Rain, Pizza, and Concerts in Kansas

We gave a concert near Gypsum, Kansas for Temple Church’s 125^th anniversary celebration. There are some wonderful people in that country church.

Visiting our grandparents is a huge highlight for us each time we are asked to perform in Kansas! We have a blast with them and enjoy learning from their experiences.

It rained… and rained… and rained while we were there, but I’m not complaining! The people were very excited and thankful to God for finally getting rain for their dried up ground. In the area we visited, the total rain for the last 10 months was a pitiful amount.

Buttermilk, Kansas - This was the first time we have given a concert at a church some of our cousins and an aunt and uncle go to – spending time with them was a treat! Speaking of treats, before the concert, our uncle cooked up some Cajun food – hot, spicy, and full of flavor.

If you ever long for some truly delicious pizza, you should definitely drive over to Dave’s pizza. Without a doubt, it’s some of the best pizza I’ve ever tasted. Never mind that it could take you a long while to get there, the wait is worth it. Yup. Coldwater, Kansas is a bit of a drive from here. Piping hot with the perfect golden crust and toppings piled on, Dave’s pizza is famous across the state.

A big thank you to Dave from Dave’s pizza for taking the pictures of us playing that evening! (The only reason I could be in the pictures!)

Live Horses… At Church?!!!

Horses played an important role in this church where we gave a program on the 16^th. Horses as greeters - I wonder if anyone told them not to horse around while they were at church. J

After the western-themed service, guess what. A potluck and pie auction. Fun, don’t you think? (Especially since we got to eat some!) With over 30 mouth-watering choices including a banana cream pie made by the pastor (!) we enjoyed watching the bidding go up … and up. Would you pay $50 for a chocolate pie from Bishop’s café? Or $51 for an apple caramel crumb pie? How about trying for the sour cream raisin pie with brown sugar meringue or the Turtle Pumpkin pie – Mmmm!

P.S.

Are you hungry yet?

A Flying Cow.

Did you know that some cows can fly? I didn’t have any idea they could until one came sailing through the air toward us at this concert.

It went this way. We were playing away on our instruments one Saturday evening to a nice audience. The beautiful strains filled the air. Then, DUCK! (except it wasn’t a duck, it was a cow) a cute two-year-old with a mighty throwing arm hefted a cow in one hand, gave a big heave, and sent the cow toward the stage for a close-range visit with our family.

Well, it was an interesting program. ; )

I’ve never seen a purple cow,

I never hope to see one.

But I can tell you anyhow,

I’d rather see than be one.

On the more serious side, the church had several good reminders on their walls. Did you know that the message of the gospel is illegal in 52 countries? We need to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ! “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” – Romans 1:16a While we are safe and comfortable here in the United States, millions of Christians around the globe are being persecuted and martyred for their saving belief in our all-knowing, all-powerful, Creator – our Lord Jesus Christ.

More from South Dakota!

On a field trip to National Music Museum in Vermillion, SD, we were given an amazing personalized tour by an extremely knowledgeable guide. He showed and told us all kinds of interesting facts, explained intricate details, answered tons of questions, filled us in on part of the progression of musical history, and demonstrated various instruments for us, one of which was a Nickelodeon!

Have you ever seen a viola like this one?

Not your normal scroll!

The lion is a good idea, but I believe the name of that part of the bow is supposed to be the frog.

Are there any harmonica players out there that dream of being able to play the violin? Here's your chance! (The violin is actually a harmonica.)
Notice the quills used to pluck the strings of this harpsichord...

Have you ever heard of percussion in a piano?

I can't even remember what all these pedals can do on this piano!

Such a beautiful organ - we got to go around to the back and see how it works!

Lunch was a special treat at Café Brulle, a French restaurant. If you are ever in the area, it's a fabulous place.

We gave a concert at the Boys and Girls Club in Avon, South Dakota:

Setting up...

After games and a ping pong tournament, we ate supper.

Root beer floats were served after the concert... I think I'm getting hungry.

See you later, I hope!

This is the day that the Lord has made!

Friedensburg Bible Church, Avon, South Dakota

"The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof." - Psalm 50:1
"Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined." - Psalm 50:2
Getting an “A” to tune her violin

Cleaning his cello

Time Lapse

Grace Family Conference at the Finck Family Farmstead, Tabor, South Dakota

Theme: Family Togetherness

We had a great time with the families there: meeting new friends, hearing thought-provoking sermons, and watching the movie "Divided". Thank you for your wonderful hospitality, Finck family! We enjoyed the tour and the amazing creativity showcased in your house!

Can you spot Seth in this volleyball game?

The Dining Hall

The strolling Johnson Strings :)

Setting up...

Another highlight for us was watching the videos some of the families had made about their family businesses and what they do together as a family. Wouldn't you like to learn about making tortillas, making chips, growing and harvesting asparagus, tree trimming and tree removal, logging, and making maple syrup?

"We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us,

what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old."

Psalm 44:1

Calvary Baptist Church

Silas and our new business cards!
A maze of cords – it takes a while to learn where they all go.

It was great to see some friends at this concert!

"Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting from everlasting.

Amen. and Amen."

Psalm 41:13