There Goes Connie - A Christian Travel Blog: Trip info on Monday and devotionals on Friday.

REUNION RESORT – Fabulous Lodging Options near Disney World

04/22/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Hotels are everywhere in the Orlando/Kissimmee, Florida, area, but I recently got a close-up look at an amazing 2200+-acre property within a 6-mile drive of Walt Disney World and only 30 miles from the Orlando airport. You might want to consider it for your next visit to Central Florida.

At Reunion Resort and Golf Club, 7593 Gathering Drive in Kissimmee, guests may choose from one, two- or three-bedroom villas or multi-bedroom vacation homes sleeping as many as 36! Many of the vacation homes have private swimming pools, but the resort also gives access to numerous pools, water slides and a 1000-foot lazy river.

An advantage of the homes would be the kitchen facilities and the spacious rooms for gathering and relaxing with families, friends or business associates. Grocery delivery is available from a Publix nearby, or there are two outstanding restaurants within the property grounds — Eleven (appropriately named for the floor where it is located) and Traditions in the newest golf clubhouse.

Speaking of golf, there are THREE signature courses inside the resort — Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson.

Massages, facial and body treatments are offered in the luxurious Boutique Spa, in addition to salon experiences such as hairstyles, manicures and pedicures.

Tennis, pickleball, bocce ball, bike rentals, playgrounds and fitness classes can all be scheduled by guests at Reunion Resort.

A shuttle operates 24-hours a day to transport guests from their lodging choice to any of the restaurants, golf courses, spa treatments or sports activities within the gates.

Here are some photos from the 6-bedroom house where I stayed:

And check out this burger I ordered at the Traditions Clubhouse. Enough for SEVERAL hungry people.

For larger groups, how about this beauty that sleeps 28 people and has its own lazy river:

Or this fabulous home that sleeps 36, has a bowling alley, a golf simulation area, theater room and large pool:

You could host an entire family reunion in one of these homes. We could even have Cousins Camp there. What do you think, Steve Pearson? It’s okay to dream, isn’t it?

Suffice it to say that there are some great choices for lodging when you decide to vacation in the Orlando/Kissimmee area. This one is near Celebration, FL and Disney Springs, giving even MORE dining and shopping possibilities.

My Easter Thank-You List

04/19/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

A few days ago, I opened up these treasures found in my mailbox — thank you notes from my grandchildren who are taking piano lessons from me. How precious it is when children express gratitude. Their mother is teaching them well.

It felt so good to read words of thanks from people I love, it led me to think about how God the Father must feel when we express our thanks to Him. Easter is a good time to do that, don’t you think?

Dear Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross, taking the blame for my sin. It was a cruel death on an ugly cross, and that’s the reason I stay away from crosses as decorations or in jewelry. At the same time, the sight of the EMPTY cross is beautiful and deeply meaningful.
Thank you, Jesus, for enduring the crown of thorns, the whip and the nails. When Notre Dame Cathedral caught fire on Monday, some brave firefighters rushed in to save what is believed to be the actual crown of thorns You wore. It doesn’t matter so much whether that is the actual crown. What matters is that You willingly wore it.
Thank you for expressing forgiveness even while enduring excruciating pain. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” What an example that is for me.
Thank you for accepting the faith of the thief who was crucified beside You, proving that salvation can happen at ANY moment — even at the LAST moment of life.
Thank you, Jesus, for coming out of that tomb on the third day. Thank you for conquering death and ascending to the Father.
Thank you for appearing to so many people after Your resurrection so it could be a thoroughly-witnessed, undisputed fact for generations to follow.
Even though You COULD HAVE come down from the cross, avoided the suffering and been ministered to by legions of angels, You willingly followed the pattern and path already set forth in the Bible allowing me to receive salvation and eternal life.

If I had to choose just one favorite Easter hymn, I believe it would be “Low In the Grave He Lay” by Robert Lowry. Such powerful words.

1	Low in the grave He lay— Jesus my Savior! Waiting the coming day— Jesus my Lord!
Up from the grave He arose, With a mighty triumph o’er His foes He arose a Victor from the dark domain, And He lives forever with His saints to reign He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
2	Vainly they watch His bed— Jesus, my Savior! Vainly they seal the dead— Jesus my Lord!
3	Death cannot keep his prey— Jesus, my Savior! He tore the bars away— Jesus my Lord!

I really hope we’ll sing it Sunday morning, and I hope you’ll worship with fellow believers in your own church this Easter.

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

ALL EYES ON AUBURN — Eat at Lucy’s

04/15/2019 By: CCPearson2 Comments

Less than a year old, Lucy’s is definitely the new “it” restaurant in Tiger Town, and it got a huge boost by being featured in the March/April issue of ALABAMA Magazine. This sleek, attractive, upscale restaurant is owned by Austin Singleton (of Singleton Marine) and Lisa van der Reijden (owner/operator of VDR Designs). Lisa is not a native of Auburn but has lived in the town for over 15 years.

Lisa dreamed of transforming the space she passed every day on her way to work and jumped at it when the previous tenants vacated the building. She lives in the neighborhood and had a vision of sophistication and simplicity where modern American cuisine would be served. The whole decor is tasteful and attractive, and the service is attentive and helpful. The entire staff appeared to be working in concert on the night Steve and I visited.

The Executive Chef is Brian Paolina, from Southern California. With him, he brings great training from well-known chefs, a degree from the Art Institute of California and lots of southwestern flavors and flair. His signature dishes are probably the short ribs and the juicy Lucy burger. I can personally attest that his short ribs are delectable.

The name of the restaurant is a reference to the nickname van der Reijden’s late father gave her, and the eatery’s mantra “Good Vibes Only!” applies the moment you walk through the door.

We started our meal with our all-time favorite appetizer — raw oysters.

Steve chose the salmon over stewed lentils and sweet potatoes.

My short ribs were served with garlic mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts and “frizzled” onions.

Lucy’s — located at 2300 Moores Mill Road — is open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner and for brunch on Saturday and Sunday. It’s a great addition to Auburn’s culinary scene.

Unplugged and Out of Reach

04/12/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

The night before I was to drive alone to Cincinnati for a travel writers’ conference, my phone quit working. No internet. No ability to make or receive calls. No GPS. Nothing.

I thought, “Maybe it’s just a temporary glitch that will somehow ‘fix itself’ by morning.” But that didn’t happen. It was a new phone. I’d never had to do a hard reset before and didn’t know how. It was time to head out of the driveway in order to reach my destination for the first session. I knew I had to go straight up I-65 for several hours, so I guess I figured I’d find a Verizon store when they opened and somehow get the phone to work. I had some printed directions — on actual paper. But, it made me uneasy to not be able to call Steve or to call for help if I had trouble on the road. And I really needed/wanted that lady’s GPS voice telling me exactly which exit to take and where to turn. Somehow, I WAS able to text — when I could find a place with free Wi-Fi (a.k.a. McDonald’s).

It was obvious that I had become WAY too dependent on my phone, but for three hours, I was virtually unreachable. Eerie. Unnerving. A control freak with no control.

But, it occurred to me that I was not out of reach of God. He knew exactly where I was, and He could hear me with no static or dropped calls or dead spaces. The quietness was perfect for praying. And, it was a Sunday morning.

I started praying through my family. Oldest child, her husband and children. Youngest child, her husband and children. Son, in the pulpit preaching at that time, his wife and children. Lots of time on Steve, and I prayed for myself. I prayed for people I knew of who were struggling, in pain or sad. I asked God to keep me safe and to help me figure out what to do about that phone.

Then, I turned the car radio to a Christian station and heard a great sermon and some uplifting music. For almost three hours, it was just God and me. No dings or pings from the outside world. And I realized how much I needed that time.

When I was almost to Kentucky, I pulled into a McDonald’s and realized I had texts from Steve and from a knowledgeable techno guy in our life group. He sent me the instructions for a hard reset on my phone. I followed the instructions, and “Boom!” I was back in business. I called Steve. I got my GPS lady talking to me. I could proceed ahead fully connected.

But, I haven’t been able to forget the feelings I had during those three unplugged hours when I was alone with God in my car. He was there. He’s ALWAYS there. Hallelujah.

Isaiah 41:10 — “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 — “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Psalm 139:7-10 — “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.”

ALL EYES ON AUBURN — Eat at The Depot

04/08/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Auburn Men’s Basketball did something last week that no other team in the state has even done — it advanced to the Final Four in the NCAA Basketball Tournament, the official culmination of March Madness. Read all the glorious details here. Auburn students and townspeople gathered rolls of toilet paper and headed to Toomer’s Corner, site of every significant Auburn celebration, to proclaim their jubilation and cover everything they could find in a blanket of soft white.

Steve and I were in Auburn just a few days after that same basketball team won this year’s SEC Basketball Tournament, hefted the impressive trophy and cut down the net. We were in the area to celebrate our 48th wedding anniversary and wanted to return to the scene of our first year of wedded bliss. It was extra-special that the whole town was lively (students freshly back from Spring Break) and in a happy mood. For me, a celebration ALWAYS includes great food. For lunch, we headed to The Depot, right beside the railroad tracks and within walking distance of Toomer’s Corner and the AU campus.

The Depot, owned by Matt and Jana Poirier (who also own The Hound a few blocks away), opened in the fall of 2015. They perceived a need for an upscale seafood and steakhouse and set about to fill the need in the historic building dating from 1904. The decor, as described by the chef, “combines the look and feel of the Second Industrial Revolution with American Victorianism.”

Tiled floors, high ceilings, painted brick walls, navy blue upholstered booths, eye-catching light fixtures.

Reminiscent of train travel decades ago.

The Poiriers chose Scott Simpson to be their chef and co-owner, and he has brought extensive experience and training to what he calls an “American seafood brasserie.” Chef Scott is from Southern California and trained in Italy and at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, CA. Before coming to Auburn, he spent ten years in Asia, the Caribbean and South America. He definitely brings an elevated cuisine to the Loveliest Village on the Plains.

The Depot is open for lunch Tuesday through Thursday, for brunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

As I mentioned, Steve and I were there for lunch. I chose the Plat du Jour (plate of the day) which consisted of Shrimp, Chicken and Andouille Jambalaya with Poblano Rice and buttered toast. It was only $10 — which, no doubt, adds to The Depot’s popularity among students and business people. Steve chose an oyster po’boy without the bread (carb-conscious), and it was only $12.

Oyster po’boy without the bread. So much yummyness.

Their most popular dessert is Bananas Foster Creme Brulee French Toast Bread Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream and Spiced Rum Caramel. Can you imagine just how wonderful that is?? Also, often requested are their Grilled Oysters Rockefeller and the daily fresh catch. A ready list of “please call me” folks come running when Triggerfish, Wolffish or Crispy Friend Cobia Wings are being served. If seafood isn’t for you, then consider the wood-fire grilled Prime New York Strip Steak, handcut in house. And, make plans to arrive in time for Happy Hour on Thursdays when oysters are $1 each (“Buck a Shuck”).

If you enjoy the B & B experience, make a reservation at Crenshaw Guest House B & B, which is a half block from The Depot. I wrote about it here. The owners are delightful, and the location is great.

P.S. Auburn lost its game to Virginia by one point after being ahead by 2 with 1.5 seconds left. Oh the heartbreak!! But, the future for next season is blindingly bright. War Eagle!

Worried? Go watch a bird.

04/05/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Matthew 6:25-27 (NIV) “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

Jesus teaches us so clearly in these verses.

I’m going to let you read a recent blog post by my son Matt who has expanded my thinking on these verses. Click here —
http://mattpearsononline.com/bird-watching-anxiety/

Matt comes from a long line of people who enjoy birds. His daddy spends a lot of time and money keeping our feeders full of seeds. Matt’s daddy learned by watching HIS daddy, and I’m quite sure the example goes back even further. Suffice it to say that the Pearson men enjoy and appreciate birds. I know for a fact that when my husband has a chance to watch hummingbirds, a red-headed woodpecker, goldfinches, a hawk or an eagle, he considers it to be a good day indeed. Perhaps more of us should take the time to stop, listen and watch birds. After all, Jesus told us to do it. Examples of God’s care surround us everyday.

Eating at Pursell Farms

04/01/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

When Philadelphia native Chef Andrea Griffith was first approached about coming to Pursell Farms, she said she was not interested. But, the Pursells persisted and asked her to just come and take a look. And, in Chef Andrea’s words “the family, the unbelievable vibe, and the property won me over.” She’s now been at the Farm for 6 1/2 years and continues to enjoy the freedom she is given to create the special dishes she produces for her guests.

Herbs, honey, berries and figs are grown right on the property, and Chef Andrea uses many local vendors for her produce, meats, jams and jellies. She was an apprentice at the famed Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, and managed two other resort restaurants, so she is an experienced restaurateur and caterer.

Two beautiful restaurants are inside The Inn at Pursell Farms — Ol’ Tom’s Pub and Arrington. The Pub, described as Scottish-American, is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and features the pool table that once belonged to Jim Nabors (Gomer Pyle) in the dining room. The Pub derives its name from Thomas Morris, a Scotsman who lived in the 1800’s and was long associated with golf.

Chicken and waffles inside a waffle cone.

Arrington on the ground floor is where breakfast is served every day, and an upscale dinner menu is offered Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Corn muffins with a hint of sugar on top.

Carrot-nut muffin with whipped butter and fig preserves.

Fried green tomato and country ham Eggs Benedict.

Both have great food and are aesthetically pleasing. I learned that Elaine Pursell was responsible for choosing the tasteful and exquisite decor found throughout the Inn, and I know you will agree that it is beautiful. The furniture pieces, fabrics and artworks are eye-catching and unique.

The restaurant prices are very reasonable. My only regret is that I was not there to enjoy one of Chef Andrea’s wonderful-sounding dinner entrees in Arrington.

I hope I have enticed you to visit Pursell Farms. You will be warmly received, and I believe you’ll be glad I pointed you in this direction.

A Culture of Niceness

03/29/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

The people at Chick-Fil-A could learn a lot by watching the staff members at Pursell Farms, and we all know how polite the folks at Chick-Fil-A are. Yes, it was our experience that the people at Pursell Farms took guest services to the highest level we’ve ever witnessed.

We were greeted at the gate by a guard who called us by name without ever asking who we were. He telephoned ahead to the inn. When we arrived, someone was waiting out front with words of welcome and offers to help with bags. The receptionist at the desk checked us in cheerfully and with a big smile. She answered all our questions and pointed us toward the afternoon refreshment area with snacks and fruit-infused water, tea and coffee. Five minutes after we got to our room, a treat tray arrived with homemade candies and fresh fruit.

The servers in the restaurants were friendly and attentive. The girl who freshened our room each day said more “Yes, ma’ams” than I’ve heard in months. The doorman/greeter “talked fishing” with Steve. Others at the desk gave accurate directions with helpful hints thrown in free of charge. Every single person, when I asked my Connie-style 20 questions, said that they felt fortunate to work there and seemed to genuinely enjoy their coworkers, as well as all the guests. A particularly helpful lady named Marie went out of her way to be sure I was able to contact the chef for an interview. They all took apparent pride in their roles at Pursell Farms, and the gleaming, tasteful furnishings and immaculate landscaping revealed that the pride extended beyond the walls of the buildings.

What a refreshing three days we spent. It was almost guaranteed by the attitudes of the people surrounding us. They put their needs aside and concentrated on ours.

I have no doubt in my mind that the first clue to all of this niceness also greeted us inside the gate. The first welcome sign included a Bible verse giving glory to God.

On the desk in our room was a paperback biography of Jimmy Pursell, who I learned is a strong Christian. His financial success has resulted in generous giving and strong support for VAPOR Ministries whose stated mission is: “to establish sustainable centers for alleviating poverty and multiplying disciples in third-world environments.” Check out the website here. While we were in this luxurious resort, we were also being gently reminded of those less fortunate.

When is the last time you were in a restaurant, a hotel, a business, or an attraction where you were surrounded by kindness? Is there any doubt that the founder of Pursell Farms has created a culture of Christlikeness in the behavior and actions of his staff stemming from his own beliefs and commitment to his Savior?

Being a Christian (especially when one Christian joins with many other Christians) is supposed to result in a kinder, others-focused environment. Don’t you agree?

Then, doesn’t it stand to reason that our churches should be the kindest and most others-focused place of all? Think about it.

Like their sign says, “Great are the works of the Lord. He has made His works to be remembered.” Psalm 111:2, 4

Colossians 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

Pursell Farms: Blissful Retreat Setting

03/25/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Pursell Farms could easily be described as “3200 acres of natural beauty, creating a mecca for relaxation and retreat.” For the purposes of finding a place to get away for a few days to celebrate our wedding anniversary and relieve stress, we believe Pursell Farms near Sylacauga, AL was a great choice. It was only about a 2 1/2 hour drive from our house, the accommodations were gorgeous, and the on-site dining was outstanding.

As soon as we drove through the gates, we knew we were in for an exceptional experience. A herd of longhorn cows at the entrance was undisturbed as we drove past, watching the signs pointing to the inn.

Our deluxe room with a balcony displayed an uncommon attention to details and amenities, and the view was tranquil and bucolic.

We enjoyed several great meals right inside the inn — a casual supper at Ol’ Tom’s Pub and two outstanding breakfasts at Arrington. Plus, there were some welcome treats in the lobby that we grabbed a few times as we were going in and out. (Stay tuned for more about the dining at Pursell Farms in future posts).

Exploring for a few hours in a golf cart, we found photo-worthy spots all over the grounds.

We could see why so many come for the golf course. It is one of the best-manicured you’ll find anywhere. Steve chose instead to fish one afternoon and had several lakes to try that looked mighty fishy. My only regret is that I didn’t book a spa treatment. I will definitely do that during a future visit.

Orvis has a retail store on the property, which also serves as the headquarters for the shooting grounds at Pursell and the place to get a fishing permit. Another place to pick up a few souvenirs of your visit is at the Marble Valley Mercantile, inside the FarmLinks Club House near the inn.

Pursell Farms is a wedding venue extraordinaire. The ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner, bachelors’ or bridesmaids’ weekends can all be held on the grounds. In fact, wedding season has begun in earnest. Once you see it, you’ll understand its popularity as a site for such special occasions.

On Friday, I’ll share more about the Pursell family and the influence of their very capable staff at the Farms. For now, check out the website here and enjoy the photos I’ve shared today.

Thinking about the Number 40 on this 15th Day of Lent

03/22/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Baptists don’t observe Lent – at least, not as a denomination — so my exposure to the concept and the practice is pretty much limited to our 4 years in Ecuador which is predominately Catholic. From New Year’s Day until Mardi Gras, we dodged water guns and balloons (sometimes unsuccessfully). Rather than having an elaborate parade with expensive costumes, much of Latin America enjoys this (mostly) silly and harmless custom, and tourists are a favorite target. Our vehicle admittedly was pummeled more than we were, thank goodness, but we received our fair share of hurling wetness.

Then came Ash Wednesday, and we passed many people on the streets with gray crosses on their foreheads. From what we learned, those people had been to church that morning where a priest dipped his finger in ashes, then placed a cross on their heads while saying the words, “Repent and believe in the Gospel,” or “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” The mood was much more somber on that day than on the day before.

Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of the observance of Lent, which is a 40-day period from that Wednesday until Maundy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter) not counting Sundays. Here is an explanation I found this week that reflects what I’ve been taught through the years:

Lent is a penitential period, involving the dual disciplines of abstinence and fasting. During Lent many Christians commit to fasting or giving up certain foods, habits or luxuries – for example meat, cakes and sweets, alcohol, smoking – for its duration (the money saved is often then donated to charity). This is done both as a form of penitence and as a spiritual tool to tame the body and ‘sharpen the spirit’ for prayer, reflection and contemplation in preparation for the celebration of Easter.

Forty is derived from the number of days Jesus spent in the wilderness after He was baptized, or others say it represents the number of hours Jesus was in the tomb.

I can recall a number of others places in the Bible where the number 40 was significant: 1) During the flood, it rained for 40 days and 40 nights. 2) The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years before being allowed to enter the Promise Land. 3) Moses spent 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai on two different occasions. 4) Spies were sent out to explore Canaan for 40 days. 5) Elijah went without food and water for 40 days on Mount Horeb. etc. etc. etc. In general, the number appears to represent a time of testing or trials.

I don’t know whether or not you plan to “give something up for Lent” this year, but I’ve thought of other “40’s” we might want to consider. We’re only on Day 15 of this year’s Lenten season. There’s still plenty of time.

Make a list of your 40 greatest blessings from God.
Do 40 hidden good deeds — ones for which you will not receive public credit.
Write 40 thank-you notes to people who have gone out of their way to help you recently.
Give your spouse a list of 40 things you love about him/her.
Decide on 40 things you love about your church and share them with your pastor and/or Sunday School class.
Memorize a Bible verse every day for 40 days.
Spend 40 minutes a day in prayer, remembering to intercede on behalf of our country and its leaders.

Can you think of other “40’s” to suggest?

Have a meaningful Lent, everyone.

And, since this happens to fall on our son’s 42nd birthday, I want to give a shout out to Matt. We hope he has a wonderful day. 🙂

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