Friday, December 12, 2014

Exploring Springfield

Michael began the day with a meeting with his endorser. John is always fun to visit with and they had a lot to cover. LOL
 
The rest of us worked on school and lounged around.
 
I did a bit of research to see if there were any restaurants in the area with good reviews. I try not to dictate life for those around me - but I've got to say  - if you are a vegan traveling and the only option on every menu is a "veggie burger"  or iceberg salad without the cheese and meat - it gets old. ::grin::
 
Arielle and I found several restaurants that looked "likely" and seemed to have salads for us....but then we found Laughing Planet Cafe. It had good reviews, REAL food for vegans, vegetarians and omnivores....bowls, burritos, soup made from scratch, salads with all the good stuff.
 
We met Mom, Dad and BreAnne for lunch at the Laughing Planet. The dinos on the table were a fun
addition. I had really good vegan chili and a kale salad that was amazing. They even had nutritional yeast to shake on the chili. The men were happy with their Bubba Burrito and Grilled Chicken burritos.  Michael and I were happy to feed all six of us for $34 - and it was REAL food.

It was a cheerful place to eat. I'd love to run a place like this (or at least find one) with a Christian world view....but I ignored all the propaganda and enjoyed my God-given and blessed real food. 

We had hoped to visit a Victorian house after lunch - but it was closed. Dad went home, but Mom joined us for a trip to the Springfield Museum.  It's a small museum but it was interesting and gave me a new appreciation for Springfield. It was also free.

 
Stacia and Alex went on a bit of "hunt" through the museum with a sheet they had for kids....
 
See the Simpsons on the back wall -  they were befuddled as to WHY something like that would be on the wall - they were not in tune with their Springfield culture.


We left the museum and walked around to view some of the recent murals painted on various old stores. They've spent a lot of time renovating the area since we lived here.



And here it is - the star of downtown - the Simpson Mural. Contrary to all the rumors - it's THIS Springfield the creator of Simpsons had in mind when he created the series. He lived in this area. THIS is the only mural that he and his team have approved and collaborated with to create in any Springfield.  THIS is the REAL SPRINGFIELD. All that aside, I've never watched a full episode of the Simpsons. They're values and behaviors were not ones we wanted the Gherkins to imitate. LOL
Bre, Arielle, Nolan, Zander and Stacia with the Simpsons
 
Around this time Krista called. She was finished with work and wanted to meet up with us. She came downtown and we toured the ART MUSEUM in Springfield. Also free.  It was a fun spot. I could find a lot to do in this area if we lived here again. LOL  This exhibit sort of topped off the day....
 
It's a woman with a bee hive above her head and honey dripping off her face......yep...sort of abstract.
 
Take a closer look at the hive....those are FLIES....yes, she glued lots and lots of dead flies on her painting.....

We met up with BreZaak to attend the college's President's reception for graduates. We picked up Dakota afterwards and then headed to grab some dinner at 9:00 p.m.  Another late night - full day - and our hearts are full.

Choosing Joy!
©2014 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy

This is a great gift choice for the theologian or history buff in your life.


I've long been fascinated with World War 2 history and am familiar with Dietrich  Bonhoeffer. Having not finished the unabridged edition,  I jumped at the chance to review "Bonhoeffer Abridged: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, " by Eric Metaxas. This edition is very readable - unlike many abridged books.

"Bonhoeffer is a story of moral courage in the face of .. monstrous..... (Bonhoeffer) became one of the first to speak out against Hitler. As a double-agent, he joined the plot to assassinate the Führer, and was hanged in Flossenberg concentration camp at age 39. Since his death, Bonhoeffer has grown to be one of the most fascinating, complex figures of the 20th century."

This story moved me. I  have long asked,  "Where was the German church when Hitler rose to power?"  Metaxas answers that question well  while illustrating the life of Bonhoeffer. I was forced to consider the role Allied Politicians had in NOT supporting those trying to over-throw Hitler. We wanted to believe, "There is no such thing as a good German." Dietrich Bonhoeffer disproved this notion.  I found it fascinating to read about this time period from the German point of view. This book has it all - theology, tough questions and answers, moral dilemmas, intrigue,  an amazing amount of new facts to digest and even a bit of unexpected romance.  I highly recommend it to history buffs, theologians, Christians who wrestle with the role of faith in social/political issues, high school students studying World War 2....you won't regret this read.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Choosing Joy! ©2014 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...