Christian Worldview of History

In order to be a successful historian, the historian must understand that their worldview affects the way they study history. Holding a Christian worldview is no exception to this principle. A Christian worldview of history is the understanding that God is the Creator and Sustainer of life, but He allows things both in accordance and against His will to happen. 


Having a Christian worldview of history does not mean that we take a Providentialist approach to history.We do not seek to understand what God is doing by describing events as "in God's Will." One example that Fea uses early in Chapter 4 of Why Study History is Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell claimed he was invading Hispaniola to fulfill the will of God, but he was ultimately defeated, therefore proving himself wrong. Historians can attempt to look back and draw multiple conclusions about what God was doing, but all the theories cannot be proven or have any more logic than the others. 

Having a Christian worldview of history means that we understand that the world we live in ultimately belongs to God. We look at the world through the lens of Scripture, and therefore we value the things that God values. Historians with a Christian worldview can look at the figures in history and evaluate whether or not they lived up to the principles of the Bible, but they cannot state whether or not these figures acted in a way that was in accordance with the Will of God. 

All historians, but especially those with a Christian worldview, should resist the temptation to judge figures in history based on the effects of their actions, but evaluate the figure instead on their motivations and intentions. These figures in history were fallen men and women, just as we are today, and should be shown grace when evaluating their actions. No historical figure should be judged as being a "good" or "bad" figure because no one is perfectly good or bad.

10 Summer Reading Recommendations

Anyone who knows me for more than 30 seconds can tell I'm a book worm.
I will read, and pretty much enjoy, anything, but I tend to stay in the comfort of young adult fiction, dystopian novels, or science fiction.
Also, that's not something I usually tell people, because of the dirty looks I get. 

So here's a list of books/series I would recommend if you've got some time to read this summer, on the beach, on a road trip, or just on your couch.

1. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare 

These are the books in order from top to bottom

Series - 6 books
This is my favorite series of all time and one of the few I've read as the author was publishing them. I had to wait and worry over these books for 5 years till they were finished.
This is the series I recommend to any and every person who asks.
AH, I LOVE THEM!

They take place in modern day New York City, and are about a group of half-angel, half-human people called Shadowhunters. These Shadowhunters fight demons, vampires, werewolves, fairies, and wizards.
The characters are fantastic, the story twists and turns, and it will keep you engaged throughout the 6 books.

2. The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

Series - 3 books
This is my second favorite series of all time, and it is written by the same author in the same universe. This story takes place about 100 years before the one above, so it's technically a prequel, but not really.
This one will rip out your heart and then make you happier than ever before.

The ID takes place in 19th Century England and has the same kind of angel/human hybrids in it. These characters are just as gripping, but the plot line suffered a bit for me. I still love it though, that's why it's on the list.

3. Paper Towns by John Green 

Okay, so I'm going to be honest, I'm wasn't a huge fan of John Green. I thought he was overrated, and I still haven't seen TFIOS, and I don't plan to.
THAT BEING SAID, this book gives me life. I love it so much that I would read it again (something I don't do very often).

This book is all about our perceptions of people and how sometimes when we have created those perceptions they are completely inaccurate.
It's a love story, a coming of age story, and a "things aren't always what they seem story".
Seriously I love it.

4. The Maze Runner 

Series - 3 books and a prequel
So these books are like the Hunger Games on crack. They kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. There is death and danger around every corner from the minute you pick up the first book.
The beginning is a little hard to understand because the main character had his memory wiped, but once you get through the first chapter or so, you won't be able to put it down.

Thomas, the main character, can't remember anything and wakes up in a gigantic maze with a bunch of other young men. They try to find their way out, but with monsters around every corner, it seems something else is going on here.

                     5. The Host by Stephanie Meyer 

Okay, so I know you're thinking, "Syd, why is Stephanie Meyer on your list?" Okay, valid observation, but this book is no joke. I really, really liked it and it has nothing to do with sparkly vampires.
The first couple chapters are rough, but once you get to the meat of the book, it's a wild ride.

This story takes place in a future where aliens have taken over the earth and inhabit human bodies. The main character, who is an alien, gets a human body whose soul doesn't want to be silenced.

                                 6. This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen 

I've read this book 3 times, which, again, doesn't happen. It's a feel good book for the ages. It's such an easy read that I can read it in two days. For a teen romance novel, it actually has some pretty developed characters and the love story is just too cute.

The girl is rude, loud, outgoing, and protected and the boy is adorable, honest, and funny. It's a good combination and a story I always come back to.

7. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher 

This is one of the more haunting books on the list.

This is about a girl who has already committed suicide, but leaves behind 13 recorded tapes with the 13 people who brought her to this point. Her last demand is that the tapes get passed around to each of the 13 people so they can know how they've effected her life. It's a tragic story of what "little" things can do to a person who is breaking.

It has you cheering for her to triumph, even when you know the ending, that she is dead.
It makes you think about the way you treat others and it's definitely a good read.

     8. A Woman's Place by Lynn Austin

This is a historical fiction about the social change in America during World War II.
It's a story of 4 women who meet in a weapon's factory who come from all different backgrounds. They are forced to address things they never had to before because of the shifting culture of the 1940's. I really enjoyed it because it kept asking the question, "what was a woman's role in this changing time?" Each woman walks away from this experience with a completely different answer to that question.

It's a great read and it's written by a Christian author so it's overwhelmingly clean, which is something I enjoy.

9. Delirium Series by Lauren Oliver 

Series - 3 books
I just finished up these books a few weeks ago. These are another set of dystopian novels in which the world is screwed up. In this particular world, love is a disease and at the age of 18 you get "cured" from it.

Here comes the classic plot of:
     girl, who is an outsider, meets boy who shows her what love is like. Blah, Blah, Blah. 

I know it's an overused plot, but the books are actually very interesting and entertaining. The world its set in is exactly the same as ours, but with no love. They weave in old stories from the Bible and from our country   and use them to teach "lessons". Each book follows the same main character, but they each have a different feel to them so the character develops very nicely throughout.

10. Vampire Academy 

Series - 6 books

I read these books sophomore year of high school, and when I think of books I loved, these ones are always at the top of the list.

Yeah they're vampire books, but it's a completely new take on them. Add a compelling set of main characters, a love story for the books, and lots of actions, it's a great read.

The story is about a boarding school for high school vampires but more is going on than what can be seen on the surface. The "good" vampires are wimps and rely on their half-human, half-vampire bodyguards to fight the "bad" vampires, who are extremely strong, fast and vicious.
There's also magic, two amazing male characters, and lots of twist and turns.

There are my 10 recommendations for the summer,or anytime, reading. 

I have many more that I've loved, and many more that I've hated.
But each were worth the journey.

-S

My Summer So Far

Well currently I am listening to some country music and chilling on a couch at my Aunt and Uncle's house.

I know that doesn't sound all that exciting, but it actually is. I've been moving more this summer than in most of my summers.

Earlier in May, I got to visit my family in West Virginia and have a blast with them, doing absolutely nothing. They are the greatest people to be around and I love that feeling of traveling, but still feeling at home. Ah, can't wait to see them again.




Last week, I had the privilege of going to OBX with one of my very best friends and her wonderful family. The week was filled with so much laughter, reading, chocolate, water, and late nights watching Supernatural. We saw lighthouses and the Lost Colony and took way too many pictures. We chased (or in my case, ran from) crabs on the beach at night and found a whole hoard of seashells.

The Lord has blessed me tremendously with people in my life that understand me and want to live life with me. The week at Outer Banks with them allowed me to appreciate that all over again.
















Well I got home from the beach, packed up my things, slept in my own bed for one night, and left for my internship in Richmond the next day.

Currently I am finishing up my first of two weeks interning at the Virginia Capitol Foundation. Anyone who knows me well knows I love museums and all things history (and no I don't do reenactments). This internship is a really fascinating way to see what all has to go into keeping a historical sight, artifacts, and monuments relevant and maintained. This foundation does most of the fundraising for the Capitol building, Capitol Square, and the Governor's Mansion.



As an intern, I do what I can to help the VCF by setting up social media, transcribing their visitor movie script and assigning Virginia Standards of Learning to it, and brainstorming ways to bring new people into the Capitol.

I have truly enjoyed working with them and, honestly, seeing what being a real adult might look like for me. Haha. University is ending soon, so I am happy to get this experience under my belt.

(To the left is the inside of the building I work in, it is the Old City Hall for Richmond. To the right is a picture, 18 stories high on the building a work in. The gray castle building is where the office is and the white building is the Virginia Capitol.)







I am spending the rest of these two weeks with my Aunt and Uncle as they show me what Richmond really has to offer. I get to experience a city and see the museums, visit old buildings, and eat at new restaurants. In the middle of next week, I am even going to some guy's political party that is running for the VA Senate.

It's all very new, but I am loving every second of it.
This summer has been awesome so far, and I know I have been truly blessed.

-S

Summer Playlist

So summer is right around the corner.

Here's what I'll be listening to while I drive around with my windows down jamming out with my favorite girls:

1. Biscuits - Kacey Musgraves
The perfect summer/sass song that is full of old southern sayings telling someone to get out of your business.
Best Lyric: "Mind your own biscuits, and life will be gravy."
Bless your heart. 

2. Maps - Maroon 5
Maroon 5 is always a solid choice, but this song is exceptionally catchy. 
Best Lyric: "Following, Following, Following, to you, the maps that lead to you."

3. She's so Mean - Matchbox Twenty
Minus the one curse word in this song, it is one of those songs you could listen to over and over again. 


4. Want to Want Me - Jason Derulo
SO SO CATCHY! THAT'S ALL I'M GOING TO SAY. 
Best Lyric: "Girl, you're the one I want to want me, and if you want, baby girl you got me."

5. Jackson - Johnny Cash
This isn't just a summer song, it is an all the time song. 
ps. I like this song so much that one of my qualifications for a potential date is that he has to be willing to sing this song with me. 

6. Runaway Train - Cam
Solid country song with a strong beat. Perfect for driving and singing. 
Best Lyric: "There's no slowing down, now I'm a runaway train."

7. Bless My Heart - Leah Turner
Ditto what I said for #6 but this has more sass. 

8. Nobody Love - Tori Kelly
As much as I love country, I have to switch it up with some pop, and Tori Kelly is a good way to go.
Best Lyric: "I should be more cynical and tell myself it's not okay to feel this good when I'm with you."  

9. Southern Style - Darius Rucker
Perfect cruise song. 
Best Lyric: "She said she don't believe in strangers, only sinners with a Savior, because her mom and daddy raised her Southern Style."

10. Half Broke Heart - Cam
Cam is my new favorite artist, so she's on here again.
This song is about a girl not being into a guy enough to be completely heartbroken, but that it still hurts when he leaves. The sass is real. 

11. Break Up With Him - Old Dominion
Eh, I just like it. 
12. Summer of '69 - Bryan Adams
CLASSIC! NEED ALWAYS! 

13. Love Me Like You Mean It - Kelsea Ballerini
So good. So good. Jam. Always. 

14. Shut Up and Dance - Walk the Moon 
One of the best songs on the radio right now. 
Best Lyric: "Don't you dare look back, just keep your eyes on me, I said you're holding back, she said Shut Up and Dance with me."

15. Games - Luke Bryan
Luke Bryan is a must for all summer time fun. 

16. 500 Miles - The Proclaimers
CLASSIC! 
Best Lyric:You should know this song, I don't need to write a lyric here.

17. You and I - Johnny Swim'
Best Lyric: "You and I are fire and water, You and I are rain and thunder. You and I. There is no other, You and I." 

18. Mercy - Duffy
 I could listen to this song forever. It's just too fun. 

19. Cowboy Side of You - Clare Dunn
When the beat and the country kicks in, you can't help but drive faster. 

20. I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Loved You) - Aretha Franklin
My GIRL Aretha. Always and forever. 

21. Trouble (Edited)- Iggy Azalea and Jennifer Hudson
Best Lyric: "I should've known you were bad news, from the bad boy demeanor and the tattoos."

Honorable Mentions: 
Watermelon Crawl - Tracy Byrd
If all else fails, old country has to get your summer going.

There's Hope

So I was sitting here angrily typing away at a blog about symptoms of a horrible relationship, but I decided to write this one instead.
Instead of wallowing in my anger, I want to encourage all you ladies and gents, I ain't sexist in a bad long-term relationship.  I am talking about a long-term dating relationship, not marriage. 

I just want to tell you, there's hope.
Not for your relationship, but for you as an individual.
You have to decide whether working it out is plausible or not. 

What I'm talking about is that there is hope outside of this toxic relationship. There is hope when you finally kick off that chain that is tying you down.

I know you may not see it now, but there is a whole life out there waiting for you, without that person in it.
You can travel, meet new people, fall in love all over again, move to NYC, get a puppy, ANYTHING. 
Life opened up for me when I realized that that relationship was doomed.

I know it's scary to "be alone" but you won't be.
You have friends, family, and most importantly, a God who cares so much about you.

The Lord often brings us closer to him when we are at our weakest. I know it isn't a fun option to open yourself up to a time alone, but it's worth it.
Your walk with the Lord will be stronger than it ever was when you're leaning on Him alone.

I know it's frightening to not know what is coming next, but it's okay not to know. 
When I broke up with my long-term boyfriend, I couldn't stand people asking me questions. I promptly started answering every "are you guys getting back together?" "what happened?" "how are you doing?" with "I don't know."
and I don't know is OKAY! I know it's easy to get bogged down in the life you had planned, but plans change.

When I finally got up the nerve to break up with my ex, my Dad dropped some wisdom on me that I will never ever forget.
After telling him how my ex had made me feel like unwanted garbage for months, my Daddy, with nothing but love in his wrinkled blue eyes, looked at me and said "You deserve so much better. You do not deserve to get [emotionally] punched in the stomach for 20 years and if he doesn't want you now, he won't treat you any better 30 years down the road."

This has changed my life and I distinctly remember telling this to two of my best friends going through similar situations. I don't think I can do it justice, but I hope the concept seeped through. 

You deserve better than that.
You can do better than crying on the phone at 2 am to your friend/mom/sister/brother/dad.
You deserve better than being someone's second choice.
You deserve someone who is going to love you unashamedly for the rest of your life.
You deserve to be happy in your relationship.
You're stronger than you think you are. 

And I just thought someone should tell you. 

-S

And because I love my Mom and Dad, there's a beautiful picture of them from their anniversary.

It's the Fourth of July, Right?

So today's the day, February 14, 2015. Valentine's Day. Yay. 

I even joked with my best friends that I was going to celebrate the Fourth of July today instead. I thought it was funny, but they weren't really amused (I'm looking at you, Liv!Hahaha). 

The first one I've spent by myself since I was 15. The first time I've felt alone on this stupid holiday in a long time. 

With friends and girls getting flowers, chocolate, and gifts today, today has been a completely humbling experience. I've smiled and laughed and encouraged the ladies around me. I'm very truly happy for them, but sometimes I just don't feel like I want to be. 

All week I've had to remind myself that right now I'm in a season of being single, and that that is okay. I've reminded myself that the Lord has a plan for me that exceeds anything I've ever thought of. 

It doesn't make any less of a lady because I don't have a Valentine, and that encourages me. 

I'm spending the day with the best people I know, my parents are sending me a much needed care package, and I don't have much homework for the weekend. So instead on focusing on what I don't have, I'm attempting to focus and praise the Lord for what I do. 

Hopefully, one day, I will get to tell my children how I waited patiently for their father, even through the sucky holidays alone. 

-S

Straight Shooting

The other day I was having a frustrated talk with my roommate and the conversation went something like this:

Jo: Some guys are so stupid. Why don't they realize that girls would go out with them if they just asked?

Me: I have no idea. If I was a guy, I would ask girls to coffee all the time, just for fun. No commitment, no risk. 

Jo: And very rarely would a girl say no to a normal guy. There are a few occasions when she knows she's not interested, but most of the time she's down to try it. 

Now, this is not the first time I've had this conversation, and it most likely will not be the last. I've had conversation and conversation with my girl friends, especially in the past year, that revolve around "Why won't he just ask? Why do I feel like I'm pursuing this? If he'd ask, I would say yes."

I'm not saying this is all guys, there are the few, brave souls who don't fit this stereotype, and let me tell you, ladies are very thankful for you.

But this got me thinking: what if guys don't ask because no one is telling them that they should. . So I'm going to tell you, you should. 

I'm a straight shooter and I try to be honest and clear as much as possible so again, Guys, you should ask her.

Like I said, there is no commitment and no risk. It's not even an official date. It's a sign of interest at the most, but nothing else.
And we're all adults here, right?
If you don't show your interest, then you'll be quick to lose her. And if you like her and you lose her, you'll regret it.

But when you ask her: be confident and be considerate. 
Nothing is more attractive than a guy who lays it right out on the table, especially because that is so lacking nowadays. Be straightforward with her.
If you want to get to know her and see where it goes, be honest with her. And if she isn't interested, hopefully she's classy enough to save you both the embarrassment and let you down easily.

And if you find out 10 minutes into this pre-arranged, one-on-one hangout session (I'm avoiding using "date") that you're not interested, tell her once the time is over. Don't leave her suspended in the revolving door of "does he like me?" and "does he want to see me again?".
I'm sure you've been there before and it sucks, for both parties involved.

Now, before the feminists get me, women, you can ask him out too if you want.
I'm not going to even touch that subject right now.
But I personally don't like that for me and the guys I'm interested in. I like feeling like a lady and pursuing a man just doesn't make me feel very lady-like-ish. Call me a Southern Belle if you want, but it was how I was raised.

I like to see a guy put himself out there and ask me. Vulnerability and genuineness are cherished and looked for in any relationship.
When a guy can humble himself enough to admit to being interested in spending one-on-one time together, he gains at least 18 points in my book, even if I didn't have very much interest in
him before.

So on behalf of the girls who are frustrated with your lack of gumption, I'm telling you to step outside of your comfort zone and give it a chance. It'll be worth it one day.

S