For those of you who visit me here and don't believe as we do I welcome you to read this as an account of a recent trip our family took. I respectfully understand if don't agree and know that you, possibly the dearest blog readers in the world, will understand our desire to share without taking offense:-).
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Take a moment and think about something you find amazing. Your cell phone? Computer? An expensive sports car? A satellite or space shuttle? Now think about how it works (if you can!) and imagine what it looks like inside- with all its intricacies. I'm sure there is no doubt in your mind that there was some highly skilled inventor or designer (or series of inventors and designers) behind it. Would you believe it if someone told you that your cell phone (or that space shuttle) was not created but instead evolved over billions and billions of years out of nothing?
Okay- I'm sure you can see where I'm going but stick with me. Now think about the human body, the oceans of the worlds, the countless species of insects and animals on this planet- all intricately designed and formed. Now, imagine the insides of us- our brains, nervous systems, muscles, digestive systems, cells, our ability to think, reason, love and feel. Did we (as well as all plants, animals and even our planet) evolve out of nothing or were we designed and created by someone with skills and insight beyond our imaginations?
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A couple weeks ago, we went on a road trip with my parents. We're accustomed to traveling far by car/van to get to our destinations but never had we traveled this far for a two-night stay. What made it worth our time and miles? The Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky.
Now, if you believe the literal creation account in the Bible, as we do, this place is a dream come true. It's the one place we've been able to explore science and creation hand in hand. Many people think that you can believe in Creation or science but not both. We believe the Creator of all things wants us to love and explore science because it gives us glimpses into who He is and the miraculous things He has done and will do.
If you don't believe in the Bible or a literal creation account, you still might find elements of the museum and grounds fascinating. Especially if you live close by, check it out. One ticket gives you access to two days at the museum so you can make sure to see and do everything. And, this year (2015), if you buy two adult tickets, two children get in free:-).
We had such a wonderful time. We saw planetarium shows that took us all through our solar system and beyond, we walked through the creation story and the 7 C's (see below) which included real dinosaur bone displays, scientific explanations for why we live on a young earth, how world history supports Biblical accounts, and scientific rebuttals to arguments against a worldwide flood, etc. For non-readers, there are lots of displays, video presentations and even mechanical mannequins that convey information. Our kids loved the anticipation of what the next exhibit around the corner would hold.
We explored their beautiful gardens, enjoyed the petting zoo and even went on a camel ride (well, the kids did). We also we able to hear Steve Ham speak. His brother is Ken Ham, founder of Answers in Genesis, an organization that doesn't claim any denomination but walks along side the church. They are an incredible resource and we highly recommend their website and books if you're curious about any of this. Their own definition of their role is...
"Answers in Genesis is an apologetics ministry, dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ effectively. We focus on providing answers to questions about the Bible—particularly the book of Genesis—regarding key issues such as creation, evolution, science, and the age of the earth."
One of my favorite parts of the whole experience was their insect display. I took maybe 30-40 photographs of these cases which, to me, illustrate the magnificence of our Creator. Here are just a few...
We came home with books, souvenirs, and a reclaimed excitement about our God and the Bible.
Psalm 8:3-9
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained;
What is man that You take thought of him,
And the son of man that You care for him?
Yet You have made him a little lower than God,
And You crown him with glory and majesty!
You make him to rule over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
All sheep and oxen,
And also the beasts of the field,
The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea,
Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.
O LORD, our Lord,
How majestic is Your name in all the earth!
Now! If you made it to the very end of this post, I have something special for you:-). Leave me any one (1) comment below, being sure to include your first name or initials, and on Friday I'll randomly draw a winner to whom I'll send a copy of this book.
Blessings,
Jane
P.S. I am sharing about The Creation Museum purely on my own accord.