Finding My Roots – Hispanic Heritage Month Edition

“You’re not Spanish, you just look it.”

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…

You can read a little more about my faith journey and even my struggles with Spanish in By Faith: Adventures and Reflections on Walking With God Here and Abroad, which is available on Amazon.

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Interview about NEW Rhythms of Rest Devotional from Our Daily Bread’s VOICES Collection

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.

Go Forth – Monday Motivation with Coach Nancy of Abounding Faith Coaching and Consulting

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.

Debuted as a Devotional Message Team Member for My CWEN Sisters

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.

God knows what’s on the other side of our YES!

If you’d like to read about some of the lovely people I’ve met near and far, check out By Faith: Adventures and Reflections on Walking With God Here and Abroad.

“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.

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 Hispanic Heritage Month

Happy (Early) Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15-10/15)

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.

Contributing Writer for NEW Our Daily Bread VOICES Collection Devotional

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.

Persevere – Monday Motivation with Coach Nancy of Abounding Faith Coaching & Consulting

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.

Abounding Faith Books News

I’m excited to share that I’ve been working on Book 6! Book 6 will be my very first women’s Bible study. God is Good!

A draft of Book 6 is with my early Readers now. Your prayers are appreciated!

All books are challenging to write. This one is no exception.

I started writing Book 6 before my Dear Dad went to heaven. After a brief pause, I’m so grateful that God gave me the grace to continue writing.

Please pray for all the women who will be encouraged by this book.

Please stay tuned for MORE writing news coming very soon.

Thank you again for your prayers and support of this Indie Latina Christian Author, Communicator and Creative as I share the messages that God has placed on my heart.

My goal is to continue to inspire, encourage, and empower you as you walk by abounding faith, hope and love and dare to live your God-given dreams.

If you haven’t checked out Abounding Faith’s Books 1-5, you can find Feisty Faith, By Faith, Crossing Your Jordan River, Abounding Faith and Waiting on God Well on Amazon. To God be the Glory!

Check out this short promo video about Abounding Faith’s Books.

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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.

Register for the Abounding Faith: Choosing Faith Over Fear Online Course at the New York School of the Bible

Back when I released the Abounding Faith: 30 Bible Heroes Who Will Inspire You to Believe God for the Impossible! devotional, I had no idea that I’d be getting ready to teach a course based on it for the third straight year!

God is Good!

I’m so honored to be invited to teach this online course during the Fall I semester at the New York School of the Bible (NYSB).

I’ve taught it in the classroom on Saturday mornings and virtually on Monday nights for Summer sessions. This time we’ll be meeting online on Tuesday nights starting September 14.

I’m looking forward to meeting this semester’s students. We’re going to have a lovely time digging into God’s Word and letting our faith arise! I hope YOU will join us from anywhere in the world! Last time, we had a student in Taiwan join us.

Here’s the course description:

I hope you’ll prayerfully consider joining us. It’s going to be a blessed time.

Registration opens today. You can learn more here.

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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 Book Lovers Day

Happy National Book Lovers Day! Faithful Readers, I’m looking forward to sharing some writing news with you very soon. Please stay tuned!

In the meantime, if Abounding Faith’s five books have inspired or encouraged you in any way, I’d love to hear about it. Please leave a comment here or a kind review and rating on Amazon.

Your kind comments and reviews on Amazon matter more than you know, especially when it comes to encouraging others to order their copies of Waiting on God Well, Abounding Faith, Crossing Your Jordan River, By Faith and Feisty Faith.

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

So book lovers, your voice matters! Please tell your book lover friends about Abounding Faith’s encouraging, inspiring and empowering Bible-based books.

And don’t miss my upcoming announcements. Blessings and happy reading!

Check out this short promo video for Abounding Faith’s inspiring books.