All Posts By Charlene Gonzalez

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania lies a hidden gem that I recently discovered – the “Peaceful Healing Journey” prayer garden. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this serene oasis provided a truly transformative experience that brought me closer to Jesus.

As I wandered through the prayer garden, I was surrounded by a sense of peace and tranquility. The carefully curated paths led me through a series of peaceful sites and immersive biblical scenery that guided me on a journey of healing. Each step I took felt like a step closer to a deeper connection with my faith and a greater sense of inner peace.

One of the most impactful moments of my visit was a graveyard where all feelings that affect us were symbolically buried, serving as a powerful reminder of the need to let go of our burdens and find solace in Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

A scene that left a lasting impression on me was a beautifully set garden table adorned with a Bible verse that read, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” This powerful message served as a reminder that no matter who may stand against me, God is my ultimate defender and protector. It was a moment of reassurance and comfort for me.

Another highlight of my visit was the prayer and deliverance rooms, where I was able to spend time in quiet reflection and communion with God.

I highly recommend a visit to the “Peaceful Healing Journey” prayer garden to anyone seeking a moment of spiritual renewal and connection with Jesus. This hidden sanctuary is truly a place of healing and transformation that everyone should experience.

Be You, Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez 

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By Charlene Gonzalez

There’s something special about a girls’ trip to New York City, especially when I get to introduce my friends to my favorite spot in the Big Apple – K-town. For those who don’t already know, I have a deep love for all things Korean – the food, the culture, K-pop, and K-dramas. (I may or may not be secretly praying for a Korean husband, but that’s a story for another day!)

During this particular trip, I convinced my girlies to join me on a culinary adventure through Food Gallery 32. The food and atmosphere here are truly something else, offering a delicious and authentic taste of Korean cuisine. I have to say, I’ve never had ramen quite like the one I had here, and trust me, I’ve sampled my fair share of ramen from various places.

To satisfy my sweet tooth, I indulged in the famous tanghulu – ripe fruit coated in a delicate, clear sugar shell. It was a delightful and unique treat that perfectly capped off my foodie excursion.

However, my day took a slightly unexpected turn when I had a close encounter with a speeding motorcycle while crossing the street. The adrenaline rush from that moment still lingers, but looking back, I can’t help but feel grateful for God’s protection. The fact that I narrowly avoided a collision, with the motorcycle coming to a screeching halt just inches away from me, felt nothing short of miraculous. It served as a stark reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment and being thankful for the safety and blessings in our lives.

Despite that heart-stopping moment, the rest of our trip was nothing short of amazing. There’s something truly special about spending quality time with your girlfriends, creating unforgettable memories and sharing laughter and joy together. Girl time truly is the best time, and I can’t wait for our next adventure together.

As we wrapped up our day in K-town, bellies full and hearts happy, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the experiences and connections that make life so rich and fulfilling. Here’s to more adventures, more laughter, and more cherished moments with the ones we hold dear. Cheers to the beauty of friendship and the joy of exploring new places together.

Be You, Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez 

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By Charlene Gonzalez

In a world that often emphasizes outward appearances and external validations, the concept of self-love can be a challenging and misunderstood one. Many of us, myself included, have struggled with feelings of unworthiness and low self-esteem, seeking validation and acceptance in all the wrong places.
For me, the path to self-love was a difficult one, marked by mistakes and misguided choices, particularly in relationships. I erroneously believed that finding love outside of myself would fill the void within, relying on the approval of others to define my sense of worth. It wasn’t until I began to grow my relationship with God and truly understand His unconditional love for me that I started to break free from this cycle of self-doubt and insecurity.

Self-love is often misconstrued as selfishness or narcissism, but in reality, it is a vital component of our well-being. God calls us to love ourselves, to treat ourselves with kindness, compassion, and respect. It is about recognizing our value as His creations, without falling into the traps of ego or comparison.

Understanding that we are deeply loved by God can be a transformative experience, leading us towards a balanced sense of confidence and humility. As we draw closer to Him, we gain insights into our true selves, shedding light on our strengths and weaknesses with grace and acceptance.

God crafted each of us uniquely and intentionally, bestowing upon us His love and purpose. We are His masterpieces, designed to carry out good works that He has prepared for us in advance. In the eyes of God, we are precious, honored, and deeply loved.

I want to remind each of you reading this of your worth, beauty, and uniqueness. You are special, and you are loved beyond measure.

As we journey towards self-love, let us remember to:

1. Ground our identity in Christ.

2. Avoid the pitfalls of comparison.

3. Cultivate our relationship with God.

4. Harness our strengths and talents.

5. Care for our physical bodies.

6. Embrace our imperfections with grace.

7. Live intentionally and purposefully, guided by faith and love.

May we all walk in the light of God’s love, embracing our true selves with compassion and gratitude. Let us radiate His love to the world around us, shining brightly with the knowledge that we are cherished and valued beyond measure.

Be You, Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez

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By Charlene Gonzalez

As the New Year approached, I sat down to write my usual list of resolutions, but something felt off. This year, 2024, felt different. I realized that I wasn’t being genuine or authentic in my intentions.

Let’s face it, when the clock strikes midnight and the calendar flips to a new year, there’s no magical transformation that suddenly changes everything. The same situations and circumstances from the day before will still be there. Instead of creating a list of generic resolutions like exercising more or eating healthier, which often fizzle out due to lack of real commitment, let’s strive for something deeper.

Let’s aim for breakthroughs that will truly change our lives in the areas where we need it most. Let’s seek happiness and purpose, being intentional and disciplined in our pursuit of personal growth. Let’s make the conscious choice every day to prioritize our well-being and work towards a more fulfilling life.

In 2024, let’s not just go through the motions or set shallow goals. Let’s be deliberate, mindful, and committed to making meaningful changes that will impact our lives in a profound way. This year let’s strive for real transformation.

Be You, Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez

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By Charlene Gonzalez

Birthdays are always special, but some are truly unforgettable. This year, I had the most amazing birthday spending time with friends in New York City.
Our first stop was Ktown, my favorite neighborhood known for its rich Korean culture and mouthwatering cuisine. We couldn’t resist indulging in delicious Korean BBQ and kimchi from the famous BBQ Chicken Restaurant, often seen in kdramas. The sizzling meat, vibrant flavors, and lively atmosphere made it a truly memorable experience. And of course, no visit to Ktown is complete without bubble tea so we made a pit stop at Tea Makers.

Ktown had a surprise in store for us as we stumbled upon a cute shop called “Fluffy Algodón.” My friends surprised me with a special birthday treat – cotton candy! But these weren’t your ordinary cotton candies. At Fluffy Algodón, you could choose your favorite character, and they would create a customized cotton candy masterpiece. I couldn’t resist getting Cooky from BT21, a character I adore. It was cute and delicious addition for my birthday adventure.

No visit to New York City during the holiday season is complete without a visit to Rockefeller Center. We made sure to stop by and see the iconic Christmas tree.

To cap off our birthday adventure, we headed to Bryant Park which was transformed into a winter wonderland for the holiday season. The park was filled with cute shops, offering a variety of unique gifts and treats from all parts of the world. We couldn’t resist sampling different types of hot chocolates and indulging in delicious treats. The festive decorations and joyful atmosphere added an extra touch of magic to our birthday celebration.

My birthday in NYC was truly a day to remember. From the mouthwatering Korean BBQ in Ktown to the whimsical cotton candy surprises and the enchanting holiday spirit at Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park, every moment was filled with joy and laughter. I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate with good friends. This birthday adventure will forever hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the beauty and excitement that can be found in the simplest of moments.

Be You, Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez

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By Charlene Gonzalez