Happy Birthday! (One day late)

To my dearest sister: Heidi, It's your birthday. Or it was, yesterday. Even though you are super old now, (hehe), I have only started to realize how wonderful you really are. I can hardly believe that the little baby we took home is already starting to drive! (Scary!) I do remember that red-letter day in May when we drove up to Fairbanks. Mommy was going to loose the bump from her belly, and I was going to gain a dolly to play with. Little did I know that that cute dolly was going to grow up into such a pretty young lady. Sure, we've had a few arguments. And I'm sorry for those, but I praise God that we have had much more happy days and unforgettable memories than sad ones. For instance, all of that horse jumping together. For those of you who didn't know us when we were little, I was the horse. Heidi would set up an obstacle course in our living room, make me a saddle, jump on me and we would thunder over the course, always getting the blue ribbon. We don't do that much anymore, but I'll never forget it. There's so much more to say. We have 14 years of memories between us! But I don't think you want to read this for the next 14 years. Speaking of that, I want you to know how much I look forward to seeing where God leads you in these next years. There's no telling what He'll do for you! I just praise Him that I get to see it. I'll see you soon, birthday girl! Love, Heather

And, Again, I Say 'Rejoice!'

*This is a post I wrote a few weeks ago, but never got to post it*

Ever had one of those "can't stand anyone or anything" kind of days? For me, that was today. I seemed that almost anything anyone said crossed my will or made me mad, in some way or another. I couldn't figure out why some people are so happy -- their smiles drove me nuts! That was when I had to stop and realize what I was doing -- destroying my self, and others. When I thought evil of others, especially those who wanted to try to cheer me, I continued to stew. And stew is an accurate term, as I have watched one too many cook pots boil over while working cafe. Its not a good thing thing! Thn I remembered something I learned last year."Rejoice in the Lord always,and again I say rejoice!"That's not really what I feel like doing, but it cheers me up so much! PraiseGod that he has created a way to help us get over ourselves and our problems and turn to Him! "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." Philippians 4:4

The Tomato Slicer

We have a campus picnic today. The whole campus has been working hard to make it perfect. I was asked to work in the cafe for an hour to help prepare some of the delicious foods that we will all enjoy in a few hours. I have to say that I wasn't the happiest to be there, but I wanted to help. I started by slicing the tomatoes for the sandwiches. One of the deans, Laurie, helped me. She washed the tomatoes, and cleaned them up for me. I got to use the fancy slicer (like the one in the picture. At first, the tomatoes went through well, then we had a few that got slaughtered. They just wouldn't go through! I never thought that a tomato could be so hard.... Then one of them got stuck. I went to go move it and sliced my finger. I drew it back quickly -- it started bleeding a bunch. I got a bandaid and glove and started slicing again. The tomatoes went through more smoothly than before. Then all of a sudden -- SQUIRT! A tomato didn't go through so well. A spray of juice shot towards Laurie. I felt so bad! She just laughed and replied "It's just the risk of the job!" What a profound statement. We kept on working even though the situation wasn't the best. My finger hurt, and we both got squirted a few more times. But the job had to be done. God asks each of us to do things for Him. It may not be the most pleasant thing, but God has asked us to do it. My work can be such a blessing if I just do my duty! It may hurt, or be messy but I can't let that stop me. I need to keep working. I'll get a reward, later. I can trust God with that part. I'm going to go eat some tomatoes -- what a great reward!