Be A Part Of This

I want you to pick up the pair of scissors and put it to the side. We're not going to need this quite yet. If you did accidentally cut the paper, don't worry. There is a roll of tape on the table next to you. I want you to pick up that tape and place it off to the side with the scissors. We're not going to need it quite yet. You got it. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that.

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We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that.

We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that.

We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. We're not going to be able to do that. whenever it's a work camp, went back to the main unit. Man, what a great time. out there, Mary and C.I. And I waved at the ladies too. If you're right there, I just did one of these when I drove by. So I, you know, I didn't get to see it, but I did one of these. And so anyhow, it was just a great time out there. The worship team was phenomenal. Passarandi was wild, made me, made me dance, the D-A-N-C-E. Passar DJ with the broken toes. So yeah, it was just awesome. And the big, the big brother who's, it was his birthday,

he must have been six, six. And he just brought me in, and just, just brought me in for a hug and just helped me there. He was stoked that I got to see him on his birthday. So yeah, I was making sure I was recording. Anyhow, man, it was just an awesome, awesome time, genuinely an awesome time out there. Met so many just super nice guys and people that are on fire for Jesus. And so yeah, that was a great time. I absolutely loved it. Hopefully, it's not the last time either. Landcaster, Lancaster C.I. here in Florida. Is it C? I don't know. But you Chaplain did reach out to me, tried to put something together this week, couldn't make it happen. My schedule was already full, but we're going to try to get on something as well. Coming out of Texas sometime soon, just waiting for my paperwork to be cleared. And then Arizona looks like I'm coming out to Arizona as well. Jefferson City reached out. They want old trail back in Missouri, Missouri. And then where was it? Maryville, something like that in Missouri as well. So yeah, man, just cool things happen. Here's the thing. If you want me to come to your work camp, your prison, your C.I. whatever it might be, it's as easy as this. If you could get me in there, I will come out there on my own dime. All that kind of stuff, your Chaplain has to reach out and see if he can get me approved and whatnot. He can reach me at the church info at championchurch.cc. There's a contact page there, you fill it out. And then I will personally email them back. So the team forwards that email to me. And then from my personal email, I will respond to them as well. Let me tell you, here's what you need, though. Here's what you need. Me going to Mary and Seattle is because one brother said, hey, do you think you could ask this dude with a massive forehead? Also, it was funny because they're like, oh, you don't have your head on. They don't allow hats. So I had to go in there with just this, just this dome. But anyhow, those and people were like, oh, you look a lot taller. Guys, I'm 5'10, ladies and gents. I'm 5'10. And I'm more round than I want to be. And this shirt's a little tight on me today. So you just got to forgive me for that. But I'm rubbing that. If you're a wrestling fan of the 90s, you know exactly what I'm talking about. I'm not talking about anything in the book of Revelation. So just save your stamp. Don't write me a letter talking about that. Okay. So this is talking about that, that wolf pack back in the day. Baby. [Music] [Music]

[Music] That wolf pack back in the day, baby, 1998. That's, that's the year before 1999 and right after the year 1997, I used to love, love, love wrestling back in the day. That's why I got that old WWF winged eagle up there. And if you notice, I moved some things around. And I've been a Florida state fan my entire life. And I move that back there right now. That's where, that's where it goes. But hook them, go bills for sure. Anyhow, yeah, think that's about it. Oh man, I'll tell you what, I met this incredible lady on Sunday. Miss Jan was her name. Her son is Ray Logan out there. I want to say she said Rayford and Miss Jan came on her birthday to champion church. She drove over to champion church, spent the weekend in St. Augustine, got to meet the family, all that kind of stuff. It is so cool to me when I get to meet your family. And what I love is that's a part of rowing with this, right? So if you watch any episodes here at champion, we talk about how champion church is a robot. One of the things maybe I need to do, like our own, just like episode of everything champion does because so many of you subscribe with this right here. If you're not subscribed, what are you, what are you doing? (screaming) But maybe just to show to you what we do as a church, right? So we do wheelchair ramps, almost every single month we're doing one for people who don't qualify. We just did one recently for a single mom, and then her mom, the single mom just had the baby, and her mom is paralyzed from the waist down, just happened recently. And it really wasn't even a big one, but we were able to put and just build this little wheelchair ramp just to make their life better. It was part of what we do to help people champion every season, right? So we have a homeless ministry that goes downtown St. Augustine every single week and serves, not just with food, we're giving away socks and sleeping bags and tents and all that kind of stuff. And then of course, they're helping widows and single parents with their yards. We just did one of those. There's a really, really high yard, able to help them and that kind of stuff. So we do a lot at Champion that we call, essentially it's like a big robo, right? It's like a big robo. And we just say, here's the only way Champion moves forward. This is everybody grabs an or or a paddle and rose with us. It was so cool. Man, I heard it when I was in Booneville, heard it when I was in Potosi. Man, we're rolling with you. That was one of the coolest things was to be an ad sec out there, Potosi. And you fell us talking about, man, we're rolling with you. We're rolling with you. And how do you do that?

Well, you tell somebody, man, you let somebody know, maybe, maybe there's somebody going through something you watch one of our past episodes and it really helped you. It could help them. Maybe you let somebody know back home, like Ray did with his mom, Miss Jan, and got to meet her and take a picture and all that kind of stuff of like, Hey, this church is just helping me grow in my relationship with Jesus. Right? That is how you row with us right there. Right? She might let somebody know on the outside. Hey, that's what we're doing. I have, I do want to say this. Typically, I do not put these episodes at all out on YouTube. I just film it just for y'all, man, just for our DOC, the Department of Corrections, the residents, just for this family, right? So we're in all 50 states now, but I've literally filmed this just for you. Like right now, it's not even lunchtime yet, but my son is with me today working. He's out there, I got him on one of the Melodal Movers. And he's just getting used because it's his birthday in a few weeks. And and, uh, anyhow, he's 11 or whatnot. But, um, he came to work with me today. So I put him on the little ones and was kind of showing him today how to cut next to that, uh, that next to the pond, right? So tried to get us close, but not, you know, not to flip over anything like that. Um, anyhow, but that's how I was able to be in here. Where was I going with that? Because I just got to saw it. I love hanging out with my son. It's so cool to hear y'all talk about, man, what love watching Jason fish and that kind of stuff. What was I, where was I going with that? I don't remember. Um, talking about rowing, we all rode together. Oh, YouTube. Uh, so what I'm doing though is I am taking a few of the teachings. It's not the full videos, but I'm taking the teaching segment, putting them on our YouTube channel. There's a playlist on our YouTube channel called panda app episodes. Uh, so if you have family back home, you want them to check it out. I'm putting a few of these teachings up, not all of them by any means, compared to, I don't know how many episodes we have out on panda now. Um, but I am putting a few of them just so they can kind of see what it's like. All right. But I think that's about it. Oh, let me hit these really quick. Got two of these in the team. Show me this one is from, uh, mr. Oh, so, oh, so, oh, so I thought that was tremendous. Uh, he said, Proverbs 29 six evil people are trapped by sim, but the righteous escaped shouting for joy praise God says motivated by God. I thought that was tremendous. The Simpsons got them got them sleeve tats on. The only thing is it got Dallas cowboy hat on, not against the Cowboys, but cowboy fans sometimes come on cowboy fans. Y'all sometimes are a little much, little much, but I thought that was cool. Thank you so much.

And then this one, uh, as well, this is, uh, who is the two gentlemen that sent me this? Uh, to, to, to, to Philip and, uh, Joe, Philip and Joe from that braid, is that braze, uh, burr, brazos, braisers, b-r-a-z-o-s county out there in Brian, Texas out there in Brian, Texas. Uh, but anyhow, send this cool stuff, man. I love seeing these. Uh, and I appreciate y'all not putting the Florida State helmet on there because of how they've been playing. Uh, elements of righteousness thought this was really cool as well. Uh, he said, can you breach that? And then also, um, make you fishers, a man with a champion row boat out there fishing. So I thought that was really cool. And then of course, grabbing ore with this row with this and was listening to different episodes. So man, thank y'all so much, uh, Philip and, uh, Joe, right? Philip and Joe. Yeah. Thank you so much for sending that in out there. I'm Brian, uh, Brian County, jail or detention center, whatever it's called. So all right. Here's the thing today. Here's what we're doing today, ladies and gents going back to Hebrews chapter 11. And we're going to look at some stuff today that's going to challenge how you think. You're also going to see something that and it's a reminder and here's a reminder lean in with me here for just a moment That there's always more going on behind the scenes that God is doing then we can see or perceive with our natural He was chapter 11 is where we're going today. I'm so glad to have you with us. Let's jump in to today's episode Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh

Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh

Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music)

(upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) Well, all my days were spent by a telephone that never rang and all I needed was a call that never came to the corner. Well, first and am I still here? Well, I lost an intersection. You found me, you found me lying on the floor. Surrounded, surrounded wide, you have to wait. Well, where were you, where were you just a little late? You found me, you found me. Well, in the end, everyone ends up alone. But losing her, the only one who's ever known. Who I am, who I'm not and who I wanna be. No way to know how long she will be next to me. You found me, you found me lying on the floor. Surrounded, surrounded wide, you have to wait. Well, where were you, where were you just a little late? You found me, you found me. You found me, you found me lying on the floor. You found me, you found me lying on the floor. I lost an intersection. You found me, you found me lying on the floor. Surrounded, surrounded wide, you have to wait.

Well, where were you, where were you just a little late? You found me, you found me. Why'd you have to wait? Well, find me, find me. You found me lying on the floor. You found me lying on the floor. You found me lying on the floor. You found me lying on the floor. (upbeat music) - Oh God. (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) - Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa. (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music)

(upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) - All right Hebrews chapter 11 verse three says that by faith, we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen. We're talking about the creation of the world, ladies and gents. Now before we go any further, I understand this. Everybody watching me right now does not believe that and I get it. Some of you love Jesus, disciple of Jesus. Some of you are trying to figure out what you believe. Some of you that are watching me maybe Muslim, maybe come from another religious background or maybe you don't believe in God at all. Maybe you believe in another God or something. I don't know we can go through the whole list and listen, the point is this. That is okay. You can still hang out with us here at Champion. All right. And I want you to know this. I'm not going to be disrespectful on what you believe just to explain what I believe. I think that's a terrible way to go about it, but I do want you to understand what Christians are actually claiming when we say that God created the universe. Because sometimes Christianity gets presented like we're just supposed to close our eyes and turn our brains off and ignore science or anything else and just say, "Well the Bible says this so don't ask any questions."

And listen, I just don't believe like that, right? I believe questions are vital. I think questions can actually grow your trust in Jesus. So ask the questions. In fact, I'm not asking you to stop asking questions in order to even maybe consider Jesus. I'm just asking whether you're willing to ask the questions in both directions, right? So let's hit a few questions people might have about it. might ask that. How could they possibly be a God? And that's fair. I want to get a little scholastic before I really talk to you here. But I want you to also ask this question if you're asking that. Why is there anything here at all? Why was anything created? Now, some say, well, it was created because of the Big Bang, right? The Big Bang that happened, that describes the universe expanding from an incredibly hot and dense early stay, right? And that tells us something about the history of the universe. But here's the truth of the matter. Describing how the universe developed, if that's how you see it, does not automatically answer why there is a universe here in the first place. So if you believe in the Big Bang that doesn't describe the incredible things about how the universe works, hopefully I'm saying that right. And I'm grateful that science does explain something to how it works. But eventually you have to ask, why is there a universe available for science to even study? Like, why is he doing here? And maybe you say, okay, okay, Trev, what about evolution? What about evolution? Okay, so here's the truth of the matter on a lot of this. Christians disagree among themselves about how exactly God created life and how certain parts of Genesis should be interpreted. Okay, but even if somebody believes biological life developed through an evolutionary process or processes or whatever, that doesn't still answer whether God exists or not. All right, a process does not necessarily eliminate a creator. That's what I'm, that's what I'm trying to say. And then, then there's a really big question too. Okay, so maybe it's not Big Bang, evolution, whatever. If God created everything, who created God, that's what people start asking. That's a fair question. But Christianity has never claimed that God is another created thing somewhere in the universe. We actually believe that he is beyond that. We believe, we say like this, we believe God is eternal. John one says, in the beginning, the word already existed. The word was with God and the word was God. So God does not have a beginning. That's what we believe. So when Christians say,

everything that begins to exist needs an explanation. What we're not saying is everything, including God, had to be created. We're saying created things have a cause while God is the eternal source of creation itself. It all has a cause, but God's eternal source of creation itself. So someone else might say, well, couldn't everything just happen by chance? Maybe that's why you land. That's where or why you consider things or how you see whatever. But I think it's still reasonable to look at how the universe is governed, right? Like by consistent laws, like it's describable through mathematics with conditions that allow life to exist and where and it's kind of like, man, there has to be intelligence behind it the way God put it all together almost like perfectly or literally perfectly. Now that does not meet in every equation is like, boom, see that that proves Christianity. That's not what I'm trying to do. I feel like I'm rambling. I don't know if I'm explaining this right, but I'm simply saying this, belief in a creator is not intellectually ridiculous. Now somebody says, well, I believe in science, I don't believe in faith and I don't believe they can go together. I just disagree. I don't think you have to choose between the two. I believe science is an incredibly valuable way of studying the physical world, like obviously, and we shouldn't throw that out and faith biblically is this, faith isn't pretending evidence doesn't exist. Faith is trust in the person of Jesus and I believe the more we discover about creation is actually the more fascinating the question of the creator becomes like truly like now Christianity isn't the only worldview that believes there's a creator. I understand that, right? Judaism believes in the creator God. Islam teaches that God created the heavens and the earth and just didn't use those for an example, but where Christianity gets very specific is Jesus because John doesn't say simply God created everything. John tells us that everything came into existence through the word and then in John 1 verse 14, he tells us the word became human and made his home among us. Some translations say the word became flesh and dwelt among us. He's talking about Jesus, which means Christians believe something like absolutely staggering that Jesus did not begin in Bethlehem. Before Bethlehem Jesus was, before Abraham Jesus was, before Adam Jesus was, before there was an earth to walk on Jesus was like that's the difference with Christianity. Colossians chapter 1 verse 16 says, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. So when Hebrews tells me that the universe was formed, That's not like, no, no, no, no. As a follower of Jesus, I believe creation comes from the Father through the Son being Jesus and by the Spirit. And truth is you don't have to agree with me.

I get it. But I want you to know what I believe, right? And here's where Hebrews chapter 11, verse 3 is where we're going to go. It's really interesting, okay? Because the writer isn't only trying to teach us something about where the universe came from. He's literally just giving us a chronological thing of how faith infected the world. And what he's doing is he's beginning to teach us something about how reality works. Because he says what you see or what we see came from what we cannot see. And that means something you and I desperately need to remember is this. What you can see has never, ever, ever been the whole story. And that is where I want to go today. What you can see, how do I want to say this? Doesn't truly show us what God is doing behind the scenes. If we talk about John 1 a lot, I don't even have my Bible or my iPad. Let me, you know what that's that. Let's go to John 1 first, okay? So let's go to John 1 first and send me just talking about that. Let's go. I know I've said a lot there and it was very scholastic, but I wanted to be, I wanted to maybe try to just answer or just say how Christianity is different and we believe Jesus was before at all, right? John 1, let me show you this. Let me grab my iPad and my Bible really quick. Okay, here we go. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him, all things were made. Without him, nothing was made that has been made. In him was life and that life was the light of all mankind. Never forget that. When we follow Jesus, man, we have life in us, like we should not be boring and dull or any of that kind of stuff, man. We have true life within us. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. Okay, so that's John 1. I just wanted to show you that. Let's go to the back half of Hebrews chapter 11 verse 3 now. So the things which are seen, we're not made of things which were visible. Okay, so one of the things faith teaches us is that what we can see is not all there is. What we can see is not all there is. So much of our lives, we spend it just looking at what is in front of us, what we're dealing with, what we're facing and obviously like you, you have to do that, right? Like, like reality is reality, but at the same time, there's so much more going on behind the scenes than we even realize. I'm gonna give you two ways. There might be more, but I'm gonna give you two ways today. Number one is this is the spirit realm. Okay. The spirit realm. Now I would, I would imagine most of you understand that the spirit realm is very real, that what is going on and what the Bible would call the heavenlies is overlapping more in our earth than we want to maybe admit or realize at times. A go to verse for this,

for the spirit realm would be Ephesians chapter six, verse 12, for we're not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen realm. All right. So what he's saying here is like when we're going through things that's not necessarily the person, a lot of times we've all met somebody who is like genuinely dealing with evil in their hearts. Well, it's not just them. Something is influencing them, right? Something is controlling them. Something is pulling on those strings and those wounds and that trauma and those issues and bringing evil out of it, right? So that's what Paul's saying here for not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen realm. Now, the kingdom of darkness is very real, but what I want us to understand, so is the kingdom of light and it's never been this competition. Sometimes they can feel like darkness always rains over light, but I believe this, the reason being is because sometimes we don't stand for the light that we know we carry. We don't stand for what we know that we have within us, which is the light of the world, which is Jesus Christ, the one who defeated death, hell, and the grave. Sometimes we see these things and evil stuff and they look gnarly and they look, I don't know a better word to put for it. And we say, oh, no, like light can't stop that. Let me tell you something. The light has never been stopped by darkness. A lot of you, I'll hear you say this, like you don't understand the darkness of the place I'm in. And you're right. I'm not trying to sit here and pretend that I understand, but I do want to tell you this, you are light in that dark place. And what the enemy would love you to believe is that you don't have any strength there, but I just want to tell you, you might be the only Christian in your camp. You might be the only You might be the only Christian on that campus or sitting wherever it might be. Here's what I wanna encourage you with. Then be the only one that brings the light. If you are the only one, then be that single bit of light because even, oh my goodness, I hope you get this, man. Even, I'm not minimizing it. Or the struggle of that. But even a small flame can light up a dark room.

And maybe that's just you. You know what, hey, you're in that spot? So why not bring Jesus into it? Why not ask him, Lord speak to me? Why not just pray? You don't need to pray super loud. Why not just pray? Jesus, let me be the light here. Jesus, let me have some divine appointments. Lord, I'm just, let me be led by you to have conversations with people, to point them to you, Lord. If you're the only one, okay, guess what? And at least you're the one, at least you're the one. At least you're the one that could be the light in that dark place. We understand this, the kingdom of heaven is also moving around. Hebrews chapter one, verse 14 says, are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation. One of the best pictures of this, y'all, is in 2nd Kings chapter six. Okay, 2nd Kings chapter six. Give a quick view, go read it in your Bible. It's in the Old Testament, Elijah and his servant wake up and they're surrounded by the enemy, right? So they're surrounded, essentially when y'all say there's a lot of darkness in this prison or there's a lot of darkness at this camp

or there's a lot of darkness at this county jail or whatever it might be. Listen, then you need to go read 2nd Kings chapter six because maybe you wake up and you feel surrounded. Maybe you wake up and feel like, man, it is nothing but darkness and evil all around me. And the servant of Elijah is kind of like, man, I don't know what we're gonna do. And here's what Elijah says, do not fear for those who are with us or more than those who are with them. My goodness, those that are with us are more than those that are against us. First John 4/4, greater see that is in me than he that is in the world. All you've gotta know is like, hey, I'm a disciple of Jesus and guess what? You, greater is the he that is in you than he that is in any part of the darkness of the world. Man, you carry the light of heaven. And then Elijah prays the next verse, he says, Lord, open his eyes, talking about the servant. And instantly, the Lord opened his eyes and the servants saw all the armies of heaven surrounding them with so much more than those that were against him. And man, I don't think that's in there for us to pray Lord, open my eyes to see the spirit realm. No, I think it's in there for us to realize there's more with us than there is against us.

And this isn't us against them sermons but I don't hear something I'm not saying. I just wanna make it incredibly clear. There is more of heaven than there is a darkness. There is more of the kingdom of heaven, the kingdom of Jesus than there is of the kingdom of darkness or the kingdoms of this world. That is what we believe as a follower of Jesus, all right? So I know I spend a lot of time scholastically talking about the creation of the world but I know a lot of y'all have questions on that. Now let's get practical, that you're in that world and you carry that same power, that those words that spoke the world into existence, Genesis chapter one, you carry that now within you, that the words that come out of your mouth can be light in a dark place. The words that come out of your mouth can bless and not curse. The words that come out of your mouth can frame something in the world that you are in. Like here's the thing, you're like, I don't know if I believe that. That's what I'm here to tell you, man. That's what this random dude in Northeast Florida is looking in this camera to tell you wherever you are sitting at. You can be light in a dark place and the way we war is not through violence, the way we war is through the love of God. That you can look somebody in the eyes and say,

"Hey man, tell me your story. Hey man, tell me a little bit about you. Hey, tell me what you've seen." 'Cause that's what Jesus did. The Kingdom of Heaven advances when people slow down enough to see the people around them. You don't need to change your whole campus, but who can you show the light and the love of God to that's around you? And you might say, "I'm an ad sag, I'm in this, on this." Okay, you're not, when the officers come in and pass the stuff, can you just be kind with no agenda? Come on. Can you just show love for those officers that you see all the time? Can you just be kind to that person that just got moved to your dorm or that you see has just got moved to your prison, jail, detention center? They just came in and their world's falling apart. Can you just show the guilt? according to Romans chapter two, verse four. Come on, man. Come on, help somebody else champion that season to the love of God. Let me keep going here. Not only do we know the spirit realm, but we also know this. God is working all things together.

There's always more moving on behind the scenes than we realize God is working all things together. Romans 828, one of the greatest verses in all scripture. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purposes for him. Notice this, Paul doesn't say everything is good. He said everything's working together for good. So maybe things are not good. Here's what I know. God is so good. He's so loving. He has such resurrection power in him that he could take even the bad spots and weave them into his redemptive plan and the earth and in your life. And here's what I also know. Maybe you're just going through the motions. Is there something you can do to join with God? I talked a lot about this in Mary in this past weekend. Can there's something you could do in your life and just say, Lord, I wanna join what you are doing of your redemptive, your redeeming the world back to yourself through your son's love. How can I be a part of that? Lord, can I be an answer to someone else's prayer? Can I encourage somebody where they need it? Can you put somebody in my path or I can just speak the love of God into their hearts in the same way somebody has done to me?

Like, could you do something? Could you ask something today? Could you pray something today and say, Lord, I know you are working everything together for the good of those who love you and are called according to your purpose. I wanna be called according to your purpose, Lord. How can I do something behind the scenes? How can I pray to start my mornings off in this cell? Before I go out, before I go to laundry, before I jump on that mower and cut that grass, before I go to chow, before I go to class, before I go to school or what I'm telling you, if they offer school on your campus, you better be in there, ladies and gents. I'm telling you guys, be in there, be the light, be the Christian should be the best, not because we are elite, but because we serve, what we believe is the true Son of God that left heaven and came to earth for you and I, right? All right, so we, if we carry the salt of the earth, the light of the world where the city sit on a hill according to the words of Jesus in Matthew chapter five, we should be the best and not look down at anybody, but instead to serve them, as they listen, I know what God's done in me. Let me be excellent in my work as doing as unto the Lord, but also let me have such the love of God flowing in and through me that whoever I encounter, man, they see something's different,

where they have to say something's different about her, something's different about him. I hope you're hearing my heart. I'm just encouraging, man, could you pray a prayer? That says, Lord, if you're doing things behind the scenes and you're answering prayers, can I be a part of it? Can you let me be a part of it? Can you let me be a part of what you're doing in the earth? Listen, he knows your past, he knows your mistakes, he knows your shame, he knows what you locked up for, he knows the things you did that you didn't get locked up for and you should have been locked up for, and here's the crazy part, he looks you in the eyes and says, listen, if you give your life to me, I won't hold that against you for all eternity and I'll give you the opportunity to be a part of what I'm doing in the earth today. Second Corinthians chapter five says, we are ambassadors for God and we're literally speaking for him when we're pleading for people to come back to God. And here's the saying, do you do it with your words? Yes, but I think it has shown the genuineness when it happens through your actions if you're just caring about somebody. You know, Trevor, I'm sitting in prison, you can't just care for anybody like that. Listen, I, okay, but can I just encourage you to at least pray about it? Can I encourage you to just ask the creator

of the universe, Lord, if you created everything, could you create a situation with me behind these bars where I can share your light and your love? Because I want to be a part of what you are doing behind and see, can I be a part of answering somebody else's prayer? Can I be a part of what you're doing where I stand before you and hear well done, good and faithful servant? The things which are seen are not made of things that are visible. I just, man, I just believe this whole heartily. You can be a part of something that's not visible to somebody else right now, but that they will see the goodness, the kindness, the grace, the love of God through you, through you, spirit realm is real. There's things moving around. So why not move with the winning that champions, baby, that kingdom? All right, I feel like I'm rambling. I hope you guys get this. Lord, if you're doing things behind the scenes, let me be a part of it. If you're answering prayers for somebody, let me be a part of it. I think about that all the time, man. We didn't even know each other this time last year when I'm recording this. Look what God was moving behind the scenes for you. So what could you do to let God move in and through you

to move behind the scenes for somebody else? Amen. Amen and amen. Baby, I got that prime, that P-R-A-I-M-E, baby. All right, I think I rambled enough. I know it's scholastic in the beginning. I hope it spoke to you, though, and I hope I made it practical. I just knew people would ask questions about creation and people have questions about that. And I try to hit those five. Hopefully that helped. And if not, we'll be here right next, right here again next week. I love hearing your suggestions. Can you preach that? I'm not sure what we have today. I haven't pulled any of those videos, but let's now get to the rest of the episode. (gentle music) (gentle music) ♪ You got a fast car ♪ ♪ I won't take it anywhere ♪ ♪ Maybe we make a deal ♪ ♪ Maybe together we can get somewhere ♪ ♪ Any place is better ♪ ♪ Starting from zero got nothing to lose ♪ ♪ Maybe we'll make something ♪ ♪ Me, myself, I got nothing to prove ♪ (gentle music)

♪ You got a fast car ♪ ♪ I got a plan to get us out to here ♪ ♪ I've been working at the convenience store ♪ ♪ Managed to save just a little bit of money ♪ ♪ Won't have to drive too far ♪ ♪ Just to cross the border and into the city ♪ ♪ You and I can both get jobs ♪ ♪ Finally see what it means to be living ♪ ♪ My old man's got a problem ♪ ♪ He lives with a bottle that's the way it is ♪ ♪ He says his body's too old for work ♪ ♪ And his body's too young to look like ♪ ♪ He is when Mama went off and left her ♪ ♪ She wanted more from life and he could give us ♪ ♪ Somebody's got to take care of him ♪ ♪ Quit school and that's what I did ♪ ♪ You got a fast car ♪ ♪ Is it fast enough so we can fly away ♪ ♪ We got to make a decision ♪ ♪ Leave tonight or live and die ♪ ♪ This way so I remember ♪ ♪ When we were driving driving in your car ♪ ♪ Speaks all fast ♪ ♪ I felt like I was drunk ♪ ♪ City lights lay out before us ♪ ♪ And your arm felt nice red round my shoulder ♪ ♪ And I had a feeling that I belonged ♪ ♪ I had a feeling I could be someone ♪ ♪ Be someone ♪ ♪ Be someone ♪

♪ You got a fast car ♪ ♪ We go cruising and attaining ourselves ♪ ♪ You still ain't got a job ♪ ♪ And I work in the market as a check out girl ♪ ♪ I know things will get better ♪ ♪ We'll find work and I'll get promoted ♪ ♪ And we'll move out of the shelter ♪ ♪ By a bigger house and live in the suburbs ♪ ♪ So I remember ♪ We were driven, driving in your car, speeds all fixed, I felt like I was drunk, city lights left before us in your own filled nights, right around my shoulder and I had a feeling that I'd be longed, I had a feeling I could be someone. We saw more, you got a fast car, I got a job that pays all I bills, you stay out drinking late at the bar, see more of your friends than you do with your kids, I'd always hope for better thought maybe to get that you and me to find it. I got no plans, I ain't going nowhere, so take your fast car and keep on driven, so why remember, we were driven, driven in your car, speeds all fixed, I felt like I was drunk, city lights left before us in your own filled nights, right around my shoulder and I had a feeling that I'd be longed, I had a feeling I could be someone. We saw more, you got a fast car, is a fast enough so you can fly away, you got to make a decision, leave the night or live and die this way. [Music] Everything you face, you have the grace to overcome. Let me tell you what's going on behind the scenes. God is ordering your footsteps. He's the type of God that does things like remove one opportunity from your life that was once a blessing and replace it with an even bigger opportunity. Or he'll move certain people out of your life. People who have served their purpose for that season and he'll replace them with people who will elevate you to the next level of faith. People who will cultivate your gifts and help you walk in godliness. You see, child of God? Don't try and hold on to the dead things in your life. That last opportunity had its season. Let it go. God has bigger opportunities in store. That last relationship didn't feed you anymore. Let it go.

God has prepared new relationships for you. Dear child of God, there is no need to be worried or anxious for God is with you. God loves you just the way you are. You were created in His image and that means you are unique in each and every way. God is behind the scenes pulling the strings. He is ordering your steps. He is the lamp to your feet. So walk with your head held high. Walk by faith, not by sight. Walk with the confidence that Psalm 23 gives us. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil. For you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Walk with the confidence that surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life. Walk in the full knowledge that you are on the winning team and the enemy has already been defeated. God says in His Word, "I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not harm you." He is pulling the strings. Your every step is ordered. Dear child of God, you do not need the validation of others. You don't need the approval of other people. You don't need to be afraid. You don't need to fear. When you feel left out, when you feel rejected or when you hurt, don't let what you feel make you forget what God said. He says, "You are chosen. You are redeemed. You are protected. You are a child of God and I want to tell you this, God cares. God cares about your emotions, about your pain, and about your happiness."

Dear child of God, nothing can touch you without God's permission. You do not need the validation of others. You don't need the approval of other people. You don't need to be afraid. You don't need to fear. God orders your footsteps. God will fight for you and you shall hold your peace. Don't ever forget that. You shall hold your peace. Dear child of God, when you feel left out, when you feel rejected or when you hurt, your heavenly Father tells you that He knows the plans He has for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. And I want to tell you this, God cares. God cares about your emotions, about your pain, and about your happiness. God wants you to know He will never reject you. Dear child of God, have hope. The enemy wants to discourage you and make you feel like things will never get better. Like there's no way out. But I want you to know you have a future. I want you to know that God can make all things new. He can take your problem and turn it into something good. Walk in the full knowledge that you are on the winning team and the enemy has already been defeated. Dear child of God, the battle is not yours. God will fight for you and you shall hold your peace. Don't ever forget that. You shall hold your peace. God loves you. God loves you. Everything's so blurry, and everyone's so fake. And everybody's empty, and everything is so messed up.

Preoccupy without you, I cannot live at all. My whole world surrounds you, I stumble and I crawl. You could be my soul, you could be my soul. You know that I'll protect you from all of the obscene. I wonder what you're doing, imagine where you are. There's oceans in between us, but that's not very far. Can you take it all the way? Can you take it all the way? Well you're sharpening in my face. This pain you gave to me, can you take it all the way? Can you take it all the way? Well you're sharpening in my face. Everyone is changing, there's no one left that's real. So make up your own ending, and let me know just how you feel. 'Cause I am lost without you, I cannot live at all. My whole world surrounds you, I stumble and I crawl. And you could be my soul, you could be my soul. You know that I will save you from all of the unclean. I wonder what you're doing, I wonder where you are. There's oceans in between us, but that's not very far. That's not very far. Can you take it all the way? Can you take it all the way? Well you're sharpening in my face. This pain you gave to me, can you take it all the way? Can you take it all the way? Alright, can you preach the rodeo? Brother I met down in Mary and CI this past weekend and said, "Hey, what about the rodeo? Can you preach the rodeo?"

I said, "Oh man, I had to find some clips." I did, so I thought, "Okay, how can I preach that?" Honestly, when I thought about it, it came to me pretty quickly. I thought about this. You're gonna see them getting tossed around, thrown around. I mean the whole point of the rodeo is to stay on something that's trying to toss you down. My goodness, does that not feel like life? And for many of you being incarcerated, that feels like that incarceration life of being a resident there. But here's what I was saying. Can you preach that? Oh, I'm about to drop my phone. Don't want to preach that. I was saying about this. Proverbs says, "Though the righteous falls seven times." They rise again. Though the righteous falls seven times, they rise again. What defines the righteous is not falling. What do the righteous do? But the righteous get back up. I would imagine. These rodeo, I mean these riders of the, I think of the rodeo, I think of Garth Brooks, baby. Gosh! Do I miss that song? Oh! Oh! What a great song. But to be where they're at, and they've hit the dirt over and over

and over again, but they rise again. Life is gonna put you in the dirt. We know this, but you rise again. The only thing about this, for some of you, man, it was one time of hitting the dirt that seemed to throw everything off in life. But you got to rise again. And then I would say this. Before they come out. Now, I'm gonna save that one for a different one. I'll save that one for a different one. But there you go. Can I preach the rodeo? Can you preach that? Maybe you got to get back up, man. Just 'cause you fall doesn't mean it's all done. Get back up and get on the bull of life again. It is 91-15 to take over the top spot. Every game and four you could ask for. Swear engine sprouts. This is going to be close to the biggest score we've seen all season. This was outstanding by Daylin Swearingen. A winner back in Florida about a month ago. The number one bull in the world, Cooper Davis, 94.9. Look at the rider score right there, 49, so close to perfect. Daylin Swearingen. Just made one of the best bull rides. Riders, rides I've seen in a long time. If it could be possible to raise the roof of the Tacoma Dome, Daylin Swearingen just did it. And this is how riding bulls at the highest level with no backup in you.

Ho, ho, ho. [CHEERING] Cremmer thinks he's gone the distance. This crowd thinks they just witnessed something special. But the clock did stop at 1 and change. Somebody needs to hit that button. Yeah, Bo Davis says, I'll do that for you, my man. You know, the way that John celebrated right there, you know when you touched a bull. He doesn't think he did. Well, look, you already have telegraphed that he could take the round lead. If this is eight, he'll do that. Oh, he'll do that. He might be one of the top couple of-- oh, that's close. Ho, ho, ho, ho. If he doesn't come down with his free hand here, I mean, this might be one of the best rides you can see all year long. John Ramirez will leave no doubt. He knows. Oh, there's a gap right there. It looks like. Yeah, from that angle, there's air. This crowd will erupt if they see a thumbs up in a green background. I think there's some space. [CHEERING] I think I just saw Sean's eyes get a little wider.

I know, my dar. Here we go. He's close. I'm reading Ramirez's body language. There's air. Look, he's-- oh, boy. Crimber's going to try to convince the jury. You can't see it. I mean, this is too close for cover. I'm going with going. There it is. We're going to get a score. And it's going to be a big one. [CHEERING] Let's all wait for the numbers. [CHEERING] Drum roll, please. 93. 0.95. This is just what I thought. I mean, this was a heck of a bull ride by John Crimber. Number one fan of the world. They did it all out there. Shit, brother. John, your reaction to hearing that. Sean, I don't even know. I was just hanging loose and holding on tight. I was just crazy, same sense in my life. 93.95. Why are we 94?

And I'm saying, I guess they review kind of dunked it a little bit, but it's OK. Congratulations on a huge ride. I imagine exactly where you'll want to be going for that world title, right? You dang right. This is what we like to do, is come from them bulls right there, and I had a lot of fun. Go to God, always. That's the one-- that's the only reason why I do it, you know? He blessed me with his ability and talent to ride bulls. Nothing's here to glorify him and praise him. What a memory in Billy. It's a great ride, John. Thank you, John. Second highest score in his career. Second 90 of the weekend. His fourth 90 of the season. And further confirmation. John Trimber is all in for that gold buckle. Dinner goes the distance. Well, the judges can't say they didn't have enough time to watch Pegasus wait for the score for both the ride and the ball. We might have a number one in the round and back to number one in the ball race. We should have our first 90 point ride of the night. Dinner for Bosa, the second third effort. Really stuck it out tonight. 45.3 on the bull score. I mean, what a way to start off.

Sweetball, 93.1. Dinner, congratulations on a huge ride, 93 Pegasus. What do you make of this? I feel a little heavy. That's not great, boo. Here's a number on it, right? I feel so heavy, guys. That's not my highest car in my car, you know? A moment you'll never forget. Congratulations. Thank you so much. Well, we certainly have known that Pegasus can fly close to the sun. Now we know that dinner bar Bosa can hang on all the way up, 93.1. That is a career high for bar Bosa as he moves to the number one position and around and Pegasus back on top as well. [MUSIC] >> Some ground at this world title race with this ride. >> [APPLAUSE] >> Eight more seconds to prove that Brady Fielder is somebody. As he and nobody go the distance for the second time. >> Brady Builders the man. I mean, this is a great core ride. Way to pick up the different changes throughout this ride. Brady Fielder had an answer for it and was gritty at the end. >> Will it be the fifth 90 plus score we see? >> It is indeed 92.4 and Fielder is in first. [MUSIC] >> Brady, take over the lead in the event with that one. Talk about just the excitement of this night. You could tell it's a special championship round.

>> Absolutely, it's amazing, you know? The guys riding before me honestly pumped me up and, you know, if you want to be here, you got to be just as good or better. So just do my part and go ahead and do it. >> Congratulations on another 90. >> Thank you. >> Fielder and nobody combined for the second best score of the weekend. But it's good enough to push Brady in position to win his sixth career event. That was Andrew Alvideres on the gate. The new Texas Radler helping Brady pull his rope. [APPLAUSE] >> Teamwork may make the dream work, but Fielder had to find the way on his own first man to ever ride that ball. >> This is how you respond with the number one man world in the world. He goes and puts a big screw on the board. You follow it up and you try to take it from him. >> Brady Fielder is going to be really close to taking that number one spot in this round. >> Who you mentioned at the top of the show, what you were looking for. >> Yeah. >> Our two top guys deliver 92.35 for Fielder. >> If you wanted if Brady Fielder is going to let John Kerber have that gold buckle, he's not ready to let it out of his side yet. >> And that right there is what makes this sport so great. >> He had for series only when it comes to the media. They are best friends and riders themselves. >> Brady, no one's had an answer, but you, what does that say about the drive? You have gotten in this world finals. >> Absolutely, I feel like I'm kind of on a hot team move from now. I'm just grateful for that. Ready to go.

>> What a ride, congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Fun to see Fielder smile like that, usually pretty darn reserved. Clearly, our round leader by a whopping three points plus. That one certainly did. Here's Hudson Bolt. These fans are getting their money's worth. Bolton doesn't back down. Let's see what this is worth. >> And this is another bull ride that's going to go over 90. But I don't think he's going to take the lead. >> In Billings, we saw five rides, North and 92, 92 and a quarter. >> Just another huge ride in Hudson Bolt. He has been so good when he showed up this year, and this kid's healthy. He's going to be fighting for a world title in. Ready fielder finishes off his weekend the way he needed to But too, but don't think it's gonna be enough for the win not enough for the win But we're about to be 90 again. Brady builder is on fire heading into the PBR world final The last score of the regular season will be 92.2 Man, I've got chills right now for Grady builder Well, this is so huge for him at this point in his career and in his season From Luciano Salgado has been simply unstoppable this weekend and Coop he needs eighty nine fifty five, but if I heard you right I think we do have a new leader. We absolutely should have a new leader sticks the landing we should be all over that 90 points No need for a drum roll because this is gonna be a big bang 92 and a nickel monster. I just what do I go need? And it is so much fun to watch these guys trade legs going back and forth with big rods

The lead changes yet again by the way, the big man on the back of the shoots we're in the gene jacket That is Blake Sharp, and this is one of his balls He was into it. Oh, yeah Nobody wants to see a guy win around more than that like sharp on the back of the bucket shoots great to see the emotion there between Tiago and Luciano Clearly this crowd knows what's at stake He gets face he gets more than enough points All right, can you preach that? Puerto Rico Now some of you might have noticed we did Puerto Rico in the beginning or right after the message And someone was like Trevor you don't show anything with that so I figured I doubled down on this episode ladies and gents I double it down. Now. Here's the thing. Can I preach that Puerto Rico? I pulled one of like just different facts of different places that kind of stuff and two thoughts come to mind number one History is a part of beauty History is a part of beauty everything you see there even in the history it might not have all been good But there's beauty in it right and so or maybe I should say like this. Maybe I'm saying it backwards There's beauty in history. That's probably that's the best way to say there is beauty in History don't even though maybe you some of your worst mistakes of the world are in your history God's really good at bringing beauty from ashes, right? He's really good at taking what we thought was a throwaway or a shameful or disgusting or even evil and God has a way of Turning it for good when we offer it to him and to weave it into the redemptive plan like I talked about in the message But but but I thought about that and then also this too like if for some of you if you're from Puerto Rico now I know y'all love it right, you know that kind of stuff But it's easy to let something that you become familiar with to lose the beauty and the all and the wander of it And the wander why does and the wonder W O N D or wonder it's easy that when you're familiar with something you lose the beauty of it Now this was beautiful. I was looking the videos absolutely beautiful. I went there back in 2019 fleeche and I went on part of our honeymoon trip. We went there, but anyhow the point is this Never lose the beauty of God in our lives that he would love us so much that he would leave having to come to earth for you And I if you've never accepted Jesus, maybe listen you might just be watching the videos But maybe this is a sign you need to give your life

To him panda makes it incredibly easy right below me as a button you press that they'll walk you through it But don't miss the beauty of life man. Don't That's what I was thinking about with Puerto Rico. So can you preach that? Ladies and gents, Puerto Rico. - Welcome to Puerto Rico. (upbeat music) - Puerto Rico, a captivating island where vibrant culture meets untamed natural beauty. It rests in the heart of the Caribbean. Known for its lush rainforests, bioluminescent bays, and centuries-old fortresses, this enchanting destination is a paradise for adventurers and culture seekers alike. From the endangered Puerto Rican parrots soaring above El Yunkay, to the mesmerizing blue glow of its rare bioluminescent waters, Puerto Rico's landscapes are as diverse as they are awe-inspiring. As we journey through Puerto Rico's most breathtaking wonders, we'll explore the wild heart of this remarkable island, uncover hidden treasures, and witness the raw beauty that makes this territory one of the Caribbean's greatest gems. But before we dive into these incredible destinations, let's start with some fascinating facts about Puerto Rico and what makes it so uniquely captivating. Puerto Rico's unique citizenship. Puerto Ricans have held U.S. citizenship since 1917,

but Puerto Rico is not a U.S. state. It's an unincorporated territory. This creates a unique situation. Island residents can serve in the U.S. military, use U.S. passports, and are subject to federal laws, yet they cannot vote for the U.S. president unless they reside on the mainland. Despite this, Puerto Ricans have served in every major American conflict since World War I, often at disproportionately high rates. This complicated relationship has sparked ongoing debates about statehood, independence, and national identity, all woven into the fabric of Puerto Rico's vibrant culture today. Cajada Muertos. (upbeat music) Off the southern coast of Puerto Rico lies Cajada Muertos, an uninhabited island steeped in mystery. Its name, Cauphin Island, comes from the island's shape when seen from a distance, said to resemble a body lying at rest. Legends whisper of buried pirate treasure hidden within its rocky coves. But today, Cajada Muertos is better known for its crystal clear waters. Sea turtle nesting grounds, and a lonely 19th century lighthouse that still watches over the sea, protected as a nature reserve, the island blends history, legend, and untouched beauty, offering visitors a glimpse into Puerto Rico's wilder, more secret side.

San Juan. Founded in 1521, San Juan is the oldest city under U.S. jurisdiction, and one of the oldest European setted cities in the Americas. Its walled city in fortresses, like Castillo San Felipe del Moro and Castillo San Cristobal, were built to fend off pirates and invading armies. The original blue cobblestones, brought a ship ballast from Spain, still pave old San Juan streets today. Walking these alleys feels like stepping back five centuries. Yet the city pulses with modern Caribbean life. A place where history isn't hidden behind glass, but lives and breathes in every plaza, cafe, and crumbling stone wall. El Yunkay National Forest. A dense, misty realm, El Yunkay stands as Puerto Rico's crown jewel of natural wonders. Nestled in the islands northeast, it's the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. national forest system. Covering over 29,000 acres, it's steep valleys and cloud veiled peaks form an ecosystem that's both mysterious and breathtaking. This vibrant wilderness shelters over 240 unique plant species and rare wildlife, like the endangered Puerto Rican parrot towering tabanooko trees, bamboo groves, and giant ferns create an ancient world untouched by time. With over 120 inches of rainfall each year, about three times more than Seattle, the forest hums with the sounds of water dripping, streams rushing, and waterfalls roaring.

La Mina Falls, a 35, When Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017, El Yunki suffered, but it didn't surrender. Today, orchids bloom from fallen trunks, and the famous cookie call of tiny cookie frogs once again fills the air, a living symbol of Puerto Rico's enduring strength and renewal. On Puerto Rico's coastline, nightfall unlocks one of the rarest sights on Earth. The island boasts three of the planet's five bioluminescent bays, where millions of tiny dino-flagellates light up the water in a dazzling show. Mosquito Bay, on Vieques Island, officially the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, blows so vividly, you could almost read a book by its light. In every gallon of water, roughly 700,000 of these microscopic organisms swirl and shimmer, creating a spectacle where each kayak stroke paints glowing blue ribbons across the sea. This phenomenon is rare, relying on a perfect mix of narrow bay openings, mangrove nutrients, and just the right water temperature and salinity. Laguna Grande in Fajardo offers easier access for visitors near San Juan, while La Parguera in La Hoss offers a unique experience with motorized boats trailing wakes of glowing water. Although the bays dimmed after Hurricane Maria and continue to face threats from pollution, they have rebounded with the same resilience seen across the island. For the most breathtaking views, locals recommend visiting during a new moon when the darkness lets the waters burn brightest against the night. Old San Juan and El Moro Fort Perched dramatically against the Atlantic Ocean, Old San Juan is one of the oldest cities founded by Europeans in the Americas, a living museum of five centuries of history. Its famous blue cobblestone streets, made from furnace slag, are more than beautiful. They're a triumph of endurance, weathering centuries of traffic and tropical storms, rising above the sea at the edge of the city, is El Moro Fort, officially Castillo San Felipe del Moro, whose construction began in 1539 and continued over 250 years, as new threats demanded stronger defenses. With walls towering 140 feet and up to 18 feet thick, El Moro was built to repel pirates, invaders, and even the armies of a young United States. The fort's history still lingers on its wind-battered ramparts, where you can almost feel the tension of soldiers once scanning the horizon.

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Old San Juan holds over 400 preserved colonial buildings within its seven square-block heart, including the bright blue La Fortaleza, the oldest executive mansion still in use, and the whitewashed San Juan Cathedral, where Ponce de Leon lies at rest, as night descends the city transforms. Music spills from cafes and open windows, salsa, reggaeton, bonba, while the scent of fresh pastries and strong coffee floats through narrow streets. In Old San Juan, history isn't locked away in museums. It lives, breathes, and dances under the stars. Gueva Ventana. Hidden in the Karst country near Arecibo, Cueva Ventana, or "Window Cave," offers one of Puerto Rico's most breathtaking views. This natural limestone cave opens onto a dramatic window, framing the lush Rio Grande de Arecibo Valley below. The journey through the cave is an adventure itself. Guided by helmets and flashlights, visitors weave through chambers where stalactites and stalagmites, growing an inch per century, form a stone forest. In the shadows, bats flutter vital creatures that devour thousands of insects nightly. Carved into the cave walls are ancient Tino petroglyphs, remnants of Puerto Rico's first inhabitants. As the cave brightens, the window appears, framing a panorama of palm-studded valleys and limestone karsts rising like green islands. Early mornings, when sunlight streams through, create rays that transform the cave's opening For many Puerto Ricans, it's more than a view. It's a reminder that from darkness always comes light. Flamenco Beach. If paradise were designed by hand, it might look like Flamenco Beach on Calabra Island. Powdery white coral sand, crystalline turquoise waters, and a peaceful, undeveloped setting, make it one of the world's top-ranked beaches. Reaching it is an adventure, a ferry from Fajardo, then a public-o-ride to the coast. But when you crest the last hill and see the bay stretch before you, every minute of travel feels worth it. Flamenco's cool sands and clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, even before you step in.

Adding to its unique character, are two abandoned WWIH Yara Sherman tanks. Left by the US Navy and now painted with colorful graffiti, a striking symbol of nature reclaiming history. Protected as part of a marine reserve, Flamenco remains blissfully free from major development, just a few kiosks selling seafood and cold drinks. Lucky campers can sleep under the stars, waking to a sunrise over an untouched pristine beach. Rio Camui Cave System. Beneath Puerto Rico's surface lies a hidden world. The Rio Camui Cave System, one of the largest underground river networks in the western hemisphere. Over 10 miles of mapped caverns, 220 caves and 17 known entrances have been discovered, though much remains unexplored. The centerpiece, Cueva Clara, sores 170 feet high, a stone cathedral draped in stalactites that took hundreds of thousands of years to form, the rush of the underground Camui River. The third largest of its kind, echoes through the chambers. Life persists even here. Blind fish and albino crabs thrive in permanent darkness, having evolved in complete isolation. After being closed for four years due to Hurricane Maria, the caves reopened in 2021, allowing visitors once again to marvel at their slow, ancient beauty. To the Tano people,

these caves were sacred gateways to the spirit world, and standing amid the vast, silent stone halls, you understand why. Arecibo Observatory. For nearly six decades, a massive scientific instrument nestled in Puerto Rico's cast landscape expanded our view of the cosmos. The Arecibo Observatory housed the world's second-largest single-appature telescope, a 1,000-foot-wide dish built into a natural sinkhole, capturing radio signals from the furthest reaches of the universe. Completed in 1963, this engineering marvel mapped Venus and Mercury, discovered the first binary pulsar and detected planets beyond our solar system, shaping much of modern astronomy. Arecibo even beamed the famous Arecibo message toward M13, humanity's first attempt to communicate with distant civilizations. Though it starred in movies like Contact and GoldenEye, its greatest legacy remains scientific. Sadly, after hurricanes and earthquakes weakened its structure, the telescope collapsed in 2020. Today, visitors explore its story at the Angel Ramos Science Center, where Arecibo's spirit, a half-century of groundbreaking discovery, still echoes across the island. Toro Negro State Forest. While El Jungke draws the crowds, those seeking quieter beauty head to Toro Negro State Forest in Puerto Rico's Central Mountains. Here, Cerro de Punta rises 4,390 feet, the island's highest peak,

offering views of both the Atlantic and Caribbean seas. The forest's name, Black Bull, comes from the dramatic shadows its peaks cast below. Trails wind past waterfalls like Salto de Doña Juana, plunging 120 feet into rocky pools. Toro Negro's biodiversity rivals El Jungke's, with colorful tree frogs, the emerald-throw-aided Puerto Rican tote, and even rare boas hiding among the misty slopes. Three Lake Scunillo, Metrullas, and Toro Negro offer peaceful fishing spots Thanks to the higher elevation, the climate here is surprisingly cool with foggy mornings, blanketing valleys like a fantasy world. Trails vary from gentle strolls to steep climbs, but the Torre de Pietra Trail rewards hikers with one of Puerto Rico's most stunning panoramic views. Calle Fortaleza and La Fortaleza. In the heart of Old San Juan, Calle Fortaleza winds its way toward La Fortaleza, the oldest executive mansion still in use in the Americas. Built between 1533 and 1540 to defend against pirates, it evolved into Puerto Rico's governor's residence, a fortress turned palace that has witnessed five centuries of history. Its iconic blue and white facade stands proudly at the end of a street alive with color, above Calle Fortaleza, hundreds of vibrant umbrellas float in the air,

creating a dazzling canopy that draws visitors year round. What began as a temporary art project became a permanent symbol of Puerto Rican spirit. Beneath the umbrellas, life bustles artisans selling handcrafted santos and masks, restaurants serving mofongo and tropical pastries, and the salt breeze mixing with the sense of coffee and sweet treats. Guided tours of La Fortaleza reveal lush gardens ornate salons and ancient dungeon chambers, blending power with beauty. As night falls, the umbrellas glow under soft lights, music drifts from doorways, and Calle Fortaleza becomes pure magic, the perfect expression of Puerto Rico's warmth, resilience and joy. Koolabrida Island and Lighthouse. Just when you think Puerto Rico's beaches can't get more perfect, there's Koolabrida. A tiny uninhabited island east of Koolabra, accessible only by private boat or water taxi. No roads, no residents, just pure, untouched nature and one remarkable survivor. The island's lone Spanish-era lighthouse built in 1886. The 30-minute boat ride, often through choppy waters, adds to the adventure and keeps Koolabrida blissfully uncrowded. Standing atop the island's highest point, the weathered lighthouse, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, still holds its ground against sun, storms and time.

Conservation groups race against nature to preserve it, but for now, it remains a hauntingly beautiful landmark. Koolabrida's beaches, especially Playa Tortuga, offer crystalline waters where endangered hawksbill, green and leatherback turtles often swim. On the eastern side, the Baths, a network of natural tidal pools invite visitors to soak in warm sea water while gazing at distant islands on the horizon. The rugged hike to the lighthouse, though challenging, rewards with sweeping 360 degree views, where the Caribbean sea stretches endlessly and history feels tangible among the crumbling walls and shafts of sunlight pouring through broken stone. Goza Landia Falls. Hidden in the lush hills near San Sebastian, Gazella Landia Falls, offers a refreshing escape where nature takes center stage. A short walk through private land with a modest entrance fee leads to the lower falls, a 30-foot cascade plunging into a wide, deep pool, perfect for swimming and cliff jumping. Smooth boulders surround the pool, creating natural lounges where visitors relax while tiny fish provide a free, ticklish foot spa. Upstream, the upper falls await taller at 50 feet, with a rope swing hanging from a tree branch for the daring. The surrounding forest forms a natural amphitheater where sunlight filters through the leaves, making the waters sparkle like liquid emerald.

Goza Landia retains a raw, authentic charm, no paved paths or souvenir stands, just unfiltered beauty. Locals and travelers alike spread out picnics, laugh over coolers of drinks, and dive into the crystal-clear waters. Depending on the season, the falls change character, gentle streams and dry months, thunderous torrents after heavy rains. Locals recommend arriving early, wearing water shoes for the slippery rocks and leaving no trace to preserve this hidden paradise for the future. Cabo Rojo Salt Flats. (birds chirping) Cabo Rojo. In the island southwest, shallow pools shimmer in surreal shades of pink, orange, and white under the Caribbean Sun, a dreamlike desert fringed by turquoise waters. Salt has been harvested here since the 16th century when Spanish colonizers recognize the area's perfect conditions, high evaporation, low rainfall, and a sheltered lagoon. Even today, workers collect salt using centuries-old methods, gathering the white gold once essential for preserving food before refrigeration. The pink hue comes from Dunayela Salina algae and hello bacteria, microscopic organisms that produce beta carotene as salinity rises. As the sun shifts, the salt flats transform, a living watercolor that changes by the hour. Overlooking it all is Los Morrios lighthouse, built in 1882 atop limestone cliffs plunging 200 feet to the sea. The stark white beacon stands against the blue Caribbean, while nearby cliffs form natural bridges and dramatic formations that lure photographers worldwide. The flats are part of the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, a vital stop for migratory birds. Flamingos sometimes wade through the pink pools, a perfect match to the

landscape's colors, while egrets and herons patrol the shallows. For the most stunning experience, visit in late afternoon when the sunset transforms the pools into luminous mirrors. By harvest's end, giant salt mounds gleam under the fading sun, a timeless testament to human adaptation and nature's artistry. Marcequita. Tucked along the northern coast in the town of Manatee, Marcequita is a natural pool unlike anything else in Puerto Rico. Here, the Atlantic Ocean crashes against a dramatic wall of jagged limestone, carving out a sheltered crescent-shaped lagoon where waters calm to a sparkling turquoise. The narrow channel connecting Marcequita to the open sea creates a magical blend of energy and tranquility. Waves thundering outside, while inside the pool, the water laps gently against the golden sand. On weekends, local families gather under umbrellas, children splash in the shallows, and food vendors sell fresh pinchos and cold coconut water. But visit on a weekday morning and you might have the whole cove to yourself with only the salty breeze and the rhythmic crash of distant surf for company. Legends say the pool was once formed by the gods cracking the earth with thunderbolts and standing there with towering cliffs at your back and endless ocean ahead. It's easy to believe. Marcequita isn't just a beach. It's a pocket of pure Caribbean magic carved by nature's wild hand. Mona and Monito Islands. Floating 50 miles west of Puerto Rico's main island, Mona and Monito are twin jewels known as the Galapagos of the Caribbean. Isolated and protected, they shelter rare species found nowhere else on earth from the endangered Mona ground iguana to colonies of nesting seabirds. Mona islands, rugged cliffs, limestone caves, and arid plateaus create a dramatic landscape untouched by modern life. Access is limited, only a few permits are issued each year, and visitors must bring everything they need as there are no facilities. But for those willing to make the journey, the reward is a world of surreal beauty. Beaches were giant sea turtles nest, forests of wild cactus taller than a man, and caves adorned with ancient taiino petroglyphs whispering forgotten histories. Monito, smaller and even less accessible, perches like a lone fortress surrounded by

swirling currents and teeming marine life. Scientists, adventurers, and conservationists treasure these islands, not just for their rarity, but for what they represent, a glimpse into a Puerto Rico that existed before time and tide changed the world. Caja de Muertos Island Off the southern coast near Ponce, lies Caja de Muertos, an uninhabited island shrouded in legends of pirates and buried treasure. Today, it's a protected into a different kind of adventure. The island's name, meaning coffin island, comes from its silhouette seen from the mainland, resembling a body lying in repo. The centerpiece is the historic Caja de Muerto lighthouse, built in 1887 atop a rugged hill, guiding ships through the Caribbean for over a century. A hike to the lighthouse rewards with panoramic views stretching across sapphire seas, while trails down the slopes lead to Playa Pelicano, a secluded beach often ranked among Puerto Rico's most pristine. Offshore coral reefs burst with life, making it a favorite spot for snorkeling. Access is by ferry or private boat, and facilities are minimal to preserve the island's wild charm. On Caja de Muertos, the true treasure isn't gold. It's the unspoiled beauty of land, sea, and sky, blending into one timeless escape. Cueva del Indio. Along the rugged coastline of Arasibo, Cueva del Indio stands as a bridge between nature's grander and ancient human history. Waves from the Atlantic pound against towering limestone cliffs, where a natural cave shelters petroglyphs carved centuries ago by the Taino people. Inside, sunlight filters through cracks in the rock, illuminating the sacred symbols left behind spirals, faces and mysterious markings that whisper of a civilization long vanished. Outside, the cliffs form dramatic arches and blowholes, where the sea surges with roaring force, sculpting the landscape anew with every tide. Legend holds that the cave was a meeting place for Taino leaders and shamans, a sacred portal between earth and spirit. Today, visitors follow rocky paths along the bluffs, marveling at views where sky, sea, and stone collide in a wild, breathtaking dance. In Cueva del Indio, every gust of salty wind and crash of the surf feels heavy with the echoes of an island's oldest stories. Guanaca Drive Forest. In the sun-baked hills of Puerto Rico's southern coast, the Guanaca Drive Forest defies expectations. Here, in a landscape more desert than jungle, life has found astonishing ways to adapt and thrive. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve,

this rare, subtropical drive forest is home to over 700 plant species and countless birds, including the brightly colored Puerto Rican woodpecker and the endangered Puerto Rican nightjar. Trails wind through thorny trees, towering cacti and rocky outcrops, where lizards dart among the shadows and butterflies flash vivid colors against a muted backdrop. Despite its dryness, the forest buzzes with life, especially at dawn and dusk, when the cooler air stirs hidden creatures from their shelters. Along the coast, hidden coves and mangroves offer secret beaches where the turquoise sea laps at silent shores. The Guanaca Drive Forest isn't lush or obvious in its beauty. It demands attention, patience, and curiosity, rewarding those who listen closely with a vision of nature's quiet, stubborn brilliance. Las Bocas Canyon. Deep in the heart of Puerto Rico's central mountains, Las Bocas Canyon slices through the earth like a green forgotten scar. Created by the slow carving force of the Rio Usabón, this dramatic gorge plunges hundreds of feet down, revealing ancient rock layers and lush vegetation clinging to impossibly steep walls. From above, it looks like the land itself cracked open under the weight of time. Hikers and adventurers who venture into its depths discover a world apart where waterfalls tumble into secret pools, vines hang like curtains, and the songs of unseen birds echo against mossy stone. Las Bocas is not easy to reach. The trails are rough, unmarked, and often swallowed by dense forest. But for those who persist, the reward is an encounter with raw untouched beauty, far from the crowded beaches and tourist paths. Here, in the shadowy heart of the island, Puerto Rico's wild soul beats strongest. Gilligan's Island. that few tourists find. Gilligan's Island, officially called Chio Aurora. Part of the Guanica Biosphere Reserve, this tiny mangrove covered islet feels like a secret paradise. No hotels, no cars, just shallow crystal clear channels perfect for lazy floating, snorkeling, and basking in the Caribbean sun. A short ferry ride from the mainland whisks visitors into this natural wonder where the mangrove roots create an underwater maze teeming with fish, crabs, and colorful marine life.

The waters are so calm and shallow you can wade or drift with the current for hours, feeling like you're floating through a living aquarium. Locals bring coolers, hammocks, and snorkel gear, spending entire days enjoying the slow, blissful rhythm. With picnic tables and shaded areas, it's an ideal spot for families or anyone seeking a pure unspoiled slice of Puerto Rico's coastal magic. Zero Gordo Beach and bike trail. On Puerto Rico's north coast near Vega Alta, Cerro Gordo offers more than just a beautiful beach. It's an outdoor playground combining sand, sea, and adventure. The beach itself is classic Caribbean perfection, golden sand, warm turquoise waves, and shady trees, perfect for hammocking or picnicking. But just beyond the beach, the Cerro Gordo bike trail winds through forested coastal cliffs, offering stunning ocean view. Cyclists and hikers follow rugged dirt paths past wildflowers, cactus groves, and panoramic lookouts where the Atlantic stretches endlessly. The trail's moderate terrain makes it accessible for casual riders and serious bikers alike, providing both gentle coastal routes and challenging hill climbs. After a morning of cycling or hiking, there's nothing better than diving into the beaches refreshing waters or grabbing a plate of fresh empanadias

from a local food truck nearby. It's an ideal fusion of nature, fitness, and classic Puerto Rican beach culture. El Yunkay's Mount Britain Tower. Deep within the misty heights of El Yunkay National Forest, the hike to Mount Britain Tower delivers one of Puerto Rico's most breathtaking payoffs. The trail winds upward through dense jungle, past towering tabunuko trees, dripping ferns, and moss-covered rocks toward a stone tower perched nearly 3,000 feet above sea level, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1000s, 930s, the Mount Britain Tower stands like a medieval outpost among the clouds. On clear days, the view from its narrow spiral staircase reveals a 360-degree panorama, stretching from the Caribbean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, a rare sight of two seas from one mountaintop. More often, though, you find yourself standing above a swirling sea of mist, watching clouds drift through the treetops below. The climb, while short, feels enchanted every turn, revealing new shades of green, flashes of hummingbirds, and the constant soothing sound of distant waterfalls. At the summit, amid the cool mountain breeze, it's impossible not to feel connected to the raw, wild heart of Puerto Rico. If you enjoyed this journey, don't forget to like, share, and leave a comment below. We'd love to hear your thoughts or experiences,

and if you haven't already, be sure to subscribe for more exciting travel guides and tips. Stay tuned for more adventures to come. While everyone's trying to start these lifestyle businesses that are super attractive and super cool, or they're trying to scale the next software to $50 million, there's lots of small business ideas that are absolutely crushing it. I'm talking about businesses that every single town desperately needs, but somehow nobody's providing. And these aren't get-rich-quick schemes or trendy startups that might fail in six months. These are essential services that have been proven to work over and over again. And these opportunities are available in communities just like yours. And today, I'm breaking down five of these overlooked businesses that could completely change your financial future, and most of them you can start for less than the cost of a used car. And in fact, many of them you can start completely free. Okay, let me start with something that might sound ordinary, but it's absolutely extraordinary in terms of profit potential. Every town has properties that are dangerously unclaimed. Now, some of these are extreme, like crime scenes, hoarding houses, and even drug houses,

or just homes that have been abandoned for years. by tens of thousands of dollars. And here's the problem, most municipalities and residents lack the resources or expertise to clean these places properly. But here's your opportunity. A specialized cleaning business doesn't just make money, it restores safety and dignity to neglected parts of the community. And you don't even need to do a specialized one in many cases, you can actually just do a normal cleaning business. But in this particular case, you're literally turning unlivable eyesores into usable homes and helping revive entire neighborhoods. And you can start this business for the cost of soap, buckets and mops. For instance, Laura Spalding built Spalding Decon into a 10 million dollar business by cleaning and flipping distressed homes across America. And she started small, focusing on one property at a time. And she actually combined a cleaning business into a real estate business and did them synergistically. And I remember reading about how she cleaned one completely unsellable home that had been sitting empty for three years. And after her team finished, not only did that house sell, but it helped transform the entire block as other homeowners started investing in their properties again. And what's amazing about Laura's approach is that she saw opportunity where everyone else saw problems. But the thing is problems are opportunities. And that's what every good entrepreneur knows. So while every other person drove past these nightmare properties, she saw community impact and dollar signs. And speaking of seeing opportunities that others miss, I've been noticing something incredible happening in the cleaning business lately. These entrepreneurs aren't just running cleaning services anymore. They're building two businesses at once. And sometimes even three. So in Laura's case, she built a cleaning business, but she turned that into a real estate business as well. Because a lot of the times these properties would sell at 10% of their value. But then there's a third type of business people are doing where they're recording themselves doing these amazing transformations. And then they're just posting them on YouTube. And they're creating a whole second revenue stream from this take James from mountain rug cleaning. This guy takes rugs that look absolutely destroyed covered in pet stains and years of neglect. And he transforms them into beautiful pieces again. And his videos get millions of views because people are fascinated watching something hopeless become beautiful again. So you can just do all the stuff that you normally do and just turn it into content. And this doesn't even have to be a business. A lot of people just record themselves at work or they make tutorials about useful stuff on how to use software or how

to do the job a little bit better. And they turn that into a side hustle or even a full bone business. And if you don't believe me, just look at my client Josh. Josh started off making almost no money from his YouTube channel when he first started working with me. But he's just making useful tutorials. And he was able to get his dream job at a fortune 50 company from those useful tutorials. Then with my help, he turned the YouTube channel into a side hustle. And then a full time income making seven figures a year. All right, next business is a scrap and recycling related business. For instance, a scrap and recycling yard. So there's a lot of scrap out there, right? There's a lot of stuff that's just sitting there doing nothing collecting dust. And recycling business provides a solution while paying residents for their waste. So you're making the area look more beautiful. And you're recycling things, which is better for the environment. And you're making money. It's a win, win, win for everyone. Plus you're helping clean up and repurpose materials that would otherwise sit there rotting for decades. Now the starting cost for this one is a bit higher. Okay, it's probably going to cost you somewhere around 50 to $150,000 to start this type of business. Now the SBE or small business administration oftentimes will help people out with that. There's a lot of grants you can apply for. There's a lot of ways to get funding for a small business. But the good thing about businesses that have higher costs to start up is there's more of a barrier to entry, which means less competition for you. So for instance, this guy right here, Adam Weitzman turned a one yard scrap operation into a $1.5 billion recycling empire. And this guy makes $8 million per month by helping communities clean up and recycle their waste. And he started by simply showing up in towns where nobody else was providing the service. And one story that stuck with me, he bought an entire abandoned factory for scrap value, employed 30 local people to dismantle it safely, and recycled every piece of metal and turned what was an environmental hazard into a profitable operation that cleaned up the community. And what's crazy is how he thinks about the business. He doesn't just see junk, he sees opportunity. Every old car, every demolished building, every piece of discarded metal is money sitting there waiting for someone to pick it up. And the beauty of this business is that the raw materials literally come to you. And there's always demand for recycled metals and materials. So yeah, definitely another good one to look for next is pest control services. And oh boy, is this one profitable. So I've actually helped a lot of people get jobs in pest control sales. There's a massive amount of demand for pest control sales roles. And when there's a lot of demand for the sales

roles, that means there's a lot of demand for the businesses, right? Because the businesses wouldn't be hiring sales people if there wasn't a ton of money to be made. So obviously pests are a health hazard for every town, especially in older homes, they can be a real issue. And we're talking about rodents and insects that can cause serious diseases that they can also destroy properties and they can completely ruin crops, food stores, etc. There's so many issues that they cause. And most residents don't have access to safe, effective pest control solutions on their own. living with the problem and hoping it goes away. So, regular pest control services help protect local businesses, homes, and farms year-round. And this is a service that no town can afford to go without, especially in warm or wooded areas. And you can start a pest control business for $10,000 to $25,000, and it's mostly equipment licensing and initial chemical supplies. And honestly, you could probably start less than that if you take certain jobs that don't require as much equipment, or if you just run out the equipment you need to use. Now for instance, Corey Warburg Block started EarthKine from her farm kitchen and now runs a $10 million pest control brand. And she wasn't trying to build an empire at first. She just created a plant-based formula to protect her own family from rodents without using dangerous chemicals. And when her neighbors started asking for the same solution, she realized that she'd found something special. And what makes Carrie's story so powerful is that she solved her own problem first. She was dealing with mice on her farm and refused to use toxic chemicals around her kids, so she experimented with natural ingredients until she found something that actually worked. And her neighbors noticed her success and started begging for the formula. And that's when she knew she had a business. And she scaled that simple kitchen experiment nationwide, proving that solving a real problem in your own community can grow into something massive. And the recurring revenue model is beautiful too. Once you have customers, they typically stay with you month after month, year after year.

So yeah, really cool story. This is a business that a ton of people need and there's a lot of different types of pests out there. Alright, next is vending machine routes. So this one's fairly simple, but it's actually very effective. And it's literally just putting vending machines in the right places. So for instance, you could put vending machines for drinks as well as snacks in places where there's not a lot of 24/7 stores around. So laundry mats, gas stations, schools, parks, etc. And they're a fast, easy solution for towns without 24 hour stores. And they bring income to local business owners while improving accessibility for the community. So yeah, this one's pretty obvious. You can buy a used vending machine in many cases, like depending on the type, for as little as a couple hundred dollars to maybe a few thousand dollars, and then you just have to stock it. So you can start this one for very, very little costs. So for instance, Zach Downey has a story on the internet here where he earned six thousand dollars per month during summer, just from cotton candy vending machines. And he basically just placed them at youth sports events, fairs and busy parks. And kids and parents love having fresh cotton candy available. And he made some serious money providing something super simple that people actually wanted. Alright, next one is HVAC and skilled trades businesses. So this one is absolutely essential. I think everyone knows about this HVAC is heating, ventilation and air conditioning. And my brother has been in HVAC for about 29 years now and he owns his own business. And I convinced my brother to actually document his knowledge of the trades on his channel, Zach of all trades. And this is where he teaches HVAC and other trades specifically to help people build high paying careers. And I basically taught him how to grow his YouTube channel and he made it all the way

to over $200 a day within one month of posting the first video on his channel. So it's basically just a case study where I showed people that it's very easy to grow these types of channels. And his old mission is sharing hands on knowledge to help others escape low income work and