A Post-Buffet Lunch Sprint Up the Mountain

Steve running off his lunch

Its late on a post-concert Sunday night and I'm sitting at home watching a Duck Dynasty marathon on television. Trust Quartet sang in Riverview, FL this morning at the Riverview United Methodist Church. Pastor Merritt Waters and the congregation were so kind and gracious towards us and we were encouraged as we sought to encourage the church there. 

There was a good crowd this morning that gathered and it was evident they were ready for an experience with the Lord. What a joy it was to sing and share from our hearts with that fine group of people.

After church this morning, we visited Granny's Restaurant in Brandon on our way home. This is a local restaurant that serves a buffet meal ~~ and if you're in the Brandon area, you've got to make it a point to go visit them! They're located on St Route 60 right across the road from Cracker Barrel. (We ate at the CB as we rolled into town on Saturday!)

As John pulled the bus into the parking lot, we discovered we would need to park across the side street and walk across in order to take advantage of the delicacies awaiting us at Granny's. I must pause to remind my readers that Florida is mostly a flat state. But there are some man-made mountains around here and there. We saw such a 'man-made' mountain today. The parking lot that we parked in was a good ten feet higher than the grounds the restaurant was built on. We joked together going down to the restaurant that coming back up would be more difficult. And we'd be doing that on a full stomach!

The eight of us on the bus took care of quite a bit of food. I started to take a picture of the empty plates! But since I didn't, Beverly was up to the task of the next best thing. She had already made it out of the restaurant a bit before me, so she was already at the top of the 'mountain' before I started my ascent. As I was nearing the top, I caught a glimpse of her with her handy dandy iPhone out, pointed at me. Yep, she got me! 

Tell you what, though, since I'm the one writing this blog, I'll go ahead and let you know that it's just a tad blurry because of the blinding speed at which I was running up the mountain! Yes sir, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

George Beverly Shea ~ A Musical Ministry Icon

When Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston died, it seemed the world was crashing all around us. Those three entertainers played a pivotal part in the cultural fabric of our Nation. There is absolutely no doubt their fans numbered in the millions.

This past week, lost in the news of the tragedies in Boston, MA and West, TX, another musician passed away.

At 104 years of age, George Beverly Shea, went home to be with the Lord. There was no fanfare. There was no stoppage of time. The media barely mentioned it. Everyone was so caught up with the more important news of the day.

Perhaps that's the way Mr. Shea wanted it. After all, he once wrote, "I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause. I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause. I'd rather have Jesus than world wide fame. I'd rather be true to His holy name." I've sang those lyrics many in many places.

Mr. Shea was known for his many years of service with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He was seen on television singing on Graham crusades for over 60 years. I watched him in awe as a young boy whenever there was a Graham crusade on television. The three other entertainers mentioned earlier surely played a pivotal role in the entertainment culture of our day. Mr. Shea's role during his lifespan on this earth will play a huge pivotal role in the eternal destiny of millions.

Thank you, George Beverly Shea, for a life well lived. May the Father reward you with those welcome home words, 'You've been faithful,' and may your family feel the presence of the Holy Spirit's comfort during these days.

Please Help Us Pray

Please remember Buzz in prayer today (Tuesday, April 16). He is scheduled for a colonoscopy. This is a routine procedure, so at this point there is no concern for alarm. We're just asking God for a clean bill of health in the results.

Thank you so much!

Cruisin' Down the River ~ Trust Quartet Style

Trust Quartet got together to rehearse a few hours this past weekend before heading out to a couple of concerts and after the work was done, we enjoyed a bit of well earned R & R.

The group got together on Buzz's boat and took a ride to a local Chinese restaurant to eat. The fellowship was great and the weather cooperated for a nice time of relaxing. We watched birds, talked, laughed, spoke with passers-by in other boats and on their docks. We just took our time and 'strolled' along the water. On the way back, there was an incredible sunset that we took in and could not help but marvel at the beauty of God's creation. It was as if He'd painted it just for us!

Here's some pictures of our trip; just us being lazy and enjoying our fellowship together.

  

Remember the sunset? Yeah, here it is!

It's A Boy!

April 5, 1943 is a day to mark down in history! Why we don't celebrate it on the calendar with all the major holidays, I just do not know! Way up in the Land of Lincoln a little fellow made his grand entrance to this world. This past Friday, April 5, 2013, there was indeed a celebration in Okeechobee for this little bundle of joy. The little fellow has all grown up now.
The Beasley offspring celebrated the little fellow in grand fashion and there's pictures to prove it! With spaghetti and a special cake designed, baked and decorated by Buzz and Beverly's granddaughter, Vanna, more than 20 family members and friends descended on the Beasley home to help Buzz celebrate his special day.
Enjoy browsing through the pictures and if you get a chance, shoot Buzz a good word of congratulations since he's celebrated this great day!


The cake that granddaughter Vanna made for Buzz

The Beasley offspring telling Dad that 70 ain't so bad. From left, Penny, Alicia, Ralph, and Rhonda

The Beasley offspring gathered around Buzz ~ he refuses to be 70.