Airplane Shuttle Mini Van ARK!

This week I thought that I would use this time I have with you to at least try and share with you the events that occured past weekend… I say that I will try because I am honestly not sure if I can:

1. Fit everything into one post
2. Convey the depths of how much my heart and soul were touched in mere black and white text…

But I will do my best!

(And Kasey is currently working on videos of the whole trip, one for each day, so I will link to those as they come up!)

This past weekend (in the span of six days) my family and I (all thirteen of us) boarded an airplane and took off to Kentucky for the Noah Conference. With big plans to see the Ark and Creation Museum along with listening to sermons at the conference and obtaining priceless information.

…I think the best way to tackle this will be to break it up in days and just hit the key highlights of each one. I hope that you enjoy reliving this vacation with me!

First, “Thoughts with Summer:”

It is always humbling when you are waiting and waiting in anticipation for something and then all of a sudden it’s two months later and the day. is. here. Time… life… goes by so fast it made me realize that while being excited for something is fine, I shouldn’t wait for x, y, z and that I need to make sure that I am excited for every single day that I am gifted by my God.

Day 1: Take off

“People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.” Luke 13: 29

Our flight was a later one but fortunately we had pre-checked our bags and our flight was straight through (having eight under the age of fifteen I am sure you can see the blessing in this order of events). It was nice to be able to only have to carry my purse and have my hands available to help with assisting two little ones. Once we were all on the plane and everyone was settled into their seat we took off without incident. (Thank you Lord!) 

I ended up sitting next to a lovely couple heading home to Ohio and gave them my blog card. (If you, or your daughter, are reading this “Hello!”) The landing was just as smooth and the little ones actually loved it. There is beauty to be found in the innocence of a child’s heart and mind… it was dark and they were blissfully unaware of even the idea of crashing. 

Trusting in the pilot and the fact that he knew where he was taking us and how to get us there safely. (Why, yes, that was a metaphor.) We made our way to the car rental places and from there headed to the place we would call “home” for the next few days. We arrived, settled in, washed up and crawled into bed around 7am local time.

Day 2: The Ark

“And Noah did all that the LORD commanded him. ” Genesis 7: 5

This was the day that we got to see the Ark. If you have no idea what I am talking about, in Kentucky there is an Ark that has been built true to the dimensions recorded in the Bible, given to Noah by God. I can not even begin to tell you the feeling that swept over me as we walked up to it. To be able to see that in person… it is beyond anything I have ever imagined… sure, we all “know” the story of Noah. But, no, we really don’t. There was so much, so much that I learned walking on those boards. I had never fully understood the depth of it until this past weekend. It was (and still is) absolutely breathtaking and I simply do not have the words to express what it was like to be able to see what was just a small fragment of God’s mighty power… I do, however, have the words to give you a few examples of what I experienced.

First, (before I forget) they have this beautiful, powerful, traditional, instrumental music playing everywhere that just sets the mood for the majestic thing your about to experience perfectly. It made me want to go back in time and wear dresses like they did and carry clay pitchers of water and help them.

One of the best parts about walking through the Ark was that there were answers everywhere. Answers to the most commonly asked questions from skeptics (and believers). “How did they fit all of those animals on the Ark?” Not only is the Ark so much bigger than you think it is, when the Bible mentions there being two of every kind on the Ark it didn’t mean two polar bears, two grizzly bears, two black bears, etc. It meant two bears. That’s it. From that, due to climate conditions and variations in terrain, came the many different breeds we see today. The same goes for cats and dogs and… us.

This is (easily) probably my favorite photo that I took the entire trip… God is so amazing!

I also had never sat down and thought about how everyone on Earth today came from eight people. One of the displays explained that while Noah’s sons all looked similar (being brothers and all) their wives had vastly different appearances creating the possibility for the different traits and characteristics we see across the Earth today.

Speaking of Noah’s “daughters-in-love” (credit: Mama, she said it first) my heart breaks for them. They, and Noah’s wife, were such strong women. When you first learn the story of the Ark it’s all rainbows and butterflies (ha…) but, what they don’t tell you, or “conveniently” leave out, is that by the time of the flood there were millions of people already populating the Earth. Again, there were only eight people on that Ark. That means that their wive’s families, and all of their friends, weren’t. We can’t even begin to picture the sound of the multitude of people begging to be let in as the waters rose… They left everything and everyone behind, knowing they would never see them again. 

What a small price to pay to be in the presence and glory of our Lord God. 

“And blessed be His glorious name forever: and let the whole earth be filled with His glory; Amen, and Amen.” Psalm 72: 19

Really, honestly, truly… I could keep going. But, I think for no other reason than to save this post from turning into a novel I will stop here. I’m sure the topic of it will rise again and if you have any questions please feel free to ask!

Day 3: Noah Conference pt.1

This was the first day of the conference and we were all very excited! We are apart of the “A Candle in the Window” ministry and we had the blessing of meeting the lovely Miss Theresa Bowen (the founder) and two of her kids, Faith and Nicolson. They were so kind and we had the honor of spending time the next day talking with them too. (As well as running into them again on day 5. But, we’ll get there!)

With our schedule not getting us up until 12/1pm on the average day at home getting up at 10/11am which was 7/8am to my body was rough… but, fortunately for me (and everyone who got the blessing of their coffee) the conference was supplied by the amazing “Golden Rule Roasters” organic coffee company. Click the link HERE to read the powerful purpose behind their incredibly delicious coffee. 

We split up for a bit to listen to different talks. I went with the men (and little Sophie) to listen to a business geared sermon while Mama took the kids to a more “kid-friendly” experience. I really appreciated it and it got me thinking more on my blog here and the potential it holds. I know God has a plan and I am happy right where I am; but, we shall see what happens!

Day 4: The Noah Conference pt.2

The second day of the conference. We listened to a few more sermons and added a few more resources/DVDs and books to our belongings. 

One of the things that stuck out the most to me during these two days was this statement, “The average parent only spends 19min a day fully dedicated to their child.” That breaks my heart… and inspires me to really practice now spending and dedicating my time to my family and siblings rather than my phone. (i.e. my blog…)

“We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.” 1 John 4: 16

I feel very blessed to have made so many happy memories with my family (like running through a field full of fireflies, or receiving the card from my little brother Olly pictured above), to have met so many lovely people this last weekend and to have had the opportunity to learn so much from such wise men.

Day 5: Adventure Awaits!

“Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.” Psalm 24: 9

This was the day that we ventured to Fort Boonesborough! Where we ran into the Bowen family again! It was a blessing to walking with them through the Fort and experience it together. (I look forward to hopefully seeing them again someday!)

My brothers (and sisters) all very much love Daniel Boone and his crazy stories. Sully has even named his lego-fort “Boonesborough.” So being able to walk through it made everyone very happy! 

The steps of a goodman are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23

Watching the women weaving their own yarn and dipping their own candles was absolutely amazing! It made me want to live back in the days of basket weaving cooking over the fire… But, also definitely gave me an appreciation for my electric sewing machine and stove. Pioneer women were tough and still so inspiring.

After that we headed out to the Creation Museum…

Wow. 

It starts with Adam and Eve, covers the fall, up to the flood, explains the different races, into what humanity is today and what God’s Word tells us about what’s next…

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

If you ever happen to have even the slightest chance to visit the Creation Museum I urge you to do it… it is beyond worth any amount of earthly money you would spend to do so.

Day 6:

This was the last day of our trip.

“Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there He put the man He has formed.” Genesis 2: 8

We finished our time in Kentucky with heading back over to the Creation Museum and checking out the BEAUTIFUL gardens they have outside. (I could have spend hours there…) 

They had a fun, wobbly, rope bridge and we all marched across it – it was a blast! (Understandably, I do not have a photo of that one!)

The day was overcast and just perfect for taking pictures! The flowers throughout these gardens were absolutely breathtaking… the colors were unbelievable. It was as if the flowers themselves were glowing.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40: 8

“Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone – as though we had never been here. But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear Him. His salvation extends to the children’s children, of those who are faithful to His covenant, of those who obey His commandments!” Psalm 103: 15-18

Then we headed for the airport.

Our flight was earlier in the evening on the way home. Everyone did amazing and we found our gate, got seated and buckled in without a problem. When we landed we were greeted by the warm, dry air, the lit skyline and our friend Brandon in our “Big Blue Bus.”

It is always fun to travel and see new things.

But…

It is so good to be home.

My coffee cup the next morning; I have the best mama!

Until next time; I pray your day, every day, is blessed.