Gentlewoman, Rani Chavez

The church I attend has opened so many doors to meeting so many different people from all walks of life.  Rani and her husband Luis seemed to be a magnetic friendship for my husband and me.  It was as if God strategically placed this couple in our lives to be our BFFs.  I honestly can say that about a lot of the couples that we have met and the friends we have in our lives, but Rani and Luis have been extra special to us. 

Chris and Luis (our husbands) started their bond right away, but for Rani and me it wasn’t so instantaneous.  I remember Luis telling Rani one day, “Chris and I are going to go play soccer. Why don’t you guys go do yoga or something?” Rani and I didn’t go “do yoga”, but somewhere along the way, we became super close and she’s been such a supporter for me that I feel as if we have been friends forever. 

Rani is a sweet, fun, energetic and inspiring woman and I’m so glad to call her my friend and fellow sister in Christ.  Along with all my other sisters in Christ, Rani is one of my earth angels who lifts me in prayer.

Today I would like to share Rani’s story and hope you become inspired by her love of God, her strength and her ability to follow through on her dreams.  

 

1.     For those people who don’t know you, can you share a little bit about yourself?

 

My name is Rani (pronounced Ronnie) Chavez, wife to my loving husband, Luis and momma to our furbaby, a Chihuahua named Manny. I was born in Chicago, IL, raised in Orlando, FL and since my husband and I have been together, we have trekked around the U.S. and lived in various cities including Austin, TX and Denver, CO. I currently work full-time at the Art Institute of Dallas, and also attend as a student, majoring in Advertising Design.

 

2.     You and your husband of two years recently purchased your first home this year.  Congratulations! Can you share your house search/purchasing story with my readers?

 

Before moving to Dallas, Luis and I honestly did not think buying a house would have been a viable option given how much we had moved around in recent years due to his job. A few years ago, we started praying about our “Promised Land,” that God was to bless us with set down roots, raise a family, etc. We had a few cities in play that had given us the option of creating a home for our family, including our hometown. Would you believe that we ended up moving to a city in which we had no friends or family? Because that is what Dallas was for us! But Luis had shared with me once that Dallas had been a city placed into his heart some time ago, and when he felt the nudge to make the decision to move here through our prayers of our Promised Land, we knew it had to be God.

 

I believe that when everything falls perfectly into place, even in moments when you have your doubts, that it is God making moves for you. Our move to Dallas happened in this way when we were offered job positions prior to moving, and it also happened in our house hunt as well. The housing market right now is incredibly hot, and we discovered in our search that houses, especially the ones we chose, would only be on the market for 24 hours before it went under contract! We found ourselves in that situation a number of times, and even found ourselves in a bidding war on one home. But we continued to pray and believe that Dallas was still our Promised Land that God would come through.

 

And He did. In our search, we had visited an area of new construction of townhomes, and upon our first visit, while we loved the homes, we hesitated because of distance from our jobs. Following that visit, we continued to see disappointment after disappointment, so we decided to come back, review our options, and make an offer. The day we arrived to do this, Dot, the sales representative for the builder, told us that before we decided anything, she had two properties that had already been completed, but the previous contracts fell through, so they were now available. Not only were they now available, but they were also priced significantly lower than their standard sale price with the upgrades because the upgrades had already been included, and the builder recognized that the longer they sat empty and completed, the more money he would have to pay on it. So we decided to go for it!

 

As a first time homebuyer, I cannot even express to you the stress and anxiety I felt throughout the whole process of getting approved for a mortgage. But I saw God’s hand in this entire process. We had gotten a call from our realtor one night after we had signed the contract on the home and started the approval process. She had news that the bank appraisal had come back, and it had come back at LESS than the purchase price. This was an immediate worry because we knew a number of things, either good or bad, could happen including the builder choosing to reduce the purchase price or a cancellation of the contract all together if we can’t come to an agreement with the builder. But our realtor had more news – the builder not only agreed to sell it at the reduced appraisal price, but he also agreed to keep the previous terms of our contract, which included him paying for a portion of our closing costs! So to give you a number, we were able to purchase a completely brand new townhome for $20K less than the standard purchase price that they are now selling for. THAT, my friends, is ALL GOD!

 

 

3.     You and your husband recently celebrated your wedding anniversary this month.  Congrats! Most people don’t know that this is your second marriage.  Having experienced a marriage that didn’t survive, what advice would you share with other women who are in a relationship that (in their eyes) has no hope for recovery or for a woman who is either contemplating divorce/separation?

 

Ah, going for the big guns with this question! :)

 

I think it’s important to know a little bit of my back story to my first marriage before I give my advice. For privacy, I won’t use his name, but S and I got married fairly young. We had dated exclusively for about a year or so before he decided to go into the Air Force. We eloped shortly after he completed boot camp, and spent the first year of marriage apart with his first tour being overseas in South Korea. S and I were married for about 5 years before we divorced. There were a number of factors that affected our marriage in those 5 years including the military and chosen career paths. The last two years of our marriage were the rockiest. We had separated, but had made attempts to reconcile. I experienced many ups and downs and gray areas during this time with S. I won’t go into too much detail, but at the end of the day, and in hindsight, S and I had grown up and grown into two different people whose personal and professional goals just didn’t overlap or mesh well together. The decision to divorce was mutual between us. At that time, I can tell you that my decision was based on taking care of me and my happiness, knowing what I was worth, and feeling I had spent too much time waiting for him to turn around and decide to work at our marriage WITH me because I felt like it had been 110% me working, and 0% him working.

 

What I find is also very important to know is that when we decided to get divorced, I was not saved. I was far from God, and did not know Jesus. It was only after we began the process that I found Jesus and gotten saved. If I had gotten saved prior to making the decision, perhaps how I handled our marriage might have been different. I might have prayed about our situation or been more patient. But I do strongly believe that everything happens for a reason and that it is all a part of God’s amazing plan. God knows what He’s doing, and for me to find Him after the fact has His perfect timing all over it because I would not be who I am or be where I am today.

I recognize that an experience such as this, being part of a difficult relationship, is different for everyone. So many factors that affect the situation can come into play, and they can differ for the next person such as children or ownership of homes. Having gone through what I’ve gone through in addition to knowing what I know now, my advice would be to lean on and trust God. Pray about your situation. Pray for His guidance. Pray that He would speak to you and your heart. Find wisdom in His Word. Find support in friends who align themselves with God and His commands. One of the hardest things one can go through in this situation is feeling alone. But know you are NOT alone. As His beautiful daughter, He wants what is best for you, and He will ALWAYS be there for you. Seek Him, and you will find your answers.

 

 

4.     In your experience, what makes a marriage thrive? How is this marriage different from your first?

 

One of the first things I ever learned when I got saved and when I reconnected with Luis, who was one of the main people who brought me to Christ, was that our relationship was never just going to be Rani and Luis – it was always going to be a relationship between Rani, Luis and God. God has been the main difference in my second marriage in comparison to my first. He has brought us through our most happy and most difficult times, and it is He who has helped our marriage thrive.

 

I had read a quote awhile back by Ruth Bell Graham that said “A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers.” I believe this applies to my marriage. With the Lord being at the center of our marriage, we always strive to be a forgiving wife and husband towards each other because we want to forgive as God as forgiven us. His forgiveness has become our standard. We are not a perfect couple; we fight and disagree as much as the next, but we recognize forgiveness and do so. We also don’t hold on to the anger; we let it go, and move forward. In addition to forgiveness, understanding, communication, and of course love, is key for us.

 

I wish I could say that how I felt for Luis when the sparks first flew is how I still feel now, but I can confidently say it’s not… because I love him much, much, much more now. :)

 

 

5.     What is your favorite verse?  What does this verse mean to you?

 

So hard to pick just one when I have many! I’ll have to go with Psalm 139:14, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

 

As women, we often find ourselves to be our own worst critic. I’m too short. I’m too tall. I’m too fat. I wish I was as smart as so-and-so. Why don’t I have a creative bone in my body like so-and-so? But honestly - how can the portrait be angry with the artist? How can the clay be angry with the potter? I could not have been created, BUT GOD chose to make me. I have been created with purpose, intent, worth, and love. I have been uniquely crafted by the finest creator – I am exactly who God wanted me to be. And you are too.

 

 

6.     What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

 

To keep moving forward, and if you ever come to a crossroads, pray about it.

 

7.     What are your dreams?

 

I have a few! I dream of the day where I can be my own boss and have my own business. I also dream of expanding our family one day to include not just our own children, but to also be able to give a child (or children) who has no family, a home and family of their own. I also hope to be an inspiration through my faith, work and actions.

 

 

8.       Who inspires you and why?

 

My parents are definitely one of my biggest inspirations. They immigrated to the United States from the Philippines in 1979/1980. They wanted a better life for themselves and their family; to chase the American dream. They have made so many sacrifices in moving to America - they left what they knew to be familiar and close; they missed watching their brothers and sisters grow up with their families; my mom missed the death of her mother and her funeral. But they did it all to make sure my brother and I had the opportunity to live a better life than they had. It is something I will forever be grateful for.

 

 

 

My husband also inspires me. I had mentioned earlier that Luis was one of the people that had a big part bringing me to Christ. When we first started dating, I remember one of our first conversations we had about God. I remember listening to him speak about God, and the passion and love I heard in his voice about Him was enough to make me break down and cry (and I did). He had come a long way in his journey as a Christian by the time he and I had begun dating, so I was always both inspired and intimidated by his knowledge and desire for God and His Word. Luis is one of the most God-fearing, selfless, loving, and hardest working people I know, and I am not just saying that because he’s my husband. :)

 

 

My FC family is also an inspiration. Before settling in Dallas, Luis and I had moved around quite a bit, so we never really had a chance to really make friends or find consistency in a church. When we started attending Fellowship Church, we made friends more quickly than in previous cities we lived in. For me, having not been truly part of a church family before, to have these people, these women, in my life has been truly life-changing. I have never been surrounded by as many women that love God as much as I do until now. I am constantly amazed at their strength and support for each other. Our FC family has welcomed us into their lives and have become the family we need in a city where we have none.

9.       What do you think women in our generation need to hear?

 

You are stronger, more amazing, and more talented than you give yourself credit for. You are beautiful. You are enough. You have purpose. You are worthy. Wrap your mind around how the God of the universe took the time to create you to be intended for something great. There has never been, and there will never be another you!

 

10.   What are you most proud of?

 

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come in my walk with Christ. Most days, I still feel like a baby Christian – I feel like there’s still so much more to learn and so much more wisdom to gain. But that saying, “I’m not where I want to be, but thank God I’m not where I used to be,” – YES. I am eternally grateful for how far my Father in Heaven has carried me thus far, and I know He will continue to hold me up in my journey. I am also most proud of myself for going back to school to earn my degree. Every day, I see students at my college withdraw or drop a class because “it’s too hard” or “I need to work, so I can’t take classes,” and I could easily be one of those students, too. To be a full-time employee and a student is not an easy task, and I come home exhausted every single day of the week wanting to give up, but I don’t. I’m keeping my eye on the prize, and I keep moving forward.

 

Thank God for my old stompin' ground. I wouldn't be standin' right here, right now, If it wasn't for Texas. – George Strait “Texas”

Gentlewoman, Patchi Hasegawa

Giving up control is hard.  Especially for someone like me. I always felt if I could control a situation then things would be just as I needed them to be.  Wrong.  Instead I found myself chasing after the impossible.

As women, we are so fixated in fixing, solving and rescuing others and ourselves from life’s problems.  When we face trials and God doesn’t answer right away, we can question Him and lose our faith, or we can stand firm, withstand the pain and sorrow and persevere to the other side where milk and honey overflow.

Today, I want to share a beautiful story of a woman, my friend and fellow sister in Christ, who is currently walking in a time where most would lose their faith.  But not her.  She is strong and determined knowing that her Savior will see her through.   

For those people who don’t know you, can you share a little bit about yourself?

My name is Patchi and I was born and raised in Brasil.  I am 33 years young and I am a fourth generation Brazilian-Japanese, meaning I am full blood Japanese mixed with both Japanese and Brazilian cultures. I love to eat, dance, and travel and I love to worship God.
I love coffee and I enjoy cooking and reading. I went to OU for undergrad (Boomer Sooner) and USC for PT school.

 

I am happily married to Tetsuya "T" and we have a smart, energetic, and funny three year old son named Kunimatsu who speaks three languages (Portuguese, Japanese and English). I have been working as a Physical Therapist for more than eight years now and I completely love my job.

 

 

You are originally from Brazil and came to the US for college.  You have shared stories with me from learning the language to embracing and adapting to the culture.  What a journey and adjustment.  Where did you get the courage to make such a transition?

Looking back, I probably did not think it through, but I did see it as an amazing opportunity.
I didn’t realize all the difficulties until I actually got here. You try to prepare yourself as much as possible, but it is so different when you finally make the switch (language, culture, people, and no family). It was one of the hardest obstacles in my life, mainly because I was far from God.

 

You and your husband T are one of my favorite couples.  Ya’ll are such a fun and caring couple.  It surprised me when you told me that your husband T took awhile before he made the decision to come to church.  Several Sundays you attended service by yourself.  It took some time, but T’s heart was changed and now he not only attends, but he serves every Sunday in the worship center as an usher.  Can you share with my readers your story and how church became a saving grace for you both not only individually, but as a couple and as parents? 

My husband T grew up in Japan in a Buddhist culture. He came from a great family and has always been a great man. We met in college when I was far from God. We eventually got married and both began our careers. Things were going well, but I had an emptiness inside. I knew deep down I needed God. I visited a few churches and eventually found Fellowship Church and I decided to stay. I made a commitment to go every Sunday.  

This decision rocked our marriage, but I prayed and put my trust in God. I invited T every Sunday to join me, even when I knew he would say no. I prayed practically every day for a whole year for him to come with me. One year later he said yes! He started to come occasionally and listened to the messages. Everything was so new to him, but he could relate. After a few months he was coming every weekend.

It would take two additional years of praying for him to be saved (accepting Jesus as his Lord) and to be baptized. I do believe in the power of prayer! I also believe that when God calls someone, then it is done.

 

I praise God when I see T now. He is so obedient. We are both learning and growing our relationship with God. When I see him praising God or attending bible group, serving in church, tithing, studying the bible at night, etc God will nudge me and remind me that He is faithful, He hears all my prayers, He loves me and wants what is best. He has perfect timing. God gave me more than I ever dreamed or imagined.

My son is now three and he has been going to church ever since he was born. We pray together every day and have started to watch leadership for kids.

 

Even when we feel we are doing all that God has asked, He places hardships in our lives for reasons we’ll never know or understand.  In the natural, it could make us turn against our faith.  God, why would you allow this to happen, we ask ourselves?  If we hold strong to his promises, we can remain faithful and know that He can turn what was meant for our harm into a greater purpose.  With that being said, you and your husband have had a hard time conceiving.  A problem that did not occur with your firstborn.   Can you share your story with my readers?

T and I had no problems getting pregnant with Kuni, therefore, when we wanted to expand our family and ran into difficulty I couldn’t understand. T and I have been trying to conceive for over 2 years. The only measures I have experimented with has been acupuncture treatment. I was planning on starting other exams, but I felt that God did not want me to try to control everything. So I stopped acupuncture and decided not to seek other medical tests at this time. I wholeheartedly believe that He wants to get all the glory when it happens.

I have had ups and downs this whole time. Some months I feel totally fine and covered with God’s peace, while others I have cried, felt so many different feelings from angry to disappointment, sadness, discouragement and low self-esteem. Even with all that, I still would not change my circumstances because I grew so much in my relationship with the Lord. I have been reading the bible more, learning who He is and experiencing His grace, love, and peace that I know can only come from above and could only be experienced by what I had gone through.

Before it would almost hurt when people asked me about another baby. I would think "if you knew the pain you would not ask. I will let you know when it happens". Then I remembered I had done that to other women with absolute innocence. I did not know anything about infertility.
Most of the time now I just smile and nod if it is a stranger. Other times, I respond by saying we are trying. I know it is more common than we think and I’m not sure if women feel comfortable talking about it. For some, I’m sure it is painful, but I have talked to a few people about it and I have tried to encourage them as I feel encouraged and strengthen by God.

T, my husband, has been my rock this whole time. I would joke in my head, wow, the "new Christian" is teaching me how to believe and trust. He has never felt sad or disappointed. He would just say, trust God and His timing. God is never late and His timing is perfect.

What I find ironic is that T has a great success rate of getting couples pregnant through acupuncture, but for us, it has been hard. As I did acupuncture with T, God taught me to put my trust in Him more than T, even though I know T always gives glory to God for what he is able to do through his work.
I have prayed, journaled, fasted for 21 days, etc. God lovingly let me know and reminded me that it is not by works, but His grace always! I have learned that several women in the bible had difficulties conceiving including Sarah, Rebecca, and Elizabeth. God used temporary infertility to show His power.

Lately I’ve come to realize that I need to fully surrender to God with everything.  I still battle with trying to control some things.

I don't remember who said this: We’re often so anxious to get out of difficult, painful, or challenging situations that we fail to grow through them. We’re so fixated on getting out of them that we don’t get anything out of them. We fail to learn the lessons God is trying to teach us or cultivate the character God is trying to grow in us. We’re so focused on God changing our circumstances that we never allow God to change us!

I pray that God will continue to teach me and help me grow as I will keep on waiting, praying, and trusting in God and His perfect timing.  I pray that other women going through infertility will learn to cry out to God and feel His love, peace and grace and wait expectantly for his miracle.

 

 

 

Looking back on your life, what would you tell the younger you during your most difficult time?

I would tell myself this, especially in college: Do not turn away from God. Obey God, read the bible and do what the bible says. The bible is not meant to limit you, but to protect and guide you. Trust in God. Find a church and find the right friends (THEY). Everything will be just fine.

 

 

 

What is your favorite verse?  What does this verse mean to you?

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 NIV)
This is one of the first verses I memorized and to this day there are times I have to remind myself that He is in control and He has great plans for me according to His timing.

What are your dreams?

I feel I am living my American dream. I have a wonderful husband and son. We are all healthy, working in jobs we enjoy. We have the opportunity to travel and visit our families in Japan and Brasil. We also have loving and supportive family and friends.

 

I dream and hope to do more for God. I pray He will give me the steps, words, courage, etc to do what He called me to do. I hope to minister to people I encounter by healing, words of encouragement, or by any other form that God provides me with.

We just went to Japan a few weeks ago, and with every person I met I would wonder how their lives would be impacted “if they knew God”. I am working on making a card to hand out to people next time we go there. Gospel for Japan and maybe other family members.

The biggest dream of all is for every generation in my family moving forward will know God and have a relationship with Him.

 

Who inspires you and why?

My grandmother and T.

I am inspired by my grandmother's faith and hard work. She would always tell us to go to church and pray. More than anything I remember her doing it. She had a leg problem for many years.  She continued to go to church regardless. She finally had a below the knee amputation in her late 80s to early 90s and with her prosthesis and walker she would still walk around the house and go up steps.  She never gave up. She was also married for over 60 years!

Oh my, where do I start with T? He is just so disciplined in everything he does. He thinks outside the box and makes things simple. He is a problem solver, hard worker, generous, loving, smart and very funny. He has great insight and wisdom. He is a good man, great husband, father, and leader. He always does his best. Once he is in, he is all in.

 

What do you think women in our generation need to hear?

Please get off your cell phone. I saw an article the other day titled "Are you married to your phone?" It hit me. Some of us are spending more time than we should on our phone - including myself. I have seen people glued to their phone while on a date. Moms/dads are in the park staring at their phone while their kids are trying to get their attention. You can even catch people who are driving on their phone.  It has become an obsession.

Also remember we are beautifully and fearfully made with the purpose to glorify God in everything we do.

What are you most proud of?

I am proud of my parents. They did their best and they are a big part of who I am today. I am proud of T's love for God and proud of Kuni. I am proud of my life as a gymnast. It taught many things, especially perseverance and that we can do more than our minds think (thanks to our coaches).

 

 

 

 

 

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." – Mark 11:24

Gentlewoman, Monica Valdez

There’s something about Monica.  I can’t quite put my finger on what exactly sets her apart from other women I know.  Perhaps it’s that sweet soft voice that she has, or maybe it’s that beautiful smile that lights up a room.   Monica carries a light within her and it shines bright! 

Monica has been one of my fellow encouragers.  I can lean on her for guidance, wisdom and prayer.  She is a woman of her word and when she says “I’m praying for you” I know she really means it.  Monica has this inner peace that spreads like a wildfire.  She seems almost super human as I always see her smiling.  I’ve never seen her down, upset or even heard her raise her voice.  I admire that about her.

Today, I would like to share her light and uplifting personality with you as I share her story with you.

For those people who don’t know you, can you share a little bit about yourself?

My name is Monica Valdez. I am a first generation baby, born and raised in Texas and I currently live in Dallas.  I'm married to a wonderful husband named Jesse and I am a proud mommy to our 2 beautiful boys, Lyric & Liam. I have 3 gorgeous step-children, Speshal, Yishai and Bella, who complete our family. I am also the owner of Monica Elizabeth Designs.

 

 

I’ve been through so much with my recent job situation/wanting to start my own business and you have been there through it all to assist me with support, motivation and even creating my logo design for All Things Co.   Can you share with my readers how it came to be that you decided to start your own business?

I was an Art Director for a company in Dallas for 5 years, originally hired on as a Graphic Designer. It was my first real experience working in this field after leaving the Art Institute of Dallas where I majored in design. I absolutely loved my job, loved my boss, loved the people I was working for and with but I knew God had more in store for me. I could remain and stay comfortable with where I was, or I could follow my heart's ultimate desires and move forward with starting my own business.

There were things that happened leading up to that day, but I remember driving to work that morning, having my morning talk with the Lord when I heard and knew that THAT was the day I needed to put in my 2 weeks’ notice. As I got to work, I almost pulled out my chair when I felt God's little nudge. If I sat down, I'd lose my nerve. When God speaks, we must listen!

I put in my notice without a safety net and He has been with me ever since. It took about 6 months to get business up and going, but I started feeling the blessings from obedience coming in right away.

 

 

You and I both have a blended family - which honestly has become the norm for the average American family.  What are the struggles you face when it comes to blending children from two marriages and how do you cope?  Do you have any advice for those women entering a blended family or those who are in a blended family and are facing difficulty in creating a blended home?

I think the most important thing to do when entering this type of family dynamic, is to make sure you consider everyone involved. Never neglect the feelings of the children, no matter the age. My husband was previously married and 3 beautiful children came out of that marriage. I had no children myself and was young enough to bond with them on a friendship level before anything else, but we did have our struggles. I think the hardest thing was communication.

 

 

 

I can look back and think of a million times I could have said something differently, or responded differently. It's hard because the children want to know you are committed before they can allow themselves to be and not seeing them everyday can make that difficult. I got to a point many years ago where I said, "This is the life God has chosen for me, this is the husband he has blessed me with and his children are a bonus not an obligation." I can honestly say that in any situation...GOD changes everything. I put Him in the center and prayed for Him to open up my heart to loving the way HE intended me to love all along. If God blesses you with the opportunity to be a step-parent in a child’s life, do it with all of your heart…openly, honestly and without reservation. Never be scared to love too much!

 

You and your husband Jesse have such a strong bond that overflows with love.  It is evident in the way he looks at you, when he speaks about you and when you guys are together.  Can you share your love story with my readers?

Okay, definitely blushing! Yes, I met Jesse ten years ago. He was the drummer of a band and I was in college. I was a third wheel on a date with two good friends when he approached me and won me over with his sweet words. I didn't give him my number – instead I took his. I didn't reach out until two weeks later - but he had been on my mind the whole time. He was genuine, not like anyone else I had met. During our first conversation, he told me about his children and, unlike any time before, I was totally okay with it. We talked about many things but when he spoke about Christ, I knew I had met him for a reason.

Our first date was at the State Fair and truthfully, that's where I fell in love. We were walking, holding hands and he was singing to me there amongst all the noise, all the people. Everything just drowned out; he could care less who was around.

 

 

Jesse has always loved me with a genuine love. Despite our age difference, our backgrounds, our past personal struggles, we came together at a time where we both needed each other’s company. We were both starting over in our own ways and God knew exactly what He was doing crossing our paths together!

 

 

There are lots of struggles that come with being married.  Anyone that is married can attest to that I’m sure.  In your opinion, what do you think makes a marriage thrive?

I think it's never allowing that first initial attraction to fade. What drew me in, in the beginning, still draws me in today. My husband still flirts with me every day. He still writes me these cute little love songs and tries hard to make me blush. And I make sure to make him feel loved and appreciated for all he does for our family. We don't just say "I love you", we live it out and mean it. But the one thing that we have made sure to do is put Christ at the center of our marriage. Our marriage hasn't always been easy so in the roughest parts, HE carried us. That has made all the difference. ;)

 

 

What is your favorite verse?  What does this verse mean to you?

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation (trials & sorrow). But take heart! I have overcome the WORLD.” This continues to be one of my favorites because it is Jesus speaking, giving encouragement, letting us know it's NOT going to be easy but the battle has already been won. In Christ, you will find peace no matter the circumstance. Be of good cheer, keep smiling and continue on because the victory is ours.

What are your dreams?

I have many! But I think I mostly just want to help people any way I can. I pray all the time for God to use me for His Glory. Whether through my church, my business or everyday interactions,  I hope to one day be in a position to help and encourage women who have gone through similar struggles, children who have lost a parent, or people looking for love in the wrong places.

 

 

Who inspires you and why?

My parents are my biggest inspirations.  My mom was the sweetest, most lovable person who dedicated her life to raising me and my siblings in a strong yet loving household. She was my absolute best friend and where my spiritual commitment originates from. It was her prayers, when she would stay up late at night waiting for me to come home, that saved me. My mother passed away unexpectedly 4 years ago, but there isn't a day that her words and actions don't inspire me to be a better woman, wife and mother.

 

 

 

My Father is one of the hardest working men I know. His commitment to our family when we were young didn't stop when we got older, it only grew stronger. He is an amazing father, grandfather and father-in-law. He inspires me to work hard, never give up living and when life knocks you down, "Talk to the man upstairs!"  My parents were married for 30 years, their love and commitment to each other is inspiration in my own marriage to never stop loving.

 

 

 

What do you think women in our generation need to hear?

Be confident in who you are because you were made beautiful in God's image. You were made for a purpose, one greater than we could ever logically understand so don't beat yourself up trying to find one. You have the ability to impact anyone and everyone around you with something as simple as a smile, use it. And please never neglect your own character as an asset. You are more than capable of being the confident, compassionate, gentlewoman God intended you to be. Embrace it and see yourself as the daughter of a King, because you are. 

 

 

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of how far I've come in my relationship with Christ. Apart from Him, I can do nothing. I have traveled a long way from who and where I was spiritually 11 years ago. I was involved with the wrong people, the wrong "THEY" and I was only headed down hill (literally). It took a near death experience for me to wake up and make the decision to change my life. I've never been happier or more grateful for the people I now have surrounding me. I wouldn't trade my past for anything; it completely made me who I am today. God blessed me through it and I now love my life because of it!

 

Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all! – Proverbs 28-29