June 2024 Inspiration 4 Life Magazine

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

BLAS HERNANDEZ

Local Artist of San Antonio

This is an inspiring story about a Local Artist who is ready to give back to those in need. His name is Blas Hernandez Jr. and he has donated many of his Artwork and provided Silent Auctions to many Organizations to donate a portion of the proceeds back to their Causes. Being a Latino Artist in San Antonio has given Blas the opportunity to be involved with our communities. His Artwork has been displayed throughout the City of San Antonio, from the West Side of SA, King William area to the Northside of SA

Blas Hernandez Jr, born on September 23, 1965 and raised in San Antonio, Texas is Owner of Art by Blas Hernandez and Co-Founder of Inspiration 4 Life. Blas picked up his first paintbrush and put it on canvas in 5th grade and hasn’t stopped since. It was then, at 10 years old, he realized that being an Artist got him a lot of recognition and respect from his school, family, and friends. They saw the dedication, time

and hard work it took him to make his artwork come to life. Blas does all types of Artwork, from Acrylic on Canvas, to Furniture Art and all types of Mediums. Blas was inspired to take his art to many places of business and was appreciated by Rosarios Mexican Restaurant, El Buen Gusto Mexican Café, Retro Haus, Ray’s Puffy Tacos, Taco Haven, Madhatter’s Tea House and Café, Tienda Guadalupe, and Infinito Botanica Gallery to name a few. Throughout his many years of experience of being an artist, he has done yearly events in his community. Blas has done Art in the Hood, First Fridays at El Sol Studios, Tienda Guadalupe, Rey Willies, South Town Imporium, Blue Star and Art in the Park He has also displayed his artwork at Centro Cultural Aztlan for Dia De Los Muertos and Virgen De Guadalupe He has also been part of Casa Bohemia Gallery, Casa Margarita Gallery, Milagros, Pulquerios, Jive, and Gallista Art Gallery. Through all this inspiration, Blas and his wife Rita also had their own Art Studio for 4 yearsand held Art Shows every 1st and 3rd Fridays. They also showcased and Featured Artwork from Students in our Communities and held Art Classes to Educate those who were interested in learning about Art and learning how to paint.

Blas has a lot of passion and love for the art. He makes sure he finds time with his busy schedule for his family, work, and art. With Blas having a full time job at Christus Santa Rosa for 34 years, it has kept him a very busy man I am honored to say he is my wonderful husband and the entire Hernandez Family, is involved in art as well We’ve been painting together for 24 years now Sometimes there is not enough time, so we tag team to finish a piece of art. We paint together as a family to keep the art alive in our lives. He also has his 4 children David Hernandez, Blas Hernandez III, Meghan Hernandez and Jon Michael Hernandez, who are also Artists as well. Our daughters Amanda Cantu and Jasmine Hernandez and son AJ Hernandez are also Artists as well. Art definitely runs in the family.

You can see it in his art and the way he expresses a particular piece that he has completed. One of his favorite themes in painting artwork is Dia De Los Muertos. He takes more time and gets involved with this event because it shows more of his cultural side. Blas is inspired by the talented Posada, and is proud to be on the same page as many other talented artists. Blas is very humble and true to his friends. Especially when it comes to being known as a Local Latino Artist. He simply shines like a golden coin. To Blas, it has been a true blessing to know that he has come this far in his life and for his community.

Finally, Blas is humbled and honored to have his Artwork on the walls of some very well-known people in SA such as Former Mayor Julian Castro, Congressman Joaquin Castro, Former Congressman Charlie Gonzalez, Professional Boxer Jesse James Leija, Cha Cha’s Mexican Restaurant Owner Ricardo Ruiz, UTSA President Ricardo Romo and many more. Blas also had the honor to create the West San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Fiesta Medal for 2015. Blas also had the amazing opportunity to be an “Extra” in the Movie, Gino’s Wife in 2014. He played an ATF Agent in the Movie. It was a great and amazing experience for him. Blas has been a part of giving back with Inspiration 4 Life through our yearly

Community Outreach Projects, especially our Thanksgiving Blessing andourChristmasBlessing.HewasapartoftheMiCasaMakeover ProjectwithKENS5GreatDaySAinDecember2015withTeam Inspiration 4 Life He also was a major part of Inspiration 4 Life’s Fashion Show 4 A Cause Event as one of our Male Models With Blas’s “Heart of Gold”, he has been recognized as one of our Inspiration 4 Life Local Community Heroes in April 2016. One last amazing tidbit about Blas is that he is an amazing Chef! Stay tuned for more great things to come!

If you are interested in having Blas set up for Silent Auctions at your Event or Gala, please email artbyblasandrita@gmail.com. For more information about Local Artist Blas Hernandez Jr. please visit www.facebook.com/blashernandezjr www.facebook.com/ArtByBlasAndRita

I also want to give a special Father’s Day Special shout out to Blas Hernandez You are my sweet and amazing Husband!!!

THE BEST GIFTS ALL YEAR LONG!

EDNA LUGO

Edna Lugo is a contemporary cultural artist who was born in Queretaro, Mexico, and now is based in San Antonio Texas. She is an accomplished musician, stained glass and paper Mache artist and most recently, an emerging successful silversmith. When Edna turned her sights to silversmithing in 2022, she sought the help and guidance of legendary master silversmith, Art Tafoya Her inspirations come from the world around her, most notably the natural world Edna’s intricate pieces, using sterling silver and natural stones, feature elements such as flower, birds, tigers and horses

Edna Lugo Studio / Facebook / Instagram Email ednalugoarts@outlook com Ph 210-996-4830 PO box 242 30131 Bulverde Lane, Bulverde, TX 78163

www.ednalugostudio.com

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Born and raised in San Antonio, Alison has maintained her passion for two things, jewelry and serving others. In every interaction, you can be sure to feel Alison's passion of wearing a timeless quality chain that is as unique and vibrant as the person who wears them.

Each piece tells a story and if you are lucky enough to hear Alison's story, you too will find that there is no better time to be your very best self, than now!

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DEAR DAD

A beautiful poem to give to a new dad on his first fathers day

Happy First Fathers Day

Happy Father’s Day, Daddy, I have a present for you. No, it’s not in my diaper, But that needs changing, too!

I have a poem to let you know How lucky Mommy and I are, Because when it comes to daddies, You really are a star!

Thanks for taking care of me With cuddles and silly songs Thanks for settling me back to sleep, The nights they can be long

One day I’ll be big like you, And strong and smart and brave. But while I’m little I want to say, Happy First Father’s Day!

I needed to have someone on my side, Someone who was loving and true, I had to know that I mattered to someone, One of those someone ’ s is you

Because you always believed in me, I came to believe in me too, You built my strength and confidence, To see the tough times through

Thank you dad for believing in me, Thank you for taking my side, Through all the ups and downs of life, And every bumpy ride.

I’m truly very grateful dad, And I simply want to say, I hope you have a well-earned Happy Father’s Day!

Thanks For All You’ve Done

Happy Father’s Day Dad. Thank you for all you have done. If there was an award for the best fathe ever. Then I’m sure you would have wo

You’ve always encouraged me with my And took interest in the crazy things I d You’ve taught me to never give up on myself, And you ’ ve shown me that any dream can come true.

Thank you for being my personal taxi. Maybe dad stands for “dad always drive You have taken me to all the games an practices, And managed to never miss despite our crazy lives.

Thank you for all your kindness these y You’ve wiped tears and snot from my face, You’ve put up with mood swings and heartbreaks, You’re arms are my safe place.

You’ve been my support, Through good time and bad, I feel lucky indeed To have you as my dad!

Daddy’s Princess

I’m daddy’s little princess, daddy’s little girl! I make a little curtsy, and give my dress a twirl.

I smile so sweet and kiss your cheek, And I can ask for anything , Because I’m daddy’s little princess, the center of your world!

What Goes Around Comes Around!

by Sandra Cerda

You Reap

What You Sow

An interesting saying we’ve heard for a long time is, “What Goes Around Comes Around” but many don’t realize it’s also mentioned in the Bible Not in so many words, but in actuality, the Word of God states in the book of Ecclesiastes 1:8,9, “All things are wearisome, more than one can say The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” Even God knows it to be true!

Before I began my journey in walking after the things of God, and way before I ever started trying to live right and do right, I had heard the saying mentioned above. When I became a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and follower of His ways, I quickly learned that what I do to others will come back to me, even more! I found it so important for my own life to start anew and make amends; easier said than done, but it can be done!

One of the many ways I found necessary was in being a more thoughtful person, a more compassionate and understanding person. It required me to put myself in their shoes, much like my mother had always taught me as a child. One of those life lessons we quickly shrug away imagining it to be one more way a parent tries to “boss us” as children. But mama is always right! Empathy and compassion are not taught enough and it tends to be one of the greatest obstacles to our character development, but as adults we do wisely to begin where we are no matter the age Put yourself in the shoes of the person you’ve belittled, the person you’ve gossiped about, the person you’ve hurt, betrayed and wounded What an ugly characteristic many of us have adapted to and we call ourselves people of God, Christians even, much to our own deception How can the Lord possibly bless such an idle tongue of wrongdoing? I don’t know about you, but I need the blessing of God in my life and my work so I best treat others as I want to be treated. I best keep my words in check and correct those around me who are trying to bring that same ugly characteristic into my circle of friends. Often, it’s in the family members around us or those we’ve kept at a distance, not realizing we’re just like them.

Culturally, the same can apply if we’re not careful and humble about how we manage others and situations with which we don’t agree We fail to give each other the “grace-space” to grow and succeed, we fail to compliment others when they do well, and really mean it Why are some people so quick to cut others down, kick them when they’re down, betray their confidence and trust? Such an ugly characteristic. If a person like this is not careful and honest with themselves, the same will come back to bite them at their weakest moment and greatest time of need.

I often find myself having to keep my good reports to myself as others are often spiteful or not truly happy for my successes. How sad that many of us have to do the same? We do good to surround ourselves with people of similar faith and similar hopes and joy. God’s Word instructs us to be glad for others in their joy, share in their gladness and mourn with them in their sorrows Nowhere are we instructed to take what they trust us with and spread it out in lies and discord or division Eventually, those people who are like that will end up alone with no one glad for them or sorrowful with them in times of distress. Life is hard enough without people like that around us.

As a pastor and minister of over 33 years in Houston, I’ve seen a lot in terms of character and character flaws and learned so much about insincere people who are only around to see or hear what they can only to turn around and lie about it, gossip about it adding more untruth, or slandering opinions in a truly unbecoming, un-Christian like manner. These are unsupportive people who call upon the Lord and the Name of the Lord, praying as they do and stumbling along through life never engaged in any meaningful ministry or work, blaming others, finding fault in others, criticizing what they know nothing about as if they are the final authority or a filter of God’s blessing and approval. That is vanity.

If you are one who finds yourself targeted by insincere, unsupportive people you’re not alone! Not only are you in good company with people like me, but God is with you by His Holy Spirit and His hand of blessing is on your life. His Word promises that He prepares a table for you in the presence of your enemies, and that your cup of blessing runs over with abundance. That’s good news, my friend! Don’t let your heart or your mind be troubled because of troublemakers who have no peace of their own in God, bound in competitive jealousies and vain repetitive prayers never reaching meaningful goals of productive change in the lives of hurting people but instead causing more pain You hold on to the blessing of God for your life and keep yourself busy with what the Lord has called you to do!

I’ve had people who believe themselves to be something they are not, literally separate themselves from me when my loved ones are going through troubling, difficult or even dangerous times Completely self-righteous and vain in their emptiness, the Lord will remove them from your life even if they think they’re removing themselves. God is faithful and He is good, not willing to allow fake friends near you in order to preserve the gift of God in your life, the anointing. You stay focused and stay true to the path God has carved out for you and watch the blessing of the Lord in your life, for yourself and for others Be blessed!

Sandra Cerda 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.

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Angie Vivian

Puro Texas Charm

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Rhonda Short - Mature Diva Travel

Website: www.maturedivatravel.com

Instagram @thematuredivas

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheMatureDiva

TikTok @cruisingthroughmudlife

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Chiquita Bonita Snacks

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IG: @chiquitabonitasnacks

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Catherine Pearl Castaneda

Catherine's Pearls

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Tristan Ramires

Heart Chakra Healing

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Enchanting Sweets

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June National Awareness 2024

Alzheimer’sandBrainAwarenessMonth

CataractAwarenessMonth

Men’sHealthMonth

MyastheniaGravisAwareness

NationalAphasiaAwarenessMonth

NationalMigraine/HeadacheAwarenessMonth

NationalSafetyMonth

NationalSclerodermaAwarenessMonth

PTSDAwarenessMonth

ScoliosisAwarenessMonth

NationalCancerSurvivorsDay(June6)

FamilyHealthandFitnessDay(June12)

WorldBloodDonorDay(June14)

Men’sHealthWeek(June14–20)

AutisticPrideDay(June18)

WorldSickleCellDay(June19)

HelenKellerAwarenessWeek(June21–27)

NationalHIVTestingDay(June27)

Shop Local San Antonio July Summer Mercadito

Shop Local San Antonio is joining Mi Familia at the Rim for the July summer mercadito! Come shop with amazing vendors and eat delicious food at Mi Familia at the Rim. Come out and enjoy!

Vendor/Market Hours

Saturday July 13th 10-9pm

Sunday July 14th 10-4pm