Top 5 Travel Destinations

My recommendations for your travel pleasure. I am only recommending stuff I have been to, so that means everything is either in the USA, Canada, or Russia (I have been to one city in Mexico but nothing there is making my list).

Top 5 National Parks: 1) Banff (Alberta); 2) Denali (Alaska); 3) Grand Canyon (Arizona); 4) Yellowstone (mostly in Wyoming); 5) Mammoth Cave (Kentucky).

Top 5 Theme Parks: 1) Disneyland (Anaheim, CA); 2) WDW: Magic Kingdom (near Orlando, FL.); 3) WDW: Epcot (same); 4) WDW: Animal Kingdom (same); 5) WDW: Disney's Hollywood Studios (same)

Top 5 non-Disney owned Theme Parks: 1) Silver Dollar City (Branson, MO); 2) Busch Gardens: The Old Country (Williamsburg, VA); 3) King's Island (near Cincinatti, OH); 4) Sea World (Orlando, FL); 5) Sea World (San Antonio, TX).

Top 5 Roadside Attractions: 1) Wall Drug Store (Wall, SD); 2) Rock City (near Chattanooga, TN); 3) Reptile Gardens (Rapid City, SD); 4) Upper Dells Boat Tour (Wisconsin Dells, WI); 5) Beardale Castle (near Revelstoke, BC. - if it is still open).

Top 5 Historical Museums (single building complex): 1) Buffalo Bill Center (Cody, WY); 2) American History Museum (Washington, DC); 3) Cincinatti Public Museum (guess where?); 4) Yorktown Victory Center (Yorktown, VA); 5) There is no number 5.

Top 5 Historical Museums (multi-building complex): 1) Harold Warp's Pioneer Village (Minden, NE.); 2) Colonial Williamsburg (Williamsburg, VA); 3) Homeplace 1850 (Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, TN); 4) Jamestown Festival Park (near Williamsburg, VA); 5) Upper Fort Gerry National Historic Site (just north of Winnepeg, MB).

Top 5 Zoos (does not include zoo-ish theme parks like Sea World): 1) San Diego Zoo (San Diego, CA); 2) Fort Worth Zoo (Fort Worth, TX); 3) St. Louis Zoo (St. Louis, MO); 4) Brookfield Zoo (near Chicago, IL); 5) Cincinatti Zoo (guess where again).

Top 5 Historical Homes: 1) White House (Washington, DC); 2) The Hermitage (St. Petersburg, Russia); 3) Monticello (near Charlottesville, VA); 4) Biltmore House and Gardens (Asheville, NC); 5) Mount Vernon (near Alexandria, VA).

Top 5 Shopping Centers: 1) Mall of America (Bloomington, MN); 2) West Edmonton Mall (Edmonton, AB); 3) Opry Mills (Nashville, TN); 4) Grapevine Mills (Grapevine, TX); 5) Underground Mall (Moscow, Russia)

There are other categories of course but I do have other things to do other than blog.

2007 Recommended Reading List

Today I wish to blog about books I have read either in their entirety or in part (but enough "part" to be able to make a recommendation) this year. Some have been textbooks in classes and others have not.

The Holy Wild by Mark Buchanan = I read most of this with my accountability partners this year. It is an excellent book about God's attributes written in plain language. The unique takes in this book on the parable of the Good Samaritan as well as on God's Wrath are especially good.

Me, Myself, and Bob by Phil Vischer = The former CEO of Big Idea, Inc. and the creator of VeggieTales gives an autobiographical look at the rise and fall of his company. You really must read this book in its entirety in order to get the full impact.

The Peacemaker by Ken Sande. Required reading for one of my courses but an excellent study in how to resolve conflict.

Making Peace by Jim Van Yperen. Also required reading for the same course on the subject of resolving conflict.

Bringing Up Boys by James Dobson. The title pretty much describes the content (how to raise boys as a parent).

Seven Practices of Effective Ministry by Andy Stanley, Laine Jones, and Reggie Joiner. A thought provoking study on seven things the authors believe a church must practice. These are more philosophical than theological in nature, but the authors make a strong argument for these practices.

God's Power to Change Your Life by Rick Warren. A study on developing the fruit of the Spirit into your life. Very easy to read.

The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. This 17th century monk gives a strong argument for doing what the title says. Beware of moral perfectionist theology within the work, though.

Behind the Screen: Hollywood Insiders on Faith, Film, and Culture by Spencer Lerewenz and Barbara Nicolosi. A collection of essays by practicing Christians in Hollywood on various aspects of the screen world. I found some of the essays to be very valuable while others I felt were quite lacking. Read all of them, though, for some mental candy to chew on. You will likely find some of your attitudes about Hollywood challenged by this material.

and for something different:

The Complete Guide to Walt Disney World by Julie Neal and Mike Neal. It's extremely colorful and very helpful on planning a visit to WDW.

The Imagineering Field Guide to Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World by the Imagineers. Similar in design to the previously read Field Guides for the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, this one covers Animal Kingdom. Very good. Very colorful. Very informative.

Walt Disney World & Your Local Church - Part 3

1)THIS COLUMN WILL BE BROUGHT TO YOU IN LIVING COLOR AND THAT'S A VERY GOOD PLACE TO START. WHY DO WE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE USE OF APPEALING COLORS IN OUR CHURCH STRUCTURES? PLAIN WHITE WALLS GIVE THE FEELING OF BEING IN THE HOSPITAL OR AN ASYLUM OR PRISON OR SOMETHING? CONTRAST THAT WITH WDW WHERE VIBRANT COLORS ARE EVERYWHERE.
IT IS A BLESSING FOR YOUR CHURCH TO HAVE IT'S OWN BUILDING. MANY CHURCHES THROUGHOUT CHURCH HISTORY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO HAVE BUILDINGS TO USE. AMERICAN CHURCHES TAKE THIS BLESSING FOR GRANTED . PLEASE, I BEG YOU, PAINT OR WALLPAPER THE WALLS WITH VIBRANT COLORS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2) EVERYONE IN THE CHURCH SHOULD KNOW WHY YOU ARE THERE. IT ISN'T TO HOLD THE SAME RITUAL WEEK AFTER WEEK AFTER WEEK AFTER WEEK AFTER...... CONTRAST THAT WITH WDW WHERE ALL THE "CAST MEMBERS" (THEY ARE NOT CALLED EMPLOYEES) KNOW THAT THEY ARE THERE TO PROVIDE PEOPLE HAPPINESS.
YOU HAVE A MISSION, A PURPOSE, A REASON TO EXIST. GOD LOVED YOU SO MUCH TO DIE FOR YOU AND HE WANTS YOU TO SHARE THAT LOVE WITH OTHERS. HE WANTS YOU TO KNOW AND WORSHIP HIM AND DRAW CLOSE TO HIM. IN BROAD TERMS WE ARE "TO KNOW CHRIST (RELATIONSHIP) AND MAKE HIM KNOWN (DISCIPLESHIP)." EVERYONE IN THE CHURCH NEEDS TO KNOW THIS!

3) EXCELLENCE! TOO OFTEN OUR INVOLVEMENT IN CHURCH IS HALF-HEARTED AND SLOPPY. WE GO WHEN WE FEEL LIKE IT OR WHEN IT IS CONVENIENT FOR US. WE TO DO JUST "GOOD ENOUGH" IN OUR MINISTRY ACTIVITIES. CONTRAST THAT WITH WDW WHERE EVERY DETAIL INCLUDING THE DESIGN OF TRASH CANS IS CAREFULLY PRESENTED. YOU CAN EVEN NOTICE HAIR ON THE LEG OF ONE OF THE PIRATES IN "PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN". THEY ARE RUTHLESSLY DEDICATED TO THE EXCELLENCE IN THEIR PRODUCT.
WHEN WE DO CHURCH WE SHOULD DO SO WITH EXCELLENCE. THIS IS NOT A RIGID, UNREALISTIC PERFECTIONISM, BUT A COMMITMENT TO GIVE ALL THAT WE ARE TO OUR LORD. THE LORD WORKS THROUGH US AS CHRISTIANS AND IF HE IS WORKING THEN WE WILL DO OUR BEST IN TEACHING LESSONS, DECORATING, WORSHIP, PRAYER, AND ALL THE ACTIVITIES WE DO IN THE NAME OF CHURCH.

4) CREATIVITY! WE OFTEN TAKE A COOKIE CUTTER APPROACH TO EVERYTHING WE DO. OUR PREACHING/TEACHING STYLES DON'T CHANGE WHETHER WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE GENESIS FLOOD OR SEX IN THE SONG OF SOLOMON OR DOCTRINE IN THE EPISTLES. CONTRAST THIS WITH WDW - CAN YOU IMAGINE IF THE IMAGINNEERS DID "THE MANY ADVENTURES OF WINNIE-THE-POOH" AT MAGIC KINGDOM EXACTLY THE SAME WAY THEY DO THE "THE TWILIGHT ZONE TOWER OF TERROR" AT THE DISNEY STUDIOS? (A GREAT MENTAL PICTURE -SEEING PIGLET AND THEN DROPPING THIRTEEN STORIES). DIFFERENT BIBLE LESSONS CALL FOR DIFFERENT PRESENTATIONS. THE STORIES OR TEACHINGS ARE NOT ALL THE SAME (THOUGH THEY ALL POINT IN SOME WAY TO THE SAME GOD). CREATIVITY ALSO EXTENDS TO THE DECOR' OF OUR BUILDINGS AND OUR WORSHIP AND ALL THE REST.

These four things are only the beginning. There are others. However, it should be obvious that theology is not something we learn from WDW. You can't "Wish Upon a Star" and get anything your heart desires. Our theology of the afterlife does not come from "The Haunted Mansion". Your fairy god-mother is not showing up anytime soon. However, there are many things churches can learn from this otherwise secular organization. It is a shame we are having to learn aspects of our faith from them rather than them learning from us. It really should not be that way.

Walt Disney World & Your Local Church - Part 2

Walk into your church on an average Sunday morning. Probably there is a wall with many scuff marks that needs to be cleaned. Probably your Sunday School (or Small Group) room has a plain white wall. There is possibly a plumbing problem in the bathroom. Your auditorium is either (depending on your tradition) a gothic type structure that looks and smells like the middle ages or it is a plain functional room with very little to commend it. Hardly anyone knows what your mission is supposed to be. Your church possibly feels like a cold coporation or an out-of-date monument to a not-so-appealing past. Your pastor may give a boring little homily that can only elicit a "that's nice" at best or he goes into a detailed doctrinal explanation that makes you wish you were in someplace more appealing like the local hospital. You feel like you have to hide who you are for danger someone might find out and then there will be consequences!!! Did I mention that a great feeling of disorganization runs through the enterprise. And what about the suits and ties and the rest of the dress code? The only stories that are told there are done very poorly to the children. And gardening is limited to an artificial tree or two in the lobby.

PERHAPS WE ARE OVERSTATING THIS CASE A LITTLE, BUT THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THAT YOU DID FIND YOUR CHURCH DESCRIBED IN AT LEAST ONE OF THOSE STATEMENTS.

Well, it does not have to be that way. There are some things WDW can teach us about church life without compromising the Gospel or good doctrine (After all, a church can't teach that it's OK to be a Pirate of the Carribean). We'll examine what churches can learn from WDW without compromising what a church is and supposed to be about in our next post.

Walt Disney World & Your Local Church - Part 1

This past Saturday I went to a local mall with my wife. I allow myself book money so I won't be bored at the mall when my wife is in "women's stores". This week I bought an extraordinary new guide to Walt Disney World (WDW) I had not previously seen. It is filled with colorful pictures, colorful pages, and helpful information on planning your visit. It reminded me of my emotional connection to this place.

I visited California's Disneyland on my 7th birthday in 1977. I followed that with visits to WDW in Florida in 1980, 1988, 1995, and my honeymoon in 2004. On my honeymoon, after we had visited three of the four theme parks, I commented to my wife that this place gets to me at an emotional core level. You see, I don't just enjoy my trips to WDW, it is an emotional experience for me. Almost, do I dare say it, a religious experience.

Whoah, that started to sound like heresy. A theme park as religious experience for a Christian! How can that be! Well, to say the least, I have pondered this for some time now. Why would a saved person who believes in an inerrant Bible that should be lived view a collection of theme parks with religious significance? Dont' forget these are not "Christian theme parks' owned by Christians. These parks primarily exist to make money not spread God's love. They promote at times an unrealistic view of the world. They are open on Sunday! They even teach evolution at EPCOT!!! WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME!!!!!!!

NOTHING!

That's right. You see what I connect to emotionally at WDW are things like Beauty, Quality, Good Story-telling, Child-like Wonder, Creativity, Smiling, Laughing, and just plain fun. I like the fact that WDW is highly organized and has a good structure. I like the fact that they will do what it takes to fulfill their mission: to provide people happiness. I like the fact that WDW is a place for families to grow closer and bond together. I like the fact that WDW is a place where the troubles of the real world can be left behind for awhile. I like the fact that even though you are busy seeing and doing things, you are essentially resting while you are there. You are taking a Sabbath, so to speak. And it is possible to encounter God there.

What does WDW have to do with the local church? Plenty. And I'll tell you to begin with that most churches provide Very Few or None of the Above things I just mentioned. AND THAT IS A PROBLEM!!!

We'll explore this further in our next post.

Building A House In North Pole, Alaska

Well it's been May since I last posted. I spent two weeks a few weeks ago in North Pole, Alaska, as a part of a mission team building a house for a local pastor there. North Pole is about twelve miles or so east of Fairbanks.

It was a good trip (except for getting sick for one day early on in the trip).

Other than building the house we saw the following local attractions: Chena Hot Springs, the Chena Pump House restaurant, Denali National Park, the Knotty Shop, and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Some of our group experienced white water rafting while at Denali. Back in Fairbanks, I took in Pioneer Park while other members of the group visited the Riverboat Discovery (which I had previously visited on an earlier trip). We did go to Wal-Mart a few times and once to Barnes & Noble as well.

As for wildlife: I think I saw about four moose and that was about it for the big wildlife on this trip.

For those who think Alaska is always cold. You should know that the Fairbanks Airport recorded a 95 degree temperature on July 4.

There is a link of pictures of this trip. The address for it is: www.picasaweb.google.com/WBCAlaska

I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Vacation Destination Recommendations

It is usually in about January when those who are organized begin to plan their summer vacations (those who are unorganized never plan it all other than a vague notion that we will "see the west" or something like that). Having been in 47 of our 50 states (Delaware, Michigan, and Hawaii are the only ones I have left) I am willing to share some of my favorite spots in the USA for your family vacation.

Walt Disney World, FL. This is possibly my favorite place on planet earth. PLEASE GET A GUIDEBOOK OR TWO AND USE THEM!!!!!!!!! Some of you are still under the misinformation that WDW is one single theme park. It is a whole complex containing 4 outstanding theme parks, 2 water parks, and many other recreational opportunities. Visit the 4 theme parks in this order on your first visit: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Each of these parks is a uniquely incredible destination. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

The Black Hills of South Dakota. Some of you may wonder about this. Check it out. This is where Mount Rushmore is as well as Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Flintstones Bedrock City (really!), Reptile Gardens, the Rushmore-Borglum Story, the 1880 train, the Black Hills Passion Play, the historic town of Deadwood, and many other things. A recommended day trip out of the hub city of Rapid City is to go east to Badlands National Park and the world famous tourist trap (in a good way) Wall Drug Store. Wall Drug is not a pharmacy but a whole complex of shops and mechanical singing cowboys (you really will like it).

Wisconsin Dells, WI. The mecca of tourist traps. I recommend the Upper Dells Boat Tour, the Ducks Boat tour, Noah's Ark water park, and the Timber Falls complex (the only miniature golf course with a built in log flume ride that I am aware of).

Branson, MO.. You don't have to be 75 to enjoy this place. Silver Dollar City theme park is worth the drive and I recommend the Shepherd of the Hills outdoor drama as well. There are also a collection of show theaters featuring celebrities whose glory days are behind them (but most of the celebrities there seem to enjoy being there).

Holiday World Theme Park, IN. This neat small park features an impressive water park and has 3 world class roller coasters (I've only been on two since the third was added since my last visit). And for budget watchers there are two things not found at most theme parks: free parking and free soft drinks. Really!!!! Also, you can see a man claiming to be Santa Claus as well (by the way this is in Santa Claus, Indiana.)

Maggie's Jungle Golf, KY. This isn't really a big destination. My first official date with my wife was here. You'll find it a mile from Kentucky Dam in far western Kentucky. You can play golf here as well as take a golf cart around to see various animals like Ostrichs, Llamas, and so forth. The best place to eat nearby is about five miles away in Grand Rivers, KY. and it's called Patti's (it is expensive to eat there though). If you can't afford Patti's, you can eat at the Mr. Gatti's or Ponderosa in Draffenville or at the Cracker Barrel in Calvert City.

Yellowstone National Park, WY. My favorite lower 48 national park. There is Old Faithful, Lake Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, Yellowstone falls, Mammoth Hot Springs, the Paint Pots, and nature in general to entertain you. Nearby to the south is Grand Teton National Park and the resort of Jackson. To the east is the outstanding Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody.

Denali National Park. AK. My favorite national park of all I've been to. You can't drive very far into the park so you have to take a bus tour. This bus tour is sort of like a safari as you look out for Grizzly bears, moose, caribou, foxes, wolves, dall sheep, and other Alaskan wildlife. You can also see sled dogs. In the village of Denali Park you can see about whitwater rafting and helecopter tours. Oh Yeah, their's also the tallest mountain in North America. Take the Alaska Railroad from either Fairbanks or Anchorage for added trip enjoyment.

Finally you should see Rock City. This little place near Chattanooga, TN. is fun to wonder around on the top of Lookout Mountain.

My list here is not exhaustive. I may be back to recommend more in the future.