Unusual Museums in North Carolina

North Carolina is blessed with many museums spread across the state. Here are some interesting ones you may not be that familiar with. And if these aren't convenient for you, they may give you ideas for finding ones in your area.

The Cryptozoology and Paranormal Museum
328 Mosley Avenue, Littleton, NC 
631-220-1231
This is one of the most unusual museums I came across. By its own description, it is "dedicated to the study and display of creatures and phenomena not recognized by traditional science." This includes Bigfoot, haunted dolls, UFO sightings, ghost hunting, etc. The museum is normally open 1-7 pm, Monday-Sunday.

The Taxidermy Hall of Fame
156 NW Broad Street
Southern Pines, NC
910-692-3471
Oddly enough, this museum is housed in a Christian Bookstore, stating that its purpose is to emphasize the creation account from Genesis. It has around 200 displays of about every stuffed animal from North Carolina that is legal for them to have. There's also a section of antique tools. In fact, its name is "Taxidermy Hall of Fame of NC/Antique Tool/Creation Museum." With such a variety, most people should be able to find something of interest.

The Country Doctor Museum
7089 Peele Road, Bailey, NC
252-235-4165
This is the oldest museum in America dedicated to the plight of the country doctor of bygone eras. It has over 5,000 artifacts and numerous books on the subject. Visitors come away with a much better idea of what historical health care was like and how taxing being a country doctor could be.

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Our Advocates

But this man [Jesus], because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them (Hebrews 7:24-25).

We Christians have two perfect advocates for us who are beyond reproach, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Jesus not only took our sins to the cross and died that we might live in eternity with Him, but He is even now making appeals on our behalf when we need them. He is our personal intercessor, as well as our Savior.

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:26-27).

The Holy Spirit is also our advocate, interceding for us in all things, even in our prayers. Dwelling within us, He is the righteous, saintly part of us. It is His job to guide us in becoming more like Christ. When we grow in this direction we produce more and more fruit of the Spirit, showing that we belong to God.

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith... (Ephesians 3:15-16a).

No matter the problems that come, no matter the temptations we face, no matter the hardships that befall us, we have a support system that will never fail us. We have the best heaven has to offer on our side as long as we don't turn away.

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Using Profanity as Authentic Language

I recently saw a post by a Christian author who was writing a secular but clean book set during WWII. He wanted to know if he should use some mild profanity in this military setting. It is a debate I hear often among Christian writers. I talked with one writer who insisted she was going to add profanity because it was "true-to-life."

To the first author, I suggested he mention the cursing but not actually use it. He could write something like, "Joe answered with a string of curse words." Since he has published in the Christian market, his fans are likely to be very disappointed if he chooses to use profanity in dialogue. I also doubt that Christian readers will like the second writer's (she hasn't published anything yet) insistence on using foul language. I hear over and over again that's one of the main reasons readers choose to read Christian books, and I agree.

I think relaxing guidelines on profanity is just one more way society is pressuring the Christian to compromise biblical values and moral attitudes. In a time when these qualities are no longer appreciated by the vast majority like they once were, I think we need to stand even firmer to prevent them from vanishing altogether. If our novels really reflected true life, they would be very boring. Since we fictionalize other parts of our stories, why would our writing need to include profanity?

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National Zoo Lovers' Day

April 8th is National Zoo Lovers' Day. Zoos actually have a lengthy history. The first known one was uncovered in Egypt and dates back to 3500 BC. The Assyrians had a zoo in the 11th century BC, and the Chinese had them about 9 centuries later. King Solomon, King Nebuchadnezzar, Alexander the Great, Henry I of England, and the Aztecs also had such menageries. 

The number of zoos has grown greatly over the years. Counting them can be problematic, however, because one must determine what constitutes a zoo. Several years ago, National Geographic estimated there were over 2,000 zoos in the United States, but I'm not certain what criteria they used to define "zoo." I know of many small animal collections open to the public in my area, and not all of them label themselves as "zoos."

In the United States, any collection of animals is supposed to be licensed and inspected. There are also laws and regulations dealing with specific animals, especially endangered ones. Historically, there have been concerns about animal welfare, but for the most part, conditions have gotten better with the emphasis on natural habitats and larger spaces. The American Zoo Association also has an accreditation process. Yet, the AZA estimates that out of the almost 2,500 recognized zoos in the U.S., only about 10% of them are accreditated.

Most of us enjoy seeing a variety of different animals, and this appeals to all ages. So, if you can, why not take a trip to the zoo to celebrate? In April, you're unlikely to have to contend with crowds, and you can relax more and really enjoy the day.

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God's Plans for Us

For I know the thoughts I have for you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an unexpected end (Jeremiah 29:11).

God has plans for each one of us, but it is up to us whether or not we follow those plans. His first plan for all of us is His plan of salvation. Once we accept Christ as our Savior and our attitudes, desires, and lives begin to change, He has other purposes for us to fulfill. He created us for this so that we glorify him and help further His kingdom on earth. We were given abilities, talents, and skills to fit a certain role in God's plans, and no one else has that exact combination of skills. Therefore, it matters greatly what we choose to do.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

Following God's plans is a matter of trust. Our all-knowing, all-powerful God loves us with a love so great we can't even imagine it, and He only wants the very best for us. Once we understand this, we will want to follow Him in obedience above all else. We may not understand everything He asks us to do, but because we know the One who asks, we can obey without question. This is a freeing way to live.

I like what T.D. Jakes says about this in his book, Loved by God:

The Lord has crafted and formed you and made you and shaped you, He has molded you and made you. He knows your strengths, your weaknesses, your characteristics, and He has caused you to be a perfect tool for a very precise and important role in His plan.

But what happens when God's people fail to follow His plans and fulfill His purpose? A chaotic mess. Can you see it happening?

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Short Stories

There seems a trend in self-publishing to put out very short books. I recently saw a well-known author lamenting the low reviews for her new book with 10 pages. The reviews on Amazon averaged a little over two stars - very low indeed. I can't imagine publishing 10 pages, sticking a cover on it, and calling it a book. That's barely a chapter in a book. What was this seasoned author thinking? At least put a collection of them together.

Some of the novellas do seem to work for readers, but these have 75 or more pages, and over 100 appears to be better. It's hard to get any depth of characters or plot in less than 50 pages. Actually, it's hard to even get acquainted with the characters in so few pages. I'm afraid decisions like this discredit the author and make the profession look bad. There may be some places for such short stories, but published as a standalone novel is not one of them.

I always check the number of pages before buying a book. Personally, I prefer books between 125 and 275 pages. However, a few books fail to list the number of pages. I find I don't enjoy books without enough depth to develop the characters and plot. Likewise, I find books that go over 325 pages usually have too much extra, unnecessary material to hold my interest. Readers have the final say, however, and they will speak, just as the reviewers for the 10-page "book" did.

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April Fool's Day

Today is April Fool's Day (also known as All Fool's Day), the day when traditionally harmless jokes, pranks, and hoaxes are played upon those forgetful of the day and the unexpecting. If the victim fails to fall for the prank, however, then the prankster becomes the "April Fool."

Oddly enough, no one is sure when or where the day originated. Of the many versions, most have the event beginning somewhere in the Middle Ages, although at least one account goes back to biblical times and another moves forward to the 17th century. 

Subway April Fool's prank in Copenhagen, Denmark

Regardless of when the day started, it has spread with many nations having their version. Some countries recognize it as a public holiday and some do not, but the day is often still celebrated. In more modern times, even institutions like newspapers or magazines have joined in the fun with fake stories or something similar. An internet search will reveal many ideas for jokes that can be used to celebrate the day.

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