A Few Pictures From My Trip

  I realize that I haven't posted in over a week. Again. It's happened a few too many times this year, but this year has been . . . a lot different. Anyways, I just returned home from a road trip to Kentucky and Ohio.
     Miriam and I were judges at the National Bible Bee Competition held at the Ark Encounter in Kentucky, and since we were so close to Ohio, we got to spend some time with Hosanna!
   I didn't get many pictures, but here's what I got.

For a girl from a very rural area, these cities take my breath away. This was the view from one of our hotel windows, and at night, it was all lit up and reflecting on the Ohio river. It was SO beautiful!!! But after driving on their roads, I'm more than happy to be returned to the country!

And the view out my other window.

The hotel we were staying at was attached to the convention center where the preliminary testing for the Bible Bee Competition took place. This gazebo is actually inside the hotel lobby.

It was fun to see the Christmas decorations everywhere! 

This is the view of the lobby and gazebo from the 11th floor where we were staying.

We took Dad and Mom to the Air Force Museum one day, and while we really had to run through it and didn't have much time, it was awesome to see again! If you're ever in Dayton, Ohio, plan a day or two to see this place!

This is one of the presidential Air Force One planes.

And we got to spend a little bit of time with Hosanna!!!!

I'm super glad I got to work with Miriam during the competition. It made it so much more fun.

And the awesome group we got to judge with! As mostly alumni of the Bible Bee Competition, it was a lot of fun to compare stories, and share memories.

The finals, were held at the Ark Encounter Convention Center, so we got to see the Ark!! I'd never been, and it was TOTALLY worth the time! If you're ever in Kentucky, be sure to hit the Ark Encounter, and the Creation Museum, they were both really awesome! I really appreciated how they took something that many make fun of, like the Ark, and show how it was completely possible. The Bible is always right!

And on the way home, we stopped at a Steak and Shake. I'd never been to one, so it was a fun experience. I got the Eggnog shake, and while I'm not usually a huge fan of Eggnog, it was very good and put me in a Christmas mood. :)

Thanksgiving in Ohio

 As many of you know, my sister Hosanna spent Thanksgiving in Ohio with her 'special friend' and I went along as driver, chaperone, semi-map reader, and sidekick.
    Overall, I had a great time, but didn't get pictures of most of my time there. We played a lot of games, ate a LOT of pie, and had a great time being thankful for everything God has blessed us with.

I've made a few pies in my time, but these pies put me to shame! I'll have to work on that. The peanut butter pie was my favorite followed by the pecan.

They took us to this air force museum. It is the worlds largest and oldest air force museum and one day was NOT enough time! We didn't get through the whole thing, and I'm not sure if a week would have been enough! If you're ever in Dayton, OH, make sure to stop in!

I took a LOT of pictures, but many of them were blurry and I wasn't sure which ones would interest you the most, so I just grabbed a few random ones.

It started with a hanger going from the beginning of flight, through WWI. In this picture, you can see a model of one of the Wright brothers first planes, a glass display with one of the bikes from the Wright brothers' bike repair shop, and in the background you can see one of the blimps from the early days.

I enjoyed the paint jobs on some of the planes.

There were several presidential planes that we got to go through. It was neat going through Kennedy's plane, as well as a few other presidents' planes like Eisenhower and FDR.

We did a LOT of walking, went through multiple hangers, and didn't have time to finish going through all of them. It was AWESOME!!!!

It's blurry, I know, but this is the FIRST picture I've ever had with Santa Claus. Okay, so I would NOT go out of my way to get a picture like this, but the reason I got it, was because I was following Hosanna, who was following her 'special friend' through Lowe's Department store, and we come upon poor Mr. Santa Claus, sitting all alone on Black Friday morning, smiling and waving at all of these men who were walking by and ignoring him. I commented about how lonely he looked, and Hosanna was like . . . "You should get a picture with him for the blog!" At first I was like . . . "NO WAY!" But after thinking about it, I was like . . .  "You know, if my friend ---- were here, I'd do it." So, I decided to go have a little chat with him. NO, I did NOT tell him what I wanted for Christmas, and I CERTAINLY DID NOT sit on his lap!!! But I did get the picture, and had a nice chat. :) :) 

The road home was pretty crazy, northern IL had just had a snow storm and we had some really bad roads, but aside from the one time we fishtailed and ended up facing the WRONG direction on the interstate, and the time we had to wait for around a half hour because of a wreck, we made it home with little drama. THANK YOU to everyone who prayed for our safety on the long drive. I believe it was crucial in the safety we had.

Here's a sneak peak at what my table will look like at the book signing this Saturday. That plate in the bottom left hand corner will have fudge samples on it. :)  

And just a quick reminder, if you happen to be in Warroad on Saturday, please stop by! I'd love to see you and the first 25 people to stop in get a $1 off any drink of their choice.

With Thanksgiving, I'm reminded of all the things I've been blessed with in life, and all the many things I often forget to be thankful for. Things like my ability to walk, my ability to taste, smell, hear, speak, and feel. Every breath is a gift!!! I'm ESPECIALLY thankful for the family God's given me, and the friends I've been blessed with.

I'm Leaving Again.

   As many of you know, I'm going back to work at Northland Camp again this summer. Last spring, before I left, I wrote up blog posts for the summer, so that even if I didn't get a chance to go online, I could still have a blog post come out every week. Well, I didn't do that this year. So, while I still intend to post once a week, even from camp, there are several things that could stop it.
      One - there isn't much internet connection at camp, and I'm normally only able to use it on the weekends. Two - Sometimes, my weekends are too busy to write blog posts. Three - Well, I don't have a third reason, but something could come up and keep me from posting.
      So, basically, I'll be trying to post every Saturday or Sunday, but if I don't . . . I ask for forgiveness in advance. For those of you who've worked at camps, you know how crazy it can be!

       The main things I'd like prayer for are, safety for everyone there, health among us staff, and God's will to be done. Hopefully, we'll see many young people come to Christ through this ministry, and that there will be much spiritual growth. I appreciate your prayers for my sister and I as we help out.

      Also, if you would like to pray for safe travels as Hosanna and I drive out there, that would be great!

       
        This picture is from my trip to SD. My cousin was driving, and we're going along the interstate at a normal speed, and I look at his speedometer and  . . .
 

Either he's spent too much time in Canada, or he was trying to scare me, but it took me a while to figure out that he'd switched the car to kilometers instead of miles per hour!!! I thought the speedometer was broken!

Last Week

I had a lot of fun going out with a friend, and then spending the afternoon with our church ladies at the Mother's Day Tea.

Sunday evening some of our church's young people did a music recital, and I had the opportunity to play. At first, I didn't want to, but I'm glad I did. With MANY people around me who are better on the piano, I don't very often play in front of people and I always get SO nervous. The crazy thing is, I don't even know why I'm nervous! I mean the worst thing that could happen, is that I could mess up, burst into tears and fall off the piano bench, but no matter how traumatic it could be, I'd probably look back at it and laugh. 

Anyways, Hosanna told me I was nervous because I haven't done it very much, and if I'd do it more, I would stop being nervous. While I'm sure that's true about my piano playing, I find it's ESPECIALLY true for sharing the gospel. When we haven't been sharing the gospel, we tend to get nervous about approaching people, but if we do it more, and rely on God for strength, it gets easier.

I always find it funny looking at pictures of me from when I was playing piano because I make the most ridiculous faces while I play! Sometimes I look mad, sometimes I look like I'm about to cry, and other times I look nearly asleep. This is actually one of the least embarrassing faces I've ever made while playing piano.

After the recital, Grandpa spoke a few words about doing things for the glory of God. Sometimes we think we have to wait till we're good at something in order to do it for God's glory, but even when we're not very 'accomplished' at a thing, God can still be glorified, if we choose to give Him the glory.

This weekend, I'll be attending the SD Homeschool convention, and if you think of it, I'd appreciate prayer for safe travels, and that we'd be able to be a blessing to the people we come in contact with.

R.S.C. 2018

  This past week, I had the opportunity to attend the Upper Midwest Regional A.C.E. Student Convention. Dad brought a few boys from our church as students, and I was blessed to get to help with the food at the convention, as well as some judging.

Hosanna also came and helped with judging and meals. The boys did GREAT, and we had a LOT of fun! I was also really challenged and encouraged by the speaker. In his last message, he used a phrase a few times, and it really stuck with me. "Satan is working, BECAUSE God is working." When you feel discouraged, and depressed, and Satan seems to be gaining ground, don't be discouraged! The reason Satan is working, is because God IS working. And God has already won the victory!

We ended up at a McDonalds and they had a Ronald McDonald! Since I hadn't had my picture with him since I was two or three, I wanted my picture with him!

I tried getting one like my first one but . . . either he's shrunk or I've grown!

So I pulled out the old picture. :)

One of the things I helped judge, was the puppet category. It was VERY entertaining and it was neat to see these young people using their talents to glorify God.

It was really awesome to see God working throughout the convention. Through all the problems, trials, and unexpected events, we were all able to see God working, and be encouraged that He is always good! Everything He does, is good!

We sang Victory In Jesus, and when we finished, Pastor C. commented on how amazing it is that we can sing about the victory, while still in the battle. It was encouraging to remember that no matter how long or difficult the battle may seem, it's ALREADY been won! We can have confidence in Christ! We can KNOW that HE has conquered death!

And this last picture . . . I saw it the other day couldn't help but laugh. If you're a writer, or if you live near a writer, you probably understand! I've researched some REALLY strange things with my writing. From bone cancer, while writing Never Without Hope, to studying cocaine, while writing Mission of a Lifetime, to researching the effects of shooting cars tires out while the car is in motion in Traffic at Graveyard Bend, and many other strange things about Pomeranian dogs, poisons, ransom notes, and other weird things, I'm sure I need this mug! What's the weirdest thing you've ever re-searched?

Meeting Patch the Pirate

The last few years, we've tried to take a little family trip in the spring. This year, we went to Iowa, where we visited a friend of Mom's from when she was in France on a missions trip, and we attended the Patch the Pirate Live in Ankey, Iowa.

I grew up listening to Patch the Pirate, and if it was only for that, I'd have still thought it was cool to meet him. (For those of you who know me well, you've probably heard me quote Patch the Pirate before.) But the opportunity to meet him wasn't just about his fame as Patch the Pirate. 

Our church has used the Majesty Hymnal for years, and there are several hymns in there written by Ron Hamilton. In some ways, he kind of feels like the Philip Bliss of our day. His most well-known one in our church is probably Rejoice in the Lord, but he's written many others.

As for Shelly Hamilton, well, she wrote the song that we used as the theme song at my graduation. (The Secret Place)  She's also put together a LOT of great materials for the church pianist.

So whether it was Patch the Pirate, or Ron Hamilton, I've been blessed by their ministry all my life, and I was THRILLED to get to meet them. Even if we did drive through a blizzard to get there.

It was also neat to meet some of the crew on board the Jolly Roger. Over all, we had a great trip, shopping, spending time with fellow believers, and being together as a family. I was reminded of how fragile life is. Take the time to cherish the moments with your family. Another of Ron Hamilton's songs is Cherish the Moments, and it is so true. We don't have this life forever, so be sure to love your family while you can.

Random Pictures.

I was going through the pictures in my phone, and I found a few I thought I'd share. Enjoy! (Although my phone doesn't take great pictures so pardon the blurriness!)

We had a fun cousins game night with a few of the cousins around. We had some awesome games of four-on-a-couch, Dutch Blitz, and some kind of pictionary something or another. I'm not sure exactly what it's called. 

After some of the nieces and nephews had been away on trips, it was fun to get to babysit again!

This is from when Miriam, Hosanna, and I were in ND at the homeschool convention. We were just getting ready to check out of our hotel when the fire alarm went off. We're not sure exactly what happened, but there wasn't a fire. Anyways, when we got to our vehicle, I took a picture of the firetruck and texted it to . . .(name omitted) she didn't see the firetruck, and thought I was showing her where we were parked! I guess it's a good thing that I didn't alarm her!

This is outside of Chick-Fil-A. If you look close, you'll see the bunny rabbit in the snow. The reason for this picture goes back a few years ago to when my sisters and I were taking a walk through the woods. I heard a rustling, and this rabbit jumped up in front of us and took off. It REALLY startled me! As I let my heart rate get back to normal, I looked down, and saw that I was holding my sister's hand! They haven't let me live that down. Every time we see a rabbit, they joke about me being deathly afraid of rabbits, and needing to hold their hand. So, when we pulled up into the Chick-Fil-A drive through, I had to take a picture. Even in the city, the rabbits are after me! But seriously, I'm NOT afraid of rabbits contrary to popular belief. I simply get startled a little too easily. :) :) :) :)

ND Homeschool Convention

I had a WONDERFUL time at the ND Homeschool convention. People have been asking me how it went. It went GREAT!!!! I mean how could my sisters and I go on a trip and not have fun???

Not only did they do all the driving, my amazing sisters also helped with set-up and take-down, and they did the 'sales handling' so that I had time to visit with people. So, did I make many sales? Did I pay for my booth? Well, no, but it was still totally worth it. I got to meet a lot of really awesome people, including a young woman who recognized me from one of the online interviews I had.

The days were a lot of fun, and then at night, we went back to our hotel and had fun together, so it felt like a vacation!

I was excited to carry Bethany's book on my table as well as a journal she designed! 

My vendor was on the end of one of the rows which I enjoyed, although I also enjoyed my neighbors and had fun getting to know them.

I always enjoy a visit from family!

So, if you've never been to a Homeschool convention, you may not be sure exactly what goes on at one. Well, in a nutshell, a homeschool convention, is an event where you meet LOTS of fellow homeschool families from your state or surrounding area, you get to attend all kinds of fun workshops and sessions, and you get to buy all kinds of awesome books!

For the sessions and workshops, they get in a lot of well-known speakers. Topics range from a-z with some for beginning homeschool families, others for more seasoned families, and some for those of us who aren't exactly in either category any more. At this last convention I attended, the speakers were people like Chuck Black, author, who spoke on Developing Discernment in your child, and more, Davis and Rachael Carman from Apologia ministries, who spoke on soaring above survival while homeschooling and more, and Jake MacAulay, CEO of the Institute of the Constitution who spoke on Faith, values, the constitution, and more, to name a few.

At the SD Homeschool convention, which I'm planning on attending, the keynote speaker is Israel Wayne. So no matter what kind of speakers you like, you'll probably find at least a few that you'll enjoy hearing.

The vendor hall, is full of booths that sell the products you love. Vendors like Lamplighter, Brinkman Adventures, Chuck Black, and dozens more. 

So, basically, if you're a homeschooler, you will LOVE the conventions!

My Summer at Camp :)

Everyone keeps asking me how my summer was. It was GREAT!!!! Yes, it was one of the hardest summers of my life, but it was so rewarding and worth every bit of the work. Some would say that I had the privilege of leading one of my campers to Christ. . . Yes, I did get to pray with her, but I wasn't the one doing the work. I saw God working in so many ways this summer . . . many young people got saved and many more made commitments to surrender areas of their lives to Christ.

      There's nothing like spending the summer watching God work. There were weeks where God worked in spite of me, and there were weeks that God worked through me, but in every situation, God stretched me and helped me grow.

      I feel like my summer had three phases. The first part, I was constantly taught and reminded by God that I can't do anything. I can't change people's lives, I can't get people saved, and I can't even have a godly attitude on my own. I have to rely completely on God. I was reminded over and over that life isn't about me. It doesn't matter how good of a job, or how bad of a job I do, it's not about me. It should all be about bringing glory to God. The second part of the summer reminded me of how good God is. How much God loves to bless us, and how much He wants a relationship with us. And the third part of the summer taught me that I can't let other people and their struggles rob me of the joy of the Lord. After pouring my week into campers, praying for them and investing, I wanted to see them change, and when some of them didn't, I got discouraged. I was reminded that I can't let other people discourage me and get me down. As long as I'm living in the center of God's will, I can have the joy of the Lord no matter how other people respond.

We had a staff talent show and I wrote a poem to read about the staff.

During teen camp, there's a red team vs. blue team competition and I was on the red team. We had so much fun together!

They had a dunk tank and although I don't have a picture of myself in it, I did get to go in it. It was AWESOME, although the water was cold.

Every week we had a different speaker. This is Mr. Mike Manor, he spoke the last week and really challenged us to do something for God.

We had a lot of fun as a staff and when they were making sure the cotton candy machine was ready to go it got a little crazy!

I was so blessed to have my friend Jess come and work at camp for part of the summer. Thank you, Jess, for being such a great friend, and for most of these pictures. :)

At our staff party, we had an AWESOME game of Kube which I had never played before.

Time with friends:)

Also at the staff party, we had a great game of Wiffle Ball.

The people at the church I attended were VERY hospitable and when we went over to one of their houses, they let us see their cars! He also had a motel T.

One of my favorite parts of the summer, was getting to belay. This is us during staff training making sure we know what we're doing. 

On the weekends, we staff members had a great time of relaxing and refreshing for the next week. There were some games of Round Robin.

They have two zip-lines, one is around 650 feet, and the other one is around 450 feet. I had never been on a zip-line before and I'm a little scared of heights, but during training, I had to go down them, and I actually had a lot of FUN!

During Teen camp, we have what we call 'Wacky Wednesday'. I don't normally look wacky deliberately, but on this AWESOME day of the week, I could be as wacky as I wanted and no one thought it was strange!

I had a lot of 1st experiences at camp.

It was my first time to do the following things . . .

1. Belay.

2. Zipline.

3. Escape room.

4. Dunk Tank.

5. Being a camp counselor.

6. Lazor tag.

7. Go to Meirs.

8. To eat a 'REAL' MI pastie.

 There were a LOT more firsts, but that will have to be another post for another day. 

This is Priscilla J. Krahn reminding you to have a great day glorifying God!!