As summer 2026 is winding down and we’re entering the 9th month of this year, I wanted to pause and reflect on some memorable moments that have stood out to me so far.
I’m sharing them in chronological order. I’m also sharing a lesson from each moment.
How many of these moments stood out to you?
Alysa Liu Winning Gold at the Winter Olympics – I’m still a big Olympics and figure skating fan. I remember when Alysa burst onto the scene and won her first U.S. women’s national figure skating title at the age of 13. It was great to see her come back from a nearly 2-year retirement to win the gold medal and the Winter Games in Milan Cortina in February. The best part about it was how she did it. She was full of joy and her joy was contagious. She captured people’s hearts and sparked their joy and imagination. How do you step into a life-changing moment in front of the world and smile, seemingly float through all your jumps and spins, dazzle the audience and end with a hair flip? What a golden moment!
Lesson: Don’t let the world or worries steal your joy. It really is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10 NIV).
Artemis II Crew Orbiting the Moon – I didn’t expect to be captivated by the Artemis II crew, but once I started learning more about their stories I was hooked. I watched because my Dear Dad was fascinated by the moon and was a machinist who worked on parts for the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing project. I stayed watching because I enjoyed seeing their fabulous teamwork. Their unity in close quarters reminded me of how our Team Amazon lived on a tiny boat together and worked on building a church during our short-term missions trip to Brazil. There were so many amazing views the Artemis II crew shared with us earthlings, but what struck me the most was how well they got along even under pressure and so far away from home. I’m grateful to commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover (first person of color to orbit the moon), and mission specialists Christina Koch (first woman to orbit the moon) and Jeremy Hansen (first Canadian to orbit the moon) for inspiring the nation and the world in April.
Lessons: We are more alike than we think, we can do hard things together and we’re in this together here on earth.
Knicks in 5 – I don’t usually watch basketball, but there was no way of escaping the NBA Finals this summer. I’m so glad I tuned in at the end of Game 3. I didn’t like seeing their winning streak end, but I was happy their victory was still within reach. I kept tuning in and got to witness Knicks in 5! The Knicks brought the Big Apple to life in such a special way especially in June. People were filled with so much happiness. If only that feeling could last longer and spread throughout the world!
Lesson: Never give up! Victory is still within reach!
America’s 250th Celebration – We’re far from perfect, but I’m grateful for the country God placed me in. As the USA celebrated its 250th year this July, I reflected on my roots here and my ancestors’ roots abroad. I love that our country is made up of people of different backgrounds, nationalities and cultures. Afterall, we’re all made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27 NIV). May God continue to have mercy and bless the USA!
Lesson: God has placed you where you are for such a time as this (Acts 17:26 NIV).
The World Cup – My Dear Dad was a huge soccer fan. We enjoyed talking about some World Cup matches in the past. I like to catch some matches in his honor. I still enjoy the spectacle of the world coming together across states and borders! It was so great seeing fans from all over the world traveling here to support their home teams. It was fun to cheer for my Dad’s beloved home country of Ecuador and all the various countries I’ve visited or have connections to. It was so beautiful to see the world come together throughout June and July.
Lesson: We can all find reasons to cheer during friendly competitions.
During a summer filled with heat waves, earthquakes, wildfires and more, these memorable moments from early to mid 2026 make me smile.
I think some of the themes are that at a time when the world seems so divided, there’s still glimpses of what unites us.
Sure, we have different backgrounds, nationalities, languages, experiences, etc…
But we can still find moments to come together and cheer each other on.
We can hope and pray for a better today and tomorrow.
We can recognize the humanity in each of us.
Even if we lose some, we can still come back and win.
And even when the pressure is on, we can enjoy the moment, shine and end with a hair flip if we want.
Here’s to even more memorable moments during the rest of the year!
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8 NIV)
If you’re looking to experience spiritual growth in 2026, keep reading your Bible and praying and feel free to connect with me in the following ways:
- Insghtful Our Daily Bread Devotional Articles – There’s usually at least one of my devotional articles in the monthly Our Daily Bread devotional that’s translated into more than 50 languages and available worldwide in print and online. You can read my past devotional articles and an article written about me where I get to share parts of my testimony here.
- 6 Faith-Fueling Books – God-Given Dreams: 6 Ways to Live Your Divine Purpose (NavPress) is available widely and my first five books are available on Amazon right here.
- Uplifting Abounding Faith for Today Podcast – My podcast, which was named “A 2025 Rising Star” and “A 2025 Binged Show” by Spotify for Creators. is available wherever you listen to podcasts.
- Edifying Social Media – Follow Abounding Faith on Instagram, Facebook or X.
- Faith-Fueling YouTube Channel – Check out the more than 150 videos shot here and abroad on Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel right here.
- This Inspiring MiraculousLovely.com Blog – Now in its 13th Year by the Grace of God! It’s still updated on Mondays.
- Empowering Life Coaching – I’d be delighted to coach you through to your breakthrough. Learn more right here.
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Scriptures 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.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®
I’m delighted to be sharing 7 Bible verses that have encouraged this exhorter and evangelist over the years in Episode 89 of the Abounding Faith for Today podcast 
