INSPIRATION 4 LIFE MAGAZINE
Editor's Note
CEO/Radio/TV/Web Host & Personality
Hello everyone! I want to thank everyone for being a part of our Journey and our Online Digital Magazine Our Magazine is simply here to inspire you and help be a Voice for everyone! We love to share your stories with the world This is another wonderful Platform we have put together for you to enjoy We are here to help encourage those who love to write but don't know where to start, have hidden talents as writers, editors, photographers, graphic designers and so much more, to be a part of our Magazine We want to inspire you to embrace new talented writers as some will be sharing their stories for the first time We also have experienced, amazing writers from around the world Here at Inspiration 4 Life, we are a judge free zone and love to give others the opportunities to also live their dreams and passions We have been trying to make this dream come true since 2010 but with so many obstacles that stood in the way, we managed to break barriers and still made our dream come true We inspire you to never give up on your Dreams!
In this Magazine, you will read about some of our amazing Inspiration 4 Life Team, our Members, Partners, Sponsors, Advertisers and more Inspiration 4 Life has covered the Eastside, Westside, Southside, Northside, surrounding areas and also around the world There are no boundaries of the location and type of inspiration we will cover in our Magazine We have covered it all after all these years. We have so many amazing people in our Communities of San Antonio, therefore we will always have stories for you Inspiration 4 Life will always be thankful for our Local Heroes Segment on KENS 5 Great Day SA, Sunday Morning Show from 2011-2015.
Rita Hernandez
Editor-in-Chief
If you would like to be a part of our Magazine or have any questions, you can visit www inspiration4life org/Contact
WALO’S STRAWBERRY FARM
Walo's Strawberry Farm, LLC is a 3rd generation farm Est. in the early 1920's. Walo's Strawberry Farm produces naturally grown fresh delicious Poteet strawberries. Walo's strawberry season begins in March 2025. Walo's offers strawberry jams in 5 flavors strawberry Habanero, strawberry Jalapeño, limited edition of strawberry peach, Fredericksburg peach jam and a low sugar jam. peach cobbler bread and strawberry breads and pumpkin bread. Walo’s apiary offers pure raw wild flower honey and honeycomb. We have 3 different types of honey at this time. Wild flower, citrus and sunflower. We will have beautiful strawberry plants available in March. Walo's growing season is expanding into the hot summer months with sweet watermelons, cantaloupe sand much more.
https://www.facebook.com/WalosStrawberryFar mPoteetTX
TRUSTINGGODWITHTHEUNEXPECTED! PARTTWO BYSANDRACERDA
About a year ago I wrote an article with this same title, but my subtitle was, “When Breakthrough Comes!” A few weeks ago, our family suffered a life-shattering shock when my husband suddenly collapsed, not breathing. There had been no signs of distress or sickness, only a lot of fatigue. He had just come home from running errands and sat down for a while to catch his breath, he started having a headache. It was Saturday afternoon and I had just cancelled a lunch date with a woman in my area, for an upcoming conference. Something didn’t feel right and I knew I just needed to stay home, so I was cleaning out the closet and moving things to my attic when I heard him get up from his chair and what seemed like his feet shuffling, when suddenly I heard a very hard fall. Thinking it was something else that had fallen I wasn’t going to go see, but the Holy Spirit of God nudged me and I leaned back, not hearing him or any other movement. I leaned out of my closet asking, “What happened?” when I saw him on the floor, face up and not breathing. I bolted to him, grabbed his neck and he was cold and gray, his hair was soaked with sweat.
I screamed, “Life, life, life, the blood of Jesus, the blood of Jesus,” repeatedly and began to vigorously massage his heart. We lost him three times before I was able to see him in the emergency room, within hours a technician with a very keen eye spotted by accident, an 11” mass pressing against his aorta. Within days he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Small Cell Lung Cancer.
When you trust the Lord, you quickly learn how to take Him by the hand and take things in stride, all the while you find yourself being tested in your faith, “Will God bring us through? Will my loved one survive this?” For the people of God, the people who know their God
we rest assured that our days are in His hands and an unexplainable peace comes over you. We are challenged to want things to happen fast, results, answers and breakthroughs but I find that more often than not, God will use what the devil means for evil and turn it around for our good.
You LEARN to walk things out, you learn to pray things through, God's way. We want to 'work' things out but God wants us to 'walk' things out. God’s way of walking things out is on our knees in prayer. It had been a long time since I had gotten on my knees to pray and I’m a minister! It happens to us all and we should want to learn from our mistakes, realizing how subtle ways of life creep in and take over our every waking moment But God is so good and so generous in His patience with us. Even in this, I can see the hand of God moving in our lives.
We often feel God does not hear us or God does not care, perhaps our "need" is not as important as the needs of others, we think. We even fall into the trap of believing if God cared, He would do something, anything, to get us out of hard times and troubling situations. Our faith is being shaken, tested, and tried. How easily we forget it is in the
very center of these "situations" that God is bringing about the change we need and changing us, as well. We don’t always agree with His methods or timeframe but one thing is for certain: God will come through for you! And God will come through for my husband and family, in fact, He already is! So many wonderful things have already happened to bring our family closer than ever. God is in the healing business, after all. He is all about healing relationships, our bodies and health, our attitudes and outlook on life and wayward children. God loves us and will not disappoint.
For me, 'blind' trust' is just another way of saying, "I don't have to know what lies ahead, I just have to know God is with me and God is for me".
Taken from the book, “Water Me, Lord!” (edited) by Sandra Cerda. Sandra is an author, publisher and screenplay writer. For more on her work, see Fig Films at www.MaryMagdalene.Film or visit her books on Amazon under Sandra Cerda, author and connect with her on Face Book.
Sandra Cerda
Creative Visionary & Executive Producer I Am Magdalene, the movie www.MaryMagdalene.Film www.SandraCerda.com
On IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10378517/
Inspiration 4 Life Business Feature
Art by Blas & Rita FB:
Inspiration 4 Life
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Inspiration 4 Life
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Angie Vivian
Puro Texas Charm
https://www.instagram.com/puro texas
charm
Facebook https://www facebook com/angie vivian 35
Inspiration 4 Life
Business Feature
Rhonda Short - Mature Diva Travel
Website: www.maturedivatravel.com
Instagram @thematuredivas
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheMatureDiva
TikTok @cruisingthroughmudlife
Inspiration 4 Life
Business Feature
Inspiration 4 Life Business Feature
Chiquita Bonita Snacks
FB: @chiquitabonitasnacks
IG: @chiquitabonitasnacks
Inspiration 4 Life
Business Feature
Inspiration 4 Life Business Feature
Catherine Pearl Castaneda
Catherine's Pearls
https://www.instagram.com/catherinep earlcastaneda/
https://www facebook com/thebloomingc actusboutiquequemado
Inspiration 4 Life
Business Feature
Inspiration 4 Life Business Feature
Tristan Ramires
Heart Chakra Healing
Instagram: @heart chakra healing
Inspiration 4 Life
Business Feature
Enchanting Sweets
https://linktr.ee/enchantingsweets
IG: @enchanting sweets by alex
Inspiration 4 Life
Business Feature
Antoinette Fashions
Website: www.antoinettesfashions.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/shoptoni1463
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shoptoni1463
Email: shoptoni@antoinettesfashions.com
Inspiration 4 Life
Business Feature
December Awareness
*Rosa Parks Bus Seat Refusal Anniversary - December 1
*World AIDS Day - December 1
*Giving Tuesday - 1st Tuesday after Thanksgiving
*International Day of Persons with Disabilities - December 3
*Wildlife Conservation Day - December 4
*International Cheetah Day - December 4
*International Volunteer Day - December 5
*World Soil Day - December 5
*Pansexual/Panromantic Pride Day - December 8
*National Llama Day - December 9
*Human Rights Day - December 10
*Nobel Prize Day - December 10
*International Animal Rights Day - December 10
*International Mountain Day - December 11
*Monkey Day - December 14
*Bill of Rights Day - December 15
*International Day to End Violence
Against Sex Workers - December 17
*International Migrants Day - December 18
International Day of Epidemic
*Preparedness - December 27
*Visit the Zoo Day - December 27
*New Year’s Eve - December 31
Contact Kerri Moody: Planning Appointment
DecemberFeature:MariaGutierrez byAna Banda
Meet Maria! Maria Gutierrez has deep roots in San Antonio, not only in her family history but also through her personal journey of education and her career Maria currently lives in the city of Helotes with her loving husband John, beautiful daughter Ava, along with her fur babies and plump laying hens!
Maria’s educational background and working as an educational interpreter for the deaf in the local public-school districts has given her a unique opportunity on communication and community, which pours into her current work as a realtor Maria is blessed to have a background working in the corporate world at United Services Automobile Association (USAA) for 19 ½ years. While most of her work at USAA was in Bank Mortgage Fulfillment, Maria concluded her USAA career as a Director in Bank Data; Analytics and began her real estate career in January 2024 Maria serves the San Antonio and surrounding areas as a residential Realtor with LPT Realty, LLC “Helping Families Build Dreams, One Home at a Time” with buying, selling, and leasing residential properties and land Maria was first introduced into the San Antonio housing industry assisting an investment company and mortgage loan officer During that time, Maria attended Bexar County foreclosure auctions for investors Her work eventually leaned her towards mortgage lending for residential homes Gradually, Maria “ventured into loan origination, loan processing, closing and post-closing employment opportunities within various mortgage companies The ability to lead teams was the ultimate experience that I cherish, to be able to work alongside a wealth of knowledgeable co-workers!” “That said, a common motivator in prior career choices was the drive to serve others and support growth in our community - serving children, deaf/non-deaf families, military families, first-time home buyers and existing homeowner families, etc In addition, my personal experience with surviving the COVID- 19 pandemic resulted in a huge turning point for our family At the time, I had no idea that post hospitalization I would remain fully oxygen dependent and that the road to recovery would take almost 8-9 months This was a critical moment in our family’s life and the ultimate motivator for me to follow through with pursuing my Real Estate business After all, it is never too late to pursue new career goals in life!”
Faith and family are Maria’s biggest inspirations in her life Maria relies on her Catholic based faith for guidance and strength in life, “God is in control and has good things in store for us.” Jeremiah 29:11,” she adds. Maria's story is deeply inspiring, particularly how her family has shaped her journey. Her mother, Janie Hilliard, exemplifies selflessness and leadership through years of service to others whether organizing church events, supporting families in need, or taking on various leadership roles in the community Her example has clearly influenced Maria, encouraging her to give back and stay committed to both her personal and professional life Maria's husband and daughter also serve as her pillars of support, offering patience, optimism and a fun spirit that encourages Maria to do her best
The quote from Andy Rooney that Maria shared perfectly captures her perspective: “Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it ” This is a beautiful reminder that the journey itself is where the real success and fulfillment lie Maria’s story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the power of family support in achieving both personal and professional growth.
As an independent entrepreneur, Maria is fortunate to hold her license under a brokerage that provides necessary resources and tools that enable her to excel and provide top-notch service for her clients Additionally, networking opportunities have enabled her to connect and collaborate with Real Estate professionals that also support her business Family and friends help promote and provide referrals for her business as well Above all, Maria’s husband is her biggest supporter His dedication and moral support empower Maria to keep pushing forward, making their partnership truly inspiring
Housing market trends and changes are an opportunity for Maria to have conversations and educate and consult the public. Maria prides herself in going above and beyond! She adds, “I am continuously learning and strategizing ways to better
tserve existing and new clients. Be on the lookout for expansion of services by Q4 of 2025!” Maria loves to understand her clients on a more personal level She enjoys meeting and interacting with new people and learning about their personal stories and experiences! If she could do things differently in her real estate career, it would be that she would have moved it up in her career journey sooner! Maria enjoys collaborating with other industry professionals to ensure a smooth and overall excellent experience in the home-buying and selling process for all of her clients If anyone is looking to start their career in real estate, Maria would advise them to “Learn, Grow, and Go! Believe in yourself and go for it! Begin networking and collaborating with peers in the industry immediately They are a wealth of knowledge, support system, and doing so provides great exposure! More importantly, establish a routine that enhances your ability to provide the best service for your future clients and be consistent! Lastly, invest in yourself and have fun in your journey of joining the network of Realtors in the area and becoming a servant in the community!”
Outside of her real estate career, Maria volunteers her services with the Catholic parish, schools, and organizations (such as the San Antonio Food Bank, Soldiers ‘Angels, Haven for Hope, Multiple Sclerosis Associations, Suicide Awareness Organizations, Elf Louise) In addition to her real estate career, Maria makes time to run her Mary Kay business as a MK consultant With the holidays upon us, Maria has some options for her Mary Kay business. Stocking Stuffer, Shop My Special Mary Kay Offers!
https://www.marykay.com/MGutierrez12387
You can follow Maria at @Maria C. Gutierrez, Lpt Realtor
Wednesday’s at 12pm on KLMO 98.9FM
Inspiration4LifeChristmas Blessingsince2005,forour AnnualToyDrive!Please bringanunwrappedtoyto blesschildreninneed.
4 LIFE AWARDS, CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION & TOY DRIVE - IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DECEMBER 19TH MI FAMILIA AT THE RIM 18403 I-10 WEST TIME: 6-9:30PM
Hosted by Award Winning Radio, Media & Event Host Rita Hernandez - Live On Air With Rita & Founder of Inspiration 4 Life
Meet & Greet with some of San Antonios Local Celebrities, Local Artists, Local Musicians, Local Talent and so much more!!!
Silent Auction with Artwork by Celebrity Local Artist Blas Hernandez.
Bring an unwrapped toy or monitary donation if unable to bring toy. We will be blessing the children of the Alumni Drug Court Association and other children in need.
DJ Firme in the House and Amanda’s Photo Booth will be taking on the spot photos! More announcements to come!! Stay tuned!
