When we allow the pace of life to slow a bit, we often realize it’s the little things that bring us the most joy. Before summer draws to a close, Good News Wants to Know… What is your favorite simple pleasure?

Cycling to the Breakers in Palm Beach to watch the sunrise. I love how the waves start roaring and the birds begin singing as God majestically begins a new day!

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

For me personally, enjoying a soothing and satisfying smoothie on a smoldering summer day is a splendid and simple pleasure. 

Bernard King Sr., Pastor, Cornerstone Bible Fellowship’

Watching our grandchildren accomplish: learning to wakeboard, to kneeboard, to score a critical soccer goal, to simply jump off a dock and to write so neat you’d think they were a calligrapher. 

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

This is tough but I think it has to be “shelling” God’s sea art located amidst the sounds and scent of the ocean with the sand between your toes.

Char Talmadge, Executive Director, Rescue Upstream

I have a few simple things that bring me joy, from a glass of wine that illustrates the hard work of the vineyard worker and the great land that helped make it such a memorable experience, to the times that I can spend with my Frenchie Rocco. However, nothing is more fulfilling than taking a walk with my wife, which is something that we do when we are home, as well as when we travel to new areas.

Chip LaMarca, State Representative, Florida House District 100

My simple pleasures are taking a walk with Wendy and having ice cream. 

Chris Lane, President, First Priority of South Florida

Movies have always been a simple pleasure for our family. With the sometimes unhealthy messaging in today’s cinema, we’ve had to be very discerning in this. Still, the human heart longs for the fantastic as a part of our design, and for us, movies are one of those simple ways to experience it.

Christopher C. Simpson, President & CEO, CBMC International

What I love to do is get out on a boat. I really enjoy Biscayne Bay or Florida bay, because they tend to be less crowded, particularly if you can go during the week. However, I also just like sitting out under a big shade tree and allowing the breeze to blow through what hair I still have. Even when it’s hot, it’s still wonderful to feel that breeze.

H. Collins Forman, Jr. PA

Madelyn and I have a few simple pleasures. It’s hard to narrow it down to one favorite. Madelyn enjoys her midafternoon coffee and tending her garden. I love an early morning coffee while reading before the day gets going and then joining our kids for online games on the weekends. 

Craig D. Huston, Summit Achievers

My favorite simple pleasure year-round is to meet with Jesus under my palm trees, where He waits for me each morning. Also waiting for me are the squirrels and birds of many types – since I feed them.

Deborah Cusick, FAU Campus Volunteer, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

My favorite simple pleasure is a good book, cup of coffee, and sitting on the shore at the beach early in the morning.

Dennis DeMarois, Exec. Dir./CEO, Gathering Palm Beach County

My favorite simple joy is any time spent with my husband, daughter, and son-in-law or good friends. It doesn’t matter where we are or what we do. Just sitting and talking is wonderful. For simple activities, I love board games, card games, movies, and live theatre. For simple individual activities, I love to read and write and listen to music.

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

Getting together at a Canadian cottage with the entire family for a week every July brings wonderful joy.  Everyone plans to be together a year in advance to share personal victories, challenges and goals. This year there are 28 of us, many under 10 years old, and the watersports, volleyball, campfires, card games and good food have been amazing. It is a time of encouragement to some, sharing ideas with others and gratitude to the Lord for such a close and dynamic family.

Don Campion, President, Banyan Air Service, Inc., and Egbe Medical Mission Lead

My favorite simple pleasure is simple: To be at peace with my God and my family. Sadly, I’ve experienced what it’s like to not have peace in my life. There was a time when, to have peace, I had to feel in control of life’s situations. It’s taken me 70 years of life before I’ve finally realized that true peace, for me, only comes when I entrust my entire life into the hands of my loving God. My God knows me, He’s with me, He loves me and is working all things out for my good. My simple pleasure? That’s easy: Peace with my God and my family. Proverbs 3:5-6

Fidel Gomez, Assistant Pastor, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale

Spending time in Key Largo on the water.

Gregg Wallick, President and CEO, Best Roofing, Inc

Slowing down is a battle for me. Always has been. But I’m learning and enjoying every moment with family and friends as often as possible! Sharing time with those you love is priceless!! Enjoying cooking and sharing a meal or taking a walk. Loving our beaches even during the hottest summer ever!

Helen Wayner P.A., Century 21 Hansen Realty

My simple pleasure is making coffee for myself the mornings I am at home. I first grind the freshly roasted decaf beans for my insulated French press (4 cups) while heating my filtered water in the kettle. When heated, I pour the water over the grounds and add two ingredients: a tablespoon of stevia simple syrup and a ¼ cup of butter. I use a hand blender to mix it all up, let it brew for 4 minutes, press and pour my first cup of the day. Blissful and delicious.

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

Simple pleasure is spending time with my wife with a Peppermint Mocha in hand.

Jesse Carroccio, Station Manager, WRMB Moody Radio

One of my favorite simple pleasures and a blessing because of where I live, is sitting on the shore of the ocean contemplating how majestic God’s creation is. It leaves me in awe and provides a peace that I treasure. 

Dr. Jessica Vera, President and CEO, Elite Foundation

My simple pleasure is golfing every Thursday with good friends. It’s relaxing and enjoyable being among nature’s beautiful environments.

Joe Vitkus, Senior Rabbi, Temple Aron HaKodesh

Recently I discovered how oddly satisfying it is to pull weeds out of the lawn. Sometimes I find myself doing this when I’m talking on the phone with a friend or listening to a podcast. As I reflect on the satisfaction it brings, I think it’s likely rooted in the felt problem of too much going on in my life. That physical action of removing interlopers in the grass mirrors the goal of having greater simplicity and organization of the field of my mind.

Justus Martin, Owner, Justus Martin Photography

I have two simple pleasures. Sitting in a quiet local park enjoying the Lord’s creation and reading a good book.

Larry Lacy, Pastor, The Answer Church

Having some time to rock and read.

Lisa May, Executive Director, Live the Life South Florida

My simple pleasure is having a cup of coffee with a friend and spending time talking about simple things or sharing a teaching from God’s Word.

Marilyn Brummitt, VP of Development, The Caring Place, Miami Rescue Mission/Broward Outreach Centers

My favorite simple pleasure is watching beautiful sunsets on the beach.  I am originally from the suburbs of Chicago, and I do not think I ever saw a sunset until I moved to Florida. The beach is my favorite place to be.

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

Sitting on my porch swing with a gentle breeze blowing, a cool drink in my hand and a good book to read, followed by a little nap.  A simple pleasure but oh, so sweet!

Mike McDermott, PA, The Keyes Company

As of lately, my favorite simple pleasure is snorkeling in the ocean. There is something so delightful about tuning out all of the world’s noise, enjoying the beauty of creation and realizing how small we really are.

Dr. Mike Rozenblum, Genesis Physical Medicine and Chiropractic

My simple pleasure would be a nice round of golf in the morning. Then in the afternoon, my family hanging out together in our swimming pool along with a nice barbeque lunch. Of course, that includes a nice dessert.

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

We are so blessed to live in this tropical paradise and being around water is just so calming and healing.  Going to the beach, it could be a ride in the car, a boat, a walk or sitting and reading a book. I never once take the beauty and peacefulness of our coastlines for granted.

Nancy Robin, President/CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Broward

For me, it’s spending the last hour or so of the night watching old shows like, “Little House on the Prairie” and movies like “Meet Me in St. Louis” because they take me back to simpler times that are more reflective of my own values and interests.  Moreover, it’s just good for my soul to have a temporary respite from the challenges of the day.

Oksana Horton, Creative Director, Torch and Trumpet Theatre Company

My favorite simple pleasure is spending at least 30 minutes walking on the treadmill and at least 35 minutes weightlifting in my home gym while watching my favorite TV programs, which I have an opportunity to do at least three times per week. My favorite simple pleasure helps me maintain my health, so that I can continue being a blessing to God and his people.

O’Neal Dozier, Pastor, The Worldwide Christian Center

Summer does slow down a bit for me, the heat makes it necessary! A simple pleasure is arriving at the beach before it gets too hot and just watching the sunrise, the boats go by, the smell of the ocean and all the sea birds and sea creatures. I sit there until it gets too hot.

Pat Colangelo, Lecturer, Professor, Trinity International University – Florida

I would say my favorite simple pleasure is watching and playing with the grandchildren! 

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

I, like most in our world nowadays, live a very busy life. In those moments that I get to slow down a bit, my simple pleasures are taking time to read and spend time with my family in the pool. Whether it is reading the Bible to see what God wants to speak to me or a leadership development book, I’ve heard it once said that leaders are readers. When it comes to time spent with my wife and four kids, we love just hanging out by the pool and having fun. This is a great reminder that we all need to slow down, spend time with our Heavenly Father and the family that He has blessed us with. Happy Summer!
Steve Daigle, Campus Pastor, Calvary Chapel Parkland

Spending Time with my family and my two labs (Haddie and Lilly).

Sue Trombino, Founder, Women Impacting the Nation

I love coffee, reading and the Florida sunshine. So, I simply enjoy sitting next to the pool (or on the beach) while reading a good book and sipping a coffee Frappuccino.  

Susie M. Cohen, PhD, Associate Dean, Assistant Professor of Education

One of my favorite pleasures is to fellowship with people. I love how God connects me to individuals on a daily basis. In my comings and goings, I have many opportunities to share the gospel. It brings me such joy and satisfaction. And to see how He divinely orchestrates and brings things together, leaves me in awe. He so deeply cares about the lost. And it’s humbling to see how He uses individuals like us to lead people to Christ. Through the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Life with Jesus is an adventure.

Tewannah Aman, Executive Director, Broward Right to Life

Hanging out with Jesus. Hanging out with family. Hanging out with friends.

All of the above – at the same time!

Tom Lukasik, Vice President Community Engagement, 4KIDS

Read last month’s GNWTK at: https://www.goodnewsfl.org/write-a-book/