Be the Light

Posted on by goldenlifemusings

The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but for many, it can also be a time of loneliness, struggle, or pain. As we celebrate the season, it’s important to remember that the love and kindness of Christ are needed more than ever. You never know what someone may be going through, and you might just be the only glimpse of Christ they see.

The Power of Simple Acts of Kindness

In the busy days leading up to Christmas, it’s easy to get caught up in shopping and to-do lists. But let’s not forget the power of simple acts of kindness. A warm smile, a thoughtful word, or a helping hand can make someone feel seen and valued. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus reminds us, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Every act of kindness is an opportunity to serve Him.

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Loving Others as Christ Loved Us

The true meaning of Christmas isn’t in gifts or decorations but in the love we show others. Christ came to Earth not for the perfect, but for the broken. He embraced people’s flaws with love, and we are called to do the same. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Loving others—especially those who may be hard to love—is how we reflect Christ’s heart.

This holiday season, many people face pain—whether it’s from loss, financial strain, or personal struggles. By offering love, patience, and understanding, we show them the kindness of Christ. Your love could be the lifeline someone needs to get through tough times.

Being a Light in Someone’s Darkness

We are called to be a light in the world, especially during dark times. In Philippians 2:15, Paul writes, “Shine among them like stars in the sky.” As you encounter people this season, remember that your light may be the only one they see. Reach out to those who might be silently suffering—whether it’s a friend, a coworker, or a neighbor. Offer your presence, your prayers, or simply your ear. In doing so, you reflect the love of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.

The True Gift of the Season

Jesus is the ultimate gift to us—given out of pure love. In 2 Corinthians 9:15, Paul writes, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” This Christmas, may we all remember that the greatest gift we can give isn’t something wrapped in paper, but the gift of love. When we show kindness to others, we share the season’s true meaning.

Scriptures to Inspire Your Heart:

  • 1 John 4:19 – “We love because He first loved us.”
  • Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world… Let your light shine before others.”
  • Romans 15:7 – “Accept one another, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
  • Galatians 6:9-10 – “Let us not become weary in doing good… Let us do good to all people.”

This Christmas, let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus. This holiday season I pray that as we reflect on the love Christ has shown us, we let that love overflow to others. We never know when our kindness will be the light someone needs.

Merry Christmas!

For more golden life ventures visit www.goldenlifeventures.com.

Home Sweet Home Away From Home Pt 4

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On this third annual month-long respite in Anguilla, I pondered what has made this gorgeous island country so enchanting to me. Truth is there are beautiful beaches, abundant sun, delectable cuisine, and good vibes in many places all over the world. And many of them are a lot easier on your pockets.

I figured I would at least attempt to offer my Golden Life tribe a taste of what makes Anguilla so special. In fact, that’s what Parts 1, 2, and 3 have attempted to do. I’ve concluded that there is simply a je ne sais quoi about this place that can only be experienced. But while you’re here, I’d love to share with you some of my new finds and tidbits that I encountered on my most recent visit in January.

When in Anguilla…

I discovered Johnnos, a beloved beachfront restaurant among the locals accidentally. We had a reservation to visit one of Anguilla’s beautiful off-shore islands, Sandy Island (similar to Scilly Cay island we visited last time), and somehow they forgot to tell us they had a private party for the day. Fortunately, Johnnos, which is located right at the dock for the ferries to the island welcomed us with open arms. (Pro tip: When visiting a destination, go to the spots the locals enjoy. In my experience, you can’t go wrong with that. When in Rome…)

I was excited to learn that whole snapper is one of their specialties, and it comes right out of the sea, caught by a local fisherman. Can’t get any fresher than that! To top it off, they are a go-to place for live music on Sunday afternoons. My type of vibe!

Aurora has my heart

In my previous blog posts about Anguilla, I only briefly mentioned the Aurora property, but it’s been a go-to spot every visit. In my opinion, it is one of the top three most beautiful resorts on the island, and I would recommend a stay there if you have the coins to match. 

Even if you aren’t a guest, you are allowed to enjoy the property’s  abundant amenities such as the spa (which mom and I visited the first year) and the beachfront restaurant and bar, which has fantastic views. It is also cool to visit at night when they host live entertainment.

It’s also important to mention that the Aurora is home to the only golf course on the island, so if you’re a golfer, this is definitely your place to be!

Photo courtesy of Anguilla-Beaches.com

Zemi Take Me Away

I fell in love with Zemi at first sight. For starters, this beautiful boutique resort is located on my favorite beach on the island, Shoal Bay. It also has one of the most beautiful spas I’ve ever seen, and coming from a spa girl, that says a lot! Zemi’s vibe is all about the zen, and they nail that in every crook and cranny of the property.

This time, we enjoyed craft cocktails at their seaside bar and experienced live music and tasty bites at the The Bohio Bar & Sushi Lounge. I highly recommend this experience. And if you’re a spa bum or a boutique hotel lover like me, Zemi is your spot. It also happens to be a Hilton for you Hilton Honors members out there.

For All Seasons

I can’t remember ever visiting a Four Seasons that I didn’t like, and this one certainly did not disappoint. The Four Seasons Anguilla happens to be the only chain resort on the island. During last year’s visit, I indulged in the Spa, which was like its own resort. The views from the relaxing lounge and patio are breathtaking and of course, the massage was one of the best I’ve ever had. I recommend a full day here. You can’t go wrong at any of the restaurants.

This year, my family and friends visited on a Saturday night to check out one of Anguilla’s favorite homegrown bands Omalie 360. Absolutely amazing! Omalie, the band’s lead singer, even invited me up to sing along with him. It was a night to remember!

Omalie, the lead singer of Omalie 360. Be sure to check them out while in Anguilla, they were awesome!

You had me at aloe

I’ve been to many Caribbean islands and cities in Mexico where beach entrepreneurs occasionally sell their massage services. However, the Anguillan beach entrepreneurs made an offer that we just could not refuse – fresh aloe massages. Yes, they come prepared with fresh aloe leaves that they cut and pull fresh aloe juice from to serve as the ointment for your foot and leg massage. Yes please! I can not tell you how soft and refreshing my legs and feet felt after that treatment.

My mom and our friend on the Straw Hat terrace on NFL Sunday
This massage felt like what I would imagine heaven feels like.
We made fast friends with Straw Hat Manager Doris.

I’m not sure where else they offer their services, but we experienced this piece of heaven on the beach in front of Straw Hat at the Frangipani Resort. By the way, if you are a sports fan this is your spot! In addition to having a fabulous beach, the restaurant area has multiple screens sharing live sports from the US and all over the world for your viewing pleasure. As we visited during NFL playoff season, this became our Cheers every Sunday.

If you’re still not convinced that Anguilla is a place for you to visit, just know that I’m happy to continue to do the research for you (smile). Clearly, this little island has a lot to offer, and I’m looking forward to seeing what gems I will find during my next visit. You’ll certainly be the first to know!

For more golden life ventures visit www.goldenlifeventures.com.

She Shines

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Last week I had an opportunity to be a part of and witness something really special. It’s hard to quite capture the dopeness of it all, but let me at least try. 

My mentor, Juanita ‘Busy Bee’ Britton, who you’ve seen featured in my last two blog posts, is not only a phenomenal travel curator of cultural experiences, and Queen Mother in Ghana. She is first and foremost, the consummate businesswoman. Not that she had anything to prove, but she further demonstrated her business prowess by adding yet another retail operation to her portfolio of more than a dozen restaurants and shops in Ronald Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport through her partnership with award-winning airport retailer and restaurateur Paradies Lagardère. And I was blessed to provide communications support for the grand opening of this amazing new store.

The new Goods@DCA, is the first of its kind, boasting 24-7 automation services by way of Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology; Clockwork Automated Manicures, a revolutionary technology that delivers flawless, automated manicures in just 15 minutes for $15; state of the art vending machines that offer fresh selections even when the store is closed; and the new “Lift and Learn” Technology, powered by Perch, allowing shoppers to engage with books in an innovative way. 

Speaking of books, let me share what amazed me most about this new business concept. Not only did Juanita partner with big corporate entities like Amazon, Starbucks (which opens later this year), and istore Express, which features high-end electronics; she invited DC-based independent bookstore and beloved local treasure MahoganyBooks to be a part of the deal as well. She took this as an opportunity to help elevate the brand and offer national exposure and expansion for another local black-owned business. Now that’s dope!

But let me share with you what brought me the most joy and inspired me to write this month’s musing. At every turn and corner of this grand opening event, I saw a black woman shining. As a black female entrepreneur it was truly inspiring and heartwarming to witness the wildest dreams of my ancestors unfolding in real life. 

Nikki Harland offering praise to Juanita during her remarks.
Can’t wait to dig into April Ryan’s new book!
Juanita having a sweet moment with her mother.

As I watched the Chief Operating Officer of billion-dollar retailer Paradies Lagardère Nikki Harland come to the podium and offer her warm remarks, I smiled proudly. As I chatted with April D. Ryan, the only Black female reporter covering urban issues from the White House who hosted a book signing for her third book, “Black Women Will Save the World, An Anthem,” my heart fluttered. As I observed award-winning MahoganyBooks co-founder Ramunda Young work the room and warmly smile for photos, I grinned with joy. As I witnessed Denise Rolark Barnes, the publisher and second-generation owner of The Washington Informer, one of the oldest and premiere multimedia organizations serving the African American community in the DMV, capture the moments of the occasion, I nodded in amazement. Naturally, as I watched Juanita Britton, my mentor, stand at the center, orchestrating and coordinating it all, my whole being jumped for joy. And as she continued to humbly uplift and recognize her General Manager of 20+ years Nivlem Dickens, my heart beamed with pride.  

Juanita commanding the room, as usual
Juanita, my beautiful mother, and Nivlem
It’s official…the ribbon has been cut!

Last month, I hosted the second installment of a business concept I started during Women’s History Month this year entitled, SheShines. The purpose of this event series is to honor, feature, and support the businesses of black female entrepreneurs in the DMV (District, Maryland, Virginia region). Essentially, it’s a smaller scale version of what I was able to witness at the Goods@DCA, and it has no doubt further broadened and brightened my vision and dreams for the future. Oh the things we could accomplish by bringing all of our unique, God-given talents and skills into one place! I pray that some day the women of SheShines will inspire the next generation of black females in business because what’s evident is that we shine brighter when we all shine together.

Note: The next time you’re traveling and you happen to be in Terminal 2, Concourse D, be sure to stop by The Goods@DCA to help a sister shine brighter.

For more golden life ventures visit www.goldenlifeventures.com.

This Passion Week

Posted on by goldenlifemusings

We use the word passion to describe a lot of things in our world today. That thing that excites and inspires us even if we aren’t getting paid to do it. That burning feeling we feel for someone who delights us romantically. That strong desire we have for something that seems indescribable.

Yet, the etymology of this frequently used word is strikingly different than how we use it today. The word passion originated from the Latin word that means to suffer, or in biblical terms, to endure suffering. Hence why this week is commonly referred to as Passion Week. Also called Holy Week, this week between Palm Sunday and Easter is recognized by Christ’s followers around the world to honor Jesus Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and triumph over death. 

As I reflect on the culmination of this Lenten season, acknowledging the significance of my savior’s final days on Earth, I feel the tension of this season. Just as there is a dichotomy that exists between the word that is used to describe this sacred week and how we use the word today, there is a dichotomy between the feelings that this time period evokes. On one hand, as a Christ follower, I am called to feel the heaviness of Christ’s final days as He was subject to betrayal, persecution, and ultimately intense suffering. However, I’m also excited, joyful, and hopeful because I know how this story ends. He has risen!

There was pain and anguish, but there was also a celebration of life. There was suffering, but there were also miracles. There was sadness, but there was also joy. There was a crucifixion, but there was also a Resurrection.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t help but bask in the joy of this season. I’m extremely grateful that my deliverance is not based on anything I did, but rather on what He did. I’m delighting and rejoicing in the fact I am His, and because I am His, I am saved and will have eternal life in His Kingdom. That is the type of joy that supersedes any and all circumstances here on Earth.

Someone reading this blog may be feeling a different type of tension. If you are currently not just feeling the heaviness of Christ’s sufferings, but of your own, I’d like to encourage you. First, you are not alone in your suffering. One of God’s many promises was that He will never leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:8). He is right there with you in your suffering.

Secondly, if you are reading this message it means that you are still living. And if you are still living, that means that God is not finished with your story. He has you here for a purpose and He has good plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11).

Lastly, know that even your pain is purposeful. Just as Christ’s suffering had a purpose, so does yours. Romans 5:3-5 tells us that we can rejoice in our trials and sufferings because they build endurance, which then produces spiritual maturity and character, which in turn strengthens our hope and confident assurance of salvation. He promises that this hope will not disappoint us and God can indeed be trusted to keep His promises. 

Because our Father and Savior Jesus Christ has suffered, He knows all about suffering and can comfort you through whatever you’re going through. He sees every tear, hears every groan, and understands every disappointment. This season will not last forever. Trust in Him, and He will renew your strength and restore your joy. 

The Culprit and the Cure

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I’ve been dating for more than half my life and I must say, it’s still an exhausting enigma to me. It’s constantly changing, some would argue for the worse, yet somehow it’s managed to stay the same. One area that’s remained the same is the blame game.

Hurt people hurt people right? We’ve all heard that before, and I would venture to say that it’s true. Broken women hurt men and broken men hurt women. But, which came first? The broken men or the broken women?

There could be whole dissertations arguing each of those cases. But, can we consider that there is no one gender responsible for the issues of today’s dating culture? Could it be that we are asking the wrong questions? We seem to be so focused on who’s wrong that we are missing how we can make it right. I wonder what the dating culture would be like if we removed blame and took personal responsibility for each of our own actions.

What is love? An age-old question whose answer is not as elusive as we make it out to be. According to the first book of Corinthians, yes it says that love is patient and kind. But if you read a little further down in that scripture it also says that it does not keep a record of wrongs. But when we blame each other for what’s wrong we’re doing just that. And that’s not love, nor is it new.

This has been happening since the Garden of Eden when Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent for the mess in which they found themselves. Neither of them took personal responsibility for their contribution to the matter at hand. Sounds familiar right?

Quite frequently I have conversations with single people of both genders, in all age groups, from never been married to divorced. One constant that I’ve heard is that dating is hard, and the why is mostly because of the opposite sex. Women don’t know what they want. Men don’t want to commit. Women are too independent. Men are not stepping up. Neither of them can be trusted.

By the way, none of these blanket statements are the truth. There are a lot of dope single men and women who could actually be really good together. But we’re having a hard time finding each other because many of us have convinced ourselves that the opposite sex is the problem.

I get it. These general conclusions are all coming from a place of experience, and thus a place of some type of hurt. We can’t stop people from getting hurt; that’s just what happens in an imperfect world. But what if we chose to stop perpetuating the vicious cycle of the blame game? What if every time we had a failed relationship or dating experience (outside of any type of abuse), we evaluated it independently of past failed experiences and from the lens of personal responsibility? What if we stopped adding up evidence to prove ourselves right and truly started operating from a clean slate every time we dated?

I admit I’m far from having all the right questions or answers when it comes to dating and relationships. As I stated earlier, much of it is still an enigma. I also don’t want to seem as if I’m trying to oversimplify a much more complex issue. But one thing I do know for sure is that as a culture, as a society, as a generation, we’re our own problem and solution when it comes to matters of love and relationships. 

Right Now

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“I just want to fast forward to the part of my life where everything is OK.” 

-Issa Dee

It’s a line from the final season of the critically acclaimed HBO show “Insecure” that I’m sure resonated with someone other than me. I felt that sentiment deep in my spirit. Most, if not all of us, have felt this way at some point or another over these past two years.

In late 2021, as I was considering my theme for this year as I do every year, I realized nothing was coming to me. Instead of forcing it, I relaxed and resolved that it would come to me in due time. And when it did, it was evident, but it was gradual.

On New Year’s Day, feeling like 2021 had given me one last sucker punch, I posted an image of myself from a photoshoot for my new product line. The photo captured a moment of complete joy for me, albeit transparently, it was incongruent with the feelings I was experiencing at the moment. There was a bit of uncertainty mixed with doubt, frustration, fear, exhaustion, yet a bit of hope. I willed myself to encourage, not just the people who would see my post, but myself.

I decided my post would express my reflections on this scripture I had been studying – Isaiah 43:18-19. Paraphrasing, it says, “Do not hold onto the past or dwell on things that happened a long time ago. I’m doing a new thing; in fact, can’t you see it right now?! I am bringing streams of water to quench your thirst and I’m making a clear pathway in the wilderness you’ve been experiencing.” 

I closed the post by challenging myself and others to cherish the “right now” gifts we are receiving in the new year. Fast forward to about a week later as I was sitting on the beach in Anguilla (more on that later) accepting and fully immersing myself in my own challenge. It came to me. My theme doesn’t have to be clever or deep. It only has to be inspiring to me, and it was. My theme for this year is simply, yet powerfully, to revel in all the “right now” moments. Even if the temptation to fast forward past them is present.

Right now, while it may not be filled with all the things we’ve hoped for, it is still precious. Some of these moments may be hard and difficult, others may be filled with unmistakable bliss. But don’t let those clearly defined moments keep you from appreciating the moments that you didn’t realize you had until they’re gone. Those quiet, reflective moments. The seemingly mundane moments with loved ones. The moments when you’re consumed with your phone when you could be witnessing what might have become a beautiful memory. 

Let’s not miss the “right now” moments that are in front of us while we’re waiting on something. At the end of 2020, I wrote a blog post about some of the benefits of waiting. I’m finding that the more waiting seasons I have, the more benefits I see in them. I discovered a new one today in one of my devotionals.  

“Waiting forces us to worship God for who He is, regardless of the outcome and regardless of whether or not He answers our prayers the way we think He should.”

-Lincoln Brewster

Worship always brings me back to a centered place. When I take time to worship God, the peace and comfort I receive are indescribable. If you can relate, or even if you can’t, try this right now. Calm your mind and spirit. Close your eyes. Worship God for a moment. Think of all the things you have to be grateful for RIGHT NOW and thank Him. How does it make you feel?

Next time you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, distracted, consumed with thoughts like Issa Dee wanting to fast forward to the good parts…pause. Observe. Reflect. Worship. Find the goodness in the right now…

Time for Wine

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After several weeks of fall travel, I figured it was time to sit my behind down and get to musing. In September, mom and I decided to take a road trip down US-29 to one of our favorite places – Charlottesville, VA. This charming, college town, is not just home to my alma mater, the illustrious University of Virginia, it is home to more than 40 wineries within 25 miles driving distance. And fall happens to be one of the most beautiful times of year for this road trip.

I should mention that as I’ve gotten older, I’ve developed a bit of an affinity for wine. This coupled with the realization that I had not visited one winery in the area in the two decades since my matriculation, meant that it was well beyond time.

Jefferson Vineyards

Our first stop was Jefferson Vineyards, which was about a 15-minute drive outside of Charlottesville. This small but lovely vineyard offered two seasonal flight options that each included four varieties. (Note: If you’re not familiar with the lingo, the term flight is used by wine tasters to describe a selection of wines.) I opted for the white and mom opted for the white and red combo, which came with a rose. They also gave the option to purchase cheese, charcuterie, and chocolate snacks to accompany your wine selection. Out of all the wines I tasted, including some of mom’s reds, I enjoyed the 4 Gold Medals Viognier the best. Never mind that it was the most expensive (insert sigh here), but my taste for wine is somewhere right in the middle – not too sweet and not too dry. 

What mom and I loved most about this particular vineyard though was the scenery. The little flower gardens that included seating perfect for social distancing had an undeniable calming effect. They also offered abundant seating on an expansive field that included a large tent and umbrellas for larger parties and smaller tables and chairs that overlooked the rolling green hills.

Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard

Our next stop led us to the Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard in Keswick, which was another 15 minutes or so down the road. This one had me at the long, rolling driveway lined with grapevines. Though still charming, this vineyard was much larger than the first, and included a sit-down restaurant on the property. The outdoor restaurant seating offered a beautiful view of the vineyard we saw on our drive in and seeing the sun begin to set beyond the hills was another great treat.

The taste offerings at Merrie Mill were much more generous than the first winery. Additionally, they only provided one flight option to purchase that included a combination of red, white, and rose varieties. This tasting was enough for two people unless you’re a heavyweight in the wine department. Merrie Mill also offered heavy snacks that included charcuterie and cheese platters, as well as salads. My favorite wine here was the rose, of which I purchased a bottle to take home. It was crisp, refreshing, and had just the right amount of fruitiness without being sweet. 

Overall I enjoyed the vibes, views, and vino of both wineries and I would recommend them both. I’ll be heading back to Charlottesville soon and will keep you updated on more wineries to try.

Here are some other tidbits to consider:

  • As our time only permitted us to travel for a couple of days during the week, we were limited to the wineries that were open on Wednesday. Note, most wineries are open Thursday – Sunday. 
  • If you’re familiar with Golden Life Musings, you know I’m not fond of dining at restaurants I have back home. This trip led us to a few new great finds for dining. If you love burgers, check out Burger Bach in the Shops at Stonefield shopping center right off of 29. I enjoyed the lamb burger, featured in the pic below, and mom ordered the traditional cheeseburger. Both were delicious.

We also thoroughly enjoyed Sedona Taphouse, which served arguably the best stuffed shrimp I’ve had.

On our way back up the road, we wanted something quick, hot, and delicious and Angelic’s Kitchen did not disappoint. Both the fried fish and fried chicken were delicious. The mac n’ cheese wasn’t the best I’ve had, but the greens (not pictured) were on point. And I’d be remiss not to mention that this one was black-owned. 

  • While you’re in town, take some time to stroll down the quaint, downtown Charlottesville area. This is me and mom’s favorite part about Charlottesville. They have some really cool small businesses and local street vendors that could use our support, especially in these times. Ten Thousand Villages, where I actually bought a couple of Christmas gifts, is a unique store with a phenomenal cause behind it. There are actually more than 50 of these stores around the US that sell fair-trade items from dozens of disadvantaged artisan groups in 30 different countries around the world.

Our Spiritual Password

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Candidly, April was a rough month for me both personally and professionally. Not only did a bunch of commitments converge, it was a month filled with disappointments, setbacks, and unexpected challenges. Have you ever just had a whole season where you felt like everything was coming at you at once? Yeah, it was one of those moments. For the first time in the five years since I launched Golden Life Musings, I didn’t write. I needed a minute y’all.

While I attempted to recenter myself, I came upon a devotional that put things back into perspective for me. The message was around spiritual warfare and it identified one of the weapons we can use when we find ourselves in the middle of an attack. When I say attack, I don’t mean a physical attack or even an anxiety attack. Spiritual warfare is an attack on the spirit. It’s not just an attack on any spirit; it’s a spirit that belongs to the Lord. And the enemy’s strategy is to attack a spirit when it’s at its lowest, weakest moment. 

The good news is we have a spiritual password that can unlock the key to our joy and abundant living. Yes, even while undergoing trials. It is more powerful than any other weapon known to man, particularly when you’re dealing with spiritual warfare. That is the “Name of Jesus.”

If I’m about to lose you, hold on a minute. Let me explain. 

At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. The truth is, you can go directly to the Father and ask Him, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.

John 16:23, 24

What John is saying in this scripture is that there is power in the name of Jesus. When Jesus died on that cross and was resurrected, things changed for us as believers. Previously we had to approach God through people (priests); but with this incredibly selfless, sacrificial act of love, He gave us a direct connection to our creator. He not only erased all of our sins, He made us acceptable to God. He gave us access. 

Just think about all the miraculous things the name of Jesus has done throughout the Bible. We are saved by that name (God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12). We are baptized into His name (…be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38). Regular ordinary people like the disciples were able to cast out demons with that name (These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: they will cast out demons in my name…Mark 16:17). That name is the truth!

And here’s another thing that will really blow your mind. That same power and spirit that raised Jesus from the dead also lives in you, by way of the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

Romans 8:11

So when you are feeling hopeless, helpless, lost, powerless, or any of those feelings that don’t serve you, know these two things. You have the authority to go directly to our Father and use our spiritual password to gain immediate assistance. You also have the ability to activate that power and spirit that lives inside of you to access your joy and abundant living He promised you.

I’m not saying you won’t ever have trials or unexpected challenges, or that you won’t be affected by them. What I am offering is a tool to use when the heaviness of those trials threatens your overall joy and peace. I want you to know that no matter what comes your way, you have a spiritual password you can use, that when coupled with belief, can move mountains. Particularly the ones we’ve created in our own minds. 

My Review of Marco Island, Florida

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As a travel professional and enthusiast, one of the unexpected but welcomed outcomes of the global lockdown has been the opportunity to explore new domestic travel options. With Florida boasting some of the best beaches in the United States by far, I’ve made it my go-to vacation spot during the pandemic. 

I’d heard great things about the southwest coast of the Sunshine State so I decided to make it the destination for my birthday trip in February. I’m so glad that I did. Depending on what type of traveler you are, Marco Island, which is a beautiful barrier island 20 miles south of Naples, you may have one of two completely different reactions to it. Let me first share with you some potential drawbacks before I discuss everything I loved.

Real Talk

Marco Island, and really the entire southwest region, is not particularly racially diverse as far as residents or travelers. Think the opposite of the Miami region, which is about a 2.5-hour drive away. For an indication of what I mean, I looked at the last census numbers and the racial makeup of the city was 95.9% white.

This beautiful year-round beach and boating resort island is also extremely laid back. That means if you’re a beach bum like me, a nature lover, or a golf fanatic, you’ll really enjoy yourself. Those are the primary attractions this resort town has to offer. If you are an adventure freak or someone who needs a mix of turnup with their beach vacay, you’ll be extremely disappointed. But, if you are a couple who’s looking for a romantic, quiet getaway or a family with young children, this vacay spot is for you. And if you are a bachelor/bachelorette group or a family looking to entertain your teenage children, it’s best to look at some other options.

Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, let me share with you everything I loved about Marco Island and the beautiful boutique resort I patronized, The Marco Beach Ocean Resort.

The accommodations

My favorite part about this quaint, oceanfront resort is that it offered spacious suites with breathtaking sunset views for a reasonable price. Contrasting the Cheeca Lodge Resort in the Keys I blogged about last month with gorgeous sunrise views, this resort gave a front-row seat to the most beautiful sunsets I’ve seen. 

The one-bedroom suite also offered a full kitchenette complete with a refrigerator, microwave, stove, and oven. This is perfect for reheating leftovers or cooking your own budget-friendly meals. 

I also loved that this boutique resort was serious about its covid safety procedures. All staff wore masks and properly socially distanced. The resort also had signage requesting that all guests wore masks in public areas and numerous hand sanitizing stations.

The beach

This barrier island on the Gulf Coast side of Florida offers six miles of blue-ish, green waters and powdery, white sand that is filled with beautiful seashells close to the shoreline. This is a great thing if you like to collect seashells. The drawback of this beautiful scenery is that this shoreline can do serious damage to your feet! I recommend sea shoes. Be careful! 

Most of the resorts, like the Marco Beach Ocean Resort, offer beach-side service and plenty of comfy beach chairs and umbrellas. However, when the hotel is at capacity, you will want to get down to the beach as early as possible, if you’d like to reserve prime seating. 

The water was a bit chilly in February, but during the late spring, summer, and fall months, the water is ideal for water wading. I should also mention that the weather in February was perfect – sunny and warm with low humidity. 

The food

If you’ve been reading my blog for some time, you know I couldn’t talk about a destination without reviewing the culinary delights. If this is your first time reading Golden Life Musings, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Leslie, and I’m a foodie.

Whenever I visit a new place, I try to visit as many of the restaurants at that destination as possible. Let me first say that I did not have a bad meal in Marco Island. At least three of my meals were at the resort, and they were all spectacular. The highlight of my experience, however, was at the Italian restaurant Sale e Pepe, which offered a special pre-fixe 5-course meal for my birthday dinner. (FYI, this also happened to be Valentine’s Day). It was a whole FIVE STARS!

Here are some of my other personal recommendations:

  • The yellowtail snapper with a lemon, garlic butter sauce and szechuan green beans at Marco Prime Steak & Seafood Restaurant
  • Crab legs (or blue crabs if they have them), Pinchers claws and crab rangoon at Pinchers
  • Kale salad and parmesan truffle french fries at The Beachfront Bar & Grill at the Marco Beach Ocean Resort

Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed my time on Marco Island. Candidly, I was looking for a quiet vacay where the goal was to relax at the beach all day, enjoy delicious culinary treats and spend quality time with my mom and significant other while taking in the beautiful, serene environment around me. If that’s your jam, Marco Island’s got you covered.

Our Mistakes, His Plans

Posted on by goldenlifemusings

I used to be terrified to speak publicly on spiritual matters. In fact, years ago when someone told me I would go into ministry I laughed and told them they didn’t really know me well. But actually, they were onto something.

I’ve been a spiritual person pretty much my whole life. My relationship with God, however, went to a whole new level in 2015 when I was forced to be still and evaluate my life and my relationship with Him in a way that I had never done before. Like I’m sure many can relate to, it took being broken down to be built back up. That’s just how God works. The trials and tribulations we grow through are meant to strengthen us and build muscles in areas where we are weak. He gives us opportunities to fall down and make mistakes so we can learn how to fully trust and be obedient to His will.

That season of transformation that began in 2015, and continued into 2016, was the genesis of the new passion book project you’ve seen me allude to over these past several months in my posts. God Doesn’t Make Mistakes: Learning How Our Missteps Fit Into His Perfect Plan uses my journal entries as a discussion point for many of the lessons learned and revelations I experienced along my spiritual journey during that season. I didn’t know my journal entries would ever be published for the world to see, but I realized after reviewing them, there were insights and aha moments that I just could not keep to myself.

I’ve made mistakes, a lot of them. I’ve had stinking thinking. I’ve said things that hurt myself and others. I know, at times, I’ve delayed my own blessings because of my disobedience. But that’s exactly what qualifies me to write a book like God Doesn’t Make Mistakes.

I know I’ve been through some of the same things you’ve been through. While the characters and circumstances were slightly different, the results were the same – hurt, disappointment, shame, guilt, feelings of inadequacy – you name it, we’ve all felt it at some point in our lives.

But, we have a choice when those feelings arise — distance ourselves from God or draw closer to Him. I chose to draw closer to Him, and some magical things happened as a result of that stronger, deeper, more meaningful relationship. I found purpose. I heard very clearly my assignment in this season.

Share. Share your story, your testimony and yourself.

Out of obedience, I share God Doesn’t Make Mistakes with you. Today, I launch the pre-sale phase of this project, which gives you an opportunity to pre-order the book and receive the introduction, first chapter, and foreword written by my pastor Keith A. Battle immediately. The official book launch will take place on January 30, 2019.

I can’t tell you how excited I am to finally release what feels like my baby into the world. A lot of sweat, tears, and love went into creating it and I pray that it blesses you beyond what any of us could even imagine. If it does, my challenge to you is the same one God posed to me – Share it!

Visit www.ourmistakeshisplans.com to order your copy today!

 

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