Moving Cities

We are saying goodbye to Texas and hello go Georgia. 

Texas was better than we could have imagined. It will always feel like home. Our time here was tremendous. We learned to love everything about this State because of the wonderful people we met. We are eternally grateful to God. We came as a family of four, we leave as a family of 5. How incredibly blessed we are.

We are looking forward to seeing what God has prepared for us in this new place which feels like home already. 

These days we are getting ready to move. We are saying goodbye to friends who became family. We are saying hello to new friends and we are eager to grow roots in our new community. 

Moving cities is what you make it. I enjoy making it a great adventure with God. So let's grow.

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Moving Mindset

For some reason, when my life is about to change in a big way, medical professionals ask me the question: "how do we feel about this?" A nurse asked me this when I confirmed that I was expecting my first baby. Recently, a doctor friend asked us the same question when we told him we were moving.

How do I feel? It depends of the time of day. I know that feelings follow mindset. Focusing on my mindset is very smart.

There is an abundance of moving advice related to the material world. There isn't a lot of advice when it comes to mindset. Everyone agrees moving is difficult, then we start talking about the inconvenience of boxing our stuff. We soon forget about your mindset and the wide range of feelings we feel.

I learned a long time ago to "feel my feelings." I also learned that it is wise to choose my mindset when it comes to moving.

Believe it or not, we can make the entire experience of moving worse because of our mindset. I choose to have a positive mindset because God is very positive about my move. With that in mind, I went back to an anchor verse we used 8 years ago when we came to TX:

“For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills Shall break forth into singing before you, And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah‬ ‭55:12‬ 

If you want to make moving easier, carefully choose your mindset. How do you do that?

1 • choose an anchor verse. It is wise to ask yourself, "how does God feel about this?" or "Who is God for me in this situation?"
2 • choose words to describe your specific mindset. My words are  "joyful" and "peaceful."
3 • feel your feelings. It is just healthy to feel your feelings. I've been doing that throughout this entire transition. I also have a few friends who have been extremely supportive by listening to me, talking through my stuff and actually allowing me to cry when needed.

I know that moving and transitions are not easy. The good thing is that I can choose my mindset. I can be positive about the new thing God is bringing to pass. I can also feel my feelings.

More posts in this series:

• Moving to Texas in 2011
• Hope during transition
• Isolation
• Making Friends and Singing (video)
• How my roots grew deeper
• Unintentional Church Hopper
• Transition and the dorm room
• Transitioning from stay-at-home mom to working mom
• Moving to Longview 2019

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Marathon Training: Week 9-12

The first my family had a major move, I was dreaming of running my first marathon. I would accomplish that dream a few years later, thanks to the support of my beloved running group.

As I get closer to marathon number 6 (I know, it's hard to believe I crossed that many finish lines), I am in the middle of a major move.

Moving is not easy, yet, I can say thanks to it, I am quite the self-elected expert on transitions. As the main expert on my own life, I know that I need to connect in order to thrive.

Let's be honest, I could train by myself, but I choose not to. Enter the local running club. The greatest solution to my training challenge!

I'm not sure if you were a reader back then, but I have found running clubs in other places. Here I am running in Memphis and in North Mississippi.

I also wrote a helpful post called "5 tips for running on vacation" where I teach you how to safely run with or without people.

I decided to connect with the runners in Longview sooner than later. I attempted to run with them a month ago, but I had a bad night of sleep. Last weekend, I was in town so I joined them for a run. I was scheduled to run 7 miles but their club had an 8-mile loop. I took on the challenge and showed up a little before call time.

I was warmly welcomed. I made sure I connected with them online before actually showing up so they would know I was coming. The run was challenging but the camaraderie I felt made the miles feel easy.

Friends, East Texas is hilly. There are no hills around our current neck of the woods so, I just took on those suckers and kept going. Yep, I used my usual tactics. I usually make fun of something and I'm overly positive. I also told myself, "I eat hills like candy" although I don't like either. Anyway, I enjoyed the run because I basically took a tour of the town with the best tour guides ever. I really got a better understanding of the culture and I am so thankful for the hospitality I received.

What happens to my beloved local running club? I'll be back for a few runs. I will continue to encourage and cheer on as I need the very same thing from my friends.

Running has been a life-saver during this process. I find that having a goal for the season gives me an outlet. I can focus on my running goals instead of being completely overwhelmed with change.

So far, I'm hitting my time goals pretty well. My nutrition and hydration goals are also going well. The greatest challenge I currently face is cross-training. My gym membership ran out, which means I'm 100% responsible for training on my own. I have a workout plan and the willingness to do that. As soon as I sign up for another gym, I will be lifting weights again and strengthening my lower body with the help of the machines.

Oh, I will also need to find a sports massage place in the new hometown. So many new things. One day at a time, right? For now, I will enjoy running with my beloved running club.

My goal is to enjoy the run and the people. I will try not to think about how much I'll miss them because when I think of sad things during a run I hyperventilate - ain't nobody got time for that! I will think about our funny moments and how much I will enjoy seeing everyone on marathon morning.

Change is inevitable and what we do with it makes us resilient.

More on this series:
• Weeks 1-3
• Weeks 4-8

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I'm a running coach!

Happy National Running Day! I'm celebrating all day by resting. Resting is an important part of running. I want to run for a long time so resting and recovering need to be part of the plan for me.

I am happy to announce that I am getting to the end of my sabbatical. If you follow me on Instagram, you are probably wondering what in the world I do when I am NOT on exercise sabbatical. I love training, running for the joy of it. I am currently getting in shape to run a marathon in January, the Chevron Houston Marathon.

My goal between now and the beginning of the season is to be faithful with cross training and take it easy during my weekend runs. I am also swimming as cross training.

By the time we start marathon training in July, my body will be in the best shape to conquer 26.2 miles.

Another happy news in my world is that I was invited to be one of the Head Coaches for my running group. USA has helped me reach the finish lines of 5 marathons, 5 half marathons and many other distances in between. Other than the 30 years of experience they put into their training plan, I made lifelong friends. If you are a local friend, I hope you join us to train for the distance of your choice and change your life!

USA Fit is a group for walkers and runners. We cover every pace imaginable and every distance you desire to conquer. USA Fit is in many locations in the US so find your local chapter!

Today my own early morning group is celebrating 1 year. It started as a 6-week experiment and one year later, I'm glad we kept it going. Beat the Sun is a virtual group as well. Join us if you want to be motivated to reach your fitness goals!

It is not too late to decide what your exercise goals for the year need to be. Today is a great day to start. Start small. If you have a big goal (marathon, half marathon) find a group that can support you and empower you.

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Simply Cintia Podcast

I am so excited to announce my Podcast, the Simply Cintia Podcast is now available on iTunes and Google Play!

I have dreamed about this project for a while and I would love if you could subscribe and leave me a 5-star review on iTunes. Here is a tutorial on how to leave a review.
Reviews are important because they help other people find the podcast. The main reason why I'm expanding is so people who do not know my blog can find hope through my spoken words. I appreciate your help with that!

For 15 years, I've been blogging. My goal is always to remind you that there is hope. I'm convinced you have what it takes to live the extraordinary life God has for you.

During those 15 years, I haven't had any major sponsors. The joke was always that my husband was the sponsor because he always paid for everything. As I expand to this new platform, I need your donation so that my mission to spread hope online, one word at a time can go further.

Simply click the Donation button on my Podcast page.

Another great way of helping is to become a Subscriber and to leave a review. You can also spread the word to your friends. Word of mouth is the best publicity tool because friends trust friends.

Your prayers are the most precious contribution to my mission. Prayers give heaven permission to invade earthly circumstances. It is my desire that this project will be brilliantly used by God.

I appreciate your readership of 15 years (and going!). I appreciate your friendship and your words of encouragement.

Have an amazing week and let me know what you think of my Podcast's trailer! 

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Goals: 32 Weeks in 2016

I just completed 42 weeks of my adventure as a preschool music teacher. I am thankful to God for what's ahead. While I have learned a lot from the past, one thing is for sure: there is nothing I can do about it. Yesterday is gone and all I have is what God has given me in the gift of today. 

You and I have great possibilities contained in the next 32 weeks. What will you do with it? I have a pretty great idea of what I can do. 

• Family - Camp Listenbee will be in session for the summer again. I am planning an epic time with the kids. The goal is to experience new things without being over committed and exhausted. I'm looking forward to a happy summer filled with fun memories. I also plan on spending some major time with my husband. I've been married to him for 10 years but somehow, I can't get enough of him. 

• Health - I scheduled my annual exams and I have been working closely with my family doctor. I see her every 3 months because of the high blood pressure meds I have been on since 2007. The last time I was there I told her I am working on losing weight and she gave me some great advice. My goal is to be fit for my Fall and Winter races. Now is the time to do the hard work and I will continue to benefit throughout the year. 

• Fitness - I am reading "Run Less Run Fast" with my running buddies. I like the book and I plan on starting that training plan soon. My next race (Rock'n'Roll San Jose Half) is in October, so my fitness goal is to PR as well as a have a lovely time in California with my dear friend and her family. Right after that we crank up the Chevron Houston Marathon Training. My heart is to train with purpose for Houston and finally, finally run a dreamy race that shows in the numbers. 

• Business - I am open and eager to pursue new business opportunities this year. I've been praying and working on new projects and I'm excited about the places God is taking me. 

• Faith - There is something about faith that is not quantitative. God is all about relationship, so I'm happy about that. I am planning on continuing to read my Bible in One Year. I'm late but I am persisting and reading daily. I am also embarking on a new area where I have the honor of co-teaching Colossians with a dear mentor and a faithful sister in Christ. The study is called "Walk this Way" and you can listen to it this summer at www.MerryMinistries.com If you are a local friend, I expect you there. If not, do listen online. I will be studying and praying more than usual this summer as we embark in this amazing journey through God's word with the help of the Holy Spirit. 

I wonder if you have considered the fact that this is a good time to focus on your goals. January is gone but God is a present help today and He loves you for who you are, just where you are. 

Look for updates on these goals a few times this year and I will count on your prayers and encouragement, deal? 

Have an amazing day! 

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2016 Chevron Houston Marathon Aramco Houston Half Marathon Ambassador Team

I am so incredibly honored and excited to be part of the 2016 Chevron Houston Marathon Aramco Houston Half Marathon Ambassador Team! Many thanks to God, my family and to the Marathon Committee for the opportunity.

The first thing I want to share is that open Registration for the 2016 Chevron ‪#‎HouMarathon‬ and Aramco Houston Half Marathon starts in 50 DAYS on June 3rd! Follow this link for all the info! *Guaranteed Registration for the 2016 Race Weekend of Events begins on May 6, 2015

I look forward to spreading the word about the Marathon as well as letting you know how my training is going. I am also so excited to be part of such an amazing group of runners! I can't want to get to know everyone better. Go to this link to follow everyone on social media. 

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Happy Running: Tough Week

Guess what????

Chicago Bound!!!

Thanks to God I got in the Chicago Marathon through their lottery system. Chicago is my dream marathon so I am super excited and thankful!!! I ask for your prayers as I head into training for Chicago. As you can tell, my kids are just posing for this picture, they really don't know what's going on :)

walking with the kids 

 Last week training was super tough. I focused on speed but my nutrition was not on top shape. One of the highlights of my week was pushing 73 lbs of pure delight in one of my cross training walks.

A great thing to see, always. 

My long run was the most difficult run I've had in a while. I didn't eat well the night before AND it was super humid but thanks to my training buddies I made it through. My goal for this week is to be super strict with my nutrition and keep training smart. Today's cross training session was very successful. 12 days away from the 10K I am feeling thankful for all God has done and all He will do for me. 

Well, just wanted to share the good news! Happy running everyone!

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Story of Mum: I'm Confident!

I am so excited to be part of Story of Mum today! StoryofMum.com is a British Mommy community where mothers from all over the world can share ideas and find inspiration to be better mothers. 

Be sure to visit I'm a mum and a... Confident Woman and let me know what you think! 

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Mindful Challenge

"...be mindful to be a blessing..." Galatians 6:10 (AMP)

Today I am reminded of all the needs around me. For most humans, the needs closest to us (a to-do list at work or the dirty diaper your toddler is wearing) are the ones we go to the quickest. While I believe we should tackle our list and change dirty diapers, I am aware that we can be a blessing to others in the midst of our busyness. Sending a card to a friend, giving a neighbor a bowl of fruit from your backyard or texting a friend saying "I am praying for you today" can make a world of difference.
Galatians 6 talks about gentleness in restoration, carrying each other's burdens and not thinking we are better than a person who made a mistake. I think it's impressive that the Bible doesn't make exceptions for busy people when it comes to helping others. I understand there are seasons in life where all you can do is put one foot in front of the other such as when you have infants in your care or a large project at work. I am also mindful that life is not made of emergencies only. There are plenty of times when we can look around and meet the needs of others.

Join me today as I am mindful to be a blessing. You don't have to get out of your way to do it. It may be that you return your shopping cart instead of leaving it in the middle of the parking lot. It may be saying a kind word to a cashier who's obviously having the worse day of her life. It may be an encouraging phone call to a friend who has been on your mind but you haven't talked to in a while. Go a step further and write down your experiences in a journal or blog about it. At the end of the month, let's look back and share our experiences and what we've learned. Who's up to a 28-day challenge? So here is how it works:

Mindful Challenge: Pay attention to the needs of others around you.
How? Be mindful, be helpful or encouraging to someone every day this month. Register your experience in a journal, blog, etc and share your experience here on March 1. Be creative! I'd love to see Vlogs too!

Remember that you are blessed to be a blessing. Have an amazing month!

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Mais uma Bênção a Caminho

Estamos gratos a Deus por mais um/a bebê a caminho! Dessa vez o nascimento será em Junho de 2012 com a ajuda de Deus. Orem por uma gravidez e bebê saudáveis a abençoados queridos amigos e amigas.
Resolvemos esperar bastante pra fazer o anúncio. O plano foi de colocarmos no cartão de natal, e desse jeito o pessoal ia descobrir quando recebesse. O problema é que assim que descobri eu comecei a mudar muito. Minha barriga já está aparecendo, eu estava MUITO cansada. Outra coisa interessante é que o pessoal da igreja começou perguntando se eu estava grávida, e eu disse que sim. A grande maioria dos nossos amigos descobriram no aniversário do meu esposo. Ele estava tão feliz e resolveu contar a boa notícia. Fizemos um vídeo anunciando.

Estou muito grata a Deus por essa bênção. Filhos são herança, dádivas do Senhor (Salmo 127:3) e sou muito grata a Deus por essas bênçãos. Oro pra que você também seja muito abençoado por Deus nesse dia. Obrigada por compartilhar nossa alegria.

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Happy Birthday Zeke!

Today is Zeke's Birthday. He's the best gift I have ever received this side of heaven. We decided to share all our joy through this video with you. Enjoy!

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It's Official: We're Moving!

North Carolina has been home for 6 years. We got married here, bought our first home here and had our first two kids here. God has been good to us in this gorgeous place. The news is that God has blessed us with a place to call home, so we are so excited to go. There will always be a special place in our hearts for the friends and family we made in Western North Carolina. I am so thankful for all the abundant life we lived here. Thank you friends for being a blessing to us. We love you from the bottom of our hearts!

After 6 years, We are Moving

I could write so much about my experience in this place but I rather talk about universal feelings such as, how do you deal with change? Putting things inside of boxes is not that big of a deal once your heart is settled. My mother often asks me an important question when I am about to make life altering decisions. I answered yes, I am happy. I think she was concerned about me leaving my first home. Mom still lives in the same house she moved in as a married woman 33 years ago. My husband and I have lived in 3 different places thus far. We realize that home is where God wants my family and I to be. Leaving friends is never easy but thank God for the magic of Skype and social media! Another big lesson learned at the end of my journey here is that my friends know how to find me. I had concrete proof of that when my friend Amanda came from Brasil, to New York to Seattle to Cali then to my small town USA just because of strong bonds of friendship. You can't tell me my true friends won't get themselves near me when they can. Packing the house is not that big of a deal. Answering the question "are you happy?" and dealing with issues of the heart is what makes moving much easier for me.
Okay, so where are we going exactly? Houston, Texas! 

I am thankful to God and to everyone who have been praying with us during this transition. We are in good standing with our beloved church family and we are looking forward to strengthening these bonds of friendships even with the distance. We are looking forward to what God has prepared for our new season in Houston, Texas. My husband is a Pastor, so we are moving to join an amazing church family. Look for my Sunday #sermonnotes Tweets! As always, keep us in your prayers and thanks for reading!

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Three 5Ks by July: Check!

3 just seemed like a good number, so I went for it. My goal was to run 3 5K races by the end of July. I figured that one race per month would be doable and affordable. I also realized it would be challenging enough for someone who was known to run one per year. As I come closer to reaching this goal, I am so thankful to God for the ability to simply put one foot in front of the other and running.

I was never known as the best athlete. I was not the fastest or fittest but an adverse situation taught me that I could run if I really wanted to. A desire was planted in my heart and persistence got me there.

I don’t think I am better than anyone else, as a matter of fact, I bet I have more excuses than the regular person. I have learned the value of knowing my minimum and knowing what I will not tolerate:

I won’t tolerate excuses;

I won’t tolerate self-pity;

I won’t tolerate self-defeat.

I will entertain positive and Godly thoughts such as ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ and ‘I will reap a harvest of blessings if I faint not.’ Meditation leads me to action which pushed me to three finish lines.

Barney Butter Giveaway Winner: Congratulations Rachel of Twin Tough! You must respond within 3 days of this notification or forfeit the prize, in which case an alternate 
winner will be selected. Thank you Barney Butter for sponsoring the Giveaway!
Related Videos: • Journey to the Finish Line (first 5K) series • The Human Race (second 5K)

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Flourish Conference featuring Dr. Maya Angelou

I was so blessed to attend MedWest's Flourish Conference with my American mom Roma! Here is everything that happened that day. Enjoy!

Links:
Dr. Carmen Nations: Blog - Photography website

Don't miss! Wednesday on the blog:

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The Secret is Out! Blog Preview

This Week on SimplyCintia.com:

Monday • I had the honor and the privilege of hearing the Amazing Dr. Maya Angelou at MedWest's Flourish Women's Conference in Cherokee, N.C. last weekend. I have a video for you of the conference which includes fellow blogger Dr. Carmen Nations of Moments that Glitter.

Wednesday • the day I've been dreaming of forever is here! It's the debut of my Podcast! We have a great first show on relationships. Don't miss the first ever Simply Cintia Radio!

Debut: Wednesday at 1:30 a.m.!

Friday • If the this week had a theme, it would be called New Beginnings. I will attempt to create the good habit of eating more fruits and veggies while cutting processed sugars out. I'm calling this 21 days to Healthy.

Tuesday & Thursday • these days are the days when I usually blog in Portuguese. I try not to simply translate my posts, I like to make them relevant to my Portuguese speaking friends. I'm thinking we're going to do a photo post of my friend Amanda's visit to Western North Carolina. Boy did we have fun!

• For the top blog posts from last week, click here 

Thanks for reading my friends! Come back tomorrow for Dr. Maya Angelou!

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SEO Magic

I've been blessed to learn a lot about social media as well as share it with folks through my new business, Listenbee Media. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) has always been a topic of interest to me. I've learned how to do it right over the years and so that I know how to be  relevant online. I believe SEO is organic. As technology changes, it's important to know what really matters so you too can be relevant online. Here are 5 tips:

1. There no magic tricks to improve your SEO • so if someone promises you magic, beware! Like most things in life, there's a process to improve SEO.

2. No company can promise you a #1 ranking • we've all heard of these empty promises. Do not believe them, it's a waste of money!

3. You should not pay for links or have your site added directories • There are such things as "link farms," which a generic pages with tons of links and generic descriptions meant to fool search engines. Beware of investing in those kids of directories.

4. No company knows the search algorithm • beware of a company that promises they do.

5. There are really only 2 search engines that really matter: Google and Bing • In the world of search engines, these two guys are kings. 

Last Tuesday I taught the third Haywood County (North Carolina) Social Media Workshop and my topics were SEO and Best Practices for Businesses on Facebook. I gave folks some guidelines to have a strong, relevant presence online. I had a blast! 

Some future opportunities for folks in this area are my "Blogging 101" class (only a few seats left!) in partnership with the Haywood County Public Library. 

I'm presenting "Business Owner Guide to Facebook and Twitter: from scratch to online success" in partnership with the Haywood Community College's Small Business Center on April 26 from 6-8 p.m. Call Sharron Donnahou at 828-627-4512 to register. This will be very hands-on class. It will take place at a computer lab, so come ready to practice! 

Finally, here is a promo for the upcoming series of classes I'm presenting in partnership with Anna Eason. Hope to see you in May!

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All Things Cintia Media

Talking to Business owners in Waynesville, NC

• I've had some neat opportunities to spread the word about Social Media in my community this year. One is the Haywood County Social Media Workshops. Last week I had the honor of being the presenter for a Social Media for Business class hosted by the Downtown Waynesville (NC) Association and Haywood Community College. During the workshop we talked about Best Practices for Facebook and SEO. 

• Tomorrow (Tuesday) from 6:30-8 p.m. I'm hosting my third community workshop. The  Haywood County Social Media Workshops will cover the following topics: Facebook for Business, SEO Magic and Monetizing Social Media. Sign up here, it's a free gathering. 

• On April 21 I'm hosting a Blogging 101 class at the Haywood County Public library. There are a few seats left for this class, you can sign up here. What an amazing way to spread the word about blogging in the community! 

• My seasonal event planning is wrapping up for the year. These events have been a blessing to me. I made friends over the years and it's fun to see them as well as make a difference in the lives of teenagers.

• Meanwhile on the home front we are getting ready to celebrate LP's second birthday. I was going to have a big celebration (meaning booking a party venue) but decided to have a home based celebration with a couple of friends. I think it will be awesome. Believe it or not 4 months from now it's ZGirl's celebration! It doesn't seem like I've had her that long time ago but it has been 8 awesome months.

• My husband has been working hard to provide for us and I'm thankful. Last week we went down the memory lane when I attended a local event where he was the piano player. I got a sitter and enjoyed his music. When we were dating I did the same thing (minus the sitter). I hope you read my post about dating a musician last week. 

• Be sure to come back on Friday for a video about Taking the Time to Dream. I went to a beautiful location and was inspired to dream, but do it right.

• This is what's going on with me in a nutshell, all things Cintia Media. Thanks for reading!

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Opportunities

Nancy Jacobsohn at work. Photo by me

 This weekend I am having the honor of getting videos and photos of Nancy Jacobsohn, ceramic artist and sculptor, at the Winter Workshop my friend Sarah Rolland hosts in her art studio. This is my first time watching an artist at work. I'm taking in all the creativity, using my own through video and photos as well as getting some great tips about selling work, business associates and the world of artists. I'm amazed at all the talent in the room. I'm amazed at what human hands can do. Nancy teaches an amazing workshop because she is the real deal. I'm thankful for being part of this workshop as a journalist. I'm thankful to God for opening doors!

My blog makes it to a major website!

One of my blog posts in Portuguese is being featured online at El Intérprete mazine, which is the Spanish language maganize for The United Methodist Church. I'm so thankful to God for this opportunity as well! Here is the link to the story in Portuguese, as soon as I have an English versions I'll let you know.

Blog post featured at El Intérprete

Unwilling to have a repeat of 2010, I've been praying and believing God for opportunities and open doors. Launching my eBook was a huge opportunity. The workshop as well as the exposure at UMC.org have also been open doors. I'm thankful to God and I am learning what it takes to take on mountains and carving opportunities where it seems there are none. My friend, it's just February. Let's believe God, do the work and have a magnificent year. Yes you can!

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New eBook

I am so thankful to God for the opportunity to write my first eBook. Watch the video announcement and share it with your friends. You can purchase your copy of Tweeting with God here. Today I am the guest blogger at Butterscotchsundae.com be sure to read it for an exclusive post. There's more blogger love at Stringbean17.com today! Thanks for sharing this happy day with me!

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