Lion's Gem

Stories.

Reflections, stories, and gems amongst us.

56 stories

2026

13
Personal Growth

May 15, 2026 · 2 min read

40 Days of Transformation | What I’ve Learned So Far

Tomorrow marks the 40th day of this transformation journey.At the beginning, I thought the challenge would primarily test my discipline — workouts, nutrition, consistency, and mindset. While it did challenge all of those aspects, the more profound transformation occurred internally.Over the past 40 days, I’ve had to confront a range of emotions stemming from changes over the years and face grief, betrayal, fear, pressure, control, exhaustion, insecurity, and spiritual struggles in unexpected way

Prayer

April 26, 2026 · 3 min read

The Hardest Commandment: Loving Those Who Hurt Us

For this weekly reflection, I want to spend some time on one of the hardest commandments and speak to it not just from a spiritual lends but scientific. If Jesus is our CEO, our number one value is: Love God. Love people.Not just the easy people.Not just the kind ones.Not just the ones who show up for us.All people. Even our enemies.And if we’re being honest…that’s where most of us pause. Because loving those who have hurt us, betrayed us, lied about us, or continue to move with ill intent—it do

Weekly Reflection

April 13, 2026 · 2 min read

Weekly Reflection: The Weight of “Little White Lies”

This week, I found myself pondering something seemingly minor… yet significant.I told a “little white lie.”I took my sister’s dog to the groomer. It wasn’t something she requested, but I wanted to treat the dog, and honestly, he needed a haircut. His fur was overgrown and tangled.So when the groomer asked, "When was the last time you groomed him?" I replied, “We just found him and this is his first grooming.”That wasn’t entirely true. In that moment, I felt a sense of embarrassment. Not for myse

Weekly Reflection

March 30, 2026 · 2 min read

Weekly Reflection| The Butterfly on the Path Less Taken

This weekend, we took a path we hadn’t walked before — and along the way, butterflies kept appearing. 🤍 Not once. Not twice. But just enough to make us pause. There’s something about those moments — when something shows up out of place, quietly catching your attention — that invites reflection. The butterfly symbolizes transformation. Growth. Trusting the process. And it felt fitting… because we were doing exactly that. 
Trying something new. Learning as we went. Taking a leap of faith

Weekly Reflection

March 1, 2026 · 2 min read

Weekly Reflection: Empty Me, Fill Me, Use Me

This week’s reflection reminded me that before God fills us, He often empties us — of relationships, habits, mindsets, and spaces that no longer align with who we’re becoming. The letting go isn’t loss. It’s preparation. When we allow Him to empty us, fill us, and use us, our lives begin to impact others in ways we may never fully see. Maybe the conversation you had, the advice you gave, or the presence you offered was someone else’s answered prayer.

Weekly Reflection

February 8, 2026 · 2 min read

Weekly Reflection: The Character Behind the Competition

This weekend was a reminder of how powerful sports really are. 🤍 From world-class athletes to kids stepping onto the field for the first time — discipline, grit, dedication, and heart are always on display. As a parent, it inspires me to show up and support every step of the way. As an athlete, it fuels the fire that says don’t quit. As a professional and business owner, it reinforces that preparation is what creates opportunity. Sports don’t just build skill — they reveal character.

Weekly Reflection

January 18, 2026 · 2 min read

Weekly Reflection | Be Careful What You Wish For

"Be careful what you wish for.” 🤍 It sounds like a warning, but I’ve learned it’s really an invitation. The things we pray for often arrive wrapped in growth, responsibility, and becoming. I wished to be a present, involved mom — and that wish stretched me, refined me, and changed me in ways I never expected. Not all wishes come easily. But many come purposefully. What’s a wish you made that helped you grow — or wasn’t what you originally expected?

2025

18
Weekly Reflection

December 28, 2025 · 2 min read

Weekly Reflection: The Greatest Gifts Are Still Priceless

As 2025 comes to a close and we welcome a new year, I’m reminded that the greatest gifts in life are still priceless. 🤍 Time is limited, love is abundant, and the moments that matter most can’t be wrapped—walks with our dogs, movie nights, shared laughter, quiet prayers, and simply being present. This week’s reflection is about gratitude, letting go, and entering 2026 grounded in what truly matters.

Weekly Reflection

December 7, 2025 · 2 min read

Weekly Reflection: The Friends Who Shape Our Future

This week’s message reminded me of a powerful truth: show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future. 🌿 Proverbs 13:20 teaches us that it’s impossible to live the right life with the wrong friends. We all need a Samuel, a Jonathan, and a Nathan—friends who call us to purpose, strengthen us in hard times, and love us enough to speak truth. This week, I’m taking the challenge to evaluate, adjust, and become that kind of friend myself. 🤍✨

Weekly Reflection

November 23, 2025 · 2 min read

Weekly Reflection: The Power of Purpose Shaped by Pain

This week’s reflection hit deep. Listening to Hal Donaldson’s story reminded me that our pain can become our purpose, and our struggles can grow into compassion that impacts the world. Convoy of Hope started with a young boy who suffered deeply—and today it feeds millions. Service is love in action. 🌱 If your heart feels called, consider giving one day of your income to feed a child in need. One day can change a life. 🤍

Weekly Reflection

November 2, 2025 · 2 min read

Weekly Reflection | The Power of Strong Women Around You

Two years ago, on October 28th, I had the privilege of speaking at the Mujeron Movement Conference in front of more than 100 incredible women. I shared my career journey—how American Express has supported my professional growth and my personal evolution. At that time, life was both beautiful and challenging. I had just become a mother for the first time, was healing from a miscarriage the month prior, learning how to navigate marriage and stepmotherhood, and striving to provide for my family. On

Prayer

October 26, 2025 · 3 min read

When Integrity Costs You: Staying True When No One’s Watching

This weeks reflections is focused on today's service. Today, our church wrapped up a series on “What Makes a Godly Man.” Over the last few weeks, we walked through five key traits: courageous, responsible, humble, sacrificial, and finally — integrity.And this one hit home for me.Integrity is one of those words that sounds simple but is so hard to live out. It means doing what’s right, as defined by God, regardless of the cost. Not what feels right in the moment. Not what’s easiest. Not what ever

Awareness

October 12, 2025 · 3 min read

30 for 30 (and Beyond): How My 30s Turned Out Differently—Yet Beautifully

When I turned 30, I made a list — my “30 for 30.” Thirty goals, dreams, and intentions for the decade ahead. I imagined my 30s as a checklist of milestones: career moves, love, family, and balance. Now, at 38, I look back and smile. Because life didn’t go as planned — it went better, harder, messier, and more meaningful. This is what I’ve learned about goals, grace, and trusting God’s timing — even when the plan changes.

Weekly Reflection

September 9, 2025 · 2 min read

Weekly Reflection | The Illusion of Control

This past weekend at church, the pastor said something that lingered with me long after the service ended: control is an illusion. At first, it sounded simple, but the more I sat with it, the more I realized how deeply it connects to every role I hold—mother, wife, daughter, and friend.As a mother, I feel the pull of control every day. I want to protect my children from pain, smooth their paths, and make sure they feel safe and loved. But no matter how much I try to plan or protect, I can’t cont

Weekly Reflection

August 31, 2025 · 1 min read

Weekly Reflection | The Impact of One Decision

Life consists of countless choices. Some seem significant—like selecting a career, starting a relationship, or relocating to a new city. Others appear minor at the time—such as accepting an invitation, beginning a new habit, or deciding to take a break instead of forging ahead.Yet every choice, whether large or small, has an impact. Each decision sends out ripples that affect the future path, sometimes in ways we notice immediately, and other times in ways that remain unseen until much later. Li

Marriage

June 29, 2025 · 2 min read

Learning His World — A Day at the Card Trade Show

Yesterday, I stepped into a world I knew very little about: a card trade show.To some, it might just be rows of tables, trading cards, and collectors talking stats and strategy. But to me—it was so much more. It was a glimpse into something my husband loved growing up, something that still lights a spark in him. And while I didn’t grow up around trading cards or tournaments, I did grow up learning what love really looks like. And love? It shows up.I went not because I suddenly discovered a deep

2022

2

2021

5

2020

7
Home Related

May 7, 2020 · 4 min read

First time working from home? Things to be aware of

We are now almost 2 months into the quarantine as a result of COVID19 and several of corporations have moved most of their employees to a virtual work environment. Some are beyond excited and others are having difficulty adjusting to the change. Reality is, this will most likely be the ”new norm” and we would anticipate a slow transition of companies reopening office buildings at least until they follow certain guidelines to ensure the safety of employees. As we continue to adjust to this new no

Relationships

April 23, 2020 · 1 min read

Relationship Advice: Make a list!

Dating and looking for a life-time partner? Confused of what you value the most in a relationship? Been out of the dating scene and not sure where to start?Here’s some words of advice from a dear friend of mine that I have been friends with since my college days. 1. Identify what your non-negotiables are! (Critical) 2. Reflect on what your values are as an individual3. Write it down & save it! Doing this once or every now and then will keep you grounded, along with reminding you of what’s most i

Dogs

April 16, 2020 · 2 min read

Women’s Best Friend

Ever since I was a little girl, my family and I have always had some kind of pet. We’ve had cats, rabbits, mouse, and dogs. They bring great joy to our family, heartaches and loss (Yes, I’ve lost a lot of things as a result ... like my favorite pair of shoes). Some we’ve had for a short period of time and some for several years, enjoying priceless memories that have given me several life lessons. However, I’ve noticed that out of all the pets I’ve had - my affection and love always leans towards

Personal Growth

April 12, 2020 · 2 min read

Laugh it off

Day in and Day out, we find ourselves presented with various situations that will piss us off! These could stem from our very own actions (no ones fault but our own) or the actions of others. There will be things that push our limits and can make us react in a way that can be hurtful to those around us. A few common examples: when others have a different perspective to you and try to force it upon you; when someone behaves out of line; when a best friend keeps getting back with their abusive ex

2017

5
Travel

July 2, 2017 · 2 min read

The Benefits of Traveling Solo

Back in February, I volunteered for a community service event with American Express where we would be cleaning the Grand Canyon Campgrounds (June 22nd-June 24th). Majority of the volunteers camped but I decided to get a hotel since it was my first time. My sister was originally going to go with me on the trip. As the day approached, no one was going to be able to make it with me so I decided to still attend. Solo. Never had I taken a trip without a family member, friend or boyfriend. I always h

Leadership

May 31, 2017 · 2 min read

What is your purpose?

During one of my regular "Getting to know My Team" Meet & Greets, I ask a series of questions to understand what keeps them motivated and inspired to come in to work so that I can support them through their life journey (Work being one small aspect). One of those questions is: "What is your purpose?" ... followed by a long pause. Some will answer my family, relationship, "to be successful", make money to pay bills and the list goes on. You would also be surprised to hear that there are a plet

Personal Growth

May 16, 2017 · 1 min read

Did you say, 11:11?

Ever feel like the universe is attempting to speak to you? That it's attempting to share with you some encrypted message that will take a life time to solve? How about a spiritual being attempting to connect with you when you are about to make a life-changing decision? 11:11! I was enjoying some quality time with my close family on Sunday, and I was about to make one of the biggest financial decisions of my life - Purchase a new home! Right when I messaged my realtor to put in an offer, the t

Travel

May 1, 2017 · 1 min read

Snowy Arizona

For Presidents weekend, a few family members and I went up north to Flagstaff on a Day Trip to see the snow. My sisters joined me, my boyfriend, along with my Cousin's Family. My Cousin had just turned 40 years young a few days before and we were celebrating him going into a new stage in his life. His Mom, which was someone very influential and close to our family, passed away unexpectedly two months before. This family trip reminded us of how thankful and fortunate we are to have each other in

Travel

April 25, 2017 · 3 min read

How to make the best of Bellissima Italia!

When I began my Masters Program, I promised myself that once I completed this milestone, I would celebrate by paying Italy a visit for the first time. After 3 years of hard work, my dream came true. On October 8th, I left Phoenix Arizona with my boyfriend on a 10 day adventure. Our goal was to enjoy the trip, not as tourists, but as humble students. We wanted to see what locals see. What they value and the culture that they embrace on a daily basis. I had been reading several of blogs, articl