Tag Archives: Christian bloggers

My Brightline Train Trip-Part 1

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

New Years Day (1/1/2024)

This day started early for me as I needed to drive to Orlando, Florida to meet my son, Billy, for our first ever Brightline High-Speed train ride. After a quick breakfast, I made the 35-mile trip from my home in Titusville to Orlando on SR-528 and found the Wally Park off-site parking (As I mentioned in the Prolog, I chose the Wally Park off-site parking because the Brightline Station parking directions at the airport Terminal “C” seemed a little confusing, and I didn’t want to deal with the potential of being late for our 8:50 Brightline departure).

Photo Credit: https://m.facebook.com/WallyPark

It only took the Wally Park Customer Shuttle about ten minutes, after picking me up, to take me directly to the Brightline Station entrance located in Terminal ‘C’ at the Orlando International Airport. That included two stops at airlines to pick up other passengers.

Photo Credit: https://www.google.com/search=Wally/Park/Shuttle

I took the escalator to the 3^rd floor where I met my son, Billy, at the Brightline Station ticket area. We used our e-tickets to enter the 1^st class lounge to wait for them to call our 8:50 train. I was surprised at how comfortable and spacious the lounge was.

Photo Credit: https://touringplans.com/brightline-train-to-orlando/

We were able to avail ourselves of an assortment of self-serve complimentary breakfast items such as scrambled eggs, sausage, home-fried potatoes, cheese cubes, and sliced ham. Coffee, soft drinks, and bottled water were also available.

Photo Credit: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/brightline-train-review/

I was impressed with the eco-utensils provided to us to eat with at the 1^st Class Lounge, and later on the train. Even though everything provided to eat with was recyceable, the wooden cutlery was so different from the plastic utensils I am use to receiving at most fast food places (and even at some restaurants) now days. It was a unique experience.

Phot Credit: Bill Lites

When our 8:50 am train to Fort Lauderdale and Miami was called, we took our bottled water from the lounge, and proceeded thru the entry turnstiles (with our QR Code), down the stairs to the train on Track One, and entered the 1^st- class car. We found our reserved seats on the single seat side with a table between the seats.

Photo Credit: https://thepointsguy.com/news/brightline/

Billy got busy setting up his Speed Tracker App in his iPhone so we could track the speed of the train on our journey. The train was only lightly loaded with passengers, and I was amazed at how smooth the train ride was from the Orlando Airport (Terminal ‘C’), east along SR-528 to Brevard County where the track turned south toward Miami.

Photo Credit: https://apps.apple.com/speedometer-speed-tracker

Billy said the highest speed he recorded along this straight stretch of track was 125 mph! Billy also loaded the Google Maps app in his iPhone so we could track our progress as well as the train’s speed. As the train slowed down for the turn south, we began looking for familiar sights along the train route adjacent to US-1.

Photo Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/cocoa-florida-water-tower/

We saw the big Cocoa water tower, and Rockledge Square. Then somewhere along this southern portion of the route, we must have moved onto a short piece of the FEC track, because the train began to rock and roll enough to make a few people sick. That was the only short stretch of rough track that I remember during the entire trip.

Photo Credit: https://www.istockphoto.com/motion-sickness/

Luckily, this didn’t last long, and we were back on a smooth ride. Then we passed over the Eua Galle River, Crane Creek (Melbourne), Turkey Creek (Palm Bay), St. Sebastian River (Sebastian) bridges, and thru the small towns of Wabasso, Winter Beach, and Gifford. Then we passed thru Vero Beach, Jensen Beach, skirted the St. Lucy River inlet, thru Port Salerno, and Fort Pierce, before arriving at our first stop at West Palm Beach. As the train was slowing, there was an announcement telling passengers who were getting off at this station to gather their belongings and prepare to exit the train, as“This stop would only be for a few moments.”

Photo Credit: https://www.theledger.com/brightline/

—–To Be Continued—–

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 65 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing. He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville. Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is: John 10:10

Tags: #amblogging, Brightline, Christian bloggers, Father and son road trip, Train, Train Travel, Travel, Travel Series

Comments 1 Comment
Categories Bill Lites A Slice of Life- Wednesday
Author billlites1

Vitally Joined

19 Feb

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Romans 12:6

The human body has many parts and organs, each with a unique function. And so it is in the body of Christ. Though we are many, we’ve all been mingled into one body in Christ. We are all vitally joined to one another, each contributing to the others.

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn. She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

Tags: #amblogging, Body of Christ, Christian bloggers, Faith, God, The Living Stones Quartet

Comments 1 Comment
Categories DiVoran Lites My Take- Monday
Author divoran09

And Yet Another Cruise-4

18 Feb

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

Another thing about Disney ships that I enjoy is all the tile mosaics on their walls. I’ve always enjoyed the ones they did in the Cabanas (huge curved wall).

Photo credit – Judy Wills

The ones on The Wish are just as wonderful. This one of Cinderella and the Prince is quite large,

Photo credit – Judy Wills

while the two of Pinocchio are smaller but still amazing.

And then there is this mosaic on the floor just before entering the Walt Disney Theatre

Photo credit – Judy Wills

There are some other things about the Disney ships that I enjoy. Take a look at this light fixture in just an ordinary hall on The Wish. Cinderella’s pumpkin coach and horses, along with stars.

Photo credit – Judy Wills

And here is an ordinary water fountain, trash bin, and towel dispenser…but decorated in something not-so-ordinary. More of those “little things” that I enjoy so much. This is up on deck 11, where the Marceline Market is, and the pool area, etc. Sorry, I don’t remember what the “ff” stands for.

Photo credit – Judy Wills

One thing I have always enjoyed on any of the Disney ships is the carpet – there is always a neat design. Sometimes it’s just “sea” life pictures. But we found, on The Wish, it was more theme types…such as this Cinderella’s castle and coach.

Photo credit – Judy Wills

It was on a long carpet on the landing on our deck 6. This castle is the center of the design. This other design, which has the pumpkin carriage (look closely), was on the carpet on deck 6, as you step out of the elevator, and was the center of the design.

Photo credit – Judy Wills

The carpets on many of the Disney ships (especially the older ships), have a design that tells you whether you are going starboard or aft. The carpet on The Wish didn’t seem to have that design – unless I just can’t see it! This is the main design down the long hallways…pumpkin vines perhaps?

Photo credit – Judy Wills

And these designs are a repeat in the pattern. This first one has hidden pmpkin carriages in it (look closely again)

The other two designs are just stars and flowers. Quite unique and beautiful.

On deck 3, is a unique little watering-hole, that was inspired by the movie The Princess and the Frog. It is called The Bayou. It is a short little place, but has live entertainment during the evening hours. It’s cute and looks inviting…if you are into that kind of thing.

Live entertainment in the evenings

Photo credit for all three photos – Judy Wills

~~~~~~~~~~To Be Continued~~~~~~~~~~

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

Tags: #amblogging, Christian bloggers, DCL decor, DCL mosaics, DCL ships, Disney Cruise Line, Travel, Travel Series

Comments 2 Comments
Categories Judy Wills-Sunday Memories
Author ludyja

Hope for 2024

16 Feb

Scrolling social media, especially X, hope seems to be almost a foreign idea. Each day I come across many people asking for prayers and not just for illness. So many are fighting depression, addiction and loneliness..

Our daughter, Rebekah blogs at Rebekah Lyn’s Kitchen and she has begun a blog series on the subject of Hope. In her series she writes, “how do we keep our hopes from fizzling out or falling by the wayside in the hurry of life?”

I’ve decided to reblog her posts here, and hope that our readers find them encouraging.

Hope in Being Seen

Reblogged February 16,2024

Sometimes, even among friends, I feel unseen and unheard. Part of that is because I gravitate towards individuals who talk a lot, so I don’t end up contributing much toward conversation. When I’m in group conversations, it’s easy to sit back and listen, never adding my own voice, then go home and feel I might as well have been invisible.

I didn’t get to share whatever was troubling my heart or bringing me joy and wasn’t that what this time of community was all about? Self-pity can quickly seep in, blotting out the pearls of wisdom I gained from listening. Sometimes we need to listen more than we need to speak.

There is a longing deep inside our hearts to be seen and heard, to make deep connections with others. God created us for community. In Genesis 2:18, “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’”

Finding those who understand, respect, challenge, and encourage us is a difficult task, possibly even more so with all the digital connections we have in our modern society. We have far-flung digital acquaintances with people we may never meet in person and with whom we don’t share deeply personal feelings. Despite having friend lists and followers numbering in the hundreds or thousands, we still long for meaningful in-person connections.

In Psalm 139, the psalmist writes, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the winds of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.”

If you’re feeling alone or unseen, remember these words. God sees you no matter where you are, even if you’re trying to hide from Him. He created you and He loves you more than you can imagine. Unlike friends of this world who may judge you, ridicule you, drown out your voice, or try to tear you down, God is always waiting with open arms. He is ready to forgive you, heal your wounds, catch every tear you cry, carry you when you can’t take another step, and encourage you to hold on. He’s always listening, waiting for you to call out to Him. You are seen, heard, and loved.

If you would like to read the previous posts of hope, Visit her blog, Rebekah Lyn’s Kitchen.

Hope in Suffering
Hope in the Father
Hope in Seeking
Hope Delayed
The Beginning of Hope

About Rebekah

I’m a sandal-loving native Floridian, but love spending time in the mountains of North Carolina. I believe God has called me to use my writing to spread the word of His love and the gift of salvation He freely offers. So many seem to believe when a person gives their life to Christ they become infallible or perfect. I want to write stories that show we are still human and do make mistakes, but through God’s grace there is forgiveness when we truly repent.

I love cooking, especially baking, and food tends to show up in all of my books. I enjoy sharing the recipes I find along the way as well as sharing insights into the writing journey. I love to hear back from readers and would welcome the chance to connect with you on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or Pinterest.

You can also learn more about my books and some other Christian writers I have partnered with on my website, http://rebekahlynbooks.com

Tags: #amblogging, Christian bloggers, Faith, Feeling alone, Feeling unseen, God, God sees you, Hope, You are heard, You are seen

A Love That Transcends

14 Feb

Odisha Ellis

“I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you,
that you also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.”By this all people will know that you are My disciples:
if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34-35

Tags: #amblogging, Christian bloggers, Faith, God, Greatest love of all, Love, Valentines Day

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Categories Onisha Ellis On the Porch- Thursday
Author Onisha Ellis

My Brightline Train Trip

14 Feb

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Prolog

To give you a little background on the Brightline High-Speed train in Florida; it is said to be the only privately owned and operated inter-city passenger railroad in the United States. Planning for the development of this inter-city route began way back in March 2012. Construction on the first leg of the route (Miami to West Palm Beach) began in 2014 and passenger service was inaugurated in 2018. Phase-2 of the inter-city plan (West Palm Beach to Orlando) began around 2018 with use of some segments of the existing Florida East Coast (FEC) railroad track system, and passenger service for that leg of the route started in 2023. I’ve heard that the ultimate goal of the Brightline system will include passenger service connecting the now operating, Miami to Orlando leg, with connecting legs to the Tampa/St. Petersburg area sometime in the not-to-distant future.

Photo Credit: wikipedia.org/wiki/Brightline#/media/File:BrightLine

I have been waiting all these years for Phase-2 of the Brightline high-speed train route, from Orlando to West Palm Beach, to be completed so I could take a ride on that train. Then on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2024 I got my chance. I guess Brightline was afraid that the holiday might not produce the mass of travelers they needed to keep revenues steady (or some other reason) and they offered ½-price tickets for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. I jumped on that offer and my son, Billy, and I bought our New Year’s Day e-tickets for a day-trip from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale and return on-line.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

When I researched the Brightline airport parking at Terminal ‘C’, the directions seemed a little confusing to me, with all the new construction going on at the airport, so I chose to use the Wally Park off-site parking. I purchased a one-day car reservation on-line so I wouldn’t have to worry about parking at the airport. I Goggled the Wally Park address, near the Orlando Airport so I could enter it into my Waze that would take me right to it on New Year’s Day morning.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

So, now I was all set, and looking forward to that grand adventure with my son, Billy. I’ll be telling you all about our experiences, beginning next week here on “All Things R New” with my blog called “My Brightline Train Trip Part 1.” So, stay tuned for all the fun.

—–To Be Continued—–

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is: John 10:10

Tags: #amblogging, Brightline, Christian bloggers, Florida high speed rail, High speed rail, Travel

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Categories Bill Lites A Slice of Life- Wednesday
Author Onisha Ellis

Everlasting Love

12 Feb

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Father, I accept that You love me with everlasting love and are drawing me closer to You with the chords of Your supernatural love, grace, and mercy. Your love for me is unshakable. It’s unchangeable. You will never forsake me, and You are with me to the ends of the earth. Thank You, Lord, that You have an eternal love for me that shall endure forever.

Jeremiah 31:3 I have loved you with an everlasting love. Therefore, with loving kindness, I have drawn you.

Tags: #amblogging, Christian bloggers, Faith, God, Hymn Sing Australia, Jeremiah 31:13, Who loves you with an everlasting love?

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Categories DiVoran Lites My Take- Monday
Author divoran09

We Are His True Children

5 Feb

My Take

DiVoran Lites

ROMANS 8:17

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

And since we are his true children, we qualify to share all his treasures, for indeed, we are heirs of God himself. And since we are joined to Christ, we also inherit all that he is and all that he has! We will experience being co-glorified with him, provided we accept his sufferings as our own.

Tags: #amblogging, Child, Child of God, Christian bloggers, Faith, God, The Living Stones Quartet

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Categories DiVoran Lites My Take- Monday
Author divoran09

And Yet Another Cruise-2

4 Feb

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

We’ve been on the four older Disney ships many times, and were looking forward to sailing on the Disney Wish this time. We had heard great things about it. So let me just say …it is a COMPLETELY different ship than the others! The Disney Wish, the Disney Treasure, and the Disney Adventure are the three newest ships in the Disney Cruise Line, and are in a different “class” from the four older ships.

We found that it’s the “little things” that make up the difference.

1. The four older ships have the “Cabanas” on deck 11 – most cruise lines would call that the Lido deck.

Photo credit – Judy Wills

It is a buffet for all three meals each day. On the Wish, it is called Marceline Market. If you know Disney’s story, you know that his family lived in Marceline, Missouri for a while, and Walt loved that town. The Cabanas has a “beach” feel to it.

The Cabanas – picture credit Judy Wills

Marceline Market has a lot of wood and separate areas for seating.

Marceline Market – picture credit Judy Wills

In the Cabanas, I can help myself to what I want to eat – in the Marceline Market, it is handed to me. There is a lack of “freedom” there that is strange….not bad, just different.

2. All four of the older ships have similar three eateries – Animators Palate is on all four of the ships, and the Enchanted Garden is on at least two or three of the ships.

Photo credit – Judy Wills

Photo credit – Judy Wills

There is usually a more “formal” restaurant, such as the Royal Court or RoyalPalace,

Photo credit – Judy Wills

but it is different on each ship. It is not as formal as Palo or Remy, which are the high-end restaurants whose cost is extra, but has the feel of “formal.”

3. On the older ships, on deck 11, there is the huge screen where there is constantly showing either a Disney movie, or something “Disney.” That is the same on the Wish. That is also the deck where the pool is, so one can sunbathe, swim, eat – whether snack or a full meal – and watch a movie all at the same time.

Photo credit – Judy Wills

On the older ships, whenever I wanted a soft-serve ice cream cone, I could just go and get it – as many as I wanted. On the Wish, someone gets it for me and hands it to me.

Photo credit – Judy Wills

Again, the lack of “freedom” is there. I guess I’m spoiled in that respect. Fred suggested that it is a “health” or “cleanliness” issue. I’ll go along with that.

Okay, I’ll stop whining now. The Wish is a great ship, and we did enjoy our cruise. The stateroom seems to be just a tiny bit larger than the ones on the older ships. Not much, but enough to be apparent. And we did have the split bathrooms again, so that was nice.

There were some fascinating things about Marceline Market – the “dividers” between the eating sections had glass cases that held such things as very antique toys, clocks, and one had a metronome in it.

Photo credit – Judy Wills

Others had bakery goods – bread loaves, etc. One had different types of cookware in it.

Photo credit – Judy Wills

One off-shoot from the main eating area was a bit small, and held small round tables just for two people. We never ate in there, but it looked cozy.

Photo credit – Judy Wills

We liked the place they arranged the glassware (actually plastic glasses) where we could grab a glass and get our own drinks from a machine. Look closely in this picture and you will see the area half-filled with glasses.