Fordyce Bathhouse and The Grand Promenade In Hot Springs National Park

July 31st, 2011

A couple of weeks ago we took an impromptu trip to visit my parents in Hot Springs, Arkansas (while we were staining our concrete floors – yes, that how-to and results post is STILL forthcoming) and took a tour like real tourists (though I lived there as a child and my family is still there).

We chose free.  And large family/small kid friendly.  That’s our favorite way to roll.  My mom took us on an awesome adventure day there!

This day we took The Grand Promenade from the north side by the Arlington Hotel and exited on the south end by the Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center.

Though there are several trails you can take that lead off the Promenade, we chose to stay on the wide beautiful path and make our way back down to Bathhouse Row.

The path was wide, winding, nearly completely shaded (so, though it was nearly 100 outside that day, we were still comfortable walking the path.)

There were beautiful places to stop and rest (and take pictures!) along the way.

There were benches along the path that you could play checkers at (you know, if you bring your own game pieces – we love these rocks we painted for tic-tac-toe once – you could just bring enough pieces and use them for checkers instead, though I didn’t think to bring them on this day).

We checked out one of the actual “hot” springs that you can fill containers with for free.

Then we took the free non-guided tour of Fordyce Bathhouse.

It is a free museum where you can walk through all 3 floors on your own or by following one of their scheduled guided free tours throughout the day.  They are a visitor’s center for the National Park so you can also get some great info while you’re there.

Fordyce Bathhouse is gorgeous.

With hidden treasures throughout.

Historic.

Very touchable, hands-on…

And fun!

Then we followed Bathhouse Row on around until we were back where we had started out at our van.  We then took a picnic lunch at Gulpha Gorge and played in the creek catching crawdads and minnows.

Why Good Girls Like Bad Boys

July 26th, 2011

Alternately titled, “I always did like Han Solo”.

I have this theory.

Matt and I have talked about it before.  After spending so much time discussing what on earth is wrong with girls that they would be so smitten with these boys that are so wrong for them, I’ve come to this conclusion.

It has to do with The Fall and God’s original plan for our marriages.  It’s a reach, but it resonates with me, so hang in there, ‘k?

God intended for men to be the head of the household.  To lead us, guide us, to protect us.  We are naturally drawn to that.

We like a leader.  Someone to be bold, to make decisions.  We like a go-getter.

(I never claimed to be politically correct, so if you feel as though you’re getting your ire up at me right now, you might want to move onto another blog, I’m not the one for you.)

I think there’s a lot that goes into that moment in the garden.  I think that one of those noteworthy things is that the serpent wooed Eve.  He did not target Adam originally.  Where was Adam’s leadership, his protection?  How would Eve have felt had he spoken up, stepped forward, been bold, told the serpent to head out?  I can guess.  She would’ve swooned.

When you’re looking forward to a night out with your hubby do you want to be the one who makes all the detailed plans?  Or do you feel more pampered when he says, “Oh, I’ve made the plans, it’s all a surprise, just be ready by 6pm and I’ll take care of the rest”?

We want a man to be in charge.  To be dependable.  To be wild and fierce.  But we don’t see that in a lot of men.  Especially in good guys.  Good guys tend to be soft spoken, go with flow, wishy-washy, if you will.

But now, picture your “bad guy”.  He’s cool.  He’s confident.  He’s in control.  (along with all the other characteristics that are not so charming)  But I believe that girls are drawn to a boy who embodies that leadership role.  And it stands out the most in bad boys who tend to flaunt that attribute.

So, what do we do with this?  We teach our girls to look for those leadership qualities that we are naturally drawn to, in boys that are godly.  We teach them how to recognize true leadership versus that “bad boy” appeal.  And we teach our boys how to be true leaders.  Leaders who will guide their families in love.  Leaders who will be bold when the moment calls for it.  Leaders who will listen to their families and pray their way through each day.

We teach awareness.