G. Arthur Hammons practices what he preaches about life

The Rev. G. Arthur Hammons is a member of the National Speakers Association. He is a veteran of inspiring and helping people discover and build the life they want. His keynote presentation and book “Yes, You Can Do This” speak to the heart of addressing how to set and reach goals.

As chief executive officer of Christ Church Unity of El Cajon, he has officiated at more than 4,000 weddings. He hosted the TV program “There Is a Way” for 10 years. He co-authored the book “Out Of Your Mind,” and is putting the finishing touches on his second book, “Yes, You Can Do This ... Charting Your Way to Life’s Richest Treasures.”

Hammons and his wife, psychologist and author Virginia Foster, are members of the Circumnavigators Club.

What brought you to La Jolla?

My wife, Virginia, grew up in Newport Beach and wanted to live near the water. We owned a house on Park Row, and after living in it and having a fire, we built a new home on the site. We love living in La Jolla.

What makes this town special to you?

We really enjoy living in the Village and walking to our favorite restaurants, the shops, the bank and the beach. We love running almost every day, the La Jolla Half Marathon, the feel and convenience of the Village, the beauty of the ocean and the coast, the beautiful homes, lush landscaping and the friendly people.

If you could snap your fingers and have it done, what might you add, subtract or improve in the area?

I’d subtract the struggle some people feel they have to have over the seals and the Children’s Pool, I’d add cameras at all the city stop signs, and raise a fortune for the city while making it safer.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by a daily devotional magazine, Daily Word; the beauty of our community; and the many individuals who have touched my life with their successes, and their ability to overcome life’s obstacles with bravery and love.

If you had a dinner party for eight, whom (living or deceased) would you invite?

My guest list would include my wife, Virginia Foster; Buddah; Jesus Christ; Mae West; Elvis; Vivian Leigh; Hattie McDaniel; and Osama Bin Laden (so I could collect the reward and pay for dinner).

What are you currently reading?

I’ve recently completed “Born to Run” and “The Help,” and currently I’m reading my wife’s latest book, “One Good Man.”

What is your most-prized possession?

My most-prized possession is the love and relationship I have with my wife, Virginia; and our sons, Austin, Trevor and Bob; and our daughter-in-law, Nadia; our 14-year-old granddaughter, Trillian; and our dog, Jake.

What do you do for fun?

I enjoy being married and having a fun and rewarding relationship with my wife, Virginia; being a keynote and motivational speaker; running half-marathons; riding my horse; painting; skiing; traveling; and being retired.

Please describe your greatest accomplishment.

I am thankful that I have had the experience of being an ordained Unity minister for 38 years, serving all that time in the ministry that I founded in El Cajon, which is debt-free. During that chapter of my life, I officiated at more than 4,000 weddings; hosted and produced a television program for 12 years that aired for 30 minutes, five days a week, to an audience of 1 million viewers each week; designed and built a church campus, which included a sanctuary, chapel, fellowship hall and youth education building, parking, landscaping, a memorial garden for cremains and the largest Lewis Comfort Tiffany stained glass window in California.

I cherish all the help and support of the congregation I served. I could not have done it without them.

What is your motto or philosophy of life?

I believe each person has the ability to discover his or her heart’s desire, and bring it to life. I think this can be done with patience, a sense of adventure, a willingness to learn, and a lot of hard work. I also believe in the laws of karma, giving, helping others, counting your blessings, and being a beneficial presence.