Finding Renewal: A Mom's Retreat in Costa Mesa

Devotional

Day 1: The Importance of Safety and Security

Feeling safe and secure is foundational when stepping into new environments, especially when traveling alone. Knowing that there are visible measures in place—like attentive staff, secure entry points, and a watchful presence—brings peace of mind and allows you to truly relax and enjoy your time away. When you are confident in your safety, you can focus on rest, self-care, and the experiences around you without worry. Take time to notice the ways you are protected and cared for, both by people and by God, and let that assurance free you to embrace new adventures. [03:54]

Psalm 4:8 (ESV)
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Reflection: Where in your life do you need to trust God more deeply for your safety and security, and how can you take one step today to rest in His protection?

Day 2: The Power of Kindness in Customer Service

A warm welcome and genuine kindness can transform an ordinary experience into something memorable and uplifting. When people go out of their way to help, answer questions, and make you feel valued, it reminds you of the power of simple acts of service. Whether it’s a smile, a helpful answer, or patience when mistakes happen, these moments of grace can make you feel seen and cared for. Let the kindness you receive inspire you to extend the same to others, creating a ripple effect of encouragement and support wherever you go. [03:54]

Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Reflection: Who is someone you can show extra kindness or patience to today, even in a small way?

Day 3: Embracing Rest and Comfort

True rest is more than just physical relaxation—it’s about finding spaces where you can let your guard down, recharge, and feel at home. When your environment is comfortable and peaceful, it becomes easier to let go of stress and truly enjoy the moment. Whether it’s a cozy bed, a quiet room, or a beautiful view, these gifts of comfort are reminders to slow down and care for yourself. Make space in your life for rest, and allow yourself to enjoy the blessings of comfort that God provides. [08:11]

Matthew 11:28 (ESV)
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can create a restful space for yourself today, even if just for a few minutes?

Day 4: The Joy of Walkability and Exploring Creation

Walking in a new place, surrounded by art, nature, and vibrant life, is a gift that refreshes the soul. Exploring on foot allows you to slow down, notice beauty, and connect with your surroundings in a deeper way. Whether it’s a stroll around a lake, a visit to a museum, or simply enjoying the fresh air, these moments of movement and discovery can bring joy and clarity. Embrace the opportunity to walk, explore, and be present, letting each step remind you of the simple pleasures God has woven into daily life. [12:00]

Psalm 19:1 (ESV)
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Reflection: Where can you take a walk today to intentionally notice and appreciate the beauty around you?

Day 5: Making Time for Yourself and Embracing New Experiences

Taking time away for yourself is not selfish—it’s necessary for renewal and growth. Stepping into new experiences, meeting new people, and exploring unfamiliar places can open your heart and mind in unexpected ways. Even if it wasn’t on your “bingo card” for the year, embracing these opportunities can lead to joy, learning, and deeper connection with yourself and others. Give yourself permission to prioritize your well-being and to say yes to new adventures, trusting that God meets you in every new place. [12:00]

Mark 6:31 (ESV)
And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.

Reflection: What is one new experience or small adventure you can say yes to this week, simply for your own joy and renewal?

Sermon Summary

Returning from a refreshing trip to Costa Mesa, California, I had the opportunity to experience the Avenue of the Arts Hotel, nestled in the heart of the city’s vibrant arts district. This area is alive with culture, from museums to performing arts centers, making it an ideal destination for anyone seeking both relaxation and inspiration. As a mom on a much-needed “momcation,” I found the hotel to be a sanctuary that balanced comfort, safety, and convenience, all while being surrounded by the creative energy of the city.

Safety and security were top priorities, and the hotel excelled in this area. With attentive doormen, secure keycard access, and a visible staff presence, I always felt protected, even when walking alone at night. The customer service was equally impressive—every staff member I encountered was warm, helpful, and genuinely attentive, making me feel welcomed and valued throughout my stay. Whether it was the front desk quickly resolving my forgotten key mishaps or the restaurant staff providing excellent service, I never felt like a burden.

The hotel’s amenities added to the experience. The Silver Trumpet restaurant offered delicious meals in a refined setting, and the tucked-away bar provided a cozy spot to unwind. The gym was well-equipped, and the presence of a sauna was a delightful surprise, compensating for the absence of a spa. My upgraded deluxe king room was spacious, comfortable, and offered beautiful views of the pool and palm trees, making it a perfect retreat after a day of exploring.

Noise levels were minimal, ensuring restful nights, and the walkability of the area was a highlight. From morning strolls around the lake to easy access to shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, everything was within reach. The hotel’s central location also made it a convenient base for exploring nearby destinations like Newport Beach and even venturing as far as San Diego or Mexico.

Costa Mesa was not initially on my radar for a solo getaway, but it exceeded my expectations in every way. The Avenue of the Arts Hotel provided a blend of comfort, safety, and accessibility that made my stay memorable. I look forward to returning and encourage others to consider this hidden gem for their own restorative escapes.

Key Takeaways

1. True rest and renewal often require intentional separation from daily routines. Stepping into a new environment, especially one that nurtures creativity and beauty, can refresh the soul and provide much-needed perspective. Prioritizing spaces that foster both safety and inspiration allows us to reconnect with ourselves and return to our responsibilities with renewed energy. [00:44]
2. The value of hospitality lies not just in services rendered, but in the genuine care and attentiveness shown by others. When we are received with warmth and respect, especially in unfamiliar places, it reminds us of our inherent worth and the importance of extending that same grace to others in our own spheres of influence. [03:54]
3. Creating space for self-care is not selfish, but essential. Whether it’s a walk in nature, a quiet meal, or simply a comfortable room to rest, these moments of intentional solitude allow us to process, heal, and grow. Investing in our own well-being equips us to better serve those we love. [08:11]
4. The environment we choose for rest matters. Surrounding ourselves with beauty—be it art, nature, or thoughtful design—can uplift our spirits and inspire creativity. Even small details, like a view of palm trees or a peaceful walk by a lake, can have a profound impact on our sense of peace and joy. [09:30]
5. Accessibility and walkability are more than conveniences; they are invitations to engage with the world at a slower, more mindful pace. Exploring on foot allows us to notice details, encounter new experiences, and cultivate gratitude for the present moment. Choosing destinations that encourage this kind of engagement can transform an ordinary trip into a deeply meaningful journey. [10:45]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:44] - Returning from Costa Mesa: First Impressions
[01:30] - Hotel Location and Arts District Overview
[02:15] - Booking and Marriott Bonvoy Perks
[03:00] - Purpose of the Trip: A Mom’s Perspective
[03:54] - Safety and Security at Avenue of the Arts
[05:30] - Customer Service Experience
[06:45] - Amenities: Restaurant, Bar, Gym, and Sauna
[08:11] - Room Comfort and Noise Levels
[09:30] - Room Details and Views
[10:45] - Walkability and Exploring the Area
[12:00] - Proximity to LA, San Diego, and Mexico
[13:00] - Final Thoughts and Recommendations
[13:45] - How to Connect and Share Your Own Momcation Plans

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Mark 6:31 — “And he said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.”

2. Romans 12:13
“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”

3. Psalm 23:2-3
“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

Observation Questions

What were some of the ways the Avenue of the Arts Hotel made the speaker feel safe and secure during her stay? [[03:54]]
According to the summary, what amenities and features contributed to the sense of rest and renewal for the speaker? [[08:11]]
How did the staff’s attitude and actions demonstrate hospitality to the speaker? [[03:54]]
What role did the environment—art, nature, and walkability—play in the speaker’s overall experience of rest? [[09:30]]

Interpretation Questions

Why might Jesus have invited his disciples to “come away and rest” (Mark 6:31)? How does this relate to the idea of intentional separation from daily routines for renewal? [[00:44]]
In what ways does genuine hospitality go beyond just providing services, according to both Romans 12:13 and the speaker’s experience at the hotel? [[03:54]]
The speaker describes how being in a beautiful, creative environment helped her feel restored. How does Psalm 23:2-3 help us understand the importance of our surroundings for spiritual and emotional renewal? [[09:30]]
The summary mentions that self-care is not selfish but essential. How does this perspective challenge or affirm your understanding of caring for yourself as a Christian? [[08:11]]

Application Questions

When was the last time you intentionally stepped away from your daily routine for rest or renewal? What was the result, and what kept you from doing it sooner? [[00:44]]
The speaker felt valued and welcomed by the hotel staff. Think of a recent time you were in an unfamiliar place—did you feel welcomed? How can you extend that same warmth and hospitality to others in your church or community this week? [[03:54]]
The summary highlights the importance of creating space for self-care. What is one practical way you can carve out time for rest or solitude in the next seven days? [[08:11]]
The environment—art, nature, thoughtful design—helped the speaker feel at peace. What are some small changes you could make in your home or daily routine to surround yourself with beauty or inspiration? [[09:30]]
The speaker enjoyed exploring the area on foot, noticing details and being present. Is there a place nearby where you could take a slow walk this week to practice gratitude and mindfulness? [[10:45]]
The summary says that investing in your own well-being equips you to better serve those you love. Who in your life might benefit if you were more rested and renewed? How could you communicate your need for rest to them? [[08:11]]
Costa Mesa was not on the speaker’s radar, but it became a place of unexpected blessing. Is there an “unexpected” place or opportunity God might be inviting you to explore for your own renewal? What would it take for you to say yes? [[13:00]]

Sermon Clips

The avenue of the arts hotel is also a marriott bomboy property so i was able to give them my marriott bombwood number so that my points can accumulate and accumulate and accumulate also because i'm a marriott bomboy member my room was upgraded i was in the deluxe king room which came with king bae and a sofa bed which I didn't even realize was a sofa bed until it was time for me to leave and I actually really enjoyed it. [00:00:45]

Costa Mesa gave what it needed to give. The people there were great but it was a great city. It was a city that I actually honestly never considered to go to for my momcation but it is now definitely on my list of places that you should visit if you want to learn more about the actual city and all the things make sure you check out the video my costa mesa vlog. [00:01:33]

The avenue of the arts hotel in costa mesa california i'm giving you a five out of five for safety and security when you pull up there are like two doormen and then once you go through the doors there are at least two people at the front desk then when you go to the elevator you have to use your key to a number so nobody can just walk into the hotel and get up the elevator bank and then you use the key again to get into your room every time i went down to the lobby there were always at least four staff members in that lobby so there was always eyes i always felt safe didn't feel any seediness didn't see any weirdness the area was very walkable i was walking at night one time i went to the mall walked back it was like 8 30 it was dark i felt safe were security guards kind of strategically placed throughout that arts district which made me feel safe. [00:02:27]

If there are certain things you need if you want to find out if the hotel has armed security on property call them and find out. Next up is customer service. So this is how did the staff make me feel? Did they listen to me? Did they answer my questions? Did they go above and beyond to make me feel comfortable while I was there? [00:03:21]

When you're on a momcation you want to feel like people want you there because you're already by yourself right? So you're not with your people you're not with your kids you're not with your partner. You're talking to people that work there that are staff they should make you feel good and I will say that the Avenue of the Arts Hotel staff everybody was really nice they always answered the phone when i called there were a couple times where i had questions if they didn't know the answer they would just say hold on and they would get back to me. [00:03:38]

Avenue of the arts also has a shuttle bus that was really a great benefit to have it left every 30 minutes the drivers were all nice they helped me with my luggage nobody was mean every time i came down into the lobby there were people there smiling at me there were people saying like hey how are you left my key in my hotel room four times and every time i went back they were like oh sure no problem here you go here you go it just i never felt like i was a burden i'm giving you guys a five out of five also on customer service. [00:04:24]

Every time I came down into the lobby there were people there smiling at me there were people saying like hey how are you left my key in my hotel room four times and every time i went back they were like oh sure no problem here you go here you go it just i never felt like i was a burden. [00:04:33]

When you go on your momcations you want to be able to do all the things you want to do so at the very least a hotel should have a great restaurant on property the hotel should have a solid gym on property and i feel like for momcation a hotel should have a spot on property that doesn't always happen but avenue of the arts had a great restaurant the silver trumpet it had a bar that was tucked away i love a bar that's tucked away i like to know that i'm at the bar but them you at the restaurant isn't looking for me so when you get to their restaurant you walk into the big dining hall which is it's giving like it's definitely table cloth fine china very very good food i ate dinner there lunch there happy hour there and breakfast there all really really good all great customer service but you kind of got to walk through to get to the bar the bar is a separate vibe it has outdoor seating drinks were great again food was great the hotel also has room service which is provided by that restaurant they also have a gym the gym was pretty good the gym was at least i think three treadmills had a spin bike it had all the weights a full weight rack it had a sauna now you don't find a sauna in a hotel too often so I was really happy about that the sauna kind of the sauna because this hotel didn't have a spa but it had the sauna and so that definitely helped me relax. [00:04:57]

I was on the second floor room 209 it was a little farther down the hallway but that's because it was a deluxe king room I was upgraded it was a bigger room very comfortable I had a lot of space the bed was so comfortable I did not want get out of the bed it was so comfortable it was soft pillows are great had a view of the pool view of the lake the view of the palm trees water blue sky and palm trees instantly makes me happy. [00:06:29]

Room was very comfortable i had enough space to lay my things out i had a nice desk for my computer the hotel is older so you can tell that they did some updates right they've upgraded it they're they're newer finishes when you're in those common areas but the bathroom the bathroom was a little vintage made me think that maybe they just didn't upgrade the bathroom but the bathroom was comfortable the shower was very comfortable it was actually very enjoyable the water pressure was great the temperature was great i like it hot i don't really have any complaints about the actual shower or the bathroom it just wasn't that pretty like I wasn't shooting any content there. [00:06:58]

I could have stayed in that room the full three days and not gone anywhere that's how you know that it was comfortable big tv big comfortable bed room so I could shoot my content spread around dance if I wanted to four out of five for comfortability for noise levels I'm gonna give you a five out of five I didn't have any issues I didn't hear any noise I had a patio a patio sliding door and I couldn't hear like noise from people's dogs or anything like that so I don't have any complaints I didn't hear any noise in the hallway there was a one point where I heard a all barking, but that was during the day and it was quick. [00:07:41]

So I'm not going to make that a ding against the hotel. So for noise level, I'm going to give Avenue of the Arts in Costa Mesa a five out of five. All right, y 'all. Lastly on this review of the Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa, California is walkability. [00:08:15]

Walkability has a really special place in my heart, you guys. I go walking every day. In fact, I'm literally about to go walking after I finish this video. Being able to walk outside in nature is just such a beautiful gift. And I incorporate it in my everyday life, even when I'm on these solo trips. So even if you don't incorporate walking in your day -to -day, get a walk in or get a couple walks in when you're on your solo momcation. [00:08:29]

My first morning there I needed to go to CVS to get some hair products. I walked around the lake to the CVS which was in a shopping mall that had food, nails, all the things and then I walked right on back. It was very safe. You see a lot of people walking around the lake. Even outside of the immediate property if you walk across the street you are in their performing arts arts district. [00:08:57]

Not even a hundred feet. I don't I don't know my measurements but I'm gonna say a hundred feet. You have the Orange County Museum of Art which is this beautiful free museum that you can go to. Right next door is the Sagerstrom Performing Arts Center which while I was there Hamilton was performing all right across the street from the hotel and then there's some art sculptures a little farther and if you walk just a little farther maybe a half a mile you have the south coast plaza which is the biggest shopping experience on the west coast i walked there and i walked back very walkable and obviously when you're in the mall you got a lot of walking you can do too that mall by the way was tea so you could take a five minute uber and get to a bunch of different restaurants get to like their different food halls you can get to their like outdoor kind of vendor areas 20 minutes away we'll take you to newport beach laguna beach that kind of beachy vibe so costa mesa and the avenue of the arts hotel is is really central to a lot of great places but if you're similar to me and you don't really venture off when you're doing these solo trips if you stayed in your hotel you have enough places that you can walk to comfortably and safely. [00:09:20]

If you stayed in your hotel you have enough places that you can walk to comfortably and safely there was also a mastro's had i went to mastro's for lunch i would have walked you and walk back sidebar mastro's is a really nice restaurant we have one here in dc so i go a lot there's another michelin star restaurant we went to on our first night called vaca v -a -c -a so good we absolutely walked there and walked back the restaurant hotel silver trumpet a lot of people that are going to the art museum and the performing arts center come to silver trumpet for like pre you know pre -play drinks or pre -concert meals you'll be at the bar with a lot of people who are just kind of hanging out before they go to the show. [00:10:25]

There was also a mastro's had i went to mastro's for lunch i would have walked you and walk back sidebar mastro's is a really nice restaurant we have one here in dc so i go a lot there's another michelin star restaurant we went to on our first night called vaca v -a -c -a so good we absolutely walked there and walked back the restaurant hotel silver trumpet a lot of people that are going to the art museum and the performing arts center come to silver trumpet for like pre you know pre -play drinks or pre -concert meals you'll be at the bar with a lot of people who are just kind of hanging out before they go to the show this hotel is also really close to deloitte and i believe ey ernst and young isn't far either so you're gonna see a lot of corporate travelers that are staying in this hotel overall walkability you get a five out offive very very good place to stay if you like to get outside and you want to walk around you don't want to uber everywhere you don't want to rent a car definitely five out of five. [00:10:30]

This hotel is also really close to deloitte and i believe ey ernst and young isn't far either so you're gonna see a lot of corporate travelers that are staying in this hotel overall walkability you get a five out of five very very good place to stay if you like to get outside and you want to walk around you don't want to uber everywhere you don't want to rent a car definitely five out of five. [00:11:06]

Going to costa mesa was not on my bingo card this year was not somewhere that i imagined having a momcation and i learned so much and i met so many great people i am absolutely gonna be back i can't wait to connect with some of the city of costa mesa people that i got to meet and got to work with. [00:11:34]

I've rolled out a lot more of my costa mesa content on my instagram page so make sure you are following me there if you haven't already subscribed to this page which is giving you everything you need to know to have your first your best your everything momcation because girl you work hard you need some time for you. [00:11:51]

Costa mesa is i think like an hour and 15 minutes from la but it really depends on traffic we asked one of our tour guys like how long it takes and on a good day like during the pandemic it took 40 minutes to get from costa mesa to los angeles but sometimes it can take two hours so it kind of just depends it's also not too far from san diego and mexico right so if you wanted to like go to Costa Mesa for a mom case you can drive down to the border you can park your car and then you just walk over I learned that while I was on the trip so it's a really good central place to kind of get a lot of different lives of course you got to make sure you have time for it. [00:12:19]

I was there for four nights and we covered a lot of territory but there's so many more things that I that I want to cover when I do go back I will probably most likely stay right back at the Avenue of the Arts I enjoyed it it was a great time I didn't want to leave I hope it helps you let me know in the comments where you are going for your next momcation and where you want me to go so I can go and tell you all about it okay bye. [00:12:56]

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