Category: Lessons Learned

As the world once again comes together for friendly but fierce sports competition at this year’s Winter Olympics, my evangelistic and exhorter heart is ready to burst.

As you may know, as a young journalist God allowed me to go to a Summer and Winter Games as a reporter and spectator.

He called me to follow Him while I was at a Summer Games. You can read about that in God-Given Dreams (NavPress) and By Faith (available on Amazon).

After God asked me to lay down my journalism career and to let go of my obsession with sports, which had become idols for me, I still had a love for the Nations.

As a Latina from New York who has traveled to 6 continents and gone on five short-term missions trips to five countries, I truly see that Christ LOVES the Nations!

I’m so grateful that my books, Abounding Faith for Today podcast episodes, YouTube videos, blog posts, social media posts and more can travel further and faster than I ever could.

I’m also so honored that my devotional articles for the Our Daily Bread devotional are translated into more than 50 languages and are available worldwide in print and online.

Only God could help me reach the nations for His Glory!

Oh, the world is far from perfect.

But God LOVES the Nations!

From His covenant with Abraham in Genesis, to His messages through many of the Old Testament prophets, to the Gospels and Paul’s writings, and all the way to Revelation, God speaks about the Nations all throughout the Bible.

God’s family is located all across the globe.

The Body of Christ is international.

Let’s remember to love and serve and pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ living worldwide.

Here are some of my favorite Bible verses about the Nations:

Jesus Came to Save the World – “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)

We’re to Make Disciples of All Nations – “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18-20)

We’re to Reach the Ends of the Earth – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

The Nations Worship in Heaven – “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:

‘Salvation belongs to our God,

who sits on the throne,

and to the Lamb.’” (Revelation 7:9-10)

God Reigns Over All Nations – “He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:14)

God’s Covenant with Abraham Still Stands- “I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”(Genesis 22:17-18)

We’re One in Christ – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:28-29)

Jesus is for All People – “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32)

God Rules – “All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations. (Psalm 22:27-28)

One Day the World Will Bow – “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2 : 9-11)

The Nations are Part of Our Inheritance – “Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.” (Psalm 2:8)

Can you feel God’s heart for the Nations?

God loves us and sent Jesus for us no matter what city, country or continent we were born in.

May we be filled with God’s immeasurable love for the Nations!

Let’s continue to pray, “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

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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.®

With the 2026 Winter Olympics now underway, it’s got me thinking of my Olympiac Daze. Growing up, I was so enthralled with figure skating and gymnastics that I took lessons in both sports during high school.

I wasn’t an elite athlete, but I learned many valuable lessons from both sports that have stayed with me all these years. I’ll just focus on skating for now.

Enjoy this short video that’s a snapshot of my Skating Daze.

3 Lessons Learned From My Figure Skating Days:

Get Back Up – One of the first skills we learn on the ice is how to get back up after a fall. Falls are inevitable while skating. Even the most seasoned skaters fall sometimes. It’s not a matter of if, but when. I fell plenty of times on the ice. It was never fun, but it was actually a sign that I was being brave and trying new skills. It could also be a sign that I was distracted or needed more practice. The point was to not wallow on the ice but to get back up quickly, try to learn from the experience and to keep skating. The same is true in life. Falling, or failing or making mistakes or facing rejection, is part of life. Trials have a way of trying to knock us off our feet. Whenever that happens, may we prayerfully get back up quickly. Sure there’s a time to reflect on what happened and to heal or to take a break as needed, but let’s not stay stuck wallowing on the ice. Let’s be quick to get back up and keep living life one day at a time. I’m reminded of this Bible verse, “for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” (Proverbs 24:16 NIV)

Persistence is Key – I didn’t start doing jumps and spins during my first skating lessons. First I learned to glide and skate forward and backwards. Then I learned how to balance on different edges and learned the simple bunny hop and 2-foot spin. Then I started working on a lunge, sit spin, camel spin and single jumps, etc. Each skill built off each other. I practiced my spins and jumps over and over again. Yes, things get a little blurry while spinning but you get used to it and it can actually feel quite thrilling. And yes, for me it was scary to jump off the ice, but I’m glad I tried it. There’s no shortcuts. I just had to put the reps in over time and had to build strength working out with weights at the gym and when doing gymnastics. In life, we like to rush ahead but we can’t skip the process. We need to keep learning and growing and adding to the skills we’re learning. Each experience helps us gain the wisdom and knowledge and strength we need to keep moving forward.

Be a Good Steward of Your Time and Talent – I had to balance school and homework and then rush off to the rink, gym or gymnastics lessons and I was part of the high school newspaper. My schedule was packed. I didn’t have much time to slack off. When it was time to study, I had to study. Thankfully,, my grades didn’t suffer. I even made it into the National Honor Society. When I was on the ice, I had to be all there. Same was true when I was doing gymnastics. I was juggling a lot and I was thriving. I just had to focus on the task at hand. Sports isn’t just about being disciplined with how you treat your body. You also need to take care of your mind and spirit. I still like to try to stick to a schedule so I don’t miss any deadlines. And I still try to focus on the task at hand. I also make sure I’m taking care of my mind and spirit.

Bonus Lesson Seek First the Kingdom – I learned this later in life. I’m grateful that sports kept me out of major trouble, but it also took first place in my heart. It was an escape for me. My favorite athletes became my idols. I got to meet, interview or photograph many of my fave Olympians. Even though I wasn’t an elite athlete, God allowed me to go to a Winter Games and Summer Games as a reporter and spectator. Those were both amazing dreams come true! If you’re familiar with my story, you know God called me to follow Him while at a Summer Games. I write about it in God-Given Dreams (NavPress) and By Faith (available on Amazon). God also asked me to lay down my journalism career and my obsession with the Olympics. It’s been a long and winding process and journey, but I’ve learned to keep God at the center of my life. Everything else is extra. Let’s keep first things first. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 NIV)

Special Shout Out to My Parents! I’m so grateful that my loving and hardworking parents supported my skating and gymnastics dreams in so many ways including by paying for lessons, taking me to practice, watching my competitions, buying me skates and outfits, etc. Not to mention taking me to watch countless skating shows (and elite gymnastics competitions), buying me sports magazines and memorabilia and letting me go on and on and on about my favorite athletes.

I’m grateful for my skating and gymnastics days.

Those days helped shape who I am today.

I still enjoy watching the world come together in friendly but fierce competition.

I’m so glad I can watch the Olympics as a normal person now. I don’t have to know every stat about the athletes or be glued to the screen for all the events.

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

“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:

• Insightful 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.

WAYS TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

If you’re being encouraged and inspired by my writing, speaking, social media posts and more, here’s a few ways to show your support:

• Follow Abounding Faith on social media and Like, Comment and Share posts with others.
• Buy my books for you and yours and leave a kind rating and review on Amazon or Goodreads.
• Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community right here.
• Subscribe to the Abounding Faith for Today podcast and Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel.
• Invite me to speak to your online group/event or invite me on your podcast.
• Buy me 1, 2 or more virtual coffees right here or join Abounding Faith’s Dream Team on Patreon.

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Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community to get updates about different projects I’m working and to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up right here and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today!

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.®