in Chief
General Media Consulting Co.
Langford
Beach, FL
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Halloween is passing through quickly, and it can’t be gone fast enough for me. I am not a fan of the holiday and most people that know me are aware of that. If you weren’t before, you are now. This position is not so much informed by all the normal “Christian” reasons to not participate. Sure, there was the time when I was a child than one of the pre-teens I was with said some smart remark to a ghoul and a ghost that happened to be the wife and child of a biker. Within a few minutes, a van pulled up and people with baseball bats jumped out and started chasing and beating kids that were in my group. They didn’t get ahold of me, but I remember seeing the blood running from the face of my friend after the dust settled. That incident, however, is still not the primary reason.
This is a time of deep mourning for me. I was recently at a Bible Study with about twenty-four people sitting in a big circle at the church. The topic was on the importance of not missing the glory of the cross of Christ. The floor was open, and I was able to give a testimony, something to this effect:
“To the point that Boyd is making: it is a matter of life and death. Not missing the glory of the cross is that important. If I may offer a brief testimony. As we are heading towards “Reformation Day”, I know a lot of people are excited about Halloween, but it is not a day that I care for too much. You see, I had a close friend, many years ago, that went missing two weeks before Halloween. She had recently moved to Florida, and she was my boss when I worked in the stock brokerage.
We had helicopters and dogs searching everywhere for her. It was on Halloween that the authorities located her body. She had hung herself in the woods near her apartment. After lots of investigation, we discovered that she had visited several pawn shops and was trying to raise money as quickly as possible. It turns out that she had a secret gambling problem that landed her in about $14,000.00 worth of debt. She was raised a Catholic, but did not really engage with her faith very much. However, that renowned “Catholic guilt” had its powerful effect and the devil used it to completely override her sense of reality.
She earned almost $100k a year herself. Her husband was gainfully employed. Her vehicle, which was paid off, was likely worth more than the $14k gambling debt at the time. There was no logic in her choice. However, in her mind, she had sinned so greatly and dishonored her husband and family with this, that she did not confess her sin and receive absolution. She thought she had gone too far. She must have rationalized that she may as well step into hell now, since there was no way back from this mistake. So, one Saturday morning, a couple weeks before Halloween, she quietly slipped out of the house with her husband and children not paying much attention, and marched herself into the woods, never to be heard from again. She had missed the glory of the cross of Christ. The mercy, forgiveness, and grace that is in Him.”
There is still a lot of darkness in the world and we as a people that know that something greater is on the horizon, mourn for the way things are at present. However, the true light is already shining and we find solace and comfort in that very real truth. Don’t miss the glory of the cross of Christ. It is a matter that is eternally important, more important, honestly, than life or death.
Written by Justin Gaynor
Reading can be a great way to bring new ideas and concepts to mind that we had previously overlooked. Especially when it comes to relationships. How we interact with people and communities, tribes and individuals is a topic of great interest these days. That was not always the case.
Recently, I read a book in the form of a parable that was recommended to me. It is called “The Go-Giver” and it is written by John David Mann and Bob Burg. It is an interesting little book. The approximate read time for me was a little more than three hours or so. However, the ideas in it are both Biblical and life changing. G.K. Chesterton once stated that, “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” This is certainly true when we consider the Christian ideal of grateful generosity and cheerful giving.
In “The Go-Giver”, we meet all sorts of characters that are intertwined in a tapestry of relationships all centered on various concepts related to the topic of “giving”. In our world of cynicism and selfishness, we have all experienced something of those sisters the author of proverbs warns us about:
“The leech has two daughters:
“Give” and “Give.”
There are three things that will not be satisfied, Four that will not say, “Enough”: Sheol, the infertile womb, Earth that is never satisfied with water, And fire that never says, “Enough.”
The eye that mocks a father And scorns a mother, The ravens of the valley will pick it out, And the young eagles will eat it.”
- King SolomonNevertheless, as gentlemen that hold to the Christian way of life, grateful generosity and cheerful giving is a grace that we are encouraged to grow in. Not under compulsion, but of our own, cheerful, free will. “The Go-Giver” is intended to help us in that growth.
It is not the first book of its kind. You have the Scriptures themselves and I was reminded of Dale Carnegie’s best-seller, “How to win friends and influence people.” Many times, the concept of generosity and giving can extend to include resources that are far more valuable than money.
Things are cooling off as we are well into the Autumn season. It’s time to transition from baggies and cargo shorts to that American wardrobe staple, jeans. To be honest, exploring this topic for me has been a learning experience. As a chubby kid, I much preferred wearing a comfy pair of sweatpants during this season than those stiff jeans that were hard to squeeze into, and when I got into them their lack of flexibility left indentations in my waist!
These issues I was dealing with in the late eighties were apparently not unique to me. The fabric in jeans has been greatly altered with technology since then. Today, I often buy the cheapest jeans I can find, a pair from Walmart will cost you around $13 and will last you a good year or so. At least with my level of activity. They have boot cut, and straight leg, classic, and the infamous skinny jeans.
Denim today, at least at Walmart is not pure cotton denim. There are highly flexible fibers woven in that make them more flexible and comfortable than I remember jeans ever being as a kid.
If cheap Walmart stretchy jeans aren’t for you though, here are a few classic options that you might like to try to add some fresh denim to your wardrobe for the fall and winter season here in Florida.
There are many variables that play into the strength of an economy. As I began my journey in Florida real estate at nineteen years of age and have recently added it to my professional streams of income, I’ve seen the interplay of these variables more clearly than ever. If you have been keeping up with my professional development, I’ve recently started the path of becoming an MLO (Mortgage Loan Originator). This will bring me deeper into the business of real estate while re-establishing my career firmly within finance and management, which is what I hold my degree and years of experience in. It is dangerous terrain presently though.
In my home State of Florida, where I intend to continue doing business, there is a significant disparity. There has been a rapid rise in the cost of new and existing homes. This was spurred on by extremely low interest rates during the last decade. However, because of rapidly rising inflation, the Federal Reserve Board, in an effort to combat inflation, has aggressively been raising interest rates in 2022 with the possibility of more to come.
These interest rate moves have sucked affordability right out of the market. At present, the average home price in Florida is around $415,000. That means to finance the average home with an FHA mortgage for a married couple with decent credit, they would have to come out of pocket with $14,525 (3.5%) as a down payment, and their monthly gross income would need to be more than $10,000, or $120,000+ per year as a minimum.
FHA mortgages will not allow this couple’s principal, interest, taxes, and insurance to exceed 31% of their gross monthly income. This is a helpful safeguard in keeping people from putting themselves in bad financial situations where they are “house poor” and more likely to default on the loan. The problem comes in that the average income in the State of Florida for a married couple is $70,000, not the $120,000+ required to qualify for a mortgage on an average home. There is a significant shortage of affordable housing.
Reducing the average price of a home in Florida can happen a few different ways. A dramatic decrease in current home values instigated by ever higher rates is one way. The average house price would need to decrease from $415,000, where it is now, to around $216,000 to bring the average home price into alignment with the average annual income of a married couple living in Florida.
Another way to reduce the average price of a home in Florida is through innovations in the construction industry that would allow for a rapid increase of quality, lower cost homes. Still more, the Federal Reserve Board’s interest rate moves may stall or reduce the cost per square foot of new construction.
We could also look at ways to attract and retain higher paying jobs to Florida. With the maturing of the remote workforce that came about in vibrant force as a response to COVID there is tremendous opportunity to attract large, high paying companies. I am sure there are many other great options as well. Many of which have yet to be thought of or explored. As it is, there is much work to do, but anytime there is this much disparity in a market, this much upheaval, there is always great opportunity.
Beautiful 4 Bedroom / 3 Bathroom home in Deltona Lakes. Suburban living at it’s best. Quick access to I4 for commuting to Orlando or Daytona Beach metro areas. This home sits on an oversized hilltop lot on a quiet cul de sac, but is close to shopping, movie theatre, and much more! Durable, rigid vinyl plank floor and ceramic tile make cleaning a breeze. Large covered and screened in patio with plenty of room to add a pool. HUGE! 24.5’ x 14’ great room with fireplace for tons of family fun and entertaining. Comfy living room with a second fireplace for enjoying coffee with guests. 4th Bedroom has all the amenities and can be utilized as an inlaw suite, rented as a small apartment, or AirBNB. All appliances stay EXCEPT the range/oven in the primary kitchen (there is a range/oven in the secondary kitchen that will remain), washing machine, freezer in the garage, and two free standing sheds in the back.
Working late has its upside. After a long day in the office, I rarely want to go shopping and prepare a home cooked meal. On those occasions it is a great time for me to try new restaurants in order to offer insights to you, the reader of Gentleman’s Purpose eMagazine. On my drive from western New Smyrna Beach, through Port Orange, I noticed a large monument sign that I had never seen before. Sort of odd since I travel Dunlawton Ave. several times a day usually. Nevertheless, there it was, DAHLIA. What on earth is DAHLIA?
DAHLIA is the trendiest Mexican Kitchen to open in Port Orange in a while. They have a ton of square footage right on Dunlawton Ave., a major roadway that runs straight from I-95 to the Atlantic shore. When I walked in, I was greeted by a shy young lady whose picture you won’t see in this article, and a cheerful young man eager to welcome me and have his picture taken.
It was dinner time when I arrived, so the place was bustling; however, I was seated quite promptly. As I followed the young man to my table I looked at the wall where there was a kaleidoscopic display, seemingly from floor to lofty ceiling, of one of my favorite beverages, JARRITOS (translates “little jugs”).
As I took my seat, a lovely young lady named Sierra introduced herself as my server. Seeing as it was the end of the day, I decided to try their Mexican twist on the Old Fashioned. It was a Tequila based drink as opposed to the traditional Bourbon based Old Fashioned. The “Ancho Old Fashioned” was an interesting concoction of 1800 Reposado Tequila, Ancho Reyes Liqueur, Bordeaux cherries, Agave nectar, and Angostura bitters. The presentation was amazing. It arrived with a little lid on the low-ball glass, and it was filled with an aromatic smoke that tantalized the senses upon the first sip after removing the little lid.
For my meal, I had the Al Pastor Tacos. Three corn tortillas filled with little cubes of grilled pork, an avocado-serrano sauce, pineapple, onion, and fresh cilantro. My entree also arrived with a side of refried beans. It was all quite tasty, but I decided that I prefer flour tortillas to corn. Other than that, the flavors were delicious and it was a reasonable portion.
Next time you are traveling through Port Orange, stop in and give Dahlia a try! So good!
When getting ready for Thanksgiving, we are more likely to think of grocery lists than religious refugees fleeing oppressive tyrants in England. Especially in modern culture where any hint of religion, particularly the Puritan expression of the faith, stirs up fears of an oppression that keeps us from living “my truth”, whatever that means. However, it is this way of life that calls us to the table every year to rejoice and celebrate with thanksgiving to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob for all of the many varied graces and blessings we have benefited from.
Lewis Bayley’s book “The Practice of Piety: Directing A Christian How to Walk, That He May Please God” is one of those very practical books. It was sitting next to the Bible of a vast number of Christian’s in England and America at one time helping them to apply the things they were learning from the Scriptures and their Teacher in their regular lives. There is much we can learn from and be thankful for in how this book, alongside the Bible, helped to shape America.
One of the most highly respected Puritan authors, Matthew Henry, helps us to take hold of a life that is truly as good as it can be given where we are on the cosmic spectrum of God’s ultimate plan. In, “The Pleasantness of a Religious Life”, Henry explores twelve areas of the Christian life that are source of pleasure and joy. It is through life experiences that have been testified to by Christians through the ages that we have these wonderful gifts of Christian pleasure revealed to us so that we may rejoice in them and celebrate.
Living in the time of overlap where the present evil age is slowly, but surely giving way to the Olam HaBa (the Age to Come, Eternal Life) can be challenging for the mind and heart not trained. In David W. Saxton’s book, “God’s Battle Plan For The Mind” he explores the Puritan approach to the contemplative life, a life invested in deep meditation on the canon of Holy Scripture that we call the Bible.
The Daytona Beach Bandshell has played host to some of the most celebrated musicians in America. However, it isn’t often that musicians gather at the Bandshell to celebrate the most powerful man to ever walk the face of the earth, and the span of all the heavens for that matter.
Yes, it was a celebration of Jesus of Nazareth. That man that was brutally executed to redeem the entirety of God’s good creation from sin and death. The gathering was held from 2pm EST till 6pm EST on Saturday October 29th. The music was fantastic and while crowds gathered, the majority seemed unsure of how close they wanted to get.
The perimeter of the venue was filled with people wondering what was going on, with few willing to enter in, pull up a chair, and get into the action. It made me wonder how many people hear about Jesus, but something just keeps them from comfortably loving and enjoying God.
Hopefully, we will be able to see more of this type of thing in Daytona Beach with more and more people getting comfortable with His Presence...I think that happens increasingly the more folks realize just how good He actually is...
Need a break from everything? How about a long weekend exploring the Grand Canyon? Ranked #3 in U.S. News & World Report’s top Fall vacation destinations this may be just what you need before jumping into the busy holiday season. With cooler weather, thinner crowds than the normal season, and a host of wonderful things to experience. A weekend exploration of the Grand Canyon may be just what the doctor ordered.
Getting to the Grand Canyon would be the first thing to consider. Most folks just fly into Phoenix, Arizona, rent a car and drive the 3.75 hours to the canyon. So, it looks like a round trip ticket to Phoenix right now can be obtained for $219. An economy rental car will be about $51 per day. That will take care of our travel arrangements. How about places to stay?
This is a quick, refreshing weekend trip, so we aren’t trying to break the bank. The best value that I could find is the Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn. This 4-Star hotel has all the amenities you could possibly want, and you will be less than 10 miles to the Grand Canyon. Prices for early November are around $144 per night. Now, once we are all settled in, we want to begin our adventure.
Passes to access Grand Canyon National Park currently cost $35 and are good for up to 7 days. It is important to note that many things will be closed for the winter; however, if you want to enjoy what is open without all the hustle and bustle of the regular tourist season, then November is a great time to visit with perfect hiking weather.
