Hey everybody, happy new year!…by the way when can you stop saying happy new year?
Anyway…we’re now seven days into the new year, I hope everything’s going strong for you all so far (I so wanted to say ya’ll). Personally, I’ve dubbed this year as the ‘Year of Completion’.
Anyone who knows me is aware of my dirty little secret; I love to start new adventures! Well, this year is no different. But instead of starting something new, I’ve decided to complete some of the things that I’ve started in previous years. Yay!
Back Story
In 2007, Shaun and I moved our young family to California to start our ministry (along with RevThrowback Warren & Yolanda Warren). We were blessed to launch and grow Chosen Ministries for 5 years before the economic downturn required us to merge with The Center Church (thanks to Pastor Darrell & Terry Ann Maston for opening your doors & heart). While I knew that it was the right thing to do, it was still one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make. Nevertheless, I’m proud to say that Chosen successfully inspired and served many individuals, while also planting and supporting several other ministries. There are at least three other churches that are in existence today because of the seeds planted through Chosen Ministries (much love to Pastor Jonathan Rodriguez, Pastors Darryl & Lupe Horn). I also know of several people that have gone on to do some phenomenal things in their lives and ministry through their involvement with Chosen (Pastor Dylan Moore and Chantal Monique Duson). I have a genuine love and appreciation for all of the people that I got a chance to know and serve during that time of my life.
In 2008 we started investing in real estate. That year, we bought our first rental property in Fort Worth, TX and have held onto it ever since. It has generated quite a bit of passive income for us over the years, and appreciated almost 50% in value. My plans at the time were to build a real estate empire; but unfortunately, we never purchased any others…until August 2016 (shout out to BiggerPockets.com)! This year, we’re starting out strong, with plans to purchase three properties in the Cleveland, Ohio area. This will be our year to ramp up the investment business and help secure our retirement future.
In 2010, I started Livin’ Golden, my public speaking and coaching business (thanks to Dan Miller & 48days.net). Speaking, and helping others reach their fullest potential, has been one of the greatest loves of my life. Soon after dissolving our ministry, I stepped away from Livin’ Golden to take an introspective look at my life and truly decide the direction I wanted it to go. My decision was to devote time to my family, especially since ministry took quite a bit of time away from my girls! So I virtually disappeared for the last 3-4 years, watching my baby girls grow up into beautiful, compassionate, and responsible young ladies.
In 2014, we expanded our family by welcoming two children in foster care into our home. This was both a rewarding and difficult time in our lives. Ultimately, the children needed more intense care than we could not provide; however, they experienced unconditional love, support, and comfort during their one-year stay with us. I have a great deal of respect for all of the many foster and adoptive families that selflessly give their all to these deserving children (thanks Steve Meyers & OneMore).
Reemergence
Now here we are seven days into 2017, my oldest daughter, Eriel, is a sophomore in college, and my youngest daughter, Destiny, is a junior in high school. They’re both so independent and don’t need me anymore…just kidding, but, it’s time to complete some of the things that I started so long ago. My primary focus this year will be to build up our real estate portfolio. It’s expensive having a child in college, and in two years, we’ll have another!
With my newfound clarity in life, the next most important task for me is to find my voice and start speaking again. While I may not be speaking in the traditional sense, in public, I will be doing so through my Livin’ Golden blog. I’m sure at some point, I will find ways to do actual public speaking; but for now I want to dedicate time to building up the blog. Shout out to Laterras R. Whitfield and Corry Banks for inspiring me to move forward with this endeavor.
The blog is going to be centered around the many things that I’m passionate about, like personal finances, and helping people find satisfaction and fulfillment in their lives. I’ll be posting cool money tips, and sharing my real estate investing journey. Of course, I’ll also throw in some words of inspiration to keep you motivated to press on toward your life of purpose and fulfillment. In addition, I’m gonna revive the Livin’ Golden video blogs (or vlogs, as the kids say)…woohoo! That was really fun stuff. I got a chance to show everyone how goofy me and Shaun are…especially Shaun!
If you can’t tell, I’m really excited about what’s to come!
If you haven’t already, please take a moment to follow the I’m Livin’ Golden Facebook Page. That way you’ll always know what’s going on. In the next few weeks, I’ll be launching my website, ImLivinGolden.com, where all of my content will eventually reside.
I’m looking forward to this year, because I know great things are in store…not just for me, but for all of you out there who want to #LiveGolden.
Shout out to some of the folks that inspired me along my journey: Eriel Brown, Walter & Nikki Fauntleroy, Jay & April Parker-Jones, Joseph & Charlette Brown Rivera, Laconya Clemons, and the rest of you out there who are always striving to help and inspire people around you. Here’s to an awesome new year and a fulfilling life ahead! #ImLivinGolden