Hello Warriors,
Here we are, back again, the Adventurous Dynamic Duo, featuring another, "Dynamic Duo Inspired Journey." This week we are just jumping with joy to share with you, a journey to Orlando, FL.
As you already know, we are good at tapping into our bucket list, through choosing an extended weekend get away. We chose to adventure to Orlando, Florida in June. It was hot, but not too hot, to visit the "Holy Land Experience" Theme Park. This was one of those bucket list choices where, Sidney had gone several times prior, but it was on Jackie's bucket list to experience this Park, so being the sweetheart that Sidney is, he was eager to fulfill Jackie's wishes. Thank you, Sidney!
By the way Warriors, Yes!!! It's on our bucket list to go to the authentic Holy Land … straight to Jerusalem, Israel. There, we will be able to see the true sites of Christ's death, burial and Resurrection. Some sites we all can look forward to seeing includes: the Mount of Olives where the garden of Gethsemane resides, the teardrop Church of Dominus Flevit where Jesus wept, and the Church of Pater Noster where Jesus taught the Lord's Prayer. While there, some other must places to tour are, the Dome of the Ascension, where it is believed Jesus ascended to heaven, the Cenacle, where Jesus held the last Supper, and the Upper Room where the Holy Spirit overtook 120 individuals, known as Pentecost. Even more sites to see are, the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, where Jesus appeared before the high priest Caiaphas and the Church of the Dormition, which commemorates where the Virgin Mary fell asleep. So, so, so, much to experience there! We can't wait for that day, to lay our eyes and feet on these Holy of Holy Grounds. But for now, we were blessed to partake in the experience, right in the USA.
So, here we go on another road trip approximately 6 hours away. Yippee! Here we go! Let's roll y'all! We get into Orlando on a Friday night, and we checked in our hotel and dined inside the hotel; we were road-beaten. However, we were so excited, but ready to slip into the bed, because we knew Saturday would be the big adventure. Saturday, arrived, and there is a little overcast for rain, but the sun is gleaming through the clouds. We got up early, because we wanted to arrive at the Holy Land Park early! We wanted to capture the Entire Experience.
Okay, first, let's just take in a little history and background on the "Holy Land Experience". It is a Christian-based theme park and primarily, it recreates the architecture and themes of the ancient city of Jerusalem in 1st-century Judea. Jan Crouch was the Director and CEO until her death in May 2016; as well as, Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), owning this fabulous theme park. There are approximately 43 exhibits, including several restaurants and retail shops. (Wikipedia.org)
They have an auditorium called the "Church of All Nations," where we spent a lot of time going back and forth to see the live presentations and reenactments of the passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. As well as, experiencing there great depiction of the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ to heaven. When you go, pay very close attention to your program, provided to you, as you enter into the park. Take a few minutes to review it and look closely at the schedules. Make sure you map out what you want to see and participate in. Jackie was so happy Sidney was experienced in how to use the program, because it is an ART to mastering it. And, Jackie's baby, had it- down-to-a-science. Lol. Remember, everything is on a schedule, so totally plan out your entire day to truly have an experience.
It was just amazing! We were able to catch all 6 parts of the play in the, "Church of All Nations." First, the craftsmanship and designs of the entire building inside were incredible. You truly feel as though you are reliving those Roman Biblical days. From the ceiling with the beautifully drawn artwork of the Roman Empire, with the stage totally laid out, setting the themes perfectly, and to the floors authentic looks, it was/is beautiful. We truly loved how the performing cast came out and into the audience during their performances. It was really cool to sit in there, because TBN does a lot of live taping of their show, "Praise the Lord," as well as, hosting concerts and church services, right in this amazing auditorium.
By the final presentation, we were so filled up with the Holy Spirit, we were singing, lifting our hands, clapping and praising God. Hallelujah! Hallelujah, was just pouring out of both of our mouths. These plays were first class. From the actors, the costumes, the sounds and the staging, it was phenomenal. If you haven't experienced these plays before, it is another must-do to put onto your bucket list. It was just as good as going to a NYC Broadway play.
The theme park has some streets that were/are paved of gold, as well as, brick. There's an area where they have the grave-site with the huge stone representing, the Garden of Gethsemane. In this area, they reenacted the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ; and then, Yes! HIS Resurrection. To tell you how God works, we almost missed this presentation; but, we kinda walked up on it, and God's timing was right on time. The show was already in motion, but after the Resurrection took place, the actor performing Jesus, walked out among the crowd and was heading back to another area. Because we were late, we were right in front, barely on the corner of the set, and here comes "Jesus" (the Actor) right up to Jackie and hugs her, saying, "HE is Risen!" How cool was that???? We enjoyed this theme park experience so much!!! This Holy Land Park is very educational; it really puts you back in the biblical days. What an EXPERIENCE!!!!!
To end our evening, we decided to go to this restaurant called, "Cooper's Hawk." It's what you call an upscale restaurant that is very casual, featuring a private dining room, a full service bar and a "Napa-style," wine tasting room with a retail gift store. Yes, y'all, it's all under one roof. It has some of the most amazing American food infused with flavors from around the world, and the atmosphere is an romantic, yet luxurious setting. If you love wine, this restaurant will be paradise for you. They feature wine tastings and offer wine paring for your menu entrees. Cooper's Hawk makes almost 60 different wines and sells only its own wines in their restaurants. The pricing is reasonable and the service was/is definitely right on point! It was the perfect touch for us to end our evening, wining and dining, at the HAWK!
While there, we asked the waiter to share with us a little about the history of this fine dining establishment. We learned, it is a chain of restaurants; first established in 2005 in Orland Park, Illinois. The full service restaurants have a winery, a tasting room and a retail store at each of their locations, as mentioned above. Lookout for them in, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Virginia. Orlando, FL have two locations!! Their central wine production facility is located in Woodridge, Illinois. Well! Well! Their top selling wine is an unusual Sparkling Almond Wine with "powerful aromas of almond cookie, maraschino cherry, and nutmeg." (Wikipedia) Okay, we will let you in on US! Sometimes, we like a glass of wine...GOOD wine!!! So, Yes! We tried their best seller, Sparkling Almond Wine, and it was amazing. We fell in love with it, and we look forward to having it again, one day. So tasty! What an amazing, fun-filled weekend; but, it just couldn't last forever. Sunday, we headed for home. But, again, taking with us, some more memorable moments, for this Adventurous Dynamic Duo!
A few tips to take away with this adventure:
1. Visit the Holy Land Experience Theme Park. It's liking going to Jerusalem, without really leaving the country.
2. It's a great theme park to take children. Go with friends and/or family. It is very educational and not that expensive.
3. Get there when the park opens and stay the entire day. You want to get the full effect and the entire experience!
4. Remember, everything is on a time table (schedule). So, plan your day at the start; you don't want to miss anything.
5. Let's look into planning and experiencing the authentic Holy Land. If you have already visited the Holy Land, please share some tips with us.
Live your life intentionally. God + goals + fun = Good life.
Warriors, we never take it for granted that you stopped in to visit us. We, truly, enjoy blogging with you each and every week. Our blog, "Dynamic Duo Inspired Journey," is featured every Sunday morning. We love to inspire you. It is time for you to live your best life.
Jackie's book, another inspiring tool, "More of You God," talks about God loving us unconditionally. It states on page 21, "You love me as much as You loved Your own Son. So I could be saved, Yes, Lord, You gave up Your very own son's life. I'm precious to You; I thank You, Lord, for never giving up on me." Warriors, get to the Holy Land Experience, the reenactment of Jesus Christ dying on the cross for us. It Is Real!!!!!! Jesus is Real!!!!!!!!!!!
Remember, Warriors, God loves you, and we love you. We look forward to checking in with you next week. Don’t forget to join, sign in with your email and this code ZEJFNW.
God's peace and joy be with you!
Adventurous Dynamic Duo
Sidney & Jackie
To Purchase the book “More of You God,” click on the link:
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