Category: Musings

Posted on

March Travel Memories

I always get a little nostalgic when March rolls around because that’s when I went on my first short-term missions trip to … THE AMAZON JUNGLE IN BRAZIL !!! All five of my missions trips were challenging and amazing in so many ways. Here’s a few pics (above) of some of the ministry outreaches and beauty I’ve seen around the globe including in Brazil, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Honduras and Peru.

I’m also reminded of that AMAZING March I visited the Holy Land 🔥

I NEVER dreamed I’d ever go to Israel 😮

I got the lovely cross (above) made out of olive tree wood in Jerusalem during my precious time in Israel  💕

You can read about how God met me during these trips and about how I’ve seen God’s fingerprints on SIX continents in By Faith: Adventures and Reflections on Walking With God Here and Abroad.

You can read many of the Bible verses that have inspired me during my faith journey in the 365-day devotional, Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day.

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

________________________________________________

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.

You might also enjoy reading:

Finding My Roots - Hispanic Heritage Month Edition

What are You Asking for?

New Abounding Faith for Today Podcast Episode (63): Notes From Nancy

Posted on

Happy 10th Blogversary!

How has it been TEN YEARS since I started blogging here at Miraculous Lovely?

I still remember what a struggle it was for nontechie me to design and create this blog.

There was nothing glamourous going on behind the scenes as I fussed and fretted and got frustrated trying to figure out how to create this blog.

It wasn’t a good season in my life, but I had felt the Lord calling me to WRITE.

I wasn’t even sure what private and introverted me would write about?

But I needed a home for some of the devotional pieces I was sharing with trusted friends.

And I knew I didn’t want to rant and rave about life.

I knew was to celebrate God’s Miraculous and Lovely love for us.

And so I launched my blog on Martin Luther King Jr Day, January 20, 2013.

This blog was part of God’s dream for me.

I’ve taken it one blog post at a time, one week (sometimes 2 or 3 bonus blogs) at a time, one month at a time and most importantly one YEAR at a time.

I never set a limit for how long I would blog.

I’ve just kept writing and God has been faithful to give me words to share.

One thing is for sure.

WRITERS WRITE!

It was a little intimidating at first to share my thoughts, musings and reflections with the world but God’s given me His peace over the years.

The little girl in me who used to create mini-magazines out of loose leaf paper and the reporter in me who wrote for a major newspaper and a national women’s magazine has enjoyed the freedom to share my thoughts without an editor and to get to choose the headlines and photos to go with each and every post.

I was sharing my thoughts here even before most others wanted to hear from me.

But God!

God has allowed me to faithfully post weekly, with just a few exceptions along the way to give myself a break and rest, for ten years! Glory!

I felt God leading me to WRITE about Him and faith, hope and love and so much more and I’ve tried to stay true to that mission.

Who knew that during these 10 years I’d:

  1. Go on two more short-term missions trips (out of five)
  2. Launch my AboundingFaith.com website
  3. Write FIVE Christian living books and devotionals (available on Amazon)
  4. Write for Our Daily Bread‘s VOICES Collection and Discovery Series website and for Charisma‘s website
  5. Host 10 events
  6. Speak to countless groups including Christians working at the United Nations and give my brief testimony at Times Square Church
  7. Teach five different online classes based on my books for the New York School of the Bible
  8. Host the Abounding Faith for Today podcast
  9. Shoot more than 155 videos here and abroad for Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel
  10. And that I’d have such exciting news about Book 6!

If you would’ve told me I’d be doing any of this back when I was a graduate student in journalism at NYU or a working journalist, I would’ve laughed at you and run away!

None of this has been my plan or idea.

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

Once God started to call me to write and speak for His glory, I had inklings that God would be enlarging my territory and increasing my influence and platform.

Those of you who know me and have been helping to pray me through all these YEARS know it hasn’t been easy.

Nothing has been handed to me.

There hasn’t been a large entourage cheering me on or helping to open doors for me.

I’ve had God and a handful of family and friends praying for me and helping me in different ways.

I’m grateful to get to celebrate this milestone with you.

And I’m grateful to those that have joined this online community throughout the years.

This blog has definitely been a refuge and safe place for me to share thoughts, especially about my Dear Dad’s promotion to heaven almost two years ago.

It’s also been a lovely place to share updates on different projects I’m working on or thoughts I’ve been pondering.

I hope my posts have encouraged, inspired, empowered or uplifted you. (If so, I’d love to know!)

If you know me, you’ve probably heard me say that I want to walk through the doors God opens for me.

God has given me many Kingdom assignments in this season.

I’m a Christian Latina Author, Speaker, Podcaster, Blogger, Bible School Instructor, Communicator, Coach/Consultant, Creative and Entrepreneur.

Christian Latina Authors & Speakers are still rather rare when it comes to Christian spaces in English.

God isn’t fazed by my background.

He knows exactly what He wants to do in me and through me.

I may not know what’s next, but God does!

I appreciate your prayers and support and encouragement!

I know blogging may not be popular anymore, but I plan to continue blogging and updating you as the Lord leads.

I plan to continue encouraging and inspiring you as you walk by faith, hope and love and dare to live your God-given dreams.

If you don’t want to miss my updates and posts, please stay tuned and be sure you’re part of my email community right here.

Thanks for staying on this faith journey with me! To God be the Glory!

Here are four Bible verses that come to mind when I think of these last 10 years:

  • “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8 NIV)
  • “’Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty. “(Zechariah 4:6b NIV)
  • “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. (Luke 16:10 NIV)
  • “Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.’ And God granted his request.” (1 Chronicles 4:10 NIV)

________________________________________________

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.™

You might also enjoy reading:

Ladies, Last Call to Join Us for the Mighty Women of Valor NYSB Online Course on 11/8

Another By Faith Excerpt on SpiritLed Woman's Website!

Untouchable

Posted on

Happy and Blessed New Year & My “One Word” for 2023!

Welcome to 2023! May this be a year filled with abounding love, joy, peace, hope and FAITH!

As we abide in Christ this year, may we remember that God’s mercies are new every morning.

I’ve got a few words for this year, but the “One Word” I’ll share is REJOICE.

After some very trying years, the enemy would like nothing more than for us to be bogged down by gloom and doom and stress and worry.

But he is a liar and defeated.

Joy is one of the fruit of the Spirit so we can have joy in all seasons.

Two Bible verses that come to mind are:

  • “The joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10b NIV)
  • “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4 NIV)

I hope our year will be filled with many reasons to rejoice!

As I look ahead to what’s in store this year, by God’s grace I see more writing, speaking, teaching and ministering.

I’ve got a big writing project I’m working on. I’m looking forward to sharing about my journey along the way. I so appreciate your prayers!

I’ll be sharing updates mainly with my email community.

Are you part of my email community? If not, sign up here and get access to the FREE Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day 5-Day Sampler PDF.

If you’re looking for resources to grow in your faith this year, check out Abounding Faith’s written, video and audio content that includes:

  • Abounding Faith’s FIVE inspiring Christian living books and devotionals on Amazon.
  • The uplifting Abounding Faith for Today podcast available wherever you listen to podcasts.
  • Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel that has more than 155 encouraging videos shot here and abroad.
  • Abounding Faith’s uplifting online community via Instagram or other social media.
  • Abounding Faith Coaching & Consulting for those who are looking to SOAR this year.

I’m looking forward to helping to encourage and empower you as you walk by faith, hope and love and dare to live your God-given dreams.

Let’s SOAR together this year.

Be fierce. Be faithful. Be fruitful. Be who God is calling you to be!

________________________________________________

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.™

You might also enjoy reading:

Stay the Course!

Meeting Mona Lisa

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

Posted on

Reflecting on Abounding Faith’s Highlights from 2022

It’s been quite a year.

My One Word for this year was ABIDE.

I think that can be an ongoing word as we always need to abide in Christ.

As I look back on this year, everything hasn’t been perfect (no surprise) but there have been some milestone moments. I’d like to share some highlights and moments that have stuck out to me. You can check out a snapshot in this super short video (or see above) and keep reading for a few thoughts:

Book 6 Update I’ve got great news to share about the plot twist that God has orchestrated for Book 6. I’ll be sharing about this writing breakthrough with my email community first, so please join the list by using this link. You’re not gonna wanna miss this update.

Breakthroughs with Our Daily Bread I’m thrilled that there’s been more writing breakthroughs with my friends at Our Daily Bread. I’m delighted to be a contributing writer for Our Daily Bread‘s VOICES Collection. I wrote devotional entries for their On the Shoulders of Giants devotional for Black History Month and for their Serving Together online devotional for Hispanic Heritage Month. I also wrote two articles for Our Daily Bread‘s Discovery Series website. You can read more about my connection to Our Daily Bread in this blog post.

New York School of the Bible Instructor What a privilege and honor to wrap up my first year of teaching an online class for all FIVE semesters this year through the NYSB!

What a blessing to get to teach classes based on my books and future books 🙌 Only God could do that!

I’ve felt God’s grace on me and my students all throughout the year. Thank You to those helping to pray me through!

As I reflect on this year of teaching, I also look ahead to God willing doing it all over again with the students God provides next year 🙏

Please pray for my upcoming classes and students.

And Ladies, pray about possibly joining us for class in 2023 🔥

Registration is open now for my Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day online class that starts on the evening of Tuesday, January 24. Learn more here.

CWEN Sisters What a joy it’s been to be part of CWEN’S Prayer and Devotional Team for a year! It’s wonderful to get to encourage, inspire and pray for fellow Christian women entrepreneurs across the country and the globe with entries from my 365-day devotional Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day.

Speaking and Podcasting How lovely it was to get to teach another Life Skills for my friends at The Bowery Mission’s Women’s Center.

I also had a wonderful time being interviewed for another podcast. Will share more details when the episode is released in early 2023.

I’m also celebrating the 40 episodes of the Abounding Faith for Today Podcast, which is now also available on Amazon Music and Audible 🎉

Check out the inspiring and encouraging Abounding Faith for Today podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

Please leave a kind rating and review and tell others about this edifying podcast 🔥

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2FoPkZM
Google Podcasts: bit.ly/2A5g2AL
Spotify: spoti.fi/2Kmpjt7
iHeart: https://lnkd.in/drNF-PPS
TuneIn: https://tunein.com/ or the app
Stitcher: bit.ly/2Tqz6lN
PodBean: https://bit.ly/2BQXNAI

YouTube Channel There’s now more than 155 encouraging and inspiring videos on Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel 🔥

The short videos are shot near and far (including during past short-term missions trips, vacations, around NYC and trips to my bday castle…).

Check them out and be sure to subscribe, like, comment and share the site with others: youtube.com/@aboundingfaith1

I so appreciate your continued prayers and support for my writing, speaking, podcasting, blogging, videos, social media posts, etc  💕

If my work has inspired and encouraged you and you’re looking for ways to show your support and appreciation for this Christian Latina Author & Creative, a virtual cup of coffee (or two or more) is always appreciated.

Your generosity is much appreciated and helps me continue to encourage women and men as they walk by faith, hope and love and dare to live their God-given dreams 🔥

Thanks for staying on this faith journey with me as I live out the call of God on my life in this season.

Additional great ways to show your support are:

✨ Connecting with Abounding Faith on social media, including Instagram

✨ Helping to spread the word about my FIVE Christian living books and devotionals available on Amazon, including gifting them to friends and family and your church or community library or nonprofit, etc …

Every purchase, kind Amazon review, Instagram interaction, etc makes a difference 🔥

Gracias for your support  💕 

Let’s see what the Lord does in 2023 and beyond.

________________________________________________

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.

You might also enjoy reading:

Tribute to Billy Graham

Stand Firm – Motivational Monday with Coach Nancy, Abounding Faith Coaching & Consulting

Celebrating Roctober 2025 - Nancy Gavilanes

Posted on

Merry Christmas / Feliz Navidad

Whether you have big and elaborate Christmas plans or you’re keeping it simple this year, and whether you’re hitting the road or staying local, I pray you’ll have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!

May your Christmas be merry and bright because we’re celebrating that God kept His promise and sent His Son Jesus as our Ultimate and Unspeakable Gift!

Here are two of my favorite Bible verses that remind me that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. May they bless you as well:

  • “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV)
  • “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel‘ which means ‘God with us’).” (Matthew 1:22-23 NIV)

I’ve also got a gift for you. I’ve created a 5-day sampler of the encouraging and empowering Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day 365-day devotional to help bolster your faith 🔥

The Bible verses and inspiring messages will help spur you on as you walk by abounding faith, hope and love and dare to live your God-given dreams. If you’d like a FREE copy of this uplifting devotional sampler PDF, just use this link.

Feliz Navidad!

P.S.. Abounding Faith’s FIVE Christian living books and devotionals make great gifts for you and yours! Feisty Faith, By Faith., Crossing Your Jordan River, Abounding Faith and Waiting on God Well are available on Amazon.

____________________________________________________

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.™

You might also enjoy reading:

“RESET” – Motivational Monday Message with Coach Nancy of Abounding Faith Coaching & Consulting [POD...

Dream On!

Contributing Writer for NEW Our Daily Bread VOICES Collection Devotional

Posted on

Inside the Writer’s Notebook: Why I Write (Part 1) – National Day on Writing

October 20 is the National Day on Writing. What a great time to share this post.

Why I Write (Part 1) ✍️: Because God made me a writer. It’s as natural (and essential) for me as breathing and smiling…

As a child, I kept diaries and made mini-magazines at home. I later got my master’s degree in journalism from NYU and worked as a journalist. When I felt God calling me out of journalism, my writing went into hiding for YEARS.

God then called me to write about Him. Now I write Christian living books and devotionals ….

It’s been quite a long journey. So glad you’re on this faith journey with me!

If any of my books, blog posts, social media captions or podcast episodes inspire or encourage you, Glory! Please feel free to show luv on Abounding Faith’s Instagram.

Want to see more Latina/o authors, writers, speakers, etc? Wonderful!

Be sure to show your luv and support for those already doing the work …

Your likes, comments, shares, kind Amazon reviews and your purchases (for you and your loved ones) count more than you know, even in the Christian publishing world.

Gracias for staying on this faith journey with me!

You can find Abounding Faith’s FIVE inspirational, encouraging and empowering Christian living books and devotionals in print and on Kindle on Amazon.

________________________________________________

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.

You might also enjoy reading:

Celebrating My First Year of Having My Devotional Articles Published in Our Daily Bread - Nancy Gavi...

Reach Just One

NEW Abounding Faith for Today with Nancy Gavilanes Podcast Episodes

Posted on

Spanning the Globe – Roctober Edition

I’ve been blessed to travel the WORLD over the years for work, vacation and short-term missions trips.

Oh, what a big and beautiful world it is …

I never wanted to keep a tally of my travels because I wasn’t trying to reach a certain number by a certain timeframe.

But I thought I’d finally do a count to see where things stand so far.

I’m sharing my current total for the first time … these numbers don’t include any layovers in different countries/states and the total doesn’t include that I’ve traveled to five of these countries and a few of these states several times. Each country and state are included only once …

Drumroll please …

God has allowed me to (so far) travel to:

  • 6 Continents
  • 22 Countries
  • 17 States + Washington, D.C.

What an honor and blessing it’s been to see God’s fingerprints all throughout the globe!

Only God knows when and where I’ll go next.

I appreciate your prayers!

The short video above is just a glimpse of some of the beauty I’ve seen on SIX continents and out west … this doesn’t include all the states or countries I’ve been to… just some of the highlights …

God has spoken to me in such special ways during most of these trips ….

If’ you’d like to read about how I’ve seen God’s fingerprints across the globe, check out By Faith: Adventures and Reflections on Walking With God Here and Abroad.

There’s also a chapter on living your God-given dreams and discussion questions you can use with your connect group or book club.

By Faith is available on Amazon. If you’ve been blessed by By Faith, please take a moment to leave a kind Amazon review and rating.

You can watch videos of some of my travels on Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel.

I may not be traveling as much these days, but I’m so grateful that through Abounding Faith’s FIVE Christian living books and devotionals and by speaking online etc… I can continue to reach more and more Readers and nations.

Abounding Faith’s Readers are located (so far) on/in:

  • 5 Continents
  • 10 Countries (outside of the U.S.)
  • 16 States

Gracias for staying on this faith journey with me!

I hope Abounding Faith’s books, this blog, the Abounding Faith for Today podcast, and Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel and social media posts, etc… have been a blessing to you and yours, wherever you’re located in the world!

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

________________________________________________

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.™

You might also enjoy reading:

If You Could Chat with One Person from the Bible...

12 Free Journal Writing Prompts

Giving Honor Where Honor is Due

Posted on

Happy Roctober!

Happy Roctober! Let the birthday celebrations begin.

Guess I’ve always been fascinated with crowns lol … 

I’m loving this verse:

“You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God.” (Isaiah 62:3 NIV)

A future author was born this month … yup, here’s yours truly already hard at work.

Actually, I didn’t grow up dreaming about writing books. That seemed so far out of reach and wasn’t even on my radar during my journalism days.

But God!

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5 NIV)

If you’d like to read more of my story and how I’ve seen God’s fingerprints on 6 continents, check out By Faith: Adventures and Reflections on Walking With God Here and Abroad.

________________________________________________

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.™

You might also enjoy reading:

Giving Honor Where Honor is Due

Oh Come Let Us Adore Him

Keep Dreaming!

Posted on

My Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Today is Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

It’s truly the end of an era (the second Elizabethan era to be exact) and a historic moment.

Regardless of your thoughts about the monarchy, Queen Elizabeth II was truly a living legend.

I’d like to take a moment to give honor to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7 NIV).

She reigned for a staggering 70 years … She was the longest-serving British monarch. She met 13 U.S. Presidents and has been served by 15 British prime ministers.

All politics aside, I’ve been struck by so many of the images these last few days and by the tributes from those who knew and loved her.

At a petite 5’3” in height, she was a giant at heart and a formidable force on the world’s stage.

There are many thoughts I could share, but I’d like to share a list of some of the incredible words that I’ve heard people use to describe her during recent TV interviews and past documentaries.

I share these not to exalt the late Queen (of course, not even the late Queen was perfect), but as inspiration especially for those who are called to leadership and public ministry and service.

The words are in alphabetical order. I’ve bolded the words that were mentioned two or more times.

30 of the Qualities/Attributes that People Admired Queen Elizabeth II for are her:

  1. Commitment
  2. Confidence
  3. Courage
  4. Decency
  5. Decorum
  6. Dedication
  7. Deep faith
  8. Determination
  9. Devotion to duty
  10. Dignity
  11. Diplomatic deft
  12. Duty
  13. Fortitude
  14. Grace
  15. Graceful service
  16. Humor
  17. Inner Strength
  18. Intellect
  19. Kindness
  20. Leadership
  21. Loyalty
  22. Modesty
  23. Sacrifice
  24. Selflessness
  25. Selfless public service
  26. Soft Power
  27. Stability
  28. Strength
  29. Stoicism
  30. Wisdom

How People Described Queen Elizabeth II:

  • Prime Minster Winston Churchill said the Queen showed an “air of authority” when she was just 2 years old.
  • One of her granddaughters said her grandmother taught her to stand up and be strong.

Others Noted Queen Elizabeth II:

  • Had a deep faith, which was the anchor in her life
  • Had a lovely smile and a twinkle in her eye
  • Was steady
  • Was tiny in stature, but had an enormous impact around the world

These are all such lovely and noble qualities for any leader to be remembered by.

May it be said of us that we lived and lead with similar qualities.

Some Indelible and Poignant Moments for Me so Far:

  • The Queen’s children standing vigil by their late mother’s casket, especially in Scotland, was touching
  • The proclamations announcing the new king was historic
  • The somber music in the processional from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey was haunting
  • Hearing that some people waited in line for four days to be some of the first to pay their respects to the Queen while she was lying in state at Westminster Hall was amazing

At her coronation, Queen Elizabeth II bowed before the Lord recognizing that He has ultimate power and authority. That was powerful to watch all these years later.

Yes, even Queen Elizabeth II acknowledged that Jesus is the King of kings and the Lord of lords.” (Revelation 19:16 NIV)

And yes, we are a royal priesthood (Romans 8:17 NIV) and the daughters and sons of the King and co-heirs with Christ (1 Peter 2:9 NIV).

Glory!

I leave you with this snapshot (below) of my visit to London during my Epic European Adventure.

I kinda got the royal treatment when I arrived in London lol … I share about that and much more in By Faith: Adventures and Reflections on Walking With God Here and Abroad (Available on Amazon).

I had a lovely time in London.

These pics were taken outside of Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Parliament and their Olympic stadium.

I’m not really a tea person, but I’ll be raising a cup of tea in honor of the Queen as I watch her funeral in a few hours.

________________________________________________

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.™

You might also enjoy reading:

Short-term missions trips 101

Happy Roctober 2023 - Rejoicing & Celebrating Some Birthday Fun

3 Bible Verses About Joy!

Posted on

Are You Growing in Your Faith?

5 Lessons from the Grapes

“Are You Growing?”

My late Senior Pastor used to love asking the congregation that question.

Pastor J knew and stressed the importance of growing and maturing in the Lord (and in different areas of our life). He emphasized that God wanted His children to grow and mature just like earthly parents expect their kids to grow and mature and develop.

How do we grow in our faith?

Some key ways are by consistently spending time reading the Bible and praying and worshipping and fellowshipping with other believers.

It’s that simple and yet that challenging …

If you’re one of my faithful Readers, you probably already know that God likes to show me things through nature.

I’m sharing the above pics of grapes because these pics speak volumes to me.

I took the pics on three separate occasions earlier this year to document the growth process.

The grapes show some truths about growth:

  • Growth takes time.
  • Growth happens in stages or seasons.
  • Growth happens as we stay connected to the vine.
  • Growth can be painful, but pruning is a necessary part of the process.
  • Growth happens on God’s timetable. We can’t rush the process.

The grapes didn’t grow overnight.

Neither do we.

Are you growing in your faith?

Or are you feeling stuck or stagnant?

Are you staying connected to the True Vine?

Consider what Jesus says about abiding in Him. These are some of my favorite Bible verses:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

“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. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:1-8 NIV)

If you’re looking to grow in your faith, here are a few ways I can help:

Empowering Online Class for Ladies: Don’t miss the Abounding Faith: Choosing Faith over Fear course that starts next Tuesday evening on September 13. Learn more here.

Personalized Life Coaching: I’d be delighted to help you grow and go from feeling:

  • frazzled to focused
  • frustrated to fruitful
  • fearful to fierce

Learn more about Christian Life Coaching here.

Inspiring Books Be encouraged and inspired as you walk by faith, prepare for your breakthrough and dare to live your God-given dreams. Abounding Faith FIVE Christian living books empower and equip you to stand firm in your faith.

Uplifting email: Sign up for Abounding Faith’s FREE email list and get a dose of inspiration delivered right to your inbox. When you sign up, you get immediate access to the FREE 5-day Feisty Faith Devotional Sampler PDF. The sampler gives you a taste of the inspiring and empowering 365-day devotional, Feisty Faith: Trusting God Day by Day devotional (available on Amazon). Looking forward to sending you uplifting emails on Monday afternoons with info about my latest encouraging blog posts, upcoming books and other projects or events.

Encouraging Social Media: I’d love for you to be part of Abounding Faith’s online community. Abounding Faith is on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Be encouraged as you scroll throughout the week.

Edifying Podcast: The uplifting Abounding Faith for Today podcast has 40 short and encouraging episodes that will help bolster your faith. You can listen to the Abounding Faith for Today podcast wherever you listen to podcasts including:

Inspirational YouTube Channel: There are 155 encouraging and uplifting videos on Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel that will inspire you and help spur on your faith. The short videos are shot near and far (including during past short-term missions trips, vacations, around NYC and trips to my bday castle…). Check them out and be sure to subscribe, like, comment and share the site with others.

Let’s grow and flourish together this year!

And may your faith be fueled, your hope ignited and your heart set ablaze with the love of God!

________________________________________________

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.™

You might also enjoy reading:

Speaker at the Upcoming Publishing in Color Writer's Conference

Ladies, Join Us for the Crossing Your River Jordan NYSB Online Summer Class

Check out the God-Given Dreams Series on the Abounding Faith for Today Podcast

Proudly powered by WordPress
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox

Join other followers