Woman Crush Wednesday - Ann-Margret H.

Thanks to a mutual friend on Facebook, I got to know Ann-Margret Hovsepian – a published author, freelance writer and editor, crafter, blogger, and missionary.

A visit to New York City several years ago gave us the face-to-face we needed to connect beyond the screen. We enjoyed Phantom on Broadway and walked all over the city (“10 more blocks???”).

Ann-Margret has many talents and I don’t think she knows what “idle time” is – she keeps herself busy with her many projects and hobbies. I appreciate her giving nature and upbeat attitude on life.

Please meet my friend, Ann-Margret.

1) Please tell me a little about YOU. 

I’m tempted to say I’m just an ordinary, everyday girl because that’s how I felt for most of my life, but that would almost be an insult to my Creator. I don’t think God makes anything or anyone “ordinary” – “ordinary” is our own perception of things, based on false standards we create.

In case you didn’t figure it out from my last name, I’m Armenian. I was born in 1972 in Montreal, Canada, where my parents met. My dad was born in Greece and my mom was born in Egypt. I’ve never been married and I don’t have kids but I’ve become blissfully happy in my singlehood in the last few years.

I’m an introvert, a self-starter and an autodidact, which probably surprises the people who thought I didn’t have it in me to be independent. I also (unofficially) mentor about a dozen young women, which makes up for the fact that I don’t have children or younger siblings.

A few of my favourite things: vintage books, quaint country cottages, cobalt blue glass, red gingham, C.S. Lewis, vintage quilts, key lime pie, giraffes, The Princess Bride, calligraphy, Honey Bee from DavidsTea, Jane Austen, roasted Brussels sprouts, theatre, bunnies, freckles, cellos and art supplies. Okay, that was more than a few. I also love lists!

A few things I don’t like: roller coasters, lamb (as meat), deep water, green beans, football and jazz.

2) Please tell me about your work/ministry.

Work: Although I studied chemistry in college, I’ve spent the last 22 years in the publishing industry, both as an editor and a writer. I’m eagerly awaiting the release of my third book – Truth, Dare, Double Dare: Another Year of Dynamic Devotions for Girls – this fall. I’ve had articles published in Christianity Today, InTouch (I’m currently writing a series of Bible studies for the magazine), Brio, Montreal Home and dozens of other magazines and newspapers. Nearly 30,000 copies of my first two books (combined) have been sold since the first one, The One Year Designer Genes Devo, came out in 2007. My second book, Truth & Dare: One Year of Dynamic Devotions for Girls, was released in 2011. 

Ministry: I surrendered my life to Jesus when I was seven years old and began actively serving at church at the age of 16. Since then, I’ve been involved in various ministries for children, youth and women. More recently, I’ve become passionate about missions and will be embarking on my third mission trip this summer. In 2012, I spent a week in northern Quebec with a team of women, doing outreach among the Cree. Last year, I joined my dad on his fourth mission trip to Armenia and spent three weeks immersing myself into the culture, language, food and landscape of my homeland. I fell in love with a small village called Horom and can’t wait to return this August to spend a few days there during our three-week trip. Our family ministry (Joseph Hovsepian Ministries) is financing the rebuilding of the Horom church, which was devastated during the 1988 earthquake. We also freely provide Bibles, New Testaments, gospel tracts and devotional books (the latter two written and produced by us) to local missionaries and village churches in Armenia.

3) Why are you passionate about what you do? 

I’m passionate about my writing and mission work because they are both gifts from God. I could never, on my own, have any kind of positive impact on the world. But God has opened doors for me to share the good news about Him through various means, whether I’m speaking directly to people or supporting pastors and missionaries who are doing the work. 

4) Why is it important to help others? 

Living for oneself makes for a miserable existence. Not only do we have a responsibility to help others because that’s how God designed humans to interact and co-exist, but it is also a deeply satisfying pleasure to reach out and give someone a hand, to share what we have (whether we have a little or a lot), to listen to someone, to pray with someone, to give a hug or to give of your time. 

5) How can readers contribute/participate/come alongside you? 

I’m so glad you asked! Anyone interested in the work we’re doing in Armenia can visit either our website (www.josephhovsepianministries.com) or our Facebook page. There are reports on our projects and mission trips, details about how to support our work and many other resources. 

I’d also love it if your readers connected with me personally by subscribing to my blog, liking my Facebook page or visiting my website. 

6) What makes a woman truly beautiful? 

When I think of the women I am most drawn to, what always stands out is the humility, purity and joy they exude. A godly woman can be perfectly plain – even frumpy – by worldly standards, but when the love of Christ is bubbling inside her, you will see a sparkle in her eye, a spring in her step and a brilliance in her smile that no store-bought product or spa treatment can ever replicate.

7) What do you like to do in your free time? 

Ready for another list? Haha! I actually rarely have free time but, when I do, the challenge is choosing from among my many hobbies: reading, sewing, indoor gardening, drawing, experimenting with recipes, exploring my neighbourhood (I live in the hip “Plateau” district), window shopping (or just plain ol’ shopping) and watching romantic comedies. 

8) Since you’re getting on my shoebox, what’s your favorite kind of shoe?

I can’t often find them in my size (suffice it to say that I’m 5’8”) but I adore ballet-style canvas shoes such as the ones below. Comfort is a big deal for me and my style ranges from ballet flats and Mary Janes to Converse oxfords, so these are the perfect in-between.

*****

OK, I’m getting off my shoebox now.

Woman Crush Wednesday - Kim S.

Kim Stephens is a name you might recognize. Most people in the Central Valley wake up to her face on their television every morning. I first met Kim when our boys were in the same Mommy & Me swim class almost eight years ago. Despite her fame, she is so genuine, easy to talk to, and down to earth.

I am NOT a morning person. I don’t think I actually wake up until around 10 a.m. (after I’ve been up for about four hours already). But Kim has such a youthful energy and zest for life, even at the crack of dawn. She is fun-loving, always puts her family first, and is a cheerleader for our community.

Please meet my friend, Kim.

1) Please tell me a little about YOU.

I’m a curious person. The toddler in me still asks the question, “Why?” I’m positive, find humor in many things, and love nature. While I am very proud of all the hard work and sacrifice of my 25+ year career as a TV News Anchor/Reporter, I am truly most proud of my two sons and husband. I love hanging out with those three. They make me laugh, and feel centered. I am also very proud that I was able to earn my Master’s Degree in TV Management at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville – all while I was working full time and planning a wedding across the country. It was challenging but worth it!

2) Please tell me about your work/ministry.

I co-host the 5-10 a.m. Great Day morning show with Kopi Sotiropulos on KMPH FOX 26 and anchor the 11:30 a.m. Midday Newscast. I’ve been getting up at 2:45 a.m. for over 10 years for this job. I’m not sure of many, if any, other people who are live on the air every day for 5 1/2 hours. (Before this, I used to be a nighttime anchor.) I’ve been a TV News Anchor for over 25 years. I started in 1988.

3) Why are you passionate about what you do?

Each day is different. I’m always learning something new, which is why I love this job! But, I must admit a big sense of responsibility in doing this job for others, too. A few years ago, my family and I were walking the survivors lap at a Relay for Life at Clovis High School. My husband is a stage 4 throat cancer survivor. A man came up to us thanking me for helping him through his painful cancer treatment. He said watching Great Day, and hearing my laugh, helped him momentarily forget his pain. That really touched me. He’s one of many people who have shared similar stories of how our show helps them move forward, laugh amidst darkness, and learn to empower themselves.

4) Why is it important to help others?

My parents are giving with their artistic talents. I guess that’s where I got my desire to help others, whether it’s sharing information, volunteering or offering a kind word. I’m a “do unto others” kind of girl.

5) How can readers contribute/participate/come alongside you?

PeacebyKim on Facebook is the best place (https://www.facebook.com/peacebykim).

6) What makes a woman truly beautiful?

Her giving smile. I think when you smile with a pure, joyful heart, you are beautiful.

7) What do you like to do in your free time?

Spend time with my husband and two sons. It’s really my greatest joy. I also love gardening, taking photos, volunteering and getting involved in creative projects around the house. The latest is creating a pergola and patio in our backyard where grass used to be. I laid over 550 bricks and tiles one by one!

8) Since you’re getting on my shoebox, what’s your favorite kind of shoe?

It’s all about comfort and function for me. I love my Cathy Jean wedges and my Roxi flip flops.

*****

OK, I’m getting off my shoebox now.

Woman Crush Wednesday - Felecia W.

I  met Felecia when our boys were in preschool together. Her son, Carson, was an adorable kid with two big sisters. One day, James told me Carson was moving far away. I found out they were going back to Indonesia, but I didn’t know why.

Felecia and I found each other on Facebook. As I got to know her better (even from thousands of miles away), her story broke my heart but her resilience inspired me and continues to inspire me. And her love for the Lord? It’s tangible. It’s real. It’s her rock and foundation.

Please meet my friend, Felecia.

1) Please tell me a little about YOU.

My name is Felecia Wong. I was born and raised in Indonesia and I moved to the U.S. when I was 17 to continue my education in Fresno, California. I am a mother of 3 (ages 13, 10, and 6). In 2011, my beloved husband went to be with the Lord. Shocked and stunned by grief, I entered the journey unprepared and broken but that’s when God showed up. His grace carried me through. In 2012, the children and I moved back to Indonesia to be closer with the family. I am now involved in the family business and in a local church ministry. I enjoy traveling, taking photos with my iPhone, writing, fashion, spending time with my children, and connecting with people.

2) Please tell me about your work/ministry.

I am a full time mom but I also work full time in developing an enrichment center for babies and children. I coach parents and help them to discover what parenting is all about and how parents and children can build a close and secure relationship, work together as a team, and have a beautiful life-journey together.

I am involved in worship, women, and children’s ministry at my local church. The blog that I started nearly 3 years ago is also my ministry wherein I share my journey through grief as a way to let the brokenhearted know that they are never alone.

3) Why are you passionate about what you do?

After what I’ve been through, I can’t help but share the love of God to anyone. I really want women and children to live, breathe and be secured in God’s love as the only thing that will fulfill and satisfy. I also understand how tough parenting is therefore I want to help as many parents and single parents out there.

4) Why is it important to help others?

During the hardest time of my life, God showed up tangibly through people He placed around me, pouring out their lives and love to my children and me. Because of God’s love and theirs, I can be who I am. They have helped me to be where I am today. So now, I really want to help people, especially those who are hurting and going through tough times. Brokenhearted people need to know that they are not alone and there is still hope and a future for them, a future that is secured in God’s hand.

5) How can readers contribute/participate/come alongside you?

I would really appreciate prayer support. Please visit my blog and leave comments, follow me on Facebook, twitter, Instagram, join the community www.facebook.com/divinejourneycommunity, and feel free to share/repost/regram any image and blog post. I would love to be connected.

6) What makes a woman truly beautiful?

When a woman knows how deeply she is loved, the true beauty inside her will come out. I believe the only love that can fuel every heart and satisfy every soul is the love of God.

7) What do you like to do in your free time?

I love spending time with my kids, baking and cooking together, watching movies, and keeping up with fashion news.

8) Since you’re getting on my shoebox, what’s your favorite kind of shoe?

Classic and comfortable heels in a nude color (like the Valentino pumps below).

*****

OK, I’m getting off my shoebox now.

Lessons from Eugeny

My mother, Eugeny, was only 49 when she went to be with the Lord. I was 22 when she died, and it was (and still is) the most devastating thing. But even though I still long for her (18 years later), I feel so blessed to have had her for the years that I did. Here are some lessons she taught me in that short time...

Easy, breezy beautiful. She always lived life to the fullest.

Compassion – My mother was a hairdresser, and her customers were more than just clients – they were her friends. They sat in her chair while she styled their hair and shared all about their lives, their joys, and their problems. A lady once told my mom that her dog had died and my mom suggested she should get another one. The lady was very offended, and my mother realized how much she had unintentionally hurt her. A day or two later my mother bought a doggy sympathy card and gift and took it to this lady’s house. She may not have cared about the dog, but she cared about her friend.

Sacrifice – My mother grew up in Aleppo, Syria and only completed school until the 8^th grade. After coming to the States, while working full-time and raising me and my sister, she registered for correspondence school to get her GED. She was only a few credits shy of graduating and getting a high school diploma when my grandmother, who lived upstairs from us, fell and broke her leg. She put her studies aside to care for her (it took a total of a year and a half for Grandma’s leg to heal). She never went back for the diploma.

My mom between her mom (left) and her mother-in-law (right)

Reconciliation – My mother was a peacemaker. She hated when people didn’t get along. She went out of her way to bring people together and resolve conflict. It really upset her to see people – especially family members – not talking to each other or giving each other the cold shoulder.

Motivation – My mother had never learned how to swim. One day we found out that she had secretly been taking swim lessons at the local Boys & Girls Club. When she put her mind to something, she did it.

Selflessness – Hairdressers typically have Mondays off since they work on Saturdays. Mondays were my mom’s day to clean the house, prepare a few meals for the week, and run errands. But Mondays were also the days she would go to my grandfather’s house to trim his hair and shave his face because he couldn’t do it himself. She did this for years. She would also go to the hospital to wash and cut hair of friends who were ill or recovering from surgery.

On my birth day, Kuwait 1973. I love how she's looking at me.

Resolve – I can’t count the number of times I hid my face in shame at the store or mall when my mother confronted the salesperson or manager with some false advertising or mistake on the receipt. She wasn’t afraid to argue her case and fight for her rights.

Imperfection – I loved my mother, but I was very careful not to sanctify her after she died. She wasn’t perfect – she never tried to be. She was afraid of driving on the highway, especially when big 18-wheelers passed us. She lost her temper sometimes. She would be late picking us up from school because she was working. It didn’t make her any less of a woman or mother. I try to remember her as a complete person.

Joy – My mother has been gone for almost 18 years. I’ve forgotten the sound of her voice. But I still remember her laugh. She suffered much in her life and in her death, but her laugh was constant. And it often drowned out her tears. She may have only lived 49 years, but she found joy in every pain. She owned it.

Yeah, she was a stunner. In NYC, with me (left), my cousin Saro, and my sister.

Devotion – I remember exactly one time that I heard my parents fight in the 22 years that I witnessed their marriage. ONE. I’m certain they had their disagreements, but they didn’t play them out in front of me and my sister. They did, however, show plenty of adoration and affection for each other. This might be the single most important gift she ever gave me.

OK, I’m getting off my shoebox now.

Woman Crush Wednesday - Amanda M.

Amanda caught my eye right away with her purple pants, bright blue eyes, and gorgeous skin that was literally glowing. We met at a bloggers’ brunch during Christian Fashion Week a few months ago, and I instantly felt connected to her.

When I found out that she’s a make up artist and business owner with a purpose, I was even more drawn to her. I love her company’s mission: God-inspired makeup enhances natural beauty, is simple to apply, and brings restoration to women globally. It is the perfect makeup for all women who will change their makeup to change the world.

It always amazes me when people use their gifts for a greater mission – when they care more about others than about their own bottom line. I am proud to know her.

Please meet my friend, Amanda.

1) Please tell me a little about YOU.

I created DIVINE image Cosmetics seven years ago. I lost both my stepfather (he left our family) and my biological father (he passed away while I sat next to him) by age 16 which led to drugs and abuse. I am originally from rural Ohio and moved to Las Vegas at 21 after overcoming heavy drug addictions.

2) Please tell me about your work/ministry.

DIVINE image Cosmetics and the I Am Worthy Foundation are a platform to teach women that true beauty comes from within, starting with her sense of self-worth and self-love. Makeup is the tool and avenue we use to reach ladies’ lives on a real and practical level.

 3) Why are you passionate about what you do?

I used to hide behind my makeup. Once I understood that my true self-worth had to come from God and I needed to love myself for who I was, I wanted to teach other women the valuable and transforming tools to do the same.

4) Why is it important to help others?

To whom much is given, much is expected! God has restored me and made me new. I now have a platter of golden nuggets that is a gift to be shared with every woman I come in contact with. Each nugget is a priceless piece of wisdom that can transform a woman’s soul and create beauty from the inside out.

5) How can readers contribute/participate/come alongside you?

Commit to buying all of your makeup products from DIVINE image Cosmetics for at least one year (they will love it so much they’ll never go back!) and join our team to help us redefine true beauty globally. (Find out more at www.divineimagecosmetics.com)

6) What makes a woman truly beautiful?

Her sense of self-worth and self-love anchored in her faith and relationship with God, and then the makeup (that’s the finishing touch).

7) What do you like to do in your free time?

Spend time with my husband and son, mainly movies and popcorn, riding bikes or traveling, and dreaming about our future! Serve in our women’s ministry at church. I don’t really have free time – most of my life is centered around the mission God has me on. It has become more of a family goal and we do events and speaking engagements as a family so the people I spend most of my time with are the same ones I would spend my free time with. I love to speak at women’s conferences, girls’ centers, high schools, and really anywhere someone will ask me, and as much as possible my family attends with me for support.

8) Since you’re getting on my shoebox, what’s your favorite kind of shoe?

ALL!! Ha! I love shoes!!! Girl, I think I have about 80 pairs. I like what most women won’t wear. I like my shoes – regardless of the brand – to speak about my personality. The funkier, more wild and crazy, the better. My husband is 6’3 and my 10 year old is too quickly catching up to me, so I love heels – tall ones so I can look the rest of my family in the eye!

*****

OK, I’m getting off my shoebox now.