thankful

God Will Always Be There…💞

Relationships may fail. Family may disappoint. But God will always be there. He is the one thing that is constant in our lives. No matter what you go through, he will be by your side. We may not even realize it, but he waits, patiently. He does not force his ways. God gives us free will to make decisions. Although he sees every outcome. He knows the route we will take. So he always sees the result. He is there to pick us up when we fall. He will hold us together when we are hurt. He will console us in times of trouble. God’s love will enfold you. Amid the pain, you will know, that God’s love will bring you through.

Recently I was having a little anxiety about all the tasks set before me. I kept thinking about my future and how it will be. I lost my dad a few years ago and my responsibilities have grown. I helped care for him before, and now I am still helping mom. I felt a lot of pressure. Life can be difficult and caring for others can make it harder. God whispered in my heart, “Keep on going. I will get you through. Work through these feelings.” I got up. Went about my day. Completed the difficult stuff and thanked him.

I also learned that being in God’s perfect will does not mean that life should be “perfect,” either, it may be difficult, but in the end, you won’t regret staying on his path. God can heal us, give us strength, and help us overcome. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and omnipresent. God is Love.

You may wish for something, for example, and sometimes our wishes come true when we least expect it. I wrote an article before describing how prayers get answered. One way or the other, God will answer you. No prayer is unheard. Whether you are praying for deliverance from something, good health, or more finances, God hears you. His voice often comes to me directly after I make a request. I get especially strong feelings after just reading the Bible.

Having a relationship with God is like exercising a muscle, the more you practice having it, the stronger it gets. You can hear him clearer. You get instant feedback. There’s a reason your wish has not been met. Whether or not you understand is not what makes the difference. What makes the difference is whether you trust him enough and ask for his counsel. In due time, good things will happen to you. All things are possible God.

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 recently been featured on the Intuitive Edge podcast! She’s also been on 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

Thank you for always being close to me♥️

Dear Lord, you are always ready to forgive. You embrace the opportunity! You are my God and king.👑 I mess up daily, and you continuously forgive me. I am imperfect. You are perfect. I am unwell. You are “holy” (excellent), indeed! Your knowledge is beyond what I can fathom. Your ways are higher than my ways. Your love is sacrificial and unending. You are more than a best friend. You know my heart in ways I could never understand. God, thank you for your loving kindness and for always being there for me.♥️✨🌠

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 recently been featured on the Intuitive Edge podcast! She’s also been on 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

Give thanks to God♥️

Give thanks to God. His loving kindness endures forever. Give thanks. This Memorial Day let’s remember the others that have made the ultimate sacrifice.🙏🇺🇸🙏 Give thanks to the Lord, who sends heroes to help, doctors to heal, armies to protect, and legions of angels to assist us.😇 His loving kindness endures forever. Give thanks to God, who rescues us from oppression, who helps us when we are in need. “I am the Lord who [continually] heals you,” the Bible says. That means healing is not a one time thing or event. He is continually molding and shaping you. Give thanks to God, most of all, his love never fails us. It endures forever and ever.❤️

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 just been featured on the popular, Intuitive Edge podcast! She’s also been on 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 from all over the world 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

Thank you Lord!❤️

Dear God,

Thank you for always being there. Thank you for hearing my requests. Thank you for helping me reach goals. Thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for sustaining me. Thank you for your direction. Just thank you. Thank you for everything. Please hear my thank you even when I forget to thank you, Lord!♥️

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 been 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 the 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! Order your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Not-Without-God-Hope-Storm-ebook/dp/B09P9T2DLT

My Thanksgiving Praise!🦃🍁🙏

I always have a reason to worship you, God… Even in our loneliness we are never alone because we have you. You fill my days with hope, renew my strength, solve my problems, heal me [continually], and give me enough to sustain me! God, I love you all the days of my life and for eternity. I know I fall short. Thank you for still welcoming me.❤️

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 been 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. Additionally 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.

Don’t Let Your Faith Grow Weary

We don’t depend on God enough. At times I just stop what I’m doing to thank the Lord, but I need to do it more. He showers me with miracles and helps me overcome even when the situation looks bleak. He surpasses my expectations every time, and when I’m disappointed he is there to pick me up and bring me back to life! It’s really hard when you’re down in the dumps; sometimes it’s hard to see his presence or even realize he’s there. Sometimes it takes a test of your faith to see how well you believe despite any pain and you grow closer to God. You see his blessings. You realize life is imperfect but we have a perfect God. So all things work together unto good no matter what…🕯🛐✨❤️‍🔥

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.

‘Not Without God’–a Passage

Today I would like to share a little bit of writing from my book, Not Without God: A Story of Survival:

Here is a passage:

‘As a child, I knew my path would not be easy. The Lord told me. Not in words but in feelings and in thoughts. I would ride my bicycle up and down our street, we lived in a cul-de-sac, and I would climb to the top of the tree. I was active. I’d play sports. I was kind of a tom boy, and I heard from God on my daily bike rides–I felt his presence strongly and he would say, “This road will not be easy, Zina, but I will never leave you nor forsake you.” I knew it would be difficult. These were more of ‘whispers in my heart.’ God was introducing me to what was to come, but letting me know that I would get through it.

8D08928A-1497-40C2-BEAC-D6311B672630 — At seventeen years of age, practicing how to walk!

After my accident at just sixteen, I had severe injuries, my spine not only broke but shifted at the (mid) thoracic level. My tibias and fibias were shattered in both legs as well as in my left femur bone. I needed rods and screws to hold my broken bones in place. I had a C1 fracture, and I’m lucky it wasn’t worse. That kind of injury can leave someone a quadriplegic (a quadriplegic typically loses usage of their legs and their arms, they may even have breathing trouble and need a trach).

I was told by a select few doctors that I would never walk, and today I am able to ambulate with forearm crutches or a walker. Unless it is icy and snowy out, or unless I am not feeling good. I especially use a wheelchair on ‘icy’ days because I have had a few falls!

It’s ironic because the street I grew up on was called “Gramercy Ct.,” and archaically, the word “Gramercy” is used to express gratitude, the word ‘mercy’ can mean, forgiveness or ‘many thanks.’ I am thankful to be alive so I don’t think that the name of my childhood street was a coincidence.

I am able to walk with AFOs (an ankle-foot orthosis) now, because my braces have been cut down through the years since I’ve gotten stronger, but it was something I had to ask about. A physical therapist will rarely ask if you want less of a walking brace, I mean, they evaluate you at periodic evaluations but as with all recoveries, one needs to be proactive.

The reason I am telling this story is because my life is a miracle, and so is the ability to walk. I don’t take it for granted, and I thank God every day! I want you to know that whatever it is you are going through–you can make it, too! As long as you persist, work hard, and have faith!

May God bless you all…

About Zina

73840719-0BFE-4A74-979C-DE7D4B67C89A Zina Hermez authored the best-selling book, Not Without God: A Story of Survival. Her stories have been featured in Christianity Today, the Southern Writers Magazine, various guest blogs, medical journals, newsletters, and she’s written over 200 of her very own articles. She’s had the privilege of working with thousands of students from different backgrounds and parts of the world. She’s taught at automotive corporations like General Motors, Ford, Nissan, Bosch, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, and worked with students of all ages. She began her own teaching services incorporating math and other subjects. 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. Socializing with friends, taking trips, listening to music, and networking are among her hobbies. You can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter.

Out of the Storm!

I’m able to maintain a sense of inner peace even when there are storms all around me. I questioned myself the other day. Someone else in my situation may not feel this way. How could I be? Then I was reminded that happiness lies within us. The waters may be rising in anticipation of a flood, but you may be content. The flood waters will not “swallow you up.” I remembered, again, that happiness comes from deep within. It doesn’t lie in material things, nor does it lie in your status. It’s not in any labels you add. It comes from within. It’s a permanent happiness you can possess. It’s the one that is reborn every time the temporal happiness ceases to exist.

Whenever you start to feel unhappy, remember that eventually you will return to that place. Let go of worries, fears, selfish desires, pressure, disappointments, or the desire to win! Permanent happiness can only come from within. We are meant to be happy creatures, but culture often teaches us there is a void. We may feel we ‘need to have’ this or that, in order to be fulfilled. Just take a look at the world around us. It’s wonderful to be thankful, and no one would be happy about living in poverty, for example, but really count your blessings, and realize how much you have, you will think about what you are missing much less!

Appreciate the Good and the Bad

Be thankful for EVERYTHING you have. You may not realize how precious what you have is when you have a lot of good things! We do that sometimes. We take life for granted when things are naturally easy, or going well. If things have always been good we can expect them to be good all the time. We may become angry when something is not!

When things are tough, it’s a different story. If one thing is bad it can help us look around and appreciate all the good! We can learn to be thankful during this time. When things are bad it can actually humble us because we can see the good stuff more clearly.

I’m trying to be thankful for the good and the bad tonight. The trials and tribulations, the lessons and mistakes, the losses and heartaches, and the failures and setbacks. They are all gifts. All of them.

It never feels good to go through these things, but if it brings me out better, stronger, wiser, or healthier than I was before I’m grateful. They worked for my greater good.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

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.

Gratitude

This quote helps me feel a sense of gratitude. We should be thankful for who we are, and for what we have! There is so much competition. I think now more then ever with all of the advancements in technology. We want to do more, and be more! The world is changing fast. But it’s okay to be content. So sit back, relax, and be thankful for how far you’ve come at this very moment!

About Zina