Category: Musings

Posted on

Trust Without Borders

Faith

I took this picture during my recent family vacation upstate. I think it does a perfect job of describing this new season I’m in. The beauty about Living Beyond the Fog is that you get to see glimpses of what’s up ahead.

As you follow after God One Step at a Time, He makes things more and more clear.

I love how this picture shows what it’s like to be on the edge. The water looks inviting enough to dive right in. The sky is clear enough to see where you’re going. It may not be super close, but it looks beautiful enough to continue Moving Forward.

Transition Times can be daunting, confusing, and scary. Sometimes fear can cause people to stay on the dock instead of taking the plunge. But when you know that God is calling you out, you can rest assured that He will catch you.

I am once again reminded of when the disciples were in the boat and they saw Jesus walking on the water. They were frightened but Jesus told them not to be afraid. Then Peter had the courage to speak.

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” (Matthew 14:28)

Was Peter out of His mind? Why in the world would he want to step out of the comfort of the boat? That’s where all his friends were. Why would he want to walk out into the unknown?

I would imagine that Peter knew that it’s better to be where Jesus is than with the crowd. I think he also was ready for some adventure.

Remarkably, Jesus obliged. “Come,” he said. (Matthew 14:29)

The Bible records that Peter got out of the boat, walked on water, and moved towards Jesus!

Peter took a risk and stepped out in faith. As a result, he got to walk on water! As long as Peter kept his gaze on Jesus, he got to do something amazing that was completely impossible on his own.

I have much to share with you in the upcoming weeks about how the Lord is leading me.

For now, I’m curious to know what is Jesus asking you to do? In what area is He is stretching you and asking you to grow in your faith?

Will you trust God to lead you one faith step at a time?

I pray you will have the faith to trust Jesus without borders! Many blessings to you!

“Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.” (Psalm 42:7)

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

button (24)For more encouragement, read my new book Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough! To learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. You can also find me on YouTube and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

You might also enjoy reading:

"BREAKTHROUGH” – Motivational Monday Message with Coach Nancy of Abounding Faith Coaching & Consulti...

Seasons do Change

7 Great Ways to Show Your Support for the inspiring God-Given Dreams book

Posted on

Daddy’s Girl (Revisited)

heart-700141_1280In honor of Father’s Day, I would like to share a post about my Heavenly Father that is still one of my favorites. I hope it blesses you whether it’s your first time reading it or you’ve read it before. 

Daddy’s Girl

Posted on January, 2013

 

Daddy's Girl

I don’t normally take photos of random people on the streets of New York City, but when I saw this duo walking in Manhattan last summer I couldn’t help but snap some pictures of them. At first glance, this is a sweet shot of a dad and daughter walking hand-in-hand along the streets of the concrete jungle in midtown. It also captures a guy secure enough in his manhood to sport a Hello Kitty bag! But that moment meant so much more to me.

Whenever I look at this picture and I see how the burly dad is gently guiding along his daughter and how he’s even carrying her backpack for her, I’m reminded of my walk with my Heavenly Father. In many ways I am like that little girl who is walking alongside her dad. I don’t have to worry about where I’m going or how to get there because my “Abba” Father is leading the way. He’s not standing far off. He’s right beside me. I don’t even have to carry all the weight of the world on my shoulders because my Heavenly Father is there to carry it for me!

Yes, the Bible says that as Christians who have the Holy Spirit living inside of us we can call God Our Father. “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:15-16).

I don’t know about you, but I love that I can go to the God of the universe and can call Him Dad! And I love that my Father hears me and acts on my behalf. He wants His children to trust and lean on Him. The Bible says,”Cast all your anxiety on Him (God) because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

If you’re feeling tired, alone or weary today, I pray that God would remind you or reveal Himself to you as your loving Father. Your biological father may have disappointed you, but your Heavenly Father will not fail you!

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

button (24)For more encouragement, read my new book Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough! To learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. You can also find me on YouTube and Pinterest.

 

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

You might also enjoy reading:

New Episode of the "Abounding Faith for Today" Podcast

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

Abounding Faith Class in Full Swing at the New York School of the Bible

Posted on

Dream On!

paintbrush-316618_1280 (1)

This week I’d like to take a moment and celebrate my Mom. Yes, I know this year’s Mother’s Day has come and gone but it’s always a good time to recognize just how special Moms are.

There is so much I could say about my Mom. She really is a major part of the wind beneath my wings. For now, I’d like to focus on one of the gifts she’s recently discovered.

Growing up, my Mom didn’t have much time for hobbies. Not during her humble childhood nor as a single Mom after my parents divorced. She was too busy caring for my sister and I, our two dogs, our bird oh and running her beauty salon. Later on, she found time to serve at church and went to seminary.

But she has always been good at drawing. I remember her helping me and/or my sister whenever we had to create book report covers or other school art projects. She likes decorating birthday cards with little drawings and stickers. And she’s always been fascinated by flowers, trees, and nature.

So I’m thrilled that lately my Mom has discovered her gift of painting. It delights me to see my Mom creating all types of works of art. She’s actually really good! And she’s had no formal training. Just a keen attention to detail and a whimsical imagination.

Oh, and courage! She’s brave enough to try different designs and to experiment with different colors and textures.

Her newfound talent inspires me and reminds me that we never outgrow discovering and using new God-given gifts!

I’d like to share with you a very special painting that hangs in my room. It’s a one-of-a-kind painting created by my Mom! Sure I just came back from seeing the Mona Lisa in the Louvre, which was special, but this painting is priceless to me!

Painting

I’m so proud of my Mom for continuing to dream, and create, and inspire others! I’m so blessed to call her Mom!

So, what about your gifts? Do you have some hidden talents that could be developed and used to bless others? I’d love to hear about some of your gifts. If you’re not sure what they are, pray and ask God to reveal them to you and to give you the wisdom and courage to use them for His Glory!

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17)

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

button (24)For more encouragement, read my new book Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough! To learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. You can also find me on YouTube and Pinterest.

 

You might also enjoy reading:

Happy 2017 Video Greeting & Book 3 Update

Ladies, Registration is Open for the Abounding Faith NYSB Online Class

Celebrating My Dear Dad - Birthday & World Cup Edition

Posted on

5 Questions for …

tulips-357773_1280

It’s that time of the year when I get to celebrate my Mom’s birthday! I hope you enjoy learning a little bit more about my lovely Mom in the Q/A below. You’ll hopefully get a glimpse of what a strong woman of God she is. Blessings!

I’ve interviewed Olympians, and local politicians, and even a few celebrities over the years. But this was the first time, that I can remember, that I’ve interviewed my Mom! It was long overdue! My Mom has had a major influence on my life and my faith journey. It’s only fitting that my Mom is the first person that I got to speak with for a new series that I’d like to do from time to time. So here goes:

5 Questions for …. my Mom

What is one of your favorite Bible verses? 

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). God says that He has good plans for us. We don’t have to doubt or fear Him. He doesn’t want to harm us. If something goes wrong, it’s not His doing. We can have faith in God and know that He loves us. He loves us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins and give us the gift of eternal life. He’s our loving Father.

Who is one of your favorite people from the Bible (other than Jesus)?

I admire Moses. God spoke to Moses face to face. He was a good leader, a prophet, and obedient. He took time to be with the people and made time to be with God.

What is one of your favorite Christian books?

The Bible. It has everything that we need for our daily living. That’s where you can go at all times. It’s like medicine. You can find support and everything there. There is a Word for every situation. You don’t need to go to another book. You can read other books, but there’s nothing like the Bible.

What is some advice that you would give to other believers?

Obey, persevere, and give thanks to God at all times. Thank Him in the good and bad times. Don’t get sidetracked by following others. Follow Jesus. Persevere and you will be rewarded.

How would you describe God?

He’s All Powerful! He is our Provider. There is power in His Word. He spoke everything into existence and He created us! There is no one like our God! Nothing is impossible for Him!

 

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

You might also enjoy reading:

Happy New Year - Let's SOAR in 2024!

If a Picture is Worth a Thousand Words (Part 5)

February Meet Up

Posted on

3 Ways to Have a Great Start to the New Year!

sylvester-556114_1280

New beginnings. That’s one of the great things about January and the start of a new year. But how much can you really change unless you leave old mindsets and attitudes behind?

So right here, right now at the start of 2015 I’d like to invite you to do the three items listed below. I’d be surprised if you don’t see a difference this year:

Leave the past behind you. Ask God to help you let go of past hurts and offenses. Forgive and ask for forgiveness. Embrace today and look forward to what’s ahead. “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19).

Stay in God’s Word. God’s Word brings life. Not sure where to start? Get a study Bible, sign up for reading plans online or on your mobile phone. Sign up for a Bible study class. You can’t go wrong with spending time with God. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

Make time to fellowship with other believers. Have coffee or go for a run with that friend. Join a small group. Go visit that friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).

Don’t let another year pass by where you drag baggage from the past into your present and future. Make a decision that with God’s help you will make different choices. You’ll chose to love and forgive, spend more time with God, and reach out to those that He’s placed in your life. I’d love to hear how your journey goes this year! Blessings!

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

button (24)For more encouragement, read my new ebook Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough! To learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. You can also find me on YouTube and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

You might also enjoy reading:

Happy 10th Blogversary!

Summer Updates & August Our Daily Bread Devotional Article Date

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 & My Loaves & Fish

Posted on

How to Wait on God Well – Announcing My New Ebook!

You'reGoing toMake it! (1)

I’m delighted to announce the release of my first ebook Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough!

So many times I’ve written here about waiting on God’s timing. Now I’m sharing how to wait. We all go through dry seasons in our lives. Times where we feel like we’ve been forgotten in the back side of the desert.

What are you waiting on God for?  To move, get married, be healed, become a parent or to have a wayward child come home?

I pray this ebook will encourage you to not quit in the middle of your journey! It’s always too early to give up on the dreams God has given you.

As 2014 winds down, I must say this has been a year of joy! It started with Moving Forward and launching my website AboundingFaith.com and included a short-term missions trip to Peru and winning Our Daily Bread’s Facebook Contest for Readers. Now it’s ending with my ebook. Glory!

Thank you for taking this journey with me! Here’s a little peek at what things looked like earlier this year as I was getting my manuscript ready:

I wasn’t sure if I could get everything finished by the end of the year, but the Lord opened the door and I walked through it.

I’m already praying about what’s next. I’m excited about what’s to come.

I pray you will end the year strong knowing that God loves you and is with you! Let’s see what the Lord has in store in 2015!

If you read my ebook and like it, please leave a review and rating on the site you buy it from. Blessings to you and as always, thanks for reading!

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her” (Luke 1:45)

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

button (24)For more encouragement, read my new ebook Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough! To learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. You can also find me on YouTube and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

You might also enjoy reading:

Sweet Surrender - "Abounding Faith for Today Podcast" Season 2, Episode 2

My Second Article for Our Daily Bread's Discovery Series Website

Divine Design

Posted on

Being Emptied to be Filled

furniture-349706_1280

Usually at the end of the year I get bit by the cleaning bug. This is the time of the year when I like to hibernate and take some time to purge and organize around the house.

I’m happy to report that it’s finally time to get to that one room that I’ve ignored for too long. I’m sure you have a closet, room or drawer that you have to force yourself to tackle. C’mon, be honest.

The thing is I finally have a vision for this room. That’s great. But there’s a problem. I can’t move forward with my plans because the room is already crowded with stuff.

Here’s where the lesson comes in…

This messy, disorganized room that is in desperate need of a makeover is exactly how some of us are. I know, ouch. But it’s true.

The Lord has a great plan for us, but how many of us still have “junk” in our lives that we haven’t dealt with? Before the Lord can fill us afresh in some areas, we need to let go of a few things. It’s different for everyone, but here’s a sample list: old grudges, hurts, offenses, secret sins, bad attitudes, etc…

What is the Holy Spirit pointing out to you? Could I encourage you to invite the Holy Spirit into that area of your life that is out of control so that you can be healed and filled with God’s love, grace, and mercy?

As we approach a new year, let’s let the Lord do the demolition and construction work He needs to so that He can continue His Divine Design for our lives. After all, we’re all Works in Progress.

I’m reminded of the verse that says that new wine can’t be poured into old wineskins.

“Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” (Matthew 9:17)

Let’s make room for the Lord in all areas of our lives. It may be a little painful and it will take some time, but in the end you will be amazed at how God can transform you from the inside out!

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

button (24)For more encouragement and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. You can also find me on YouTube and Pinterest.

You might also enjoy reading:

Roctober 2017 Reflections

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

Help is on the Way

Posted on

Giving Thanks!

thank-you-394180_640

I can hardly believe that Thanksgiving Day is already next week. Time is flying!

As I prepare for this upcoming holiday season, I would like to take a moment to thank you. Yes, You!

I am grateful to you for taking the time to read the words that I write here each week and for checking out my Facebook page, YouTube channel and my Pinterest boards.

Your words of encouragement and your “likes” and “shares” help to inspire me to keep writing and to keep sharing the different thoughts that God has placed on my heart.

I’m excited to see that people are visiting from all over the United States and from other countries. I’m so blessed that this blog is reaching “the nations”. If you’d like, please feel free to write where you’re from in the comments below.

I pray that you will have a wonderful and peaceful Thanksgiving and that you will never get tired of counting all your blessings from the Lord!

If you need some inspiration, please feel free to read this post from last year 25 Reasons to Thank God Today and Every Day!

Many blessings to you!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

ML button
For more encouragement and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. You can also find me on YouTube and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

You might also enjoy reading:

Thank You, Readers & Survey Reminder

Celebrating Roctober 2025 - Nancy Gavilanes

3 Lessons Learned from My Figure Skating Days - Nancy Gavilanes

Posted on

If You Could Chat with One Person from the Bible…

bible-276067_1280

I thought I’d take a stab at answering one of the questions from the “12 Journal Writing Prompts” that I made especially for those of you who have signed up to have my blog posts e-mailed to you weekly. I’d love to hear your answer in the comments below or on Facebook.

If I Could Chat with One Person from the Bible (other than Jesus) it would be.…

Abraham!

He’s been on my mind lately since I’ve been studying part of his story. I’d love to know how he had the faith to Believe God and leave everything behind and go to an unknown place.

What did he do during all those years of waiting and wondering?

What did he really think every time the Lord promised him that he would be the father of many nations? It must have seemed so far-fetched to him. So much so that he went along with the plan that Sarah hatched to help speed along their long-awaited heir.

And yet deep down, he still believed and he still waited. Now that is faith!

I’m sure he’d have fascinating stories to tell. What an interview it would be to speak with the Father of the Faithful!

Abraham’s story reminds us:

  • God is Faithful.
  • God Keeps His Word.
  • We can trust God no matter what.
  • Faith requires action even when we don’t have all the details.

What a beautiful legacy Abraham has left us. (Not familiar with his story? You can read about him in Genesis 12-25).

Now it’s your turn. Who would you like to chat with? Feel free to leave a comment or to join the conversation on Facebook.

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and don’t forget to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

ML button
For more encouragement and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. You can also find me on YouTube and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 

You might also enjoy reading:

Waiting on God in the Wilderness - Abounding Faith for Today Podcast Episode 2

Reflections on Teaching the Abounding Faith Class at a Local Bible School

Ladies, Join Us for My Two Online Classes Through the NYSB this Spring

Posted on

“Moving Beyond the Fog” Special Video

As some of you may know, I recently won Our Daily Bread‘s Facebook Contest for Readers. I’m so honored and delighted to have won. I have been reading them for many years. Their inspirational words have encouraged me many times and their writing style has influenced me as well. They recently asked me to film a short-video to share at a staff meeting. I hope you enjoy the video. I’ve also included the devotional below. Blessings to you!

Moving Beyond the Fog

Read: Psalm 119:105-107

“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

Over the years, I’ve gotten accustomed to driving from New York City to Upstate New York to visit my sister and her family. Usually the ride over the Tappan Zee Bridge, which is the longest bridge in the state, is one of the most scenic parts of the trip. I love seeing the beautiful mountains and the Hudson River. But that wasn’t the case the day I got caught in a downpour and was blinded by fog. It was so thick that I couldn’t even see the cars beside me! All I could see were the taillights from the car directly in front of me, so I followed his lead until I safely crossed the bridge.

In our daily lives, how often do we get blinded by the fog of doubt, despair, discouragement, or disappointment? Something happens and we lose sight of God’s Word and His plan for our lives. We forget God’s promises and are tempted to give up in the middle of our journey. It’s in those moments that we need to cling to God and His Word. He will show us the way to go. His Word is “a light to [our] path” (Psalm 119:105), which helps lift the fog.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, will guide, protect, and love us every step of the way.

Thank You, Lord, that even when we’re tempted to give up, You don’t give up on us! Help us to trust You and keep walking by faith and not by sight.

What seems foggy to us is crystal-clear to our all-knowing God.

Did this encourage you? Please hit “like” and be sure to sign up below to have my weekly encouraging blog posts e-mailed straight to you for free. When you subscribe below, you’ll also receive the free “12 Journal Writing Prompts” PDF I created to help inspire you as you write/journal.

ML button
For more encouragement and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. You can also find me on YouTube and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

You might also enjoy reading:

Grateful for YOU - Happy Thanksgiving!

What's Your Story?

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

Proudly powered by WordPress
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox

Join other followers