3 Keys to Waiting on God Well

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What are you waiting on God for? Are you frustrated or anxious because you don’t see God moving in your life? Are you tempted to give up and walk away from all that God has promised you?

Don’t quit in the middle of your journey!

I wrote Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough! (Available on Amazon) after a long season of waiting for breakthroughs in various areas of my life. I’m delighted to hear how it has blessed readersWaiting on God Well provides insightful tips, practical action steps, and inspiring Bible verses to encourage you to keep walking through whatever valley, desert, or wilderness you are in.

I’d like to share three keys to help you through your waiting season. They are adapted from my book Waiting on God Well.

Abide in Christ – We are built for fellowship with God. Time spent alone with our Savior and Creator is priceless. There is nothing like slowing down and just being with God. After all, He’s the only one with all the answers. He is our loving Heavenly Father. He is the Author of our life and He is the Master Storyteller. There is no set formula for what you should do. You could quietly read your Bible. You could be on your knees, praying. You could sing your cares away along to praise music or scribble your heart out in your journal. You could cry tears of sadness or joy, or you could just sit in the silence, knowing that Jesus is right there with you.

As Jesus says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5 KJV).

Praise Him Before the Triumph – It’s easy to praise God after the battle is won, but it takes faith to praise God before the victory! I’d like to think all of heaven takes notice when you praise God while you’re still in the storm. The more you magnify God, the smaller your problems will seem. It will help you keep things in perspective. It may seem odd to you at first, but don’t worry. We were made to praise God. Lament if you must. Worship with tears in your eyes if you have to. But remember to bless the Lord at all times. Even in the midst of your trial.

“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4 KJV).

Lean into Your Community – The enemy would like nothing more than to keep you isolated. Resist the urge to be a lone ranger. Reach out to others—even if it’s not comfortable for you. There is healing when you share your life stories and concerns with others. There is growth when you allow others to come alongside of you on your life journey. There is something so rich that comes from trading your “war stories.” You might find there are others going through similar battles. No church or family is perfect, but God has placed particular people in your life to share laughs with, get wise counsel from, and bounce ideas off of. It’s no coincidence that they are in your circle of friends. Women need a group of sisters around them. Men need a band of brothers.

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17 KJV).

I pray this has been a blessing to you! You can grab a copy of Waiting on God Well for yourself or a friend here. Please leave a kind review on Amazon as well!

Did this encourage you? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts emailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

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For more encouragement, read my book Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough! To learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. Check out Abounding Faith’s online store here. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Copyright 2016. All Rights Reserved. No unauthorized use permitted.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Waiting on God Well’s 1st Anniversary!

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What a year it’s been since the release of the printed version of my first book Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough!

I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported my book! I’m touched to hear how Waiting on God Well has blessed you! Thank you to everyone who has bought the book for themselves, written reviews about it, and bought copies of the book to share with friends.

Writing can be a solitary experience, so it’s great when I can celebrate with others. I love that this book has touched people of different backgrounds, ages, and both women and men.

We’re all waiting on God for something, right? I’ve heard stories of folks waiting for a new job, for their spouse to come to the Lord, to meet their significant other, and others waiting for healing in their bodies, etc… Some have said they couldn’t put the book down once they started reading it. Others have thanked me for including the Power Verses and the Action Steps at the end of each chapter.

I love what the Lord is doing in and through people as they read Waiting on God Well! Here’s just a sample:

  • Waiting on God Well was quite insightful and encouraging. It gave some very practical tools that can help us continue waiting on the Lord and not give up!” – Pastor Lillian Gutierrez, Love Gospel Assembly
  • Waiting on God Well is a good and simple read with excellent scriptural references/meditation and (my favorite), the action steps. They’re so HELPFUL! I feel that women, men or anyone who’s willing to seek God’s guidance can benefit from you book.” – Manni Lee, Associate Executive Director, Women of Wonder (WOW)
  • Waiting on God Well is an encouraging book that reminds us that we don’t have to put our life on hold while we wait upon God. The book reminds us that God has a purpose for us even in our season of waiting and is a sweet reminder that He is taking care of us and growing us even in difficult times. This book has been a huge blessing to me!” – Christina Phan, Connect Group Leader, Every Nation Church New York City

You can read and view more testimonies here. You can read past blog posts about the book here and watch a video greeting I did for readers here.

It wasn’t easy writing Waiting on God Well, but it was a necessary step in my journey. And if you’re following my faith journey, you’re getting to see some of the fruit and blessings that God is allowing in my life after this long season of waiting. All glory to God!

God is still writing my story. I look forward to sharing more with you as it unfolds!

I hope my story will encourage you that waiting on God is not in vain! God is working behind the scenes. Your breakthrough will come at its appointed time. God will not be one day too early or too late. He’ll be right on time!

If you’re free, I hope you’ll join me on Periscope this Wednesday at 12:30pm (EST) for Abounding Faith Today’s Midday Praise Break. Let’s celebrate this milestone! I’d love to hear how God is working in your life as well! If you can’t make it live, no worries. I’ll post the replay on Abounding Faith’s YouTube Channel.

Blessings to you and please keep the positive reviews coming on Amazon and please continue to tell others about Waiting on God Well. Help others as they go through their waiting seasons! Help them to see that waiting on God is worth it!

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:45)

Did this encourage you? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts emailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

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For more encouragement, read my book Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough! To learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. Check out Abounding Faith’s online store here. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Watch Abounding Faith on Periscope!

If you know me, you know I’m usually one of the last ones to join social media sites. After much thought and prayer, I’ve finally joined Periscope! I just did my first scope on Wednesday. It was a bit nerve-wracking, but overall I think it went well. You can view the debut of Abounding Faith Today’s – Midday Praise Break by clicking the video above or clicking here.

It was much shorter than I had planned, but I had to start somewhere! I plan to continue scoping on Wednesday’s at 12:30 p.m. EST. I’ll try it for this month and see how it goes. Please feel free to join me live by using the Periscope app and linking it to your Twitter account. I’ll also post the replay on my social media sites and Abounding Faith’s YouTube Channel.

So why is private me joining Periscope? Because I’m looking for more ways to connect with my readers and to reach more people. My goal is to encourage people in their faith through my writing, speaking, videos, life coaching, and online store.

During my scopes, I’d like to help people take a quick break from their busy day and week to give God praise! I hope you’ll be blessed by the videos.

I’ve got more to share and hope to make some announcements via my upcoming scopes, so please stay tuned.

If you’re blessed by the video, please hit “like” and please share it with others! Thanks and blessings!

Is there a topic you’d like to see me cover on a future scope? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts emailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

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For more encouragement, read my book Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough! To learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. Check out Abounding Faith’s online store here. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Pray, Dream, Do, Repeat – Newest Collection Added to Abounding Faith’s Online Store

 

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I’m excited to unveil the latest collection added to Abounding Faith’s online store! My hope is that the Pray, Dream, Do, Repeat line inspires you to live your God-given dreams!

Pray, Dream, Do, Repeat is inspired by how I live my life. When I look back at all that the Lord has allowed me to accomplish and look ahead to what’s to come, I think it all boils down to lots of praying, dreaming, doing/obeying, and then repeating the process.

It’s how I live out one of my life verses. “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13) that I shared about in this video

I hope the mugs, journals, T-Shirts, tote bags and other items in the Pray, Dream, Do, Repeat collection will encourage you to live the abundant life that Jesus mentioned in John 10:10! I hope you’ll use and wear these items as you Dream and Do all the good works that God has ordained for YOU!

As you go about following your God-given dreams, remember to:

Pray! Ask God for direction. He will give you desires, dreams, and goals. Stay connected to Jesus. With Him, we can do ALL things. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). 

Dream! Think Big. Aim High. What do you enjoy doing? What would you do for free? What do people compliment you on? How can you bring glory to God through your life? “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20).

Do! Don’t just get stuck daydreaming and fantasizing. Take some steps. Do some research. Gain new skills. Get Ready and then GO for it! “With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall” (Psalm 18:29).

Repeat! Now you’ve got the hang of it. I hope you will feel the satisfaction of accomplishing your God-given dreams! Now keep at it. Dream bigger dreams! “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

For me, writing, speaking, and even designing items that honor God for Abounding Faith’s online store are all dreams come true! I’m grateful that you’re on this faith journey with me! When you shop at Abounding Faith’s online store, you’re helping me to continue living out many of the dreams that God has placed on my heart. I look forward to continuing to encourage people to grow in their faith and love for God!

I appreciate everyone who buys items from Abounding Faith’s online store. Please send me pics of you and the items you buy! Another great way to show your support is by inviting your friends to check out the store too!

Thank you for being a part of what God is doing at Abounding Faith! Blessings to you!

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun” (Psalm 37:5-6).

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts emailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

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For more encouragement, read my book Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough! To learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. Check out Abounding Faith’s online store here. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

3 Ways to Grow in Your Faith

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If you desire to grow in your faith in Christ this year, congratulations! There’s no better time than today to start. Whether you’ve been a Christian for most of your life or you’re new to following Jesus, I’d like to help you on your faith journey.

Here are 3 key ways to help you grow in Christ:

Dig into God’s Word. If you’re new to the Bible or haven’t picked it up for a while, the Psalms and Proverbs are great places to start reading. The Gospel of John is also a perfect place to start so you can learn about Jesus’ life and teachings. If you’re more acquainted with the Bible, you might want to get a study Bible or commentary so you can better understand the setting, people, and symbols mentioned. Don’t feel like you have to race through reading everything. Read a few verses or a few chapters and stop to think about what you just read. What did it say? What does it meant? How can you apply it to your life?

Pray and Keep Praying! Prayer doesn’t have to be fancy. Prayer is telling God how awesome He is. It’s thanking Jesus for dying on the Cross for us and paying the penalty for our sins. It’s asking Jesus for forgiveness and receiving it! It’s sharing your needs with God (even though He already knows them), asking for help and direction and provision, and thanking Him for the answers on the way. It’s talking to God about how you feel, what you’re struggling with, and what you’re rejoicing over. It’s also a time to stop and listen to what God would like to say to you. Prayer is how you get to talk to God Almighty! Glory! Set aside some time daily in the morning, during lunch, or before bed and spend time reading your Bible and praying and meditating about what you just read. Short prayers throughout the day also count! Reading Bible passages out loud is powerful! Praying for others is a gift to them and blesses you. Pray and then let God answer in His timing and in His way.

Stay Connected! We’re not meant to be the Lone Ranger. We flourish when we’re part of a community of believers. I hope you have a church nearby that preaches from the Word of God. Please keep going. Sign up for a small group, take a Bible study class, and spend time with other believers. Your faith will grow as you walk through life with others and share the highs and lows of life with each other. Hearing how God is working in someone’s life will help to encourage you as you go through your tests and trials.

I pray you will continue growing in your faith! I look forward to hearing about what God is doing in and through your life!

For more ideas for how to make the most of this year, especially if you’re waiting on God to answer your prayer requests, I invite you to check out my book Waiting on God Well. It’s great to read on your own or with a group.

If you’re looking for more encouragement and support, I invite you learn more about having me as you Life Coach! I’d be delighted to help guide you on your faith journey!

 “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts emailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

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For more encouragement, read my book Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough! To learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. Check out Abounding Faith’s online store here. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Happy 3rd Blogversary!

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God did it again! He brought me through another year of blogging! Praise God!

I still remember what it was like to launch my blog Miraculous Lovely! I was worried that I would run out of things to say. I wondered who would read the blog. How could I write while my own story was still being written?

The Lord has been gracious to me. Private me has found things to share with you. I’m touched that you are on this journey with me!

It’s a pleasure to write about some of the insights God is showing me. It’s a joy to share testimonies about what God is doing in my life and through Abounding Faith. It’s an honor to be able to encourage you during your faith journey.

I pray you will continue to be encouraged when you visit my blog. Thank you to all of you who have let me know that you’re being inspired by my words. That helps to encourage me to keep writing!

So what’s ahead for this new year? So glad you asked!

For starters, I’m excited that my second book is coming out very soon! I plan to share more details shortly. Please stay tuned.

I’m looking forward to launching my “Live Your God-Given Dreams” Life Coaching Group for women next Tuesday. There’s still time for you to join. I’d be delighted to help empower you as you move toward God’s calling on your life. You can learn more here.

I’m thrilled about continuing to speak to different groups and at different events about Waiting on God Well and a range of other topics. If you’d like to invite me to come speak at your event, please let me know! You can learn more here!

I also plan to add more items to Abounding Faith’s online store. Have you checked it out yet? There are journals, mugs, tote bags, greeting cards, passport holders, pillows, T-shirts, caps, and more.

Only God knows what else He has in store for this year. I’m excited and expecting great things!

Why did I leave my fulltime job to pursue writing and speaking for God’s glory? Because I have a passion to help others grow in their love for and faith in God! I love reminding people that nothing is too hard for God and that God is closer than you think!

If you are being blessed by my book, blog, website, videos, and social media sites, I hope you will tell others! Invite them to be part of this faith journey and let’s see what God does! I appreciate all of your support!

Blessings to you as you celebrate the miraculous and lovely in your life! God is Good!

I hope you enjoy this short video I shot to start off the new year!

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts emailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

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For more encouragement, read my book Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough! To learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. Check out Abounding Faith’s online store here. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Dream and Do!

Calling Courageous and Committed Women!

If you’ve been following my journey these past few years and if you’ve read my book Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough! you know I’ve been in a time of transition.

After much prayer, waiting, and obeying God, I was blessed with an Epic Year last year filled with many breakthroughs. And I’ve entered into a *new* season in 2016.

I’m enjoying writing and speaking for God’s glory. This didn’t happen overnight. It was a long process. There’s more to come. My story is still unfolding.

Your story is still being written, too! Did you know that there are good works that God has ordained for you to do?

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

I love that God placed gifts and talents inside of us and that He empowers us and guides us so that we can fulfill all that He’s called us to do.

What dreams and desires has God placed in your heart? What steps are you taking toward your goals?

I would like to help you as you live out your God-given purpose and passion through my *new* “Live Your God-Given Dreams” Life Coaching Group that starts on January 26th.

I am looking for a group of motivated women who are dreamers, visionaries, and creative entrepreneurs to work with for the next 12 weeks. As your Life Coach, I will help you:

  • Discover what’s blocking you from moving forward in God’s plan for your life.
  • Gain clarity on how to live out your God-given passion and purpose.
  • Prayerfully map out a plan to help you stay focused as you transition into the next chapter of your life.
  • I will also give you short assignments and help to hold you accountable as you reach for your goals.

This group is perfect for women who are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are looking for some extra motivation during their transition time, and who value the power of prayer and reading God’s Word!

You can learn more about it here.

I know what it’s like to live some amazing God-given dreams! I also know what it’s like to feel frustrated and stuck and wondering what to do next.

Here’s what a few people have shared about speaking with me:

  • “I found it very reflective getting to discuss with Nancy my inner thoughts about myself and my outlook on life.” – Mikki
  • “I am a person who is in the habit of consistently reevaluating my life in the pursuit of becoming more self-aware. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was able to learn even more about myself while speaking my thoughts out loud with Nancy.” – Lauren

I hope you will consider joining my “Live Your God-Given Dreams” Life Coaching Group and will tell your friends about it. Private Coaching is also available.

I pray that you will continue to keep Jesus at the center of your life and will surrender to His plan for your life and to His timing. May you know the joy of accomplishing those good works that God has especially for you! Blessings!

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

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For more encouragement, read my book Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough! To learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. Check out Abounding Faith’s online store here. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Ready to Live Your God-Given Dreams?

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Welcome 2016! What a blessing it is to enter another year of life!

There’s something so refreshing about crossing over into January! The year ahead is filled with such potential.

I’m not into making resolutions, but I do like to choose one word that will be a theme for the next 365 days. The simple word that I feel ringing in my spirit for 2016 is:

NEW

I pray and look forward to a year filled with new joy and new experiences. This year is a chance to start fresh. It’s a chance to travel roads I’ve never been down before. It’s a season to branch out, explore, and to visit places for the first time. It means interacting with people I’ve never met before. It’s an opportunity to get to see things in a new light and from a different perspective.

We can’t stay stuck in the past. We’re not meant to remain stagnant and to hide in our comfort zones. It’s a new day. It’s a new year. We need to keep moving forward.

God makes all things new!

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19)

I pray I will have much to share with you in this NEW year! I’m looking forward to continuing to live out God’s call on my life. I invite you to continue on this journey with me!

Are you ready to step into the next chapter of your life?

If so, I’d like to invite you to join my *new* signature “Live Your God-Given Dreams” Life Coaching Group!

I am looking for a few courageous and committed women to connect with over 12 weeks. (Don’t worry fellas, I hope to have a mixed group later in the year!)

What are your goals for this *new* year? I’d like to help make them a reality as your Life Coach. I want to cheer you on, provide accountability, and help pray you through.

Interested? You can learn more about the “Live Your God-Given Dreams” Life Coaching Group here! The group starts on January 26th. I hope you’ll prayerfully consider joining. And please invite your friends, too!

I’m so grateful for all my readers! All the best to you in 2016! Let’s make every day count!

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

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For more encouragement, read my book Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough! To learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. Check out Abounding Faith’s online store here. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

From Glory to Glory

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“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

We’ve made it to the last week of 2015! That’s cause to celebrate!

How did your year go? Was it filled with love, adventure, and laughter? Was it laced with tears, challenges, and disappointments?

However your year went, I pray that you felt God’s almighty hand and presence with you all throughout your days. I hope you stopped and enjoyed the miraculous and lovely in your life, even in those ordinary moments in your day.

As I grow in the Lord, I’m realizing that God really is closer than we think. He is there in the good and bad times. And He is working all things together for our good as He promised in Romans 8:28.

All of our experiences (including the good, the bad, and the downright ugly) are needed to help to conform us into the image of Christ. That’s God’s ultimate goal for us.

Can you look back on your year and say that you drew closer to Jesus these last 365 days? Can you say that you’re a little more like Him now? Are you a little more patient, loving, or compassionate? Have your trust and faith in God increased? Have you served others?

If so, rejoice!

If not, take heart. You can ask God for His strength and grace to start being more kind and loving today and to help you again tomorrow and beyond.

Isn’t it great that God’s mercies are new every morning? Aren’t you glad we get a fresh start in 2016?

None of us will ever fully “arrive” at perfection while here on earth. It will take our whole lifetime to become more like Jesus, but God is loving and patient with us and won’t give up on us! God is too good!

We become more like Jesus by spending time with Him in prayer and reading the Bible. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live like Jesus. Our transformation happens little by little, day by day, and one decision after another.

This year has been an epic year for me for many reasons. It wasn’t easy, but it was filled with so many blessings! It was beautiful to see how encouraged people were by my book Waiting on God Well. If you’re going through a desert or winter season, I encourage you to read or re-read it!

And if you’re ready to make changes in the new year, than I invite you to learn how to have me as your Life Coach. I want to help you live out your God-given passion and purpose. I will be announcing more over the upcoming weeks so please stay tuned!

Thank you again for all of your support this year! I look forward to what’s ahead in 2016! The best is yet to come! Believe!

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:45)

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

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For more encouragement, read my new book Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough! To learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. Check out Abounding Faith’s NEW online store here. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Oh Come Let Us Adore Him

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Amid the hustle and hurry of this time of the year, I hope you’ll stop and take many moments to remember the true meaning of Christmas! Let’s remember to seek God’s presence more than His presents!

Hope you enjoy another look at this video that I shot a few years ago at Rockefeller Center. Have a blessed Christmas! Happy Birthday, Jesus!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17)

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For more encouragement, read my new book Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough! To learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. Check out Abounding Faith’s NEW online store here. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.