Journal: February 19 A great weekend
February 19, 2006
Strawberry shortcake, concert, day at the beach, wonderful church service and a day of rest… a weekend hard to top. After a leisurely morning, a group of us headed to Lakeland, FL for a concert. On the way we stopped at Plant City which is famous for strawberries. They claim to be the world’s largest winter strawberry producers. There was a neat market along the road and we stopped for a treat. The line was rather short, probably only 40 or so. I’m told it has been six deep out to the road at times. We got our shortcakes and found tables together in a very nicely decorated outdoors-garden type area. Anitarae tried being friendly to a group and found her match in a coupe of geezers who came on strong with their flirtations. She actually had to slap one of them who became too playful. After eating we had fun taking a group picture in a photo spot they had set up with a throne made of a giant strawberry. They provided crowns and all eight of us crowded in while a fun-loving table of patrons cooperated in taking our picture. It was great fun. We headed on to Lakeland and arrive about two hours early for the concert. We knew it was sold out so we wanted to get good seats. There were about 3500 people who came out to hear the Booth Brothers and Anthony Burger. It was worth the wait and the trip. I spent the hour of waiting, after we were seated, talking to a Canadian couple about SOWERS. They were interested because they were wishing for a more useful way to spend their time in FL.
Saturday, we went to Indian Rock Beach where Carol and George are renting for the month. Dick and Connie who are renting a few miles away and Kip and Karen who are visiting their son nearby joined at the beach. We brought Harry and Darlene along so we had quite a gang. Four and half hours of enjoying blue sky, sunshine, aqua colored water and great conversation made for a very pleasant afternoon. Later, we went to the best buffet restaurant so far. We all agreed that the food at this place was a cut above and we should know because we ate everything. I know this eating too much has to stop, but when?
This morning we went back to the mega church. Just standing by our car and taking in the property was very impressive. We were parked about a ten minute walk from the church, which looks like a city temple. We were told there are ten thousand members and about 3500 at each service. I found it to be exciting. Just watching 150 choir members file in created such anticipation and then the orchestra started playing and I sat in awe and reverence. Four people were baptized by profession of faith before the service actually started. The whole time was a worship experience beyond belief. The color, the music, the sound of so many voices all worked together to lift my spirit to worship.
Once again I am overwhelmed with God’s blessing. This really is a wonderful life.
Strawberry shortcake, concert, day at the beach, wonderful church service and a day of rest… a weekend hard to top. After a leisurely morning, a group of us headed to Lakeland, FL for a concert. On the way we stopped at Plant City which is famous for strawberries. They claim to be the world’s largest winter strawberry producers. There was a neat market along the road and we stopped for a treat. The line was rather short, probably only 40 or so. I’m told it has been six deep out to the road at times. We got our shortcakes and found tables together in a very nicely decorated outdoors-garden type area. Anitarae tried being friendly to a group and found her match in a coupe of geezers who came on strong with their flirtations. She actually had to slap one of them who became too playful. After eating we had fun taking a group picture in a photo spot they had set up with a throne made of a giant strawberry. They provided crowns and all eight of us crowded in while a fun-loving table of patrons cooperated in taking our picture. It was great fun. We headed on to Lakeland and arrive about two hours early for the concert. We knew it was sold out so we wanted to get good seats. There were about 3500 people who came out to hear the Booth Brothers and Anthony Burger. It was worth the wait and the trip. I spent the hour of waiting, after we were seated, talking to a Canadian couple about SOWERS. They were interested because they were wishing for a more useful way to spend their time in FL.
Saturday, we went to Indian Rock Beach where Carol and George are renting for the month. Dick and Connie who are renting a few miles away and Kip and Karen who are visiting their son nearby joined at the beach. We brought Harry and Darlene along so we had quite a gang. Four and half hours of enjoying blue sky, sunshine, aqua colored water and great conversation made for a very pleasant afternoon. Later, we went to the best buffet restaurant so far. We all agreed that the food at this place was a cut above and we should know because we ate everything. I know this eating too much has to stop, but when?
This morning we went back to the mega church. Just standing by our car and taking in the property was very impressive. We were parked about a ten minute walk from the church, which looks like a city temple. We were told there are ten thousand members and about 3500 at each service. I found it to be exciting. Just watching 150 choir members file in created such anticipation and then the orchestra started playing and I sat in awe and reverence. Four people were baptized by profession of faith before the service actually started. The whole time was a worship experience beyond belief. The color, the music, the sound of so many voices all worked together to lift my spirit to worship.
Once again I am overwhelmed with God’s blessing. This really is a wonderful life.
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