Stardate 02.14.2026
We woke up this morning across the street from one of the best beaches in Florida. I saved the best of our vacation for last. We are staying in a newly renovated beach cottage. It was heavily damaged during a hurricane that swept through the area.
I give the owner five stars. Seeing the smile on my wife’s face tells me everything I need to know. Happy Valentine's Day. Wheels up tomorrow. This vacation has been stellar. May you live long and prosper.
Stardate 02.13.2026
It's Friday the 13th. I don't happen to be the superstitious type. In case you are, don't step on any cracks today or walk under any ladders. As for me and my wife, we are mostly at the beach this week. If you are reading this, that means access to my virtual team is not available. This post is meant to prevent family members from filing a missing persons report. Have a great day.
Stardate 02.12.2026
I gave Spock and Bones, my AI helpers a break so I can enjoy maximum sunshine and human interactions while visiting some Florida beaches this week. If you're reading this story, that means my access to technology was cut off. Rest assured I will be back at full strength early next week. May you live long and prosper.
Stardate 02.11.2026
The high today is forecast at 74º in Tampa today where my wife and I are taking a break. I'm doing my best to get some sunshine during this time of year when we aren't outside much due to the frigid weather. My virtual assistants are on standby should I check in from our hotel room. You are seeing this message because I'm currently cut off from computer access while on vacation. Time to grab our pickleball paddles and head outdoors. May you live long and prosper.
Stardate 02.10.2026
If you read my story involving my super hero guide Crystal who sat next to me the last time I flew, you know the meeting was most likely Divinely inspired. These angels happen to be wearing civilian clothes but that doesn't stop me from discovering who they are. My flight yesterday is one more story to add to my signature collection.
Before I share my review, let me say it first appeared nothing was going to happen. Our seats were like a love seat. Two together. Everyone else on the Boeing jumbo jet had three. The odd layout had to do with the exit row directly behind us. My wife thought we were safe from another conversation like past flights. Then it happened. When we were ready for takeoff, my wife looked to her right and became startled. There was a person next to her in a jump seat facing the opposite direction. It turns out her appearance was certainly not random.
I studied all the materials in front of me. The wine offering on the front cover got my full attention. When I found out Natasha is our flight attendant, I asked about the wine.
"I've never tried it. I don't drink. But if you do order it, I'd love your feedback. I do know that we replaced it because nobody seemed thrilled with the wine we served before."
Natasha asked me if I'd like to try the wine when she stood next to me with her cart filled with temptations. I chose my favorite, cabernet sauvignon. When I pulled out my credit card to pay, Natasha declined to accept it. She was genuinely interested to get my feedback. Smart flight attendant. Very smart. English happens to be her third language. Excellent hire by Allegiant. Even though Natasha may never try the wine, she is using feedback from passengers to give guidance to future travelers.
Here is my review. A ten. Brilliant marketing. The picture of the wine on the cover of the magazine is professional and inviting. The name is a story all by itself. Altus Sol. It means high sun. More on that in a follow up story. It's rated a 93. That's exceptional according to the experts. That's rare on a menu prepared by an airlines well known for being budget friendly.
Here's the action I took based on a ten for service and a ten for Altus Sol. I decided to apply for their credit card. I hope Dave Ramsey, my favorite financial guru, doesn't hear about this because I happen to talk about him practically every day. The ride got bumpy when I began filling out the application. I prayed it would be legible enough to get me approved because I was picturing myself on future flights sipping Altus Sol. I'm hooked. Thank you, Natasha. You deserve a raise. May you live long and prosper.
Stardate 02.09.2026
One top priority for the week: Sunshine. ☀️
The forecast calls for highs of 70–77º in Florida. My wife and I will visit friends, play some pickleball, and soak up beach time.
Stories this week will be short and sweet. Replies to comments may be delayed, so thank you for your patience. There may be a few surprises on my partially constructed Substack page if you want to visit me on my cyber front porch. Click here to see what I'm working on.
May you live long and prosper.
Stardate 02.08.2026
There was a young king named Solomon who inherited his throne after his father, King David, died. He was stepping into enormous shoes, facing responsibilities far beyond his years.
God appeared to Solomon in a dream and offered him anything he wished. Solomon’s response, paraphrased, was not bold or ambitious—it was honest:
“I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties… Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.”
I may not be a king, but I understand what it feels like to stand in an overwhelming moment.
Like Solomon, I needed help. Truthfully, I lacked hope. I froze when my family broke apart and my dad moved away. In my despair, I asked God to remove me from this world altogether. There was silence. No thunder. No immediate rescue.
So I asked for something else.
I asked for wisdom—not to lead a kingdom, but to survive.
As I step into the shoes of a senior citizen, I’m beginning to understand what that prayer truly meant.
Wisdom is not about knowing more.
It’s about listening better.
Looking back, I see that as a lost teenager, I wasn’t asking God for wisdom so I could be impressive or accomplished. I was asking to be faithful. I was asking to be shown how to keep going when the road ahead felt impossible.
And God answered—not all at once, but over time. Quietly. Patiently. With a wisdom that revealed who I was through His eyes, not my circumstances.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.”
— James 1:5
Join me here: https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong
Bones: “You’re telling me wisdom isn’t about answers, Michael—it’s about learning how to listen?”
Spock: “Precisely, Doctor. Logic begins with humility.”
Michael’s reflection:
Solomon asked for wisdom so he could serve others well. I asked for wisdom so I could survive. Both prayers came from the same place—recognizing our limits and trusting God to meet us there. Over time, I’ve learned that wisdom doesn’t rush in with explanations. It walks beside us, teaching us how to endure, how to listen, and how to remain faithful one quiet step at a time.
Mission Log:
Wisdom grows slowly, but it grows surely when we ask with an honest heart.
Thank you for walking with me today. May this reflection stay with you in prayer or quiet thought, and may you recognize the wisdom already unfolding in your own life—one percent better, one day at a time. 🖖
