Hi Everyone (or anyone who reads this…haha)! As most of you know by now, I have been busy studying in the EMT-B (Emergency Medical Technician – Basic) class, and I have just finished midterms. I have a high enough percentage to do the required clinical hours in an Emergency Room (I have to complete 2-3, 8 hour shifts shadowing someone), but I still have to raise the grade percentage by the end of class in order to be eligible to sit for the National (Licensing Exam). I covet your prayers, and am appreciative of those of you who have been praying already! The class is tough, and the questions on the exams sometimes have 2 answers that are right, but you have to pick the best one or the best order to complete first (of course, there are some that you could say you could do simultaneously and that is where I have trouble…the deficit of a multi-tasker! haha). So yea, it’s not like I do not know the material, but struggle with the questions on the exam. I wish I could just write a paper, even if it had to use no resources and just my memory about situations/medical & trauma emergencies.
  Besides class, which is most of my time right now, work has been going well. I haven’t had too many situations of coaches disagreeing with calls (which has been nice so far), but I have had to call some of the more ‘obscure’ calls that do not happen all the time like catchers interference (when the catcher’s hand gets in the way of the girl swinging the bat at the ball inhibiting the ball to go far, if at all – essentially, the runner could have had a base hit if the catcher did not put out her glove to interfere). Thankfully, there has only been one serious injury when this has happened at my games. It has also been fun to ump some of my sister Kim’s games in the highschool league. I am looking forward to umpiring this weekend with my Dad and Grandpa too! (Yes, my grandpa is still umpiring!)
  In between work and class/studying, I have not had that much time, but I have been enjoying being with family when I can. Spending time with friends at weddings has been fun too! Both of my roommates from Moody are now officially married!!! It has been fun to see them grow in their relationship and see it come to marriage. It has also been fun to hear all about the plans and what they want their wedding day to look like, and then get to see it all come together too. Both are living right by Moody, and will be graduating with me next year, so it will be easy to keep in touch and see them this upcoming school year. I had the privilege of playing for Phoebe’s wedding, and accompanying her brother, Ian, and friend, Kelsey, when they sang. This Sunday I start teaching Sunday School for 3rd & 4th graders. I will be teaching 3 Sundays in July and am excited to be able to be working with kids again! The college group at church has been great to get back into, though during the summer the class is about 5 students compared to 45 in the school year (Wheaton College students all come back!). It has been fun to get to know the new directors, Ben and Stacy, and their family (2 girls). They are in process of adopting from Africa, which has been interesting to learn and hear all about, especially since I would someday like to adopt as well, but most of the people I know have adopted from China, so this has been neat to find out other places and requirements. Of course, it has been great to catch up with the other leaders who are still involved with the college group too.
This summer I have been ‘traveling’ through some of the minor prophets in the Bible. Starting with Joel (which was recommended by a friend to re-read), seeing the destruction that has been gone through and devastation of sin, and then the promise of the Lord for deliverance has been so great to read over again. It is a great reminder too, of the coming Day of the Lord. The descriptive language used (I’m reading the NASB version this time) has been refreshing and just ‘hearing’ the Lord’s words have been encouraging and strengthening. These are people who have gone through trials, though not the same exact thing, just as we are going through in life. They are learning from them. They have been strengthened. They have persevered. Though we as sinners are not worthy of the grace and mercy that God has freely given us, we can continue knowing that God has provided a way for us to live eternally with Him.
   Well, that about covers it for now. Been missing Uganda a lot lately, and cannot believe that a year ago I was there! Some days it feels like just a few days ago, and others months! Many memories and friendships were made on that trip and I do hope some near day in the future that I can go back! Thank you again to all of my supporters who helped and encouraged me in many ways! Hopefully I will get some pictures up again of the last few weeks of my life, and maybe some Uganda memories. Prayers and Blessings.

serving the King,
Heather

Reminders and Determination

God is faithful. God is good. God sometimes sends us things to work through that are more difficult than we first thought. For those of you who do not know yet, was able to get into the EMT class this summer. I have been in class for 3 weeks now, and have already taken 5 exams. In order to be eligible to complete ER time, and later take the national exam for licensure, I must keep an average of 80% in the class. Though I knew this class would be tough and challenge me, I was not expecting this much ‘trouble’ I guess. In studying for the last test, I was wondering why again was I taking this class??? Thankfully, I have a great mom who reminds me of my desire and encourages me on in studies. Also, many friends have been there to pray constantly, and also add a laugh to my day instead of just medical definitions. Other than this class that pretty much takes up my life, I do have a few hours a week to work (umpiring softball), and spend with family or friends. Friends’ weddings are also on my calendar, and every once in while a time to hang out with a friend or two to just talk – which is nice. God has definitely been challenging me in my studies, and relationship with Him. If it weren’t for others reminding me that God is in control of my life, I am pretty sure this week I may have just quit class and decided to do something else. Yet, I did not and now have another round of determination in my being. I will finish with my best! I have already learned so much, and look forward to learning much more! I just hope I never get the chance it on YOU! Thanks for all your prayers! Hope to catch up with many of you before I head back to Moody (mid-August)!!!

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!

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

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

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 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?