bedtime prayers

Faith in God, love, and pursuing one’s dreams: an exclusive interview with NBC’s Ready For Love’s Angela Zatopek

Published June 9, 2013 | By Debra

Photo credit: AngelaZatopek.com

Every now and then I have the opportunity to talk with a special person whom I think will inspire our Warm Milk Journal readers. Angela Zatopek is such a person and I enjoyed getting to know her over the phone a couple of days ago.

Recently starring in the new Eva Longoria produced dating docu-series “Ready for Love” (Premiered April 9th on NBC),Angela Zatopek is an experienced sideline reporter previously working with Fox Sports and CBS College Sports. Angela is also a model,beauty queen (Miss Texas USA),and entrepreneur.

Through her balanced lifestyle and commitment to her faith, Angela’s positive message is an inspiration to a generation of young women. She recently began launching a faith inspired jewelry line called “OneLove Collection” featuring rings, bracelets and necklaces for women and men.

Here’s a brief excerpt of our conversation:

Debra: Hello, Angela!

Angela: Hi Debra.

Debra: I hear you have some exciting news?

Angela: Yes, two nights ago it was revealed on our show Ready For Love, that I was the final selection.

Debra: Wow. My daughter and I are fans of The Bachelor and Bacehlorette shows. Is this show like those?

Angela: Yes, there are similarities. It is a dating competition with twelve girls, three guys, matchmakers to help and our goal is to find our soul mate. One of the men, Ben Patton, chose me and we got engaged at the end (which I wasn’t expecting, by the way).

Debra: Congratulations! How amazing.

Angela: It was an incredible experience.

Debra: So, are you two planning a wedding now?

Angela: No, we recently called it off and we are now friends.

Debra: I’m sorry to hear that.

Angela: It was a lot of stress: long distance, not seeing each other for several weeks at a time… we decided this would be best. I only have good things to say about Ben.

Debra: What have you learned from this experience?

Angela: To be open when you are trying to find love. I personally have decided to wait for marriage (to have sex) and I am really glad I made that decision.

Debra: Do you still have faith in love?

Angela: Absolutely. Most importantly, I have faith in God, the support of my family, and confidence in myself. I am not afraid of challenges and going for what I want.

Debra: Now that Ready For Love is behind you, what are your plans?

Angela: I have a new faith-inspired jewelery line that I am creating called the OneLoveCollection. There will be rings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. that represent my values and faith: love of God, myself, commitment, friendship, etc.

Debra: That sounds lovely.

Angela. Thanks. We all have our calling and this is my “ministry” of sorts. I also plan on writing a book about my recent experience, God, love, and relationships.

Debra: I am sure a lot of people will benefit from hearing your story and message. Here at The Warm Milk Journal, we have a lot of readers with issues of insomnia and anxiety. Do you sleep well at night?

Angela: Yes, I do. The hour before bed I like to read something fun (nothing informational). I keep my cell phone and electronics off. I pray.

Debra: Angela, it has been a pleasure to chat with you. Thank you. I wish you the best of luck.

Angela: Thanks, Debra

Photo credit: Houston.Culturemap.com

*Note:

NBC has cancelled Ready For Love but the episodes are available on NBC.com, Electronic Sell-Through (iTunes, Amazon, Vudu, etc.) and Hulu.

*Marriage Monday dedication:

Most weeks I submit a Warm Milk Journal post to my friend, Fawn Weaver’s terrific site, The Happy Wives club for their Marriage Monday link up. I wish to submit this post and dedicate it to Angela and all of the single people out there who are ready for love. When one does find and marry one’s soul mate, it is life’s greatest gift.

Love has no desire but to fulfill itself. To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night. To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving. ~ Kahlil Gibran

Thank you for the smiles I received… an evening prayer

Published April 8, 2013 | By Debra

Dear God,

The day is over and sleep is near.

I am thankful for this day.

Thank you for the smiles I received,

the attentive children in my classroom,

the companionship of my family this evening.

I am excited about the new people and opportunities that are

presenting themselves to me.

This chapter is an exciting one.

I so appreciate my life.

God,

Please send your love, guidance, and healing to those out there who feel:

pain,

sadness,

alone,

stuck,

or adrift.

Thank you.

Amen.

Our Top Twenty Warm Milk Journal Posts for 2012!

Published December 30, 2012 | By Debra

Yes, 2012 is almost over. It has been a great year. I wish to thank you for all of your support these past twelve months. Out site has grown so much. It is my wish that we continue to support you in our mission of:

To live a well balanced, rewarding life of our dreams by day and sleep restfully at night.

I know we have about a day and a half of 2012 remaining, but I would like to share with you the twenty posts that got the most views these past 365 days. The most viewed page was not a post, but our home page (with over 30,00 views).

Here is the countdown of our most popular posts for 2012 (not including the home page).

20. Anxiety and dealing with our fear bubbles: 3 approaches to take

19. An affirmation for insomnia from Louise Hay’s “Heal your Body”

18. Hot Bedtime Drinks

17. Top Ten Ways To Make Friends On Twitter, One Tweet At A Time