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

Christians, Are We MEAN?

06/14/2019 By: CCPearson6 Comments

Last weekend Steve and I attended the Southern Christian Writers Conference in Tuscaloosa. Yes, gasp, Tuscaloosa — Bryant-Denny Stadium glimpsed from the road, the Houndstooth Condominiums and a Paul W. Bryant street sign to boot. We were in enemy territory from a football rival sense, but we were among like-minded, similarly-motivated people inside First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa.

We sat through meals, keynote speeches and breakout session with editors, publishers, authors, bloggers, representatives of The Alabama Baptist and lots of wannabes, from at least a dozen states, such as ourselves. We were there to learn, get fresh insights, a renewed motivation and a focused purpose.

During Saturday lunch, we purposely sat at the table where we knew Javacia Harris Bowser would be. By all means, check out her website: seejanewritebham.com. Javacia (pronounced “juh-VAY-see-uh”) is a sharp, attractive, highly-accomplished, Christian, African-American woman who lives in Birmingham. She has been recognized by several different organizations for her business savvy and ability to influence others. She led two different sessions on blogging. Steve attended one, and I attended the other. She gave us so much to think about regarding our writing, but she also gave us a lot to chew on regarding the impact of Christians in non-Christian settings.

Javacia got her master’s degree in journalism at University of California-Berkley. Over lunch, she was asked what it was like to live in California and be a Christian. Was it difficult? How did other people treat her, etc.? What she shared surprised us. She said that while she was in school at Berkley, she found a church where she could worship and make friends. She carried on her life the same way she had always done. She didn’t wear any signs on her forehead proclaiming she was a Christian. She merely treated people with kindness and respect, attempting to know who they were, what their concerns were, what they enjoyed and what motivated them. AFTER building a relationship, she would reveal that she was a Christian, and their initial reaction was shock. They couldn’t believe she was a Christian, because, to them, Christians were MEAN, and she was not.

Mean. Us? Could we possibly come across as narrow-minded, bigoted, self-righteous, judgmental, unforgiving, unable to hear another’s viewpoint? Us? Mean?

I’ve been pondering that. If those traits are how we’re perceived, then NO WONDER those outside the Christian faith have no interest in coming in and learning more. Where is our Christlikeness? Do we say words He would say, do deeds He would do, interact with people HE interacted with?

What if every Christian made it their goal to imitate the Savior?

Think about it.

In 1 Corinthians 11:1 the Apostle Paul says, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” That seems to sound pretty arrogant on Paul’s part, but I like the way Matthew Henry helps to unpack that verse. His understanding is: “Follow me as far as I follow Christ. Come up as close as you can to my example in those instances wherein I endeavour (Henry’s spelling) to copy after his pattern. Be my disciples, as far as I manifest myself to be a faithful minister and disciple of Christ, and no further. I would not have you be my disciples, but his.” I believe Henry is right in his interpretation.

Paul also wrote Ephesians 5:1-2 which the Living Bible paraphrases like this: “Follow God’s example in everything you do just as a much loved child imitates his father. ²Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, for Christ’s love for you was like sweet perfume to him.”

Love. Sacrifice. Sweet perfume.

Pretty much the opposite of mean.

A Fabulous Burger, a Gorgeous Shop and Some Surprising History in Clarksville, Tennessee

06/10/2019 By: CCPearson1 Comment

I didn’t expect to be so impressed with a burger and the vibe of a diner as I was with Johnny’s Big Burger near the campus of Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. (For a fun side note that will particularly appeal to junior-high-aged boys, the cheer for Austin Peay is . . . you guessed it “Let’s Go, Peay!” and I have the souvenir car tag to prove it).

JOHNNY’S BIG BURGER

Johnny’s has been serving Austin Peay students and townspeople alike since 1965. The burger meat is said to be triple-ground, making it some of the smoothest and most tender you will ever eat. The fries are just as remarkable, as are the thick shakes. But, many students declare they there were able to continue all-night study marathons thanks to a “bun and cream” from Johnny’s. Translation: a honey bun that has been grilled in butter and topped with vanilla ice cream. The sugar rush alone could add 20 points to a test score. 🙂

The prices were, and still are, student-friendly. You’ll be lucky to find a table or a seat at the counter when you get a chance to visit.

JOURNEY’S EYE STUDIO

Journey’s Eye Studio, owned and tastefully stocked by Jodie Isaacs, is one of the prettiest home decor and boutique stores I have visited in a long time. You’ll find every wall, nook and cranny filled with beautiful and unusual items that call out, “Take me home. Take me home.” I just needed more time. I’ll definitely save up and go back.

A view of the main showroom at Journey’s Eye Studio.

An interesting display of goods at Journey’s Eye Studio.

Fascinating ceiling inside Journey’s Eye Studio

FORT DEFIANCE CIVIL WAR PARK

I wondered why so many antebellum homes and buildings were still intact around Clarksville when so many other cities in the South were torched by Union troops. What I learned is that Clarksville was full of wealthy tobacco farmers who knew the fate Clarksville faced if they engaged in battle. By that time (1862) they had heard about the destruction in so many other places and knew the odds weren’t good. So, they persuaded the powers that be to surrender and allowed themselves, their homes and property to be used by Union troops during the remaining years of the war. You can learn many more fascinating details when you visit Fort Defiance Civil War Park.

CUSTOMS HOUSE MUSEUM

This building reflecting a number of architectural styles was built in 1898 and to this day is one of the most photographed buildings in Clarksville. In addition to a gift shop and an extensive model train exhibit, you’ll find first class displays paying tribute to the successful citizens of Clarksville and many significant happenings through the years.

Be sure to look for the large collection of Boehm porcelain pieces — one of the largest collections in the southeast, in fact — and take children or grandchildren to see the Bubble Cave. They’ll love it!

Wedding gowns on display at the Customs House Museum.

What are you waiting for? You’ll be glad you planned a visit to Clarksville.

FAMILY — Kinfolks and Kindred Spirits

06/07/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Steve and I absolutely love times when ALL of our children, their spouses and the grandchildren can be in one place at the same time. We invariably retell the same stories that have made us laugh for decades, and we assume old familiar roles — one is the clown, one has the quick wit and unexpected zinger lines, one is sweet and compassionate, one waits to speak and then has the perfect words for the moment, and all of them enjoy “cracking on Mom.” (As I’ve told you before, my funeral will be a roast. You won’t want to miss it). 🙂

Matt and Julie — brother and sister — at Allie’s graduation.

Granddaddy hugs Allie after her high school graduation.

The grandkids, in LARGE part because of the years they’ve come to Cousins Camp, also take up where they’ve left off from their last time together with bonds, familiarity, inside jokes and connections. In other words, we “get” each other. Some of it, to be sure, can be attributed to shared DNA. But most, I believe, is because of time spent together and relationships that have ever-deepening layers. We are all very different, but we love each other and have a shared history.

Nathan celebrating his 13th birthday with cousin Sam looking on.

Oldest granddaughter Allie with her siblings and cousin Luke.

A few weeks ago, I spent several days in Clarksville, Tennessee. I met three ladies — Michelle, Cindy and Karyl — who felt like family members almost immediately. I got to spend an afternoon with one, two whole days with another and only about 30 minutes with the third, but we had a bond. Why? We were/are spiritual sisters. We share faith in Jesus, a love for His Word and for His church. We each try to live our lives in ways that would be pleasing to Him. Two are public relations and tourism representatives. They do an amazing job of showcasing the businesses and attractions of Clarksville to outsiders WHILE they maintain strong marriages and train their children. Their families aren’t perfect, but they trust in God to give them wisdom and guidance. The third lady owns a popular catfish restaurant. She took over when her parents decided it was time to step aside. She oversees 50 employees and hundreds of customers who frequent her place of business. Yet, she doesn’t use that as an excuse to miss church. She just goes to the early service on Sunday mornings. Her parents decided long ago that they would never serve alcohol in their restaurant and believe that God has blessed them as a result of that commitment. One is a Southern Baptist, as I am, but the other two are in different denominations. That’s not important. What IS important is that we share a “heart language.” We have the same foundation and the same motivation for living each day and doing what we do. Clarksville, Tennessee is a great town, but meeting those three women was THE highlight for me.

How blessed we are when we are members of a loving family (the Bible often calls it a “body”) full of blood relatives AND brothers and sisters in Christ!

“So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” – Romans 12:5

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15

Ephesians 2:19-22 – “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”

Galatians 6:10 — “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Dinner and a Show in Downtown Clarksville, Tennessee

06/03/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Avoid the heavy traffic and the high prices of Nashville by driving a short distance northwest to Clarksville, Tennessee. From North Alabama, get on I-840 West before you get to Franklin, for extra smooth sailing that will avoid ALL of the downtown Nashville craziness.

ROXY REGIONAL THEATRE

The Roxy Regional Theatre is the only professional theater within a 45-50 mile radius and offers performances 345 days a year. Check roxyregionaltheatre.org to see upcoming events. Ticket prices are generally $25 for adults and $15 for children with musicals costing $5 more per ticket. Performers are recruited from New York and Nashville in order to provide the highest possible quality. Ryan Bowie has been the Executive Director since 2016, and is bringing both energy and experience to this job. There are 153 seats in the Main Theatre, and sources tell me there’s not a single bad seat.

After 5:00 p.m. on week days and on weekends, parking is free on the street, in the lot beside the building and in two nearby garages. Be sure to notice the statue of Frank Sutton across the street. He became well-known through the Gomer Pyle sitcoms playing the role of “Sergeant Carter.”

You will want to plan lunch or dinner before a performance, since there are a number of great eating places within walking distance of the theater. Three that I recommend are: Roux Americajun (yes, you’ll think you’re in New Orleans when you read the menu), Edward’s Steakhouse (probably Clarksville’s most romantic restaurant), and Strawberry Alley Ale Works.

ROUX AMERICAJUN

Roux Americajun, 125 Franklin Street, lives up to its slogan: “New Orleans is just a bite away.” Boudin balls, crawfish bread, corn maque choux, and crawfish etouffee nachos stand out in the appetizer list with red beans and rice and seafood gumbo right behind. Po’ Boys, shrimp and grits, jambalaya, beignets and bread pudding continue the NOLA theme.

You’ll love the vintage look of the repurposed building.

Small portions from a Cajun sampler platter that I shared with a friend. Lots of NOLA flavor!

EDWARD’S STEAKHOUSE

Edward’s Steakhouse, 107 Franklin Street right across from the Roxy, has a similar look to Roux Americajun with its exposed brick walls and hardwood floors. Steaks may be the specialties at Edward’s, but there are a generous number of chicken, pork, lamb, seafood and pasta entree choices as well. And the appetizers range from raw oysters to fried green beans with just about everything you can name in between.

Edward’s looks unassuming on the outside but very cozy, attractive and inviting on the inside.

STRAWBERRY ALLEY ALE WORKS

Strawberry Alley Ale Works, at 103 Strawberry Alley, is just a few blocks away from the Roxy. Healthy options are noticeable on the menu, such as avocado toast, veggie burgers and power salads. But, they are alongside grilled salmon, jagerschnitzel, fried shrimp and chicken piccata. This place has a very interesting and varied menu.

For a special date night or a weekend getaway, there is much to see, do and taste in Clarksville, Tennessee.

When Churches and Pastors Don’t Act Like Jesus

05/31/2019 By: CCPearson2 Comments

I write this morning with a deep heavy sigh. If a church is the Bride of Christ, then why, please tell me why, do some churches bear no resemblance to the Savior?

I have a friend who is in a horrible situation. From her earliest days, she has attended church with unwavering faithfulness. She has followed the teachings about dress, behavior and “Thou shalt nots” strictly. She has sincerely believed that since she’s saved, she doesn’t sin — because that’s what her denomination teaches. She has scrimped and saved in order to attend Camp Meeting every summer. It was actually her family’s yearly vacation. From my perspective, hers has been a very restricted and legalistic life, but in her circle, she has epitomized the role of “a good church member.”

Several months ago, she confessed to her pastor that she was struggling with some issues. These were not overt sins, certainly nothing like adultery, abuse, lying, murder, theft or the like. Hers was a matter of the heart, of feelings. Something I can certainly relate to, can’t you? The kind of thing I find myself confessing and asking forgiveness for again and again.

Her pastor’s response was shocking. He told her that she needed to get out of the church, that she wasn’t welcome there, and worst of all, he told her that God was through with her. GOD WAS THROUGH WITH HER??? How could anyone who calls himself a pastor utter such words?? Suddenly, the whole focus of each day and week was stripped away from her. With that one pronouncement, she also lost all of her friends, because she had surrounded herself with the people who attend that church.

I have been both baffled, troubled and disgusted by this friend’s situation. It is so far removed from what Scripture reveals about the nature and character of Christ, of Who He is, of how He behaved, of how He treated others, of what He taught. What did He say about the ones who were dividing His clothes while He hung on the cross? “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34. What did He say to the woman caught in adultery? “Go and sin no more.” Read the whole amazing account in John 8:1-11.

Jesus taught us to forgive.

Jesus gave of Himself and was humble. Read Philippians 2:1-11 and James 4:6.

Jesus taught us to pray. He prayed FOR others, WITH others and ALONE. Read Matthew 19:13, Luke 9:28, Luke 5:16

Jesus was compassionate. Matthew 9:36 says He “was moved with compassion.”

Jesus was FULL of the fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23.

It seems to me that being able to quote reams of Bible verses and being zealous for following church rules become meaningless acts, even harmful, if those acts are done with cruelty, a heavy-handedness and a demeanor that is the opposite of what Jesus exhibited.

Would you please pray with me for my friend? Would you please pray for her to be delivered from this bondage and to find forgiveness, light, love and freedom in Christ? I believe there is tremendous power in prayer and even MORE power in MORE prayer.

Thank you.

A Memorial Day Salute to Fort Campbell, KY

05/27/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

A few weeks ago, I spent several days exploring Clarksville, Tennessee, to learn what made that town “tick” and what gave it its unique flavor and vibe. To be sure, Fort Campbell, which lies right on the Kentucky/Tennessee border, is a huge influence on Clarksville. Technically, it may have a Kentucky address, but from what I learned, most of the 105,000 acres are actually in Tennessee, and any babies born in the base hospital are issued Tennessee birth certificates.

In terms of base population, Fort Campbell is the second largest in the U.S. with a population of almost 235,000. Fort Bragg is larger with 238,000. Fort Campbell has the largest airfield of any military installation in the U.S. and the largest commissary in the Continental U.S. The base has 3 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and 1 large high school. In fact, every service you might need can be found within the confines of the base property — swimming pools, theaters, a bowling alley, a daycare center, shopping mall, hotel, a veterinary hospital, post office, and even a remote campus of Austin Peay State University with some great programs targeting Army wives.

Fort Campbell is the home of the 101st Airborne Division Air Assault and its “Screaming Eagles.” It is also the base for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.

Construction on the base was started just a few weeks after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, and many men and women who were sent from Fort Campbell have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

One of the largest and most heartbreaking losses occurred on December 12, 1985. After a deployment to Egypt on a peacekeeping mission, 246 service members and 8 members of the air crew crashed in Gander, Newfoundland, as they were returning home to their families for Christmas. Homes that had been decorated with lights, holiday trees laden with wrapped packages, and expectant, excited husbands, wives, sons and daughters were instantly forced to endure the worst reality of military commitment.

Quilt with embroidered signatures of fallen soldiers.

I toured Fort Campbell with a bright, articulate veteran whose family has been connected to the base for a couple of generations. I observed the comings and goings of our nation’s brightest and best. They, and those on ALL of our U.S. military bases, deserve our highest support, admiration and respect. And to those who have lost a loved one in defense of our country, I say thank you from the depths of my heart.

P.S. Civilians are allowed on the base to visit the Don F. Pratt Military Museum by showing your driver’s license.

Right House. Wrong Key.

05/24/2019 By: CCPearson2 Comments

I drove down my driveway smiling because of all the colorful flowers abloom around the front of the house and grateful to have a garage so I wouldn’t get soaked while I unloaded my groceries. With my arms full of shopping bags from my morning’s errands, I got out to unlock the door into the house. (Let me pause here to say that because we have an alarm system we don’t generally need to lock this door, but because we were expecting a repairman, we had locked it on this particular day). The key I had been faithfully carrying around on my key ring for almost a year would go into the opening, but no matter how I twisted and turned it, it wouldn’t unlock the door. Oh well. I’d try one of the other SIX doors going into my house that supposedly used the same key. Maybe this particular door had just gotten jammed somehow, I thought. So, with umbrella in hand and shoes getting rapidly wetter, I tried all the doors. I learned two things in the process: 1) Steve and I are very good at keeping the house locked securely. 2) And, the key I had been carrying didn’t work on any of the doors.

My smile faded while my frozen items started to thaw. Steve was working in another town, but I called him hoping just maybe he had hidden a key somewhere. No luck. His words? “Just yesterday I was thinking I needed to do that.” Bummer.

There was nothing left to do but call a locksmith and wait. Very fortunately, he lived nearby and was able to come immediately. As an added plus, he wore an Auburn lanyard around his neck — a sure sign that I was in good hands. 🙂 About 8 or 9 tricks-of-the-trade later and $60 poorer, I entered my back door and finally got to bring the groceries in before they ruined. I was in the right house — MY house — but I’d been carrying around the wrong key.

This key would go into the opening but would NOT open the door. It was the WRONG key.

Now, if that doesn’t have spiritual parallels, then I haven’t been listening to sermons for 69 years. 🙂

We’re all heading toward the “right house” of heaven. No one would intentionally PLAN to go to hell, wouldn’t you agree? We long for the peace of God in our lives, the assurance of our salvation, the comfort of knowing where we will spend eternity. But, how many of us are carrying around the wrong key to get in?

Some are banking on the “keys” of regular church attendance . . . or being a good person . . . or singing the best praise songs and hymns . . . or memorizing enough Bible verses . . . or praying long enough every day . . . or giving money to the church . . . or doing good deeds . . . or teaching Sunday School and serving on a committee. . . or keeping the Ten Commandments, etc. etc. Those are all admirable activities. They might even cause the key to fit in the keyhole, but they will NOT make the key turn and open the door.

Here’s what the Bible says about the KEY to being saved:

Romans 10:9-10 — ” If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

Remember this incredible account in the New Testament in Acts 15:25-31.

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. ²⁶Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. ²⁷The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. ²⁸But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”

²⁹The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. ³⁰He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

³¹They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”

Do you have the right key on your key ring?

2 (of many) Surprising Finds in Clarksville, Tennessee

05/20/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Recently, I had a chance to spend a few days in Clarksville, Tennessee and found it to be a completely captivating and enjoyable town. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing some of the places, people and great food I encountered, and I believe you’ll want to check it out for yourself. (Just as a note for driving — if you’re in North Alabama headed up I-65, take I-840 West before you get to Franklin, TN. By doing that, you will avoid the horrible Nashville traffic altogether. A HUGE plus).

LIBERTY PARK

Liberty Park is a multi-use area surrounding a 10-acre fishing lake. You’ll find a playground, picnic pavilions, an event center, a 1.8-mile walking trail, sports fields and a popular restaurant, Liberty Park Grill, but notably, you will find tributes to two famous Clarksville women who excelled in sports.

I highly recommend the strawberry grilled chicken salad. It’s filled with fresh deliciousness.

Wilma Rudolph won three Olympic gold medals in track and field in the 1960 games in Rome, Italy, and was, in fact, the first woman to accomplish such a feat. The story becomes even more remarkable when you learn that she had polio as a child and was told she’d never walk again. While her father worked as a porter on railroad cars and her mother cleaned houses, Wilma’s older siblings dedicated themselves to the task of massaging her weak muscles day after day. The results astonished her doctors.

Also at Liberty Park stands the Pat Head Summitt Legacy Plaza, in honor and memory of the outstanding women’s basketball coach for the University of Tennessee in Knoxville from 1974 until 2012. When she retired she had the most career wins in college basketball history.

HISTORIC COLLINSVILLE PIONEER SETTLEMENT

Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement exists solely through the 43 years of hard work, financial backing and determination of JoAnn Weakley and her husband Glenn. JoAnn, who spent most of her professional life as an accountant but started out as a teacher, and Glenn, who was a farmer, believed that children and people of all ages needed a place to understand what life was like in the 1830-1870 period of history. They began the long, arduous process of locating buildings within a small radius of miles that had been constructed during that time and were still standing. In most cases, the logs and boards were numbered, the building was dismantled and taken to the settlement site and then reconstructed as it was originally. They also looked for furniture, implements, household goods, toys and artifacts appropriate to the 1800’s, in order to make the rooms come alive for visitors. Glenn, who was an avid hunter, was able to equip the Irby-Bumpus Wildlife Center on the grounds with examples of animals of Tennessee and around the world, as well as with Native American artifacts.

The settlement opened to the public in 1997 and has since hosted thousands of visitors, particularly school children on field trips. JoAnn and Glenn live in a house that adjoins the settlement and continue to have an active hand in the day-to-day operation, even though they sold the property to Montgomery County in 2018, and it is now maintained by Visit Clarksville. Imagine spending 43 years creating a place of learning and nostalgia for so many.

Historic Collinsville is open on Saturdays and Sundays and other days by appointment for groups of 6 or more.

Mrs. JoAnn Weakley demonstrating one of the hundreds of treasures inside the buildings of Historic Collinsville.

A baby tender, previously owned by Sarah Hale who wrote “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”

This scene reminds me of the verse :Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

Today is My Birthday

05/17/2019 By: CCPearson2 Comments

That’s right. Today is my birthday. My 69th birthday, as a matter of fact. To celebrate, my Silver Fox and I are headed out shortly to Greenwood, Mississippi. We’ll check into the Alluvian Hotel and enjoy a gourmet couples cooking class tonight at The Viking Cooking School. The class is called “That’s Amore,” and the menu sounds fabulous. Don’t worry. You will be reading all about it and seeing lots of photos, I’m sure.

Then, tomorrow we’ll drive to Troy, Alabama, where my good ol’ Charles Henderson High School classmates from 1968 will try AGAIN to have a 50-year reunion. (The one attempted last summer turned out to be poorly attended, so we demanded a do-over). In particular, I’m looking forward to visiting with a friend I haven’t seen since our 10-year reunion. We were great friends in those long-ago days. She was even a bridesmaid in my wedding. Should be fun.

So, the plans for the weekend sound good and hopefully they will lift my normally bright, sunny disposition out of the doldrums I’ve been mired in lately. Do you ever have times like that? Do you have days when your mortality looms heavily? When you realize that if “the natural order of life” comes about, then you are “one of the next to die?” (I told you I’d been wallowing). Maybe it’s that number — 69. Oh, so close to 70. Maybe it’s watching our oldest grandchild graduate from high school and being reminded of the rapid passing of the years. Maybe it’s reading bad health reports on good friends who are very near my age. Maybe my own health scare from back in March is still weighing heavily on my mind. Whatever the reason, I have GOT to get a grip. As the saying goes, “I’m too blessed to be stressed!”

I may be 69 today, but maybe 69 is the new 49. 🙂

Right this moment, I am NOT facing a medical crisis.

My Silver Fox is healthy — healthy enough to keep our yard looking great, to work as a veterinarian several days a week (diagnosing astutely and performing surgeries), to teach a great lesson to our Life Group on Sundays and write thought-provoking blog posts for the church website, and to keep me laughing.

With my Silver Fox at The Plaza in NYC last Christmas

Our 3 children are doing exactly what God wired them to do — parenting, sharing God’s Word, teaching.

With my 2 beautiful daughters, Laura and Julie

Our almost 14 grandchildren are happy and healthy. (Baby Beatrix is due in July).

I have a fulfilling 4th career as a travel writer and blogger.

I have some very good friends.

I am constantly learning new things, and I have this blog as a platform for sharing what I learn.

I know that God loves me unconditionally and continues to have a plan for my life.

So, Happy Birthday to me. God willing I’ll be here for my next, and next, and next. But, if not, then YOU can know that I’ll be celebrating better than I could have ever asked or imagined.

Psalm 90:12 – “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Ephesians 5:15-17 – “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

Proverbs 15:15 — “When a man is gloomy, everything seems to go wrong; when he is cheerful, everything seems right!” Well, I want everything to seem right. Off with the gloom. On with the celebration!

And one more thing. Andy Rooney once said, “Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.” So, so true.

Take a Break From the Theme Parks in Central Florida With These 6 Suggestions

05/13/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

First, let me be clear. Disney World, Epcot, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Animal Kingdom and all the rest do a phenomenal job in the arena of family entertainment. They have guest experiences down to a very fine science. You will see topnotch shows, world class exhibits and breathtaking landscaping. You’ll eat great food while being served by a friendly, attractive waitstaff, and the shopping possibilities for spending your money have no bounds. While Steve and I could never conceive of spending what we’d have to spend to take 14 grandchildren to Disney World, we certainly understand and support those of you who CAN provide such a vacation. And we love looking at your photos on Facebook. 🙂

But, for the purposes of today’s blog post, let’s assume that you’re heading to the Central Florida/Kissimmee area in the coming months and want to spend at least one day away from the parks. Here are just a few OTHER activities you might enjoy:

Ride a bike through Celebration, Florida. Celebration Bike Rental is there to provide everything you might need, including a guide if you wish. The paths are smooth with very few hills, and you’ll pedal past close-up encounters of nature as well as stunning homes. And, if you should happen to take a small spill (not that I have firsthand knowledge or anything 🙂 ), they are eager to take great care of you. I highly recommend them.

Enjoy the shops and eateries in Celebration, Florida. It’s such a pretty little planned community with tree-lined streets and a beautiful lake. You’ll enjoy the laidback atmosphere so much after the hustle and bustle of crowds at the theme parks. An idea to consider is signing up for a cooking class at U Can Cook Culinary School. That will be on my list during a future visit.

Take a walking tour of historic downtown Kissimmee, Florida. Begin at the Kissimmee Welcome Center (look for the large horseshoe sculpture). You might be surprised to find all of the cowboy references scattered throughout. Your guide can explain why they are there. Enjoy the public art on display and notice all of the ethnicities represented in the 26 restaurants downtown. Browse the specialty shops. Be sure you include a stop at the Osceola County Courthouse, which is the oldest courthouse in Florida still being used as a courthouse. Stroll along the Lakefront Park and consider signing up for a 1/2 day of bass fishing at Big Toho Marina.

Drive out to Boggy Creek Airboat Rides to observe alligators, hear a presentation about Native American life and take an exhilarating ride through the waters that form the mouth of the Everglades. You might catch a glimpse of some creatures who don’t swim or fly.

Pretend you are Tarzan or Jane at the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park. Full disclosure: I put on the harness fully intending to at least try the zipline. But, then I considered the distance between the line and the ground, coupled with my less-than-limber body, and chose to keep my feet planted on terra firma. The young millenials I was with had a great time, and I’m sure some of my grands would have been eager to try the whole course. Safety is a HUGE deal with the people at Tree Trek Adventure Park. They give very explicit explanations and stay close by to assure that you follow the directions carefully.

I was really looking forward to my very first hot air balloon ride, but the winds didn’t cooperate. If that is on your Bucket List, then make a reservation with Orlando Balloon Rides and be sure to send me some photos.

Enjoy your time in Central Florida.

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