Category: Featured

By Gueary Clendenning

In our culture, we think of the day as starting in the morning and ending with night. In the Biblical culture, the opposite is true. Genesis chapter 1, verse 5 reads: “and the evening and the morning were the first day.” In the Jewish calendar, the sabbath begins in the evening and ends at sunset the next day. Often, when we are sick, it seems the illness worsens in the evening and we find ourselves longing for the breaking of day. The day Christ was crucified, because the Sabbath was approaching, He, being dead, they took Him from the cross and placed Him in a borrowed tomb. It must have been a horrific, restless night for the disciples. Their minds were filled with fear and confusion, and their hopes were shattered.

But then came the morning, recorded in Luke’s Gospel: “but very early on Sunday morning the women came to the tomb.They found the stone covering the entrance had been rolled away.”

Two angels, appearing as men, said to them, “why seek the living among the dead? For He is not here but is risen. “

At an early age, we are filled with dreams and hope for the future. As we grow older and the years pass by, we come to the realization that the night time of our life is fast approaching. It is so different for those whose focus is on God. Their lives begin in the darkness of unbelief, not knowing God. But then life comes alive with meaning and purpose as they come to believe in God’s Son. Zacharias, a Jewish priest, prophesied of the coming of Christ: “Because of God’s tender mercy, the light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”

Jesus, the light of heaven, came to earth, lived a perfect life, fulfilling the laws of God; thus He became qualified to die in our place, receiving the judgement of God for our sins. Three days later, on Easter Sunday, He arose from the grave and said, “because I live, you shall live also.”

What great news!

Whereas, people view life beginning in the morning and ending at night; Christians view life as beginning in darkness but ending in life that lasts forever. For not only do they have hope now, but they believe in heaven where life never ends. “There shall be no night there, and they need no candle, neither light of the sun, for the Lord God giveth them light and they shall reign forever and ever.”

There is a lot of darkness in the world. Many people seem to have lost their way and are without hope. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world, he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

When we come to trust and follow Christ, the darkness is lifted and we begin to experience God’s love and peace. The light of His presence will guide you now and into the future!

Then came the morning. Are you experiencing it? It’s yours for the asking!

Views: 3

By Rita L. Sherwood

It’s all about the sea turtles! Are you a Walton county resident for at least three months? Do you love our local beaches? Do you have some free time during March through October? Why not join the Volunteer Beach Ambassadors?

What started as a group of 30 volunteers back in 2016 has now grown to 214 volunteers for 2020. Volunteer Beach Ambassadors Director Laurie Reichenbach says, “I am very proud of the growth of our team. We have so many dedicated volunteers working hard on our beaches to improve the environmental impact on the beach and educate those who come to visit each year, they are a big asset to Walton County.”

This group of volunteers greets our locals and visitors along our beach, scenic bike paths and throughout our community. They also are members of the Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles, a non-profit organization, through awareness and education works toward sea turtle conservancy.

While greeting everyone visiting our beaches, their main job is to educate them on beach etiquette and beach activities ordinances, specifically those codes that directly impact the preservation and safety of our nesting sea turtles. They also pick up trash, fill in holes in the sand, and flatten any sand castles/art at the end of the day. They achieve what we’ve all heard preached #Cleandarkflat by doing all of these tasks.

There is no requirement on where or when to volunteer. You pick your favorite beach, time and day, and they will schedule you. Students under 18 may also join, but must be accompanied by a parent who also volunteers. Community service hours are logged for each student.

Recruiting is taking place now for 2021. Upon completing a training session, and joining the friends of South Walton Sea Turtles ($5 fee, but free for volunteers), you will be provided with a professional collared shirt, nametag and blue whistle.

The Volunteer Beach Ambassadors would like to grow to 300 plus members this year and will be training once or twice per month through August. Those interested should follow Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles on Facebook to see dates and times of training sessions, and email Laurie, the director to get on an email invite list.

Private training sessions are also available for groups of 10 or more for local HOA, church and business groups, etc. Contact Laurie Reichenbach, Director of Volunteer Beach Ambassadors at 214-505-6273, or Lauriereichenbach@gmail.com.

Views: 0

and adding programs for all ages and abilities.

South Walton Academy (SWA), a local private school and pediatric therapy center started out 4 years ago with just 26 students, and has since upgraded to a larger building, which allowed them to add over 88 students and clients.

“People often think of us as a daycare or school for special needs, but that is not the case, we have so many options for everyone”, says SWA Academy Founder and President Calley Middlebrooks.

Middlebrooks, a Developmental Therapist, and mother to three, has a son diagnosed with Autism at age 4 while one of her daughters was developing at an advanced rate. Through her experiences at work in the community and at home, Calley recognized the need for a school where children could move at their own pace and receive the therapy they need all in one place- a game-changer for most families coping with ASD and other related learning disabilities.

As a private school, SWA has classes for pre-k through 12th grade, specializing in academics and child development. In addition to classroom instruction, students in need can receive Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Individual Verbal and Behavior Therapy, Tutoring and Psychological Counseling. SWA serves a range of students from gifted to those who receive specialized services. They also offer after school activities, childcare, and summer programs.

Announcing their biggest addition to date, coming fall 2021, SWA proudly announces their new 12,000sq foot Gymnasium which will be open to the public. The indoor play space will be filled with equipment for all ages including items purchased with a grant from St Joe Foundation.“Because of their generous donation, not only will we have a fun space for all ages, but we will also be able to open new programs and classrooms, making room for our current waiting list, while adding additional programs including music, art, birthday parties, and more.

With growth comes job opportunities. The school is adding team members and now hiring. SWA is looking to add Speech Language Pathologists, Speech Language Pathology Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants, Lead Teachers, Assistant Teachers, and Behavioral Therapists. For a full list of job openings and to apply please visit www.southwaltonacademy.com

SWA continues to look to the community for support and will host several upcoming fundraising events. Tee Up For Autism will take place on April 10th and Color the Coast for Autism Fun Run and 5K will take place on May 8th.

South Walton Academy is raising awareness for individuals on the Autism Spectrum one swing at a time. The school is hosting their 2nd Annual 2021 Tee Up for Autism Golf Tournament on April 10, at 9:00 am at The Links Sandestin Golf and Beach Club with registration at 8:00 am. Teams and individuals alike are in for a fun day of golf, food, entertainment, and prizes. Breakfast will be provided by Blue Mountain Baker and lunch will be provided by Back Beach BBQ with beverages by Amavida Coffee Roasters and Idyll Hounds. Proceeds will benefit South Walton Academy.

SWA’s goal is to help every child be successful and with that some children need accommodations. Proceeds from the golf tournament will be used to fund the new programs and classrooms.

“As a parent, I am always looking for ways to educate others about Autism to make the world a safer place for my child and others on the Autism Spectrum,” says Middlebrooks. “We can all learn from each other to help others succeed, and by doing this together we can make the world a better place, where all are included.”

For more information and/or to make a donation to support the school, please call (850) 213-4595, find SWA on Facebook, or visit their website www.southwaltonacademy.com.

Views: 0

By Anna McKay

It’s often said that leaving a positive impact on the world begins at home. After over 2 years of community restoration projects following the destruction caused by Hurricane Michael, The Sonder Project is returning to its roots as a non-profit focusing on sustainable development in Africa. Their mission is “to do the most good” for impoverished communities that need it the most through projects such as building schools, drilling wells for clean drinking water, and increasing food security. Chad Zibelman, CEO, sat down with SoWal Life to provide an update on their current international projects. 

SoWal Life: Can you explain an overview of the process to those who are not familiar with TSP?

TSP: The Sonder Project approaches our global communities as partners. We do not invest in projects for a community but with a community. Every project we undertake begins by holding mass meetings where we are working and assessing needs and interests. Once a community is selected, we work with the community to nominate a Project Leadership Committee to mobilize and oversee the project. The community directly contributes to all projects, typically in the form of sourcing raw materials and providing necessary manual labor. By the time the project is complete, they are fully invested.

SoWal Life: Can you provide an update on TSP’s current projects?

TSP: In 2020, we expanded our international operations and opened an office in Malawi, which is in Southeastern Africa. Collectively, we increased access to clean water for over 18,000 people through our wells. On the local level, we brought our Hurricane Michael housing recovery efforts to a close and completed the construction of a school garden at Walton High School to support their new agriculture program. In 2021, we plan to drill 10 new wells, new school blocks in Malawi, and revitalize our Community Farms program in Burkina Faso. Additionally, we are excited to be unveiling a new sponsorship program to support students in our schools that are vulnerable to dropping-out due to financial hardship. More details to be announced soon!

We also met Kurt Freudenreich when his Rotary Club, the Mid-Bay Rotary Club, volunteered with us for a hurricane recovery project and our partnership has been serendipitous since. Kurt shared his vision to fund a well in the developing world by backpacking the Triple Crown (Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail). With over 2,000 miles hiked, he raised $12,129 in tandem with fellow hiker James Stiely to fund a well in Burkina Faso.

Since the onset of the pandemic, I’ve been unable to visit our project countries, and we had to postpone group trips as well but I have excellent communication with our project managers on the ground, and we were successful in meeting all of our 2020 goals.

SoWal Life: How would you encourage those who wish to get involved with TSP to help locally? 

TSP: In this altered landscape due to Covid, we have temporarily canceled all of our in-person fundraising events. Your support is greatly appreciated to make a donation, or support us on AmazonSmile. You can also check out our website to learn other ways to Get Involved! If you have specific non-profit experience, such as grant writing, fundraising, or marketing and would like to lend your time, please feel free to email chad@thesonderproject.org.

Views: 0

“Unprecedented” is the word for 2020

By Dave White

Users of the online dictionary, Dictionary.com, elected “unprecedented” as the People’s Choice 2020 Word of the Year. Can anyone disagree? 2020 has certainly been an unprecedented year of problems, challenges, pivots, solutions and, perhaps, even successes. For many Americans, 2020 has been one of the most challenging years of their lifetimes. And of course, the coronavirus pandemic and the government’s response has again been unprecedented.

Nevertheless, as a community, we have persevered. The “bubble,” as many here call our wonderful slice of paradise, for the most part has held. After a near universal shutdown beginning in March through the better part of May, Florida began a partial reopening beginning after Memorial Day. As a state, we’ve come through better than most parts of the U.S., who are still experiencing significant hardships. Governor Ron Desantis’ efforts to mitigate the damage done to Florida businesses, jobs, and livelihoods have helped keep Florida’s unemployment rate at just over 6%, one of the lowest in the U.S.

We applaud Governor Ron Desantis’ early focus on protecting the most vulnerable, while at the same time looking to mitigate the damage done to Florida residents’ businesses, jobs and livelihoods. As such, Florida’s unemployment rate of just over 6% is one of the lowest in the U.S.

Although we’ve come through this most unprecedented year perhaps better than most across our country, it has not been without many challenges. “Stay Safe” has become as popular in our language as “Have a good day.” Everyone has become more germ conscious and hand sanitizer and mask wearing has become a part of everyday life, and probably will be for a long time to come.

The business community faced many difficult challenges, enduring shutdowns, reductions in hours of operation and seating capacity, social distancing and sanitation issues; each restriction coming with a cost. According to online giant “Yelp,” 61% of restaurants across the U.S. have closed and will never reopen. Here on the Emerald Coast, businesses have fared better, but not without significant challenges.

Despite a competitive environment and upheaval in the market, businesses were forced to innovate on the fly. Many of our local businesses were creative and ingenious. “When the world sees obstacles, we see opportunity,” says local business owner Bob Conrad with Eagle Vision Services. “What we have observed in our communities is a values-based mindset that demands self-leadership and a tenacity of spirit that drives our personal and local culture.”

For instance, “curbside” pickup became a thing! Many upscale restaurants offered take-out or even a delivery service for the first time in order to stay in business and generate revenue.

“All of the restaurants had to make major adjustments, creating outside seating, take-out, drive through, etc.,” says Destin Chamber President Shane Moody. “Also, rental companies had to make some changes due to the governor’s executive orders. And any professional service (accounting, law, banking, etc.) had to adjust to teleworking and zoom calls.”

Though many organizations’ fundraising efforts were cut short due to cancelled events and other activities, some were still very successful through support of our community. For example, Children’s Volunteer Health Network was able to exceed its goal of serving 1,000 students during the school year.

Amid the struggle, there are signs of hope. If you look, there’s always a silver lining. This is America after all! We can always find that ray of hope, the sun breaking through the clouds on a cold morning; alas, the sun will rise, and the chill will give way to a warm and beautiful day. Yes, you can always find a positive in any situation. For instance, remote working has become much more common. Many will never go back to an office, saving businesses millions.

Working from home means more time with the family; many of us have more time for walking and cycling and enjoying the beach, spending time outdoors, perhaps meeting a new neighbor for the first time! And, of course, enjoying the Florida sun is the best source for vitamin D which contributes to a strengthened immune system!

In the article “Tough Times Never Last, Tough People Do!” Robert H. Schuler said, “We all go through difficulties in life. Sometimes, we just want to give up…. But often, when you look back, you realize that those tough times didn’t last. In fact, they did more for you than success or good times ever could do. There’s a reason why they say that tough times don’t last, but tough people do. It’s because, when you don’t give up, you come away a stronger and more resilient person.

As we look back and say goodbye to a challenging 2020, all of us at Life Media’s family of local newspapers send you our most heartfelt wishes for a blessed and hope-filled New Year.

Views: 0

The Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton) will approach COVID-19 vaccination efforts similarly to the planning structure of previous vaccination programs. DOH-Walton received their initial doses of COVID-19 vaccines on December 31, and are allocated for first responders and seniors 65 years of age and older by appointment only. The vaccines are from Moderna and were given Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA. According to data released by the Food and Drug Administration, the vaccine made by Moderna is highly protective for adults and prevents severe cases of COVID-19.

The coronavirus immunizations for individuals ages 65 years and older will be provided at the Coastal Branch clinic at 361 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call the Walton County Covid Line at (850) 401-6453 beginning January 4th, 2021.

Vaccination times:

8 AM – 5 PM Wednesday, January 6

8 AM – 5 PM Friday, January 8

8 AM – 5 PM Wednesday, January 13

8 AM – 5 PM Friday, January 15

Further immunizations will be scheduled after these initial dates as vaccine supply allows. Persons who have had a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine or to an injectable therapeutic may not receive the vaccine. There is no charge for vaccine administration.

Hospitals received their vaccines recently and continue to vaccinate their front-line staff. Longterm care staff and residents are receiving vaccines through Operation Warp Speed from Walgreens and CVS. As additional vaccine supplies become available and the State provides priority groups for vaccinating, DOH-Walton will follow and share those plans. For the most up to date information on COVID-19 vaccination plans in Florida, please visit www.floridahealthcovid19.gov/covid-19-vaccines-in-florida/. For a report of Walton County residents vaccinated against COVID-19 go to FloridaHealthCOVID19.gov.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is a monumental step toward getting this disease under control in Florida, but the department is still encouraging residents and visitors to take common sense precautions to protect themselves and others from the spread of the virus” said Holly Holt, Walton County Health Officer and Administrator. “These include frequent hand washing, wearing face masks, maintaining six feet of social distancing, and staying home if you are feeling sick.”

COVID-19 vaccination will make it substantially less likely that you’ll get COVID-19. Based on what we know about vaccines for other diseases, experts believe the vaccine will help keep you from getting seriously ill if you do get COVID-19. Vaccine trials are reporting high rates of effectiveness. The COVID-19 vaccination will be a safer way to help build protection. There is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you and it can have serious, life-threatening complications. COVID-19 vaccines will not give you COVID-19. None of the COVID-19 vaccines use the live virus that causes COVID-19. The goal of each vaccine is to teach our immune system how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as fever. Immunity typically takes a few weeks to build. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccines visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/vaccines.

Views: 0

By Gueary Clendenning

Queen Elizabeth received a 105-carat diamond from Raja Singh of India, which is in her crown. It is considered one of the most expensive jewels in the world at a cost of almost 13 million dollars. Created in Italy and housed in Dubai, a pair of ladies shoes are considered the world’s most expensive at a cost of 17 million dollars. These shoes boast of 236 diamonds as well as two, 15-carat flawless diamonds with a combination of gold, leather and silk. The heels were nine months in the making.

How would you like these gifts?

The priciest property in the history of Los Angeles, the mountain of Beverly Hills, is priced at one billion dollars. It overlooks the entire landscape of Los Angeles with 157 acres free of any buildings and twice the size of Disneyland. Obviously, most of us would be unable to afford such gifts. But everyone of us wants to give things special to those we love. Most people do not judge gifts by their monetary value, but by the heart of those giving the gift. Someone once said, “It’s what is behind the gift that counts!”

If we were God and wanted to show our love to the human race, what would we give? Would we rip up the “streets of gold,” or break down the “pearly gates?” Or would we dig up beautiful jewels that are the foundation stones of the walls of Heaven, and distribute them to the people?

For those we love, the giving of gifts is an expression of our love. God, out of His love for us, gave His most precious gift, His son, Jesus Christ. “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1John 4:9-10).

The word “propitiation” means “the act of appeasing or the gaining of favor.” The judgement of God against our sins was appeased by Christ’s death on the cross. Like a friend picking up the tab for our lunch at a restaurant, the debt for our sins was completely paid for by Christ. Therefore, the favor of God’s forgiveness is ours through faith in what Christ did, making us  children of God. I pray this has become a reality in your life! Jesus really is the answer!

What a priceless gift! Eternal life with God forever with Christ living in us, and power to live without guilt or fear. What a gift!

As we enter the Christmas season, may we open our hearts and receive the greatest gift— God’s Son. “But to all who believed Him, He gave the right to become Children of God. Believe, accept and receive God’s greatest Gift!  Merry Christmas!

Views: 0

By Lori Leath Smith

Destiny Worship Center Pastor Steve Vaggalis might not have known what the former Miramar Beach Taco Bell/Kentucky Fried Chicken would become when the church had the opportunity to purchase it in 2018. But the building located next to the Destin campus had its own destiny—and God knew.

Recently, Destiny Radio Studios was launched on the same day as the church’s 19th anniversary and is now live! Formerly 91.1 WPSM- FM Christian radio, Destiny Worship Center was offered the opportunity to keep the 36-year-old familiar and beloved station’s legacy alive through a new local Christian, full-power FM radio station launched to serve our communities.

At the recent ribbon cutting with area residents, businesses and the Walton Area Chamber, Pastor Steve took a moment to honor his former Pastor and mentor L.M. Thorn and his wife June—the local couple who had the vision to start a Christian radio station to reach this area back in 1984. “They started 91.1 FM and we have the privilege and honor of continuing the legacy,” says Pastor Steve. Just as Destiny Worship Center was founded on the ministry philosophy to build on its heritage, not abandon it, to serve and reach people from all denominations, help build and support families, and transform communities, the new radio airwaves are designed to do the same. “It’s pretty special that Destiny Radio will have the same influence in getting the message and the music out. We’re excited we get to take the ball and run with it and excited to serve and reach the Gulf Coast for Jesus Christ!”

Walker Beach, Destiny Radio’s new station manager, feels the same way. “It’s such an honor and privilege to have a voice of influence in this region,” he says. “That’s why our key phrase for this station is ‘Encouraging Connection with God and Our Community.’ It’s our mission!”

Now 91.1 FM Destiny Radio, the station plays a variety of well-thought-out, cultivated inspirational praise and worship songs, is commercial free and covers three counties (Bay, Walton and Okaloosa). “You can trust us to put the right songs in your car, your home and for the whole family,” says Walker. “Commercial-free radio—yep, you read that right. 99% music – virtually uninterrupted. And, it’s the only local, Christian full-power, non-stop music, FM radio station.”

“We also plan to play music you want to hear,” continues Walker. “We’ve spent hours going through thousands of songs to bring you music that is fresh and relevant, truly curated for our local audience. Our song lists are handcrafted and updated often.” The station will also air exclusive live performances and interviews from its beautiful, new on-site studios. “We’ll be bringing these artists straight to you in real time,” Walker says.

Drew Powell is your Destiny Radio DJ, a true local who has been with WPSM 91.1 for 18 years. Drew says he loves the way a single song can change somebody’s whole day, and even life, when it comes on at just the right time. “I always pray that God would be the program director of the station and lead us to play the right music,” says Drew. “God always seems to play a song for me right when I need it. Even as I say this, I am tearing up because of how many times I have been blessed by hope filled music at just the right time; to share God’s goodness feels like a dream.”

You can listen to Destiny Radio’s non-stop music on 91.1FM, DestinyRadio.Live, mobile app, Alexa and YouTube live! The new station is located right beside the Destin campus at 140 Poinciana Blvd. “Destiny Radio 91.1 FM is excited to inspire and encourage our local community through Christian music,” says Pastor Steve. “Please share Destiny Radio with someone in your world. You never know how a song of hope can change someone’s life,” says Drew.

Views: 0