As 2023 draws to a close, Good News Wants to Know… What are three things that have brought you joy this year?

1. 

   My relationship with my wife, Christie, has never been better.

2. I have met dozens of new Christian friends across the country.
3. I lost 26 lbs.!

James ‘JT’ Taylor, Managing Director, Automotive Retail, Truist Securities

2023 has been a remarkable year for which I am very grateful. Seeing people we have prayed for come to know Christ and grow in their faith; watching our grandchildren begin to get into their stride as they discover their God given gifts and begin to exercise them; and, being privileged to have friends who challenge me to grow in my faith.  These have been and continue to be blessings that have brought me “great joy.”

William “Bill” C. Davell, Director, Tripp Scott

1. 

   Jimmy Butler’s emo hair.

2. Pope Francis’ AI coat.
3. Tom Brady never playing football ever again.

Bob Denison, President, Denison Yachting

Engagement of my son to his high-school sweetheart. 

The birth of my nephew’s baby boy

Selecting a wedding dress with my niece!

Char Talmadge, Executive Director, Rescue Upstream

Three things that have brought me joy this year are: Spending time with family, whether traveling to new destinations, or just spending time in the backyard on Sunday. Having been given the privilege of representing my community and serving my neighbors. Interacting with our Frenchie pup Rocco – he is always happy to see us, something that is a blessing.

Chip LaMarca, State Representative, Florida House District 100

The things that have brought great joy to me in 2023 have been: Celebrating 25 years with First Priority, having our entire family together for thanksgiving, finding out we will be grandparents in 2024. God is good! 

Chris Lane, President, First Priority of South Florida

Three things that have brought me joy this year are the beautiful souls I have met around the world, the moments of adventure with my family and seeing my wife grow spiritually in ways that are breathtaking. 

Chris Simpson, President & CEO, CBMC International

What brought us joy this year was our precious family.  We welcomed a new grandson, Jack, in October.  One of our sons and his family moved back to Fort Lauderdale to be with us and his siblings, taking a job at Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital.  We traveled to and with our daughters who have moved away, and we are looking forward to having all the extended family, including all the grandchildren at our celebrations this year.  God is so good!

H. Collins Forman, Jr., P.A.

The three things that have brought me joy this year were the extended summer road trip Madelyn and I took together traveling to Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana, spending Thanksgiving with our oldest in Boston, and our upcoming trip to New Mexico to spend Christmas with my dad, step mom, our youngest, and our niece and nephew.

Craig D. Huston, Huston Consulting Group, LLC.

My greatest joy is the assurance that I’m going to be with my Savior one day and getting to meet with Him daily under my palm trees, with mourning doves and squirrels feeding around me. One day I had a shocking encounter there that continues to bring me joy–a large, white dove swooped down and landed on my arm and has faithfully returned each day for seven months. The privilege of ministering to the delightful, on-fire-for-our-Lord young people at Soundwave makes my heart reJOYce also.

Deborah Cusick, FAU Campus Volunteer, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

These things have brought me joy this year:

1. Grandchildren and their innocent curiosity.
2. University students who are innovative, intellectually curious, grounded in Christ, and compassionate.
3. Incredibly beautiful sunny fall days in S Florida – those with a hint of crispness

Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, University President, Palm Beach Atlantic University

“Three things that have brought me joy this year are … Memories of Christmas with my house filled with family, A Calendar filled with 2024 plans that’ll impact the Kingdom and Community, My heart filled with memories of Mom surviving a health scare, and my oldest graduating from Palm Beach Atlantic University.” 

Dennis DeMarois, Executive Director/CEO, Gathering Palm Beach County

Only Three? (Smiling) 1 – My family always brings me joy. 2 – The Lord revealed a serious heart issue to me and gave me the means to get it surgically treated in a new procedure I’d never heard of that allowed a shorter (albeit still difficult) recovery has been a huge reason for joy and gratitude. 3 – A new business partnership for my husband that brought some ministry folks we dearly love back into our lives is a great joy for both of us.

Dolores King-St. George, President, King Communications and GraceNet Radio

Three things that have brought me joy this year are…

1. Knowing that my God loves me just as I am (John 3:16)
2. Knowing that my God is with me even when I have felt alone (Joshua 1:9)
3. Knowing that my God knows the way I take and when I am tested I will come forth as gold (Job 23:10

Fidel Gomez, Assistant Pastor, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale

1. 

   Seeing my youngest daughter start her own business.

2. Seeing my wife become a grandmother or “Nona” as she likes to be called.
3. Watching my two sons reconcile some prior challenges.

Gregg Wallick, President/CEO, Best Roofing

The Gospel has been shared over 300 times a month by Moody Radio this year, resulting in incredible responses that have been made possible by the prayers and support of Moody Radio supporters.

Jesse Carroccio, Station Manager, WRMB Moody Radio

The three things that have brought me joy this year are being a witness to the rescue of 12 domestic victims of human trafficking and having the honor to serve them. Secondly, I learned that a survivor we supported is not only thriving but succeeding in entrepreneurship and has been accepted into a Master’s Counseling program, which she intends to focus on the rehabilitation of victims of human trafficking. Finally, I have the privilege to refine my passion work to continue to be an agent of change for Christ in the world. 

Dr. Jessica Vera, Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Elite Foundation

This year feels like it’s been fairly linear without the “ups” to balance out the “downs” — it feels like trudging through a swamp without the occasional breathtaking views to reward the effort. But there are a few things that have been refreshing… The first would be a summer trip in which I got to see my nieces and play with them and make them laugh. The second would be the friends in my life who have trudged through the year with me, spoken encouragement over me, and put up with me. The third is something that is abstract and one that is difficult to practice, but it’s the awareness and remembrance that the tough times here on this side of eternity are relatively short, and that God has some pretty amazing things ahead on the other side — redemption, restoration, and as Paul wrote, “…no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him…”. To quote Han Solo in the first Star Wars movie, “I can imagine a lot” so I think about heaven and take joy in the surprisingly awesome things that are for sure to be in my future.

Justus Martin, Photographer, Justus Martin Photo

1. 

   Seeing my son on the football field for senior night in high school. 

2. Spending time with my nephews and their babies. 
3. Getting hugs from and seeing peace on the kids’ faces at 4KIDS when they experience hope and healing after spending time w their EPIC therapist.

Karen Granger, Director, Community Relations, 4KIDS Palm Beach

I can’t think of anything other than my trip to Israel! What an eye-opening excursion! A trip like that brings joy for a lifetime!

Larry Lacy, Pastor, The Answer Church

1. 

   My husband and I seeing our adult children flourish and enjoying a deep friendship with them both

2. Sunrise runs on the beach with our new pup, Fin (go Fins!)
3. Experiencing the gift that our God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
4. I’m going on a limb and adding a bonus answer—an amazing Miami Dolphins season!

Laura C. Bishop, Executive Vice President of Advancement, Palm Beach Atlantic University

Actually, there are four things that bring me joy every year.  My fourth granddaughter was born in February of 2023 – but the other three granddaughters always bring me great joy!

Dr. Mary Drabik, President, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary

My wife, Barbara, and I began the year celebrating 50 years of marriage. Later in the year we learned that our 4th grandchild (a boy) will be born in April of 2024. Closing out 2023, as I have been making calls on my customers and friends, I have been humbled and blessed by their loyalty, kind words and warm wishes. I truly have a lot for which to be both joyful and thankful.  A Happy, Blessed and Prosperous New Year to all!

Mike McDermott, PA, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, The Keyes Company

I’ve been so blessed this year and grateful for the joy it has brought. My greatest joy is my relationship with Jesus Christ. Second, is the joy of my family and the closeness we share. And third would be receiving great doctor results for my health.

Milan Stefanovic, Chief Operations & Personal Lines Officer, Bass Underwriters

This past year has gone by very quickly…the three things that brought me joy were: 1) Spending time with my son and new daughter-in-law up in Georgia WITH their new dog; 2) that the Torch & Trumpet Theatre Co.  produced two new shows, both of which attracted large and enthusiastic audiences, and 3) the fresh new material, new faces, and new friends that the two shows attracted were a source of great joy and delight for me and the ministry.  

Oksana Horton, Artistic Director, Torch and Trumpet Theatre Company

The three gifts that have brought me joy this year are my family, friends and church. Although I am battling cancer as many others have done, each of these three groups has made it more tolerable and their love and laughter has brought me great joy. My family takes care of the daily things like being with me during treatments and after the treatments when I struggle with pain and side effects. My son cleans the house, my daughter is my transportation when I cannot drive, the grandchildren help with small tasks that I can no longer do, my son-in-law is my repairman for small issues. Friends fill the gap when I need help and my daughter is out of town, one even brings me fresh baked Jamaican patties on the good weeks. Some friends call to give me laughter, prayer and encouragement. My church, friends and family tirelessly continue to keep me lifted up in prayer. 

Patricia Colangelo, EdS, Program Director, Professor, Trinity International University – Florida

The three things that brought me joy this year are (right off the top of my head):

1) God the Father, 2) God the Son, and 3) God the Holy Spirit… (that’s not to sound super spiritual), but…. recognizing it’s only by the grace of God, through the Holy Trinity, that I have the next three things that brought me joy this year: 1) my awesome Wife, Faye, 2) my amazing Family, 3) the privilege to serve Children and Families in SAINTS Ministry!!

Coach Rick Andreassen, Founder and President, SAINTS Homeschool P.E. and SAINTS International Sports Ministry

Here are my three things that brought joy to my life this year:

1. Our son Cam got married to a Godly woman, Kelly McGinnis Rogers, who is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. 
2. First Baptist Fort Lauderdale’s unification with its sister church in Coral Springs (Church by the Glades) and with that unification the addition and blessings of lead Pastor David Hughes and his talented staff. 
3. Our 98 year old law firm, Rogers, Morris & Ziegler LLP has just hired a very talented and smart operational manager, who happens to be my daughter-in-law, Kelly Rogers! 

Romney C. Rogers, Managing Partner, Rogers Morris & Ziegler LLP

The three things that have brought me joy this year are my grandchildren.  Sophia, Benny, and Ella constantly remind me of the wonder of the world and the incredible things it contains.  They make me laugh, love me no matter what, and remind me of God’s graciousness.  “We long for our children to grow up, but we ache when they do.”  Grandchildren are God’s gift to help soothe that ache.
Samuel Lamerson, PhD, Distinguished Professor, Knox Theological Seminary

(1) When my wife and I surprised our two boys with a new puppy along with (that very brief moment) when they agreed to feed her, walk her, etc. (2) Hearing the stories of Knox scholarship recipients and the impact they are having in the South Florida community. (3) A 10-day trip to Europe with my wife — the first time in a decade we had more than only a day away, just the two of us.

Dr. Scott Manor, President, Professor, Knox Theological Seminary

The three things that have brought me joy this year start with Jesus. Happiness is based on what is happening around us, but joy can only come from Jesus, when we have Him and are reminded that we are saved from sin and death, we have joy. What also brought me joy this year is my family. Every time I see my wife and 4 children, though things are not always perfect, the reminder that God blessed me with this family that I have prayed for and seeing the children grow brings me joy. Finally, what brought me joy this year was the church. I am blessed to have the opportunity to serve at Calvary Chapel and it brings joy to see so many people coming back to church and new people coming to Jesus for the first time and seeing the joy on their faces that comes with a relationship with Jesus. Looking forward to what God has in store for 2024!
Steve Daigle, Campus Pastor, Calvary Chapel Parkland

The three things that have brought me joy in 2023:  1) God’s many divine appointments to share the Gospel. 2) Seeing God open amazing doors for ministry 3) Being in Tallahassee when the Governor signed the 6-week heartbeat bill.  We are waiting for the Florida Supreme Court to hand down their decision.  It is a blessing to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord. I am awe of the way He works and moves.  I look forward to another year of God unveiling His awesome power and plan for my life.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Tewannah Aman, Executive Director, Broward Right to Life

Read last month’s GNWTK at: https://www.goodnewsfl.org/excuse-for-being-late/