Life

First Priority, 4KIDS and Saints Celebrate 25 Years of Ministry

In school, at home and on the field, three important South Florida ministries have been reaching kids with the love of Christ for 25 Years. First Priority of South Florida shares the gospel with students at public school clubs, then equips them to reach their campuses for Christ. 4KIDS began in response to the foster care crisis, providing hope for kids in crisis with the vision of a home for every child. And Saints Homeschool P.E., founded by Coach Rick Andreassen, ministers to the heart of the child through sports, embodying the slogan “Where Jesus is Lord and Every Child […]

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How to Lead Through a Recession

I recently met with a few leaders who, like myself, led organizations or ministries through the pandemic. We discussed how hard we had to push ourselves for over two years and how, even though most of our organizations performed well despite the crisis, the experience left many of us feeling burned out. Then, without taking a breath, we began talking about the oncoming recession.  As leaders, we don’t have the luxury of always anticipating good times; we have to continually be prepared for any possible tragedy. This is especially true when it comes to a recession; leaders must always be […]

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Did you ever have one of those times when something started out terribly and ended up absolutely great?! 

Good News Wants to Know….Did you ever have one of those years, months, weekends, nights, days when something started out so terribly and ended up absolutely great?!  In 2020 a massive wildfire started in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, and was spreading rapidly throughout the area. We rushed out of our home with only a single bag per person and piled into our SUV. As word got to our church family of the danger, a prayer chain began among the members while staff simultaneously leaped to action securing temporary housing for our family. The wildfire, after destroying multiple neighborhoods, stopped right at […]

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Living Our Vows

My immediate family has our first wedding. My daughter and her husband, yes, her husband, were married last year at the courthouse before moving to New York City. Because of COVID, no one was allowed to go with them; they were pronounced legally married, not husband and wife. Our immediate family and close friend, Bill Davell, stood outside the courthouse, threw flowers, hugged, and went home for a family dinner. In December, they will have a second wedding in a church reciting their vows before God, family, and friends. As we all know, it’s an exciting time with lots of […]

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Fall, All Things Pumpkin and Back to School

It’s no secret that fall is my absolute favorite season.  In college I had the opportunity to live in a state that experienced all the beautiful changes that fall brings with it.  It starts with a chill in the air at night, then you can see the leaves begin to turn.  In South Florida, we open the season by celebrating with all things pumpkin and enjoying the humidity starting to lift.  We love the opening of football season and focus on “back to school rhythms.”    Cycles So many areas of scripture point to the fact that God has created […]

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School Is Back in Session… How Is It Going?

School has been back in session for a few weeks. By now, the start of your child’s academic year is either progressing extremely well with no issues; it has been a rough start or a mixture and blend of all experiences (perceived as positive or negative). Whether the start of the school year is going as you expected or not, there is an opportunity to evaluate the academic strengths and areas of growth. As parents we can help our child(ren) be engaged, equipped and empowered to achieve their own unique level of academic success.   A Need to Nurture, not […]

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Off To College: Why Parents Need Emergency Powers

The Good News provides a monthly column with important content having to do with topics from the legal community. This month, William “Bill” C. Davell and Christine Yates, of Tripp Scott PA, address emergency powers. Bill Davell: My child is finally headed off to college. Why should I consider arranging for emergency legal powers?   Christine Yates: Picture the nightmare scenario where your 18+-year-old Big Woman or Man on Campus embarks with friends on a weekend trip and an accident occurs. You rush to the medical facility expecting a full rundown on his or her condition, but doctors cannot tell […]

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Good News Wants to Know… Would You Change Your Name?

Names often carry great significance and are an important part of our identity. This month Good News Wants to Know… If you had to change your name or could pick your own, what would your new name be and why would you choose that name? My name is Debra. I have always wanted my name to be the biblical Deborah. Deborah was an amazing woman, way ahead of her time, not afraid to be a judge, advisor, and leader in a time when no women were in such a role.  Yet she followed where God led. Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, President, Palm Beach Atlantic University I […]

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Marriage is Like Hiking

The Live the Life South Florida team had the blessing of attending the National Alliance for Marriage & Relationship Education conference in Utah a few weeks ago. Most of us went a few days early to take in some sights. Unbeknownst to most of you, I have a sense of adventure, so when someone offers that opportunity, I’m usually game! My daughter Amanda always looks for fun and the once-in-a-lifetime activity when traveling, so she researched and said, “We have to go to Sundance and hike to Stewart Falls.” My only question was how difficult it was, and her answer […]

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Are Faith and Enterprise Compatible?

Several years ago I met a local businessman who by all accounts was very successful in developing and running an enterprise. His business was operating out of several locations and there seemed to be a steady stream of clients at the door. At that time he admitted that he was struggling with the idea that his Christian walk was compatible with his business operation.  Faith and Enterprise The Bible makes connections to vocation and faith clear, indicating that we should do, “All things to the Glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). There are numerous stories of business events that require […]

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