Christmas

There is a Kingdom🌟🎄❤️✳️🛐

For unto us a son is born, unto us there is a child, and the government shall be upon his shoulders. What does this verse say to you? ‘The government shall be on his shoulders.’ What this says is more than what we can even comprehend. There’s a reason why heaven is called the New Jerusalem. There’s a reason why the kingdom of God has been referred to as a city. The kingdom of God is a place where Jesus reigns. He is the ultimate ruler. The kingdoms of God has rule over all the universe(s). As he has said in the Bible, “my kingdom is not of this world,” had his kingdom been of this world he wouldn’t have been treated that way. Therefore, take heart – there is another city, another state, country, nation, a place where God reigns. The government is upon his shoulders. Seek to be a citizen of the kingdom of heaven.🌟🎄🛐✳️❤️

About Zina

Zina Hermez has authored the best-selling book, Not Without God: A Story of Survival. She’s been featured in numerous articles, guest posts, podcasts, websites, newsletters, and magazines. She’s also been featured on the Intuitive Edge podcast as well as ESPN’s “Solutions from the Huddle” broadcast and on Grace and Truth Radio World! Zina’s written several hundred articles and has taught thousands of students of all ages from many different backgrounds and cultures. She’s appeared in Christianity Today, the Suite T blog, and the Southern Writers magazine among other places. She writes on faith, science, and overcoming adversity. She also writes about health and diet and loves to help others. Her latest book, Not Without God: Hope In the Storm is live and for sale! You can order your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Not-Without-God-Hope-Storm-ebook/dp/B09P9T2DLT

Christmas cookies (a healthier version) 🍪👩‍🍳🎄

One way to make your cookies healthier is to use whole wheat flour. These cookies are used with whole wheat mill flour. It gives them a nutritional benefit. Not only is whole wheat flour better for your digestive tract, but it is also better for people with diabetes. I’m not a diabetic, but I always choose whole wheat over white whenever I can. We all have the potential to be, so we have to be careful.

One of my favorite things to do around the holidays is to bake, especially around Christmas time. I also sprinkled these homemade cookies to give them a holiday effect.🤶 They turned out delicious! Another trick is to use melted butter. Most recipes will call for a stick of butter.🧈

I melt the butter almost all the way through. Because when you melt the butter it makes it easier to turn your ingredients into a dough. No need for a mixer. Just melt your stick of butter, and you can easily roll your combination into a cookie dough. I like to space each cookie two inches apart and make larger ones.🍪👩‍🍳

Another tip is to use parchment paper. I always use parchment paper it’s a nice clean sheet and it gives the cookies a nice round shape. The cookies turn out smoother than when you use aluminum foil, for example. Baking is fun and making healthier choices makes it even better. Follow my blog for more tips and tricks.👩‍🍳🤶🍪

About Zina

Zina Hermez has authored the best-selling book, Not Without God: A Story of Survival. She’s been featured in numerous articles, guest posts, podcasts, websites, newsletters, and magazines. She’s also been featured on the Intuitive Edge podcast as well as ESPN’s “Solutions from the Huddle” broadcast and on Grace and Truth Radio World! Zina’s written several hundred articles and has taught thousands of students of all ages from many different backgrounds and cultures. She’s appeared in Christianity Today, the Suite T blog, and the Southern Writers magazine among other places. She writes on faith, science, and overcoming adversity. She also writes on health and diet and loves to help others. Her latest book, Not Without God: Hope In the Storm is live and for sale! You can order your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Not-Without-God-Hope-Storm-ebook/dp/B09P9T2DLT

Happy New Year’s Day!!🌟🎊💫

Happy New Year, friends! As I reflect back on last year it was tough. Definitely not the toughest. But it was in the ‘more difficult’ chapter of my life. Despite of that—I’ve achieved some major milestones. Finally putting my book, ‘Not Without God: Hope In the Storm’ up for pre-order sale feels wonderful! It will be released just before my birthday on Jan. 24.🎂🎉 I also achieved my weight loss goals. Losing around 25 or more pounds between late October to December has felt wonderful too. I am down to the weight I should be and didn’t even have to make a ‘New Year’s Resolution.’

I continue to live my life that consists much of writing, teaching, and caring for others while hoping the Lord continues to shed his light on my path! One favorite piece of advice a wonderful doctor of mine once gave is: ‘The body takes time to catch up to the mind!’ So keep in mind that whatever you have decided on, whether it is to get healthier or be more successful, your body will follow!

Here’s another verse I found that I like:

Often times I feel this. At times I feel I’ve exhausted all options, or like I am simply worn out. But when I ‘keep my eyes on him’ and ask for his guidance he leads me. Psalm 23 reads:

He leads me beside still waters…🌊 He restores my soul!

Lastly, I’d like to display some holiday treats I made yesterday for NYE!💕⛄️🎄🌟

Each cinammon role=140 calories.

About Zina

Zina Hermez has authored the best-selling book, Not Without God: A Story of Survival. She’s been featured in numerous articles, guest posts, podcasts, websites, newsletters, and magazines. Recently she was featured on ESPN’s ‘Solutions from the Huddle’ broadcast and on Grace and Truth Radio World. Zina’s written hundreds of articles and has taught thousands of students from all over the world spanning many different backgrounds and cultures. She’s appeared in Christianity Today, the Suite T blog, and Southern Writers magazine among other places. She writes on faith, science, and overcoming adversity. She is also a major foodie and loves to help others. Her latest book, Not Without God: Hope In the Storm will soon be released on Jan 24!

#Christmas 2021🕊🎄🌟

Christmas doesn’t require having a house full and exchanging gifts, drinking egg nog, or leaving out cookies for Santa (although I had a lot of fun doing that as a kid!). Christmas is special because of what it is—the birth of our saviour. I spent time doing my favorite things: cooking and baking. I listened to a lot of Christmas and worship songs and celebrated the fact that my God was born.✨ The light of the world.💫 My king👑, Jesus! He takes away all our pain. He carries our burdens. He heals us and makes us better. I basked in the fact that Jesus came into the world.🌟 What would I ever do without him?🤴

Above are a few things I made: Mediterranean chicken and vegetable medley! Christmas tree cinnamon rolls and a Christmas tree decorative cake with the finest fondant. I really enjoyed doing Christmas themes and being creative.🐤🥔🧅🥦🎂🥮🎄

Hope you and your families had a blessed and wonderful Christmas!

Today’s burst of creativity!🎄🍥🥮

Christmas is almost here, and one of the things I love to do is cook and bake around this time. So I found this wonderful recipe—Christmas tree cinnamon rolls! They are cute and were fun to make. So I want to share! I hope you all are enjoying the season and thinking of creative ways to make it enjoyable! #tistheseason🎄♥️🧑‍🎄

About Zina

Zina Hermez has authored the best selling book, Not Without God: A Story of Survival. She’s been featured in numerous articles, guest posts, podcasts, websites, newsletters, and magazines. Recently she was featured on ESPN’s ‘Solutions from the Huddle’ broadcast and on Grace and Truth Radio World. Zina’s written hundreds of articles and has taught thousands of students from all over the world spanning many different backgrounds and cultures. She’s appeared in Christianity Today, the Suite T blog and Southern Writers magazine among other places. She writes on faith, science, and overcoming adversity. She is also a major foodie and loves to help others. You can connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, Linked In, or Twitter.

Christmas!🎄🕯✨

A few things I love around Christmas: putting up a Christmas tree🌲, lighting candles🕯, expression with words 📚, and leaving displays of Jesus around.☦️ This year my cooking will still be delicious but with a healthier twist. This year I have figured out how to eat right, and I’ve learned a lot about portion control. Last year I cooked up a storm.
The above picture is from last year at Christmastime.🎄

As you can see this year on Thanksgiving I did much better. Granted I was only cooking for one.😃 Still, I made healthier choices. It was my first time cooking a Cornish hen. Yummy!😋 It was sooo good!🐓

Advent Is Upon Us🙏🌲🌠

Advent is one of my favorite seasons. Yesterday marked the beginning of the #advent season. It starts four Sundays before Christmas.🎄This is an evergreen wreath with four candles, sometimes with a fifth, white candle in the center. ‘Beginning with the First Sunday of Advent, the lighting of a candle can be accompanied by a Bible reading, devotional time, and prayers.’ Another candle is lit each Sunday until, by the last Sunday, all four candles have been lit. Some Advent wreaths include a fifth, white candle which is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day (the pink one is for rejoicing on the fourth Sunday).🕯🎄🙏☦️🧑‍🎄🌨❄️ #advent #christmas

About Zina

Zina Hermez has authored the best-selling book “Not Without God: A Story of Survival.” Her stories have been featured in various guest articles, medical journals, magazines, newsletters, and more than 300 of her own blog articles. As an educator for more than twenty years, she’s had the privilege of working with thousands of students from different backgrounds and parts of the world. Her upcoming book, “Not Without God: Hope In the Storm” will be out next year. Her writing endeavors have earned her an invitation to speak at the Harvard Faculty Club’s “Business Expert Forum.” Zina’s goal is to help others overcome adversity, and she strives to do what she longs to–help others. She’s appeared in Christianity Today, the Southern Writers magazine, and the Suite T blog, among other places. Socializing with friends, taking business trips, listening to music, and meeting new people are among her hobbies. She was recently featured on Color Speak (a Grace and Truth Radio World! podcast) and on ESPN’s ‘Solutions from the Huddle’ broadcast. You can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, or Twitter.

Christmas Tree 🎄Stuffed Chicken

Christmas🎄 stuffed chicken! I LOVE the natural oil of avocados!🥑 Today I sautéed two chopped avocados and one large chopped tomato in vegetable oil for 3 minutes! I added about a half teaspoon of kosher salt and a dash of ground pepper! After sautéing, I put a slit in the (longer) side of each chicken breast. You will need one package. Then I stuffed two tablespoons of avocado/tomato filling and sealed the open sides with toothpicks. After that, I added the remaining filling to the top of the chicken breasts and baked at about 375 for around 45 minutes. Finally, I added a dash of table salt! Deliciousness! 🍅🥑🎄

About Zina

Zina Hermez authored the best selling book, Not Without God: A Story of Survival. She’s been featured in numerous articles, guest posts, podcasts, websites, newsletters, and magazines. Recently she was featured on ESPN’s ‘Solutions from the Huddle’ broadcast and on Grace and Truth Radio World. Zina’s written hundreds of articles and has taught thousands of students from all over the world spanning many different backgrounds and cultures. She’s appeared in Christianity Today, the Suite T blog and Southern Writers magazine among other places. She writes on faith, science, and overcoming adversity. She has recently launched food services and is a major foodie! She loves to help others. You can connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, Linked In, or Twitter.

Merry Christmas!🎄🌠🌝

Dear friends,

I would like to share a Christmas note that I shared with contacts earlier. I have big plans for 2021 and hope that it is as fruitful as other years have been in the past! I plan on publishing my next book, “Not Without God: Hope In the Storm.” It would be nice to go on some relaxed vacations, and I am potentially planning one to Washington D.C. for February or March. Of course, I would love to go somewhere to see the Northern Lights, but I have to go to a reasonable place!:-) Another destination I would like to go to some time is Disney World. I have never been there either. I have a long history of teaching children, and I think it would be fun!

Well, Happy Sunday evening (before CHRISTmas!). Here is the link to my note:

https://mailchi.mp/d0608d865156/zina-hermez-newsletter

Enjoy!

Yours truly,

Zina Hermez

Run the Race to Win It!🏃🏆🥇

Lately I’ve been thinking of HOW MUCH I am doing and how full my schedule is, but you know what, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The idea of sitting down and doing nothing for gaps of periods in time frightens me. Here is why:

I am in a race. I am aware of that, and there are others running with me. And if I want to be the first to pass the finish line (OR, even get to it!), I have to get up and do something!! Once you slow down, you watch others pass you by. Now how are you going to feel when others are making huge strides?

Life is about more than you realize, we are not only here for ourselves, but we are here for EACH OTHER, also—to give instruction, to be a model, to HELP! Once you give up, the people behind you (that you may not even know pay attention), give up, also! Just like I tell my students: here are the instructions, I am going to give them to you, but I can’t “spoon-feed them.”

You’re going to have to read THE INSTRUCTIONS, you’re going to have to do the research, you’re going to have to work. Run! Each of us has our own race and destiny. NO one can determine the outcome but YOU! What are you going to do, today? Are you going to participate?

I have worked through pain. I have gotten up and showed up. Every. Single. Day. You have one job to do. You either get it, or miss it! Don’t be in the ‘miss it’ category, because you will regret it!

We live in a society where the focus is too much on ourselves; instead of being focused on our OWN needs and what WE want, let’s keep in mind Christ who sacrificed SO MUCH for others (you and I!).

Let’s give this season with Advent right around the corner and remember, this is not the season of burn-out, this is not the season of weariness, this is the season to RUN the RACE and FINISH! And believe, me, you will be restored if your heart is in the right place!

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Seasons Greetings! Update On Me!🎄🎅

Dear friends,

As you may know, I opted to have an elective surgery on October 2 that left me in the hospital for a full week. When I was finally discharged, I had to go back for almost an additional week due to an infection that could’ve been prevented if the problem were detected early enough. I am happy to say I am at home now and doing much better!

I’m extremely grateful for everyday of health and healing I am able to experience. I hadn’t spent that much time in the hospital since my accident that happened when I was sixteen years old. Since the surgery, my condition has improved and I no longer have an ailment I suffered from for way too long.

I am reminded of the quote shared by the great abolitionist, Frederick Douglass, an American Slave that dates back to his book published back in 1845. The popular passage still resonates. He writes: “I date the entertainment of a deep conviction that slavery would not always hold me within its foul embrace, and in the darkest hours of my career this living word of faith and spirit of hope departed not from me but remained like ministering angels to cheer me through the gloom.”

He continues, “This good spirit was from God and to Him I offer thanksgiving and praise!” How does this timeless verse relate to me? Well, it doesn’t–directly. As a survivor, I can choose to take the victim mentality though and not try to accomplish all I know I can. But Douglass stood up for his rights and even taught himself how to read and write, and I have rights, too. I am not limited in my abilities because no one knows what God can do.

What Douglass wrote speaks to my soul and it can speak to yours, also. His knowledge of God and the fact that He would set him free is parallel with my knowledge that God will set me free of any bondage in my predicament, thoughts, or attitude. Your challenge may be different from my own, but how can you apply this passage by Frederick Douglass to your own life?

What are you confident about and know you will overcome? Have you ever felt caught up in a situation you didn’t know you could get out of? Did you just know you’d be freed from it? Sometimes we just know that God will deliver us! Was there a time when you knew that only He could help you? Feel free to openly share with me in the comments. I’d love to read your thoughts and get back to you.

May you have a very Merry Christmas and may the Lord Jesus be with you this holiday season and all the days of your lives,

~Zina Hermez

P.S. I was wondering if you were able to catch my Facebook Live interview this past August with Patricia Durgin, the Christian Message coach, from Marketers on A Mission? I recount details of my book Not Without God : A Story of Survival and talk about the accident I was in as a teenager, how I overcame through my faith in the Lord, hard work, and determination.

I also get in depth about my upcoming one, Hope After the Storm. It will be the second in my II part, Not Without God series. In the video, I explain the structure and how it is designed. It’s a narrative like my first, but it gives readers an opportunity to also reflect and write in journal sections at the end of chapters. I also give tips on how to market or pre-launch your own book material or message.

It will help even if you have a desire to write but don’t know how to get started! Click the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DHHYE3QDJE

My Christmas Note

Dear friends,

This is a Christmas letter I shared with close contacts earlier today. I wanted to share it with you, my readers because you have really supported me in my writing too. Thank YOU! Please click on this link: http://eepurl.com/baae45.

If you would like to receive news such as book-signings, speaking events, or periodical updates please click on this link here: http://eepurl.com/19Hl1. to subscribe to occasional newsletters.

Merry Christmas to you and your families!

May the joy, peace, and light of Christmas be with you now and through the new year!

Sincerely,

~Zina Hermez

About Zina

Zina Hermez authored the book Not Without God: A Story of Survival and created the Spinal Cord Injury Solutions! online website. Zina works as an English Language Instructor, and has been an educator for nearly fifteen years. Her thousands of students have been from many parts of the world, and she’s worked with all ages.

Zina writes articles on faith and overcoming disability, and her stories have been featured in Christianity Today, Spinal Cord Injury Zone, SCI Access, newsletters, and medical journals among many other various publications. To learn more about Zina visit http://zinahermez.com.

Christmas–a poem.🌟👼

Christmas is for the poor… Christmas is for the weak… Christmas is for the refugee… It’s for the lonely…and the meek. It’s the magic of Christmas that captures us. Christmas movies often portray beautiful families and almost always have a happy ending.

Christmas is not only about gifts under the tree, though. It’s about something greater. It’s not about what you get, but what you’ve already got–a Savior. Christ entered, and as a man He changed the course of history. A human sacrifice.

He came for you and for me. Sent by God, the Holy Father, He performed miracles, signs, and wonders. Fully human and fully divine, He died and rose to redeem us. Christmas is about hope and peace.

It’s about a dark-skinned baby born among animals because no one would welcome him. How can we celebrate Christmas this season? Can we welcome Him into our hearts, or into our homes?

About Zina

Zina Hermez authored the book Not Without God: A Story of Survival and created a Spinal Cord Injuries website. Zina has worked as an English as a Second Language Instructor and has been an educator for many years. Her thousands of students have been from many parts of the world, and she’s worked with all ages.

Zina writes articles on faith and overcoming challenges. Her stories have been featured in Christianity Today, the Breathe Conference blog, the Southern Writers magazine, medical journals and various other publications. Her upcoming book, Hope After the Storm, will be the second in her II part Not Without God series and will be out sometime next year.

In Love with Life

Not all the time. But usually. I try to not complain – even when things aren’t going right. This has not been the easiest year. I have had some added stress. I’m teaching English, writing thoughts down, and trying to stay in contact with those who care. It’s a busy time.

I do love life! I wouldn’t trade places with anyone else. Not because mine is the best; not even close. But things always fall into place even when they seem to be falling apart. Does that make any sense?

It’s true! Life improves.

How we respond to situations makes a difference when times are tough. We can worry, we can stress. But it doesn’t profit us. I’m looking forward to a Not Without God book signing in January, and another one scheduled in early April.

Everything will be okay. It always is. And, it’s almost Christmas!

“The Lord helps His people in their times of despair.” ~Zina Hermez

Can you remember a time when your difficulties brought you closer to God? Did things eventually come together? Feel free to share your thoughts.

About Zina

‘Tis the Season

About Zina Zina Hermez authored the book Not Without God: A Story of Survival and created the Spinal Cord Injury Solutions! online website. Zina works as an English Language Instructor, and has been an educator for nearly fifteen years. Her thousands of students have been from many parts of the world, and she’s worked with all ages. Zina writes articles on faith and overcoming disability, and her stories have been featured in Christianity Today, Spinal Cord Injury Zone, SCI Access, newsletters, and medical journals among many other various publications. To learn more about Zina visit http://zinahermez.com.

A Holiday Letter

“Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.” –Oren Arnold

Dear friends,

I have some exciting news to share with all of you. I’m happy to announce that my first book, “Not Without God: A Story of Survival” will be released in the spring/summer of 2014 by Morgan James Publishing, http://publishing.morgan-james.com/.

It chronicles how I dealt with and overcame debilitating injuries that left me paralyzed after my accident. It’s about how I walked again through my faith, hard work, and determination.

How I was able to get through college and earn two degrees. How I became a successful teacher. How I’m independent and able to take care of myself.

It offers hope, insight, and ways to heal not just for people with disabilities but for anyone facing adversity in their life. My prayer is that it inspires anyone dealing with any kind of challenge.

I couldn’t ask for a greater Christmas present!

I would like to thank you, my readers who have supported me on my writing journey since I started this blog in June of 2012. It feels surreal. I can’t wait to hold my published book in my hands!

My life has changed so much these last two years. I’ve been active in writer’s groups both off-line and on-line. The blogging and writing courses I’ve taken have helped me strengthen and develop my craft.

I’ve always enjoyed teaching and I have been an educator for over ten years. I have taught multiple subjects to hundreds of students of all ages, from many different backgrounds and cultures.

But the reason I majored in English was not primarily to teach, it was to write. I feel so blessed now that I’m doing what I’ve always dreamed.

Merry Christmas to all!

7 Tips to Keep the Holiday Cheer!

Have you thought about your goals this holiday season? Any New Year’s resolutions? Have you thought about ways to stay healthy? Or keep the holiday cheer? Holidays are fun but can be a demanding, busy time as we try to meet the needs of our family and friends. There are gifts to be bought, turkeys to be cooked, and trees to be put up!

During this hectic period, it’s easy to feel a lot of stress. In giving, the giver feels just as rewarded as the receiver, if not more. However, we sometimes forget to give to ourselves. In your time of giving, don’t neglect your own needs. This will help to reduce anxiety, and keep you calm throughout the season.

Would you like to improve your finances? Volunteer? Do you want to feed the poor? Maybe you want to make some healthy lifestyle choices such as eating better, or losing weight? Whatever your goals, I wish you success!

Let’s prepare to stay merry. Here are some tips to keep you in the holiday spirit!

Be thankful – Nurture a thankful heart. It’s hard to be unhappy when your heart is brimming with thanks! By changing your attitude, you can experience joy even when circumstances don’t change.
Trust – Develop the trust that life will provide you with what you need. Serenity comes from contentment with what you have.
Forgive – Let go of resentment and remorse which wastes energy on yesterday. Forgive and live today.
Give to yourself – Give yourself compassion and understanding. Recognize your abilities and value.
Savor life – Enjoy the taste of cranberry bread, the smell of Christmas cookies, the sight of sunrise.
Do something for someone in need – Write a letter to a lonely friend, make a phone call to an ill relative, or bake a pumpkin pie to welcome your new neighbors.
Love – Remember the deeper truth of life – you are loved. When you feel holiday stress, remember the voice of God who beckons, “Come to me when you are weary, and I will give you rest.”