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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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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.

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Gripped By God’s Grace (Part 5) – [PODCAST EPISODE 42]

NEW Podcast Episode 📣 Episode 42 is based on my “Gripped by God’s Grace (Part 5)” blog post. May it encourage you on your grief journey 🔥

All eight seasons of the inspiring and encouraging Abounding Faith for Today podcast are available wherever you listen to podcasts, including Audible and:

Kind ratings and reviews are greatly appreciated. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any episodes and please help spread the word about this uplifting and edifying podcast 🔥

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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.

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Gripped By God’s Grace (Part 5) – Celebrating My Dear Dad Two Years Later

How in the world does this month mark two years since my Dear Dad’s promotion to Heaven?

It’s been quite a journey filled with ups and downs, highs and lows, and tears and joy.

God has been so faithful to see me through it all.

My Dear Dad left such an indelible mark on me over the years that it’s almost like he’s still here.

I got to know my Dad rather well over the years, so I can try to guess or imagine how he would respond or react to certain news and situations.

I KNOW he’d be celebrating that I’ve signed my first book deal and that I’m teaching five classes at a Bible school based on my books.

I KNOW he’d want me to keep going and enjoy my life.

He wouldn’t want me wallowing in sorrow. And so, I still honor and remember my Dad fondly and with joy.

I’m grateful to God for the years of wonderful memories and so grateful to know my Dear Dad is with my Heavenly Father.

It’s so comforting knowing he’s rejoicing with God.

I also find comfort in helping to keep his memory alive my talking about him and sharing memories.

I appreciate my Dad’s love and hard work for us even more as time passes.

Finding photos and souvenirs and cards are like finding treasure 💕

So how am I doing?

Ok, by the grace of God.

Here’s a few things that are helping:

  • I still enjoy wearing jewelry and clothes my Dad gave me as a way to honor him and his culture.
  • I still enjoy sharing memories and photos of him.
  • I enjoy certain foods and songs that remind me of him.
  • I still dream with my Dad often. I don’t mind (I dream with lots of other people too).

Here are some things that are still a struggle:

  • I still haven’t watched videos except for the Merry Christmas greeting. I want to save the videos for another time.
  • There’s still a song I refuse to listen to.
  • There’s still a few of our fave places I’m not ready to go back to.

There’s no real rhyme or reason to grief.

But God’s grace is sufficient!

And God’s comfort is real:

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Life is never the same, but it does go on by the grace of God.

If you’re in the thick of it, keep letting God heal and comfort you. Reach out to a professional if you need to 💕

Making me smile with lots of memories. That’s My Dad 💖

Here’s a recent tribute I’d like to share:

Celebrating My Dear Dad – Dinners With My Dad Edition🎉 So grateful for all the lovely dinners I had with My Dad. We liked exploring new places but also had our favorite spots. We’d go out on special occasions or just to catch up, especially after he or I had been traveling. I have tons of photos to treasure and that I’ll share every now and again. My Dad had a hearty appetite and enjoyed a great meal and great conversation. Chowing down and conversing with me … That’s My Dad 💖

Pic taken at an Ecuadorian restaurant that had recently opened (pre-pandemic). My Dad loved showing his support for his gente 🇪🇨 and local businesses 👊

If you’d like to learn a little more about my Dear Dad and some of our travels, check out, By Faith: Adventures and Reflections on Walking With God Here and Abroad.

If you’d like to read some more of my tributes and learn about some of what’s helped me through this grief journey, check out the blog post links below or Season 6 of the Abounding Faith for Today podcast. I pray you’ll be encouraged on your own grief journey.

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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.™

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Celebrating My Dear Dad – Birthday & World Cup Edition

This pic from one of my Dad’s milestone birthdays makes me smile. He was usually busy celebrating everyone else’s birthdays and special occasions but he also wasn’t shy about being in the spotlight and on center stage … That’s My Dad 💖

Celebrating My Dear Dad – World Cup Edition 🎉 In honor of my Dad, I had to watch Ecuador play in this year’s World Cup. My Dad would be so thrilled that I’ve been watching. He loved playing soccer as a child (with a makeshift soccer ball) and watching it on TV as an adult. He enjoyed filling me in about major games and loved when I actually watched some of them and we could talk about it. Viva Ecuador 🇪🇨 ⚽️

So lovely how the team would huddle and kneel down and point upward after each GOOOAAALLL! And yup, soccer is best watched en espanol ⚽️ 

If you’d like to learn a little more about my Dear Dad and some of our travels, check out, By Faith: Adventures and Reflections on Walking With God Here and Abroad.

If you’d like to read some more of my tributes and learn about some of what’s helped me through this grief journey, check out the blog post links below or Season 6 of the Abounding Faith for Today podcast. I pray you’ll be encouraged on your own grief journey.

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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.

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Celebrating My Dear Late Dad – Father’s Day 2022 Edition

I recently found this precious photo while organizing more pictures. This is MY DAD in his element! I don’t remember ever seeing this pic before so it’s such a gift.  I love how my Dear Dad is beaming and looking up and waving. I’m not kidding when I say my Dad LOVED marching in parades here and abroad. Here he’s representing one of the institutions he helped found and lead for some 20 years. He loved doing community work and being among people… Yup, That’s My Dear Super Extroverted Dad 💖

When my Dear Dad liked a picture, he made sure to print it out and have it enlarged. He did that with both pics in this post. Here’s a photo of me with a bouquet of flowers I picked while visiting my Dad’s childhood home. (I felt like Dorothy among all the poppies in “The Wizard of Oz” lol) .. .What joy my Dad had showing me around his hometown and what joy I had exploring where my Grandparents lived with their seven kids! So grateful for my trips with my Dad to his beloved Ecuador. As I’ve mentioned before, it’s eternally Spring in my Dad’s hometown. (Did ya notice my colossal sunburn that I mentioned I got from being at the parade during that visit? Yup, being by the equator without sunscreen will bake you in and instant if you’re not careful…)

So grateful for so many photos, videos, writings, sweet memories and more!

I’m amazed that my Dear Dad’s legacy lives on through my sister and me and mi familia … that’s part of the reason why I delight in sharing all these tributes to my Dear Dad.

If you’d like to learn a little more about my Dear Dad and some of our travels, check out, By Faith: Adventures and Reflections on Walking With God Here and Abroad.

If you’d like to read some more of my tributes and learn about some of what’s helped me through this grief journey, check out the blog post links below or Season 6 of the Abounding Faith for Today podcast. I pray you’ll be encouraged on your own grief journey.

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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.

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Celebrating My Dear Dad, Year Anniversary Edition

How in the world does this month mark one year since my Dear Dad moved to Heaven? It’s only by God’s GRACE that I’ve gotten here … your prayers and friendship have also helped. Gracias!

I FINALLY found the song that’s been playing in the back of my mind as I see photos of my Dad and try to sum up all that he experienced … my Dear Dad was far from perfect, but he loved deeply and loved life and lived with GUSTO! He loved his family, his native Ecuador AND the U.S. where he was a proud citizen for all his adult life., he gave generously, fought for immigrants’ rights worldwide, met Popes at the Vatican, traveled Europe, helped earthquake victims in Ecuador, was an earthquake survivor as a child, climbed the ANDES Mountains and a few volcanoes for FUN, attended a World’s Fair, worked on the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing project, helped 9/11 families in the wake of the disaster, was interviewed by the press countless times over the years, hobknobbed with elected officials, wrote a book that’s in libraries in Ecuador and on and on and of course, loved God … I finally read the lyrics of this song and although I DOUBT my Dad ever heard this song, I can’t help but think this is one of the things he’d say:

“I, I did it all

I owned every second that this world could give

I saw so many places

The things that I did

Yeah, with every broken bone

I swear I lived” (“Lived” by OneRepublic)

Although, to my knowledge, he never broke a bone. LOL Still, I’ve obviously inherited some of his zest for travel and adventure … God must’ve wired us that way and we must’ve gotten some of it from our adventurous ancestors… lol .. my Dear Dad never ceased to surprise me … that’s why people who really KNOW me have probably heard me say what I write at the end of these tributes … YUP, THAT’S MY DAD 💖 Enjoy this short tribute video (above).

This month also marks the celebration of the famous parade in my Dad’s beloved Ecuador that’s like their Rose Parade. My Dear Dad LOVED going to this parade. It was started years ago to celebrate the town’s first harvest after a devastating earthquake. My Dad and one of my uncles were young survivors of that earthquake. It’s a fascinating story that I got to ask my Dad all about while interviewing him. I had the extreme pleasure of going to the parade with my Dad one year and actually walked in the parade. It was so much bigger and brighter than I had imagined. I’m still so grateful I got to enjoy it with him (even though I got a major sunburn that day! I forgot how close we were to the equator!) Here are a few pics of some of the beautiful memories I cherish and treasure. Knowing how to have a good time and being proud of his roots … That’s My Dad 💖

If you’d like to learn a little more about my Dear Dad and some of our travels, check out, By Faith: Adventures and Reflections on Walking With God Here and Abroad.

If you’d like to read some of my tributes and learn about some of what’s helped me through this grief journey, check out the blog post links below or Season 6 of the Abounding Faith for Today podcast. I pray you’ll be encouraged on your own grief journey.

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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.

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Happy New Year & My “One Word” for 2022

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27:13 NIV)

Happy and Blessed New Year to You and Yours!

I pray this year will be filled with grace upon grace and favor upon favor! I pray you will experience God’s love in a deeper and more profound way and that you will sense God’s Miraculous and Lovely presence all throughout your days!

It’s nice to turn the page and start a brand-new year.

My “One Word” for 2022 is ABIDE!

It’s by abiding in Christ’s love that we can draw the strength, grace and courage we need to live by faith day by day.

As we abide in Christ, we’ll become more like Him and that’s the most important transformation and breakthrough we can experience in our lives.

So as we face challenges this year (and beyond), let’s remember to ABIDE:

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1 KJV)

And as we dare to live our God-given dreams, let’s remember to ABIDE:

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” (John 15:4 KJV)

Let’s remember, we’re meant to SOAR!

Abounding Faith is here to spur you on in your faith!

If you feel God calling you to step out in faith in 2022, I’d be delighted to help you on your journey to experiencing your breakthrough and living your God-given dreams.

Here are three ways I can support you on your journey:

  • Abounding Faith’s FIVE Christian living books and devotionals have Bible verses, insights and practical tips to encourage and inspire you as you walk by faith. You can find these uplifting books on Amazon.
  • If you’d like help discerning God’s call on your life, the “Discovering Your God-Given Purpose” online course is perfect for you. It’s simple and easy to follow and a great way to prepare for your breakthrough. Learn more here.
  • If you’re looking for personalized help to gain the clarity, confidence and courage to live your God-given dreams, then one-on-one life coaching is for you. Learn more here.

Let’s SOAR together in 2022!

May it be our best year yet!

If you’re looking for ways to ring in the New Year with Abounding Faith, here’s a great 2022 Starter Kit:

Treat yourself to Abounding Faith’s FIVE inspiring books available on Amazon and find encouraging journals, mugs, magnets and more at Abounding Faith’s Online Store.

Let your faith ARISE!

As we enter this new year, I’d also like to take a moment to share this pic and thoughts:

Celebrating My Dear Dad, New Year’s Edition: My Dad took his sweet time carving this a few years ago. He told us he used to carve like that when mountain climbing along the Andes … the other day when I found some of those pics I saw some that included those carvings. Leaving his mark here and in Ecuador all throughout the years… that’s My Dear Dad! He lives on in our hearts, memories, hundreds of other ways and most importantly in heaven…

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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.™

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Reflecting on 2021 – A Year of Standing Firm

My “One Word” for this year was “STAND FIRM.” Oh my, did I need to stand firm on God’s Word all throughout this rough year… I’m going to share just a few defining moments and highlights from this year, which has felt like 20 years packed into one. Thank You for helping to pray me through all these moments including:

My Dear Dad’s Promotion to Heaven – It was so hard to start the year by losing my Dad, BUT I know that my loss is heaven’s gain! There’s nothing that can describe or compare to the joy and peace my Dad must be feeling right now. By God’s grace, I’m slowly processing this reality. If you’d like to learn a little more about my Dear Dad and read about some of what’s helped me through this grief journey, check out the blog post links below or the most recent episodes of the Abounding Faith for Today podcast. I pray you’ll be encouraged on your own grief journey.

Becoming a Contributing Writer for Our Daily Bread‘s VOICES Collection – This was part of the writing BREAKTHROUGH that I’ve been praying and waiting for. I’ve wanted to write for Our Daily Bread since before winning their Online Writing Contest for Readers back in 2014. What an honor to have two devotional entries included in Rhythms of Rest, the lovely devotional released this September! It’s an honor and delight to work with Our Daily Bread. I hope to share more good news soon. Stay Tuned!

Working on Book 6 – It’s been a long road to get here, but this year I took my time writing and editing my very first women’s Bible study. I plan to share more updates soon, but know that I am already praying for my Readers. I’m so grateful God allows me to write books that encourage, inspire and empower you as you walk by faith, hope and love and dare to live your God-given dreams!

Continuing as an Instructor at the New York School of the Bible – What an honor to be part of the distinguished faculty at the NYSB (pic above) and to get to teach courses based on my books! God is Good! Ladies, I hope to see you in these online classes. The Spring semester starts on January 25. Registration is open for my Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day course. Ladies, don’t miss it!

Being a Member of CWEN’s Online Devotional Team – What a joy it is to lead devotionals for this online group of Christian women entrepreneurs! I’m blessed to get to share entries from Feisty Faith – Trusting God Day by Day, the uplifting 365-day devotional. The Ladies who participate join us from near and far. It’s beautiful to see how God meets us in such a special way each time.

Being Interviewed for Podcasts and More – This year I had the pleasure of being interviewed on The Fearless Mujer Podcast and the Career Switch Podcast. It was also a delight to be interviewed by my friends at Writing for Your Life. You can find links to the podcasts and shows I’ve been interviewed on and past articles I’ve written for Charisma‘s website on my updated Media Page.

Speaking at Chapel Service for my Friends at The Bowery Mission’s Women’s Center – What a blessed time getting to share about peace with the lovely women during their virtual chapel! You can hear an excerpt from that message in the “Peace be with You” episode (Episode 32) of the Abounding Faith for Today podcast:

There’s more I could share, but that’s all for now.

It makes little sense how in the midst of sorrow and pain and hurt and grief there could be reasons to laugh, smile, feel happy and celebrate, but that’s how life is and that’s what happens when we allow God’s love and peace and joy and grace to cover and comfort us.

Now I see why God wanted me to STAND FIRM this year. My faith would be tested. The storm would rage. The winds would beat and howl, BUT we are to stand firm on Christ, the solid rock.

Many have experienced great loss lately. No one is immune from trials and heartache.

Yes, cry, lament, grieve.. and then let God comfort you and dry your tears and give you strength for today and hope for tomorrow.

I would be remiss if I didn’t share a few verses that you can hopefully take great comfort in:

  • “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
  • “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 3-4)
  • “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” (Isaiah 61:1-3)
  • “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.” (Psalm 30: 11-12)
  • “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
  • “The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (Matthew 7:25) 
  • “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

You are gripped by God’s Amazing Grace, and He’s not letting go!

May we have plenty to celebrate in 2022 and beyond!

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” (Proverbs 31:25)

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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.™

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Gripped By God’s Grace (Part 4) – Roctober 2021 Edition

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.
  • Treating myself to things that make me happy.
  • Trying a few new traditions.
  • Letting the tears flow, as needed.
  • Looking for my Heavenly Father’s fingerprints.

If you’d like to read a little more about my Dad, you can read about some of our adventures in By Faith: Adventures and Reflections on Walking With God Here and Abroad.

You can also check out these blog posts I’ve written over the years:

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