Faith Over Filters

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Filters. They’re everywhere. In our social media-driven culture, they’ve become a standard. For the uninitiated, filters are those features on apps that can transform a photo in seconds, brightening your smile and smoothing your skin to adding lashes you never had.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to shame anybody. I’ve used them too. Sometimes a little extra light is just what a photo needs. But what got me thinking (and writing) is how filters have moved beyond the screen. They’ve crept into our real lives. Offline, we’ve begun “filtering” and altering parts of ourselves to get more approval, more attention, more “likes.”

Here’s the truth: every one of us has something we’re working through. A weakness or a habit we’d rather break. A part of our story that doesn’t feel so pretty. But those unpolished parts don’t make us less than; they make us human. And still, Ephesians 2:10 declares we are God’s masterpiece. Imagine what would shift if we truly lived as though we believed that we’re already art, already beautiful, already crafted with intention by the Creator of the universe. Would we really need filters?

The creators of filters probably just wanted to give people a fun tool. And sure, for some, that’s all it is…fun. But for many, it’s become a way of life. We’ve learned that the filtered version of ourselves gets more attention, so we keep leading with that. And honestly? I’ve been there too. I can’t tell you when I picked up the habit of people-pleasing, but at some point, I realized I was living a filtered life for likes. Saying things that weren’t really me. Agreeing when I should’ve spoken up. Smiling when I wanted to cry. All for approval.

But then I was reminded of Paul’s words in Galatians 1:10: “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? … If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” That verse hit me like a mirror check. My mission isn’t to perfect my filters; it’s to please God.

So I’ve started practicing life unfiltered. Working on the things I can change and developing the areas where I can grow. And most importantly, learning to celebrate the quirks that are simply God’s fingerprints.

Maybe it’s time we all ask: are my filters fun, or are they keeping me from living authentically as God’s masterpiece?

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

God Provides

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Life has a way of surprising us. One day everything feels secure, and the next an unexpected challenge shows up on our doorstep. Maybe it’s a financial setback, a sudden health concern, or a relationship that shifts in ways we didn’t anticipate. Our natural instinct is often to cry out, “Lord, why are you allowing this to happen to me? What did I do to deserve this?” or if you’re anything like me, simply “Why, Lord?”

But what if we looked at it differently? What if the very challenges that shake us are the ones God is using to strengthen us? When we change our perspective, moments of struggle become opportunities to lean in, trust deeper, and witness God’s provision in action.

God has promised to provide for all of our needs. Not just the easy ones, but the ones that test the very core of our faith. Philippians 4:19 reminds us: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” The trials we face are not punishments, but tests designed to reveal whether we truly believe He is who He says He is—our Provider, our Sustainer, our Father, and most importantly, our Savior.

When you find yourself asking why, pause and shift the question to what. Instead of “Why me?” try asking, “What is God teaching me about His goodness right now?” That shift unlocks peace. It silences fear and reminds us that even in the valley seasons, we are never without provision.

Think back on your own life. How many times has God come through when you weren’t sure how it would work out? Each testimony is a marker of His faithfulness. And if He provided then, you can rest assured, He will provide now and forever more. His track record is unmatched.

So the next time an unexpected challenge arises, remember this truth: it’s not the end of your story. It’s another opportunity for God to show that He is still faithful, still good, and still providing…just as He always has.

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

Set Apart

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Isn’t it incredible how two people raised under the same roof can turn out so completely different? Even twins, who share the same DNA, often have distinct personalities, dreams, and life experiences. That’s not an accident; it’s by divine design. 

From the very beginning, God crafted each of us with unique intentions in mind. Before you even took your first breath, He set you apart for a purpose (Jeremiah 1:5).

So why do we so often fall into the trap of comparison?

We scroll through curated social media feeds, measure our milestones against others, and wonder if we’re falling behind. We feel pressure to emulate someone else’s path, thinking their version of success is the gold standard. But here’s the truth: God never asked you to copy anyone. He called you to be you. The world thrives on sameness, but Heaven celebrates distinction.

Romans 12:2 reminds us not to conform to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. That means letting go of the urge to compete, compare, or conform. Instead, it’s an invitation to align with God’s will for your life — one that’s tailor-made for you, filled with purpose, and rooted in authenticity.

When you embrace being set apart, you begin to see your differences as strengths rather than shortcomings. You realize that your voice, your vision, and your values matter. You were created to bring something to this world that no one else can. That doesn’t mean the road will always be easy. In fact, standing out can sometimes feel lonely or misunderstood. But don’t let that discourage you. You’re not alone…you are chosen.

It’s time to silence the noise of comparison and tune in to what God is saying about you. You don’t need to fit a mold when you were meant to break it. Walk boldly in your uniqueness. Trust that your journey, no matter how different or unconventional it may seem, is exactly what God intended.

You’ve been set apart for such a time as this.

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

Where the Peace Resides

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I’ve been thinking more about peace lately. What it means, how to get it, and most importantly, how to keep it. Living in a world that constantly threatens or at least runs counter to it, it’s critical to have a strategy and mechanism by which we protect it.

When I asked the question to myself “what brings me peace” transparently, the first thing I thought of was clarity. I like being clear and understanding beyond a shadow of a doubt where I am and where I’m going. The reality is, we are in control of very little in this world so there will always be things that aren’t clear or we don’t understand. Therefore, if I’m relying on understanding and clarity for my peace, it will always be fleeting and I’ll be in a constant state of anxiety. I want a sustainable, unshakable peace. Is that too much to ask for?

The answer to that question is actually no and here’s why.

If you have accepted God as your father, you serve THE God of peace. That means He is the ultimate source of it. 

I’ve found more than anything else, being in and recognizing God’s presence brings me peace. And the beautiful thing about His presence is that you can enter it anytime. Whether through prayer, listening to worship music, reading scripture, or walking in nature, I can immediately access peace. Now that’s sustainable!

Some may say, “easier said than done” or “it’s not as simple as that.” Oh, but it is.

There are many verses in the Bible about peace, but I think this treasure in Philippians chapter four, gets to the heart of our access to it.

He’s given us the roadmap to peace. Immerse yourself in His word. Seek out His wisdom. Be obedient. Follow His example by showing compassion, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and love. That’s where you will find peace. Will everything be right in the world? No, but you’ll be surrounded by the One who offers peace amid the chaos and confusion. 

If your peace is disturbed not by the outside, but by what’s within, go to Him in prayer. That same chapter of Philippians also offers instructions to go to Him and tell Him what we need. 

If sometimes, you’re like me and you don’t even know what you need, ask God to reveal it to you. Trust He already knows but wants us to come to Him to get it. 

Lastly, I believe our peace is connected to our gratitude. In Phil 4:6, it says to tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. When we are grateful, it puts our worries into perspective. Gratitude helps us to trust God, because we acknowledge Him for what He’s already done. And if He’s provided before – whether it’s wisdom, protection, healing, comfort, or a tangible fulfillment of a need – He can do it again. 

Seek Him. Follow Him. Obey Him. Trust Him. Thank Him. That is where the peace resides.

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

Prayer Works

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We’ve all heard this phrase multiple times, especially those immersed in church culture. I’m a believer, no doubt, but recently I dug a little deeper and pondered what makes this statement so true. PRAYER WORKS.

Did you know that prayer works, not just because God answers in the way we envisioned?

Spoiler alert, I won’t wait until the end of this blog post to get to my main point. Prayer works not because we get what we request. Prayer works because when we pray, we get to build a personal relationship with our Creator and Father regardless of the outcome.

James 4:8 says “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” The best way to draw near to Him is through prayer. When I think about my favorite Bible characters – Joseph, Moses, Sarah, Hannah, Job, David, Mary (any of them) – no matter how flawed or sinful they were, they all had deep relationships with God through prayer. And He blessed them because of their faith.

By the way, being blessed didn’t mean they always got what they wanted when they wanted it. Also, an answered prayer can be no or not yet, and they are just as powerful. Sarah was a senior when she received her yes for a child. Joseph seemed to be on a downward spiral for years before he was elevated to second in command in all of Egypt, which he never requested. Job lost his entire family, all of his wealth, and his good health, despite his obedience and faithfulness to the Lord. Amid all their hardship, God was building their faith in Him through their prayer lives. That, above all, is what blessed them.

Each time David found himself in hot water, which was quite often, He was comforted by His conversations with His father. Sometimes His situation didn’t change. For example, he prayed that God would spare his first son’s life, despite the adulterous relationship that led to his son’s conception. God chose to take that son’s life, but David’s faith in God did not waiver. And God continued to elevate him despite his sins.

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! John 15:4, 8 (NLT)

This scripture in the book of John perfectly describes how and why prayer works. You may ask, what does it mean to “remain in me”? I believe God is asking us to “remain” in His word (learning and studying Him through scripture), “remain” in His commands (being obedient to the Word), and most importantly, “remain” in His presence (speaking and listening to Him through prayer). When we do these things, we will embody His Word and become more like Him. That is how He “remains in us.”

Ultimately, we are to take our lead from Jesus. Even though Jesus was our Father Himself in human form; even though Jesus was perfect in every way and knew no sin; even though He knew everything that would happen before it happened…He still prayed, constantly. He did it because He knew the power of it, and He wanted to set an example for us.

Whether or not we receive what we request, I want you to know that prayer has great power. It comforts us; it releases us from guilt and shame; it cleanses us; it calms us; it heals us; it strengthens us; it renews and restores us; but above all, it further tethers us to the One who is sovereign over all things.

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

Caught Between the World and a Hard Place

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Have you ever thought to yourself, “How did we get here?” And by here I mean, today’s popular culture.

In a world where the pace of change is relentless and the pressures to conform are ever-present, living out the Christian faith can sometimes feel like navigating between a rock and a hard place. The journey of integrating deeply held spiritual values with the demands of contemporary society is both challenging and profound. 

Today’s society frequently promotes ideals that diverge from or sometimes downright clash with Christian teachings. In an era where success is often measured by wealth, status, and personal gratification, values such as humility, self-sacrifice, and service to others can seem out of place. Social media fosters a culture of comparison and self-promotion, contrasting sharply with Jesus’ call to love others and seek the welfare of the less fortunate.

I’ve found this clash to sometimes create tension in everyday decisions—from navigating workplace ethics to managing personal relationships. The pressure to conform to societal expectations can sometimes lead to moral compromise or a sense of isolation from the broader culture.

But there is good news…always.  There are effective ways to embody the teachings of Jesus while navigating our modern-day life. Here are some practical steps to live more like Jesus while engaging with a world that often celebrates the opposite:

1. Ground Your Life in Prayer and Scripture

Maintaining a strong spiritual foundation through regular prayer and Bible study is essential. Jesus often retreated to pray and sought guidance from God. By immersing ourselves in scripture and staying connected with God, we gain clarity, strength, and wisdom to navigate the complexities of modern life.

2. Embrace Simplicity and Contentment

In a world driven by materialism and instant gratification, choosing simplicity and contentment can be a radical witness. Jesus lived a life of simplicity, and His teachings encourage us to find joy and satisfaction in what we have, rather than constantly seeking more. Reflect on ways to declutter your life and focus on what truly matters—relationships, service, and spiritual growth.

3. Practice Mindful Engagement

Being aware of how digital media affects your spiritual life is crucial. Setting boundaries around screen time, engaging in digital detoxes, and focusing on meaningful, face-to-face interactions can help maintain a balanced life.

4. Serve Others with Compassion

Service to others was at the heart of Jesus’ ministry. Look for opportunities to serve those around you, whether through acts of kindness, volunteering, or supporting charitable causes. By actively seeking to meet the needs of others, you embody Jesus’ love and compassion in a world that often prioritizes self-interest.

5. Cultivate Genuine Community

Despite the digital age’s emphasis on virtual connections, strive to build authentic, face-to-face relationships. Small groups, faith-based communities, or local church gatherings can provide a sense of belonging and accountability.

6. Practice Forgiveness and Grace

The modern world can be harsh and unforgiving, but Jesus calls us to extend grace and forgiveness. Practice forgiving those who wrong you and approach conflicts with a spirit of reconciliation. This can be a powerful testament to Jesus’ teachings in a world often marked by division, animosity, and pettiness.

7. Live with Integrity and Authenticity

Living authentically and with integrity is a powerful witness. Align your actions with your beliefs, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. Your commitment to ethical behavior, honesty, and genuine love can stand out in a culture that sometimes values expediency over truth.

8. Seek Ongoing Growth: Embrace challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth. Reflect on how current trials might be refining your faith and character, and remain open to learning and evolving in your journey.

Living a Christian lifestyle in a modern world that often celebrates contrary values is undoubtedly challenging, but it also offers a profound opportunity for spiritual growth and witness. By remaining steadfast in faith, seeking supportive communities, and navigating the complexities of contemporary life with grace, Christians can find a path that honors their values and resonates with a world in need of hope and compassion.

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

Tis the Season to Be Grateful 

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I’ve had two revelations recently. One – the more I age, the more I realize how little I know about this world. Sure, I’ve become wiser, as we all should as we age. But the more I know, the more I realize how little I know in comparison to all there is to know under God’s sovereignty. Before I get all philosophical and Ecclesiastes on you – because that’s not what this post is about – let me share the second revelation. With each holiday season, the less I want and the more grateful I am for what I already have.

I’ve made this personal because it’s my blog, but I have a sneaking suspicion that I’m not the only one who’s had this revelation. And while I said I was moving on from Ecclesiastes, I do want to point out something so wise, yet simple and still very relevant that King Solomon wrote in his nearly three-thousand-year-old segment of scripture. Most of what we treasure is meaningless anyway. Well, he said “everything,” but I’m trying to be a little less dramatic.

Before you get the wrong impression though, let me share why this revelation is so encouraging and full of hope. God has already given us the greatest and most valuable gift in the world. We don’t have to wait for it, nor do we have to do any toiling or spending to get it. We already have it. And that “it” I’m referring to is Jesus, in case you didn’t already know. Despite how cliche it sounds, it doesn’t make it any less true – He is in fact, the reason for the season.

I’ve believed in and accepted the gift of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit He left here with me as evidence of His presence for some time now. But the more I’ve gotten to know Him and about Him, the more I value Him and His sacrifice. And the more I value Him, the less value I place on the “stuff” of this world. And that is a gift in and of itself. It’s actually freeing to be more tied to Him and less tethered to the things of this world. 

But, let me be clear. I truly appreciate and am grateful for all the “things of this world” that God has allowed me to have. They have certainly made life more comfortable than it could have been without them. What this revelation has provided me with though, is perspective. And I think we could all benefit from a little of that.

Transparently, this perspective has helped me navigate this very uncertain and uncomfortable season I’ve found myself in recently. Without it, I honestly don’t know how I’d feel. But, what I do know is that I’m grateful. I’m more grateful than I ever have been. And yet, I have less than what I’ve had in other seasons of my life, from a worldly point of view.

I’m sharing this because I know that the more commercialized this season becomes, the harder it is for us to see what really matters, not just for the season, but in life. I hope my revelation has either reminded or ignited in you a fresh perspective that fosters gratitude. Whether you have a little or a lot of what the world has to offer, it truly always is the season to be grateful.  

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

Does everything happen for a reason?

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Recently a friend made a statement in a social media post that caused me to pause and ponder. She expressed that she doesn’t know anymore if everything happens for a reason. Sometimes things happen because people screw up. No lies told there. I see where she was going with that statement, and to a certain extent, I agree. But I believe both can be true and here’s why.

When people make this statement it’s often an attempt to offer some type of comfort when the inexplicable, unwanted, or unthinkable happens. It’s meant to underline how little we as humans control here on this earth. It’s how we, in our limited understanding, attempt to explain God’s sovereignty. It’s our way of saying “God works in mysterious ways.” And indeed He does, but not always in the ways that we think.

God created us in His image. He created us with the ability to create and operate autonomously. He also gave us this incredible power called free will. And we all know that with incredible power comes much responsibility. We must understand that our actions, our words, and our behaviors all have implications. To my friend’s point, we can potentially be the cause of something good or bad happening in this world that affects others. That’s why we have to be careful with our free will and not use it recklessly.

Now you may ask, what about God’s sovereignty? How does that play into our power and responsibility? He is both omniscient and omnipresent and He exists outside of what we know as time. That means He sees all things, before and after they have happened in our time. He is also with us in the present while they’re happening. And because He knew the beginning from the end, He knows exactly how to orchestrate all things for our good according to His purpose, including those screw-ups my friend referenced. So it’s true, the reasons for things happening are not all mysterious. Sometimes they’re not all inexplicable acts of God, but we better believe He’s included all of them in His plans for our lives.

I believe He designed things this way so that we would live life in relationship with Him. He sees all things; He knows all things; He is, in fact, all things. And He’s invited us into a relationship with Him so that we can know His will for our lives and glorify Him with it. He wants us to learn how to follow Him.

Does that mean that if we’re in relationship with Him and follow His will that we won’t make mistakes or have hardships as the result of things outside of our control? Absolutely not, because we are flawed beings with limited understanding, living in an imperfect world. But I believe when we live our lives in collaboration with Him, we will find ourselves both covered and comforted. We may not know the reasons for everything that happens in this life, but at least we’ll be walking with the One who does.

This Passion Week

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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.