sold) and in By Faith: Adventures and Reflections on Walking With God Here and Abroad (available on Amazon).

After God met me at a Summer Olympics, He allowed me to go to a Winter Olympics as a reporter and spectator. That was another incredible experience, but by then God was Lord of my life.

I’m so grateful that I can now enjoy the Olympics like a regular fan at home.

I still get excited and cheer for the athletes to do their best. I admire their hard work and dedication.

But my identity isn’t wrapped around who I’m meeting or interviewing.

I’m sharing parts of my story to inspire you and as a cautionary tale.

We can have dreams for our life, but have we checked in with God?

That’s why my latest book is titled God-Given Dreams.

God has even better dreams for us than we could ever hope or imagine (Ephesians 2:20-21 NIV).

God has given us gifts, talents, and abilities.

God has good works ordained for us to do (Ephesians 2:10 NIV).

Have you asked God how He wants you to use those gifts, talents, and abilities to honor Him?

I love when athletes thank God right when they win their competition.

RUN YOUR RACE WELL

We may not be athletes, but did you know that we’re all in a race?

We’re not competing against each other though.

In the following Bible verses, the apostle Paul compared a Christian’s journey to being in a race:

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV)

Earthly crowns and medals and wealth will fade one day. The apostle Paul encouraged the believers in Corinth, and us, to be disciplined as we live for Christ. He is our true and lasting treasure.

Everything else pales in comparison to the hope we have of heaven through Jesus.

The writer of Hebrews encouraged readers, and us, to run the race marked for us with perseverance. Life is a marathon, not a sprint:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV)

As we keep our eyes on Jesus and consider all that He endured on the Cross for us, we won’t grow weary or lose heart along our journey.

If you’ve been running away from God like I was, I encourage you to run toward Him.

God loves you!

We can’t outrun God’s love for us!

May these Bible verses inspire you as you run your race:

“Do you not know? Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV)

NOTE ABOUT PICS

I’m so grateful that God has allowed me to experience many of my Olympic dreams over the years. The above pics are from FOUR Olympic sites (I’ve also driven past the stadium in Los Angeles.)

Why do I still get excited about the Olympics? I love it when the world comes together in PEACE. It’s still a thrill to watch the world’s best athletes come together in friendly (but fierce) competition. When the elite athletes are at their best, they’re amazing.

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Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community to get updates about different projects I’m working and to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up right here and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today!

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.comThe “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Happy National Author’s Day 2023 & God-Given Dreams Book Update

On this National Author’s Day (November 1st), I’m rejoicing that I know the joys and challenges of being an indie author of five Christian living books and devotionals and that I’m experiencing what it’s like to be a traditionally published author.

I’m so blessed and grateful that God has created, called and chosen me to be an author who can help inspire and encourage you as you walk by abounding faith, hope and love.

I’m so excited that God-Given Dreams: 6 Ways to Live Your Divine Purpose (NavPress) will be released on March 5, 2024!

I’m also excited to share that God-Given Dreams will be my first book that will be available as an audio version in English. Will share more details as I get them.

Will you join me in praying that women near and far will be encouraged, empowered and inspired by God-Given Dreams?

God-Given Dreams is already available for preorder. When you preorder God-Given Dreams for you and yours, you’re showing your support for writers like this Christian Latina Author and sending a message to the publishing world that books like God-Given Dreams matter.

You can preorder God-Given Dreams today on:

I’m looking forward to sharing more details with you soon.

To God be the Glory!

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 NIV)

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Are you part of my email community? Join my email community to get updates about my forthcoming book and other projects I’m working on as well as encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up right here and get access to a free gift.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.comThe “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Happy Roctober 2023 – Rejoicing & Celebrating Some Birthday Fun

My birthday is this month, so I’m having same Roctober fun. Enjoy these birthday-themed posts I’m sharing on social media.

A journaler turned journalist turned author was born this month 🎉

I’m about 3 months old in the picture on the left (above).

I’m around 1 years old in the pic on the right where I’m scribbling. My Mom took this shot. It’s the first and one of the only pics of me ✍️✍️✍️

You can read more about my writing and faith journey in God-Given Dreams (NavPress/Tyndale Alliance, March 5, 2024).

If you’re looking for ways to help celebrate my birthday, a great way is to show your support by preordering copies of my upcoming book God-Given Dreams  (NavPress/Tyndale Alliance) for yourself and to give away as gifts to family and friends or nonprofits. God-Given Dreams is available for preorder on a few sites including Amazon (NOTE: Amazon Prime Day is October 10-11.)

Preorders are so important in the publishing world. They show publishers that books like God-Given Dreams matter!

Cue the mariachis 🎉 Welcome to Roctober 🎉 I’m celebrating another year of life by God’s grace this month 🙌 My birth month celebrations start … now👸🏻(LOL only two of these crowns & the cloud were for my birthday. The rest are for a special occasion and just ordinary days 👑😎)

I’m royalty because I’m the Beloved Daughter of the KING of kings 🙌

Three Cheers with Lemonade for this Month’s Birthday Girl 🎉🎉🎉💃💃💃Celebrating My Dear Dad: Roctober Edition: This pic “happened” to come up as a memory recently and it made me smile. We were actually celebrating my bday with mi familia in this pic. My Dad LOVED celebrating our birthdays and in later years got a kick out of saying “Happy Birth Month” to me. LOL We’d celebrate at the beginning and end of the month and sometimes in between😀 My Dad reveled in family, food and fiestas. My birthdays started out with McDonald’s parties and somewhere around my teen years I would be MORTIFIED when mariachis would pop out of nowhere at the restaurants. As an adult, I learned to appreciate the mariachis more. LOL Aww, rejoicing in celebrating the birth of his second daughter… That’s My Dad 💖

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Are you part of my email community? Join my email community to get updates about my forthcoming book and other projects I’m working on as well as encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up right here and get access to a free gift.

Happy National Book Lovers Day 2023

Happy National Book Lovers Day🎉 Big Hugs to all my Readers near and far 💕

The pics of some of my lovely Readers in this short video with their books and their kind words make me smile 😍 So great to see how some Readers highlight and underline in their books, or keep them on their bookshelf or buy them for their friends, etc…

If Abounding Faith’s FIVE books and devotionals 📚 have inspired or encouraged you, here are 3 great ways to show your support:


🔥 Grab books for you and for your friends & loved ones on Amazon.
🔥 Leave a kind review and rating on Amazon. Your kind comments on Amazon matter more than you know and help more people learn about Abounding Faith’s books.
🔥 Follow, like and comment on Abounding Faith’s social media and share about these inspiring books.

Book Lovers, your voice matters! Please tell your fellow book loving friends about Abounding Faith’s encouraging and empowering books and help show the Amazon algorithm that encouraging books like these matter.

These uplifting Bible-based books have been inspiring Pastors, Pastor’s wives, missionaries, evangelists, chaplains, Christian counselors, ministry leaders and Bible school and Christian college students as well as people just starting out on their Christian walk or living in women’s shelters and nursing homes.

Abounding Faith’s books will empower and edify you as you walk by faith, hope and love and dare to live your God-given dreams 🔥


These uplifting books are great to read on your own or with your small group or book club.

Your continued support of this Christian Latina Author, Communicator & Creative is greatly appreciated!

If you have pics of you and your books, feel free to send them my way.

Stay tuned for more updates about my upcoming book. Thanks for your prayers. Blessings and happy reading ❣

Waiting on God Well, Abounding Faith, Crossing Your Jordan River, By Faith and Feisty Faith are available in print and on Kindle on Amazon.

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Did this post encourage you? Get access to the FREE Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day 5-Day Sampler PDF as a gift when you sign up for Abounding Faith’s email list. Get updates on Abounding Faith’s books, blog, podcast, life coaching and more by clicking here or the image below.

Mid-Year Check In – 2023

As you may know, my “One Word” for this year is Rejoice. God has given me much to rejoice about this first half of 2023

I’d like to share a few writing milestones and breakthroughs with you:

Book 6 Update: So much has been going on behind the scenes with Book 6. Lots of writing, revising, and editing going on. Lots of emails with my awesome team and a great meeting with my editor. I’m so looking forward to sharing more info about Book 6 with you (including the cover and title reveal) so please stay tuned! Be sure to sign up for my email list so you don’t miss a thing.

Our Daily Bread Update: I’m so thrilled and honored to be writing for Our Daily Bread‘s main devotional. My first two articles have been approved! Will definitely keep you posted on when my articles begin to be published.

NYSB Teaching Update: I’ve wrapped up teaching for the 2022-2023 school year. What a blessing it’s been to teach my five classes throughout the year. This June was the fourth June I’ve taught a Summer class. Glory! It’s so lovely to see how my students connect and encourage one another. Ladies, I hope you’ll join us this Fall for online classes. You and your friends can join from wherever you are in the world. My classes are usually on Tuesday evenings. Stay tuned for more info. including about my new class that’s just been added to the schedule!

This past June mi familia also got to celebrate that my nephew persevered through the pandemic and graduated high school with honors! Graduations are a big deal for mi familia. Grandpa would be so proud of his grandson.

Has this year been easy? Nope. But God’s grace is sufficient and His mercies are new every morning.

Thanks for your prayers and for rejoicing with me!

If you’re looking for encouragement as you walk by faith, hope and love and dare to live your God-given dreams, check out:

  • Abounding Faith’s FIVE Christian living books and devotionals on Amazon. They make great additions to your summer reading list. (Amazon Prime Day is July 11-12.)
  • Connect with Abounding Faith on Instagram or social media.
  • Consider having me as your Life Coach. I’d be delighted to prayerfully help you reach your breakthrough.

May the rest of our year be the best of our year!

To God be the Glory!

“Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.’ And God granted his request. (1 Chronicles 4:10)

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Did this post encourage you? Get access to the FREE Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day 5-Day Sampler PDF as a gift when you sign up for Abounding Faith’s email list. Get updates on Abounding Faith’s books, blog, podcast, life coaching and more by clicking here or the image below.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.comThe “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Celebrating the Trio of Waiting on God Well, Abounding Faith & Crossing Your Jordan River Books

I’m still amazed that three of my five books were released three years in a row during March/April 🔥🔥🔥

The Trio of Waiting on God Well, Abounding Faith and Crossing Your Jordan River have inspired a diverse group of ministry leaders, Bible college and Bible school students and those just starting on their faith journey.

If you’ve been inspired and encouraged by the Trio, I’d love to know. Kind Amazon reviews and ratings are always appreciated as they help spread the word about these edifying books.

To celebrate the Trio, I’d like to share the following thoughts and memories:

Celebrating My Dear Dad – Books Edition 🎉: The Trio of Waiting on God Well, Abounding Faith and Crossing Your Jordan River were all released in the springtime 🙌

Love that my Dear Dad got to enjoy those milestones with me 💕

These are some very special photos 😍  The pic on the left is the day I first showed my Dad a copy of my very first book Waiting on God Well. The pic on the right is when my Dad drove me to a television studio where I was interviewed about my books. He’s holding a mug from Abounding Faith’s online store.

Being there to help your daughter celebrate special occasions and to support her in her God-given dreams. That’s My Dad 💖

I still remember these lovely words (above) my Pastor said to the congregation about Waiting on God Well. What an honor to get my Pastor’s blessing on my first book 💕 This was such a special moment.

He went to Heaven before my other books were released.

Grateful that his words and wisdom live on.

I pray YOU are blessed by the Bible verses, insights, action step ideas and prayer starters included in Abounding Faith’s FIVE Christian living books and devotionals.

If you’d like to show your support for this Christian Latina Author, a great way to do so is by buying copies of the Trio (and my other two books) on Amazon for you and your friends.

I appreciate your continued support and prayers, especially as I continue to work on Book 6 and more.

Enjoy this look back at the book trailer for Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough that has encouraged and inspired countless Readers as they’ve waited for a breakthrough in their ministry, career or personal life.

Let’s see what God does next!

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Did this post encourage you? Get access to the FREE Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day 5-Day Sampler PDF as a gift when you sign up for Abounding Faith’s email list. Get updates on Abounding Faith’s books, blog, podcast, life coaching and more by clicking here or the image below.

Grateful for YOU – Happy Thanksgiving!

Whether you’re one of my lovely Readers, students or have attended my past events or interact with me on social media/are part of my online community, I’m grateful for YOU! Gracias for your prayers and support 💕

If Abounding Faith’s books, blog, Abounding Faith for Today podcast, emails, social media posts, articles, events, YouTube videos, etc … have inspired or encouraged you, I’d love to know.

Kind Amazon reviews are always appreciated.

You can also share your thoughts in this super short survey.

Happy Thanksgiving to You and Yours!

P.S. – If you’re starting your Christmas shopping, Abounding Faith’s FIVE Christian living books and devotionals make wonderful and inspiring gifts for you and yours. You can find the empowering books on Amazon.

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Did this post encourage you? Get access to the FREE Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day 5-Day Sampler PDF as a gift when you sign up for Abounding Faith’s email list. Get updates on Abounding Faith’s books, blog, podcast, life coaching and more by clicking here or the image below.

My Second Article for Our Daily Bread’s Discovery Series Website

Hope you’re blessed by my second article for Our Daily Bread‘s Discovery Series website. Here’s the link to the “3 Keys to Evangelism – For Introverts” article.

Feel free to share this article widely.

Thanks for staying on this faith journey with me 💕

Let’s see what God does next 🙏

If you’d like to read about my connection to Our Daily Bread, check out this blog post.

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Did this post encourage you? Get access to the FREE Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day 5-Day Sampler PDF as a gift when you sign up for Abounding Faith’s email list. Get updates on Abounding Faith’s books, blog, podcast, life coaching and more by clicking here or the image below.

Happy National Author’s Day, 11/1

INSIDE THE WRITER’S NOTEBOOK: Why I Write (Part 2): People are hurting and need hope and encouragement. I write to help edify, encourage, empower and inspire you as you walk by abounding faith, hope and love and dare to live your God-given dreams 🔥

I write to encourage you to taste and see that the Lord is good 🙌

Need a boost in your faith? Need some encouragement & inspiration? (Who doesn’t these days 🙏)

Get copies of Abounding Faith’s FIVE inspiring Christian living books and devotionals for you and your loved ones on Amazon.

Hope you’re blessed by Abounding Faith’s writing that includes uplifting books, blog posts, social media posts, articles, weekly emails and more …

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Did this post encourage you? Get access to the FREE Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day 5-Day Sampler PDF as a gift when you sign up for Abounding Faith’s email list. Get updates on Abounding Faith’s books, blog, podcast, life coaching and more by clicking here or the image below.

Motivational Monday with Coach Nancy, Abounding Faith Coaching & Consulting

Hey Audacious Dreamers and Doers, we’ve made it to lovely fall and October!

We’re in the home stretch of 2022.

How has 2022 been treating you?

If you’ve been experiencing lots of wins and breakthroughs, wonderful!

If you’ve been hitting wall after wall and obstacle after obstacle, I’m here to remind you …

Don’t Quit!

Don’t give up on that dream God has placed on your heart.

Even if it’s taking longer than you expected.

I hope these Motivational Monday posts have been inspiring you! If so, I’d love to know.

And if you’ve been thinking about contacting me to be your Life Coach and to help you prayerfully reach your breakthrough, what are you waiting for?

Today is a great day to DM me on Abounding Faith’s Instagram.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about what to do in this season, now is a good time to get some help.

I’d be delighted to come alongside you and coach you to your breakthrough.

As your Life Coach, I’d be honored to help you gain the clarity, confidence and courage to say yes to God’s call on your life.

I can prayerfully help you:

  • Discover your God-given gifts and purpose
  • Develop a personalized action plan so you can use your unique giftings and skills to impact and inspire others
  • Dare to live your God-given dreams and purpose and experience that breakthrough you’ve been longing for

If you dream of writing a book, but you’ve hit a brick wall with your work in progress and need some guidance from someone who has been down those roads before, I’d be delighted to answer your burning questions and help you break through that specific area you’re struggling with.

Learn more about the “Write that Book” Strategy Call right here.

You don’t have to struggle all alone.

If you’re feeling:

  • Stuck, stagnant or scared as you try to figure out your next steps
  • Confused, unsure or frustrated about how to move forward
  • Discouraged, disillusioned or doubting God’s call on your life

I’d be delighted to help you go from:

  • frazzled to focused
  • frustrated to fruitful
  • fearful to fierce

Let’s SOAR together in this new season!

Be fierce. Be faithful. Be fruitful. Be who God is calling you to be!

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Did this post encourage you? Get access to the FREE Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day 5-Day Sampler PDF as a gift when you sign up for Abounding Faith’s email list. Get updates on Abounding Faith’s books, blog, podcast, life coaching and more by clicking here or the image below.