Captured Adventures

By: Taylor Abigail 

The fall issue of Live with Heart & Soul magazine features three amazing places and events: National Parks (and one traveler’s story about them), a new musical titled Horizons of Gold, and the Creation Museum’s Ark Encounter. This summer, I visited these wonders for myself and can’t wait to see what fall issue of the magazine has to say about them! But here’s a sneak peak into what a blessing these events were to one writer for Live with Heart & Soul.
 
Ark Encounter
This modern day scale replica of Noah’s ark doesn’t shy away from it’s ancient realities. Upon entry, visitors are blasted with massive creaks of the ship from the simulated voyage, an eerie darkness, and hundreds of squawks, grunts, and hollers from stacked cages. Following this unexpected entrance comes lighter space and walls lined with facts about the flood’s effect on the earth, pre-flood world, techniques of animal care on the ark, and many more answers to lingering questions!
As the largest wood-frame building in the world, the ark’s beauty is stunning. Huge log pillars uphold the multilevel structure and the phenomenal curve of the ship’s belly makes a statement. At the end of the ark exhibit, it’s time to peruse the gift shop, visit the restaurant, or head to the mini zoo and animal rides! My cousin and I rode a camel which was definitely a highlight.
Live with Heart & Soul magazine loves to support God glorifying endeavors such as the ark. The fall issue features an exclusive interview with Ken Ham that’s filled with even more stunning facts about the ark and the Creation Museum’s journey in recreating it.

Horizons of Gold musical
The story of Ruth put to the stage. A story of rescue, hope, and strength, Horizons of Gold easily captures the heart. I had the privilege of premiering the lead character, Rose, in high school. When I heard the musical was being performed again just twenty minutes from my house, I had to get Live with Heart & Soul involved!
The musical echoes the stylistic choices and artistic genius of Les Miserables. The cutting, realistic characters and powerful music instantly draw the audience in and bring up the tears. The most precious of scenes are mixed with humor and everyday conversations we’ve all had at one time or another. The script and production are always evolving and it is such a joyful journey to follow! Horizons of Gold is now being performed in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Chicago, Illinois, and Indianapolis, Indiana.
Live with Heart & Soul’s Editor in Chief Cornel Warren conducted an exclusive interview with Beth Kenniv, the creator of Horizons of Gold. This interview and a insight into the backstage workings of the show are available in the fall issue of Live with Heart & Soul!
 
 Yosemite, Death Valley, and Lake Tahoe
As you’ve been told about the west (or have seen for yourself) it truly is a world of its own. The mountains rest amidst awestruck tourist eyes, lengthy deserts and canyons happily take up their space, and the sky is undeniably bluer than most skies. My family and I visited Death Valley, Yosemite National Park, and Lake Tahoe this summer. What brought us to Death Valley was a 135 mile ultramarathon through the arid valley. Yes, you read it right. The race is called The Badwater 135 and my dad was assisting a runner. Meanwhile, my mom, brother, and I were scoping out a campsite in the pleasant air of the Mount Whitney portal.
  Once the race was over, my family and I hiked up the mountainside to Lone Pine lake at 10,000 feet. The mountain run-off is just as cold as you might imagine, but that didn’t keep us from a swim. The next day we set off to Yosemite, all hoping we would see a bear. While no bear ever came, we climbed up to waterfalls, gazed at El Capitan and Half Dome from Glacier Point, and gawked at giant Sequoia trees.
Lake Tahoe was the last stop and I thought for most of the time there that I may never leave. My family and I took a speed boat out onto the icy blue waters and lounged at the mountain cabin. My father and brother became ambitious and climbed up a rock face to a waterfall spout!

While here is only one writer’s journey through these American wonders, Live with Heart & Soul magazine features another adventurer and her action packed visit to Yosemite as well as other national parks in the fall issue! Subscribe to Live with Heart & Soul magazine today to hear even more amazing stories and to be filled with encouragement and inspiration.