Thursday, May 17, 2012
Wow! The last few weeks of school have flown by without any warning! I guess while you are stuck in the library working on sermons and papers it does not seem to fly by, but other than that is does. Looking back, there were some great times of laughter, hard times of stress with papers and finals, and of course lots of memories with friends. The last few weeks have consisted of our floor’s “Dress-Day” when all us ladies on my floor wear a dress and take fun photos, end-of-the-year band social, last outings with bro/sis and friends, and sermons, papers, projects, and other events. My roommate is getting married this summer, so we had a fun night celebrating that, along with a different night celebrating the 3 other ladies on my floor getting married this summer as well!
Francis Chan/Rachel Chan/Rend Collective came to Wheaton Bible, and my sister and I attending that event. Music artists Shane & Shane dropped by Moody to give a concert right before the stressful week of finals. One other highlight of the end of the year was that I was elected President of the Moody Symphonic Band. This made history, because I became the first woman president in the 40+ years of the band (2 other ladies were nominated in the last 5 years, but not elected). Though I pray that I will not take this position for granted, I do know that a lot of responsibility and leadership that comes with the role. Yet, I am even more excited to work with 7 exec teammates in serving the Lord and the band as a whole! Finals for me ended last week, and I stayed to help with graduation on Saturday. It was fun to experience that, yet I was also saddened by how many of my friends will be leaving Moody. But, I do know that God is going to use them in ways we cannot even comprehend, so I know it is a good thing…just bittersweet. Cannot believe that I will be walking that same stage next year!
My summer plans right now are umpiring softball, playing for/standing in/attending weddings (like 9 of them…), and learning the rest of the secretarial things for my grandparent’s business. I am on the waiting list for EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) certification class at COD (College of DuPage), and if I do not get into the class, will be looking for another job to work during the day (softball games are at night). Last summer while in Uganda I saw the great need for medical treatment. Though I know I do not want to go into full medical school, nurse/doctor programs, I felt that this would be one way to help out and be better prepared for the mission field. I also have always been interested in basic medical training, probably due to my sister’s extensive medical treatments with her diabetes and the time I have spent in doctor’s offices and hospitals with her/my family. We shall see what the Lord has. I am so excited to see what happens this summer and cannot wait to look back and see how I have grown closer to Him.
Looking forward to catching up on life with many of you this summer! Please send me any prayer requests and praises that I may lift to the Lord. Blessings and Prayers!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Picture Update!
Cousins! They're all growing up, I'm now shorter than 3, almost 4 of them!
Grandma & Grandpa Erlandson celebrated 50 years together - we threw a party, with lots of cupcakes!
"Chicago Fire" 10 year old star
Annie and I on the set of the "Chicago Fire" tv series pilot filming (Hopefully it will pass NBC previews and we can watch it in the fall!
On a glacier with friends
The glacier we went on...
ALASKA!
Enjoying the trip with Mrs. Gauger (our conductor's wife)
Still thinking about Africa...even in a totally opposite climate with snow
Roommates in Santa's Chair at the North Pole
Alaska Pipeline!
Moody Symphonic Band Tour to Alaska - Spring 2012
My sister Kim received her AWANA Citation Award this year and family was there to celebrate with Art Rorheim (co-founder of AWANA)
The 3rd lady in our family to complete requirements for the Citation Award
Grandma & Grandpa Erlandson celebrated 50 years together - we threw a party, with lots of cupcakes!
"Chicago Fire" 10 year old star
Annie and I on the set of the "Chicago Fire" tv series pilot filming (Hopefully it will pass NBC previews and we can watch it in the fall!
On a glacier with friends
The glacier we went on...
ALASKA!
Enjoying the trip with Mrs. Gauger (our conductor's wife)
Still thinking about Africa...even in a totally opposite climate with snow
Roommates in Santa's Chair at the North Pole
Alaska Pipeline!
Moody Symphonic Band Tour to Alaska - Spring 2012
My sister Kim received her AWANA Citation Award this year and family was there to celebrate with Art Rorheim (co-founder of AWANA)
The 3rd lady in our family to complete requirements for the Citation Award
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Picture Update!
Making "Quatro quesos dos fritos" with Hannah
Celebrating friends' 21st birthday
On Moody Campus Radio with 'The Goblet of Fire' aka Connor
The Late Night Morning Show - Radio show with friends
Founder's Week at Moody - President Nyquist, Francis Chan, Ravi Zacharias and more!
Angie (and her husband Andy too) made a surprise visit at Christmas
Annual Family Picture
Catilin enjoying a gift from Uganda
Cousin Jen - WE are juniors in College!!!
Making Yulekaka (a type of Swedish bread) with Grandma
Krumkakas!!!!!!!!!!!! (Fav cookie)
Enjoying the snow with Ashley
Celebrating friends' 21st birthday
On Moody Campus Radio with 'The Goblet of Fire' aka Connor
The Late Night Morning Show - Radio show with friends
Founder's Week at Moody - President Nyquist, Francis Chan, Ravi Zacharias and more!
Angie (and her husband Andy too) made a surprise visit at Christmas
Annual Family Picture
Catilin enjoying a gift from Uganda
Cousin Jen - WE are juniors in College!!!
Making Yulekaka (a type of Swedish bread) with Grandma
Krumkakas!!!!!!!!!!!! (Fav cookie)
Enjoying the snow with Ashley
Friday, February 3, 2012
The start of 2012
Wow, I didn’t realize that it had been so long since my last blog post…I guess it is time to let you in on all the happenings from my past few weeks of life!
Christmas break was full of ups and downs with all of the things that happened. The pendulum of that swings from attending the funeral of a friend from youth group, to baking cookies with grandma. No day was the same, which was nice in a way, but kept me really busy. With many family things that happened (grandparent’s leaky basement, sister’s concussion, etc.), I took over quite a bit of the baking and Christmas preparation. Lots of family and friends came into town this year, which was extra special because I had not seen any of them over the summer at family events since I was in Uganda. It was nice to give them some of the gifts I brought back, as well as tell them in person all about my time there. Laughter and games, football and food – I love family get-togethers! Surprise visit from one of my cousin’s, to hanging out making cookies with my little two year old cousin. Lots of fun and memories were had, and lots of prayer to be had as well.
Upon returning to Moody for the next semester, the band started rehearsing for winter tour. My parents showed up with news of my great uncle’s passing. Classes started and I left for my uncle’s funeral shortly thereafter. The fact that the whole family was around for Christmas this year was definitely a blessing, and we know that he is now in heaven. Winter tour with the Moody Symphonic Band was in Wisconsin this year and went wonderfully smooth from set-up to concert finish each day. One of my good friends came to one of the concerts and while we were catching up on life, she asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding! It was so nice of them to ask, and I feel honored. Seeing other friends at other churches we played at was great too.
School has been going well and I am once again learning so much. I am taking a class studying the book of Romans, and also Hebrews. Message Prep of Women is a challenging class teaching me how to clearly study and explain the Bible using the form of a sermon. Senior Seminar is an overview of missions and missionaries in the past. Piano Service Playing (techniques used in church/group singing/accompaniment) and Planning Contemporary Worship are my two music classes this semester. The band has completed Winter Tour, and will be playing at Founder’s Week here at Moody this upcoming week. We also have a couple local concerts, as well as our Spring Tour, which will be in Alaska this year.
God has been teaching me so much the past few weeks. Currently, I have been studying Isaiah 40:28-31 for my sermon. This passage talks about how times can be hard and that though we are weak in strength, God will provide our needs to make it through if we just wait upon Him. This thoroughly has been my experience lately. I have been challenged (in a good way) by friends about my ministry, and have also been making decisions regarding church and friendships as well. This past weekend was an amazing blessing of many prayer answers from the Lord! God was working in many ways in my life and it was great to share the experience with friends in the Lord!
Well, however brief for all that happened, hope this gives you a glimpse into the past few weeks of what God has been doing. Looking forward to what God has for me to learn during next weeks “Great Evangelical Preach-off” (Dr. deRosset's description of Founder's Week Conference here at Moody)!!!
Christmas break was full of ups and downs with all of the things that happened. The pendulum of that swings from attending the funeral of a friend from youth group, to baking cookies with grandma. No day was the same, which was nice in a way, but kept me really busy. With many family things that happened (grandparent’s leaky basement, sister’s concussion, etc.), I took over quite a bit of the baking and Christmas preparation. Lots of family and friends came into town this year, which was extra special because I had not seen any of them over the summer at family events since I was in Uganda. It was nice to give them some of the gifts I brought back, as well as tell them in person all about my time there. Laughter and games, football and food – I love family get-togethers! Surprise visit from one of my cousin’s, to hanging out making cookies with my little two year old cousin. Lots of fun and memories were had, and lots of prayer to be had as well.
Upon returning to Moody for the next semester, the band started rehearsing for winter tour. My parents showed up with news of my great uncle’s passing. Classes started and I left for my uncle’s funeral shortly thereafter. The fact that the whole family was around for Christmas this year was definitely a blessing, and we know that he is now in heaven. Winter tour with the Moody Symphonic Band was in Wisconsin this year and went wonderfully smooth from set-up to concert finish each day. One of my good friends came to one of the concerts and while we were catching up on life, she asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding! It was so nice of them to ask, and I feel honored. Seeing other friends at other churches we played at was great too.
School has been going well and I am once again learning so much. I am taking a class studying the book of Romans, and also Hebrews. Message Prep of Women is a challenging class teaching me how to clearly study and explain the Bible using the form of a sermon. Senior Seminar is an overview of missions and missionaries in the past. Piano Service Playing (techniques used in church/group singing/accompaniment) and Planning Contemporary Worship are my two music classes this semester. The band has completed Winter Tour, and will be playing at Founder’s Week here at Moody this upcoming week. We also have a couple local concerts, as well as our Spring Tour, which will be in Alaska this year.
God has been teaching me so much the past few weeks. Currently, I have been studying Isaiah 40:28-31 for my sermon. This passage talks about how times can be hard and that though we are weak in strength, God will provide our needs to make it through if we just wait upon Him. This thoroughly has been my experience lately. I have been challenged (in a good way) by friends about my ministry, and have also been making decisions regarding church and friendships as well. This past weekend was an amazing blessing of many prayer answers from the Lord! God was working in many ways in my life and it was great to share the experience with friends in the Lord!
Well, however brief for all that happened, hope this gives you a glimpse into the past few weeks of what God has been doing. Looking forward to what God has for me to learn during next weeks “Great Evangelical Preach-off” (Dr. deRosset's description of Founder's Week Conference here at Moody)!!!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Christmas already?
Is it really only 4 days until Christmas? Oh my…well, the past couple weeks have both flown and dragged by. I was busy rehearsing and playing with the band for Moody’s massive Christmas production (Candlelight Carols) that they put on every year as a part of their ministry. Forty hours of extra rehearsals and performances, on top of classes and homework, makes for a busy couple weeks! After which, we had a week of projects and papers, and then a week of finals. The last few weeks were tough on me in many ways, but God was once again faithful and helped me through. Specifically this past week, God has brought one of my favorite poems back to my thoughts – “Footprints”. I have copied it here for you, though there are many different versions…
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”
The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”
________________________________________
Mary Stevenson, 1936 (this is the oldest version found, as this poem’s author is not known exactly)
This is the promise that God has given to each of us – He will be with us always. I know that through these tough times, God is the one carrying me through, as I do not have the strength to make it through on my own. My favorite Bible verses continuously remind me of this fact as well – Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created things shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” We are loved and will forever be loved as His children. He will carry us through, if we just rely upon Him.
This is the season that many will hear of the ‘story’ of Jesus. To me, it is not just a story, but a real-life event about a real and living person. Jesus Christ really did come down to earth as a baby, born to a virgin (Mary). He grew in wisdom and stature, and went out to gather followers and disciples. He spread the word about different morals and behaviors, but also about the second coming that we are still waiting for to happen. He wanted people to believe in Him and His desire for our lives. God sent His Son-Jesus Christ-to come to earth to die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin, which has separated us from the ability to be with God. Christ was then buried, rose from the grave, and is alive forever today. With that debt paid for us, we now only have to confess our sins asking forgiveness from God, accept that Christ is Lord, and believe in Him and what He accomplished for us. Those who are believers can have the hope and assurance of an eternal life with God. Forever together, and all one has to do is trust in Christ alone as your personal Savior and you will have everlasting life. What a simple thing that gives many so much true joy!
In this Christmas season, a season of hope for many, but of grief and sorrow for others, will you remember that no matter what, God is with you and will carry you through?
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”
The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”
________________________________________
Mary Stevenson, 1936 (this is the oldest version found, as this poem’s author is not known exactly)
This is the promise that God has given to each of us – He will be with us always. I know that through these tough times, God is the one carrying me through, as I do not have the strength to make it through on my own. My favorite Bible verses continuously remind me of this fact as well – Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created things shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” We are loved and will forever be loved as His children. He will carry us through, if we just rely upon Him.
This is the season that many will hear of the ‘story’ of Jesus. To me, it is not just a story, but a real-life event about a real and living person. Jesus Christ really did come down to earth as a baby, born to a virgin (Mary). He grew in wisdom and stature, and went out to gather followers and disciples. He spread the word about different morals and behaviors, but also about the second coming that we are still waiting for to happen. He wanted people to believe in Him and His desire for our lives. God sent His Son-Jesus Christ-to come to earth to die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin, which has separated us from the ability to be with God. Christ was then buried, rose from the grave, and is alive forever today. With that debt paid for us, we now only have to confess our sins asking forgiveness from God, accept that Christ is Lord, and believe in Him and what He accomplished for us. Those who are believers can have the hope and assurance of an eternal life with God. Forever together, and all one has to do is trust in Christ alone as your personal Savior and you will have everlasting life. What a simple thing that gives many so much true joy!
In this Christmas season, a season of hope for many, but of grief and sorrow for others, will you remember that no matter what, God is with you and will carry you through?
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Picture Update!
MY ROOMMATE IS ENGAGED!!!!!!!!!!!!! Phoebe and Jon were engaged over Thanksgiving break and she did not have a clue that it was happening almost until he popped the question! It was wonderful to be a part - I had to sneak a dress and such out without her knowing, and also got to surprise her at her home for a celebration with friends in the evening after the engagement.
Engagements come with traditions...Houghton dorm has a tradition that is to take the lady up to the top (10th) floor, then press all the buttons and scream that they are engaged so that every floor knows!
Another one of my friends, Meagan, is now engaged as well!!! So excited for her!
The annual North/South Bowl (flag football between the guys' dorms) is a fun tradition here at Moody. Phoebe, Kelsey and I all cheered for Justin, one of the guys on our brother floor who played in the game.
Michelle is one of my new friends and floormates. So much encouragement!
Philip is an amazing man of God who attends Moody but also lives in Uganda. This summer I was able to visit his home church while in Uganda, so I invited him to come to my church for AWANA when I told the kids my story about Africa. They loved the stories that he told!
Sara is an amazing woman of God whom I met at Moody, and she came back for a visit a couple weeks ago. I was overjoyed to see her, even if it was a short time!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Another month...trials, memories, and God's goodness!
Yet another month has passed me by, but God is Good! I have been trying to reflect upon all that I have learned this past year, and just cannot stop being amazed at all that has changed an what I have learned from the Lord, experiences/trials, and people He has placed in my life! I am SO blessed!
Updating you on things from the last blog post: Moody's 125th celebration was a great weekend! The speakers, music, and fellowship were all great, and I loved seeing some friends in ministry that I have not seen in a long time.
Besides school, this year I have been serving on the weekly musical praise team called Thursday Nite Praise (TNP for short); Moody Symphonic Band in which I play clarinet and sax, but also am the social rep for activities and in charge of parts of the concert tour schedule; and I have also decided while not to be on the floor Ministry Team this semester, I am in charge of some musical worship times throughout the year.
I have decided to not add another major for my degree, which was a big decision the past couple weeks. Instead, I will either graduate early in December 2012, or take some 'fun' classes that I have been wanting to take and graduate in Spring 2013. Still praying about that.
As far as Uganda and my praying for God to continue to lead, I know that He wants me to return there for sure...I just don't know when or for how long, whether it is just for a visit or for full-time ministry. Continual prayer for HIS guidance is appreciated.
This month we have stayed busy with classes and homework, completing midterms, and having a 3 days off of classes for the required sessions of Moody's annual Missions Conference. This year God specifically brought 3 things that I was reminded of/need to be working on:1) Being a woman of constant, overflowing prayer, 2) God doesn't give us an entire map, but only one or two steps in front of where we need to go, and 3) God doesn't like boxes - He made each of us for a specific purpose in life.
Life at school has been great, with some crazy times on the dorm floor, a slip'n'slide with the bro/sis, frisbee, football, concert at the CSO (Chicago Symphony Orchestra) speaking at my church about Uganda (with my friend Philip who attends Moody but also lives in Uganda), Navy Pier and beach adventures, and lots of laughs and memories!
Looking forward I have 3 huge papers due before Thanksgiving and the band is starting to rehears for the annual Christmas concert Candlelight Carols the first weekend in December.
Thank you all again for your prayers! God is good!
Updating you on things from the last blog post: Moody's 125th celebration was a great weekend! The speakers, music, and fellowship were all great, and I loved seeing some friends in ministry that I have not seen in a long time.
Besides school, this year I have been serving on the weekly musical praise team called Thursday Nite Praise (TNP for short); Moody Symphonic Band in which I play clarinet and sax, but also am the social rep for activities and in charge of parts of the concert tour schedule; and I have also decided while not to be on the floor Ministry Team this semester, I am in charge of some musical worship times throughout the year.
I have decided to not add another major for my degree, which was a big decision the past couple weeks. Instead, I will either graduate early in December 2012, or take some 'fun' classes that I have been wanting to take and graduate in Spring 2013. Still praying about that.
As far as Uganda and my praying for God to continue to lead, I know that He wants me to return there for sure...I just don't know when or for how long, whether it is just for a visit or for full-time ministry. Continual prayer for HIS guidance is appreciated.
This month we have stayed busy with classes and homework, completing midterms, and having a 3 days off of classes for the required sessions of Moody's annual Missions Conference. This year God specifically brought 3 things that I was reminded of/need to be working on:1) Being a woman of constant, overflowing prayer, 2) God doesn't give us an entire map, but only one or two steps in front of where we need to go, and 3) God doesn't like boxes - He made each of us for a specific purpose in life.
Life at school has been great, with some crazy times on the dorm floor, a slip'n'slide with the bro/sis, frisbee, football, concert at the CSO (Chicago Symphony Orchestra) speaking at my church about Uganda (with my friend Philip who attends Moody but also lives in Uganda), Navy Pier and beach adventures, and lots of laughs and memories!
Looking forward I have 3 huge papers due before Thanksgiving and the band is starting to rehears for the annual Christmas concert Candlelight Carols the first weekend in December.
Thank you all again for your prayers! God is good!
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