I’m thrilled to be teaching the NEW Mighty Women of Valor online class for the Fall II semester at the New York School of the Bible! Class starts on Tuesday, November 2nd.
Ladies, don’t miss this class where we’re going to be studying and gleaning wisdom from brave and bold women of God from the Bible and from more modern times.
I hope you and your female friends will join us for this time of diving deeper into God’s Word and learning and growing together with our sisters in Christ.
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Roctober is never gonna be the same without my Dear Dad. He enjoyed celebrating my birth month probably even more than I did. LOL
But, my Dad loved a good fiesta so … the celebrations have continued. That’s how he’d want it …
My Dad had such a zest for life. I couldn’t cancel my birthday.
This was my first birthday with my Dear Dad being in heaven.
I wasn’t sure what to expect.
I’ve enjoyed sharing some of my favorite birthday memories with family and friends and on social media.
I take great comfort and solace in looking at photos and remembering all the great times.
Birthdays have always been a BIG deal for mi familia.
This year’s birthday was different, but still so special.
And the surprises started right at the beginning of the month.
Can you imagine how touched I was when I went outside on the first Sunday in October and saw one lone birthday balloon hanging right near my place?
Sure, there was a party nearby the day before. That’s probably where the balloon came from.
But of all the places that it could land, it had to be near me? And at the start of my birth month?
My Heavenly Father loves to send me kisses from heaven. Some call them God winks.
Either way, if you’re familiar with my work you know that God seems to like to wink at me here and abroad. He speaks through the Bible, people and sometimes through signs, miracles and wonders.
God knew that I would see the balloon and smile.
And this time, my Dear Dad is up in heaven with Him.
What our loved ones are doing in heaven is a mystery, but for this one moment it felt as if my Dad said to God, “Can we at least send her a balloon?”
It’s hard for me to convey how I felt seeing that birthday balloon waving to me.
I don’t want to debate the meaning or create some new doctrine or anything… just wanted to share this Miraculous Lovely moment.
I’m glad I could also enjoy celebrating my birthday with mi familia.
It was comforting to know that life goes on for those of us who remain in the land of the living.
I have kept some traditions. I am also trying a few new things.
Things have different meaning these days.
For instance, I had some jewelry my Dad got for me in Ecuador a few years ago. I never wore it. It wasn’t quite my style. But I’m glad I kept it.
When I was looking for something to wear for my birthday celebration this year, the jewelry came to mind. I’d like to think God brought it to my rememberence.
I gladly put it on. It was like a brand new gift from my Dad.
I also have started looking at a few other photo albums and am coming across pictures I haven’t seen in years or ones I have no recollection of.
Again, those are like kisses and gifts from heaven.
My Heavenly Father delights in surprising me.
I’m grateful for how He is surprising me when it comes to photos and mementos that remind me of my Dad.
There’s one more God moment I’d like to share.
On my actual birthday, I went to one of my favorite parks. I haven’t been there since before the pandemic.
Because it was late afternoon, the sun was slowly starting to set. It took me forever to find a somewhat shady place to sit.
I kept walking and trying to find the right spot. I had a feeling this was taking long because God was up to something, but I wasn’t sure what.
The Bible says God orders our steps (Psalm 37:23), so I just kept looking for the right spot to rest.
I finally found it and started to relax and read and write and take photos.
Time kept passing.
The sun kept setting.
When I finally looked up, I was taken aback.
Along with seeing the beautiful sun and city skyline, I saw a rainbow. But instead of it being arched like usual, it was upright as if it were stretching straight from heaven to earth. Amazing!
I’ve never seen a rainbow like that. And it hadn’t been raining that day …
It must have had to do with the position of the sun, but to me it was another heaven-sent gift.
So Miraculous and Lovely!
That evening I finally ate some food that I used to enjoy eating with my Dad. I was worried how I might feel. I’m so glad there was no sadness.
Again, the tears still flow at different times but I’m grateful that the laughter and smiles also flow as well.
I don’t know how I’ll feel around my Dad’s upcoming birthday or the holidays, but I do know that I remain gripped by God’s grace.
And so are you friend. So are you!
Here are some things that helped me “get through” my first birthday with my Dear Dad being in heaven. Maybe something will help you on your grief journey:
Deciding to look at photos that bring back happy memories.
Wearing jewelry and bringing out other mementos that remind me of my Dad.
Eating food we enjoyed together.
Celebrating with my remaining loved ones and friends.
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.
That’s what fellow Hispanic acquaintances would say to me half in jest and half with distain during my high schools days …
“Sally Sombrero” was the nickname I was given during my college internship. I was the only Latina in our newsroom., I cringed inside every time I was singled out like that ..
I guess I’ve never been your typical Latina, whatever that even means. And I’m not a fan of labels. They don’t usually fit.
The more I learn about my culture and roots and mi gente, I realize there isn’t one typical Hispanic.
We’re all different, but related.
It’s something I experienced while on staff at Latina magazine years ago …
Why do I get so excited about Hispanic Heritage Month now?
Because I now better understand that Positive Representation Matters!
Over the years, I’ve learned to embrace my culture and celebrate being Latina. I enjoy seeing Latinas/os being represented in a positive light and enjoy seeing their accomplishments recognized in various fields.
I’m the godly proud daughter of two super loving parents who came here as hardworking immigrants from their respective countries. I saw them struggle and succeed. That has had a profound impact on me. I so appreciate how supportive my parents have been of my writing endeavors from the start.
While I’ve always had a diverse set of friends, I was usually one of the only Latinas in my field .. starting way back during my time as the reluctant editor in chief of my high school’s newspaper, to my journalism classes in college and grad school, to my newsroom days and my days writing about sports. Even now, I don’t know of many other Christian Latina Authors and Speakers (in English) … I was also usually one of the only Latinas on the five short-term missions trips I went on.
My journey has been a unique one. I’m grateful for how the Lord has wired me and blessed me.
It’s sad when mostly negative stories are presented about mi gente.
While I’m still fascinated by different cultures (um, there’s a reason I was so drawn to the Olympics), this month I’m sending extra hugs to mi gente …
And I’m grateful to the diverse group of people over the years who have helped open doors for this Latina and have come alongside of me to pray me through and cheer me on! And I LOVE that my Readers and those who have attended my events are a diverse group of women and men, young and older and of different backgrounds and in different life stages.
I may share more about culture and roots, etc.. another time. That’s all for now…
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.
I’m delighted to share this interview I did with my friends at Writing for Your Life about the NEW Rhythms of Rest devotional from our Our Daily Bread’s VOICES Collection. I’m honored to be a contributing writer and to have written two entries.
I hope you’re encouraged by this interview and by the 40 devotions found in Rhythms of Rest. The entries are written by African American and multicultural leaders and influencers. Blessings!
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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.
When it comes to daring to live your God-given dreams, there’s a time to pray and wait and prepare.
You obviously don’t want to rush ahead of God
But you also don’t want to lag behind Him.
When God says it’s time to go, it’s time to GO FORTH!
What do you hear God saying to you through your daily times of prayer and Bible reading?
Are you feeling stuck?
What may be holding you back?
I’d be happy to help you explore what may be holding you back and help you prayerfully take steps to move forward.
If you need help going from
frazzled to focused
frustrated to fruitful
fearful to fierce
I’d be delighted to be your Life Coach and to prayerfully help you gain the clarity, confidence and courage you need to experience breakthrough and dare to live your God-given dreams.
If you’ve been thinking about contacting me about life coaching, what are you waiting for? Learn more about Christian Life Coaching today right here.
Blessings as you Go Forth by faith!
Coach Nancy
P.S. If these Monday Motivation posts have been encouraging and inspiring you, let me know! Leave a comment or message me via Facebook or Instagram.
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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.
The gal smiling in these pics had no idea what God had in store when He chased her down during one amazing week in Sydney …
So much transpired during that one week and in all the years that have followed.
My life has never been the same.
You can read about how I’ve seen God’s fingerprints on SIX continents in By Faith: Adventures and Reflections on Walking With God Here and Abroad. There’s also discussion questions you can answer in your journal or with your small group and a chapter on how to live your God-given dreams.
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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.
What an honor and delight to help encourage and empower my CWEN sisters last Thursday during my debut as a member of their Devotional Message Team. I’ll be sharing inspiring messages twice a month based on entries from the Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day 365-day devotional (available on Amazon).
Over the years since that spectacular September when God chased me down in Sydney, I’ve had the great honor and privilege of ministering to a diverse group of people including:
Christian college and Bible school students
Christians working at the United Nations
Strangers on the street during outreaches
Women in shelters
The homeless and needy on the street and in soup kitchens/shelters
Nursing home residents
Youth and adults in Brazil, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Honduras and Peru
My peers and church family and friends, etc…
I’m so grateful my Readers (who are located on 5 continents, in 10 countries outside of the U.S. and in 15 states) and those who have attended my events are a beautiful mix of women and men of diverse backgrounds, ages and life stages. Abounding Faith’s Bible-based books have encouraged Pastors, Pastors’ wives, missionaries, chaplains, Sunday school teachers, Christian counselors and Ministry Leaders as well as new believers.
I now have the great delight of helping to encourage and empower Christian female entrepreneurs near and far through online devotional messages.
WHY am I sharing this?
Wanna know what I’ve noticed?
Regardless of a person’s age, title, experience, background or bank account …
People are hurting. People need the Lord!
I’m honored whenever the Lord sees fit to use me to help touch even one soul, whether it’s in person, virtually or through my writing…
to God be the Glory!
I appreciate your continued prayers and support and encouragement as I live out God’s call on my life in this season.
“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8 NIV)
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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.
Even though Hispanics/Latinas/os are making wonderful contributions to society all throughout the year, it’s nice to have a month designated to spotlighting and celebrating the culture and accomplishments of mi gente.
If you’re looking for a Christian Latina indie/newly traditionally published author to support or collaborate with, here I am.
And to think I didn’t grow up wanting to write books …. and during the years my writing was in hiding, all I wanted to do was write encouraging postcards and notes as part of my first home church’s Adult Bible Fellowship’s Care team ….
But God had other plans!
Abounding Faith’s FIVE books are available on Amazon.
I’m honored to be a contributing writer for the NEW Rhythms of Rest devotional from Our Daily Bread’s VOICES Collection.
God is Good! Here’s a fun little snapshot of my writing career:
I STILL remember my Mom reading me my favorite bedtime stories over and over and over again … and now …
Pic 1: One of the earliest and only pics of me WRITING! (Ok, I’m scribbling because I’m not even two years old in the pic. LOL.)
Pic 2: The mini magazines I was creating in fifth grade.
Pic 3: Abounding Faith’s FIVE books (Book 6 is in the works) and the Rhythms of Rest devotional.
This former journalist has written for various publications over the years including The New York Times, Latina magazine and Charisma‘s website.
Thank you for your continued support as I live out the call of God on my life in this season. May Abounding Faith’s books, blog, podcast and more continue to help encourage, inspire and empower you as you walk by faith, hope and love and dare to live your God-given dreams!
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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.
I’m thrilled to share some big writing news. I’m now a contributing writer for Our Daily Bread‘s VOICES Collection! I’ve written TWO entries for this NEW lovely devotional.
Another writing longing has been fulfilled. I’ve wanted to write for Our Daily Bread since before I won their Online Writing Contest for Readers back in September 2014 … God is Good! I’m grateful for this writing breakthrough.
Rhythms of Rest launches tomorrow. You can pre-order it TODAY on Amazon or straight from Our Daily Bread here.
Thanks for your continued prayers and encouragement! If you’d like to order a signed copy from me, please message me on Facebook or Instagram.
Here’s a little more about the book:
Rhythms of Rest provides a respite for you to simply be still and spend time with the Lord. These 40 meaningful devotions from leaders in Black and multicultural communities and churches invite you to pause and reflect on Scripture as you ponder topics like soul care, sisterhood, seasons of life, and Spirit-led living.
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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.
It’s easy to want to quit pursuing your God-given dreams when you face various obstacles and challenges. It’s harder to press in and persevere!
Tempted to give up in your messy middle?
Take heart. If God has called you, He will make a way.
What giants, Jordan Rivers or Jericho Walls are you facing? Will you trust God to guide you as you walk by abounding faith, hope and love and dare to live your God-given dreams?
If you need help continuing to move forward by faith, I’d be delighted to be your Life Coach and to prayerfully help you gain the clarity, confidence and courage to live your God-given purpose.
If you’re ready to go from:
frazzled to focused
frustrated to fruitful
fearful to fierce
you can learn more about Christian Life Coaching right here.
Blessings on your faith journey!
Coach Nancy
P.S. – Don’t miss the major writing news I’ll be sharing next week!
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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.
