A Trip To Remember

Vacations aren't something we do very often, but I'm thankful when we are able to get away. This past week, we had the chance to do just that and set off on a journey to Kentucky. We traveled a few hours through Iowa, across Illinois and Indiana, into Ohio and after 10 hours and 1,300 miles arrived in Kentucky. We (my husband, 5 children and me) were blessed with a day and a half at the Creation Museum and a day at the ARK Encounter.

I'm still reflecting on all we saw and God seemed to say, so there may be more posts to follow, but for now I wanted to share a few pictures and highlights for you. It's really something words can't describe and pictures don't fully depict, but it's a journey worth taking and talking about.

"In the beginning God created the heavens and earth." Genesis 1:1

The Creation Museum lives up to its name and tells the story of creation very well. It also paints a picture that transports you back in time. The exhibits are well done and Scripture is everywhere...there is truly something for everyone!

"Out of the ground the LORD God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." Genesis 2:9

They do a great job with the exhibits and bring the creation story to life. This tree caught my eye and really made me think about how God was weaving the story of life together right from the beginning...the tree of life isn't just mentioned in Genesis - the first book of the Bible, but also Revelation - the last one. 

"The LORD God commanded the man, saying, 'From any tree of the garden you may eat freely, 

but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, 

for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die." Genesis 2:16-17

"So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that is was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was able to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate." Genesis 3:6

One of my little guys appreciated this pictures of Adam and Eve and this one of them eating the fruit is where he stopped to ask questions. This one act captured in time changed the course of time, in the same way our sin changed our relationship with God as well. Sin can look fun and Satan entices, but may we always remember there are consequences!

As you make your way through the halls of history, you walk through what Answers in Genesis calls the "7 C's" which stand for Creation, Corruption (Fall), Catastrophe (Flood), Confusion (Tower of Babel), Christ, Cross and Consummation (Jesus coming back and heaven and hell). There are exhibits for each of these, but I'll share just a few more pictures. If you haven't heard of or studied the 7 C's, I highly recommend visiting the Answers in Genesis site and learning more about it by clicking HERE.

"Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence. And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. And God said to Noah, "I have determinded to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark of gopher wood..." 

Genesis 6:11-14

The stop at the Ark exhibits really spoke to me as I saw the size and really thought about Noah's obedience. Friend, he didn't take just a small step of faith and his work wasn't rewarded over night. It took years to build the Ark and people had to question what he was doing. Ever feel that way?

This is a picture of one of our family's favorite characters...he actually moved and spoke...he was one who questioned Noah's actions, calling him a fool and doubting his work. As Christians in today's world, we may experience others doing the same, but this trip has encouraged me to tune those voices out and listen to the voice of God. He has work for each of us to do and just like Noah's calling, it makes a difference in God's kingdom. 

"For behold, I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life under heaven. Everything that is on the earth shall die..." Genesis 6:17

This is another display that really had our attention...it's a picture that's difficult to see here and hard to grasp in real life. The thing in the center is a rock structure with people standing on it as the waves crash and waters rise. These people had probably questioned Noah's sanity and scoffed at God's words, but were now facing their own death. 

Friend, God promised to never flood the world again, but He will judge you and me. Just like He sent the ark to save people, He's sent Jesus to rescue you and me. Do you laugh at or doubt that promise? Or have you trusted in Him as Lord and Savior? Those are questions we need to take seriously and consider. 

When He had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." 

With that, He bowed His head and gave up His Spirit." John 19:30

Another favorite part of mine was the scripture posted throughout the museum. These boards brought the exhibits to life and told the story we all need to know. They also reminded me of the promise God has made and work He has done. He has sent His Son and Jesus did the work that we can't do. Man distances himself from God with sin, but Jesus made a way, the only way, back to the Father. He died on the cross for you and me, He paid the penalty and we gain the victory. 

Friend, I could say more, but instead of thinking about the trip I took, I want you to reflect on the walk you are taking. Are you walking with Christ? Are you living for God? Just like our vacation came to an end, one day each of our lives will too...when that time comes, what will your destination be?