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
My name is Anna Urrabazo. I am a mother to two wonderful children, ages 13 and 11, and the wife of my incredibly supportive husband, Roger Urrabazo Professionally, I serve as a Vice President of Payment Solutions at Security Service FCU and am also an entrepreneur, owning Amanda's Photo Booth and Amanda's Custom Gifts.
My daughter Amanda, who is 11 years old, embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship Her desire for a photo booth at her 10th birthday party was the catalyst for our business venture. After discovering the high rental costs, she suggested, "Why don't we purchase one? I can rent it out to my friends." She even invested $500 of her savings to acquire our first booth
Our business has now expanded to include nine booths: seven traditional, two 360 booths, and a roamer booth This venture has been an enjoyable educational experience for our family. Our mission is to offer affordable services that allow everyone to have a delightful experience without overspending, while still providing high-quality photographs and service.
I am eager to connect with other business owners for mutual learning and collaboration Should you require photo booth services, please feel free to contact me.
Anna Urrabazo
210-317-8876
Amanda@photoboothandcustomgifts.com
Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php? id=100079995721561&mibextid=ZbWKwL
Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/amandas photobooth
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
Mi Familia at the Rim
18403 IH 10W
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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!
MODISH
AURA
DESIGNS
PERMANENTJEWELRY
WHAT IS PERMANENT JEWELRY?
Toxic Relationships!
By Sandra Cerda
When Enough Is Enough!
It’s only September and I’ve received more than my share of messages from people I care about who are trapped in toxic relationships! There is nothing sadder than to learn the people closest to you are not for you and even worse, having to find out they’ve gone over and above to sabotage your peace and work hard to sabotage your other healthy relationships. The good news is your true friends who know you and know your good works will never give ear to those lies and fabrications. But what do you do in the meantime?
For me personally, I remove myself from those people as much as possible. For me, there is nothing more strengthening than to surround yourself with people who are for you, who will hold you up and encourage you through those rough roads.
I make sure to limit as much of myself and as much of their ability to contaminate my peace of mind. More than that, we have God’s permission to do it!
I found in the Word of God where, in Zephaniah 2:5, that “God is a wall of fire all around us, He is the glory in our midst”, meaning he will surround you with an impenetrable wall of protection where nothing can permeate the fire of His presence on your life. It is the will of God to shield you. I am so fortunate to have a small group of women who are very protective of me,
very prayerful over me and speak into my life all the promises of God in order to remind me that God has better things in store for my future than toxicity and negative people who know nothing of my life behind closed doors. Too often there are those few people who have decided they have a license to hinder you, obstruct you and even to tear you down, but they don’t. Too often there are those few people who have decided they have some sort of permission to go behind your back and degrade you to others, disqualify you, demean you with their clique-ish, faultfinding opinions that are so far from the truth of God’s word and character. God is for you, not against you. You are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus; old things are passed away and in God all things are new.
I feel very strongly that the attachments we have with some people are our biggest snare, when our attachment to the Lord and in fulfilling the callings of God on our lives should override any other attachment or seeming obligation.
Don’t be afraid to step out on the paths that God is directing for you, despite what others think. Don’t be a people-pleaser, be a God-pleaser. You’ll know God is pleased with you when you see the continual blessing of the Lord on your work, on your life and by your answered prayers. Some roads, some paths won’t have those people on them and they can be very judgmental about it, even when they say they’re not. God has not called you to slow down, to stop or to give in to their detours simply because of their lack of approval or understanding. They are not your filter God and His word are.
You might be surprised to learn that this also happens in churches and group settings of faith, I believe for the simple reason that the Lord will not have us forming into cliques and small groups where only people who agree with us can hang out. I have a very good, strong and healthy group of people in my life and we don’t all agree 100% with everything, especially politics! But one thing is for sure, we lift each other up and refuse to tear each other down. We surround each other with good, healthy words and not toxic ugliness or mean-spiritedness. I have seen where some leaders can go days and even a week or more not speaking to someone, throwing people out that they cannot tolerate and even speaking against them when they’re in the same room with others! It can be very disheartening but will always leave me wondering what is really going on in that person ’ s life? Are they truly fractured or broken, are they secretly addicted to something or worse, are they backsliding and trying to disguise it? Who do you go to in those times of facing such oppression and opposition? For me personally, I go to the Lord every single time. On rare occasions I will lean on a very strong woman of prayer who always lifts me up above it until I can get my foothold again. We all go through these siftings, and we all have people who are toxic come in and out of our lives. Vengeance is Gods’ and He wants us to give it to Him, whether it’s in the form of frustration or hurt, rejection, misunderstanding or anger, even all of that so that God can intervene for our success. The greatest revenge is success, so succeed in moving on in the Spirit of the Lord knowing He is with you!
Connect with Sandra Cerda and First Time Authors on Facebook. 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.
Inspiration 4 Life Business Feature
Art by Blas & Rita FB:
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Angie Vivian
Puro Texas Charm
https://www.instagram.com/puro texas
charm
Facebook https://www facebook com/angie vivian 35
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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
FB: @chiquitabonitasnacks
IG: @chiquitabonitasnacks
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Catherine Pearl Castaneda
Catherine's Pearls
https://www.instagram.com/catherinep earlcastaneda/
https://www facebook com/thebloomingc actusboutiquequemado
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Tristan Ramires
Heart Chakra Healing
Instagram: @heart chakra healing
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Enchanting Sweets
https://linktr.ee/enchantingsweets
IG: @enchanting sweets by alex
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Antoinette Fashions
Website: www.antoinettesfashions.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/shoptoni1463
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shoptoni1463
Email: shoptoni@antoinettesfashions.com
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October Awareness 2024
• Domestic Violence Awareness Month
• Eye Injury Prevention Month
• Health Literacy Month
• Healthy Lung Month
• Home Eye Safety Month
• National ADHD Awareness Month
• National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• National Bullying Prevention Month
• National Dental Hygiene Month
• National Down Syndrome Awareness Month
• National Medical Librarians Month
• National Physical Therapy Month
• Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
• Spina Bifida Awareness Month
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month
• Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct. 4–10)
• Malnutrition Awareness Week (Oct 5–9)
• World Cerebral Palsy Day (Oct. 6)
• National Depression Screening Day (Oct. 8)
• World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10)
• Pastor Appreciation Month
• Bone and Joint Health National Action Week (Oct. 12–20)
• Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day (Oct. 13)
• Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day (Oct. 15)
• National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (Oct. 15)
• International Infection Prevention Week (Oct. 16–22)
• World Food Day (Oct. 16)
• National Healthcare Quality Week (Oct. 18–24)
• World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day (Oct. 19)
• National Health Education Week (Oct. 20–24)
• International Stuttering Awareness Day (Oct. 22)
• Respiratory Care Week (Oct. 25–31)
• World Psoriasis Day (Oct. 29)
Contact Kerri Moody: Planning Appointment
FeaturingAmyKerekes! byAna Banda
Amy Kerekes is a 5th generation Texan! Amy was born in Houston, Texas and is one of four siblings. At the age of 7, her family relocated to San Antonio, TX and have been here since. Amy is married and is a great mom to two fun loving boys. She happily shares that her family also includes her side kick’s: Max, their dog a Blue Lacy and their duck, Cheeseburger
In the real estate market, Amy also plays an important role Amy has been in the banking industry for 18 years; 13 of those years, she has been a mortgage lender Her role in banking has been very rewarding as she has loved meeting so many people and assisting them with their lending needs Currently, Amy works for a local well-established bank She is happy to be a part of this establishment as they offer a wide variety of mortgage products Amy can assist with a Portfolio product that allows a higher-than-normal debt-to-income, construction loans, and a great lot loan product Not to mention that she operates face to face with clients. The experience you will receive from Amy is the old fashioned personal, great service, that you just can’t find anymore. Over the years she has also invested in personal endeavors, so in addition to being a lender, she is also a notary, Mary Kay Sales Consultant and a travel agent
Amy’s motivation to enter the mortgage industry began because of her love for helping people Amy’s biggest inspiration is her grandmother Her grandmother fought hard to keep her family together as a child Amy is grateful that her grandmother stepped in to take her and her three siblings from ending up on the streets Amy watched as her grandmother sacrificed her older years to become a full-time single parent to her and her siblings Amy admires her grandmother’s business ethic in addition to her loving and beautiful personality Amy’s customer service is undoubtedly her passion! She adds, “the changes in the industry, the challenges, the entire process holds my attention. When the market crashed in 2008, I was in banking but on the consumer lending side. I was fascinated by how the housing bubble happened The combination of this event and my desire to help people pulled me into mortgage I started my additional businesses with the same mindset ” “How can I make someone’s life easier or better?”, she added
Amy has a big heart for her clients and wishes that she did not have to say No to some of the clients Saying no to a client is one of her biggest challenges She reminds her clients that a “No” is not forever With her help, a “No” can be for today but with her help, she can get them to a yes!
Amy wishes that more people knew that buying a home can be a joyful experience Sure there are steps involved, and of course, “red tape, paperwork to provide, signatures, etc”, but with Amy by your side, you can be assured that she gives it her all to get you the best quality assistance. She strives to get all clients walking away stress free from the process Amy keeps in touch with her many happy clients through the years She has
clients that tell her how much they love her and this just makes her job worthwhile If she had to start her business over again, she would start with more confidence in herself She says it took her some time to “toot [her] own horn, something that you must be able to do if you want to be successful in real estate.”
Amy’s best advice to anyone who is aspiring to be in mortgage banking is to “Not give up!” As cliché as this sounds, she says, “you need patience, you need to learn when to eat dirt and when to walk away, you need to be confident and humble, you may need to change management teams until you find the right one and you may need to ride the highs and the lows of the industry” She encourages you, however, “if you care about people and you have a servant’s heart, and know your product, you will make it and change people’s lives in the process ”
Amy is happy to collaborate with other vendors or industry professionals, including other mortgage lenders. “We all have the same goal and it’s not just feeding our family … people in this industry know that homeownership and home maintenance is securing people’s, family’s futures It is more than just making a sale its people’s lives ”
Amy is also an inspiration in our community! “Growing up poor, our family was proud, and we were always taught that there was nothing that we couldn’t make happen on our own ” She recalls the selfless generosity of others and felt that “people are truly amazing, and God was at work ” “Perhaps this is where her love of volunteering came from”, she adds, “because she is huge on volunteering ” She favors hands on work, and she has volunteered for Boys and Girls Club, Ronald McDonald House, served meals to Veterans, helped at the Food Bank.” Amy has even volunteered as a “Reading Buddy at local elementary schools.” “I think it is very important to help people whenever and however you can. I am excited because my boys are finally getting to the age where I can have them come with me and participate ” Amy is definitely a fine community leader and we can all be inspired by her generous actions
To connect with Amy Kerekes, please reach out to her at Business Phone: 210-332-2889 Mobile Phone: 210-454-7337 Email: amykerekes@gmail com
Please join South Texas Business Partnership for this wonderful celebration on November 7th at Embassy at Brooks. Sponsorship and registration details will be posted soon!
