Luke the Builder

Luke has always been my hands on kid....digging in dirt, playing with trucks, but mostly building usually with his Legos.  I thought I'd share his most recent creation.  He taught himself how to build this remote control vehicle.  He thoroughly researched and read how to build the suspension on this vehicle and didn't use any previous plans.  He's spent a lot of time getting it to work right.  I was impressed when he came down tonight and demonstrated how nicely this vehicle travels so I thought I'd share it with all of you....

Our Ark Encounter

With an extended weekend on the calendar, we loaded up the van and headed to Kentucky for our Ark Encounter.  The trip did not disappoint.  We squeezed in a fun visit with family, hit up a fun grocery story (the kids even admittedly thought it was a fun place!) and ended the trip to see the Ark.

If you aren't familiar, the Ark Encounter is a full size Ark built to the dimensions that God gave Noah in Genesis.  To think of a man and his family building this Ark thousands of years ago is an amazing feat in and of itself.  We didn't just see the outside, though.  The inside is filled with all sorts of displays from how they believe the animals were contained, fed, watered and cared for to what the world looked like before and after the flood.  As you read your way through the exhibits, there is an overriding theme of why there was even a flood in the first place.  It wasn't just about a flood and a boat full of animals.  It was about the extensive wickedness of the people and God's wrath poured out on mankind.  God cannot tolerate sin.  However, that is just part of the story.  The story continues after the flood to how God promises never to destroy the earth again with a flood.  Instead, we have a choice.  We have a choice to follow Jesus and be saved from His eternal wrath or not to choose Jesus and have endure God's wrath for eternity.  It's a beautiful and hard picture, but so well portrayied at the Ark.  There were so many other aspects of the flood that I could go on and on about, but this is the most important one.

If you ever find yourself in Kentucky and have the opportunity to visit, please go.  It will either challenge you in your search for God or solidify what you know about our Redeemer.

Veteran's Day in Review

Hannah enjoyed greeting us at the door and was taking her hostess job quite seriously!

Veteran's Day has taken on more of a special meaning to me through the years.  My understanding of the day changed when Chris served in the Air Force and as I had kids of my own.  However, this year it was even more special to me.  In light of all the protests and disregard for the sacrifices of those that have gone before us that has plagued our country, I was touched by the observance of Veteran's Day.

We remembered those that served by attending two school assemblies - elementary and jr high this year.  We enjoyed student body renditions of This Land is Your Land, God Bless America, National Anthem, selections from the choir and band and the 5th graders sang the anthems of each branch of the military.  We listened to poems and speeches.  We stood for the presentation of the colors as did the entire student body.  However, it brought tears to my eyes as children stood in recognition of parents that are deployed.  By far my favorite moment was when those that served were recognized by the era in which they served.  My tears were not the only tears that were wiped when we had the privilege of even recognizing a few World War II veterans. 

I'm thankful for these reminders of those that serve our country and a day set aside to remember each year.