Today I want to wish my little sister a very happy 21st birthday!

Merissa (A.K.A. Sister-head, Hippy): Wow, you’ve made it to the big two one. I think the last year of your life has been a particularly defining one. As your big brother, I’m pleased with the decisions you’ve made and the things you’ve accomplished. You are a great sister and an even greater friend. Happy Birthday! 

I am the happiest kid on the planet right now! Janene has a cousin who is a mechanic at a local Dodge dealership. He’s been looking at my car for a few weeks now checking a few things that may be the problem. He wasn’t able to find the problem so he finally decided to just do the tune-up for me tonight. My car now runs perfectly!

The parts for the tune-up cost me about $90, which is a far-cry from the $752 Firestone wanted to charge me to fix the problem. I know this is a blessing from the Lord, and I count myself deeply indebted to Him for everything He does for me on a regular basis. 

Today I had some time to kill, so I asked my girlfriend and her family what I should put on my website. I was surprised by the thoughtful response I received from her twelve year old sister, Kathlene. She has written some comments about September 11 and asked me to post them here.

The September 11 terrorism attack on the World Trade Center had a deep impact on a lot of American children. Kathlene’s father served in the Navy when he was younger, and she has very strong feelings about our country and our freedoms. These are the thoughts of children across America. May we all listen and learn from them. 

A letter written by Janene’s 12 year old sister, Kathlene.

September 11 was a sad day for America. Families getting calls from loved ones saying goodbye. So many people lost and yet to be found, but many didn’t survive. America had so many questions like, “Why did they do this?”, or “Who did this?”, but some did not seem clear.

People all over America found ways to help: police, firemen, news reporters. America will never be the same! People realized how important life was. They also came closer together.

It not only affected New York; it affected everyone in America. The memorial service was something. It made me realize that so many people risk their lives for their country, including my dad. America is the land of the free and the home of the brave.

September 11 also changed me deeply. It helped me to appreciate America more. It also put me closer to God in prayer. God allowed this to happen for a reason. I think it was so it would bring America closer together.

The flag is so important to me because it represents many things to me. When I see a flag it sometimes brings tears to my eyes. I always wear red, white, and blue.

Be proud that you live in America. Stand tall. Love this country. Thank God for your life. Pray for families that lost loved ones, and pray for people who fought for you and still are.

Be proud to be an American.

— Kathlene (usa)

It’s actually 1:43am on Saturday, June 8, but I wanted to get this up anyway. I want to wish my sweetheart, Janene, a happy anniversary. Today (or what still feels like today, June 7) is the one year anniversary of our first date.

Janene: We have had a few ups and downs this past year. Our friendship is the common thread that runs through them all. My hope and prayer is that we can continue to grow as God would have us to. You are the love of my life. I love you! 

I got my computer back! Unfortunately, they didn’t fix the problem at all. The replaced the power supply, and the fan isn’t having any problems anymore. However, the computer still locks up after being on for about 15 minutes. Two things make me think it is not an operating system problem. One, the computer works just fine as long as I’ve got the case open. I can boot it up and leave it on for hours. Second, the day I got it back I was making some changes to my BIOS settings (before Windows ever booted up) and the computer locked. So, I’m going to be taking it back into the shop today. We’ll see if they can properly diagnose the problem this time, eh?

I’ve been thinking about all this, and I know that the Lord is chastening me. He wants me to realize that my material possesions could be gone tomorrow if He willed it. They came from Him, and He can take them away. I’m really learning to depend more on Him for my needs. I am grateful to the Lord for all the things He is continually teaching me.