Florida, Part 2

Al's meetings finished Wednesday afternoon. Before heading out for St. Pete's beach, we decided to go to the Holyland Experience, a Biblical theme park that showcases architectural recreations of Jerusalem, historical exhibits and various plays. Most of the actors and actresses were probably in their early 20's. Very professional and obviously in love with Christ!


The museum had many old Bibles, including a Gutenberg Bible and much more.

Below is a showcase of John Bunyan (not Paul Bunyan, the mythological giant lumberjack). John Bunyan lived in the mid 1600's in England. In those days, meeting-houses (house churches) were not allowed and all citizens were required to attend their Anglican parish church. It became punishable by law to "conduct divine service except in accordance with the ritual of the church, or for one not in Episcopal orders to address a congregation." He was imprisoned for preaching. At first he was imprisoned for three months, but on his refusing to conform, his confinement was extended for a period of nearly 12 years. His refusal of "If you release me today, I will preach tomorrow" kept him imprisoned. It was during this time that he conceived his allegorical novel: The Pilgrim's Progress.

That huge key is the actual key to his prison cell. The wood is from the prison.

I was fascinated with all the old, old Scriptures.

We saw several plays - the woman at the well, a modern day skit about a skeptic at a coffee shop who comes to know Christ, and also a humorous version of Daniel in the lion's den. Below is the return of Christ.

We also had communion at the "Last Supper" in the upper room with other believers - and with "Christ". Pretty cool. We drank from small wooden cups that were from Israel. We were given these to take home.

Next - St. Pete's beach.

Florida, Part I

Last Monday, Allen and I flew to Orlando, Florida. No, we didn't go here. We drove by it. Infact, the hotel where we stayed was right by it. Someday, we would love to take our grandkids!! Allen had a meeting in Orlando with Med Assets, a consulting and revenue cycle management service group for health systems, hospitals and healthcare providers. The meeting was at the Grand Hyatt, a very nice 5 star hotel which recently underwent a $45 million remodel!!

These are the elevators inside the lobby.
We were greeted by this parrot. Mellot. He would say "Hello, Mellot." The 't' is not pronounced so it rhymes, like "hello, mello". One day as I was watching, I said "Meow" to which Mellot answered "Here, kitty, kitty." We all burst out laughing. He also imitated a horse.

Our room was decorated so fancy! We aren't accustomed to 5 star hotels, so we were impressed.

The grounds includes 5 restaurants, pools, hot tubs, lake, bike and jogging trails and golf course. While Al was at meetings, I kept busy exploring.

There were these signs around the lake. It made me a little nervous when we went out on the lake in the paddle boat. I was hoping I wouldn't fall in and get gobbled up.

I met another wife by this bridge and I noticed she was doing her Bible study. And I recognized that she was doing a Beth Moore Bible study! We had a good chat.

The hotel has 12 waterfalls.

And you could swim under the "caves".

It was luxurious and so very relaxing! Allen's conference finished Wednesday afternoon. We decided to spend a few more days in Florida before returning to Kansas. I will share more about our next days in another post.

Kid Fix

Since we were gone last week, we needed a kid fix. Adam and Jill were willing to oblige. They had "Inside Grace" so we got to play with Hannah and Sophia.

They wanted a ride in Papa's pickup.

They sang "Oh no, You never let go, You never let go of me" all the way to

McDonalds!

After a hearty meal, we went to the park to play.

A bathroom need cut the park a little short, but that's ok. The girls had brought their bikes over and they had fun racing down the driveway.

ZOOM!

Bath time. Hannah said, "Nana, put this on the blog and write 'can you find the children?'"

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Tonight is our young married's group. (One couple is engaged but the rest are all fairly newly marrieds) We've met a couple of times already. We did a DVD session that Adam wanted all the small groups to watch. We were challenged. The next night was game night and we played Catch Phrase and Mad Gab. Tonight we start this study.

Here is a description of the course:

In order to grow strong, a tree needs to burrow deep into the life-giving earth. When a tree takes root, burrowing deep into the soil, it’s not long before the action is mirrored above ground. New branches shoot out. Green, healthy leaves appear. Even the trunk grows sturdier, more storm-resistant. Because of the roots, the tree becomes firm and fruitful. And so it is with you. The deeper you root your life in Christ, the stronger you’ll become. This first book in the new 2:7 SERIES is designed to help you build a strong foundation for your Christian life through enriching Bible study, Scripture memory, and group interaction. With its biblical and practical approach to discipleship, this workbook will yield long-term, life-changing results, such as: •A closer relationship with God •A keener sense of priorities •Renewed concern for nonChristian friends •A growing camaraderie within your study group The New 2:7 Series Book One: Growing Strong in God’s Family Book Two: Deepening Your Roots in God’s Family

We have taught this course several times over the years and just love how it helps one grow in their walk with the Lord. It's been exciting to see the fruit from the study in the couples who have gone through it! Excited to see how God will work in these couples' lives!

Branson

This past week, some dear friends gave us a wonderful vacation. They sent us to Branson to their time share.

It was beautiful and so very restful and refreshing!! They knew we needed it! The pool was very, very relaxing!!

Branson feels very "touristy". So much traffic. Cars from Maryland, Ontario, Ohio, Virginia..... They come from all over! We aren't so much into "touristy". Which is why we really like the Marriot Willow Ridge lodge where we stayed. It felt very quite secluded.

We went to see friends from long time past, Jerry and Jeannie Giles (parents to Marshal and grandparents to Danny, Ryan and Casey). We used to be in the young family Sunday School class together even before Mindy and Tyler were born. They now live just outside of Branson. Out in the boonies! They have such a quaint home, filled with antiques. They have redone the home and still in process of redos. And making a guest house too (it used to be a donkey shed and also a pig house...all redone and you would never know!)

Jeannie is very good at gardening. It looks like something out of a magazine. Jerry would laugh because he said that she picked pictures from magazines and told him "This is what I want" and he would fix it for her.

We went to Florentina's Italian restaurant for pizza. Wonderful!! 2 hours of catching up and laughing together. Jerry and Jeannie used to live in Zaire and we went to visit them there many years ago when our kids were just little.

We did take in 2 shows while in Branson. They came recommended.

Noah - they wouldn't let us take pictures inside. We did the behind the stage thing before the show started. Got to go up on the stage to see all those props and also some animals. If I had ever had a real job (besides being a mom who stayed home with the kids), I would have loved to have been someone who makes props for plays. I did some prop making for school and some plays at church, but wouldn't it be awesome to make props like these that are 45 feet high??!

and we also went to see S I X. Six brothers who sing not only harmonies, but can make percussion noises, instruments and also that sound that you hear when you go to the movies right before the movie starts. They gave a tribute to their mother (who died of cancer at age 52) which was precious. They were so funny too! Just really amazing!! The place is a sell out almost every night.

We also went on the Branson scenic railway that goes into Arkansas.

These were vintage trains from the 50's and 60's that the city has purchased. We rode in the dome so we could see.

Here we are entering a tunnel. It doesn't quite look safe - almost like we are going into some mine shaft or something!

After 4 wonderful days, we started our trip home. We decided to make a stop here, at the Sandstone Gardens in Joplin. We have been by this place tons of times (since it is on the way to see the kids in Arkansas) but we had never stopped. WOW!! Very worth the stop!! Doesn't it look like some European estate or something? I thought it was a garden nursery, but although they do sell statuaries for your garden, it is more like a huge decorating store. Like Kirklands on steroids! There is even a bistro to eat at. I told Al it is a very girly place that my Bible study would love to go to! Just a little far to drive though.
And since we weren't in any big hurry to get home, we decided to take an adventure and take a different way home. We took the historic Route 66 through the southern end of Kansas.

We passed pecan orchards, gently rolling plains, lazy towns, pastures with cattle, many wild flowers. Most of the area was not tilled for farming. The ground is too rocky. Went through the southern part of the Flint Hills.

I have no idea what this building used to be. I could guess.

We could see thunderheads in the distance. Jill phoned to tell us that it was thundering and that storms were coming into Newton. And sure enough, before we got home, we ran through some mighty heavy rain.

Well, the Bible says "Refresh others, and you yourself will be refreshed." So, dear friends, I hope He returns the favor to you. Thank you for your very generous gift to us!! We have been refreshed!!

Run for Hope

H O P E

This weekend our church had the kick off for our Judgement House. Keeping pace with this year’s JH theme, “Hannah’s Hope,” the story of a young girl’s fight with cancer, we had a day to honor and/or remember those who are battling all forms of cancer.

There was a 5K run/walk. Around 220 participated.

And they're off!

The walkers and strollers.

Our son came in 3rd (didn't get a picture of that) and Adam came in 9th.

Our girls helped hand out water bottles.

Josh shares his water with Elijah.

Al ran with Jill. At the end she pulled ahead of him to beat him.

Dinner was pulled pork sandwiches, chips, drink and cookie.

Luminaries were placed around the church to honor or remember a loved one affected by cancer. There were others - my good friend, Debbie Fry. Della Loewen. Jane Busenitz....

Returning guest and recording artist, Andrew Peterson along with Ben Shive sang and led us in worship. Andrew was not feeling well and one of our doctors diagnosed him with bronchitis. He was put on some meds and he did a great job and was able to do the entire concert. Thank you, Andrew!

(Adam, this pic is for you)

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23

"...resting on the hope of eternal life, which God who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time..." Titus 1:2

"May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13