D. C. Highlights: Part 2 of 2

The National Archives

The film National Treasure has made the National Archives a pretty popular place. We were able to get a guided tour of the place and learned and saw some pretty amazing things. In addition to the Declaration of Independence, we saw a census record from the 1850s that had Abraham Lincoln's family in it, a letter from a ten year old Fidel Castro to President Franklin Roosevelt, and the only original copy of the Magna Carta in the US.

The International Spy Museum

This was perhaps the biggest surprise on the whole trip. I went into it thinking that it might be rather kiddie, but we all had a blast. First, we went on the "Operation Spy" mission which was tons of fun. A staff guide takes you through a set and you go through the mission as if you are a real spy. By the end, we had gotten so into it that the tension became very real. The museum itself was also very interesting, with lots of cool and interactive exhibits on the history and techniques of spying. Plus, they had the coolest gift shop in D. C.!

Arlington National Cemetery

This is a place that every American should experience once. I was not prepared for the vast size of the place. The changing of the guards was especially memorable. As the guards laid a wreath and played "Taps", I felt chills run down my spine. It was so solemn, so heartbreaking, yet so inspiring. It turned my mind both to those who once served our country, and those who serve still today.

The National Cathedral

It was a LOOOONG walk from the metro to the National Cathedral, but I think that it was worth it in the end. The Gothic structure is huge, but not quite as beautiful as St. John's Cathedral in Savannah. What was beautiful were the many stained glass windows, especially the large one at the front of the church. We went on a pretty extensive tour, heard a pipe organ demonstration, and even stayed for Holy Eucharist. A nice visit, even if it was a mile uphill.

The National Museum of American History

This branch of the Smithsonian is probably what is best called "America's Attic". There are so many treasures here that it was hard to really wrap your mind around it. My favorite exhibit was the First Ladies exhibit, but we also saw the Ruby Red Slippers, Edison's light bulb, the original Star-Spangled Banner, and Abe Lincoln's top hat.

The US Holocaust Museum and Memorial

Perhaps even more than Arlington, this is a very sobering place. We didn't have time to really explore it like it deserved, but what we did see will stay with me for a long time. The one thing that stuck out to me was a room filled with nothing but shoes. Shoes of the many victims of Hitlers horrific crimes. Shoes that belonged to husbands, wives, grandparents, and children. Each one told of the pain and sorrow that millions of people faced. The mission of this museum is that the world never forget. They certainly accomplished it with me.

Ford's Theater

Another place made famous by a National Treasure movie. It is really neat to sit there and look at the box where Lincoln was shot. One can just imagine sitting there in the balcony, dressed to the hilt, watching a popular comedy, only to have the evening end in the death of your president. The new museum at Ford's is interesting as well with lots of information, pictures, and artifacts. Worth a stop if you have time.

The White House

Our final stop on our D. C. trip was a tour of the White House. Normally, it takes an act of Congress (literally) to get on a tour. But the powers that be decided to try handing out free daily tours on the week that we were up there. So, after getting up at 5:45 am, catching the metro, and practically running to the visitor's center, we were able to get on the noon tour. This was definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity. As we walked through the rooms, it struck me that this was not a palace with gold and purple, but rather a place that is stately, dignified, and real. Very fitting for the President of the US. The biggest highlight for me was seeing THE Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington hanging in the East Room. Thank you Dolly Madison for saving it for me to see hundreds of years later.

We only saw one celebrity figure on our trip to D. C., but he was definitely a cute one. This is Bo (President Obama's dog) being taken for a walk on the white house lawn. My dog crazy sister was rather jealous of our opportunity. The joke was the Bo has a private handler, just like his owner does.

D. C. Highlights: Part 1 of 2

Last week, my sisters K & T, our friends L & A, and I all had the amazing opportunity of spending a week in our nation's capitol. We had an absolutely wonderful time. The weather was gorgeous, the crowds were thin, and the place just oozed history. Here are some of the highlights of our trip.

Petersburg National Battlefield

Our first stop was at the Petersburg National Battlefield, home of the final battle before the fall of Richmond during the Civil War. It was very interesting, especially the tunnel dug by the Union in order to blow up a Confederate stronghold. This battlefield is also important to my sisters and I personally because one of our Confederate ancestors was killed here.

Do Hard Things 2009 Conference

We were so blessed to able to attend the final "Do Hard Things" conference of the year. Over 3,000 people came from literally around the world to hear Alex and Brett Harris of The Rebelution speak about using your young years to glorify God and as a launchpad for a productive adulthood. If you were unable to attend one of their conferences, I strongly recommend that you either attend one next year, or that you order the DVD. I promise that you will be challenged and edified by the message that these young men bring.

Mount Vernon

It was absolutely beautiful the day of our visit to George Washington's home. Though there was no way for us to really see everything the place has to offer, we still got a taste of what life was like during the 18th century. We toured the mansion, saw the brand new museum, shopped at the annual craft fair, and enjoyed lunch at the Mount Vernon Inn. This is one place that I hope I will get to go back to and explore even further. The views of the Potomac alone are worth the trip.

The Mall

Our trip to the National Mall included just about every monument and memorial there is. We had wonderful views from the top of the Washington Monument as well as from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. My personal favorite was the WWII memorial. It is huge and magnificent and a wonderful place to sit and reflect on our nation's past, present, and future.

The US Capitol

The Capitol is a must visit on any trip to D. C. It is truly amazing how much history haunts those halls, how many laws (good and bad) first came to be in those rooms, how many men have taken on the mantle of President on those steps. Though it doesn't often seem that way, this place really is the sounding board of the people.

The Library of Congress

Being the bookworm that I am, this was a HUGE highlight of my trip. It is the largest library in the world and the building itself is absolutely stunning. From the paintings on the ceiling to the marble steps worn by time, this place simply breathes learning and history. There are some really cool things on display right now as well, like the Gutenberg Bible and Thomas Jefferson's personal library.

The Supreme Court

This building was the least crowded but also one of the most interesting in D. C. As you roam the marble halls, you really begin to understand just how important the judicial branch is to our way of life here in America. Since the court was not in session, we were able to sit in the courtroom and hear a lecture given on the history of the court. It is very fascinating, so be sure to stop by if you get the chance.

The National Air and Space Museum

If anyone ever tells you that it will take you years to see everything in the Smithsonian, they are 100% correct. There are so many national treasures on display throughout the many buildings that it can get overwhelming. The highlights of this museum are the "Spirit of St. Louis", Amelia Earhart's airplane, the Wright Brothers' flyer, and a piece of the moon. There is a lot to entertain both young and old.

Part 2 continues with the National Archives, the National Cathedral, the White House and more!

Headed To The Rebelution Conference!

I'm heading to the Rebelution Conference in Washington D. C. this weekend. It should be a great time of learning and fellowship. Here is the promo video. I'll upload pictures of the conference after I get back.

Confronting the Culture: The Pixar Films

For the past decade or so, my summer has been consumed with a question that I take a big delight in answering. What will the next Pixar film be? Like most people, I am more than willing to plop down my hard-earned money to go to the theater and see Pixar's latest creation, even if I have no clue what the film is about. There are so many wonderful qualities that make these films jewels in the rubbish pile that is Hollywood. First of all, the animation is always guaranteed to be state of the art and absolutely beautiful. Secondly they are humorous enough to keep you entertained without resorting to anything crass or stupid. But the most wonderful thing about these films are the stories themselves. They are always heartwarming and original, and very often, they present a lesson that is completely against the cultural norm. But they do so in a way that is neither preachy nor corny. Here is a list of the films and the ways in which they confront today's culture (excluding Cars which I have not seen):

Toy Story (1995): Today's world is very much of a dog-eat-dog one. The goal in life is to be on top, no matter who you have to step on to get there. In the midst of the power struggle going on in Andy's room, Woody and Buzz are forced to confront their own weaknesses and work together in order to get back to the people they both love.

A Bugs Life (1998): Our society does not have a great liking for those who think outside the box, or get out of line. We respect only those who follow one behind the other and conform to the status quo. For Flick, being creative and inventive just doesn't work in his ant society. However, these very qualities along with his determination to change the status quo are the very things that help the ants free themselves from the tyranny of the grasshoppers.

Toy Story 2 (1999): This particular Pixar film challenges our world's quest for the fountain of youth. We spend so much time trying to stay "young" that we often miss the beauties that come along with age. At first, Woody is happy at the idea of staying in mint condition and lasting forever in a toy museum. But he soon realizes that eternal beauty is not worth the glass that would separate him from those he loves.

Monsters, Inc. (2001): How often do we simply believe what we are told about certain people or things, without really investigating it for ourselves? When the monsters of Monsters, Inc. are told that children are dangerous and toxic, they believe it without question. Until, that is, Sulley meets Boo (who, by the way, might just be the cutest animated kid in history). He and Mike soon discover that it is their employer, not the children, who is dangerous, and that the only way to really know if a person is dangerous or not is to get to know them. The story also reminds us to always place the well-being of others above our own.

Finding Nemo (2003): It seems that almost everyone is today's world has a label, defining what you are and are not capable of. Whether it is a mental (Dory), physical (Nemo) or emotional (Marlin) disability, we allow these things hold us back from experiencing life and helping those who need us. All three of these characters break through their disabilities and help each other find their way home.

The Incredibles (2004): Everyone is special. That is what we are told over and over from the time we are old enough to understand it. Our society often doesn't allow those with great capabilities to succeed, simply because it could "emotionally traumatize" those who cannot. The Incredibles refutes that, by showing the Parr family having to conform to a society that is just too small for them and their talents. Only when they are able to use their powers are they able to really contribute to society. The film also shows how much stronger a family can be when they all work together to overcome their obstacles. Who'd have ever thought that a Hollywood film could be so pro-family?

Ratatouille (2007): This is my personal favorite of the films. As in Finding Nemo, we have characters whom society deems unworthy (or incapable) of being something great. Rats and garbage boys just can't be great cooks right? Wrong. The line "Anyone Can Cook" appears many times throughout the film, but it is really a line in Anton Ego's review that nails the true meaning behind this story: "In the past, I have made no secret of my disdain for Chef Gusteau's famous motto: Anyone can cook. But I realize that only now do I truly understand what he meant. Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere." To me, Ego's whole review is one of the most beautiful pieces of writing ever.

WALL-E (2008): While on the surface, WALL-E seems to be purely about caring for the environment, that is actually a mere sub-plot. The real story focuses on the need for human connection. In today's world of email, Youtube, Facebook, and texting, we no longer seem to need to connect to other people on a personal level. But if we could be like John and Mary and turn off the technological distractions, we might just discover how big a world there really is out there, and how important a simple touch can be. Fans of this film should read E. M Forster's The Machine Stops for a grimmer portrait of this same problem.

Up (2009): There are many movies out there that will tell you to never let go of your dreams. We teach our kids from Day 1 to always follow their hearts and pursue their dreams. What we are not always told, however, is that there are times when we must let go our of or dreams as well. The time comes in Up when Carl is forced to either follow his dream or save his new friends. He decides to let his dream go, one balloon at a time. This film also portrays the beauty of a lasting marriage and the devastating affects of divorce, in many ways better than Fireproof did.

Kissing Dating Goodbye

Believe it or not, it has been 12 years since Joshua Harris published his now famous book I Kissed Dating Goodbye. That means that I was about 10 years old when my parents first heard the word courtship and decided that that was what they wanted for their children's future love lives. Not that I really cared. I was still at that age when boys seemed to fall into God's "oops!" category along with cockroaches, lizards, and the platypus. As I have gotten older, of course, the idea of how to Biblically find a mate has taken on a greater importance. It has also become a very popular topic of conversation in many Christian circles and very often they seem to have completely different views and completely different terms. For instance, some circles use the term "courtship" when describing the "correct" way to find a mate. Others use the term "Christian dating", and still others use the term "betrothal". So which one is the most Biblical way? Actually, they are almost all the same when it comes the basic principles of each one. Though many people will argue that one way is better than another, they all have common elements and don't differ very much at all. Here are some of those elements and why they help create a better way of finding a mate than normal secular dating (I'm going to use the term "courtship", but you can replace it with any other equal term).

1. Marriage is the goal. Unlike today's secular dating, there is a definite goal from the very beginning of a courtship. There is no wondering where the relationship is heading or if either partner is really committed to it. Both people realize from the outset that the purpose of the relationship is to grow closer to one another resulting (most likely) in marriage. Does this mean that all courtships will end in marriage? Of course not, many couples will get into the relationship and realize that that is not God's will for their lives. Marriage is simply the target. However, this does mean that the couple is starting the relationship on the same page and working towards a common goal. This can save a lot of time and result in a lot less heartbreak.

2. Don't shop if you ain't ready to buy. Because the ultimate goal of a courtship is marriage, no one should begin one until they are really ready to commit to marriage. If you are a guy, this means that you have a job that will provide for your family and have matured to the point that you are ready to be a spiritual leader. If you are a gal, this means that you are prepared to care for a home and are emotionally and spiritually ready to follow a husband. This also prevents "trifling" and heartbreak.

3. It takes a village. While modern secular dating involves two people trying to work their relationship out by themselves, a courtship involves many people. Not only do you have the couple, but their parents, as well as trusted (married) friends, should be involved as well. They serve not only as encouragement in the relationship, but also as a check. They can ask pointed questions to help keep the relationship on track, as well as point out any red flags that might pop up. Couples should welcome their mentors' involvement, because they have the couple's best interest at heart.

4. Hands off. The physical side of dating often has no limits. Even many of today's Christians feel that is okay to be very intimate in a relationship as long as it doesn't go "all the way". But rather than asking "Where is the line and how close can I get to it?", couples in a courtship should leave most physical intimacy for the marriage. This can mean many different things to different people, with some choosing barely to hold hands while others "allow" embracing and kissing. This is a decision that each couple will have to make for themselves.

I have many people who ask if I feel that I am missing out by not dating. My reply is "Yes, I am". I'm missing out on quite a bit of frustration, temptations and heartaches. I have seen so many of my friends hurt by broken relationships. In fact, it is almost like watching a lot of mini-divorces, because the couples had grown very close emotionally. Marriage is a very beautiful thing, and surely God never meant us to go through so much pain while searching for a mate. How often we inflict pain on ourselves by not following God's plan. Now, none of this to say that we shouldn't cultivate friendships, good friendships, with members of the opposite sex. Our brothers and sisters in Christ are there to challenge us, to stimulate us, and to encourage us. Kissing dating goodbye doesn't mean that we are kissing romance goodbye, it just means that we are pursuing it in a different and better way.

An Award

Thank you to Angel for awarding me the Sisterhood blog award. Now it is my turn to pass it along.

The rules:
1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate up to 10 blogs which show great attitude and/or gratitude!
3. Be sure to link your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Remember to link the person from whom you received your award.

So here are my nominees:

Laurie @ The Daily Life of a Homesteading Family
Smalltownsoutherngal @ Where the Green Grass Grows
Rascal's Trainer @ Training Rascal
Melissa @ Yarn of a Tail
Doddlebug @ Doodlebug's Doodles

Jonathan Edwards: The Preciousness of Time

Every day that you have enjoyed has been precious; yea, your moments have been precious. But have you not wasted your precious moments, your precious days, yea, your precious years? If you should reckon up how many days you have lived, what a sum would there be! And how precious hath every one of those days been! Consider, therefore, what have you done with them? What is become of them all? What can you show of any improvement made, or good done, or benefit obtained, answerable to all this time which you have lived? When you look back, and search, do you not find this past time of your lives in a great measure empty, having not been filled up with any good improvement? And if God, that hath given you your time, should now call you to an account, what account could you give to him?

How much may be done in a year? How much good is there opportunity to do in such a space of time! How much service may persons do for God, and how much for their own souls, if to their utmost they improve it! How much may be done in a day! But what have you done in so many days and years that you have lived? What have you done with the whole time of your youth, you that are past your youth? What is become of all that precious season of life? Hath it not all been in vain to you? Would it not have been as well or better for you, if all that time you had been asleep, or in a state of nonexistence?

You have had much time of leisure and freedom from worldly business. Consider to what purpose you have spent it. You have not only had ordinary time, but you have had a great deal of holy time. What have you done with all the Sabbath-days which you have enjoyed? Consider those things seriously, and let your own consciences make answer.

-from "The Preciousness of Time" by Jonathan Edwards, December 1734

Read the whole essay here.