What fun to introduce you to my young friend and writer, 12-year-old Isaac Barros. Isaac is the son of our beloved family friend, Larry Barros, who went home to be with Jesus in 2014. Larry was a children’s church leader, curriculum writer, and an amazing preacher. I plan to introduce you to Larry’s words sometime in the future.
Following Isaac’s contribution below, you will find a bit of my musings and a variety of fun resources for all ages to inform and celebrate America and freedom. year-round.
First Class Petty Officer Francis W. Preston, a 102-year-old U.S. Navy veteran, served in the Pacific during World War II. Fran shares his journey from sailing the war-torn seas to becoming a soul seeker.
Domenick Lasorsa is the grateful son of a navy veteran with a heart to serve others, to give back. Domenick shares about support for military veterans and their families in this short, upbeat, informative video.
The Bible calls us to stand for righteousness, defend the defenseless, combat lies, and vehemently resist opposition that tries to stifle truth. We cannot afford to remain silent while some sanction sin. We must do what we’re able to thwart evil agendas that threaten freedom and seek to cease the advance of the Gospel message.
Wake up! Stand up and speak up, America, before you lose your freedom of speech, the right to raise your children according to your convictions—your parental rights, the right to defend your property and family, your privacy, and freedom of religion.
Some say it’s okay to take a snooze because an issue isn’t affecting them personally. But the Bible says it’s the little foxes that spoil the vine. Some say they won’t vote because they don’t like either candidate. Many are quick to complain but slow to be part of the solution.
Failure to choose is a choice.We either advance good or enable evil.
First, they came for the socialists, but I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, but I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, but I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me.
— Holocaust survivor Pastor Martin Niemöller
There are no perfect candidates, but we are blessed with the freedom and responsibility to vote for the ones that best align with our values. For those who are Christians, our values ought to line up with the Bible.
Wake up, America! Your prosperity has blinded you to your poverty. Wake up, Christian! You have become comfortable in your complacency.
It is my honor to introduce you to United States Army Chaplain, Brad Lee. Chaplain Lee is a husband and father of six, and a writer with a forthcoming book inspired by his journey with his young son who has Downs Syndrome and Autism.
In Part 1 of this two part conversation, Chaplain Lee shares the road that led him to become a chaplain in the U.S. Army, some of the adventures, challenges, and opportunities he encounters as he serves our country and our soldiers, as well as some powerful thoughts on and wise counsel to our nation.
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. ―Martin Luther King Jr.
The King of all creation, Jesus, shouldered our sin and calls us to bear one another’s burdens.
Bearone another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 (NKJV)
bearing with oneanother, and forgiving oneanother, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. Colossians 3:13 (NKJV)
So, why are we shouting?
But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness. 2 Timothy 2:16 (HCSB)
..in the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. —Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I Have a Dream, speech
“the time is always right to do the right thing”―Martin Luther King Jr.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love oneanother; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:34 (NKJV)
We are not our skin; it’s just the stuff we live in. Strawberry, lemon, chocolate, vanilla—let us savor the flavor in each other’s cultures.
Some believe themselves superior while exhibiting inferior behavior toward others. With large mouths, shriveled hearts and tiny mindsets they eke out finite lives in their effort to undermine noble ones. Others say they want equal rights but demand special privileges.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”―Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
What if instead of looking out for ourselves we looked out for each other?
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Philippians 2:3 (NKJV)
The Bible says:
And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, Acts 17:26 (NKJV)
The Great Seal of the United States of America says we are. “E Pluribus unum, out of many, one.” Our pledge of allegiance states, “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” and our national motto says, “In God We Trust.” But when we seek our own and trust in man, as some do, we end up divided. See, the Gospel has the answers—it is the answer for all that ails us.
We are meant to marvel at the majesty of the Creator in His creation.
There is a root that sustains
There is one Vine—
Jesus
How marvelously He colors our lives with vibrant brushstrokes of many hues—
Facets of Himself reflected in our differences
Let us recognize our common ground
And celebrate
The ongoing work of the The Master Artist.
Portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. by Jean Colby
Link here to read: One Blood, A Civil Rights Story, as told to me by Jean Colby, my mother-in-law and Sara Clay, my sister-in-law about their experiences as Civil Rights activists, about the March Against Fear, MLK, and James Meredith. (Scroll down in my post, See, Stand, Speak.)
What are your thoughts on the current racial tensions in America? What do you feel has fueled them and what do you think we as a nation and the Church can do to quell this and bridge the racial divide?
…The tensions are high and so political. The whole thing upsets me. People’s lives should never ever be political playing cards, and yet they are. They always are. I believe that what we did during the time of slavery was horrifying and we should not be dismissive of those whom it is still impacting today. I believe…
…My wife is Chicana from west Texas, and I, (though Texan as well), am actually a fifth generation Cherokee that left the… Click here to Continue.
PFC David Fosdick Taylor was only 19 when he and his fellow soldiers of the 104th Infantry Division “Timberwolves” of the United States Army fought to the north of where the Battle of the Bulge was waged. The cold, wet conditions in November and December 1944, made it all the more miserable and caused David and many of the men to suffer from trench foot.
Shots rang out as the Timberwolves pressed toward the Nazi army and enemy snipers fired at them from the trees. In the exchange of gunfire, a bullet found its target and an American soldier fell and lay wounded in the space between them and the enemy.
A volley of enemy ammunition rained down as David ran across the open field and carried his fellow soldier back toward their unit. A bullet ripped through David’s leg and he stumbled, but regained his footing and kept going.
David lay recovering from his wound in the 203rd General Hospital outside of Paris, grateful to be alive and to have saved the soldier’s life. But he longed for home. His thoughts drifted to his younger sister, Jean, and the sweet sound of her singing as she played Christmas carols on the family piano in the parlor. He picked up his pen and began to draw.
David received the Purple Heart awarded to servicemembers wounded or killed while engaged in battle with the enemy.
~~~*~~~
I wonder how many know that in 1999, congress designated May as Military Appreciation Month? Someone informed me that May fourth was Star Wars Day. But of the fifty people I asked, only two knew the third Saturday of May is designated as Armed Forces Day. It bothers me when heroes, those who serve, are overlooked, unheard, misunderstood, or not shown the appreciation and support they deserve.
On a wind-whipped, drizzly late afternoon, I set out with notebook and pen to the annual Memorial Day weekend Troops in the Spotlight event across town. I’d hesitated to go, and wondered if they’d talk to me. Our troops protect and serve us in all kinds of adverse conditions, and the weather didn’t dampen their spirits. What a joyful privilege to interview our active duty and retired military members and share their words along with military history.
“I joined the military because I’m answering my calling,” said the first young United States Army serviceman I interviewed.
“The sacrifice of being away from my family is the hardest. The births, funerals, birthdays I miss. When my niece asked why I wasn’t at her birthday…when you come home, and kids don’t know you. It’s hard not being there for my family, but those people I’m not there for are the reason why I’m gone. I’m doing this for them, to take care of them. So, by being away, I am there for them,” he said.
Armed Forces Day
The National Security Act, signed into law on July 26, 1947[1], by President Harry S. Truman, unified the Army, Navy, Marines, and Airforce under the Department of Defense.
To signify this unification, “President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.
On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace the observance of separate service days.[2]”—Department of Defense website[3]
The Army, Air Force and Navy adopted Armed Forces Day and last celebrated their individual service days in 1949. The Marine Core League supports Armed Forces Day and continues to celebrate Marine Core Day as well (November 10th). Likewise, the Coast Guard (under the authority of Homeland Security in peacetime, and the Navy in wartime) celebrates both Coast Guard Day (August 4th) and Armed Forces Day.
President Truman made the Presidential Proclamation of Armed Forces Day on Feb 27, 1950.[4] First celebrated on May 20, 1950, it is now observed on the third Saturday of May.
“I thought, why not be the first to serve in my family?”
“It’s stable. Good pay.” (Served in Kuwait twice)
“I was in a rut and in need of a way out. I felt the military was a good way out —[it offered] schooling, job.
“After college, I couldn’t find a job. My Father was an Army reservist and encouraged me. My Grandfather was a World War II Navy veteran.”—U.S. Air Force
“I joined because I wanted to do something better with myself.”—Retired, U.S. Air Force serviceman of 20 years
What bothers you?
“The hardest thing is being away from my family. I have friends serving overseas.”
“When I ask for the military discount, and they ask for my husband’s ID. I’m the service person.”
“Recognize women in the military. People ask about us being harassed in the military. I get harassed by those not in the military.”
“Staying up all night.”
“The PC. Why is there any such thing as politically correct?”
“I have lost two friends in combat.”
“Most American citizens aren’t aware servicemen died today in combat. Do they know their names?”
~~*~~
The History of Memorial Day
In 1866, a year after the Civil War ended, a women’s memorial association in Columbus, Mississippi, decorated the graves of Confederate and Union soldiers with flowers. This benevolent gesture inspired the poem “The Blue and the Gray,” by Francis Miles Finch. Perhaps these women’s reconciliatory actions influenced the creation of Memorial Day and its customs.
On May 15th, 1868, Union hero and Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, issued General Order Number 11, designating May 30 a day of memorial, originally known as Decoration Day, “for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land.”
With President Ulysses Grant presiding, General James A. Garfield (who became 20th President of the United States in 1881) spoke at the first national Memorial Day observance ceremony. This took place on May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery, the grounds of which were formerly the estate of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.
Memorial Day was later expanded to honor all deceased American military men and women who gave their lives defending our nation in battle. In 1971, federal law moved the observance of Memorial Day to the last Monday in May.
Today Memorial Day is observed at Arlington National Cemetery by decorating each grave with an American flag and placing a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In other military cemeteries, flags are placed on the graves of all veterans and even on their spouse’s graves on Memorial Day.
General James A. Garfield’s Speech, known as “His finest hour,” given at the first national Memorial Day:
“I am oppressed with a sense of the impropriety of uttering words on this occasion. If silence is ever golden, it must be here beside the graves of fifteen thousand men, whose lives were more significant than speech, and whose death was a poem, the music of which can never be sung. With words we make promises, plight faith, praise virtue…”[5]Click to continue.
Canadian officer and surgeon Major John McCrae penned the famous wartime poem, In Flanders Fields in 1915 during WWI. It inspired the red poppy’s rise of popularity and subsequent adoption as a symbol of remembrance. By 1917, In Flanders Fields was known throughout the English-speaking world and used to bring attention to the war effort, recruit American soldiers, and help raise money for the troops. [6]
In Flanders Fields
-by John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Do you have concerns about our military?
“No concerns. Everything is a cycle. What goes up will come down and what is down will come up.”
“Drill instructors aren’t tough enough today on recruits.”
“I’m concerned the military has gotten a little soft.”
“The definition of hazing has gone too far.”
“Now there is more paperwork. The military used to be more physical. You can’t engage the enemy with paper.”—U.S. Army
“We need to toughen up the military.”
“We hope they don’t shut down more bases. This is how we support our families. This is our job. This is who we are. This is what we do.”
“It is what it is. I don’t get caught up in the possibilities, the threats. I knew what I was getting into when I signed up.”—U.S. Air Force
“It’s horrible how people treat our police officers.”
“The way kids are being brought up. They don’t respect authority, and only want to play games. I think they should all serve two years in the military after high school.”
“Children today have no respect for authority.”
“People don’t have respect for authority, for each other, the military, our country.”
“We need more enlistments.”
“I’m concerned about the disconnect. Less than 1% of the population carry the burden of serving in our military.”—U.S. Army
“The situation in the nation between citizens, the youth, and police officers.”
“Taking away gun rights doesn’t stop the bad guys. We need rules and regulations. But you need the right to defend yourself.”
“Be aware. Isis is everywhere. They are here. Living on your street.”
“They, [American civilians], think Otis Air Force Base is closed. They don’t know there is still a war [on terror.]”—U.S. Air Force
~~*~~
War is a terrible thing, but sometimes it’s necessary to wage war to win peace and secure freedom. There is no neutral ground—we either advance good or enable evil.
Many are the sacrifices our military members make for their country and those they love.
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13 NASB)
I’d be remiss to not draw attention to the most epic battle ever waged—the war for our souls. Jesus fought to rescue us from the grip of our enemy Satan’s tyranny. We don’t have to live captive to our sin, sorrow, or past.
The greatest danger—that of the unredeemed soul precariously perched on the edge of hell is ever present, whether they’re aware of their jeopardy. A wise soldier wouldn’t step into battle unprepared. An even greater tragedy is to navigate life’s battles and step into eternity unprepared.
Jesus said, “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” I John 5:12 (NKJV)
Why choose to remain a prisoner when love drove Jesus to give His life on the cross as ransom for our sin? He defeated the devil, conquered death, and hell when he rose, thus opened the way so we can walk free.
Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:36 (NKJV)
~~*~~
How can American civilians support our military?
“Many Americans don’t understand our military. A gap exists between civilians and the military. People ask, most don’t know we [U.S. military forces], are still at war [in Iraq as part of the global war on terror.] In World War II, there was a shared sacrifice with civilians. They participated in the war effort to meet the needs. We need civilians to educate themselves and participate.”—U.S. Army
“Remember, we are serving. Serving here is just as important as serving overseas. We have jobs, we volunteer in the community, train personnel to deploy, help with school, with storm support, the Red Cross, the Boston marathon, communications.”—U.S. Air Force
“I never really thought about it; I get treated well. Show support—like at Troops in the Spotlight.”—U.S. Army
“We do our duty. Be supportive of the military. Some towns locally don’t show support for us. When they see us, it’s like, ‘What are you doing here?’ — I’d like to see more parades and events—to be more a part of the culture.”—U.S. Army
“I could say more benefits, or that some things need to be fixed with the VA, but what we really need is unity. Have your differences. You’re an immigrant. Welcome—but you are an American now. Be one nation.”—U.S. Army
“Be an American. Show your support, like you’re doing now. Appreciate the benefits of the U.S. being your home. Take care of it. America needs to come first. Just be a civilian and do the best you can.”—U.S. Air Force
“I’m concerned that we are divided. Realize what we as a nation are about: United—one nation.—Represent your flag. We need understanding, to accept, and respect each other. Out of many one people. Have your culture; have your heritage. Be proud of your heritage—but we are all Americans. E Pluribus Unum; out of many, one. We are Americans first.”—U.S. Army serviceman twice deployed to Afghanistan.
“Those citizens who are doing their best—we appreciate it.”—U.S. Army
~~~*~~~
The good soldier fights for freedom, righteousness, and securing an ordinary peaceful life and opportunity for their people. Those fulfilling wholesome occupations are part of a soldier’s reward they can look forward to coming home to. May we each do our duty in light of the trust we’ve received as citizens of our great nation. And if you are a Christian, also as soldiers and ambassadors for the gospel of Jesus Christ. No task is insignificant if it plays a part in fulfilling our call. What are you called to? Do that.
Link to video of: The Star Spangled Banner (with lyrics) Performed by Sandi Patti with the original lyrics written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 and added verse composed by Claire Cloninger for the Statue of Liberty Centennial Celebration in 1986.
To our American military personnel who served, to those who paid the ultimate price by laying down their lives for our freedom, and those who currently serve and protect in our United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force, and National Guard: Thank you.
May God help us raise our families, appreciate our freedoms, care for our countrymen and nation, and live our lives in such a manner worthy of the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. I pray for God’s direction, protection, provision, strength, and blessings on them and their families. May our hearts hold our American military in grateful honor and prayer and demonstrate our love and support for them, not only on designated days, but always.
“In addition to the named wars and conflicts listed below, members of the American military (and some civilians) have played small but active roles in many other international conflicts.”
Dates
War in Which American Colonists orUnited States Citizens Officially Participated
Major Combatants
July 4, 1675 -August 12, 1676
King Philip’s War
New England Colonies vs. Wampanoag, Narragansett, and Nipmuck Indians
1689-1697
King William’s War
The English Colonies vs. France
1702-1713
Queen Anne’s War (War of Spanish Succession)
The English Colonies vs. France
1744-1748
King George’s War (War of Austrian Succession)
The French Colonies vs. Great Britain
1756-1763
French and Indian War(Seven Years War)
The French Colonies vs. Great Britain
1759-1761
Cherokee War
English Colonists vs. Cherokee Indians
1775-1783
American Revolution
English Colonists vs. Great Britain
1798-1800
Franco-American Naval War
United States vs. France
1801-1805; 1815
Barbary Wars
United States vs. Morocco, Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli
1812-1815
War of 1812
United States vs. Great Britain
1813-1814
Creek War
United States vs. Creek Indians
1836
War of Texas Independence
Texas vs. Mexico
1846-1848
Mexican-American War
United States vs. Mexico
1861-1865
U.S. Civil War
Union vs. Confederacy
1898
Spanish-American War
United States vs. Spain
1914-1918
World War I
Triple Alliance: Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary vs. Triple Entente: Britain, France, and Russia. The United States joined on the side of the Triple Entente in 1917.
1939-1945
World War II
Axis Powers: Germany, Italy, Japan vs. Major Allied Powers: United States, Great Britain, France, and Russia
1950-1953
Korean War
United States (as part of the United Nations) and South Korea vs. North Korea and Communist China
1960-1975
Vietnam War
United States and South Vietnam vs. North Vietnam
1961
Bay of Pigs Invasion
United States vs. Cuba
1983
Grenada
United States Intervention
1989
US Invasion of Panama
United States vs. Panama
1990-1991
Persian Gulf War
United States and Coalition Forces vs. Iraq
1995-1996
Intervention in Bosnia and Herzegovina
United States as part of NATO acted peacekeepers in former Yugoslavia
2001
Invasion of Afghanistan
United States and Coalition Forces vs. the Taliban regime in Afghanistan to fight terrorism.
2003
Invasion of Iraq
United States and Coalition Forces vs. Iraq
~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Originally posted as Tribute on Memorial Day 2017 | Updated 2/2024 | Rachael M Colby, Tattoo It On Your Heart
My, how you’ve grown and how I love you. But it seems like you are leaning away from the life giving Light.
*“Let us, then, search the Scriptures … The Bible contains the revelation of the will of God.” – John Quincy Adams, from a letter to his son dated September 1811 from, Letters of John Quincy Adams, to His Son, on the Bible and Its Teachings by John Quincy Adams (Auburn: James M. Alden, 1850).
By letting go of the Godly principles upon which we were founded, we trample underfoot the names and the precious blood of those who laid down their lives to secure our great country’s freedom.
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight! Isaiah 5:20-21 NKJV
* “…the propitious smiles of Heaven, can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained…”-George Washington, Inaugural Address of 1879
* While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian. –George Washington, General Orders, 2nd May 1778
Education is useless without the Bible. The Bible was America’s basic textbook in all fields. God’s Word, contained in the Bible, has furnished all necessary rules to direct our conduct. Noah Webster
“A Thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.” – Theodore Roosevelt, as quoted in Stepping Stones, the Complete Bible Narratives, 1941
In my view, the Christian religion is the most important and one of the first things in which all children, under a free government ought to be instructed … No truth is more evident to my mind than that the Christian religion must be the basis of any government intended to secure the rights and privileges of a free people. – Noah Webster, Preface Noah Webster Dictionary, 1828
We are called to be Light bearers. It is easy to say what a mess our church, our country, or world is, but the responsibility of moving God’s heart on our behalf rests squarely on the shoulders of the Christian. Before we can effectively pray for our church and nation we must first get ourselves right with God. We can’t give to others what we don’t have.
Judgement, repentance, and revival begin in the Church. He is a holy, jealous, passionate God. He will not share affection with any other gods or idols in our life. He wants to be our first passion, our go-to. He is calling us to return to our first love and do the first works.
It’s the Church that has made herself right with God that will move God’s hand to bring healing and revival to our families, churches, country and world. What if we each became broken before God and repented of our sin? What if we fell on our faces and sought Him for Himself, for that personal relationship and because He is worthy? Not just for what He can do for us. I believe then we would see what we were looking for.
Awake! Cast off sin, distraction, and trivial pursuit. Let us lay our hearts, our lives before our King. Re-enlist in the army of the ultimate freedom fighter, Jesus Christ, who laid down His life to free the souls of mankind from the bondage of sin.
*“….You, Gentlemen, act the part of pious Christians and good citizens by your prayers and exertions to preserve that harmony and good will towards men which must be the basis of every political establishment; and I readily join with you that “while just government protects all in their religious rights, true religion affords to government its surest support.”-From George Washington to the Synod of the Dutch reformed Church in North America
“That book, sir, is the rock on which our Republic rests…” – Andrew Jackson, reportedly while on his deathbed while pointing to the Bible.
If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14
To fully appreciate what we have, and to ensure we maintain our liberty, it is crucial that we know and understand history (*not erase it) and teach it to our children.
VIDEO:The Lost Secrets of Liberty – *Includes some little known and surprising facts about the Fourth of July and Independence day.
Courtesy of: Heirloom Audio Productions- Bringing history to life for the whole family. Check out their exciting dramatized audio adventures based on the works of G.A. Henty http://www.heirloomaudio.com/
Originally posted on July 4th, 2016. Updated with added entertaining and enriching history videos and other resources for families and those who love to learn.
***Please note: Corrections and revisions have been made to this post as I became aware of the need. A * indicates content added or updated on 7/4/17 or thereafter. In my attempt to report truth, I will continue to add and update this post with confirmed quotes and verified links as I research. Your comments are welcome, and help with this process would be greatly appreciated. God bless you. Rachael M Colby
Rejoice 
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 
Tattoo It On Your Heart 