GoodLife M A G A Z I N E
Chris Montalvo & James Mirabal
FREE! Live. Life. Well. Feb/Mar 2017
COVER
MIRABAL MONTALVO & Associates
M
irabal Montalvo & Associates march to the beat of their own drum – and they are on fire! Their success is fueled by the passion of the owners, who cultivate a unique culture and business model. Whether they’re saving for retirement, their children’s education, or a rainy day, real estate professionals are also real estate investors and that is what drives the culture at Mirabal Montalvo.
Corpus Christi native James Mirabal kick-started his real estate career in 2000 with Century 21 and earned the prestigious title of “Rookie Of The Year” within his first full year of production. Four years later, James started his own real estate business, and after much success opted to partner with Chris Montalvo in 2009 to form Mirabal Montalvo & Associates LLC. Mirabal Montalvo has quickly
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gained market recognition as one of the highest producing real-estate firms in South Texas and currently employs three “Top 25 Realtors.” As a boutique real estate firm, Mirabal Montalvo is staffed with well-vetted professionals who offer superior services in buying and selling real estate. For individuals needing to sell, Mirabal Montalvo provides confidential consultations, foreclosure-prevention advice and property
COVER
exit strategies when needed. portfolios. Agents are encouraged The hallmark of their firm is a focus and mentored on various ways of on quality, as opposed to a nod acquiring properties for personal toward quantity. This focus on quality investment. “We teach our agents has produced some rather amazing to be educated and involved at all results, primarily levels of real estate… because the firms’ selling, buying, and Mirabal Montalvo agents sincerely investing,” says has quickly gained appreciate a work James Mirabal. Many market recognition environment where investment firms say happy customers, as one of the highest that keeping an eye rather than aggreson the market is, by producing real-estate far, the most frequent sive, franchise-imposed sales goals, way real estate profirms in South Texas are the measure of fessionals find aweand currently employs success. The end some properties for three “Top 25 Realtors.” their clients; so why result is new and long-term customnot take advantage ers feeling absolutely confident their of great property finds as well? investments have received the greatWith fifteen agents on board, est possible attention and focus. Mirabal Montalvo is always looking In addition to dedicated customer for various ways to help their agents service, Mirabal Montalvo focuses improve personal portfolios. James a great deal of effort and energy in is most proud of the fact that most helping their agents build personal of his agents have become inde-
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COVER pendent real common investestate investors. “We teach our agents to ment vehicle. “We have been But it takes good be educated and inable to help our people to ensure volved at all levels of real a good portfoagents vastly improve their lio. “Not every estate… selling, buying, standard of livagent is a good and investing” ing by applying fit for our firm. We the strategy of don’t just buy reinvesting profits.” and sell,” said Mirabal. “Our agents The Mirabal Montalvo culture is are passionate about real estate focused on uplifting their agents’ and delve into the field full force.” personal portfolios and developing In the final analysis, it’s the combithem into well-rounded real estate nation of hard work and hard-won professionals. Buying real estate is market knowledge that makes real about more than just finding a place estate professionals and real estate to call home. In fact, investing in investments such an ideal fit. Mirareal estate has become increasingly bal Montalvo cultivates this culture popular over the last 50 years as a into their business model perfectly.
MIRABAL MONTALVO & ASSOCIATES www.mirabalmontalvo.com | 361.994.1140 4 | www.goodlife-mag.com
GOODLIFE
GoodLife M A G A Z I N E
ADVERTISE WITH US, AND WATCH YOUR BUSINESS GROW! Contact Margie Castillo for more information.
D’Lyn Suggs, Publisher | dlyn@goodlife-mag.com Margie Castillo, Sales | margie@goodlife-mag.com Fran Sherman, Graphic Design | designer@goodlife-mag.com To advertise call: (361) 239-8259 ext. 2 Website: www.goodlife-mag.com General: (361) 239-8259 ext. 1 Follow us on PO Box 782, Portland, Texas 78374 www.goodlife-mag.com | 5
FINANCE
When Do You Need a
Financial Advisor?
A
re you a “do-it-yourselfer”? If you can take care of home repairs, lawn work and other types of maintenance by yourself, you’ll save money and probably gain satisfaction. But you will almost certainly need some help in other areas of your life – one of which may be investing. In fact, you could benefit from the services of a professional financial advisor at several points in your life: When you’re starting out in your career – When you land your first “career-type” job, you will have some financial decisions to make: Should I participate in my employer’s 401(k) or other retirement plan? (Hint: Yes!) If so, how much should I contribute? How can I juggle saving for retirement with paying off student loans? These are the types of questions you can answer with the help of
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a financial advisor. When you’re saving for important goals – Whether you’re saving for a down payment on your first home, or for your children’s college education, or for your own comfortable retirement, you’ll face many choices. A financial advisor – someone with experience in helping people work toward these goals – can assist you in making the choices most appropri-
When you’re retired – Even after you retire, you’ve got plenty to think about, in terms of financial moves. For one thing, you need to ensure that your investment portfolio provides you with both sufficient income for your desired lifestyle and adequate growth potential to help you stay ahead of inflation. What’s the correct balance of investments for your needs? Are there investments that can provide you with rising income without exposing you to undue risk? Once you’re retired, you just won’t get a lot of “do-overs,” so getting the right help is important. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you may not get it right each and every time. But you won’t pay much of a price (except, perhaps in embarrassment) if that chair you built collapses under a stack of newspapers. However, you also know when it’s time to call in a professional – and that’s whom you need when it comes to building your financial future. So, get the assistance you need, when you need it, from a financial advisor.
FINANCE
ate for your individual situation. When you’re experiencing a personal “milestone” – Like everyone, you’ll go through many major life events. Some will be joyful, such as marriage and the arrival of children, while others may be unpleasant or sad, such as divorce or the death of a loved one. But virtually all these events carry with them some type of financial component – establishing new investment accounts, purchasing sufficient insurance, naming and changing of beneficiaries, and so on. A financial advisor who truly understands you and your needs can help you make appropriate moves for all your milestones. When you’re close to retirement – As you near retirement, you’ll have several issues to consider: About how much income will you need each year? When should you start taking Social Security? How much can you afford to withdraw annually from your IRA and 401(k)? A financial advisor has the tools, training and experience to explore alternatives and suggest suitable moves for you.
Kathleen Clark Financial Advisor Edward Jones 1605 Hwy 181, Suite B Portland, TX 78374 (361) 643-8218 kathleen.clark@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com www.goodlife-mag.com | 7
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SHOPPING
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
,
ar e Y New ou Y New
“We only get to be in our bodies for a limited time, why not celebrate the journey instead of merely riding it out until it’s over?” –Jen Sincero
W
e have all heard the saying, New Year, New You. But let’s be honest, how many times do we actually stick to those New Year’s Resolutions? At the first of the year, we come up with an overwhelming list of new habits but every year (most of us) change NOTHING. Here are some tips to help you own this New Year and to stop living life on autopilot. FINDING PURPOSE One of the biggest mistakes people make is they form goals that don’t align with their purpose. Have you ever stopped to think, what is MY purpose on earth? Until you have goals that are deeply connected to your why, it’s going to be very hard to stay motivated and see lasting change. It is hard to commit to something that doesn’t set our soul on fire. Instead, we find excuses and turn them into our reality. As a health/fitness coach, I meet a lot of clients who want to lose weight. You have to take your goals a step further and
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understand why you want to lose weight. This goal needs to be linked to more than a number on the scale. How would losing weight make you feel? If we start to connect our goals to our passion and create meaning behind them, you will have more self discipline and drive to change. REVERSE ENGINEER We place too much pressure on the end goal instead of focusing on our journey to get there. Reverse engineer your big goals so you know exactly what is required for you to meet them. Set weekly
EVALUATE YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM Changing life long habits is NOT easy, you will need love, support, and encouragement along the way. Make sure your tribe is built with people who breathe life into you. The doers, the dreamers, and the believers. This may require you to distance yourself from the toxic relationships that are bringing you down. Only you can create a fulfilling life for yourself.
FAIL FORWARD We all stumble, and sometimes fall flat on our face. Our biggest personal growth comes in how we handle these moments; the choice is yours. We control how we react to adversity and disappointment, will you let it define you or will it empower you? I leave you with this action step, MAKE A LIST OF ALL THE THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY. Wake up each morning and do something for you, not your children or your significant other, but YOU! If you want to claim your purpose and figure out what you really want out of this life, practice self love and believe that you are capable of anything!
HEALTH & WELLNESS
and monthly goals instead of focusing on year end results. Having a plan in place, will make your goals more realistic and less overwhelming. Seeing measurable progress will not only push you forward, but reward you along the way.
For more living purposefully tips please like my community page at: www.facebook.com/ashleytarabomar You can also email me at: tarabomarcoach@gmail.com www.goodlife-mag.com | 15
HEALTH & WELLNESS
The benefits of
Cryotherapy
C
ryotherapy is essentially the process of using cold temperatures for the body’s health benefits. Cryotherapy, or Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC), is a process where the body is exposed to ultra-low temperatures. Clients enter a cryogenic chamber for a short duration of 1:30 to 3 minutes. This form of therapy has been used in different ways since the 1700s to decrease pain and muscle spasms, improve recovery, slow cell aging and improve health.
CRYOTHERAPY FOR ANTI-AGING & BEAUTY A non-invasive safe solution How it Works: Cryotherapy provokes vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation as the body reheats. This process increases blood circulation and detoxification, enriches the blood with nutrients and oxygen and reduces inflammation. • Stimulates collagen production for more firm, smooth and elastic skin. • Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, acne and superficial scars • Reduces fat deposits and cellulite • Balances hormones • Enhances surgical recovery • Increases libido and sexual stamina • elieves insomnia CRYOTHERAPY FOR WEIGHT LOSS A drug & stimulant free solution 16 | www.goodlife-mag.com
How it Works: The skin senses the extreme cold during a 3-minute whole body cryotherapy session and signals the brain to go into “fight or flight” mode. The body is not in any real danger as it is only the skin that is being cooled. The brain responds to this perceived threat by triggering the following responses: Adrenaline and endorphins are released to increase metabolism and energy. This metabolic increase can last 3 to 5 days and may become permanent with repeated cryotherapy sessions. In an effort to maintain core temperature, blood rushes to the core burning 500 to 800 calories. Calories continue to burn post-treatment as the body re-heats. The combined impact of increased metabolism and high-calorie burn can lead to weight loss. Repeated, consistent cryotherapy
CRYOTHERAPY FOR ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE, INJURY & RECOVERY How it works: Cryotherapy tricks the body into “fight or flight mode”, triggering the release of adrenaline, endorphins, and anti-inflammatory proteins. The body is not actually in hypothermia—but the brain thinks that it is. Blood rushes to the core, increasing metabolism and energy. • Athletic performance is enhanced by increased energy, the natural endorphin “high” and reduced perception of symptomatic pain. • Injury to muscles, bone and tissue repair is enhanced by reduced inflammation from highly enriched, oxygenated blood, improved blood circulation and lymphatic detoxification. • Recovery occurs more quickly and completely in the anti-inflammatory and enhanced blood flow environment. Delayed Onset Muscular Soreness is significantly reduced. • Mental recovery is accelerated due to energy increase and release of endorphins. PAIN MANAGEMENT & WELLNESS A pharmaceutical-free solution
How it Works: Cryotherapy effectively treats pain and improves overall wellness through three mechanisms: 1. Cryotherapy effectively reduces local and systemic inflammation, a major source of pain and chronic health problems. 2. Cryotherapy triggers the release of analgesic (pain-relieving) endorphins such as norepinephrine. 3. Pain-gate and dermatomal confusion: cold sensors in the skin travel to the brain faster than pain sensors thus “closing the gate” to the feeling of pain. This dermatomal confusion also explains how analgesics like Ben-Gay relieve pain–a competing sensation (cold) distracts from the sensation of pain.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
sessions increases the metabolism in the long term, resulting in more passive calories burned and continued weight loss or maintenance.
Studies indicate that cryotherapy significantly improves symptoms related to: • arthritis • auto-immune disorders • chronic fatigue syndrome • lyme disease • fibromyalgia • degenerative diseases of the joints and spine • bursitis, tendonitis and joint inflammation • depression + mood disorders • insomnia • hormonal imbalances • skin disorders such as psoriasis & acne credit: cryobodyrecovery. com www.goodlife-mag.com | 17
HEALTH & WELLNESS
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Preventative measures, patience best practices against
Superbugs
A
By Sarita Warrick, M.D.
ntibiotics have been used for nearly a century to fight bacterial infections in doctors’ offices and emergency rooms. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that of the 154 million antibiotic prescriptions doled out every year, almost 30 percent are written unnecessarily.
The result? Bacterial microbes are building up resistance to these antibiotics and rendering the medications designed to fight them useless. Adding to the problem here in the Coastal Bend is our proximity to Mexico, and the availability of relatively cheap prescription antibiotics just across the border. These “Superbugs” are not a new phenomenon; all microbes possess the ability to develop resistance against the very medicine created to combat them. But some high-profile outbreaks and inflammatory nicknames – such as flesh-eating bacteria – have increased public consciousness of these Superbugs. Every year, 23,000 Americans die from antibiotic-resistant microbes, according to the CDC. A British study released in 2015 concluded
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that Superbugs are responsible for 700,000 deaths globally each year. These numbers are likely to continue to rise until we can educate patients, and physicians, about the proper use of antibiotics. VIRAL VERSUS BACTERIAL A common misconception about antibiotics is that they are wonder-drugs that can cure any malady. Antibiotics only work against bacteria; they will not cure viral infections, such as the common cold and the seasonal flu. That means they can’t help the patient feel better, and will not keep others from contracting the infection. They can also put the patient, and their family, at risk. I have patients who visit my clinic in search of medication rather than healing. To effectively fight Super-
COMBATING SUPERBUGS Eight institutions in the Houston-based Texas Medical Center have begun work to combat Superbugs. In an interview with Houston Public Media, Dr. Cesar Arias said he believes Superbugs could set back modern medicine by more than a half century IF they render antibiotics ineffective. According to research conducted by the Pew Charitable Trusts, only 37 antibiotic drugs were in development as of March 2016. The researchers noted “it is clear that there are too few drugs in development to meet current and anticipated patient needs.” The most active defense against Superbugs can often be the simplest. Washing your hands periodically, as well as taking time to get rest and stock up on fluids, are much more direct and efficient ways to combat common viruses. I deal with a population of mostly older patients. Sometimes, they worry about disclosing the entire truth about medicinal history, but this can greatly limit my ability to provide an effective treatment plan. We encourage patients to bring any and all medications – both prescription and over-the-counter – to their visits for a “brown bag” check. That way we know we can assess what they should be taking, and what they should not. Some patients seek out cheaper, sometimes counterfeit, antibiotics
to self-medicate. This is not only dangerous because of the possibility of taking expired and ineffective medication, but it also adds to the greater risk of strengthening a microbe’s resistance to the medicine. Another crucial component to fighting antibiotic-resistant microbes is to take medication exactly as prescribed. Patients may find themselves feeling better after three days on a prescription and will choose to ignore doctor’s orders to continue treatment for seven days. On the other side of the coin, saving extra antibiotics for the next time you feel sick should also be avoided. This can result in the bacteria being exposed to the antibiotic just enough to recognize the remedy and develop a new attack. Nine times out of 10, my patients do not need to be prescribed an antibiotic. Following doctor’s orders – such as taking over-the-counter treatments and following up after a few days at the clinic – can be much more effective. Superbugs should not be taken lightly; antibiotic-resistant microbes pose great problems to the medical community and the patients we treat. By taking care of the small things and following prescriptions correctly, we can move forward and begin the process of fighting these harmful bugs.
HEALTH & WELLNESS SERVICES
bugs, patients must adhere to the strict advice of a medical professional. A prescription from your doctor does not have to include an order of behind-the-counter medicine.
Dr. Sarita Warrick is lead physician at WellMed at South Medical and a medical leader for WellMed in the Corpus Christi region. www.goodlife-mag.com | 21
HEALTH & WELLNESS 22 | www.goodlife-mag.com
81 days
HEALTH & WELLNESS
W W W. A LT U S H O S P I C E C A R E . C O M
How many
MEMORIES
can be made in 81 days?
Investigators found that patients with certain diseases may survive longer on average if they receive hospice care. For instance, congestive heart failure patients lived an average of 321 days without hospice care, and an average of 402 days with hospice care. This is an average increase of 81 days. Other diseases included in the study were: LUNG CANCER: Patients survived an average of 39 days longer with hospice care than without hospice care. PANCREATIC CANCER: Survival rate increased by an average of 21 days with hospice care. COLON CANCER: Patients survived an average of 33 days longer when cared for by hospice.
What can you or your loved one do with 81 days? Enjoy more sunrises & sunsets Greet a newborn family member Resolve relationship difficulties Experience a bucket list event Share more stories of a life well lived Spend treasured time with family and friends
Altus Hospice of Austin Phone: 512.614.2851 Fax: 512.614.2932 Toll Free: 1.844.249.6269
Altus Hospice of Beaumont Phone: 409.832.4582 Fax: 409.832.6345 Toll Free: 1.800.550.7476
Altus Hospice of Corpus Christi Phone: 361.723.1049 Fax: 361.723.1056 Toll Free: 1.888.777.3921
Altus Hospice of Dallas Phone: 972.761.9140 Fax: 214.221.8891 Toll Free: 1.877.863.9140
Altus Hospice of North Houston Phone: 281.583.5455 Fax: 281.583.5578 Toll Free: 1.855.583.5455
Altus Hospice of South Houston Phone:281.493.9744 Fax: 281.493.9792 Toll Free: 1.855.718.3007
Altus Hospice of South Texas (Laredo and San Antonio) Phone: 1.855.718.3007 Fax: 956.722.3006
Altus Hospice of Las Vegas Phone: 702.821.1120 Fax: 702.209.2389
---“NHPCO Facts and Figures: Hospice Care in America,” October 2008 ---“Comparing Hospice and Non-hospice Patient Survival among Patients Who Die within a Three-Month Window,” Journal of Pain and Symptom Management March 2007.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
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THE
COASTA L
B END
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Tired of working dead end jobs and looking for a career? Please call for more information. Classes are on Saturdays so you are able to continue to work while coming to training. We are enrolling now with new classes starting every 6 weeks.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS www.goodlife-mag.com | 25
INSPIRATION
2017 SAN PATRICIO AND ARANSAS COUNTY A & H SHOW to honor 2012 Show Queen, Jillian Williams
W
by D’Lyn Suggs
hen I started writing these articles, my goal was to share hope and inspiration. Something I was looking for as I faced a difficult time in my life. I knew from the beginning that I wanted to share Jillian William’s story. I first shared her story in September of 2016 but her strength and courage have continued to inspire me and I know that it will inspire you too. In February Jillian in the of 2016, one hospital shortly week before her after the surgery; 19th birthday, her strength and Jillian William’s determination was diagnosed shining through with Ewings her incredible Sarcoma, a rare smile. Encourbone cancer. aging us all to Since that time face our battles Jillian has underwith strength gone rigorous and dignity and chemotherapy, without fear of amputation and the future. rotationplasty It has been surgery and almost a year has received since Jillian’s her prosthetic cancer diaglimb which she nosis and it is affectionately no surprise that calls “Leni”. she is facing During the year ahead rotationplasty with the same a portion of a determination MORGAN WHITNEY PHOTOGRAPHY limb is removed, she faced 2016 while the remaining limb below and her leap through cancer. the involved portion is rotated and reattached. Typically, in a leg rotaIn a recent blog post Jillian wrote: tionplasty, the ankle joint becomes the knee joint when placed into a “I am going to LEAP through this prosthetic leg. This will allow Jillian to year like never before! I get to start pursue an active life once again. 2017 with a new leg and get to ring I remember watching videos of the bell for my last chemo! I have a
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INSPIRATION
strange feeling to our comthat God has munity and huge plans for their support of this year! I have our local 4-H set some goals organizations. that I am prayThe 2017 Show ing to meet! will honor the 1. Try out 2012 Show for our USA Queen, Jillian Paralympic Williams, for her Sitting Volleyball inspiration and Team. 2. Start for living a life public speaking that honors the and spreadvalues taught ing awareness in 4-H. about Ewings Sarcoma and THE 4-H PLEDGE Childhood I pledge my Cancer. 3. Go head to clearer 2012 QUEEN, JILLIAN WILLIAMS AND 2017 QUEEN, back to the best thinking, my MADI RACKLEY college ever, heart to greatTexas Lutheran University. 4. Learn to er loyalty, my hands to larger service, ski and snowboard. and my health to better living, for I have come up with my life quote my club, my community, my country and I feel like it couldn’t be more true! and my world. “I Want To Make A DIFFERENCE By Being DIFFERENT!” You can follow Jillian’s amazing God has made me different for journey at www.jilliansleapthrougha reason and I’m going to make a cancer.com. difference with that!” Remember, do not give up hope. Each year, The San Patricio and For where there is hope there is faith. Aransas County A & H Show seeks And where there is faith, miracles to honor someone for their service happen.
WHAT IS 4-H? 4-H believes in the power of young people; that every child has valuable strengths and the ability to influence the world around them. It is America’s largest youth development organization – empowering nearly six million young people across the U.S. with the skills to lead for a lifetime.
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SERVICES 28 | www.goodlife-mag.com
INSPIRATION
Dreams FOLLOW YOUR
So tell me: What did you dream about last night? Did you dream? I’m sure you did; we all dream. However, most of us don’t remember our dreams. Forgetting last night’s dream is truly a forgettable event.
So in an effort to rekindle your dreamy thoughts, in today’s Dare I offer two short poems to reawaken, revitalize, and restore your superior sense of what can be. Yes: If you can dream it, the possibilities are there to achieve it. But like the daylight, day
jobs, and daily drama that follow each night’s sleep, our dreams are often replaced by the hustle and bustle of the “real world.” Today’s post is a reMINDer that your Life’s Dream is as much a part of the “real world” as is your car, your home, this blog, and anything
PHOTO CREDIT BFG PRESS LLC
However, forgetting your Life’s Dream? Well, that’s another story altogether.
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INSPIRATION
else that works its way into that mind of yours. In fact, I would argue that YOUR Life’s Dream is actually a bigger part of YOUR reality than all the other stuff combined. And here’s why: Your Life’s Dream is a thought, an idea, and a creation that has been established by the creator that is you. All of that other stuff is the result of other people’s Life Dreams. And for “them,” and their respective Life’s Dream… life has become a dream come true. We are all “living the dream.” The only question is, “Whose dream is it?” This amazing thing called the television (and every single program that is televised) is the result of someone’s dream. Your cell phone originated in someone’s head sometime ago. Your lunch, your dinner, and the little snacks in between… all the result of someone’s dream. Whose dream? Yours. Yes… despite the fact that all those things were created by other people, the one fact that trumps all of them is the fact that all those things are connected to only one person: you. You own the dream that has come to be your life. Love the dream? Keep dreamin’, my friend. Don’t like the dream? Change the script. How? Simply acquire the faith, fearlessness, and fundamental belief that your (newest) dream can come to fruition. If you can realistically do this, it can… and it will. This faith of which I speak is a very simple task. But “simple” and “easy” are vastly different descriptors. After all, it’s rarely easy to stare failure in the face, learn from it, and then
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move on. And yet, Thomas Edison “succeeded” hundreds of times before succeeding with his invention called the commercial light bulb. Regarding failure, Edison is quoted as saying: “After we had conducted thousands of experiments on a certain project without solving the problem, one of my associates, after we had conducted the crowning experiment and it had proved a failure, expressed discouragement and disgust over our having failed to find out anything. I cheerily assured him that we had learned something. For we had learned for a certainty that the thing couldn’t be done that way, and that we would have to try some other way.” Edison’s dream came true, but not without significant faith, work, and faith in his work. In one of my all-time favorite speeches, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., proclaimed, “With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.” Dr. King’s dream is an ideal just shy of perfection. And though perfection is something that can never be fully realized, Dr. King’s dream has certainly brought us much closer to forming a “more perfect union,” as our nation’s forefathers had originally intended. And then there’s this thing called fearlessness…
pect of your dreams. And when fear is decoupled from your dream, there is more room, more time, and more energy to invest in transforming your dreams to goals… and then those goals into plans… and then those plans into actions… And then those actions into “a dream come true.” But it all starts with your dream… and your fundamental belief that YOUR dream can come to fruition. And if it can, it will…. But not without you waking up from the daily drudgery of living someone else’s dream. One last point on fear: It is created AND destroyed in the same place: your mind. Accept. Adapt. Achieve® … and this will be your best year yet!
INSPIRATION
Ah, to be fearless! Me? After being bitten by a couple of dogs (and having the scars to prove it), and seeing a few people attacked by a “friendly” dog or two, I tend to be somewhat apprehensive and anxious around dogs. Am I fearful of dogs? Well… not FULL of fear, no. But I have my firm reservations. So what does one do to overcome fear? The popular answer to this question is “get more courage.” However, courage is not the answer to combating fear. In fact, the answer may surprise you. The answer is actually rather simple. The answer might not be easy; but it’s already in you. The answer is to “increase your faith.” If and when you increase your faith, fear becomes an unrelated as-
© 2016, 2017 John H. Clark III. All rights reserved.
John Clark III is the author of several books and is also an engaging public speaker who delivers a unique and refreshing point of view to life’s seemingly overwhelming situations. Through books, blogs, and everyday conversation, John’s message resonates with an empowering blend of ideals that enrich, uplift, and “authorize” people to set and achieve goals far beyond current mindsets. His trademarked phrase is a winner... Accept. Adapt. Achieve!® See more at www.johnclarkiii.biz
www.goodlife-mag.com | 31
COMMUNITY
NEW BEGINNINGS
W
2017
hen was the last time you sat down and took stock of your life. Perhaps the beginning of the year? I wonder how many of those New Year resolutions you can even remember making ~ let alone kept! It may seem strange to think of new beginnings at this time of year! But God delights in doing new things with us and for us. This is something we find difficult to grasp. Even in our twilight years God is doing something new. Think of Abraham starting on a new journey in his seventies. It’s never too late for a new beginning with God!
Awful events such as the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York make people review their priorities and activities. Something’s don’t seem quite so important whilst other things become a priority. Some good things come out too. Amazing stories of people helping others to survive ~ even at the cost of their own lives has proved to be the true victory of good overcoming evil. Often its tragic circumstances that make us stop and think. We are reminded of the uncertainty of life. Tragic events or personal changes of circumstances can be a worthwhile time to look at our life, providing · A time for reflection · A time to review our priorities · A time to set new goals. 32 | www.goodlife-mag.com
OLD – REVIEW, DISCARD, KEEP Our reading today implies that “new” is not often welcome, the “old is better”. But having a new start is something we as individuals and as a community should not resist but welcome. It’s an ideal opportunity to review our goals, priorities, and activities. · Are we doing things because they have always been done that way, i.e. its traditional? · Has a good thing came to an end – we need to recognise when its time for closure. · Are we doing something that God is not – perhaps we mistakenly rushed into something that was not for us?
ARE YOU HANGING ON TO THE OLD WHEN GOD IS ON TO SOMETHING NEW? NEW ~ UNFAMILIAR, CHALLENGE, RISK Jesus did and said things in a new way – it really upset the traditionalists! His whole life is an example of doing things that had never been done that way before. Yet He fulfilled God’s plans to the letter but broke with man’s tradition. It got Him into a lot of trouble. Maybe it will be the same for us! We often tend to like the familiar but is it time to be stretched like a new wineskin? Maybe we have put off doing something we know
God wants us to be involved in. We like our comfortable routines, the risky unfamiliar unknown is just well ~ too risky, too uncomfortable, too challenging! We just don’t like the new do we? Barbara Johnson told how she bought new pillows but halfway thru the night she was fishing the old thrown out ones from the rubbish bin, because she could not get to sleep on her nice new pillows. They were far too uncomfortable! Aren’t we the same sometimes? How we love our old comfy slippers and those well-worn clothes we like to relax in – the familiar! The clothes our partners would like to put in the charity bag but we love to hang onto!
COMMUNITY
Lets see if we can get rid of the “old yeast”, the obsolete things that are being done for their own sake and not to anyone’s benefit.
Senior Pastor Ely
The vision of Family First Church is to be a dynamic body of believers proclaiming the Word of God as we share the love of Christ to our community. 3202 Rodd Field Road Corpus Christi, TX 78414 familyfirstchurch.org 361-522-2856 familyfirstchurch@hotmail.com SERVICES: Sundays at 1:00 pm Thursdays at 6:30 pm
PASTOR ELY PEREZ
www.goodlife-mag.com | 33
INSPIRATION
6
SMALL STEPSTO A Great New Year
L
ike the waves of the vast ocean before us, a whole year of successive days lies upon the horizon’s edge.
And like each wave that approaches the coast, each successive day will lash, crash, and smash into the shore of today… only to be followed by another… and then another… until we alone set ourselves upon our last approaching sunrise, awaiting our final sunset. As I look back upon this past year, I continue to heal from a few life-changing events. And through this process of healing, I have learned much. I have learned… To heal is to not only accept, but also to embrace. To heal is to somehow make sense of something that seemingly makes absolutely no sense at all. To heal is to say goodbye to not only what was, but also what will never be. To heal is to say “Hello!” to an entirely different reality. So, in a very real way, to heal is to have a break with reality… the 34 | www.goodlife-mag.com
OLD reality. What WAS will never be again. What once COULD be… will never be. What once was, however, will ALWAYS be. I have learned that the past is as much of a gift as is the present. The memories, the moments, and the magic remain forever tucked away in the loft of my mind, waiting for those powerfully ponderous
FORGIVE. Whatever it is or was, let it go. For every minute we squander on finding fault, brandishing blame, and rehashing the same bad memory, we lose two additional minutes. How does one minute subjugate two? We lose the first minute by scraping the bottom of the bad-memory barrel, and we also lose a second minute by way of an “opportunity cost…” a minute that could have been used for something special, super, or simply “just not negative,” which is a small-but-significant move into the next step… FOCUS. When you refuse to forgive E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G, you alone remain bogged down in the powerful past (a past made powerful only by you). When you have forgiven what was, you are absolutely, totally, unequivocally free to focus on THIS year, THIS day, THIS moment in time. And when you focus on today, YOU are the most powerful person in the world (when it comes to you).
To heal is to not only accept, but also to embrace. FIND. Quite simply… once you have forgiven all, you can focus on what really matters. And after you have done this, not only will you find your path to passion, power, and ponies in your life (if that’s what you really want); but those things will somehow, someway, magically find YOU. It’s true; believe me.
INSPIRATION
days when I gently un-tuck those momentous times, bring them into the light of today… and seek solace in what was as I take comfort in the beauty of it all: yesterday, today, and tomorrow. All of it rests within the magic of me as I graciously meet each successive wave, each passing day, and every second that lies in between. As we jump into yet another New Year, I ask you to join me in six small steps to the best year ever: Forgive. Focus. Find. Accept. Adapt. Achieve.®
ACCEPT. What has happened will NEVER change. Accept it; embrace it; see it as a milepost on your ever-evolving charmed life. I realize that some downright devilish things have happened in your life; me, too. But in reality, you alone have the choice to see that event as an asset or a liability. Scripturally speaking, all things happen for the good of those who have been called for the Highest purpose. As soon as we accept a few things, we will immediately begin to change… ADAPT. Perhaps Charles Darwin said it best when he said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” It is our high degree of adaptability, sprinkled with an exceptionally large reservoir of perseverance that will create the greatest impact on whether or not we leap to the last step… ACHIEVE. To achieve is to attain a goal. To attain a goal, we must first set a goal. And to set goals, we must first think about what we www.goodlife-mag.com | 35
INSPIRATION
definitely want in life. And to do this, we must first THINK. And this is where I leave you: to think. Please take a moment or two to think daily. Think about what YOU want to achieve, and then work your way backward. 1. ACHIEVE your dreams. Ask yourself what you want, then set goals. 2. ADAPT… change in ways that directly feed progress to your goals. 3. ACCEPT a few facts, sacrifices, and realities along the way. 4. FIND ways to make your facts more relevant and, dare I say, “more true.” 5. FOCUS on what you absolutely
know; influence what others think. 6. FORGIVE. Every single day of this next awesome year, forgive yourself for your mistakes… at least until you understand the lesson in each mistake (and then it’s no longer a mistake, but rather a lesson to be learned). Forgive others as soon as they offend you. And remember your purpose for being here. And if you don’t know your purpose… Forgive. Focus. Find… and your purpose will find YOU! Accept. Adapt. Achieve® … and this will be your best year yet! © 2016, 2017 John H. Clark III. All rights reserved.
John Clark III is the author of several books and is also an engaging public speaker who delivers a unique and refreshing point of view to life’s seemingly overwhelming situations. Through books, blogs, and everyday conversation, John’s message resonates with an empowering blend of ideals that enrich, uplift, and “authorize” people to set and achieve goals far beyond current mindsets. His trademarked phrase is a winner... Accept. Adapt. Achieve!® See more at www.johnclarkiii.biz
36 | www.goodlife-mag.com
COMMUNITY www.goodlife-mag.com | 37
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REAL ESTATE
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