Monday, March 27, 2023

Get to know me part 3

 Awhile ago I had people ask me some questions. I figured today I would answer these in a blog post. By the way, it is sunny today and I have the tiny sprouts of a garden starting to appear. 

  • How do you stay positive and such a nice person?
Part of this is because I don't like being mean to people and try to avoid conflict in public, part of it is because I am in a relationship with Jesus, and He is teaching me to be kind and loving towards others.
  • A piece of advice you would give to a random person on the street.
No matter the cost, it's better to love than hate. Always be kind, search for the Truth and the one source of Joy. Love is stronger than any weapon. 
  • Why are you so quiet in public but communicate on paper beautifully?
I'm introverted so it's both hard for me to think of something quickly in conversation and uncomfortable to share my thoughts with most people. But on paper, I have time to edit my responses and make them much more concise. 
  • If you could do something you've never done with no judgement from anyone else whatsoever, what would you do?
Probably something slightly silly or out of the box- a side of me that usually only my sisters see, like dancing around the room to music or walking barefoot on the grass or rolling down a soft tundra patch on a mountain or climbing trees or clambering around on the beach or a rock pile.
  • What is the last thing you heard/read/learned that blew your mind?
So I have Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan out from the library right now. In addition to another book I read recently by her, Once Upon a Wardrobe, this book has already made me want to communicate in actuality with C.S. Lewis -Jack. Someday, I dream that will be possible. I don't know if we can have a writing-based conversation in heaven, but that is something I would love. Fun fact, he was born (nearly) 100 years before me to the year, if not the month. But sadly, he died a few years before my dad was born. Nevertheless, he has permeated my childhood- along with other authors.
  • If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Why do people always ask questions like this? I was raised vegetarian so there are some foods I have never eaten- but it also gave my mom the freedom to be creative with what we did eat. As such, I have eaten most every vegetable, fruit, nut, legume and grain there is. And also some dairy and chocolate- we aren't complete saints! I have eaten food from so many cultures and backgrounds. So ask me how I am supposed to pick a favorite?! Impossible.
But anyway, if I had to narrow down to one food group or meal- I would either pick pasta, potatoes, or pizza- because any of those can be prepared many ways with many different ingredients. Salad could also be a good option, although perhaps slightly more limited.
I do think variety is the spice of life- and either my taste in food, video media, and books, and maybe a few other things, can reflect that outlook.
  • What was your craziest experience in Alaska?
Where do I begin? 
When I was like 6 or 7, my glasses got lost- and found again. Miracle story.
When I was between 8 and 13, I once slipped off a (slowly-moving) 4-wheeler.
When I was around 14, my dad drove a 4-wheeler out onto thin ice in winter, and we miraculously didn't drown. Also a miracle that my mom and sisters weren't with us.
When we'd moved back to town a few months later, the place we were staying at caught fire after only a week. My sisters and I were sleeping right above where the fire started, but we were woken up just in time. There was a lot of damage, but the insurance allowed them to rebuild the place and make it even safer. Another miracle.
When I was 17, I went camping with two families over a long weekend, and on the way there the 4-wheeler I was riding with a friend who was driving flipped over backward and rolled down the hill. I think angels moved us out of the way, because both of us emerged with hardly a scratch. 
When I was almost 23, I got lost on a mountain and wasn't rescued til early the next morning. I was very cold, hypothermic, but alive. Another miracle.
So yeah I've had some pretty crazy experiences. All I can say is God's got a purpose for my life and He's not finished using me. 
  • What is your view on coffee, cause I like coffee?
Well I don't judge anyone who is in a coffee stage, but I do know that caffeine isn't healthy for the body. I don't drink it myself, never have. Although my aunt says that when I was very young and we were talking on the phone, I stopped suddenly and said "I like coffee" before talking really fast again. I have no idea where I would have got that idea but kids pick up a lot of stuff!

I hope you are all doing well, and please keep praying for my friend Janelle and those with her, and all the friends and families involved.

Sunday, March 26, 2023

Your Will be Done

 On March 1, 2023 a helicopter in the Philippines went missing. Five people were on it. Daniel Lui. Janelle Alder. Kayrun and Nastru Sahibad. Sug Hamja. Daniel Lui is a respected pilot with a family. Janelle is a dear friend who is engaged to a pilot over there- with her brothers all interested in airplanes, how could she not? She is also my high school roommate of two years. The other three are a patient with her husband and sister. 

Janelle is the only one I know, but my prayers are with all of them and their families. Janelle is a talented pianist, loves singing, adventures, doesn't mind rough and tumble- after all, she has four brothers- but still manages to have the gentle hands of a trained nurse. She is a pretty good cook, knows how to crochet and has a gentle and firm hand with children. We had some good times together. 

I don't know what God's plan is in all of this. I can't see where He is leading. All I know that He is good, even if I don't see Janelle again until Jesus comes, His Will be done. 

We must take up the fight for those who are sleeping now and share the gospel in the best way that we can.